bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graspot: A graph attention network for spatial transcriptomics data integration with optimal transport
Authors: Gao Zizhan , Cao Kai , Wan Lin
Published: February 2024

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies enable the measurement of mRNA expression while simultaneously capturing spot locations. By integrating ST data, the 3D structure of a tissue can be reconstructed, yielding a comprehensive understanding of the tissue’s intricacies. Nevertheless, a computational challenge persists: how to remove batch effects while preserving genuine biological structure variations across ST data. To address this, we introduce Graspot, agraphattention network designed forspatial transcriptomics data integration with unbalancedoptimaltransport. Graspot adeptly harnesses both gene expression and spatial information to align common structures across multiple ST datasets. It embeds multiple ST datasets into a unified latent space, facilitating the partial alignment of spots from different slices. Demonstrating superior performance compared to existing methods on four real spatial transcriptomics datasets, Graspot excels in ST data integration, including tasks that require partial alignment. In particular, Graspot unveils subtle tumor microenvironment structures of breast cancer, and accurately aligns the spatio-temporal transcriptomics data to reconstruct human heart developmental processes. The code for Graspot is available athttps://github.com/zhan009/Graspot.
Rhinovirus infection of airway epithelial cells uncovers the non-ciliated subset as a likely driver of genetic susceptibility to childhood-onset asthma
Authors: Djeddi Sarah , Fernandez-Salinas Daniela , Huang George X. , Aguiar Vitor R. C. , Mohanty Chitrasen , Kendziorski Christina , Gazal Steven , Boyce Joshua , Ober Carole , Gern James , Barrett Nora , Gutierrez-Arcelus Maria
Published: February 2024

Asthma is a complex disease caused by genetic and environmental factors. Epidemiological studies have shown that in children, wheezing during rhinovirus infection (a cause of the common cold) is associated with asthma development during childhood. This has led scientists to hypothesize there could be a causal relationship between rhinovirus infection and asthma or that RV-induced wheezing identifies individuals at increased risk for asthma development. However, not all children who wheeze when they have a cold develop asthma. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of genetic variants contributing to asthma susceptibility, with the vast majority of likely causal variants being non-coding. Integrative analyses with transcriptomic and epigenomic datasets have indicated that T cells drive asthma risk, which has been supported by mouse studies. However, the datasets ascertained in these integrative analyses lack airway epithelial cells. Furthermore, large-scale transcriptomic T cell studies have not identified the regulatory effects of most non-coding risk variants in asthma GWAS, indicating there could be additional cell types harboring these “missing regulatory effects”. Given that airway epithelial cells are the first line of defense against rhinovirus, we hypothesized they could be mediators of genetic susceptibility to asthma. Here we integrate GWAS data with transcriptomic datasets of airway epithelial cells subject to stimuli that could induce activation states relevant to asthma. We demonstrate that epithelial cultures infected with rhinovirus significantly upregulate childhood-onset asthma-associated genes. We show that this upregulation occurs specifically in non-ciliated epithelial cells. This enrichment for genes in asthma risk loci, or ‘asthma heritability enrichment’ is also significant for epithelial genes upregulated with influenza infection, but not with SARS-CoV-2 infection or cytokine activation. Additionally, cells from patients with asthma showed a stronger heritability enrichment compared to cells from healthy individuals. Overall, our results suggest that rhinovirus infection is an environmental factor that interacts with genetic risk factors through non-ciliated airway epithelial cells to drive childhood-onset asthma.
Increased evolutionary rate in the Z-chromosome ofMorphobutterflies and implications for speciation
Authors: Villavicencio Manuela López , Ledamoisel Joséphine , Lopez-Roques Céline , Debat Vincent , Llaurens Violaine
Published: February 2024

The evolution of reproductive isolation between populations shapes divergence in genome structure and content: comparing the genomes of closely-related species can thus enlighten the speciation process. Comparisons of genomes of allopatricvs. sympatric species sharing similarvs. dissimilar ecological niches allows to specifically investigate the effect of reinforcement and ecological specialization on genome evolution. In the butterfly genusMorpho, several species can be found in sympatry presenting specialisation in different microhabitats and temporal niches. Here, we sequenced, assembled and annotated the genomes of 8Morphospecies and used previously published genomes of three otherMorphospecies to study genomic rearrangements and signatures of positive selection. We found extensive chromosomal rearrangements in the Z chromosome compared to the autosomes, particularly among closely related sympatric species occupying similar niches, pointing at the putative role of inversions in preventing gene flow at a postzygotic level. We also detected a higher proportion of genes under positive selection on the Z-chromosome compared to the autosomes, suggesting a potential role of the Z-chromosome in driving adaptive evolution inMorpho. Finally, because of the divergence in daily activities between species, we studied the evolution of eight genes involved in the circadian clock and detected a signature of positive selection on the genePeriod, located in the Z chromosome. By studying the evolution of genome structure and coding sequences, our study indicates fast evolution of the Z-chromosome, partly driven by selection, throughout this genus, highlighting the putative implication of this sexual chromosome on pre and post-zygotic isolation.
Longitudinal changes in anthropometric, physiological, and physical qualities of international women’s rugby league players
Authors: Scantlebury Sean , Costello Nessan , Owen Cameron , Chantler Sarah , Ramirez Carlos , Zabaloy Santiago , Collins Neil , Allen Hayden , Phillips Gemma , Alexander Marina , Barlow Matthew , Williams Emily , Mackreth Peter , Barrow Stuart , Clarke Anthony , Samuels Benjamin , Roe Stephanie , Blake Cameron , Jones Ben
Published: February 2024

This is the first study to assess longitudinal changes in anthropometric, physiological, and physical qualities of international women’s rugby league players. Thirteen forwards and 11 backs were tested three times over a 10-month period. Assessments included: standing height and body mass, body composition measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a blood panel, resting metabolic rate (RMR) assessed by indirect calorimetry, aerobic capacity (i.e., VLO2max) evaluated by an incremental treadmill test, and isometric force production measured by a force plate. During the pre-season phase, lean mass increased significantly by ∼2% for backs (testing point 1: 47 kg; testing point 2: 48 kg) and forwards (testing point 1: 50 kg; testing point 2: 51 kg) (p = ≤ 0.05). Backs significantly increased their VLO2max by 22% from testing point 1 (40 ml·kg−1·min−1) to testing point 3 (49 ml·kg−1·min−1) (p = ≤ 0.04). The VLO2max of forwards increased by 10% from testing point 1 (41 ml·kg−1·min−1) to testing point 3 (45 ml·kg−1·min−1), however this change was not significant (p = ≥ 0.05). Body mass (values represent the range of means across the three testing points) (backs: 68 kg; forwards: 77-78 kg), fat mass percentage (backs: 25-26%; forwards: 30-31%), resting metabolic rate (backs: 7 MJ·day−1; forwards: 7 MJ·day−1), isometric mid-thigh pull (backs: 2106-2180 N; forwards: 2155-2241 N), isometric bench press (backs: 799-822 N; forwards: 999-1024 N), isometric prone row (backs: 625-628 N; forwards: 667-678 N) and bloods (backs: ferritin 21-29 ug/L, haemoglobin 137-140 g/L, iron 17-21 umol/L, transferrin 3 g/L, transferring saturation 23-28%; forwards: ferritin 31-33 ug/L, haemoglobin 141-145 g/L, iron 20-23 umol/L, transferrin 3 g/L, transferrin saturation 26-31%) did not change (p = ≥ 0.05). This study provides novel longitudinal data which can be used to better prepare women rugby league players for the unique demands of their sport, underpinning female athlete health.
TNFpromoter hypomethylation is associated with mucosal inflammation in IBD and anti-TNF response
Authors: Levic Daniel S. , Niedzwiecki Donna , Kandakatla Apoorva , Karlovich Norah S. , Juneja Arjun , Park Jieun , Stolarchuk Christina , Adams Shanté , Willer Jason R. , Schaner Matthew R. , Lian Grace , Beasley Caroline , Marjoram Lindsay , Flynn Ann D. , Valentine John F. , Onken Jane E. , Sheikh Shehzad Z. , Davis Erica E. , Evason Kimberley J. , Garman Katherine S. , Bagnat Michel
Published: February 2024

Background and aims

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory conditions influenced heavily by environmental factors. DNA methylation is a form of epigenetic regulation linking environmental stimuli to gene expression changes and inflammation. Here, we investigated how DNA methylation of theTNFpromoter differs between inflamed and uninflamed mucosa of IBD patients, including anti-TNF responders and non-responders.

Methods

We obtained mucosal biopsies from 200 participants (133 IBD and 67 controls) and analyzedTNFpromoter methylation using bisulfite sequencing, comparing inflamed with uninflamed segments, in addition to paired inflamed/uninflamed samples from individual patients. We conducted similar analyses on purified intestinal epithelial cells from bowel resections. We also comparedTNFmethylation levels of inflamed and uninflamed mucosa from a separate cohort of 15 anti-TNF responders and 17 non-responders. Finally, we sequenced DNA methyltransferase genes to identify rare variants in IBD patients and functionally tested them using rescue experiments in a zebrafish genetic model of DNA methylation deficiency.

Results

TNFpromoter methylation levels were decreased in inflamed mucosa of IBD patients and correlated with disease severity. Isolated IECs from inflamed tissue showed proportional decreases inTNFmethylation. Anti-TNF non-responders showed lower levels ofTNFmethylation than responders in uninflamed mucosa. Our sequencing analysis revealed two missense variants inDNMT1, one of which had reduced functionin vivo.

Conclusions

Our study reveals an association ofTNFpromoter hypomethylation with mucosal inflammation, suggesting that IBD patients may be particularly sensitive to inflammatory environmental insults affecting DNA methylation. Together, our analyses indicate thatTNFpromoter methylation analysis may aid in the characterization of IBD status and evaluation of anti-TNF therapy response.
Pangenome-wide association study reveals selective absence of CRISPR genes (Rv2816c-19c) in drug-resistantMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Bhalla Nikhil , Nanda Ranjan Kumar
Published: February 2024

Background

The drug resistance development inMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) is attributed to the acquisition of mutations in the drug target genes. However, the role of the differential presence of non-essential accessory genes is relatively unexplored and Pan Genome-Wide Association Study (Pan-GWAS) can identify these gene sets that could contribute to drug resistance development in Mtb.

Methodology

Publicly available Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data of clinical Mtb isolates (n=2601) from TB endemic countries (India, China, Zambia, Pakistan) were used in this study. The Mtb WGS data was de novo assembled, filtered for contamination, scaffolded into longer contigs, and functionally annotated. All analyses, including Gene repertoire and Pan-GWAS, were conducted using open-source tools, and the Benjamin Hochberg test was applied to identify genes having significant association with drug-resistant Mtb isolates.

Results

Out of 2601 Mtb WGS data sets, 2184 qualified as high-quality and were used for Pan-GWAS analysis (drug-resistant n=1386; drug-sensitive n=798). A set of 3784 core genes, 123 softcore genes, 224 shell genes, and 762 cloud genes were identified. Sets of 33 and 39 genes showed a positive and a negative association with drug-resistant isolates, respectively, with high significance (p-value < 0.01). Gene ontology cluster analysis indicated a compromised bacterial immune system and impaired DNA repair in drug-resistant compared to the sensitive isolates. Multidrug efflux pump repressor genes (Rv3830c and Rv3855c) were also absent in the drug-resistant Mtb isolates. The absence of CRISPR-associated genes (Rv2816c-19c) is reported in other drug-resistant microbes, and a similar pattern is observed in Mtb.

Conclusions

This study sheds light on Mtb genes involved in drug resistance emergence and could be helpful in better understanding of host-pathogen interactions, identification of novel drug targets and diagnostics.
Organizational justice, job satisfaction and academic rank: a moderating mediation study on employee commitment in Ethiopian public universities
Authors: Gollagari Ramakrishna , Birega Temesgen , Mishra Santap Sanhari
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Organizational justice and its impact on employee commitment have received a lot of attention these days. The objective of this study is to see the effect of job satisfaction as a mediator in the relationship between organizational justice and employee commitment. Also, the role of academic rank as a moderator in the model is probed.

Design/methodology/approach

A moderating mediation structural equation model was used for randomly collected cross-section data on 285 employees from public universities in Ethiopia. Necessary condition analysis (NCA) was employed to check the importance of the variables. The Gaussian copula approach was used to check endogeneity in the structural model.

Findings

NCA confirms the importance of organizational justice and employee satisfaction as the independent variables. The Gaussian copula approach reveals no endogeneity problems in the structural model. The results supported the partial mediating role of job satisfaction in organizational justice and academic staff’s commitment. Moreover, though staff rank is not a necessary condition, it plays the role of moderator in the relationship between academic staff’s job satisfaction and commitment.

Practical implications

This paper affirms that public institutions must implement fair initiatives and procedures to promote academic staff satisfaction and commitment.

Originality/value

This is the first study to check the job rank as a moderator in the model comprising organization justice, employee commitment and satisfaction. Moreover, application of NCA and Gaussian copula adds to methodological innovation.
Empowering the next generation of women in interior design in the United Arab Emirates through competitive education: a curriculum review
Authors: Pasina Irene , Corti Emanuela , Eldanaf Taher , Abdullah Dalal
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper explores the impact of interior design education and its effectiveness in the work environment for women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as they are the primary recipients of interior design programs. The analysis focuses on the role of women in interior design in the Gulf countries and the update of an interior design program curriculum as part of the continuous development program requested by the UAE Commission of Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the national Ministry of Education (MoE).

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts different methodologies: an academic annual effectiveness report (AER), requirements of relevant international and regional accreditation bodies and a double round of surveys and interviews with female students, alumni, instructors and professionals.

Findings

The article collects and compares data from different perspectives, from the academic to the professional point of view, discussing challenges and opportunities for female students in contemporary interior design in the UAE. After collecting the necessary feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the bachelor’s program, a set of informed recommendations has been developed, approved and introduced during the academic year 2022/2023. At the end of the year, a second feedback from faculty and external reviewers was gathered and analyzed, providing preliminary insights into the effectiveness of the curricular revisions and highlighting the significant benefits for the female students.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the comprehensive and up-to-date combination of traditional elements, innovative approaches and sustainable practices, alongside the strategic planning of the United Arab Emirates, proposed to enhance female learning experiences while reinforcing their skills and competencies for their future careers.
The moderating role of women directors in politically connected companies on the performance of Liberian companies
Authors: Neves Maria Elisabete , Guedes Rui , Proença Catarina , Lozano Belen
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of political connections and gender diversity on the performance of Iberian companies as a singular market and considering Portugal and Spain separately.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used panel data methodology, specifically GMM system estimation model by Arellano and Bond (1991) for the period from 2015 to 2020.

Findings

Results show that the performance of listed Iberian companies is influenced by political connections, by gender diversity and that gender diversity has a mitigating effect on the effects of political connections in each country. The mitigating effect of women is evident in both Portugal and Spain, as they are more cautious and principled, which is valued by short-term investors interested in an immediate investment. However, considering the Iberian Peninsula as a whole, the results indicate that – in the long term – women's political relationships can benefit performance through a better reputation and image, which can lead to better social and economic results in the long term.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is original and covers an important gap in the literature when considering political connections and women's impact on these connections as determinants of the performance of Iberian companies.
Theory-practice gap of capitation payment in the Indonesian national health insurance: toward universal health coverage
Authors: Putri Nuzulul Kusuma , Purwaningrum Farah , Thabrany Hasbullah , Khotimah Eva Husnul
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to present a comprehensive integrative review of capitation payment for primary healthcare (PHC) in the Indonesian national health insurance (Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional,JKN).

Design/methodology/approach

Whittemore and Knafl’s integrative review method is used within this review and analysis framework. Multiple types of academic literature were included in this review, including all studies related to capitation payment in the JKN from 2014 until 2022.

Findings

This review found that several practices of capitation payments in the JKN in Indonesia deviate from basic economic concept of capitation. It does not yet incentivize PHC to create a competitive environment in attracting members and it does not incentivize health promotion and prevention. Moreover, the capitation model uses the same scope of primary care services for all PHC throughout the country – which in fact has disparities in providing 155 medical conditions as required competencies for PHC. The authors recommend that the JKN apply bottom-up costing and pricing methods to set market prices of capitation rates.

Originality/value

This is the first study that reviews theory-practice gap of the capitation payment model using an integrative review that covers academic literature, journal articles and regulations in Indonesia.
Having your career path decided too early: the effects of high school track on education-occupation mismatch
Authors: Botezat Alina , Incaltarau Cristian , Diac Sabina Ana , Grosu Alexandra Claudia
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to extend the scope of previous studies on education-occupation mismatch to explicitly focus on the role high school track choices have on the risk of being mismatched in the labor market.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the most exhaustive available database regarding the early-career paths of university graduates in Romania. Using a novel matching technique, entropy balancing (EB), our study relies on multinomial logit models and logit regressions to estimate the effect of the completed high school track on the likelihood of being mismatched in the labor market. The empirical analysis focuses on two types of education-occupation mismatches: horizontal and vertical mismatches.

Findings

We show that studying a different field in college compared to the completed high school track increases the risk of being skill mismatched in the first job after graduation. Five years after college graduation, the influence of the high school track fades, while being skill mismatched in the first employment plays a more important role. In contrast, we find no evidence that pursuing a college major unrelated to the completed high school track increases the probability of being overeducated. However, being overeducated in the first job increases the risk of being overeducated five years later.

Originality/value

The study brings new reliable evidence on the extent to which high school track choices may contribute to the risk of being mismatched in the labor market.
Data literacy in the new EU DigComp 2.2 framework how DigComp defines competences on artificial intelligence, internet of things and data
Authors: Van Audenhove Leo , Vermeire Lotte , Van den Broeck Wendy , Demeulenaere Andy
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse data literacy in the new Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp 2.2). Mid-2022 the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission published a new version of the DigComp (EC, 2022). This new version focusses more on the datafication of society and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence. This paper analyses how DigComp 2.2 defines data literacy and how the framework looks at this from a societal lens.

Design/methodology/approach

This study critically examines DigComp 2.2, using the data literacy competence model developed by the Knowledge Centre for Digital and Media Literacy Flanders-Belgium. The examples of knowledge, skills and attitudes focussing on data literacy (n = 84) are coded and mapped onto the data literacy competence model, which differentiates between using data and understanding data.

Findings

Data literacy is well-covered in the framework, but there is a stronger emphasis on understanding data rather than using data, for example, collecting data is only coded once. Thematically, DigComp 2.2 primarily focusses on security and privacy (31 codes), with less attention given to the societal impact of data, such as environmental impact or data fairness.

Originality/value

Given the datafication of society, data literacy has become increasingly important. DigComp is widely used across different disciplines and now integrates data literacy as a required competence for citizens. It is, thus, relevant to analyse its views on data literacy and emerging technologies, as it will have a strong impact on education in Europe.
Illuminating the trans-mediation process: an eye-tracking study of sketching to light painting in design education
Authors: Sahasrabudhe Keyur , Prakash Gagan , Gaikwad Sophia , Shah Vijay
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study is an “Action-Research-based” bridge that connects sketching and photographic processes. The article’s objective encompasses designing, assessing and validating a perceived difference between sketching and photography through a structured task by ensuring the systematic creation and implementation of the assignments. This study is part of a larger research project exploring the differences between thinking about sketching and final photographic outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This experimental mixed-method methodology was collected in three phases: the creation phase, where participants were asked to sketch and photograph a balanced composition; the evaluation phase, where the sketches and photographs were evaluated by “Self, Peer, and Independent” reviewers for their perceived differences. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was implemented to test the result. In the validation phase, eye-tracking technology is applied to understand the subconscious eye movements of individuals.

Findings

This study of 37 samples has helped develop a self-study model in photography, as students have learnt to evaluate themselves critically. This experience will help students be active and reflective learners, thus increasing attention and retention in their course, specifically “Photography Design Education”. A pedagogical approach by design instructors for practical, student-friendly, process-oriented assignments for their photography courses in higher education.

Originality/value

The trans-mediation process requires cognition amongst different mediums, such as pencil and paper for sketching and light for light painting. Photography courses in design education need knowledge of the photo/light medium, contrasting with the understanding of sketching/drawing. Exploring and addressing research gaps for transforming and designing assignments based on adaptive understanding presents an exciting opportunity.
Determinants of university brand loyalty in an emerging higher education market
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Davood , Rahehagh Atena , Najarzadeh Mohammad
Published: February 2024

Purpose

A university’s brand is a key competitive advantage in higher education (HE). This study examines the university's reputation’s intermediary impact on core services (emotional environment, perceived faculty and course suitability) and brand loyalty in private universities in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative method was used to achieve research objectives. The data collected from students enrolled in major private universities in the capital of Iran were analyzed to test the proposed model, both directly and indirectly, using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The findings confirmed all of the hypothesized relationships. Prominently, the core service construct (emotional environment, perceived faculty and course suitability) was found to be significantly affecting the university brand reputation. The study found evidence for the impact of university reputation on students' loyalty. Findings also indicated the presence of several indirect relationships among the considered dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

Current research offers implications for universities that are met with the perpetual challenge of survival in the competitive HE marketplace. Findings from the study not only help build theory on university brand loyalty but also make an essential contribution towards guiding managers in developing effective strategies by building reputation and loyalty by concentrating on the most crucial determinants.

Originality/value

Although research in HE marketing is growing, the effects of university core services on building loyalty have not garnered attention, which is theoretically a vital construct. The paper presents a new framework to realize university brand loyalty with the help of integrated relationships among select dimensions in the setting of an emerging HE market.
Consumer shift behavior from conventional to Islamic banking: decision-making analysis through AHP
Authors: Ahmad Muneer , Zafar Muhammad Bilal , Perveen Abida
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the comparative importance of factors influencing the customer shift behavior from conventional to Islamic banking for consumer finance in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature was conducted to identify a broad range of factors related to customer shift behavior. Through an expert sampling, 14 essential factors were chosen for further investigation. Second, a questionnaire was developed using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). This questionnaire was then distributed among customers who had previously been using conventional banking services but had made a shift toward Islamic banking. The purpose of this questionnaire was to gather data and insights regarding their motivations and decision-making process behind the shift, and a sample 215 customers are taken in the study.

Findings

The results of AHP depicts that the religiosity is a most important factor influencing customers to shift from conventional to Islamic banking, and the second most important factor is pricing. The other subsequent important factors are reputation of the bank, marketing and promotion, service quality, behavior of banks staff, Shariah compliance, management, convenience, fastness and charges/fees. Whereas documentation, ambiance and recommendation are found least important factors to patronize Islamic banking.

Practical implications

The study recommends Islamic banks to create awareness, concentrating on religious factor to have a greater impact on growth of Islamic banking and shrinking of conventional banking. Further, it suggests Islamic banks to apply Shariah-recommended approach of doing business, to help community in best possible way and to launch differentiated marketing techniques to attract customers. It also proposes regulatory authorities to provide facilitation to Islamic banking business by providing level playing field similar to conventional banking, tax equality and conversion of public financing from conventional banking to Islamic banking.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of factors influencing consumer shift behavior from conventional to Islamic banking in the context of consumer finance in Pakistan. By using the AHP, the study provides a structured approach to understanding the relative importance of these factors. This is the uniqueness of the paper that it applies the AHP for the analysis. Furthermore, the study offers practical implications for Islamic banks and regulatory authorities to effectively address and capitalize on this consumer shift trend.
Predicting city branding choices made by Chinese metropolitan cities: examining the impact of geographic context and national plans
Authors: Zhu Biying , Guo Ju’e , de Jong Martin , Liu Yunhong , Zhao Erlong , Jing Gao
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the unique Chinese context by analyzing the city labels (e.g. smart city and eco city) used by Chinese local governments at or above the provincial capital level to represent themselves (adopted city labels) and the developmental pathways they actually pursued (adopted developmental pathways).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compared the city brand choices to those anticipated based on their geographic and economic contexts (predicted city labels and developmental pathways) as well as the directives outlined in national planning documents (imposed city labels and developmental pathways). The authors identified ten main categories of city labels used to designate themselves and establish the frequency of their use based on municipal plan documents, economic and geographic data and national plan documents and policy reports, respectively.

Findings

The authors discovered that both local economic development and geographic factors, as well as top-down administrative influences, significantly impact city branding strategies in the 38 Chinese cities studied. When these models fall short in predicting adopted city labels and pathways, it is often because cities favor a service-oriented reputation over a manufacturing-focused one, and they prefer diverse, multifaceted industrial images to uniform ones.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this paper lie in its contribution to the academic literature on city branding by developing a predictive model for brand development at the municipal level, with explicit attention to the national-local nexus. The paper’s approach differs from existing research in the first cluster of city branding by not addressing issues of stakeholder involvement or adoption and implementation processes. Additionally, the paper’s focus on the political power dynamics at the national level and urban governance details at the municipal level provides a unique perspective on the topic. Overall, this paper provides a valuable contribution to the field of city branding by expanding the understanding of brand development and its impact on the socioeconomic environment.
Why I am trapped in the spiral of abuse? A nexus of low core self-evaluations and job dependency
Authors: Fatima Tehreem , Imran Muhammad Kashif , Sarwar Ambreen , Shabeer Sobia , Rizwan Muhammad
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The present research aims to empirically test the “Barriers to abusive supervision model” to find how employee-related (core self-evaluations) and situational factors (perceived job dependency) make an employee trapped in the spiral of supervisory abuse. In addition, the work–family spillover lens is used to explain how employees' retaliation is targeted at their families in response to abuse from their bosses.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study has employed a three-wave longitudinal moderated mediation design and analysed data from 265 employees working in the hospitality industry of Pakistan.

Findings

The results of this study have shown that low core-self evaluations put employees in a spiral of supervisory abuse and they instil aggression towards their families. This association is further strengthened when employees are dependent on their job.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to use the “Barriers to Abusive supervision” model to answer who and in which conditions tend to trap in the spiral of abuse and integrate the work-to-family interface model for elaborating the outcomes to the family domain.
Does the pattern of ICT possession exacerbate inequality in educational opportunities between students with and without disabilities? Evidence from Egypt
Authors: El-Saadani Somaya , Metwally Soha , Abdelaziz Wafaa
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze to what extent distance education is feasible and efficient with the limited technological infrastructure in Egypt. The study answers this question from the perspective of households' preparedness level regarding possessing information and communication technologies (ICTs). In addition, it assesses whether the pattern of students' ICT ownership is influenced by disability- and socioeconomic-based inequality in education and whether the pattern of ICT ownership exacerbates such biases.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stage probit model with double sample selection (PMDSS) was applied to estimate the factors likely to influence ICT possession, considering the selection process for school enrollment and education continuation. The authors utilized nationally representative data from the Egypt Labor Market Panel Survey 2018.

Findings

About 40% of students aged 12–25 did not have ICTs. Most socioeconomically poor households, particularly those living in Upper Egypt, were the least likely to obtain ICTs and rely on distance education. In addition, female students, particularly those with disabilities, had the lowest chance of benefitting from distance learning.

Research limitations/implications

The persistent structural deprivation of school enrollment and educational progression has led to the positive selection of well-off children in education, which is extended to ICT possession and internet use. Without addressing these structural biases, the study suggests that distance education will likely exacerbate educational inequalities.

Originality/value

The study analyzed the extent to which Egyptian families were prepared in 2018 regarding ICT possessions for distance education for their children, particularly those with disabilities. Furthermore, it investigated whether access to distance learning was influenced by disability- and socioeconomic-based inequalities in education.
Taking stock of the trajectories of South Korea’s government-certified social enterprises: perspectives on a fluid semi-public sector model
Authors: Claassen Casper Hendrik , Bidet Eric , Kim Junki , Choi Yeanhee
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess the alignment of South Korea’s government-certified social enterprises (GCSEs) with prevailing social enterprise (SE) models, notably the entrepreneurial nonprofit, social cooperative and social business models delineated in the “Emergence of Social Enterprises in Europe” (Defourny and Nyssens, 2012, 2017a, 2017b) and the “principle of interest” frameworks (Defourny et al., 2021). Thereby, it seeks to situate these enterprises within recognized frameworks and elucidate their hybrid identities.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyzing panel data from 2016 to 2020 for 259 GCSEs, this study uses tslearn for k-means clustering with dynamic time warping to assess their developmental trajectories and alignment with established SE models, which echoes the approach of Defourny et al. (2021). We probe the “fluid” identities of semi-public sector SEs, integrating Gordon’s (2013) notion that they tend to blend various SE traditions as opposed to existing in isolation.

Findings

Results indicate that GCSEs do align with prevalent SE frameworks. Furthermore, they represent a spectrum of SE models, suggesting the versatility of the public sector in fostering diverse types of SEs.

Originality/value

The concept of a semi-public sector SE model has been relatively uncharted, even though it holds significance for research on SE typologies and public sector entrepreneurship literature. This study bridges this gap by presenting empirical evidence of semi-public SEs and delineating the potential paths these enterprises might take as they amalgamate various SE traditions.
Tapping into early PhD aspirations to advance gender equity in computing: predicting PhD interest among upward transfer students
Authors: Blaney Jennifer M. , Feldon David F. , Litson Kaylee
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Supporting community college transfer students represents a critical strategy for broadening participation in STEM. In addition to being a racially diverse group, students who pursue STEM degrees by way of community college report frequent interests in graduate study and academic careers. Thus, supporting and expanding transfer students’ PhD interests can help to diversify the STEM professoriate. This study aims to identify the experiences that predict PhD interests among students who transferred into the computer science major from a community college.

Design/methodology/approach

Relying on longitudinal survey data from over 150 community college transfer students throughout their first year at their receiving four-year university, we used regression analysis to identify the post-transfer college experiences that predict early interest in PhDs.

Findings

We found that receiving information about PhDs from a professor strongly predicted PhD interest among transfer students. Relationships with other variables indicate that the provision of information about graduate school was more likely to occur for students who participated in undergraduate research experiences than for those participating in internships. Descriptive data document inequities in who has access to these types of experiences.

Originality/value

This paper provides new insight into how STEM departments can develop targeted efforts to ensure that information about PhD training is equitably available to all transfer students. Working to ensure that faculty equitably communicate with students about PhD opportunities may go a long way in countering potential deterrents among transfer students who may be interested in such pathways.
Academic impressions pertaining to the “new normal” in tourism education and practice in accordance with digital technology and creativity
Authors: Gi̇rgen Mete Unal , Kole Ayman
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explain the educational practices that emerged with the concept of “new normal” in an overview. In line with this goal, the experiences of academics who are experts in their fields have been utilized.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on both academic and trade literature. Interviews with representatives from schools providing tourism education in North Cyprus were conducted online and in-person. The qualitative research method in the form of the interview method was employed in the research. The research participants consist of 15 academics working in the field of tourism education. Additionally, concerning the selection of these participants, sector experience and applied lecture status were taken into consideration. As the second dimension of the research, an extensive literature review was conducted and the subject was expanded by explaining it with examples from around the world.

Findings

It has been revealed in the research that educational institutions and tourist businesses have to constantly renew themselves technologically. The findings obtained from academics include the innovations they use in the “new normal” tourism education in applications such as Hybrid/BL – Blended Learning, VR – Virtual Reality, Artificial intelligence, LMS & In-class response systems, API-based software systems in the courses they teach. The common opinion of academics who want to provide a better education is that educational institutions should always be infrastructurally prepared for such emergencies.

Originality/value

The global COVID-19 pandemic created economic destruction in many countries and brought life to a halt. In the tourism sector, one of the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 problem, various restrictions were imposed on touristic activities. While this situation caused a decrease in demand in the tourism sector, it paved the way for great technological changes and resulted in the adoption of new educational practices in institutions providing tourism education. This paper traces these new development in the face of the pandemic crisis.
Development of Mobile App as an Educational Tool for Understanding Nanomedicine
Authors: Nik Malek Nik Ahmad Nizam , Abdul Talib Corrienna , Mohd Nor Nur Shafina , Ibrohim  , Matmin Juan , Lee Siew Ling , Prabhakaran Praseetha , Sani Nor Suriani , Noordin Muhammad Khair
Published: February 2024

Nanomedicine, an emerging field at the intersection of nanotechnology and medicine, holds great promise for revolutionizing healthcare by enabling targeted diagnostics and treatments at the molecular level. However, due to its complex nature, understanding nanomedicine concepts and applications can be challenging for healthcare professionals, researchers, and the general public. To bridge this knowledge gap and promote awareness, a mobile application was developed to enhance the understanding of nanomedicine, and named it "MyNanoRia". The MyNanoRia was developed by initially designing suitable content, compiling information and creating the apps using Unity platform, specifically for the Android operating system. The MyNanoRia provides users with readily available knowledge about nanomedicine's concepts, methods, and applications as an interactive educational tool. Specific facets of nanotechnology, nanomedicine, nanomaterials, and cancer are covered in this app. MyNanoRia also includes definitions for particular keywords. This app's creation required consulting and validation by subject-matter specialists, such as chemists, biologists, and medical scientists. The development of MyNanoRia is challenging since nanotechnology is a multidiscipline topic that indeed emphasizes scientific understanding, but the intended users are those who know little to nothing about it. Creating the MyNanoRia app for understanding nanomedicine seeks to close the knowledge and awareness gap between science and the general public, enabling researchers, healthcare professionals, and the general public to fully value nanotechnology's potential in healthcare.
Spike Analysis of the Neural Activities Across the Rats' Auditory Brain Structures
Authors: Meeker Alexis , Van Gampelaere Jensen , Zhu Linda , Luo Hao , Zhang Jinsheng
Published: February 2024

Tinnitus is a health condition that affects a large population. Clinical diagnosis and treatment have been developed for treating tinnitus for years. However, there are still limitations because researchers have yet to elucidate the mechanisms underlying how tinnitus neural signals develop in brain structures. Abnormal neural interactions among the brain areas are considered to play an important role in tinnitus generation. Researchers have been studying neural activities in the auditory brain structures, including the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN), inferior colliculus (IC), and auditory cortex (AC), to seek a better understanding of the information flow among these brain regions, especially in comparison with both health and tinnitus conditions. In this project, neural activities from the DCN, IC, and AC were collected and analyzed before and after the animals were noise-exposed and before and after their auditory cortices were electrically stimulated. These conditions in rats were used to estimate healthy animals, noise-trauma-induced tinnitus, and after auditory cortex electrical stimulation (ACES) treatment. The signal processing algorithms started with the raw measurement data and focused on the local field potentials (LFPs) and spikes in the time domain. The firing rate, shape of spikes, and time differences among channels were analyzed in the time domain, and phase–phase correlation was used to test the phase-frequency information. All the analysis results were summarized in plots and color-heat maps and also used to identify if any neural signal differs and cross-channel relation changes at various animal conditions and discussed.
Development of a New Cable-Driven Planar Parallel Continuum Robot Using Compound Kinematic Calibration Method
Authors: Wang Zhengyu , Liu Xuchang , Jia Zirui , Yu Xiang , Pei Zongkun , Yang Jun
Published: February 2024

This paper presents the design, calibration, and development of a novel cable-driven planar parallel continuum robot (PCR). The PCR employs a novel drive unit, which is mainly composed of cables, guiding pulleys, and miniature linear actuators. The kinematic model of the PCR is derived based on the constant curvature assumption and the space vector method, and its workspace and singularity are analyzed. In addition, this paper adopts a novel compound kinematic calibration method, which includes the linear calibration method in the robot-specific model and the use of genetic algorithm (GA) in the robot-independent model. To verify the validity of the calibration method, the pose accuracy is assessed by providing positional points on the elliptical trajectory, and the trajectory tracking accuracy is evaluated by using circular and rectangular trajectories. The experimental results show that the static positioning accuracy is maintained at 1 mm; meanwhile, the trajectory tracking accuracy is controlled within the range of 0.9–1.4 mm. The PCR developed in this paper shows good comprehensive performance by employing the proposed novel compound kinematic calibration method.