bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A toolbox for efficient proximity-dependent biotinylation in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Rosenthal Shimon M. , Misra Tvisha , Abdouni Hala , Branon Tess C. , Ting Alice Y. , Scott Ian C. , Gingras Anne-Claude
Published: May 2021

Understanding how proteins are organized in compartments is essential to elucidating their function. While proximity-dependent approaches such as BioID have enabled a massive increase in information about organelles, protein complexes and other structures in cell culture, to date there have been only a few studies in living vertebrates. Here, we adapted proximity labeling for protein discovery in vivo in the vertebrate model organism, zebrafish. Using lamin A (LMNA) as bait and green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a negative control, we developed, optimized, and benchmarked in vivo TurboID and miniTurbo labeling in early zebrafish embryos. We developed both an mRNA injection protocol and a transgenic system in which transgene expression is controlled by a heat shock promoter. In both cases, biotin is provided directly in the egg water, and we demonstrate that 12 hours of labeling are sufficient for biotinylation of prey proteins, which should permit time-resolved analysis of development. After statistical scoring, we found that the proximal partners of LMNA detected in each system were enriched for nuclear envelope and nuclear membrane proteins, and included many orthologs of human proteins identified as proximity partners of lamin A in mammalian cell culture. The tools and protocols developed here will allow zebrafish researchers to complement genetic tools with powerful proteomics approaches.
Modular origins of high-amplitude co-fluctuations in fine-scale functional connectivity dynamics
Authors: Pope Maria , Fukushima Makoto , Betzel Richard F. , Sporns Olaf
Published: May 2021

The topology of structural brain networks shapes brain dynamics, including the correlation structure of brain activity (functional connectivity) as estimated from functional neuroimaging data. Empirical studies have shown that functional connectivity fluctuates over time, exhibiting patterns that vary in the spatial arrangement of correlations among segregated functional systems. Recently, an exact decomposition of functional connectivity into frame-wise contributions has revealed fine-scale dynamics that are punctuated by brief and intermittent episodes (events) of high-amplitude co-fluctuations involving large sets of brain regions. Their origin is currently unclear. Here, we demonstrate that similar episodes readily appear in silico using computational simulations of whole-brain dynamics. As in empirical data, simulated events contribute disproportionately to long-time functional connectivity, involve recurrence of patterned co-fluctuations, and can be clustered into distinct families. Importantly, comparison of event-related patterns of co-fluctuations to underlying patterns of structural connectivity reveals that modular organization present in the coupling matrix shape patterns of event-related co-fluctuations. Our work suggests that brief, intermittent events in functional dynamics are partly shaped by modular organization of structural connectivity.

Significance Statement

Brain regions engage in complex patterns of activation and co-activation over time. Relating these patterns to rest or task-related neural processing is a central challenge in cognitive neuroscience. Recent work has identified brief intermittent bursts of brain-wide signal co-fluctuations, called events, and shown that events drive functional connectivity. The origins of events are still unclear. Here, we address this gap in knowledge by implementing computational models of neural oscillators coupled by anatomical connections derived from maps of the human cerebral cortex. Analysis of the emerging large-scale brain dynamics reveals brief episodes with high system-wide signal amplitudes. Simulated events closely correspond to those seen recently in empirical recordings. Notably, simulated events are significantly aligned with underlying structural modules, thus suggesting an important role of modular network organization.
Human fetal neural stem cell-derived astrocytes maintain glutamate transport after hypoxic injury in vitro
Authors: Shrivastava Vadanya , Dey Devanjan , Singh Singal Chitra Mohinder , Jaiswal Paritosh , Singh Ankit , Sharma JB , Chattopadhyay Parthaprasad , Palanichamy Jayanth Kumar , Sinha Subrata , Seth Pankaj , Sen Sudip
Published: May 2021

Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells that play many critical roles in the central nervous system physiology including the uptake of excess glutamate from the synapse by Excitatory Amino Acid Transporters (EAATs). Among the EAATs, EAAT2 are predominantly functional, astrocyte-specific glutamate transporters in the forebrain. Hypoxic brain injury is a pathological phenomenon seen in various clinical conditions including stroke and neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Glutamate excitotoxicity is an important cause of neuronal cell death in disorders involving hypoxic brain injury. As findings from rodent models cannot always be reliably extrapolated to humans, we aimed to develop a homogenous population of primary human astrocytes to study the effect of hypoxic injury on astrocyte function, especially glutamate uptake. We successfully isolated, established and characterized cultures of human fetal neural stem cells (FNSCs) from aborted fetal brains. FNSCs were differentiated into astrocytes, and characterized by increased expression of the astrocyte markers, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), EAAT1 and EAAT2. A concomitant decrease in neural stem cell marker, Nestin, was observed. Differentiated astrocytes were exposed to various oxygen concentrations mimicking normoxia (20% and 6%), moderate and severe hypoxia (2% and 0.2% respectively). Interestingly, no change was observed in the expression of glutamate transporter, EAAT2 and glutamate uptake by astrocytes, even after exposure to hypoxia. Our novel model of human FNSC derived astrocytes exposed to hypoxic injury, establishes that astrocytes are able to maintain glutamate uptake even after exposure to severe hypoxia for 48 hours, and thus provides evidence for the neuroprotective role of astrocytes in hypoxic injury.
Three new species of nematodes from the syconia of Ficus racemosa in southern India
Authors: Gupta Satyajeet , Tahseen Qudsia , Borges Renee M.
Published: May 2021

Summary

Ficus racemosa with an Indo-Australasian distribution, has so far been recorded to harbour in its fruits, nematode species of the aphelenchoid genera Schistonchus, Ficophagus and Martininema, and species of diplogastrid genera Teratodiplogaster and Pristionchus. The Indian species reported so far from Ficus racemosa lack comprehensive details on morphology and molecular characterization. In this paper, we describe three new species of nematodes obtained from syconia (enclosed globular infructescence or fruit) of Ficus racemosa found in southern India. Ficophagus glomerata n. sp. is characterised by small body having b=5.2-9.6, c= 18-23; slightly set-off lip region having well developed cephalic framework; secretory-excretory pore opens near the head; slender stylet with small, rounded/ sloping knobs; ovoid median bulb with relatively posteriorly-placed valve plates; males with sickle-shaped spicules having spatulate or hammer-shaped capitulum, represented by an elongate-ovoid condylus and long digitate rostrum and tail conoid with fine, hair-like terminal spike. Teratodiplogaster glomerata n. sp. is characterised by long tubular and narrow stoma with fractal pieces in prostegostom; long rectangular metacorpus; female reproductive system with conspicuous spermatheca and amoeboid sperms; males having short, arcuate spicules and keeled gubernaculum; genital papillae in the configuration of P1, P2, C, P3, P4, P5d, (P6d, P7), P8d, Ph and tail conoid with a terminal or subterminal mucro. Pristionchus glomerata n. sp. is characterised by four morphotypes mainly with variations in lip region, stoma, spicules, gubernaculum, and the position of genital papillae. Phylogenetic analyses based upon near-full-length small subunit (SSU) and D2–D3 expansion segments of large subunit (LSU) rRNA genes confirmed affinities with sister species of corresponding genera.
Structure-function analysis of the nsp14 N7-guanine methyltransferase reveals an essential role inBetacoronavirusreplication
Authors: Ogando Natacha S. , Kazzi Priscila El , Zevenhoven-Dobbe Jessika C. , Bontes Brenda W. , Decombe Alice , Posthuma Clara C. , Thiel Volker , Canard Bruno , Ferron François , Decroly Etienne , Snijder Eric J.
Published: May 2021

As coronaviruses (CoVs) replicate in the host cell cytoplasm, they rely on their own capping machinery to ensure the efficient translation of their mRNAs, protect them from degradation by cellular 5’ exoribonucleases, and escape innate immune sensing. The CoV nonstructural protein 14 (nsp14) is a bi-functional replicase subunit harboring an N-terminal 3′-to-5′ exoribonuclease (ExoN) domain and a C-terminal (N7-guanine)-methyltransferase (N7-MTase) domain that is presumably involved in viral mRNA capping. Here, we aimed to integrate structural, biochemical, and virological data to assess the importance of conserved N7-MTase residues for nsp14’s enzymatic activities and virus viability. We revisited the crystal structure of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV nsp14 to perform anin silicocomparative analysis between betacoronaviruses. We identified several residues likely involved in the formation of the N7-MTase catalytic pocket, which presents a fold distinct from the Rossmann fold observed in most known MTases. Next, for SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome-CoV, site-directed mutagenesis of selected residues was used to assess their importance forin vitroenzymatic activity. Most of the engineered mutations abolished N7-MTase activity, while not affecting nsp14-ExoN activity. Upon reverse engineering of these mutations into different betacoronavirus genomes, we identified two substitutions (R310A and F426A in SARS-CoV nsp14) abrogating virus viability and one mutation (H424A) yielding a crippled phenotype across all viruses tested. Our results identify the N7-MTase as a critical enzyme for betacoronavirus replication and define key residues of its catalytic pocket that can be targeted to design inhibitors with a potentialpan-coronaviral activity spectrum.

Significance Statement

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic emphasizes the urgent need to develop efficient broad-spectrum anti-CoV drugs. The structure-function characterization of conserved CoV replicative enzymes is key to identifying the most suitable drug targets. Using a multidisciplinary comparative approach and different betacoronaviruses, we characterized the key conserved residues of the nsp14 (N7-guanine)-methyltransferase, a poorly defined subunit of the CoV mRNA-synthesizing machinery. Our study highlights the unique structural features of this enzyme and establishes its essential role in betacoronavirus replication, while identifying two residues that are critical for the replication of the four betacoronaviruses tested, including SARS-CoV-2.
The race goes on: A fall armyworm-resistant maize inbred line influences insect oral secretion elicitation activity and nullifies herbivore suppression of plant defense
Authors: ul Malook Saif , Liu Xiao-Feng , Liu Wende , Qi Jinfeng , Zhou Shaoqun
Published: May 2021

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an invasive lepidopteran pest with strong feeding preference towards maize (Zea mays). Its success on maize is facilitated by a suite of specialized detoxification and manipulation mechanisms that curtail host plant defense responses.

In this study, we identified a Chinese maize inbred line Xi502 that was able to mount effective defense in response to fall armyworm attack. Comparative transcriptomics analyses, phytohormonal measurements, and targeted benzoxazinoid quantification consistently demonstrate significant inducible defense responses in Xi502, but not in the susceptible reference inbred line B73.

In 24 hours, fall armyworm larvae feeding on B73 showed accelerated maturation-oriented transcriptomic responses and more changes in detoxification gene expression compared to their Xi502-fed sibling. Interestingly, oral secretions collected from larvae fed on B73 and Xi502 leaves demonstrated distinct elicitation activity when applied on either host genotypes, suggesting that variation in both insect oral secretion composition and host plant alleles could influence plant defense response.

These results revealed host plant adaptation towards counter-defense mechanisms in a specialist insect herbivore, adding yet another layer to the evolutionary arms race between maize and fall armyworm. This could facilitate future investigation into the molecular mechanisms in this globally important crop-pest interaction system.
Force profile of the two-handed hardstyle kettlebell swing in novice older adults: an exploratory profile
Authors: Meigh Neil J. , Hing Wayne A. , Schram Ben , Keogh Justin W.L.
Published: May 2021

Background

Understanding the force profile of an exercise increases clinical confidence when assessing the benefits and potential risks of a prescribed exercise. This exploratory study presents the force profile of the hardstyle kettlebell swing in novice older adults and compares peak force with kettlebell deadlifts. These data will help inform healthcare providers and coaches who are considering prescribing kettlebell exercises for older adults.

Methods

Thirty-five community-dwelling males and females (59-79 years) were recruited, from applicants to participate in the BELL trial. Two-handed hardstyle swings were performed with 8-16 kg. Deadlifts were performed with 8-24 kg and 8-32 kg for females and males, respectively. Ground reaction force was obtained from a floor-mounted force platform. Pairwise comparisons of peak force, forward force, rate of force development, swing cadence, sex, and kettlebell mass, were investigated for the kettlebell swing, with representative force-time curves described. Pairwise comparisons of peak force, sex and kettlebell mass were investigated for the deadlift, with comparisons of peak force, kettlebell mass, and sex, between swings and deadlifts.

Results

For kettlebells up to 16 kg, paired samples T-tests show a large exercise effect (δ > 1.4) with peak force higher for swings than deadlifts. Data shows: (i) higher peak force during swings than deadlifts (δ = 1.77), reaching 4.5 (1.0) N.kg-1, (ii) peak force during an 8 kg swing was greater than a 32kg deadlift, (iii) negligible difference in normalised peak force between males and females performing kettlebell swings, but a moderately large effect size during deadlifts (males > females, δ = 0.69), (iv) mean rate of force development of 19.9 (4.7) N.s-1.kg-1 with a very weak, positive correlation with kettlebell mass (y = 14.4 + 0.32x), and trivial effect of sex, (v) mean forward force equal to 5.5% of vertical force during swings, increasing from 3.8 (1.6) % with 8 kg to 7.1 (2.6) % with 16 kg.

Conclusion

During kettlebell swings, there is negligible difference in normalised net peak force between novice males and females using the same absolute loads. Where ground reaction force is a therapeutic target, kettlebell swings with an 8 kg kettlebell could have similar effects to much heavier deadlifts (>24 kg). Kettlebell swings performed with lighter loads, could provider similar therapeutic value to much heavier deadlifts, and may be a more appealing, affordable, and convenient option for older adults.
Study on the corrosion behaviors of high-silicon chromium iron in acidic and alkaline soil solutions
Authors: Lv Kechen , Yang Xinyu , Wu Tangqing , Xu Song , Liu Lanlan , Sun Lin , Wang Xinming
Published: May 2021

Purpose

High-silicon chromium iron (HSCI) has been used in ground grids in southern China, while there was a lack of study on its corrosion behavior in this soil environment. The purpose of this paper is to discover the corrosion of HSCI in acidic and alkaline soil solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The original defects on the HSCI surface were observed using optical microscopy, and the corrosion behavior of the HSCI in the acidic and alkaline soil solutions were jointly detected using electrochemical measurements and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometer.

Findings

The results showed the corrosion rates of the HSCI in the acidic and alkaline soil solutions were limited, and the high contents of Cr and Si in matrix was responsible for its high corrosion resistance. The HSCI showed a similar corrosion tendency in the two solutions, while its corrosion rate in the acid soil solution was higher than that in the alkaline soil solution. The corrosion pits on the specimen surface were originated from the original defects in matrix, and the edges of the corrosion pits were more rounded than the original defects after 720 h immersion in the two solutions. The original defects in the HSCI matrix played a significant role in the corrosion process.

Originality/value

The paper discovered the corrosion evolution of HSCI in the acidic and alkaline soil solutions. What is more, the acceleration role of the original defects on the corrosion of the HSCI in the acidic and alkaline soil solutions was discovered in the paper. The results are beneficial for the material selection of ground grid equipment in engineering.
Geographical indication labelling of food and behavioural intentions
Authors: Chen Nai-Hua
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how consumer's purchase intentions and word-of-mouth (WOM) intentions of local tea are influenced by the signal effects of geographical indication labelling (GIL) on the basis of theory of reasoned action and social identity theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has developed a structural equation model (SEM) to explain the effects of consumer's attitudes, social norms and social identities on behavioural intentions, considering purchase of foods with geographical indication labels. This study collected responses from 318 consumers of tea in Taiwan.

Findings

Three main results are reported: (1) the prevention-focused benefit, which is a risk-aversion consideration, and the promotion-focused benefit, which is a taste and joy of quality, have higher influence compared to perceived concerns (price) on attitude towards GIL produce. (2) Compared to subjective norms, consumer attitude affects purchase intention more, yet the effects are opposite when they influence the WOM intentions. (3) Global identity impacts purchase intentions but not WOM intentions, whereas local identity influences both intentions.

Originality/value

Findings indicate attitude, social influence and social identity play critical roles in affecting consumer behavioural intentions. Global identity and local identity play different roles in purchase intention and WOM intentions.
Hybrid fuzzy Monte Carlo agent-based modeling of workforce motivation and performance in construction
Authors: Raoufi Mohammad , Fayek Aminah Robinson
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to cover the development of a methodology for hybrid fuzzy Monte Carlo agent-based simulation (FMCABS) and its implementation on a parametric study of construction crew performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed methodology uses fuzzy logic, Monte Carlo simulation and agent-based modeling to simulate the behavior of construction crews and predict their performance. Both random and subjective uncertainties are considered in model variables.

Findings

The developed methodology was implemented on a real case involving the parametric study of construction crew performance to assess its applicability and suitability for this context.

Research limitations/implications

This parametric study demonstrates a practical application for the hybrid FMCABS methodology. Though findings from this study are limited to the context of construction crew motivation and performance, the applicability of the developed methodology extends beyond the construction domain.

Practical implications

This paper will help construction practitioners to predict and improve crew performance by taking into account both random and subjective uncertainties.

Social implications

This paper will advance construction modeling by allowing for the assessment of social interactions among crews and their effects on crew performance.

Originality/value

The developed hybrid FMCABS methodology represents an original contribution, as it allows agent-based models to simultaneously process all types of variables (i.e. deterministic, random and subjective) in the same simulation experiment while accounting for interactions among different agents. In addition, the developed methodology is implemented in a novel and extensive parametric study of construction crew performance.
Role of BIM and energy simulation tools in designing zero-net energy homes
Authors: Habibi Shahryar
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to design a zero-energy home, which is known to be capable of balancing its own energy production and consumption close to zero. Development of low-energy homes and zero-net energy houses (ZEHs) is vital to move toward energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment. To achieve zero or low energy targets in homes, it is essential to use the design process that minimizes the need for active mechanical systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology discussed in this paper consists of an interfacing building information modeling (BIM) tool and a simulation software to determine the potential influence of phase change materials on designing zero-net energy homes.

Findings

BIM plays a key role in advancing methods for architects and designers to communicate through a common software platform, analyze energy performance through all stages of the design and construction process and make decisions for improving energy efficiency in the built environment.

Originality/value

This paper reviews the literature relevant to the role of BIM in helping energy simulation for the performance of residential homes to more advanced levels and in modeling the integrated design process of ZEHs.
Cyber-bullying research in Kenya: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kwanya Tom , Kogos Angella C. , Kibe Lucy Wachera , Ogolla Erick Odhiambo , Onsare Claudia
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Cyber-bullying is a form of harassment that is perpetrated using electronic media. The practice has become increasingly common especially with the growing ubiquity of social media platforms. Most cyber-bullying cases inevitably occur on Facebook because it is the most preferred social media platform. However, little is known about cyber-bullying research in Kenya. This paper aims to analyse the quantity, quality, visibility and authorship trends of scholarly publications on cyber-bullying from and/or about Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted as a systematic literature review. A meta-analysis approach was used. Bibliometrics approaches were used to conduct the analysis. Data on the publications was collected from Google Scholar using Harzing's “Publish or Perish” software and then analysed and presented using Microsoft Excel, Notepad and VOSviewer.

Findings

The study yielded 359 research publications on cyber-bullying in Kenya. There was a gradual increment in the number of publications, peaking in 2018. Nearly half of the publications have not been cited indicating low uptake of research on cyber-bullying in Kenya. It also emerged that most of the research has been published on subscription channels thereby restricting their visibility, access and use. Minimal collaboration in research on cyber-bullying in Kenya was also observed since 67.4% of the publications were written by a single (one) author. The authors conclude that the quantity, quality and visibility of research on cyber-bullying in Kenya is low.

Originality/value

This is an empirical study. The findings can be used to promote and mainstream research on cyber-bullying in Kenya.
Against the odds of tradition: nudging the glass ceiling of sport leadership
Authors: Thornton Olivia , Etxebarria Naroa
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to capture the journey of the first female leader in sports management in her country in the south-east Asian region for their National Sport and the values and behaviors enabling her to achieve it.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a mixed-methods case study design, quantitative and qualitative outcome measures, to assess the career progression of the first female executive director of a national sporting organization in her country, namely, BWN and her involvement in a two-week intensive sports management, leadership and development program.

Findings

A professional and courageous approach to identify and implement honest and evidence-based solutions were key for BWN’s success. BWN complemented professionalism with soft skills, clear communication and an outcome-based approach to challenging situations, successfully influencing change within her national sporting organization. This female leader is an inspiring role model for other women and her professionalism her most influential value driving innovation in sports management and organizational change. The positive impact she had in her community highlights the significant contributions female leaders can have within the sports leadership context, given the opportunity and scope to do so.

Originality/value

For the first time in her country, the unsolicited and unprecedented evidence-based approach, professionalism and proactivity assisted BWN with her colleagues accepting her as the first woman on the executive board of her national sporting body of one of the most celebrated national sports. Breaking the mold with unexpected (positive) behavior might be the secret to further breakthroughs for women in sports management.
Framework for a resilient religious tourism supply chain for mitigating post-pandemic risk
Authors: Mittal Rajkumari , Sinha Parul
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the religious tourism supply chain and understand and introduce resilience across the same to mitigate post-pandemic disruptions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this manuscript, a systematic literature review has been done to identify the gaps in the religious tourism supply chain, which gives adequate revenue to India but not studied yet. The identified gap shaped this study's objectives and research questions and guided the authors to devise a theoretical framework for the religious tourism supply chain.

Findings

The key findings of this research paper led to identifying both threats and opportunities for the religious tourism supply chain, which has been into existence and caused many disasters in the past. As pandemic Covid-19 shut the doors of these religious destinations for extended periods, it became necessary for governments, state authorities and private parties to think and devise the post unlock operating processes for this supply chain. This thinking directed the authors to create a framework for the smooth flow of people and other services across this supply chain. The collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders at various levels can realize the actual working of the suggested framework. A stagewise set of processes has been proposed to understand the resilience across the religious tourism supply chain and reduce disruptions.

Practical implications

Covid-19 pandemic has devastated the world economies and disrupted the supply chains of all sectors. The paper elaborates the need for cohesive efforts to introduce resilience across humanitarian supply chains and phase-wise processes to reduce the disruptions caused by various disasters. These systematic efforts will familiarize the readers with the need for resilience across the religious tourism supply chain. Still, it would also assist in generating revenue for the Indian government and reviving the economy soon.

Originality/value

The trade of religious tourism adds a significant contribution to the Indian economy in terms of revenue, employment, visibility of culture and destination, etc. The Covid-19 pandemic has immensely disrupted the tourism sector supply chain, resulting in huge losses (FICCI report 2020). The introduction and implementation of resilience across the religious tourism supply chain can diminish the losses and assist in reviving the economy soon. Construct of resilience across the religious tourism supply chain has not been studied yet. This manuscript contributes to identifying post-pandemic challenges across the religious tourism supply chain and ways to integrate resilience to reduce disruptions caused by disasters.
The combined use of symmetric and asymmetric approaches: partial least squares-structural equation modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Rasoolimanesh S. Mostafa , Ringle Christian M. , Sarstedt Marko , Olya Hossein
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to propose guidelines for the joint use of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to combine symmetric and asymmetric perspectives in model evaluation, in the hospitality and tourism field.

Design/methodology/approach

This study discusses PLS-SEM as a symmetric approach and fsQCA as an asymmetric approach to analyze structural and configurational models. It presents guidelines to conduct an fsQCA based on latent construct scores drawn from PLS-SEM, to assess how configurations of exogenous constructs produce a specific outcome in an endogenous construct.

Findings

This research highlights the advantages of combining PLS-SEM and fsQCA to analyze the causal effects of antecedents (i.e., exogenous constructs) on outcomes (i.e., endogenous constructs). The construct scores extracted from the PLS-SEM analysis of a nomological network of constructs provide accurate input for performing fsQCA to identify the sufficient configurations required to predict the outcome(s). Complementing the assessment of the model’s explanatory and predictive power, the fsQCA generates more fine-grained insights into variable relationships, thereby offering the means to reach better managerial conclusions.

Originality/value

The application of PLS-SEM and fsQCA as separate prediction-oriented methods has increased notably in recent years. However, in the absence of clear guidelines, studies applied the methods inconsistently, giving researchers little direction on how to best apply PLS-SEM and fsQCA in tandem. To address this concern, this study provides guidelines for the joint use of PLS-SEM and fsQCA.
Investigating the mechanism linking task conflict with employees’ innovative work behavior
Authors: Al-Ghazali Basheer M. , Afsar Bilal
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The effect of task conflict on innovative work behavior has yielded inconsistent results pointing to the need to examine the conditions under which task conflict is helpful for employees’ innovative work behavior. This study aims to develop a comprehensive model linking task conflict and innovative work behavior through constructive conflict, positive conflict value, cognitive flexibility and psychological safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 316 supervisor–subordinate dyads working in software development and high-technology companies located in Saudi Arabia. The research model was tested using partial least squares approach.

Findings

Results show that constructive conflict mediates the relationship between task conflict and innovative work behavior. Moreover, positive conflict value and cognitive flexibility mediate the effect of constructive conflict on innovative work behavior. Finally, psychological safety positively moderates the effect of positive conflict value and cognitive flexibility on innovative work behavior.

Originality/value

This study suggests that constructive conflict, cognitive flexibility, positive conflict value and psychological safety are important mechanisms that explain the link between task conflict and innovative work behavior.
An econometric analysis of electricity consumption and real sector performance in Nigeria
Authors: Chitedze Isaac , Nwedeh Chukwuemeka Cosmas Nwedeh , Adeola Adenikinju , Abonyi Donald Chidera Chidera
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent at which electricity consumption (EC) has contributed to real sector performance, to identify energy-dependent sectors of the economy for appropriate sector-specific policy interventions and to avoid energy conservation policies that may retard the growth of the real sector and economic growth in general.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used time series data, covering the period between 1981 and 2015. Various time series econometric analyses such as unit root test for stationarity and vector autoregressive and vector error correction models were used to establish the long-run and short-run co-integration relationship among the variables.

Findings

This study finds that EC displays a little and insignificant impact on manufacturing sector output, as well as agriculture and service outputs. The empirical result from causality test suggests a unidirectional causality running from agriculture to EC, as well as service sector to EC, whereas bidirectional causality runs between EC and manufacturing sector. This study therefore recommends adequate power supply to the manufacturing sector, while energy efficiency policy and regulatory reform should address agriculture and service sectors.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined the impact of EC on disaggregated gross domestic product. This research gap has strong policy implications on Nigerian economy as the output of real sector plays vital role in driving the economy. Given the pressing needs for Nigeria to boost real sector output and be among the world’s 20 largest economies by 2030, it becomes imperative for this sector-specific research to be conducted to ensure that sectoral purpose-driven energy interventions are formulated to address power supply challenges in the real sector.
Retail change in a context of an overtourism city. The case of Lisbon
Authors: Guimarães Pedro
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The excess of tourism in some destinations has led to the discussion of overtourism. One of the sectors that most interacts with tourism is retail, a key element in the experience lived by tourists. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how retail evolves in a context of an overtourism city, how it relates with touristification and what are the elements that best characterise such evolution and relation.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on a case study, using the main historic city centre of Lisbon for that purpose. Fieldwork was developed by the author to collect information about the commercial fabric and its main characteristics.

Findings

The findings show a clear adaptation of the commercial fabric of the analysed area to the tourism industry. Furthermore, the author unfolded that the change of retail is towards a consumption environment based on leisure, involving the adaptation of the public space into terraces, and on the thematisation of stores, using elements seen as “authentically” Portuguese, which bestows on theses spaces a sort of certification of quality and authenticity.

Originality/value

The mere reference to the homogenisation of the retail fabric is too simple to explain the richness and variety of elements imbedded in the process of retail change in a context of excessive tourism and touristification. In this paper, the author produced novel knowledge by analysing the elements that embody the evolution of retail in such a context.
Role of signaling in issuance of sukuk versus conventional bonds – an empirical analysis of the bond market in the UAE
Authors: Majumdar Sudipa , Puthiya Rashita
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The global sukuk market has seen widespread innovations in the last couple of decades, which helped sukuk develop into one of the most acceptable Islamic instruments for raising finance. According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report (2018–19), United Arab Emirates (UAE) is ranked second among Islamic economies and Nasdaq Dubai is credited to be the leading international center for sukuk listings (Thomson Reuters, 2018). However, there has been limited research studies on this financing option within the region. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to focus on the role of signaling theory driving the financing choice for listed entities in the UAE. The paper aims to make a significant contribution in light of the recent expansion of sukuk issuances and fills the lacuna in research carried out in the UAE bond market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically tested the hypotheses on a data set that covered a sample of 1,354 bond issuances over the period 2008–2019. The authors used logistic regression to distinguish between the issuance of sukuk versus conventional bond. Sukuk structuration leads to information asymmetry that prompts firms to send signals to the capital market. Information asymmetry has been studied in terms of issue-specific (maturity and issue size) and issuer-specific (firm size, growth, profitability, leverage) variables. Two control variables were included to capture the years under study and the macroeconomic effects of economic slowdown.

Findings

The banking sector accounted for 93% of bond issuances but contributed only 63% of the bond market in the UAE in terms of issue size. The data evidenced that non-banking sukuk issuances expanded over the years, with participation from sectors like real estate, oil and gas, logistics and utilities and contributed 50% of issuances in the UAE sukuk market. Typically, firms with smaller asset sizes and higher financing requirements were found to favour sukuk. The banking sector revealed irrelevance of information asymmetry, as Islamic Banks were mandated to issue sukuk. Non-financial firms with high profits and high debts were prompted to prefer conventional bonds, in line with the adverse selection mechanism.

Originality/value

Although UAE’s sukuk market has existed for more than a decade, scant research has been carried out. Few studies exist for the GCC region that either concentrated on stock market reactions to issuances of Islamic versus conventional bonds or studied capital market characteristics of non-financial entities alone. This is the first study to focus on signaling theory and information asymmetry playing a role in the capital structure of all listed firms (banking and non-banking) issuing bonds in the UAE.
The effect of personality traits and tax morale on tax evasion intention
Authors: Owusu Godfred Matthew Yaw , Bart-Plange Mary-Ann , Koomson Theodora Aba Abekah , Arthur Miriam
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship among personality traits, tax morale and tax evasion intention of students. Using the five-factor model of personality ratings, this study hypothesizes that agreeableness, openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion and neuroticism are good predictors of both tax morale and tax evasion intentions of individuals. Further, this paper argues that tax morale correlates negatively with tax evasion intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was adopted and questionnaires were developed to elicit responses for the study. The study hypotheses were tested structurally using the partial least square-structural equation modelling technique.

Findings

The results of the study demonstrate the existence of a positive and statistically significant relationship between three dimensions of the personality traits (agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience) and tax morale. Consistent with the expectation, the study also finds tax morale to be significant and negatively associated with tax evasion intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study concludes from the findings that improving the tax morale of individuals could be an important way by which tax authorities can improve voluntary tax compliance and reduce the incidence of tax evasion by individuals.

Originality/value

The study uses all the dimensions of the five-factor model to examine the tax evasion intention of individuals. It also contributes to the theoretical literature by highlighting the mediating role of tax morale in the relationship between personality traits and tax evasion intention from an African perspective.
A 1.8 V high-speed 8-bit hybrid DAC with integrated rail-to-rail buffer amplifier in CMOS 180 nm
Authors: Idros Norhamizah , Rosli Alia , Abdul Aziz Zulfiqar Ali , Rajendran Jagadheswaran , Marzuki Arjuna
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the performance of an 8-bit hybrid DAC which is suitable for wireless application or part of a built-in test block for ADC. The hybrid architecture used is the combination of thermometer coding and binary-weighted resistor architectures.

Design/methodology/approach

The conventional DAC topology performance tends to degrade at high-resolution applications. A hybrid topology, which combines an equal number of bits of thermometer coding and binary-weighted resistor architectures operating at higher sampling frequency, was proposed in this work. The die was fabricated in 180 nm CMOS process technology with a supplied voltage of 1.8 V.

Findings

Measured results showed that the DNL and INL errors are within −1 to +1 LSB and −0.9 to +0.9 LSB, respectively for the input range of 0.9 V at the clock rate of 200 MHz, and this DAC was proven monotonic. This 0.068 mm2 DAC consumed 12.6 mW for the data conversion.

Originality/value

This paper is of value in showing the equal division of bits from thermometer coding and binary-weighted resistor architectures provides smaller die size and enhances the performance of hybrid DAC, in terms of linearity, which are DNL and INL errors and guarantees monotonicity at higher sampling frequency.
Poor resource capital of micro-entrepreneurs: the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: Khan Eijaz Ahmed , Hossain Mohammad Alamgir , Jahed Mohammed Abu , Rowe Anna Lee
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Understanding the micro-start-up resources and its relationships with entrepreneurial orientation and performance is unique because it operates a business in a poor resource setting. However, poor resource settings of micro-start-up are not adequately examined into the literature in relation to entrepreneurial orientation and performance. Therefore, grounded on resource-based view, this paper aims to attempt to examine the relationships between resource capital, entrepreneurial orientation and performance in a developing country context.

Design/methodology/approach

To establish this, the authors conducted a survey among 180 micro-entrepreneurs from Bangladesh and analyzed the data using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach.

Findings

The results demonstrate the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation on the relationship between human and financial resources and performance, while having partial mediating influence between social resource and performance, therefore indicating the importance of resources for determining business outcomes for micro-entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

These results extend theoretical explanations of micro-entrepreneurship within the poor resource setting context. The findings have implications for identifying micro-firms likely to succeed for the purpose of strategic allocation of resources and supports; they also provide future research avenues.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has established that entrepreneurial orientation plays a critical and mediating role between resource capital and micro-firm performance in a poor resource setting.
A Taguchi approach for optimization of design parameters on Rayleigh-Bénard convection in water-based Al2O3 nanofluids
Authors: Choudhary Rajesh , Sharma Naveen , Subudhi Sudhakar
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to deal with the optimization of experimental parameters to obtain maximum heat transfer rate in a Rayleigh–Bénard enclosure filled with the water-based Al2O3 nanofluids using the Taguchi method.

Design/methodology/approach

The particle size and particle concentration of the Al2O3 nanoparticles are 40 nm and 0.01 Vol. %, respectively. A two-step approach has been used to prepare the nanofluids of the required concentration by mixing the nanoparticles in the distilled water (DW). A Rayleigh–Bénard enclosure, having a hot bottom and a cold top copper plate with insulated side walls, is used for the experiments. Experiments have been conducted first with the DW, for the validation of experimental facility, and second with nanofluid (Al2O3 + DW), for the heat transfer improvement, at three different values of enclosure aspect ratios (ratio of height to width of an enclosure), i.e. 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5.

Findings

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) analysis has been used to determine the optimal levels of design parameters and their contribution toward heat transfer augmentation. The heat transfer, i.e. Nusselt number, is determined for L9 (33) orthogonal array designed by Taguchi method along with corresponding SNR values. The SNR values are plotted for DW and nanofluid to study the effect of different parameters and to identify their optimal levels. It was found that the aspect ratio has the maximum contribution ratio of 78% for the nanofluid and 76.12% for the DW, followed by the heat flux and the height.

Originality/value

The present results demonstrated the great reliability of the Taguchi method in the optimization of the thermal system to save the time and cost of experiments.
Optimization of injection parameters for ethanol blends of plastic oil in VCR engine using RSM and ANN
Authors: Yellapragada Datta Bharadwaz , Budda Govinda Rao , Vadavelli Kavya
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The present work aims at improving the performance of the engine using optimized fuel injection strategies and operating parameters for plastic oil ethanol blends. To optimize and predict the engine injection and operational parameters, response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN) are used respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

The engine operating parameters such as load, compression ratio, injection timing and the injection pressure are taken as inputs whereas brake thermal efficiency (BTHE), brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and smoke emissions are treated as outputs. The experiments are designed according to the design of experiments, and optimization is carried out to find the optimum operational and injection parameters for plastic oil ethanol blends in the engine.

Findings

Optimum operational parameters of the engine when fuelled with plastic oil and ethanol blends are obtained at 8 kg of load, injection pressure of 257 bar, injection timing of 17° before top dead center and blend of 15%. The engine performance parameters obtained at optimum engine running conditions are BTHE 32.5%, BSFC 0.24 kg/kW.h, CO 0.057%, HC 10 ppm, NOx 324.13 ppm and smoke 79.1%. The values predicted from ANN are found to be more close to experimental values when compared with the values of RSM.

Originality/value

In the present work, a comparative analysis is carried out on the prediction capabilities of ANN and RSM for variable compression ratio engine fuelled with ethanol blends of plastic oil. The error of prediction for ANN is less than 5% for all the responses such as BTHE, BSFC, CO and NOx except for HC emission which is 12.8%.