bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macromolecular crowding is surprisingly unable to deform the structure of a model biomolecular condensate
Authors: Shillcock Julian C. , Thomas David B. , Ipsen John H. , Brown Andrew D. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe crowded interior of a living cell makes experiments on simplerin vitrosystems attractive. Although these reveal interesting phenomena, their biological relevance can be questionable. A topical example is the phase separation of intrinsically-disordered proteins into biomolecular condensates, which is proposed to underlie the membraneless compartmentalisation of many cellular functions. How a cell reliably controls biochemical reactions in compartments open to the compositionally-varying cytoplasm is an important question for understanding cellular homeostasis. Computer simulations are often used to study the phase behaviour of model biomolecular condensates, but the number of relevant parameters explodes as the number of protein components increases. It is unfeasible to exhaustively simulate such models for all parameter combinations, although interesting phenomena are almost certainly hidden in the jungle of their high-dimensional parameter space. Here we have studied the phase behaviour of a model biomolecular condensate in the presence of a polymeric crowding agent. We used a novel compute framework to execute dozens of simultaneous simulations spanning the protein/crowder concentration space. We then combined the results into a graphical representation for human interpretation, which provided an efficient way to search the model’s high-dimensional parameter space. We found that steric repulsion from the crowder drives a near-critical system across the phase boundary, but the molecular arrangement within the resulting biomolecular condensate is rather insensitive to the crowder concentration and molecular weight. We propose that a cell may use the local cytoplasmic concentration to assist formation of biomolecular condensates, while relying on the dense phase reliably providing a stable, structured, fluid milieu for cellular biochemistry despite being open to its changing environment.
Broad and Durable Humoral Responses Following Single Hydrogel Immunization of SARS-CoV-2 Subunit Vaccine
Authors: Ou Ben S. , Saouaf Olivia M. , Yan Jerry , Bruun Theodora U.J. , Baillet Julie , Zhou Xueting , King Neil P. , Appel Eric A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMost vaccines require several immunizations to induce robust immunity, and indeed, most SARS-CoV-2 vaccines require an initial two-shot regimen followed by several boosters to maintain efficacy. Such a complex series of immunizations unfortunately increases the cost and complexity of populations-scale vaccination and reduces overall compliance and vaccination rate. In a rapidly evolving pandemic affected by the spread of immune-escaping variants, there is an urgent need to develop vaccines capable of providing robust and durable immunity. In this work, we developed a single immunization SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccine that could rapidly generate potent, broad, and durable humoral immunity. We leveraged injectable polymer-nanoparticle (PNP) hydrogels as a depot technology for the sustained delivery of a nanoparticle COVID antigen displaying multiple copies of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding-domain (RBD-NP), and potent adjuvants including CpG and 3M-052. Compared to a clinically relevant prime-boost regimen with soluble vaccines formulated with CpG/Alum or 3M-052/Alum adjuvants, PNP hydrogel vaccines more rapidly generated higher, broader, and more durable antibody responses. Additionally, these single-immunization hydrogel-based vaccines elicited potent and consistent neutralizing responses. Overall, we show that PNP hydrogels elicit improved anti-COVID immune responses with only a single administration, demonstrating their potential as critical technologies to enhance our overall pandemic readiness.
The bacterial microbiome of the coral skeleton algal symbiontOstreobiumshows preferential associations and signatures of phylosymbiosis
Authors: Pushpakumara B.L.D. Uthpala , Tandon Kshitij , Willis Anusuya , Verbruggen Heroen 
Published: December 2022

AbstractOstreobium, the major algal symbiont of the coral skeleton, remains understudied despite extensive research on the coral holobiont. The enclosed nature of the coral skeleton might reduce the dispersal and exposure of residing bacteria to the outside environment, allowing stronger associations with the algae. Here, we describe the bacterial communities associated with cultured strains of 5Ostreobiumclades using 16S rRNA sequencing. We shed light on their likely physical associations by comparative analysis of three datasets generated to capture (1) all algae associated bacteria (2) enriched tightly attached and potential intracellular bacteria and (3) bacteria in spent media. Our data showed that while some bacteria may be loosely attached, some tend to be tightly attached or potentially intracellular. Although colonised with diverse bacteria,Ostreobiumpreferentially associated with 34 bacterial taxa revealing a core microbiome. These bacteria include taxa known as nitrogen cyclers, polysaccharide degraders, sulphate reducers, antimicrobial compound producers, methylotrophs and vitamin B12 producers. By analysing co-occurrence networks of 16S rRNA datasets fromPorites luteaandParagoniastrea australensisskeleton samples, we show that theOstreobium-bacterial associations present in the cultures are likely to also occur in their natural environment. Finally, our data show significant congruence between theOstreobiumphylogeny and the community composition of its tightly associated microbiome, largely due to the phylosymbiotic signal originating from the core bacterial taxa. This study offers insight into theOstreobiummicrobiome and reveals preferential associations that warrant further testing from functional and evolutionary perspectives.
Biophysical basis of phage liquid crystalline droplet-mediated antibiotic tolerance in pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Böhning Jan , Graham Miles , Letham Suzanne C. , Davis Luke K. , Schulze Ulrike , Stansfeld Phillip J. , Corey Robin A. , Pearce Philip , Tarafder Abul K. , Bharat Tanmay A. M. 
Published: December 2022

SummaryInoviruses are abundant filamentous phages infecting numerous prokaryotic phyla, where they can symbiotically promote host fitness and increase bacterial virulence. Due to their unique properties, inoviruses have also been utilised in biotechnology for phage display and as models for studying phase behaviour of colloidal rods. Inoviral phages secreted by bacteria can self-assemble into liquid crystalline droplets that protect bacterial cells in biofilms from antibiotics, however, factors governing the formation of such droplets and the mechanism of antibiotic protection are poorly understood. Here, we investigate the structural, biophysical, and protective properties of liquid crystalline droplets formed byPseudomonas aeruginosaandEscherichia coliinoviral phages. We report a cryo-EM structure of the capsid from the highly studiedE. colifd phage, revealing distinct biochemical properties of fd compared to Pf4 phage fromP. aeruginosa. We show that fd and Pf4 form liquid crystalline droplets with diverse morphologies governed by the underlying phage particle geometry and biophysics, rather than their surface biochemical properties. Finally, we show that these morphologically diverse droplets made of either phage can protect rod-shaped bacteria from antibiotic treatment, despite differing modes of association with cells. This study advances our understanding of phage assembly into liquid crystalline droplets, and provides insights into how filamentous molecules protect bacteria from extraneous molecules under crowding conditions, which are found in biofilms or on infected host tissues.
A universal workflow for creation, validation and generalization of detailed neuronal models
Authors: Reva Maria , Rössert Christian , Arnaudon Alexis , Damart Tanguy , Mandge Darshan , Tuncel Anıl , Ramaswamy Srikanth , Markram Henry , Van Geit Werner 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDetailed single neuron modeling is widely used to study neuronal functions. While cellular and functional diversity across the mammalian cortex is vast, most of the available computational tools are dedicated to the reproduction of a small set of specific features characteristic of a single neuron. Here, we present a generalized automated workflow for the creation of robust electrical models and illustrate its performance by building cell models for the rat somatosensory cortex (SSCx). Each model is based on a 3D morphological reconstruction and a set of ionic mechanisms specific to the cell type. We use an evolutionary algorithm to optimize passive and active ionic parameters to match the electrophysiological features extracted from whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. To shed light on which parameters are constrained by experimental data and which could be degenerate, we perform a parameter sensitivity analysis. We also validate the optimized models against additional experimental stimuli and assess their generalizability on a population of morphologies with the same morphological type. With this workflow, we generate SSCx neuronal models producing the variability of neuronal responses. Due to its versatility, our workflow can be used to build robust biophysical models of any neuronal type.
Accountability and accounting for fisheries – six decades of reporting by the Electricity Supply Board of Ireland, 1935–1993
Authors: Quinn Martin , Moreno Alonso , Bhatta Bibek 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThis study aims to contribute to the relatively limited historic literature on social and environmental accounting/accountability. More specifically, the study explores accounting and accountability for fisheries over time and determines potential legitimacy relations as conveyed through reporting.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis method is used to analyse a fisheries-related section of an annual report of a state-owned electricity firm for 56 years (1935/36–1993). The time frame analysed is a period when environmental or social reporting was, in general, informal and not mandated. However, accountability was established for the company under study, through the legally mandated provision of (unspecific/discretional) information about fisheries activities. A lens evoking legitimacy relationships as a dyad is utilised.FindingsThe fisheries reporting within the case organisation is an early example of recognition of the important effects of business activities on the environment and biodiversity. The findings of the analyses suggest the content aligns with what may be anticipated in a contemporary setting. Drawing on trends noted from the content analysis, three potential legitimacy relationships are identified around the fisheries reporting. Only one is determined as a complete legitimacy relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited in that it is an analysis of one case in a single context. Also, the content analysis methods used were developed specifically for the study, which may limit their application. Finally, the data source used, and the historic nature of the study, to some extent limits the ability to determine some legitimacy relationships.Originality/valueThis study offers some insights on the historic nature of environmental reporting from a fisheries perspective in the Northern Hemisphere. The longitudinal nature of the analysis also offers insights into how the content of the reporting changed over time. Additionally, the use of a relatively new approach to operationalising legitimacy may prove useful for future researchers in the accounting discipline, especially given recent concerns on how the concept of legitimacy has been utilised in such research.
39 Bakers: roadmap to profitability through customer management
Authors: Jha Suchita , Gupta Sunakshi , Kumar Jitender , Rawat Sandeep 
Published: December 2022

Learning outcomes
1. To analyze the various business models and choose the best model to contribute maximum profit to the company.2. To understand the importance of customer management with the help of the Net Promoter Score in the food retail context.3. To develop customer loyalty strategies and implement them to improve customer management?

Case overview/synopsis
39 Bakers, a multi-outlet bakery chain in Jammu, India, is run by its founder Gagan. 39 Bakers, through its retail outlets across the Jammu region, offers a variety of products, ranging from bakery items that include blends of Indian and Italian cuisines, offering more than 1000 stock keeping units (SKUs). Through its high-quality offerings at an affordable price range, the brand has carved a niche in the hyper-competitive bakery market of the Jammu region. Gagan, has closely seen the Jammu market and customer preferences and strongly perceived that the customers in the Jammu region are very price sensitive. Thus, he has always been very reluctant to increase the prices of his product offerings at 39 Bakers. He has always believed that any drastic price rise may lead to immediate dissatisfaction and customer churn and therefore has not increased the prices at 39 Bakers for two years in a row. While this decision of Gagan paid off in terms of its popularity and recognition as one of the highly recommended bakery chains among customers, it drastically impacted the bottom line (i.e. profitability) at 39 Bakers, especially in the year 2020–21. Getting popularity at the cost of dipping profitability made Gagan rethink his decision to be protective of price increases at 39 bakers. How can he measure customer satisfaction and loyalty? Which loyalty strategies will work for the huge customer base of Jammu? Should he change his business model from B2C to B2B? How can loyalty be established? How can he manage his existing and loyal customers through price increases?

Complexity academic level
The case study is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Marketing Management and Retail Marketing. The case study’s focus can be on the importance of pricing, business model evaluation, customer management analysis, customer loyalty, Customer Loyalty analysis, and net promoters score. The case can also be useful to entrepreneurs and regulators.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Financing the growth of Urban Chowk
Authors: Jhaveri Hetal , Dash Ashutosh 
Published: December 2022

Learning outcomes
▪ Identify and explain the factors that contribute to the success of a restaurant business.
▪ Analyse different sources of entrepreneurial finance.
▪ Identify and explain local entrepreneur’s expectations from a funding agency.
▪ Evaluate investment decision-making criteria for entrepreneurial funding agencies.

Case overview/synopsis
Kartikey Rajput, the promoter of a food park Urban Chowk, was waiting for the Covid regulations in the country to be relaxed. The entrepreneur in him found a business opportunity to provide hygienic food with a beautiful ambience and floated a food park (Urban Chowk) with the support of his wife Nikita Agrawal in 2017 and the second edition amidst Covid in 2020. The business model was well-appreciated by food vendors as well as customers. Rajput could see future growth potential in urban India. But his aggressive business plan to open five food parks in different cities in the next three years was disrupted due to the Covid pandemic. The expansion required huge investments, and post-pandemic challenges were plenty. The decision to go beyond Ahmedabad required the selection of cities besides the major challenge of the financing choice. The new cities might have huge footfall potential but finding the right location at the right price was a different challenge. Rajput was also concerned with the sources of getting the required finances. The entrepreneur was contemplating and evaluating the alternative sources of finance available to a start-up.

Complexity academic level
This case is appropriate for a graduate and post-graduate level programme in the courses like entrepreneurial finance, entrepreneurship and strategy. This case can also be used in an executive programme on management and Management Development Programmes (MDPs) on entrepreneurship or entrepreneurial finance.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject Code
CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
Motives for granting additional remuneration to majority managers, by Tunisian limited liability companies, alongside their share in profits
Authors: Abdelmoula Lassaad 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the motives for granting additional remuneration to majority managers in Tunisian limited liability companies. The theoretical explanation is based on the tax avoidance hypothesis on the one hand and on the conflict of interests hypothesis on the other hand.Design/methodology/approachThe sample used consists of 48 Tunisian limited liability companies throughout the period ranging from 2015 to 2020. The authors use the panel data with the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimate in first difference.FindingsThe results provide evidence of a positive relationship between the accounting performance of the company and the granting of additional remuneration to majority managers, alongside their share in profits. What is more, there is a positive relationship between the change in the company's accounting results and the granting of additional remuneration to majority managers, alongside their share in profits. Likewise, the tax avoidance carried out by the firm is positively and significantly correlated with the granting of additional remuneration to majority managers, alongside their share in profits.Practical implicationsThe results may help corporations consider their future growth opportunities. This is in a context where the approach to tax avoidance and conflict of interests occupies a central place in the assessment of the granting of additional remuneration to majority managers, alongside their share in profits.Originality/valueThis article is motivated by the low number of works in the context of granting additional remuneration to majority managers, alongside their share in profits. It makes a substantial contribution to the academic literature through adding to the limited body of research on tax avoidance and conflict of interests in a corporate context.
Collaborative slot secondary allocation based on flight wave operation
Authors: Chen Kejia , Chen Jintao , Yang Lixi , Yang Xiaoqian 
Published: December 2022

PurposeFlights are often delayed owing to emergencies. This paper proposes a cooperative slot secondary assignment (CSSA) model based on a collaborative decision-making (CDM) mechanism, and the operation mode of flight waves designs an improved intelligent algorithm to solve the optimal flight plan and minimize the total delay of passenger time.Design/methodology/approachTaking passenger delays, transfer delays and flight cancellation delays into account comprehensively, the total delay time is minimized as the objective function. The model is verified by a linear solver and compared with the first come first service (FCFS) method to prove the effectiveness of the method. An improved adaptive partheno-genetic algorithm (IAPGA) using hierarchical serial number coding was designed, combining elite and roulette strategies to find pareto solutions.FindingsComparing and analyzing the experimental results of various scale examples, the optimization model in this paper is greatly optimized compared to the FCFS method in terms of total delay time, and the IAPGA algorithm is better than the algorithm before in terms of solution performance and solution set quality.Originality/valueBased on the actual situation, this paper considers the operation mode of flight waves. In addition, the flight plan solved by the model can be guaranteed in terms of feasibility and effectiveness, which can provide airlines with reasonable decision-making opinions when reassigning slot resources.
Barriers to the adoption of digital servitization: a case of the Sri Lankan manufacturing sector
Authors: Weerabahu Weerabahu Mudiyanselage Samanthi Kumari , Samaranayake Premaratne , Nakandala Dilupa , Lau Henry , Malaarachchi Dasun Nirmala 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThis research aims to identify, examine and evaluate barriers to the adoption of digital servitization in manufacturing firms in the case of the Sri Lankan manufacturing sector and analyze the inter-relationships among digital servitization barriers.Design/methodology/approachBased on the comprehensive literature review, 13 barriers were identified. The grey decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (grey-DEMATEL) approach was used to uncover and analyze the relationships among barriers in terms of their overall influence and dependencies.FindingsA prominent barrier to the success of adopting digital servitization in the Sri Lankan manufacturing sector is the lack of digital strategy in developing activities related to the design of digital service packages, organizational structures and processes. Supply chain integration is the most influential factor, which plays an important role in developing a competitive advantage by encouraging innovation process capabilities in servitized companies.Practical implicationsIndustry practitioners can develop guidelines for adopting digital servitization practices based on the importance and interdependencies of different barriers and thereby prioritize projects within a program of digital servitization adoption in their organizations.Originality/valueResearch studies on barriers to digital servitization are limited to exploratory nature and have adopted mainly the qualitative approach, such as in-depth interviews. No empirical study has investigated the inter-relationships among digital servitization adoption barriers in the manufacturing sector. This study provides a holistic view of different barriers to the adoption of digital servitization in the manufacturing sector as a basis for developing comprehensive digital servitization strategies to manage and leverage complexity in digital transformation.
Economic growth through digitalization in Africa: does financial sector development play a mediating role?
Authors: Iddrisu Abdul Ganiyu , Chen Bei 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse economic growth in Africa focussing on the role of digitalization and financial sector development.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ country-level data from 36 African countries over the period 2000–2020 and used fixed effect, random effect and the Hausman–Taylor estimation techniques.FindingsThe study, first finds that, digitalization propels financial sector development in Africa. Building on this, the study further finds that, digitalization conditioned on financial sector development at best does not promote economic growth in Africa. However, results of the net effects suggest that digitalization, overall, improve economic growth in Africa.Social implicationsIn the current environment of a sluggish global economy, digitalization can play an important role in assisting policymakers to spur economic growth. This has attracted the attention of many researchers in the developed world. However, little is done about the subject matter in Africa.Originality/valueThe findings of this paper are novel in the African sub-region with important policy implications.