bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic architecture and genomic prediction accuracy of apple quantitative traits across environments
Authors: Jung Michaela , Keller Beat , Roth Morgane , Aranzana Maria José , Auwerkerken Annemarie , Guerra Walter , Al-Rifaï Mehdi , Lewandowski Mariusz , Sanin Nadia , Rymenants Marijn , Didelot Frédérique , Dujak Christian , Font i Forcada Carolina , Knauf Andrea , Laurens François , Studer Bruno , Muranty Hélène , Patocchi Andrea
Published: December 2021

Implementation of genomic tools is desirable to increase the efficiency of apple breeding. The apple reference population (apple REFPOP) proved useful for rediscovering loci, estimating genomic prediction accuracy, and studying genotype by environment interactions (G×E). Here we show contrasting genetic architecture and genomic prediction accuracies for 30 quantitative traits across up to six European locations using the apple REFPOP. A total of 59 stable and 277 location-specific associations were found using GWAS, 69.2% of which are novel when compared with 41 reviewed publications. Average genomic prediction accuracies of 0.18–0.88 were estimated using single-environment univariate, single-environment multivariate, multi-environment univariate, and multi-environment multivariate models. The G×E accounted for up to 24% of the phenotypic variability. This most comprehensive genomic study in apple in terms of trait-environment combinations provided knowledge of trait biology and prediction models that can be readily applied for marker-assisted or genomic selection, thus facilitating increased breeding efficiency.
Structure and conservation of amyloid spines from the Candida albicans Als5 adhesin including similarity to human LARKS
Authors: Golan Nimrod , Perov Sergei Schwartz , Landau Meytal , Lipke Peter N.
Published: December 2021

Candida Als family adhesins mediate adhesion to biological and abiotic substrates, as well as fungal cell aggregation and fungal-bacterial co-aggregation. The activity of at least two family members, Als5 and Als1, is dependent on amyloid-like protein aggregation that is initiated by shear force. Each Als adhesin has a ∼300-residue N-terminal Ig-like/invasin region. The following 108-residue, low complexity, threonine-rich (T) domain unfolds under shear to expose a critical amyloid-forming segment 322SNGIVIVATTRTV334 at the interface between the Ig-like/invasin domain 2 and the T domain of Candida albicans Als5. Amyloid prediction programs identified six potential amyloidogenic sequences in the Ig/invasin region and three others in the T domain of C. albicans Als5. Peptides derived from four of these sequences formed fibrils that bound thioflavin T, the amyloid indicator dye, and three of these revealed atomic-resolution structures of cross-β spines. These are the first atomic-level structures for fungal adhesins. One of these segments, from the T domain, revealed kinked β-sheets, similarly to LARKS (Low-complexity, Amyloid-like, Reversible, Kinked segments) found in human functional amyloids. Based on the cross-β structures in Als proteins, we use evolutionary arguments to identify functional amyloidogenic sequences in other fungal adhesins. Thus, cross-β structures are often involved in fungal pathogenesis and potentially in antifungal therapy.

Importance

Fungal adhesins form cell-to-cell bonds in biofilms. Many of the cellular interactions are dependent on formation of amyloid-like cross-β protein aggregates. Such structures are called ‘functional amyloids’ because they perform physiological activities and they are dependent on the same types of protein interactions that form the more familiar amyloid deposits in neurodegenerative diseases. We have identified sequence segments that form cross-β structures in the Als5 adhesin from the human pathogen Candida albicans. Such sequences are widespread among ALS family adhesins, including those from other human pathogens including Candida auris. Moreover, we revealed a structural similarity in a segment originating from Als5 threonine-rich low complexity region to human LARKS, pointing on a common structural motif coding for functional amyloids in different kingdoms of life.
Functional classification and validation of yeast prenylation motifs using machine learning and genetic reporters
Authors: Berger Brittany M. , Yeung Wayland , Goyal Arnav , Zhou Zhongliang , Hildebrandt Emily , Kannan Natarajan , Schmidt Walter K.
Published: December 2021

Protein prenylation by farnesyltransferase (FTase) is often described as the targeting of a cysteine-containing motif (CaaX) that is enriched for aliphatic amino acids at the a1 and a2 positions, while quite flexible at the X position. Prenylation prediction methods often rely on these features despite emerging evidence that FTase has broader target specificity than previously considered. Using a machine learning approach and training sets based on canonical (prenylated, proteolyzed, and carboxymethylated) and recently identified shunted motifs (prenylation only), this study aims to improve prenylation predictions with the goal of determining the full scope of prenylation potential among the 8000 possible Cxxx sequence combinations. Further, this study aims to subdivide the prenylated sequences as either shunted (i.e., uncleaved) or cleaved (i.e., canonical). Predictions were determined for Saccharomyces cerevisiae FTase and compared to results derived using currently available prenylation prediction methods. In silico predictions were further evaluated using in vivo methods coupled to two yeast reporters, the yeast mating pheromone a-factor and Hsp40 Ydj1p, that represent proteins with canonical and shunted CaaX motifs, respectively. Our machine learning based approach expands the repertoire of predicted FTase targets and provides a framework for functional classification.
Potassium effects on NCC are attenuated during inhibition of Cullin E3-ubiquitin ligases
Authors: Murali Sathish K , Little Robert , Poulsen Søren B , Ferdaus Mohammed Z , Ellison David H , McCormick James A , Fenton Robert A
Published: December 2021

The thiazide sensitive sodium-chloride co-transporter (NCC) plays a vital role in maintaining sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) homeostasis. NCC activity is modulated by the with-no-lysine kinases 1 and 4 (WNK1 and WNK4), the abundance of which are controlled by the RING-type E3 ligase Cullin 3 (Cul3) and its substrate adapter Kelch-like protein 3. Dietary K+ intake has an inverse correlation with NCC activity, but the mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the involvement of other members of the Cullin family in mediating K+ effects on NCC phosphorylation (active form) and abundance. In kidneys from mice fed diets varying in K+ content, there were negative correlations between NCC (phosphorylated and total) and active (neddylated) forms of Cullins (Cul1, 3, 4 and 5). High dietary K+ effects on phosphorylated NCC were attenuated in Cul3 mutant mice (CUL3-Het/Δ9). Short-term (30 min) and long-term (24 h) alterations in the extracellular K+ concentration did not affect Cullin neddylation levels in ex vivo renal tubules. Short-term, the ability of high extracellular K+ to decrease NCC phosphorylation was preserved in the presence of MLN4924 (pan Cullin inhibitor), but the response to low extracellular K+ was absent. Long-term, MLN4924 attenuated the effects of high extracellular K+ on NCC phosphorylation and responses to low extracellular K+ were absent. Our data suggest that in addition to Cul3, other Cullins are involved in mediating the effects of K+ on NCC phosphorylation and abundance.
Benefits of living closer to kin vary by genealogical relationship in a territorial mammal
Authors: Walmsley Sam F. , Boutin Stan , Dantzer Ben , Lane Jeffrey E. , Coltman David W. , McAdam Andrew G.
Published: December 2021

While cooperative interactions among kin are a key building block in the societies of group-living species, their importance for species with more variable social environments is unclear. North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) defend individual territories in dynamic neighbourhoods and are known to benefit from living among familiar conspecifics, but not relatives. However, kin-directed behaviours may be restricted to specific genealogical relationships or strongly mediated by geographic distance, masking their influence at broader scales. Using distance between territories as a proxy for the ability of individuals to interact, we estimated the influence of primary kin (parents, offspring, siblings) on the annual survival and reproductive success of red squirrels. This approach revealed associations between fitness and access to kin, but only for certain genealogical relationships and fitness components. For example, females had enhanced annual survival when living closer to their daughters, though the reverse was not true. Most surprising was the finding that males had higher annual reproductive success when living closer to their father, suggesting possible recognition and cooperation among fathers and sons. Together, these findings point to unexpected nuance in the fitness consequences of kinship dynamics for a species that is territorial and largely solitary.
Endogenous giant viruses contribute to intraspecies genomic variability in the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Aylward Frank O.
Published: December 2021

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is an important eukaryotic alga that has been studied as a model organism for decades. Despite extensive history as a model system, phylogenetic and genetic characteristics of viruses infecting this alga have remained elusive. We analyzed high-throughput genome sequence data of C. reinhardtii field isolates, and in six we discovered sequences belonging to endogenous giant viruses that reach up to several hundred kilobases in length. In addition, we have also discovered the entire genome of a closely related giant virus that is endogenized within the genome of Chlamydomonas incerta, the closest sequenced phylogenetic relatives of C. reinhardtii. Endogenous giant viruses add hundreds of new gene families to the host strains, highlighting their contribution to the pangenome dynamics and inter-strain genomic variability of C. reinhardtii. Our findings suggest that the endogenization of giant viruses can have important implications for structuring the population dynamics and ecology of protists in the environment.
Retinoid-X Receptor Agonists Increase Thyroid Hormone Competence in Lower Jaw Remodeling of Pre-Metamorphic Xenopus laevis tadpoles
Authors: Mengeling Brenda J. , Vetter Lara F. , Furlow J. David
Published: December 2021

Thyroid hormone (TH) signaling plays critical roles during vertebrate development, including regulation of skeletal and cartilage growth. TH acts through its receptors (TRs), nuclear hormone receptors (NRs) that heterodimerize with Retinoid-X receptors (RXRs), to regulate gene expression. A defining difference between NR signaling during development compared to in adult tissues, is competence, the ability of the organism to respond to an endocrine signal. Amphibian metamorphosis, especially in Xenopus laevis, the African clawed frog, is a well-established in vivo model for studying the mechanisms of TH action during development. Previously, we’ve used one-week post-fertilization X. laevis tadpoles, which are only partially competent to TH, to show that in the tail, which is naturally refractive to exogenous T3 at this stage, RXR agonists increase TH competence, and that RXR antagonism inhibits the TH response. Here, we focused on the jaw that undergoes dramatic TH-mediated remodeling during metamorphosis in order to support new feeding and breathing styles. We used a battery of approaches in one-week-old tadpoles, including quantitative morphology, differential gene expression and whole mount cell proliferation assays, to show that both pharmacologic (bexarotene) and environmental (tributyltin) RXR agonists potentiated TH-induced responses but were inactive in the absence of TH; and the RXR antagonist UVI 3003 inhibited TH action. At this young age, the lower jaw has not developed to the point that T3-induced changes produce an adult-like jaw morphology, and we found that increasing TH competence with RXR agonists did not give us a more natural-metamorphic phenotype, even though Bex and TBT significantly potentiated cellular proliferation and the TH induction of runx2, a transcription factor critical for developing cartilage and bone. Prominent targets of RXR-mediated TH potentiation were members of the matrix metalloprotease family, suggesting that RXR potentiation may emphasize pathways responsible for rapid changes during development.
A shape-shifting nuclease unravels structured RNA
Authors: Meze Katarina , Axhemi Armend , Thomas Dennis R. , Doymaz Ahmet , Joshua-Tor Leemor
Published: December 2021

RNA turnover pathways ensure appropriate gene expression levels by eliminating unwanted transcripts that may otherwise interfere with cellular programs. The enzyme Dis3-like protein 2 (Dis3L2) is a 3’-5’ exoribonuclease that, through its RNA turnover activity, plays a critical role in human development1. Dis3L2 can independently degrade structured substrates and its targets include many coding and non-coding 3’-uridylated RNAs1–5. While the basis for Dis3L2’s substrate recognition has been well-characterized6, the mechanism of structured RNA degradation by this family of enzymes is unknown. We characterized the discrete steps of the degradation cycle by determining electron cryo-microscopy structures representing snapshots along the RNA turnover pathway and measuring kinetic parameters for single-stranded (ss) and double-stranded (ds) RNA processing. We discovered a dramatic conformational change that is triggered by the dsRNA, involving repositioning of two cold shock domains by 70 Å. This movement exposes a trihelix-linker region, which acts as a wedge to separate the two RNA strands. Furthermore, we show that the trihelix linker is critical for dsRNA, but not ssRNA, degradation. These findings reveal the conformational plasticity of this enzyme, and detail a novel mechanism of structured RNA degradation.
Raman2RNA: Live-cell label-free prediction of single-cell RNA expression profiles by Raman microscopy
Authors: Kobayashi-Kirschvink Koseki J. , Gaddam Shreya , James-Sorenson Taylor , Grody Emanuelle , Ounadjela Johain R. , Ge Baoliang , Zhang Ke , Kang Jeon Woong , Xavier Ramnik , So Peter T. C. , Biancalani Tommaso , Shu Jian , Regev Aviv
Published: December 2021

Single cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-seq) and other profiling assays have opened new windows into understanding the properties, regulation, dynamics, and function of cells at unprecedented resolution and scale. However, these assays are inherently destructive, precluding us from tracking the temporal dynamics of live cells, in cell culture or whole organisms. Raman microscopy offers a unique opportunity to comprehensively report on the vibrational energy levels of molecules in a label-free and non-destructive manner at a subcellular spatial resolution, but it lacks in genetic and molecular interpretability. Here, we developed Raman2RNA (R2R), an experimental and computational framework to infer single-cell expression profiles in live cells through label-free hyperspectral Raman microscopy images and multi-modal data integration and domain translation. We used spatially resolved single-molecule RNA-FISH (smFISH) data as anchors to link scRNA-seq profiles to the paired spatial hyperspectral Raman images, and trained machine learning models to infer expression profiles from Raman spectra at the single-cell level. In reprogramming of mouse fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), R2R accurately (r>0.96) inferred from Raman images the expression profiles of various cell states and fates, including iPSCs, mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) cells, stromal cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. R2R outperformed inference from brightfield images, showing the importance of spectroscopic content afforded by Raman microscopy. Raman2RNA lays a foundation for future investigations into exploring single-cell genome-wide molecular dynamics through imaging data, in vitro and in vivo.
Analysis of Proteins by Immunoblotting
Authors: Kielkopf Clara L. , Bauer William , Urbatsch Ina L.
Published: December 2021

In immunoblotting (western blotting), proteins are first separated by SDS-PAGE and then transferred electrophoretically from the gel onto a support membrane that binds proteins tightly. After the unreacted binding sites of the membrane are blocked to suppress nonspecific adsorption of antibodies, the immobilized proteins are reacted with a specific polyclonal or monoclonal antibody. Antigen–antibody complexes are visualized using chromogenic, fluorescent, or chemiluminescent reactions. Immunoblotting protocols are reagent specific and, owing to the wide assortment of equipment, reagents, and antibodies available, highly diverse. Presented here is an example of a workable protocol for developing a blot using horseradish peroxidase (HRP)–conjugated secondary antibody and enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL). ECL is based on the emission of light during the HRP-catalyzed oxidation of luminal or other substrates. Emitted light is captured on film or by a CCD camera, for qualitative or semiquantitative analysis. Because ECL is so sensitive, it has become a popular detection method. This protocol can be modified for different membranes, antibodies, and detection systems. Optimal dilutions of the primary and secondary antibodies need to be determined empirically, but recommendations provided by the manufacturer are usually a good starting point.
Food attitudes and consumer behavior towards food in conflict-affected zones during the COVID-19 pandemic: case of the Palestinian territories
Authors: Ben Hassen Tarek , El Bilali Hamid , Allahyari Mohammad Sadegh , Morrar Rabeh
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Global lockdowns and restrictions linked to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have affected food environments and consumption patterns. Conflict-affected countries are disproportionately affected from economic and food security perspectives. In this regard, the Palestinian territories (namely West Bank and Gaza Strip), which face a number of issues such as Israeli military and economic control, overcrowded cities and refugee camps (especially in Gaza Strip), rising poverty and food insecurity, are an especially interesting case study. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the selection and intake of foods and drinks, as well as consumer behavior and attitude toward food in the Palestinian territories.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws upon an online survey in the Palestinian territories administered in Arabic through the Survey Monkey platform from September 15 to October 10, 2020, with 322 adults. The survey findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics and several nonparametric tests. Particularly, the U-Mann Whitney test was used in dichotomous, categorical independent variables (e.g. gender), while the Kruskal–Wallis test was run to analyze multi-choice responses (e.g. occupation).

Findings

The results reveal that food attitudes and consumer behavior towards food have been widely affected. First, they reveal that Palestinians try to have healthier diets but ate more between meals (e.g. snacks). Second, the pandemic transformed respondents' shopping behavior and induced panic buying, negatively affecting food affordability due to increased prices of some foods (e.g. fruits and vegetables). Some food behaviors were shaped by negative psychological determinants (e.g. depression and anxiety). The pandemic effects are moderated by different sociodemographics (age, education and income). COVID-19 negatively affected food security but also opened a “window of opportunity” to trigger the transition towards more sustainable diets.

Originality/value

The paper results show that the eventual effects of COVID-19 will most likely vary from country to country, based not only on the epidemiological circumstances but also, among other factors, on the baseline socioeconomic situation and shock resilience. The findings contribute to the clarification and critical analysis of the impacts of COVID-19 on food behaviors in the Palestinian territories, which would have several policy implications.
Analysing drivers of efficiency in the leather industry: a two-stage double bootstrap DEA approach
Authors: Singh Aparajita , Gundimeda Haripriya
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The Indian leather industry contributes to economic growth at a significant environmental cost. Due to the rising global demand for sustainable leather products, promoting efficient input utilisation has become vital. This study measures input efficiency and its determinants for leather industry in order for it to improve its future performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first stage, bootstrap data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach is used for measuring efficiency and analysing firms' differences based on their geographical location, organisational structures, urban-rural location and sub-industrial groups. A second stage regression examines efficiency determinants using size, age, skill and capital-labour intensity as the explanatory variables.

Findings

Efficiency result shows a significant potential of minimising inputs by 47% provided the firms adopt best practices. West Bengal firms, urban located firms, individual and proprietorship owned firms and leather consumer goods firms are found to be relatively efficient to their counterparts. Size, skilled managerial staff and labour-intensive firms positively affect efficiency.

Practical implications

Construction of well-connected roads for accessing urban retail markets and provision of reliable electricity would improve efficiency of rural firms. Small-scale enterprises have a larger share in Indian leather industry; therefore, policy should focus on enhancing the firms' scale and investing in training facilities to skill employed labour for ensuring optimal use of inputs.

Originality/value

Previous studies on the leather industry have used the conventional DEA efficiency measurement approach. This study uses DEA bootstrapping model for robust efficiency estimates and provides consistent inferences about the determinants.
2D electrostatic modeling of twisted pairs
Authors: Hazim Kaoutar , Parent Guillaume , Duchesne Stéphane , Nicolet Andrè , Geuzaine Christophe
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to model a three-dimensional twisted geometry of a twisted pair studied in an electrostatic approximation using only two-dimensional (2D) finite elements.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method is based on the reformulation of the weak formulation of the electrostatics problem to deal with twisted geometries only in 2D.

Findings

The method is based on a change of coordinates and enables a faster computational time as well as a high accuracy.

Originality/value

The effectiveness of the adopted approach is demonstrated by studying different configurations related to the IEC 60851-5 standard defined for the measurement of the electrical properties of the insulation of the winding wires used in electrical machines.
Modeling anisotropic magnetic hysteresis properties with vector stop model by using finite element method
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Müller Fabian , Nell Martin Marco , Hameyer Kay
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to use a history-dependent vector stop hysteresis model incorporated into a two dimensional finite elements (FE) simulation environment to solve the magnetic field problems in electrical machines. The vector stop hysteresis model is valid for representing the anisotropic magnetization characteristics of electrical steel sheets. Comparisons of the simulated results with measurements show that the model is well appropriate for the simulation of electrical machines with alternating, rotating and harmonic magnetic flux densities.

Design/methodology/approach

The anisotropy of the permeability of an electrical steel sheet can be represented by integrating anhysteretic surfaces into the elastic element of a vector hysteresis stop model. The parameters of the vector stop hysteresis model were identified by minimizing the errors between the simulated results and measurements. In this paper, a damped Newton method is applied to solve the nonlinear problem, which ensures a robust convergence of the finite elements simulation with vector stop hysteresis model.

Findings

Analyzing the measurements of the electrical steel sheets sample obtained from a rotational single sheet tester shows the importance to consider the anisotropic and saturation behavior of the material. Comparing the calculated and measured data corroborates the hypothesis that the presented energy-based vector stop hysteresis model is able to represent these magnetic properties appropriately. To ensure a unique way of hysteresis loops during finite elements simulation, the memory of the vector stop hysteresis model from last time step is kept unchanged during the Newton iterations.

Originality/value

The results of this work demonstrates that the presented vector hysteresis stop model allows simulation of vector hysteresis effects of electrical steel sheets in electrical machines with a limited amount of measurements. The essential properties of the electrical steel sheets, such as phase shifts, the anisotropy of magnetizations and the magnetization characteristics by alternating, rotating, harmonic magnetization types, can be accurately represented.
Design and prototyping of GSM-bluetooth based solar energy remote monitoring system
Authors: Kerem Alper , Yazgan Abdusselam
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to monitor the surface cooling of the photovoltaic (PV) panel and the effect of the dust accumulated on the panel surface on the electrical efficiency remotely and instantaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

An autonomous system has been designed that can measure and record the PV surface temperature, the amount of dust on the surface, current, voltage and power values at certain intervals. It can also perform surface cooling and cleaning with water cycle when the temperature and dust amount reach certain threshold values and transmit these values to the user via global system for mobile communications module, Bluetooth module and graphically with a touchscreen liquid crystal display panel. Thus, it is aimed to benefit from PV at the maximum level, and it was installed in Kahramanmaras Sütçü Imam University Faculty of Engineering and Architecture.

Findings

An increase in power was observed for PV surface cooling and surface dust removal by 3.78% and 45.99%, respectively.

Originality/value

This system is of vital importance in terms of time and energy-saving, especially for solar plants far from the city center, which are difficult to access because of climatic conditions. In other hand for future studies, it is foreseen that more efficiency gains can be achieved by using artificial intelligence and image processing techniques.
How to develop higher education curricula towards employability? A multi-stakeholder approach
Authors: Olo Daniela , Correia Leonida , Rego Conceição
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to find out what conditions are needed to enhance higher education curricula towards employability from the perspective of different stakeholders in the graduate labour market.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was developed, using a qualitative approach, based on semi-structured interviews with higher education institutions (HEIs) and labour market players, in the north region of Portugal. The data were analysed through content and descrip\tive analysis with NVivo.

Findings

The results show a set of constraints that hinder the match of higher education curricula with employability, namely, (1) the weak connection between HEIs and employers and (2) the curricular structure, which is characterised by a heavy theoretical component and a weak approach to the soft skills required by the current labour market. Possible solutions, with implications for educational policy, are given throughout the study.

Research limitations/implications

The geographical scope and the nature of the study suggest that some precautions are required when generalising results. However, the literature on other areas in Portugal strengthens the findings and compensates for the sample's limitations.

Originality/value

This study combines the perspectives of the different individual stakeholders involved which, when taken as a whole, provide some recommendations for tailored curricula towards employability. Other studies in Portugal address each of these issues individually, without a connection between all the different perspectives.
A conceptual model and assessment criteria to inform gender-smart entrepreneurship education and training plus
Authors: Orser Barbara Jayne , Elliott Catherine Jane
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to problematize how gender is enacted within entrepreneurship education and training (EET).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a social feminist lens, this study advances principles, a conceptual framework, assessment criteria and illustrative performance metrics to inform gender-sensitive EET programs and courses. Findings are based on a cross-case thematic analysis of two large-scale case studies conducted in Canada and Jordan.

Findings

The findings bridge social feminist theory and EET studies. The originality of the research rests in its utilization of the principles and conceptual framework to examine EET and to inform the development, design and assessment of gender-sensitive programs and courses.

Research limitations/implications

The framework and criteria do not differentiate types or levels of EET. The investigators lead the assessment of curricula and co-construction of gender-sensitive course content. Interpreter bias cannot be ruled out.

Practical implications

The proposed principles, framework, criteria and performance will assist stakeholders in EET program/course design, content, delivery and evaluation.

Social implications

Aligned with the United Nation Sustain Development Goal 5 (gender equity), the findings demonstrate the value of adapting a critical lens across all elements of EET and responding to biases in participant selection and engagement, program design and curricula.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is among the first studies to use a social feminist perspective and case study methodology to inform criteria to assess EET.
Government size and economic growth in African emerging economies: does the BARS curve exist?
Authors: Zungu Lindokuhle Talent , Greyling Lorraine
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study is aimed at testing the validity of the BARS theory and determining the threshold level at which excessive government expenditure hampers growth. The data from 10 African emerging economies from 1988 to 2019 were used.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology comprises several different stages. In the first stage, an Lagrange Multiplier (LM) type test was employed to find the appropriate transition variable among all the candidate variables to assess the linearity between government expenditure and economic growth and to find the sequence for selecting the ordermof the transition function. The linearity test helped to identify the nature of the relationships between government expenditure and economic growth. In the second stage, the model evaluation was tested using the wild cluster bootstrap-Lagrange Multiplier (WCL-LM) test to assess appropriateness of the model. Thirdly, the Panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) model with one regime was estimated to test the validity of the BARS curve.

Findings

The results revealed evidence of nonlinear effects between government expenditure and economic growth, where the size of the government spending was found to be a 27.84% share of GDP, above which government expenditure caused growth to decline in African emerging economies. The findings combined into an inverted U-shape relationship, in line with the BARS theory.

Originality/value

This study proposes that policy-makers ought to formulate prudent fiscal policies that encourage expenditure, which would improve growth for selected countries as their current level of spending is below the threshold. This might be done through: (1) a suitable investment portfolio and (2) spending more on infrastructure.
Climate change and rice production in India: role of ecological and carbon footprint
Authors: Kumar Pushp , Sahu Naresh Chandra , Ansari Mohd Arshad , Kumar Siddharth
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The paper investigates the effects of climate change along with ecological and carbon footprint on rice crop production in India during 1982–2016.

Design/methodology/approach

The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), canonical cointegration regression (CCR) and fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) models are used in the paper.

Findings

A long-run relationship is found between climate change and rice production in India. Results report that ecological footprint and carbon footprint spur long-term rice production. While rainfall boosts rice crop productivity in the short term, it has a negative long-term impact. Further, the findings of ARDL models are validated by other cointegration models, i.e., the FMOLS and CCR models.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides insights into the role of ecological footprint and carbon footprint along with climate variables in relation to rice production.

Originality/value

In the literature, the effects of ecological and carbon footprint on rice production are missing. Therefore, this is the first study to empirically examine the impact of climate change along with ecological footprint and carbon footprint on rice production in India.
Corporate entrepreneurship at the university: the influence of managerial support, autonomy and reward on the innovative behavior of university professors
Authors: Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de , Spers Eduardo Eugênio , Mendes Luciano , Silva Hermes Moretti Ribeiro da
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The study aims to analyze the influence of managerial support, autonomy and reward perception on the innovative behavior of university professors.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative methodology based on partial least squares structural equation modeling. The sample obtained totaled 208 responses from professors at three public universities in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Findings

The results indicate that managerial support is a fundamental factor for developing an organizational environment that is more conducive to innovative behavior and corporate entrepreneurship. However, in educational institutions with a more focused entrepreneurial ecosystem, it was discovered that reward perception is not a fundamental factor for the innovative behavior of university professors.

Practical implications

From a practical perspective, academic institutions interested in stimulating corporate entrepreneurship should create opportunities for collaboration among professors to solve problems, encourage professors to expose their work beyond the university environment and improve the main indicators of management support and autonomy presented in this research.

Social implications

The study presents indicators and implications, which are of particular interest for university managers and public policy writers.

Originality/value

The study is demonstrably original. Through its unique analysis of the innovative behavior of university professors and the connections between variables in the university environment and its use of a robust modeling method in an emerging-economy context, the study furthers existing research by helping to understand why some firms are better than others at corporate entrepreneurship.
Assessment of the quality of the service perceived in specific contexts of management of a family business
Authors: Igreja Carla Martins , Sousa Bruno Barbosa , Silva Tiago , Veloso Cláudia Miranda
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to apply the SERVQUAL model to evaluate the quality perceived by customers in the context of family hotel management in Portugal. More specifically, to assess the influence of interpersonal relationships (service providers and customers) in family business services in the wine tourism segment (i.e. wine hotel and spa). In this way, it aims to provide data that can support this family hotel to reinforce the quality of the services provided to guests and therefore their satisfaction and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The statistical techniques, using Microsoft Excel 2016® and SPSS Statistics 25.0®, were multivariate for the analysis and validation of the results. In this analysis it can be seen that except the empathy dimension, in which the evaluation of perceived quality is positive, i.e. customer perceptions were higher than expectations, the remaining dimensions of the SERVQUAL model were negative. The safety dimension ranked second, followed by service delivery dimensions, problem solving and tangibility.

Findings

The results show that the empathy dimension positively influences the evaluation of the perceived quality and thus also the satisfaction and loyalty of guests to the family hotel in the wine tourism segment. So, it is recommended that the hotel management of this family hotel reinforces service quality by investing in the improvement of physical facilities, problem-solving capacity, and service delivery, to obtain higher levels of perceived quality service and hence customer satisfaction and loyalty and, simultaneously, increase its performance and organizational sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

In addition to the direct contributions to the hotel management of this family business hotel, this study contributes to the development of the marketing scientific area, tourism and hospitality industry.

Practical implications

Several studies argue that the competitive advantage of the hotel business is based on the creation of value and of experiences for the customer, but in the context of family hotels, the creation of value for the customer is even more relevant, given the characteristics of this type of business, such as its small size and the reduced number of employees. Family hotels should invest in tools and techniques that allow them to create value for the customer through the quality of service offered to their guests.

Originality/value

This paper aimed to evaluate perceived quality in the context of family hotel management in Portugal. In particular, the contribution of interpersonal relationships (between service providers and guests), in hotel services in the wine tourism segment in Portugal. According to the analysis of the results of the exploratory study to Hotel context, it was concluded that there are differences between the perceptions and expectations of hotel guests.
Technostressors – a boon or bane? Toward an integrative conceptual model
Authors: Ramesh Rofia , Ananthram Subramaniam , Vijayalakshmi V. , Sharma Piyush
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the positive and negative effects of technostressors on employee attitudes using psychological need satisfaction as an explanatory mechanism and mindfulness as an individual resource, thereby developing an integrative conceptual model.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative literature review was performed in the technostress, job demands-resources and mindfulness literature to develop the propositions of the integrative conceptual model.

Findings

This paper posits psychological need satisfaction as a mediator in the process by which technostressors impact important employee outcomes. It also proposes mindfulness as a personal resource that helps alleviate technostressor induced burnout and foster work engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed integrative conceptual framework provides some useful directions for future empirical research on this topic of growing importance.

Practical implications

Based on the findings of this paper, managers can devise and implement a technostressor-specific mitigation strategy to cope with information and communication technology–induced work demands. They can also introduce mindfulness-based programs to support positive outcomes when technostressors are present.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to theoretically delineate specific characteristics of technostressors as challenge and hindrance demands and makes interdisciplinary contributions by extending the role of psychological mechanisms such as psychological need satisfaction and personal resources such as mindfulness in work-related technology use research.
Putting the cart (antecedents) before the horse (absorptive capacity): the role of competitive antecedents to the absorptive capacity innovation process
Authors: Ng Desmond , Sanchez-Aragon Leonardo F.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to theoretically and empirically advance a concept of competitive antecedents to absorptive capacity (AC) research and to explain their relationship to a firm’s innovative performance. A firm’s competitive antecedents involve a relative advantage in a firm’s ability to access external knowledge – (i.e. relative advantage in external knowledge flows) – and a relative advantage in appropriating these external knowledge flows (i.e. relative advantage in appropriability regime).

Design/methodology/approach

By drawing on network and market share explanations, hypotheses were developed in which a firm’s AC is argued to mediate the influence of these competitive antecedents on a firm’s innovations. In using linear and negative binomial estimation methods, a mediation analysis of the US biotechnology industry was conducted.

Findings

A firm’s competitive antecedents have a positive influence on a firm’s AC and that these influences indirectly impact a biotechnology firm’s product innovations.

Originality/value

While a firm’s innovation is widely attributed to its AC, this study’s concept of competitive antecedents shows that a firm’s competitive advantage lies upstream from its AC.
Enhancing delivery: algorithms supporting performance management in the logistics sector
Authors: Al-Htaybat Khaldoon , von Alberti-Alhtaybat Larissa
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to contribute an actor-network-theory (ANT) perspective of how algorithms are used and whether this reflects positively on organisational practices and related perceptions of organisation performance, by both customers and employees. Furthermore, the organisation’s view of adopting algorithms to manage their performance is explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study is a study set in this virtual space, as it seeks to use data available online from different stakeholders of the case organisation. Online “virtual space” studies have become more common over the past few years. Primary and secondary data are shared online, for instance on relevant rating websites for customers (such as TrustPilot) and employees (such as Indeed), which serve as a reflection of the organisational performance and the communication of their values. This type of study has become more prevalent, either as a study undertaken online fully (Hine, 2007) or partially (for instance Baxter et al., 2019), which provides a different perspective to traditionally carried out face-to-face interactions.

Findings

The current study has contributed insights from a global case organisation in the logistics sector originating in the Middle East (ME). The case organisation clearly indicates that its algorithm, in line with particular presentations and discussions on online platforms, is focussed on analysing limited factors, which are prediction of accurate delivery timeslot, preferred and precise location for delivery and speed of delivery overall. This reflects an inherent bias of the delivery industry, which the case organisation operates in, and may focus attention on delivering on those objectives, with a detrimental effect on the organisation’s broader organisational mindset. This refers to long-term values and sustainability-related objectives.

Originality/value

Findings will reflect on whether algorithms can be used to align a multi-national organisation to achieve its desired performance and related desirable results. This will be one of the main contributions of the current study, which engages with a multi-national organisation in the logistics sector that is based in the ME region.
Towards green product consumption: Effect of green marketing stimuli and perceived environmental knowledge in Indian consumer market
Authors: Jaiswal Deepak , Singh Bhagwan , Kant Rishi , Biswas Abhijeet
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about ecological degradation and are getting conscious of the potential advantages that environmental sustainability can offer, which is also driving them towards the consumption of green products. In view of this, the purpose of this study is to operationalize and test the conceptual model of green purchasing behaviour by incorporating consumers’ perception towards green marketing stimuli including eco-label, eco-brand and environmental advertisements with perceived environmental knowledge in an emerging sustainable market.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model is based on an integrative and cognitive approach to consumers’ environmental beliefs-behaviour relationship. The 549 valid responses were received from selected metropolitan regions of India and analysed by direct path coefficients along with a bootstrapping method for testing indirect effects.

Findings

The results revealed that perception of eco-label and environmental advertisements had a positive influence on green purchasing behaviour, however, the direct relationships of eco-brand and environmental knowledge were not supported in the model. While environmental advertisements and environmental knowledge posed an indirect influence on green purchasing to some extent.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the findings needs to augment an extensive approach of a cross-sectional survey. Theoretical, managerial and policy implications were recommended to promote green products towards sustainable consumption.

Originality/value

The operationalization of green purchasing behaviour using marketing stimuli has remained scant in the Indian setting. The insights gained from this study contributes to the knowledge domain of green consumer psychology in the backdrop of an emerging market.