bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Um…, it’s really difficult to… um… speak fluently”: Neural tracking of spontaneous speech
Authors: Agmon Galit , Jaeger Manuela , Tsarfaty Reut , Bleichner Martin G , Golumbic Elana Zion
Published: September 2022

Spontaneous real-life speech is imperfect in many ways. It contains disfluencies and ill-formed utterances and has a highly variable rate. When listening to spontaneous speech, the brain needs to contend with these features in order to extract the speaker’s meaning. Here, we studied how the neural response is affected by four specific factors that are prevalent in spontaneous colloquial speech: (1) the presence of non-lexical fillers, (2) the need to detect syntactic boundaries in disfluent speech, and (3) variability in speech rate. Neural activity (EEG) was recorded from individuals as they listened to an unscripted, spontaneous narrative, which was analyzed in a time-resolved fashion to identify fillers and detect syntactic boundaries. When considering these factors in a speech-tracking analysis, which estimates a temporal response function (TRF) to describe the relationship between the stimulus and the neural response it generates, we found that the TRF was affected by both of them. This response was observed for lexical words but not for fillers, and it had an earlier onset for opening words vs. closing words of a clause and for clauses with slower speech rates. These findings broaden ongoing efforts to understand neural processing of speech under increasingly realistic conditions. They highlight the importance of considering the imperfect nature of real-life spoken language, linking past research on linguistically well-formed and meticulously controlled speech to the type of speech that the brain actually deals with on a daily basis.
Long-read direct RNA sequencing reveals epigenetic regulation of chimeric gene-transposon transcripts in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Berthelier Jérémy , Furci Leonardo , Asai Shuta , Sadykova Munissa , Shimazaki Tomoe , Shirasu Ken , Saze Hidetoshi
Published: September 2022

Transposable elements (TEs) are accumulated in both intergenic and intragenic regions in plant genomes. Intragenic TEs often act as regulatory elements of associated genes and are also co-transcribed with genes, generating chimeric TE-gene transcripts. Despite the potential impact on mRNA regulation and gene function, the prevalence and transcriptional regulation of TE-gene transcripts are poorly understood. By long-read direct RNA sequencing and a dedicated bioinformatics pipeline, “ParasiTE”, we investigated the transcription and RNA processing of TE-gene transcripts in Arabidopsis thaliana. We identified a global production of TE-gene transcripts in thousands of A. thaliana gene loci, with TE sequences often being associated with alternative transcription start sites or transcription termination sites. The epigenetic state of intragenic TEs affects RNAPII elongation and usage of alternative poly(A) signals within TE sequences, regulating alternative TE-gene isoform production. Co-transcription and inclusion of TE-derived sequences into gene transcripts impact regulation of RNA stability and environmental responses of some loci. Our study provides novel insights into TE-gene interactions that contributes to mRNA regulation, transcriptome diversity, and environmental responses in plants.
PLANAtools - an interactive gene expression repository for the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea
Authors: Hoffman Michael , Wurtzel Omri
Published: September 2022

Motivation

Planarians are a widespread model for studying regeneration. Major efforts for studying gene function in planarian regeneration produced massive datasets, including transcriptome-wide gene expression analyses from hundreds of conditions. However, the accessibility of gene expression datasets to investigators is limited because of the need for expertise in gene expression analysis in this model, the requirement for computational resources, and the lack of a curated planarian gene expression metadata resource associating samples and their controls.

Results

We implemented a computational resource, PLANAtools, that is available online and provides a portal to the analysis of over 160 gene expression analyses. Planarian gene expression datasets from the last decade were processed using a standardized pipeline based on curated planarian metadata. PLANAtools generates plots, annotations, and analyses of gene expression data, based on user parameters.

Availability

PLANAtools is implemented using the R/Shiny framework and is accessible from https://wurtzellab.org/planatools
Co-stimulatory molecules decide T cell fate through regulations of their invigoration and impairment
Authors: Ichikawa Kenji , Ichikawa Kazuhisa
Published: September 2022

T cell invigoration is an essential step for eliminating pathogens and cancer cells. Co-stimulatory molecules, such as CD80, CD86, and ICOSLG reinforce TCR stimuli for T cell activations. Despite identifying multiple co-stimulatory molecules, the differences of those in downstream signaling have remained unclear. Here, we unravel the differences in avidity of co-stimulatory molecules with T cells cause distinct T cell fates. Specially, CD80 + TCR stimulus promotes induction of multiple T cell effector genes based on prolonged and magnified activation of ERK and AKT compared with other combined stimuli. Long-term and robust activation of these signaling pathways leads to T cell impairment by induction of PD1, and exhausted T cells are vulnerable to disrupt effector functions by interactions with PDL1. Collectively, we reveal the quantitative differences in binding activities of co-stimulatory molecules to T cells cause qualitative differences in downstream signals and gene expressions, thereby branching T cell fates.
Association of polymorphisms of IL-6 pathway genes (IL6, IL6R and IL6ST) with COVID-19 severity in an Amazonian population
Authors: Rodrigues Fabíola Brasil Barbosa , da Silva Rosilene , dos Santos Erika Ferreira , de Brito Mioni Thieli Figueiredo Magalhães , da Silva Andréa Luciana Soares , de Meira Leite Mauro , da Costa Flavia Póvoa , de Almeida Viana Maria de Nazaré do Socorro , de Sarges Kevin Matheus Lima , Cantanhede Marcos Henrique Damasceno , de Oliveira Lameira Veríssimo Adriana , da Silva Carvalho Mayara , Henriques Daniele Freitas , da Silva Carla Pinheiro , Nunes Juliana Abreu Lima , Costa Iran Barros , Viana Giselle Maria Rachid , Queiroz Maria Alice Freitas , Lima Sandra Souza , da Costa Lopes Jeferson , da Silva Torres Maria Karoliny , Bichara Carlos David Araújo , Vallinoto Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosario , dos Santos Eduardo José Melo
Published: September 2022

Interleukin-6 have been recognized as a major role player in COVID-19 severity, being an important regulator of cytokine storm. Hence, the evaluation of the influence of polymorphisms in key genes of IL-6 pathway, namely IL6, IL6R and IL6ST, may provide valuable prognostic/predictive biomarkers on COVID-19. The present cross-sectional study genotyped three Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms - SNPs (rs1800795, rs2228145 and rs7730934) at IL6, IL6R and IL6ST genes, respectively, in 227 COVID-19 patients (132 hospitalized and 95 non-hospitalized). Genotype frequencies were compared between these groups. As control group, published data on gene and genotype frequencies was gathered from published studies from before the pandemic started. Our major results point to an association of IL6 C allele with COVID-19 severity. Moreover, IL-6 plasmatic levels were higher among IL6 CC genotype carriers. Additionally, the frequency of symptoms was higher at IL6 CC and IL6R CC genotypes. In conclusion the data suggest an important role of IL6 C allele and IL6R CC genotype on COVID-19 severity, in agreement with indirect evidences from literature about association of these genotypes with mortality rates, pneumonia, heightening of protein plasmatic levels proinflammatory driven effects.
Cryo-plasma FIB/SEM volume imaging of biological specimens
Authors: Dumoux Maud , Glen Thomas , Ho Elaine M. L. , Perdigão Luís M. A. , Klumpe Sven , Yee Neville B.-y. , Farmer David , Smith Jake L. R. , Lai Pui Yiu Audrey , Bowles William , Kelley Ron , Plitzko Jürgen M. , Wu Liang , Basham Mark , Clare Daniel K. , Siebert C. Alistair , Darrow Michele C. , Naismith James H. , Grange Michael
Published: September 2022

Serial focussed ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) enables imaging and assessment of sub-cellular structures on the mesoscale (10 nm to 10 μm). When applied to vitrified samples, serial FIB/SEM is also a means to target specific structures in cells and tissues while maintaining constituents’ hydration shells for in-situ structural biology downstream. However, the application of serial FIB/SEM imaging of non-stained cryogenic biological samples is limited due to low contrast, curtaining and charging artefacts. We address these challenges using a cryogenic plasma FIB/SEM (cryo-pFIB/SEM). We evaluated the choice of plasma ion source and imaging regimes to produce high quality SEM images of a range of different biological samples. Using an automated workflow we produced three dimensional volumes of bacteria, human cells, and tissue, and calculated estimates for their resolution, typically achieving 20 to 50 nm. Additionally, a tag-free tool is needed to drive the application of in situ structural biology towards tissue. The combination of serial FIB/SEM with plasmabased ion sources promises a framework for targeting specific features in bulk-frozen samples (>100 μm) to produce lamella for cryogenic electron tomography.
Comparative virome analysis of individual shedding routes of Miniopterus fuliginosus bats inhabiting the Wavul Galge Cave, Sri Lanka
Authors: Muzeniek Therese , Perera Thejanee , Siriwardana Sahan , Bas Dilara , Bayram Fatimanur , Öruc Mizgin , Becker-Ziaja Beate , Perera Inoka , Weerasena Jagathpriya , Handunnetti Shiroma , Schwarz Franziska , Premawansa Gayani , Premawansa Sunil , Yapa Wipula , Nitsche Andreas , Kohl Claudia
Published: September 2022

Bats are described as the natural reservoir host for a wide range of viruses. Although an increasing number of bat-associated, potentially human pathogenic viruses were discovered in the past, the full picture of the bat viromes is not explored yet. In this study, the virome composition from Miniopterus fuliginosus bats inhabiting the Wavul Galge cave, Sri Lanka, was analyzed. To assess different possible shedding routes, oral swabs, feces and urine were collected and analyzed individually by using metagenomic NGS. The data obtained was further evaluated by using phylogenetic reconstructions.

Two different alphacoronavirus strains were detected in feces and urine samples. Furthermore, a paramyxovirus was detected in urine samples. Sequences related to Picornaviridae, Iflaviridae, unclassified Riboviria and Astroviridae were identified in feces samples, and further sequences related to Astroviridae in urine samples. No further viruses were detected in oral swab samples.

The comparative virome analysis in this study revealed a diversity in the virome composition between the collected sample types which also represent different potential shedding routes for the detected viruses. At the same time, several viruses were detected for the first time in bats in Sri Lanka.

The detection of two different coronaviruses in the samples indicates the potential general persistence of this virus species in M. fuliginosus bats. Based on phylogenetics, the identified viruses are closer related to bat-associated viruses with comparably low human pathogenic potential. In further studies, the seasonal variation of the virome will be analyzed to identify possible shedding patterns for particular viruses.
Bub1 kinase acts as a signalling hub for the entire Cryptococcus neoformans spindle assembly checkpoint pathway
Authors: Leontiou Ioanna , Davies Thomas , Clark Ivan , Aktar Koly , Suresh Ardra Pamburayath , Abad Maria Alba , Spanos Christos , Lee Kyung-Tae , Bahn Yong-Sun , Jeyaprakash A. Arockia , Hardwick Kevin G.
Published: September 2022

Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is an important human pathogen and a model system for basidiomycetes. Here we carry out a dissection of its spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), focusing on Bub1 and Bub3. In many eukaryotes, including humans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Bub1 underwent gene duplication, generating paralogues referred to as Bub1 and BubR1 (or Mad3). Bub1 has upstream signalling functions at kinetochores, whilst BubR1/Mad3 is a component of the downstream mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC) that delays anaphase onset until all chromosomes are correctly attached. Here we demonstrate that the single CnBub1 protein carries out all the checkpoint roles of both Bub1 kinase and Mad3/BubR1. Proteomic analysis reveals kinetochore targeting via Spc105KNL1 and interactions with all downstream SAC components and effectors (Cdc20 and the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome). We demonstrate that CnBub1 kinase activity is required to maintain prolonged checkpoint arrest. Thus CnBub1 acts as a SAC signalling hub and is a future target for anti-mitotic drugs.
Synthesis and crystal structures of 1-benzoyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine and 1-(4-bromobenzoyl)-4-phenylpiperazine at 90 K
Authors: Archana Sreeramapura D. , Kiran Kumar Haruvegowda , Shankara Prasad Holehundi J. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Parkin Sean
Published: September 2022

Synthesis and crystal structures of 1-benzoyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine, C17H17N3O3, (I) and 1-(4-bromobenzoyl)-4-phenylpiperazine, C17H17BrN2O, (II) are described. Compounds I and II crystallize in the orthorhombic and monoclinic crystal systems with space groups Pna21 (Z′ = 2, I) and P21 (Z′ = 1, II), respectively. The crystal of II was a two-component aggregate, treated as a `twin' for data-acquisition purposes. There are no conventional hydrogen bonds in either I or II, but there are weaker C—H...O contacts. Each molecule consists of a central piperazine ring in a chair conformation, with either benzoyl and nitrophenyl (I) or 4-bromobenzoyl and phenyl (II) groups attached to different nitrogen atoms of the piperazine. The various atom–atom contact coverages as quantified by Hirshfeld surface analysis fingerprint plots are given.
The methanol and ethanol solvates of 4-glutarato-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine
Authors: Naeem Marilyn , Bauer Barbara E. , Chadeayne Andrew R. , Golen James A. , Manke David R.
Published: September 2022

The solid-state structures of two solvated forms of 4-glutarato-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, namely, 5-[(3-{2-[bis(propan-2-yl)azaniumyl]ethyl}-1H-indol-4-yl)oxy]-5-oxopentanoate methanol monosolvate, C21H30N2O4·CH3OH, and the analogous ethanol monosolvate, C21H30N2O4·C2H6O. In both compounds, the 4-glutarato-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine exists as a zwitterion with a protonated tertiary ammonium and a deprotonated glutarato carboxylate. The tryptamine zwitterions and alcohol solvates in both structures combine to produce near identical hydrogen-bonding networks, with N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds joining the molecules together in two-dimensional networks parallel to the (100) plane.
Syntheses and crystal structures of benzyl N′-[(E)-2-hydroxybenzylidene]hydrazinecarboxylate and benzyl N′-[(E)-5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene]hydrazinecarboxylate
Authors: Vinaya  , Basavaraju Yeriyur B. , Lakshmana Beliyaiah , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Parkin Sean
Published: September 2022

Benzyl N′-[(E)-2-hydroxybenzylidene]hydrazinecarboxylate, C15H14N2O3 (I) and benzyl N′-[(E)-5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene]hydrazinecarboxylate (II), C15H13BrN2O3, have been synthesized by the reaction of either 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde or 5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde with benzyl carbazate, respectively. Both the compounds crystallize in the monoclinic crystal system with space groups Pn (Z′ = 1, I) and P21/c (Z′ = 2, II). Molecular conformations in each structure are similar, and both structures feature strong intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bonds, which form S(6) ring motifs. There are also strong N—H...O and weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds in both structures, but their modes of packing within their respective crystals are markedly different. Some comparisons are made with the structures of a few related compounds.
Metaverse as a driver for customer experience and value co-creation: implications for hospitality and tourism management and marketing
Authors: Buhalis Dimitrios , Lin Michael S. , Leung Daniel
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Metaverse blends the physical and virtual worlds, revolutionizing how hospitality customers and hospitality organizations facilitate the co-creation of transformational experiences and values. This paper aims to explore the opportunities and challenges that Metaverse introduces for hospitality and tourism management and marketing as part of the customer experience and value co-creation process. This paper also discusses how the advent and development of Metaverse can potentially transform hospitality customer experience and value co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to explore conceptual developments on Metaverse and best practice examples from around the world.

Findings

Metaverse not only opens many exciting opportunities for hospitality and tourism but also poses some great challenges. Hospitality and tourism organizations need to use the Metaverse strategically to customize and co-create hybrid virtual and physical experiences, allowing consumers to engage with them and also with other customers before, during and after their visit. A range of research opportunities also emerge for the adoption and operationalization of Metaverse.

Research limitations/implications

This paper critically analyzes the early applications of Metaverse in hospitality and tourism as well as promotes future solutions for hospitality and tourism management and marketing. The conceptual model in this study can help different stakeholders better understand the flow, logic and potential of Metaverse in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Originality/value

The paper defines and conceptualizes the potential of Metaverse in hospitality customer experience and value co-creation. Besides putting forward a research agenda for further exploiting the full potential for both hospitality customers and hospitality organizations, this paper elucidates the impacts of Metaverse on hospitality management, rooted in the previous literature in value co-creation and technology-enhanced experience.
What have hosts overlooked for improving stay experience in accommodation-sharing? Empirical evidence from Airbnb customer reviews
Authors: Lee Carmen Kar Hang , Tse Ying Kei , Zhang Minhao , Wang Yichuan
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In accommodation-sharing, hosts must provide satisfactory stay experiences for guests, who will then express intentions to revisit (behavioral loyalty) and/or recommend the experiences to others (attitudinal loyalty) in their reviews. Through the lens of expectation-confirmation theory, this study aims to investigate the service dimensions customers focus on in their reviews and their relationships with customer-loyalty manifestations in accommodation-sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses topic modeling to discover distinctive dimensions from Airbnb reviews from a micro perspective and map them onto overarching themes from a macro perspective, and further examine the relationships among topics using cluster analysis.

Findings

This study reveals “information” as an important theme rarely mentioned in the literature. Besides, “homeliness” is a unique dimension associated with behavioral and attitudinal loyalty toward accommodation-sharing.

Practical implications

The findings help accommodation-sharing platforms and hosts identify customer concerns and the drivers of customer loyalty in accommodation-sharing.

Originality/value

In the existing literature, customer perceptions and loyalty are largely determined through surveys, and the findings are not univocal due to the inconsistencies of measurement items used, the potential response bias and limited sample sizes. This study capitalizes on the wealth of user-generated content and extracts service dimensions and customer loyalty directly from textual reviews, overcoming previous research limitations.
Uncertainty, bank opacity, and market structure
Authors: Dang Van Dan , Nguyen Hoang Chung
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The study examines the impact of uncertainty on bank opacity while particularly taking into account the moderating role of market structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of Vietnamese banks from 2007 to 2019, the paper measures uncertainty at the disaggregate level of the banking sector through the dispersion of bank shocks and capture bank opacity from the perspective of bank earnings management based on discretionary loan loss provisions. The authors apply both structural and non-structural proxies of bank competition/concentration to better explore the role of market structures. Empirical regressions are conducted using the fixed effect regressions with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors and the two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) technique, and then verified by the least squares dummy variable corrected (LSDVC) estimator.

Findings

Bank earnings opacity is less severe in periods of higher uncertainty. Further analysis documents that the negative impact of uncertainty on bank earnings opacity is stronger when the level of bank competition increases or when bank market power decreases.

Originality/value

The finding highlighting the conditioning role of market structures is entirely novel in the uncertainty-bank opacity literature. Moreover, in providing additional evidence on the significant impact of uncertainty on bank opacity, while prior related studies explore economic policy uncertainty, the authors utilize micro uncertainty in banking that exhibits enormous superiority.
Towards meta–competences in higher education for tackling complex real–world problems – a cross disciplinary review
Authors: Bates Romana , Brenner Barbara , Schmid Erwin , Steiner Gerald , Vogel Stefan
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Climate change, poverty and pandemics are some of the complex real-world problems that are increasingly challenging higher education institutions (HEIs) to equip future graduates with meta-competences that have hitherto not been demanded. These graduates need to be able to capture and operate within complex systems and relationships. By focusing on complex real-world problems, this study aims to systematically review competences and frame meta-competences supporting curricula development in HEIs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a systematic literature review according to the review protocol of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The review process resulted in the selection of 39 articles, which were subjected to qualitative synthesis to identify competences for tackling complex real-world problems. These competences were grouped into meta-competences and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Findings

Scientific disciplines commonly describe four competences for tackling complex real-world problems including domain-specific competence, inter-relation competence, intrapersonal competence and normative competence.

Originality

This study found that inter-relation competence is in line with all the SDGs, which is considered important for tackling complex real-world problems across disciplines.

Research limitations/implications

A study in a survey design across disciplines and a weighting of these competences in respect to complex real-world problems aligned with the SDGs could contribute to a more consolidated and common understanding of the meta-competences identified.
Design elements in immersive virtual reality: the impact of object presence on health-related outcomes
Authors: Jahn Katharina , Oschinsky Frederike Marie , Kordyaka Bastian , Machulska Alla , Eiler Tanja Joan , Gruenewald Armin , Klucken Tim , Brueck Rainer , Gethmann Carl Friedrich , Niehaves Bjoern
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Immersive virtual reality (IVR) has been frequently proposed as a promising tool for learning. However, researchers have commonly implemented a plethora of design elements in these IVR systems, which makes the specific aspects of the system that are necessary to achieve beneficial outcomes unclear. Against this background, this study aims to combine the literature on presence with learning theories to propose that the ability of IVR to present 3D objects to users improves the presence of these objects in the virtual environment compared with 2D objects, leading to increased learning performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To test this study’s hypotheses, the authors conducted a 2 (training condition: approach vs avoid) x 2 (object presence: high vs low) between-subjects laboratory experiment that used IVR with 83 female participants.

Findings

The results support this study’s hypotheses and show that training with high object presence leads to greater reactions to cues (chocolate cravings) and improved health behaviour (chocolate consumption).

Originality/value

This study shows that increased object presence leads to unique experiences for users, which help reinforce training effects. Moreover, this work sheds further light on how immersive computer technologies can affect user attitudes and behaviour. Specifically, this work contributes to IVR research by showing that learning effects can be enhanced through an increased degree of object presence.
Tuning up a CMLL toolbox: analyzing Web-based applications for critical media literacy learning
Authors: Afrilyasanti Rida , Basthomi Yazid , Zen Evynurul Laily
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate Web-based applications for teaching critical media literacy. It proposes modeling for criteria to evaluate Web-based applications for critical media literacy learning. The study aims to critically analyze the applications based on their potential for critical media literacy learning (CMLL), learner compatibility, authenticity, beneficial impact, practicability, engagement and support.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper was addressed by the walkthrough method, which provides underpinning analysis of the applications combined with content analysis to gain further deeper insight into users’ applications and application appropriation to accommodate critical media literacy instructions. The applications are organized according to their utilization in each sort of CMLL, namely, media understanding and analysis, and media production.

Findings

The paper describes how to select appropriate applications for critical media literacy instruction. It suggests a list of applications that can help teachers integrate critical media literacy into their classroom instruction, as well as the results of each application’s evaluation. In summary, the results indicated the importance of meticulous selection criteria and evaluations of applications used for critical media literacy integration in teaching.

Research limitations/implications

Because technology and applications are constantly evolving, ongoing research in this area is always required. Furthermore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed hypotheses further.

Practical implications

The paper discusses the implications for technology selection in teaching, the development of selection criteria and managing the balance between technological advancement and teaching. In a nutshell, this paper practically contribute to shed light on the framework for CMLL application selection and adoption.

Social implications

The paper provides comprehensive guidance for teachers on how to select applications for critical media literacy integration teaching, as well as lists of application evaluations that they can easily use.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in the literature by investigating how digital media and technologies can be used in the classroom and how they are chosen based on the needs of teachers and students.
Does social and governmental responsibility matter for financial stability and bank profitability? Evidence from commercial and Islamic banks
Authors: Kanapiyanova Kamshat , Faizulayev Alimshan , Ruzanov Rashid , Ejdys Joanna , Kulumbetova Dina , Elbadri Marei
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the drivers of banking stability in the case of QISMUT+3 countries (Qatar, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Pakistan, Kuwait and Bahrain) focusing on social and governmental responsibility (SGR) determinants. Both main indicators of banking stability, namely, profitability and nonperforming loans, were treated as dependent variables. The model is examined with the whole sample and separately by examining commercial banks and Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-country bank-level panel data spanning from 2011 to 2018 is used. Two-step system generalized methods of moments alongside both panel-corrected standard error and feasible generalized least squares models were applied to ensure the robustness of the results.

Findings

Findings reveal that capital adequacy and corruption control are the most dominant determinants of banking profitability in the studied sample regardless of the type of the bank. In addition, profitability, efficient management, inflation and government effectiveness were found to be the main drivers of financial vulnerability risk.

Practical implications

Findings of this study offer many insights and policy implications to help stakeholders gain a comprehensive understanding of banking stability. Suggested policy implications targeting bank management, governmental policymakers and investors are offered to better the banking stability of QISMUT+3 countries.

Originality/value

This paper has multiple contributions to the existing literature. The determinants of banking stability are examined in QISMUT+3 group of countries which is the focus of a limited number of studies. In addition, the use of a comprehensive variable set alongside the addition of SGR determinants in the case of banking system stability is one of the main contributions of this paper.
An exploratory study on the barriers to innovative behavior: the spiteful effect of envy
Authors: Walter Cicero Eduardo , Au-Yong-Oliveira Manuel
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The present investigation aimed to evaluate the influence of envy on the predisposition to innovative behavior, starting from a conceptual model that considers not only the direct influence of envy but its indirect influence through ostracism and alignment with the negative behaviors of superiors.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey applied to 168 individuals, a conceptual model was developed based on the relationship ignored in the literature between envy and innovative behavior. The model was validated using the multivariate statistical technique of structural equation modeling with partial least squares estimation (Partial least squares structural equation modeling [PLS-SEM]).

Findings

The results of the study suggest that envy not only has a direct positive influence on alignment with negative boss behaviors and ostracism, but also an indirect influence on ostracism mediated by alignment with negative boss behaviors. Another important result of the present investigation refers to the negative effect of envy on the predisposition to innovative behavior. The results suggest that the greater the envy, the lower the innovative behavior.

Practical implications

This research provides evidence that envy can act as a barrier to innovation by triggering counterproductive behaviors such as ostracism and a decrease in predisposition to innovative behaviors, either due to innovative individuals prematurely exiting the organization or due to them lessening/dampening their innovativeness to avoid the negative consequences. Given this scenario, it becomes necessary to increase managerial awareness on the subject to manage negative emotions to promote the conditions for organizational innovation.

Originality/value

The present research contributes in both practical and theoretical ways to understanding the effects of envy on the predisposition to innovative behavior. Adding to this, this research represents a conceptual advance by linking envy to innovative behavior, providing a promising avenue for extending the psychological relevance of the envy construct to organizational and management studies, which are generally positive, normative and outcome-oriented.
Contextual, interpersonal, and personal predictors of young adults' affective-identity motivation to lead
Authors: Barling Julian , Weatherhead Julie G. , Pupco Shani , Turner Nick , Montgomery A. Wren
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Why some people are motivated to become leaders is important both conceptually and practically. Motivation to lead compels people to seek out leadership roles and is a distinct predictor of leader role occupancy. The goal of our research is to determine contextual (socioeconomic status and parenting quality), interpersonal (sociometric status), and personal (self-esteem and gender) antecedents of the motivation to lead among young adults.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested the model using two samples of Canadian undergraduate students (Sample 1: N = 174, M age = 20.02 years, 83% female; Sample 2: N = 217, M age = 18.8 years, 54% female). The authors tested the proposed measurement model using the first sample, and tested the hypothesized structural model using the second sample.

Findings

The proposed 5-factor measurement model provided an excellent fit to the data. The hypothesized model also provided a good fit to the data after controlling for potential threats from endogeneity. In addition, gender moderated the relationship between sociometric status and affective-identity motivation to lead, such that this interaction was significant for females but not males.

Practical implications

The findings make a practical contribution in understanding how parents, teachers, and organizations can encourage greater motivation to lead, especially among young adults who have faced poverty and marginalization and tend to be excluded from leadership positions in organizations.

Originality/value

The authors conceptualize and test the contextual, interpersonal, and personal predictors of affective-identity motivation to lead among young adults.
Strategic emphasis and accounting conservatism
Authors: Noh Minyoung , Park Jimi , Yoo Shijin
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The authors examine how a firm's strategic emphasis (SE) on value appropriation (VA) over value creation (VC) is associated with accounting conservatism.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the effect of SE on a firm's adoption of conservative accounting practice, the authors measure SE as advertising expenses minus research and development (R&D) expenses scaled by total assets. The authors rely on the asymmetric timeliness of earnings from Basu (1997) to measure conditional conservatism and investigate how the incremental sensitivity of earnings to negative stock returns varies with the SE.

Findings

SE on VA over VC is found to be positively related to accounting conservatism since they want to deter entrants (i.e. competition adjustment) and to accommodate the tighter monitoring over the financial reporting system from stakeholders (i.e. risk adjustment). This argument is also supported by the additional cross-sectional tests based on the different level of market competition and external monitoring environment. In addition, the positive association between SE on VA over VC and accounting conservatism is less pronounced when managerial overconfidence is high.

Research limitations/implications

Implication is that two important decisions (i.e. SE and accounting conservatism) are related with each other since both are to create competitive advantage and to maintain financial stability for a firm, and the relation differs by managerial characteristics.

Originality/value

This study highlights the differential roles of SE in shaping the conservatism in financial reporting and the importance of overconfidence in driving conservative accounting.
Using life-history narrative writing to examine EFL preservice teachers' preconceptions of teaching and teachers and their initial motivation to undertake teacher education
Authors: Syaripudin Usep , Apandi
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study examines EFL preservice teachers' life-history narrative. The objectives of the examination were to identify the preconceptions of teaching and teachers that the preservice teachers brought to teachers college, the sources and biographical origins of these preconceptions, and to what extent, if any, the preconceptions influenced their initial motivation to enroll in a teacher education program.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a life-history narrative as the method, the authors aimed at capturing and describing the critical moments in the preservice teachers' educational histories, the people involved in those moments (Clandinin and Conelly, 2000) and the sociocultural factors that might have influenced their preconceptions of teaching and the work of teachers as well as their decision to undertake teacher education.

Findings

The narrative analysis of the autobiographies has revealed that the preservice teachers still viewed teaching and teachers from altruistic perspectives. These preconceptions were based on the apprenticeship of observation and highly influenced by significant moments, the people they interacted with throughout their life and educational history and the sociocultural value of teaching and teachers in Indonesia. These preconceptions have influenced their genuine motivation to undertake teacher education and their commitment to the teaching profession. Several pedagogical implications for teacher education are also presented.

Originality/value

The authors’ study contributes to the scholarly conversations about the critical roles of life-history examination in the understanding of preservice teachers' motivation to undertake teacher education.
Timely methods: a methodological agenda for researching the temporal in organizing
Authors: Feuls Miriam , Plotnikof Mie , Stjerne Iben Sandal
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper stimulates methodological debates and advances the research agenda for qualitative research about time and temporality in organizing processes. It develops a framework for studying the temporal in organizing that contributes by: (1) providing an overview to prepare for and navigate various methodological challenges in this regard, (2) offering inspiration for relevant solutions to those challenges and (3) posing timely questions to facilitate temporal reflexivity in scholarly work.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review of studies about temporality in organizing processes, the authors develop a framework of well-acknowledged methodological challenges, dilemmas and paradoxes, and pose timely questions with which to develop potential solutions for research about organization and time.

Findings

The framework of this study offers a synthesis of methodological challenges and potential solutions acknowledged in the organization studies literature. It consists of three interrelated dimensions of methodological challenges to studying temporality in organizing processes, namely: empirical, analytical and representational challenges. These manifests in six subcategories: empirical cases, empirical methods, analytical concepts, analytical processes and coding, representing researchers’ temporal embeddedness and representing multiple temporalities.

Originality/value

This paper allows scholars to undertake a more ambitious, collective methodological discussion and sets an agenda for studying the temporal in organizing. The framework developed stimulates researchers’ temporal reflexivity and inspires them to develop solutions to specific methodological challenges that may emerge in their study of the temporal in organizing.
A sustainable formwork system based on ice pattern and sand mould for fabricating customised concrete components
Authors: Li Wei , Lin Xiaoshan , Xie Yi Min
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Optimised concrete components are often of complex geometries, which are difficult and costly to cast using traditional formworks. This paper aims to propose an innovative formwork system for optimised concrete casting, which is eco-friendly, recyclable and economical.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed formwork system, ice is used as mould pattern to create desired geometry for concrete member, then sand mould is fabricated based on the ice pattern. A mix design and a mixing procedure for the proposed sand mould are developed, and compression tests are also performed to ensure sufficient strength of the sand mould. Furthermore, surface preparation of the sand mould is investigated for easy demoulding and for achieving good concrete surface quality. Additionally, recyclability of the proposed sand mould is tested.

Findings

The proposed mix design and mixing procedure can provide sufficient strength for sand mould in concrete casting. The finished components exhibit smooth surfaces and match designed geometries, and the proposed sand mould can be fully recycled with satisfactory strength.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that combines ice pattern and sand mould to create recyclable formwork system for concrete casting. The new techniques developed in this research has great potential to be applied in the fabrication of large-scale concrete structures with complex geometries.
Numerical studies on conjugate convection from discretely heated electronic board
Authors: Battula Naveen Kumar , Daravath Srinu , Gampa Ganesh Kumar
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper deals with numerical studies into combined conduction, convection and radiation from a heated vertical electronic board are provided here.

Design/methodology/approach

Here three inbuilt heaters with decrease in their heights were placed in the vertical electronic board. With respect to the non-heat portions, two configurations were studied. The first considers the non-heat portions to be adiabatic, while in the second, they are non-adiabatic. The heat that is produced in three heaters is conducted along the board and is dissipated either from the heater portions alone or from the whole board by convection and radiation. Air is considered as working medium, while the equations of heat transfer and flow of fluid are handled without boundary layer approximations. These equations were further solved using finite volume method with Gauss–Seidel iteration method.

Findings

Results of various comparative studies were discussed to bring out the relevance of thermal conductivity, modified Richardson number and surface emissivity on different heat transfer and flow results concerning this problem.

Originality/value

The optimum values of surface emissivity, thermal conductivity and modified Richardson number have also been notionally explored.
Connectivity among thermal habitats buffers the effects of warm climate on life‐history traits and population dynamics
Authors: Pellerin Félix , Bestion Elvire , Winandy Laurane , Di Gesu Lucie , Richard Murielle , Aguilée Robin , Cote Julien
Published: September 2022

Contemporary climate change affects population dynamics, but its influence varies with landscape structure. It is still unclear whether landscape fragmentation buffers or amplifies the effects of climate on population size and the age and body size of individuals composing these populations.

This study aims to investigate the impacts of warm climates on lizard life‐history traits and population dynamics in habitats that vary in their connectivity.

We monitored common lizard Zootoca vivipara populations for 3 years in an experimental system in which both climatic conditions and connectivity among habitats were simultaneously manipulated. We considered two climatic treatments (i.e. present‐day climate and warm climate [+1.4°C than present‐day climate]) and two connectivity treatments (i.e. a connected treatment in which individuals could move from one climate to the other and an isolated treatment in which movement between climates was not possible). We monitored survival, reproduction, growth, dispersal, age and body size of each individual in the system as well as population density through time.

We found that the influence of warm climates on life‐history traits and population dynamics depended on connectivity among thermal habitats. Populations in warm climates were (i) composed of younger individuals only when isolated; (ii) larger in population size only in connected habitats and (iii) composed of larger age‐specific individuals independently of the landscape configuration. The connectivity among habitats altered population responses to climate warming likely through asymmetries in the flow and phenotype of dispersers between thermal habitats.

Our results demonstrate that landscape fragmentation can drastically change the dynamics and persistence of populations facing climate change.
Model Integrated Disease Management to facilitate effective translatable solutions for wildlife disease issues
Authors: Carver Scott , Peters Andrew , Richards Shane A.
Published: September 2022

There are multiple demands for the development of effective and sustainable disease management practices in wildlife, but solutions are widely lacking. In this perspective, we focus on the need to structure research to support advancement toward enhanced wildlife disease control solutions. We concentrate on the need for improved integration between wildlife disease management undertaken in situ with modelling to guide and assess disease management actions.

We recognise that many disease management attempts in wildlife are made in isolation, are not supported by modelling and are not used as a stepping stone to advancement. However, we emphasise that the development of disease control practices in wildlife is greater than any one management attempt, and should be seen and undertaken as a set of systematic steps towards well‐articulated management goals.

We describe modelling of disease management and in situ disease management as two complementary phases of investigation, viewed as a feedback loop to support advancements, and highlight established and less established pathways in this loop. We describe how stakeholders engaged in practical management actions can better engage with modellers, and also the need for more fit‐for‐purpose modelling that captures the on‐ground realities of in situ practice to support advancements.

The concepts and approaches described in this perspective are captured within a Model Integrated Disease Management for wildlife framework. We illustrate the framework, concepts and challenges proposed in this perspective using a case study for which we have experience: sarcoptic mange (etiologic agent Sarcoptes scabiei) in bare‐nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus).

Synthesis and applications: Effective and sustainable solutions to critical wildlife diseases are needed. Progress can be improved when disease management is guided through iterative and fit‐for‐purpose integration between modelling and in situ practice. We describe and illustrate a Model Integrated Disease Management for wildlife framework. Moving beyond isolated disease management attempts into a structured process of advancement can help overcome barriers to tackling pathogens threatening wildlife.