bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What are the best practices for curating eDNA custom barcode reference libraries? A case study using Australian subterranean fauna
Authors: Guzik Michelle T. , Stringer Danielle N. , Thornhill Jake , Coates Peterson J. , van der Heyde Mieke , Hillyer Mia J. , White Nicole E , Saccò Mattia , Beasley-Hall Perry , Humphreys William F. , Harvey Mark S. , Huey Joel A. , Wilson Nerida G. , Alexander Jason , Humphreys Garth , King Rachael A. , Cooper Steve J. B. , Pinder Adrian , Perina Giulia , Nevill Paul , Austin Andy D.
Published: September 2024

Identification of species for environmental assessment and monitoring is essential for understanding anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity, but for subterranean fauna this task is frequently difficult and time consuming. The implementation of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding for biodiversity discovery and assessment offers considerable promise for improving the rate, accuracy and efficiency of species detection in ecosystems both above and below the ground. Importantly, for a better understanding of the biodiversity and ecology of organisms detected using eDNA, a custom library of known reference sequences with associated correct taxonomic metadata—i.e., a barcode reference library (BRL)—is required. Yet, minimal guidance is currently available on how an effective (i.e. shareable, multi-sequence, that permits metadata and has a unified nomenclature) and accurate (i.e. verified) custom BRL can be achieved. Here, we present a detailed roadmap for curation of a BRL for subterranean fauna. To do this, we (1) curated a custom sequence database of subterranean fauna at an environmentally sensitive location, Bungaroo Creek in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, for four gene loci useful for eDNA metabarcoding (COI,18SrRNA,12SrRNA and16SrRNA); (2) addressed major gaps in taxonomy and disparate nomenclature of subterranean fauna by estimating 17–29 putative new species with standard delimitation methods, including 34 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) in BOLD, and (3) summarised a best practice workflow for curation of a custom BRL that has broad applicability and can be applied to any taxa.

Scientific Significance Statement

In threatened ecosystems, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding for biodiversity discovery and assessment offers considerable promise for improvement in the rate, efficiency and accuracy of species detection. For a better understanding of the biodiversity and ecology of organisms detected using eDNA, a custom library of known reference sequences with associated correct taxonomic metadata is required. Minimal guidance is currently available on how an effective (i.e. shareable, multi-sequence, permits metadata and provides a unified nomenclature) custom barcode reference library (BRL) can be achieved for subterranean fauna. Here, we present a road map for sound and reliable curation of a BRL using subterranean fauna from Australia as a case study.
Chromatin folding motifs define the basic grammar of TAD architecture in single alleles
Authors: Messina Olivier , Fiche Jean-Bernard , Youhanna Christel Elkhoury , Ganesh Gautham , Kemkem Yasmine , Mesnager Alexandre , Akerman Ildem , Hodson David J. , Schaeffer Marie , Nollmann Marcelo
Published: September 2024

Chromatin structure varies dramatically among single cells, yet the specific motifs underpinning this organization remain poorly understood. Using imaging-based spatial genomics, we visualized 3D chromatin organization across seven mouse tissues. We demonstrate that single chromatin traces can be decomposed into loop and domain Chromatin Folding Motifs (CFMs). Polymer simulations revealed that loop-extrusion reproduces loop CFMs, while cis-regulatory interactions are primarily responsible for domain CFMs. Notably, a unique set of CFMs describes single-cell chromatin architecture across multiple cell types, underscoring the universality of CFMs in organizing chromatin. In the pancreas, cells with different transcriptional programs exhibited distinct CFM usage, highlighting the functional relevance of CFMs. Perturbation of transcription and CTCF levels in a type 2 diabetes model altered CFM usage, demonstrating that disease induction affects both architectural and cis-regulatory interactions. Our results uncover how chromatin is organized in single cells and reveal the alterations that occur during disease.
A general substitution matrix for structural phylogenetics
Authors: Garg Sriram G , Hochberg Georg KA
Published: September 2024

Sequence-based maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetics is a widely used method for inferring evolutionary relationships, which has illuminated the evolutionary histories of proteins and the organisms that harbour them. But modern implementations with sophisticated models of sequence evolution struggle to resolve deep evolutionary relationships, which can be obscured by excessive sequence divergence and substitution saturation. Structural phylogenetics has emerged as a promising alternative, because protein structure evolves much more slowly than protein sequences. Recent developments protein structure prediction using AI have made it possible to predict protein structures for entire protein families, and then to translate these structures into a sequence representation - the 3Di structural alphabet - that can in theory be directly fed into existing sequence based phylogenetic software. To unlock the full potential of this idea, however, requires the inference of a general substitution matrix for structural phylogenetics, which has so far been missing. Here we infer this matrix from large datasets of protein structures and show that it results in a better fit to empirical datasets that previous approaches. We then use this matrix to re-visit the question of the root of the tree of life. Using structural phylogenies of universal paralogs, we provide the first unambiguous evidence for a root between and archaea and bacteria. Finally, we discuss some practical and conceptual limitations of structural phylogenetics. Our 3Di substitution matrix provides a starting point for revisiting many deep phylogenetic problems that have so far been extremely difficult to solve.
Maf-family bZIP transcription factor NRL interacts with RNA-binding proteins and R-loops in retinal photoreceptors
Authors: Corso-Díaz Ximena , Liang Xulong , Preston Kiam , Tegshee Bilguun , English Milton A. , Nellissery Jacob , Yadav Sharda Prasad , Marchal Claire , Swaroop Anand
Published: September 2024

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) perform diverse functions including the regulation of chromatin dynamics and the coupling of transcription with RNA processing. However, our understanding of their actions in mammalian neurons remains limited. Using affinity purification, yeast-two-hybrid and proximity ligation assays, we identified interactions of multiple RBPs with NRL, a Maf-family bZIP transcription factor critical for retinal rod photoreceptor development and function. In addition to splicing, many NRL-interacting RBPs are associated with R-loops, which form during transcription and increase during photoreceptor maturation. Focusing on DHX9 RNA helicase, we demonstrate that its expression is modulated by NRL and that the NRL-DHX9 interaction is positively influenced by R-loops. ssDRIP-Seq analysis reveals both stranded and unstranded R-loops at distinct genomic elements, characterized by active and inactive epigenetic signatures and enriched at neuronal genes. NRL binds to both types of R-loops, suggesting an epigenetically independent function. Our findings suggest additional functions of NRL during transcription and highlight complex interactions among transcription factors, RBPs, and R-loops in regulating photoreceptor gene expression in the mammalian retina.
GDNF family receptor alpha-like (GFRAL) expression is restricted to the caudal brainstem
Authors: Hes Cecilia , Gui Luting , Bay Alexandre , Alvarez Fernando , Katz Pierce , Paul Tanushree , Bozadjieva-Kramer Nadejda , Seeley Randy J. , Piccirillo Ciriaco A. , Sabatini Paul
Published: September 2024

The TGF-β cytokine, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a critical mediator of the physiologic response to a range of cellular stresses. While circulating levels of GDF15 are normally very low, these levels increase substantially under a number of acute and chronic pathogenic states including mycotoxin exposure, infection and cancer. GDF15 controls a range of physiologic outputs including reduced appetite, gastric motility, hyperalgesia, emesis, energy expenditure and immune cell function via the GDNF family receptor alpha-like (GFRAL). While the area postrema and nucleus of the solitary tract (AP/NTS) within the caudal brainstem are the only known sites ofGfral-expressing cells,Gfralmay also be expressed in other cell types. We therefore utilized single moleculein-situhybridizations and genetic mouse models to labelGfral-expressing cells from development to adult mouse. With both approaches, we foundGfral-labelled cells in the brainstem and extremely rareGfral-labelled cells in peripheral tissues in the mouse under normal physiological conditions. Confirming these findings, single nucleus RNA-sequencing of human tissues demonstrated nearly undetectable levels ofGfralmRNA in sites outside the AP/NTS. Our findings confirm AP/NTS neurons are the major site ofGfralexpression.
Inward transport of organelles drives outward migration of the spindle duringC. elegansmeiosis
Authors: Peraza Alma A. , Li Wenzhe , Lele Aastha , Lazureanu Denisa , Hampton Megan F. , Do Rebecca M. , Lafrades Melissa C. , Barajas Maria G. , Batres Antonio A. , McNally Francis J.
Published: September 2024

Cortical positioning of the meiotic spindle within an oocyte is required to expel chromosomes into polar bodies to generate a zygote with the correct number of chromosomes. InC. elegans, yolk granules and mitochondria are packed inward, away from the cortex while the spindle moves outward, both in a kinesin-dependent manner. The kinesin-dependent inward packing of yolk granules suggests the existence of microtubules with minus ends at the cortex and plus ends extending inward, making it unclear how kinesin moves the spindle outward. We hypothesized that inward packing of organelles might indirectly force the spindle outward by volume exclusion. To test this hypothesis, we generated a strain in which the only kinesin consists of motor domains with no cargo-binding tail optogenetically attached to mitochondria. This mitochondria-only kinesin packed mitochondria into a tight ball and efficiently moved the meiotic spindle to the cortex, supporting the volume exclusion hypothesis.
SoyOD: An Integrated Soybean Multi-omics Database for Mining Genes and Biological Research
Authors: Li Jie , Ni Qingyang , He Guangqi , Huang Jiale , Chao Haoyu , Li Sida , Chen Ming , Hu Guoyu , Whelan James , Shou Huixia
Published: September 2024

Soybean is a globally important crop for food, feed, oil, and nitrogen fixation. A variety of multi-omics research has been carried out generating datasets ranging from genotype to phenotype. To utilise this data, a soybean multi-omics database that has broad data coverage and comprehensive data analysis tools would be of value for basic and applied research. We present the soybean omics database (SoyOD), which integrates significant new datasets with existing public datasets for the most comprehensive collection of soybean multi-omics information. Compared to the existing soybean database, SoyOD incorporates an extensive collection of novel data derived from the deep-sequencing of 984 germplasms, 162 novel transcriptome datasets from seeds at different developmental stages, 53 phenotypic datasets, and over 2500 phenotypic images. In addition, SoyOD integrates existing data resources, including 59 assembled genomes, genetic variation data from 3904 soybean accessions, 225 sets of phenotypic data, and 1097 transcriptomic sequences covering 507 different tissues and treatment conditions. SoyOD is a novel tool, as it can be used to mine and analyze candidate genes for important agronomic traits, as shown in a case study on plant height. Additionally, powerful analytical and easy-to-use toolkits enable users to easily access the available multi-omics datasets, and to rapidly search genotypic and phenotypic data in a particular germplasm. The novelty, comprehensiveness, and user-friendly features of SoyOD make it a valuable resource for soybean molecular breeding and biological research. SoyOD is publicly accessible athttps://bis.zju.edu.cn/soyod.
Immobilized Nucleoside 2′-Deoxyribosyltransferases from Extremophiles for Nucleoside Biocatalysis
Authors: Hernández Martínez Saúl Antonio , Tang Peijun , Parra-Saldívar Roberto , Melchor-Martínez Elda M. , Czekster Clarissa Melo
Published: September 2024

The synthesis of nucleosides is crucial for pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications, acting as drugs and as essential building blocks for numerous therapeutic agents. However, most enzymes employed in nucleoside biocatalysis are not recycled, possess limit stability and strict substrate selection for ribonucleosides or 2′deoxyribonucleosides. We employed 2′deoxyribonucleoside transferase (NDT) enzymes from thermophilic and psychrophilic bacteria to demonstrate they can be immobilized to en-hance specific activity, stability, and recyclability. NDT enzymes fromChroococcidiopsis thermalis(CtNDT), andBacillus psychrosaccharolyticus(BpNDT) were immobilized by covalent attachment to chitosan beads. A double mutant of CtNDT, capable of generating 3′deoxyribonucleosides, showed remarkable and increased stability after immobilization when compared to the same enzyme in solution. Furthermore, we demonstrated the recyclability of immobilized biocatalysts, with a tenfold improvement in reaction yield over 20 consecutive cycles, highlighting the practicality and sustainability of the developed immobilization method. We used our strategy to produce a pharmaceutically relevant 3′deoxyribonucleoside (2-fluoro-3′-deoxyadenosine). This highlights the importance of efficient immobilization techniques to enhance catalytic properties of NDT enzymes, expanding their utility in biocatalysis.
Twinning and homo-epitaxy cooperation in the already rich growth morphology of CaCO3 polymorphs. II. Calcite
Authors: Aquilano Dino , Ghignone Stefano , Bruno Marco
Published: September 2024

The two most abundant CaCO3 polymorphs, calcite and aragonite, are universally recognized for the richness of their morphology to which different twins make relevant contributions. The epitaxial transformation calcite ↔ aragonite has long been debated. While the twinning has been thoroughly treated, the homo-epitaxy occurring within each of these minerals has, inexplicably, been overlooked to date, both experimentally and theoretically. Twinning can be deceptive to the point where it can be mistaken for homo-epitaxy, thus making the proposed growth mechanism in the crystal aggregate wrong. Within the present work, the first aim is a theoretical investigation of the homo-epitaxies among the three {10.4}-cleavage, {01.2}-steep and {01.8}-flat rhombohedra of calcite. Accordingly, the specific adhesion energies were calculated between facing crystal forms, unequivocally showing that the {01.2}/{01.8} homo-epitaxy competes with the generation of both {01.2} and {01.8} contact twins. Secondly, the calculation of the specific adhesion energy was extended to consider homo-epitaxy for the {10.4} rhombohedron. The two-dimensional geometric lattice coincidence has been tried for the {00.1} pinacoidal form as well.
(1R,2S,4aR,6S,8R,8aS)-1-(3-Hydroxypropanoyl)-1,3,6,8-tetramethyl-1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydronaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid
Authors: Botha Christo J. , Fouche Gerda , Malan Frederick P.
Published: September 2024

The molecular structure of C18H28O4, (+)-diplodiatoxin, is described, whereby the absolute configuration of the structure of diplodiatoxin has been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Diplodiatoxin crystallizes in the chiral P43212 space group with one molecule in the asymmetric unit.
Di-μ-adipato-κ4
O
1,O
1′:O
6,O
6′-bis[(2,2′-dipyridylamine-κ2
N,N′)zinc(II)] trihydrate
Authors: Setifi Fatima , Setifi Zouaoui , Pham Chien Thang , Al-Douh Mohammad Hadi , Addala Abderezak
Published: September 2024

The title compound, [Zn2(C6H8O4)2(C10H9N3)2]·3H2O or {Zn2[(C5H4N)2NH]2[μ-(CH2)4(COO)2]2}·3H2O, was separated from the solvothermal reaction of zinc(II) sulfate heptahydrate, 2,2′-dipyridylamine and sodium adipate. The dinuclear metal complex has a centrosymmetric structure, with the ZnII atom adopting a highly distorted octahedral coordination sphere composed of four oxygen atoms from bridging adipato ligands and two pyridine nitrogen atoms. In the crystal, the title compound aggregates into a tri-periodic supramolecular structure through intermolecular hydrogen-bonding networks of the form O—H...O and N—H...O.
The influence of solvency and liquidity ratios on profitability of Tunisian banks: the moderating effect of asset quality
Authors: Ben Abdallah Mariem , Bahloul Slah
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The objective of this research is to determine the influence of solvency and liquidity on the profitability [return on assets (ROA)] of Tunisian banks from Q2-2020 to Q3-2022 by considering asset quality as a moderating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data on liquidity, solvency, ROA and asset quality for 12 banks. It also considers bank size, gross domestic product (GDP) growth and inflation as control variables. The methodology is based on panel data with generalized least squares (GLS) estimation to assess the moderate influence of the asset quality on solvency, liquidity and ROA. Also, the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation is used as a robustness test.

Findings

The results of the GLS model estimation indicated a negatively significant moderating correlation between the liquidity and the solvency. The data from the GMM model indicate that the liquidity variable predicted by the liquidity has a positively significant influence on a bank's ROA as well as for the solvency variable, which is predicted by the capital capacity. Therefore, we conclude that these two variables had a positively significant impact on the ROA.

Research limitations/implications

The studies have many implications for banks and their management in addition to the industry regulators. The results of this study will enable political decision-makers to determine the banks' profits based on their liquidity and solvency.

Originality/value

This analysis provides financial explanations and recommendations for stakeholders in Tunisian banks. Furthermore, these banks must also be able to maintain their liquidity and solvency to ensure their profits in times of COVID-19.
The impact of interaction between religion and legal environment on expense misclassification and real activities: international evidence
Authors: Boahen Eric Owusu , Mamatzakis Emmanuel Constantine
Published: September 2024

Purpose

There are variations in religious social norms and legal environments around the world. In this paper, we aim to examine the interaction between variations in religious social norms and legal environments on real activities manipulations and expense misclassification using a global sample of 63 countries. Our inquiry is motivated by a paucity of research on the interaction between legal environment and religion on earnings management practices in an international setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on a global sample of 63 countries to examine the effect of variations in religious social norms and legal environments on the trade-off between expense misclassification and real activities earnings management practices. Firm-specific financial data come from Global Compustat. Religion data are obtained from World Values Surveys of the World Bank. We obtain legal environment scores from the International Country Risk Guide.

Findings

Findings suggest that the interaction between law and religion serves as constraints on both classification shifting and real activities manipulation around the world. We find that religion strengthens the weak legal environment and the strong legal environment strengthens the weak religious environment to decrease both real activities manipulation and classification shifting when law and religion interact in an international setting. Therefore, our results contradict Zang's (2012) earnings management trade-off evidence. Again, our results contradict Malikov et al.’s (2018) evidence that mandatory International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption is associated with increased real activities manipulation.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to 63 countries limiting the generalizability of the findings.

Originality/value

This study provides novel evidence and shows that there is a link between law and religion. The interaction between law and religion decreases expense misclassification and real activities manipulation. We contribute that the interaction between religion and law benefits firms and increases shareholder value as real activities manipulation decreases. Therefore, strengthening the legal environment will complement religion, IFRS and other monitoring mechanisms put in place to mitigate unethical expense misclassification and real activities earnings manipulation around the world.
Corporate governance, firm risk and firm performance: the moderating role of group affiliation
Authors: Jha Ratish Kumar , Kalita Niva , Tiwari Reshma Kumari
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the moderating effect of group affiliation (GA) while examining the relationship of corporate governance (CG) with firm performance (FP) and firm risk-taking (FRT).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a sample of 100 non-financial firms, selected randomly from the top 500 companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) based on their market capitalisation for 2013–2022. The random effects and fixed effect models are employed for the analysis. Furthermore, the generalised estimating equations (GEE) population-averaged model is used for added robustness.

Findings

The results reveal that while strong CG improves FP, GA modifies the effect of CG on FP. Both GA and CG have beneficial effects, but their synergy is insignificant. However, in the context of CG and FRT, the study unveils that a strong CG is associated with a reduction in FRT, and this relationship is more pronounced for standalone firms.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, the present study is a maiden attempt to investigate the moderating effect of GA while examining the relationship of CG with FP and FRT.
Examining the accessibility of ChatGPT for competency-based personalised learning for specially-abled people
Authors: Patvardhan Neha , Ranade Madhura , Vandana  , Khatwani Ritesh
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study examines the web accessibility issues faced by users with disabilities when using ChatGPT, a popular chatbot. It is crucial for users with disabilities to have barrier-free access to Internet communications technology to be on par with other users. Because of its roots in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, ChatGPT can empower individuals with various abilities, providing access to the Internet and potentially leading to a substantial boost in digital inclusion for these users.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers focused on ensuring ease of access to ChatGPT’s webpage to achieve the study objective. They conducted manual testing with a visually impaired researcher. They used axe DevTools and Accessibility Insights to investigate the target page’s three most commonly used states for accessibility issues.

Findings

The researchers identified substantial and crucial web accessibility issues on the target page. These issues resulted in frustration and hindered complete access to information about ChatGPT’s features. The researchers stress the significance of prioritising web accessibility and urge web designers to integrate Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards into the initial stages of web development rather than addressing them as corrective measures. Given the United Nations' recognition of access to information and communication technology (ICT) as a pivotal Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for users with disabilities, it is imperative to elevate web accessibility to foster their economic self-reliance and independence. This study underscores this imperative.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, researchers assessed the accessibility of ChatGPT on the Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers. This investigation could potentially be broadened to encompass additional web browsers. Furthermore, the researchers focused on three distinct states of ChatGPT: the initial default state, the subsequent output state and the third state, which represents errors on the target page. Further, developers can employ the results to enhance the accessibility experience for users with varying abilities who interact with ChatGPT.

Originality/value

Following a comprehensive examination of the current body of literature, the study pinpointed a gap in research, highlighting the necessity to conduct accessibility assessments for ChatGPT with regard to these particular users.
Interfacial friction evolution between DLC film and sealing NBR on the plunger of fracturing pump based on molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Liu Yunhai , Xu Penghui , Zhu Xiaohua , Liu Ligao , Li Bo , Li Qingquan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Two friction models of Fe-Fe and Diamond-like carbon (DLC)-Fe were established by molecular dynamics (MD) method to simulate the friction behavior of traditional fracturing pump plunger and new DLC plunger from atomic scale. This paper aims to investigate the effects of temperature and load on the friction behavior between sealed nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and DLC films.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, MD method is used to investigate the friction behavior and mechanism of DLC film on plungers and sealing NBR based on Fe-Fe system and DLC-Fe system.

Findings

The results show that the friction coefficient of DLC-Fe system exhibits a downward trend with increasing load and temperature. And even achieve a superlubricity state of 0.005 when the load is 1 GPa. Further research revealed that the low interaction energy between DLC and NBR promoted the proportion of atoms with larger shear strain in NBR matrix and the lower Fe layer in DLC-Fe system to be much lower than that in Fe-Fe system. In addition, the application of DLC film can effectively inhibit the temperature rise of friction interface, but will occur relatively large peak velocity.

Originality/value

In this paper, two MD models were established to simulate the friction behavior between fracturing pump plunger and sealing rubber. Through the analysis of mean square displacement, atomic temperature, velocity and Interaction energy, it can be seen that the application of DLC film has a positive effect on reducing the friction of NBR.
Critical factors challenging the integration of AI technologies in healthcare workplaces: a stakeholder assessment
Authors: Alnasser Abdullah H. , Hassanain Mohammad A. , Alnasser Mustafa A. , Alnasser Ali H.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify and assess the factors challenging the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in healthcare workplaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized a mixed approach, that starts with a literature review, then developing and testing a questionnaire survey of the factors challenging the integration of AI technologies in healthcare workplaces. In total, 46 factors were identified and classified under 6 groups. These factors were assessed by four different stakeholder categories: facilities managers, medical staff, operational staff and patients/visitors. The evaluations gathered were examined to determine the relative importance index (RII), importance rating (IR) and ranking of each factor.

Findings

All 46 factors were assessed as “Very Important” through the overall assessment by the four stakeholder categories. The results indicated that the most important factors, across all groups, are “AI ability to learn from patient data”, “insufficient data privacy measures for patients”, “availability of technical support and maintenance services”, “physicians’ acceptance of AI in healthcare”, “reliability and uptime of AI systems” and “ability to reduce medical errors”.

Practical implications

Determining the importance ratings of the factors can lead to better resource allocation and the development of strategies to facilitate the adoption and implementation of these technologies, thus promoting the development of innovative solutions to improve healthcare practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge in the domain of technology adoption and implementation in the medical workplace, through improving stakeholders’ comprehension of the factors challenging the integration of AI technologies.
Leadership and employee behaviour: the mediating and moderating role of cognitive trust and organizational culture
Authors: Aslam Ejaz , Ashraf Muhammad Saleem , Iqbal Anam , Shabbir Malik Shahzad
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the mediating and moderating roles of cognitive trust and organizational culture in the relationship between leadership and employee task performance and turnover intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 543 employees through a survey from the Islamic banking sector in Pakistan. Structural equation modelling (partial least squares) was used to estimate the effect.

Findings

The results demonstrate that cognitive trust plays a positive and significant mediating role between leadership and task performance (O= 0.064,T= 2.005,p= 0.028). Moreover, there is a negative relationship between leadership and employee turnover intention with the mediation of cognitive trust (O= −0.061,T= 1.976,p= 0.021). In addition, organizational culture plays a significant moderating role between cognitive trust and employee task performance (O= 0.014,T= 2.141,p= 0.038).

Research limitations/implications

The results emphasize the critical role of organizational culture and cognitive trust in amplifying or reducing the impact of leadership on employee attitudes. This offers managers and leaders practical insights to boost employee performance and reduce turnover.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is unique in that it seeks to advance understanding of social exchange theory management by examining the moderated-mediation frameworks in the interaction between leadership and specific aspects of employee attitudes.
Prioritization of investment order in Brazil among renewable energy sources: an analysis using the SWARA-MOORA-3NAG method
Authors: Almeida Valmiane Vieira Azevedo , Gomes Carlos Francisco Simões , Pinochet Luis Hernan Contreras , dos Santos Marcos
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to comprehensively analyze renewable energy alternatives in Brazil, focusing on identifying the most suitable option for investment in the country’s sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis-multiobjective optimization by ratio analysis −3NAG (a combination of three normalization methods) methodology, a multicriteria decision-making approach, to evaluate and rank renewable energy sources based on key criteria such as resource availability, cost-effectiveness, job creation potential and environmental impact.

Findings

The analysis reveals that solar energy emerges as the preferred choice for Brazil, offering significant advantages over other alternatives such as hydroelectric, wind and biomass energy. Solar energy’s distributed generation capability, cost reduction trends and positive environmental impact contribute to its favorable position in meeting Brazil’s energy needs.

Research limitations/implications

While the study provides valuable insights into renewable energy selection, there are limitations regarding the criteria’ scope and the exclusion of specific renewable energy options. Future research could explore sensitivity analyses and incorporate additional criteria to enhance the study’s comprehensiveness.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing literature by thoroughly analyzing renewable energy alternatives in Brazil using a robust multicriteria decision-making methodology. The study’s findings provide actionable guidance for policymakers, businesses and stakeholders seeking to promote sustainable energy development in the country.
Corruption prevention in organizational clustering in Indonesia: through the role of the HU-model in detecting corruption
Authors: Umar Haryono , Purba Rahima , Siahaan Magda , Safaria Siti , Mudiar Welda , Markonah Markonah
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to test the effectiveness of the Haryono Umar (HU)-model used in corruption prevention strategies through corruption detection as a tool for detecting corruption because the mode of corruption is increasingly dynamic and complex by focusing on the causes of corruption: pressure, opportunity, rationalization, capability and lack of integrity.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses multiple regression methods, classification and regression trees and the HU-model application system developed by researchers. The research sample uses secondary data from financial reports on the Indonesia stock exchange according to organizational clustering (such as red, grey and green areas).

Findings

The research result showed that of the 470 sample companies, there were 445 companies, or 98.9%, in the red cluster (indicated corruption), 19 companies, or 4.04, in the green clusters or not indicated corruption and six companies, or 1.28%, were included in the grey cluster or potential corruption. By knowing the cluster of an organization, efforts to prevent corruption can be made effective and efficient. Implementing the HU-model proves that the amount of pressure, the abundance of opportunities, the ease of rationalization and the high level of position and authority strengthen the drive for corruption if there is a lack of integrity.

Research limitations/implications

Each internal organization can use this model independently and find conditions related to corruption so that they can immediately take action to prevent it.

Originality/value

The application of the HU-model is a discovery in preventing corruption by focusing on the possibility of corruption occurring in each organization through organizational clustering.
Functional or social? Effect of bullet screen type on consumers' continuous watching intention in e-commerce live-streaming
Authors: Ma Jiaxin , Zhang Depeng , Fu Lihong , Zhou Wanli
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of different bullet screen types (functional vs social) on the continuous watching intention of consumers, as well as the influence mechanism. In addition, this study analyses the moderating role of consumer motivational orientation on the above effects.

Design/methodology/approach

First, objective data were obtained through the crawler to test the proposed hypotheses. An objective data analysis (417 group sample) was conducted to analyse the relationship between the percentage of social bullet screens and consumers sustained growth ratio to indirectly test the primary effect. Second, a questionnaire survey was conducted to test (176 questionnaires) the mediating role of perceived social crowding. Finally, a simulated online contextual experiment (340 participants) is conducted to explore the moderating role of consumer motivational orientation.

Findings

First, functional bullet screens produce higher continuous watching intention and lower perceived social crowding than social bullet screens. Second, perceived social crowding mediates the relationship between bullet screen type and continuous watching intention. Third, consumers' motivational orientation type (task-motivated vs recreation-motivated) moderates the relationship among bullet screen type, perceived social crowding and continuous watching intention.

Originality/value

The results of this study shed light on the differential impact of different types of bullet screens (functional and social) on consumers' continuous watching intentions, which makes up for the lack of research on the content of bullet screens in the field of livestreaming. Meanwhile, compared with the previous positive psychological research perspective, this study explores the intermediate mechanism of bullet screen type on consumers' continuous watching intention through a negative psychological perspective, which helps e-commerce companies and streamers better understand the differential impact of different bullet screens. Finally, this study explores the joint influence effect of bullet screen and consumer motivation type, which fills the theoretical research gap of consumer motivation orientation type in the category of live-streaming.
E-government maturity models in the metaverse government: a conceptual framework and future research agenda
Authors: Lnenicka Martin , Rizun Nina , Alexopoulos Charalampos , Saxena Stuti
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The study aims to understand the way metaverse might revolutionize the governance format – precisely the e-government concept – besides underlining the challenges leaving suggestive contours for further research in this realm.

Design/methodology/approach

An inductive research approach included the content analysis of relevant literature to identify patterns and generalize them into areas and approaches. Developing a conceptual framework seeks to systematically organize knowledge on metaverse government and provide an understanding of its contributions to enhancing the e-government maturity models.

Findings

The authors identified three general areas and approaches – content and data lifecycle management; platforms, tools and services; and infrastructure and computing resources – that shape how challenges of enterprise architecture layers should be resolved in a future research agenda. Integration of these government metaverse areas and approaches is linked with four enterprise architecture layers (technology, applications, data and business) that advance a new e-government meta stage of e-government maturity and the related challenges.

Originality/value

Hitherto, metaverse literature has hinged itself on the benefits and challenges of metaverse in the private sector. However, the exact dimensions have not been probed in the public sector and its e-government domain – the present study seeks to plug this gap.
Innovative use of virtual reality simulation technology for pet health care education: a hybrid system for cardiopulmonary resuscitation training
Authors: Geng Ying , Huang Huai-Ying , Chen Ching-Hui , Lin Pei-Hsuan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study is a pilot study exploring the usefulness and ease of use of a prototype VR PetCPR system and discusses the possibility of using it to facilitate pet healthcare skills acquisition. The designed VR PetCPR training system aims to provide pet healthcare professionals with an inexpensive, accessible and reliable CPR training tool and refine their skills in a controlled and simulated environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in a one-day workshop. The workshop consisted of the morning section (Section A) and the afternoon section (Section B). Section A was the knowledge acquisition stage. Section B is the VR PetCPR stage. Trainees were then given 30 min to experience the VR PetCPR set. When trainees were ready, they were required to complete two trials of dog CPR practice. After the practice, trainees completed the questionnaire and reported their attitudes toward VR PetCPR practice.

Findings

Overall, trainees held positive attitudes toward the effectiveness and usefulness of the VR PetCPR. After practicing skills via VR CPR, over half of the trainees responded that the system is effective in helping them understand the essential knowledge (e.g. operation status, operation positions, etc.) of performing CPR skills on a 30-pound dog. A significantly positive attitude was reported on trainees’ perceptions toward the ease of use of practicing their chest compression skills with the PetCPR. The positive attitudes significantly outnumbered the negative attitudes on explicit instruction and guidance, accessibility, convenience in practice and straightforward interface.

Originality/value

From data collected from 16 animal hospitals in the United States, Europe and Australia with 709 cases, 147 dogs (28%) and 58 cats (30%) temporarily attained ROSC during CPR, and 14 dogs (3%) and four cats (2%) survived to hospital discharge. Training veterinary CPR techniques and implementing RECOVER guidelines still have a long way to go. However, recent virtual reality simulations for CPR training were mainly designed for human patients CPR (Issleib et al., 2021; Liu et al., 2022; Almousa et al., 2019; Wong et al., 2018). The VR PetCPR remains a missing puzzle in the current VR training designs.
An outsider’s insights from the inside: implications of emic concepts on qualitative international management research
Authors: Bausch Madeleine , Barmeyer Christoph , Guttormsen David S.A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Recent calls in international management (IM) research ask scholars to conduct more context-sensitive research, however; little attention has been paid to the methodological particularities that inform such context sensitivity. This paper aims to addresses this shortcoming by exploring how emic concepts implicate IM research processes during qualitative field studies.

Design/methodology/approach

We carried out ethnographic fieldwork in Brazilian subsidiaries of three German multinational enterprises. We relied on the researchers’ experiences and data from a larger research project including 63 semi-structured interviews, 7 focus groups, documents and field notes. Adopting a culturally sensitive and self-reflexive lens, we reflect on the researchers’ experiences in the Brazilian sociocultural context from an interpretive paradigm.

Findings

Our findings reveal how seven identified emic concepts affect four prototypical phases of the research process: securing access, collecting data, analyzing data and presenting findings. We discuss how these seven emic concepts influenced the research process and impacted research outcomes, as experienced by the researchers.

Research limitations/implications

Findings are limited by our self-reflexive capabilities as foreign researchers, the limited explanatory power of emic categories, our paradigmatic positioning and the research context.

Practical implications

We contribute to research practice by providing eight suggestions for conducting international fieldwork and proposing avenues for future research.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the epistemological and methodological debate on context-sensitive research by arguing that intercultural sensitivity needs to be managed as an integral dimension for any form of international fieldwork. Findings contribute to interpretive approaches showing how emic concepts affect research practices, with implications for critical management perspectives.
Flying toward transparency: revealing circular economy disclosure drivers in the airline industry
Authors: L'Abate Vitiana , Esposito Benedetta , Raimo Nicola , Sica Daniela , Vitolla Filippo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Although there is a growing body of literature on circular economy disclosure (CED), certain sectors, including the airline industry, remain underexplored despite the particular relevance of circular models in this field. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the dissemination of circular economy (CE) information by airlines through their website and investigating the factors influencing the level of CED. Specifically, this study focuses on the characteristics of the board of directors, given its central role in shaping disclosure practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs manual content analysis to measure the extent of CE information disclosed by 105 international airlines through their website. It then conducts a regression analysis to examine the influence of board characteristics on the level of online CED.

Findings

The results suggest that airlines with larger, more active and more independent boards of directors tend to be more inclined to disseminate CE information through their website. Furthermore, they demonstrate that board gender diversity does not significantly affect the extent of CE information disseminated.

Originality/value

The study offers valuable contributions by extending CED research to the airline industry and exploring new channels for CE information dissemination. Additionally, it highlights the role of the board of directors in shaping CED practices and confirms the effectiveness of the stakeholder-agency theory in explaining this relationship.
Unraveling blockchain adoption in the insurance sector: a comprehensive TOE framework with knowledge management practices
Authors: Singh Neha , Panigrahi Rajeshwari , Panigrahi Rashmi Ranjan , Meher Jamini Ranjan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Blockchain technology can potentially address the challenges of information storage, sharing and management and improve them further in an organization and sector as a whole. This study aims to investigate the effects of technology, organization and environment on the behavioral intention of employees to adopt blockchain in the Indian insurance sector and the mediating role of knowledge management practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was used to collect a sample size of 390 responses based on convenience sampling. Partial least square structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings highlighted that organizational factors, followed by technological factors, significantly impact employees' behavioral intentions. The results established that the impact of environmental factors is insignificant on blockchain adoption intention. Knowledge management practices significantly mediate the relationship between organizational factors, technological factors and behavioral intention.

Practical implications

The results indicate that organizations must prioritize organizational factors (technological competence, top management support and financial readiness) and knowledge management practices (knowledge creation, sharing and retention) to positively impact employees' behavioral intentions and ensure successful and effective technology adoption.

Originality/value

Using the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, the study tests the conceptual model, showing the relationship between technological, organizational and environmental factors, behavioral intention and knowledge management practices. The role of knowledge management practices in technology adoption within organizations has been scarcely explored. This study adds significant and novel contributions in this area.