bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmodium falciparumcontains functional SCF and CRL4 ubiquitin E3 ligases, and CRL4 is critical for cell division and membrane integrity
Authors: Rizvi Zeba , Reddy G. Srinivas , Gorde Somesh M. , Pundir Priyanka , Das Divya , Sijwali Puran Singh
Published: April 2023

Protein ubiquitination is essential for cellular homeostasis and regulation of several processes, including cell division and genome integrity. Ubiquitin E3 ligases determine substrate specificity for ubiquitination, and Cullin-RING ubiquitin E3 Ligases (CRLs) make the largest group among the ubiquitin E3 ligases. Although conserved and most studied in model eukaryotes, CRLs remain underappreciated inPlasmodiumand related parasites. To investigate the CRLs of human malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparum, we generated parasites expressing taggedP. falciparumcullin-1 (PfCullin-1), cullin-2 (PfCullin-2), Rbx1 (PfRbx1) and Skp1 (PfSkp1). PfCullin-1 and PfCullin-2 were predominantly expressed in erythrocytic trophozoite and schizont stages, with nucleocytoplasmic localization and chromatin association, suggesting their roles in different cellular compartments and DNA-associated processes. Immunoprecipitation,in vitroprotein-protein interaction and ubiquitination assay confirmed the presence of a functional SCF (PfSCF), comprising of PfCullin-1, PfRbx1, PfSkp1, PfFBXO1 and calcyclin binding protein. Immunoprecipitation, sequence analysis and ubiquitination assay indicated that PfCullin-2 forms a functional human CRL4-like complex (PfCRL4), consisting of PfRbx1, cleavage and polyadenylation specific factor subunit_A and WD40 repeat proteins. PfCullin-2 knock-down at the protein level, which would hinder PfCRL4 assembly, significantly decreased asexual and sexual erythrocytic stage development. Several pathways, including protein translation and folding, lipid biosynthesis and transport, DNA replication, and protein degradation were dysregulated upon PfCullin-2-depletion, which likely reflects association of PfCRL4 with multiple pathways. Consistent with dysregulation of multiple pathways, PfCullin-2-depleted schizonts had poorly delimited merozoites and internal membraned structures, suggesting a role of PfCRL4 in maintaining membrane integrity. PfCullin-2-depleted parasites had significantly lower number of nuclei/parasite than the normal parasites, indicating a crucial role of PfCRL4 in cell division. Taken together, we for the first time demonstrate the presence of functional CRLs inP. falciparum, with crucial roles for PfCRL4 in cell division and maintaining membrane integrity. This study will benefit investigation of similar ligases in related parasites.
BOUNTI: Brain vOlumetry and aUtomated parcellatioN for 3D feTal MRI
Authors: Uus Alena U. , Kyriakopoulou Vanessa , Makropoulos Antonios , Fukami-Gartner Abi , Cromb Daniel , Davidson Alice , Cordero-Grande Lucilio , Price Anthony N. , Grigorescu Irina , Williams Logan Z. J. , Robinson Emma C. , Lloyd David , Pushparajah Kuberan , Story Lisa , Hutter Jana , Counsell Serena J. , Edwards A. David , Rutherford Mary A. , Hajnal Joseph V. , Deprez Maria
Published: April 2023

Fetal MRI is widely used for quantitative brain volumetry studies. However, currently, there is a lack of universally accepted protocols for fetal brain parcellation and segmentation. Published clinical studies tend to use different segmentation approaches that also reportedly require significant amounts of time-consuming manual refinement. In this work, we propose to address this challenge by developing a new robust deep learning-based fetal brain segmentation pipeline for 3D T2w motion corrected brain images. At first, we defined a new refined brain tissue parcellation protocol with 19 regions-of-interest using the new fetal brain MRI atlas from the Developing Human Connectome Project. This protocol design was based on evidence from histological brain atlases, clear visibility of the structures in individual subject 3D T2w images and the clinical relevance to quantitative studies. It was then used as a basis for developing an automated deep learning brain tissue parcellation pipeline trained on 360 fetal MRI datasets with different acquisition parameters using semi-supervised approach with manually refined labels propagated from the atlas. The pipeline demonstrated robust performance for different acquisition protocols and GA ranges. Analysis of tissue volumetry for 390 normal participants (21-38 weeks gestational age range), scanned with three different acquisition protocols, did not reveal significant differences for major structures in the growth charts. Only minor errors were present in < 15% of cases thus significantly reducing the need for manual refinement. In addition, quantitative comparison between 65 fetuses with ventriculomegaly and 60 normal control cases were in agreement with the findings reported in our earlier work based on manual segmentations. These preliminary results support the feasibility of the proposed atlas-based deep learning approach for large-scale volumetric analysis. The created fetal brain volumetry centiles and a docker with the proposed pipeline are publicly available online athttps://hub.docker.com/r/fetalsvrtk/segmentation(tag brain bounti tissue).
BATF relieves hepatic steatosis by inhibiting PD1 and promoting energy metabolism
Authors: Zhang Zhiwang , Liao Qichao , Pan Tingli , Yu Lin , Luo Zupeng , Su Songtao , Liu Shi , Hou Menglong , Li Yixing , Damba Turtushikh , Liang Yunxiao , Zhou Lei
Published: April 2023

The rising prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a global health threat that needs to be addressed urgently. Basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor (BATF) is commonly thought to be involved in immunity, but its effect on lipid metabolism is not clear. Here, we investigated the function of BATF in hepatic lipid metabolism. BATF alleviated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic steatosis and inhibited elevated programmed cell death protein (PD)1 expression induced by HFD. A mechanistic study confirmed that BATF regulated fat accumulation by inhibiting PD1 expression and promoting energy metabolism. PD1 antibodies alleviated hepatic lipid deposition. In conclusion, we identified the regulatory role of BATF in hepatic lipid metabolism and that PD1 is a target for alleviation of NAFLD. This study provides new insights into the relationship between BATF, PD1 and NAFLD.
Proline provides a nitrogen source in the retinal pigment epithelium to synthesize and export amino acids for the neural retina
Authors: Zhu Siyan , Xu Rong , Engel Abbi L. , Wang Yekai , McNeel Rachel , Hurley James B. , Chao Jennifer R. , Du Jianhai
Published: April 2023

It is known that metabolic defects in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) can cause degeneration of its neighboring photoreceptors in the retina, leading to retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. However, how RPE metabolism supports the health of the neural retina remains unclear. The retina requires exogenous nitrogen sources for protein synthesis, neurotransmission, and energy metabolism. Using15N tracing coupled with mass spectrometry, we found human RPE can utilize the nitrogen in proline to produce and export 13 amino acids, including glutamate, aspartate, glutamine, alanine and serine. Similarly, we found this proline nitrogen utilization in the mouse RPE/Cho but not in the neural retina of explant cultures. Co-culture of human RPE with the retina showed that the retina can take up the amino acids, especially glutamate, aspartate and glutamine, generated from proline nitrogen in the RPE. Intravenous delivery of15N prolinein vivodemonstrated15N-derived amino acids appear earlier in the RPE before the retina. We also found proline dehydrogenase (PRODH), the key enzyme in proline catabolism, is highly enriched in the RPE but not the retina. The deletion of PRODH blocks proline nitrogen utilization in RPE and the import of proline nitrogen-derived amino acids in the retina. Our findings highlight the importance of RPE metabolism in supporting nitrogen sources for the retina, providing insight into understanding the mechanisms of the retinal metabolic ecosystem and RPE-initiated retinal degenerative diseases.
Use of a human small airway epithelial cell line to study the interactions ofAspergillus fumigatuswith pulmonary epithelial cells
Authors: Liu Hong , Lin Jianfeng , Phan Quynh T. , Gravelat Fabrice N. , Sheppard Donald C. , Filler Scott G.
Published: April 2023

During the initiation of invasive aspergillosis, inhaledAspergillus fumigatusconidia are deposited on the epithelial cells lining the bronchi, terminal bronchioles, and alveoli. While the interactions ofA. fumigatuswith bronchial and type II alveolar cell lines have been investigatedin vitro, little is known about the interactions of this fungus with terminal bronchiolar epithelial cells. We compared the interactions ofA. fumigatuswith the A549 type II alveolar epithelial cell line and the HSAEC1-KT human small airway epithelial (HSAE) cell line. We found thatA. fumigatusconidia were poorly endocytosed by A549 cells, but avidly endocytosed by HSAE cells.A. fumigatusgermlings invaded both cell types by induced endocytosis, but not by active penetration. A549 cell endocytosis ofA. fumigatuswas independent of fungal viability, more dependent on host microfilaments than microtubules, and induced byA. fumigatusCalA interacting with host cell integrin α5β1. By contrast, HSAE cell endocytosis required fungal viability, was more dependent on microtubules than microfilaments, and did not require CalA or integrin α5β1. HSAE cells were more susceptible than A549 cells to damage caused by direct contact with killedA. fumigatusgermlings and by secreted fungal products. In response toA. fumigatusinfection, A549 cells secreted a broader profile of cytokines and chemokines than HSAE cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that studies of HSAE cells provide complementary data to A549 cells and thus represent a useful model for probing the interactions ofA. fumigatuswith bronchiolar epithelial cellsin vitro.

Importance

During the initiation of invasive aspergillosis,Aspergillus fumigatusinvades, damages, and stimulates the epithelial cells that line the airways and alveoli. Previous studies ofA. fumigatus- epithelial cell interactionsin vitrohave used either large airway epithelial cell lines or the A549 type II alveolar epithelial cell line. The interactions of fungi with terminal bronchiolar epithelial cells have not been investigated. Here, we compared the interactions ofA. fumigatuswith A549 cells and the Tert-immortalized human small airway epithelial HSAEC1-KT (HSAE) cell line. We discovered thatA. fumigatusinvades and damages these two cell lines by distinct mechanisms. Also, the proinflammatory responses of the cell lines toA. fumigatusare different. These results provide insight into howA. fumigatusinteracts with different types of epithelial cells during invasive aspergillosis and demonstrate that HSAE cells are useful in vitro model for investigating the interactions of this fungus with bronchiolar epithelial cells.
Mismatch repair–deficient glioma with spatially distinct IDH-mutant and IDH-wild type components arising in the setting of Lynch syndrome
Authors: Tan Hao , Nerison Caleb , Stateler Cooper , Bowden Stephen G. , Raslan Ahmed M. , Ambady Prakash , Barajas Ramon F. , Wood Matthew D.
Published: April 2023

Pathogenic mutations inMLH1,MSH2,PMS2, andMSH6compromise DNA mismatch repair mechanisms and in the heterozygous state result in Lynch syndrome, which is typified by a predisposition to endometrial, ovarian, colorectal, gastric, breast, hematologic, and soft tissue cancers. Rarely, germline pathogenic aberrations in these genes are associated with the development of primary central nervous system tumors. We present a report of an adult female with no prior cancer history who presented with a multicentric, infiltrative supratentorial glioma involving both the left anterior temporal horn and left precentral gyrus. Surgical treatment and neuropathological/molecular evaluation of these lesions revealed discordant isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) status and histologic grade at these spatially distinct disease sites. A frameshift alteration within theMLH1gene (p.R217fs*12, c.648delT) was identified in both lesions and subsequently identified in germline testing of a blood sample, consistent with Lynch syndrome. Despite distinct histopathologic features and divergent IDH status of the patient's tumors, the molecular findings suggest that both sites of intracranial neoplasia may have developed as a consequence of underlying monoallelic germline mismatch repair deficiency. This case illustrates the importance of characterizing the genetic profile of multicentric gliomas and highlights the oncogenic potential of germline mismatch repair gene pathogenic alterations within central nervous system gliomas.
Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal decomposition pathway of bis(isoselenocyanato-κN)tetrakis(pyridine-κN)manganese(II)
Authors: Näther Christian , Mangelsen Sebastian , Boeckmann Jan
Published: April 2023

The reaction of MnCl2·2H2O with KSeCN and pyridine in water leads to the formation of the title complex, [Mn(NCSe)2(C5H5N)4], which is isotypic to its Fe, Co, Ni, Zn and Cd analogues. In its crystal structure, discrete complexes are observed that are located on centres of inversion. The Mn cations are octahedrally coordinated by four pyridine coligands and two selenocyanate anions that coordinate via the N atom to the metal centres to generate trans-MnN(s)2N(p)4 octahedra (s = selenocyanate and p = pyridine). In the extended structure, weak C—H...Se contacts are observed. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) investigations prove that a pure sample was obtained and in the IR and Raman spectra, the C—N stretching vibrations are observed at 2058 and 2060 cm−1, respectively, in agreement with the terminal coordination of the selenocyanate anions. Thermogravimetric investigations reveal that the pyridine coligands are removed in two separate steps. In the first mass loss, a compound with the composition Mn(NCSe)2(C5H5N)2 is formed, whereas in the second mass loss, the remaining pyridine ligands are removed, which is superimposed with the decomposition of Mn(NCSe)2 formed after ligand removal. In the intermediate compound Mn(NCSe)2(C5H5N)2, the CN stretching vibration is observed at 2090 cm−1 in the Raman and at 2099 cm−1 in the IR spectra, indicating that the Mn cations are linked by μ-1,3-bridging anionic ligands. PXRD measurements show that a compound has formed that is of poor crystallinity. A comparison of the powder pattern with that calculated for the previously reported Cd(NCSe)2(C5H5N)2 indicates that these compounds are isotypic, which was proven by a Pawley fit.
Delicious promoter of the restaurant business: measuring impact of supply chain, brand personality and CSR on brand equity development
Authors: Huang Yung-Chuan
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to discuss the importance of customer-based brand equity (CBBE) and identify the critical attributes of how to develop CBBE during the most difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected 386 restaurant managers' viewpoints to examine the mutual relationships among CBBE and other critical attributes of corporate social responsibility (CSR), electronic word of mouth (EWOM) and brand personality. Furthermore, structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to examine the proposed moderation and mediation hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that corporate social responsibility (CSR) mediates the relationship between brand personality and brand image. Furthermore, the mutual relationship among CBBE is discovered in that brand image may indirectly affect brand loyalty through perceived quality and brand awareness. Furthermore, with the reliance on social media, the moderating roles of electronic word of mouth (EWOM) are also revealed that strengthen the indirect effect of brand personality on brand awareness through CSR and brand image.

Originality/value

With the increasing attention to CBBE, which aims at tourism destination brand equity, hotel branding from the customer perspective, restaurant managers' viewpoints are not considered. Further, because of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, customers are paying more attention to food safety and food delivery processes, which are important for CSR and connected to CBBE. However, until now, fewer studies have addressed these issues as such. The present study reflects the bidirectional effects of such a comprehensive viewpoint.
Exploring corporate environmental ethics and green creativity as antecedents of green competitive advantage, sustainable production and financial performance: empirical evidence from manufacturing firms
Authors: Baah Charles , Agyabeng-Mensah Yaw , Afum Ebenezer , Lascano Armas Johana Andrea
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Environmental degradation in emerging economies has induced stakeholder pressures on diverse firms to ensure sustainable business performance. Consequently, firms are adopting environmentally ethical cultures and reinforcing green creativity to satisfy stakeholders' environmental needs while attaining green competitive advantage, sustainable production and higher financial performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether corporate environmental ethics and green creativity serve as antecedents to higher competitiveness, sustainable production and financial performance, and also examine if green competitive advantage and sustainable production mediate the relationships between corporate environmental ethics, green creativity and financial performance in the context of an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study using a survey approach examined data from 290 manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises. Data were analyzed and interpreted using SmartPLS 3.0 software, a variance-based structural equation modelling technique. This modelling technique was adopted due to its suitability for predictive research models.

Findings

The findings show that corporate environmental ethics and green creativity are critical antecedents to green competitive advantage, sustainable production and financial performance. The results connote that while corporate environmental ethics and green creativity directly and robustly influence green competitive advantage, sustainable production and financial performance, their effect on financial performance is strengthened via the indirect effects of green competitive advantage and sustainable production. Contrasting past findings, corporate environmental ethics negatively related to financial performance in this study context. The findings indicate that the integration of environmental ethics and green creativity can be a unique strategy for mitigating environmental negative risks while improving green competitive advantage, sustainable production and financial performance.

Originality/value

The study is among the few that draws insights from organizational ethics and the natural resource-based view (NRBV) to examine the interactions between corporate environmental ethics, green creativity, green competitive advantage, sustainable production and financial performance. Drawing insights from the findings, the study provides suggestions for managers, academicians, policymakers and governments as well as highlights implications and directions for future research.
Comparative analysis of selected process maturity assessment models applied in the public sector
Authors: Gębczyńska Alicja , Vladova Katya
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Despite the multitude of publications concerning the process maturity assessment models applied in the private sector, the matter of the choice of a process maturity assessment model is not so unambiguous in the public sector. The goal of this article is to identify process maturity assessment models applicable to the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review, enabling identification of process maturity assessment models applicable to the public sector. Comparative analysis, making it possible to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the selected maturity assessment models.

Findings

Models enabling assessment of process maturity and e-government maturity applicable to the public sector have been identified. Potential benefits and limitations specific to the analysed models have been established.

Practical implications

The publication indicates which process maturity assessment models can be successfully applied in the public sector. As such, it provides important support for the public sector in the decision-making process concerning the choice and implementation of a specific process maturity assessment model.

Originality/value

This is one of the few study which refers to a comprehensive review and analysis of process maturity assessment models applicable to the public sector. As the relevant contribution, it clarifies the relationships and differences between process and e-government maturity assessment models. This study provides important aid to both practitioners and theorists in terms of the selection of a process maturity assessment model against specific research needs.
A new multiobjective tiki-taka algorithm for optimization of assembly line balancing
Authors: Ab. Rashid Mohd Fadzil Faisae , Ramli Ariff Nijay
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to propose a new multiobjective optimization metaheuristic based on the tiki-taka algorithm (TTA). The proposed multiobjective TTA (MOTTA) was implemented for a simple assembly line balancing type E (SALB-E), which aimed to minimize the cycle time and workstation number simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

TTA is a new metaheuristic inspired by the tiki-taka playing style in a football match. The TTA is previously designed for a single-objective optimization, but this study extends TTA into a multiobjective optimization. The MOTTA mimics the short passing and player movement in tiki-taka to control the game. The algorithm also utilizes unsuccessful ball pass and multiple key players to enhance the exploration. MOTTA was tested against popular CEC09 benchmark functions.

Findings

The computational experiments indicated that MOTTA had better results in 82% of the cases from the CEC09 benchmark functions. In addition, MOTTA successfully found 83.3% of the Pareto optimal solution in the SALB-E optimization and showed tremendous performance in the spread and distribution indicators, which were associated with the multiple key players in the algorithm.

Originality/value

MOTTA exploits the information from all players to move to a new position. The algorithm makes all solution candidates have contributions to the algorithm convergence.
Why do Indian startups fail? A narrative analysis of key business stakeholders
Authors: Goswami Nayanjyoti , Murti Ashutosh Bishnu , Dwivedi Rohit
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the factors that lead to the failure of startups in India and proposes a ‘Four Dimensional (4D) Strategic Framework’ to drive success.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is exploratory and uses a narrative analysis methodology to analyse the accounts of key startup stakeholders – founders, investors, former employees and consumers; to identify their failure factors. A conveniently selected sample of 165 startups was studied to understand better the reasons for their failure within a thematic framework developed from David Feinleib’s (2012) handbook “Why Startups Fail”.

Findings

Results indicate that a dearth of capital or running out of money and inadequate sales and marketing strategy, which leads businesses to fall behind rivals and lose money on each transaction, are the most common factors for startup failure in India.

Originality/value

“Startups” are substantial for emerging economies like India because they fuel technological innovation and economic progress and provide for the modern workforce’s needs and aspirations. However, they seem to be typically unprofitable, with a modest probability of survival. Subsisting studies mainly focus primarily on success factors and very few on why startups fail, with significant disagreement on an appropriate methodology. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that analyses failure factors of Indian startups using narrative analysis of its key stakeholders. It aims to aid the conception of profitable entrepreneurship by reducing the failure frequency in the startup and small business ecology.
Not planning but way-finding: critical strategic thinking for Southern NGOs
Authors: Jammulamadaka Nimruji
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the benefits of strategy as way-finding approach to strategic thinking suggested by Robert Chia for small community-based Southern NGOs. The purpose is to find alternatives to the strategic planning (SP) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the perspective of phronesis (Flyvbjerg, 2006) using the case study of a 45-year-old NGO based in India and working for community development. The data has been collected for over more than 20 years. Qualitative analysis of the data has been done by focusing on the activities that were performed in keeping with the requirements of phronetic research.

Findings

The study finds that through way-finding approach to strategic thinking, a Southern NGO is able to manage and reduce its resource dependence while maintaining organizational autonomy and pursuing its vision. The approach avoids the pathologies produced through SP in such organisations.

Research limitations/implications

This study adds to empirical contexts in which strategy as way-finding may be practiced. This study explicitly shows how this may be very useful to smaller community-based Southern NGOs. This study also adds to the research on strategy as practice by showing its relevance in the NGO sector.

Practical implications

This study shows alternatives to NGOs that are reluctant to engage in SP. This study also shows how NGOs can benefit from the way-finding approach to strategic thinking to improve their community connect, autonomy and impact.

Social implications

This study provides alternatives to resisting the power asymmetry of the global North-South development agenda.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the usefulness of the way-finding approach to strategy in the context of smaller Third-World NGOs and provides alternatives to SP.
Achieving carbon neutrality with smart supply chain management: a CE imperative for the petroleum industry
Authors: Yousaf Abaid Ullah , Hussain Matloub , Schoenherr Tobias
Published: April 2023

Purpose

With refineries contributing 68% of CO2 emissions from stationary combustion sources alone, smart technologies and the circular economy (CE) model for resource loop optimization can be a solution for carbon neutrality, especially within petroleum. Thus, this study aims to explore energy conservation by green technology improvement as a CE strategy for resource loop optimization and digital incorporation to maximize reprocessing lead ability rate and carbon-neutral benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

A game theory approach with Stackelberg equilibrium is considered under government cap-and-trade regulation to stimulate green technology improvement. The refinery acts as a Stackelberg leader and invests in green technology and the retailer as the Stackelberg follower, collects end-of-life lubricants against refund price and offers a two-part-tariff contract to the manufacturer having a significant role in smart technologies.

Findings

First, green technology improvement is directly influenced by the reprocessing capability and refund price and digital technologies are significant to consider. Second, a two-part-tariff contract coordinates the supply chain for limited reprocessing capability by the retailer. Lastly, the government can effectively manipulate the development of green technology by changing the permit price depending on the intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The primary limitation is this study has focused on the petroleum sector and data was referenced from the oil refineries of a single country.

Practical implications

Overall, this study provides empirical guidance for policymakers on how to leverage energy-efficient smart technologies for lubricant reprocessing, enabling resource optimization as part of a CE strategy in the petroleum industry and advancing sustainable development goals.

Originality/value

The suggested model responds to the contemporary literature related to CO2 emissions and CE initiatives across the petroleum sector with the extended role of smart technologies and government cap-and-trade regulations.
The contagion of corruption: a model for understanding systemic ethical failures
Authors: Gilsinan James F. , Fisher James E. , Islam Muhammad Q. , Ordower Henry M. , Shahin Wassim
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Efforts to combat corruption in society often seem to resemble a game of whack-a-mole. When dealt with in one sector of the society, it pops up in another, and while that is being dealt with, it again raises its ugly head in the place where it had appeared to be suppressed. This paper aims to present a model of how corruption spreads based on an alternative view of its main components.

Design/methodology/approach

Key elements of the model are analyzed by applying them to particular examples of systemic ethical failures using a variety of mini cases across a number of policy areas.

Findings

Corruption is based on conformity rather than rule breaking. Furthermore, personal or corporate gains are not sufficient as causes of ethically problematic actions. More fundamentally, survival of the organizational enterprise is the driving force in spreading corrupt behavior.

Practical implications

This paper concludes with a discussion of the model’s efficacy for formulating legislative solutions for ethical lapses in a particular policy area. Again, a mini cases study is used to illustrate the main points of the argument.

Originality/value

Viewing systemic ethical failures through this alternative lens may well result in more effective ways to combat the spread of corrupt practices.
Traders across borders: who and where?
Authors: Nowińska Agnieszka , Hennart Jean-François , Marinova Svetla
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The authors revisit the literature on the use of expatriates and specifically Boyacigiller (1990) and examine whether OW Bunker, a Danish bunker oil trader, filled positions at its foreign units with traders transferred from its other units (expatriates). The authors test the generalizability and robustness of past findings on this topic by using a different dependent variable, sample, and methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

By searching the traders' LinkedIn profiles and consulting secondary sources, the authors obtain data on current and previous positions and work location and type of customer handled (global or local). Using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), the authors analyze 236 hiring decisions made between 1983 and 2014.

Findings

The authors find that OW transferred expatriates, principally home-country nationals, to handle global customers in its large foreign subsidiaries located in high-income countries. In another clear pattern, expatriates were used to start new foreign subsidiaries. These results generally confirm those of Boyacigiller. However, and contrary to her findings, none of our scenarios for internal transfers feature expatriates being sent to culturally and institutionally distant subsidiaries unless it is to serve global customers, casting doubt on the idea that a major reason for using expatriates is to remedy a local shortage of skills or to handle political risk.

Originality/value

The authors test the generalizability of Boyacigiller’s (1990) findings and confirm a large part of it. They extend her study by demonstrating that MNEs deploy expatriates not only to distant countries but also to close ones.
Corporate ESG performance, Shariah-compliant status and cash holdings
Authors: Mohamad Ariff Akmalia , Abd Majid Norakma , Kamarudin Khairul Anuar , Zainul Abidin Ahmad Firdhauz , Muhmad Siti Nurain
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the association between environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and cash holdings, as well as whether this association is moderated by Shariah-compliant status. The aim was to test the joint effect of two ethical precepts, namely, the ESG and Shariah-compliant status, in explaining variations in cash holdings.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample set that consisted of 9,244 firm-year observations from 25 countries from 2016 to 2020 was analysed using regression analysis. Firm-level data were sourced from Thomson Reuters and Refinitiv databases, while country-level data were derived from the World Bank and Hofstede Insights websites.

Findings

Firms with greater ESG performances were found to have higher cash holdings. The positive association between ESG performance and cash holdings was greater for Shariah-compliant firms compared to non-Shariah-compliant firms. In support of the stakeholder theory, the evidence indicated that Shariah-compliant firms with higher ESG commitments also have higher cash holdings as part of their corporate strategy.

Practical implications

These findings provided further comprehension to investors that ESG practices among Shariah-compliant firms are essential information during investment decision-making processes.

Social implications

These findings highlighted ethical corporate practices through two frameworks, namely, ESG commitment and Shariah compliance; hence, contributing towards strategies to reach the Sustainable Development Goal 16 of promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies.

Originality/value

This study has focused on the motives for cash holdings by considering the ethical precepts embodying ESG and Shariah compliance to uphold the positive impact of high cash reserves.
Analysis of an industrial tourism business network using social network approach: the case of Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Saghafi Fatemeh , Jalilvand Mohammad Reza , Ahmadiyeh Esrafil , Nasrolahi Vosta Leila
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Industrial tourists can contribute to the local sites income. Apart from large and well-known industrial units, small industrial units can also introduce their products to the market by organizing tourism tours. This study aims to analyze an industrial tourism business network established in Isfahan, a large, industrial and historic city in central of Iran, as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were managers and experts of organizations operated in the Industrial Tourism Network in Isfahan city. A sample of 30 participates was selected through purposive and snowball sampling approaches. Data was analyzed by qualitative content analysis and social network analysis using UCINET software.

Findings

Twenty-eight organizations participated in the Industrial Tourism Business Network of Isfahan. Macro indices of the network revealed that: density is relatively low; most of the relationships among network member organizations are reciprocal; transitivity is relatively weak indicating low network stability against environmental player; clustering is low, indicating a relatively low tendency of members to form different clusters. Micro indices indicated that in-degree and out-degree centralizations are low; overall centralization is poor. In addition, six actors were in the center and 22 actors were in the peripheral. Finally, the number of interactions of central organizations was triple than the peripheral organizations.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this study include: The data obtained in this study only reflected the relationships among the actors studied during a specific period of time; this paper only focused on actors engaged in an industrial tourism network. Therefore, the sample might involve some bias. The results of the study contribute to our understanding of the role of networking in tourism destinations, particularly industrial sites.

Practical implications

According to the results, the authors may be able to advise firms operating in the tourism industry, particularly actors operate in industrial tourism, regarding how to increase their collaboration with both internal and external environment to achieve better performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that has addressed an industrial tourism business network.
Mixing FIFA World Cup alcohol sponsorship agreements with Islamic host countries: a conceptual framework
Authors: Dun Susan , Rachdi Hatim
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the FIFA requirement that World Cup host nations make alcohol available at World Cup stadia because of its sponsorship agreement with Anheuser-Busch. This paper suggests a framework that FIFA should use in evaluating potential host nations to address the ethical implications of alcohol at the World Cup, especially considering the recent Qatar 2022 World Cup, the first to be held in an Islamic Country.

Design/methodology/approach

Using historical analysis of recent World Cups and guided by the Culture-Centered Approach (Dutta, 2008) and stakeholder analysis literature, this paper examines the ethical dilemmas host nations have faced because of FIFA’s insistence on alcohol sales at World Cup stadia.

Findings

The analysis suggests that a three-step process of host country assessment, stakeholder mapping and negotiation would enable the discovery of potential ethical conflicts and thus their negotiation to mitigate the ethical conflicts FIFA’s preexisting sponsorship agreements create for some World Cup host nations, especially Islamic countries.

Research limitations/implications

While the framework is conceptual and has not been tested, the components from which the authors draw are well established. The application to mega events sports hosting negotiations is an original contribution. The interdisciplinary nature of the framework also provides a contribution to the research field.

Practical implications

Application of the framework would enable FIFA and host countries to negotiate mutually agreeable conditions and avoid placing host nations in ethically compromising situations, which is especially timely as FIFA expands into Islamic countries. Its utilization would provide a Halal environment for World Cups hosted in Islamic and perhaps other, countries.

Social implications

FIFA’s commitment to alcohol at World Cups should be questioned. FIFA should not expand this dangerous practice of associating sports with alcohol. Female fans may feel safer, as occurred in Qatar 2022.

Originality/value

This paper's framework uniquely combines communication and strategic management literature and applies it to mega sports events in an original way that would lead to more ethical and culturally contextualized World Cups rather than reifying the alcohol–sport nexus.
Towards a taxonomy of research areas in open government data
Authors: Mohamad Ahmad Nadzri , Sylvester Allan , Campbell-Meier Jennifer
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to develop a taxonomy of research areas in open government data (OGD) through a bibliometric mapping tool and a qualitative analysis software.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors extracted metadata of 442 documents from a bibliographic database. The authors used a bibliometric mapping tool for familiarization with the literature. After that, the authors used qualitative analysis software to develop taxonomy.

Findings

This paper developed taxonomy of OGD with three research areas: implementation and management, architecture, users and utilization. These research areas are further analyzed into seven topics and twenty-eight subtopics. The present study extends Charalabidis et al. (2016) taxonomy by adding two research topics, namely the adoption factors and barriers of OGD implementations and OGD ecosystems. Also, the authors include artificial intelligence in the taxonomy as an emerging research interest in the literature. The authors suggest four directions for future research: indigenous knowledge in open data, open data at local governments, development of OGD-specific theories and user studies in certain research themes.

Practical implications

Early career researchers and doctoral students can use the taxonomy to familiarize themselves with the literature. Also, established researchers can use the proposed taxonomy to inform future research. Taxonomy-building procedures in this study are applicable to other fields.

Originality/value

This study developed a novel taxonomy of research areas in OGD. Taxonomy building is significant because there is insufficient taxonomy of research areas in this discipline. Also, conceptual knowledge through taxonomy creation is a basis for theorizing and theory-building for future studies.
Influence of partial acidification of skim milk on ultrafiltration performance and physicochemical properties of the produced streams
Authors: Qu Yuan , Barjon Sylvain , Skibsted Leif H , Barone Giovanni , Ahrné Lilia
Published: April 2023

The influence of partial acidification of skim milk (SM) using glucono‐δ‐lactone (GDL), citric acid (CA) or lactic acid (LA), on physicochemical properties (e.g. viscosity and calcium balance) of ultrafiltration (UF) retentates produced at 10 and 55°C was investigated. Ultrafiltration retentates produced using CA showed a significantly lower amount (P < 0.05) of ionic calcium and higher apparent viscosity than GDL and LA. Regardless of the acid used, total calcium concentration and apparent viscosity of streams were modified compared with SM, which impaired UF overall performance. Specifically, CA at 10°C and GDL at 55°C, both reduced the permeate flux when compared to the other acids.
Downregulation of circ_PLXND1 inhibits tumorigenesis of non‐small cell lung carcinoma via miR‐1287‐5p/ERBB3 axis
Authors: Wu Jinzhou , Liu Chenyang , Yu Guiping
Published: April 2023

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to play vital roles in the progression of diverse human cancers, including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to explore the exact role and underlying mechanism of circ_PLXND1 in NSCLC progression.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assay was performed to determine the expression levels of circ_PLXND1, microRNA (miR)‐1287‐5p and human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (ERBB3). The localization of circ_PLXND1 in NSCLC cells was tested by subcellular fractionation and localization assay. Cell angiogenesis, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were evaluated by tube formation assay, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay, 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was utilized to confirm the interaction between miR‐1287‐5p and circ_PLXND1 or ERBB3. Western blot assay was exploited to examine the expression of proteins.

Results

Circ_PLXND1 and ERBB3 were upregulated while miR‐1287‐5p was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Circ_PLXND1 was a stable circRNA and mainly located in cytoplasm. Circ_PLXND1 silencing suppressed the proliferation, angiogenesis, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells in vitro. For mechanism analysis, circ_PLXND1 could positively regulate ERBB3 expression via sponging miR‐1287‐5p. The inhibitory impacts of circ_PLXND1 knockdown on the malignant behaviors of NSCLC cells were overturned by miR‐1287‐5p inhibitor. Overexpression of miR‐1287‐5p repressed the malignant phenotypes of NSCLC cells by targeting ERBB3. Furthermore, circ_PLXND1 interference inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

Circ_PLXND1 knockdown impeded NSCLC progression through modulating the miR‐1287‐5p/ERBB3 axis, indicating a promising molecular target for NSCLC treatment.
Do personality characteristics predict future alcohol problems after considering current demography, substance use, and alcohol response?
Authors: Schuckit Marc A. , Smith Tom L. , Danko George , Bucholz Kathleen K. , Hesselbrock Victor , Hesselbrock Michie , Kuperman Samuel , Kramer John , Nurnberger John I. , Lai Dongbing , Chan Grace , Kamarajan Chella , Kuo Sally , Dick Danielle M. , Tear Jake , Mendoza Lee Anne , Edenberg Howard J. , Porjesz Bernice
Published: April 2023

Background

Several personality traits predict future alcohol problems but also relate to demographic and substance‐related variables that themselves correlate with later adverse alcohol outcomes. Few prospective studies have evaluated whether personality measures predict alcohol problems after considering current demographic and substance‐related variables.

Methods

Data from 414 drinkers without alcohol use disorder (AUD) from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (average age 20, 44% male) were followed over an average of 9 years. Time 1 (baseline) demography, AUD family history (FH), substance use and problems, and psychiatric histories were gathered using a standardized interview; the Level of Response (LR) to alcohol was measured by the Self‐Report of the Effects of alcohol (SRE) questionnaire; and seven personality dimensions were extracted from the NEO Five‐Factor Personality, Barratt, and Zuckerman scales. Analyses involved product–moment correlations of each baseline measure with the highest number of DSM‐IV AUD criteria endorsed in any follow‐up period, and hierarchical regression analyses evaluated whether the personality domains added significantly to the prediction of the outcome after adjusting for other baseline variables.

Results

Significant correlations with the outcome were observed for baseline age, sex, length of follow‐up, AUD family history, past cannabis use, and all alcohol‐related baseline variables, including SRE‐based LR, but not prior mood or anxiety disorders. All personality characteristics except extraversion also correlated with outcomes. A hierarchical regression analysis that included all relevant personality scores together demonstrated significant contributions to the prediction of future alcohol problems for demographics in Step 1; demographics and most baseline alcohol items, including response level, in Step 2; and cannabis use in Step 3; after which demographics, LR, baseline alcohol problems, cannabis use, and higher sensation seeking added significantly in Step 4. Regression for each personality domain separately revealed significant contributions to Step 4 for all personality domains except openness. Lower levels of response to alcohol added significantly to all regression analyses.

Conclusions

Most tested personality scores and lower levels of response to alcohol contributed to predictions of later alcohol problems even after considering baseline demographic and substance use measures.