bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RegFormer: A Single-Cell Foundation Model Powered by Gene Regulatory Hierarchies
Authors: Hu Luni , Qiu Ping , Qin Hua , Cao Lei , Jiang Wenjian , Feng Boyu , Zhang Yilin , Chen Qianqian , Shang Yanbang , Xia Tianyi , Deng Ziqing , Xu Xun , Fang Shuangsang , Li Yuxiang , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2025

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has significantly advanced our understanding of cellular diversity and the molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes. However, existing computational models often struggle to incorporate essential biological knowledge, handle sparse and noisy data, and scale effectively across large datasets. To address these challenges, we introduce RegFormer, a novel foundation model specifically designed for scRNA-seq analysis. RegFormer integrates hierarchical relationships from gene regulatory networks (GRNs) through an innovative architecture based on Mamba Blocks, enabling more effective modeling of gene interactions and cellular states. Pretrained on a vast dataset of 22 million human cells and comprising approximately 50 million parameters, RegFormer employs dual embeddings to separately capture gene expression levels and gene identities. This approach enhances interpretability by aligning gene expression data with regulatory hierarchies, offering more precise biological insights. Extensive evaluations demonstrate that RegFormer outperforms existing state-of-the-art models, such as scGPT, Geneformer, scFoundation, and scBERT, across a wide range of tasks, including cell annotation, GRN construction, genetic perturbation prediction, and drug response prediction. By combining cutting-edge deep learning techniques with biological knowledge, RegFormer not only improves accuracy and interpretability but also provides deeper insights into cellular processes and regulatory mechanisms, positioning it as a powerful tool for advancing biological discovery.
CDP-DAG synthases regulate plant growth and broad-spectrum disease resistance
Authors: Tan Ronglei , Sha Gan , Gong Qiuwen , Yang Lei , Wei Yang , Liu Xiaofan , Li Yufei , Cheng Jiasen , Du XinQiao , Xue Hongwei , Li Qiang , Luo Jie , Li Guotian
Published: January 2025

Phosphatidic acid (PA) functions as a cell membrane component and signaling molecule in plants. PA metabolism has multiple routes, in one of which PA is converted into cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol (CDP-DAG) by CDP-DAG synthases (CDSs). CDS genes are highly conserved in plants. Here, we found that knock-down of the CDS gene enhanced the resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana to multiple pathogens, with a growth penalty. When Arabidopsis leaves were treated with chitin or flg22, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cds mutants was significantly higher than that in the wild-type (WT). Similarly, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the cds1cds2 double mutant was significantly increased compared to the WT. By integrating lipidomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics data, PA accumulation was observed in mutants cds1cds2, activating the jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway, and increasing transcript levels of plant defense-related genes. Significant accumulation of the downstream metabolites including serotonin and 5-methoxyindole was also found, which plays important roles in plant immunity. In conclusion, our study indicated the role of CDSs in broad-spectrum disease resistance in Arabidopsis and that CDSs are involved in plant metabolic regulation.
The TARZN complex bindsde novoenhancer mutations and promotes oncogenic expression in T-ALL
Authors: Zaal Anuar Nurkaiyisah , Goh Chai Yeen , Chua Boon Haow , Tan Shi Hao , Costa Joana R. , Mansour Marc R. , Sanda Takaomi , Kappei Dennis
Published: January 2025

TAL1 is overexpressed in 40-60% of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cases and forms an oncogenic core regulatory circuit (CRC) with other transcription factors such as LMO1, LMO2 and GATA3. In 5% of T-ALL cases an insertion of a consensus GT dinucleotide (MuTE) is observed upstream of theTAL1gene, driving TAL1 overexpression. Using anin vitroreconstitution DNA pull-down assay combined with quantitative mass spectrometry, we identified proteins that preferentially bound to the MuTE sequence and demonstrated that among the candidates the RNA methyltransferase TARBP1 and the zinc finger proteins ZBTB2, ZBTB25 and ZNF639 form a complex that we term TARZN. Interestingly, the TARZN complex also bound tode novosuper enhancer sites upstream of theLMO1andLMO2genes in T-ALL cells, indicating a putative common mechanism between these different non-coding driver mutations. Furthermore, knock-down of all TARZN members resulted in lower TAL1 protein expression in MuTE-positive but not in MuTE-negative T-ALL cells. Given TARZN’s methyltransferase activity and the lack of concomitantTAL1mRNA level changes, we investigated reduced TAL1 translation and identified reduced neo-synthesised TAL1 protein levels upon TARBP1 knockdown. Overall, these data suggest that the TARZN complex promotes oncogenic expression in T-ALL via co-transcriptional RNA methylation.
CFTR High Expresser BEST4+ cells are pH-sensing neuropod cells: new implications for intestinal physiology and Cystic Fibrosis disease
Authors: Dos Reis Diego Carlos , Jin Jason , Santos Anderson , Muiler Caroline , Zagoren Eleanor , Donnelley Martin , Parsons David , Cmielewski Patricia , Reyne Nicole , McCarron Alexandra , Smith Zachary , Sumigray Kaelyn , Ameen Nadia A.
Published: January 2025

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies identified a novel subpopulation of epithelial cells along the rostrocaudal axis of human intestine specifically marked by bestrophin 4 (BEST4) that are enriched for genes regulating pH, GPCR acid-sensing receptors, satiety, cGMP signaling, HCO3- secretion, ion transport, neuropeptides, and paracrine hormones. Interestingly, BEST4+ cells in the proximal small intestine express CFTR but have not been linked to the previously described CFTR High Expresser Cell (CHE) subpopulation in rat and human intestine. ScRNA-seq studies in rat jejunum identified CHEs and a gene expression profile consistent with human small intestinal BEST4+ and neuropod cells. Protein immunolocalization confirmed that CHEs express CFTR, BEST4, neuropod proteins, high levels of intracellular uroguanylin (UGN), guanylyl cyclase-C (GC-C), and the proton channel otopetrin 2 (OTOP2), and display long basal processes connecting to neurons. OTOP2, GC-C, and CFTR traffic robustly into the apical domain of CHEs in response to acidic luminal conditions, indicating their roles in luminal pH regulation. In the ΔF508 cystic fibrosis (CF) rat jejunum, the loss of apical CFTR did not affect BEST4 protein expression in CHEs. However, there was an increased abundance of CHE cells in the ΔF508 rat jejunum compared to wild-type animals. Furthermore, ΔF508 rat CHEs expressed higher levels of GC-C at the apical domain compared to wild-type. These data implicate CHEs in intestinal CF disease pathogenesis.
Discovery of Chemical Tools for Polysorbate-Degradative Enzyme Control in Biopharmaceutical Upstream Process via Multi-Omic Profiling of Host Cell Clones
Authors: Tsukidate Taku , Sahoo Ansuman , Pendyala Geetanjali , Yang Rong-Sheng , Welch Jonathan , Madabhushi Sri , Li Xuanwen
Published: January 2025

Host cell proteins are process-related impurities in biotherapeutics and can potentially pose risks to patient safety and product quality. Specifically, certain host cell-derived enzymes, including lipases, can degrade the formulation excipient polysorbate (PS) in biopharmaceutical formulations, affecting drug product stability in liquid formulations. We leveraged multi-omics approaches, including transcriptomics, proteomics, and activity-based protein profiling (ABPP), to identify mechanisms that regulate PS-degradative enzyme (PSDE) abundance and to develop strategies for their control. Comparative multi-omics analysis of two monoclonal antibodies (mAb)-producing host cell clones revealed differential lipase profiles at the mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity levels and associated increased lipase activity with upregulated lipid catabolic pathways such as the fatty acid beta oxidation pathway. Further, for the first time in the literature, we identified peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) as a key regulator of PSDEs in manufacturing Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. Downregulation of the PPARγ pathway with its antagonists resulted in selective reduction of PSDE levels and improved PS stability without compromising mAb productivity or quality. This study highlights the potential of PPARγ modulators as chemical tools for PSDE control at the gene regulation level, offering significant implications for biopharmaceutical process development and control.
External Causes of Death in Sulaymaniyah City in 2022
Authors: Rasul Kawan Sarkawt , Hassan Hemn Ramazan , Abdalla Eram Faraidun , Hamaamin Lana Fuad , Ahmed Sozyar Jamal , Reza Xalat Omer , Tahir Farman Fuad , Faraj Payam Osman
Published: January 2025

Background: External causes of death like injuries, violence, and accidents have a great impact on population and depletion of health resources. Accurate and precise data on external causes is important for informing public health policies. This study analyzed the most common external causes of death in Sulaymaniyah city during 2022 and examined characteristics of the deceased individuals. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 499 cases of death from external causes in Sulaymaniyah in the year 2022. These data were obtained from the Medico-Legal Institute. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and chi-square tests were performed to find out common causes, sex differences, and age patterns. Results: Out of 499 cases, road traffic accidents (36.1%) were the most common cause, followed by burn injuries (17.2%) and gunshot wounds (16.8%). Males predominated with a 2.4:1 ratio over females. Road accidents were more common among males, while burn injuries were higher in females. All age-groups were affected mainly by road traffic accidents, and the age group of 25-44 years was most affected. Burn injuries and gunshot wounds were prevalent causes across age-groups 15-44. Conclusion: Road traffic accidents, burn injuries, and gunshot wounds were the major external causes of death in Sulaymaniyah in 2022, with distinct sex and age patterns. Findings suggest prompt needs for improving road safety, applying burn prevention strategies, and planning interventions for vulnerable groups to reduce this preventable mortality burden
AGO1 interacts withNEAT1lncRNA and impacts nuclear compartments
Authors: Shuaib Muhammad , Mannen Taro , Yamazaki Tomohiro , Adroub Sabir Abdu , Ghosheh Yanal , Albawardi Waad , Hirose Tetsuro , Orlando Valerio
Published: January 2025

Argonaute 1 (AGO1), a central component of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, has recently been implicated in nuclear functions, particularly in chromatin organization and gene regulation. However, the role of AGO1 in lncRNA-driven nuclear compartmentalization remains elusive. In this study, we uncover a novel function for AGO1 in the regulation of nuclear architecture through its interaction with the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)NEAT1.NEAT1lncRNA is required for the formation of paraspeckles, nuclear substructures involved in multiple cellular processes. We show that AGO1 physically interacts withNEAT1and other key paraspeckle proteins (PSPs) and co-localizes with paraspeckles in the nucleus. AGO1 depletion disrupts expression of bothNEAT1isoforms, reduces the interaction of essential PSPs withNEAT1lncRNA, and leads to impaired paraspeckle formation. Furthermore, depletion ofNEAT1results in the mis-localization of AGO1 from paraspeckles and alters active chromatin compartments. Together, our findings establish a new functional relationship between AGO1 andNEAT1in nuclear compartmentalization and chromatin architecture.
Temporal dedifferentiation of neural states with age during naturalistic viewing
Authors: Lugtmeijer Selma , Oetringer Djamari , Geerligs Linda , Campbell Karen L
Published: January 2025

While life is experienced continuously, we tend to perceive it as a series of events. At a neural level, this event segmentation process has been linked to changes in neural states. An open question is whether these neural states differ with age. Participants (N = 577) from the CamCAN cohort viewed an 8-min movie during fMRI. A data-driven state segmentation method was used to identify neural state changes. To study the effects of age, participants were sorted into 34 age groups. We show that neural states become significantly longer with increasing age, particularly in visual and ventromedial prefrontal cortices. Perceived event boundaries overlapped with state changes in superior temporal and dorsomedial prefrontal regions, but there was no effect of age on this relationship. Our results suggest reduced temporal differentiation of successive neural states with increasing age. Nevertheless, preserved alignment between neural states and perceived events suggests that coarse event segmentation remains intact.
Two unrelated distal genes activated by a shared enhancer benefit from localizing inside the same small topological domain
Authors: Huang Yike , Verstegen Marjon J.A.M. , Tjalsma Sjoerd J.D. , Krijger Peter H.L. , Gupta Kavvya , Park Minhee , Boettiger Alistair , de Laat Wouter
Published: January 2025

Enhancers are tissue-specific regulatory DNA elements that can activate transcription of genes over distance. Their target genes most often are located in the same contact domain—chromosomal entities formed by cohesin DNA loop extrusion and typically flanked by CTCF-bound boundaries. Enhancers shared by multiple unrelated genes are underexplored but may be more common than anticipated. Here, we analyzed the interplay between an enhancer and two distal functionally unrelated genes residing at opposite domain boundaries. The enhancer strongly activated their expression and supported their frequent interactions. Cohesin structured the domain and supported their transcription, but the genes did not rely on each other's transcription or show gene competition. Deleting either domain boundary not only extended the contact domain but led to reduced contacts within the original domain and reduction in the expression of both genes. Conversely, by isolating either gene with the enhancer in shorter domains, through insertion of new CTCF boundaries, intradomain contact frequencies increased, and the gene isolated with the enhancer was upregulated. Collectively, this shows that an enhancer can independently activate unrelated distal genes and that long-range gene regulation benefits from operating in small contact domains.
The influence of exposure to early-life adversity on agency-modulated reinforcement learning
Authors: Dorfman Hayley M. , Dong Bryan J.W. , McLaughlin Katie A. , Phelps Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2025

Agency beliefs influence how humans learn from different contexts and outcomes. Research demonstrates that stressors, such as exposure to early-life adversity (ELA), are associated with both agency beliefs and learning, but how these processes interact remains unclear. The current study investigated whether exposure to ELA influences agency and interacts with reinforcement learning in adults. Replicating prior behavioral and computational work, ELA resulted in decreased learning, while increased adversity severity was associated with decreased latent agency beliefs. These findings suggest that exposure to adversity in childhood has a nuanced impact on reinforcement learning and agency beliefs in adulthood.
Neutrino electromagnetic properties and the weak mixing angle at the LHC Forward Physics Facility
Authors: Abraham Roshan Mammen , Foroughi-Abari Saeid , Kling Felix , Tsai Yu-Dai
Published: January 2025

The LHC produces an intense beam of highly energetic neutrinos of all three flavors in the forward direction, and the Forward Physics Facility (FPF) has been proposed to house a suite of experiments taking advantage of this opportunity. In this study, we investigate the FPF’s potential to probe the neutrino electromagnetic properties, including neutrino millicharge, magnetic moment, and charge radius. We find that, due to the large flux of tau neutrinos at the LHC, the FPF detectors will be able to provide more sensitive constraints on the tau neutrino magnetic moment and millicharge than previous measurements at DONUT, by searching for excess in low recoil energy electron scattering events. We also find that, by precisely measuring the rate of neutral current deep inelastic scattering events, the FPF detectors have the potential to obtain the strongest experimental bounds on the neutrino charge radius for the electron neutrino, and one of the leading bounds for the muon neutrino flavor. The same signature could also be used to measure the weak mixing angle, and we estimate that sin2θW could be measured to about 3% precision at a scale Q∼10  GeV, shedding new light on the longstanding NuTeV anomaly.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Direct statistical simulation of the Lorenz96 system in model reduction approaches
Authors: Li Kuan , Tobias Steven M. , Marston J. B.
Published: January 2025

Direct statistical simulation (DSS) of nonlinear dynamical systems bypasses the traditional route of accumulating statistics by lengthy direct numerical simulations by solving the equations that govern the statistics themselves. DSS suffers, however, from the curse of dimensionality as the statistics (such as correlations) generally have higher dimensions than the underlying dynamical variables. Here we investigate two approaches to reduce the dimensionality of DSS, illustrating each method with numerical experiments with the Lorenz96 dynamical system. The forms of DSS chosen here involve approximate closures at second and third order in the equal-time cumulants. We demonstrate significant reduction in computational effort that can be achieved without sacrificing the accuracy of DSS. The methods developed here can be applied to turbulent fluid and magnetohydrodynamical systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Role of analogies with classical physics in introductory quantum physics teaching
Authors: Rodriguez Luiza Vilarta , van der Veen Jan T. , de Jong Ton
Published: January 2025

In this study, we explore the use of analogies with classical physics in introductory quantum physics (QP) teaching. This work is part of a larger project in which a learning sequence covering three introductory QP topics was designed, tested, and evaluated in collaboration with high school teachers and physics education researchers. Based on the theoretical foundations of guided inquiry-based learning and collaborative learning, three lessons covering the topics of photoelectric effect, wave-particle duality, and tunneling were developed. For each lesson, a digital inquiry learning space (ILS) was created which implemented a digital laboratory for performing experiments with specific interactive assignments and multimedia material. For this study, each ILS was adapted into two distinct versions, to be applied with students in two experimental conditions: one in which analogies with classical physics were present in the lessons, and one in which such analogies were avoided. Six classes of Dutch upper-secondary students (n=89) were assigned to one of the conditions and followed the respective version of the learning sequence during a period of approximately 6 weeks. Students’ answers to ILS activities were logged and used for a qualitative analysis. Once the learning sequence was finished, students took a post-test covering all three QP topics and scores were compared between the analogy and no analogy conditions. After correcting for students’ overall performance in physics, we found that students in the no analogy condition scored significantly higher on the post-test than the analogy condition for two out of the three QP topics (wave-particle duality and tunneling). An accompanying qualitative analysis suggests that the use of analogies with classical physics might hinder QP learning, as some students manifested difficulties in grasping the limitations of the classical analogies that were used in the materials.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Decoherence-enabled unconditional strongly sub-Poissonian squeezing
Authors: Xu Qing , Zhang Ke , Shen Xiaobo , Yu Haijun , Zhu Jiabing
Published: January 2025

It is generally accepted that the role of quantum decoherence is to spoil the quantum superpositions and to yield the emergence of the classical behaviors from quantum mechanics. Contrary to the common knowledge of decoherence, we propose a scheme to generate a steady-state bright source of strongly sub-Poissonian squeezed light using the environmentally induced decoherence. The disappearance of the process of decoherence disables the generation of the squeezed state of the combination modes, while the presence of the decoherence results in the strongly nonclassical light source at the sub-shot-noise level and even near-perfect sub-Poissonian squeezed state of light. This excludes the use of the paradigm that the good insulation of a quantum system from its surrounding environment is highly desirable to explore its quantum property and fuel the growth of quantum information science. The interactions with the atom make no contribution to the preparation of squeezed light. These counterintuitive results are originated from the intrinsic quantum reservoir in the dressed-atom combination mode picture, which may open the door to exploring high levels of squeezing induced by the decoherence in the stationary regime.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
PyBibX – a Python library for bibliometric and scientometric analysis powered with artificial intelligence tools
Authors: Pereira Valdecy , Basilio Marcio Pereira , Santos Carlos Henrique Tarjano
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper presents pyBibX, a Python library devised to conduct comprehensive bibliometric and scientometric analyses on raw data files sourced from Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed, seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into its core functionality.

Design/methodology/approach

The library executes a comprehensive exploratory data analysis (EDA), presenting outcomes via visually appealing graphical illustrations. Network capabilities have been deftly integrated, encompassing citation, collaboration and similarity analysis. Furthermore, the library incorporates AI capabilities, including embedding vectors, topic modeling, text summarization and other general natural language processing tasks, employing models such as sentence-BERT, BerTopic, BERT, chatGPT and PEGASUS.

Findings

As a demonstration, we have analyzed 184 documents associated with “multiple-criteria decision analysis” published between 1984 and 2023. The EDA emphasized a growing fascination with decision-making and fuzzy logic methodologies. Next, network analysis further accentuated the significance of central authors and intra-continental collaboration, identifying Canada and China as crucial collaboration hubs. Finally, AI analysis distinguished two primary topics and chatGPT’s preeminence in text summarization. It also proved to be an indispensable instrument for interpreting results, as our library enables researchers to pose inquiries to chatGPT regarding bibliometric outcomes. Even so, data homogeneity remains a daunting challenge due to database inconsistencies.

Originality/value

PyBibX is the first application integrating cutting-edge AI capabilities for analyzing scientific publications, enabling researchers to examine and interpret these outcomes more effectively. pyBibX is freely available at https://bit.ly/442wD5z.
ANP-MEAT-based evaluation of the performance of rural infrastructure provision in Mainland China
Authors: Zhu Lei , Sun Jinting , Zhang Lina , Du Jing , Li Dezhi , Zhao Xianbo
Published: January 2025

Purpose

It is a complex and dynamic process to provide high-quality rural infrastructure. However, there lacks a holistic performance evaluation method for rural infrastructure provision that reflects changing rural social needs and takes a village as a whole. This study aims to develop a holistic and dynamic performance evaluation model for rural infrastructure in Mainland China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study established an evaluation index system by combining the lifecycle theory and the economy, efficiency, effectiveness and equity (4E) theory. This study developed an evaluation model by using the analytic network process (ANP) and matter-element analysis theory (MEAT). The model was validated by two representative villages in Mainland China.

Findings

The developed model can reflect dynamic social needs and effectively evaluate the overall infrastructure provision performance of a village. The weight of indicators reflects the changes in Mainland China’s contemporary rural social needs, with particular emphasis on the impact and output performance. The evaluation result shows that the overall performance of the representative villages was excellent but had a tendency toward good. Although the output performance was excellent, different input, process and impact performances resulted in different downgrade trends.

Originality/value

This study provides a theoretical basis for disaggregating the complex issue of the performance of rural infrastructure provision. The results can be used by relevant authorities to make a holistic and dynamic evaluation of the performance of rural infrastructure provision and timely revise planning and management policies.
Women working in public and private sector organisations in Oman: are they free to glide?
Authors: Belwal Rakesh , Al Fazari Maryam , Mansour Shwaky
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study examines the condition of working women within Oman’s socioeconomic framework, emphasizing their underrepresentation in senior management, the effects of workplace constraints on career progression and solutions to enhance opportunities for women in leadership roles.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The quantitative phase involved a survey of 215 Omani professionals − 87 male and 128 female, with data analysed using IBM SPSS 28 and SmartPLS 4. Analyses included measures of central tendency and deviation as well as PLS SEM-based path analysis and multigroup analyses.

Findings

The inclusion of women positively influences their career advancement, while harassment and gender discrimination hinder progress. Gender discrimination has a more substantial effect at lower and middle levels but is less impactful at the top level. Harassment affects women over 40 more significantly, with little impact on younger women. Additionally, domestic gender roles particularly hinder the career advancement of women in the 31–40 age group.

Practical implications

The practical consequences encompass the establishment of mentorship programmes, the provision of networking opportunities and the promotion of gender equity awareness. These programmes promote an inclusive workplace, facilitating women’s professional growth. Mentorship and networking offer crucial assistance and connections, whereas growing awareness of gender biases fosters equity and equal treatment for all employees. These initiatives jointly foster a more equal work environment.

Social implications

By implementing sustainable measures and fostering a culture of equity and inclusivity, Oman can prevent gender discrimination and further solidify its commitment to gender equality. This will create an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to succeed and thrive.

Originality/value

This research is distinctive within the Omani setting, as no previous studies have explicitly examined women’s career progression from a socioeconomic perspective.
Sustainable, greener and safer asphalt pavements considerations under tropical conditions
Authors: Rughooputh Reshma , Qasrawi Hisham , Veeramah Avinaash
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The main aim of this paper was to investigate the possibility of obtaining green sustainable asphalt mixes by using two different recycled materials: reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and crumb rubber (CR) from scrap tyres. With the numerous environmental and social benefits brought about, the use of modified hot mix asphalt and warm mix asphalt (WMA) mixtures should be the focal point of the construction policies in developing countries. Adaptation of this solution would result in an economical and sustainable green pavement with high resilience and safer workspace area with less fumes and odours for asphalt workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental work-testing one control mix and modified design mixes, which have been modified either by RAP, CR, a WMA additive or any combination of the latter three products.

Findings

From the different test results, it can be rightly concluded that the addition of CR and RAP do enhance the properties of asphalt mixes to a varying degree. While CR adds a certain flexibility to the mixes and reduces the voids present, the presence of RAP has an amplified effect on stability, especially when coupled with rubberised WMA.

Research limitations/implications

Marshall method still used as opposed to Superpave method in developing countries (Mauritius, Jordan here in).

Originality/value

A study for Tropical Island and its uniqueness to add to present knowledge.
Effectuation, causation and CEO tenure: navigating SME performance in dynamic environments
Authors: Kozachenko Ekaterina
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Amidst global economic uncertainties, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are confronted with the pressing need to adapt to complex and ambiguous external landscapes. This study aims to investigate how the decision-making strategies of causation and effectuation are related to the performance of Russian SMEs and whether and how this relationship is moderated by CEO tenure.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 602 Russian SMEs, hierarchical linear modeling and its estimation using ordinary least squares is conducted. Robustness checks and post hoc analysis are performed.

Findings

The findings provide insights into effectuation theory by looking at and testing its basic tenets in an underexplored context and investigating the direct and moderated effects of causation and effectuation on SME performance. Moreover, the study builds upon upper-echelons theory (UET) by considering CEO tenure – an individual-level characteristic – as a moderator in the effectuation/causation and SME performance relationship. A framework for understanding how executives’ attributes shape organizational strategies and outcomes is provided.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to effectuation theory by testing its core principles in emerging market context, examining both direct and moderated effects of causation and effectuation on SME performance. Moreover, the study builds upon upper-echelons theory (UET) by considering CEO tenure – an individual-level characteristic – as a moderator in the effectuation/causation and SME performance relationship. This study offers a framework for understanding how executive characteristics shape organizational strategies and outcomes in emerging markets.
Bank stability in the Eurozone: a comprehensive analysis of key determinants (2006–2021)
Authors: Hajdini Artan , Hoti Arber
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Banks are the primary financial institutions that play a crucial role in the financial system, as their stability is essential for a sustained economy. Therefore, this research article aimed to unveil the determinants of bank stability in the Eurozone countries for 2006–2021.

Design/methodology/approach

Most of the data used in this analysis (i.e. the dependent and independent variables) were obtained from a single credible international source, the Global Economy database. We considered several regression models in this study and concluded that the Hausman–Taylor estimation model was the most appropriate for the data in question.

Findings

Overall, the research reliably reported nine independent variables (out of eleven included in the regression analysis equation) that were found to be essential for bank stability, as prescribed by the banking system z-scores. Of course, the Hausman–Taylor model was not a biased choice but a scientifically justifiable one.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis is limited by data availability and the chosen econometric model, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Future research should consider a broader set of variables and alternative modeling approaches.

Originality/value

This research provides a novel integration of macroeconomic and bank-specific factors in analyzing bank stability, offering valuable insights for policymakers and regulators in the Eurozone.
Optimizing health system volume flexibility: key determinants and strategies during the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Choi Seongwon , Powers Thomas
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The need to match highly variable demand for healthcare services with existing capacity has been a significant health system challenge experienced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite mounting research on various COVID-19 responses in the recent literature, there has not been a structured review examining key determinants of health system volume flexibility. The focus of the present research is to review recent literature based on a conceptual framework developed based on the volume flexibility literature on COVID-19. The review also provides a meaningful way to guide practice and future research in the area.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was performed guided by the theoretical frameworks developed in the previous volume of flexibility literature. Selected research papers were reviewed and analyzed to identify key determinants of health system volume flexibility.

Findings

Seven determinants of health system volume flexibility under three domains (demand management, capacity management, and performance) included demand management strategies, integration, capacity management strategies, workforce management, technology, quality of disease outcomes, and health system knowledge.

Originality/value

The research provides both health systems researchers as well as practitioners with a foundational conceptual framework and knowledge related to health system volume flexibility. In addition, this research identifies future research areas to expand knowledge relevant to health system volume flexibility.
Consumer perceptions of AI chatbots on Twitter (X) and Reddit: an analysis of social media sentiment and interactive marketing strategies
Authors: Graham Christian , Stough Rusty
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study investigated consumer perceptions of AI chatbots focusing on sentiment analysis across Twitter (X) and Reddit during ChatGPT3 through ChatGPT4 launches. It identifies user sentiments: positive, negative, or neutral and explores their impact on chatbot deployment in interactive marketing. The goal was to understand consumer engagement dynamics and provide insights for enhancing marketing strategies and consumer interactions with chatbots.

Design/methodology/approach

Using sentiment analysis, this research examined the nature and scope of discussions surrounding AI chatbots. This methodological approach allowed for a nuanced understanding of the predominant sentiments: positive, negative, or neutral, expressed by users providing insights into consumer engagement and interaction patterns.

Findings

The findings reveal a diverse range of consumer sentiments toward ChatGPT 3, reflecting varying degrees of acceptance and skepticism. These varied sentiments are crucial for organizations in shaping their interactive marketing strategies, particularly in how they deploy chatbots for consumer engagement and brand interaction.

Practical implications

Trust and positive sentiment toward ChatGPT, particularly on platforms like Twitter and Reddit, suggest it is becoming part of everyday life. However, concerns about its impact on human jobs and the lack of emotional intelligence persist. Users still weigh the benefits and drawbacks of ChatGPT, with negative and neutral sentiments reflecting these worries. For interactive marketers, this presents an opportunity to differentiate through human interaction in customer-facing roles. Addressing the risks and ethical concerns of AI, marketers can better engage consumers and refine strategies for future chatbot deployments, ensuring AI enhances rather than detracts from the customer experience.

Originality/value

This paper makes a unique contribution to the existing literature by demonstrating how consumer perceptions, rather than mere acceptance, directly influence the strategic use of AI chatbots in interactive marketing. By focusing on perceptions, this study offers deeper insights from social media sentiment analysis that can refine marketing campaigns and enhance consumer engagement with emerging technologies in the digital landscape.
The negative expectation–performance gap and internationalization speed of EMNEs: the moderating effect of organizational slack
Authors: Yi Changjun , Li Chuwei , Yan Chun , Guo Minmin , Zhao Xiaoyang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the negative expectation–performance gap on the internationalization speed as well as the moderating role of organizational slack, based on the performance feedback theory and the springboard perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes the Chinese A-share listed companies engaged in outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) between 2010 and 2022 as the research sample. A two-way fixed effects model is employed to test the research hypotheses, using a dataset comprising 6,868 observations.

Findings

The findings show that there is a positive relationship between the negative expectation–performance gap and internationalization speed for Chinese multinational enterprises (CMNEs). In addition, this effect is stronger in private CMNEs. Furthermore, the relationship is negatively moderated by organizational slack. Additional findings suggest that that negative industry expectation-performance gap has a stronger impact on the internationalization speed. The moderating effect of unabsorbed slack resources is more pronounced.

Practical implications

When emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNEs) face the dilemma of underperforming, they may consider a rapid internationalization strategy as a solution to improve performance. However, EMNEs should be wary of falling into a resource trap. Organizational slack reduces managers’ incentives to identify issues associated with negative performance feedback, thereby diminishing the likelihood of addressing performance challenges through rapid internationalization. For state-owned EMNEs, optimizing organizational structure and improving the efficiency of responses to negative performance feedback are essential.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies, this paper integrates performance feedback theory and the springboard perspective to explore in depth the relationship between performance feedback, internationalization speed and organizational slack within the context of managers’ cognitive and decision-making mechanisms. It also examines the distinct impacts of historical and industry negative expectation–performance gaps as well as the different moderating roles of absorbed and unabsorbed organizational slack, which have not been explored together before.
Investigating patterns of knowledge production in research on three UN sustainable development goals
Authors: Klebel Thomas
Published: January 2025

Purpose

In today’s knowledge societies, scientific research is tasked to contribute to solving crucial problems, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Epistemic inequality, both in terms of who is able to contribute, and whose voices are being heard, could hamper our ability to develop solutions that meet the needs of all.

Design/methodology/approach

We assembled a set of publications published from 2006 to 2019 related to three SDGs (Health/Well-Being, Climate Action, Zero Hunger) by mapping Fields of Study from Microsoft Academic Graph to SDGs. Across this set, we investigate patterns of knowledge production, investigating gender, levels of institutional resourcing and contributions by world region, as well as Open Access availability of research.

Findings

Research related to the three SDGs is primarily published by researchers from institutions situated in the global North. Well-resourced institutions contribute disproportionately to the study of the three SDGs. The share of authorships by women is rising, but still far away from equity. We find higher ranked institutions to produce more OA articles, with a declining relationship between institutional ranking and the share of OA. Finally, we find overall higher shares of OA publishing across low- and high-income countries, compared to lower and upper medium income countries.

Originality/value

Mapping research contributions to SDGs by leveraging the comprehensive data available from Microsoft Academic Graph adds an important perspective to the study of SDG-related research.
Humanized algorithms matter! From enabling social exchange factors to building affective trust mechanism for facilitating gig workers’ task performance
Authors: Chen Jianyu , Chen Min
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Digital platform work monitored by algorithms is increasingly supplementing or substituting standard employment. Though gig workers are faced with the vulnerable, fragile and precarious digital platform work environment, the reason why gig workers remain highly willing to show good task performance has been so far unexamined. Building upon the reciprocity of the social exchange theory, this study aims to explore the antecedents and boundary condition of facilitating gig workers’ task performance.

Design/methodology/approach

First, to minimize common method variance, decline spurious mood effects and ensure data robustness, we conducted a two-wave time-lagged survey and collected 269 survey responses from gig workers on different gig platforms in China (e.g. Meituan, Eleme, Didi, Credamo, Zaihang) at two time nodes. Second, abiding by two stage procedures of the PLS-SEM (partial least square structural equation model) approach, we analyzed a moderated mediation model in the digital platform work context.

Findings

Results present that both platform work remuneration and flexibility help gig platforms develop an affective trust relationship with gig workers, thus encouraging them to repay the platform by performing platform tasks well. Algorithmic monitoring shows a “double-edged sword” moderating role since it weakens the indirectly positive relationship between platform work remuneration and task performance via affective trust but enhances the indirectly positive relationship between platform work flexibility and task performance via affective trust.

Practical implications

Understanding the importance of remuneration and flexibility in developing affective trust can help platforms design effective human resource management (HRM) strategies that enhance worker motivation of maintaining high engagement and performance under precarious working conditions. Additionally, optimizing the “double-edged sword” moderating role of algorithmic monitoring makes it more humanized, enhancing the efficiency with these HRM strategies and making both workers and platforms beneficial.

Originality/value

These findings offer an affective trust-based explanation for the mechanism of maintaining high work performance motivation in the nonstandard and precarious employment from the social exchange perspective, while understanding the (de)humanized aspect of algorithmic monitoring by revealing its “double-edged sword” moderating role.
The proportion of low abundance species is a key predictor of plant β‐diversity across the latitudinal gradient
Authors: Xiao Jing , Feng Yuantao , Zhang Huixin , Xu Chenchao , Zhang Kaihang , Cadotte Marc W. , Cheng Lei
Published: January 2025

The diversity of life displays very strong patterns of disparity across the Earth. Beta (β)‐diversity (species compositional differences among sites) of woody plants, for instance, has usually been documented to decline with increasing latitude. Understanding these patterns, however, remains a grand challenge in ecology and evolution.

We develop a mathematical model to explain patterns of β‐diversity across multiple landscapes. The model effectively predicts β‐diversity in simulated and natural communities, regardless of the types of species abundance distributions.

Our model provides the novel insight that the proportion of species in the lowest abundance category (PL), which represents the share of relatively rare species in the regional species pool, is the key predictor of plant β‐diversity. By applying the model to global forest inventories sampled from 40.7° S to 60.7° N, we find that PL explains nearly 85% of the variation in plant β‐diversity along the global latitudinal gradient. Through a series of numerical simulations, we further show that the predictive power of PL on plant β‐diversity on a global scale is largely determined by the variation of intraspecific aggregation among different communities.

Synthesis: We develop a new sampling model to predict patterns of β‐diversity and find that the PL explains the majority of the variation in plant β‐diversity along the latitudinal gradient. Our work provides a new tool in analysing β‐diversity and advances the theoretical understanding of large‐scale β‐diversity patterns across environmental gradients.
Ring A Cleaving Beta‐Diketone Hydrolase Is a Key Enzyme of Steroid Degradation in Anaerobic Bacteria
Authors: Jacoby Christian , Peller Lina , Wenzler Jana , Luttermann Monika , Seiche Wolfgang , Breit Bernhard , Boll Matthias
Published: January 2025

Bacterial degradation of ubiquitous and persistent steroids such as steroid hormones is important for their removal from the environment. Initial studies of steroid degradation in anaerobic bacteria suggested that ring‐cleaving hydrolases are involved in oxygen‐independent sterane skeleton degradation. However, the enzymes involved in ring A cleavage of the common intermediate androsta‐1,4‐diene‐3,17‐dione have remained unknown. Here, we enriched a ring A hydrolase from cholesterol/nitrate grown Sterolibacterium denitrificans and from Escherichia coli after heterologous expression of its gene. This enzyme specifically cleaves the cyclic 1,3‐diketone of the central degradation intermediate, androsta‐1,3,17‐trione to 1,17‐dioxo‐2,3‐seco‐androstan‐3‐oate (DSAO), a hallmark reaction of anaerobic steroid degradation. The highly conserved ring A hydrolase was identified in all known and many previously unknown steroid‐degrading proteobacteria. Using enriched enzymes, we enzymatically produced DSAO from the chemically synthesised androsta‐1‐en‐3,17‐dione precursor, allowing the identification of subsequent metabolites involved in ring A degradation. The results obtained suggest the involvement of an additional hydrolase, an aldolase, and a β‐oxidation‐like cascade for complete ring A degradation to form the three‐ring 5,10‐seco‐1,2,3,4‐tetranorandrosta‐5,17‐dione. The results identified a key enzyme of anaerobic steroid degradation that may serve as a functional marker for monitoring steroid contaminant degradation at anoxic environmental sites.