bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RAD51-mediated R-loop formation acts to repair transcription-associated DNA breaks driving antigenic variation inTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: Girasol Mark John , Krasilnikova Marija , Marques Catarina A. , Damasceno Jeziel D. , Lapsley Craig , Lemgruber Leandro , Burchmore Richard , Beraldi Dario , Carruthers Ross , Briggs Emma M. , McCulloch Richard
Published: May 2023

RNA-DNA hybrids are epigenetic features of all genomes that intersect with many processes, including transcription, telomere homeostasis and centromere function. Increasing evidence suggests RNA-DNA hybrids can provide two conflicting roles in the maintenance and transmission of genomes: they can be the triggers of DNA damage, leading to genome change, or can aid the DNA repair processes needed to respond to DNA lesions. Evasion of host immunity by African trypanosomes, such asTrypanosoma brucei, relies on targeted recombination of silent Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) genes into a specialised telomeric locus that directs transcription of just oneVSGfrom thousands. How suchVSGrecombination is targeted and initiated is unclear. Here, we show that a key enzyme ofT. bruceihomologous recombination, RAD51, interacts with RNA-DNA hybrids. In addition, we show that RNA-DNA hybrids display a genome- wide co-localisation with DNA breaks, and that this relationship is impaired by mutation of RAD51. Finally, we show that RAD51 acts to repair highly abundant, localised DNA breaks at the single transcribedVSG, and that mutation of RAD51 alters RNA-DNA hybrid abundance both around the transcribedVSGand across the silentVSGarchive. This work reveals a widespread, generalised role for RNA-DNA hybrids in directing RAD51 activity during recombination and uncovers a specialised application of this interplay during targeted DNA break repair needed for the criticalT. bruceiimmune evasion reaction of antigenic variation.
Spatial heterogeneity in carbohydrates and their utilisation by microbes in the high North Atlantic
Authors: Priest Taylor , Vidal-Melgosa Silvia , Hehemann Jan-Hendrik , Amann Rudolf , Fuchs Bernhard M.
Published: May 2023

Carbohydrates are chemically and structurally diverse, represent a substantial fraction of marine organic matter and are key substrates for heterotrophic microbes. Studies on carbohydrate utilisation by marine microbes have been centred on phytoplankton blooms in temperate regions, while far less is known from high-latitude waters and during later seasonal stages. Here, we combine glycan microarrays and analytical chromatography with metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to show the spatial heterogeneity in glycan distribution and their utilisation by microbes in Atlantic waters of the Arctic during late summer. The composition and abundance of monomers and glycan structures in POM varied with location and depth. Complex fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides, known to accumulate in the ocean, were consistently detected, suggesting limited degradation by microbes. In contrast, the more labile β-1,3-glucan exhibited a patchy distribution, indicating local variations in primary productivity and rapid utilisation. Metatranscriptomics showed active and dynamic microbial populations that targeted specific glycans. Gene transcription of carbohydrate-active enzymes revealed narrow substrate niches for specialists, involving compounds such as α-mannans and alginate, along with the targeting of communal substrates, such as laminarin, by multiple populations. The observed spatial heterogeneity indicates that local biological and physical processes continue to shape the carbohydrate pool during late summer in high latitude waters and microbial populations are active and responsive to such changes.
Mapping cells through time and space with moscot
Authors: Klein Dominik , Palla Giovanni , Lange Marius , Klein Michal , Piran Zoe , Gander Manuel , Meng-Papaxanthos Laetitia , Sterr Michael , Bastidas-Ponce Aimée , Tarquis-Medina Marta , Lickert Heiko , Bakhti Mostafa , Nitzan Mor , Cuturi Marco , Theis Fabian J.
Published: May 2023

Single-cell genomics technologies enable multimodal profiling of millions of cells across temporal and spatial dimensions. Experimental limitations prevent the measurement of all-encompassing cellular states in their native temporal dynamics or spatial tissue niche. Optimal transport theory has emerged as a powerful tool to overcome such constraints, enabling the recovery of the original cellular context. However, most algorithmic implementations currently available have not kept up the pace with increasing dataset complexity, so that current methods are unable to incorporate multimodal information or scale to single-cell atlases. Here, we introduce multi-omics single-cell optimal transport (moscot), a general and scalable framework for optimal transport applications in single-cell genomics, supporting multimodality across all applications. We demonstrate moscot’s ability to efficiently reconstruct developmental trajectories of 1.7 million cells of mouse embryos across 20 time points and identify driver genes for first heart field formation. The moscot formulation can be used to transport cells across spatial dimensions as well: To demonstrate this, we enrich spatial transcriptomics datasets by mapping multimodal information from single-cell profiles in a mouse liver sample, and align multiple coronal sections of the mouse brain. We then present moscot.spatiotemporal, a new approach that leverages gene expression across spatial and temporal dimensions to uncover the spatiotemporal dynamics of mouse embryogenesis. Finally, we disentangle lineage relationships in a novel murine, time-resolved pancreas development dataset using paired measurements of gene expression and chromatin accessibility, finding evidence for a shared ancestry between delta and epsilon cells. Moscot is available as an easy-to-use, open-source python package with extensive documentation athttps://moscot-tools.org.
A Single Site Mutation Tunes Fluorescence and Chromophorylation of an Orange Fluorescent Cyanobacteriochrome
Authors: Janis Makena K. , Zou Wenping , Zastrow Melissa L.
Published: May 2023

Cyanobacteriochrome (CBCR) GAF domains bind bilin cofactors to confer sensory wavelengths important for various cyanobacterial photosensory processes. Many isolated GAF domains autocatalytically bind bilins, becoming fluorescent. The third GAF domain of CBCR Slr1393 fromSynechocystissp. PCC6803 binds phycocyanobilin (PCB) natively, yielding red/green photoswitching properties but also binds phycoerythrobilin (PEB). GAF3-PCB has low quantum yields but non-photoswitching GAF3-PEB is brighter, making it a promising platform for new genetically encoded fluorescent tools. GAF3, however, shows low PEB binding efficiency (chromophorylation) at ∼3% compared to total protein expressed inE. coli. Here we explored site-directed mutagenesis and plasmid-based methods to improve GAF3-PEB binding and demonstrate its utility as a fluorescent marker in live cells. We found that a single mutation improved chromophorylation while tuning the emission over ∼30 nm, likely by shifting autoisomerization of PEB to phycourobilin (PUB). Plasmid modifications also improved chromophorylation and moving from a dual to single plasmid system facilitated exploration of a range of mutants via site saturation mutagenesis and sequence truncation. Collectively, the PEB/PUB chromophorylation was raised by ∼7-fold. Moreover, we show that protein-chromophore interactions can tune autoisomerization of PEB to PUB in a GAF domain, which will facilitate future engineering of similar GAF domain-derived fluorescent proteins.
Age-dependent Powassan Virus Lethality and Neuropathogenesis in Mice
Authors: Mladinich Megan C. , Himmler Grace E. , Conde Jonas N. , Gorbunova Elena E. , Schutt William R. , Tsirka Stella , Kim Hwan Keun , Mackow Erich R.
Published: May 2023

Powassan viruses (POWV) are emergent tick-borne flaviviruses that cause severe neurologic disease in humans. Subcutaneous inoculation of C57BL/6 mice with POWV (strain LI9) resulted in overt brain damage resembling spongiform encephalitis. Noting higher POWV lethality in older mice, we assessed neurovirulence as a function of age. We found that POWV LI9 inoculation was lethal in 80% of 50 wk old mice, 10-15 dpi, and that lethality was sequentially reduced in 40, 30, 20, 10 wk old mice to <10%. Lethality was conferred by 2-20 POWV FFUs, and POWV neuropathology was evident as early as 5 dpi, with lethal disease 10-15 dpi correlated with sustained POWV RNA levels in brains of aged mice. Histology of POWV infected 50 wk old murine brains revealed severe spongiform neuronal necrosis, microgliosis, and inflammation with increased brainstem and cerebellar damage. These findings delineate an age-dependent murine model of lethal POWV infection that mirrors human POWV disease and permits analysis of age-dependent neurovirulence determinants.

Significance

Our findings establish a novel age-dependent lethal animal model to study encephalitic POWV diseasein vivo. These initial findings demonstrate that following peripheral inoculation, non-neuroadapted POWV LI9 is neuroinvasive and enters the brains of young and aged mice. However, POWV LI9 lethality is strictly age-dependent and correlated with increased viral load in the brains of aged mice. POWV rapidly directs neuronal loss and spongiform lesions, microglial activation and causes prolonged inflammation that fails to clear POWV from the brains of aged mice. Our results provide a lethal murine model of POWV neurovirulence that mirrors the prevalence of severe human POWV encephalitis in the elderly. This lethal murine POWV model provides mechanisms for defining POWV protective responses of the young, revealing determinants of age-dependent POWV lethality and evaluating potential POWV therapeutics.

Powassan virus is an emerging tick-borne flavivirus linked to severe neurologic disease in aged individuals. Here we describe an age-dependent mouse model of POWV pathogenesis.

SUBJECTS

Powassan virus, flavivirus, neurovirulence, neuroinvasion, neurotropic, spongiform encephalopathy, microgliosis, neuroinflammation
Transcript errors generate a continuous stream of amyloid and prion-like proteins in human cells
Authors: Chung Claire S. , Kou Yi , Shemtov Sarah J. , Verheijen Bert M. , Flores Ilse , Love Kayla , Dosso Ashley Del , Thorwald Max , Liu Yuchen , Toney Renaldo G. , Carrillo Lucy , Nguyen Megan , Biao Huang , Jin Yuxin , Jauregui Ashley Michelle , Quiroz Juan Diaz , Moore Darcie L. , Simpson Stephen , Thomas Kelley , Coba Marcelo P. , Li Zhongwei , Benayoun Bérénice A. , Rosenthal Joshua , Kennedy Scott , Quadrato Giorgia , Gout Jean-Francois , Chen Lin , Vermulst Marc
Published: May 2023

Aging is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid and prion-like proteins. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these proteins arise remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that transcript errors generate amyloid and prion-like proteins in a wide variety of human cell types, including stem cells, brain organoids, and fully differentiated neurons. Intriguingly, some of these proteins are identical to proteins previously implicated in familial cases of amyloid diseases, raising the possibility that both familial and non-familial cases are caused by identical mutant proteins. However, transcript errors also generate amyloid proteins that have not been observed before, suggesting that aging cells are exposed to a second class of pathogenic proteins we are currently unaware of. Finally, we show that transcript errors are readily generated by DNA damage, a hallmark of human aging and a staple of multiple proteotoxic diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Together, these observations greatly expand our understanding of mutagenesis in human aging and disease and suggest a new mechanism by which amyloid diseases can develop.
Within-host rhinovirus evolution in upper and lower respiratory tract highlights capsid variability and mutation-independent compartmentalization
Authors: Makhsous Negar , Goya Stephanie , Avendaño Carlos , Rupp Jason , Kuypers Jane , Jerome Keith R. , Boeckh Michael , Waghmare Alpana , Greninger Alexander L
Published: May 2023

Background

Human rhinovirus (HRV) infections can progress from the upper (URT) to lower (LRT) respiratory tract in immunocompromised individuals, causing high rates of fatal pneumonia. Little is known about how HRV evolves within hosts during infection.

Methods

We sequenced HRV complete genomes from 12 hematopoietic cell transplant patients with prolonged infection for up to 190 days from both URT (nasal wash, NW) and LRT (bronchoalveolar lavage, BAL) specimens. Metagenomic (mNGS) and amplicon-based NGS were used to study the emergence and evolution of intra-host single nucleotide variants (iSNVs).

Results

Identical HRV intra-host populations in matched NW and BAL specimens indicated no genetic adaptation is required for HRV to progress from URT to LRT. Microbial composition between matched NW and BAL confirmed no cross-contamination during sampling procedure. Coding iSNVs were 2.3-fold more prevalent in capsid over non-structural genes, adjusted for length. iSNVs modeled onto HRV capsid structures were significantly more likely to be found in surface residues, but were not preferentially located in known HRV neutralizing antibody epitopes. Newly emergent, serotype-matched iSNV haplotypes from immunocompromised individuals from 2008-2010 could be detected in Seattle-area community HRV sequences from 2020-2021.

Conclusion

HRV infections in immunocompromised hosts can progress from URT to LRT with no specific evolutionary requirement. Capsid proteins carry the highest variability and emergent mutations can be detected in other, including future, HRV sequences.
Endoplasmic-Reticulum stress controls PIN-LIKES abundance and thereby growth adaptation
Authors: Waidmann Sascha , Beziat Chloe , Ferreira Da Silva Santos Jonathan , Feraru Elena , Feraru Mugurel I. , Sun Lin , Noura Seinab , Boutté Yohann , Kleine-Vehn Jürgen
Published: May 2023

Extreme environmental conditions eventually limit plant growth (1, 2). Here we reveal an unprecedented mechanism that enables multiple external cues to get integrated into auxin-dependent growth programs inArabidopsis thaliana. Our forward genetics approach on dark grown hypocotyls uncovered that an imbalance in membrane lipids enhances the protein abundance of PIN-LIKES (PILS) (3–5) auxin transport facilitators at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which thereby limits nuclear auxin signaling and growth rates. We show that this subcellular response relates to ER stress signaling, which directly impacts on PILS protein turnover in a tissue-dependent manner. This mechanism allows PILS proteins to integrate environmental input with phytohormone auxin signaling, contributing to stress-induced growth adaptation in plants.
Syntheses, crystal structures, Hirshfeld surface analyses and energy frameworks of two 4-aminoantipyrine Schiff base compounds: (E)-4-{[4-(diethylamino)benzylidene]amino}-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one and (E)-4-[(4-fluorobenzylidene)amino]-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one
Authors: Shankar M. G. , Kumaravel R. , Subashini A. , Ramamurthi K. , Kučeráková Monika , Dušek Michal , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: May 2023

The title Schiff base compounds, C22H26N4O (I) and C18H16FN3O (II), were each synthesized by a single-step condensation reaction. The substituted benzylidene ring is inclined to the pyrazole ring mean planes by 22.92 (7)° in I and 12.70 (9)° in II. The phenyl ring of the 4-aminoantipyrine unit is inclined to the pyrazole ring mean plane by 54.87 (7)° in I and by 60.44 (8)° in II. In the crystal of I, the molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—H...π interactions to form layers lying parallel to (001). In the crystal of II, the molecules are linked by C—H...O and C—H...F hydrogen bonds and C—H...π interactions, thereby forming layers lying parallel to (010). Hirshfeld surface analysis was employed to further quantify the interatomic interactions in the crystals of both compounds.
Organizational capabilities and SSCM: a bibliographic review and cluster analysis
Authors: Orioli Felipe Porphirio , Veríssimo José Manuel Cristóvão
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to perform a scientific mapping and detect the evolution pattern of two emerging fields, organizational capabilities and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), to detect and visualize the existing conceptual domains and identify less-explored areas.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a methodological combination involving systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. The methodology was implemented in the following order: definition and selection of the material using an electronic database, descriptive analysis of the material, category selection using bibliographic coupling analysis by VOSviewer (clusterization), material evaluation and content analysis.

Findings

The research results clarify the intellectual structure within the academic field. The authors’ identified three main clusters: (1) sustainable capabilities and practices in supply chain management (SCM), (2) green SCM and performance and (3) information technology and innovation. The findings reveal that there is a rich field to be explored, especially regarding issues involving sustainable technological capabilities, sustainable initiatives and key resource development.

Practical implications

This study facilitates researchers’ and practitioners’ understanding and their ability to map the different paths and evolution of SSCM and organizational capabilities. It can encourage managers and policymakers alike to conceive new approaches to engage in the adoption of SSCM.

Originality/value

This work employs a singular approach to identify the intellectual knowledge and topics related to the implementation of SSCM by adopting the theoretical approach of sustainable organizational capacity. It contributes to the debate on distinguishing specific sustainable organizational capabilities from traditional capabilities.
Readjusting the speed of leverage adjustment during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Tarkom Augustine , Huang Xinhui
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Recognizing the severity of COVID-19 on the US economy, the authors investigate the behavior of US-listed firms towards leverage speed of adjustment (SOA) during the pandemic. While prior evidence (based on an international study) shows that firm leverage increased during the pandemic leading to a higher SOA toward leverage ratios, leverage for US firms during the same period reduced drastically. Yet there is a dearth of empirical studies on the behavior of US-listed firms' SOA during the pandemic. The authors fill this void.

Design/methodology/approach

The study includes US-listed non-financial and non-utility firms for the period 2015Q1-2021Q4, covering a total sample of 45,213 firm-quarter observations. The authors’ empirical strategy is based on the generalized method of moments (GMM) and firm-fixed effect methodology, controlling for firm- and quarter-fixed effects.

Findings

Three main findings are established: (1) while the SOA toward book target increased during the pandemic, SOA toward market target increased significantly only for less valued and cash-constrained firms; (2) firms in states most impacted by the pandemic adjusted faster towards target ratio; and (3) while the emergence of the pandemic and the overall firm-level risk increased (decreased) the deviation from book (market) target, firm-level risk partially mediated the effect of the pandemic on how far firms deviated from target ratio.

Practical implications

This study enhances our understanding of leverage adjustment during the crisis and shows that risk avoidance motive and the market value of firms are key determinants of convergence rate during the crisis and further demonstrates that market leverage is more sensitive to market dynamics. As such, caution must be taken when dealing with and interpreting market leverage SOA.

Originality/value

Although prior evidence based on international study provides insights into how firms behave toward their leverage ratios because of the pandemic, little is known about how US firms react to the pandemic in terms of the target ratios, particularly (1) since the USA is one of the severely affected countries and (2) firms in the USA reduced their leverage ratios as against what prior evidence shows. The authors provide evidence to explain how and why US firms reacted toward their SOA during the pandemic.
Rejoinder: fractures in the edifice of PLS
Authors: Rönkkö Mikko , Lee Nick , Evermann Joerg , McIntosh Cameron , Antonakis John
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide a response to the commentary by Yuan on the paper “Marketing or Methodology” in this issue of EJM.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual argument and statistical discussion.

Findings

The authors find that some of Yuan’s arguments are incorrect, or unclear. Further, rather than contradicting the authors’ conclusions, the material provided by Yuan in his commentary actually provides additional reasons to avoid partial least squares (PLS) in marketing research. As such, Yuan’s commentary is best understood as additional evidence speaking against the use of PLS in real-world research.

Research limitations/implications

This rejoinder, coupled with Yuan’s comment, continues to support the strong implication that researchers should avoid using PLS in marketing and related research.

Practical implications

Marketing researchers should avoid using PLS in their work.

Originality/value

This rejoinder supports the earlier conclusions of “Marketing or Methodology,” with additional argumentation and evidence.
Income shock and financial well-being in the COVID-19 pandemic: financial resilience and psychological resilience as mediators
Authors: Kulshreshtha Amrita , Raju Sk , Muktineni Sai Manasa , Chatterjee Devlina
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between income shock suffered during the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent financial well-being (FWB) of Indian adults, mediated by financial resilience (FR) and psychological resilience (PR).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a conceptual model for the relationship between income shock and FWB, with FR and PR as mediator variables. The authors consider four dimensions of financial resilience: economic resources, financial inclusion, financial knowledge and social capital. This study uses a unidimensional scale for PR. Data were collected from 370 respondents from 11 cities across India. Structural equation models were built to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Income shock was negatively associated with FWB. Estimated path coefficients for FR and PR were statistically significant and confirmed a mediating role. Among the four dimensions of financial resilience, only economic resources were positively associated with FWB. The mediation relation between economic resources and FWB was larger than PR.

Research limitations/implications

Since convenience sampling was used to collect data, the results of this study are indicative but not generalizable.

Social implications

For individuals who suffered income shocks during the pandemic, adequate economic resources are crucial for FWB. Governmental disbursements, personal savings and medical or life insurance could provide an adequate safety net.

Originality/value

There are no extant studies that examine the association between income shocks and FWB in the pandemic, and this study contributes to the literature.
Effect of personality styles on positive and negative innovation: the mediating role of emotional intelligence and abusive supervision using the structured equation model
Authors: Thajil Krar Muhsin , Al-Abrrow Hadi
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Following the theory of emotional events, this paper aims to use the bright triad and the dark tetrad as representations to investigate the role of positive and negative personality patterns in achieving positive and negative innovation. The study also examines the mediating role of emotional intelligence and abusive supervision and the interactive role of emotional exhaustion in understanding the relationship between positive and negative personality patterns and positive and negative innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses of the study model, a set of questionnaires was distributed to a sample of 500 medical officers working in different departments of public hospitals in southern Iraq. The data were analysed using the structured equation model.

Findings

The results of the current study confirm previous studies on emotional intelligence because the bright triad negatively associates with negative innovation and positively associates with positive innovation. Meanwhile, the dark tetrad positively associates with negative innovation through abusive supervision, and that emotional exhaustion reinforces the negative side and weakens the positive side of the relationships.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by emphasising that the values represented by the bright triad have a strong readiness to show positive innovation and immunity to negative influence caused by abusive supervision. Meanwhile, the negative emotions of the dark tetrad pattern result in negative patterns because they correlate with negative innovation and the avoidance of positive behaviour, which is escalated by abusive supervision.
The effectiveness of the implementation of ISO 9001 on SMEs performance: the case of an emerging economy
Authors: Alshahrani Mohammed Awad , Husain Khalid Sami
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The study seeks to examine the effectiveness of implementing the ISO 9001 quality management system (QMS) on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) performance in Saudi Arabia. It explores ISO 9001 usefulness through the dimensions of continuous improvement, customer satisfaction focus and prevention of nonconformities. The study investigates two dimensions of firm performance's: operational performance and product/service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a quantitative method. A simple random sampling technique is used to collect study samples. A self-administered questionnaire is employed as the data collection tool. The study was based on 263 samples from SMEs in Saudi Arabia. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS/AMOS.

Findings

Prevention of nonconformities, customer satisfaction focus and continues improvement had a positive significant correlation with operational performance and product/service quality. Moreover, the ISO 9001 QMS effectiveness construct showed a helpful and important correlation with the performance of the company.

Originality/value

The study offers empirical evidence to clarify ambiguous findings from past studies, as well as expounds knowledge on the effect of ISO 9001 on SMEs' performance through the lenses of operational performance and quality/service quality.
The role of the Mental Health Act 1983 in safeguarding adults at risk of abuse and neglect: a thematic analysis of safeguarding adults reviews
Authors: Foss Deborah
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the role of the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983 in safeguarding adults at risk of abuse and neglect. The author has undertaken a thematic review of Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs) commissioned in England and Adult Practice Reviews (APRs) commissioned in Wales where the MHA 1983 was a central aspect to the review.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews were included based on specific determinants, following analysis of SARs, APRs and executive summaries. This should not affect the credibility of the research, as themes were identified in conjunction with analysis of literature regarding use of the MHA in the context of adult safeguarding. Consequently, this review has been underpinned by evidence-based research in the area of study.

Findings

The interaction between statutes, such as the MHA 1983 and Care Act 2014, signify challenges to professionals, with variable application of mental health legislation in practice.

Research limitations/implications

Lack of a complete national repository for review reports means that it is likely that the data set analysis is incomplete. It was noted that limitations to this research include the fact that Safeguarding Adults Boards in England may not publish SAR reports or may choose to publish an executive summary or practice brief instead of the full SAR report, therefore limiting the scope of disseminating learning from SARs, as this is difficult to achieve where the full report has not been published. The author aimed to mitigate this by undertaking comprehensive searches of Local Authority and SAB websites, in addition to submitting Information requests to ensure that this research encompassed as many relevant review reports as possible.

Originality/value

This is an important and timely topic for debate, given that the UK Government is proposing reform of the MHA 1983. In addition, existing thematic reviews of SARS tend to be generalised, rather than specifically focused on the MHA.
Dynamic common correlation effects of financial development, foreign direct investment, market size and trade openness on domestic investment: an income-level prognosis
Authors: Dinga Gildas Dohba , Fonchamnyo Dobdinga Cletus , Ongo Nkoa Bruno Emmanuel , Bekun Festus Victor
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The study examined the impact of financial development, foreign direct investment, market size and trade openness on domestic investment for 119 countries divided into four panels that are low-income countries (LIC), lower middle-income countries (LMIC), upper middle-income countries (UMIC) and high-income countries (HIC) between 1995 and 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study bases its empirical procedure on the bases of the data mix. To this end, based on the presence of cross-sectional dependence, covariate-augmented Dickey–Fuller unit root and Westerlund cointegration second-generation tests were employed to validate the stationarity and cointegration of the variables, respectively. The novel Dynamic Common Correlation Effects estimator was employed to estimate the heterogeneous parameters while the Dumitrescu and Hurlin test was used to test for causality direction of the highlighted variables.

Findings

The empirical results show that market size and trade openness had a positive and statistically significant effect on domestic investment for all the income groups. Results also show that financial development had a positive and statically significant effect on domestic investment only for LMIC and HIC economies, while a positive and statistically insignificant effect was obtained for LIC, UMIC and the global panel. The causality results revealed a bidirectional relationship between domestic investment and the exogenous variables – financial development, foreign direct investment, market size and trade openness.

Research limitations/implications

It is therefore, recommended that LIC and LMIC need to consider harmonising the financial system to lower credit limitations and adopt business-friendly policies. HIC and UMIC should seek more outward FDI policies and harmonise their trade policy, to reap more benefits from FDI and international trade.

Originality/value

On novelty, previous studies have been criticised for the effect on technical innovation of bank financing and institutional quality. This research tackles the deficiency using systematic institutional quality indicators and by taking other variables into account.
Room for maneuver: practicing competitive dialogue in infrastructure projects in Norway
Authors: Shiferaw Asmamaw Tadege , Wondimu Paulos A. , Stevik Tor Kristian
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the experiences of using competitive dialogue (CD) as a procurement procedure and the freedom it provides to the contracting parties in Norway.

Design/methodology/approach

This study opted for qualitative research design. Data were collected from four case projects through document reviews and in-depth interviews with procurement experts and key contract partners of the projects.

Findings

Results indicate that CD has some room for maneuver that is worth trying. Furthermore, the research identified several measures that can be implemented to use the procedure effectively. Contracting parties that have used the procedure have had various positive experiences.

Social implications

The findings have implications in improving project outputs, building better trust and cooperation between the contracting parties and better use of public money on projects that have lasting outcomes for the society.

Originality/value

The authors studied four actual projects that used CD as a procurement procedure and aimed to provide first-hand information on the degree of freedom that it offered to the contracting parties.
Optimal trajectory planning of the industrial robot using hybrid S-curve-PSO approach
Authors: Patle Bhumeshwar Kujilal , Chen Shyh-Leh , Singh Anil , Kashyap Sunil Kumar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to develop an efficient and compact hybrid S-curve-PSO (particle swarm optimization) controller for the optimal trajectory planning of industrial robots in the presence of obstacles, especially those used in pick-and-place operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology comprises a monotonic trajectory through bounded entropy of speed, velocity, acceleration and jerk. Thus, the robot’s trajectory planning corresponds with S-curve-PSO duality. This is achieved by dual navigation with minimal computational complexity. The matrix algebra-based computational complexity transforms the trajectory from random to compact. The linear programming problem represents the proposed robot in Euclidean space, and its optimal solution sets the corresponding optimal trajectory.

Findings

The proposed work ensures the efficient trajectory planning of the industrial robot in the presence of obstacles with optimized path length and time. The real-time and simulation analysis of the robot is presented for performance measurement, and their outcomes demonstrate a good correlation. Compared with the existing controller, it gives a noteworthy improvement in performance.

Originality/value

The novel S-curve-PSO hybrid approach is presented here, along with the LIDAR sensors, which generate the environment map and detect obstacles for autonomous trajectory planning. Based on the sensory information, the proposed approach generates the optimal trajectory by avoiding obstacles and minimizing the travel time, jerk, velocity and acceleration. The hybrid S-curve-PSO approach for optimal trajectory planning of the industrial robot in the presence of obstacles has not been presented by any researchers. This method considers the robot’s kinematics as well as its dynamics. The implementation of the PSO makes it computationally superior and faster. The selection of best-fit parameters by PSO assures the optimized trajectory in the presence of obstacles and uncertainty.
Digital economy in Southeast Asia: challenges, opportunities and future development
Authors: Ha Huong , Chuah C.K. Peter
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to (a) examine the current state of the digital economy in Southeast Asia (SEA), the challenges and opportunities derived from digital transformation and the digital economy, and the impact of the digital economy on SEA, especially human and physical capital development, and (b) propose policy recommendations for SEA countries to better manage digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper. The theoretical framework has been built from the three-sector governance approach to identify the issues of the digital economy and propose solutions to address the issues. Specifically, it examines the role and activities of the public sector, the private sector and the third sector to address the challenges posed by the digital economy, especially human and physical capital development.

Findings

This paper revealed challenges and opportunities derived from the experience of Southeast Asian countries and proposed several policies recommendations, including a common data policy and payment platform for the Asian region, a good training and development policy to equip the workforce with digital skills, and digital mindset as well as build cybersecurity capability and capacity at the regional level.

Originality/value

This paper is significant as it examines the development of the digital economy from an interdisciplinary perspective – including economics, digitalisation, governance, management, public policy, technology and human resource development. It also provides better insights into how SEA's digital economic development can be further improved to contribute to a sustainable regional economy.
Social entrepreneurship of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in Thailand: influence of institutional environment, entrepreneurial passions, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy
Authors: Chiengkul Watchara , Tantipanichkul Thanawat , Boonchom Wanita , Phuangpornpitak Wasana , Suphan Kittanathat
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between the institutional environment, entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial self-efficacy, which affect small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs’ social entrepreneurial intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered survey was used to collect data from 600 owner-managers of tourism and hospitality businesses on the Khon Kaen-Nong Khai railway route. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses using a two-step modeling approach.

Findings

Normative and cognitive environments positively influence entrepreneurial passion. However, regulatory environment was not significantly related to entrepreneurial passion. Entrepreneurial passion relies on entrepreneurial self-efficacy, a major mechanism that creates social entrepreneurial intention. Interestingly, entrepreneurial self-efficacy fully mediated the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and intention.

Originality/value

This study provides an original contribution to social entrepreneurship in terms of the role of self-efficacy in mediating the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and intention. The findings enhance theoretical viewpoints and aid in the practical implementation of the roles of small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs in social enterprises, supporting the entrepreneurial sector.
Schimmelpenning‐Feuerstein‐Mims syndrome induced by HRAS Gly12Ser somatic mosaic mutation: Case report and literature review
Authors: Ono Hiroto , Yamaguchi Reimon , Arai Minako , Togi Sumihito , Ura Hiroki , Niida Yo , Shimizu Akira
Published: May 2023

Schimmelpenning‐Feuerstein‐Mims syndrome (SFMS), an epidermal nevus disease, features skin lesions including craniofacial nevus sebaceous and extracutaneous anomalies (e.g. brain, eye, and bone). Recent genetic studies implicate HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS genes in somatic mutations. Our case, a 48‐year‐old man, presented with nevus sebaceous on the scalp; pigmented skin lesions on the right side of his neck, back, and chest along the Blaschko lines; a history of epilepsy; and mild intellectual disability. Accordingly, SFMS was suspected. DNA analysis of nevus sebaceous skin and peripheral blood leukocytes showed a pathogenic HRAS variant NM_005343.4:c.34G > A p.(Gly12Ser) in biopsy specimens from different skin layers but not blood, indicating somatic mosaic mutation. Until now, the HRAS p.(Gly12Ser) mutation has been reported in somatic RASopathies but not SFMS. The authors report this mutation in a case of SFMS, review another 15 cases of SFMS, and discuss HRAS c.34G > A p.(Gly12Ser) somatic mutations. RAS mutations of somatic RASopathies share activating hotspot mutations found in cancers, and produce different phenotypes depending on the developmental stage at which the somatic mutations occur.
Throwing in the towel: What happens when analysts' recommendations go wrong?
Authors: Lee Kenneth , Aleksanyan Mark , Harris Elaine , Manochin Melina
Published: May 2023

Every analyst will experience stock recommendation failures during their career. Unlike many other professions, these pivotal moments occur in the full glare of clients, colleagues, equity‐sales teams, and the media. This research explores the practices of analysts up to and beyond the point where, faced with a failing recommendation, they contemplate “throwing in the towel” on their recommendation. Based on empirical evidence gathered from interviews with sell‐side analysts and their key interlocutors—equity‐sales specialists, investors, and investor relations officers—this paper uncovers several new empirical insights into the recommendation practices of analysts. The main argument made in the paper is that capitulation practices emerge from the specific contextual framework of individual recommendations and the analyst's conduct as a knowledgeable, emotional human agent. We identify several contextual contingencies of stock recommendations that underpin how a capitulation episode unfolds, including the temporal proximity of the capitulation to the original recommendation; the importance and profile of the stock to the analyst's reputation (“franchise intensity”); the level of interest/reaction from clients, equity‐sales teams and corporates; the nature/cause of recommendation failure; and recommendation boldness. Our study provides evidence that what an analyst does when faced with a failing recommendation cannot be reduced to a predictable, rational process and informs our understanding of observed practices such as the reluctance of analysts to capitulate and why “recommendation paralysis” often follows a recommendation capitulation.
Social and structural determinants of injection drug use‐associated bacterial and fungal infections: A qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Brothers Thomas D. , Bonn Matthew , Lewer Dan , Comeau Emilie , Kim Inhwa , Webster Duncan , Hayward Andrew , Harris Magdalena
Published: May 2023

Background and aims

Injection drug use‐associated bacterial and fungal infections are increasingly common, and social contexts shape individuals’ injecting practices and treatment experiences. We sought to synthesize qualitative studies of social–structural factors influencing incidence and treatment of injecting‐related infections.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL and PsycINFO from 1 January 2000 to 18 February 2021. Informed by Rhodes’ ‘risk environment’ framework, we performed thematic synthesis in three stages: (1) line‐by‐line coding; (2) organizing codes into descriptive themes, reflecting interpretations of study authors; and (3) consolidating descriptive themes into conceptual categories to identify higher‐order analytical themes.

Results

We screened 4841 abstracts and included 26 qualitative studies on experiences of injecting‐related bacterial and fungal infections. We identified six descriptive themes organized into two analytical themes. The first analytical theme, social production of risk, considered macro‐environmental influences. Four descriptive themes highlighted pathways through which this occurs: (1) unregulated drug supply, leading to poor drug quality and solubility; (2) unsafe spaces, influenced by policing practices and insecure housing; (3) health‐care policies and practices, leading to negative experiences that discourage access to care; and (4) restrictions on harm reduction programmes, including structural barriers to effective service provision. The second analytical theme, practices of care among people who use drugs, addressed protective strategies that people employ within infection risk environments. Associated descriptive themes were: (5) mutual care, including assisted‐injecting and sharing sterile equipment; and (6) self‐care, including vein health and self‐treatment. Within constraining risk environments, some protective strategies for bacterial infections precipitated other health risks (e.g. HIV transmission).

Conclusions

Injecting‐related bacterial and fungal infections are shaped by modifiable social–structural factors, including poor quality unregulated drugs, criminalization and policing enforcement, insufficient housing, limited harm reduction services and harmful health‐care practices. People who inject drugs navigate these barriers while attempting to protect themselves and their community.
Urbanização e abundância de recursos florais afetam as comunidades de abelhas em cidades neotropicais de médio porte
Authors: Brancher Karla Palmieri Tavares , Graf Letícia Vanessa , Heringer Gustavo , Zenni Rafael Dudeque
Published: May 2023

As abelhas são importantes polinizadores que têm sido impactados negativamente por mudanças ambientais antropogênicas, tais como a urbanização. Além disso, o desenvolvimento urbano pode reduzir e degradar o habitat natural das abelhas aumentando a proporção de superfícies impermeáveis, diminuindo as áreas verdes e aumentando o número de plantas ornamentais exóticas. Entretanto, as cidades podem oferecer refúgio para as abelhas porque elas proporcionam um ambiente com uma grande variedade de recursos para alimentação e nidificação. O objetivo de nosso estudo foi avaliar a riqueza e a abundância de abelhas, seus respectivos grupos funcionais e composição comunitária ao longo de um gradiente de urbanização em 21 localidades distribuídas entre 6 cidades brasileiras de médio porte (com populações entre 80.000 e 170.000 habitantes). Também avaliamos o efeito da riqueza, número de plantas e proporção de plantas nativas. Coletamos um total de 132 espécies de abelhas. A riqueza total de abelhas diminuiu com o aumento da cobertura impermeável e aumentou com a heterogeneidade da paisagem, o que também teve um efeito positivo sobre a riqueza de abelhas que nidificam acima do solo e abelhas generalistas. Em relação aos dados de abundância, as abelhas solitárias e as abelhas que nidificam no solo foram positivamente influenciadas pelo aumento da cobertura de gramíneas. O número total de plantas nativas e exóticas coletadas influenciou positivamente a abundância total de abelhas, bem como a abundância de abelhas eusociais, que nidificam acima do solo e no solo, e generalistas. A proporção de plantas nativas influenciou positivamente a riqueza total e a abundância de abelhas especializadas. Os nossos resultados indicam que as áreas urbanas de médio porte podem albergar uma grande diversidade de espécies de abelhas, mas as espécies que nidificam no solo e as espécies especialistas podem ser mais sensíveis à urbanização e à diminuição da oferta de recursos florais.