bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleuthing biochemical evidence to elucidate unassigned electron density in a CBL/SLAP2 crystal complex
Authors: Wybenga-Groot Leanne E. , McGlade C. Jane
Published: October 2020

The Src-like adaptor proteins (SLAP/SLAP2) bind to CBL E3 ubiquitin ligase to downregulate antigen, cytokine, and tyrosine kinase receptor signaling. In contrast to phospho-tyrosine dependent binding of CBL substrates through its tyrosine kinase binding domain (TKBD), CBL TKBD associates with the C-terminal tail of SLAP2 in a phospho-independent manner. To understand the distinct nature of this interaction, a purification protocol for SLAP2 in complex with CBL TKBD was established and the complex crystallized. However, determination of the complex crystal structure was hindered by apparent SLAP2 degradation during the crystallization process, such that only CBL TKBD residues could be modeled initially. Close examination of the CBL TKBD structure revealed a unique dimer interface that included two short segments of electron density of unknown origin. To elucidate which residues of SLAP2 to model in this unassigned density, a co-expression system was generated to test SLAP2 deletion mutants and define the minimal SLAP2 binding region. As well, SLAP2 degradation products were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Model building and map generation features of the Phenix software package were employed, leading to successful modeling of the C-terminal tail of SLAP2 in the unassigned electron density segments.
Insights on Poster Preparation Practices in Life Sciences
Authors: Jambor Helena Klara
Published: October 2020

Posters are intended to spark scientific dialogue and omnipresent at biological conferences. Guides and how-to articles help life scientists in preparing informative visualizations in poster format. However, those posters shown at conferences are at present often overloaded with data and text and are poorly designed, which in sum hinder, rather than spark communication. Here, we surveyed life scientists themselves to understand why posters are such a struggle and to shed light on poster preparation from their subjective perspectives. We find that biologist spend on average two entire days preparing one poster, with half of the time devoted to visual design aspects. Most respond that they receive no design or software training and also receive little to no feedback when preparing their visualizations. In conclusion, our data suggests that some training, beyond providing literature, of life scientists in visualization principles and tools would likely improve conference poster quality. In addition, this would also improve other common visuals such as figures and slides, and thus overall benefit the science communication of researchers.
Preferential recognition and antagonism of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein binding to 3-O-sulfated heparan sulfate
Authors: Tiwari Vaibhav , Tandon Ritesh , Sankaranarayanan Nehru Viji , Beer Jacob C. , Kohlmeir Ellen K. , Swanson-Mungerson Michelle , Desai Umesh R.
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is in immediate need of an effective antidote. Although the Spike glycoprotein (SgP) of SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to bind to heparins, the structural features of this interaction, the role of a plausible heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) receptor, and the antagonism of this pathway through small molecules remain unaddressed. Using an in vitro cellular assay, we demonstrate HSPGs modified by the 3-O-sulfotransferase isoform-3, but not isoform-5, preferentially increased SgP-mediated cell-to-cell fusion in comparison to control, unmodified, wild-type HSPGs. Computational studies support preferential recognition of the receptor-binding domain of SgP by 3-O-sulfated HS sequences. Competition with either fondaparinux, a 3-O-sulfated HS-binding oligopeptide, or a synthetic, non-sugar small molecule, blocked SgP-mediated cell-to-cell fusion. Finally, the synthetic, sulfated molecule inhibited fusion of GFP-tagged pseudo SARS-CoV-2 with human 293T cells with sub-micromolar potency. Overall, overexpression of 3-O-sulfated HSPGs contribute to fusion of SARS-CoV-2, which could be effectively antagonized by a synthetic, small molecule.
A general decoding strategy explains the relationship between behavior and correlated variability
Authors: Ni Amy M. , Huang Chengcheng , Doiron Brent , Cohen Marlene R.
Published: October 2020

Improvements in perception are frequently accompanied by decreases in correlated variability in sensory cortex. This relationship is puzzling because overall changes in correlated variability should minimally affect optimal information coding. We hypothesize that this relationship arises because instead of using optimal strategies for decoding the specific stimuli at hand, observers prioritizegenerality: a single set of neuronal weights to decode any stimuli. We tested this using a combination of multineuron recordings in the visual cortex of behaving rhesus monkeys and a cortical circuit model. We found that general decoders optimized for broad rather than narrow sets of visual stimuli better matched the animals’ decoding strategy, and that their performance was more related to the magnitude of correlated variability. In conclusion, the inverse relationship between perceptual performance and correlated variability can be explained by observers using a general decoding strategy, capable of decoding neuronal responses to the variety of stimuli encountered in natural vision.

IMPACT STATEMENT

The frequently observed relationship between perceptual performance and correlated variability in sensory cortex can be explained by observers using a decoding strategy that prioritizes generality for many stimuli over precision.
Developing Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Cerebral Organoids with a Controllable Microglia Ratio for Modeling Brain Development and Pathology
Authors: Xu Ranjie , Boreland Andrew J. , Li Xiaoxi , Erickson Caroline , Jin Mengmeng , Atkins Colm , Pang Zhiping , Daniels Brian P. , Jiang Peng
Published: October 2020

Microglia, as brain-resident macrophages, play critical roles in brain development, homeostasis, and disease. Microglia in animal models cannot accurately model the properties of human microglia due to notable transcriptomic and functional differences between human and other animal microglia. Efficient generation of microglia from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) provides unprecedented opportunities to study the function and behavior of human microglia. Particularly, incorporating hPSCs-derived microglia into brain organoids facilitates their development in a 3-dimensional context, mimicking the brain environment. However, an optimized method that integrates an appropriate amount of microglia into brain organoids at a proper time point, resembling in vivo brain development, is still lacking. Here, we report the development of a new brain region-specific, microglia-containing organoid model by co-culturing hPSCs-derived primitive neural progenitor cells (pNPCs) and primitive macrophage progenitors (PMPs). In these organoids, hPSCs-derived pNPCs and PMPs interact with each other and develop into functional neurons, astroglia, and microglia, respectively. Importantly, the numbers of human microglia in the organoids can be controlled, resulting in a cell type ratio similar to that seen in the human brain. Using super-resolution microscopy, we demonstrate that these human microglia are able to phagocytize neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and apoptotic cells, as well as to prune synapses at different developmental stages of the organoids. Furthermore, these human microglia respond to Zika virus infection of the organoids, as indicated by amoeboid-like morphology, increased expression of gene transcripts encoding inflammatory cytokines, and excessive pruning of synaptic materials. Together, our findings establish a new microglia-containing brain organoid model that will serve to study human microglial function in a variety of neurological disorders.
The human brain vasculature shows a distinct expression pattern of SARS-CoV-2 entry factors
Authors: Ghobrial Moheb , Charish Jason , Takada Shigeki , Valiante Taufik , Monnier Philippe P. , Radovanovic Ivan , Bader Gary D. , Wälchli Thomas
Published: October 2020

A large number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients show neurological symptoms such as ischemic- and hemorrhagic stroke as well as encephalitis, and SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect endothelial cells leading to endotheliitis across multiple vascular beds. These findings suggest an involvement of the brain- and peripheral vasculature in COVID-19, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure. To understand the potential mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 tropism for brain vasculature, we constructed a molecular atlas of the expression patterns of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry-associated genes (receptors and proteases) and SARS-CoV-2 interaction partners in human (and mouse) adult and fetal brain as well as in multiple non-CNS tissues in single-cell RNA-sequencing data across various datasets. We observed a distinct expression pattern of the cathepsins B (CTSB) and -L (CTSL) - which are able to substitute for the ACE2 co-receptor TMPRSS2 - in the human vasculature with CTSB being mainly expressed in the brain vasculature and CTSL predominantly in the peripheral vasculature, and these observations were confirmed at the protein level in the Human Protein Atlas and using immunofluorescence stainings. This expression pattern of SARS-CoV-2 viral-entry associated proteases and SARS-CoV-2 interaction partners was also present in endothelial cells and microglia in the fetal brain, suggesting a developmentally established SARS-CoV-2 entry machinery in the human vasculature. At both the adult and fetal stages, we detected a distinct pattern of SARS-CoV-2 entry associated genes’ transcripts in brain vascular endothelial cells and microglia, providing a potential explanation for an inflammatory response in the brain endothelium upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, CTSB was co-expressed in adult and fetal brain endothelial cells with genes and pathways involved in innate immunity and inflammation, angiogenesis, blood-brain-barrier permeability, vascular metabolism, and coagulation, providing a potential explanation for the role of brain endothelial cells in clinically observed (neuro)vascular symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Our study serves as a publicly available single-cell atlas of SARS-CoV-2 related entry factors and interaction partners in human and mouse brain endothelial- and perivascular cells, which can be employed for future studies in clinical samples of COVID-19 patients.
Universal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and utility in the detection of antibodies against Salmonella spp. in several animal species
Authors: Justiz-Vaillant Angel A , Ferrer-Cosme Belkis , Curtello Suzette
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to confirm the feasibility of using hybrid immunoglobulin-binding reagents in ELISAs for IgG/IgY detection and detection of specific antibodies against an infectious microorganism (Salmonella spp.) in various animal species using a universal diagnostic ELISA. Hybrid immunoglobulin-binding bacterial proteins (IBP), including recombinant protein LA, recombinant protein LG, and recombinant protein AG, have been produced to improve their binding affinity to a much larger number of immunoglobulins. Thus, this hybrid bacterial protein represents a powerful tool for the binding, detection, and purification of immunoglobulins and their fragments. However, SpLA-LG-peroxidase and SpLAG-anti-IgYperoxidase were produced using the periodate method. These compounds have been shown to be effective as reagents. Their binding affinity to immunoglobulins surpasses that of previously reported hybrid IgG-binding proteins, including the most known SpAG, SpLA, and SpLG. The IgY fraction was isolated from the egg yolks of various birds, including chicken, bantam hen, guinea hen, quail, goose, duck, wild and domestic pigeons, parakeets, cattle egrets, pheasants, and ostrich. The IgY fraction was isolated using the chloroform-polyethylene glycol (PEG) method. An ELISA for anti-Salmonella spp. antibodies was employed with some modifications to determine the presence of antibodies in humans, laying hens, geese, quails, and pigeons. Salmonella is a motile, flagellated, rod-shaped zoonotic pathogen that can survive in the presence or absence of oxygen. They belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae and are implicated in typhoid fever and food-borne illnesses. This pathogen is associated with several diseases, which may become fatal and negatively impact the health of individuals and various economies globally. The poultry industry is most vulnerable to the influence of this pernicious microbe. The authors concluded that universal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were effective and reproducible in detecting immunoglobulins from both avian and mammalian species, but ELISA using the SpLAG-anti-IgY-HRP conjugate only reacted with the whole panel of animal antibodies. This conjugate was further used to standardize a universal ELISA for the determination of anti-Salmonella antibodies, in which human and avian species were serologically assessed.
Acquisition of a type 3 secretion signal in an housekeeping enzyme shaped glycogen metabolism inChlamydia
Authors: Triboulet Sébastien , N’Gadjaga Maimouna D. , Niragire Béatrice , Köstlbacher Stephan , Horn Matthias , Subtil Agathe
Published: October 2020

The obligate intracellular bacteriaChlamydia trachomatisstore glycogen in the lumen of the vacuoles in which they grow. Glycogen catabolism generates glucose-1-phosphate (Glc1P), while the bacteria are capable of taking up only glucose-6-phosphate (Glc6P). We tested whether the conversion of Glc1P into Glc6P could be catalyzed by a phosphoglucomutase (PGM) of host or bacterial origin. We found no evidence for the presence of the host enzyme in the vacuole. InC. trachomatis, two proteins are potential PGMs. By reconstituting the reaction, and by complementing PGM deficient fibroblasts, we demonstrated that only CT295 displayed robust PGM activity. Furthermore, we showed that glycogen accumulation by a subset ofChlamydiaspecies correlated with the presence of a type three secretion (T3S) signal in their PGM. In conclusion, we established that the conversion of Glc1P into Glc6P was accomplished by a bacterial PGM, through the acquisition of a T3S signal in a “housekeeping” gene.
Schemas provide a scaffold for neocortical integration at the cost of memory specificity over time
Authors: Audrain Sam , McAndrews Mary Pat
Published: October 2020

Memory transformation is increasingly acknowledged in theoretical accounts of systems consolidation, yet how memory quality and neural representation change over time and how schemas influence this process remains unclear. In this fMRI study, participants encoded and retrieved schema-congruent and incongruent object-scene pairs using a paradigm that probed coarse and detailed memories over 10-minutes and 72-hours. When a congruent schema was available, details were lost over time as representations were integrated in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and enhanced post-encoding coupling between the anterior hippocampus and mPFC was associated with coarser memories. Over time, pattern similarity in the hippocampus changed such that the posterior hippocampus represented specific details and the anterior hippocampus represented the general context of specific memories, irrespective of congruency. Our findings suggest schemas are used as a scaffold for accelerated consolidation of congruent information, and illustrate change in hippocampal organization of detailed contextual memory over time.
On the potential of Angiosperms353 for population genomics
Authors: Slimp Madeline , Williams Lindsay D. , Hale Haley , Johnson Matthew G.
Published: October 2020

Targeted sequencing using Angiosperms353 has emerged as a low-cost tool for phylogenetics, with early results spanning scales from all flowering plants to within genera. The use of universal markers at narrower scales—within populations— would eliminate the need for specific marker development while retaining the benefits of full-gene sequences. However, it is unclear whether the Angiosperms353 markers provide sufficient variation within species to calculate demographic parameters. Using herbarium specimens from a 50-year-old floristic survey of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, we sequenced 95 samples from 24 species using Angiosperms353. We adapted a data workflow to process targeted sequencing data that calls variants within each species and prepares data for population genetic analysis. We calculated genetic diversity using standard metrics (e.g. heterozygosity, Tajima’s D). Angiosperms353 gene recovery was associated with genomic library concentration, with limited phylogenetic bias. We identified over 1000 segregating variants with zero missing data within 22 of 24 species. A subset of these variants, which were filtered to remove linked SNPs, revealed high heterozygosity in many species. Tajima’s D calculated within each species indicated a moderate number of markers potentially under selection and identified evidence of population bottlenecks in some species. Despite sequencing few individuals per species, the Angiosperms353 markers contained sufficient variation calculate demographic parameters. Larger sampling within species will allow for estimating gene flow and population dynamics in any angiosperm. Our study will benefit conservation genetics, where Angiosperms353 provides universal repeatable markers, low missing data, and haplotype information.
Delta- and theta-band cortical tracking and phase-amplitude coupling to sung speech by infants
Authors: Attaheri Adam , Choisdealbha Áine Ní , Di Liberto Giovanni M. , Rocha Sinead , Brusini Perrine , Mead Natasha , Olawole-Scott Helen , Boutris Panagiotis , Gibbon Samuel , Williams Isabel , Grey Christina , Flanagan Sheila , Goswami Usha
Published: October 2020

The amplitude envelope of speech carries crucial low-frequency acoustic information that assists linguistic decoding at multiple time scales. Neurophysiological signals are known to track the amplitude envelope of adult-directed speech (ADS), particularly in the theta-band. Acoustic analysis of infant-directed speech (IDS) has revealed significantly greater modulation energy than ADS in an amplitude-modulation (AM) band centered on ∼2 Hz. Accordingly, cortical tracking of IDS by delta-band neural signals may be key to language acquisition. Speech also contains acoustic information within its higher-frequency bands (beta, gamma). Adult EEG and MEG studies reveal an oscillatory hierarchy, whereby low-frequency (delta, theta) neural phase dynamics temporally organize the amplitude of high-frequency signals (phase amplitude coupling, PAC). Whilst consensus is growing around the role of PAC in the matured adult brain, its role in thedevelopmentof speech processing is unexplored.

Here, we examined the presence and maturation of low-frequency (<12 Hz) cortical speech tracking in infants by recording EEG longitudinally from 60 participants when aged 4-, 7- and 11-months as they listened to nursery rhymes. After establishing stimulus-related neural signals in delta and theta, cortical tracking at each age was assessed in the delta, theta and alpha [control] bands using a multivariate temporal response function (mTRF) method. Delta-beta, delta-gamma, theta-beta and theta-gamma phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) was also assessed. Significant delta and theta but not alpha tracking was found. Significant PAC was present at all ages, with both delta and theta -driven coupling observed.

Graphical abstract

Highlights

Longitudinal EEG study in which 4, 7- & 11-month infants listened to nursery rhymes

We demonstrate cortical speech tracking via delta & theta neural signals (mTRF)

Periodogram (PSD) analysis revealed stimulus related delta & theta PSD peaks

Delta and theta driven phase amplitude coupling (PAC) was found at all ages

Gamma frequency amplitudes displayed stronger PAC to low frequency phases than beta
Cryo-EM reveals structural breaks in a patient-derived amyloid fibril from systemic AL amyloidosis
Authors: Radamaker Lynn , Baur Julian , Huhn Stefanie , Haupt Christian , Hegenbart Ute , Schönland Stefan , Bansal Akanksha , Schmidt Matthias , Fändrich Marcus
Published: October 2020

Systemic AL amyloidosis is a debilitating and potentially fatal disease that arises from the misfolding and fibrillation of immunoglobulin light chains (LCs). The disease is patient-specific with essentially each patient possessing a unique LC sequence. In this study, we present the first ex vivo fibril structures of a λ3 LC. The fibrils were extracted from the explanted heart of a patient (FOR005) and consist of 115 residues, mainly from the LC variable domain. The fibril structures imply that a 180° rotation around the disulfide bond and a major unfolding step are necessary for fibrils to form. The two fibril structures show highly similar fibril protein folds, differing in only a 12-residue segment. Remarkably, the two structures do not represent separate fibril morphologies, as they can co-exist at different z-axial positions within the same fibril. Our data imply the presence of structural breaks at the interface of the two structural forms.
Characterisation of the Semliki Forest Virus-host cell interactome reveals the viral capsid protein as an inhibitor of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay
Authors: Contu Lara , Balistreri Giuseppe , Domanski Michal , Uldry Anne-Christine , Mühlemann Oliver
Published: October 2020

The positive-sense, single-stranded RNA alphaviruses pose a potential epidemic threat. Understanding the complex interactions between the viral and the host cell proteins is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying successful virus replication strategies and for developing specific antiviral interventions. Here we present the first comprehensive protein-protein interaction map between the proteins of Semliki Forest Virus (SFV), a mosquito-borne member of the alphaviruses, and host cell proteins. Among the many identified cellular interactors of SFV proteins, the enrichment of factors involved in translation and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) was striking, reflecting the virus’ hijacking of the translation machinery and indicating viral countermeasures for escaping NMD by inhibiting NMD at later time points during the infectious cycle. In addition to observing a general inhibition of NMD about 4 hours post infection, we also demonstrate that transient expression of the SFV capsid protein is sufficient to inhibit NMD in cells, suggesting that the massive production of capsid protein during the SFV reproduction cycle is responsible for NMD inhibition.
Crystal structure of 2,6-bis(3-hydroxy-3-methylbut-1-yn-1-yl)pyridine monohydrate
Authors: Koizumi Take-aki , Takata Toshikazu
Published: October 2020

In the title pyridine derivative, C15H17NO2·H2O, the two OH groups are oriented in directions opposite to each other with respect to the plane of the pyridine ring. In the crystal, hydrogen bonds between the pyridine molecule and the water molecule, viz. Ohydroxy—H...Owater, Ohydroxy—H...Ohydroxy, Owater—H...Ohydroxy and Owater—H···Npyridine, result in the formation of a ribbon-like structure running along [011].
Assessing university students' perception of academic quality using machine learning
Authors: Guillén Perales Alberto , Liébana-Cabanillas Francisco , Sánchez-Fernández Juan , Herrera Luis Javier
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of this research is to assess the influence of the underlying service quality variable, usually related to university students' perception of the educational experience. Another aspect analysed in this work is the development of a procedure to determine which variables are more significant to assess students' satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve both goals, a twofold methodology was approached. In the first phase of research, an assessment of the service quality was performed with data gathered from 580 students in a process involving the adaptation of the SERVQUAL scale through a multi-objective optimization methodology. In the second phase of research, results obtained from students were compared with those obtained from the teaching staff at the university.

Findings

Results from the analysis revealed the most significant service quality dimensions from the students' viewpoint according to the scores that they provided. Comparison of the results with the teaching staff showed noticeable differences when assessing academic quality.

Originality/value

Significant conclusions can be drawn from the theoretical review of the empirical evidences obtained through this study helping with the practical design and implementation of quality strategies in higher education especially in regard to university education.
A bibliometric investigation of service failure literature and a research agenda
Authors: Fouroudi Pantea , Kitchen Philip J. , Marvi Reza , Akarsu Tugra Nazli , Uddin Helal
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to study the citations made in service failure literature and assesses the knowledge construction of this region of exploration to date.

Design/methodology/approach

The bibliometric investigation assesses 416 service failure articles in business associated research. Multidimensional scaling is used to uncover the scope of the scholarly impacts that have helped understand the nature of the service failure literature. The establishment of knowledge in the service failure literature is revealed by analysing co-citation data to identify significant topical impacts.

Findings

The theoretical model combines five areas with significant propositions for the future improvement of service failure as an area of investigation. The most important research themes in service failure literature are service failure, service failure communication, recovery process, recovery offer and intention.

Research limitations/implications

Potential research concentrating on the service failure literature could use search terms improved from the literature review, or use a comparable approach whereby a board of well-informed scholars approved the key words used.

Practical implications

This paper is beneficial for any reader who is interested in understanding the components of the perception of justice and recovery and how it improves repurchase intention.

Originality/value

The study seeks to influence resource and recovery-based concepts and utilises the five supporting knowledge groups to suggest a plan for future research that fills existing gaps and offers the possibility of expanding and enhancing the service failure literature.
LPG consumption and economic growth, 1975-2016: evidence from Cameroon
Authors: Tamba Jean Gaston
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the causal relationship between liquefied petroleum gas consumption and economic growth in Cameroon over the period from 1975 to 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of this study is based on the unit root, cointegration and causality tests. Cointegration is performed with both Johansen and autoregressive distributed lag bounds approach, while causality is done with the Granger test based on the error correction model (ECM) and Toda-Yamamoto procedure.

Findings

The cointegration methods confirm the existence of a level relationship, whereas the causal tests of the ECM reveal the existence of a short-run unidirectional causal relationship ranging from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumption to economic growth and a bidirectional causal relationship between long-term and high-causality variables. With the Toda-Yamamoto procedure, unidirectional causality is found to run from economic growth to liquefied petroleum gas consumption.

Research limitations/implications

These findings imply that an increase in liquefied petroleum gas consumption leads to an increase in economic growth. As a result, supporting energy efficiency policies that aim to reduce liquefied petroleum gas consumption is not an option for Cameroon. Given that LPG consumption shares are still low in Cameroon, the government ought, thus, to increase LPG subsidization, vulgarize and favor policies aimed at encouraging LPG consumption to increase LPG deposits nationwide. This would help increase LPG consumption and consequently could increase economic growth in Cameroon.

Originality/value

LPG is a fossil fuel and is the less GHG emitter and it is considered as a modern source of energy for cooking in Cameroon households. It scarcity calls on energy policymakers to question the influence LPG consumption could have on economic growth in the short- and long-run. Thus, this paper could contribute to solving the issue of deforestation in Cameroon, especially in the Sahel zone; through the substitution of firewood consumption by LPG consumption in households.
Panel data comparative analysis on the influence of population age structure on the size of government expenditure in Africa and Asia
Authors: Azolibe Chukwuebuka Bernard
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Africa and Asia are the two most populous continents in the world and are projected to increase further in the near future and this puts the governments under great stress in terms of increased public expenditure and dealing with a low revenue generation. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the influence of population age structure on the size of government expenditure in Africa and Asia covering the period 1990–2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed panel fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) estimation in estimating the relevant relationship between the variables in the model.

Findings

The key findings revealed that the major population age structures that influence the size of government expenditure in Africa are population aged 0–14 years and population aged 15–64 years, while that of Asia are population aged 15–64 years and population aged 65 years and above. The findings provided strong support for the Population Reference Bureau report (2019) that countries in Africa are home to some of the world's youngest population, that is, those aged 15 years or below, while Asia is home to some of the world's oldest population, that is, those aged 65 years and above.

Research limitations/implications

While generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation is beneficial in the presence of endogeneity, it is only designed for situations with a small time period (T) and a large number of cross sections (N). Hence, the estimation technique was limited only to FMOLS as the number of the cross sections or countries which is ten for Africa and ten for Asia is lower than the time period which is 29 years (1990–2018).

Originality/value

Empirical literature investigating the influence of population age structure on the size of government expenditure has focussed mainly on one aspect of the population age structure and government expenditure, which is the influence of ageing population on government expenditure on health. Hence, this study focussed on assessing the influence of population age structure on the size of government expenditure. The study is unique as it compared the two most populous continents in the world, which are Africa and Asia to determine which of the population age structures have the most significant influence on the size of government expenditure.
State of the art on geopolymer concrete
Authors: Ralli Zoi G. , Pantazopoulou Stavroula J.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Important differentiating attributes in the procedures used, the characteristic mineral composition of the binders, and the implications these have on the final long term stability and physico-mechanical performance of the concretes produced are identified and discussed, with the intent to improve transparency and clarity in the field of geopolymer concrete technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This state-of-the-art review covers the area of geopolymer concrete, a class of sustainable construction materials that use a variety of alternative powders in lieu of cement for composing concrete, most being a combination of industrial by-products and natural resources rich in specific required minerals. It explores extensively the available essential materials for geopolymer concrete and provides a deeper understanding of its underlying chemical mechanisms.

Findings

This is a state-of-the-art review introducing the essential characteristics of alternative powders used in geopolymer binders and the effectiveness these have on material performance.

Practical implications

With the increase of need for alternative cementitious materials, identifying and understanding the critical material components and the effect they may have on the performance of the resulting mixes in fresh as well as hardened state become a critical requirement to for short- and long-term quality control (e.g. flash setting, efflorescence, etc.).

Originality/value

The topic explored is significant in the field of sustainable concrete technologies where there are several parallel but distinct material technologies being developed, such as geopolymer concrete and alkali-activated concrete. Behavioral aspects and results are not directly transferable between the two fields of cementitious materials development, and these differences are explored and detailed in the present study.
Mobilizing resources in product development by organizational interfaces across firms, units and functions
Authors: Sundquist Viktoria , Melander Lisa
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how various organizational interfaces between firms, units and functions, and the interplay between them, are developed and mobilized in product development processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework is based on the industrial network approach, including interactive resource development and the concept of organizational interfaces. A single case study is conducted at a world-leading industrial tool manufacturer, illustrating how resources are combined over time, crossing boundaries of firms, units and functions in the development of a hand-held digitalized tool for quality assurance in the production of cars. Data have been collected through semi-structured interviews, with additional data in the form of project reports, internal documents and practices for external collaboration.

Findings

In addition to inter-organizational interfaces, the study identifies a typology of scouting, embarking and integration interfaces at unit level (geographically spread units of one multinational corporation) and interpretation and reciprocal interfaces at function level. The conclusions show that these interfaces affect the outcome of three aspects of the product development process: product characteristics and functionality features, system integration and organizational network extent. Existing interfaces serve as a platform for developing interaction further and provide the interfaces with new content, thus moving between different types of interfaces. Product development processes also involve new interfaces where there was no previous interaction between the parties.

Research limitations/implications

This research has implications for the interplay between interfaces in cases involving multiple external and internal actors in resource combining efforts.

Practical implications

External interactions between firms influence and impact internal activities and resources. Managers need to be aware of the complex interdependencies between external and internal interfaces and resources. Managing organizational interfaces is about both exploiting established interfaces and developing new ones. Consequently, existing interfaces may be activated differently to align with new interaction purposes, which, in turn, requires efforts to combine resources according to the new conditions.

Originality/value

Previous research contains a typology of organizational interfaces between customers and suppliers. The study expands on this research by identifying internal interfaces between units and functions.
Identifying territory-linked family business groups: a methodological proposal
Authors: Garmendia-Lazcano Aitor , Iturrioz-Landart Cristina , Aragon-Amonarriz Cristina
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a methodology to identify territory-linked family business groups (TLFBGs) in order to overcome the methodological challenges and ease studies about family business groups' (FBGs) impact on territories.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applied an algorithm to a data set of firms located in Gipuzkoa that were registered in the SABI database in 2018.

Findings

The paper defined a new construct, TLFBGs, and proposed a methodology that automatized the identification of TLFBGs by a seven-stage algorithm that was intended to be applicable to any firm-level economic and financial data set, including all registered firms and not only listed firms.

Practical implications

TLFBGs unveil the real relevance that family businesses have in the territorial development, encouraging the political support to family business. Additionally, the methodology provided allows understanding growth processes of family business.

Originality/value

The paper defines a new construct, TLFBGs, that highlights both the underexplored links existing between family and territory and between family and business groups, providing the process and criteria to capture it. The paper opens up large-scale empirical research on the social (and economic) influence of TLFBGs in territorial development.
Person-centred care in Northern Ireland: learning from the experiences of adult social care users
Authors: Chapman Alexandra
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The move towards a “person-centred” or “personalised” system of adult social care has been at the heart of policy debates in Great Britain. However, policy developments in Northern Ireland are more limited than in other parts of the UK, and less attention has been paid to reforming adult social care. The purpose of this paper is to examine the views and experiences of adult social care users who receive care at home, to explore if and how a person-centred approach might work for older adults in Northern Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 12 people aged over 70 years who receive social care provision at home.

Findings

The empirical findings show that social care users experienced limited involvement in their care planning process, reflecting a predominantly service-led approach. The importance of care worker continuity and consistency was crucial for all participants, particularly for maintaining discreet routines and promoting personal dignity. However many experienced different care workers which presented challenges caused by the inconsistency of carers.

Research limitations/implications

The majority of participants in the study were women, despite attempts to achieve greater gender diversity. It was also difficult to recruit a range of ethnic groups for the study. It would be important for future studies to include these groups and to ensure their voices are represented in further work in this area. Nonetheless, the findings offer valuable insight into the views of adult social care users and can form a useful basis for future studies.

Originality/value

The findings provide a more nuanced understanding of what people want and expect in social care to generate future policy debates and discussions in planning long-term adult social care provision in Northern Ireland. It also provides important and timely contribution to this area, where there is currently limited research and information available.
Finding the nexus between green supply chain practices and sustainable business advantage: an emerging market perspective
Authors: Amoako George Kofi , Bonsu Gifty Agyeiwah , Caesar Livingstone Divine , Osei-Tete Freeman
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to explore the connection between green supply chain practices (GSCPs) and sustained business advantage from an emerging market perspective. Research on the phenomenon is limited in developing countries where green supply chain (GSC) concepts are now increasingly gaining ground. The study also attempts a general literature review to examine the mediating role of effective environmental benchmarking and leadership factors on the relationship. It further provides insight on the moderating effect of constructs such as people involvement and customer preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

Separate searches were conducted in key academic databases such as Emerald Online Journals, Taylor and Francis Online Journals, JSTOR Online Journals and Elsevier Online Journals. Also, version 7 of the Publish or Perish software was used to search for paper focused on GSCPs and sustainability. In total, 19 articles met the predefined criteria and were used.

Findings

The results from the synthesis of the reviewed literature shows that despite the fact that leadership factors mediates the positive relationship between GSCPs and sustained business advantage, research on supply chain (SC) leadership as a construct is limited and requires further empirical research.

Research limitations/implications

Some limitations must be considered and could provide guidance for future study; this study did not collect data to test the proposed model. Moreover the study hypotheses proposed need to be tested to validate the model proposed.

Practical implications

This research by promoting an understanding of how GSCPs impacts the activities of buying and supply organizations in emerging markets. Findings on the leadership factors and people involvement constructs will assist SC operators in emerging markets to tap the tremendous potential inherent in participatory SC approaches to remain competitive and acquire sustained business advantage.

Originality/value

The study offers opportunity for empirical testing of the mediating (effective environmental benchmarking and leadership factors) and moderating (people involvement and customer preferences) variables in an emerging market context as this could provide fresh insights on the complexity of the relationships.
Drivers of mompreneurship: evidence from India
Authors: Agnihotri Arpita , Bhattacharya Saurabh
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore drivers of entrepreneurial intentions of working mothers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a survey-based method using sample of 397 working mothers in India.

Findings

Mothers’ entrepreneurial intention is negatively associated with firms’ perceived family support policies and positively associated with perceived family support. Gains from organization and family support were further enhanced for working mothers’ entrepreneurial intention through the moderating effect of perceived entrepreneurial self-efficacy.

Originality/value

Drivers of entrepreneurship intentions of mothers is scantly explored in past literature. Understanding working mothers’ entrepreneurial intentions could help firms and families provide appropriate environments and opportunities for mothers’ growth.
High mobility group nucleosomal binding 2 reduces integrin α5/β1‐mediated adhesion of Klebsiella pneumoniae on human pulmonary epithelial cells via nuclear factor I
Authors: Geng Fan , Liu Zhihao , Chen Xingmin , Chen Huan , Liu Yanzhuo , Yang Jing , Zheng Min , Yang Lu , Teng Yan
Published: October 2020

It has been reported that high mobility group nucleosomal binding domain 2 (HMGN2) is a nucleus‐related protein that regulates gene transcription and plays a critical role in bacterial clearance. An elevated level of HMGN2 reduced integrin α5/β1 expression of human pulmonary epithelial A549 cells was demonstrated during Klebsiella pneumoniae infection, thus weakening bacterial adhesion and invasion. However, the mechanism by which HMGN2 regulates integrin expression remains unclear. This study found that a transcription factor‐nuclear factor I (NFI), which serves as the potential target of HMGN2 regulated integrin expression. The results showed that HMGN2 was able to promote NFIA and NFIB expression by increasing H3K27 acetylation of NFIA/B promoter regions. The integrin α5/β1 expression was significantly enhanced by knockdown of NFIA/B via a siRNA approach. Meanwhile, NFIA/B silence could also compromise the inhibition effect of HMGN2 on the integrin α5/β1 expression. Mechanistically, it was demonstrated that HMGN2 facilitated the recruitment of NFI on the promoter regions of integrin α5/β1 according to the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. In addition, it was further demonstrated that the knockdown of NFIA/B induced more adhesion of Klebsiella pneumoniae on pulmonary epithelial A549 cells, which could be reversed by the application of an integrin inhibitor RGD. The results revealed a regulatory role of HMGN2 on the transcription level of integrin α5/β1, indicating a potential treatment strategy against Klebsiella pneumoniae‐induced infectious lung diseases.
Charcoal ecology: Its function as a hub for plant succession and soil nutrient cycling in boreal forests
Authors: Makoto Kobayashi , Koike Takayoshi
Published: October 2020

We summarize current knowledge about the ecosystem functions of fire‐produced charcoal in boreal forests with a special focus on its effects on soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous dynamics as well as on plant succession. Charcoal is a carbon‐enriched material with a highly aromatic and porous structure. Charcoal is highly resistant to microbial decomposition and thus remains in soil for thousands of years, providing recalcitrant carbon to boreal forest soils. The abundant pores in and on charcoal surfaces have powerful adsorption abilities that can influence biogeochemical cycles and plant succession after fire. Our review details the influence of charcoal on plant and soil systems and explains the complex direct and indirect pathways of these influences that occur during succession after fires in boreal ecosystems. Among these pathways, the most important pathway through which charcoal influences plant and soil systems relates to the element composition and nutrient availability in soils and to the abundance of phenolics released from Ericaceae plants in the understory of boreal forests. We found a strong bias in the studied processes towards nutrient mineralization rather than immobilization, which suggests that it is risky to draw general conclusions about the influence of charcoal on soil nutrient dynamics. Last, the latest studies shed light on the enhancement of litter and humus decomposition by charcoal, given the possibility that charcoal accelerates CO2 release in a postfire forest. This review suggests comparative studies that are necessary to test the context‐dependency of charcoal functions across a variety of boreal forest ecosystems.