bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curation of causal interactions mediated by genes associated to autism accelerates the understanding of gene-phenotype relationships underlying neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Iannuccelli Marta , Vitriolo Alessandro , Licata Luana , Cheroni Cristina , Castagnoli Luisa , Testa Giuseppe , Cesareni Gianni , Perfetto Livia
Published: January 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a large group of neurodevelopmental conditions featuring, over a wide range of severity and combinations, a core set of manifestations (restricted sociality, stereotyped behavior and language impairment) alongside various comorbidities. Common and rare variants in several hundreds of genes and regulatory regions have been implicated in the molecular pathogenesis of ASD along a range of causation evidence strength. Despite significant progress in elucidating the impact of few paradigmatic individual loci, such sheer complexity in the genetic architecture underlying ASD as a whole has hampered the identification of convergent actionable hubs hypothesized to relay between the vastness of risk alleles and the core phenotypes. In turn this has limited the development of strategies that can revert or ameliorate this condition, calling for a systems-level approach to probe the cross-talk of cooperating genes in terms of causal interaction networks in order to make convergences experimentally tractable and reveal their clinical actionability. As a first step in this direction, we have captured from the scientific literature information on the causal links between the genes whose variants have been associated with ASD and the whole human proteome. This information has been annotated in a computer readable format in the SIGNOR database and is made freely available in the resource website. To link this information to cell functions and phenotypes, we have developed graph algorithms that estimate the functional distance of any protein in the SIGNOR causal interactome to phenotypes and pathways. The main novelty of our approach resides in the possibility to explore the mechanistic links connecting the suggested gene-phenotype relations.
Anti-seizure Gene Therapy for Focal Cortical Dysplasia
Authors: Barbanoj Amanda Almacellas , Graham Robert T. , Maffei Benito , Carpenter Jenna C. , Leite Marco , Hoke Justin , Hardjo Felisia , Scott-Solache James , Chimonides Christos , Schorge Stephanie , Kullmann Dimitri M. , Magloire Vincent , Lignani Gabriele
Published: January 2023

Focal Cortical Dysplasias (FCDs) are a common subtype of malformation of cortical development, which frequently present with a spectrum of cognitive and behavioural abnormalities as well as pharmacoresistant epilepsy. FCD type II is typically caused by somatic mutations resulting in mTOR hyperactivity, and is the commonest pathology found in children undergoing epilepsy surgery. However, surgical resection does not always result in seizure freedom, and is often precluded by proximity to eloquent brain regions. Gene therapy is a promising potential alternative treatment and may be appropriate in cases that represent an unacceptable surgical risk. Here, we evaluated a gene therapy based on overexpression of the Kv1.1 potassium channel in a mouse model of frontal lobe FCD. An engineered potassium channel (EKC) transgene was placed under control of a human promoter that biases expression towards principal neurons (CAMK2A) and packaged in an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV9). We used an established FCD model generated byin uteroelectroporation of frontal lobe neural progenitors with a constitutively active humanRHEBplasmid, an activator of mTOR Complex 1. First, we further characterised this by quantifying electrocorticograms and behavioural abnormalities, both in mice developing spontaneous generalised seizures and in mice only exhibiting abnormal interictal discharges. Then, using continuous video-electrocorticogram recordings from epileptic mice before and after injection of AAV9-CAMK2A-EKC in the dysplastic region, we observed a robust decrease in the frequency of seizures and in interictal activity, compared to mice injected with a control viral vector. Despite the robust anti-epileptic effect of the treatment, there was neither an improvement nor a worsening of performance in behavioural tests sensitive to frontal lobe function. AAV9-CAMK2A-EKC had no effect on interictal activity or behaviour in non-epileptic mice. AAV9-CAMK2A-EKC gene therapy is a promising therapy with translational potential to treat the epileptic phenotype of mTOR-related malformations of cortical development. Cognitive and behavioural co-morbidities may, however, resist an intervention aimed at reducing circuit excitability.
Evolutionary history of the Brachyury gene in Hydrozoa: duplications, divergence and neofunctionalization
Authors: Vetrova Alexandra A. , Kupaeva Daria M. , Lebedeva Tatiana S. , Walentek Peter , Tsikolia Nikoloz , Kremnyov Stanislav V.
Published: January 2023

Brachyury, a member of T-box gene family, is widely known for its major role in mesoderm specification in bilaterians. It is also present in non-bilaterian metazoans, such as cnidarians, where it acts as a component of an axial patterning system. In this study, we present a phylogenetic analysis of Brachyury genes within phylum Cnidaria, investigate differential expression and address a functional framework of Brachyury paralogs in hydrozoanDynamena pumila.

Our analysis indicates two duplication events of Brachyury in the cnidarian lineage: in the common ancestor of the Medusozoa clade and at the base of the class Hydrozoa. We designate result of the first step as Brachyury2 and of the second as Brachyury3.

Brachyury1 and 2 display a conservative expression pattern marking the oral pole of the body axis inD. pumila. On the contrary, Brachyury3 expression was detected in scattered presumably nerve cells of theD. pumilalarva. Pharmacological modulations indicated that Brachyury3 is not under regulation of cWnt signalling in contrast to the other two Brachyury genes. Divergence in expression patterns and regulation suggest neofunctionalization of Brachyury3 in hydrozoans.
Endotherms trade body temperature regulation for the stress response
Authors: Tabh Joshua K.R. , Hartjes Mariah , Burness Gary
Published: January 2023

Responding to perceived threats is energetically expensive and can require animals to curtail somatic repair, immunity, and even reproduction to balance energy ledgers. Among birds and mammals, energetic demands of thermoregulation are often immense, yet whether homeostatic body temperatures are also compromised to aid the stress response is unknown. Using data sourced from over 60 years of literature and 24 endotherm species, we show that exposure to non-thermal challenges (e.g. human interaction, social threats) caused body temperatures to decrease in the cold and increase in the warmth, but particularly when species-specific costs of thermoregulation were high and surplus energy low. Biophysical models revealed that allowing body temperature to change in this way liberated up to 24% (mean = 5%) of resting energy expenditure for use toward coping. While useful to avoid energetic overload, such responses nevertheless heighten risks of cold- or heat-induced damage, particularly when coincident with cold- or heat-waves.
Cross-β helical filaments of Tau and TMEM106B in Gray and White Matter of Multiple System Tauopathy with presenile Dementia
Authors: Hoq Md Rejaul , Bharath Sakshibeedu R. , Hallinan Grace I. , Fernandez Anllely , Vago Frank S. , Ozcan Kadir A. , Li Daoyi , Garringer Holly J. , Vidal Ruben , Ghetti Bernardino , Jiang Wen
Published: January 2023

Background

The Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau (MAPT) is one of the proteins that are central to neurodegenerative diseases. The nature of intracellular tau aggregates is determined by the cell types whether neuronal or glial, the participating tau isoforms, and the structure of the amyloid filament. The transmembrane protein 106B (TMEM106B) has recently emerged as another significant player in neurodegeneration and aging. In the central nervous system, the composition of the gray and white matter differs considerably. The gray matter consists of nerve cell bodies, dendrites, unmyelinated axons, synaptic terminals, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes (satellite cells) and microglia. The white matter differs from the gray for the presence of axonal tracts as the only neuronal component and for the absence of nerve cell bodies, dendrites and synaptic terminals. Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies have unveiled the structure of tau and TMEM106B, from the cerebral cortex, in several neurodegenerative diseases; however, whether tau and TMEM106B filaments from the gray and white matter share a common fold requires additional investigation.

Methods

We isolated tau and TMEM106B from the cerebral cortex and white matter of the frontal lobes of two individuals affected by multiple system tauopathy with presenile dementia (MSTD), a disease caused by theMAPTintron 10 mutation +3. We used immunostaining, biochemical, genetics and cryo-EM methods to characterize tau and TMEM106B.

Results

We determined that tau filaments in the gray and the white matter of MSTD individuals can induce tau aggregation and have identical AGD type 2 folds. TMEM106B amyloid filaments were also found in the gray and white matter of MSTD; the filament folds were identical in the two anatomical regions.

Conclusions

Our findings show for the first time that in MSTD two types of amyloid filaments extracted from the gray matter have identical folds to those extracted from the white matter. Whether in this genetic disorder there is a relationship in the pathogenesis of the tau and TMEM106B filaments, remains to be determined. Furthermore, additional studies are needed for other proteins and other neurodegenerative diseases to establish whether filaments extracted from the gray and white matter would have identical folds.
Hypothalamic Protein Profiling from Mice Subjected to Social Defeat Stress
Authors: Mitra Shiladitya , Sameer Kumar Ghantasala S , Samanta Anumita , Thakur Suman S
Published: January 2023

The Hypothalmic-pituitary axis also known as the HPA axis is central to stress response. It also acts as the relay centre between the body and the brain. We analysed hypothalamic proteome from mice subjected to chronic social defeat paradigm using iTRAQ based quantitative proteomics in identify changes associated with stress response. We identified greater than 2000 proteins processing our samples analysed through Q-Exactive (Thermo) and Orbitrap Velos (Thermo) at 5% FDR. Analysis of data procured from the runs showed that the proteins whose levels were affected belonged primarily to mitochondrial and metabolic processes, translation, complement pathway among others. We also found increased levels of fibrinogen, myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofilaments (NEFL, NEFM, NEFH) in the hypothalamus from socially defeated mice. Interestingly these proteins are found upregulated in blood and CSF of subjects exposed to trauma and stress. Since hypothalamus is in direct contact of blood and CSF, their utility as biomarkers in depression holds an impressive probability and should be validated in clinical samples.
Induciblein vivogenome editing in the sea starPatiria miniata
Authors: Zueva Olga , Hinman Veronica F.
Published: January 2023

For centuries, echinoderms, a marine-invertebrate phylum, have fascinated scientists for their developmental and postembryonic phenomen. Experimentation on their eggs and embryos in particular have contributed foundation scientific advances. However, powerful molecular genetic studies are restricted to embryonic developmental stages which are amenable to genetic perturbation by microinjection of reagents into the zygotes. This represents a significant bottleneck to the study of postembryonic processes in where the earliest function of a gene must remain intact. We therefore sought to establish a spatio-temporal turnable gene editing tool for these species. Here, using the sea star Patiria miniata as a model we introduce a chemically inducible, Tet-ON, gene expression system. Pairing this Tet-ON system with CRISPR-mediated gene alteration technology we show as a proof-of-principle demonstration an inducible gene editing in the sea star transgenic cell populations for the first time in echinoderm biology. The approach we show here can be adapted for use in other species of echinoderms and will also extend experimental possibilities tremendously.
Periplasmic stress contributes to a tradeoff between protein secretion and cell growth in E. Coli Nissile
Authors: Emani S , Kan A , Storms T , Bonanno S , Law J , Ray S , Joshi N
Published: January 2023

Maximizing protein secretion is an important target in the design of engineered living systems. In this paper, we characterize a tradeoff between cell growth and per cell protein secretion in the curli biofilm secretion system of E Coli Nissile 1917. Initial characterization using 24-hour continuous growth and protein production monitoring confirms decreased growth rates at high induction leading to a local maximum in total protein production at intermediate induction. Propidium iodide staining at the endpoint indicates that cellular death is a dominant cause of growth reduction. Assaying variants with combinatorial constructs of inner and outer membrane secretion tags, we find that diminished growth at high production is specific to secretory variants associated with accumulation of protein containing the outer membrane transport tag in the periplasmic space. RNA sequencing experiments indicate upregulation of known periplasmic stress response genes in the highly secreting variant, further implicating periplasmic stress in the growth-secretion tradeoff. Overall, these results motivate additional strategies for optimizing total protein production and longevity of secretory engineered living systems.
Spatial transcriptomics reveals a conserved segment polarity program that governs muscle patterning inNematostella vectensis
Authors: He Shuonan , Shao Wanqing , Chen Shiyuan (Cynthia) , Wang Ting , Gibson Matthew C.
Published: January 2023

During early animal evolution, the emergence of axially-polarized segments was central to the diversification of complex bilaterian body plans. Nevertheless, precisely how and when segment polarity pathways arose remains obscure. Here we demonstrate the molecular basis for segment polarization in developing larvae of the pre-bilaterian sea anemoneNematostella vectensis. Utilizing spatial transcriptomics, we first constructed a 3-D gene expression atlas of developing larval segments. Capitalizing on accuratein silicopredictions, we identified Lbx and Uncx, conserved homeodomain-containing genes that occupy opposing subsegmental domains under the control of both BMP signaling and the Hox-Gbx cascade. Functionally,Lbxmutagenesis eliminated all molecular evidence of segment polarization at larval stage and caused an aberrant mirror-symmetric pattern of retractor muscles in primary polyps. These results demonstrate the molecular basis for segment polarity in a pre-bilaterian animal, suggesting that polarized metameric structures were present in the Cnidaria-Bilateria common ancestor over 600 million years ago.

Highlights

Nematostellaendomesodermal tissue forms metameric segments and displays a transcriptomic profile similar to that observed in bilaterian mesoderm

Construction of a comprehensive 3-D gene expression atlas enables systematic dissection of segmental identity in endomesoderm

LbxandUncx, two conserved homeobox-containing genes, establish segment polarity inNematostella

The Cnidarian-Bilaterian common ancestor likely possessed the genetic toolkit to generate polarized metameric structures
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) Efflux Pump SA09310 Mediating Tetracycline Resistance inStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Li Daiyu , Ge Yan , Wang Ning , Shi Yun , Guo Gang , Zou Quanming , Liu Qiang
Published: January 2023

Drug efflux systems have recently been recognized as an important mechanism of multidrug resistance in bacteria. Here, we described the identification and characterization of a novel chromosomally encoded multidrug efflux pump (SA09310) inStaphylococcus aureus. SA09310 is a 43-kDa protein with 12 transmembrane helices. The conserved amino acid sequence motifs of the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) were identified in the protein SA09310, which indicated SA09310 belonged to MFS transporters. Expression of thesa09310gene was induced by different types of antibiotics, including aminoglycoside, tetracycline, macrolides, and chloramphenicol. Thesa09310gene knockout mutant (Δsa09310) was constructed, and its susceptibility to 30 different antibiotics was evaluated. Mutant△sa09310exhibited increased sensitivity to tetracycline and doxycycline, with 64-fold and 8-fold decreased MICs, respectively. The mechanism of SA09310 mediating tetracycline resistance was demonstrated by its ability to extrude intracellular tetracycline from within the cells into the environment. The efflux activity of SA09310 was further confirmed by EtBr accumulation and efflux assays. In addition, the efflux activity of SA09310 was observed to be blocked by the known efflux pump inhibitor carbonyl cyanide-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), which provided direct evidence that suggested the H+-dependent activity of SA09310 efflux pump. The conservation of SA09310 homologs in Staphylococcus indicated the universal function of these SA09310-like protein clusters. In conclusion, the function-unknown protein SA09310 has been identified and characterized as a tetracycline efflux pump, thereby mediating tetracycline resistance inS. aureus.
N-Cadherin and α-catenin regulate formation of functional tunneling nanotubes
Authors: Pepe Anna , Manzano Roberto Notario , Sartori-Rupp Anna , Brou Christel , Zurzolo Chiara
Published: January 2023

Cell-to-cell communication it is a fundamental mechanism by which unicellular and multicellular organisms maintain relevant functions as development or homeostasis. Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are a type of contact-mediated cell-to-cell communication defined by being membranous structures based on actin that allow the exchange of different cellular material. TNTs have been shown to have unique structural features compared with other cellular protrusions and to contain the cell adhesion molecule N-Cadherin. Here, we investigated the possible role of N-Cadherin and of its primary linker to the actin cytoskeleton, α-Catenin in regulating the formation and transfer function of TNTs. Our data indicate that N-Cadherin through its downstream effector α-Catenin is a major regulator of TNT formation, ultrastructure, as well as of their ability to transfer material to other cells.
Dynamic tilting in perovskites
Authors: Handley Christopher M. , Ward Robyn E. , Freeman Colin L. , Reaney Ian M. , Sinclair Derek C. , Harding John H.
Published: January 2023

A new computational analysis of tilt behaviour in perovskites is presented. This includes the development of a computational program – PALAMEDES – to extract tilt angles and the tilt phase from molecular dynamics simulations. The results are used to generate simulated selected-area electron and neutron diffraction patterns which are compared with experimental patterns for CaTiO3. The simulations not only reproduced all symmetrically allowed superlattice reflections associated with tilt but also showed local correlations that give rise to symmetrically forbidden reflections and the kinematic origin of diffuse scattering.
Synthesis and structures of dinuclear palladium complexes with 1,3-benzimidazolidine-2-thione and 1,3-imidazoline-2-thione
Authors: Lobana Tarlok S. , Thakur Bandana , Aggarwal Rajni , Butcher Ray J. , Zeller Matthias , Jasinski Jerry P.
Published: January 2023

The synthesis and structures of dinuclear palladium complexes with 1,3-benzimidazolidine-2-thione (bzimtH) and 1,3-imidazoline-2-thione (imtH) are reported, namely, bis(μ-1H-benzimidazole-2-thiolato)-κ2
N
3:S;κ2
S:N
3-bis[cyanido(triphenylphosphine-κP)palladium(II)], [Pd2(C7H5N2S)2(CN)2(C18H15P)2] or [Pd2(μ-N,S-bzimtH)2(CN)2(PPh3)2] (1), and bis(μ-1H-imidazole-2-thiolato)-κ2
N
3:S;κ2
S:N
3-bis[cyanido(triphenylphosphine-κP)palladium(II)] acetonitrile 0.58-solvate, [Pd2(C3H3N2S)2(CN)2(C18H15P)2]·0.58C2H3N or [Pd2(μ-N,S-imtH)2(CN)2(PPh3)2]·0.58C2H3N (2). The compound [Pd2(μ-N,S-bzimtH)2(CN)2(PPh3)2] is located on a crystallographic twofold axis while [Pd2(μ-N,S-imtH)2(CN)2(PPh3)2]. 0.58(C2H3N) contains two partially occupied acetonitrile solvent molecules with occupancies of 0.25 and 0.33. In both of these compounds, the anionic bzimtH− and imtH− ligands coordinate through N,S-donor atoms in a bridging mode, covering four coordination sites of two metal centers and other two sites are occupied by two PPh3 ligand molecules. Finally, the remaining two sites of two metal centers are occupied by cyano groups, abstracted by the metals from the solvent during reaction. In the packing of the 1,3-benzimidazolidine- 2-thione and 1,3-imidazoline-2-thione complexes, there are intramolecular π–π interactions involving the thione moiety as well as an N—H...N hydrogen bond linking the thione and cyano ligands. In addition, in 2, as well as the π–π interaction involving the thione moieties, there is an additional π–π interaction involving one of the thione moieties and an adjacent phenyl ring from the triphenylphosphine ligand. There are also C—H...N interactions between the imidazoline rings and the acetonitrile N atoms.
Cryo-EM structure of adeno-associated virus 4 at 2.2 Å resolution
Authors: Zane Grant , Silveria Mark , Meyer Nancy , White Tommi , Duan Rui , Zou Xiaoqin , Chapman Michael
Published: January 2023

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is the vector of choice for several approved gene-therapy treatments and is the basis for many ongoing clinical trials. Various strains of AAV exist (referred to as serotypes), each with their own transfection characteristics. Here, a high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure (2.2 Å) of AAV serotype 4 (AAV4) is presented. The receptor responsible for transduction of the AAV4 clade of AAV viruses (including AAV11, AAV12 and AAVrh32.33) is unknown. Other AAVs interact with the same cell receptor, adeno-associated virus receptor (AAVR), in one of two different ways. AAV5-like viruses interact exclusively with the polycystic kidney disease-like 1 (PKD1) domain of AAVR, while most other AAVs interact primarily with the PKD2 domain. A comparison of the present AAV4 structure with prior corresponding structures of AAV5, AAV2 and AAV1 in complex with AAVR provides a foundation for understanding why the AAV4-like clade is unable to interact with either PKD1 or PKD2 of AAVR. The conformation of the AAV4 capsid in variable regions I, III, IV and V on the viral surface appears to be sufficiently different from AAV2 to ablate binding with PKD2. Differences between AAV4 and AAV5 in variable region VII appear to be sufficient to exclude binding with PKD1.
Exploring research trends of procrastination: a bibliometric analysis during 2010 to 2020
Authors: Sharma Gunjan , Kulshreshtha Kushagra
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to offer insight into procrastination over the past decade using bibliometric analysis to gauge the evolving journey of this concept. Thus, the concept of procrastination is examined in terms of authors, affiliating institutions, countries, citation patterns, bibliometric coupling and co-occurrence analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

For exploring the research work on procrastination, the bibliometric analysis was conducted for co-authorship, co-occurrence of keywords, citation network analysis, most influential authors, document and country wise bibliometric coupling by taking 630 publications between the years 2010–2020 into consideration. Software like VOSviewer and Tableau was used for result analysis. In addition, the content analysis was used for the top research papers amongst the eleven different clusters.

Findings

The study reveals the nature and direction of research over the past decade on procrastination. The most prominent journals, authors, articles, institutions, countries and keywords have been identified. The topic shows an upward trend of research as no consolidation or maturity in the pattern is observed. Frontiers In Psychology had the highest number of publications followed by Personality And Individual Differences. The top three contributors are Sirosis, F.M., Feng, T. and Ferrari, J.R. The country-wise analysis shows the USA leading followed by Germany, China and Canada. UiT The Arctic University of Norway was having the most significant contribution followed by The Ohio State University, DePaul University and Tel Hai Academic College. The most prominent themes and documents are reported. In addition, the content analysis depicted the need to conduct the research work on the certain themes which may usher the researchers towards more conceptual clarity and strategizing.

Originality/value

Sufficient discourse and relevant literature are available about procrastination, bedtime procrastination and academic procrastination and related areas. However, procrastination is becoming a universal issue, especially in the field of human resources and workforce development. This paper attempts to facilitate the policy-makers, regulators, researchers and practitioners to explore allied and less explored areas of procrastination that need future investigation.
The impact of COVID-19 on construction supply chain management: an Australian case study
Authors: Sutterby Peter , Wang Xiangming , Li Hong Xian , Ji Yingbo
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Effective maintenance of construction supply chains is paramount to business continuity during the pandemic. Focusing on a large private Australian construction company, this research aims to investigate to what extent the current pandemic has affected the daily operations of this company. This research touches on the broader effect on the industry, while it narrows the focus on how effective construction supply chain management can minimise a pandemic's negative impact on a company. The critical question will be how private contractors that primarily rely on social infrastructure projects can fortify their supply chains and general operations during the global pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed qualitative and quantitative approach is employed in this research. Based on literature review and question design, data is collected through interviews with various stakeholders. Moreover, operation data is also collected from the case company to support the results and findings.

Findings

The respondents have generally agreed that the case company has effectively managed its supply chains to this point of the pandemic through the implementation of supply chain monitoring processes and maintaining stable relationships with stakeholders. This is supported by the operation data of the case company.

Originality/value

This is timely-conducted research, and it is original research with invaluable operation data. This case study is conducted during a pandemic and provides lessons learned for global supply chain management in the post-pandemic period.
The rise (and almost fall) of Maneli Pets
Authors: Msimango-Galawe Jabulile , Bowen Amanda , Urban Angie
Published: January 2023

Learning outcomes

At the end of the case discussion, students should be able to:▪ analyse and discuss networks as a form of social capital;▪ identify and discuss alternative growth strategies for an small, medium, micro enterprise (SMME) in the context of prevailing challenges;▪ use the six domains of the entrepreneurship ecosystem to identify and discuss factors that enhance and challenge a business with particular reference to an SMME; and▪ analyse and understand the key dimensions of entrepreneurial behaviour using the case protagonist as an example.

Case overview/synopsis

Nhlanhla Dlamini, the managing director of Maneli Pets based in Johannesburg, South Africa had opened an office in Cincinnati in the USA in July 2019 to take over the distribution and marketing of the company’s high-quality protein pet treats. Just over eight months later, the COVID-19 pandemic exploded across the world resulting in unprecedented disruption to people’s lives, world trade and the global economy.Now, in June 2022, Dlamini contemplated the successes and challenges he had experienced since starting Maneli Pets in 2016, not least of which was parting company with US-based Novel Dog LLC, which had previously marketed and distributed the pet treats. He had built an internationally accredited factory from scratch, produced pet products and a brand that was appealing to the competitive international market, and exported to 12 countries around the world. However, Dlamini had also faced the retrenchment of a large number of staff, the breakdown of the relationship with Novel Dog, the difficulties of setting up a distribution business in the USA along with overseeing the South African factory, and in September 2019, his co-founder, Sipha Ndawonde, had left Maneli Pets.Maneli Pets had served Dlamini’s philanthropic purpose of creating jobs and contributing to the growth of the South African economy. Despite the setback of parting ways with Novel Dog, he hoped to continue to create jobs and return to and exceed the staff numbers he had achieved by 2018, regardless of the hard work involved.In his dual position of managing director of Maneli Pets, based in Johannesburg, and sales director of the distribution and marketing arm, Nandi Pets Inc. in Cincinnati, Dlamini had a global view of the companies’ financials that he realised had been missing initially. Would the new structure of Maneli Pets he had created in 2019 in a pre-pandemic world see the company profitable by the end of 2022? What else could he do to take the company to the next level?

Complexity academic level

MBA, Masters in Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Business, Executive Education short courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Desire to work with woman manager: interplay between sexism and organizational culture
Authors: Yesilirmak Arda Can , Tayfur Ekmekci Ozge , Bayhan Karapinar Pınar
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between ambivalent sexism (hostile and benevolent sexism) and managerial choice, considering organizational culture as a moderating variable. Additionally, the study addresses employees’ preference for working with same-sex managers as opposed to opposite-sex managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 245 white-collar employees working in a large-sized holding company in Ankara, Türkiye, using the survey method. PROCESS Macro was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Neither hostile nor benevolent sexism directly affected managerial choice. However, perceived gender equality within an organization was found to significantly affect the preference for working with female managers. Gender equality in organizational culture did not have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between hostile and benevolent sexism and the inclination to work with women managers. Furthermore, the participants reported a tendency to work with same-sex managers independent of their sexist attitudes and perceived organizational culture.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the literature by examining the joint effects of sexism and perceived gender inequality on the desire of working women managers. In doing so, this study differs from previous studies focusing solely on individual variables such as personality and sexism or situational variables as hindering factors for women’s attainment of managerial positions.
Occupational stress among Generation-Y employees in the era of COVID-19: cases from universities in India
Authors: Said Dina Sabry , Agarwal Sucheta , Alzoubi Yehia Ibrahim , Momin Mujtaba M. , Naqvi Ariz
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Several organizations decided to work remotely after the Indian Government proclaimed a state of emergency on March 24, 2020, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Employees across all industries, particularly the Generation-Y, were stressed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The purpose of this study is to fills that gap by looking at the effects of occupational stress factors (such as coworker support, work–life balance [WLB] and role expectation conflict) on Generation-Y employees in the educational sector during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

The causes and consequences of the three occupational stresses listed above were investigated. In total, 231 surveys from workers at private and public educational institutions in India were analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that support from coworkers greatly reduced job stress, the WLB had a positive impact on the work and personal lives, and the lack of role specification in Generation-Y employees had a negative impact on their job performance.

Originality/value

This study has considered the occupational stress variables among Generation-Y in the era of COVID-19, which need attention to improve the performance of the academic sector.
Research on wheel wear of the light rail transit based on a modified semi-Hertzian contact model
Authors: Wang Qunsheng , Zhu Bin , Zhang Fubin , Jiang Xuesong , Wang Jie
Published: January 2023

Purpose

While the normal wheel–rail contact model cannot be accurately used for light rail transit (LRT) wheel wear analysis with large wheelset lateral displacement and wheelset yaw angle, a modified semi-Hertzian contact model (MSHM) is proposed in the paper.

Design/methodology/approach

MSHM was first proposed to consider the wheelset motion with the lateral displacement and the yaw angle. Then, a dynamic model of an LRT was established and the influence of some key factors on wheel wear is analyzed. At last, after operating for a certain mileage, the predicted wheel wear is compared with the tested wheel wear.

Findings

Compared with the tested wheel wear, the predicted wheel wear shows a good agreement with the measured result, verifying the accuracy of MSHM.

Originality/value

Considering larger wheelset lateral displacement and yaw angle, MSHM can be used to calculate the wheel wear of the LRT with high accuracy.
Microteaching networks in higher education
Authors: Santoveña-Casal Sonia , Gil-Quintana Javier , Hueso-Romero José Javier
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Microteaching is a teacher training method based on microclasses (groups of four or five students) and microlessons lasting no more than 5–20 min. Since it was first explored in the late 20th century in experiments at Stanford University, microteaching has evolved at the interdisciplinary level. The purpose of this paper is to examine the networks found via an analytical bibliometric study of the scientific output related with microteaching in teacher training, through a study and examination of the Web of Science database.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted with the VOSviewer tool for content analysis through data mining and scientific network structure mapping by means of the normalisation technique. This technique is based on the association strength indicator, which is interpreted as a measurement of the similarity of the units of analysis.

Findings

Two hundred and nine articles were thus obtained from the Web of Science database. The networks generated and the connections among the various items, co-authorship and co-citation are presented in the results, which clearly indicates that there are significant authors and institutions in the field of microteaching. The largest cluster is made up of institutions such as Australian Catholic University. The most often-cited document is by Rich and Hannafin. Allen (1968), who defines microteaching as a technique based on microclasses and microlessons, is the author most often cited and has the largest number of connections.

Research limitations/implications

This research’s limitations concern either aspects that lie beyond the study’s possibilities or goals that have proved unattainable. The second perspective, which focuses on skill transfer, contains a lower percentage of documents and therefore has a weaker central documentary structure. Lastly, the authors have also had to bear in mind the fact that the scientific output hinges upon a highly specific realm, the appearance and/or liberalisation of digital technologies and access to those technologies in the late 20th century.

Originality/value

This research shows that microteaching is a promising area of research that opens up vast possibilities in higher education teacher training for application in the realm of technologies. This paper could lead to several lines of future research, such as access to and the universal design of learning from the standpoint of different communication and pedagogical models based on microteaching.
Quality investment as a catalyst for successful performance-based contracts: a relational view perspective
Authors: Uvet Hasan , Adana Saban , Celik Hasan , Cevikparmak Sedat , Idug Yavuz
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Performance-based contracting (PBC) has been gaining popularity over the years. However, empirical studies investigating the impact of PBC features have been limited. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of PBC features leading to quality investment that fosters financial benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

After examining the validity and reliability of scale items through confirmatory factor analysis, this study tested hypotheses using covariance-based structural equation modeling of survey data from 381 supply, logistics and operations managers.

Findings

The findings reveal the impact of PBC features (joint knowledge generation, goal congruence and incentive alignment) on financial benefits and the mediation impact of quality investment between these features and financial benefits. The upfront investment for quality enhancement was found facilitator of PBC features to achieve financial benefits. The findings also reveal the importance of collaborative communication and information sharing for knowledge generation that leads financial benefits through quality investment. This study shows that PBC governance strengthens the theory of relational view by empowering collaborative efforts and aligning goals and incentives within downstream suppliers for knowledge generation and quality enhancement.

Research limitations/implications

An analysis of PBC features by industry would be very beneficial in differentiating between and more thoroughly understanding the commonalities and differences across various sectors. Investigating how these change across industries would also help identify any bias in PBC implementation.

Practical implications

This study illustrates that it will be practical and beneficial for suppliers to understand the major drivers of quality investment and the relationship between quality investment and the financial benefits of selecting PBC.

Originality/value

Unlike most previous studies, this research contributes to the literature in that it is one of the relatively few examples of empirical research on PBC features. Overall, the findings of this study will improve our understanding of how PBC features enhance upfront investment in quality and improve financial benefits.
Relationship between COVID 19 prevention and panic and distress tolerance, spiritual intelligence and happiness in undergraduate, postgraduate accounting students
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Lari DashtBayaz Mahmoud , Abyaz Eisa
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between prevention and panic of COVID-19 and distress tolerance, happiness and emotional intelligence (EI) in undergraduate and postgraduate accounting students in Iraq. In other words, this study seeks to answer whether or not different types of prevention and fear of COVID-19 can lead to improved distress tolerance, happiness and EI.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s statistical population comprises 298 undergraduate and 138 postgraduate students in Iraq who were selected as the sample size using the Cochran sampling method. In this study, partial least squares regression (PLS) have been used to investigate the effect of independent variables on the dependent variable.

Findings

The results showed a positive and significant relationship between COVID-19 prevention and distress tolerance and happiness, but no significant relationship was observed between COVID-19 prevention and EI. Also, no significant relationship was observed between fear of COVID-19 and distress tolerance and happiness, but there was a positive and significant relationship between fear of COVID-19 and EI.

Originality/value

The present study’s results can provide valuable information to everyone and help the development of science and knowledge because so far, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no research has examined the impact of prevention and panic of COVID-19 on distress tolerance, happiness and EI in students.
Enhancing the environmental sustainability of emergency humanitarian medical cold chains with renewable energy sources
Authors: Saari Sonja
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Emergency humanitarian medical cold chains (HMCCs) depend heavily on their supporting energy services due to end-to-end temperature requirements in volatile disaster situations. Most energy sources powering emergency HMCCs are fossil-based due to well established processes, regardless of their environmental impact. In response to the recent energy crisis and climate change, a solution to tackle this issue relies on renewable energy sources (RES), whose use has increased to promote climate resilient development. Nevertheless, RESs’ capacity to replace conventional energy services in emergency HMCCs remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate opportunities for, and barriers to, increasing the use of RESs in emergency HMCCs, thereby enhancing their environmental sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of academic and practice literature, interviews with expert practitioners on emergency HMCCs and sustainable energy, and case study examples, this research aimed to analytically generalise the phenomenon by investigating opportunities for, and barriers to, increasing the use of RESs in emergency HMCCs. The phenomenon is illustrated in a novel framework of typical HMCC, that forms a contextual basis for future research.

Findings

A conceptual framework of typical emergency HMCC shows energy-consuming sections where RES can best be increased. This research is put forth in four propositions to manage the opportunities and barriers of the transition.

Originality/value

This research is, to the best of the author’s knowledge, the first attempt to operationalise sustainability by linking energy with HMCCs’ logistical activities in complex emergency settings. The cross-findings from literature, example cases and interviews together demonstrate the need to increase the use of RES in HMCCs, and how to do it.
Re-evaluating the hedge and safe-haven properties of Islamic indexes, gold and Bitcoin: evidence from DCC–GARCH and quantile models
Authors: Bahloul Slah , Mroua Mourad , Naifar Nader
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the hedge, safe-haven and diversifier properties of Islamic indexes, Bitcoin and gold for ten of the most affected countries by the coronavirus, which are the USA, Brazil, the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Russia, China and Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses the Ratner and Chiu (2013) methodology based on the dynamic conditional correlation models to improve Baur and McDermott (2010). The authors adopt a careful investigation of the features of a diversifier, hedge and safe haven using the dynamic conditional correlation–GARCH and quantile regression models.

Findings

Empirical results indicate that Islamic indexes are not considered as hedge assets for the conventional market for all studied countries during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis period. However, gold works as a strong hedge in all countries, except for Brazil and Malaysia. Bitcoin is a strong hedge in the USA and a strong hedge and safe haven in China.

Practical implications

International investors in China and the US stock markets should replace Islamic ‎indexes with Bitcoin in their conventional portfolio of securities during the pandemic.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that re-evaluates the hedge, safe-haven and diversifier properties of Islamic indexes, Bitcoin and gold for ten of the most affected countries by the coronavirus.
Relationship between brand innovativeness and customer satisfaction: a moderated mediation model from Generation M perspective
Authors: Naz Sehrish , Asrar-ul-Haq Muhammad , Iqbal Anam , Ahmed Misbah
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of innovativeness on customer satisfaction through mediation of perceived quality and also examines the effect of consumer involvement and communication strategy as moderating variables to validate relationship between innovativeness and perceived quality from the perspective of Generation M.

Design/methodology/approach

Cluster sampling method is used and data is collected from 451 graduates studying in different universities of Sahiwal division to know their perception regarding mobile phones brands. Structural equation modelling technique is used, and all analyses are performed using SPSS 23.0 and SmartPLS 2.0 to know the findings of the study.

Findings

This study finds positive significant nexus between innovativeness-satisfaction, innovativeness-perceived quality and perceived quality-customer satisfaction at brand level. This study also finds that perceived quality is a significant mediator between brand innovativeness and customer satisfaction. However, moderating variables do not help to boost the relationship among brand innovativeness and perceived quality to transmit their impact on customer satisfaction.

Practical implications

This study may help to understand the preferences of different generations. Findings of the study can also benefit the firms in investment decisions, brand management and formulation of innovative strategies for future.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is one of the first studies to investigate the integrated model of BI-CS through mediating and moderating variables to know the perception of Generation M regarding smartphone brands in developing economies like Pakistan.