bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PME-mediated pectin modifications promote haustoria initiation and xylem bridge development in the parasitic plantPhtheirospermum japonicum
Authors: Leso Martina , Kokla Anna , Feng Ming , Melnyk Charles W.
Published: February 2023

Parasitic plants produce cell wall modifying enzymes that are thought to be important for efficient host infection. Here, we investigated the role of pectin methylesterases (PMEs) and their inhibitors (PMEIs) during haustorium development in the facultative parasitic plantPhtheirospermum japonicuminfectingArabidopsis thaliana.

We employed immunohistochemistry to characterise tissue-specific changes in pectin methylesterification during haustorium development. We found putativePMEandPMEIgenes inP. japonicumand used genetic and transcriptomic approaches to identify those involved in haustorium development.

Our results show tissue-specific changes in pectin methylesterification during haustorium development. De-methylesterified pectin correlated with haustorial intrusive cells whereas highly methylated pectin correlated with vascular tissues. We also found that inhibition of PME activity delayed haustoria development and xylem connectivity. SeveralPjPMEandPjPMEIgenes increased expression specifically during haustorium development but such increases did not occur when haustorium initiation or xylem connections were blocked by chemical treatment.

This study describes the importance of pectin modifications in parasitic plants during host infection. Our results suggest a dynamic regulation of PMEs and PMEIs contributes to haustoria initiation and to the establishment of xylem connections between parasite and host.
Pan-Cancer Biomarker miR-151a Regulates p21 Partially Through p53
Authors: Kurata Jessica S. , Lin Ren-Jang
Published: February 2023

Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been associated with a variety of cancers. We previously identified miR-151a as a potential cell fitness-regulating microRNA using a miRNA-targeted CRISPR-Cas9 genetic screen. In this study, we created mutant cell clones with loss of miR-151a expression and verified miR-151a mutations indeed decreased cell growth. In miR-151a mutant cells, there was an increase in the fraction of cells in the G1-phase of the cell cycle. This increase in G1 cells corresponded to an increase in p53 (TP53) and p21 (CDKN1A) protein levels. Both strands of miR-151a could suppress p53; miR-151a-3p was able to directly suppress p53 expression, but the miR-151a-5p suppression of p53 apparently was indirect. Re-expression of miR-151a-5p in the mutant cells significantly decreased the p53 and p21 protein levels as well as the percentage of cells in G1, while re-expression of miR-151a-3p ironically had a modest effect. These results suggest that both the 5p and 3p strands as well as additional factors are involved in the regulation of p53/p21 and the cell cycle by miR-151a. We also analyzed the TCGA database and discovered that increased miR-151a expression occurs in many tumor types; furthermore, there was an inverse correlation between miR-151a and p21 expression, and high miR-151a expression was often associated with poor overall survival. Taken together, results from this study identify a previously underappreciated role of miR-151a in cancer through regulation of the cell cycle, and they also suggest inhibiting the less abundant 5p may be more important than inhibiting the more abundant 3p of miR-151a for therapeutic considerations.
Exploring the host range for genetic transfer of magnetic organelle biosynthesis
Authors: Dziuba M.V. , Müller F.D. , Pósfai M. , Schüler D.
Published: February 2023

Magnetosomes produced by magnetotactic bacteria have great potential for application in biotechnology and medicine due to their unique physicochemical properties and high biocompatibility. Recent studies uncovered the genetic determinants for magnetosome formation and inspired ideas to transfer the pathway into hitherto non-magnetic organisms. However, previous efforts to genetically magnetize other species have been successful in only a few bacterial recipients, revealing significant challenges in this approach. Here, by systematic examination of 25 proteobacterial hosts, we generated 7 novel magnetosome-producing strains. We further characterized the recombinant magnetosomes produced by these strains and delineate a set of auxiliary factors linked to magnetosome formation. Our findings will have significant implications for generation of magnetized life cells and the potential to facilitate the production of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles for a wide range of biomedical applications.
TTBK2mutations associated with spinocerebellar ataxia type 11 disrupt peroxisome dynamics and ciliary localization of SHH signaling proteins
Authors: Muñoz-Estrada Jesús , Nguyen Abraham V. , Goetz Sarah C.
Published: February 2023

Frameshift mutations inTau Tubulin Kinase 2(TTBK2) cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 11 (SCA11), which is characterized by the progressive loss of Purkinje cells and cerebellar atrophy. Previous work showed that theseTTBK2variants generate truncated proteins that interfere with primary ciliary trafficking and with Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling in mice. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying the dominant interference of mutations remain unknown. Herein, we discover that SCA11-associated variants contain abona fideperoxisomal targeting signal type 1. We find that their expression in RPE1 cells reduces peroxisome numbers within the cell and at the base of the cilia, disrupts peroxisome fission pathways, and impairs trafficking of ciliary SMO upon SHH signaling activation. This work uncovers a neomorphic function of SCA11-causing mutations and identifies requirements for both peroxisomes and cholesterol in trafficking of cilia-localized SHH signaling proteins. In addition, we postulate that molecular mechanisms underlying cellular dysfunction in SCA11 converge on the SHH signaling pathway.

Molecular mechanisms underlying spinocerebellar ataxia type 11 are not well understood. In this study, we identified a neomorphic function of the mutated gene (TTBK2) associated with this disease highlighting a functional inter-organelle interaction between peroxisomes and cilia.
A one-stage approach for the spatio-temporal analysis of high-throughput phenotyping data
Authors: Pérez-Valencia Diana M. , Rodríguez-Álvarez María Xosé , Boer Martin P. , van Eeuwijk Fred A.
Published: February 2023

This work is motivated by the need to accurately estimate genetic effects over time when analysing data from high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) experiments. The HTP data we deal with here are characterised by phenotypic traits measured multiple times in the presence of spatial and temporal noise and a hierarchical organisation at three levels (populations, genotypes within populations, and plants within genotypes). We propose a feasible one-stage spatio-temporal P-spline-based hierarchical approach to model the evolution of the genetic signal over time on a given phenotype while accounting for spatio-temporal noise. We provide the user with appealing tools that take advantage of the sparse model matrices structure to reduce computational complexity. We illustrate the performance of our method using spatio-temporal simulated data and data from the PhenoArch greenhouse platform at INRAE Montpellier. In the plant breeding context, we show that information extracted for genomic selection purposes from our fitted genotypic curves is similar to those obtained using a comparable two-stage P-spline-based approach.
Rickettsiales’ deep evolutionary history sheds light on the emergence of intracellular lifestyles
Authors: Moncadas Lucas Serra , Shabarova Tanja , Kavagutti Vinicius Silva , Bulzu Paul-Adrian , Chiriac Maria-Cecilia , Park Soo-Je , Mukherjee Indranil , Ghai Rohit , Andrei Adrian-Stefan
Published: February 2023

Ancient bacteria largely lived and flourished as free-living cells till the rise of eukaryotes triggered their adaptation to a new habitat: the intracellular milieu. Rickettsiales bacteria are the most prevalent intracellular microorganisms discovered and the culprits behind some of mankind’s worst pestilential diseases. Here, we show that intracellularity is not a defining feature of the group and describe the eco-evolutionary processes that transformed harmless free-living bacteria into obligate intracellular symbionts and parasites. We found that the evolution of free-living lineages towards enhanced cross-feeding interactions with microbial eukaryotes trapped them in a nutritional bind to their trophic partners. We discovered that the oldest Rickettsiales lineages are the closest relatives to modern eukaryotes and are enriched in proteins predicted to have been present in the mitochondrial ancestor. This study not only opens avenues for the detection and surveillance of emerging diseases but also expands our understanding of the origins of complex life.

One-Sentence Summary

Cross-feeding interactions shaped Rickettsiales genomic architectures along the parasite/free-living spectrum
CRISPR/Cas12a toolbox for genomic manipulation inMethanosarcina acetivorans
Authors: Zhu Ping , Bao Jichen , Scheller Silvan
Published: February 2023

Methanogenic archaea play an important role in the global carbon cycle and are regarded as promising host organisms for the biotechnological generation of fuels and chemicals from one-carbon substrates.Methanosarcina acetivoransis extensively studied as a model methanogen due to the availability of genetic tools and its versatile substrate range. Although genome editing inM. acetivoransvia CRISPR/Cas9 has already been demonstrated, we now describe a user-friendly CRISPR/Cas12a toolbox that recognizes a T-rich (5′-TTTV) PAM sequence. This new system can manage deletions of 3500 bp (i.e., knockout of the entirefrhADGBoperon) and heterologous gene insertions with 80% efficiency observed in ten PurRtransformants. Our CRISPR/Cas12a system also enables multiplex genome editing at high efficiency, which helps speed up genetic engineering. Deletions of 100 bp generated on two separate sites of the genome yielded 8/8 correctly edited transformants. Simultaneous gene deletion (100 bp) and replacement (100-bp region replaced by the 2400-bpuidAexpression cassette) at a separate site was achieved, with 3/6 of transformants being edited correctly. In combination with the Cas9-based system, our CRISPR/Cas12a toolbox enables targeted genome editing at two sites (guanine-rich and thymine-rich, respectively) and, in so doing, hastens the overall genetic engineering of theMethanosarcinalesspecies.
A role for the V0 sector of the V-ATPase in neuroexocytosis: exogenous V0d blocks complexin and SNARE interactions with V0c
Authors: Leveque Christian , Maulet Yves , Wang Qili , Rame Marion , Mochida Sumiko , Sangiardi Marion , Fahamoe Youssouf , Iborra Cécile , Seagar Michael , Vitale Nicolas , El Far Oussama
Published: February 2023

V-ATPase is an important factor in synaptic vesicle acidification and is implicated in synaptic transmission. Rotation of the extra-membranous V1 sector drives proton transfer through the membrane-embedded multi-subunit V0 sector of the V-ATPase. Intra-vesicular protons are then used to drive neurotransmitter uptake by synaptic vesicles. V0a and V0c, two membrane subunits of the V0 sector have been shown to interact with SNARE proteins and their photo-inactivation rapidly impairs synaptic transmission. V0d, a soluble subunit of the V0 sector strongly interacts with its membrane embedded subunits and is crucial for the canonic proton transfer activity of the V-ATPase. Our investigations show that the loop 1.2 of V0c interacts with complexin, a major partner of the SNARE machinery and that V0d1 binding to V0c inhibits this interaction, as well as V0c association with SNARE complex. Injection of recombinant V0d1 in rat superior cervical ganglion neurons rapidly reduced neurotransmission. In chromaffin cells, V0d1 overexpression and V0c silencing modified in a comparable manner several parameters of unitary exocytotic events. Our data suggest that V0c subunit promotes exocytosis via interactions with complexin and SNAREs and that this activity can be antagonized by exogenous V0d.
Microtubule competition and cell growth recenter the nucleus after anaphase in fission yeast
Authors: Bellingham-Johnstun Kimberly , Thorn Annelise , Belmonte Julio , Laplante Caroline
Published: February 2023

Cells actively position their nucleus based on their activity. In fission yeast, microtubule-dependent nuclear centering is critical for symmetrical cell division. After spindle disassembly at the end of anaphase, the nucleus recenters over a ~90 min period, approximately half of the duration of the cell cycle. Live cell and simulation experiments support the cooperation of two distinct mechanisms in the slow recentering of the nucleus. First, a push-push mechanism acts from spindle disassembly to septation and involves the opposing actions of the mitotic Spindle Pole Body microtubules that push the nucleus away from the ends of the cell while post-anaphase array of microtubules basket the nucleus and limit its migration toward the division plane. Second, a slow-and-grow mechanism finalizes nuclear centering in the newborn cell. In this mechanism, microtubule competition stalls the nucleus while asymmetric cell growth slowly centers it. Our work underlines how intrinsic properties of microtubules differently impact nuclear positioning according to microtubule network organization and cell size.
Scalable neighbour search and alignment with uvaia
Authors: de Oliveira Martins Leonardo , Mather Alison E. , Page Andrew J.
Published: February 2023

Despite millions of SARS-CoV-2 genomes being sequenced and shared globally, manipulating such data sets is still challenging, especially selecting sequences for focused phylogenetic analysis. We present a novel method, uvaia, which is based on partial and exact sequence similarity for quickly extracting database sequences similar to query sequences of interest. Many SARS-CoV-2 phylogenetic analyses rely on very low numbers of ambiguous sites as a measure of quality since ambiguous sites do not contribute to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) differences, which uvaia alleviates by using measures of sequence similarity that consider partially ambiguous sites. Such fine-grained definition of similarity allows not only for better phylogenetic analyses, but also for improved classification and biogeographical inferences. Uvaia works natively with compressed files, can use multiple cores and efficiently utilises memory, being able to analyse large data sets on a standard desktop.
A modular plasmid toolkit applied in marine Proteobacteria reveals functional insights during bacteria-stimulated metamorphosis
Authors: Alker Amanda T. , Aspiras Alpher E. , Dunbar Tiffany L. , Farrell Morgan V. , Fedoriouk Andriy , Jones Jeffrey E. , Mikhail Sama R. , Salcedo Gabriella Y. , Moore Bradley S. , Shikuma Nicholas J.
Published: February 2023

A conspicuous roadblock to studying marine bacteria for fundamental research and biotechnology is a lack of modular synthetic biology tools for their genetic manipulation. Here, we applied, and generated new parts for, a modular plasmid toolkit to study marine bacteria in the context of symbioses and host-microbe interactions. To demonstrate the utility of this plasmid system, we genetically manipulated the marine bacteriumPseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea, which stimulates the metamorphosis of the model tubeworm,Hydroides elegans. Using these tools, we quantified constitutive and native promoter expression, developed reporter strains that enable the imaging of host-bacteria interactions, and used CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) to knock down a secondary metabolite and a host-associated gene. We demonstrate the broader utility of this modular system for rapidly creating and iteratively testing genetic tractability by modifying marine bacteria that are known to be associated with diverse host-microbe symbioses. These efforts enabled the successful transformation of twelve marine strains across two Proteobacteria classes, four orders and ten genera. Altogether, the present study demonstrates how synthetic biology strategies enable the investigation of marine microbes and marine host-microbe symbioses with broader implications for environmental restoration and biotechnology.
GNOM-Dependent Endosomal Recycling Sets the Timing of Founder Cell Specification
Authors: Perez-Garcia Pablo , Perianez-Rodriguez Juan , Sanchez-Corrionero Alvaro , Moreno-Risueno Miguel A.
Published: February 2023

1.

Lateral root growth occurs from primed xylem pole pericycle cells that can be specified as founder cells, but how these cells acquire the pluripotency state to initiate a root organogenesis program is not fully understood. Here, we find that the EMS 204 mutant is unable to specify founder cells due to a point mutation affecting the C-terminal HDS3 domain of the GNOM protein. We used genetics and cell biology to study the trafficking machinery of xylem pole pericycle cells, cells in which GNOM is primarily associated with recycling endosomes. We found that the lack of the HDS3 domain negatively affects the stability of the GNOM protein within the cells of the xylem pole pericycle and, subsequently, the integrity of the trafficking machinery of these cells. We determined that GNOM is responsible for the recycling of AUX1 toward the plasma membrane at the xylem pole pericycle and impairment of this recycling results in premature accumulation of AUX1 in the vacuole. In this work, we describe a cell type-specific cellular mechanism and the role of a particular domain during lateral root development.
Genetic control of mRNA splicing as a potential mechanism for incomplete penetrance of rare coding variants
Authors: Einson Jonah , Glinos Dafni , Boerwinkle Eric , Castaldi Peter , Darbar Dawood , de Andrade Mariza , Ellinor Patrick , Fornage Myriam , Gabriel Stacey , Germer Soren , Gibbs Richard , Hersh Craig P. , Johnsen Jill , Kaplan Robert , Konkle Barbara A. , Kooperberg Charles , Nassir Rami , Loos Ruth J.F. , Meyers Deborah A , Mitchell Braxton D. , Psaty Bruce , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Rich Stephen S. , Rienstra Michael , Rotter Jerome I. , Saferali Aabida , Shoemaker M. Benjamin , Silverman Edwin , Smith Albert Vernon ,   NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Consortium, Mohammadi Pejman , Castel Stephane E. , Iossifov Ivan , Lappalainen Tuuli
Published: February 2023

Exonic variants present some of the strongest links between genotype and phenotype. However, these variants can have significant inter-individual pathogenicity differences, known as variable penetrance. In this study, we propose a model where genetically controlled mRNA splicing modulates the pathogenicity of exonic variants. By first cataloging exonic inclusion from RNA-seq data in GTEx v8, we find that pathogenic alleles are depleted on highly included exons. Using a large-scale phased WGS data from the TOPMed consortium, we observe that this effect may be driven by common splice-regulatory genetic variants, and that natural selection acts on haplotype configurations that reduce the transcript inclusion of putatively pathogenic variants, especially when limiting to haploinsufficient genes. Finally, we test if this effect may be relevant for autism risk using families from the Simons Simplex Collection, but find that splicing of pathogenic alleles has a penetrance reducing effect here as well. Overall, our results indicate that common splice-regulatory variants may play a role in reducing the damaging effects of rare exonic variants.
Clonal Imaging of Mitochondria in the Dissected Fly Wing
Authors: Maddison Daniel C. , Mattedi Francesca , Vagnoni Alessio , Smith Gaynor Ann
Published: February 2023

Mitochondria are essential for long-term neuronal function and survival. They are maintained in neurons, including long axonal stretches, through dynamic processes such as fission, fusion, biogenesis, and mitophagy. Here, we describe a protocol for the in-depth morphological analysis of individual mitochondria in axons in vivo. Most mitochondrial analysis of axons is currently performed in vitro with neurons in a developmental state. Therefore, an understanding of the axonal mitochondrial network during aging in fully differentiated neurons and the long-term consequence of gene knockout is often not developed. By using a clonal system paired with fluorescent genetically encoded markers in theDrosophilawing, we can visualize individual neurons (out of the whole bundle), including their long axons and the mitochondria that they contain, using confocal imaging. The clonal system also allows visualization of neurons with genetic perturbations that would otherwise be lethal if present in the whole organism, allowing investigators to bypass lethality. This protocol can further be adapted to measure the physiological and biochemical state of the mitochondria. Mitochondrial morphology and health in axons are tightly linked to aging, axon injury, and neurodegeneration; therefore, this method can be used to investigate mitochondrial dysfunction associated with novel genes or those linked to neurodegenerative disease and axonopathy.
Sample-minimizing co-flow cell for time-resolved pump–probe X-ray solution scattering
Authors: Kosheleva Irina , Henning Robert , Kim Insik , Kim Seong Ok , Kusel Michael , Srajer Vukica
Published: February 2023

A fundamental problem in biological sciences is understanding how macromolecular machines work and how the structural changes of a molecule are connected to its function. Time-resolved techniques are vital in this regard and essential for understanding the structural dynamics of biomolecules. Time-resolved small- and wide-angle X-ray solution scattering has the capability to provide a multitude of information about the kinetics and global structural changes of molecules under their physiological conditions. However, standard protocols for such time-resolved measurements often require significant amounts of sample, which frequently render time-resolved measurements impossible. A cytometry-type sheath co-flow cell, developed at the BioCARS 14-ID beamline at the Advanced Photon Source, USA, allows time-resolved pump–probe X-ray solution scattering measurements to be conducted with sample consumption reduced by more than ten times compared with standard sample cells and protocols. The comparative capabilities of the standard and co-flow experimental setups were demonstrated by studying time-resolved signals in photoactive yellow protein.
Internationalisation of firms in the digital economy. Analysis of tenants of Polish technology parks
Authors: Błaszczyk Mateusz , Olszewska Karolina Maria , Wróblewski Marek
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the relationship between the digital economy and the model of internationalisation followed by companies resident in technology parks – institutions designed within the framework of regional and national innovation systems – to promote the country’s digital development. The authors selected Poland as the case study. It is one of the biggest European Union members that joined the EU after 2004. In the second decade of the 21st century, the Polish Government has oriented its economic strategy towards building a competitive digital economy. One of its fundamentals is to support the internationalisation of innovative firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis interrogates the forms and determinants of internationalisation undertaken by tenants of technology parks. The study sample consisted of 300 of the total 1,584 enterprises resident at the 36 technology parks in Poland and was a stratified random sample, with particular strata classified by location at a specific park. The research applied an interview questionnaire designed to cover such issues as innovativeness, research and development, public aid and the support offered by technology parks.

Findings

The results show that around half of the investigated enterprises undertake international activities. The key factors determining the chances of a firm’s internationalisation in the digital economy are whether it conducts research and development projects and receives public aid support. Many tenants of technology parks in Poland enter foreign markets at an early stage of their development, using diverse forms of foreign expansion. The findings also show that the internationalisation of tenants of Polish technology parks usually occurs in six relatively independent modes (types).

Originality/value

This study contributes to a better understanding of the internationalisation patterns of firms facing digital development challenges. Technology parks have a crucial role in building a digital economy, facilitating a technological “leapfrog”. The final recommendations can guide the technology parks’ managers to adopt more relevant support services for the internationalisation of their tenants. It is a critical point for small- and mid-size young innovative enterprises.
Performance appraisal justice and work attitudes of health-care workers in Ghana
Authors: Brefo-Manuh Adwoa Benewaa , Anlesinya Alex
Published: February 2023

Purpose

While the extant literature has mainly examined either organisational justice or performance appraisal on employee attitudes, studies assessing the effect of performance appraisal justice (PAJ) on employee work attitudes are very limited. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effects of PAJ on employee work attitudes (job satisfaction and employee commitment) using empirical insights from health-care workers in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data from 302 workers in six selected health-care institutions and used multiple regression and bootstrapping mediation methods for the analyses.

Findings

This study found that interpersonal and procedural PAJ has significant positive effects on job satisfaction, but distributive PAJ showed an insignificant positive outcome. Then, while distributive and procedural PAJ has significant positive effects on employee commitment, interpersonal PAJ was insignificant. Moreover, job satisfaction significantly mediated the relationship between employee commitment and the three dimensions of PAJ.

Practical implications

This implies that PAJ can trigger positive employee work attitudes such as job satisfaction and commitment to facilitate the realisation of positive health-care outcomes if fairness and justice are effectively integrated into performance appraisal practices in health-care institutions.

Originality/value

The study contributes to extending organisation and human resource theories in the context of health-care services by applying the organisational justice theory to understand the job attitudes of workers in the health-care sector and institutions: a highly under-research context with respect to the topic.
Accessing information during the COVID-19 pandemic era: a study of GCC citizens and noncitizens
Authors: Alghnimi Maali , Alqashan Humoud
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new disease that has led to rapid and dramatic global changes. This study aims to investigate how Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens and noncitizens search for necessary information and assess available information sources, their associated awareness and anxiety levels, voluntary work, compliance with quarantine regulations and technology.

Design/methodology/approach

An electronic questionnaire was designed using Google Forms and distributed on Twitter and WhatsApp. In total, 1,006 responses were received.

Findings

The results showed that 75.25% of the participants were active information seekers because of their daily search for necessary information. “Formal sources,” “Social media” and “Television” were the most preferred information sources found by the study sample.

Originality/value

This study investigates the behavior of GCC citizens and noncitizens in searching for necessary information during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it draws attention to the importance of digitization and digital preservation in building a specialized digital library for future access to pandemic-related information distributed by the government authorities and institutions in the State of Kuwait.
Thermal transport in nanofluid across a radiated permeable sheet with irreversible effects based on the shape of the particles
Authors: Naseem Tahir , Shahzad Azeem
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the flow and heat transfer performance of titanium oxide/water and copper/water nanofluids with varying nanoparticle morphologies by considering magnetic, Joule heating and viscous dissipation effects. Furthermore, it studies the irreversibility caused by the flow of a hydromagnetic nanofluid past a radiated stretching sheet by considering different shapes of TiO2 and Cu nanoparticles with water as the base fluid.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors investigated entropy production in an unsteady two-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic nanofluid regime using water as the base fluid and five unique TiO2 and Cu nanoparticle morphologies. Using appropriate similarity transformations, the controlling nonlinear system of partial differential equations is transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations. The shooting technique with Runge–Kutta method was then used to solve these equations quantitatively. The findings of this study are depicted graphically, and the skin friction corresponding to various nanoparticle geometries and physical parameter variations is tabulated.

Findings

To assess the reliability of the current findings, a tabular representation of the data was compared to that of previously published studies. It is noted that a reduction in thermal energy was detected as a result of the higher levels of Prandtl number (Pr). It is further analysed that the highest heat energy generation of TiO2 nanoparticles was larger than that of Cu nanoparticles. The most important finding was that the sphere-shaped Cu/H2O nanofluid had the lowest velocity and greatest temperature. Also, Cu nanoparticles in the shape of platelets generate the most entropy, while TiO2 nanoparticles in the shape of spheres generate the least.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge of the authors, the attempt to investigate the previously unexplored shape effects of TiO2 and Cu nanoparticles on the heat transfer enhancement and inherent irreversibility caused by hydromagnetic nanofluid flow past a radiated stretching sheet with magnetic, Joule heating and viscous dissipation effects. This study fills this gap in the existing literature and encourages scientists, engineers and businesses to do more research in this area. This model can be used to improve heat transfer in systems that use renewable energy, thermal management in industry and the processing of materials.
How much to invest for house purchase? The consumer purchase intention perspective of real estate investment decision
Authors: Kabir Shahriar , Jamal Zakia Binte , Kairy Bindu Proshad
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study is based on the consumer purchase intention (CPI) in real estate. The purpose of this study is to investigate the link between CPI and preferred individual investment capacity in buying real estate properties. This study investigates if commonly known factors of CPI such as attitude, social power or subjective norms, perceived behavior power or control, location, surrounding environment and socialization can influence a consumer’s preferred investment amount when buying a house, either for own use or for rental purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 334 respondents participated in this study. The survey data was analyzed using factor analysis technique, ordinary least square technique and Poisson pseudo maximum likelihood technique.

Findings

This study finds that location, surrounding environment, property/construction papers, roads, mosque/temple and fire services significantly influence the preferred investment amount of a real estate investor.

Originality/value

This study suggests that a link exists between CPI and real estate investment decision through factors such as location, surrounding environment, legal documentation and communication facility. These identified CPI factors require serious consideration by the real estate developers and their financing partners.
How relational capability can influence the success of business partnerships
Authors: Giraldi Luca , Coacci Sofia , Cedrola Elena
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The present article aims to investigate the quality of the relationships in a business partnership for a project in Medtech field and the components that most influence them, with special attention to relational capabilities (RCs). Dyadic relationships and mainly RCs are considered critical factors for the success of a partnership.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was used to evaluate the influence of RC on the progress of an alliance between a start-up and a small and medium scale enterprise (SME). The evaluation is performed using a questionnaire. To highlight such progress, the same questions were asked at the start of the partnership and one year later. The results were compared to analyse the improvement of RC and draw conclusions on the correlation between RC and alliance performance.

Findings

The method adopted allowed for a clear identification of the criticalities of the partnership. The authors found evidence that poor RCs lead to confusion, a sense of exclusion and a lack of collaboration amongst members. Results confirmed that increased RC and aligning the allies' capabilities positively affect the alliance's performance.

Research limitations/implications

Exogenous variables influencing the partnership's progress were not included in the present study. Future research may consider them.

Originality/value

Limited prior research is available on collaboration between SME and start-ups. The present authors aim to investigate the topic further, investigating RCs between firms. The article is also a starting point for future case study comparisons.
Glass half-full? A comprehensive PLS-SEM approach to explore the pandemic’s effect on wine tourism intentions
Authors: Gastaldello Giulia , Streletskaya Nadia , Rossetto Luca
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview on positive drivers and negative factors connected to the Covid-19 pandemic which can jointly shape wine tourism intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study relies on a large sample of 399 US wine tourists. Partial least square structural equation modelling is adopted for data analysis.

Findings

Results reveal that willingness to avoid Covid risk while travelling negatively impacts wine tourism intentions and competitively mediates the effect of Covid phobia. Both situational and personal involvement with wine are key antecedents of future wine tourism intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes to understand the role of willingness to avoid travel-related risks during health crises. Furthermore, it improves existing knowledge on the effect of wine involvement on wine tourism intentions, highlighting the predictive relevance of situational involvement in explaining this relationship.

Practical implications

Results constitute critical information to practitioners and destination management operators for improving their resilience under similar circumstances. Updated information on wine tourists’ profile is also provided.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is among the first studies exploring how positive and negative drivers act synergically in affecting wine tourism intentions after the Covid-19 outbreak.
Supporting value co-creation through interaction during the pre-purchase customer journey: empirical evidence from B2B HR services
Authors: Lassila Elina , Heikka Eija-Liisa , Nätti Satu
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of interaction in supporting value co-creation during pre-purchase customer journey stages when selling professional B-to-B services. First, value co-creation in professional service firms (PSFs) is reviewed, and, second, the role of interaction in the different stages of a customer’s pre-purchase journey is explored, specifically in the context of B-to-B human resource management services.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative, semi-structured interview data was collected from potential B2B customers of a PSF in question, providing a broad coverage of prospective clients in architecture, engineering and IT sector.

Findings

In general, the findings of this study indicate that interaction plays a crucial role in pre-purchasing stages of a customer journey. In particular, these findings form understanding of how various interaction channels and content support PSF’s ability to co-create value with its prospects.

Originality/value

The existing research tends to concentrate on how value is created for existing customers, and far less attention has been paid to the perspective of prospects. This study contributes theoretically by providing novel insights into the current literature on value co-creation in PSFs by providing an understanding of how interactions in pre-purchase phases affect the co-creation of value from the perspective of prospects, which is a less researched viewpoint. Empirically, this study offers managers much-needed, context-specific knowledge of PSFs by comparing differences and pulling together similarities from each customer journey stage of PSF prospects.
Women’s entrepreneurship in the GCC: a literature analysis from a socio-cultural perspective
Authors: Al Boinin Hamda
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the crucial role of socio-cultural factors in the entrepreneurial experiences of women in the Gulf region.

Design/methodology/approach

A focused qualitative systematic analysis of 65 published articles was conducted to present existing approaches to studying women's entrepreneurship in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and identify the key socio-cultural factors impacting women's entrepreneurial realities.

Findings

It was found that gender roles, family influence, social networking and religion are among the most significant factors influencing the entrepreneurial experiences of women in the GCC.

Research limitations/implications

It was found that the region's prevalent social norms, vis-à-vis how gender roles are defined and practiced, greatly influence the lived experiences of women entrepreneurs. The role of family support (or lack thereof) and the access to networking opportunities to start and grow ventures significantly affect women's entrepreneurial successes. The findings also point to the overarching ideological and practical guidance, Islam is believed to offer, on how life in general and businesses, in particular, should be conducted.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the burgeoning literature on women's entrepreneurship in the Gulf by promoting context-dependent knowledge. In particular, the findings highlight the importance of critical and nuanced evaluation of existing theories of gender and entrepreneurship. The examination can help policymakers develop more effective and inclusive entrepreneurship policies in the region.
Economic policy uncertainty, bank competition and financial stability
Authors: Desalegn Tigist Abebe , Zhu Hongquan , Borojo Dinkneh Gebre
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of economic policy uncertainty and bank competition on the financial stability of the Chinese banking industry. This study answers two fundamental questions. First, does economic policy uncertainty (EPU) affects the financial stability of banks in China? Second, does competition affect the financial stability of the Chinese banking sector?

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes all commercial banks to provide a full picture of the Chinese banking sector. This study covers the time between 2011 and 2019. The sample period captures different EPU spikes and key policy changes. This study used different econometric methodologies such as the generalized method of moments and the fixed effect and ordinary least square estimation models. Furthermore, this study used the Instrumental Variable model to solve endogeneity, autocorrelation and unobserved heterogeneity concerns. Besides, alternative EPU and financial stability measures were used. Moreover, this study reestimates the model after dropping the big five state-owned banks.

Findings

This study found that both EPU and competition reduce financial stability. This implies that EPU has a negative impact on financial stability. This shows that uncertainty distorts resource allocation efficiency and creates confusion, leading to financial instability in the banking sector. Besides, this study found that competition negatively affects financial stability. This result implies that high competition pushes banks toward riskier activities that ultimately lead to increased financial instability.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind that examines the impact of EPU and competition on the financial stability of the Chinese banking sector. This study conducted several robustness tests such as the instrumental variable model, alternative measurement and sample construction methods. This study brings policy implications and lessons for the banking sector.
Assessing the financial and informational role of supervisory stress tests: EU-wide 2018 stress test vis-à-vis EU-wide 2021 stress test
Authors: Karakostas Dimitrios , Tsakalos Ioannis , Fassas Athanasios
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The supervisory stress test evaluates the capital adequacy and profit-generation capacity of systemic banking institutions under baseline and adverse macroeconomic scenarios. This study aims to assess the financial and informational role of European stress tests and substantiate the impact of their disclosures by examining the EU-wide 2018 stress test vis-à-vis the EU-wide 2021 stress test in terms of how and to what extent the stock prices of the stress-tested banks have been affected.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies standard event study methodologies to evaluate the reactions of market participants during the EU-wide 2018 and 2021 stress test exercises. We examine several “large” events in both the exercises for a selected sample of European banks.

Findings

The results of our event study analysis show that the EU-wide 2018 and 2021 stress tests come subsequent to considerable abnormal price movements. The announcement of stress test results triggered tangible investor reactions, indicating the informational value of stress tests in reducing bank opacity. This supervisory “toolkit” is considered extremely important, as it provides meaningful insights to the supervisors of the banking institutions and the market stakeholders by improving the transparency of the financial sector, allowing them to segregate banks more effectively.

Originality/value

This study constitutes one of the earliest attempts to shed light on the financial and information role of the European supervisory stress tests by comparing the EU-wide 2018 and the EU-wide 2021 stress test exercises. Moreover, it provides concrete empirical evidence and qualitative analysis to explore certain aspects of the European and US stress tests.
A comparison of graduate university perspectives of online versus face-to-face during the pandemic
Authors: Fish Lynn Ann , Snodgrass Coral Rose , Kim Ji-Hee
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to compare graduate student perspectives of online versus face-to-face (FTF) education during the pandemic at two different universities. One university, the “International University”, was physically located in Korea but served an international base of students, and the other was a Jesuit, Catholic University in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

An online Qualtrics survey was used to gather student perceptions on a five-point Likert scale on individual and program factors. Chi-square analysis using the contingency coefficient as the nominal value was performed to uncover significant differences.

Findings

Significant differences between the two groups existed on motivation, discipline, self-directed, independence, cost investment, preference, happiness, difficulty, student-to-student interaction and student-to-instructor interaction. This research has implications for instructors and administrators in identifying shortcomings and highlighting the uniqueness of different practices around the world.

Originality/value

Previous studies on student perceptions have been performed. However, this study is original in the fact that it directly compares two different graduate student populations perspectives of online versus FTF during the pandemic.
Strategic tensions in multinational corporations during global disruptions
Authors: Gurkov Igor , Dahms Sven , Shchetinin Ivan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate strategic tensions arising between corporate headquarters (CHQs) and a subsidiary during disruptive events.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adapted a case study approach combined with action research elements in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The focal company is an US information technology (IT)-company operating in Russia.

Findings

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some sectors and industries, such as the IT sector, received a unique impetus for development. At the same time, our subsidiary started to develop and implement a set of measures to explore and exploit nascent business opportunities without waiting for the formal approval of “subsidiary initiatives” by the CHQs or regional headquarters (RHQs). The subsidiary was able to postpone the implementation of corporate-wide projects which it saw as not well suited to the host country market at that time.

Originality/value

This study presents subsidiaries not as passive receivers of orders from CHQs or RHQs, but as active partners in the corporate management hierarchy capable to mold effectively certain corporate-wide initiatives and policies.
The nexus between CRM and competitive advantage: the mediating role of customer loyalty
Authors: Al Karim Rashed , Alam Mirza Mohammad Didarul , Al Balushi Maha Khamis
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of customer relationship management (CRM) components on competitive advantage through customer loyalty in the banking sector of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was used for the data collection process. In all, 326 respondents were participated in the survey and selected conveniently from the commercial banks of Bangladesh. Data were analyzed by using Smart-PLS software.

Findings

The outcomes of this study indicate that customer orientation and technology capability have a positive impact on competitive advantage, while customer knowledge does not. Besides, customer loyalty significantly mediates the relationship between customer orientation and technology capability with competitive advantage, while this mediation effect appears insignificant between customer knowledge and competitive advantage.

Practical implications

This study's findings can help Bangladeshi bank managers communicate with new customers about their promotional activities while keeping old customers informed about new CRM initiatives.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing pool of knowledge on CRM components, customer loyalty and competitive advantage literature. Particularly, the mediating role of customer loyalty between the CRM components (customer orientation and technology capability) and competitive advantage is the unique contribution of this research.