bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxoplasma gondiiencodes an array of TBC-domain containing proteins including an essential regulator that targets Rab2 in the secretory pathway
Authors: Quan Justin J. , Nikolov Lachezar A. , Sha Jihui , Wohlschlegel James A. , Bradley Peter J.
Published: May 2023

Toxoplasma gondiiresides in its intracellular niche by employing a series of specialized secretory organelles that play roles in invasion, host-cell manipulation and parasite replication. Rab GTPases are major regulators of the parasite’s secretory traffic that function as nucleotide dependent molecular switches to control vesicle trafficking. While many of the Rab proteins have been characterized inT. gondii, precisely how these Rabs are regulated remains poorly understood. To better understand the parasite’s secretory traffic, we investigated the entire family of Tre2–Bub2–Cdc16 (TBC)-domain containing proteins, which are known to be involved in vesicle fusion and secretory protein trafficking. We first determined the localization of all 18 TBC-domain containing proteins to discrete regions of the secretory pathway or other vesicles in the parasite. We then use an auxin-inducible degron approach to demonstrate that the protozoan-specific TgTBC9 protein that localizes to the ER is essential for parasite survival. Knockdown of TgTBC9 results in parasite growth arrest and affects the organization of the ER and Golgi apparatus. We show that the conserved dual-finger active site in the TBC-domain of the protein is critical for its GTPase-activating protein (GAP) function and that theP. falciparumorthologue of TgTBC9 can rescue the lethal knockdown. We additionally show by immunoprecipitation and yeast two hybrid analyses that TgTBC9 directly binds Rab2, indicating that this TBC-Rab pair controls ER to Golgi traffic in the parasite. Together, these studies identify the first essential TBC protein described in any protozoan, provide new insight into intracellular vesicle trafficking inT. gondii, and reveal promising targets for the design of novel therapeutics that can specifically target apicomplexan parasites.
Inbreeding depression, heterosis, and outbreeding depression in the cleistogamous perennialRuellia humilis
Authors: Soto Tatyana Y. , Rojas-Gutierrez Juan Diego , Oakley Christopher G.
Published: May 2023

What maintains mixed mating is an evolutionary enigma. Cleistogamy, the production of both potentially outcrossing chasmogamous, and obligately selfing cleistogamous flowers on the same individual plant, is an excellent system to study the costs of selfing. Inbreeding depression can prevent the evolution of greater selfing within populations, and heterosis in crosses between populations may further tip the balance in favor of outcrossing. Few empirical estimates of inbreeding depression and heterosis in the same system exist for cleistogamous species. We investigate the potential costs of selfing by quantifying inbreeding depression and heterosis in three populations of the cleistogamous perennialRuellia humilisNutt (Acanthaceae). We performed hand-pollinations to self, and outcross within and between populations, and measured seed number, germination, total flower production, and estimated cumulative fitness for the resulting progeny in a greenhouse experiment.

We found moderate inbreeding depression for cumulative fitness (<30%) in two populations, but outbreeding depression for crosses within a third population (−26%). For between population crosses, there was weak to modest heterosis (11-47%) in two of the population combinations, but modest to strong outbreeding (−21 to −71%) depression in the other four combinations. Neither inbreeding depression nor heterosis was of sufficient magnitude to explain the continued production of CH flowers given the relative energetic advantage of CL flowers previously estimated for these populations. Outbreeding depression either within or between populations makes the maintenance of chasmogamous flowers even harder to explain. More information is needed on the genetic basis of cleistogamy in order to resolve this conundrum.
An assessment of the fixin tplo jig to generate effective compression using a transverse fracture model
Authors: Ferringo Cassio Ricardo Auada , Diggs George , Lewis Daniel D , Banks Scott A
Published: May 2023

The objective of this study was to determine compressive loads that could be generated using a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) jig with a tensioned strand of 18-gauge stainless steel orthopedic wire in a simulated transverse fracture model. The wire was sequentially tensioned using heavy needle holders or an AO wire tightener. Recorded loads were subsequently compared to loads generated by applying a 3.5 mm limited contact-dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) as a compression plate.

Two segments of 2 cm diameter Delrin rod were placed in a testing apparatus and used to simulate a transverse fracture. A load cell was interposed between the two segments to measure the compressive loads generated during the application of the TPLO jig or the LC-DCP. Compression was generated by sequential tensioning a strand of 18-gauge wire secured through the base of the arms of the TPLO jig or by placing one or two load screws in the LC-DCP. Wires were tensioned using heavy needle holders or an AO wire tightener. Eight replicates of each construct were tested. Recorded loads were compared using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey Honestly Significant Difference test.

The wire being tensioned broke while attempting a second quarter rotation of the needle holders and when the crank handle of the AO wire tightener was advanced beyond two rotations. The mean + SD peak compressive loads recorded when tensioning the wire using the heavy needle holders and AO wire tightener was 148 ± 7 N and 217 ± 16 N, respectfully. The mean ± SD load recorded after placement of the first and second load screw in the LC-DCP was 131 ± 39 N and 296 ± 49 N, respectively. The compression generated by placing two load screws in the LC-DCP was superior to the compression generated using the jig. The maximum load recorded by tensioning the wire secured through the TPLO jig using the AO wire tightener was superior to the compression generated by placing a single load screw and tensioning the wire using needle holders.

Our results demonstrate that the TPLO jig allows surgeons to compress transverse fractures or osteotomies effectively. Tensioning the AO wire tightener allows for sequential tensioning and generates superior compressive loads than tensioning wires with heavy needle holders.
Detection of interactions between genetic marker sets and environment in a genome-wide study of hypertension
Authors: Shen Linchuan , Amei Amei , Liu Bowen , Liu Yunqing , Xu Gang , Oh Edwin C. , Wang Zuoheng
Published: May 2023

As human complex diseases are influenced by the interplay of genes and environment, detecting gene-environment interactions (G×E) can shed light on biological mechanisms of diseases and play an important role in disease risk prediction. Development of powerful quantitative tools to incorporateG×Ein complex diseases has potential to facilitate the accurate curation and analysis of large genetic epidemiological studies. However, most of existing methods that interrogateG×Efocus on the interaction effects of an environmental factor and genetic variants, exclusively for common or rare variants. In this study, we proposed two tests, MAGEIT_RAN and MAGEIT_FIX, to detect interaction effects of an environmental factor and a set of genetic markers containing both rare and common variants, based on the MinQue for Summary statistics. The genetic main effects in MAGEIT_RAN and MAGEIT_FIX are modeled as random or fixed, respectively. Through simulation studies, we illustrated that both tests had type I error under control and MAGEIT_RAN was overall the most powerful test. We applied MAGEIT to a genome-wide analysis of gene-alcohol interactions on hypertension in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. We detected two genes,CCNDBP1andEPB42, that interact with alcohol usage to influence blood pressure. Pathway analysis identified sixteen significant pathways related to signal transduction and development that were associated with hypertension, and several of them were reported to have an interactive effect with alcohol intake. Our results demonstrated that MAGEIT can detect biologically relevant genes that interact with environmental factors to influence complex traits.
Modulation of dorsal premotor cortex disrupts neuroplasticity of primary motor cortex in young and older adults
Authors: Liao Wei-Yeh , Opie George M. , Ziemann Ulf , Semmler John G.
Published: May 2023

Although transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) research demonstrates that dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) influences neuroplasticity within primary motor cortex (M1), it is unclear how ageing modifies this communication. The present study investigated the influence of PMd on different indirect (I) wave inputs within M1 that mediate cortical plasticity in young and older adults. 15 young and 15 older participants completed two experimental sessions that examined the effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) to M1 when preceded by iTBS (PMd iTBS-M1 iTBS) or sham stimulation (PMd sham-M1 iTBS) to PMd. Changes in corticospinal excitability post-intervention were assessed with motor evoked potentials (MEP) recorded from right first dorsal interosseous using posterior-anterior (PA) and anterior-posterior (AP) current single-pulse TMS (PA1mV; AP1mV; PA0.5mV, early I-wave; AP0.5mV, late I-wave). Although PA1mVdid not change post-intervention (P= 0.628), PMd iTBS-M1 iTBS disrupted the expected facilitation of AP1mV(to M1 iTBS) in young and older adults (P= 0.002). Similarly, PMd iTBS-M1 iTBS disrupted PA0.5mVfacilitation in young and older adults (P= 0.030), whereas AP0.5mVfacilitation was not affected in either group (P= 0.218). This suggests that while PMd specifically influences the plasticity of early I-wave circuits, this communication is preserved in older adults.
Identification of proteins that bind extracellular microRNAs secreted by the parasitic nematodeTrichinella spiralis
Authors: Brown A. , Selkirk M.E. , Sarkies P.
Published: May 2023

Small non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved across eukaryotes and play key roles in regulating gene expression. In many organisms, miRNAs are also secreted from cells, often encased within vesicles such as exosomes and sometimes extravesicular. The mechanisms of miRNA secretion, how they are stabilised outside of cells and their functional importance are poorly understood. Recently we characterised the parasitic nematodeTrichinella spiralisas a model to study miRNA secretion.T. spiralislarvae secrete abundant miRNAs which are largely extravesicular. Here, we investigated howT. spiralismiRNAs might remain stable outside of cells. Using proteomics, we identified two RNA binding proteins secreted byT. spiralislarvae and characterised their RNA binding properties. One, a homologue of the known RNA binding protein KSRP, binds miRNA in a selective and sequence-specific fashion. Another protein, which is likely a novel RNA binding protein, binds non-selectively to miRNA. Our results suggest a possible mechanism for miRNA secretion byT. spiralisand may have relevance for understanding the biology of extracellular miRNA more widely.
Allosteric site variants affect GTP hydrolysis on RAS
Authors: Johnson Christian W. , Fetics Susan K. , Davis Kathleen P. , Rodrigues Jose A. , Mattos Carla
Published: May 2023

Abstract

RAS GTPases are proto-oncoproteins that regulate cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation in response to extracellular signals. The signaling functions of RAS, and other small GTPases, are dependent on their ability to cycle between GDP-bound and GTP-bound states. Structural analyses suggest that GTP hydrolysis catalyzed by HRAS can be regulated by an allosteric site located between helices 3, 4 and loop 7. Here we explore the relationship between intrinsic GTP hydrolysis on HRAS and the position of helix 3 and loop 7 through manipulation of the allosteric site, showing that the two sites are functionally connected. We generated several hydrophobic mutations in the allosteric site of HRAS to promote shifts in helix 3 relative to helix 4. By combining crystallography and enzymology to study these mutants, we show that closure of the allosteric site correlates with increased hydrolysis of GTP on HRAS in solution. Interestingly, binding to the RAS binding domain of RAF kinase (RAF-RBD) inhibits GTP hydrolysis in the mutants. This behavior may be representative of a cluster of poorly understood mutations that occur in human tumors, which potentially cooperate with RAF complex formation to stabilize the GTP-bound state of RAS.
Understanding ATP binding to DosS catalytic domain with a short ATP-lid
Authors: Larson Grant , Windsor Peter , Smithwick Elizabeth , Shi Ke , Aihara Hideki , Damodaran Anoop Rama , Bhagi-Damodaran Ambika
Published: May 2023

DosS is a heme-sensor histidine kinase that responds to redox-active stimuli in mycobacterial environments by triggering dormancy transformation. Sequence comparison of the catalytic ATP-binding (CA) domain of DosS to other well-studied histidine kinases suggests that it possesses a rather short ATP-lid. This feature has been thought to inhibit DosS kinase activity by blocking ATP binding in the absence of interdomain interactions with the dimerization and histidine phospho-transfer (DHp) domain of full-length DosS. Here, we use a combination of computational modeling, structural biology, and biophysical studies to re-examine ATP-binding modalities in DosS’s CA domain. We show that the closed lid conformation observed in protein crystal structures of DosS CA is caused by the presence of a zinc cation in the ATP binding pocket that coordinates with a glutamate residue on the ATP-lid. Furthermore, circular dichroism (CD) studies and comparisons of DosS CA crystal structure with its AlphaFold model and homologous DesK reveal that a key N-box alpha-helix turn of the ATP pocket manifests as a random coil in the zinc-coordinated protein crystal structure. We note that this closed lid conformation and the random-coil transformation of an N-box alpha-helix turn are artifacts arising from the millimolar zinc concentration used in DosS CA crystallization conditions. In contrast, in the absence of zinc, we find that the short ATP-lid of DosS CA has significant conformational flexibility and can bind ATP (Kd= 53 ± 13 μM). We conclude that DosS CA is almost always bound to ATP under physiological conditions (1-5 mM ATP, sub-nanomolar free zinc) in the bacterial environment. Our findings elucidate the conformational adaptability of the short ATP-lid, its relevance to ATP binding in DosS CA and provide insights that extends to 2988 homologous bacterial proteins containing such ATP-lids.
Impact and role of hypothalamic corticotropin releasing hormone neurons in withdrawal from chronic alcohol consumption in female and male mice
Authors: Neira Sofia , Lee Sophia , Hassanein Leslie A. , Sides Tori , D’Ambrosio Shannon L. , Boyt Kristen M. , Bains Jaideep S. , Kash Thomas L.
Published: May 2023

Worldwide, alcohol use and abuse are a leading risk of mortality, causing 5.3% of all deaths (W.H.O., 2022). The endocrine stress system, initiated by the peripheral release of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) from primarily glutamatergic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), is profoundly linked with alcohol use, abuse, and relapse (Blaine & Sinha, 2017). These PVN CRH-releasing (PVNCRH) neurons are essential for peripheral and central stress responses (Rasiah et al., 2023), but little is known about how alcohol affects these neurons. Here, we show that two- bottle choice alcohol consumption blunts the endocrine mediated corticosterone response to stress during acute withdrawal in female mice. Conversely, using slice electrophysiology, we demonstrate that acute withdrawal engenders a hyperexcitable phenotype of PVNCRHneurons in females that is accompanied by increased glutamatergic transmission in both male and female mice. Only male mice show a concurrent increase in GABAergic synaptic transmission. We then tested whether chemogenetic inhibition of PVNCRHneurons would restore stress response in female mice with a history of alcohol drinking in the looming disc test, which mimics an approaching predator threat. Accordingly, inhibition of PVNCRHneurons reduced active escape in hM4Di alcohol history mice only. This study indicates that stress responsive PVNCRHneurons in females are particularly affected by a history of alcohol consumption. Interestingly, women have indicated an increase in heavy alcohol use to cope with stress (Rodriguez et al., 2020), perhaps pointing to a potential underlying mechanism in alcohol mediated changes to PVNCRHneurons that alter stress response.
Structural insights into the heterotrimeric alternatively spliced P2X7 receptors
Authors: De Salis Sophie K. F. , Chen Jake Zheng , Skarratt Kristen K. , Fuller Stephen J. , Balle Thomas
Published: May 2023

AlphaFold2-Multimer was used to generate structures of the heterotrimeric P2X7 receptors composed of wild-type P2X7A subunits and alternatively spliced subunits (P2X7B, P2X7E, P2X7J, and P2X7L) that have been confirmed in humans. The study supports laboratory research by providing insight into the structure and flexibility of the heterotrimeric alternatively spliced receptors in a simulated environment and may thereby aid structure-guided drug design.

P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) are membrane-bound ATP-gated ion channels that are composed of three subunits. Different subunit structures may be expressed due to alternative splicing of theP2RX7gene, altering the receptor’s function when combined with the wild-type P2X7A subunits. In this study, the application of the deep-learning method, AlphaFold2-Multimer (AF2M), for the generation of trimeric P2X7Rs was first validated by comparing an AF2M-generated rat wild-type P2X7A receptor with a structure determined by cryogenic electron microscopy (Protein Data Bank Identification: 6U9V). The results suggested AF2M could firstly, accurately predict the structures of P2X7Rs and secondly, accurately identify the highest quality model through the ranking system. Subsequently, AF2M was used to generate models of heterotrimeric alternatively spliced P2X7Rs consisting of one or two wild-type P2X7A subunits in combination with one or two P2X7B, P2X7E, P2X7J, and P2X7L splice variant subunits. The top-ranking models were deemed valid based on AF2M’s confidence measures, stability in molecular dynamics simulations, and consistent flexibility of the conserved regions between the models. Visual analysis of the heterotrimeric receptors identified missing residues in the ATP binding sites of the P2X7E, P2X7J, and P2X7L splice variants, likely translating into dysfunctional binding sites. Overall, the models produced in this study (available as supplementary material) unlock the possibility of structure-based studies into the heterotrimeric P2X7Rs.
Genealogical inference and more flexible sequence clustering using iterative-PopPUNK
Authors: Zhao Bin , Lees John A. , Wu Hongjin , Yang Chao , Falush Daniel
Published: May 2023

Bacterial genome data are accumulating at an unprecedented speed due to the routine use of sequencing in clinical diagnoses, public health surveillance, and population genetics studies. Genealogical reconstruction is fundamental to many of these uses; however, inferring genealogy from large-scale genome data sets quickly, accurately, and flexibly is still a challenge. Here, we extend an alignment- and annotation-free method, PopPUNK, to increase its flexibility and interpretability across data sets. Our method, iterative-PopPUNK, rapidly produces multiple consistent cluster assignments across a range of sequence identities. By constructing a partially resolved genealogical tree with respect to these clusters, users can select a resolution most appropriate for their needs. We showed the accuracy of clusters at all levels of similarity and genealogical inference of iterative-PopPUNK based on simulated data and obtained phylogenetically concordant results in real data sets from seven bacterial species. Using two example sets ofEscherichia/ShigellaandVibrio parahaemolyticusgenomes, we show that iterative-PopPUNK can achieve cluster resolutions ranging from phylogroup down to sequence typing (ST). The iterative-PopPUNK algorithm is implemented in the “PopPUNK_iterate” program, available as part of the PopPUNK package.
Crystal structure of the monocupin ring-cleaving dioxygenase 5-nitrosalicylate 1,2-dioxygenase fromBradyrhizobiumsp.
Authors: Eppinger Erik , Stolz Andreas , Ferraroni Marta
Published: May 2023

5-Nitrosalicylate 1,2-dioxygenase (5NSDO) is an iron(II)-dependent dioxygenase involved in the aerobic degradation of 5-nitroanthranilic acid by the bacteriumBradyrhizobiumsp. It catalyzes the opening of the 5-nitrosalicylate aromatic ring, a key step in the degradation pathway. Besides 5-nitrosalicylate, the enzyme is also active towards 5-chlorosalicylate. The X-ray crystallographic structure of the enzyme was solved at 2.1 Å resolution by molecular replacement using a model from the AI programAlphaFold. The enzyme crystallized in the monoclinic space groupP21, with unit-cell parametersa = 50.42,b= 143.17,c= 60.07 Å, β = 107.3°. 5NSDO belongs to the third class of ring-cleaving dioxygenases. Members of this family convertpara-diols or hydroxylated aromatic carboxylic acids and belong to the cupin superfamily, which is one of the most functionally diverse protein classes and is named on the basis of a conserved β-barrel fold. 5NSDO is a tetramer composed of four identical subunits, each folded as a monocupin domain. The iron(II) ion in the enzyme active site is coordinated by His96, His98 and His136 and three water molecules with a distorted octahedral geometry. The residues in the active site are poorly conserved compared with other dioxygenases of the third class, such as gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase and salicylate 1,2-dioxygenase. Comparison with these other representatives of the same class and docking of the substrate into the active site of 5NSDO allowed the identification of residues which are crucial for the catalytic mechanism and enzyme selectivity.
Role-play of employees' protean career and career success in affective organizational commitment
Authors: Khan Muhammad Latif , Salleh Rohani , Shamim Amjad , Hemdi Mohamad Abdullah
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role-play of Protean Career Attitude (PCA) and Career Success (CS) in Affective Organizational Commitment (AOC).

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study on 376 employees from 55 hotels in Malaysia were conducted. The co-variance-based structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data to test the direct and indirect relationships of PCA and CS with AOC.

Findings

The findings reveal that self-directed career attitude (SDCA) has a positive direct influence on AOC as well as indirect influence through the mediation of OCS and SCS. However, the value-driven career attitude (VDCA) neither influences AOC nor the OCS.

Originality/value

This is a first paper to body of knowledge in Asian context which identify mediating role of career success (SCA and OCS) to PCA and AOC. The findings of this research are the workplace learning in hospitality management. The authors argue that hotels should not assume spontaneously PCA with diminishing AOC, but rather hotels' attention is required to identify the most important preferences of these butterfly career attitudes such as OCS and SCS. Most importantly the research negates many negative labels of PCA and adds new perception to the contemporary career literature. Higher education institutions, government, and primary, secondary, and post-secondary education departments can play a significant role in developing PCA dispositions like SDCA and VDCA toward career success. Therefore, further study should examine PCA and their relevance to career outcome like job searching and employability of students in Malaysia. The paper is the first, to one's knowledge, to assess organizational commitment with specific measures of PCA. While the results are simple, they refute many stereotypes of the new career and, in that sense, add an important perspective to the career literature.
Managing mental health problems in the workplace: are small businesses different?
Authors: Irvine Annie , Suter Jane
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study addresses a gap in evidence on small employer experiences of managing mental health problems in the workplace. The authors gathered first-hand experiences of small business managers to empirically investigate how the small business context affects the management and support of mental health problems in the workplace, and the practice implications that arise.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interviews, combining semi-structured and narrative approaches, with 21 small business managers with experience of managing employees with mental health difficulties. The 21 managers recounted a total of 45 employee cases, which were analysed thematically, using a case-based matrix. Study participants were drawn from small businesses within England and Scotland (UK). Interviews were conducted between November 2019 and February 2020.

Findings

Support aligned with current understanding of effective practice, yet was often informal, instinctive and flexible. Accommodating employees with mental health problems impacted the workload of managers and co-workers, and business operation and growth. Challenges and tensions reflected the difficult balancing act faced by managers in organisations of all sizes. However, the intensity and immediacy of cross-pressures was enhanced for small businesses, due to their smaller workforce and lack of dedicated Human Resource Management and occupational health expertise.

Practical implications

Guidance should address the navigation of day-to-day management and support for employees with mental health difficulties, including approaches to balancing the needs of the wider workforce and business operation. Access to HR and occupational health expertise is valuable. Financial subsidies may be of lesser concern to small businesses.

Originality/value

This study offers originality in focusing exclusively on small business managers with first-hand experience of supporting employees with mental health problems. Findings challenge the perception that small firms have unique experiences, whilst highlighting contextual features that exacerbate intensity and immediacy of impacts.
Exploring the impact of an industrial placement year on students' competency development: a three-cohort, longitudinal study
Authors: Hughes Helen Philippa Narelle , Mouratidou Maria , Donald William E.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Drawing on human capital theory and sustainable career theory, this paper aims to explore the impact of undertaking an industrial placement on the “Great Eight” competencies as perceived by university students and line managers.

Design/methodology/approach

618 students and their line managers across three cohorts (pre-COVID-19) took part in a longitudinal quantitative study. Students completed a three-wave questionnaire at the placement's start, middle, and end. Line managers completed the questionnaire during waves two and three to offer 360-degree feedback. Descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA were applied to the dataset.

Findings

The impacts of undertaking a placement were highly variable for different competencies at the sub-scale level, although at the eight-scale level, the nuance was less pronounced. However, students self-perceived that all eight competencies increased between the start and end of the placement. Surprisingly, line managers perceived students' competencies to be higher than perceived by the students.

Originality/value

The value of undertaking a placement is often poorly measured (e.g. satisfaction) rather than competency-based outcomes, which can lead to conclusions that are overly simplistic and difficult to use in practice. Theoretically, this study advances understanding of human capital theory and sustainable career theory by understanding the role placements can play in developing human capital and preparing university students for sustainable careers. Practically, the findings of this study can help to close the university–industry skills gap by informing curriculum and placement scheme design and supporting students to acquire personal resources and signal these to prospective employers as an antecedent to career sustainability.
Fuzzy logic approach to assess the effectiveness of online course delivery in management education: a case of B-school from India
Authors: Patri Rojalin , Manayath Dhanya , Kaladharan Sanju
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The future of management studies is invariably steering towards online and hybrid modes of course delivery. Therefore, assessing the effectiveness of online course delivery is exceptionally crucial. This study attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of online course delivery in management education involving the instructor, participant and technological component. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in three ways. First, the study proposes an approach to assess the effectiveness of online courses in management education. The study demonstrates this by taking a case study of a business school (B-school) in southern India. Second, the study identifies the shortcomings and areas that need improvement to enhance the overall effectiveness further. Third, the study outlines suggestive measures to improve the effectiveness of online course delivery by addressing technical, infrastructural, instructor and student behavioral components.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish the objectives, a case study approach has been adopted and fuzzy logic has been used as a methodology to assess the effectiveness of online course delivery in management education.

Findings

The findings suggest that instructors' use of cases and animation during online sessions, use of whiteboards, digital pens and other tools, attempts to draw participant's interest and the users' sense of belongingness in the online cohort, self-discipline and motivation from students' side, easy to use Learning Management System (LMS), audio-visual platforms, active electronic communication and training on the technical aspect of the online platform need to be improved to enhance the effectiveness of online course delivery further. The current effectiveness of online course delivery in the case of B-school was found to be “Fair,” which is average in relation to the effectiveness labels.

Research limitations/implications

This study doesn't investigate the factors that moderate the effectiveness of online course delivery and how the factors influence each other. Future research endeavors can be extended in this direction to enrich the body of knowledge with new insights. Apart from this, the results outlined in this study are about the status quo of the case B-school and can't be generalized. However, the methodology and approach can be adopted by other B-schools or higher educational institutes to measure the schools' and institutes' current level of effectiveness in online teaching.

Originality/value

So far, only a few studies have paid attention to the empirical assessment of the effectiveness of online course delivery consisting of engagement from the technical, instructor and participants' dimensions. This study proposes a novel approach to measure the level of effectiveness and identifies the shortfalls that impede good effectiveness in online course delivery.
The search for an appropriate condensation model to simulate wet steam transonic flows
Authors: Lakzian Esmail , Ramezani Mostafa , Shabani Sima , Salmani Fahime , Majkut Miroslaw , Kim Heuy Dong
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to model steam condensing flows through steam turbine blades and find the most suitable condensation model to predict the condensation phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

To find the most suitable condensation model, five nucleation equations and four droplet growth equations are combined, and 20 cases are considered for modelling the wet steam flow through steam turbine blades. Finally, by the comparison between the numerical results and experiments, the most suitable case is proposed. To find out whether the proposed case is also valid for other boundary conditions and geometries, it is used to simulate wet steam flows in de Laval nozzles.

Findings

The results indicate that among all the cases, combining the Hale nucleation equation with the Gyarmathy droplet growth equation results in the smallest error in the simulation of wet steam flows through steam turbine blades. Compared with experimental data, the proposed model’s relative error for the static pressure distribution on the blade suction and pressure sides is 2.7% and 2.3%, respectively, and for the liquid droplet radius distribution it totals to 1%. This case is also reliable for simulating condensing steam flows in de Laval nozzles.

Originality/value

The selection of an appropriate condensation model plays a vital role in the simulation of wet steam flows. Considering that the results of numerical studies on condensation models in recent years have not been completely consistent with the experiments and that there are still uncertainties in this field, further studies aiming to improve condensation models are of particular importance. As condensation models play an important role in simulating the condensation phenomenon, this research can help other researchers to better understand the purpose and importance of choosing a suitable condensation model in improving the results. This study is a significant step to improve the existing condensation models and it can help other researchers to gain a revealing insight into choosing an appropriate condensation model for their simulations.
Uniform magnetic field impact on absolute versus convective onset of Darcy–Benard convection with horizontal throughflow
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The onset of Darcy–Benard convection in a fluid-saturated porous layer within channeled walls can be through either the convectively amplified perturbations or absolutely unstable modes. The convective type route to formation of cellular forms has received much more interest in the literature than the absolute mode. This paper aims to explore the absolute instability mechanism on triggering the Benard convection in the presence of a uniform magnetic field acting perpendicular to the channel walls.

Design/methodology/approach

Pursuing a completely theoretical linear stability approach, the locus of wavenumbers and critical Rayleigh numbers with respect to varying Peclet numbers leading to zero complex group velocity, and hence the absolute instability onset, is formulated in closed form. The formulae also incorporate the influence of fluid movement through the porous layer.

Findings

Wanenumbers are found to be increasing in magnitude under the effect of the magnetic field. Although the magnetic field expectedly behaves in favor of stabilizing the convection through both convective and absolute instabilities by pushing the threshold value of Rayleigh number to higher values, a peculiarity exists in such a manner that the stabilizing effect of magnetic field can no longer compete against the absolute instability mechanism within the magnetized field after some critical location possessing negative part of the wavenumber.

Originality/value

The significant outcome is attributed to the exchange of instabilities as far as the absolute instability mechanism is concerned. Magnetic field is always stabilizing and no such trend is observed regarding the convective type instability.
The impact of co-location on production knowledge transfer in collectivist and individualist cultures
Authors: Kent Pettis , Siemsen Enno , Shao Xiaofeng
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper enhances our understanding of how national culture impacts manufacturing performance (assembly speed, consistency between teams, etc.) during a production process move. The authors also investigate the efficacy of co-location as a strategy to enhance knowledge transfer from one organization to another.

Design/methodology/approach

To study the impact of national culture on production process moves, the authors develop and employ a team-based behavioral experiment within and between an individualist society (the United States) and a collectivist one (China). The authors also examine the impact of co-location on knowledge transfer effectiveness within and between these two unique cultures.

Findings

Interestingly, co-location has little impact on the performance of US recipient teams. Without co-location, Chinese recipient team performance lags significantly behind the US teams. However, firms can overcome these knowledge transfer challenges by co-locating source and recipient team members. These results suggest that firms should assess the national cultural context when considering co-location to manage their production move. There are contexts where co-location may be incredibly useful to facilitate an effective knowledge transfer (e.g. collectivist cultures like China) and contexts where this approach may not be as valuable (e.g. individualistic cultures such as the United States).

Originality/value

This research contributes to the academic literature in several ways. First, while past research demonstrates that national culture can be an essential barrier to information and knowledge sharing, this paper extends these findings showing that co-location may effectively overcome this barrier. After the authors offer and test the merits of co-location, they also establish the boundary conditions of this approach by showing that the effect of co-location on knowledge transfer is contingent on the cultural context. This contribution enhances our understanding of the relationship between national culture and knowledge sharing and has implications for managers developing approaches to transfer knowledge between cultures. Second, the authors develop and execute a novel cross-country experimental design. While cross-country experiments have been done before (e.g. Ozer et al. 2014, Kuwabara et al. 2007, etc.), it is still rare to see such experiments due to them being “technically difficult and costly” (Ozer et al. 2014, p. 2437). This research not only offer insights into how teams of people from individualist and collectivist societies send, receive and comprehend production knowledge. It also documents how these teams convert this knowledge into production results.
In companies we trust: consumer adoption of artificial intelligence services and the role of trust in companies and AI autonomy
Authors: Frank Darius-Aurel , Jacobsen Lina Fogt , Søndergaard Helle Alsted , Otterbring Tobias
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Companies utilize increasingly capable Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to deliver modern services across a range of consumer service industries. AI autonomy, however, sparks skepticism among consumers leading to a decrease in their willingness to adopt AI services. This raises the question as to whether consumer trust in companies can overcome consumer reluctance in their decisions to adopt high (vs low) autonomy AI services.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a representative survey (N = 503 consumers corresponding to N = 3,690 observations), this article investigated the link between consumer trust in a company and consumers' intentions to adopt high (vs low) autonomy AI services from the company across 23 consumer service companies accounting for six distinct service industries.

Findings

The results confirm a significant and positive relationship between consumer trust in a company and consumers' intentions to adopt AI services from the same company. AI autonomy, however, moderates this relationship, such that high (vs low) AI autonomy weakens the positive link between trust in a company and AI service adoption. This finding replicates across all 23 companies and the associated six industries and is robust to the inclusion of several theoretically important control variables.

Originality/value

The current research contributes to the recent stream of AI research by drawing attention to the interplay between trust in companies and adoption of high autonomy AI services, with implications for the successful deployment and marketing of AI services.
Agricultural mechanization in Ethiopia: hiring service transactions, mechanization clusters and land consolidation
Authors: Tefera Yared Deribe , Awoke Bisrat Getnet
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Agriculture in Ethiopia relies heavily on traditional farm power sources and is designated by the lowest farm machinery access, in contrast to other Sub-Sahara African (SSA) countries. The purpose of this research is to analyze the heterogeneity of mechanization service transactions and factors determining farmers' cooperation in mechanization clusters and willingness to accept land consolidation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a cross-sectional survey of producer households in major crop production areas in the Oromia, SNNPR, Amhara and Tigray regions. The sampling design involved three stages: districts were selected using a stratified sampling approach accompanied by simple random samples of kebele units and producer households in the second and final stages, respectively.

Findings

This study’s results show that mechanization service costs, service relationships, clustering and land consolidation exhibit significant heterogeneity across the study areas. Cluster farming was found to be advantageous against diseconomies, rationalized by upgrading the mechanization scale. The probit model parameterization of the probability distributions reveals that household, land, crop, mechanization service, remoteness and location-related factors determine participation in mechanization clusters and willingness to accept land consolidation.

Research limitations/implications

Fostering cooperation by focusing on constraints and demand of users is suggested to reduce transaction costs and expand hired mechanization services to unaddressed areas. The findings are relevant to most SSA countries where mechanization development is hampered by land fragmentation.

Originality/value

Limited information is available on agricultural mechanization development for smallholder farmers, particularly in Ethiopia, and this study adds empirical evidence about the synergy between cluster farming and mechanization, horizontal coordination and alternative supply models.
Are the characteristics of public clients influencing their uptake of the modern methods of construction? A thematic analysis
Authors: Saad Ali M. , Dulaimi Mohammed , Zulu Sambo Lyson , Gorse Chris
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Construction research comprises quality contributions to the modern methods of construction (MMC) context in terms of their benefits and relative advantages. However, the uptake of MMC is yet deemed very low in the public sector. Knowing that public clients acquire the purchasing power and the influential status to drive industry change, understanding their low MMC uptake is necessary.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of literature has been chosen to extract the key variables contributing to the limited adoption of MMC across the public sector, reinforced by a qualitative semi-structured interview with 12 industry leaders and public clients. This methodology enables the authors to explore works from the past decade, paving a direction for an adequate empirical investigation by reviewing and critically analysing 49 academic articles and interviewing 12 industry leaders and public clients.

Findings

The study captured and argued the characteristics that have an influence on public clients' decision, inhibiting the extraction of values associated with greater MMC deployment. A critical analysis resulted in identifying 13 characteristics under 4 main themes, providing a new argument to existing knowledge by calling on the need to better understand public clients and the influence of their own characteristics on their MMC uptake.

Originality/value

This paper utilises the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory which offers constructs that help explain the influence of the characteristics of a decision-making unit. The authors’ knowledge on public construction clients is limited, and more research in this direction may help in better aggregating construction demand. Overall, arguments provided in this paper enable relative improvements in supply's business models when approaching the public market. The study is believed to be in support of the relative governmental efforts to shape effective policies that can enhance innovation uptake among public bodies.
Is scepticism a barrier to green purchase behaviour? Testing a comprehensive model in the Indian context
Authors: Sinha Ranendra , Annamdevula Subrahmanyam
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to intend to contribute to the literature by testing the effect of scepticism on green consumer behaviour through environmental concern, knowledge, value and willingness to pay more in the Indian context. Thus, the comprehensive model with new directions of antecedents of green consumer purchase behaviour and direct and indirect effects was examined using structural equation modelling.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the hypo-deductive research design to test the proposed structural model. Cross-sectional data were collected through a predesigned questionnaire from the households living in Visakhapatnam city using a purposive sampling method. The proposed theoretical model was tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results support five antecedents’ direct and indirect effects on green purchase behavioural intentions and actual buying behaviour, except for the indirect effect of green scepticism on green purchase behaviour (GPB). Similarly, scepticism is responsible for significant variation in GPB.

Practical implications

The present study’s findings imply the role of scepticism on GPB, and the policies of adopting green products need to be addressed. Green buying is an obscure task; however, it can be evident by adding eco-friendly aspects and persuading consumers of a win-win situation for themselves, the environment and the company.

Originality/value

This study adds to the field of knowledge by exploring and testing the factors affecting GPB, which was not emphasized earlier in the Indian context and second, by developing a theoretical consensus on testing the antecedents of GPB. The results strengthen the argument that scepticism is an antecedent that drives GPB.