bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell-surface glycans are quantitative reporters of Golgi dysfunction in single cells
Authors: Joshi Prachi , Satyajith Aashish , Panda Debiprasad , R Rajeshwari B , Thattai Mukund , Balasubramanian Nagaraj
Published: June 2024

Complex sugar polymers known as glycans contribute to the high molecular diversity of the eukaryotic cell surface. The types and levels of glycans on one cell can be sensed by other cells using carbohydrate-specific binding proteins such as lectins, enabling glycans to regulate cell-cell interactions. Glycans are covalently assembled onto proteins and lipids as they traverse the secretory pathway, a tightly regulated process known as glycosylation and carried out by Golgi-resident enzymes. Errors in glycosylation due to the dysfunctional trafficking of enzymes and substrates in the Golgi are implicated in human diseases. Here, we ask how much information about Golgi dysfunction is encoded by surface glycans in single cells. This task is challenging due to high cell-to-cell variability in glycan levels. We exploited the loss-of-adhesion driven disorganization of the Golgi in mouse fibroblasts to generate a highly reproducible gradient of Golgi morphology phenotypes, by titrating the Arf1 inhibitor Brefeldin A (BFA). We measured the resulting distribution of cell-surface glycans in single cells using two fluorescently tagged lectin probes (ConA and WGA). A mathematical model of intracellular traffic, parameterized against measurements of Golgi fragmentation and endocytosis, quantitatively explains cell-surface lectin levels across time and BFA concentrations. We used this model to construct an optimal Bayesian decoder and showed that single-cell lectin measurements predict Golgi phenotypes with accuracy far greater than chance. By combining signals from two lectins, we further improved prediction accuracy and speed. Such multi-lectin information may be exploited during natural cell-cell communication and in the development of single-cell diagnostics.
Social threat alters the behavioral structure of social motivation and reshapes functional brain connectivity
Authors: Velazquez-Hernandez Geronimo , Miller Noah W. , Curtis Vincent R. , Rivera-Pacheco Carla M. , Lowe Sarah M. , Moy Sheryl S. , Zannas Anthony S. , Pégard Nicolas C. , Burgos-Robles Anthony , Rodriguez-Romaguera Jose
Published: June 2024

Traumatic social experiences redefine socially motivated behaviors to enhance safety and survival. Although many brain regions have been implicated in signaling a social threat, the mechanisms by which global neural networks regulate such motivated behaviors remain unclear. To address this issue, we first combined traditional and modern behavioral tracking techniques in mice to assess both approach and avoidance, as well as sub-second behavioral changes, during a social threat learning task. We were able to identify previously undescribed body and tail movements during social threat learning and recognition that demonstrate unique alterations into the behavioral structure of social motivation. We then utilized inter-regional correlation analysis of brain activity after a mouse recognizes a social threat to explore functional communication amongst brain regions implicated in social motivation. Broad brain activity changes were observed within the nucleus accumbens, the paraventricular thalamus, the ventromedial hypothalamus, and the nucleus of reuniens. Inter-regional correlation analysis revealed a reshaping of the functional connectivity across the brain when mice recognize a social threat. Altogether, these findings suggest that reshaping of functional brain connectivity may be necessary to alter the behavioral structure of social motivation when a social threat is encountered.
From Mutations to Disease: Computational Analysis and Interpretation of GPCR-Associated Pathogenicity
Authors: Velloso João Paulo L. , de Sá Alex G. C. , Ascher David B.
Published: June 2024

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) perform critical roles in numerous physiological processes and their mutations are, therefore, associated with various human diseases. Hence, understanding the molecular consequences of pathogenic mutations in GPCRs is essential for elucidating disease mechanisms and developing effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we employed computational approaches to explore the impact of mutations on GPCRs using two distinct datasets: ClinVar and MutHTP. We first evaluated the performance of available pathogenicity predictors. Beyond that, we used statistical analysis to identify key characteristics of mutations in GPCRs leading to diseases. We first evaluated available computational predictors, such as SIFT, PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN, ESM1b, and AlphaMissense in classifying GPCR mutations. During this task, we observed that all predictors performed with reliability when assessing GPCR mutations leading to diseases in the ClinVar dataset. On the other hand, when dealing with the MutHTP dataset, all predictors demonstrated poor performance, emphasising the importance of dataset characteristics and the need for comprehensive evaluation when selecting mutation predictive tools for GPCR analysis. The statistical analysis of mutations on GPCRs and disease development suggests that mutations occurring in conserved regions or regions with stronger intermolecular interactions are more likely to disrupt protein function and contribute to disease pathogenesis. Additionally, regarding our analysis, we also obtained insights into the importance of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding patterns in mutations in GPCRs and pathogenicity. Overall, our study enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying GPCR-associated diseases and provides valuable insights for future research and clinical diagnostics in this field.
Digital solutions supporting the quality of life of European cancer patients and their caregivers: a systematic literature review
Authors: Ancona Camilla , Caroppo Emanuele , Lellis Pietro De
Published: June 2024

Purpose

we investigate (a) the diffusion of digital solutions supporting the quality of life in cancer patients and their caregivers across cancer types and EU countries, (b) the key thematic areas on which they focus, and (c) their effectiveness in improving the quality of life with respect to traditional healthcare.

Methods

We searched articles from Embase, Scopus and PubMed in the last decade, and assessed their quality according to mixed methods appraisal tool. We compared the effectiveness of such tools and discussed the main gaps that emerged.

Results

49 studies were included (31 quantitative randomized control trials, 9 quantitative non-randomized, 4 quantitative descriptive, 3 qualitative, and 2 mixed-methods). We observed a prevalence of studies from the Netherlands and Germany, and breast cancer patients are the most targeted by single-cancer type interventions. The key areas of interventions for e-health solutions are psychophysical well-being, management of physical distress, remote monitoring of vitals and symptoms, and empowerment and self-efficacy. The effectiveness of digital solutions is typically higher than traditional healthcare, especially for solutions focusing on psychosocial well-being.

Conclusions

This review showed a growing interest in digital solutions aimed at making the life of cancer patients and their caregivers easier, and their healthcare more patient-centered. The effectiveness of such interventions varies, but all the solutions are well accepted among the participants. Our findings provide evidence of the untapped potential of these digital tools, and of the need for their integration in the daily routine of cancer patients and their caregivers.
Unpolarized transverse momentum dependent parton distributions of the nucleon from lattice QCD
Authors: He Jin-Chen , Chu Min-Huan , Hua Jun , Ji Xiangdong , Schäfer Andreas , Su Yushan , Wang Wei , Yang Yi-Bo , Zhang Jian-Hui , Zhang Qi-An ,   Lattice Parton Collaboration (LPC)
Published: June 2024

We present a first lattice QCD calculation of the unpolarized nucleon’s isovector transverse-momentum-dependent parton distribution functions (TMDPDFs), which are essential to predict observables of multiscale, semi-inclusive processes in the standard model. We use a Nf=2+1+1 MILC ensemble with valence clover fermions on a highly improved staggered quark (HISQ) sea to compute the quark momentum distributions in a large-momentum nucleon on the lattice. The state-of-the-art techniques in renormalization and extrapolation in the correlation distance on the lattice are adopted. The perturbative kernel up to next-to-next-to-leading order is taken into account, and the dependence on the pion mass and the hadron momentum is explored. Our results are qualitatively comparable with phenomenological TMDPDFs, which provide an opportunity to predict high energy scatterings from first principles.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Electrical Breakdown of Excitonic Insulators
Authors: Shao Yuelin , Dai Xi
Published: June 2024

We propose a new electrical breakdown mechanism for exciton insulators in the BCS limit, which differs fundamentally from the Zener breakdown mechanism observed in traditional band insulators. Our new mechanism results from the instability of the many-body ground state for exciton condensation, caused by the strong competition between the polarization and condensation energies in the presence of an electric field. We refer to this mechanism as “many-body breakdown.” To investigate this new mechanism, we propose a BCS-type trial wave function under finite electric fields and use it to study the many-body breakdown numerically. Our results reveal two different types of electric breakdown behavior. If the system size is larger than a critical value, the Zener tunneling process is first turned on when an electrical field is applied, but the excitonic gap remains until the field strength reaches the critical value of the many-body breakdown, after which the excitonic gap disappears and the system becomes a highly conductive metallic state. However, if the system size is much smaller than the critical value, the intermediate tunneling phase disappears since the many-body breakdown happens before the onset of Zener tunneling. The sudden disappearance of the local gap leads to an “off-on” feature in the current-voltage (I−V) curve, providing a straightforward way to distinguish excitonic insulators from normal insulators.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
TORO Indexer: a PyTorch-based indexing algorithm for kilohertz serial crystallography
Authors: Gasparotto Piero , Barba Luis , Stadler Hans-Christian , Assmann Greta , Mendonça Henrique , Ashton Alun W. , Janousch Markus , Leonarski Filip , Béjar Benjamín
Published: June 2024

Serial crystallography (SX) involves combining observations from a very large number of diffraction patterns coming from crystals in random orientations. To compile a complete data set, these patterns must be indexed (i.e. their orientation determined), integrated and merged. Introduced here is TORO (Torch-powered robust optimization) Indexer, a robust and adaptable indexing algorithm developed using the PyTorch framework. TORO is capable of operating on graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs) and other hardware accelerators supported by PyTorch, ensuring compatibility with a wide variety of computational setups. In tests, TORO outpaces existing solutions, indexing thousands of frames per second when running on GPUs, which positions it as an attractive candidate to produce real-time indexing and user feedback. The algorithm streamlines some of the ideas introduced by previous indexers like DIALS real-space grid search [Gildea, Waterman, Parkhurst, Axford, Sutton, Stuart, Sauter, Evans & Winter (2014). Acta Cryst. D70, 2652–2666] and XGandalf [Gevorkov, Yefanov, Barty, White, Mariani, Brehm, Tolstikova, Grigat & Chapman (2019). Acta Cryst. A75, 694–704] and refines them using faster and principled robust optimization techniques which result in a concise code base consisting of less than 500 lines. On the basis of evaluations across four proteins, TORO consistently matches, and in certain instances outperforms, established algorithms such as XGandalf and MOSFLM [Powell (1999). Acta Cryst. D55, 1690–1695], occasionally amplifying the quality of the consolidated data while achieving superior indexing speed. The inherent modularity of TORO and the versatility of PyTorch code bases facilitate its deployment into a wide array of architectures, software platforms and bespoke applications, highlighting its prospective significance in SX.
Accurate space-group prediction from composition
Authors: Venkatraman Vishwesh , Carvalho Patricia Almeida
Published: June 2024

Predicting crystal symmetry simply from chemical composition has remained challenging. Several machine-learning approaches can be employed, but the predictive value of popular crystallographic databases is relatively modest due to the paucity of data and uneven distribution across the 230 space groups. In this work, virtually all crystallographic information available to science has been compiled and used to train and test multiple machine-learning models. Composition-driven random-forest classification relying on a large set of descriptors showed the best performance. The predictive models for crystal system, Bravais lattice, point group and space group of inorganic compounds are made publicly available as easy-to-use software downloadable from https://gitlab.com/vishsoft/cosy.
Interfacial behaviour of short-chain fluorocarbon surfactants at the n-hexane/water interface: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Chen Ke , Jing Xianwu , Zhang Huali , Wang Yujie , Wang Yezhong , Xie Wuping , Shuai Chungang , Wen Bo , Zhang Nanqiao , Zhang Peiyu , Wu Hao , Li Shan , Wang Lijia
Published: June 2024

The utilization of long-chain fluorocarbon surfactants is restricted due to environmental regulations, prompting a shift in the focus of research towards short-chain fluorocarbon surfactants. The present study employs molecular dynamics techniques to model the behaviour of potassium perfluorobutylsulfonate (PFBS) at the n-hexane/water interface, aiming to investigate the efficacy of short-chain fluorocarbon surfactants in enhancing oil recovery. The findings suggest that ionized PFBS− has the ability to autonomously migrate to the oil/water interface, forming a layered thin film, with the sulfonic acid group being submerged in water, while the fluorocarbon chain is oriented towards the oil phase. This phenomenon aligns with the fundamental concept of surfactants in reducing interfacial tension between oil and water. The spontaneous dispersion process is supported by changes in the number of water molecules surrounding each PFBS− anion, as is well indicated by the number density distribution within the simulation box. Based on the analysis conducted by IGMH (Independent Gradient Model based on Hirshfeld partition), it was determined that sulfonic acid molecules are capable of forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules, whereas the interaction between fluorocarbon chains and the oil phase is predominantly characterized by weak van der Waals interactions.
Crystal structures of four gold(I) complexes [AuL
2]+[AuX
2]− and a by-product (L·LH+)[AuBr2]− (L = substituted pyridine, X = Cl or Br)
Authors: Döring Cindy , Jones Peter G.
Published: June 2024

Bis(2-methylpyridine)gold(I) dibromidoaurate(I), [Au(C6H7N)2][AuBr2], (1), crystallizes in space group C2/c with Z = 4. Both gold atoms lie on twofold axes and are connected by an aurophilic contact. A second aurophilic contact leads to infinite chains of alternating cations and anions parallel to the b axis, and the residues are further connected by a short H...Au contact and a borderline Br...Br contact. Bis(3-methylpyridine)gold(I) dibromidoaurate(I), [Au(C6H7N)2][AuBr2], (2), crystallizes in space group C2/m with Z = 2. Both gold atoms lie on special positions with symmetry 2/m and are connected by an aurophilic contact; all other atoms except for one methyl hydrogen lie in mirror planes. The extended structure is closely analogous to that of 1, although the structures are formally not isotypic. Bis(3,5-dimethylpyridine)gold(I) dichloridoaurate(I), [Au(C7H9N)2][AuCl2], (3) crystallizes in space group P\overline{1} with Z = 2. The cation lies on a general position, and there are two independent anions in which the gold atoms lie on inversion centres. The cation and one anion associate via three short H...Cl contacts to form a ribbon structure parallel to the b axis; aurophilic contacts link adjacent ribbons. Bis(3,5-dimethylpyridine)gold(I) dibromidoaurate(I), [Au(C7H9N)2][AuBr2], (4) is isotypic to 3. Attempts to make similar compounds involving 2-bromopyridine led instead to 2-bromopyridinium dibromidoaurate(I)–2-bromopyridine (1/1), (C5H5BrN)[AuBr2]·C5H4BrN, (5), which crystallizes in space group P\overline{1} with Z = 2; all atoms lie on general positions. The 2-bromopyridinium cation is linked to the 2-bromopyridine molecule by an N—H...N hydrogen bond. Two formula units aggregate to form inversion-symmetric dimers involving Br...Br, Au...Br and H...Br contacts.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-bromoethylammonium bromide – a possible side product upon synthesis of hybrid perovskites
Authors: Semenikhin Oleksandr A. , Shova Sergiu , Golenya Irina A. , Naumova Dina D. , Gural'skiy Il'ya A.
Published: June 2024

This study presents the synthesis, characterization and Hirshfeld surface analysis of a small organic ammonium salt, C2H7BrN+·Br−. Small cations like the one in the title compound are considered promising components of hybrid perovskites, crucial for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. While the incorporation of this organic cation into various hybrid perovskite structures has been explored, its halide salt counterpart remains largely uninvestigated. The obtained structural results are valuable for the synthesis and phase analysis of hybrid perovskites. The title compound crystallizes in the solvent-free form in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group P21/c, featuring one organic cation and one bromide anion in its asymmetric unit, with a torsion angle of −64.8 (2)° between the ammonium group and the bromine substituent, positioned in a gauche conformation. The crystal packing is predominantly governed by Br...H interactions, which constitute 62.6% of the overall close atom contacts.
Synthesis, spectroscopic analysis and crystal structure of (N-{2-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]ethyl}-4′-methyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-sulfonamidato)tricarbonylrhenium(I)
Authors: Kaluthanthiri Dinithi , Perera Theshini , Fronczek Frank R.
Published: June 2024

The title compound, [Re(C17H22N3O2S)(CO)3] is a net neutral fac-Re(I)(CO)3 complex of the 4-methylbiphenyl sulfonamide derivatized diethylenetriamine ligand. The NNN-donor monoanionic ligand coordinates with the Re core in tridentate fashion, establishing an inner coordination sphere resulting in a net neutral complex. The complex possesses pseudo-octahedral geometry where one face of the octahedron is occupied by three carbonyl ligands and the other faces are occupied by one sp
2 nitrogen atom of the sulfonamide group and two sp
3 nitrogen atoms of the dien backbone. The Re—Nsp
2 bond distance, 2.173 (4) Å, is shorter than the Re—Nsp
3 bond distances, 2.217 (5) and 2.228 (6) Å, and is similar to the range reported for typical Re—Nsp
2 bond lengths (2.14 to 2.18 Å).
Laying the ground for future cross-organizational process mining research and application: a literature review
Authors: Rott Julian , Böhm Markus , Krcmar Helmut
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Process mining (PM) has emerged as a leading technology for gaining data-based insights into organizations’ business processes. As processes increasingly cross-organizational boundaries, firms need to conduct PM jointly with multiple organizations to optimize their operations. However, current knowledge on cross-organizational process mining (coPM) is widely dispersed. Therefore, we synthesize current knowledge on coPM, identify challenges and enablers of coPM, and build a socio-technical framework and agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a literature review of 66 articles and summarized the findings according to the framework for Information Technology (IT)-enabled inter-organizational coordination (IOC) and the refined PM framework. The former states that within inter-organizational relationships, uncertainty sources determine information processing needs and coordination mechanisms determine information processing capabilities, while the fit between needs and capabilities determines the relationships’ performance. The latter distinguishes three categories of PM activities: cartography, auditing and navigation.

Findings

Past literature focused on coPM techniques, for example, algorithms for ensuring privacy and PM for cartography. Future research should focus on socio-technical aspects and follow four steps: First, determine uncertainty sources within coPM. Second, design, develop and evaluate coordination mechanisms. Third, investigate how the mechanisms assist with handling uncertainty. Fourth, analyze the impact on coPM performance. In addition, we present 18 challenges (e.g. integrating distributed data) and 9 enablers (e.g. aligning different strategies) for coPM application.

Originality/value

This is the first article to systematically investigate the status quo of coPM research and lay out a socio-technical research agenda building upon the well-established framework for IT-enabled IOC.
Khalti: a digital wallet in Nepal
Authors: Dangol Pabitra
Published: June 2024

Learning outcomes

After completion of the case study, the students will be able to understand competitive business and corporate strategies; understand various standard models and frameworks related to business and corporate strategy development such as Porter’s five forces model, Ansoff matrix, three value disciplines frameworks, scenario planning matrix and value chain analysis; and practice competitive strategy formulation using the latest analyzing tools/frameworks/models.

Case overview/synopsis

Although the digital wallet industry in Nepal was in its initial stage, it was growing rapidly. A digital wallet brand – Khalti, launched in 2017, could secure the second position in the industry within two years of establishment. In recent times, the leading digital wallet brand was eSewa which was developed by Kathmandu-based company – F1Soft International in 2009. Khalti team was better for creativity, risk-bearing capability, intact bond among co-founders, innovative skills and aggressive growth. Mr Amit Agrawal, the chief executive officer of Sparrow Pay Pvt. Ltd, was preparing to formulate some strategies for his company’s product, Khalti, on March 24, 2020. The next day, he was going to present his ideas about the future directions of Khalti with the co-founders of Janaki Technology, the parent company of Sparrow Pay Ltd. Therefore, his major agenda was how to design effective strategies to make Khalti more competitive against eSewa and probably lead the industry. Based on such a scenario, this case study deals with various competitive business and corporate strategies such as marketing, product and cost differentiation that Khalti could formulate to maintain its position and further become a leading firm in the industry.

Complexity academic level

This case study is suitable for business training programs at the master’s level, including Master of Business Administration and executive education. It is also appropriate for undergraduate students, particularly those who want to understand more about competitive business, strategic management and corporate strategy in developing economies. It is especially useful for students who have taken courses in strategic management, corporate strategy, marketing management and business expansion management. This case study is suitable for provoking skills of students such as critical and creative thinking, risk analysis and business planning.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy
To “talk the walk” or to “walk the talk”? Employer branding and HRM synergies in small and medium-sized hotels
Authors: Zografou Irene , Galanaki Eleanna
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Some firms excel at positively presenting their employer brand (talk), while others excel at effectively implementing human resource management (HRM) practices for the benefit of the employees (walk). Which approach is more effective? Focusing specifically on small and medium-sized hotels (SMHs), this study explores the relation of employer branding (EB) and HRM practices with organizational performance (OP).

Design/methodology/approach

Stratified sampling was used to identify 34 top management figures (owners, CEOs, and top HR managers) from SMHs across Greece. These individuals agreed to participate in in-depth, semi-structured, one-on-one interviews, focusing on their hotels’ HRM, EB, and organizational performance. The interviews were subjected to content analysis, further coupled with graphical exploration of the relations between the concepts under study.

Findings

The findings reveal a noteworthy pattern: high-performing SMHs tend to prioritize EB, particularly leveraging social media channels. This prioritization is further reinforced by the implementation of HRM practices, including extensive training and rewards. Clustering SMHs into four different levels based on their application of EB and HRM practices and the effect of these practices on OP, enables us to extend this study and gain valuable insights into the interplay of these factors.

Practical implications

This study highlights the need for practitioners to invest in HRM practices, especially in training and rewards, while giving due attention to EB, despite the potential resource limitations SMHs often face. Importantly, when basic levels of HRM are combined with high levels of EB, OP seems to be maximized.

Originality/value

Both HRM and EB deal with the employer – employee interaction, that’s why EB in most companies is the responsibility of the HRM department. Surprisingly, academic research has treated them as distinct fields, in isolation, ignoring their combined effects. This paper is the first to conceptualize EB as communication (“talk”) and HRM as practice (“walk”) and to thus propose that a complementarity relationship between these two dynamics may facilitate OP. Additionally, this study is the first to combine content analysis with a quantitative exploration to gain more holistic and valuable insights on the topic.
Virtual active sports: identifying main barriers and facilitators for casual fitness fans
Authors: Evsikov Eugene , Hristova Velina , Vlaev Ivo , Karabeliova Sonya
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to utilise the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify the main barriers and facilitators of positive attitude towards trying Virtual Active Sports (VAS).

Design/methodology/approach

200 individuals took part in an online cross-sectional survey based on 11 domains within the TDF. Linear logistic regression analysis was performed on the participant’s self-reported attitudes and believes. Based on the results from the regression analyses, a list of suggested behaviour change techniques was designed using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) framework and the BCT taxonomy (BCTTv1).

Findings

This research suggested that Beliefs about Consequences, Beliefs about Capabilities, Goal Conflict, Coping Planning, and Environmental Context and Resources are the main factors, influencing the positive attitude towards VAS and the self-reported desire to try it in the future. Future interventions were recommended and supported by 22 possible BCTs identified using the BCW approach. The TDF and BCW proved to be useful models for identifying both internal and external factors influencing fitness fans during the adoption of the new sportstech.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the present work was the implementation of a structured and effective approach derived from the healthcare domain to design solutions for behaviour change in the emerging and expanding virtual sports context.
Career paths of multiple jobholders: employers' perspectives and employees' experiences in retail and food service
Authors: Järvensivu Anu , Horppu Ritva , Keränen Hanna
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Multiple jobholding (MJH) is assumed to be a growing phenomenon due to working life changes. This study presents new knowledge on the MJH career paths, from the perspectives of both employers and employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative interview study was focused on retail trade and restaurant and food service industries in Finland, where MJH is a quite common work arrangement compared to other European countries. The data were analyzed with the concepts of the chaos theory of careers and with an abductive thematic content analysis.

Findings

According to the results, several events and intertwined factors may lead individual careers gradually to MJH. Changing personal and family situations and leisure time needs attracted the careers towards MJH. MJH was not only a financial necessity to employees, but it also served their flexibility interests. The interviewed employers applied flexible non-standard employment arrangements mainly due to rapidly varying labor needs established in the industries. It was important for them to strengthen the non-standard core employees' sense of belonging to the work community. However, employees with work ability challenges were in risk to end up in peripheral positions at the labor market.

Originality/value

Previous research on multiple jobholding has not combined employers’ perspectives of MJH to employees’ experiences of career paths.
A comprehensive analysis of the implications of artificial intelligence adoption on employee social well-being in South African facility management organizations
Authors: Moghayedi Alireza , Michell Kathy , Awuzie Bankole , Adama Unekwu Jonathan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the increased uptake of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology by Facility Management (FM) organizations for enhanced operational efficiency and competitive advantage. While AI adoption in FM has been widely reported, limited attempts have been made to assess its impact on the social well-being of FM employees. To contribute towards addressing this gap, this study established the essential employee social well-being factors mostly impacted by the adoption of AI in South African FM organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A four-stage design comprising a comprehensive review of literature, expert interviews, questionnaire census and focus group discussion sessions was used to elicit data from a sample of participants drawn from 22 South African FM organizations. The data was analyzed using a combination of content analysis, relative importance index and interpretative structural modeling for various data sets toward achieving the study’s objectives.

Findings

Sixteen employee social well-being factors, classified under job satisfaction, social relationship and knowledge development categories, respectively, were identified as being impacted by AI adoption in FM organizations. Furthermore, it was established that job security, job autonomy and professional status, which belong to the job satisfaction social well-being factor category, were deemed by FM employees as being mostly impacted by AI adoption.

Practical implications

The enhanced understanding of the impact of AI adoption on FM employees’ social well-being factors will contribute to the development of a collaborative intelligence framework for managing AI adoption in FM organizations toward engendering optimal AI–FM employee relationships for improved productivity.

Originality/value

Besides being one of the foremost studies to investigate the impact of AI adoption on FM employees’ social well-being, this study introduces a hierarchical framework of understanding employee social well-being factors based on multi-stakeholder perspectives.
Corporate social responsibility: does risk-taking attitude matter?
Authors: Hartmann Caroline , Chen Chu , Hayek Mario
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of risk-taking attitude as an important antecedent to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use regression models on a sample of 2,136 publicly traded US companies over a 10-year period.

Findings

Corporate risk-taking encourages the pursuit of CSR initiatives and internal (i.e. board strength) and external (i.e. financial analysts) corporate governance mechanisms strengthen that relationship.

Originality/value

While pursuing CSR initiatives involves financial and reputational risks that are evident by the variability in the outcomes (e.g. firm value) of firms that have historically undertaken CSR initiatives, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to theoretically explain why risk-taking is an important antecedent to CSR and empirically test that relationship.
The joint impact of burnout and neurotic personality on career satisfaction and intention to leave among health workers during the first 2 years of COVID-19
Authors: Osei Hannah Vivian , Arthur Justice , Aseibu Francis , Osei-Kwame Daniel , Fiakeye Rita , Abama Charity
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the psychological impact of COVID-19 on health workers' career satisfaction and intention to leave the health profession, with neurotic personality type as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 277 health workers in two public hospitals in Ghana were included in this study. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were adopted for the study, focusing on eight departments that were involved in the management of COVID-19 cases. Validated instruments were used to measure burnout, intention to leave, neurotic personality and career satisfaction. Using AMOS and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), various techniques were employed to analyze mediating and moderating mechanisms.

Findings

The departments had staff sizes ranging from 19 to 40, with 67% female and 33% male, with an average age of 31. Nurses accounted for the majority of responses (67.8%), followed by physicians (13.9%), sonographers (0.9%), lab technicians (0.9%) and other respondents (16.5%). The study found that health workers’ level of burnout during COVID-19 had a positive effect on their intention to leave the health profession. Career satisfaction does not mediate this relationship; however, career satisfaction negatively influences the intention to leave the health profession. A neurotic personality does not moderate this relationship.

Originality/value

This study provides validation of burnout and intention to leave among health workers in Ghana during COVID-19 and supports the proposition that threats to resources (burnout) and having a resource (career satisfaction) have effects on the intention to leave one’s profession.
Prototyping and characterisation of 316L stainless steel parts and lattice structures printed via metal fused filament fabrication
Authors: Martignoni Ludovico , Vegro Andrea , Candidori Sara , Shaikh Mohammad Qasim , Atre Sundar V. , Graziosi Serena , Casati Riccardo
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to deepen the knowledge concerning the metal fused filament fabrication technology through an analysis of the printing parameters of a commercial 316L stainless steel filament and their influence on the porosity and mechanical properties of the printed parts. It also investigates the feasibility of manufacturing complex geometries, including strut-and-node and triply periodic minimal surface lattices.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-step experimental campaign was carried out. Firstly, the printing parameters were evaluated by analysing the green parts: porosity and density measurements were used to define the best printing profile. Then, the microstructure and porosity of the sintered parts were investigated using light optical and scanning electron microscopy, while their mechanical properties were obtained through tensile tests. Finally, manufacturability limits were explored with reference samples and cellular structures having different topologies.

Findings

The choice of printing parameters drastically influences the porosity of green parts. A printing profile which enables reaching a relative density above 99% has been identified. However, voids characterise the sintered components in parallel planes at the interfaces between layers, which inevitably affect their mechanical properties. Lattice structures and complex geometries can be effectively printed, debinded, and sintered if properly dimensioned to fulfil printing constraints.

Originality/value

This study provides an extensive analysis of the printing parameters for the 316L filament used and an in-depth investigation of the potential of the metal fused filament fabrication technology in printing lightweight structures.
Fostering social media user intentions: AI-enabled privacy and intrusiveness concerns
Authors: Shoukat Muhammad Haroon , Elgammal Islam , Selem Kareem M , Shehata Ali Elsayed
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically examine the impact of psychological factors (i.e. privacy and intrusiveness concerns) on user intentions regarding artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled social commerce applications at their core through perceived usefulness. The theoretical model is supported by the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered from 488 social media users in Saudi Arabia.

Findings

Privacy concerns significantly affect perceived usefulness. Furthermore, the link between privacy concerns and behavioural intentions was mediated by perceived usefulness.

Research limitations/implications

Business leaders should raise users’ awareness about the effectiveness of AI-powered tools that can influence their behavioural intentions. Furthermore, managers must be aware of the regulations that protect user privacy, track online activity and offer secure communication channels.

Originality/value

This paper expands on TPB by bridging the theoretical and practical divide. It further develops a theoretical framework for practitioners to better understand customers’ physiological aspects of using AI-powered social commerce platforms.
Challenges and facilitating factors in interorganizational knowledge acquisition: evidence from the Orange Line Metro Train System and Sustainable Bus Rapid Transit Corridor
Authors: Iftikhar Rehab , Javed Sammar
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to identify challenges and facilitating factors in interorganizational knowledge acquisition. For this purpose, the interorganizational settings of the Orange Line Metro Train System and Sustainable bus rapid transit (BRT) Corridor in Pakistan are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an exploratory multiple case study approach. The empirical data encompasses semi-structured interviews and archival documents. Within and cross-case analyses are used for analyzing the data.

Findings

The findings identify challenges such as time pressure, knowledge hiding, finding credible information sources, organizational red tape and facilitating factors such as clear objectives, individual interest and personal commitment, and revisiting the organizational culture and environment in which interorganizational knowledge acquisition takes place.

Originality/value

By examining knowledge acquisition in interorganizational projects, this study contributes to the literature on knowledge-based theory.
Differential effects of a social work staffing intervention on social work access among rural and highly rural Veterans: A cohort study
Authors: Honken Andrew N. , Halladay Christopher W. , Wootton Lisa E. , Harmon Alita R. , Hua Cassandra L. , Rudolph James L. , Cornell Portia Y.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To evaluate the impact on rural Veterans' access to social work services of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national program to increase social work staffing, by Veterans' rurality, race, and complex care needs.

Data Sources and Study Setting

Data obtained from VA Corporate Data Warehouse, including sites that participated in the social work program between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2021.

Study Design

The study outcome was monthly number of Veterans per 1000 individuals with 1+ social work encounters. We used difference‐in‐differences to estimate the program effect on urban, rural, and highly rural Veterans. Among rural and highly rural Veterans, we stratified by race (American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and White) and complex care needs (homelessness, high hospitalization risk, and dementia).

Data Collection

We defined a cohort of 740,669 Veterans (32,434,001 monthly observations) who received primary care at a participating site.

Principal Findings

Average monthly social work use was 8.7 Veterans per 1000 individuals. The program increased access by 49% (4.3 per 1000; 95% confidence interval, 2.2–6.3). Rural Veterans' social work access increased by 57% (5.0; 3.6–6.3). Among rural/highly rural Veterans, the program increased social work access for those with high hospitalization risk by 63% (24.5; 18.2–30.9), and for Veterans experiencing homelessness, 35% (13.4; 5.2–21.7). By race, the program increased access for Black Veterans by 53% (6.1; 2.1–10.2) and for Asian Veterans by 82% (5.1; 2.2–7.9).

Conclusions

At rural VA primary care sites with social work staffing below recommended levels, Black and Asian Veterans and those experiencing homelessness and high hospitalization risk may have unmet needs warranting social work services.
Removing barriers: How online visits boost female analysts' participation
Authors: Wang Jun , Wu Chongfeng
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the impact of remote meetings on the participation of female analysts in corporate visits. We find that online visits significantly increase female analysts' participation, especially under greater security risks or work–family conflicts. Additionally, our analysis shows that an increase in the number of female analysts enhances communication between analysts and management and improves forecast performance following corporate visits. These findings suggest that online visits can effectively boost female analysts' participation and enhance their work quality.
IFRS 9 and earnings management in Eurozone banking: The moderating effect of gender diversity
Authors: Proença Catarina , Augusto Mário , Murteira José
Published: June 2024

The present study examines the effect of adopting IFRS 9 on earnings management practices in European Central Bank‐supervised banks, considering the possible moderating effect of gender diversity in this relationship. Using a system GMM methodology, findings suggest IFRS 9 promotes transparency and contributes to a decrease in earnings management, as the new impairment model influences directors' discretion. We also find that gender diversity moderates the negative impact of IFRS 9 on earnings management. However, when the board representation of women is substantial, the adoption of IFRS 9 results in an undesirable turn, as women are more conservative and risk‐averse, which leads to measures of very early prevention of future losses.
Post‐operative pain after single‐visit root canal treatment using resin‐based and bioceramic sealers in teeth with apical periodontitis: A randomised controlled‐trial
Authors: Nathani Tousif Iqbal , Olivieri Juan Gonzalo , Tomás Jordi , Elmsmari Firas , Abella Francesc , Durán‐Sindreu Fernando
Published: June 2024

The present study aimed to compare postoperative pain in teeth with symptomatic and asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AP) following a single‐visit endodontic treatment using BioRoot™ RCS or AH Plus at 8 h, 24 h and 48 h postoperatively. Postgraduate students performed endodontic treatment on 101 teeth with AP, randomised into two obturation groups. A 100‐mm Visual Analog Scale was used to document the intensity of pain at preoperative, 8‐h, 24‐h and 48‐h intervals. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used for normality, and the median and interquartile ranges were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. Preoperative pain (1.90 ± 3.50) was more frequent in teeth with symptomatic AP (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in postoperative pain at the 8‐h, 24‐h and 48‐h intervals. Pre and postoperative pain were directly associated (p < 0.05). Single‐visit root canal treatment in teeth with AP using both sealers resulted in similar levels of postoperative pain.
Encapsulated papillary carcinoma of the breast clinicopathological features and management: Could sentinel lymph node biopsy be exempted?
Authors: Ozcan Cumhur , Dag Ahmet , Benli Sami , Tuncel Ferah
Published: June 2024

Background

Papillary lesions in the breast pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Encapsulated papillary carcinoma (EPC) is a rare breast cancer. However, evidence‐based guidelines are limited. For this reason, there is no complete clarity in diagnosis and treatment management, and there are insufficient studies in the literature. This study aimed to examine the necessity of sentinel lymph node sampling in the management of EPC, in line with patients' clinicopathological data.

Methods

We retrospectively screened patients with EPC in our clinic between January 2012 and March 2022. We recorded and statistically evaluated patients' demographic, clinical, radiological, pathological, and treatment management.

Results

Sixty‐four patients with EPCs were identified. The final pathologic evaluation revealed that 19 patients (18.7%) had pure EPC, 27 patients (43.7%) had EPC with associated ductal carcinoma in situ and 18 patients (37.5%) had EPC associated with invasion. The mean age was 61 years, and two patients were male. Breast‐conserving surgery was performed in 62 patients, and simple mastectomy was performed in two patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was positive in only one patient. Sixty‐three patients with EPC were hormone receptor‐positive, and one patient was triple‐negative and was associated with invasion. None of the patients died, one had a local recurrence, and a mastectomy was performed.

Conclusions

The overall prognosis and long‐term survival of patients with EPC were excellent. Our study and the current literature indicate that routine SLNB is overtreatment because surgical excision with negative margins is sufficient in EPC cases and lymph node metastasis is rare, even with an invasive component.
JAK inhibitors in refractory dermatomyositis: A case series
Authors: Corbella‐Bagot L. , Bosch‐Amate X. , Gimeno‐Ribes E. , Gil‐Lianes J. , Giavedoni P. , Milisenda J. C. , Prieto‐González S. , Hurtado García R. , Mascaró J. M.
Published: June 2024

This retrospective cohort study assessed the efficacy and safety of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, tofacitinib and baricitinib, in 14 patients with refractory dermatomyositis (DM), a multisystemic autoimmune disorder with limited therapeutic options. Results demonstrated a significant median decrease of 21 points and a 76% reduction in the Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index (CDASI) scores, along with a complete resolution of muscular symptoms in 64% of the patients. JAK inhibitors were effective in managing refractory DM across various subtypes with mild and manageable adverse events.