bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wnt16 Elicits a Protective Effect Against Fractures and Supports Bone Repair in Zebrafish
Authors: McGowan Lucy M. , Kague Erika , Vorster Alistair , Newham Elis , Cross Stephen , Hammond Chrissy L.
Published: May 2020

Bone homeostasis is a dynamic, multicellular process which is required throughout life to maintain bone integrity, prevent fracture and respond to skeletal damage.WNT16has been linked to bone fragility and osteoporosis in humans, as well as functional haematopoiesis of leukocytesin vivo, but the mechanisms by which it promotes bone health and repair are not fully understood. We used CRISPR-Cas9 to generate mutant zebrafish lacking Wnt16 (wnt16-/-) to study its effect on bone dynamically.wnt16mutants displayed variable tissue mineral density and were susceptible to spontaneous fractures and the accumulation of bone calluses at an early age. Fractures were induced in the lepidotrichia of the caudal fins ofwnt16-/-and wild type (WT) zebrafish; this model was used to probe the mechanisms by which Wnt16 regulates skeletal and immune cell-dynamicsin vivo. wnt16mutants repaired fractures more slowly compared to WT zebrafish. Osteoblast cell number was reduced at the fracture site 4 days post-injury inwnt16mutants, coinciding with prolonged activation of the canonical Wnt signalling pathway. Surprisingly, we found no evidence that the recruitment of innate immune cells to fractures was altered inwnt16mutants. This study highlights zebrafish as an emerging model for functionally validating osteoporosis-associated genes and investigating fracture repair dynamicallyin vivo. Using this model, we demonstrate that Wnt16 protects against fracture and is likely to support bone repair by attenuating the activation of the canonical Wnt signalling pathway to facilitate osteoblast recruitment and bone matrix deposition.
A Multiple Peptides Vaccine against nCOVID-19 Designed from the Nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N) and Spike Glycoprotein (S) via the Immunoinformatics Approach
Authors: Albagi Sahar Obi Abd , Al-Nour Mosab Yahya , Elhag Mustafa , Abdelihalim Asaad Tageldein Idris , Haroun Esraa Musa , Essa Mohammed Elmujtba Adam , Abubaker Mustafa , Hassan Mohammed A.
Published: May 2020

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid discovery of a safe and effective vaccine is an essential issue, consequently, this study aims to predict potential COVID-19 peptide-based vaccine utilizing the Nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N) and Spike Glycoprotein (S) via the Immunoinformatics approach. To achieve this goal, several Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) tools, molecular docking, and safety prediction servers were used. According to the results, The Spike peptide peptides SQCVNLTTRTQLPPAYTNSFTRGVY is predicted to have the highest binding affinity to the B-Cells. The Spike peptide FTISVTTEI has the highest binding affinity to the MHC I HLA-B1503 allele. The Nucleocapsid peptides KTFPPTEPK and RWYFYYLGTGPEAGL have the highest binding affinity to the MHC I HLA-A0202 allele and the three MHC II alleles HLA-DPA1*01:03/DPB1*02:01, HLA-DQA1*01:02/DQB1- *06:02, HLA-DRB1, respectively. Furthermore, those peptides were predicted as non-toxic and non-allergen. Therefore, the combination of those peptides is predicted to stimulate better immunological responses with respectable safety.
Mitotic checkpoint protein Mad1 is required for early Nup153 recruitment to chromatin and nuclear envelope integrity
Authors: Mossaid Ikram , Chatel Guillaume , Martinelli Valérie , Vaz Marcela , Fahrenkrog Birthe
Published: May 2020

The nucleoporin Nup153 is a multifunctional protein and the mitotic checkpoint protein Mad1one of its many binding partners. The functional relevance of their interaction has remained elusive. Here, we have further dissected Nup153’s and Mad1’s interface and functional interplay. Byin situproximity ligation assays, we found that the presence of a nuclear envelope (NE) is prerequisite for the Nup153-Mad1 interaction. Time-lapse microscopy revealed that depletion of Mad1 delayed recruitment of Nup153 to anaphase chromatin, which was often accompanied by a prolongation of anaphase. Furthermore, as seen by electron microscopic and three-dimensional structured illumination investigations, Nup153 and Mad1 depletion led to alterations in NE architecture, characterised by a change of the membrane curvature at nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) and an expansion of the spacing between the inner and outer nuclear membranes. Nup153 depletion, but not of Mad1, caused defects in interphase NPC assembly with partial displacement of cytoplasmic nucleoporins and a reduction in NPC density. Together our results suggest that Nup153 has separable roles in NE and NPC formation: in post-mitotic NE reformation in concert with Mad1 and in interphase NPC assembly, independent of Mad1.

The mitotic checkpoint protein is required for Nup153 recruitment to anaphase chromatin and in turn post-mitotic, but not interphase nuclear pore complex assembly.
No evidence for dominance-discovery tradeoffs inPheidole(Hymenoptera: Formicidae) assemblages
Authors: Klunk Cristian L. , Pie Marcio R.
Published: May 2020

Understanding the mechanisms that allow species coexistence across spatial scales is of great interest to ecologists. Many such proposed mechanisms involve tradeoffs between species in different life-history traits, with distinct tradeoffs being expected to be prevalent at varying temporal and spatial scales. The dominance-discovery tradeoff posits that species differ in their ability to find and use resources quickly, in contraposition to their ability to monopolize those resources, a mechanism analogous to the competition-colonization tradeoff. We investigated the occurrence of this structuring mechanism inPheidole(Hymenoptera: Formicidae) assemblages in Atlantic Forest remnants. According to the dominance-discovery tradeoff, we should observe a consistent interspecific variation along the axis of discovery and dominance. We established 55 sampling units across two sites, with each unit consisting of a sardine bait monitored for three hours. There was no distinction amongPheidolespecies in their ability to find or dominate food sources, suggesting that the dominance-discovery tradeoff does not explain their coexistence. The low levels of aggression betweenPheidolespecies could prevent the establishment of dominance hierarchies, whereas the species order of arrival at food sources could allow for resource partitioning through priority effects.
Species distribution modeling and conservation assessment of the black-headed night monkey (Aotus nigriceps) – A species of Least Concern that faces widespread anthropogenic threats
Authors: Helenbrook William D. , Valdez Jose W.
Published: May 2020

Deforestation rates in the Brazilian Amazon have been steadily increasing since 2007. Recent government policy, projected growth of agriculture, and expansion of the cattle industry is expected to further pressure primates within the Amazon basin. In this study, we examined the anthropogenic impact on the widely distributed black-headed night monkey,Aotus nigriceps, whose distribution and population status have yet to be assessed. We 1) modeled species distribution inA. nigriceps; 2) estimated impact of habitat loss on population trends; and 3) highlight landscape-based conservation actions which maximize potential for their long-term sustainability. We found the black-headed night monkey to be restricted by several biotic and environmental factors including forest cover, elevation, isothermality, and precipitation. Over the last two decades, over 132,908 km2of tree cover (18%) has been lost within their documented range. We found this species occupies only 49% of habitat within in their range, a loss of 19% from their estimated 2000 distribution, and just over 34% of occupied areas were in protected areas. Projected deforestation rates ofA. nigricepsequates to an additional loss of 23,084 km2of occupied habitat over the next decade. This study suggests that although classified as a species of Least Concern,A. nigricepsmay have a much smaller range and is likely more at risk than previously described. The future impact of continued expansion of mono-cultured crops, cattle ranching, and wildfires is still unknown. However, expanded use of participatory REDD+, sustainable agroforestry in buffer zones, secured land tenor for indigenous communities, wildlife corridors, and the expansion of protected areas can help ensure viability for this nocturnal primate and other sympatric species throughout the Amazon Basin.
Identification of Putative Cell Wall Synthesis Genes inBetula pendula
Authors: Chen Song , Zhao Xiyang , Chen Su
Published: May 2020

Cellulose is an essential structural component of the plant cell wall and is an important resource for the production of paper, textiles, bioplastics and other biomaterials. The synthesis of cellulose is among the most important but poorly understood biochemical processes, which is precisely regulated by internal and external cues. Here we identified 46 gene models in 7 gene families which encoding cellulose synthase and related enzymes ofBetula pendula, and the transcript abundance of these genes in xylem, root, leaf and flower tissues also be determined. Based on these RNA-seq data, we have identified 8 genes that most likely participate in cell wall synthesis. In parallel, a gene co-expression network was also constructed based on transcriptome sequencing.

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, grant number 31870659, The Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, grant number 2572019CG08 funded this research and Heilongjiang Touyan Innovation Team Program (Tree Genetics and Breeding Innovation Team).

Conflicts of interest / Competing interests

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Availability of data and material

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.

Code availability

Not applicable.

Authors’ contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by Song Chen. Conceived and supervised were performed by Xiyang Zhao and Su Chen.
Nutrient sensing pathways regulating adult reproductive diapause inC. elegans
Authors: Eustice Moriah , Reece Jeff M. , Konzman Daniel , Ghosh Salil , Alston Jhullian , Hansen Tyler , Golden Andy , Bond Michelle R. , Hanover John A.
Published: May 2020

Genetic and environmental manipulations, such as dietary restriction (DR), can improve both health span and lifespan in a wide range of organisms, including humans. Changes in nutrient intake trigger often overlapping metabolic pathways that can generate distinct or even opposite outputs depending on several factors, such as when DR occurs in the lifecycle of the organism or the nature of the changes in nutrients. Due to the complexity of metabolic pathways and the diversity in outputs, the underlying mechanisms regulating diet-associated pro-longevity are not yet well understood. Adult reproductive diapause (ARD) in the model organismCaenorhabditis elegansis a DR model that is associated with lengthened lifespan and reproductive potential (Angelo and Van Gilst 2009). As the metabolic pathways regulating ARD have not yet been explored in depth, we performed a candidate-based genetic screen analyzing select nutrient-sensing pathways to determine their contribution to the regulation of ARD. Focusing on the three phases of ARD (initiation, maintenance, and recovery), we find that ARD initiation is regulated by fatty acid metabolism, sirtuins, AMPK, and the O-linked N-acetyl glucosamine (O-GlcNAc) pathway. Although ARD maintenance was not significantly influenced by the nutrient sensors in our screen, we found that ARD recovery was modulated by energy sensing, stress response, insulin-like signaling, and the TOR pathway. We also discovered that fatty acid β-oxidation regulates ARD initiation through a pathway involving the O-GlcNAc cycling enzyme, OGT-1, acting with the nuclear hormone receptor NHR-49. Consistent with these findings, our analysis revealed a change in levels of neutral lipids associated with ARD entry defects. Our findings thus identify novel conserved genetic pathways required for ARD entry and recovery and identify new genetic interactions that provide insight into the role of OGT and OGA.
A central role for canonical PRC1 in shaping the 3D nuclear landscape
Authors: Boyle Shelagh , Flyamer Ilya M. , Williamson Iain , Sengupta Dipta , Bickmore Wendy A. , Illingworth Robert S.
Published: May 2020

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins silence gene expression by chemically and physically modifying chromatin. A subset of PcG target loci are compacted and cluster in the nucleus; a conformation that is thought to contribute to gene silencing. However, how these interactions influence gross nuclear organization and their relationship with transcription remains poorly understood. Here we examine the role of Polycomb-repressive complex 1 (PRC1) in shaping 3D genome organization in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Using a combination of imaging and Hi-C analyses, we show that PRC1-mediated long-range interactions are independent of CTCF and can bridge sites at a megabase scale. Impairment of PRC1 enzymatic activity does not directly disrupt these interactions. We demonstrate that PcG targets coalesce in vivo, and that developmentally induced expression of one of the target loci disrupts this spatial arrangement. Finally, we show that transcriptional activation and the loss of PRC1-mediated interactions are separable events. These findings provide important insights into the function of PRC1, while highlighting the complexity of this regulatory system.
Charge density of 4-methyl-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]thiazole-2(3H)-thione. A comprehensive multipole refinement, maximum entropy method and density functional theory study
Authors: Vénosová Barbora , Koziskova Julia , Kožíšek Jozef , Herich Peter , Lušpai Karol , Petricek Vaclav , Hartung Jens , Müller Mike , Hübschle Christian B. , van Smaalen Sander , Bucinsky Lukas
Published: May 2020

The structure of 4-methyl-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]thiazole-2(3H)-thione (MTTOTHP) was investigated using X-ray diffraction and computational chemistry methods for determining properties of the nitrogen—oxygen bond, which is the least stable entity upon photochemical excitation. Experimentally measured structure factors have been used to determine and characterize charge density via the multipole model (MM) and the maximum entropy method (MEM). Theoretical investigation of the electron density and the electronic structure has been performed in the finite basis set density functional theory (DFT) framework. Quantum Theory of Atoms In Molecules (QTAIM), deformation densities and Laplacians maps have been used to compare theoretical and experimental results. MM experimental results and predictions from theory differ with respect to the sign and/or magnitude of the Laplacian at the N—O bond critical point (BCP), depending on the treatment ofnvalues of the MM radial functions. Such Laplacian differences in the N—O bond case are discussed with respect to a lack of flexibility in the MM radial functions also reported by Rykounovet al.[Acta Cryst.(2011), B67, 425–436]. BCP Hessian eigenvalues show qualitatively matching results between MM and DFT. In addition, the theoretical analysis used domain-averaged fermi holes (DAFH), natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis and localized (LOC) orbitals to characterize the N—O bond as a single σ bond with marginal π character. Hirshfeld atom refinement (HAR) has been employed to compare to the MM refinement results and/or neutron dataset C—H bond lengths and to crystal or single molecule geometry optimizations, including considerations of anisotropy of H atoms. Our findings help to understand properties of molecules likeMTTOTHPas progenitors of free oxygen radicals.
Structure-directing sulfur...metal noncovalent semicoordination bonding
Authors: Ananyev Ivan V. , Bokach Nadezhda A. , Kukushkin Vadim Yu.
Published: May 2020

The abundance and geometric features of nonbonding contacts between metal centers and `soft' sulfur atoms bound to a non-metal substituent R were analyzed by processing data from the Cambridge Structural Database. The angular arrangement of M, S and R atoms with ∠(R—S...M) down to 150° was a common feature of the late transition metal complexes exhibiting shortened R—S...M contacts. Several model nickel(II), palladium(II), platinum(II) and gold(I) complexes were chosen for a theoretical analysis of R—S...M interactions using the DFT method applied to (equilibrium) isolated systems. A combination of the real-space approaches, such as Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM), noncovalent interaction index (NCI), electron localization function (ELF) and Interacting Quantum Atoms (IQA), and orbital (Natural Bond Orbitals, NBO) methods was used to provide insights into the nature and energetics of R—S...M interactions with respect to the metal atom identity and its coordination environment. The explored features of the R—S...M interactions support the trends observed by inspecting the CSD statistics, and indicate a predominant contribution of semicoordination bonds between nucleophilic sites of the sulfur atom and electrophilic sites of the metal. A contribution of chalcogen bonding (that is formally opposite to semicoordination) was also recognized, although it was significantly smaller in magnitude. The analysis of R—S...M interaction strengths was performed and the structure-directing role of the intramolecular R—S...M interactions in stabilizing certain conformations of metal complexes was revealed.
Prediction of orientation relationships and interface structures between α-, β-, γ-FeSi2 and Si phases
Authors: Visotin Maxim A. , Tarasov I. A. , Fedorov A. S. , Varnakov S. N. , Ovchinnikov S. G.
Published: May 2020

A pure crystallogeometrical approach is proposed for predicting orientation relationships, habit planes and atomic structures of the interfaces between phases, which is applicable to systems of low-symmetry phases and epitaxial thin film growth. The suggested models are verified with the example of epitaxial growth of α-, γ- and β-FeSi2 silicide thin films on silicon substrates. The density of near-coincidence sites is shown to have a decisive role in the determination of epitaxial thin film orientation and explains the superior quality of β-FeSi2 thin grown on Si(111) over Si(001) substrates despite larger lattice misfits. Ideal conjunctions for interfaces between the silicide phases are predicted and this allows for utilization of a thin buffer α-FeSi2 layer for oriented growth of β-FeSi2 nanostructures on Si(001). The thermal expansion coefficients are obtained within quasi-harmonic approximation from the DFT calculations to study the influence of temperature on the lattice strains in the derived interfaces. Faster decrease of misfits at the α-FeSi2(001)||Si(001) interface compared to γ-FeSi2(001)||Si(001) elucidates the origins of temperature-driven change of the phase growing on silicon substrates. The proposed approach guides from bulk phase unit cells to the construction of the interface atomic structures and appears to be a powerful tool for the prediction of interfaces between arbitrary phases for subsequent theoretical investigation and epitaxial film synthesis.
Impact of pomegranate peel as prebiotic in bio-yoghurt
Authors: Ibrahim Amel , Awad Sameh , El-Sayed Mahmoud
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The effect of pomegranate whole and inside peels before and after extraction of the tannic acid have been carried out in stimulated media and in gastrointestinal conditions

Design/methodology/approach

Adding pomegranate peels with and without tannins at different levels to bio-stirred yoghurt to study its effect as prebiotic, in addition to evaluating the effect on physiochemical, sensorial and rheological properties

Findings

The results reveal that pomegranate peels before and after removing tannins had no effect on the viability of a single strain of Lb. acidophilus in stimulated media, while the growth of mixed probiotic culture (Lb.acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) was enhanced when pomegranate peels (whole and inside part) free from tannins were used. Tannin-free pomegranate peels enhanced the viability of probiotic culture under gastrointestinal conditions. In this study, all probiotic cultures were maintained counts around log 8 cfu /g in stirred bio-yoghurt supplements with pomegranate peels after 21days. Bio-yoghurt supplemented with pomegranate peels at 0.5% gained high scores for overall acceptability.

Originality/value

Pomegranate has been recognized as a good source of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Some researchers have utilized pomegranate peel in fermented milk, but most of the studies have found that tannins inhibit the bacterial culture. This study recommended that the supplementation of low-fat bio-yoghurt with tannin-free pomegranate peels enhanced the texture properties, viscosity of the product, as well as the viability of probiotic culture during shelf life. Therefore, the tannin-free pomegranate peel could be used as a prebiotic in functional fermented dairy products.
Concepts of social sustainability based on social infrastructure and quality of life
Authors: Grum Bojan , Kobal Grum Darja
Published: May 2020

Purpose

There is a lack of theoretical and empirical studies regarding concepts of social sustainability based on social infrastructure. The idea of understanding this paper is that quality social infrastructure leads to the general quality of people’s life in the built environment and that is rounded up to social sustainability. This paper aims to integrate these concepts into the network, hereinafter referred to as a social sustainability model.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used in this paper is desk research. The authors follow methodological steps in the building of conceptual network: setting up a research problem; choice of databases; reviewing the literature and categorizing the selected data; identifying and default conceptual definition; integrating the concepts; synthesis and making it all make sense; and assembly and validating the concept. Through that, a large volume of bibliographic materials was scanned, and a limited number of documents have been reviewed and critiqued. The documents have been selected from varied disciplines, including social infrastructure, quality of life, social sustainability, urban sociology, housing policy as among the articles.

Findings

The result is the model which represents the links between social infrastructure (utility equipment, public infrastructure, vital objects and fundamentals) and further between factors inside quality of life structure (users, quality of life, reflections). The result is the model which representing the links between social infrastructure (utility equipment, public infrastructure, vital objects and fundamentals) and further between factors inside well-being structure (users, quality of life, reflections).

Research limitations/implications

There is a potential risk of errors arising from the use of assumptions, limited desk reviews and data from secondary resources.

Originality/value

The authors portray the development of social sustainability model. Within this model, the authors can critically observe all levels within the existing built environment: user responses to the built environment, their satisfaction, social inclusion, health, etc. Within this model, they can observe the links between existing research, their frequency, capture, direction and not least to determine which areas have not been explored and where the lacks of research are. The conclusion outlines the framework and its main concepts of social sustainability based on social infrastructure and well-being, including their theoretical premises and components.
Learning from experience – a probe into the off-campus internships under the five-year cosmetology technical and vocational education program
Authors: Ju-Hsuan Yeh , Lo Tsai-Yun , Wu Ming-Chang , Wang Li-Feng
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to probe into the implementation of internship courses under the five-year cosmetology program in Taiwan from the perspective of Dewey's philosophies in hopes that the analysis can serve as reference for schools in planning their internship courses in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper probes into the off-campus internship courses under Taiwan's five-year junior college education program by applying Dewey's empirical philosophy.

Findings

The study aims to understand the learning experience acquired by students from learning by doing internship courses as reference for future internship design. The current internship courses comprise the follows: summer, during the semester and for a full academic year. The experience of summer internship is career exploration, the experience for semester internship is career experience and the experience from academic-year internship is career choice. The internship strategies are designed according to the three different internship approaches, so that the internship courses can implement the educational effect of “learning from experience”.

Practical implications

To minimize the discrepancy between the cosmetology program under the five-year junior college education and the employment market, credit-based off-campus internship courses are arranged for students' final years at school.

Social implications

Through on-site trainings, students accumulate work experience and explore into a related career field. The accumulation of experience and gaining of insights mirror the philosophy of learning by doing, which involves students' reflective thinking.

Originality/value

It is hoped that the analysis can serve as reference for internship courses planning in the future.
A fresh look at self-employment, stress and health: accounting for self-selection, time and gender
Authors: Stephan Ute , Li Jun , Qu Jingjing
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Past research on self-employment and health yielded conflicting findings. Integrating predictions from the Stressor-Strain Outcome model, research on challenge stressors and allostatic load, we predict that physical and mental health are affected by self-employment in distinct ways which play out over different time horizons. We also test whether the health impacts of self-employment are due to enhanced stress (work-related strain) and differ for man and women.

Design/methodology/approach

We apply non-parametric propensity score matching in combination with a difference-in-difference approach and longitudinal cohort data to examine self-selection and the causal relationship between self-employment and health. We focus on those that transit into self-employment from paid employment (opportunity self-employment) and analyze strain and health over four years relative to individuals in paid employment.

Findings

Those with poorer mental health are more likely to self-select into self-employment. After entering self-employment, individuals experience a short-term uplift in mental health due to lower work-related strain, especially for self-employed men. In the longer-term (four years) the mental health of the self-employed drops back to pre-self-employment levels. We find no effect of self-employment on physical health.

Practical implications

Our research helps to understand the nonpecuniary benefits of self-employment and suggests that we should not advocate self-employment as a “healthy” career.

Originality/value

This article advances research on self-employment and health. Grounded in stress theories it offers new insights relating to self-selection, the temporality of effects, the mediating role of work-related strain, and gender that collectively help to explain why past research yielded conflicting findings.
Does inclusive leadership affect project success? The mediating role of perceived psychological empowerment and psychological safety
Authors: Khan Jabran , Jaafar Mastura , Javed Basharat , Mubarak Namra , Saudagar Tahira
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Through the lens of the leader–member exchange theory, this study assessed the relationship between inclusive leadership (IL) and project success by incorporating the mediating roles of psychological empowerment (PE) and psychological safety (PS).

Design/methodology/approach

Time-lagged data were collected from 328 employees working in project-based organisations across the information technology industry. Structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS 26 was employed for data analysis.

Findings

By using the SEM approach, the confirmatory factor analysis had verified the distinctiveness of the variables used in this study. The findings displayed that IL increased project success both directly and indirectly through the mediating roles of PE and PS.

Originality/value

This study addressed two research questions that have been left unanswered in the literature. The initial research question is “how IL enhances project success?”, and this study found that IL enhanced project success. The second research question is “what are the suggested mechanisms for IL to promote project success?” This study has proven that IL enhanced project success through two important mediating mechanisms, namely, PE and PS.
Supplier-initiating risk management behaviour and supply-side resilience: the effects of interpersonal relationships and dependence asymmetry in buyer-supplier relationships
Authors: Fan Yiyi , Stevenson Mark , Li Fang
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The aim of the study is to explore how two dimensions of interpersonal relationships (i.e. size and range of relationships) affect supplier-initiating risk management behaviours (SIRMB) and supply-side resilience. Further, the study aims to explore the moderating role of dependence asymmetry.

Design/methodology/approach

Nine hypotheses are tested based on a moderated mediation analysis of survey data from 247 manufacturing firms in China. The data are validated using a subset of 57 attentive secondary respondents and archival data.

Findings

SIRMB positively relates to supply-side resilience. Further, SIRMB mediates the positive relationship between range and supply-side resilience, and this relationship is stronger at lower levels of dependence asymmetry. Yet, although dependence asymmetry positively moderates the relationship between range and SIRMB, it negatively moderates the relationship between size and SIRMB. We did not, however, find evidence that size has a conditional indirect effect on supply-side resilience through SIRMB.

Practical implications

Managers in buying firms can incentivise SIRMB to enhance supply-side resilience by developing a diverse rather than a large set of interpersonal relationships with a supplier. This might include allocating particular employees with a wide range of contacts within a supplier to that relationship, while it may be necessary to adopt different networking strategies for different supplier relationships. Firms in a highly asymmetrical relationship may seek to raise supplier expectations about the necessity to initiate risk management behaviour or look to change the dynamic of the relationship by managing contracts for fairness.

Originality/value

New knowledge on SIRMB as a mediating variable underpinning the relationship between interpersonal relationships and supply-side resilience is provided; and empirical evidence on the opposing moderation effect of dependence asymmetry is presented.
A descriptive case study of effective decision-making of a local government organization in the United States of America
Authors: Capler Jennifer
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This article details a qualitative descriptive case study of affective factors of effective decision-making of one local government organization in the United States of America. The specific problem was that many elected American local government representatives lack effective decision-making strategies. This research focus indicated a lack of qualitative research on the real-world experience of factors that were taken into consideration during decision-making within American local government organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a local government organization in southwest Illinois, elected representatives were interviewed and observed. The interviews and observations surfaced how the representatives made decisions. Data were analyzed using manual coding and theming to determine themes and patterns.

Findings

The results produced six themes about factors, including emotional intelligence, which impacted decision-making. They are: (1) remembering the past, (2) communication and respect, (3) spurring economic growth and development, (4) fairness, (5) recognizing and removing emotions and bias and (6) accountability.

Research limitations/implications

Being a single case study, this research is limited in generalization. The research was limited to the identification of current, real-world experience of elected local government representatives.

Practical implications

The findings of this research can be used to create more effective decision-making practices for local government organizations of similar size.

Originality/value

This is the first study to review, in-depth, the decision-making and emotional intelligence factors of local government organizations in the United States of America. The conceptual background, discussion, implications to local government organizations, limitations and recommendations for future studies are discussed.
Reverse supply chain management in manufacturing industry: a systematic review
Authors: Mathiyazhagan Kaliyan , Rajak Sonu , Sampurna Panigrahi Swayam , Agarwal Vernika , Manani Deepa
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In a quest to meet increasing pressure to incorporate environmental and sustainability factors due to the legislations and growing public awareness, companies are rethinking of strategizing their supply chain network to take control of the reverse flow of products as well. This growing interest has also led to tremendous growth in publications occurring in several reputed journals in the last few years. In this context, the purpose of this article is to perform a systematic literature survey of recent and state-of-the-art papers in order to draw insights and highlight the future directions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has selected and reviewed 204 papers published from the year 2002–2017. The papers were collected from the web of science and Google scholar database which have the DOI number. The selected papers were then categorized into main five core areas of RSC management namely reverse supply chain (RSC), Reverse Logistics (RL), Remanufacturing, Closed-Loop Supply Chain (CLSC) and Product Recovery Systems (PRS) and then analyzed with great detail. Finally, the research gaps that were identified from the study have been highlighted for future research opportunities.

Findings

This paper would serve as a roadmap to the managers who wish to align their forward and reverse supply chains for overall growth and development. It provides an in-depth knowledge on RSC to the researchers working in this domain. The scholars would be able to identify the areas of RSC which have been already addressed and the areas which remain unaddressed.

Originality/value

This paper presents a systematic literature survey of state-of-the-art papers that was published in the reputed journal in the area of RSC. Total 204 numbers of papers which were published in the reputed journals between 2002 and 2017 are reviewed, categorized and analysed to draw the opportunities and future research direction in the area of RSC.
Employing a visual representation technique to understand undergraduates’ perceptions of civic engagement across countries
Authors: Feeney Sharon , Hogan John
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present an interpretation of freehand drawings produced by a sample of final year degree level learners in response to the question: “What is civic engagement”? The aim in using this approach, with final year degree learners from different countries, but pursuing the same degree, was to compare and contrast their understanding of civic engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Learners completed their drawings and then discussed their drawings in small groups. All of their drawings were initially examined quantitatively before a sample of six drawings were selected for in-depth qualitative examination.

Findings

Using learner-generated drawings enables learners convey visually what can be challenging to verbalise. After the exercise, some learners discovered that they had a good basic appreciation of civic engagement.

Research limitations/implications

Describing civic engagement pictorially forced participants to think about what the essence of civic engagement was for them.

Originality/value

This study shows how a collaborative learning experience, rather than a competitive comparison of performance, facilitates learners readily demonstrating their level of understanding and appreciation for civic engagement.
Elevating the human experience (HX) through service research collaborations: introducing ServCollab
Authors: Fisk Raymond P. , Alkire (née Nasr) Linda , Anderson Laurel , Bowen David E. , Gruber Thorsten , Ostrom Amy L. , Patrício Lia
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Elevating the human experience (HX) through research collaborations is the purpose of this article. ServCollab facilitates and supports service research collaborations that seek to reduce human suffering and improve human well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

To catalyze this initiative, the authors introduce ServCollab's three human rights goals (serve, enable and transform), standards of justice for serving humanity (distributive, procedural and interactional justice) and research approaches for serving humanity (service design and community action research).

Research implications

ServCollab seeks to advance the service research field via large-scale service research projects that pursue theory building, research and action. Service inclusion is the first focus of ServCollab and is illustrated through two projects (transformative refugee services and virtual assistants in social care). This paper seeks to encourage collaboration in more large-scale service research projects that elevate the HX.

Practical implications

ServCollab seeks to raise the aspirations of service researchers, expand the skills of service research teams and build mutually collaborative service research approaches that transform human lives.

Originality/value

ServCollab is a unique organization within the burgeoning service research community. By collaborating with service researchers, with service research centers, with universities, with nonprofit agencies and with foundations, ServCollab will build research capacity to address large-scale human service system problems. ServCollab takes a broad perspective for serving humanity by focusing on the HX. Current business research focuses on the interactive roles of customer experience and employee experience. From the perspective of HX, such role labels are insufficient concepts for the full spectrum of human life.
Innovation and the ambidextrous mindset in commercial real estate: a paradox management approach
Authors: Wofford Larry E. , Wyman David , Starr Christopher W.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper addresses decision-making for commercial real estate (CRE) firms and professionals within the context of rapid technological innovations capable of business model disruption. It considers the paradoxical notion of the need for CRE firms to become ambidextrous by simultaneously exploiting their existing business model and exploring possible opportunities and threats. The paper develops a practical approach, the paradox map, for dealing with this paradoxical problem.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research draws on work from organizational management, leadership, social sciences and technology. This research frames the definition and development of an ambidextrous mindset and its components. Paradox management is explored as a possible source of useful tools.

Findings

The ambidextrous mindset is a paradox in that exploit and explore are ongoing interrelated opposing forces. Further, the mindset is the product of a number of sub-paradoxes that act as levers for its development and adjustment. The paradox map is developed to facilitate dealing with numerous paradoxes.

Practical implications

The paradox map is a useful tool for commercial real-estate firms to understand and develop an ambidextrous mindset.

Originality/value

Commercial real estate is experiencing a wave of substantive technological disruption in the proptech marketplace and beyond. This paper attempts to clarify the paradox of innovation and its underlying sub-paradoxes to help professionals navigate the interrelated landscape of exploiting past products and exploring innovations.
Using system dynamics approach to build policy scenario for reducing CO2 emission resulted from tourism travel to Karimunjawa
Authors: Susanty Aries , Puspitasari Nia Budi , Saptadi Singgih , Siregar Shinta Devi
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to create the causal relationship between transportation behavior to Karimunjawa, the number of tourists and the amount of CO2 produced; calculate the reduction of CO2 emissions from the transportation to Karimunjawa based on several proposed policy scenarios; and formulate the managerial implication and recommendation to support the implementation of several proposed policy scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops a system dynamics‐based model by using three sub-systems, i.e. “the number of tourist sub-system,” “the switching behavior of tourist travel sub-system” and “the CO2 emission sub-system.”

Findings

The simulation results have shown that, under the current situation, tourist travel behavior should be changed to maximum condition to get the minimum CO2 emission. Improvement of the behavior of tourist in selecting the mode of transportation and the departure point of mini-tour bus and ferry are an effective way to reduce the CO2 emission.

Research limitations/implications

This study only considers limited variables as the driver of the level of change of the capacity of Karimunjawa and the road as well as the variables as the driver of tourism growth. This study only focuses on CO2 emission from the direct impacts of tourist travel; this study does not consider the indirect impact of tourism activity on CO2 emissions. International air travel is not included in the present study.

Practical implications

From a managerial perspective, this study demonstrates that change in the tourist travel behavior is generally not effective in triggering CO2 emission reduction, unless it is accompanied by the strict restriction policy related to the tourist route.

Social implications

This study has the potential to raise societal awareness that the causality of tourist growth and CO2 emissions should be seen as the impact of tourist travel behavior. In this case, to modify the travel behavior, tourist needs to change their mode of transportation to more sustainable transportation.

Originality/value

This paper intends to fill the literature gap of the effect of tourism growth from two perspectives, namely, tourist travel behavior and environmental. The modeling of tourist transport and CO2 emission will provide an overview of the selection of the problem-solving mode for tourist transport that can give a significant contribution to the greenhouse gas emissions reduction to the environmental.
The approaches used to make change decisions and the influencing determinants
Authors: Yi Zhixian
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aimed for the examination of the change decision-making approaches utilised by academic library directors and the identification and explanation of the determinants of the utilised approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from a survey. The content analysis was utilised to analyse the qualitative data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data.

Findings

The findings resulted in the identification of the approaches used to make change decisions and three categories of determinants. Directors actually utilised multiple and dual approaches more than single approaches to make change decisions. The determinants of number of library branches, number of subordinates, total years of directorship and years of present position played a significant role in the utilised approaches to making change decisions. However, the findings demonstrate that the determinants of age, gender, library size, library type, number of different positions, total years of library service and education level were not significant determinants of the utilised approaches to making change decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation is that the results of this study are not applicable and generalisable to academic libraries beyond this classification using in this study.

Practical implications

The change decision-making approaches and the identified determinants will be useful and valuable for leaders and managers to make better decisions while managing change in the digital age.

Originality/value

The identification of the approaches and determinants provides information professionals with new knowledge and enables them to reflect the determinants of the utilised approaches and to make better change decisions in a given situation.