bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A molecular plugin rescues GroEL/ES substrates from pre-folding oxidation
Authors: Dupuy Emile , Van der Verren Sander E. , Lin Jiusheng , Wilson Mark A. , Dachsbeck Alix , Viela Felipe , Latour Emmanuelle , Gennaris Alexandra , Vertommen Didier , Dufrêne Yves F. , Iorga Bogdan I. , Goemans Camille V. , Remaut Han , Collet Jean-François
Published: May 2022

Hsp60 chaperonins and their Hsp10 cofactors assist protein folding in all living cells, constituting the paradigmatic example of molecular chaperones. Despite extensive investigations of their structure and mechanism, crucial questions regarding how these chaperonins promote folding remain unsolved. Here, we report that the bacterial Hsp60 chaperonin GroEL forms a stable, functionally relevant complex with the chaperedoxin CnoX, a protein combining a chaperone and a redox function. Binding of GroES (Hsp10) to GroEL induces CnoX release. Cryo-electron microscopy provided crucial structural information on the GroEL-CnoX complex, showing that CnoX binds GroEL outside the substrate-binding site via a highly conserved C-terminal α-helix. Furthermore, the identification of complexes in which CnoX, bound to GroEL, forms mixed-disulfides with GroEL substrates indicates that CnoX likely functions as a redox quality-control plugin for GroEL. Proteins sharing structural features with CnoX exist in eukaryotes, which suggests that Hsp60 molecular plugins have been conserved through evolution.
Mixtures of large-scale dynamic functional brain network modes
Authors: Gohil Chetan , Roberts Evan , Timms Ryan , Skates Alex , Higgins Cameron , Quinn Andrew , Pervaiz Usama , van Amersfoort Joost , Notin Pascal , Gal Yarin , Adaszewski Stanislaw , Woolrich Mark
Published: May 2022

Accurate temporal modelling of functional brain networks is essential in the quest for understanding how such networks facilitate cognition. Researchers are beginning to adopt time-varying analyses for electrophysiological data that capture highly dynamic processes on the order of milliseconds. Typically, these approaches, such as clustering of functional connectivity profiles and Hidden Markov Modelling (HMM), assume mutual exclusivity of networks over time. Whilst a powerful constraint, this assumption may be compromising the ability of these approaches to describe the data effectively. Here, we propose a new generative model for functional connectivity as a time-varying linear mixture of spatially distributed statistical “modes”. The temporal evolution of this mixture is governed by a recurrent neural network, which enables the model to generate data with a rich temporal structure. We use a Bayesian framework known as amortised variational inference to learn model parameters from observed data. We call the approach DyNeMo (for Dynamic Network Modes), and show using simulations it outperforms the HMM when the assumption of mutual exclusivity is violated. In resting-state MEG, DyNeMo reveals a mixture of modes that activate on fast time scales of 100-150 ms, which is similar to state lifetimes found using an HMM. In task MEG data, DyNeMo finds modes with plausible, task-dependent evoked responses without any knowledge of the task timings. Overall, DyNeMo provides decompositions that are an approximate remapping of the HMM’s while showing improvements in overall explanatory power. However, the magnitude of the improvements suggests that the HMM’s assumption of mutual exclusivity can be reasonable in practice. Nonetheless, DyNeMo provides a flexible framework for implementing and assessing future modelling developments.
Using Shape Fluctuations to Probe the Mechanics of Stress Granules
Authors: Law Jack O. , Jones Carl M. , Stevenson Thomas , Turner Matthew S. , Kusumaatmaja Halim , Grellscheid Sushma N.
Published: May 2022

Surface tension plays a significant role in many functions of biomolecular condensates, from governing the dynamics of droplet coalescence to determining how condensates interact with and deform lipid membranes and biological filaments. To date, however, there is a lack of accurate methods to measure the surface tension of condensates in living cells. Here, we present a high-throughput flicker spectroscopy technique that is able to analyse the thermal fluctuations of the surfaces of tens of thousands of condensates to extract the distribution of surface tensions. Demonstrating this approach on stress granules, we show for the first time that the measured fluctuation spectra cannot be explained by surface tension alone. It is necessary to include an additional energy contribution, which we attribute to an elastic bending rigidity and suggests the presence of structure at the granule-cytoplasm interface. Our data also show that stress granules do not have a spherical base-shape, but fluctuate around a more irregular geometry. Taken together, these results demonstrate quantitatively that the mechanics of stress granules clearly deviate from those expected for simple liquid droplets.
Transient dynamics in plant-pollinator networks: Fewer but higher quality of pollinator visits determines plant invasion success
Authors: Valdovinos Fernanda , Dritz Sabine , Marsland Robert
Published: May 2022

Invasive plants often use mutualisms to establish in their new habitats and tend to be visited by resident pollinators similarly or more frequently than native plants. The quality and resulting reproductive success of those visits, however, have rarely been studied in a network context. Here, we use a dynamic model to evaluate the invasion success and impacts on natives of various types of non-native plant species introduced into thousands of plant-pollinator networks of varying structure. We found that network structure properties did not predict invasion success, but non-native traits and interactions did. Specifically, non-native plants producing high amounts of floral rewards but visited by few pollinators at the moment of their introduction were the only plant species able to invade the networks. This result is determined by the transient dynamics occurring right after the plant introduction. Successful invasions increased the abundance of pollinators that visited the invader, but the reallocation of the pollinators’ foraging effort from native plants to the invader reduced the quantity and quality of visits received by native plants and made the networks slightly more modular and nested. The positive and negative effects of the invader on pollinator and plant abundance, respectively, were buffered by plant richness. Our results call for evaluating the impact of invasive plants not only on visitation rates and network structure, but also on processes beyond pollination including seed production and recruitment of native plants.
Endogenous sterol synthesis is dispensable for Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote growth but not stress tolerance
Authors: Dumoulin Peter C. , Vollrath Joshua , Won Madalyn , Wang Jennifer X. , Burleigh Barbara A.
Published: May 2022

In addition to scavenging exogenous cholesterol, the parasitic kinetoplastid Trypanosoma cruzi can endogenously synthesize sterols. Similar to fungal species, T. cruzi synthesizes ergostane type sterols and is sensitive to a class of azole inhibitors of ergosterol biosynthesis that target the enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51). In the related kinetoplastid parasite Leishmania donovani, CYP51 is essential, yet in Leishmania major, the cognate enzyme is dispensable for growth; but not heat resistance. The essentiality of CYP51 and the specific role of ergostane-type sterol products in T. cruzi has not been established. To better understand the importance of this pathway, we have disrupted the CYP51 gene in T. cruzi epimastigotes (ΔCYP51). Disruption of CYP51 leads to accumulation of 14-methylated sterols and a concurrent absence of the final sterol product ergosterol. While ΔCYP51 epimastigotes have slowed proliferation compared to wild type parasites, the enzyme is not required for growth; however, ΔCYP51 epimastigotes exhibit sensitivity to elevated temperature, an elevated mitochondrial membrane potential and fail to establish growth as intracellular amastigotes in vitro. Further genetic disruption of squalene epoxidase (ΔSQLE) results in the absence of all endogenous sterols and sterol auxotrophy, yet failed to rescue tolerance to stress in ΔCYP51 parasites, suggesting the loss of ergosterol and not accumulation of 14-methylated sterols modulates stress tolerance.
Reversing Radiation-Induced Immunosuppression Using a New Therapeutic Modality
Authors: Courtney Colleen M. , Sharma Sadhana , Fallgren Christina , Weil Michael M. , Chatterjee Anushree , Nagpal Prashant
Published: May 2022

Radiation-induced immune suppression poses significant health challenges for millions of patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, and astronauts and space tourists travelling to outer space. While a limited number of recombinant protein therapies, such a Sargramostim, are approved for accelerating hematologic recovery, the pronounced role of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF or CSF2) as a proinflammatory cytokine poses additional challenges in creating immune dysfunction towards pathogenic autoimmune diseases. Here we present an approach to high-throughput drug-discovery, target validation, and lead molecule identification using nucleic acid-based molecules. These Nanoligomer™ molecules are rationally designed using a bioinformatics and an artificial intelligence (AI)-based ranking method and synthesized as a single-modality combining 6-different design elements to up- or downregulate gene expression of target gene, resulting in elevated or diminished protein expression of intended target. This method additionally alters related gene network targets ultimately resulting in pathway modulation. This approach was used to perturb and identify the most effective upstream regulators and canonical pathways for therapeutic intervention to reverse radiation-induced immunosuppression. The lead Nanoligomer™identified in a screen of human donor derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) upregulated Erythropoietin (EPO) and showed the greatest reversal of radiation induced cytokine changes. It was further testedin vivoin a mouse radiation-model with low-dose (3 mg/kg) intraperitoneal administration and was shown to regulate gene expression ofepoin lung tissue as well as counter immune suppression. These results point to the broader applicability of our approach towards drug-discovery, and potential for further investigation of lead molecule as reversible gene therapy to treat adverse health outcomes induced by radiation exposure.
Bayesian joint species distribution model selection for community-level prediction
Authors: Itter Malcolm , Kaarlejärvi Elina , Laine Anna-Liisa , Hamberg Leena , Tonteri Tiina , Vanhatalo Jarno
Published: May 2022

Joint species distribution models (JSDMs) are an important conservation tool for predicting ecosystem diversity and function under global change. The growing complexity of modern JSDMs necessitates careful model selection tailored to the challenges of community prediction under novel conditions (i.e., transferable models). Common approaches to evaluate the performance of JSDMs for community-level prediction are based on individual species predictions that do not account for the species correlation structures inherent in JSDMs. Here, we formalize a Bayesian model selection approach that accounts for species correlation structures and apply it to compare the community-level predictive performance of alternative JSDMs across broad environmental gradients emulating transferable applications. We connect the evaluation of JSDM predictions to Bayesian model selection theory under which the log score is the preferred performance measure for probabilistic prediction. We define the joint log score for community-level prediction and distinguish it from more commonly applied JSDM evaluation metrics. We then apply this community log score to evaluate predictions of 1,918 out-of-sample boreal forest understory communities spanning 39 species generated using a novel JSDM framework that supports alternative species correlation structures: independent, compositional dependence, and residual dependence. The best performing JSDM included all observed environmental variables and multinomial species correlations reflecting compositional dependence within modeled community data. The addition of flexible residual species correlations improved model predictions only within JSDMs applying a reduced set of environmental variables highlighting potential confounding between unobserved environmental conditions and residual species dependence. The best performing JSDM was consistent across successional and bio-climatic gradients regardless of whether interest was in species- or community-level prediction. Our study demonstrates the utility of the community log score to quantify differences in the predictive performance of complex JSDMs and highlights the importance of accounting for species dependence when interest is in community composition under novel conditions.
Single cell transcriptomic profiling of tauopathy in a novel 3D neuron-astrocyte coculture model
Authors: Rickner Hannah Drew , Jiang Lulu , Hong Rui , O’Neill Nicholas K , Mojica Chromewell A , Snyder Benjamin J , Zhang Lushuang , Shaw Dipan , Medalla Maria , Wolozin Benjamin , Cheng Christine S.
Published: May 2022

The use of iPSC derived brain organoid models to study neurodegenerative disease has been hampered by a lack of systems that accurately and expeditiously recapitulate pathogenesis in the context of neuron-glial interactions. Here we report development of a system, termed AstTau, which propagates toxic human tau oligomers in iPSC derived neuron-astrocyte spheroids. The AstTau system develops much of the neuronal and astrocytic pathology observed in tauopathies including misfolded, phosphorylated, oligomeric, and fibrillar tau, strong neurodegeneration, and reactive astrogliosis. Single cell transcriptomic profiling combined with immunochemistry characterizes a model system that can more closely recapitulate late-stage changes in adult neurodegeneration. The transcriptomic studies demonstrate striking changes in neuroinflammatory and heat shock protein (HSP) chaperone systems in the disease process. Treatment with the HSP90 inhibitor PU-H71 was used to address the putative dysfunctional HSP chaperone system and produced a strong reduction of pathology and neurodegeneration, highlighting the potential of AstTau as a rapid and reproducible tool for drug discovery.
Fluorescence complementation enables quantitative imaging of cell penetrating peptide-mediated protein delivery in plants including WUSCHEL transcription factor
Authors: Wang Jeffrey W. , Goh Natalie , Squire Henry , Ni Michael , Lien Edward , González-Grandío Eduardo , Landry Markita P.
Published: May 2022

Protein delivery to plants offers many opportunities for plant bioengineering via gene editing and through direction of protein-protein interactions. However, the delivery and confirmation of successful protein delivery to plants presents both practical and analytical challenges. We present a GFP bimolecular fluorescence complementation-based tool, delivered complementationin planta(DCIP), which allows for unambiguous and quantitative measurement of protein delivery in leaves. Using DCIP, we demonstrate cell-penetrating peptide mediated cytosolic delivery of peptides and recombinant proteins inNicotiana benthamiana. We show that DCIP enables measurement of delivery efficiency and enables functional screening of cell penetrating peptide efficacies for in-plant protein delivery. Finally, we demonstrate that DCIP detects cell penetrating peptide mediated delivery of recombinantly expressed proteins such as mCherry and Lifeact into intact leaves. Finally, we also demonstrate, for the first time, delivery of a recombinant plant transcription factor, WUSCHEL (AtWUS), inN. benthamiana. RT-qPCR analysis of AtWUS delivery inArabidopsisseedlings also suggests delivered WUS can recapitulate AtWUS-overexpression transcriptional changes. All combined, DCIP offers a new and powerful tool for interrogating cytosolic delivery of proteins in plants and highlights future avenues for engineering plant physiology.
The dually localized EF-hand domain-containing protein TgEFP1 regulates the lytic cycle of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Dave Noopur , LaFavers Kaice , Arrizabalaga Gustavo
Published: May 2022

The propagation of the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii is tightly regulated by calcium signaling. However, the mechanisms by which calcium homeostasis and fluxes are regulated in this human pathogen are not fully understood. To identify Toxoplasma’s calcium homeostasis network, we have characterized a novel EF-hand domain-containing protein, which we have named TgEFP1. We have determined that TgEFP1 localizes to a previously described compartment known as the plant-like vacuole or the endo-lysosomal compartment (PLV/ELC), which harbors several proteins related to ionic regulation. Interestingly, partial permeabilization techniques showed that TgEFP1 is also secreted into the parasitophorous vacuole (PV), within which the parasite divides. Ultrastructure expansion microscopy confirmed the unusual dual localization of TgEFP1 at the PLV/ELC and the PV. Furthermore, we determined that the localization of TgEFP1 to the PV, but not to the PLV/ELC, is affected by disruption of Golgi-dependent transport with Brefeldin A. Knockout of TgEFP1 results in faster propagation in tissue culture, hypersensitivity to calcium ionophore-induced egress, and premature natural egress. Thus, our work has revealed an interplay between the PV and the PLV/ELC and a role for TgEFP1 in the regulation of calcium-dependent events.
IPT9, a cis-zeatin cytokinin biosynthesis gene, promotes root growth
Authors: Antoniadi Ioanna , Mateo-Bonmatí Eduardo , Pernisová Markéta , Brunoni Federica , Antoniadi Mariana , Villalonga Mauricio Garcia-Atance , Ament Anita , Karády Michal , Turnbull Colin , Doležal Karel , Pěnčík Ales , Ljung Karin , Novák Ondřej
Published: May 2022

Cytokinin and auxin are plant hormones that coordinate many aspects of plant development. Their interactions in plant underground growth are well established, occurring at the levels of metabolism, signaling, and transport. Unlike many plant hormone classes, cytokinins are represented by more than one active molecule. Multiple mutant lines, blocking specific parts of cytokinin biosynthetic pathways, have enabled research in plants with deficiencies in specific cytokinin-types. While most of these mutants have confirmed the impeding effect of cytokinin on root growth, the ipt29 double mutant instead surprisingly exhibits reduced primary root length compared to wild type. This mutant is impaired in cis-zeatin (cZ) production, a cytokinin-type that had been considered inactive in the past. Here we have further investigated the intriguing ipt29 root phenotype, opposite to known cytokinin functions, and the (bio)activity of cZ. Our data suggest that despite the ipt29 short-root phenotype, cZ application has a negative impact on primary root growth and can activate a cytokinin response in the stele. Grafting experiments revealed that the root phenotype of ipt29 depends on local signaling which does not relate to directly to cytokinin levels. Notably, ipt29 displayed increased auxin levels in the root tissue. Moreover, analyses of the differential contributions of ipt2 and ipt9 to the ipt29 short-root phenotype demonstrated that, despite its deficiency on cZ levels, ipt2 does not show any root phenotype or auxin homeostasis variation while ipt9 mutants were indistinguishable from ipt29. We conclude that IPT9 functions may go beyond cZ biosynthesis, directly or indirectly, implicating effects on auxin homeostasis and therefore influencing plant growth.
Membrane curvature sensing and stabilization by the autophagic LC3 lipidation machinery
Authors: Jensen Liv E. , Rao Shanlin , Schuschnig Martina , Cada A. King , Martens Sascha , Hummer Gerhard , Hurley James H.
Published: May 2022

How the highly curved phagophore membrane is stabilized during autophagy initiation is a major open question in autophagosome biogenesis. Here, we usein vitroreconstitution on membrane nanotubes and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how core autophagy proteins in the LC3 lipidation cascade interact with curved membranes, providing insight into possible roles in regulating membrane shape during autophagosome biogenesis. ATG12–5-16L1 was up to 100-fold enriched on highly curved nanotubes relative to flat membranes. At high surface density, ATG12–5-16L1 binding increased the curvature of the nanotubes. While WIPI2 binding directs membrane recruitment, the amphipathic helixα2 of ATG16L1 is responsible for curvature sensitivity. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that helixα2 of ATG16L1 inserts shallowly into the membrane, explaining its curvature-sensitive binding to the membrane. These observations show how the binding of the ATG12–5-16L1 complex to the early phagophore rim could stabilize membrane curvature and facilitate autophagosome growth.
An in-vitro investigation of effects of acetylcholine on attenuate and low motile diluted rooster semen quality
Authors: Ghaffar Osama. R. , Farzinpour Amjad , Vaziry Asaad , Naderi Sina
Published: May 2022

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of acetylcholine (ACh) on 24 hours preserved diluted rooster semen at 4°C with a low motility percentage during 2 hours at room temperature incubation. Ten indigenous same-aged roosters were used in this study, adapted by Dorso-abdominal massage for semen collection for one month before starting main work. Semen was collected weekly twice by the Dorso-abdominal massage technique, collected semen transferred to the laboratory in less than 10 minutes, and took a previous qualifying examination. Qualify semen from each rooster polled together and diluted by the Lake extender and preserved for 24 hours at 4°C in the refrigerator. Different ACh concentrations (10mM-100mM) were added to Low motile semen and stored for 24 h at 4°C, and the quality parameters such as motility, viability, acrosome, and plasma membrane integrity were measured evaluated. Adding ACh in 10mM for the low motile semen significantly increased semen motility from 50% to 78.5% (P<0.05) at time zero, but other ACh concentrations did not have any significant differences compared to control. During two hours’ incubation of recovered semen at room temperature, 10mM ACh prevented declining semen motility compared to control and other ACh concentrations significantly (P<0.05), which motility in 10mM ACh concentration 59%. In contrast, control, 1mM ACh, and 100μM ACh group was 2.5%, 4%, and 1%, respectively. Semen viability after two hours of recovery at room temperature significantly 3.5% was less than the control group (P<0.05), but acrosome and plasma membrane integrity has not had any differences between all experimental groups (P>0.05). We can conclude that 10mM ACh can recover semen motility and not have toxicity and side effects on semen quality.
N-Iodosaccharin–pyridine co-crystal system under pressure: experimental evidence of reversible twinning
Authors: Vijayakumar-Syamala Vishnu , Aubert Emmanuel , Deutsch Maxime , Wenger Emmanuel , Dhaka Arun , Fourmigué Marc , Nespolo Massimo , Espinosa Enrique
Published: May 2022

This work presents a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of an organic co-crystal composed of N-iodosaccharin and pyridine (NISac·py) under hydrostatic pressure ranging from 0.00 (5) GPa to 4.5 (2) GPa. NISac·py crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group B21/e). The unconventional setting of the space group is adopted (the conventional setting is P21/c, No. 14) to emphasise the strongly pseudo-orthorhombic symmetry of the lattice, with a β angle very close to 90°. The crystal structure contains one molecule each of N-iodosaccharin (NISac) and pyridine (py) in the asymmetric unit (Z′ = 1), linked via an Nsac...I...N′py halogen-bonding motif. A gradual modification of this motif is observed under pressure as a result of changes in the crystalline environment. Mechanical twinning is observed under compression and the sample splits into two domains, spanning an unequal volume that is mapped by a twofold rotation about the [100] direction of the B21/e unit cell. The twinning is particularly significant at high pressure, being reversible when the pressure is released. The structure of the twinned sample reveals the continuity of a substantial substructure across the composition plane. The presence of this common substructure in the two orientations of the twinned individuals can be interpreted as a structural reason for the formation of the twin and is the first observed example in a molecular crystal. These results indicate that the anisotropy of intermolecular interactions in the crystal structure results in an anisotropic strain generated upon the action of hydrostatic compression. Periodic density functional theory calculations were carried out by considering an isotropic external pressure, the results showing good agreement with the experimental findings. The bulk modulus of the crystal was obtained from the equations of state, being 7 (1) GPa for experimental data and 6.8 (5) GPa for theoretical data.
Reviewer information and advertisement format: impact on watching a new movie release
Authors: Fogel Joshua , Prabhu Prajwal
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the association of information technology and non-information technology reviewer information and advertisement format, and also demographics and theory of planned behavior variables for watching a new movie release.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed 809 college students about various advertisement topics of traditional media/print, Internet, social media, and both print and online reviews.

Findings

For advertising, outdoor billboards and YouTube video were each positively associated with watching a new movie release while reviewer information of critic reviews in print, critic reviews online, and user reviewers were each not associated with watching a new movie release. For race/ethnicity, Hispanics were positively associated with watching a new movie release while South Asians were negatively associated with watching a new movie release. For theory of planned behavior variables, behavioral control and intentions were each positively associated with watching a new movie release.

Practical implications

In conclusion, movie production companies should dedicate large portions of their advertising budget to YouTube and outdoor billboard advertising. Also, movie production companies should continue to advertise and possibly even tailor advertising to Hispanics.

Originality/value

This is the first study for watching a new movie release to simultaneously include predictors of advertisement format including from many types of social media platforms, reviewer information whether from professional critics or user reviews, and the theory of planned behavior.
Equivalent relationship of accelerated corrosion and compilation method of environmental spectrum of corroded steel wires
Authors: Li Rou , Miao Changqing , Nie Mingfen , Wang Yichun
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the equivalent relationship of accelerated corrosion and compilation method of environmental spectrum of corroded steel wires.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on Faraday’s law and the principle of equivalent corrosion damage, the method for compiling the equivalent environmental spectrum of accelerated corrosion was established. The equivalent conversion relationship of steel wire under different temperature and pH conditions and the relationship between corrosion factors and corrosion rate through the electrochemical tests were proposed.

Findings

The high temperature had a greater impact on the equivalent conversion coefficient than the low temperature. When the temperature increased from 15°C to 60°C, the equivalent conversion coefficient increased by about 3–6 times. The weak acid had a greater impact on equivalent conversion coefficient compared with strong acid. The effect of temperature on the equivalent conversion coefficient was much greater than that of pH value.

Originality/value

The compilation method of corrosion environment spectrum of bridge operation and the calculation method of corrosion depth proposed in this paper were reasonable, and the corrosion depth and service life of cable components could be predicted.
Firm performance, vertical agency crisis and corporate governance of Indian listed companies
Authors: Sethi Premananda , Sahu Tarak Nath , Maity Sudarshan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of corporate governance variables on firm performance and also to find out whether the corporate governance mechanism is capable of mitigating the vertical agency crisis. Here the researcher uses corporate governance mechanisms such as board meeting frequency, board independence, percentage of non-executive directors, percentage of woman directors on board and the board size to measure the firm performance and, at the same time, tries to mitigate the agency crisis, which is measured through return on asset and asset turnover ratio.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study considers period from 2009 to 2020 with data corresponding to a panel of 271 non-financial firms listed in 500 NSE index, India. The study introduces a panel regression model to analyze the data collected from the sample firms.

Findings

The study detects a positive as well as a statistically significant relationship between board size and vertical agency cost. The study also observes a negative relationship between board independence and agency cost. Further, the study finds a positive relationship between corporate governance variables and firm performance, though it is non-significant.

Originality/value

As the study progresses, the study detects a negative relationship between non-executive directors and agency costs. This study tries to give policy prescription to the corporate policymaker regarding various measures to be taken by the firm for the improvement of firm performance and reduction of owner and manager conflict inside the company. The study fills the literature gap by revealing a significant relationship between corporate governance, vertical agency crisis and firm performance.
Novel coordinated power sources switching strategy for transient performance enhancement of hybrid electric vehicles
Authors: Oubelaid Adel , Taib Nabil , Rekioua Toufik
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the investigation of a new coordinated switching strategy to improve the transient performance of a fuel cell (FC)- supercapacitor (SC) electric vehicle. The proposed switching strategy protects FCs from large currents drawn during abrupt power variations. Furthermore, it compensates the poor FC transient response and suppresses the transient ripples occurring during power source switching instants.

Design/methodology/approach

Coordinated power source switching is achieved using three different transition functions. Vehicle model is fractioned into computational and console subsystems for its simulation using real time (RT) LAB simulator. Blocs containing coordination switching strategy, power sources models and their power electronics interface are placed in the computational subsystem that will be executed, in RT, on one of real time laboratory simulator central processing unit cores.

Findings

Coordination switching strategy resulted in reducing transient power ripples by 90% and direct current (DC) bus voltage fluctuations by 50%. Switching through transition functions compensated the difference between FC and SC transient responses responsible for transient power ripples. Among the three proposed transition functions, linear transition function resulted in the best transient performances.

Originality/value

The proposed coordinated switching strategy allows the control of the switching period duration. Furthermore, it enables the choice of adequate transition functions that fit the dynamics of power sources undergoing transition. Also, the proposed switching technique is simple and does not require the knowledge of system parameters or the complex control models.
Dynamics of export competitiveness of India and China: a study of HS 6-digit manufacturing exports
Authors: Ganai Sayed Gulzar , Khan Javid Ahmad , Bhat Showkat Ahmad
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The export competitiveness has only calculated on only two aspects either comparatively advantageous or comparatively disadvantageous products for India or China. There is not any thorough study that has been undertaken for Indian manufacturing sector at a segregated level along with that of China. So, in the light of these shortcomings, the purpose of this study is to analyse the dynamics of export competitiveness of indian manufacturing sector vis-à-vis its emerging counterpart, china in the global market.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified revealed comparative advantage index has been used in two different phases of 2001–08 and 2010–18 to find the dynamic pattern of manufacturing exports of India and China in the world market.

Findings

The study revealed that India has shown a positive response in increasing its competitive positioned products from low-technology to medium-technology products during the study period. There has been a decline in the competitive positioned products of China and simultaneously China’s threatened product lines have shown an immense increment over the years. Moreover, Indian exports are concentrated to few low-technology and resource-intensive products, that share more than 50% of total exported value for its manufacturing in the global market, whereas, China is much diversified and the exported value is more scattered over its manufactured items.

Research limitations/implications

The study does not include the factors that impacted the export competitiveness of the sample economies and thus adds a limitation to this study.

Originality/value

As there is very limited research on dynamics of export competitiveness of Indian manufacturing exports at harmonised system 6-digit level with China, this study fulfils the gap.
Understanding the talent development of notable artists and scientists of color and women: why contextual factors matter
Authors: Paik Susan J. , Kunisaki Lindsey T. , Tran Vinh Q. , Marshall-Harper Kenya R.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to discuss the significance of “contextual factors” on the talent development of underserved populations. Understanding the “context” and background of an individual provides greater insight into their life experiences (Paik, 2013). Race, class and gender, in particular, play a role in one’s life, providing both barriers and opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine contextual and other factors, in-depth biographical case studies were systematically studied across 10 diverse notable artists and scientists. Over 85 autobiographies, biographies and other sources were carefully content-analyzed for commonalities and differences in artists’ and scientists’ lives.

Findings

Because of their ascribed statuses (e.g. race, class, gender), these individuals had to navigate their unique school and life circumstances. Within their sociocultural contexts, however, key relationships (e.g. parents, teachers, mentors and peers) helped mitigate the challenges. All artists and scientists had a “village” – key stakeholders who invested in them at every stage of their talent development.

Practical implications

Parents, teachers, mentors and peers are not only critical, but they are lifelines for talent development. Key implications discuss the role of contextual factors and support networks for aspiring diverse artists and scientists.

Originality/value

The theoretical framework for this study is based on the productive giftedness model (PGM) (Paik, 2013, 2015). PGM includes 10 key psychosocial and environmental factors and how they influence “productive giftedness” (e.g. achievements, accomplishments, leadership). Within the model, both “alterable” and “contextual factors” provide access to different opportunities, support and resources. The model is considered generalizable and applicable for diverse populations.
Electricity as a common good/resource: a scenario based approach
Authors: Marzban Ehsan , Firoozpour Armin , Marzban Mostafa
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Energy systems are quickly in transition and their complexity has been dramatically increased. Although there are numerous studies and researches about future of energy in terms of technology or fuels, few studies have been done based on comprehensive socio-technical dimensions of energy systems’ futures. One key question to fill this gap is that how can we consider electricity as a sustainable common good/resource, beyond some conventional considerations related to public or private sector orientation? The purpose of this study is to find an acceptable answer for this question..

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the purpose of this study, after reviewing some relevant studies, key effective factors on the future of energy have been recognized in an expert panel and structurally analyzed by Micmac software based on cross-impact analyze method. Thereafter, four scenarios for transforming the electricity distribution from a monopoly good to a common resource have been developed and described based on scenario workshops method..

Findings

Four scenarios for transforming the electricity distribution from a monopoly good to a common resource have been developed and described. These scenarios include “spider grid,” “local grid,” “intermediate grid” and “off-grid.” Furthermore, different dimensions of electricity as a common good/resource have been investigated. As a result, the authors find out that common resource is a creatable concept that can be referred to some goods depending on certain conditions.

Originality/value

Electricity, like any other resource with common characteristics, can be considered and treated as a common resource, depending on the way we generate, share and distribute it, ownership and property rights, management and decision-making mechanisms, social participation processes and governance criteria.
Dry-sliding tribological properties of a tin–bronze alloy produced by multiaxial forging and annealing
Authors: Wei Chunhua , Niu Chenglin , Tan Youyuan , Lei Zhixin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the dry-sliding tribological properties of fine-grained tin–bronze alloy under reciprocating sliding conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

A fine-grained tin–bronze alloy was processed by multiaxial forging (MAF) and annealing treatment. Friction and wear experiments were conducted on a reciprocating sliding tribometer. Microstructure, tensile mechanical properties, hardness, wear rate, friction coefficient and wear morphologies of coarse-grained sample, MAF sample and MAF and annealing sample were compared.

Findings

After MAF, the strength and hardness increased distinctly, but the elongation decreased. The wear rate is increased, though friction coefficient is lower. Weaker work hardening leads up to higher sliding wear rate. After MAF and annealing, the alloy has higher strength, hardness and elongation. Lower wear rate of the alloy is correlated with the higher hardness, elongation and work hardening. The adhesion wear and abrasive wear are the primary wear mechanism.

Originality/value

It was found that the fine-grained alloy shows lower sliding wear rate only by combining severe plastic deformation with heat treatment. The process of MAF and annealing is useful in improving the wear resistance of tin–bronze alloy.
Motivating individual carbon reduction with saleable carbon credits: policy implications for public emission reduction projects
Authors: Han Jiayuan , Kong Lingcheng , Wang Wenbin , Xie Jiqing
Published: May 2022

Purpose

A public emission reduction project offers saleable carbon credits to encourage individual residents to participate in activities with low carbon emissions: if the residents participate, they will earn carbon credits that can be sold to polluting firms for carbon offsetting. This study explores the economic and environmental implications of these projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a multiperiod model to incorporate the decisions of individual residents and a polluting firm. The model captures residents' difference in estimating the price of carbon credits: A proportion of residents are naive residents who shortsightedly take the previous market price of carbon credits as the basis of their decision-making.

Findings

A public emission reduction project can improve the cost-efficiency of carbon reduction, increase both the profit of the polluting firm and consumer surplus, but may hurt the welfare of the participating residents. Reducing transaction costs of carbon credits may cause a greater loss to participating residents. As the ratio of naive residents decreases, the overall welfare of participating residents increases and the number of participating residents decreases.

Practical implications

To encourage more residents to reduce carbon emissions, the project should be promoted to new areas (e.g. rural areas) where there are more naive residents. Although reducing transaction costs is an effective way to increase the economic viability of the project, the government should pay attention to protecting the welfare of residents, and educating residents is an effective way to improve their overall welfare.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to reveal the economic and environmental implications of public emission reduction projects.
Reducing barriers to female entrepreneurship in Oman: does family matter?
Authors: Abd El Basset Fatma , Bell Robin , Al Kharusi Buthaina
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Previous research has found that family characteristics, including family income, entrepreneurship/business experience and family size, can influence offspring’s entrepreneurial potential and perception of the barriers to entrepreneurship. This paper aims to extend this proposition to women in Oman to determine whether family income, entrepreneurship/business experience and family size influence women’s perception of barriers to entrepreneurship

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on primary data that was collected through a structured questionnaire from 123 female respondents at an Omani private university. The data was analysed using PCA, correlation and regression analysis to determine the influence of the family characteristic on the perception of barriers to entrepreneurship.

Findings

The findings concluded that the three family characteristics being tested were not able to predict a change in the perception of barriers to entrepreneurship. This contradicts previous research conducted in Western contexts and highlights the potential weakness in family support for female entrepreneurship in Oman.

Originality/value

These results challenge some of the extant findings in the literature, thus enriching the current perspectives on female entrepreneurship and the impact of Omani family characteristics, in terms of income, economic background and family size, on the perception of barriers that hinder entrepreneurship among female students
The role of diffusion of innovation theory towards the adoption of halal meat supply chain
Authors: Qader Ghulam , Shahid Zubair Ali , Junaid Muhammad , Shaikh Imran Mehboob , Qureshi Muhamamd Asif
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the factors that drive the exporter’s influence toward halal meat supply chain adoption by encompassing the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory in the context of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Using DOI as an underpinning theory, this study evaluates halal supply chain adoption by collecting data from the members of associations from Pakistan. A total of 258 useable responses were received, and PLS-SEM was adopted using SmartPLS.

Findings

The exporter’s adoption of the halal supply chain is determined not only by perceived relative advantage and perceived compatibility but also by perceived complexity, religious beliefs and awareness.

Research limitations/implications

Though this study has practical and managerial implications, it has few limitations. Further studies need to be conducted in other contexts as well with a larger population.

Originality/value

There are limited studies that have tested DOI theory in the context of the halal meat supply chain in Pakistan. Therefore, the author extends the diffusion theory of innovation in the current work. Further, this paper will be a helpful reference guide for academicians, practitioners and researchers.
Does the relationship between brand attitude, brand attachment and purchase intention vary based on the type of prosocial expression-based brand emoji?
Authors: Jeon Hye-Jin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the most effective type of emoji for deriving positive marketing results by determining whether the relationship between brand attitude, brand attachment and purchase intention is moderated by the various types of prosocial expression-based brand emojis used.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to Koreans in their 20s. Starbucks brand emojis were classified into three types: static gesture, animated gesture and a combined animated gesture and displayed word. A moderated–mediation analysis was performed to verify the research hypotheses. Gender, age, region of residence, frequency of Starbucks use and Starbucks favorability were used as control variables.

Findings

Animations in emojis were shown to strengthen the marketing effect. Further, combining animated prosocial gestures and displayed words had a more positive marketing effect than merely applying animated prosocial gestures.

Originality/value

This study closely examined the role of verbal, in the form of colloquial words, and nonverbal aspects, in the form of emojis, in the creation of positive business outcomes. Additionally, the positive marketing effect of animated emojis is discussed from a mechanistic point of view by linking research results to those in the field of neuroscience (mirroring by mirror neurons).
Cross-social networks analysis: building me-edge centered BUNet dataset based on implicit bridge users
Authors: Amara Amina , Hadj Taieb Mohamed Ali , Ben Aouicha Mohamed
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The intensive blooming of social media, specifically social networks, pushed users to be integrated into more than one social network and therefore many new “cross-network” scenarios have emerged, including cross-social networks content posting and recommendation systems. For this reason, it is mightily a necessity to identify implicit bridge users across social networks, known as social network reconciliation problem, to deal with such scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

We propose the BUNet (Bridge Users for cross-social Networks analysis) dataset built on the basis of a feature-based approach for identifying implicit bridge users across two popular social networks: Facebook and Twitter. The proposed approach leverages various similarity measures for identity matching. The Jaccard index is selected as the similarity measure outperforming all the tested measures for computing the degree of similarity between friends’ sets of two accounts of the same real person on two different social networks. Using “cross-site” linking functionality, the dataset is enriched by explicit me-edges from other social media websites.

Findings

Using the proposed approach, 399,407 users are extracted from different social platforms including an important number of bridge users shared across those platforms. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves good performance on implicit bridge users’ detection.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the current scarcity of literature regarding cross-social networks analysis by providing researchers with a huge dataset of bridge users shared between different types of social media platforms.