bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible Sensory-Motor Mapping Rules Manifest in Correlated Variability of Stimulus and Action Codes Across the Brain
Authors: van den Brink R.L. , Hagena K. , Wilming N. , Murphy P.R. , Büchel C. , Donner T.H.
Published: March 2022

Humans and non-human primates can flexibly switch between different arbitrary mappings from sensation to action to solve a cognitive task. It has remained unknown how the brain implements such flexible sensory-motor mapping rules. Here, we uncovered a dynamic reconfiguration of task-specific correlated variability between sensory and motor brain regions. Human participants switched between two rules for reporting visual orientation judgments during fMRI recordings. Rule switches were either signaled explicitly or inferred by the participants from ambiguous cues. We used behavioral modeling to reconstruct the time course of their belief about the active rule. In both contexts, the patterns of correlations between ongoing fluctuations in stimulus- and action-selective activity across visual and action-related brain regions tracked participants’ belief about the active rule. The rule-specific correlation patterns broke down around the time of behavioral errors. We conclude that internal beliefs about task state are instantiated in brain-wide, selective patterns of correlated variability.
Comparison of sampling methods for small oxbow wetland fish communities
Authors: Osterhaus Dylan M. , Leberg Samuel S. , Pierce Clay L. , Stewart Timothy W. , McCombs Audrey
Published: March 2022

Throughout the world, wetlands have experienced degradation and declines in areal coverage. Fortunately, recognition of the value of wetlands has generated interest in preserving and restoring them. Post-restoration monitoring is necessary to analyze success or failure, thereby informing subsequent management decisions. Restoration of oxbow wetlands has become the focus of targeted restoration efforts to promote recovery of biodiversity and sensitive species, and to enhance ecosystem services. The fish communities of oxbows have been the subject of many monitoring studies. However, an optimal method for monitoring the fish communities of oxbows has not been described, thereby limiting our capacity to effectively manage these ecosystems. We compared four sampling methodologies (backpack electrofishing, fyke netting, minnow trapping, and seining) for fish community data collection with a primary objective of determining an optimal method for sampling fish communities in small oxbow wetlands. Seining and fyke netting were determined to be optimal methods for sampling oxbow fish communities. Backpack electrofishing and minnow trapping produced lower total catch and taxonomic richness values than seining and fyke netting. Although seining and fyke netting produced similar taxonomic diversity and abundance values, qualitative analysis revealed that seining caused greater habitat disturbance and potential stress to fish. Therefore, consideration must be given to how species present (especially sensitive species) within the wetland could be impacted by sampling disturbance when choosing between seining and fyke netting.
Minimizing cell number fluctuations in self-renewing tissues with a stem cell niche
Authors: Kok Rutger N.U. , Tans Sander J. , van Zon Jeroen S.
Published: March 2022

Self-renewing tissues require that a constant number of proliferating cells is maintained over time. This maintenance can be ensured at the single-cell level or the population level. Maintenance at the population level leads to fluctuations in the number of proliferating cells over time. Often, it is assumed that those fluctuations can be reduced by increasing the number of asymmetric divisions, i.e. divisions where only one of the daughter cells remains proliferative. Here, we study a model of cell proliferation that incorporates a stem cell niche of fixed size, and explicitly model the cells inside and outside the niche. We find that in this model fluctuations are minimized when the difference in growth rate between the niche and the rest of the tissue is maximized and all divisions are symmetric divisions, producing either two proliferating or two non-proliferating daughters. We show that this optimal state leaves visible signatures in clone size distributions and could thus be detected experimentally.
S. pombe Rtf2 is Important for Replication Fork Barrier Activity of RTS1 via Splicing of Rtf1
Authors: Budden Alice M. , Eravci Murat , Campillo-Funollet Eduard , Naiman Karel , Carr Antony M.
Published: March 2022

Arrested replication forks, when restarted by homologous recombination, result in error-prone DNA syntheses and non-allelic homologous recombination. Fission yeast RTS1 is a model fork barrier used to probe mechanisms of recombination-dependent restart. RTS1 barrier activity is entirely dependent on the DNA binding protein Rtf1 and partially dependent on a second protein, Rtf2. Human RTF2 was recently implicated in fork restart, leading us to examine fission yeast Rtf2’s role in more detail. In agreement with previous studies, we observe reduced barrier activity upon rtf2 deletion. However, we identified Rtf2 to be physically associated with mRNA processing and splicing factors and rtf2 deletion to cause increased intron retention. One of the most affected introns resided in the rtf1 transcript. Using an intronless rtf1 we observed no reduction in RFB activity in the absence of Rtf2. Thus, Rtf2 is essential for correct rtf1 splicing to allow optimal RTS1 barrier activity.
The mitochondrial genome segregation system ofT. brucei: Single p197 molecules connect the basal body with the outer membrane
Authors: Aeschlimann Salome , Kalichava Ana , Schimanski Bernd , Stettler Philip , Ochsenreiter Torsten , Schneider André
Published: March 2022

The tripartite attachment complex (TAC) couples the segregation of the single unit mitochondrial DNA of trypanosomes with the basal body of the flagellum. Here we studied the architecture of the exclusion zone filament of the TAC that connects the basal body with the mitochondrial outer membrane. The only known component of the exclusion zone filaments is p197. Using genetical, biochemical and microscopical methods we show that p197 has three domains all of which are essential for mitochondrial DNA inheritance. The C-terminus of p197 interacts with the mature and pro-basal body whereas its N-terminus binds to the peripheral outer membrane protein TAC65. The large central region of p197 has a high α-helical content and likely acts as a flexible spacer. Replacement of endogenous p197 with a functional version containing N- and C-terminal epitope tags together with expansion microscopy demonstrates that p197 alone can bridge the approximately 170 nm gap between the basal body and the periphery of the outer membrane. This demonstrates the power of expansion microscopy which allows to localize distinct regions within the same molecule and suggests that p197 is the TAC subunit most proximal to the basal body.

Significance statement

Segregation of the replicated single unit mitochondrial genome ofTrypanosoma bruceirequires a large hardwired structure that connects the organellar DNA with the flagellar basal body. The cytosolic part of this structure consists of filaments made of single p197 molecules, a protein larger than 600 kDa. p197 has three domains all of which are essential for its function. The N-terminus of p197 is anchored to the peripheral outer membrane protein TAC65 whereas its C-terminus connects to the base of the basal body. The large central domain forms an α-helix and consists of at least 26 repeats of 175 aa in length. It provides a flexible linker bridging the approximately 170 nm between the outer membrane and the basal body
Rickettsia typhi peptidoglycan mapping with data-dependent tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Oyler Benjamin L. , Rennoll-Bankert Kristen E. , Verhoeve Victoria I. , Rahman M. Sayeedur , Azad Abdu F. , Gillespie Joseph J. , Goodlett David R.
Published: March 2022

Rickettsia species are diverse Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacteria often pervasive in numerous invertebrates, as well as fungal, nematode and microeukaryotic hosts. Certain species are etiological agents for well-known arthropod-borne illnesses; e.g., R. rickettsii (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), R. prowazekii (Epidemic Typhus), and R. typhi, (Endemic Typhus). Living freely in eukaryotic cytosol presumably exposes rickettsiae to host cell immune receptors, particularly those recognizing bacterial cell envelope glycoconjugates. However, the mechanics of host recognition of rickettsiae remain poorly defined. As rickettsiae synthesize a canonical Gram-negative cell envelope that includes peptidoglycan (PGN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), structural insight on these macromolecules is important for deciphering host responses to these pathogens. In this work, PGN from R. typhi was digested and the resultant subunits were analyzed by two different, albeit complementary, sample preparation methods. Both approaches were subsequently subjected to liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis to infer PGN structure. R. typhi PGN was determined to be similar to most other Gram-negative bacteria, with mDAP-type muropeptide subunits. However, additional alanine residues were observed elongating the muropeptide stems, rather than the glycine residues usually observed in Gram-negative bacterial PGN. Despite this deviation, R. typhi contains a murein layer that is predicted to agonize host cellular PGN receptors and be susceptible to PGN-targeting antimicrobials. This same structure is likely synthesized by all Rickettsia species, as bioinformatics and comparative genomics analyses indicate the biosynthesis of PGN is highly conserved. Determining how host cells process this canonical glycoconjugate during infection is crucial for identifying factors behind rickettsial pathogenesis, including immunoavoidance or proinflammatory mechanisms possibly employed by rickettsiae with varying pathogenic potential.
Alterations to the broad-spectrum formin inhibitor SMIFH2 improve potency
Authors: Orman Marina , Landis Maya , Oza Aisha , Nambiar Deepika , Gjeci Joana , Song Kristen , Huang Vivian , Klestzick Amanda , Hachicho Carla , Liu Su Qing , Kamm Judith M. , Bartolini Francesca , Vadakkan Jean J. , Rojas Christian M. , Vizcarra Christina L.
Published: March 2022

SMIFH2 is a small molecule inhibitor of the formin family of cytoskeletal regulators that was originally identified in a screen for suppression of actin polymerization induced by the mouse formin Diaphanous 1 (mDia1). Despite widespread use of this compound, it is unknown whether SMIFH2 inhibits all human formins. Additionally, the nature of protein/inhibitor interactions remains elusive. We assayed SMIFH2 against human formins representing six of the seven mammalian classes and found inhibitory activity against all formins tested. We synthesized a panel of SMIFH2 derivatives and found that, while many alterations disrupt SMIFH2 activity, substitution of an electron-donating methoxy group in place of the bromine along with halogenation of the furan ring increases potency by approximately five-fold. Similar to SMIFH2, the active derivatives are also pan-inhibitors for the formins tested. This result suggests that while potency can be improved, the goal of distinguishing between highly conserved FH2 domains may not be achievable using the SMIFH2 scaffold.
Genome-wide transcript and protein analysis highlights the role of protein homeostasis in the aging mouse heart
Authors: Gerdes Gyuricza Isabela , Chick Joel M. , Keele Gregory R. , Deighan Andrew G. , Munger Steven C. , Korstanje Ron , Gygi Steven P. , Churchill Gary A.
Published: March 2022

Investigation of the molecular mechanisms of aging in the human heart is challenging because of confounding factors, such as diet and medications, as well as limited access to tissues from healthy aging individuals. The laboratory mouse provides an ideal model to study aging in healthy individuals in a controlled environment. However, previous mouse studies have examined only a narrow range of the genetic variation that shapes individual differences during aging. Here, we analyze transcriptome and proteome data from 185 genetically diverse male and female mice at ages 6, 12, and 18 mo to characterize molecular changes that occur in the aging heart. Transcripts and proteins reveal activation of pathways related to exocytosis and cellular transport with age, whereas processes involved in protein folding decrease with age. Additional changes are apparent only in the protein data including reduced fatty acid oxidation and increased autophagy. For proteins that form complexes, we see a decline in correlation between their component subunits with age, suggesting age-related loss of stoichiometry. The most affected complexes are themselves involved in protein homeostasis, which potentially contributes to a cycle of progressive breakdown in protein quality control with age. Our findings highlight the important role of post-transcriptional regulation in aging. In addition, we identify genetic loci that modulate age-related changes in protein homeostasis, suggesting that genetic variation can alter the molecular aging process.
Molecular dynamics investigation of a one-component model for the stacking motif in complex alloy structures
Authors: Yeh Jung Wen , Tomita Kouji , Imanari Yuuta , Uchida Masaya
Published: March 2022

Developing realistic three-dimensional growth models for quasicrystals is a fundamental requirement. The present work employs classical molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the adsorption of Al on a close-packed Al layer containing atomic vacancies. Simulation results show that the adsorbed Al atoms are located preferentially above and below the atomic vacancies in the close-packed layer, and the results obtained from a one-component system of atoms interacting via an interatomic pair potential for Al–Al appropriately reproduce the stacking motif seen in complex alloys such as the μ-Al4Mn phase. The simulations also reveal the formation of a deformed icosahedron. These results provide new insights into the growth mechanism and origin of complex alloys and quasicrystals.
Morphotropism in fumarolic mineral-related anhydrous sulfates: novel representatives in A
+
2
M
2+(SO4)2 and A
+
2
M
2+
2(SO4)3 series
Authors: Siidra Oleg I. , Nekrasova Diana , Blatova Olga , Colmont Marie , Mentré Olivier , Charkin Dmitri
Published: March 2022

The discovery of numerous endemic anhydrous sulfate minerals in fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano (Kamchatka, Russia) has revived interest in the whole family of anhydrous sulfates. Herein is reported the crystal structure of Cs2Cu(SO4)2 which adds important data on the `final' contributor with the largest A
+ cation to the A
2[Cu(SO4)2] morphotropic series (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs), the `initial' structurally characterized representative of this family being saranchinaite Na2Cu(SO4)2. With increasing ionic radius of the alkali metal cation(s), embedded in the [Cu(SO4)2]2− framework, symmetry-breaking transformations occur. Cs2Cu(SO4)2, which is here designated as the ɛ-phase, has a layered structure. Cs2Co2(SO4)3 is a new representative of another morphotropic series of the orthorhombic A
2[M
2+
2(SO4)3] family, being also the first anhydrous Cs–Co sulfate. Structural relationships in A
+
2
M
2+(SO4)2 and A
+
2
M
2+
2(SO4)3 morphotropic series are discussed in detail.
Structure design and optimization of ground moving and pole climbing inspection robot
Authors: Ye Changlong , Zang Yunfei , Yu Suyang , Jiang Chunying
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a multipurpose inspection robot that can both walk on the ground and climb on poles. The structure design, size optimization, kinematics analysis, experiment and arithmetic of the robot are discussed in the paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The robot consists of three adjustable modules and a two-degree-of-freedom parallel mechanism in tandem, and the wheel-finger mechanism of each module can realize wheel-finger opening and closing for fast movement and obstacle crossing. This paper uses geometric analysis and simulation analysis to derive size optimization, and vector coordinate method to derive kinematics. Finally, the experiment is carried out by simulating the working environment of the robot.

Findings

The robot can realize ground walking and ground turning through the robot entity prototype experiment on the built working environment and efficiently realize 0°–90° pole climbing by the assemble design, optimization and machining. In addition, the robot can also smoothly complete the state transition process from 0° ground to 90° pole climbing. Furthermore, the robot shows good environmental self-adaptation and can complete daily inspection work.

Originality/value

The robot can pitch and yaw at a large angle and has six-legged characteristics. It is a multipurpose inspection robot that can walk on the ground and climb on poles. And through structure design, size optimization, kinematics analysis and simulation, the existing robots’ common shortcomings such as poor barrier-crossing ability and poor environmental adaptability are solved.
Discovering self-quantified patterns using multi-time window models
Authors: McCully Luke , Cao Hung , Wachowicz Monica , Champion Stephanie , Williams Patricia A.H.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

A new research domain known as the Quantified Self has recently emerged and is described as gaining self-knowledge through using wearable technology to acquire information on self-monitoring activities and physical health related problems. However, very little is known about the impact of time window models on discovering self-quantified patterns that can yield new self-knowledge insights. This paper aims to discover the self-quantified patterns using multi-time window models.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a multi-time window analytical workflow developed to support the streamingk-means clustering algorithm, based on an online/offline approach that combines both sliding and damped time window models. An intervention experiment with 15 participants is used to gather Fitbit data logs and implement the proposed analytical workflow.

Findings

The clustering results reveal the impact of a time window model has on exploring the evolution of micro-clusters and the labelling of macro-clusters to accurately explain regular and irregular individual physical behaviour.

Originality/value

The preliminary results demonstrate the impact they have on finding meaningful patterns.
Corrosion protection by poly(3-hexylthiophene)/poly(methyl-methacrylate) coating of cracked 410 stainless steel
Authors: Conde-Nicho José , Nicho María Elena , Rodríguez José Alfredo , León-Silva Ulises , Rodríguez-Lelis José María
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the corrosion protection of 410 stainless steel (410SS) cracked by fatigue tests. The purpose of this study is to show that using polymeric coatings, it is possible to reduce the corrosion rate in metallic structures in operation.

Design/methodology/approach

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) composite was used as a coating to protect the cracked 410SS in the corrosive environment 0.5 M NaCl at 25°C and 80°C. Physicochemical characterization was carried out by adhesion tests, thermogravimetric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance and size exclusion chromatography. Surface morphology was studied before and after the electrochemical tests by scanning electron microscopy. Uncoated and coated cracked 410SS were characterized by DC electrochemical techniques: linear polarization resistance and potentiodynamic polarization curves.

Findings

P3HT/PMMA coating reduced corrosion rate and crack propagation of 410SS in the corrosive medium NaCl 0.5M. The P3HT/PMMA coating increased the polarization resistance by one order of magnitude and decreased the corrosion current density by one order of magnitude, relative to the values obtained with uncoated cracked 410SS. The coating helped to have a less damaged surface and less crack propagation on the cracked 410SS. The feasibility of increasing the useful life of cracked metal structures in a saline environment was demonstrated through polymeric composite coatings.

Originality/value

In the literature, no works were detected that report the use of organic coatings to protect cracked metals against corrosion. This is the first reported work on the corrosion protection of 410SS in a saline medium using coatings based on P3HT/PMMA.
Product innovation, firm performance and moderating role of technology capabilities
Authors: Agustia Dian , Haryanto Sendy Dwi , Permatasari Yani , Midiantari Putu Nidia
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This research aims to provide evidence that firms that create product innovations (PROINVs) can improve the performance of firms in Indonesia. And then this research also provides evidence that firms with high technological capabilities can moderate the impact of PROINV on firm performance in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the firm that disclosure research and development expenditures, the number of samples in this study is 261 annual reports for the period 2015–2020. Researchers used an estimate of Moderation Regression Analysis (MRA) with STATA 14.0.

Findings

The results showed that PROINV significantly affected firm performance, while technology capabilities (TECHCAP) did not. Then TECHCAP can moderate the impact of PROINV on the performance firm. This research showed that TECHCAP are pure moderation, whereas TECHCAP can weaken the impact of PROINV on firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

This research can provide empirical results that firms in Indonesia must adapt to meet the needs of society in creating PROINVs and technological innovations to maintain a sustainable national economy. And then, this research provides the understanding that high TECHCAP can create sustainable PROINVs that can affect firm performance.

Originality/value

The novelty in this study researchers added variable moderation of technological capabilities to the model of the effect of PROINV on firm performance. A firm with high technological capabilities will be balanced with good research and development activities to create a long-term and sustainable firm orientation.
Understanding undergraduates' work values as a tool to reduce organizational turnover
Authors: Ramírez Itziar , Fornells Albert , Del Cerro Susana
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to provide with a strategic approach to reduce organizational turnover by identifying undergraduates' work values. In order to do so, the research undertook two different studies. The first one focused on identifying undergraduates' work values, while the second one explored the alignment between undergraduates' work values and current human resources retention strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research paper follows a mixed-method approach combining the Work Values Scale (EVAT) applied to 293 hospitality undergraduates of the bachelor's degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management and 30 semi-structured interviews along with 32 semi-structured interviews carried out to human resources professionals. Data was analysed using the EVAT methodology that classifies work values in (openness to change, conservation, self-enhancement and self-transcendence). Relationships between the four dimensions were tested using Pearson correlations and the student profile was analysed comparing the impact of the professional experience and gender in the dimensions.

Findings

The results conclude that undergraduates' work values placed themselves under the categories of self-transcendence and openness to change. There is a significance level in the correlation between self-transcendence and openness to change and work values are influenced by previous professional experience and gender. Human resources professionals tend to overlook work values focusing their retention strategies in providing with training, feedback and promotions but not including practices to promote work–life balance and flexibility.

Practical implications

Practical recommendations are provided for educators with examples of initiatives developed that can be applied in any educational institution.

Originality/value

The research highlights the importance of work motivation based on values as a tool to generate retention strategies.
Do government activities increase public compliance in the Covid-19 pandemic? Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Thanh Pham Tien , Tung Le Thanh
Published: March 2022

Purpose

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has raised an important question of whether government efforts (GEFs), especially communication work, could prevent the outbreak of this pandemic by enhancing public trust and public compliance with the government. This research answers this question by focusing on the case of Vietnam, a low-resource country that gained some achievements during the first pandemic year 2020. In particular, this study aims to investigate the relationship between GEF, public trust and public compliance during the country’s first nationwide social distancing.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural equation modelling is used to analyse data collected from 467 respondents in Vietnam during the nationwide social distancing in 2020.

Findings

Perceived GEF is positively associated with public compliance with the government directly and indirectly through the mediating role of public trust in government (PTG). The empirical results also reveal the effectiveness of government communication work, one among the government’s great efforts, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in terms of intensity and diversity in communication and information channels.

Practical implications

During a pandemic, the governments must enhance public compliance with public health measures to implement the anti-epidemic missions effectively. Therefore, it is important to raise public perception of GEF and PTG. The study’s findings highlight that governments in developing countries should implement relevant responses and policies for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and future public health crises, especially in the context that effective vaccines are unavailable or insufficient.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first attempts that examine the role of GEF, especially public health communication work, in raising public compliance directly and indirectly through the mediating role of public trust. The study carries some important messages for containing a public health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Radially expanding/contracting and rotating sphere with suction
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to numerically simulate the flow induced by a radially expanding/contracting and rotating sphere with suction. In the absence of rotation, one-dimensional flow motion occurs as expected. Otherwise, centrifugal force slows down the induced flow motion, in addition to the radial movement of the surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The present work is devoted to the analysis of a rotating permeable sphere. The sphere, because it is elastic, is allowed to expand or contract uniformly in the radial direction while rotating.

Findings

Numerical simulations of the governing equation in spherical coordinates are supported by a perturbation approach. It is found that the equatorial region is effectively smoothen out by the wall suction in non-expanding, expanding and contracting wall deformation cases. The radial inward flow in the vicinity of the equator is no longer valid in the case of sphere expansion, and strong suction causes nearly constant radial suction velocities. More fluid is sucked radially inward near the pole region when wall contraction is active.

Originality/value

The problem is set up for the first time in the literature. It is determined physically, the wall expansion mechanism requires more torque with less drag.
Do social networking sites enhance the research traits of college students?
Authors: Hussain Manzoor , Kubravi Syed Uzma , Loan Fayaz Ahmad
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Social networking sites (SNS) have become popular destinations for college students all over the world. The minds of the college students have been steadily taking over by the influence of social networking, and this can impact their ability for doing research. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to investigate the role of SNS in enhancing the research activities of the degree college students in the Srinagar district of Kashmir, J&K, India.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was used to conduct the study, and Cochran’s sampling formula was applied to select the sampling size. Data were collected with the aid of a well-designed and structured questionnaire using Google forms. Besides, the focus group discussions were conducted to get varied opinions.

Findings

The findings revealed that the majority of the students agree or strongly agree that SNS help them in interacting with researchers, reading research content, keeping them abreast of research articles, knowing research trends, developing research aptitude and facilitating logical thinking and reasoning. The study confirmed that SNS help in enhancing the research traits of college students. However, students have been cautioned to make proper and judicious use of SNS.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the college students of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir (India), and the results cannot be generalised across regions and countries.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study, being a part of PhD programme, is the original work of great value. It investigates the role of SNS in enhancing the research traits of college students and brings into light various hidden facts.
Organizational crisis preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic: an investigation of dynamic capabilities and organizational agility roles
Authors: El Idrissi Mostapha , El Manzani Younès , Ahl Maatalah Widad , Lissaneddine Zakaria
Published: March 2022

Purpose

While there is a consensus that dynamic capabilities (DC) and organizational agility are two key mechanisms that help firms to survive and cope with the environment’s dynamic change and uncertainties, little is known about their roles in leveraging firms’ preparedness to overcome organizational crises during turbulent contexts such as the COVID-19. The purpose of this study is twofold. This paper first analyzes the direct relationship between DC and organizational agility dimensions (i.e. customer, operational and partnering agilities). Second, this paper investigates the direct link between organizational agility dimensions and a firm’s organizational crisis preparedness.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a survey of Moroccan firms administrated during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, a theoretically derived model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that DC are significantly related to the three types of agility and that only customer and operational agility affect organizational crisis preparedness.

Originality/value

This research provides new insights into crisis management literature by introducing and empirically examining the impact of DC and organizational agility in addressing global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Towards profitable customized solutions in small firms: a matter of relationships, modularity and expertise
Authors: Rodríguez-Escudero Ana Isabel , Camarero-Izquierdo Carmen , Redondo-Carretero María
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The decision concerning the degree of product and service customization is crucial, yet has scarcely been studied for small businesses in business-to-business (B2B) contexts. Although such a decision allows relationships with potential customers to be strengthened, it might involve high opportunity costs given the investment required. This paper aims to analyse the profitability of customization undertaken by small businesses in terms of cost–benefit and examine the drivers of profitable customized projects vis-à-vis the ability to strengthen relationships with clients (relationship investment and customer involvement) and the firm’s resources related to processes and technology (expertise and modularity).

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed hypotheses, data were collected from 140 small Spanish firms involved in two sectors characterized by the offer of customized solutions: information and professional, scientific and technical services.

Findings

Analysis reveals that customer involvement in the customized solution, even when it requires investing in equipment, time or human resources has a positive effect on customization and ultimately on profitability, as the cost of this customer interaction is lower than the revenue it provides. Likewise, supplier investment in the relationship allows for a solution that is adapted to the client, although it requires a cost associated with investing in specific assets. Such costs cancel out the positive indirect effect through the customized solution. Finally, expertise enables appropriate use of the flexibility derived from modularity to satisfy customer requirements, with both being key company resources for driving profitability through customized solutions.

Originality/value

This study makes a contribution to the domain of customization. The authors extend current knowledge on B2B customization by proving that small firms can use their available capabilities and knowledge to achieve a successful customization strategy.
Striking the right balance in tension management. The case of coopetition in small- and medium-sized firms
Authors: Virtanen Henrik , Kock Soren
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to elaborate on the management, sources, levels of strength and dynamics of inherent tension in coopetition between small- and medium-sized firms (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

An embedded single-case design is applied in the study. Two manufacturing SMEs in coopetition are studied. The units of analysis are their past dyadic coopetition with other competitors, their present coopetition with each other and their view of possible dyadic coopetition with other partners in the future.

Findings

This study addresses the call for more research on coopetition and tension dynamics. It gives longitudinal insight into the changes of a coopetitive relationship through the evolution of tension inherently present in the relationship. Furthermore, the results show that a partial separation of the cooperative and competitive dimensions enables entrepreneurs’ integration of a contradictory logic. The successful management of tension also relies on mechanisms for mutual value appropriation, which eventually enhances the ability to embrace contradictions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the limited knowledge on tension management by showing how partners in coopetition apply different tension management principles or combinations of principles due to how the tension in the relationship evolves. Furthermore, on a practical level, it introduces a mapping or configuration scheme to identify the sources and levels of strength of inherent tension, enhancing coopetition partners’ ability to monitor their relationship over time.
Drumming, singing and ceremony within a psychologically informed planned environment for women on the offender personality disorder pathway
Authors: Craddock Louise , Kells Maisie , Morgan Louise , Shah-Beckley Iduna
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The offender personality disorder (OPD) pathway provides services to people with histories of offending and traits of personality disorder (PD) who are at high risk of violent re-offending. The residential provisions have been developed as psychologically informed planned environments (PIPE), in which socially creative activities form an integral part. Ryan et al. (2018) suggest that social and creative activities offer individuals experiences to increase their understanding of themselves and others. The purpose of this study is to complete a service evaluation exploring how people who live on an OPD PIPE in a woman’s prison make sense of their experiences of a drumming, singing and ceremony group, which was offered to them as part of their provision PIPE.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six service users (between 19 and 42 years old).

Findings

Thematic analysis identified three themes: emotional regulation, belonging and connectedness and humanising spaces.

Research limitations/implications

This study used a small sample (n = 6), and all participants were accessing the same OPD provision PIPE. Further, participation was voluntary, and results found may relate to possible biases in a self-selecting sample. The interviewer knew the participants through their clinical work, and despite being informed that participation in this research project would have no bearing on their treatment pathway, some may have participated as a way to demonstrate their compliance with the overall programme. A further limitation relates to the group being evaluated on its own without a comparison group.

Practical implications

This study has important implications for treatment delivery in prisons, as it demonstrates the therapeutic merit of social creative activities for one of the most complex, high-risk and challenging offender groups. The findings show that the specific combination of the physical act of drumming and the social act of drumming together may create an environment that allows people to heal and overcome both physical and emotional disconnections that have been caused by their trauma.

Social implications

This study’s findings provide further understanding of the experience of people who have survived trauma.

Originality/value

Findings suggest that the group provides therapeutic value, offering an alternative to traditional therapy and targets specific difficulties particularly associated with emotionally unstable and antisocial PDs. We suggest that socially creative activities form an important part of the rehabilitation process of complex, high-risk groups. Future research would benefit from focusing on the extent to which experiential learning through socially creative group participation can impact on lasting behavioural change.
The effects of Indonesia’s technical barriers to trade on manufacturing exports: an empirical analysis using the pseudo-Poisson maximum likelihood method
Authors: Elisabeth Christina Ruth , Verico Kiki
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Indonesia’s technical barriers to trade (TBT) on manufacturing exports.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the UNCTAD database to calculate the coverage ratio and frequency index of TBTs, which represent the restrictiveness of TBTs on imports. The effects of TBTs are estimated using the gravity model (Tinbergen, 1962) and the pseudo-Poisson maximum likelihood methodology (Santos Silva and Tenreyro, 2006, 2011).

Findings

An estimation on the manufacturing sector shows that TBT reduces Indonesia’s manufacturing exports. However, the effect of TBT is different in disaggregated manufacturing sector. TBT is found to reduce exports of chemicals and transportation but increase exports of metal and textiles. This finding supports the empirical evidence that TBT can create trade-impeding and demand-enhancing effects on trade flows. The negative effect of TBT on chemical and transportation exports implies that the cost of compliance is higher than the increasing demand rate. This finding suggests the need for policy evaluation and improvements for restrictive TBT. As Indonesia is still highly dependent on imported inputs, restrictive TBT can potentially reduce the productivity of the Indonesian manufacturing sector.

Originality/value

This study aims to investigate the effects of TBT in Indonesia, as a manufacturing-based economy that relies heavily on imported intermediate inputs. Furthermore, this study contributes to the literature by using country-specific techniques and aggregated and disaggregated manufacturing sectors as subjects for study. Meanwhile, previous studies use multi-country and multi-product approaches and focus on the aggregate sector. This study estimates the effects of TBT on the disaggregated sector, given its high share of imported inputs and reliance on export-oriented industries. TBT is constructed in a more detailed product level (HS-4 digit level) to provide more accurate results.
The importance of a continuous belief-update mechanism on crowdfunding with financial returns
Authors: Daskalakis Nikolaos , Karpouzis Efstathios
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to add to the existing literature about whether and how a continuous belief-update mechanism affects investors' risk perceptions in crowdfunding. The authors build on existing literature on the impact of a continuous belief-update mechanism on return expectations and risk perceptions, as a result of the funders' personal return and risk experiences, and apply this approach to the crowdfunding area. The authors thus add two specific insights about these dynamic new markets. First, the authors measure the perceived risk along multiple dimensions. Second, the authors consider how perceived risk differs across experienced investors and inexperienced investors, using two levels of analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a unique data set of survey respondents on crowdfunding with financial returns. The data set covers Germany, Poland and Spain. Survey data were derived by market research conducted in two stages. The first stage consists of two questions asked within an omnibus survey conducted by computer-assisted telephone interviews. In the second stage, multiple questions (including QA.1 and QA.2 and demographics) were included in an online survey or computer-assisted web interview for the same three countries.

Findings

The authors find that experienced investors perceive risks at lower levels than users that are aware of crowdfunding, but have not yet had the experience of an actual investment. The authors also find that investors, who invest larger proportions of their savings in crowdfunding with financial returns, perceive risks even lower than “lighter” investors, for the majority of risks the authors investigate.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited in three European countries and explores crowdfunding with financial returns only.

Practical implications

The study suggests that investors' participation and activity in crowdfunding with financial returns can be increased, either via providing incentives for “first investment” or via the creation of investment simulators.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the following three areas. First, the authors shed new evidence on the dynamics of crowdfunding with financial returns and explore how decisions are being made in a context of reverse information asymmetries. Second, the authors explore how the “crowd” reshapes risk perceptions via a belief-update mechanism; this is of high importance under the absence of traditional financial intermediaries, which increases the severity of information asymmetries. Third, the authors enrich literature associated with how laypeople take investment decisions, showing how prior experience affects investment decision making.
The role of diversity and coherence in the emergence and consolidation of a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem
Authors: Sepulveda-Calderon María , Castro-Ríos Guido A. , Montes-Guerra Maricela Isabel
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the degree of diversity and coherence of the components of an entrepreneurial ecosystem at the micro, meso and macro levels in Central Sabana Province in Colombia to establish the strengths and opportunities for improvement of the mentioned ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses cross-sectional analysis of multiple cases.

Findings

The entrepreneurial ecosystem under study can be categorized as an imbalanced system due to the great diversity it presents in terms of its actors, resources and support programs. Regarding coherence, the ecosystem has not achieved a common objective regarding entrepreneurial processes or the recognition of the strengths of its actors and the specific needs of the entrepreneurs.

Practical and social implications

The study of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in a particular region has allowed the identification of the strengths of the ecosystem; the establishment of the degree of alignment of actors, resources and programs in the region; the identification of the preference of support and programs for certain types of enterprises with low economic and social impacts; and the characterization of the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the province as self-organized but in need of institutional leadership that supports the effort required for the consolidation of the ecosystem.

Originality/value

Unlike traditional approaches in this field of study, this paper approaches a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem from a qualitative perspective through eight categories of analysis grouped into three levels of study: macro, meso and micro, exploring the degree of diversity and coherence of the actors and their interactions in the ecosystem.
Does fear-based silence mediate the nepotism–employee outcomes relationship?
Authors: Jain Ajay K. , Srivastava Shalini , Sullivan Sherry E.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Although common throughout the world, little is known about the mechanism by which nepotism is associated with employee outcomes. Drawing from social exchange theory, this study examines whether fear-based silence mediates the relationship between nepotism with employee workplace withdrawal and career satisfaction. In addition, whether gender moderates the relationship between nepotism and fear-based silence is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Two time-lagged surveys of 330 employees in the Indian banking sector were completed.

Findings

As hypothesized, nepotism was positively related to fear-based silence and employee workplace withdrawal; it was negatively related to career satisfaction. Fear-based silence partially mediated the relationships of nepotism with workplace withdraw and career satisfaction. Gender moderated the relationship between nepotism and fear-based silence.

Practical implications

This study shows the negative impact of nepotism on employee outcomes and suggests means for reducing its prevalence in organizations.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine fear-based silence as a mediator of nepotism’s relationship with employee workplace withdrawal and career satisfaction. It also answers repeated calls for more research on fear-based silence and its antecedents.