bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonequilibrium bending fluctuations reveal microtubule mechanicsin-vivoand their regulation by glutamylation
Authors: Nishi Kengo , Raja Sufi , Pham An , Freeman Ronit , Roll-Mecak Antonina , MacKintosh Fred C. , Schmidt Christoph F. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCells can be described as active composite materials. The mechanical properties of cells are controlled by complex polymer networks and are dynamically tuned for diverse cellular processes driven by force-generating motor proteins. Microtubules are the most rigid protein polymers in the cytoskeleton, and their material properties have been measuredin vitroby active bending or by analyzing thermal bending fluctuations. Microtubule mechanics in living cells are extremely difficult to probe directly, while fluctuations are difficult to interpret because they are generated by active forces in a surrounding cytoplasm with poorly understood material properties. Here we introduce a method to measure the elastic properties of microtubules in living cells by making use of motor-generated forces that drive bending fluctuations. Bending dynamics are governed by three main factors: microtubule material properties, cytoskeletal active forces, and the response characteristics of the surrounding cytoplasm. We show theoretically that, when one factor can be independently determined, the other two can be derived from observed fluctuations. Using this method we discovered that polyglutamylation, a post-translational modification enriched on microtubule arrays that need to withstand large mechanical forces such as those in axons or cilia, increases microtubule stiffness in living cells. Our work provides a theoretical and experimental framework to study microtubule mechanics and their regulation by tubulin modifications and microtubule effectors in complex cellular environments. The approach can be extended to other large aspect ratio cellular structures such as the endoplasmic reticulum or the mitochondrial network.
A CLIC1 network coordinates matrix stiffness and the Warburg effect to promote tumor growth in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zheng Jia-Hao , Zhu Yu-Heng , Yang Jian , Ji Pei-Xuan , Zhao Rui-Kang , Duan Zong-Hao , Yao Hong-Fei , Jia Qin-Yuan , Yin Yi-Fan , Hu Li-Peng , Li Qing , Jiang Shu-Heng , Huo Yan-Miao , Liu Wei , Sun Yong-Wei , Liu De-Jun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUND & AIMSPDAC is characterized by significant matrix stiffening and reprogrammed glucose metabolism, particularly the Warburg effect. However, it is not clear the connection between matrix stiffness and the Warburg effect and the mechanisms of action in tumor progression.METHODSThe relationship between matrix stiffness and the Warburg effect was investigated from clinical, cellular, and bioinformatical perspectives. The ChIP and luciferase reporter gene assays were used to clarify the regulation mechanism of matrix stiffness on the expression of CLIC1. The expression profile and clinical significance of CLIC1 were determined in GEO datasets and a TMA. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function technics were used to determine thein vitroandin vivofunctions of CLIC1. GSEA and western blotting revealed the underlying molecular mechanisms.RESULTSPDAC matrix stiffness is closely associated with the Warburg effect, and CLIC1 is a key molecule connecting tumor matrix stiffness and the Warburg effect. Increased CLIC1 expression induced by matrix stiffness correlates with poor prognosis in PDAC. CLIC1 acts as a promoter of glycolytic metabolism and facilitates tumor growth in a glycolysis-dependent manner. Mechanistically, CLIC1 inhibits the hydroxylation of HIF1α via ROS, which then increases the stability of HIF1α. Collectively, PDAC cells can sense extracellular matrix stiffness and upregulate the expression of CLIC1, which facilitates the Warburg effect through ROS/HIF1α signaling, thereby supporting tumor growth.CONCLUSIONSIn the context of tumor therapy, targeted approaches can be considered from the perspectives of both extracellular matrix stiffness and tumor metabolism, of which CLIC1 is one of the targets.
Prioritizing the principles of circular economy among built environment professionals
Authors: Agyekum Kofi , Amudjie Judith , Pittri Hayford , Dompey Annabel Morkporkpor Ami , Botchway Edward Ayebeng 
Published: October 2023

PurposeCircular economy (CE) is guided by principles, the key being the R-framework. All R-frameworks have a hierarchy. Although several studies have prioritized these principles, there is still an urgent call for country-specific prioritization. This study prioritized circular economy (CE) principles among Ghana's built environment (BE) professionals.Design/methodology/approachAn explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was adopted. Six principles of CE were identified through a review of related literature and incorporated into a questionnaire. In total, 162 questionnaire responses were received. The quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential analyses. The data were further validated via semi-structured interviews with eight interviewees of different professional backgrounds in the BE.FindingsThe findings revealed that BE professionals in Ghana highly perceived CE principles as important. The findings further revealed the order of prioritization of the CE principles as follows: (1) recycle, (2) reuse, (3) repair/remanufacture, (4) renewable energy usage, (5) redesign and (6) reduce. To further elaborate on these prioritized principles via the qualitative phase, the interviewees agreed to and confirmed the importance of the identified principles through their verbatim comments.Originality/valueAlthough there is a growing interest in research regarding CE in the Ghanaian construction industry, its principles have yet to be prioritized and ranked by professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry. This study unearths why, in terms of prioritization of the CE principles, the construction industry in Ghana does not follow the well-known hierarchy (i.e. reduce, reuse and recycle) in the order of high to low level of circularity.
Audit committee attributes, board of director’s independence and energy disclosure for environmental sustainability in Nigeria
Authors: Jibril Rabiu Saminu , Isa Muhammad Aminu , Maigoshi Zaharaddeen Salisu , Hamid Kabir Tahir 
Published: October 2023

Purpose
This study aims to examine how audit committee (AC) attributes influence quality and quantity disclosure of energy consumed by the listed nonfinancial firms for the period of five years (2016–2020). The study aims at providing empirical evidence on how board of director’s independence influences the relationship between AC attributes and firms’ energy in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) on world climate policy.

Design/methodology/approach
The study obtained data from a sample of 83 listed nonfinancial firms, content analysis technique was used to compute energy disclosure indexes using global reporting initiative standards, while regression analysis was conducted to test the relationship among research variables.

Findings
The study revealed that AC independence, diversity and meetings were significantly related with energy disclosure. Also, the study found that other variables were insignificantly related with energy disclosure.

Research limitations/implications
The study is constrained for not considering all listed firms in the country. Furthermore, the study considered selected attributes, other important audit-committee size attributes such as audit-committee size, audit-committee size tenure could be study in by the future study.

Practical implications
The study’s findings would have practical implications for corporations and other business organizations seeking to actively involve the energy-related SDGs 7 and 13 in their business models and successfully communicate these efforts to stakeholders.

Originality/value
To the best of author’s knowledge, this is the first study that provides empirical evidence on the effect of AC attributes on the energy disclosure using effect of board independence as moderator in Nigeria.
Design and validation of a structured instrument to assess the influence of sustainable supply chain management practices on sustainable performance in hospitals
Authors: Duque-Uribe Veronica , Sarache William , Gutiérrez Elena Valentina 
Published: October 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design and validate a reliable and comprehensive instrument to assess the influence of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices on sustainable performance in hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach
A systematic and mixed-method approach was used to create and validate an instrument for assessing the level of implementation of hospital SSCM practices and the perceived extent of environmental, social and economic performance. This includes the development of preliminary items and the evaluation of content and construct validity. Data from Colombian hospitals was collected. Structural equation modeling was used to test the structural model.

Findings
During the content validity phase, an initial version of the questionnaire consisting of 88 items was generated. This version was qualitatively and quantitatively reviewed and assessed by six academicians and two hospital practitioners, based on criteria of sufficiency, clarity, relevance and coherence. The computation of both individual and scale content validity indices, along with the qualitative feedback, led to the refinement of the questionnaire. The subsequent phase of construct validity involved the implementation of a pilot test with 55 responses gathered from Colombian hospitals. By considering the metrics of convergent validity and discriminant validity derived from the analysis of structural equation modeling, the final instrument was composed of 59 items. The results reveal that hospital SSCM practices can be conceptualized and measured through two dimensions: environmental and social. The former includes the underlying constructs of internal environmental management, green purchasing and green operations. The latter encompasses the constructs of working conditions and employee well-being, equity management, social purchasing and community development and participation. Sustainable performance is defined by its environmental, social and economic dimensions.

Practical implications
This study is intended to provide useful insights for hospitals, researchers and policymakers to measure and develop strategies to enhance the implementation of SSCM practices, thereby improving sustainable performance. As a matter of fact, the instrument has already been applied in a recent empirical study conducted in Colombia, aimed at addressing the influence of SSCM practices on sustainable performance in hospitals.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to develop and empirically test an instrument for measuring the influence of SSCM on sustainable performance, both in the hospital setting and in an emerging country.
Psychological well-being of small enterprise employees: a multi-theoretical perspective
Authors: Tabala Agnes , Munene John C. , Kagaari James , Mafabi Samuel , Kyogabiirwe Jannat 
Published: October 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to suggest a multi-theoretical explanation using a success story to explain psychological well-being (PWB) among employees of K.C, a small enterprise found in Uganda, a developing country in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach
The study used qualitative methodology. Based on in-depth interviews with K.C employees, a story was developed describing the practical experience, focusing on the context, actions, results and lessons learnt. Regarding the sample size, the saturation point was attained on the seventh participant.

Findings
Findings reveal that employees that possess psychological capital set targets and generate avenues that allow them to achieve set goals, with personal initiative that makes them proactive to accomplish work tasks and individual adaptability that enables them to adjust their emotions and behavior to fit in a complex working environment, which makes them to think, feel and act positively. Furthermore, several theories, including broaden and build, personal initiative and complex adaptive systems theory, explain the manifestations of PWB of employees in small enterprises.

Research limitations/implications
The study was limited by focusing on the context of a small enterprise. Future research may investigate other study contexts whose findings might be different. In addition, the study being hypothetical lacked statistical testing. It would be a meaningful effort if future studies statistically tested the suggested model. Irrespective of the limitations, the findings of this study remain significant.

Practical implications
In practice, employees may replicate these findings to nurture PWB which eventually contributes to enterprises’ success. This could provide answers to the psychological challenges experienced by employees of small enterprises, especially in the African developing countries like Uganda where this is a major challenge. Specifically, the workers of K.C enterprise may depend on their PWB to deal with workplace challenges and sustain the enterprise’s performance.

Social implications
Socially, there is need to embrace positive social relationships among employees at the work place which will translate into well-being of society.

Originality/value
This paper is exceptional because it uses a success story showing practical experiences of how PWB of employees in small enterprises is nurtured in Uganda. In addition, a multi-theoretical perspective is used to explain the manifestations in the story, which is the greatest contribution of this paper. Further, a conceptual model is still proposed, depicting psychological capital, personal initiative and individual adaptability as antecedents of PWB.
Proxy design: a method for involving proxy users to speak on behalf of vulnerable or unreachable users in co-design
Authors: Islind Anna Sigridur , Lundin Johan , Cerna Katerina , Lindroth Tomas , Åkeflo Linda , Steineck Gunnar 
Published: October 2023

PurposeDesigning digital artifacts is not a linear, straightforward process. This is particularly true when applying a user-centered design approach, or co-design, with users who are unable to participate in the design process. Although the reduced participation of a particular user group may harm the end result, the literature on solving this issue is sparse. In this article, proxy design is outlined as a method for involving a user group as proxy users to speak on behalf of a group that is difficult to reach. The article investigates the following research question: How can roleplaying be embedded in co-design to engage users as proxies on behalf of those who are unable to represent themselves?Design/methodology/approachThe article presents a design ethnography spanning three years at a cancer rehabilitation clinic, where digital artifacts were designed to be used collaboratively by nurses and patients. The empirical data were analyzed using content analysis and consisted of 20 observation days at the clinic, six proxy design workshops, 21 telephone consultations between patients and nurses, and log data from the digital artifact.FindingsThe article shows that simulated consultations, with nurses roleplaying as proxies for patients ignited and initiated the design process and enabled an efficient in-depth understanding of patients. Moreover, the article reveals how proxy design as a method further expanded the design. The study findings illustrate: (1) proxy design as a method for initiating design, (2) proxy design as an embedded element in co-design and (3) six design guidelines that should be considered when engaging in proxy design.Originality/valueThe main contribution is the conceptualization of proxy design as a method that can ignite and initiate the co-design process when important users are unreachable, vulnerable or unable to represent themselves in the co-design process. More specifically, based on the empirical findings from a design ethnography that involved nurses as proxy users speaking on behalf of patients, the article shows that roleplaying in proxy design is a fitting way of initiating the design process, outlining proxy design as an embedded element of co-design.
Culture–leadership intersections in support of deeper learning at a career and technical education center
Authors: Malin Joel R. , Poetter Thomas S. , Graft Jon , Durham Marni , Sprankles III William T. 
Published: October 2023

PurposeAlthough much can be learned from schools that regularly foster deeper learning, little research has been undertaken into how and why these schools have been effective or to elucidate key leadership and cultural characteristics. Moreover, there has been limited attention toward deeper learning within schools that focus on career and technical education (CTE), a major omission given the potentially elevated potential for deeper learning in these contexts. This study aims to partially rectify these issues by examining the intersections of leadership and culture at an innovative school that has demonstrated excellence whilst providing a curriculum centered on CTE.Design/methodology/approachThis instrumental, insider, single-case study is focused on how leadership–cultural interactions have fostered and shaped students' opportunities to experience deeper learning. The authors take the perspective that it is largely through these leadership–cultural intersections that an organization and the work that happens within it takes on a particular meaning, direction and value. This study applies ethnographic methods, drawing upon formally and informally collected data over the past three years – e.g. from field notes, from leadership meetings and site visits; focus group interviews with students, parents, teachers, partners and school leaders; and additional artifacts.FindingsThe authors detail three interrelated features at this school, noting that it is: (1) driven by moral purpose; (2) open, collaborative and trusting; and (3) ambitious and entrepreneurial. The authors explain how/why such a culture has developed and to what effects, especially in relation to facilitating deeper learning.Originality/valueStudy findings meaningfully add to the literature regarding leadership for deeper learning, broadly and in relation to career and technical education and yield recommendations for educational leaders and policymakers.
Upper-middle-class Muslim characteristics on cash waqf (Islamic endowment) participation for productive purposes: does one-fits-all strategy still works?
Authors: Maulina Rindawati , Dhewanto Wawan , Faturohman Taufik 
Published: October 2023

Purpose
To better understand the characteristics of Indonesian Muslims, this study uses cluster analysis to group upper-middle-class Muslims based on psychographic variables related to participation in cash waqf for productive purposes.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used mixed methods to build and analyse the segmentation of upper-middle-class Muslims towards cash waqf and propose scenarios for a cash waqf model based on the findings.

Findings
This study identified six clusters for upper-middle-class Muslims related to the participation in cash waqf for productive purposes. All clusters show heterogeneous values of all factors. Although relatively few Muslims perform cash waqf for productive purposes, the high scores for the economic rational, family and community factors indicate great potential for the development of various cash waqf models for investment purposes. The next challenge will lie in reviewing the “one-fits-all strategy” in the development of program, education and socialisation. Based on the findings, this study proposes three scenarios of cash waqf participation: as wakif only (waqf donor), investor only (capital provider) and hybrid participation (waqf donor and capital provider).

Research limitations/implications
The limitation of this study is the location and object of the sample are only Muslims in Indonesia who are categorised as upper-middle class in terms of their monthly income. Based on this study’s findings, other Muslim-majority countries worldwide have the potential to develop a cash waqf model that is integrated with financial instruments and involves the role of Islamic banking and other Islamic commercial institutions in future research development. Researchers can also attempt to include a simulation or experiment method to construct and validate the proposed cash waqf model based on this study’s findings and to explore other factors that have not been addressed.

Practical implications
The findings of this study can contribute as a foundation for the development of a cash waqf model and business-marketing strategy to increase the participation of upper-middle-class Muslims.

Social implications
The findings of this study will support the acceleration of cash waqf collection for investment initiatives, which in turn will have a broader social and economic impact nationally.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study constitutes the first attempt to specifically investigate upper-middle-class Muslim segmentation toward cash waqf participation for productive purposes. This study’s knowledge is helpful for various stakeholders such as academia, the Islamic banking industry, regulators and the Muslim community about customer segmentation to Islamic banking products and services related to cash waqf.
Women empowerment in Africa: can we rely on Islamic finance?
Authors: Mboutchouang Kountchou Armand , Haruna Ali , Tekam Oumbé Honoré , Wirajing Muhamadu Awal Kindzeka 
Published: October 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of Islamic finance on women empowerment in Africa between the periods of 1975 and 2021.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses secondary data for 27 African countries obtained from the World Development Indicators, World Population Review and the Varieties of Democracy databases. Four dimensions of women empowerment, namely, economic, social, political and household, are considered while Islamic finance is proxied by a binary variable with 1 and 0 representing the presence and the absence of Islamic finance, respectively. The two-staged least square estimation technique is used to control for the problem of endogeneity.

Findings
This study revealed that Islamic finance positively affects women empowerment in Africa. Specifically, Islamic finance has positive and significant effects on women political empowerment, women economic empowerment and women social empowerment in Africa but nonsignificant effect on home empowerment. These effects are more pronounced in middle-income than in low-income countries and in countries with higher penetration rate of Islamic finance.

Practical implications
Policymakers should put in place the necessary mechanisms for the promotion of Islamic finance such as the enacting of laws that ensures the creation of full-fledged Islamic banks, encouraging research in Islamic finance and Islamic economics. These policies should equally be backed by the creation of some accompanying measures such as the abolition of social norms that limit women’s ability to take part in decision-making.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study involving an Africa continent-wide analysis of the effects of Islamic finance on women empowerment.