bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clathrins are involved in the endocytosis of host cytosol in the malaria parasite
Authors: Miao Jun , Ning Gang , Xia Xian , Liang Xiaoying , Lucky Amuza Byaruhanga , Siddiqui Faiza , Min Hui , Wang Chengqi , Li Xiaolian , Zhou Z. Hong , Cui Liwang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn eukaryotic cells, clathrins interact with adaptor protein complexes to regulate key intracellular trafficking events. Specifically, they are associated with the adaptor protein (AP) complex-2 (AP2) to facilitate endocytosis and AP1 to mediate secretion and trafficking between endosome and Golgi. InPlasmodium falciparum,recent studies revealed that the Kelch domain-containing protein 13 and AP2 participate in hemoglobin uptake via cytostomes. However, clathrins appear not to be involved in this process because they primarily associate with AP1. To investigate the roles of clathrins inP. falciparum, we characterized the clathrin heavy chain (PfCHC), the clathrin light chain (PfCLC), and the AP1 γ subunit (PfAP1 γ). Extensive interactome analyses confirmed the major association of clathrins with AP1 components alongside proteins involved in cytostome formation. Live-cell imaging and protein colocalization studies showed thatPfCHC,PfCLC, andPfAP1 γ are localized in the parasite cytoplasm, predominantly at the parasite periphery and near the cis-Golgi. Ultrastructural studies using ascorbate peroxidase 2- based electron microscopy confirmed their presence at coated vesicle-like structures at the parasite periphery and, unexpectedly, at the collars of cytostomes. Consistent with these observations, the knockdown ofPfCHC led to the formation of abnormally long cytostome tubes and impaired hemoglobin digestion. This study demonstrates that clathrins are essential for proper cytostome formation inP. falciparum, highlighting their critical role in the parasite’s hemoglobin uptake and digestion processes.IMPORTANCEMalaria is still one of the most severe public health problems worldwide and understanding how malaria parasites obtain hemoglobin from their host cells, red blood cells (RBCs), is critical for identifying targets for antimalarials. In this study, affinity purification revealed that clathrins (PfCHC andPfCLC) were not only mainly associated with AP1 complex but also marginally interacted with proteins that participated in hemoglobin uptake. Localization analysis demonstrated that clathrins and AP1 coated the clusters of vesicles at the parasite periphery and at the neck of the cytostome, an organelle for hemoglobin uptake. Consistently, the knockdown ofPfCHC caused the formation of abnormally long cytostome tubes and reduced hemoglobin digestion. Collectively, this study demonstrates that clathrins play a critical role in the parasite’s hemoglobin uptake.
Pyruvate Kinase Directly Generates GTP in Glycolysis, Supporting Growth and Contributing to Guanosine Toxicity
Authors: She Fukang , Liu Kuanqing , Anderson Brent W , Pisithkul Tippapha , Li Yanxiu , Fung Danny K. , McCue Tyler , Mulhern William , Amador-Noguez Daniel , Wang Jue D. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractGuanosine triphosphate (GTP) is essential for macromolecular biosynthesis, and its intracellular levels are tightly regulated in bacteria. Loss of the alarmone (p)ppGpp disrupts GTP regulation inBacillus subtilis, causing cell death in the presence of exogenous guanosine and underscoring the critical importance of GTP homeostasis. To investigate the basis of guanosine toxicity, we performed a genetic selection for spontaneous mutations that suppress this effect, uncovering an unexpected link between GTP synthesis and glycolysis. In particular, we identified suppressor mutations inpyk, which encodes pyruvate kinase, a glycolytic enzyme. Metabolomic analysis revealed that inactivating pyruvate kinase prevents guanosine toxicity by reducing GTP levels. Although traditionally associated with ATP generation via substrate-level phosphorylation,B. subtilispyruvate kinasein vitrowas found to produce GTP and UTP approximately ten and three times more efficiently than ATP, respectively. This efficient GTP/UTP synthesis extends toEnterococcus faecalisandListeria monocytogenes, challenging the conventional understanding of pyruvate kinase’s primary role in ATP production. These findings support a model in which glycolysis directly contributes to GTP synthesis, fueling energy-demanding processes such as protein translation. Finally, we observed a synergistic essentiality of the ΔndkΔpykdouble mutant specifically on glucose, indicating that pyruvate kinase and nucleoside diphosphate kinase are the major contributors of NTP production and complement each other during glycolysis. Our work highlights the critical role of nucleotide selectivity in pyruvate kinase and its broader implications in cellular physiologyImportanceIn this study, we reveal pyruvate kinase, a key glycolytic enzyme, primarily generates GTP from GDP inBacillus subtilis, relatively to other trinucleotides such as ATP. This finding, uncovered through genetic selection for mutants that suppress toxic GTP overaccumulation, challenges the conventional understanding that pyruvate kinase predominantly produces ATP via substrate-level phosphorylation. The substantial role of GTP production by pyruvate kinase suggests a model where glycolysis rapidly and directly supplies GTP as the energy currency to power high GTP-demanding processes such as protein synthesis. Our results underscore the importance of nucleotide selectivity (ATP vs. GTP vs UTP) in shaping the physiological state and fate of the cell, prompting further exploration into the mechanisms and broader implications of this selective nucleotide synthesis.
Metamodeling of turbofan engine compressor characteristics using SVM-based improved Kriging method
Authors: Guo Chaochao , Sun Youchao , Yu Rourou , Peng Chong 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to overcome the inherent lack of precision in commonly used interpolation procedures when solving the mathematical model of turbofan engines, as well as to address the issue that the theoretical variogram model in traditional Kriging models is prone to subjective selection bias, which makes it impossible to accurately capture the inherent fluctuation patterns in compressor data.

Design/methodology/approach
To mitigate this challenge, based on the spatial distribution characteristics of the compressor characteristic data of a certain type of turbofan engine, the input and output dimensions of the model are defined. By determining the stable operating region from the original component data, the authors use the proposed Kriging method improved with a support vector machine model to reconstruct the characteristics at unknown speeds within this region. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated using the established assessment metrics.

Findings
Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits significant advantages over the conventional Kriging approach. Specifically, it leads to a substantial reduction in root mean square error and mean absolute error by 0.0153/0.0118 (low speed), 0.1306/0.0362 (medium speed) and −0.0066/0.2366 (high speed).

Originality/value
This refined approach not only offers notable engineering applicability but also contributes significantly to the enhancement of aerospace engine model solutions’ precision.
How to find the optimal time for contractor involvement in infrastructure projects?
Authors: Memić Nadina , Tadayon Allen , Ishtiaque Tausif Ahmed , Klakegg Ole Jonny , Wondimu Paulos Abebe , Lædre Ola 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThere is a general assumption that the early involvement of the contractor contributes to value in construction projects. While early contractor involvement (ECI) may improve the value, some studies identify challenges with ECI. This paper aims to identify the main parameters that can be used to determine the optimal time for contractor involvement and examine how these parameters can be used by clients to develop a systematic method for finding the optimal timing for involvement.Design/methodology/approachLiterature studies, interviews, workshops and focus-group meetings identified six main parameters essential for developing a method to determine the ideal timing for ECI.FindingsThe six identified parameters are activity, complexity, criticality, technical competencies, relational competencies and uncertainty. These parameters can be used to identify the gap between the available competency in the project team and the needed competency to perform an activity.Originality/valueAlthough clients have ways to identify the optimal time for contractor involvement, these ways are mainly subjective and based on in-house practice. By evaluating these six parameters, a more systematic and objective method for early involvement can be developed.
Modeling the determinants of circular procurement adoption for sustainable construction: a fuzzy logic-based evaluation approach
Authors: Ababio Benjamin Kwaku , Lu Weisheng 
Published: December 2024

PurposeTraditional procurement approaches are no longer sufficient amidst dire environmental challenges caused by the construction sector. Yet, it is unclear from existing studies what factors could encourage alternatives such as circular procurement (CP). Thus, this study aims to investigate the determinants of CP adoption in the global construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a mixed-method approach involving focus group interviews with circular experts and engaging 194 international construction professionals using a questionnaire survey. Multiple statistical techniques, including exploratory factor analysis and fuzzy synthetic modelling, were employed to analyze the data.FindingsThe study identified fourteen key benefits that drive the adoption of CP practices in construction, with “Waste management throughout the construction lifecycle,” “Integration of supply chains” and “Opportunities from new business models” as the three most significant. However, a deeper analysis of the interconnections between these drivers revealed four clusters of principal benefit drivers (PBDs). The four principal groups were “lifecycle cost optimization,” “climate impact mitigation,” “circular capability and waste reduction” and “supply chain collaboration.” Through fuzzy synthetic modeling, it was predicted that three out of four PBDs exerted high levels of influence and should be prioritized for developed economies, while all four PBDs had significant levels of influence in developing regions.Practical implicationsThe findings provide a useful reference point for policymakers, practitioners and researchers in formulating strategies to accelerate the adoption and implementation of CP practices in different construction industries.Originality/valueThe study provides a novel perspective on CP adoption through understanding and promotion of its benefits. This offers a valuable framework for decision-making in two regional contexts.
Exploring women’s and men’s belonging in STEM
Authors: Corson Cecelia , González-Morales M. Gloria 
Published: December 2024

PurposeAs of 2023, the total number of Nobel Prizes granted in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields was roughly 622 and of those, only 26 have been awarded to women. STEM fields have historically excluded women at all levels with increasing impact at the higher levels of the career ladder (NSF, 2010). The study serves to shed light on women’s and men’s experiences of belonging in STEM fields – uncovering similarities and differences between the two groups.Design/methodology/approachThe study is a qualitative phenomenology, investigating the phenomenon of belonging in STEM among 39 workers in STEM fields.FindingsThrough this qualitative study, we uncovered the similarities around the three primary ways that both men and women conceptualized belonging in these spaces – through feeling heard and contributing, through representation and through feeling safe to take risks. We also identified differences in the ways the men and women conceptualized belonging, such as women’s stronger leadership orientation, greater pull toward connection and more negative mindsets around their inclusion in STEM spaces, and men’s strong orientation toward merit and performance, lesser leadership orientation and more positive mindsets about women’s belonging in STEM fields.Originality/valueThe study takes a novel approach by investigating the experiences of belonging in STEM fields, bringing to light new concepts about the different ways that groups experience belonging. The study uses the Appreciative Inquiry framing of questions to highlight the peak experiences of belonging.
Unboxing the links in understanding customer revisit intention: the role of customer love and experiential quality
Authors: Hossain Md Sazzad , Abuelhassan Abuelhssan Elshazly , Patwary Ataul Karim , Mostafiz Md Imtiaz 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine the factors influencing customer love (physical environment, food quality, customer-to-customer interaction and innovativeness) and revisits intention in the restaurant industry in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach
This study applied a quantitative technique that exceedingly prescribed a methodological approach to positivism from a philosophical stance. Following the purposive sampling, 456 questionnaires were distributed, and 394 were received from the restaurant customer for analysis.

Findings
Using the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the salient findings have shown that physical environment, food quality, customer-to-customer interaction and innovativeness have a positive and significant effect on customer love. Besides, customer love is fully mediated between the influencing factors of customer love and revisit intention. The findings also show that customer experience quality actively moderates the factors influencing customer love. Finally, customer love has a positive and significant effect on revisit intention.

Originality/value
Restaurant managers may benefit from the study’s findings. It can be an essential blueprint for theoretical and practical implications. The study also recommends increasing the restaurant’s performance and remaining experienced customers for future transactions.
Study on the tribological and tribo-vibration characteristics of laser textured tapered roller bearings under full oil lubrication
Authors: Wang Yueyong , Liu Tianjiao , Luo Dan , Du Zunling , Yao Liang , Zhang Yimin 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the influence of various laser texture parameters (diameter of pit, depth of pit and area density) on the tribological and tribo-vibration characteristics of tapered roller bearings (TRBs) under full oil lubricate conditions.

Design/methodology/approach
The laser surface texture parameters include: the diameter of pit (D: 60 µm, 100 µm, 200 µm), the depth of pit (H: 5 µm, 10 µm, 20 µm) and the area density (S: 6%, 12%, 24%). The outer raceway used laser marking device to prepare many regular pits. The tribological and tribo-vibration characteristics of pitting laser textured TRBs under full oil lubrication were studied by using the MMX-1A universal wear tester machine and vibration testing equipment. Through experiment and analysis, the effects of raceway pitting textures on tribological and tribo-vibration noise performance of TRBs were summarized.

Findings
When pit-textured TRBs operate under full oil, compared with the non-textured bearings, the average coefficient of friction and wear amount are significantly reduced. When D = 100 µm, H = 10 µm, S = 12%, average coefficient of friction = 0.00195 and wear amount = 0.12 mg, they are all at their minimum values. Compared to the same condition of non-textured groups, the coefficient of friction decreases by 66.6%, and the wear amount decreases by 79.3%. The energy from time-frequency and power spectrum analyses is mainly concentrated at high frequencies, with the signal power of pitting textured groups being lower than non-textured when the Y-direction is around 3600 Hz.

Originality/value
The experimental work can provide a reference for the investigation on the pitting textured TRBs.

Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-09-2024-0357/
Modeling brand experience and brand equity association in the banking industry: mediating role of brand identification, attachment and engagement
Authors: Karim Rashed Al , Hoque Iffat Fayeza , Islam Mohammad Wahidul , Shamsun Faria 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aims to assess the relationship between brand experience and brand equity in the private banking industry, focusing on the potential mediating effects of brand identification, attachment and engagement.

Design/methodology/approach
Data was conveniently gathered from 293 customers with bank accounts in different private banks using a structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using PLS-SEM.

Findings
The study found that brand identification, attachment, engagement and experience significantly influence brand equity. Furthermore, all three mediators mediate the correlation between brand experience and brand equity.

Practical implications
This study’s findings provide valuable insights for management and decision-makers in the private banking industry. They can use these insights to enhance their banks’ brand equity through exceptional brand experiences. This research also significantly contributes to the current body of knowledge on the importance of brand experience in developing brand equity and achieving business success in the banking sector.

Originality/value
This study makes a unique contribution to the existing body of knowledge by introducing the mediating roles of brand identification, attachment and engagement in the association between brand experience and brand equity. This enriches the current understanding of brand management strategies in the banking sector.
Navigating accounting reforms: a qualitative comparative analysis of accrual implementation in Italian local governments
Authors: Benfante Gioacchino , Casali Alessandro , Mozzoni Isabella , Ferretti Marco 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis research aims to contribute to the ongoing debate on the prospective advantages of implementing accrual accounting in countries where such a transition is underway, with a focus on Italian municipalities. The research seeks to ascertain the requisite conditions, in public sector accounting mangers’ perception, for a useful transition from modified cash accounting to full accrual accounting within the Italian context.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology adopted is Qualitative Comparative Analysis, which involves conducting a survey through semi-structured interviews with accounting managers in municipal accounting departments. The sample is drawn from municipalities in the Emilia-Romagna region with populations exceeding 15,000 inhabitants.FindingsThe study shows that some stakeholders have a tangible demand for financial statement information. They believe that accrual accounting statements provide accurate insights into municipal financial health and that these statements are comparable across municipalities. All these factors together constitute sufficient conditions for considering useful the implementation of accrual accounting in local governments, in the opinion of public sector accounting managers.Originality/valueThis paper contextualises the broader international debate on transitioning to full accrual accounting in the New Institutional Sociology framework. The Qualitative Comparative Analysis is an underutilised methodology within the field of public sector accounting, and the public sector accounting managers’ point of view is scarcely investigated in literature.
Use of videoconferencing in audit committee–auditor communication during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from Korea
Authors: Cho Meeok , Jo Jaehee , Jung Taejin , Kim Natalie Kyung Won 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine whether the use of videoconferencing for communication between the audit committee (AC) and auditors affects the quality of client firms’ audits.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper analyzes the mandatory disclosure information on AC–auditors communication using 1,065 Korean listed firm-years for the fiscal years 2020 and 2021. The details of AC–auditor communication (i.e. the extent of firms’ use of videoconferencing) are manually collected from audit reports.

Findings
This study finds that videoconferencing has a negative impact on audit quality, suggesting that it is not an effective communication medium between AC and auditors. The results are robust to alternative research designs (e.g. entropy-balanced sample, propensity score matching analysis and change analysis) that address endogeneity concerns. This study also finds that while the negative effect of videoconferencing is mitigated by holding more frequent AC meetings, neither AC independence nor expertise mitigates this effect.

Research limitations/implications
This paper suggests that videoconferencing may affect audit quality by hurting the discussion between the AC and auditors.

Practical implications
The findings that videoconferencing impairs the effectiveness of ACs and thus lowers audit quality have practical implications as the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed how AC members and auditors interact. This study offers timely and valuable insights into the potential implications of these pandemic-induced changes on audit environments.

Originality/value
This study provides large-sample empirical evidence that directly examines the effect of videoconferencing on audit quality, enhancing the understanding of the communication dynamics between the AC and auditors. This study also contributes to the literature on the role of ACs in emerging markets by highlighting the information processing role of the AC.
Context‐Based Interpretation of Financial Information
Authors: KIM ALEX G. , NIKOLAEV VALERI V. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTTo what extent does the narrative context surrounding the numbers in financial statements alter the informativeness of these numbers, that is, contextualize them? Answering this question empirically presents a methodological challenge. Leveraging recent advances in deep learning, we propose a method to uncover the value of contextual information learned from the (deep) interactions between numeric and narrative disclosures. We show that the contextualization of accounting numbers makes them substantially more informative in shaping beliefs about a firm's future, especially when numeric data are less reliable. In fact, the informational value of interactions dominates the direct informational value of the narrative context. We corroborate this finding by showing that stock markets and financial analysts incorporate the interactions between narrative and numeric information when making forecasts. We also demonstrate the value of our approach by identifying rich firm‐year–specific heterogeneity in earnings persistence. We discuss a number of avenues for future research.