bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrosystem community assembly patterns are predicted by foundation tree species genetic connectivity and environment across the American Southwest
Authors: Bothwell Helen M. , Keith Arthur R. , Hull Julia B. , Cooper Hillary F. , Andrews Lela V. , Wehenkel Christian , Hultine Kevin R. , Gehring Catherine A. , Cushman Samuel A. , Whitham Thomas G. , Allan Gerard J.
Published: June 2021

Macrosystems ecology is an emerging science that aims to integrate traditionally distinct disciplines to predict how hierarchical interacting processes influence the emergence of complex patterns across local to regional and global scales. Despite increased focus on cross-scale relationships and cross-disciplinary integration, few macroecology studies incorporate genetic-based processes. Here we used a community genetics approach to investigate the pattern-process relationships underlying the emergence of macroscale biodiversity patterns. We tested the hypothesis that environmental variation, geography, and genetic connectivity in a foundation tree species differentially predict associated community assembly patterns from local to continental scales. Using genome-wide SNP data, we assessed genetic connectivity as a function of genetic similarity and structure in Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) across its distribution throughout the southwestern US and México. For the same trees, we measured community composition, diversity, and abundance of leaf modifying arthropods and sequenced targeted amplicons of twig fungal endophytes. Five key findings emerged. (1) We identified three primary and six secondary population genetic groups withinP. fremontii, which occupy distinct climate niches. (2) Both the leaf modifying arthropod and fungal endophyte communities were significantly differentiated across host tree ecotypes, with genetic distance among sampling locations explaining 13-17% of respective macroscale community structure. (3) For arthropods, environmental distance was the strongest driver of community similarity. (4) Conversely, host genetic connectivity was the most important contributor to macroscale endophyte community structure, with no significant contribution of environmental distance. (5) Furthermore, we observed a shift in the strength of interspecific relationships, with host genetics most strongly influencing associated communities at the intermediate population scale. Our findings suggest that genetic connectivity and environmental variation play integrated roles in macroscale community assembly, and their relative importance changes with scale. Thus, conservation genetic management of the diversity harbored within foundation species is vital for sustaining associated regional biodiversity.
Dynamics and variability in the pleiotropic effects of adaptation in laboratory budding yeast populations
Authors: Bakerlee Christopher W. , Phillips Angela M. , Nguyen Ba Alex N. , Desai Michael M.
Published: June 2021

Evolutionary adaptation to a constant environment is driven by the accumulation of mutations which can have a range of unrealized pleiotropic effects in other environments. These pleiotropic consequences of adaptation can influence the emergence of specialists or generalists, and are critical for evolution in temporally or spatially fluctuating environments. While many experiments have examined the pleiotropic effects of adaptation at a snapshot in time, very few have observed the dynamics by which these effects emerge and evolve. Here, we propagated hundreds of diploid and haploid laboratory budding yeast populations in each of three environments, and then assayed their fitness in multiple environments over 1000 generations of evolution. We find that replicate populations evolved in the same condition share common patterns of pleiotropic effects across other environments, which emerge within the first several hundred generations of evolution. However, we also find dynamic and environment-specific variability within these trends: variability in pleiotropic effects tends to increase over time, with the extent of variability depending on the evolution environment. These results suggest shifting and overlapping contributions of chance and contingency to the pleiotropic effects of adaptation, which could influence evolutionary trajectories in complex environments that fluctuate across space and time.
Comparative analysis of bile-salt degradation in Sphingobium sp. strain Chol11 and P. stutzeri Chol1 reveals functional diversity of β-proteobacterial steroid degradation enzymes and suggests a novel reaction sequence for side-chain degradation involving a hydroxylation step
Authors: Feller Franziska Maria , Richtsmeier Phil , Wege Maximilian , Philipp Bodo
Published: June 2021

The reaction sequence for aerobic degradation of bile salts by environmental bacteria resembles degradation of other steroid compounds. Recent findings show that bacteria belonging to the Sphingomonadaceae use a pathway variant for bile-salt degradation. This study addresses this so-called Δ4,6 -variant by comparative analysis of unknown degradation steps in Sphingobium sp. strain Chol11 with known reactions found in Pseudomonas stutzeri Chol1. Investigations with strain Chol11 revealed an essential function of the acyl-CoA dehydrogenase Scd4AB for growth with bile salts. Growth of the scd4AB deletion mutant was restored with a metabolite containing a double bond within the side chain which was produced by the Δ22-acyl-CoA dehydrogenase Scd1AB from P. stutzeri Chol1. Expression of scd1AB in the scd4AB deletion mutant fully restored growth with bile salts while expression of scd4AB only enabled constricted growth in P. stutzeri Chol1 scd1A or scd1B deletion mutants. Strain Chol11 Δscd4A accumulated hydroxylated steroid metabolites which were degraded and activated with coenzyme A by the wild type. Activities of five Rieske type monooxygenases of strain Chol11 were screened by heterologous expression and compared to the B-ring cleaving KshABChol1 from P. stutzeri Chol1. Three of the Chol11 enzymes catalyzed B-ring cleavage of only Δ4,6 -steroids while KshABChol1 was more versatile. Expression of a fourth KshA homolog, Nov2c228 led to production of metabolites with hydroxylations at an unknown position. These results indicate functional diversity of β-proteobacterial enzymes for bile-salt degradation and suggest a novel side-chain degradation pathway involving an essential ACAD reaction and a steroid hydroxylation step.

Importance

This study highlights the biochemical diversity of bacterial degradation of steroid compounds in different aspects. First, it further elucidates an unexplored variant in the degradation of bile-salt side chains by Sphingomonads, a group of environmental bacteria that is well-known for their broad metabolic capabilities. Moreover, it adds a so-far unknown hydroxylation of steroids to the reactions Rieske monooxygenases can catalyze with steroids. Additionally, it analyzes the first proteobacterial ketosteroid-9α-hydroxylase and shows that this enzyme is able to catalyze side reactions with non-native substrates.
Annealing synchronizes the 70S ribosome into a minimum-energy conformation
Authors: Chu Xiaofeng , Su Xin , Liu Mingdong , Li Li , Li Tianhao , Qin Yicheng , Lu Guoliang , Qi Lei , Liu Yunhui , Lin Jinzhong , Shen Qing-Tao
Published: June 2021

Researchers commonly anneal metals, alloys, and semiconductors to repair defects and improve microstructures via recrystallization. Theoretical studies indicate simulated annealing on biological macromolecules helps predict the final structures with minimum free energy. Experimental validation of this homogenizing effect and further exploration of its applications are fascinating scientific questions that remain elusive. Here, we chose the apo-state 70S ribosome from Escherichia coli as a model, wherein the 30S subunit undergoes a thermally driven inter-subunit rotation and exhibits substantial structural flexibility as well as distinct free energy. We experimentally demonstrate that annealing at a fast cooling rate enhances the 70S ribosome homogeneity and improves local resolution on the 30S subunit. After annealing, the 70S ribosome is in a nonrotated state with respect to corresponding intermediate structures in unannealed or heated ribosomes, and exhibits a minimum energy in the free energy landscape. One can readily crystallize these minimum-energy ribosomes, which have great potential for synchronizing proteins on a single-molecule level. Our experimental results are consistent with theoretical analysis on the temperature-dependent Boltzmann distribution, and offer a facile yet robust approach to enhance protein stability, which is ideal for high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy. Beyond structure determination, annealing can be extended to study protein folding and explore conformational and energy landscape.

Significance statement

In metallurgy, annealing heats a metal or alloy to a predetermined temperature, holding for a certain time, and then cooling to room temperature to change the physical and sometimes also the chemical properties of the material. Researchers introduce the similar concept as simulated annealing to predict minimum-energy conformations of biological macromolecules. In this work, we experimentally verify that annealing at a fast cooling rate can synchronize the 70S ribosome into a nonrotated state with a minimum energy in the free energy landscape. Our results not only offer a facile yet robust approach to stabilize proteins for high-resolution structural analysis, but also contribute to the understanding of protein folding and temperature adaptation.
Contractile ring constriction and septation in fission yeast are integrated mutually stabilizing processes
Authors: Thiyagarajan Sathish , McDargh Zachary , Wang Shuyuan , O’Shaughnessy Ben
Published: June 2021

In common with other cellular machineries, the actomyosin contractile ring that divides cells during cytokinesis does not operate in isolation. Contractile rings in animal cells interact with contiguous actomyosin cortex, while ring constriction in many cell-walled organisms couples tightly to cell wall growth. In fission yeast, a septum grows in the wake of the constricting ring, ensuring cytokinesis leaves two daughter cells fully enclosed by cell wall. Here we mathematical modeled the integrated constriction-septation system in fission yeast, with a kinetic growth model evolving the 3D septum shape coupled to a molecularly explicit simulation of the contractile ring highly constrained by experimental data. Simulations revealed influences in both directions, stabilizing the ring-septum system as a whole. By providing a smooth circular anchoring surface for the ring, the inner septum leading edge stabilized ring organization and tension production; by mechanically regulating septum circularity and in-plane growth, ring tension stabilized septum growth and shape. Genetic or pharmacological perturbation of either subsystem destabilized this delicate balance, precipitating uncontrolled positive feedback with disastrous morphological and functional consequences. Thus, high curvature septum irregularities triggered bridging instabilities, in which contractile ring segments became unanchored. Bridging abolished the local tension-mediated septum shape regulation, exacerbating the irregularity in a mutually destabilizing runaway process. Our model explains a number of previously mysterious experimental observations, including unanchoring of ring segments observed in cells with mutations in the septum-growing β-glucan synthases, and irregular septa in cells with mutations in the contractile ring myosin-II Myo2. Thus, the contractile ring and cell wall growth cellular machineries operate as a single integrated system, whose stability relies on mutual regulation by the two subsystems.
Global cellular response to chemical perturbation of PLK4 activity and abnormal centrosome number
Authors: Tkach Johnny M , Philip Reuben , Sharma Amit , Strecker Jonathan , Durocher Daniel , Pelletier Laurence
Published: June 2021

Centrosomes act as the main microtubule organizing centre (MTOC) in metazoans. Centrosome number is tightly regulated by limiting centriole duplication to a single round per cell cycle. This control is achieved by multiple mechanisms, including the regulation of the protein kinase PLK4, the most upstream facilitator of centriole duplication. Altered centrosome numbers in mouse and human cells cause p53-dependent growth arrest through poorly defined mechanisms. Recent work has shown that the E3 ligase TRIM37 is required for cell cycle arrest in acentrosomal cells. To gain additional insights into this process, we undertook a series of genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens to identify factors important for growth arrest triggered by treatment with centrinone B, a selective PLK4 inhibitor. We found that TRIM37 is a key mediator of growth arrest after partial or full PLK4 inhibition. Interestingly, PLK4 cellular mobility decreased in a dose-dependent manner after centrinone B treatment. In contrast to recent work, we found that growth arrest after PLK4 inhibition correlated better with PLK4 activity than with mitotic length or centrosome number. These data provide insights into the global response to changes in centrosome number and PLK4 activity and extend the role for TRIM37 in regulating the abundance, localization and function of centrosome proteins.
Hexapeptide induces M2 macrophage polarization via the JAK1/STAT6 pathway to promote angiogenesis in bone repair
Authors: Han Xinyun , Hu Junxian , Zhao Wenbo , Lu Hongwei , Dai Jingjin , He Qingyi
Published: June 2021

Angiogenesis is essential for successful bone defect repair. In normal tissue repair, the physiological inflammatory response is the main regulator of angiogenesis through the activity of macrophages and the cytokines secreted by them. In particular, M2 macrophages which secrete high levels of PDGF-BB are typically considered to promote angiogenesis. A hexapeptide [WKYMVm, (Trp-Lys-Tyr-Met-Val-D-Met-NH2)] has been reported to modulate inflammatory activities. However, the underlying mechanisms by which WKYMVm regulates macrophages remain unclear. In this study, the possible involvement by which WKYMVm induces the polarization of macrophages and affects their behaviors was evaluated. In vitro results showed that macrophages were induced to an M2 rather than M1 phenotype and the M2 phenotype was enhanced by WKYMVm through activation of the JAK1/STAT6 signaling pathway. It was also found that WKYMVm played an important role in the PDGF-BB production increase and proangiogenic abilities in M2 macrophages. Consistent with the results in vitro, the elevated M2/M0 ratio induced by WKYMVm enhanced the formation of new blood vessels in a femoral defect mouse model. In summary, these findings suggest that WKYMVm could be a promising alternative strategy for angiogenesis in bone repair by inducing M2 macrophage polarization.
Identification of QTL hotspots affecting agronomic traits and high-throughput vegetation indices in rainfed wheat
Authors: Rufo Rubén , López Andrea , Lopes Marta S. , Bellvert Joaquim , Soriano Jose Miguel
Published: June 2021

Understanding the genetic basis of agronomic traits is essential for wheat breeding programmes to develop new cultivars with enhanced grain yield under climate change conditions. The use of high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) technologies for the assessment of agronomic performance through drought-adaptive traits opens new possibilities in plant breeding. HTP together with a genome-wide association study (GWAS) mapping approach can become a useful method to dissect the genetic control of complex traits in wheat to enhance grain yield under drought stress. This study aimed to identify molecular markers associated with agronomic and remotely sensed vegetation index (VI)-related traits under rainfed conditions in bread wheat and to use anin silicocandidate gene (CG) approach to search for upregulated CGs under abiotic stress. The plant material consisted of 170 landraces and 184 modern cultivars from the Mediterranean basin that were phenotyped for agronomic and VI traits derived from multispectral images over three and two years, respectively. GWAS identified 2579 marker–trait associations (MTAs). The QTL overview index statistic detected 11 QTL hotspots involving more than one trait in at least two years. A candidate gene analysis detected 12 CGs upregulated under abiotic stress in 6 QTL hotspots. The current study highlights the utility of VI to identify chromosome regions that contribute to yield and drought tolerance under rainfed Mediterranean conditions.
Direct cross-sectional imaging using X-ray Compton scattering: application to commercial batteries
Authors: Tsuji Naruki , Kajiwara Kentaro , Itou Masayoshi , Sakurai Yoshiharu
Published: June 2021

A synchrotron-based technique using Compton scattering imaging is presented. This technique has been applied to a coin battery (CR2023), and the cross-sectional image has been obtained in 34 ms without sample rotation. A three-dimensional image of the whole structure has been reconstructed from 74 cross-sectional images taken consecutively by scanning the incident, wide X-ray beam along one direction. This work demonstrates that quick cross-sectional imaging of regions of interest and three-dimensional image reconstruction without sample rotation are feasible using Compton scattering imaging.
Monomer model: an integrated characterization method of geometrical deviations for assembly accuracy analysis
Authors: Zhao Binbin , Wang Yunlong , Sun Qingchao , Zhang Yuanliang , Liang Xiao , Liu Xuewei
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Assembly accuracy is the guarantee of mechanical product performance, and the characterization of the part with geometrical deviations is the basis of assembly accuracy analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The existed small displacement torsors (SDT) model cannot fully describe the part with multiple mating surfaces, which increases the difficulty of accuracy analysis. This paper proposed an integrated characterization method for accuracy analysis. By analyzing the internal coupling relationship of the different geometrical deviations in a single part, the Monomer Model was established.

Findings

The effectiveness of the Monomer Model is verified through an analysis of a simulated rotor assembly analysis, and the corresponding accuracy analysis method based on the model reasonably predicts the assembly deviation of the rotor.

Originality/value

The Monomer Model realizes the reverse calculation of assembly deformation for the first time, which can be used to identify the weak links that affect the assembly accuracy, thus support the accuracy improvement in the re-assembly stage.
Earnings management when firms face mandatory contributions
Authors: Qin Yiyi , Cai Jun , Wei Steven
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In this paper, we aim to answer two questions. First, whether firms manipulate reported earnings via pension assumptions when facing mandatory contributions. Second, whether firms alter their earnings management behavior when the Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) mandates disclosure of pension asset composition and a description of investment strategy under SFAS 132R.

Design/methodology/approach

Our basic approach is to run linear regressions of firm-year assumed returns on the log of pension sensitivity measures, controlling for current and lagged actual returns from pension assets, fiscal year dummies and industry dummies. The larger the pension sensitivity ratios, the stronger the effects from inflatedERRson reported earnings. We confirm the early results that the regression slopes are positive and highly significant. We construct an indicator variableDMCto capture the mandatory contributions firms face and another indicator variableD132Rto capture the effect of SFAS 132R.DMCtakes the value of one for fiscal years during which an acquisition takes place and zero otherwise.D132Rtakes the value of one for fiscal years after December 15, 2003 and zero otherwise.

Findings

Our sample covers the period from June 1992 to December 2017. Our key results are as follows. The estimated coefficient (t-statistic) onDMCis 0.308 (6.87). Firms facing mandatory contributions tend to setERRsat an average 0.308% higher. The estimated coefficient (t-statistic) onD132Ris −2.190 (−13.70). The new disclosure requirement under SFAS 132R constrains all firms to setERRsat an average 2.190% lower. The estimate (t-statistic) on the interactive termDMA×D132Ris −0.237 (−3.29). When mandatory contributions happen during the post-SFAS 132R period, firms tend to setERRsat 0.237% lower than they would do otherwise in the pre-SFAS 132R period.

Originality/value

When firms face mandatory contributions, typically firm experience negative stock market returns. We examine whether managers manage earnings to mitigate such negative impact. We find that firms inflate assumed returns on pension assets to boost their reported earnings when facing mandatory contributions. We also find that managers alter earnings management behavior, in the case of mandatory contributions, following the introduction of new pension disclosure standards under SFAS 132R that become effective on December 15, 2003. Under the new SFAS 132R requirement, firms need to disclose asset allocation and describe investment strategies. This imposes restrictions on managers' discretion in makingERRassumptions, since now the composition of pension assets is a key determinant of the assumed expected rate of return on pension assets. Firms need to justify theirERRswith their asset allocations.
Unravelling the risks of construction digitalisation in developing countries
Authors: Aghimien Douglas , Aigbavboa Clinton , Meno Tsholofelo , Ikuabe Matthew
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to present the result of an assessment of the risk of construction digitalisation with a view to sensitising and preparing construction organisations for unforeseen issues that might arise in the course of their digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study took a post-positivist stance through a quantitative research approach. A survey of construction professionals actively involved in construction projects in South Africa was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The analysis of the data gathered was done using mean item scores, Kruskal–Wallis H test, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

EFA revealed five principal risk factors (human and financial, technological, legal and security, operations and socioeconomic risk factors) associated with the digitalisation of construction organisations. However, SEM revealed that four out of these risk components have significant direct relationships with some selected digitalisation outcomes. These significant risk factors are technology, legal and security issues, operations and socioeconomic issues.

Originality/value

This study provides practical insight into the risk inherent in construction digitalisation, and its result can help organisations seeking to be digitally transformed make informed decisions. Theoretically, the study reveals the risks associated with construction digitalisation – an aspect that has not gained significant attention in the current fourth industrial revolution discourse. Therefore, its findings can form a basis for future studies on the risk of digitalising construction organisations.
Cumulative degradation methodology to predict reliability of electronic systems
Authors: Thiel George , Griggio Flavio , Tiku Sanjay
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel methodology for predicting reliability for consumer electronics or any other hardware systems that experience a complex lifecycle environmental profile.

Design/methodology/approach

This Physics-of-Failure–based three-step methodology can be used to predict the degradation rate of a population using a Monte Carlo approach. The three steps include: using an empirical equation describing the degradation of a performance metric, a degradation consistency condition and a technique to account for cumulative degradation across multiple life-cycle stress conditions (e.g. temperature, voltage, mechanical load, etc.).

Findings

Two case studies are provided to illustrate the methodology including one related to repeated touch-load induced artifacts for displays.

Originality/value

This novel methodology can be applied to a wide range of applications from mechanical systems to electrical circuits. The results can be fed into the several stages of engineering validation to speed up product qualification.
Effects of internal brand knowledge dissemination on the employee
Authors: Bravo Rafael , Pina José Miguel , Tirado Beatriz
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the internal brand knowledge dissemination process in the banking sector and its effects on employees. Specifically, it focuses on the key roles of employee identification with both the organization and with the customer as antecedents of behaviors supportive of the brand, i.e. employee citizenship behaviors and recommendation behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was carried out in a major Spanish bank. Data gathered from a survey of 315 employees were analyzed through structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results showed that employees' perceptions of brand value congruence are key in explaining their identification with both the organization and with the customer. However, the employees' perceptions of the brand's authenticity explained only their recommendations of the bank as a good place to work.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the advance in the current knowledge of the role of variables such as brand authenticity and employee–customer identification in internal brand management. From a managerial viewpoint, the results provide insights into the importance of employees' perceptions and attitudes when it comes to brand knowledge dissemination.
Assessment of moderate wine consumption and alcohol abuse from the perspective of German and Hungarian consumers
Authors: Szolnoki Gergely , Filopoulos Stylianos , Stein-Hammer Claudia , Brazsil David
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The health effects of alcoholic beverages and the differentiation between moderate consumption and alcohol abuse are discussed controversially in medicine, sociology and politics. Therefore, this paper aims to analyse how consumers assess the relation among health, wine consumption and alcohol abuse.

Design/methodology/approach

A representative survey in Germany and in Hungary was conducted with 2,000 and 1,500 respondents, respectively. The survey included questions regarding the assessment and definition of alcohol abuse and moderate wine consumption.

Findings

The results show that in Hungary, moderate wine consumption is defined similarly as in Germany; on the contrary, in the case of alcohol abuse, there are significant differences. Regardless of cultural background, the respondents agreed that excessive wine consumption harms health and certain consumer groups (pregnant women or people under 16 years old) should avoid drinking wine.

Practical implications

These findings can contribute to a long-term goal-oriented wine in moderation strategy for consumers and support policy advice on moderate and excessive wine consumption.

Originality/value

The results help to understand how consumers perceive moderate and excessive wine consumption in everyday life, and how they judge wine as an alcoholic beverage. To the best of authors’ knowledge, there has not been similar study published on the perceptions of wine consumers in this regard, neither in Germany nor in Hungary.
How does an enterprise system implementation change interpersonal relationships in organizations
Authors: Bala Hillol , Venkatesh Viswanath , Ganster Daniel C. , Rai Arun
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Although research has suggested that enterprise system (ES) implementations have major impacts on employee job characteristics and outcomes, there has been limited research that has examined the impacts of ES implementations on interpersonal relationships over time. Building on and extending recent studies that have examined changes in employee job characteristics and outcomes during an ES implementation, this research examined the nature, extent, determinants and outcomes of changes in an important interpersonal relationship construct—coworker exchange (CWX)—following an ES implementation. CWX is considered a critical aspect of employees' job and an important determinant of their success in the workplace. Drawing on social exchange theory (SET), the authors theorize that employees will perceive a change in CWX following an ES implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal field study over a period of 6 months among 249 employees was conducted. Latent growth modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The authors found that employees' work process characteristics, namely perceived process complexity, perceived process rigidity and perceived process radicalness, significantly explained change, i.e. decline in our case, in CWX during the shakedown phase of an ES implementation. The decreasing trajectory of change in CWX led to declining job performance and job satisfaction.

Originality/value

The role of CWX and its importance in the context of ES implementations is a key novel element of this work.
An alternative source of collagen for Muslim consumers: halal and environmental concerns
Authors: Duasa Jarita , Husin Afifah Muhamad , Asmy Mohd Thas Thaker Mohamed , Rahman Maya Puspa
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The sources of collagens and gelatins are recently being questioned because it sourced from porcine or non-halal slaughtered animals. There are also concerns regarding the transfer of diseases from animal sources of collagen to human users. This study aims to propose an alternative source of collagen using recombinant collagen-like protein (halal-based) and to analyze factors contribute to the probability of using this alternative source of collagen among consumers in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data collected are tested empirically using statistical tools and logistic regression.

Findings

This study finds two important inferences. First, the probability consumers opt for the alternative source of collagen is significantly determined by age of consumers and the level of their incomes. The likelihood of the consumers to opt for this alternative source of collagen is higher among elderly and lower income consumers. Second, the probability of using this alternative source of collagen with the purpose to protect the marine life is higher among young and lower income consumers. Thus, marketing variations of a product using this alternative source of collagen that is targeted to high age bracket and low income group of consumers often sees as a good strategy as compared with a more generalized marketing strategy. The younger consumers are also among potential consumers whose concern is more on health without endangering marine species or biodiversity.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of areas in this study is limited to Klang Valley (Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia). The respondents are those staying and working in these areas regardless of citizenship and ethnicity.

Originality/value

This study is proposing a new and promising way for mass production of collagen using recombinant collagen-like protein. Collagen-like protein was found in bacteria, and it may represent an alternative biosynthetic collagen material which is expected to be an alternative of the existing sources which are non-halal and endanger biodiversity and ecosystem.
Modulating corruption and money laundering through the Bretton Woods Institutions: the case of less developed countries (LDCs)
Authors: Ekwueme Ejike
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to readily bring to the fore, the vital dimension that the Bretton Woods Institutions, exemplified by both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, has brought into the global economic template to dampen the momentum of corruption and money laundering through the impact of their activities in less developed countries (LDCs). The original mandate of the two institutions was to address the balance of payments and developmental issues of countries as a result of the devastating effects of the Second World War. However, this could not be achieved in an atmosphere engulfed with corruption and money laundering. As a result, it became necessary for them to intervene albeit through direct or indirect mechanisms demonstrated by the use of soft law bodies such as Basel Committee on Banking Supervisors (BCBS) and Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper relies on primary legal documentations such as BCBS, FATF, articles of both IMF and World Bank to mention but a few in the analysis. The paper is doctrinal.

Findings

There is undoubtedly glaring indications that through the efforts of both IMF and the Bank, tremendous inroad has been made in LDCs in modulating the tempo of the malaise.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is addressed to the authorities that are concerned about the scourge of the malaise and the impact to pay more attention to the mechanisms of soft laws used by the Bretton Woods Institutions to get their anti-corruption message through in LDCs.

Originality/value

This lies on the fact that the efforts of both IMF and the Bank have awakened the importance that should be attached to some soft laws in curtailing the issues.
Adopting a risk-based approach for non-profit organisations
Authors: Murrar Firas
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to define how countries can implement a risk-based approach (RBA) for non-profit organisations (NPOs) by measuring how well certain countries have complied with the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) “Recommendation 8, criterion 1” (recommendation [8.1]).

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines a comparative analysis methodology with a descriptive analytical approach to compare three member countries of FATF and FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs). It uses secondary data sources, namely, FATF guidelines on the subject and FATF reports on mutual evaluation reports.

Findings

This study examines the variations in compliance with the FATF recommendation (8.1) among three countries recently assessed by the FATF: the UK, Bahrain and the Russian Federation. Although the UK has completely fulfilled these recommendations, Bahrain and Russia have largely fulfilled them. These variations in compliance are mainly attributed to the uneven level of preparedness in the countries’ commitment to the legislative requirements before the process of mutual evaluation.

Originality/value

This paper offers insight into the progress of legislation and mechanisms (technical compliance) in the three countries with respect to recommendation (8.1). This paper also discusses the evolution of implementing and adopting the RBA among NPOs. This paper concludes with suggestions to other countries in developing a plan that meets the FATF recommendations by considering key factors such as comprehensive assessment of threats to NPOs, periodic reassessment and sharing of success stories.
Strategies during digital transformation to make progress in achievement of sustainable development by 2030
Authors: Ziadlou Dina
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore strategies during transformation to obtain sustainable development and to identify the human-based factors contributing to the transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study explored the strategies that health-care leaders need to adopt during transformation to achieve the Sustainable Development of the United Nations' agenda by 2030. The study was conducted in early 2020 among ten health-care leaders in the USA. The research design was an exploratory qualitative approach that used a semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire asked of ten US health-care leaders who had experience in leading health-care transformation in their organizations. The study findings identified that health-care leaders can facilitate the achievement of Sustainable Development by establishing strategies in knowledge improvement, innovation development, motivation increment, global strategy and local strategy alignment, leadership support and partnership development.

Findings

Six major themes emerged from the data linked to the central research question: “What are the strategies during digital transformation to make progress in the achievement of Sustainable Development by 2030?” The compressed collection of themes for the study included the following six major themes: knowledge development; innovation development; motivation; global strategy establishment; leadership; collaboration enhancement; and two minor themes, namely, mindset change and vision creation.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the few numbers of participants selected for this study (N = 10) may not be generalizable to other settings. The implication of this study is to identify the significant factors contributing to making progress in sustainable development in health-care organizations. The health-care leaders can learn what significant strategies can be helpful to establish future-based organizations toward achieving sustainability.

Practical implications

The results of this study provided actionable strategies to empower the employees and increase managerial innovation in health-care organizations.

Social implications

Promoting partnership of health-care organizations with social and global activities such as sustainable development goals that are contributing in 5Ps: People, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership and Planet.

Originality/value

The main reason for the study was that health-care leaders worldwide could have a novel study that delineates the digital transformation strategies needed for creating impactful outcomes toward achieving sustainable development. Moreover, this unique study provided a useful outlook for health-care leaders to establish future-based health-care organizations while learning the dynamic of digital transformation is the key for health-care organizations to adapt their strategies for a sustainable future.
ISPO business model innovation: redefining the relationship between exhibition organizers and their customers
Authors: Liu Linyan , Wang Yilei
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to take International SPOrt (ISPO) as a typical case to study how exhibition organizers can reshape their relationship with users through business model innovation to answer the question that how enterprises can help the exhibition industry to upgrade and develop through business model innovation in the internet environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Faced with the development of internet technology, the impact of online platforms, the relationship between exhibition organizers and their customers are facing unprecedented challenges. On the basis of the literature review, this study analyzed the innovation of exhibitors’ business model from three modules: value proposition, revenue logic and cost base and how to reshape their interaction with users through innovation. This study systematically analyzed the innovation of the ISPO business model and the process of reshaping its relationship with users and dynamic interaction with a single case study method.

Findings

The main conclusions are as follows: the starting point of reshaping the relationship between exhibition organizer and users in the internet era is to re-understand the needs of customers, the key point of reshaping the relationship is to further cultivate the industrial value and the sustainability of the relationship lies in the customer life cycle management.

Originality/value

From the perspective of exhibition organizers filling the gap of case study in the field of the exhibition. In the area of the exhibition, previous studies rarely started from the perspective of exhibition organizers, but, this paper discusses the interaction between exhibition organizers, exhibitors and visitors from this perspective in this study.
International examiners’ participation of the Viva: a ritual or an actual indicator of research quality?
Authors: Nir Adam , Bogler Ronit
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Little is known about the impact external Viva examiners coming from the international community of scholars have on the quality of PhD research. This study aims to argue that the encounter between local and international examiners (IEs) is subject to various complexities, raising doubts about whether IEs’ participation and approval of the Viva may indicate for the quality of PhD research, and, therefore, serve to promote a university’s prestige.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with IEs who served as examiners in six European countries, two African countries, two South American countries and one in the Commonwealth of Australia.

Findings

Findings show that structural features, cultural qualities and personal contacts restrict IEs’ ability to introduce significant changes in students’ research, turning the Viva into a ritual with confined academic significance.

Originality/value

The findings reveal that the Viva is mostly a ritual confined by structural and cultural barriers. While rituals are considered significant due to their consolidating and socializing functions, it appears that a Viva is mostly a ceremonial event that has little impact on the quality of PhD research or on shaping the research culture of the hosting universities according to international standards. Implications are further discussed.
The effects of quality of services and emotional appeal on university reputation: stakeholders’ view
Authors: Dursun Orhan , Altin Gumussoy Cigdem
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Competitive universities try to improve their reputation to attract the best students as university reputation is a significant factor affecting the decision of a student. In this context, universities need a systematic management plan to improve their reputation among the stakeholders. This study aims to identify the factors affecting university reputation with the University Reputation Model. This model includes quality of services, emotional appeal, employee competence, academic leadership, student orientation, and social responsibility as possible factors affecting university reputation. .

Design/methodology/approach

Survey methodology was used in the current study. A total of 1000 questionnaires were collected from the stakeholders: students, alumni, academic and administrative staff. A structural equation modeling technique was used to analyze the data.

Findings

According to the results, quality of services and emotional appeal affect university reputation directly. Furthermore, employee competence, academic leadership, and student orientation have indirect effects on university reputation with the mediating effect of quality of services. Besides, emotional appeal mediates the effect of student orientation and social responsibility on university reputation.

Originality/value

A University Reputation Model is developed to explore significant direct and indirect effects of employee competence, academic leadership, student orientation, and social responsibility on the quality of services, emotional appeal, and university reputation. Furthermore, a measurement instrument applicable to various stakeholders of a university is developed. Additionally, large-scale data is collected from the stakeholders in Turkey to increase the validity of the findings.
Stock return drivers: a mix of reasons and emotions
Authors: Pornpikul Chanapol , Nettayanun Sampan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The authors study the explanatory power of investor rationality and irrationality for value and momentum portfolios. We also examine the relationships during financial crisis events, namely, the US subprime mortgage crisis (2007–2009) and the European debt crisis (2011–2013).

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the influence of investors’ rationality and irrationality on the US stock market, using the multiple linear regression model and the stepwise regression model. Technically, the stepwise regression uses the machine-learning technique, with specific testing methods — forward selection, backward selection and stepwise selection — to find the best-fit model, according to Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC). Thus, in this study, we will show the best model, as tested by the stepwise regression model.

Findings

Our empirical results contribute to the importance of reasons and emotions for stock-market returns and conclude that rationality and irrationality simultaneously explain the value and momentum portfolios, as well as the ETF portfolios. Also, the rational and irrational explanatory powers differ, depending on portfolios and different periods. Rational factors usually explain the volatility of the return to a greater extent than irrational factors. Moreover, during a financial crisis, the irrational factors remarkably increase their importance in explaining returns, especially for the ETF portfolios.

Originality/value

We expect this study’s contribution will show not only academic contribution but also benefit many stakeholders in the financial market. Investors and traders can identify various irrational factors of trading — for example, taking a long position during the panic in the market following the indicators in the models. Managers also reconsider the cost of the company by adding irrational factors when computing the equity’s expected return. Similarly, stock exchanges can adequately adjust their circuit breaker during a pessimistic-investor period. Finally, regulators can evaluate a complete picture of the stock market by adding irrational factors into their considerations.
Laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing of copper wicking structures: fabrication and capillary characterization
Authors: Mezghani Adnen , Nassar Abdalla R. , Dickman Corey J. , Valdes Eduardo , Alvarado Raul
Published: June 2021

Purpose

An integral component in heat pipes (HPs) and vapor chambers (VCs) is a porous wicking structure. Traditional methods for manufacturing wicking structures within HPs and VCs involve secondary manufacturing processes and are generally limited to simple geometries. This work aims to leverage the unprecedented level of design freedom of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing (AM) to produce integrated wicking structures for HPs and VCs.

Design/methodology/approach

Copper wicking structures are fabricated through LPBF via partial sintering and via the formation of square, hexagonal and rectangular arrangements of micro-pins and micro-grooves, produced in multiple build directions. Wicks are characterized by conducting capillary performance analysis through the measurement of porosity, permeability and capillary rate-of-rise.

Findings

Copper wicking structures were successfully fabricated with capillary performance, K/reff, ranging from 0.186–1.74 µm. The rectangular-arrangement micro-pin wick presented the highest performance.

Originality/value

This work represents the first published report on LPBF AM of copper wicking structures for HPs/VCs applications and represents foundational knowledge for fabricating complete assemblies of copper VCs and HPs through LPBF AM.