bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Studies of Coffee Intake in UK/US Participants of European Ancestry Uncover Gene-Cohort Influences
Authors: Thorpe Hayley H A , Fontanillas Pierre , Pham Benjamin K , Meredith John J , Jennings Mariela V , Courchesne-Krak Natasia S , Vilar-Ribó Laura , Bianchi Sevim B , Mutz Julian ,   23andMe Research Team, Elson Sarah L , Khokhar Jibran Y , Abdellaoui Abdel , Davis Lea K , Palmer Abraham A , Sanchez-Roige Sandra
Published: September 2023

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of coffee intake in US-based 23andMe participants (N=130,153) and identified 7 significant loci, with many replicating in three multi-ancestral cohorts. We examined genetic correlations and performed a phenome-wide association study across thousands of biomarkers and health and lifestyle traits, then compared our results to the largest available GWAS of coffee intake from UK Biobank (UKB;N=334,659). The results of these two GWAS were highly discrepant. We observed positive genetic correlations between coffee intake and psychiatric illnesses, pain, and gastrointestinal traits in 23andMe that were absent or negative in UKB. Genetic correlations with cognition were negative in 23andMe but positive in UKB. The only consistent observations were positive genetic correlations with substance use and obesity. Our study shows that GWAS in different cohorts could capture cultural differences in the relationship between behavior and genetics.
Lifelong impacts of puberty timing on human plasma metabolic profiles
Authors: Li Zengjun , Fang Si , Liu Dong , Li Fei , Zhu Cairong , Zhao Jian
Published: September 2023

There has been uncertainty regarding the long-term impact of puberty timing on human plasma metabolites. This lack of clarity can be attributed to the influence of confounding factors present in conventional observational studies. To determine the causal effect of puberty timing on plasma metabolites, we employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, complemented by MR mediation analysis assessing the direct effect. We utilized data from a large-scale meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on puberty timing, consisting of 329,345 women of European ancestry, and a meta-analysis of GWAS on plasma metabolites, involving up to 86,507 individuals. Our findings provide moderate evidence supporting a causal effect of puberty timing on 23 out of 174 plasma metabolites. After excluding 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to birth weight and childhood adiposity, causal effects remained for 16 metabolites. Through two-step MR analysis, we observed strong evidence that adulthood adiposity mediated the causal relationships of puberty timing on 35 plasma metabolites. We also observed moderate evidence for an independent causal effect of puberty timing on 10 metabolites through multivariable MR analysis. We further used metabolomic data measured in the UK Biobank (UKB) to perform a replication analysis to validate the causal effect estimated. Nine amino acids were identified in the UKB, and the replication analysis supported our main findings.
A germline heterozygous dominant negativeIKZF2variant causing syndromic primary immune regulatory disorder and ICHAD
Authors: Lu Henry Y. , Vaseghi-Shanjani Maryam , Lam Avery J. , Sharma Mehul , Mohajeri Arezoo , Gillies Jana , Yang Gui Xiang , Lin Susan , Fu Maggie P. , Salman Areesha , Rahmanian Ronak , Armstrong Linlea , Halparin Jessica , Yang Connie L. , Chilvers Mark , Henkelman Erika , Rehmus Wingfield , Morrison Douglas , Setiadi Audi , Mostafavi Sara , Kobor Michael S. , Kozak Frederick K. , Biggs Catherine M. , Karnebeek Clara van , Hildebrand Kyla J. , Lehman Anna , Levings Megan K. , Turvey Stuart E.
Published: September 2023

Monogenic defects that impair the control of inflammation and tolerance lead to profound immune dysregulation, including autoimmunity and atopy. Studying these disorders reveals important molecular and cellular factors that regulate human immune homeostasis and identifies potential precision medicine targets. Here, we provide a detailed immunological assessment of a pediatric patient with a recently discovered syndrome causing Immunodysregulation, Craniofacial anomalies, Hearing impairment, Athelia, and Developmental delay (or ICHAD syndrome). The immunodysregulation resulted in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and atopic dermatitis. The patient carried ade novogermline heterozygous c.406+540_574+13477dup;p.Gly136_Ser191dup variant inIKAROS family zinc finger 2(IKZF2), which encodes Helios. This variant led to reduced Helios protein expression and dominant interference of wild-type Helios-mediated repression of theIL2promoter. Multi-parameter flow cytometric analyses of patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed strongly impaired natural killer cell differentiation and function, and increased CD8+T cell activation and cytokine secretion. Strikingly, patient CD4+T cells were hyperactive, produced elevated levels of nearly all T helper (TH) cytokines, and readily proliferated in response to stimulation. Patient regulatory T cells (Tregs) developed normally but aberrantly produced high levels of many THcytokines. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed largely normal Tregs (albeit mostly memory), but naïve CD4+T cells that were more enriched in genes related to activation, proliferation, metabolism, and THdifferentiation. This work describes the immunological phenotype of one of the first reported cases of germline dominant negative Helios deficiency, expands our understanding of the pathogenesis of AIHA on a single cell level, and provides valuable insights into Helios function in a variety of lymphocyte subsets.
Assessing the Impact of Pretraining Domain Relevance on Large Language Models Across Various Pathology Reporting Tasks
Authors: Lu Yunrui , Srinivasan Gokul , Preum Sarah , Pettus Jason , Davis Matthew , Greenburg Jack , Vaickus Louis , Levy Joshua
Published: September 2023

Deep learning (DL) algorithms continue to develop at a rapid pace, providing researchers access to a set of tools capable of solving a wide array of biomedical challenges. While this progress is promising, it also leads to confusion regarding task-specific model choices, where deeper investigation is necessary to determine the optimal model configuration. Natural language processing (NLP) has the unique ability to accurately and efficiently capture a patient’s narrative, which can improve the operational efficiency of modern pathology laboratories through advanced computational solutions that can facilitate rapid access to and reporting of histological and molecular findings. In this study, we use pathology reports from a large academic medical system to assess the generalizability and potential real-world applicability of various deep learning-based NLP models on reports with highly specialized vocabulary and complex reporting structures. The performance of each NLP model examined was compared across four distinct tasks: 1) current procedural terminology (CPT) code classification, 2) pathologist classification, 3) report sign-out time regression, and 4) report text generation, under the hypothesis that models initialized on domain-relevant medical text would perform better than models not attuned to this prior knowledge. Our study highlights that the performance of deep learning-based NLP models can vary meaningfully across pathology-related tasks. Models pretrained on medical data outperform other models where medical domain knowledge is crucial, e.g., current procedural terminology (CPT) code classification. However, where interpretation is more subjective (i.e., teasing apart pathologist-specific lexicon and variable sign-out times), models with medical pretraining do not consistently outperform the other approaches. Instead, fine-tuning models pretrained on general or unrelated text sources achieved comparable or better results. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of considering the nature of the task at hand when selecting a pretraining strategy for NLP models in pathology. The optimal approach may vary depending on the specific requirements and nuances of the task, and related text sources can offer valuable insights and improve performance in certain cases, contradicting established notions about domain adaptation. This research contributes to our understanding of pretraining strategies for large language models and further informs the development and deployment of these models in pathology-related applications.
A Network Analysis of Molecular Interactions to Study the Development of New-onset Diabetes and Hypertension after COVID-19 Infection Using Bioinformatics Tools
Authors: de Oliveira Andrade Luis Jesuino , de Oliveira Luisa Correia Matos , de Oliveira Gabriela Correia Matos , de Oliveira Luís Matos
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The association between COVID-19 infection and the development of new-onset diabetes and hypertension is an emerging area of research. However, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is still lacking. Network analysis using bioinformatics tools can provide valuable insights into the complex molecular interactions involved in these conditions after COVID-19 infection.

Objective

This study aims to use bioinformatics tools to analyze the network of molecular interactions related to new-onset diabetes and hypertension following COVID-19 infection.

Methods

Data from publicly available databases were utilized, including gene expression profiles and protein-protein interaction information. Differential expression analysis was performed to identify genes that were differentially expressed in individuals with new-onset diabetes and hypertension after COVID-19 infection compared to healthy controls. A protein interaction network was constructed using bioinformatics tools to explore the functional relationships among the identified differentially expressed genes.

Results

The network analysis revealed several key proteins and pathways related to the pathogenesis of new-onset diabetes and hypertension after COVID-19 infection. Notably, proteins involved in insulin signaling, glucose metabolism, inflammation, and blood pressure regulation were found to be prominently associated. The signaling pathway and the renin-angiotensin system were identified as key pathways in this context.

Conclusion

This study provides insights by showing a network-based perspective on the molecular interactions involved in the development of new-onset diabetes and hypertension after COVID-19 infection.
IMBALANCED MACHINE LEARNING CLASSIFICATION MODELS FOR REMOVAL BIOSIMILAR DRUGS AND INCREASED ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC DISEASES
Authors: Corredor David Castro , Calvo Pascual Luis Ángel
Published: September 2023

Objective

Predict long-term disease worsening and the removal of biosimilar medication in patients with rheumatic diseases.

Methodology

Observational, retrospective descriptive study. Review of a database of patients with immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases who switched from a biological drug (biosimilar or non-biosimilar) to a biosimilar drug for at least 6 months. We selected the most important variables, from 18 variables, using mutual information tests. As patients with disease worsening are a minority, it is very difficult to make models with conventional machine learning techniques, where the best models would always be trivial. For this reason, we computed different types of imbalanced machine learning models, choosing those with better f1-score and mean ROC AUC.

Results

We computed the best-imbalanced machine learning models to predict disease worsening and the removal of the biosimilar, with f1-scores of 0.52 and 0.63, respectively. Both models are decision trees. In the first one, two important factors are switching of biosimilar and age, and in the second, the relevant variables are optimization and the value of the initial PCR.

Conclusions

Biosimilar drugs do not always work well for rheumatic diseases. We obtain two imbalanced machine learning models to detect those cases, where the drug should be removed or where the activity of the disease increases from low to high. In our decision trees appear not previously studied variables, such as age, switching, or optimization.

Key points

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This is a real-life study of a large number of patients with biosimilar bDMARDs.

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Biosimilar drugs can be considered effective in rheumatic inflammatory diseases, as measured by ASDAS, DAPSA and DAS28.

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The bDMARDs biosimilars are safe drugs with a low number of side effects.

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After switching from the reference drug to a biosimilar drug, patients have a high withdrawal rate due to ineffectiveness.

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Our machine learning model (imbalanced machine learning) is able to predict when drug withdrawal and disease activity occur.
Diet influences community dynamics following vaginal group B Streptococcus colonization
Authors: Megli Christina J. , DePuyt Allison E. , Goff Julie P. , Munyoki Sarah K. , Hooven Thomas A. , Jašarević Eldin
Published: September 2023

The vaginal microbiota plays a pivotal role in reproductive, sexual, and perinatal health and disease. Unlike the well-established connections between diet, metabolism, and the intestinal microbiota, parallel mechanisms influencing the vaginal microbiota and pathogen colonization remain overlooked. In this study, we combine a mouse model of Streptococcus agalactiae strain COH1 (GBS) vaginal colonization with a mouse model of pubertal-onset obesity to assess diet as a determinant of vaginal microbiota composition and its role in colonization resistance. We leveraged culture-dependent assessment of GBS clearance and culture-independent, sequencing-based reconstruction of the vaginal microbiota in relation to diet, obesity, glucose tolerance, and microbial dynamics across time scales. Our findings demonstrate that excessive body weight gain and glucose intolerance are not associated with vaginal GBS density or timing of clearance. Diets high in fat and low in soluble fiber are associated with vaginal GBS persistence, and changes in vaginal microbiota structure and composition due to diet contribute to GBS clearance patterns in nonpregnant mice. These findings underscore a critical need for studies on diet as a key determinant of vaginal microbiota composition and its relevance to reproductive and perinatal outcomes.

IMPORTANCE

This work sheds light on diet as a key determinant influencing the composition of vaginal microbiota and its involvement in group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in a mouse model. The study shows that dietary components, such as dietary fat and soluble fiber, impact GBS density and timing of clearance in the female reproductive tract. These findings are particularly significant given clear links between GBS and adverse reproductive and neonatal outcomes, advancing our understanding by identifying critical connections between dietary components, factors originating from the intestinal tract, vaginal microbiota, and reproductive outcomes.
Alternative splicing of a chromatin modifier alters the transcriptional regulatory programs of stem cell maintenance and neuronal differentiation
Authors: Nazim Mohammad , Lin Chia-Ho , Feng An-Chieh , Yeom Kyu-Hyeon , Li Mulin , Daly Allison E. , Tan Xianglong , Vu Ha , Ernst Jason , Carey Michael F. , Smale Stephen T. , Black Douglas L.
Published: September 2023

Development of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into neurons requires intricate regulation of transcription, splicing, and translation, but how these processes interconnect is not understood. We found that polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) alters splicing of DPF2, a subunit of BAF chromatin remodeling complexes.Dpf2exon 7 is inhibited by PTBP1 to produce the DPF2-S isoform early in development. During neuronal differentiation, loss of PTBP1 allows exon 7 splicing, resulting in a longer DPF2-L isoform. Gene expression changes are induced by DPF2-L in ESC, and by DPF2-S in neurons. In ESC, chromatin immunoprecipitation locates DPF2-S but not DPF2-L at sites bound by pluripotency transcription factors. In neuronal progenitors, DPF2-S sites coincide with NFI protein binding, and DPF2-L sites with CTCF. DPF2-S sites show enhancer chromatin modifications, while DPF2-L sites show modifications associated with promoters. In sum, alternative splicing events during neuronal development impact chromatin organization by altering BAF complex targeting.
Comparative analysis of intragroup intermale relationships: A study of wild bonobos (Pan paniscus) in Wamba, Democratic Republic of Congo and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Uganda
Authors: Shibata Shohei , Furuichi Takeshi
Published: September 2023

Although chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus) share a multi- male/multi-female societal organization and form male-philopatric groups, disparities in terms of male aggression and stability of temporary parties are thought to exist among them. However, existing research in bonobos has mainly focused on the high social status, prolonged receptivity, and characteristic sexual behaviors of females, leaving the behaviors of males understudied. Moreover, prior comparative studies onPansuffer from methodological inconsistencies. This study addresses these gaps by employing a uniform observation method to explore party attendance and aggressive interactions among male bonobos in Wamba and male chimpanzees in Kalinzu. Unlike male chimpanzees that exhibit dispersion in the absence of receptive females in the group, male bonobos showed a lesser degree of such dispersion. Although the overall frequency of aggressive interactions per observation unit did not significantly differ between the two species, the nature of these interactions varied. Notably, severe aggressive behaviors such as physical confrontations among adult males were absent in bonobos, with most aggression occurring between the sons of the two highest-ranking females. Additionally, in bonobos, females actively engaged in polyadic aggressive behavior as aggressors, while all instances of coalitionary aggression in chimpanzees originated from male aggressors. These findings underscore the substantial impact of female behaviors on the observed distinctions in male aggressive interactions between the two species.
Genome size is positively correlated with extinction risk in herbaceous angiosperms
Authors: Gomez Marybel Soto , Brown Matilda J.M. , Pironon Samuel , Veselý Pavel , Bureš Petr , Elliott Tammy L. , Zedek František , Pellicer Jaume , Forest Félix , Lughadha Eimear Nic , Leitch Ilia J.
Published: September 2023

Angiosperms with large genomes experience nuclear-, cellular- and organism-level constraints that may limit their phenotypic plasticity and ecological niche. These constraints have been documented to vary across lineages, life-history strategies, ecogeographic patterns and environmental conditions. Therefore, we test the hypotheses that extinction risk is higher in large-genomed compared to small-genomed species, and that the effect of genome size varies across three selected covariates: life form, endemism, and climatic zones.

We collated genome size and extinction risk information for a representative sample of angiosperms comprising 3,250 species, which we analyzed alongside life form, endemism and climate variables using a phylogenetic framework.

Angiosperm genome size is positively correlated with extinction risk, a pattern driven by a signal in herbaceous but not woody species, regardless of climate and endemism. The influence of genome size is stronger in endemic herbaceous species, but is relatively homogenous across different climates. Beyond its indirect link via endemism and climate, genome size also influences extinction risk directly and significantly.

Genome size may serve as a proxy for difficult-to-measure parameters associated with resilience and vulnerability in herbaceous angiosperms. Therefore, it merits further exploration as a useful biological attribute for understanding intrinsic extinction risk and augmenting plant conservation efforts.
Differential role for VPS4 isoforms in cytokinetic abscission confers a regulatory function for monomeric VPS4A and VTA1 in mammalian cells
Authors: Dvilansky Inbar , Atlaras Yarin , Nachmias Dikla , Elia Natalie
Published: September 2023

Mutations in the human AAA-ATPase VPS4 isoform, VPS4A, cause severe Neurodevelopmental defects and Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia (CDA). VPS4 is a crucial component of the ESCRT system, which drives membrane remodeling in numerous cellular processes, including receptor degradation, cell division, and neural pruning. Notably, while most organisms encode for a single VPS4 gene, human cells have two VPS4 paralogs, namely VPS4A and VPS4B, but the functional differences between these paralogs is mostly unknown. Here, we set out to investigate the role of the human VPS4 paralogs in cytokinetic abscission using a series of knockout cell lines. We found that VPS4A and VPS4B hold both overlapping and distinct roles in abscission. VPS4A depletion resulted in a severe abscission delay, which was fully rescued by VPS4A expression but only partially rescued by VPS4B overexpression. Unexpectedly, expressing a monomeric-locked VPS4A mutant also partially rescued the abscission delay in VPS4A KO cells and bound the abscission checkpoint proteins CHMP4C and ANCHR. Depletion of VTA1, a co-factor of VPS4, disrupted VPS4A- ANCHR interactions and accelerated abscission, indicating a role for VTA1 in the abscission checkpoint. Our findings reveal a dual role for VPS4A in abscission, one that is canonical and can be compensated by VPS4B, and another that is regulatory and is mediated by its monomeric form. These observations provide a potential mechanistic explanation for the neurodevelopmental defects and other related disorders reported in VPS4A-mutated patients with a fully functional VPS4B paralog.
Biochemical and X-ray analyses of the players involved in the faRel2/aTfaRel2 toxin–antitoxin operon
Authors: Dominguez-Molina Lucia , Talavera Ariel , Cepauskas Albinas , Kurata Tatsuaki , Echemendia-Blanco Dannele , Hauryliuk Vasili , Garcia-Pino Abel
Published: September 2023

The aTfaRel2/faRel2 operon from Coprobacillus sp. D7 encodes a bicistronic type II toxin–antitoxin (TA) module. The FaRel2 toxin is a toxic small alarmone synthetase (toxSAS) that inhibits translation through the pyrophosphorylation of uncharged tRNAs at the 3′-CCA end. The toxin is neutralized by the antitoxin ATfaRel2 through the formation of an inactive TA complex. Here, the production, biophysical analysis and crystallization of ATfaRel2 and FaRel2 as well as of the ATfaRel2–FaRel2 complex are reported. ATfaRel2 is monomeric in solution. The antitoxin crystallized in space group P21212 with unit-cell parameters a = 53.3, b = 34.2, c = 37.6 Å, and the best crystal diffracted to a resolution of 1.24 Å. Crystals of FaRel2 in complex with APCPP, a nonhydrolysable ATP analogue, belonged to space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 31.5, b = 60.6, c = 177.2 Å, β = 90.6°, and diffracted to 2.6 Å resolution. The ATfaRel2–FaRel2Y128F complex forms a heterotetramer in solution composed of two toxins and two antitoxins. This complex crystallized in two space groups: F4132, with unit-cell parameters a = b = c = 227.1 Å, and P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 51.7, b = 106.2, c = 135.1 Å. The crystals diffracted to 1.98 and 2.1 Å resolution, respectively.
The determinants of export performance: perceived psychic distance and its antecedents
Authors: Demirağ Fatma , Kayabaşı Aydın
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The Uppsala internationalization model is one of the widely accepted models for the development of exports. This model suggests that the explanation of relations between psychic distance, its antecedents and marketing mix adaptation would lead to successful export practices. Consequently, this study aims to determine the determinants of export performance, antecedents of psychic distance and marketing mix adaptation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed-methods research design in which qualitative and quantitative research methods were used together. The face-to-face interview method was used to identify the psychic distance antecedents. The face-to-face interview was with eight Turkish exporting firms. Based on the data obtained from face-to-face interviews, a scale for measuring the antecedents of psychic distance has been developed and used in the quantitative study. The scales used for measuring marketing mix adaptation, export performance and psychic distance perception, which has both individual and country dimensions, were adapted from the literature. Data were collected from 221 Turkish exporting companies for quantitative research. Structural equation modeling was used to test relationships between the variables.

Findings

As a result of the data analysis of face-to-face interviews, six antecedents of psychic distance were determined. According to the subsequent quantitative research results, it has been determined that employee expertise, which is one of the antecedents of psychic distance, only affects the country dimension of psychic distance perception; the cooperation, institutionalization and international market experience affect both the country and individual dimensions of psychic distance perception. The country and individual dimensions of psychic distance were found to have an impact on the product, price, promotion and distribution dimensions of marketing mix adaptation. Only the product dimension of marketing mix adaption was found to affect export performance.

Practical implications

This study offers a comprehensive perspective for both theoretical and practical studies by discussing various aspects that would help improve the exporting activities of firms within the scope of antecedents of perceived psychic distance.

Originality/value

In this research, a scale was developed for measuring the antecedents of psychic distance, and the variables affecting export performance were analyzed holistically.
A meta-analysis of the effects of lifelong vocational education in South Korea
Authors: Kim Jhong Yun Joy , Kim EunBee , Lim Doo Hun
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to conduct a quantitative meta-analysis of previous research on lifelong vocational education to generate generalized conclusions about its effects, set directions for future lifelong vocational education and identify implementation measures.

Design/methodology/approach

To conduct a meta-analysis on research results that have a heterogeneous distribution, it is important to specify the analysis category for examining the effects of research variables.

Findings

First, lifelong vocational education has an effect on dependent variables. And action appears to have the highest effect size on dependent variables. Next, when calculating the size of variables that had an effect on lifelong vocational education by educational type, the effect size of informal education was found to be larger than that of formal education. Finally, regarding the effect on the participants, office workers were influenced most, followed by university students, North Korean defectors, job seekers and foreigners.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study attempted to conduct an in-depth analysis of subcomponents, it was not possible to analyze variables at a more detailed level. Therefore, future studies should aim to conduct a more comprehensive analysis of different variables based on a wider composition. Because lifelong vocational education is relevant to people’s daily lives, it should be investigated in the context of their personal characteristics and social backgrounds.

Practical implications

This research was designed to uncover general effects of lifelong vocational education and discover relevant variables affecting lifelong vocational education in South Korea. A meta-analysis of 15 studies with 67 subgroups examining lifelong vocational education was conducted.

Social implications

In the current era of VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity), lifelong vocational education needs to be organized systematically, unlike in the past. With the rapid advancements in technology influenced by artificial intelligence and the fourth industrial revolution, there is a surge in social demands for continued reeducation and redevelopment of employees to prepare for talent development paradigm innovation, increasing unemployment among unskilled workers and competence enhancement needs among job seekers and employed individuals.

Originality/value

This study aims to conduct a quantitative meta-analysis of previous research on lifelong vocational education to draw generalized conclusions on its effectiveness and discuss its implications for implementation measures. Specifically, this study will analyze the general effect size; differences in the effect size among different dependent variable groups; and the effect size based on lifelong vocational education participants.
Cigarette tax pass-through in Vietnam: evidence from retailers’ data
Authors: Vo Mai-Huong , Nguyen Ngoc-Anh , Dauchy Estelle , Nguyen Nuong
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to estimate the pass-through rate of the increases in the excise tax and TCF tax on tobacco in Vietnam. This study seeks to shed light on how the tax burden is split between consumers and producers and inform policy discussions in the country. Using panel micro-level data collected from three waves of a nationwide retailer's survey, this study provides an evidence-based pass-through estimation for tobacco tax in Vietnam and contributes to the understanding of tax policy on smoking and smoking-related issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Following increases in the excise tax and TCF tax on tobacco in 2019, the differential effect of the tax hike on the “treatment group” (domestic cigarettes) versus the “control group” (illicit cigarettes) using a difference-in-difference (DID) analysis has been studied. The study utilized unique longitudinal retailers’ data on cigarettes prices in Vietnam from 2018 to 2019 to estimate the tax pass-through rate for some of the most popular factory-made cigarette brands.

Findings

This study found evidence of an over-shifting of cigarette taxes on smokers. Specifically, it discovered that the tax increase is absorbed more by low-priced brand smokers compared to premium brand users due to (1) the limited increase in prices under a pure ad valorem system and (2) the way the Vietnamese currency is denominated. Additionally, there is evidence of cushioning to mitigate price shock on consumers as the real prices increase gradually over the period of one year after the tax change.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to collect and analyze a unique panel micro-level data from three waves of a nationwide retailers’ survey, which captures the changes in marketing and pricing strategies of the tobacco industry in Vietnam before and after an increase in excise tax in 2019. The results of this study could be used as a reference for future policymakers in considering increasing taxes on tobacco.
Self-control and emotional exhaustion: mediating role of effort-reward imbalance and emotional demands
Authors: Tripathi Padma , Ankit Ankit , Priyadarshi Pushpendra
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between trait self-control (TSC) and emotional exhaustion, and to examine the mediating role of effort–reward imbalance (ERI) and emotional demands.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was conducted using data from 441 employees working in different organizations in the information technology sector in India. PROCESS macro with a bootstrap sample size of 5,000 was used for mediation analysis.

Findings

TSC demonstrated a significant negative relationship with emotional exhaustion. Results indicated the crucial role played by ERI and emotional demands in influencing the emotional exhaustion of employees with higher TSC.

Originality/value

This study adds substantially to our knowledge of the role of TSC in employee experiences of emotional exhaustion. Results suggest how employees’ ERI perceptions and experiences of emotional demands determine whether higher TSC would reduce experiences of exhaustion. This adds to the knowledge of positive outcomes of self-control while throwing some light on why the use of self-control does not always incur a psychological cost, as suggested by some studies. The findings suggest that self-control is an individual resource that has the ability to alleviate emotional exhaustion through its influence on employees‘ effort–reward perceptions and experiences of emotional demands.
Barriers to the adoption of Islamic banking: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Ali Qaisar , Parveen Shazia , Aspiranti Tasya , Nurhayati Nunung , Rusgianto Sulistya
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The adoption of Islamic banking (AIB) among customers has remained in the limelight due to its significance in the strategic marketing of Islamic banking (IB) services. Although researchers have devoted a significant effort to investigating the drivers of AIB, little is known about the exclusive barriers hampering AIB. Accordingly, this paper aims to examine the underlying barriers to the adoption of Islamic banking (BAIB) and categorize them into different research clusters using bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from 132 articles published in Scopus database between 2007 and 2022 and analyzed using VOSviewer to explore BAIB.

Findings

The findings clustered the barriers to AIB into three groups, namely, efficiency of IB products and services (service quality, Shariah compliance level, availability of services), behavioral (knowledge and awareness, religiosity, trust and intention) and personal attributes (innovativeness, understanding of mobile/internet banking and technology acceptance) factors of Islamic bank customers.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size of this study is relatively small, as the data was imported from Scopus database only to perform Bibliometric analysis. Future studies may use larger sample size by retrieving data from other databases such as Web of Science and PubMed to develop better research clusters of BAIB.

Practical implications

The dynamic business environment and unprecedented changes in consumer behavior require managers creating suitable conditions to foster adoption of their services and capture a better market share.

Originality/value

Following the findings of this research, future research avenues are identified for strategic embeddedness and global development of IB by overcoming BAIB.
Realizing operational and innovation benefits in buyer–supplier relationships: the role of close ties to the partner's partners
Authors: Villena Veronica H. , Cheng Li , Wuyts Stefan
Published: September 2023

Purpose

As buyers and suppliers seek to create value, they face the challenge of creating an environment that promotes coordination and information sharing and discourages opportunism. While the literature suggested dyadic mechanisms to create such an environment, this study focuses on ties beyond the buyer–supplier dyad. Specifically, close connections to one's partner's partners (CPP) are crucial in the realization of benefits for buyers and suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from embeddedness theory and governance theory, the authors developed a contingency framework to examine when CPP are beneficial or counterproductive considering two dyadic attributes – relational capital (RC) and partner dependence. Analyses were conducted using data from a dyadic survey complemented with archival data on 106 buyer–supplier relationships (BSRs).

Findings

The study reveals that CPP both help and hurt in the realization of benefits. Stark asymmetries exist between the impact of CPP on the buyer and supplier sides. For buyers, CPP exert a direct positive effect on operational and innovation benefits. For suppliers, the effect of CPP on operational and innovation benefits is contingent on buyer dependence and RC – CPP serves as a substitute for buyer dependence and RC. There are no such contingency effects for buyers. Further analysis identifies situations for suppliers when CPP hurt the realization of benefits.

Originality/value

The study highlights the importance of CPP to foster efficiency and innovation within BSRs and illustrates how their impact varies across contingency conditions and across the parties within a dyad.
Toward diversifying higher education sustainability competency scholarship: findings and implications from a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Michel Jessica Ostrow , Siciliano Peter , Zint Michaela , Collins Sarah
Published: September 2023

Purpose

One of the rapidly growing bodies of literature on sustainability in higher education focuses on the competencies students should master to bring about the necessary transformation toward a sustainable future. Given the influential nature of this particular scholarship on curricula and programs, this study aims to assess its trajectory based on bibliometric analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

More specifically, authors conducted coauthorship, direct citations of articles and journals and bibliographic coupling analyses to identify the scholars and publications that have shaped the subfield of higher education sustainability competency research.

Findings

Findings show that despite the growth in higher education sustainability competency scholarship, this important subfield in higher education for sustainable development (HESD) has been a relatively narrow one. Contributing scholars, coauthor publications mainly with each other, cite each other and draw from a shared pool of research primarily by individuals from the Global North.

Research limitations/implications

Scholars seeking to advance sustainability competency scholarship are encouraged to engage with individuals who can bring more diverse perspective on the knowledge, skills and mindsets higher education students need to master, to ensure that they can transform their communities toward a sustainable future in just ways. Integrating environmental/social justice, traditional knowledge and decolonizing perspectives from academics and sustainability leaders from minoritized groups and the Global South have the potential to result in important, new contributions.

Originality/value

Although prior scholars have examined HESD, including higher education sustainability education through bibliometric analysis, none have focused on assessing the higher education sustainability competency literature specifically. Given the influence this particular body of scholarship has already had, and will increasingly have, on preparing students for leading a just transition toward sustainability, this finding of this subfield’s limited diversity is important to highlight and address moving forward.
Effect of rolling on crack behavior of FeCrAl alloys in ultra-long life
Authors: Zhan Min , Dai Yajun , Liu Chang , Wang Xiangyu , Li Lang , Liu Yongjie , He Chao , Wang Qingyuan
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine (1) the relationship between microstructure and fatigue cracking behavior and (2) effect of rolling on the process of crack initiation and propagation in FeCrAl alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative and quantitative fracture studies were performed using scanning electron microscopy and the non-contact optical measurement system (IFMG5).

Findings

The results show that the formation of facets, rough facets and parallel stripes in the crack initiation and early crack propagation zones are closely related to the sensitivity of crack behavior to the microstructure of the material. Besides, the rolling process has a significant influence on the small crack initiation and propagation behavior. Quantitative analysis demonstrates that the size of the stress intensity factor and plastic zone size in the rough zone is associated with the rolling process.

Originality/value

The findings of this study have the potential to enhance the understanding of the microstructural crack formation mechanisms in FeCrAl alloys and shed light on the impact of rolling on the long-term and ultra-long fatigue behavior of these alloys. This new knowledge is vital for improving manufacturing processes and ensuring the safety and reliability of FeCrAl alloys used in nuclear industry applications.
Finite element analysis and experimental validation of the failure characteristic of pressurized cylinder
Authors: Chai Jun-Hui , Zhong Jun-Ping , Xu Bo , Zhang Zi-Jian , Shen Zhengxiang , Zhang Xiao-Long , Shen Jian-Min
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The high-pressure accumulator has been widely used in the hydraulic system. Failure pressure prediction is crucial for the safe design and integrity assessment of the accumulators. The purpose of this study is to accurately predict the burst pressure and location for the accumulator shells due to internal pressure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study concentrates the non-linear finite element simulation procedure, which allows determination of the burst pressure and crack location using extensive plastic straining criterion. Meanwhile, the full-scale hydraulic burst test and the analytical solution are conducted for comparative analysis.

Findings

A good agreement between predicted and measured the burst pressure that was obtained, and the predicted failure point coincided very well with the fracture location of the actual shell very well. Meanwhile, the burst pressure of the shells increases with wall thickness, independent of the length. It can be said that the non-linear finite element method can be employed to predict the failure behavior of a cylindrical shell with sufficient accuracy.

Originality/value

This paper can provide a designer with additional insight into how the pressurized hollow cylinder might fail, and the failure pressure has been predicted accurately with a minimum error below 1%, comparing the numerical results with experimental data.
Customer engagement on social media: an examination of NFL teams’ Instagram posts
Authors: Wang Wenche
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Social media enables sport organizations to connect with customers in a dynamic, ubiquitous, and timely manner. Although these organizations routinely use social media, the best practices to improve customer engagement remain elusive. This paper aims to examine National Football League (NFL) teams’ Instagram posts to understand how sport teams can utilize social media to drive customer engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by uses and gratification theory, the author employs a machine learning algorithm to assess the content of NFL teams’ posts from the 2013–2014 season to the 2017–2018 season. The author performs regression analyses to investigate how post topic, together with confounding factors, boost customer engagement.

Findings

Results highlight the importance of informational content in eliciting engagement and reveal distinctions in topics deemed “social content” in the literature. The author further identifies variations in how post topics engage sport fans and general customers.

Originality/value

Results provide implications for sport organizations to craft social media content for customer engagement.
Analysis of the competitiveness factors for MICE tourism: the case of Mazatlan, Sinaloa
Authors: Zazueta-Hernández Margarita Guadalupe , Velarde-Valdez Mónica
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism has established as a tourism segment that is growing in popularity. It is less seasonality dependent, promotes the offer of services and contributes to the development of the sector. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the competitiveness factors for the improvement of MICE tourism in the city of Mazatlan.

Design/methodology/approach

It was developed with a mixed approach, using quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques, such as interviews with experts, surveys of stakeholders in the tourism sector and documentary analysis. Based on the theoretical review, the following four competitiveness factors were defined for MICE tourism: 1) resource factors, 2) destination management factors, 3) conditioning factors of the environment and 4) conditioning factors of the demand, applying and importance-performance analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that the factors of competitiveness in the case of the study that had greater importance and better performance are the conditioning factors of the demand and resource factors. However, the development and implementation of comprehensive destination management strategies are required to improve this segment, as well as giving due importance to taking into account the important conditioning factors of the environment.

Originality/value

This study makes a theoretical contribution to the literature on the competitiveness of tourist destinations in the MICE segment by identifying the factors for its development, as well as the practical implications for the specific case study. In addition to this, it was identified that there are few empirical studies that analyze the factors that contribute to improving the competitiveness of this segment.
The interplay of entrepreneurial motivations, job attractiveness and family-owned SMEs growth: evidence from China Pakistan Economic Corridor region
Authors: Saleem Irfan , Ashfaq Muhammad
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a nuanced explanation of the linkage between entrepreneurial motivations, job attractiveness and growth of family-owned small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) using expectancy and institutional theories.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from small family business owners and job seekers in the same companies during interview time using a simple random technique.

Findings

The study found that three EMs among small business owners play a pivotal role in family SME business growth in underdeveloped trade regions like China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. These firms are interested in investing in seaport-related commerce, restaurants or hotels and real estate business.

Practical implications

The government, small family business owners, universities and regional youth can use this applied research for their benefits alike.

Originality/value

The study contributes in multiple ways. First, the authors brought a unique context in the emerging economies context of an informal economy like Pakistan. Second, the authors have uniquely tested the moderating role of job attractiveness in the least developed regions. Finally, the authors have integrated family SMEs’ expectancy theory and institutional perspective.