bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Chloroplast Protein Atlas Reveals Novel Structures and Spatial Organization of Biosynthetic Pathways
Authors: Wang Lianyong , Patena Weronika , Van Baalen Kelly A. , Xie Yihua , Singer Emily R. , Gavrilenko Sophia , Warren-Williams Michelle , Han Linqu , Harrigan Henry R. , Chen Vivian , Ton Vinh T.N.P. , Kyin Saw , Shwe Henry H. , Cahn Matthew H. , Wilson Alexandra T. , Hu Jianping , Schnell Danny J. , McWhite Claire D. , Jonikas Martin
Published: May 2022

Chloroplasts are eukaryotic photosynthetic organelles that drive the global carbon cycle. Despite their importance, our understanding of their protein composition, function, and spatial organization remains limited. Here, we determined the localizations of 1,032 candidate chloroplast proteins by using fluorescent protein tagging in the model algaChlamydomonas reinhardtii. The localizations provide insights into the functions of hundreds of poorly-characterized proteins, including identifying novel components of nucleoids, plastoglobules, and the pyrenoid. We discovered and further characterized novel organizational features, including eleven chloroplast punctate structures, cytosolic crescent structures, and diverse unexpected spatial distributions of enzymes within the chloroplast. We observed widespread protein targeting to multiple organelles, identifying proteins that likely function in multiple compartments. We also used machine learning to predict the localizations of allChlamydomonasproteins. The strains and localization atlas developed here will serve as a resource to enable studies of chloroplast architecture and functions.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

1,032 candidate chloroplast proteins localized by fluorescent tagging.

This protein atlas reveals novel chloroplast structures, functional regions, and components.

Prevalent dual-organelle localization suggests extensive cross-compartment coordination.

Atlas-trained machine learning predicts localizations of allC. reinhardtiiproteins.
The IFT81-IFT74 complex enhances GTP hydrolysis to inactivate RabL2 during early steps of intraflagellar transport
Authors: Boegholm Niels , Petriman Narcis A. , Lopez Marta Loureiro , Kanie Tomoharu , Jackson Peter K. , Andersen Jens S. , Lorentzen Esben
Published: May 2022

Cilia are important organelles for signaling and motility and are constructed via intraflagellar transport (IFT). RabL2 is a small Rab-like GTPase that localizes to the basal body of cilia via an interaction with the centriolar protein CEP19 before downstream association with the IFT machinery to regulate the initiation of IFT. We have mapped the interaction with RabL2 to residues 107-195 of CEP19, purified the RabL2-CEP19 complex to show that CEP19 is not a GTPase activator protein for RabL2. In contrast, a reconstituted pentameric IFT complex containing IFT81/74 enhances the GTP hydrolysis in RabL2 by 20-fold. The binding site on IFT81/74 that promotes GTP hydrolysis in RabL2 is mapped to a 70 amino acid long coiled-coil region of IFT81/74. We present structural models for minimal IFT81/74-RabL2 complexes and demonstrate that the Chlamydomonas IFT81/74 complex enhances GTP hydrolysis of human RabL2 suggesting an ancient evolutionarily conserved function. Our results provide a mechanistic understanding of RabL2 function in the initiation step of IFT and a molecular rationale for why RabL2 dissociates from anterograde IFT trains soon after departure from the ciliary base.
The ERK5/NF-κB signaling pathway targets endometrial cancer proliferation and survival
Authors: Diéguez-Martínez Nora , Espinosa-Gil Sergio , Yoldi Guillermo , Megías-Roda Elisabet , Bolinaga-Ayala Idoia , Viñas-Casas Maria , Domingo-Ortí Inés , Pérez-Montoyo Héctor , Bayascas Jose R , Colas Eva , Dolcet Xavier , Lizcano Jose M
Published: May 2022

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common type of gynaecologic cancer in women of developed countries. Despite surgery combined with chemo-/radiotherapy regimens, overall survival of patients with high-risk EC tumors is poor, indicating a need for novel molecular therapies. The MEK5-ERK5 pathway is activated in response to growth factors and to different forms of stress, including oxidative stress and cytokines. Previous evidence support a role for the MEK5-ERK5 pathway in the pathology of several cancers. We have investigated the role of ERK5 in EC. In silico analysis of the PanCancer Atlas dataset showed alterations in components of the MEK5-ERK5 pathway in 48% of EC patients. Here, we show that ERK5 inhibition decreased EGF-induced EC cell proliferation, and that depletion of MEK5 resulted in EC impaired proliferation and reduced tumor growth capacity in nude mice. Pharmacologic or genetic silencing of ERK5 impaired NF-kB pathway in EC cells and xenografts. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between ERK5 and p65/RELA protein levels in human EC tumor samples. Mechanistically, impairment of ERK5 resulted in downregulation of NEMO/IKKγ expression, leading to impaired p65/RELA activity and to apoptosis in EC cells and xenografts, which was rescued by NEMO/IKKγ overexpression. Notably, ERK5 inhibition, MEK5 depletion or NF-kB inhibition sensitized EC cells to standard EC chemotherapy (paclitaxel/carboplatin) toxicity, whereas ERK5 inhibition synergized with paclitaxel to reduce tumor xenograft growth in mice. Together, our results suggest that the ERK5-NEMO-NF-κB pathway mediates EC cell proliferation and survival. We propose the ERK5/NF-κB axis as new target for EC treatment.
SAM-dependent viral MTase inhibitors: herbacetin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester, structural insights into dengue MTase
Authors: Bhutkar Mandar , Kumar Amith , Rani Ruchi , Singh Vishakha , Pathak Akashjyoti , Kothiala Aditi , Mahajan Supreeti , Waghmode Bhairavnath , Kumar Ravi , Mudgal Rajat , Sircar Debabrata , Kumar Pravindra , Tomar Shailly
Published: May 2022

Chikungunya (CHIKV) and dengue (DENV) viruses pose a public health risk and lack antiviral treatment. Structure-based virtual screening of natural MTase substrates library identified herbacetin (HC) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) as potential CHIKV nsP1 and DENV NS5 MTase inhibitors. Binding affinities and MTase inhibition were confirmed using purified proteins. Crystal structure of DENV3 NS5 MTase and CAPE complex revealed CAPE binding at GTP and cap 0 RNA sites. Interestingly, HC and CAPE depleted polyamines, which are crucial for RNA virus replication, and effectively diminished replication with IC50values of ∼13.44 µM and ∼0.57 µM against CHIKV, and ∼7.24 µM and ∼1.01 µM against DENV, respectively. Polyamine addition did not reverse the antiviral effects, suggesting a dual inhibition mechanism.

Graphical abstract
Persistent Inflammatory Lipotoxicity Impedes Pancreatic β-cell Function in Diet-Induced Obese Mice Despite Correction of Glucotoxicity
Authors: Valdez Ivan A. , Palavicini Juan Pablo , Bakewell Terry M. , Fourcaudot Marcel , Ayala Iriscilla , Xu Ziying , Khattab Ahmed , Han Xianlin , Shannon Chris E. , Norton Luke
Published: May 2022

Insulin resistance is a hallmark feature of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), but the progression of the disease is closely linked to a deterioration in β-cell mass and function. While the precise mechanisms of β-cell failure are unclear, chronic hyperglycemia (glucotoxicity) and dyslipidemia (lipotoxicity) are considered contributing factors; however, the relative importance of these insults on β-cell function remains controversial. To examine this, we dissociated glucotoxicity from lipotoxicity using a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mouse model of T2D and the glucose-lowering SGLT2 inhibitor, canagliflozin (CANA). As expected, HFD-feeding impaired glucose tolerance and isolated islet function. However, despite improvements in glucose tolerance and indices of β-cell insulin secretory function in vivo, CANA failed to restore isolated β-cell function. Shotgun lipidomics analysis of isolated islets revealed that HFD-feeding induced glycerophospholipid remodeling with a persistent increase in arachidonic acid (20:4)-enriched molecular species. Further analysis revealed that lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) was the predominant lipid class elevated in HFD islets following correction of glucotoxicity with CANA. In follow-up experiments, LPC stimulations acutely and dose-dependently impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in isolated wild-type islets, mechanistically linking this lipid class to β-cell dysfunction. Our findings indicate that persistent inflammatory lipotoxicity impedes β-cell function in diet-induced obese (DIO) rodents even after normalization of hyperglycemia. If replicated in humans, these data suggest that interventions targeting lipotoxicity may be beneficial for the long-term protection of pancreatic β-cell function in T2D.
The three–way interactions of gender, supervisor’s gender, and country on the strategies for managing conflict of millennials: an exploratory study in 10 countries
Authors: Rahim M. Afzalur , Katz Jaffrey P. , Ma Zhenzhong , Yılmaz Hakan , Lassleben Hermann , Rahman Md. Sahidur , Silva Maria Gabriela , Bibi Zainab , Shaw Leslie J. , Fernandez Thomas E. , Yee Cathy Leung Miu
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This field study aims to investigate the interactive relationships of millennial employee’s gender, supervisor’s gender and country culture on the conflict-management strategies (CMS) in ten countries (USA, China, Turkey, Germany, Bangladesh, Portugal, Pakistan, Italy, Thailand and Hong Kong).

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study extends past research by examining the interactive effects of gender × supervisor’s gender × country on the CMS within a single generation of workers, millennials. The Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory–II, Form A was used to assess the use of the five CMS (integrating, obliging, dominating, avoiding and compromising). Data analysis found CMS used in the workplace are associated with the interaction of worker and supervisor genders and the national context of their work.

Findings

Data analysis (N= 2,801) was performed using the multivariate analysis of covariance with work experience as a covariate. The analysis provided support for the three-way interaction. This interaction suggests how one uses the CMS depends on self-gender, supervisor’s gender and the country where the parties live. Also, the covariate – work experience – was significantly associated with CMS.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of this study is that the authors collected data from a collegiate sample of employed management students in ten countries. There are significant implications for leading global teams and training programs for mid-level millennials.

Practical implications

There are various conflict situations where one conflict strategy may be more appropriate than others. Organizations may have to change their policies for recruiting employees who are more effective in conflict management.

Social implications

Conflict management is not only important for managers but it is also important for all human beings. Individuals handle conflict every day and it would be really good if they could handle it effectively and improve their gains.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has tested a three-way interaction of variables on CMS. This study has a wealth of information on CMS for global managers.
Type-2 fuzzy logic applications designed for active parameter adaptation in metaheuristic algorithm for fuzzy fault-tolerant controller
Authors: Patel Himanshukumar R. , Shah Vipul A.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In recent times, fuzzy logic is gaining more and more attention, and this is because of the capability of understanding the functioning of the system as per human knowledge-based system. The main contribution of the work is dynamically adapting the important parameters throughout the execution of the flower pollination algorithm (FPA) using concepts of fuzzy logic. By adapting the main parameters of the metaheuristics, the performance and accuracy of the metaheuristic have been improving in a varied range of applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The fuzzy logic-based parameter adaptation in the FPA is proposed. In addition, type-2 fuzzy logic is used to design fuzzy inference system for dynamic parameter adaptation in metaheuristics, which can help in eliminating uncertainty and hence offers an attractive improvement in dynamic parameter adaption in metaheuristic method, and, in reality, the effectiveness of the interval type-2 fuzzy inference system (IT2 FIS) has shown to provide improved results as matched to type-1 fuzzy inference system (T1 FIS) in some latest work.

Findings

One case study is considered for testing the proposed approach in a fault tolerant control problem without faults and with partial loss of effectiveness of main actuator fault with abrupt and incipient nature. For comparison between the type-1 fuzzy FPA and interval type-2 fuzzy FPA is presented using statistical analysis which validates the advantages of the interval type-2 fuzzy FPA. The statistical Z-test is presented for comparison of efficiency between two fuzzy variants of the FPA optimization method.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the work is a dynamical adaptation of the important parameters throughout the execution of the flower pollination optimization algorithm using concepts of type-2 fuzzy logic. By adapting the main parameters of the metaheuristics, the performance and accuracy of the metaheuristic have been improving in a varied range of applications.
Impact of the project manager's transformational leadership, influenced by mediation of self-leadership and moderation of empowerment, on project success
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Khalique , Abdulhamid Abu Bakar , Wahab Sazali Abd , Nazir Muhammad Umair
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In times of crisis and volatility, especially in the Covid-19 scenario, project organisations are facing multifaceted threats. Project organisations are inclining towards flatter organisational structures. Employees are demanding more decision-making authority due to the changing working scenario. Despite the advancement in project management, a hard skill side, project organisations are still struggling to achieve successful projects. The project manager's leadership, employee self-leadership and soft skills are presented as the solution to these aggravated problems. This article attempts to determine whether a transformational leadership style can influence project success, directly and indirectly through employee self-leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The author raises the hypothesis, supported by social cognitive theory, that transformational leadership impacts project success directly and indirectly through self-leadership. Data were collected from 289 project team members in the IT sector, and the proposed relationships were assessed through Partial least squares structural equation modelling PLS-SEM.

Findings

Results show that a project manager's transformational leadership behaviour and employee self-leadership positively impact project success. Additionally, self-leadership mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and project success. Lastly, empowerment demonstrated significant moderation for self-leadership and project success, and for transformational leadership and project success.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, one obvious methodological limitation is a cross-sectional design. Future research can be performed while adopting a longitudinal research design. Another conceptual limitation of the model is that the authors did not include all transformational leadership dimensions, which can be considered for future studies while replicating this research model. Another future front can be by examining other leadership styles. Another research limitation may be the single source data collection, a future study may be conducted by several sources for data collection to adequately test both of the leadership styles at different hierarchies and for project success.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature by finding that, in crises, a project manager's transformational leadership style enhances project success. In practice, project managers are needed to adopt transformational behaviour and encourage employee self-leadership and empowerment.
Re-framing the policy conversation for preventing cyberstalking
Authors: Smith Kane , Dhillon Gurpreet
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Cyberstalking is a growing threat to society, and policymakers should address it utilizing the input of constituents. For this, two key components are required: actionable objectives informed by the values of society and the means of implementation to maximize their potential benefits. The process should be guided by the constituent's values, requiring the elicitation of intrinsic values as individual preferences that are extrapolated to society at large.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize Keeney's (1990) public value forum and Sen's (1999) social choice theory (Sen, 1999) to elicit and convert these intrinsic values to serve as the basis for developing public policy to prevent cyberstalking.

Findings

The results demonstrate a strong desire by participants to have clear regulations, policies and procedures developed in concert with industry and enforced by the government that elucidate required protections against cyberstalking in combination with strong technical controls. These policies should guide technical control development and implementation, but leave ultimate control in the hands of technology users to decide what controls they want to utilize.

Originality/value

This study is the first to utilize Keeney's (1988) public value forum in the context of cyberstalking to develop quantitative measures regarding technology users' desired cybersecurity protections against cyberstalking. The authors provide a decision-making framework for policymakers to develop a new policy based on the input of their constituents in a manner that maximizes their potential utility and ultimate benefit.
Understanding videoconference fatigue: a systematic review of dimensions, antecedents and theories
Authors: Li Benjamin (Benjy) J. , Yee Andrew Z.H.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

While videoconferencing has allowed for meetings to continue in a virtual space without the need for face-to-face interaction, there have been increasing reports of individuals affected by a phenomenon colloquially known as videoconference fatigue (VF). This paper presents a systematic review of existing literature to understand the empirical manifestations of the phenomenon, the causes behind it and potential theoretical explanations behind its effects.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive search on four academic databases was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and produced 34,574 results, with 14 articles meeting the eligibility criteria.

Findings

Analyses showed that VF can be classified into four dimensions: physical, emotional, cognitive and social. Antecedents of VF can be organized into psychological, social, technical, chronemic and productivity factors. Potential theoretical explanations applied in existing studies were described and elaborated upon. The authors also highlight the importance of addressing social concerns as a key priority in alleviating VF.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive systematic review of existing research on VF. The contribution of this paper is twofold: First, the authors described VF in a systematic and rigorous manner and provide theoretical insights, as much of the current discourse around VF tends to be based on anecdotal evidence and reports. Second, the authors explore potential theoretical explanations surrounding the phenomena, to address the lack of understanding behind the processes by which VF affects individuals.
Capital structure decisions and environmental, social and governance performance: insights from Jordan
Authors: Al Amosh Hamzeh , Khatib Saleh F.A. , Alkurdi Amneh , Bazhair Ayman Hassan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of capital structure (CS), including total debts, short-term debt, long-term debt and total shareholder equity, on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in the context of Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the study’s objectives, the authors used the content analysis approach and the longitudinal data generated from the annual reports of 51 industrial companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange for the period 2012–2020.

Findings

The findings show that debt financing enhances ESG performance in all dimensions, while financing by equity did not affect ESG. Consequently, Jordanian companies’ managers are trying to reduce agency costs by investing in ESG activities. In addition, companies are focusing on debt financing instead of equity to achieve their financial as well as nonfinancial goals. This is because the opportunism of new shareholders will likely lead to a focus on maximizing their value at the expense of the broader group of stakeholders, and this will adversely affect companies’ ESG performance. Therefore, debt financing limits shareholder control.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first examination of the impact of CS financing choices on ESG performance. Thus, this study has important implications for the decisions of executives, policymakers, shareholders and lenders, as it enables them to better understand the linkage between CS and ESG.
Modeling cryptocurrency investment decision: evidence from Islamic emerging market
Authors: Veerasingam Nitiyatharishini , Teoh Ai Ping
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Digital currency investment has emerged as a result of global transformation toward technology-driven human lives. In Asia, Malaysia as an Islamic country is one of the early adopters with a high level of awareness on cryptocurrency. This paper aims to investigate the factors affecting the investment decision in cryptocurrency among potential investors in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 200 individuals aged 18 years and over. The hypotheses were tested using the partial least squares – structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

Results showed that attitude toward risk and perceived behavioral control have a significant positive effect on the investor’s investment decision in cryptocurrency. Interestingly, machine learning forecasting enhances the relationship between perceived benefits and the investment decision in cryptocurrency.

Practical implications

Results benefit investors and practitioners on the significant determinants of investment decision in cryptocurrency in emerging market.

Originality/value

Despite having high volatility and complexity in price determination, and being decentralized, cryptocurrency has managed to attract many investors due to reasons less explored. The outcome of this study extends the theory of planned behavior and confirms the role of machine learning forecasting as a moderator in the context of cryptocurrency investment.
A tribute to Dr Pierre Eiglier: a service field founder with timeless service wisdom
Authors: Bowen David E.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This tribute to Dr Pierre Eiglier, who passed in February 2020, was prepared for the “17th International Research Conference in Service Management 2022” in La Londe les Maures, France. Tribute is defined as, “an act, statement, or gift intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration”.

Design/methodology/approach

Sampled Pierre's publications; consulted the 1993 Journal of Retailing “Special Services Issue” on the evolution of the field; collected reflections from another founder and two of Pierre's former doctoral students who have helped co-chair the La Londe conference and drew from my own interactions with Pierre over the years at La Londe.

Findings

In the mid-1970s, Pierre was one of the first to specify the unique characteristics of services vs products, and the implications and introduced, with Eric Langeard, the “servuction” (service production) model, highlighting customer participation in the servuction process and determinants of the service experience. Pierre continually applied a synthesis of systems thinking, researcher–practitioner interaction, and interdisciplinary/cross-functional perspectives.

Practical implications

Pierre's contributions came at a time when marketing practice was geared largely toward products/goods, yet the service sector was growing. Pierre's pioneering framing, along with other founders, of service attributes, service models, and the service experience had much-needed implications for services marketing practice.

Originality/value

This detailed tribute to a service field founder is, regrettably, quite original; too rare. There is value in revisiting these founding contributions which often were broader and more interdisciplinary in perspective than now.
Business environment distance, absorptive capacity and innovation performance of EMNEs: evidence from China
Authors: Zhan Yun , Yi Changjun
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates the effect of business environment distance on innovation performance of emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNEs) and explores the mediating effect of absorptive capacity between the two, and it further analyzes the moderating effect of skilled migrants in the relationship between business environment distance and absorptive capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical analysis based on a fixed effect model is conducted using data of Chinese MNEs listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock that expand into developed markets from 2011 to 2018.

Findings

The results suggest business environment distance positively affects the innovation performance of EMNEs, and can enhance innovation performance by affecting absorptive capacity of EMNEs. In addition, skilled migrants strengthen the relationship between business environment distance and absorptive capacity of EMNEs.

Practical implications

Chinese MNEs should fully exploit business environment distance to acquire the technology needed for innovation activities, and strengthen absorptive capacity to maximize the benefits from innovation. Chinese government needs to strengthen the construction of skilled migrants to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer.

Originality/value

Combining springboard theory and institutional theory, this paper integrates macro and micro perspectives to explore whether and how business environment distance affects innovation performance of Chinese MNEs. The paper provides a good theoretical basis and important practical reference value for enhancing the technological innovation capability of Chinese MNEs and the overall technological innovation level of China.
The formation mechanism of destructive leadership behavior: from the perspective of moral deconstruction process
Authors: Wu Mengying , Wang Rongsong , Wang Haihua , Estay Christophe
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of psychological contract breach on destructive by developing a moderated mediation model. The model focuses on the mediating role of moral identity and moral disengagement and the moderating role of moral belief.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a three-wave questionnaire survey and used 377 matched-sample data to test the hypotheses. PROCESS bootstrapping program in SPSS and confirmatory factor analysis in AMOS software were adopted in this study.

Findings

Results reveal that psychological contract breach has a positive effect on destructive leadership behavior, and the relationship is mediated by moral identity and moral disengagement; moral belief not only moderates the relationship between psychological contract breach and destructive leadership behavior, but also moderates the mediation effect of moral identity and moral disengagement.

Originality/value

First, this study enriches the destructive leadership behavior literature by verifying psychological contract breach as an antecedent. Second, this study discusses the role of morality in the formation mechanism of destructive leadership behavior by testing the mediating effect of moral identity and moral disengagement and the moderating effect of moral belief.
Innovation and corporate social responsibility during the Covid-19 in Ardakan (Iran)
Authors: Basile Gianpaolo , Fotouhi Ardakani Mohammad , Mazzitelli Andrea , Sakka Georgia
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In developed countries, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become an important element for firms, as CSR strategies enhance their competitiveness and corporate reputation, has CSR the same role in the emergent countries? To answer this question, the authors build a conceptual framework and focus their research on Iran's context with the aim to find an answer to the following research question: does CSR influence innovation processes and how much is it increasingly a cultural value in the same level of competitive ones? Therefore the purpose of this research is to study the role of CSR in firms operating in emergent countries

Design/methodology/approach

In the pandemic era, CSR could be considered not what you do with your money once you have made it but how you make your money safeguarding environmental resources and answering community needs, in collaboration with other social and economic agents. While investigating CSR, we have to take into account the fact that different countries have different priorities and values that shape the way business operates.

Findings

To reach this aim, the authors carried out the research during the pandemic period, between September 2021 and December 2021, on almost 500 small and medium enterprises operating in Ardakan area in Iran, a simple random sample was surveyed by partial least squares-structural equation modelling.

Originality/value

Given the lack of empirical studies on the considered country, this research has attempted to determine the impact of CSR practices on innovation and, simultaneously, to check the effect of innovation on CSR practices, in order to test empirically whether there is a bidirectional relationship. Furthermore, the study reveals the importance of integrating social and economic stakeholders’ requirements and expectations about environmental and social concerns within a country in which the specific norms’ presence is weak.
Exploring the associations of youth Facebook addiction with social capital perceptions
Authors: Wong Jenny , Ho Kevin K.W. , Leung Tin Nok , Chiu Dickson K.W.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Although Facebook addiction has been found to be a key motive for using Facebook, scant research has explored the association of Facebook addiction with social capital. While researchers addressed how Facebook use strengthened social capital, they did not address the resultant excessive and uncontrollable Facebook use, which is a key sign of Facebook addiction. Therefore, the authors develop this project to study this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This research explores the motive of Facebook addiction by using a questionnaire to examine the relationships between Facebook addiction and two types of social capital: cognitive and bonding social capital. The authors recruited Hong Kong youth through Facebook and peer groups to complete a set of questionnaires on Facebook addiction, cognitive social capital, bonding social capital and the degree of extraversion. Hierarchical regression is used for analyzing the data collected.

Findings

Hierarchical regression results indicated that the more addicted one was to Facebook, the lower the cognitive social capital one perceived. Such a negative relationship was particularly significant for female participants. A similar but marginally significant effect is also found for bonding social capital.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on the impact of Facebook addiction on how one perceives shared meanings and the sense of belongingness with other people on social networks.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-06-2021-0300.
Optical properties of polymerization N-(3-methoxypropyl) acrylamide polymer gel dosimeters for radiotherapy
Authors: Rabaeh Khalid , Eyadeh Molham
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the dosimetric properties of N-(3-methoxypropyl) acrylamide (NMPA) polymer gel dosimeter using UV-vis spectrophotometry as a simple and low-cost method.

Design/methodology/approach

The gel samples have been irradiated to various doses using a medical linear accelerator with 6 MV beam energy. The optical density of un-irradiated and irradiated NMPA polymer gel dosimeters in terms of absorbance at 500 nm was investigated by UV-vis spectrophotometry.

Findings

The absorbance values of the gel samples were increased linearly with increasing dose in the dose range between 2 and 20 Gy. A remarkable improvement in the dose response was noticed after the addition of various concentrations of glycerol. The impact of dose rate, beam energy and the post-stability of the exposed gels was studied and found consistent with the previous study using nuclear magnetic resonance results (energy independent and dose rate independent, stable up to one week).

Practical implications

The results of the independent experimental spectrophotometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses indicate that the NMPA polymer gel dosimeter has good and consistent dosimetric features for radiotherapy dosimetry.

Originality/value

The ionizing radiation-induced polymerization of gel samples leads to a change in the absorbance of the irradiated gel samples. This study introduces the first characterization of NMPA gel dosimeter by means of UV-vis spectrophotometer.
Assessing the impact of environmental accounting research: evidence from citation and journal data
Authors: Cho Charles H. , Jérôme Tiphaine , Maurice Jonathan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct an analysis of management research based on impact measures, with a focus on the accounting discipline and the environment theme. Using author and journal data as units of analysis, this study seek to determine the representation of environmental accounting researchers among the most cited accounting authors and the consideration given to environmental issues in the impact assessment of management journals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collects and quantitatively analyzes the publications and citations of the 50 most cited accounting authors and run a principal component analysis on a collection of journal-centered indicators and rankings.

Findings

This study finds that – among the most cited accounting authors – environmental accounting researchers hold a relatively influential position although their research is mainly published in non-top-tier accounting journals. This study also documents that some environment-themed journals suffer from significant disadvantages in peer-reviewed journal rankings.

Practical implications

Environmental accounting researchers are likely to disseminate their research in other media than in top-tier journals. This may have an impact on the academic viability of this field.

Social implications

Despite their strong connection to societal issues, some research themes could become understudied if journal rankings are not able to consider publication outlets in a more comprehensive way. There is a strong need for a broader consideration of scientific production, particularly in relation to its overall societal impact.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time an empirical analysis, combining author and journal data and documenting such findings, has been presented for publication. This study means to provide some descriptive insights into where environmental accounting researchers and environment-themed journals stand.
“Courage, loyalty, and cruelty”: learning history in a classical Christian school
Authors: Fitzpatrick Colleen
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study explores how the context of a classical Christian school (CCS) interacted with a how teacher taught and how students learned and experienced a unit about World War II.

Design/methodology/approach

A sixth-grade class was observed during their 13-day unit on World War I. The teacher was interviewed before the unit began to understand her goals for the unit and was interviewed after for her to reflect on her teaching and student learning. All classroom documents (notes, worksheets, essays) were collected. After the unit, each student participated in a think aloud of the assessment and reflected on their experiences during the unit.

Findings

The findings suggest that teacher and students were greatly impacted by the classical Christian nature of the school. The teacher used three biblical themes to frame the unit, which caused misconceptions for students. While students learned factual information about World War II, they struggled to relate the teacher's themes to World War II.

Originality/value

This study adds insights about teaching and learning history in a CCS and highlights the need for more research to explore what and how students in private religious schools are learning. While the teacher's themes could have been useful organizing concepts for the material, they instead complicated student learning.
When foreign direct investment is threatened: Rio Tinto and Richards Bay Minerals
Authors: Moore Amy Fisher , Matthee Marianne
Published: May 2022

Theoretical basis

The theoretical basis of the teaching note is grounded in theory associated with macroeconomics and foreign direct investment (FDI); in particular why FDI is important to a developing country.

Research methodology

A secondary research methodology was used for the research and writing of this case study. Data (news articles and relevant readings) was obtained via the internet.

Case overview/synopsis

The case highlights the interrelated factors (civil society infrastructure, local and political unrest and community instability) that led to global mining company Rio Tinto announcing the halt of its operations and force majeure at its only South African business, Richards Bay Minerals (RBM). RBM was the largest business and employer in the province. Following the destruction of some of its equipment, civil unrest such as blocking of roads and intimidation of staff and the murder of one of their executives, Nico Swart, RBM management consequently announced all supplier contracts and operations would be halted until it was safe for work to be resumed.The case allows students to consider the interrelated factors that multinationals operating in developing countries are subject to in terms of different sub-national institutions and the potential impact of a large multinational ceasing operations in a local economy, both directly and indirectly. It concludes with considerations of what needs to be in place for RBM to continue operations.

Complexity academic level

This case can be used in undergraduate- and graduate-level courses, in management development programs or in short executive education courses focusing on the environment of business, macroeconomics and FDI.
Parametrical analysis of the tapered steel section with elliptical perforation: shear behaviour effects
Authors: De'nan Fatimah , Hashim Nor Salwani , Sua Xing Yong
Published: May 2022

Purpose

With the vast advancement of structural steel properties over the recent decades, structural steel has become the dominate material for the construction of bridges, stadiums, factories and high rise buildings. This paper aims to present the study of structural behaviour and efficiency of tapered steel section with elliptical perforation under shear loading conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of various elliptical perforation configurations such as tapering ratio, perforation size, perforation orientation and perforation layout on the shear behaviour of tapered steel section has been investigated by using finite element method. A total of 112 models are simulated via LUSAS software.

Findings

It has been found that the most efficient model is the tapered steel section with tapering ratio of 0.3 and vertical elliptical perforation of 0.2 times the section depths which are arranged in Layout 3. The most efficient model has a shear efficiency of 1,094.35 kN, which is 4.12% less than the tapered steel section without perforation, but it could achieve a 0.32% of weight reduction.

Originality/value

The smaller tapering ratio and perforation size contributed to the higher shear buckling capacity and efficiency for the elliptical perforated tapered steel section.
A global evaluation of the associations between long‐term dynamics of seed falls and rodents
Authors: LIU Rui , ZHANG Yongjun , ZHANG Hongmao , CAO Lin , YAN Chuan
Published: May 2022

One classic system of pulsed resource and animal population is mast seeding and population dynamics of seed‐eating rodents in forests. However, we still lack an understanding of the global patterns regarding the contributions of seed falls to rodent outbreaks or population dynamics. We analyzed a global dataset of coupled long‐term time series of seed abundances and rodent populations from published literature, including 66 and 89 time series (156 rodent–seed pairs from 37 studies) for rodent and seed abundances, respectively. We found only half of the examined rodent populations showed statistically significant coincidence between rodent outbreak and mast‐seeding years. Over all the coupled time series, seed abundance was found to positively correlate with rodent abundance with a one‐year lag, and the relative importance of seed abundance was much lower than that of density dependence in affecting rodent population growth rates. We also found the relative importance of seed abundance decreased, but that of rodent density dependence increased with the latitude of study. For the first time, our work provides a global pattern on the associations between seed falls and rodent population dynamics mostly in mid‐ and high‐latitude forests, and highlights the necessity of more long‐term studies on this subject in more forest ecosystems.
Effects of oxidation on the physicochemical properties and degradation of mutton myofibrillar proteins
Authors: Lei Yongdong , Deng Xiaorong , Zhang Zhiwei , Guo Xin , Zhang Jian
Published: May 2022

Tenderness affects mutton quality and price, and the degradation of myofibrillar protein (MP) is critical to improve tenderness. We investigated the oxidative modification of mutton MP by hydroxyl radicals (OH) and the effects of this modification on the proteolysis of MP by µ‐calpain. As the H2O2 concentrations increased, the carbonyl and dityrosine contents and the surface hydrophobicity of MP all display an increasing trend, whereas the total sulfhydryl and intrinsic fluorescence intensity of MP declines significantly. SDS‐PAGE electrophoresis indicates that disulfide bonds and other covalent bonds led to protein cross‐linking and aggregation. After adding µ‐calpain, with increasing oxidation, the degradation percentage of myosin heavy chain (MHC) increases considerably and actin degradation is promoted, while the proteolysis of troponin‐T and desmin is inhibited. These data suggest that·OH can change MP physicochemical properties and its susceptibility to µ‐calpain. Future investigations will focus on the effect of oxidation on the degradation of MP by other proteases, such as cathepsins and caspase and the effect of oxidation on these enzymes.

Practical Application

The calpain system, particularly µ‐calpain, plays a pivotal role in postmortem tenderization of meat. Protein oxidative modifications influence meat tenderness mainly by regulating proteolysis. An investigation of the effect of oxidation on the proteolytic susceptibility of MP to degradation by µ‐calpain allows for the monitoring of the association between protein oxidation and meat tenderness.
Effect of different drying technologies on the characteristics and quality of lemon slices
Authors: Xu Qinglian , Pan Hongjie , Shui Yuru , Xing Yage , Wu Lin , Zheng Faying , Fan Xiangfeng , Bi Xiufang
Published: May 2022

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of four drying methods, namely, hot air drying (HAD), microwave drying (MD), vacuum drying (VD), and microwave vacuum drying (MVD), on the quality of lemon slices. The relevant indicators, including total phenolic content, ascorbic acid content, browning, color, reducing sugar content, volatile component measurements, and principal component analysis of 0 and 30 days storage, were compared after exposure to the four drying methods. The shortest time of 64 min was used to treat the lemon slices via MVD at 1 KW. These samples displayed the least damage after drying and the highest rehydration ratio of 4.12. The contents of VC, reducing sugars, and total phenols of MVD samples were significantly higher than those in the HAD, VD, and MD groups, retaining 105.94 mg/100 g, 21.35 g/100 g, and 77.81 mg GAE/g, respectively, while their color difference values were also the smallest, with a browning degree of 3.55, significantly lower than those in the other treatment groups (p < 0.05), and the degree of browning of the samples in the HAD treatment group was the most serious; in terms of volatile flavor substances, the lemon slice samples in the MVD and HAD treatment groups were more diverse and of better quality. The order of product sensory evaluation was: MVD > VD > HAD > MD. The final scores after comprehensive analysis revealed the order of the four drying methods as MVD, HAD, VD, and MD. Therefore, MVD had a better effect on the sensory perception and nutritional properties of the lemon slices, providing a useful alternative to the conventional drying method.

Practical Application

Lemon slices during drying are affected by various aspects, leading to changes in its color, aroma substances, and nutrient composition. The results of this work will not only provide a technical reference for the future production of high‐quality dried lemon slices, but also have important implications for fresh‐cut lemons in processing and storage. It also generates important implications for fresh‐cut lemons in processing and storage.
E. coli biofilm formation and its susceptibility towards T4 bacteriophages studied in a continuously operating mixing – tubular bioreactor system
Authors: Lisac Ana , Birsa Elfi , Podgornik Aleš
Published: May 2022

A system consisting of a connected mixed and tubular bioreactor was designed to study bacterial biofilm formation and the effect of its exposure to bacteriophages under different experimental conditions. The bacterial biofilm inside silicone tubular bioreactor was formed during the continuous pumping of bacterial cells at a constant physiological state for 2 h and subsequent washing with a buffer for 24 h. Monitoring bacterial and bacteriophage concentration along the tubular bioreactor was performed via a piercing method. The presence of biofilm and planktonic cells was demonstrated by combining the piercing method, measurement of planktonic cell concentration at the tubular bioreactor outlet, and optical microscopy. The planktonic cell formation rate was found to be 8.95 × 10−3 h−1 and increased approximately four‐fold (4×) after biofilm exposure to an LB medium. Exposure of bacterial biofilm to bacteriophages in the LB medium resulted in a rapid decrease of biofilm and planktonic cell concentration, to below the detection limit within < 2 h. When bacteriophages were supplied in the buffer, only a moderate decrease in the concentration of both bacterial cell types was observed. After biofilm washing with buffer to remove unadsorbed bacteriophages, its exposure to the LB medium (without bacteriophages) resulted in a rapid decrease in bacterial concentration: again below the detection limit in < 2 h.