During stationary phase, prevents 70S dimer formation, probably in order to regulate translation efficiency during transition between the exponential and the stationary phases. In addition, during environmental stress such as cold shock or excessive cell density at stationary phase, stabilizes the 70S ribosome against dissociation, inhibits translation initiation and increase translation accuracy. When normal growth conditions are restored, is quickly released from the ribosome (By similarity). Associates mainly with 70S ribosomes. By environmental stress and during stationary phase. Belongs to the HPF/YfiA ribosome-associated protein family. YfiA subfamily.