bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three dimensional fibrotic extracellular matrix directs microenvironment fiber remodeling by fibroblasts
Authors: Nizamoglu Mehmet , Alleblas Frederique , Koster Taco , Borghuis Theo , Vonk Judith M. , Thomas Matthew J. , White Eric S. , Watson Carolin K. , Timens Wim , Kasmi Karim C. El , Melgert Barbro N. , Heijink Irene H. , Burgess Janette K.
Published: August 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), for which effective treatments are limited, results in excessive and disorganized deposition of an aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM). An altered ECM microenvironment is postulated to contribute to disease perpetuation in a feed-forward manner through inducing profibrotic behavior by lung fibroblasts, the main producers and regulators of ECM. Here, we examined this hypothesis in a 3Din vitromodel system by growing primary human lung fibroblasts in ECM-derived hydrogels from non-fibrotic (control) or IPF lung tissue. Culture of fibroblasts in fibrotic hydrogels did not trigger a change in the overall amount of collagen or glycosaminoglycans but did cause a drastic change in fiber organization compared to culture in control hydrogels. Mechanical properties of fibrotic hydrogels were modified by fibroblasts while control hydrogels were not. These results illustrate how the 3D microenvironment plays a crucial role in directing cells to exhibit pro-fibrotic responses by providing biochemical and/or biomechanical cues.
Golgi membrane proteins YIPF3 and YIPF4 regulate turnover of the Golgi apparatus through autophagy
Authors: Kitta Shinri , Kaminishi Tatsuya , Higashi Momoko , Shima Takayuki , Kosako Hidetaka , Yoshimori Tamotsu , Kuma Akiko
Published: August 2023

The degradation of organelles by autophagy is essential for cellular homeostasis. The Golgi apparatus has recently been demonstrated to be degraded by autophagy, but little is known about how the Golgi is recognized by the autophagosome. Using quantitative proteomic analysis and two Golgiphagy-reporter systems that we developed, we found that five-transmembrane Golgi-resident proteins, YIPF3 and YIPF4, constitute a Golgiphagy receptor. The YIPF3–YIPF4 complex interacts with LC3B, GABARAP, and GABARAPL1 via the LIR motif in YIPF3, whose stability is dependent on YIPF4. Phosphorylation of the LIR in YIPF3 seems to be required for YIPF3–ATG8 interaction. Moreover, expression of the YIPF3 LIR mutant caused an elongated Golgi morphology, indicating the importance of Golgi turnover via selective autophagy. The reporter assays that we established will pave the way for future studies to obtain deeper insights into Golgiphagy.
The catalytic rate constant ofTrichoderma longibrachiatumfamily 7 cellobiohydrolase on cellulose
Authors: Jeoh Tina
Published: August 2023

Cellobiohydrolases are considered ‘workhorse’ cellulases in the saccharification of cellulosic substrates. As solubilized cellobiose products are easily measured, cellobiohydrolases have been useful tools in studies of cellulose hydrolysis. Access to purified cellobiohydrolases with known catalytic rate constant (kcat), or the turnover rate, is particularly useful. Here, we determined the kcatof the commercially availableTrichoderma longibrachiatumCBHI at 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C to be 0.5 s-1, and 2.6 s-1, and 5.3 s-1, respectively. The energy of activation of productively boundTlCBHI was estimated to be 93 ± 17 kJ/mol.
The endosomal sorting complex Retromer has a central role in systemic cholesterol homeostasis by controlling endo-lysosomal cholesterol transport in hepatocytes
Authors: Vos Dyonne Y. , Barbosa Markus G. , Heida Andries H. , Ríos-Ocampo W. Alfredo , Tissink Joël J. , Koster Mirjam H. , Smit Marieke , Huijkman Nicolette , Kloosterhuis Niels J. , Havinga Rick , Fuh Marceline M. , Jonker Johan W. , Reggiori Fulvio , Mari Muriel , Scheja Ludger , Heeren Joerg , Kuipers Folkert , de Boer Jan Freark , Wolters Justina C. , Kuivenhoven Jan Albert , van de Sluis Bart
Published: August 2023

Disturbed cholesterol homeostasis is associated with multiple diseases, such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, lysosomal storage disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders. The endo-lysosomal network plays a central role in the distribution of cholesterol between subcellular membranes, but the processes controlling this transport are still not well-defined. Here, we investigate the impact of hepatic Retromer, an endosomal sorting complex consisting of VPS35, VPS26, and VPS29, on cholesterol homeostasis by using a liver-specific VPS35-deficient (Vps35HepKO) mouse model. Hepatic VPS35 deficiency strongly reduces the function of the lysosomal proteins lysosomal acid lipase (LAL), scavenger receptor class B member 2 (SCARB2), and Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1), concomitant with hepatic cholesterol accumulation in lysosomal compartments, delayed transport of endocytosed cholesterol through the endo-lysosomal network, and increased cholesterol biosynthesis. In addition, the levels and intracellular distribution of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and LDLR-related protein 1 (LRP1) are affected, likely explaining increased plasma LDL-cholesterol inVps35HepKOmice. High-fat/high-cholesterol diet feeding exacerbates hepatic and plasma cholesterol content inVps35HepKOmice and leads to mild liver injury, hepatic inflammation, and increased hepatocellular proliferation. Altogether, we here uncover that, in addition to its established function in the endosomal sorting of integral membrane proteins, Retromer plays a key role in lysosomal cholesterol egress.
Comparative proteomics uncovers low asparagine insertion inPlasmodiumtRip-KO proteins
Authors: Pitolli Martina , Cela Marta , Kapps Delphine , Chicher Johana , Despons Laurence , Frugier Magali
Published: August 2023

tRNAs are not only essential for decoding the genetic code, but their abundance also has a strong impact on the rate of protein production, folding, and on the stability of the translated messenger RNAs.Plasmodiumexpresses a unique surface protein called tRip, involved in the import of exogenous tRNAs into the parasite. Comparative proteomic analysis of the blood stage of wild-type and tRip-KO variant ofP. bergheiparasites revealed that down-regulated proteins in the mutant parasite are distinguished by a bias in their asparagine content. Furthermore, the demonstration of the possibility of charging host tRNAs withPlasmodiumaminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, led us to propose that, imported host tRNAs participate in parasite protein synthesis. These results also suggest a novel mechanism of translational control in which import of host tRNAs emerge as regulators of gene expression in thePlasmodiumdevelopmental cycle and pathogenesis, by enabling the synthesis of asparagine-rich regulatory proteins that efficiently and selectively control the parasite infectivity.
Lelliottia amnigenarecovered from the lung of a harbour porpoise, and comparative analyses withLelliottiaspp.
Authors: Negus David , Foster Geoffrey , Hoyles Lesley
Published: August 2023

Strain M1325/93/1 (= GFKo1) ofLelliottia amnigenawas isolated from the lung of a harbour porpoise in 1993. The genome sequence and antimicrobial resistance profile (genomic, phenotypic) of the strain were generated, with the genomic data compared with those from closely related bacteria. We demonstrate the recently described chromosomally-encoded AmpC β-lactamaseblaLAQis a core gene ofL. amnigena, and suggest new variants of this class of lactamase are encoded by other members of the genusLelliottia. Although presence ofblaLAQis ubiquitous across the currently sequenced members ofL. amnigena, we highlight that strain GFKo1 is sensitive to ampicillin and cephalosporins. These data suggestblaLAQmay act as a useful genetic marker for identification ofL. amnigenastrains, but its presence may not correlate with expected phenotypic resistances. Further studies are required to determine the regulatory mechanisms ofblaLAQinL. amnigena.
The heme oxygenase-1 metalloporphyrin inhibitor stannsoporfin enhances the bactericidal activity of a novel regimen for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in a murine model
Authors: Castillo Jennie Ruelas , Neupane Pranita , Karanika Styliani , Krug Stefanie , Quijada Darla , Garcia Andrew , Ayeh Samuel , Yilma Addis , Costa Diego L. , Sher Alan , Fotouhi Nader , Serbina Natalya , Karakousis Petros C.
Published: August 2023

Multidrug-resistant (MDR)Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) poses significant challenges to global tuberculosis (TB) control efforts. Host-directed therapies (HDT) offer a novel approach for TB treatment by enhancing immune-mediated clearance of Mtb. Prior preclinical studies found that inhibition of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an enzyme involved in heme metabolism, with tin-protoporphyrin IX (SnPP) significantly reduced mouse lung bacillary burden when co-administered with the first-line antitubercular regimen. Here we evaluated the adjunctive HDT activity of a novel HO-1 inhibitor, stannsoporfin (SnMP), in combination with a novel MDR-TB regimen comprising a next-generation diarylquinoline, TBAJ-876 (S), pretomanid (Pa), and a new oxazolidinone, TBI-223 (O) (collectively, SPaO) in Mtb-infected BALB/c mice. After 4 weeks of treatment, SPaO + SnMP 5 mg/kg reduced mean lung bacillary burden by an additional 0.69 log10(P=0.01) relative to SPaO alone. As early as 2 weeks post-treatment initiation, SnMP adjunctive therapy differentially altered the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, and CD38, a marker of M1 macrophages. Next, we evaluated the sterilizing potential of SnMP adjunctive therapy in a mouse model of microbiological relapse. After 6 weeks of treatment, SPaO + SnMP 10 mg/kg reduced lung bacterial burdens to 0.71 ± 0.23 log10CFU, a 0.78 log-fold greater decrease in lung CFU compared to SpaO alone (P=0.005). However, adjunctive SnMP did not reduce microbiological relapse rates after 5 or 6 weeks of treatment. SnMP was well tolerated and did not significantly alter gross or histological lung pathology. SnMP is a promising HDT candidate requiring further study in combination with regimens for drug-resistant TB.
Optimized dimerization of the PAR-2 RING domain drives cooperative and selective membrane recruitment for robust feedback-driven cell polarization
Authors: Bland Tom , Hirani Nisha , Briggs David , Rossetto Riccardo , Ng KangBo , McDonald Neil Q. , Zwicker David , Goehring Nathan W.
Published: August 2023

The behavior of cell polarity networks is defined by the quantitative features of their constituent feedback circuits, which must be tuned to enable robust and stable polarization, while also ensuring that networks remain responsive to dynamically changing cellular states and/or spatial cues that arise during development. Using the PAR polarity network as a model, we demonstrate that these features are enabled by dimerisation of the polarity protein PAR-2 via ubiquitin-independent function of its N-terminal RING domain. Specifically, we combine theory and experiment to show that dimer affinity is optimized to achieve dynamic, selective, and cooperative recruitment of PAR-2 to the plasma membrane during polarization. Reducing dimerization results in loss of positive feedback and compromises robustness of symmetry-breaking, while enhanced dimerization renders the network less responsive due to kinetic trapping of PAR-2 on internal membranes and reduced sensitivity of PAR-2 to membrane displacement by the polarity kinase, aPKC/PKC-3. Thus, our data reveal how a dynamically oligomeric RING domain results in a cell polarity network that is both robust and responsive and highlight how tuning of oligomerization kinetics can serve as a general strategy for optimizing dynamic and cooperative intracellular targeting.
Facing the phase problem
Authors: Hendrickson Wayne A.
Published: August 2023

The marvel of X-ray crystallography is the beauty and precision of the atomic structures deduced from diffraction patterns. Since these patterns record only amplitudes, phases for the diffracted waves must also be evaluated for systematic structure determination. Thus, we have the phase problem as a central complication, both intellectually for the field and practically so for many analyses. Here, I discuss how we – myself, my laboratory and the diffraction community – have faced the phase problem, considering the evolution of methods for phase evaluation as structural biology developed to the present day. During the explosive growth of macromolecular crystallography, practice in diffraction analysis evolved from a universal reliance on isomorphous replacement to the eventual domination of anomalous diffraction for de novo structure determination. As the Protein Data Bank (PDB) grew and familial relationships among proteins became clear, molecular replacement overtook all other phasing methods; however, experimental phasing remained essential for molecules without obvious precedents, with multi- and single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (MAD and SAD) predominating. While the mathematics-based direct methods had proved to be inadequate for typical macromolecules, they returned to crack substantial selenium substructures in SAD analyses of selenomethionyl proteins. Native SAD, exploiting the intrinsic S and P atoms of biomolecules, has become routine. Selenomethionyl SAD and MAD were the mainstays of structural genomics efforts to populate the PDB with novel proteins. A recent dividend has been paid in the success of PDB-trained artificial intelligence approaches for protein structure prediction. Currently, molecular replacement with AlphaFold models often obviates the need for experimental phase evaluation. For multiple reasons, we are now unfazed by the phase problem. Cryo-EM analysis is an attractive alternative to crystallography for many applications faced by today's structural biologists. It simply finesses the phase problem; however, the principles and procedures of diffraction analysis remain pertinent and are adopted in single-particle cryo-EM studies of biomolecules.
75 years of IUCr Journals: 1948 to 2023, an Editor-in-Chief's perspective
Authors: Allen Andrew
Published: August 2023

On the 75th anniversary of the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr) and its journals, a brief history is presented, highlighting selected publications, based on citations and on other criteria of note for each journal. Emerging from the pandemic, prospects for the future are considered, especially in the context of the ongoing transformation to open-access research publication affecting all scientific research journals.
Renewable energy development, unemployment and GDP growth: South Asian evidence
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Rifat , Rahman Md. Mufidur , Akter Roksana
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the interplay between renewable energy development, unemployment and GDP growth within Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The research underscores the significant role of renewable energy plays in stimulating economic growth and mitigating unemployment, offering crucial policy insights for sustainable growth in South Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing the autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) framework and Toda Yamamoto causality through the vector autoregressive (VAR) approach, the study analyzes the long-term and short-term impacts of these variables from 1990 to 2019.

Findings

This study reveals a significant co-integration among renewable energy consumption, unemployment and GDP growth in selected South Asian countries. The long-term estimation shows renewable energy consumption influences negatively economic progression in Bangladesh, with no notable correlation with unemployment. In contrast, Sri Lanka demonstrates an optimal relationship among all the variables. Short-run assessments reveal a significant positive relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic growth in India, while an inverse relationship is evident in Pakistan. Moreover, the relationship between unemployment and economic progression, the result shows a negative and significant relationship in India and Sri Lanka.

Research limitations/implications

The study emphasizes the need for policy development concerning renewable energy development, unemployment reduction and sustainable economic growth in South Asia. While limitations exist, future research can expand upon this work by incorporating varied data, additional countries or alternative modeling techniques.

Originality/value

This research offers a unique exploration into the multidimensional impacts of renewable energy consumption, unemployment and economic growth in the South Asian context, an area previously unexplored in such depth.
From internal to external information search: the role of information accessibility, information diagnosticity, and involvement
Authors: Tajdini Saeed , Ramirez Edward , Xu Zhenning
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Consumers are assumed to engage in external information search only after exhausting their internal information sources. Guided by the accessibility/diagnosticity and ease-of-retrieval frameworks, and the elaboration likelihood model, the current study investigates this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the relationships between internal information accessibility/diagnosticity and the importance of external search, and the moderating role of involvement in these relationships, 308 responses were collected on Amazon MTurk. Then, structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data.

Findings

The analyses showed that while accessibility and diagnosticity of internal information have an impact on external information search, involvement with the product class has a consequential moderating effect on these relationships. In particular, in the low-involvement group, only the diagnosticity of internal information had a negative effect on external information search. On the contrary, in the high-involvement group, only accessibility of internal information had a negative effect.

Research limitations/implications

These findings highlight the possibility of drawing erroneous conclusions resulting from not incorporating involvement, in conjunction with information accessibility and diagnosticity, in the study of the consumer external information search behavior.

Practical implications

The findings also imply that if practitioners aim to prime consumers to engage in external information search, they need to take into account that the effects of internal information's accessibility and diagnosticity on consumers' external search behavior may be different depending on their levels of involvement.

Originality/value

This study's results showed that without considering the moderating effect of involvement, spurious conclusions may be made about the relationships between accessibility and diagnosticity of internal and external information importance. This finding may explain the discrepancy between the accessibility/diagnosticity and ease-of-retrieval frameworks, thus enriching the literature.
Individual characteristics linking cognitive, affective and conative mechanisms among vegetarian restaurant customers
Authors: Ahn Jiseon
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Despite the recent increase in vegetarian food consumption, studies on this topic have focused on the product category. Based on the functional theory of attitude and the cognitive–affective–conative framework, this study investigates the impact of customer individuality (i.e. uniqueness and level of self-monitoring) on cognitive attitude (i.e. social-function attitudes), which leads to conative attitude (i.e. behavioral intentions) via affective attitudes toward vegetarian restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample (n = 176) comprises experienced vegetarian restaurant customers in the USA. Multi-group analysis is used to examine differences between vegetarian and non-vegetarian customers, as well as customers' low and high frequency in visiting vegetarian restaurants.

Findings

Using partial least squares structural equation modeling, this study finds the relative impact of customers' personal traits on self-expressive and social-adjustive functions. Results highlight the role of the social-adjustive function as an antecedent of affective attitudes leading to positive behavioral intentions. Last, the findings from a multi-group analysis show that customer self-monitoring is the only significant antecedent of a cognitive attitude among vegetarian customers.

Originality/value

The present study adds to the literature regarding trait attributes and corresponding cognitive, affective and conative attitudes in the context of the vegetarian food service industry.
Analyzing critical success factors of Lean Six Sigma for implementation in Indian manufacturing MSMEs using best-worst method
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Swarnakar Vikas , Phanden Rakesh Kumar , Antony Jiju , Jayaraman Raja , Khanduja Dinesh
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify, analyze and rank the critical success factors (CSFs) of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation in Indian manufacturing sector based micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This study provides critical insight for managers and researchers aspiring for successful implementation of LSS in Indian manufacturing MSMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The CSFs were extracted from literature followed by a questionnaire-based survey from 120 industry professionals with extensive knowledge and experience about LSS working in Indian manufacturing MSMEs. Further, the CSFs were grouped based on their fundamental relevance and ranked using best worst method (BWM) approach using inputs from LSS experts.

Findings

This study provides insights on success factors that have helped Indian manufacturing MSMEs to implement LSS. The findings signify that “Strategy based CSFs” were ranked as the top most important factors, followed by two other category factors namely “Bottom-Line CSFs” and “Supplier based and other category-based CSFs”.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed research is specifically relevant to the context of MSMEs in the Indian manufacturing sector. In the future, the same approach can be extended to a global context, encompassing service sector-based MSMEs in healthcare and finance.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable inputs for managers, decision-makers, industrial practitioners and researchers about Indian manufacturing MSMEs. The identified CSFs and their prioritization offer a roadmap for successful adoption of LSS. Managers can allocate resources, and make strategic decisions based on the prioritized CSFs. Decision-makers can align their initiatives with the identified CSFs. Industrial practitioners gain insights to enhance their LSS initiatives, and researchers can focus their efforts on areas critical to LSS implementation in Indian MSMEs. Furthermore, the structured approach employed in this study can be adopted by various MSME sectors globally, thereby broadening the comprehension of LSS implementation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by addressing the gaps in literature on CSFs related to LSS adoption within Indian manufacturing MSMEs. While LSS has been widely studied, there is limited focus on its adoption in the context of Indian MSMEs. The combination of extensive literature review, questionnaire-based survey and the application of the BWM approach for prioritizing CSFs adds originality to the research.
Application of SEM and fsQCA to predict m-health adoption in the BoP market
Authors: Hussain Mehdi , Begum Qudsia , Rahman Muhammad Sabbir , Imran Ahmed
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Drawing on the adapted unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) framework in the bottom of pyramid (BoP) context, this paper examines the number of causal recipes that foster m-health adoption in a developing country (Bangladesh). This paper aims to propose an extended UTAUT2 model along with identifying the necessary and sufficient factors affecting the m-health adoption intention in the BoP market.

Study design/methodology/approach

The research model was empirically tested, combining two approaches: structural equation modelling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Data were collected from 221 housemaids and female security guards who earn around US$6 per day.

Findings

The SEM results revealed that while performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), facilitating conditions, perceived cost (PC) and technology anxiety (TA) significantly influence the behavioural intention of BoP markets, hedonic motivation is the non-significant predictor. The fsQCA revealed that the two necessary conditions, PC and SI, can be combined with TA to increase the possibility of the success of m-health adoption in the BoP market.

Practical implications

For practitioners concerned with fostering the m-health adoption intention in BoP markets, the present study, which points out equifinality, recommends integrating the PC and SI in several combinations with PE, EE and TA.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous studies using the UTAUT2 theory examined the m-health services in the BoP market. This study contributes empirical data to the predominantly theoretical literature by offering a deeper understanding of the inclusion of TA and PC in several combinations with other UTUAT2 factors as predictors for explaining the m-health adoption intention of BoP markets.
Cost estimation model of prefabricated construction for general contractors based on system dynamics
Authors: Liu Mengkai , Luo Meng
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The poor capacity of prefabricated construction cost estimation is the essential reason for the low profitability of the general contractor. Therefore, this study aims to focus on the cost estimation of prefabricated construction as the research object. This research aims to enhance the accuracy of total project cost estimation for general contractors, ultimately leading to improved profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used Vensim PLE software to establish a system dynamics model. In the modeling process, a systematic research review was used to identify cost-influencing factors; ABC classification and the analytic hierarchy process were used to score and determine the weights of influencing factors.

Findings

The total cost error obtained by the model is less than 2% compared with the actual value. It can be used to cost estimation and analysis. The analysis results indicate that there are 7 key factors, among which the prefabrication rate has the most significant impact. Furthermore, the model can provide the extreme range cost; the minimum cost can reduce by 13% from the value in the case. The factor's value can compose a cost control strategy for general contractors.

Practical implications

The cost of prefabricated buildings can be estimated well, and deciding the prefabrication rate is crucial. The cost can be declined by correct cost control strategies when bidding and subcontracting are in process. The strategies can follow the direction of the model.

Originality/value

A systemic, quantitative and qualitative analysis of cost estimation of prefabricated buildings for general contractors has been conducted. A mathematical model has been developed and validated to facilitate more effective cost-control measures.
Quality management framework for government social housing construction in South Africa
Authors: Amoah Christopher
Published: August 2023

Purpose

In addressing the housing deficits for the less privileged citizens, the South African government began constructing social housing after coming to power in 1994. However, the construction of these houses is bedevilled with many issues; prominent among them are poor quality of the constructed houses. This study seeks to develop a quality management framework for achieving quality and efficiency in public-sector housing construction, a hallmark of the country's procurement goals.

Design/methodology/approach

Telephone interviews were conducted with construction professionals involved in constructing government social houses across South Africa, chosen randomly. The data gathered were analysed using the content analysis method.

Findings

The study found that the most significant cause of poor quality government-constructed social housing is multifaceted, categorised into project management-related, procurement-related, contractor-related, corruption-related and political-related.

Practical implications

Failure to develop and implement a quality management framework on government-constructed social housing leads to poor quality social housing.

Originality/value

The study has identified quality-related issues and has developed a Quality Management (QM) framework for the stakeholders involved in the construction of the houses to guide them in the project implementation process to ensure project success and quality standards.
Artificial intelligence research in hospitality: a state-of-the-art review and future directions
Authors: Law Rob , Lin Katsy Jiaxin , Ye Huiyue , Fong Davis Ka Chio
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze state-of-the-art knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) research in hospitality.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the theory-context-methods framework to systematically review 100 AI-related articles recently published (i.e. from 2021 to April 2023) in three top-tier hospitality journals, namely, the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, International Journal of Hospitality Management and Journal of Hospitality Marketing and Management.

Findings

Findings suggest that studies of AI applications in hospitality are mostly theory-driven, whereas most AI methods research adopts a data-driven approach. State-of-the-art AI applications research exhibits the most interest in service robots. In AI methods research, little attention was paid to the amid-service/experience.

Research limitations/implications

This study reveals inadequacies in theory, context and methods in contemporary AI research. More research from hospitality suppliers’ perspectives and research on generative AI applications are advocated in response to the unveiled research gaps and recent AI developments.

Originality/value

This study classifies the most recent AI research in hospitality into two main streams – AI applications research and AI methods research – and discusses the gaps in each research stream and latest AI developments. The paper then suggests future research directions to guide researchers in advancing AI research in hospitality.
A mindfulness perspective on the link between abusive supervision climate and team conflict
Authors: Qu Yuanmei (Elly) , Todorova Gergana , Dasborough Marie T. , Shi Yunxia
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether and how abusive supervision climate impacts team conflict from a mindfulness perspective. Prior research has identified serious dysfunctional effects of abusive supervision climate in teams. Team conflict, which is often a signal for dysfunctional relationships in teams, has however received limited attention. To contribute to this line of research, this study develops and tests a theoretical model on the role of team mindfulness in understanding the link between abusive supervision climate and task, process, and relationship conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the theoretical model, this study collected and analyzed two-wave time-lagged data from 499 employees in 92 teams.

Findings

The results showed that abusive supervision climate aggravated task conflict and process conflict via diminishing levels of team mindfulness. Abusive supervision climate also exacerbated relationship conflict, but the effects did not occur via a decrease in team mindfulness.

Practical implications

While it may not always be possible to prevent the development of an abusive supervision climate in workplaces, other interventions may prevent conflict in teams with abusive leaders. As indicated by the findings, task conflict and process conflict may be reduced if teams are high on mindfulness. Interventions that stimulate team mindfulness might thus improve collaboration in teams with abusive leaders.

Originality/value

This research offers novel insights regarding how abusive leaders might instigate conflict within teams. Specifically, through the unique perspective of mindfulness, the authors are able to offer new insights into how abusive supervision climate affects task, process and relationship conflict. This study offers a novel, yet important, lens to examine how conflict occurs in teams.
Relying on what different stakeholders express on social media to repurpose and reposition sustainable events of the future
Authors: Otegui Carles Almudena , Fraiz Brea José Antonio , Araújo Vila Noelia
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to capture what the concept of sustainable events means for different stakeholders, what they think and express in social media about sustainable events, and so be able to take it into account when repurposing and repositioning events in life for the future in a responsible way based on sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Authors have performed the photographic analysis proposed by Albers and James in 1988 but adapted to social media, specifically Instagram. A content analysis has been carried out with the posts containing the hashtag #sustainableevents, based on dimensions such as temporal variants, geographic conditions, demographic characteristics or languages used. After that, a semiotic analysis has been held to see how these dimensions are related with the image and with the subjects/objects that are being portrayed.

Findings

Sustainable events is a term that can have many meanings, becoming an abstract term, which is not being used today in social networks by private individuals. Companies and content creators seem to use the term more as an advertising claim, to attract customers and followers, than as a real applicability in their day-to-day actions. They use the term “sustainable events” related especially to an environmental dimension, leaving aside the economic and the social dimension.

Originality/value

Nowadays, the photography through social media is one of the most powerful sources for communicating people awareness. Nevertheless, researchers are only starting to understand the impact of social media and technology on the habits of people. To the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first analyses of Instagram posts based on a hashtag to analyse what different stakeholders express in relation to that hashtag.
Entrepreneurial leadership behaviour of primary school principals across Europe: a comparative study
Authors: Balasi Aikaterini , Iordanidis George , Tsakiridou Eleni
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To improve school organisational performance and innovativeness, and meet diverse student needs, school leaders should be innovative, risk-takers and proactive, thus applying entrepreneurial practices/strategies and market mechanisms. This study aims to investigate, from a schoolteacher's perspective, the degree of entrepreneurial leadership behaviour (ELB) applied by school principals in European primary schools. Given that school autonomy is perceived as an important predictor of leaders' entrepreneurship, this study investigates the impact of educational macro (autonomy and accountability) and micro (demographics) contexts on ELB by comparing centralised and decentralised European school systems with the highly centralised Greek school system.

Design/methodology/approach

This comparative study was conducted in Greece (630 participants) and in 14 European countries (972 participants). Thornberry's Entrepreneurial Leadership Questionnaire was used, comprising general entrepreneurial leader (GEL), miner (MIN), accelerator (ACC), explorer (EXP) and integrator (INT) behaviours.

Findings

The results revealed that ELB is a multi-dimensional concept, and that all participating teachers perceived ELB application moderately, with more focus on the internal (than external) school environment. Furthermore, the dual-directional macro-contextual influence found in applying ELB indicates that high school autonomy and accountability activate ELB owing to the school's freedom to engage in entrepreneurial ventures, while low autonomy/accountability still activates ELB, but only for organisational survival within hierarchical-bureaucratic school environments. This feature differentiates “intrapreneur/intrepreneur” from “entrepreneur” school principals.

Originality/value

The theoretical basis of entrepreneurial leadership (EL) in education should include entrepreneurial multi-dimensional leadership aspects (competencies, behaviours, skills) and educational context (macro and micro). Implications for school leadership research and practice are also discussed.
A case study of teacher learning in enacting maker pedagogy through lesson study
Authors: Li Jiajia , Goei Sui Lin , Van Joolingen Wouter R.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study explores how lesson study (LS) can promote elementary Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) teachers’ professional development (TPD) in terms of new pedagogical practices, attitudes and beliefs in the maker education (ME) context.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study of a LS conducted in China involving four primary school teachers, 20 grade-4 students, and one researcher who also acted as a facilitator. This study adopted an integrated model that combined the unique characteristics of Chinese LS (CLS) with the Dutch LS (LSNL) model.

Findings

This study revealed that LS participation facilitates teachers’ integration of new ME pedagogical practices in their classrooms, while their attitudes and beliefs regarding teaching and learning are increasingly aligned with ME principles. However, challenges such as time constraints, lack of research skills, and insufficient learning resources have also been identified.

Research limitations/implications

This was a small-scale study, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

This study expands the use of LS in the ME context by highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing teachers’ PD in terms of new pedagogical practices, attitudes, and beliefs. It also recommends incorporating diverse international LS models to address the limitations associated with localized models of TPD.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its adoption of an integrated LS model to enhance STEM teachers’ PD in an ME context. The findings of this study further strengthen evidence supporting the positive impact of LS on teachers’ PD.
Implementation of information and communication technologies in fruit and vegetable supply chain: a systematic literature review
Authors: Yuvaraj M. , Jothi Basu R. , Abdulrahman Muhammad Dan-Asabe , Ganesh Kumar C.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Information and communication technology (ICT) implementation has demonstrated usefulness in supply chain coordination and efficiency optimization in various industries and sectors. This study investigates the extent of ICT deployment in fruits and vegetable supply chains (FVSC) from “farm-to-fork” to ensure food security.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology and identified a total of 99 journal articles ranging from 2001 to April 2023 for analysis. The reviewed articles have been classified based on the framework proposed from the perspective of food security. Bibliometric and content analysis is carried out with the final list of articles to extract useful insights.

Findings

The findings reveal that ICT implementation in FVSC is a relatively new research area; researchers have started investigating several aspects of ICT in FVSC through varied research methodologies. Experimental research aimed at addressing food safety and condition monitoring of fruits and vegetables (FV) has started to gain traction while theory building is yet to gain traction in the literature reviewed. Findings indicate further research is required on technologies like blockchain (BCT), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), especially on key objectives such as food security, and the triple-bottom-line approach of sustainability. It also indicates that implementing relevant ICTs in FVSC can help delay, if not avert, the food crisis predicted by Malthusian theory.

Research limitations/implications

This study used only well-established databases to ensure quality of the studies examined. There is a possibility of missing out on articles from other sources not considered. As a result, future SLR studies may employ additional databases, such as Springer Link, Taylor and Francis, Emerald Insight and Google Scholar. Other methodologies such as expert interviews and extra empirical methodologies may also be employed to give a more balanced picture and insights into ICTs implementation in FVSC.

Practical implications

This study offers a summative detail of the status of ICT implementation in FVSC and can serve as a reference guide for stakeholders in developing strategies for efficient FVSC management. This research work highlights the impact of ICT implementation in FVSC on the four pillars of food security which include improved availability, accessibility, utilization and stability.

Originality/value

This study focuses on ICT implementation for food security in FVSC. The SLR highlights the gaps and proffers potential solutions that enhance global efforts on food security through ICT-enabled reduction in food waste and food loss in FVSC.
Digitizing and parsing semi-structured historical administrative documents from the G.I. Bill mortgage guarantee program
Authors: Lafia Sara , Bleckley David A. , Alexander J. Trent
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Many libraries and archives maintain collections of research documents, such as administrative records, with paper-based formats that limit the documents' access to in-person use. Digitization transforms paper-based collections into more accessible and analyzable formats. As collections are digitized, there is an opportunity to incorporate deep learning techniques, such as Document Image Analysis (DIA), into workflows to increase the usability of information extracted from archival documents. This paper describes the authors' approach using digital scanning, optical character recognition (OCR) and deep learning to create a digital archive of administrative records related to the mortgage guarantee program of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, also known as the G.I. Bill.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a collection of 25,744 semi-structured paper-based records from the administration of G.I. Bill Mortgages from 1946 to 1954 to develop a digitization and processing workflow. These records include the name and city of the mortgagor, the amount of the mortgage, the location of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation agent, one or more identification numbers and the name and location of the bank handling the loan. The authors extracted structured information from these scanned historical records in order to create a tabular data file and link them to other authoritative individual-level data sources.

Findings

The authors compared the flexible character accuracy of five OCR methods. The authors then compared the character error rate (CER) of three text extraction approaches (regular expressions, DIA and named entity recognition (NER)). The authors were able to obtain the highest quality structured text output using DIA with the Layout Parser toolkit by post-processing with regular expressions. Through this project, the authors demonstrate how DIA can improve the digitization of administrative records to automatically produce a structured data resource for researchers and the public.

Originality/value

The authors' workflow is readily transferable to other archival digitization projects. Through the use of digital scanning, OCR and DIA processes, the authors created the first digital microdata file of administrative records related to the G.I. Bill mortgage guarantee program available to researchers and the general public. These records offer research insights into the lives of veterans who benefited from loans, the impacts on the communities built by the loans and the institutions that implemented them.
The potential of the empathic ability for the performance of civil engineering projects
Authors: Keusters Guus , Batelaan Frédérique , SleeswijkVisser Froukje , Houwing Erik-Jan , Bakker Hans
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The increasing complexity of civil engineering projects necessitates focusing on new competencies of project participants. Based on the research on team performance and design processes that are more closely linked to the relevance of the project context, it is hypothesised that empathic abilities could play an important role in the performance of civil engineering projects. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether performance can be improved by focusing on empathic abilities during the integrated design phase.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured in-depth interviews with experts were conducted to explore the relevance of empathic abilities and their interaction with performance in a real-life infrastructure project. The project team’s empathy level was measured by means of a survey using Davis’ Interpersonal Reactivity Index method. Finally, differences between expected and measured levels of empathy were analysed.

Findings

The results provide insights into how empathic abilities interact with performance. The measurement indicates that, on average, professionals in the civil engineering industry score relatively low on empathy. In addition, differences were identified between the expected distribution and the measured empathy levels of the team, implying a potential for improvement, in particular by increasing the empathic abilities of the project management and increasing gender diversity.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate a relationship between empathy and the performance of civil engineering projects. The results provide initial insights into the empathic ability of civil engineering project teams and the potential of empathy to improve performance. Furthermore, from an empathy perspective, this study advocates increasing the gender diversity of project teams to improve performance.