bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome signature ofE. coliunder a prolonged starvation environment
Authors: Takano Sotaro , Takahashi Hiromi , Yama Yoshie , Miyazaki Ryo , Tsuru Saburo
Published: May 2020

Background

“Non-growing” is a dominant life form of microorganisms in nature, where available nutrients and resources are extremely limited. However, the knowledge of the manner in which microorganisms resist nutrient deficiency is still rudimentary compared to those of the growing cells. In laboratory culture,Escherichia colican survive for several years under starvation, denoted as long-term stationary phase (LSP), where a small fraction of the cells survive by recycling resources released from the starved nonviable cells and constitute a model system for understanding survival mechanisms under long-term starvation. Although the physiology by which viable cells in LSP adapt to long-term starvation is of great interest, their genome-wide response has not yet been fully understood.

Results

To understand the physiological state of viable cells in the LSP environment, we analyzed the transcriptional profiles of cells exposed to the supernatant of LSP culture. We found that high expression of transporter genes and low expression of biosynthesis genes are the primary responses of the cells in the LSP supernatant compared to growing cells, which display similar responses to cells entering the stationary phase from the exponential growth phase. We also revealed some specific transcriptional responses in the LSP supernatant, such as higher expression of stress-response genes and lower expression of translation-related genes, compared to other non-growing conditions. This suggests that cells in LSP are highly efficient in terms of cellular survival and maintenance functions under starvation conditions. We also found population-density-dependent gene expression profiles in LSP, which are also informative to understand the survival mechanism of bacterial population.

Conclusion

Our current comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome ofE. colicells provides an overview of the genome-wide response to the long-term starvation environment. We detected both common and distinctive responses in the primary transcriptional changes between the short- and long-term stationary phase cultures, which could provide clues to understand the possible molecular mechanisms underlying survivability in the starved environment.
A computer vision approach for studying fossorial and cryptic crabs
Authors: Herrera César , Sheaves Janine , Baker Ronald , Sheaves Marcus
Published: May 2020

Despite the increasing need to catalogue and describe biodiversity and the ecosystem processes it underpins, these tasks remain inherently challenging. This is particularly true for species that are difficult to observe in their natural environment, such as fossorial and cryptic crabs that inhabit intertidal sediments. Traditional sampling techniques for intertidal crabs are often invasive, labour intensive and/or inconsistent. These factors can limit the amount and type of data that can be collected which in turn hinders our ability to obtain reliable ecological estimates and compare findings between studies. Computer vision and machine learning algorithms present an opportunity to innovate and improve sampling approaches. Moreover, cheaper and tougher recording devices and the diversity of open source software further boost the possibilities of achieving rigorous image-based sampling, which can broaden the range of questions that can be addressed from the data collected. Despite its significant potential, the software and algorithms associated with image-based sampling may be daunting to researchers without expertise in computer vision. Therefore, there is a need to develop protocols and data processing workflows to showcase the value of embracing new technologies. This paper presents a non-invasive computer vision and learning protocol for sampling fossorial and cryptic crabs in their natural environment. The image-based protocol is underpinned by fit-for-purpose and off-the-shelf software. We demonstrate this approach using fiddler crab and sediment recordings to study and quantify crab abundance, motion patterns, behaviour, intraspecific interactions, and estimate bioturbation rates. We discuss current limitations in this protocol and identify opportunities for improvement and additional data stream options that can be obtained from this approach. We conclude that this protocol can overcome some of the limitations associated with traditional techniques for sampling intertidal crabs, and could be applied to other taxa or ecosystems that present similar challenges. We believe this sampling and analytical framework represents an important step forward in understanding the ecology of species and their functional role within ecosystems.
Cellular water analysis in T cells reveals a switch from metabolic water gain to water influx
Authors: Saragovi A , Zilberman T , Yasur G , Turjeman K , Abramovich I , Kuchersky M , Gottlieb E , Barenholz Y , Berger M
Published: May 2020

Cell growth is driven by the acquisition and synthesis of dry biomass and water mass. This study examines the increase of water in T cells biomass during cell growth. We found that T cell growth is initiated by a phase of slow increase of cellular water, followed by a second phase of rapid increase in water content. To study the origin of the water gain, we developed a novel method, Cold Aqua Trap – Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (CAT-IRMS), which allows analysis of intracellular water isotope composition. Applying CAT-IRMS, we discovered that glycolysis-coupled metabolic water accounts on average for 11 femtoliter (fL) out of the 20 fL of water gained per cell during the slow phase. At the end of the rapid phase, before initiation of cell division, a water influx occurs, increasing the water level by three-fold. Thus, activated T cells switch from acquiring metabolic water to incorporating water from the extracellular medium. Our work provides a method to analyze cell water content and an insight into the way cells regulate their water mass.
Intra-dimer cooperativity between the active site cysteines during the oxidation of peroxiredoxin 2
Authors: Peskin Alexander V , Meotti Flávia C , de Souza Luiz F , Anderson Robert F , Winterbourn Christine C , Salvador Armindo
Published: May 2020

Peroxiredoxin 2 (Prdx2) and other typical 2-Cys Prdxs function as homodimers in which hydrogen peroxide oxidizes each active site cysteine to a sulfenic acid which then condenses with the resolving cysteine on the alternate chain. Previous kinetic studies have considered both sites as equally reactive. Here we have studied Prdx2 using a combination of non-reducing SDS-PAGE to separate reduced monomers and dimers with one and two disulfide bonds, and stopped flow analysis of tryptophan fluorescence, to investigate whether there is cooperativity between the sites. We have observed positive cooperativity when H2O2is added as a bolus and oxidation of the second site occurs while the first site is present as a sulfenic acid. Modelling of this reaction showed that the second site reacts 2.2 ± 0.1 times faster. In contrast, when H2O2was generated slowly and the first active site condensed to a disulfide before the second site reacted, no cooperativity was evident. Conversion of the sulfenic acid to the disulfide showed negative cooperativity, with modelling of the exponential rise in tryptophan fluorescence yielding a rate constant of 0.75 ± 0.08 s-1when the alternate active site was present as a sulfenic acid and 2.29 ± 0.08-fold lower when it was a disulfide. No difference in the rate of hyperoxidation at the two sites was detected. Our findings imply that oxidation of one active site affects the conformation of the second site and influences which intermediate forms of the protein are favored under different cellular conditions.
Alternative splicing and gene expression play contrasting roles in the parallel phenotypic evolution of a salmonid fish
Authors: Jacobs Arne , Elmer Kathryn R.
Published: May 2020

Understanding the contribution of different molecular processes to the evolution and development of divergent phenotypes is crucial for identifying the molecular routes of rapid adaptation. Here, we used RNA-seq data to compare patterns of alternative splicing and differential gene expression in a case of parallel adaptive evolution, the replicated postglacial divergence of the salmonid fish Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) into benthic and pelagic ecotypes across multiple independent lakes.

We found that genes that were differentially spliced and differentially expressed between the benthic and pelagic ecotypes were mostly independent (<6% overlap) and were involved in different processes. Differentially spliced genes were primarily enriched for muscle development and functioning, while differentially expressed genes were mostly involved in energy metabolism, immunity and growth. Together, these likely explain different axes of divergence between ecotypes in swimming performance and activity. Furthermore, we found that alternative splicing and gene expression are mostly controlled by independent cis-regulatory quantitative trait loci (<3.4% overlap). Cis-regulatory regions were associated with the parallel divergence in splicing (16.5% of intron clusters) and expression (6.7 - 10.1% of differentially expressed genes), indicating shared regulatory variation across ecotype pairs. Contrary to theoretical expectation, we found that differentially spliced genes tended to be highly central in regulatory networks (‘hub genes’) and were annotated to significantly more gene ontology terms compared to non-differentially spliced genes, consistent with a higher level of connectivity and pleiotropy.

Together, our results suggest that the concerted regulation of alternative splicing and differential gene expression through different regulatory regions leads to the divergence of complementary phenotypes important for local adaptation. This study provides novel insights into the importance of contrasting but putatively complementary molecular processes for rapid and parallel adaptive evolution.
Bacterial cellulose spheroids as building blocks for 2D and 3D engineered living materials
Authors: Caro-Astorga Joaquin , Walker Kenneth T. , Ellis Tom
Published: May 2020

Engineered living materials (ELMs) based on bacterial cellulose (BC) offer a promising avenue for cheap-to-produce materials that can be programmed with genetically encoded functionalities. Here we explore how ELMs can be fabricated from millimetre-scale balls of cellulose occasionally produced byAcetobacteriaceaspecies, which we call BC spheroids. We define a reproducible protocol to produce BC spheroids and demonstrate their potential for use as building blocks to grow ELMs in 2D and 3D shapes. These BC spheroids can be genetically functionalized and used as the method to make and grow patterned BC-based ELMs to design. We further demonstrate the use of BC spheroids for the repair and regeneration of BC materials, and measure the survival of the BC-producing bacteria in the material over time. This work forwards our understanding of BC spheroid formation and showcases their potential for creating and repairing engineered living materials.
Genetic determinants of receptor-binding preference and zoonotic potential of H9N2 avian influenza viruses
Authors: Peacock Thomas P. , Sealy Joshua E. , Harvey William T. , Benton Donald J. , Reeve Richard , Iqbal Munir
Published: May 2020

Receptor recognition and binding is the first step of viral infection and a key determinant of host specificity. The inability of avian influenza viruses to effectively bind human-like sialylated receptors is a major impediment to their efficient transmission in humans and pandemic capacity. Influenza H9N2 viruses are endemic in poultry across Asia and parts of Africa where they occasionally infect humans and are therefore considered viruses with zoonotic potential. We previously described H9N2 viruses, including several isolated from human zoonotic cases, showing a preference for human-like receptors. Here we take a mutagenesis approach, making viruses with single or multiple substitutions in H9 haemagglutinin to determine the genetic basis of preferences for alternative avian receptors and for human-like receptors. We describe amino acid motifs at positions 190, 226 and 227 that play a major role in determining receptor specificity, and several other residues such as 159, 188, 193, 196, 198 and 225 play a smaller role. Furthermore, we show changes at residues 135, 137, 147, 157, 158, 184, 188, and 192 can also modulate virus receptor avidity and that substitutions that increased or decreased the net positive charge around the haemagglutinin receptor-binding site show increases and decreases in avidity, respectively. The motifs we identify as increasing preference for the human-receptor will help guide future H9N2 surveillance efforts and facilitate our understanding of the emergence of influenza viruses with high zoonotic potential.

Author Summary

As of 2020, over 60 infections of humans by H9N2 influenza viruses have been recorded in countries were the virus is endemic. Avian-like cellular receptors are the primary target for these viruses. However, given that human infections have been detected on an almost monthly basis since 2015, there may be a capacity for H9N2 viruses to evolve and gain the ability to target human-like cellular receptors. Here we identify molecular signatures that can cause viruses to bind human-like receptors, and we identify the molecular basis for the distinctive preference for sulphated receptors displayed by the majority of recent H9N2 viruses. This work will help guide future surveillance by providing markers that signify the emergence of viruses with enhanced zoonotic potential as well as improving understanding the basis of influenza virus receptor-binding.
Rapid isolation of potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and protection in a small animal model
Authors: Rogers Thomas F. , Zhao Fangzhu , Huang Deli , Beutler Nathan , Burns Alison , He Wan-ting , Limbo Oliver , Smith Chloe , Song Ge , Woehl Jordan , Yang Linlin , Abbott Robert K. , Callaghan Sean , Garcia Elijah , Hurtado Jonathan , Parren Mara , Peng Linghang , Ricketts James , Ricciardi Michael J. , Rawlings Stephen A. , Smith Davey M. , Nemazee David , Teijaro John R. , Voss James E. , Andrabi Raiees , Briney Bryan , Landais Elise , Sok Devin , Jardine Joseph G. , Burton Dennis R.
Published: May 2020

The development of countermeasures to prevent and treat COVID-19 is a global health priority. In under 7 weeks, we enrolled a cohort of SARS-CoV-2-recovered participants, developed neutralization assays to interrogate serum and monoclonal antibody responses, adapted our high throughput antibody isolation, production and characterization pipeline to rapidly screen over 1000 antigen-specific antibodies, and established an animal model to test protection. We report multiple highly potent neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and show that passive transfer of a nAb provides protection against high-dose SARS-CoV-2 challenge in Syrian hamsters. The study suggests a role for nAbs in prophylaxis, and potentially therapy, of COVID-19. The nAbs define protective epitopes to guide vaccine design.
Effects of seasonality and land use on the abundance and distribution of mosquitoes on St. Kitts, West Indies
Authors: Valentine Matthew J. , Ciraola Brenda , Jacobs Gregory R. , Arnot Charlie , Kelly Patrick J. , Murdock Courtney C.
Published: May 2020

Background

High quality mosquito surveys that collect fine resolution local data on mosquito species’ abundances provide baseline data to help us understand potential host-pathogen-mosquito relationships, accurately predict disease transmission, and target mosquito control efforts in areas at risk of mosquito borne diseases.

Methods

As part of an investigation into arboviral sylvatic cycles on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, we carried out an island wide mosquito survey from November 2017 to March 2019. Using Biogents Sentinel 2 and miniature CDC light traps that were set monthly and run for 48 hour intervals, we collected mosquitoes from a total of 30 sites distributed across the five common land covers on the island (agricultural, mangrove, rainforest, scrub, and urban). We developed a mixed effects negative binomial regression model to predict the effects of land cover, seasonality, and precipitation on observed counts of the most abundant mosquito species we found.

Results

We captured 10 of the 14 mosquito species reported on the island, the four most abundant beingAedes taeniorhynchus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegpyti, andDeinocerites magnus. Sampling in the mangroves yielded the most mosquitoes, withAe. taeniorhynchus, Cx. quinquefasciatus, andDe. magnuspredominating.Aedes aegyptiwas recovered primarily from urban and agricultural habitats, but also at lower frequency in other land covers.Psorophora pygmaeaandToxorhynchites guadeloupensiswere only captured in scrub habitat. Capture rates in rainforests were low. Our models indicated the relative abundance of the four most common species varied seasonally and with land cover. They also suggested that the extent to which monthly average precipitation influenced counts varied according to species.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates there is high seasonality in mosquito abundances and that land cover influenced the distribution and abundance of mosquito species on St. Kitts. Further, human-adapted mosquito species (e.g.Ae. aegyptiandCx. quinquefasciatus) that are known vectors for many human relevant pathogens are the most wide-spread (across land covers) and the least responsive to seasonal variation in precipitation.
Activation of the SARS-CoV-2 receptorAce2by cytokines through pan JAK-STAT enhancers
Authors: Hennighausen Lothar , Lee Hye Kyung
Published: May 2020

ACE2, in concert with the protease TMPRSS2, binds the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and facilitates its cellular entry. TheACE2gene is expressed in SARS-CoV-2 target cells, including Type II Pneumocytes (Ziegler, 2020), and is activated by interferons. Viral RNA was also detected in breast milk (Wu et al., 2020), raising the possibility thatACE2expression is under the control of cytokines through the JAK-STAT pathway. Here we show thatAce2expression in mammary tissue is induced during pregnancy and lactation, which coincides with the establishment of a candidate enhancer. The prolactin-activated transcription factor STAT5 binds to tandem sites that coincide with activating histone enhancer marks and additional transcription components. The presence of pan JAK-STAT components in mammary alveolar cells and in Type II Pneumocytes combined with the autoregulation of both STAT1 and STAT5 suggests a prominent role of cytokine signaling pathways in cells targeted by SARS-CoV-2.
Chromosome-autonomous feedback downregulates meiotic DSB competence upon synaptonemal complex formation
Authors: Mu Xiaojing , Murakami Hajime , Mohibullah Neeman , Keeney Scott
Published: May 2020

The number of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) initiating meiotic recombination is elevated inSaccharomyces cerevisiaemutants that are globally defective in forming crossovers and synaptonemal complex (SC), a protein scaffold juxtaposing homologous chromosomes. These mutants thus appear to lack a negative feedback loop that inhibits DSB formation when homologs engage one another. This feedback is predicted to be chromosome autonomous, but this has not been tested. Moreover, what chromosomal process is recognized as "homolog engagement" remains unclear. To address these questions, we evaluated effects of homolog engagement defects restricted to small portions of the genome using karyotypically abnormal yeast strains with a homeologous chromosome V pair, monosomic V, or trisomy XV. We found that homolog-engagement-defective chromosomes incurred more DSBs, concomitant with prolonged retention of the DSB-promoting protein Rec114, while the rest of the genome remained unaffected. SC-deficient, crossover-proficient mutantsecm11andgmc2experienced increased DSB numbers diagnostic of homolog engagement defects. These findings support the hypothesis that SC formation provokes DSB protein dissociation, leading in turn to loss of a DSB competent state. Our findings show that DSB number is regulated in a chromosome-autonomous fashion and provide insight into how homeostatic DSB controls respond to aneuploidy during meiosis.
An Optimal Lysis Time Maximizes Bacteriophage Fitness in Quasi-continuous Culture
Authors: Kannoly Sherin , Singh Abhyudai , Dennehy John J.
Published: May 2020

Optimality models have a checkered history in evolutionary biology. While optimality models have been successful in providing valuable insight into the evolution of a wide variety of biological traits, a common objection is that optimality models are overly simplistic and ignore organismal genetics. We revisit evolutionary optimization in the context of a major bacteriophage life history trait, lysis time. Lysis time refers to the period spanning phage infection of a host cell and its lysis, whereupon phage progeny are released. Lysis time, therefore, directly determines phage fecundity assuming progeny assembly rate is maximized. Noting that previous tests of lysis time optimality rely on batch culture, we implemented a quasi-continuous culture system to observe productivity of a panel of isogenic phage λ mutants differing in lysis time. We report that λ phage productivity in our experiments is maximized around an optimal lysis time of 63 min, which is the lysis time of the λ “wildtype” strain. We discuss this finding in light of recent results that lysis time variation is also minimized in the λ “wildtype” strain.
High dimensional single-cell analysis reveals iNKT cell developmental trajectories and effector fate decision
Authors: Baranek Thomas , Lebrigand Kevin , de Amat Herbozo Carolina , Gonzalez Loïc , Bogard Gemma , Dietrich Céline , Magnone Virginie , Boisseau Chloé , Jouan Youenn , Trottein François , Si-Tahar Mustapha , Leite-de-Moraes Maria , Mallevaey Thierry , Paget Christophe
Published: May 2020

CD1d-restricted invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells represent a unique class of T lymphocytes endowed with potent regulatory and effector immune functions. Although these functions are acquired during thymic ontogeny, the sequence of events that give rise to discrete effector subsets remains unclear. Using an unbiased single-cell transcriptomic analysis combined with functional assays, we revealed an unappreciated diversity among thymic iNKT cells, especially among iNKT1 cells. Mathematical modelling and biological methods unravelled a developmental map whereby iNKT2 cells constitute a transient branching point towards the generation of iNKT1 and iNKT17 cells, which reconciles the two previously proposed models. In addition, we identified the transcription co-factor Four-and-a-half LIM domains protein 2 (FHL2) as a critical cell-intrinsic regulator of iNKT1 specification. Thus, these data illustrate the changing transcriptional network that guides iNKT cell effector fate.
Seascape genomics reveals candidate molecular targets of heat stress adaptation in three coral species
Authors: Selmoni Oliver , Lecellier Gaël , Magalon Hélène , Vigliola Laurent , Benzoni Francesca , Peignon Christophe , Joost Stéphane , Berteaux-Lecellier Véronique
Published: May 2020

Anomalous heat waves are causing a major decline of hard corals around the world and threatening the persistence of coral reefs. There are, however, reefs that had been exposed to recurrent thermal stress over the years and whose corals appeared tolerant against heat. One of the mechanisms that could explain this phenomenon is local adaptation, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly known.

In this work, we applied a seascape genomics approach to study heat stress adaptation in three coral species of New Caledonia (southwestern Pacific) and to uncover molecular actors potentially involved. We used remote sensing data to characterize the environmental trends across the reef system, and sampled corals living at the most contrasted sites. These samples underwent next generation sequencing to reveal single-nucleotide-polymorphisms (SNPs) of which frequencies associated with heat stress gradients. As these SNPs might underpin an adaptive role, we characterized the functional roles of the genes located in their genomic neighborhood.

In each of the studied species, we found heat stress associated SNPs notably located in proximity of genes coding for well-established actors of the cellular responses against heat. Among these, we can mention proteins involved in DNA damage-repair, protein folding, oxidative stress homeostasis, inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. In some cases, the same putative molecular targets of heat stress adaptation recurred among species.

Together, these results underscore the relevance and the power of the seascape genomics approach for the discovery of adaptive traits that could allow corals to persist across wider thermal ranges.
Tris(ethane-1,2-diamine-κ2
N,N′)zinc(II) tetrachloridozincate(II)
Authors: AaminaNaaz Y. , Rajkumar K. , Thirumurugan S. , Anbalagan K. , SubbiahPandi A.
Published: May 2020

The title complex, [Zn(C2H8N2)3][ZnCl4], exists as discrete ions. The [Zn(C2H8N2)3]2+ cation exhibits a distorted octahedral shape. In the [ZnCl4]2− anion, the ZnII atom is in an almost regular tetrahedral environment. The crystal packing is consolidated by N—H...Cl and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds.
Systematic comparisons of customer base prediction accuracy: Pareto/NBD versus neural network
Authors: Xie Shao-Ming , Huang Chun-Yao
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Predicting the inactivity and the repeat transaction frequency of a firm's customer base is critical for customer relationship management. The literature offers two main approaches to such predictions: stochastic modeling efforts represented by Pareto/NBD and machine learning represented by neural network analysis. As these two approaches have been developed and applied in parallel, this study systematically compares the two approaches in their prediction accuracy and defines the relatively appropriate implementation scenarios of each model.

Design/methodology/approach

By designing a rolling exploration scheme with moving calibration/holdout combinations of customer data, this research explores the two approaches' relative performance by first utilizing three real world datasets and then a wide range of simulated datasets.

Findings

The empirical result indicates that neither approach is dominant and identifies patterns of relative applicability between the two. Such patterns are consistent across the empirical and the simulated datasets.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by bridging two previously parallel analytical approaches applicable to customer base predictions. No prior research has rendered a comprehensive comparison on the two approaches' relative performance in customer base predictions as this study has done. The patterns identified in the two approaches' relative prediction performance provide practitioners with a clear-cut menu upon selecting approaches for customer base predictions. The findings further urge marketing scientists to reevaluate prior modeling efforts during the past half century by assessing what can be replaced by black boxes such as NNA and what cannot.
Determinants of competitiveness of the Czech SMEs: findings from the global competitiveness project
Authors: Dvouletý Ondřej , Blažková Ivana
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the firm-level drivers of competitiveness of the Czech small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using the complex firm-level competitiveness index. The authors explored the relationship between firm competitiveness and firm characteristics such as size, age, industry affiliation and location.

Design/methodology/approach

The complex competitiveness index as a proxy for firm competitiveness was calculated from the survey data. In total, 132 complete questionnaires filled in by representatives of randomly selected Czech SMEs were collected in 2018. Additional firm characteristics (size, age, industry affiliation and location) considered as determinants of competitiveness were obtained from the commercial database Albertina and from the Czech Statistical Office. The determinants of competitiveness were tested econometrically by estimation of multivariate regression models.

Findings

The authors mainly found a significant relationship between the firm size and competitiveness of the Czech SMEs. The authors have also confirmed that the least competitive enterprises are those operating in the agricultural sector and that regional location plays an important role in the determination of firm competitiveness.

Practical implications

The identification of competitiveness drivers can provide entrepreneurs, managers and policymakers with important implications. It seems beneficial for the Czech SMEs to expand the scope of operations to achieve a larger company size, for example, by focussing on investment activities, direct marketing, improving entrepreneurial skills or by applying an aggressive sales strategy, especially towards markets with lower competition. Politicians may respond to these efforts by setting the appropriate policies that promote SMEs’ competitiveness, for example, through the hard and soft public support for financial and human resources.

Originality/value

Although many studies on competitiveness have been published, there is still a limited number of firm-level studies looking at competitiveness from multiple angles rather than from the study of profitability and productivity. In contrast, the study uses a complex firm-level competitiveness index based on ten competitiveness pillars (technology, human capital, products, domestic market, networks, international markets, online presence, marketing, decision making and strategy) to capture the contribution of different resources and capabilities to firm competitiveness.
Exploring key variables of port competitiveness: evidence from Indonesian ports
Authors: Wahyuni Sari , Taufik Alif Azadi , Hui Felix Kin Peng
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to understand the factors and problems that relate to Indonesian port competitiveness and the problems that need to be addressed by major actors such as the government and port corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

It combines quantitative analysis from 59 survey respondents and qualitative analysis from focus-group discussions and in-depth interviews with port experts, financial bodies, port corporations and government officials on the condition of Indonesian port planning, development and financing.

Findings

An Indonesian port competitiveness model was developed, comprising government support, business support and operational performance. The authors found a gap between policy expectation and realization of port facilitation, caused by inefficient government bureaucracy, customs clearance and strategic decision-making. The government's consistency and commitment need work to encourage investor interest. Road connectivity, intermodal transportation, and energy infrastructure should be enhanced to increase operational performance. These problems are caused by a lack of feasibility analysis, consideration of local economic developments, and late adoption of standard technology. The maritime-sector workforce should be trained to be more professional with foreign players, more innovative and more open towards foreign assistance.

Practical implications

Port competitiveness includes government-related variables. The government’s initiatives are welcomed but are not enough. Adequate attention to both micro and macro port is necessary to increase port competitiveness. Future research should develop more comprehensive solutions to increase port competitiveness in Indonesia using problems and factors outlined here.

Originality/value

The study investigated the unique factors and problems that relate to Indonesian port competitiveness. It uses a national scope and rich expert data involved in Indonesia's port industry.
The efficiency of GCC banks: the role of intellectual capital
Authors: Buallay Amina , Hamdan Allam Mohammed , Reyad Sameh , Badawi Sherine , Madbouly Araby
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of intellectual capital (IC) efficiency on bank’s operational, financial and market performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examined 59 banks for 5 years to ends up with 295 observations. The independent variable is the modified value added IC component; the dependent variables are performance indicators (return on assets [ROA], return on equity [ROE] and Tobin’s Q [TQ]).

Findings

The findings deduced from the empirical results demonstrate that there is a positive relationship between intellectual capital efficiency and financial performance (ROE) and market performance (TQ).

Originality/value

The results of this study may give a wake-up call for banks to examine the reasons of imperfect relationship between the IC and asset efficiency (ROA).
A disability disclosure simulation as an educational tool
Authors: Lindsay Sally , Rezai Mana , Shen Winny , Lyons Brent
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Many employers struggle with how to have a disability disclosure discussion with their employees and job candidates. The primary purpose of this study was to identify issues relevant to disability disclosure discussions. In addition, we explored how simulations, as an educational tool, may help employers and managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven participants (four employers and three human resource professionals) took part in this study. We used a qualitative design that involved two focus group discussions to understand participants' experiences of building a simulation training scenario that focused on how to have a disability disclosure discussion. The simulation sessions were audio-recorded and analyzed using an open-coding thematic approach.

Findings

Four main themes emerged from our analysis. Three themes focused on issues that participants identified as relevant to the disability disclosure process, including: (1) creating a comfortable and safe space for employees to disclose, (2) how to ask employees or job candidates about disability and (3) how to respond to employees disability disclosure. A fourth theme focused on how simulations could be relevant as an educational tool.

Originality/value

Developing a simulation on disability disclosure discussions is a novel approach to educating employers and managers that has the potential to help enhance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Further, the process that we followed can be used as a model for other researchers seeking to develop educational training scenarios on sensitive diversity and inclusion topics.
Institutional poverty as one of the main threats to the digital economy
Authors: Skiter Natalia N. , Ketko Nataliya V. , Rogachev Aleksey F. , Gushchina Elena G. , Vitalyeva Elena M.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The article considers the causes of such a fundamental problem like poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed the interdependence of poverty and the development of the digital economy, and also examined possible ways to develop measures to reduce the spread of poverty.

Findings

An algorithm is proposed for diagnosing the level of poverty development, and a mechanism has been developed to reduce it due to the development of self-employment of the population.

Originality/value

The main scientific task to be solved by the study is to improve the quality of life of the population of the regions of Russia by reducing poverty and increasing employment in the form of self-employment.
Management commitment and its impact on occupational health and safety improvement: a case of iron, steel and metal manufacturing industries
Authors: Berhan Eshetie
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Management commitments (MCs) have a prominent effect to create a safe work environment in the industries. Though there have been various studies on the prevalence and associated factors of OHS in Ethiopian manufacturing industries, the role of MCs in improving workplace safety, however, has not been studied so far. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to investigate the role of MCs on improving OHS in iron, steel and metal manufacturing industries (ISMMI) in Addis Ababa.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a close-ended questionnaire to collect primary data from 89 ISMMI and fitted the data in structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques using SPSS and AMOS.

Findings

The major findings of the study showed that directly or indirectly there are good MCs in Ethiopian ISMMI. To some extent, MCs have also resulted in reducing risk and diseases causing factors, which subsequently reduced occupational risks and disease. However, the study showed that MCs are not strategically supported.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the limited scope of data collection, the research results may not be equally implemented outside Addis Ababa and other sectors.

Practical implications

The findings of the research may help policymakers and managers to strictly control MCs and follow up implementation of OHS policies.

Originality/value

This paper is the first of its kind in developing the conceptual framework model and attempting to assess MCs using structural equation model towards improving OHS in ISMMI.
Threats and physical violence in female-dominated workplaces in times of an economic crisis
Authors: Sigursteinsdóttir Hjördís , Rafnsdóttir Guðbjörg Linda , Einarsdóttir Thorgerður
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The recent global economic crisis affected workplaces in many countries, raising questions about the employees' situation. While most work-related studies in times of crises focus on job loss and unemployment, this study analyzes workplace violence in the wake of the 2008 economic crisis among municipal employees within care and education.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed method approach was used for data collection; longitudinal online surveys and focus group interviews were used.

Findings

The prevalence of workplace violence increased between the three time points of the study, in particular in downsized workplaces. A higher proportion of employees working in care were exposed to threats and physical violence than employees in education as clients of employees in care services were more likely to lash out against employees due to cutbacks in services. Focus groups interviews indicated that the causes of increased workplace violence may be due to a spreading effect both from within and outside the workplace.

Practical implications

As workplace violence can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of employees, it is important for those who have responsibility for the work environment and occupational health in the workplace to design policies that take these findings into account.

Originality/value

Based on the mixed methods, longitudinal survey and focus group interviews, this study contributes to knowledge on workplace violence in times of economic crises. It shows that the prevalence of workplace violence increased not only directly after the economic collapse but also continued up to five years later.
An acquisition or a greenfield subsidiary? The impact of knowledge on sequential establishments in a host country
Authors: Pehrsson Anders
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Establishment of wholly owned subsidiaries in a foreign market is central to international marketing because sole ownership and high commitment facilitate firm's marketing in the local market. Drawing on knowledge-based theory, this study extends the current understanding of firm's sequential establishments of wholly owned subsidiaries in a host country.

Design/methodology/approach

Swedish firms' establishments of wholly owned subsidiaries in Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States were analyzed using a longitudinal approach.

Findings

A firm's broad international experience is associated with an acquisition in any phase, while mode experience and value-adding experience are associated with postinitial acquisitions. There is no association between mode experience and greenfield investments.

Research limitations/implications

Knowledge-based theory explains a firm's choice of establishment mode when establishing in the same host country. Effects of marketing experiences are due to the establishment mode and different experiences explain choices for initial and postinitial establishments.

Practical implications

In choosing between a wholly owned subsidiary in terms of an acquisition or a greenfield investment, for a foreign establishment the firm is advised to consider the impact of marketing experiences and establishment phase.

Originality/value

Research is needed on how experiences affect choices between foreign establishment modes where the firm is the sole owner. This study is the first to focus on the choice between wholly owned subsidiaries in terms of acquisitions and greenfield investments, and the impact of experience and phase of establishment in a particular host country.
New organizational forms in emerging economies: bridging the gap between agribusiness management and international development
Authors: Dentoni Domenico , Bijman Jos , Bossle Marilia Bonzanini , Gondwe Sera , Isubikalu Prossy , Ji Chen , Kella Chintan , Pascucci Stefano , Royer Annie , Vieira Luciana
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This editorial article introduces and analyzes a variety of new organizational forms that rapidly emerged in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe in the latest two decades. Among the others, these include: business model partnerships, business platforms, incubators and hubs, public–private partnerships, agribusiness companies' foundations and spin-offs, short supply chains, community-supported agriculture and other community self-organizing experiences. Building upon the recent literature and the five selected papers in this special issue, the authors discuss what is novel in these organizations and why, when and how they emerge and evolve over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors identify three elements that, when considered together, explain and predict the emergence and evolution of these new organizational forms: institutions, strategies and learning processes.

Findings

The authors demonstrate that societal actors seeking to (re)design these new organizational forms need to consider these three elements to combine the pursuit of their interests of their own constituencies with the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Originality/value

Taking stock from the literature, the authors invite future research on new organizational forms to take explicitly the pursuit of the SDGs into consideration; to build upon a process ontology; and to deeply reflect on our positionality of scientists studying and sometimes engaging in these organizations.
Operational research applied in the field of public security
Authors: Basilio Marcio Pereira , Pereira Valdecy
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Because that the crime in a wide way impacts the life of the people in the big metropolis, researchers have treated the question from several angles. The purpose of the paper, under the umbrella of operational research, is to develop a model of the ordering of police strategies, in the fight against crime in general, according to a certain criminal demand.

Design/methodology/approach

For the construction of the impact matrix of the strategies under the reduction of crime rates, considering a portfolio of crimes, a questionnaire applied to specialists was used. In a second moment, defined the criteria and strategies to be ordered, the multicriteria ELECTRE IV method was used, which with the help of the J-Electre software emulated the systematized data in the impact matrix and produced the final ordering of the most efficient strategies, in the fight against crime, in the perception of decision-makers.

Findings

As a result, the research revealed that policing strategies directed at solving specific crimes are the most effective in the perception of decision-makers after the emulation of data with the ELECTRE IV method.

Research limitations/implications

As research implications, it can be inferred that the use of multicriteria methods in the modeling of problems in the area of public security can contribute to rationalization of the use of the means available in the fight against crime in large cities. The research showed that it is possible to use customized policing strategies to a certain reality.

Practical implications

The method presented in this research is directly related to the major strategies: problem-oriented policing and hot spot policing. This method allows public safety managers to consider the possibility of combining different law enforcement strategies in each context. In this sense, the use of the multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) (ELECTRE IV) method allows the evaluation of a large set of alternatives according to a set of established criteria, speeding up the process and reducing subjectivity, allowing the manager to analyze several scenarios with greater clarity and impartiality and choosing an alternative that best solves the proposed problem. The expected result is the rationalization of the available means applied in the search for the reduction of crime rates.

Social implications

The customization of policing strategies, according to criminal demands, implies the efficient way to reduce criminal charges. Reducing criminal rates enables the development of the local economy, tourism and the quality of life of people by exercising their freedom to the full.

Originality/value

The originality lies in filling a gap in the literature with the elaboration of the impact matrix of policing strategies in reducing criminal indices, and in their associated use in ordering strategies through a multicriteria method.
A qualitative investigation on combined effects of distant leadership, organisational agility and digital collaboration on perceived employee engagement
Authors: Busse Ronald , Weidner Georg
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Environments coined as “VUCA” (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) are hotbeds for new modi operandi in organisations that involve a shift from face-to-face towards distant leadership, as well as from “classical” towards agile organisation principles.

Design/methodology/approach

At the same time, digital collaboration tools have found their way into daily business operations. As the above changes arguably leave deep imprints on performance indicators, our work accordingly illuminates potential impacts on employee engagement. Based on a German sample, we conduct a qualitative investigation featuring in-depth interviews.

Findings

Our findings indicate a curvilinear inverted (approximate) U-shaped relation between what we dub “leadership richness continuum” (including specific characteristics of leadership, agility, as well as the application of a digital collaboration tool) and engagement.

Originality/value

Although our work may inspire practicing managers, we also contribute to theory development providing a new theoretical model for employee engagement.