bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replicability of bulk RNA-Seq differential expression and enrichment analysis results in cancer research
Authors: Degen Peter , Medo Matúš
Published: October 2023

The high-dimensional and heterogeneous nature of transcriptomics data from RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) experiments poses a challenge to routine down-stream analysis steps, such as differential expression analysis and enrichment analysis. Additionally, due to practical and financial constraints, RNA-Seq experiments are often limited to a small number of biological replicates; three replicates is a commonly employed minimum cohort size. In light of recent studies on the low replicability of preclinical cancer research, it is essential to understand how the combination of population heterogeneity and underpowered cohort sizes affects the replicability of RNA-Seq research. Using 7’000 simulated RNA-Seq experiments based on real gene expression data from seven different cancer types, we find that the analysis results from underpowered experiments exhibit inflated effect sizes and are unlikely to replicate well. However, the ground-truth results obtained by analyzing large cohorts show that the precision of differentially expressed genes can be high even for small cohort sizes. The poor replicability of underpowered experiments is thus a direct consequence of their low recall (sensitivity). In other words, the low replicability of underpowered RNA-Seq cancer studies does not necessarily indicate a high prevalence of false positives. Instead, the results obtained from such studies are limited to small and mostly random subsets of a larger ground truth. We conclude with a set of practical recommendations to alleviate problems with underpowered RNA-Seq studies.

Author Summary

Transcriptomics data from RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) experiments are complex and challenging to analyze due to their high dimensionality and variability. These experiments often involve limited biological replicates due to practical and financial constraints. Recent concerns about the replicability of cancer research highlight the need to explore how this combination of limited cohort sizes and population heterogeneity impacts the reliability of RNA-Seq studies. To investigate these issues, we conducted 7’000 simulated RNA-Seq experiments based on real gene expression data from seven different cancer types. We show that experiments with small cohort sizes tend to produce results with exaggerated effects that can be difficult to replicate. We further found that while underpowered studies with few replicates indeed lead to little-replicable results, the identified differentially expressed genes are reliable as shown by low rates of false positives. Each underpowered study thus discovers a small subset of the ground truth. Our study concludes with practical recommendations for RNA-Seq studies with small cohort sizes.
ABIN1 is a negative regulator of effector functions in cytotoxic T cells
Authors: Janusova Sarka , Paprckova Darina , Michalik Juraj , Uleri Valeria , Drobek Ales , Salyova Eva , Chorfi Louise , Neuwirth Ales , Prochazka Jan , Sedlacek Radislav , Draber Peter , Stepanek Ondrej
Published: October 2023

T cells are pivotal in the adaptive immune defense, necessitating a delicate balance between robust response against infections and self-tolerance. Their activation involves intricate cross-talk among signaling pathways triggered by the T-cell antigen receptors (TCR) and co-stimulatory or inhibitory receptors. The molecular regulation of these complex signaling networks is still incompletely understood. We identified an adaptor protein, ABIN1 as a component of the signaling complexes of GITR and OX40 co-stimulation receptors. T cells lacking ABIN1 are hyper-responsive ex vivo, and exhibit enhanced responses to cognate infections, and superior ability to induce experimental autoimmune diabetes in mice. We observed that ABIN1 negatively regulates NF-κB and p38 pathways. The latter was at least partially responsible for the upregulation of key effector proteins, IFNG and GZMB in ABIN1-deficient T cells after TCR stimulation. Our findings reveal the intricate role of ABIN1 in T-cell regulation and its potential as a target for therapeutic fine-tuning of T-cell responses.
Assessing the overlap between fishing activities and chondrichthyans distribution exposes high-risk areas for bycatch of threatened species
Authors: Maioli Federico , Weigel Benjamin , Lindmark Max , Manfredi Chiara , Zupa Walter , Bitetto Isabella , Russo Tommaso , Casini Michele
Published: October 2023

Sharks, rays, and chimaeras (chondrichthyans) play a crucial role in marine ecosystem functioning but are highly vulnerable to fishing. Hence, understanding the spatial overlap between chondrichthyans and fishing effort is essential for effective conservation and management. Here, we propose an integrated approach that combines Vessel Monitoring System data with geostatistical species distribution models to assess the potential impact of fishing on chondrichthyan populations in the western Adriatic Sea. By mapping the overlap between model-based chondrichthyan distribution, species richness, and the proportion of threathened species with bottom trawl fishing activities, we identify areas at high risk for chondrichthyan bycatch. Our findings show that many of these species are at risk across a large part of their distribution within the study area. Notably, there is a substantial spatial overlap between regions where threatened chondrichthyans are found and species-rich areas with locations of intensive bottom trawl fishing in the northern and central offshore regions of the western Adriatic, emphasizing the vulnerability of these species to fishing pressure. Furthermore, differences in overlap between distinct fishing gears highlight the importance of considering specific fishing practices when formulating management strategies. While our work provides novel insights to potential bycatch hotspots, limitations related to data sources, spatial resolution, and the inability to directly quantify fishing impacts should be considered. Nonetheless, our findings contribute to the development of targeted conservation and spatial management measures, offering a general approach to study model-based spatial hotspots aimed at protecting and sustaining chondrichthyan populations in the heavily exploited Adriatic Sea.
Fibrinogen and complement factor H: The two crucial markers of Parkinson’s disease with cognitive impairment
Authors: Naskar Aditi , Sachin M , Sengupta Senjuti , Bhadrachalam Pallavi , Hegde Shantala , Yadav Ravi , Pal Pramod Kumar , Alladi Phalguni Anand
Published: October 2023

Animal model-assisted validation is vital for biomarker studies. It provides better means for understanding disease pathogenesis and opens avenues for addressing therapeutics. Our earlier non-targeted label free proteomics-based biomarker study on CSF of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with cognitive impairment (PDCI), revealed the presence of elevated levels of fibrinogen and complement factor H (CFAH) in PDCI-CSF. In the present study, we aimed to determine if these proteins harbor a pathogenic potential, when present above physiological levels. Native fibrinogen and recombinant CFAH were intraperitoneally injected in adult C57BL/6J mice and 48h later, motor and cognitive behavioral deficits as well as their neuroanatomical correlates were noted. The reduction in stride length in fibrinogen and CFAH injected mice indicate shuffling gait, often seen in PD patients. Motor deficit was complemented by the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in SNpc, compensatory hypertrophy of the surviving neurons, and reduction in TH expression in striatum, thus reminiscing PD pathology. The low discrimination index in (novel object recognition) NOR test complemented by morphological alterations in Nissl-stained CA-1 and subiculum neurons in the fibrinogen-injected mice imply recognition memory deficits. Thus, our study provides objective evidence that fibrinogen and CFAH harbor the potential to induce motor deficits and cognitive impairments in mice, akin to the PDCI-associated neuro-pathological deficits, and thus are potential biomarkers.
Land use and oriental pied hornbill occurrence in Singapore
Authors: Yahya Zaheedah , Chin Min Yi , Syaddad Adlan , Johns Philip
Published: October 2023

Oriental pied hornbills (Anthracoceros albirostris)disappeared from Singapore in the 1800s but were reintroduced in the 2000s. Since then, they have multiplied and even thrived in Singapore, spreading throughout much of the country. Because Singapore is extremely urban and densely populated, here we examine where hornbills have been seen as a function of land-use. We combine citizen science data from eBird and iNaturalist with GIS information to model hornbill sightings. We find that the percent Park and Beach cover have strong positive effects on the probability of hornbill sightings, and that percent Park cover has a positive interaction with percent Built-up and Sea cover. Our results are broadly consistent with sightings of oriental pied hornbills in the region.
Structure-Based Discovery of a NPFF1R Antagonist with Analgesic Activity
Authors: Bender Brian J. , Pickett Julie E. , Braz Joao , Kang Hye Jin , Gahbauer Stefan , Bhardwaj Karnika , Rodriguez-Rosado Sian , Liu Yongfeng , Jain Manish , Basbaum Allan I. , Roth Bryan L. , Shoichet Brian K.
Published: October 2023

While opioid drugs remain among the most effective analgesics for pain management, adverse effects limit their use. Molecules that synergize with opioids, increasing analgesia without increasing side effects, could prove beneficial. A potential way to do so is via the RF-amide receptor system, as NPFFR1 agonists reduce µ- opioid receptor (µOR)-based analgesia while antagonists increase it. These inferences are, however, clouded by the lack of selectivity of most NPFF1R ligands. Seeking selective antagonists of the NPFF1R, we screened a large virtual library against a homology model of NPFF1R. From 26 high-ranking molecules that were synthesized and tested, one antagonized NPFF1R with a Kiof 319 nM. Structure-based optimization led to a 22 nM antagonist of NPFF1R, compound56, with selectivity against a large panel of GPCRs. When administered alone,56has no activity in mouse tail-flick nociception assays. However, coadministration of compound 56 and morphine produced significantly greater antinociception than did morphine alone, consistent with the notion that NPFF1R nociceptive activity occurs via modulation of µOR signaling. Surprisingly, in the hot-plate assays56was analgesic by itself, suggesting that NPFF1R alone can also confer analgesia. At equi-analgesic doses, combinations of56with morphine reduced the common constipation side effect of morphine versus using morphine alone. The high selectivity of56and its activity in cooperation with morphine supports further analgesic development against NPFF1R and against the RF-amide family of receptors more generally.
Uncovering uncharacterized binding of transcription factors from ATAC-seq footprinting data
Authors: Schultheis Hendrik , Bentsen Mette , Heger Vanessa , Looso Mario
Published: October 2023

Transcription factors (TFs) are crucial epigenetic regulators, which enable cells to dynamically adjust gene expression in response to environmental signals. Computational procedures like digital genomic footprinting on chromatin accessibility assays such as ATACseq can be used to identify bound TFs in a genome-wide scale. This method utilizes short regions of low accessibility signals due to steric hindrance of DNA bound proteins, called footprints (FPs), which are combined with motif databases for TF identification. However, while over 1600 TFs have been described in the human genome, only ∼700 of these have a known binding motif. Thus, a substantial number of FPs without overlap to a known DNA motif are normally discarded from FP analysis. In addition, the FP method is restricted to organisms with a substantial number of known TF motifs. Here we present DENIS (DE Novo motIf diScovery), a framework to generate and systematically investigate the potential of de novo TF motif discovery from FPs. DENIS includes functionality i) to isolate FPs without binding motifs, ii) to perform de novo motif generation and iii) to characterize novel motifs. Here, we show that the framework rediscovers artificially removed TF motifs, quantifies de novo motif usage during an early embryonic development example dataset, and is able to analyze and uncover TF activity in organisms lacking canonical motifs. The latter task is exemplified by an investigation of a scATAC-seq dataset in zebrafish which covers different cell types during hematopoiesis.
A data-adaptive method for investigating effect heterogeneity with high-dimensional covariates in Mendelian randomization
Authors: Tian Haodong , Tom Brian D. M. , Burgess Stephen
Published: October 2023

Mendelian randomization is a popular method for causal inference with observational data that uses genetic variants as instrumental variables. Similarly to a randomized trial, a standard Mendelian randomization analysis estimates the population-averaged effect of an exposure on an outcome. Dividing the population into subgroups can reveal effect heterogeneity to inform who would most benefit from intervention on the exposure. However, as covariates are measured post-”randomization”, naive stratification typically induces collider bias in stratum-specific estimates. We extend a previously proposed stratification method (the “doubly-ranked method”) to form strata based on a single covariate, and introduce a data-adaptive random forest method to calculate stratum-specific estimates that are robust to collider bias based on a high-dimensional covariate set. We also propose measures to assess heterogeneity between stratum-specific estimates (to understand whether estimates are more variable than expected due to chance alone) and variable importance (to identify the key drivers of effect heterogeneity). We show that the effect of body mass index (BMI) on lung function is heterogeneous, depending most strongly on hip circumference and weight. While for most individuals, the predicted effect of increasing BMI on lung function is negative, it is positive for some individuals and strongly negative for others.
Boosting the power of rare variant association studies by imputation using large-scale sequencing population
Authors: Dai Jinglan , Zhang Yixin , Li Zaiming , Li Hongru , Du Sha , You Dongfang , Zhang Ruyang , Zhao Yang , Liu Zhonghua , Christiani David C. , Chen Feng , Shen Sipeng
Published: October 2023

Rare variants can explain part of the heritability of complex traits that are ignored by conventional GWASs. The emergence of large-scale population sequencing data provides opportunities to study rare variants. However, few studies systematically evaluate the extent to which imputation using sequencing data can improve the power of rare variant association studies. Using whole genome sequencing (WGS) data (n = 150,119) as the ground truth, we described the landscape and evaluated the consistency of rare variants in SNP array (n = 488,377) imputed from TOPMed or HRC+UK10K in the UK Biobank, respectively. The TOPMed imputation covered more rare variants, and its imputation quality could reach 0.5 for even extremely rare variants. TOPMed-imputed data was closer to WGS in all MAC intervals for three ethnicities (average Cramer’s V>0.75). Furthermore, association tests were performed on 30 quantitative and 15 binary traits. Compared to WGS data, the identified rare variants in TOPMed-imputed data increased 27.71% for quantitative traits, while it could be improved by ∼10-fold for binary traits. In gene-based analysis, the signals in TOPMed-imputed data increased 111.45% for quantitative traits, and it identified 15 genes in total, while WGS only found 6 genes for binary traits. Finally, we harmonized SNP array and WGS data for lung cancer and epithelial ovarian cancer. More variants and genes could be identified than from WGS data alone, such asBRCA1,BRCA2, andCHRNA5. Our findings highlighted that incorporating rare variants imputed from large-scale sequencing populations could greatly boost the power of GWAS.
The roles of DDR2 and substrate stiffness on cancer cell transcriptome and proliferation
Authors: Vessella Theadora , Xiang Steven , Xiao Cong , Stilwell Madelyn , Shohet Jason , Rozen Esteban , Zhou Susan , Wen Qi
Published: October 2023

The interactions between cancer cells and the ECM regulate carcinogenesis. The collagen receptor kinase DDR2 is dysregulated in certain cancer cells, but its precise role in these malignancies remains unclear. In this study, we perform RNA-seq to determine how DDR2 and the biomechanical environment regulate cancer cell behaviors. We show that DDR2 knockdown in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells inhibits proliferation and promotes senescence by regulating relevant genes. Increasing substrate stiffness reduces proliferation and promotes cell spreading but does not change senescence or transcriptome. Furthermore, DDR2 knockdown modulates cellular responses to substrate stiffness changes, unraveling a crosstalk between DDR2 and mechanosensing. These findings indicate DDR2 and ECM biomechanics regulate cancer cell behavior through distinct mechanisms, providing new mechanistic insights of cancer progression.
Spatiotemporal dynamics and epidemiological impact of SARS-CoV-2 XBB lineages dissemination in Brazil in 2023
Authors: Arantes Ighor , Gomes Marcelo , Ito Kimihito , Sarafim Sharbilla , Miyajima Fábio , Khouri Ricardo , Gräf Tiago , Siqueira Marilda Mendonça , Resende Paola Cristina , Naveca Felipe Gomes , Bello Gonzalo ,   COVID-19 Fiocruz Genomic Surveillance Network
Published: October 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 XBB is a group of highly immune-evasive lineages of the Omicron VOC that emerged by recombining BA.2-descendent lineages and spread worldwide during 2023. In this study, we combine SARS-CoV-2 genomic data (n =11,065 sequences) with epidemiological data of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases collected in Brazil between October 2022 and July 2023 to reconstruct the space-time dynamics and epidemiologic impact of XBB dissemination in the country. Our analyses revealed that the introduction and local emergence of lineages carrying convergent mutations within the Spike protein, especially F486P, F456L, and L455F, propelled the spread of XBB* lineages in Brazil. The average relative instantaneous reproduction numbers of XBB*+F486P, XBB*+F486P+F456L, and XBB*+F486P+ F456L+L455F lineages in Brazil were estimated to be 1.24, 1.33, and 1.48 higher than that of other co-circulating lineages (mainly BQ.1*/BE*), respectively. Despite such a growth advantage, the dissemination of these XBB* lineages had a reduced impact on Brazil’s epidemiological scenario concerning previous Omicron subvariants. The peak number of SARI cases from SARS-CoV-2 during the XBB wave was approximately 90%, 80%, and 70% lower than that observed during the previous BA.1*, BA.5*, and BQ.1* waves, respectively. These findings revealed the emergence of multiple XBB lineages with progressively increasing growth advantage, yet with relatively limited epidemiological impact in Brazil throughout 2023. The XBB*+F486P+F456L+L455F lineages stand out for their heightened transmissibility, warranting close monitoring in the months ahead.
Diabetes, glycaemic profile and risk of vitiligo: a Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Hu Shucheng , Che Yuhui , Cai Jiaying , Guo Jing , Zeng Jinhao
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Previous observational studies have shown that vitiligo usually co-manifests with a variety of dysglycemic diseases, such as Type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). Mendelian randomization analysis was performed to further evaluate the causal association between fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c),T1DM,T2DM and vitiligo.

Methods

We used aggregated genome-wide association data from the (Integrative Epidemiology Unit) IEU online database of European adults vitiligo; Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) data were from (IEU). Fasting blood glucose data were obtained from the European Bioinformatics Institute(EBI). T1DM and T2DM data were from FinnGen(FINN).

We used bidirectional two-sample and multivariate Mendelian randomization analyses to test whether dysglycemic measures (fasting blood glucose, HbA1c), diabetes-related measures (T1DM, T2DM) are causatively associated with vitiligo. IVW method was used as the main test method, MR-Egger, Weighted mode and Weighted median were used as supplementary methods.

Results

We found no statistically significant evidence to support a causal association between dysglycemic traits and vitiligo, but in the correlation analysis of diabetic traits, our data supported a positive causal association between T1DM and vitiligo (p=0.018; 95%OR:1.000(1.000-1.000)); In the follow-up multivariate MR Analysis, our results still supported this conclusion (p=0.016, 95% OR= 1.000(1.000-1.000)), and suggested that Hba1c was not a mediator of T1DM affecting the pathogenesis of vitiligo. No reverse causality was found in any of the reverse MR Analyses of dysglycemic traits and diabetic traits.

Conclusions

Our findings support that T1DM is a risk factor for the development of vitiligo, and this conclusion may explain why the co-presentation of T1DM and vitiligo is often seen in observational studies. Clinical use of measures related to T1DM may be a new idea for the prevention or treatment of vitiligo.
Investigation into the dynamic relationships between global economic uncertainty and price volatilities of commodities, raw materials, and energy
Authors: Ashena Malihe , Laal Khezri Hamid , Shahpari Ghazal
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to deepen the understanding of the relationship between global economic uncertainty and price volatility, specifically focusing on commodity, industrial materials and energy price indices as proxies for global inflation, analyzing data from 1997 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic conditional correlation generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model is used to study the dynamic relationship between variables over a while.

Findings

The results demonstrated a positive relationship between commodity prices and the global economic policy uncertainty (GEPU). Except for 1999–2000 and 2006–2008, the results of the energy price index model were very similar to those of the commodity price index. A predominant positive relationship is observed focusing on the connection between GEPU and the industrial material price index. The results of the pairwise Granger causality reveal a unidirectional relationship between the GEPU – the Global Commodity Price Index – and the GEPU – the Global Industrial Material Price Index. However, there is bidirectional causality between the GEPU – the Global Energy Price Index. In sum, changes in price indices can be driven by GEPU as a political factor indicating unfavorable economic conditions.

Originality/value

This paper provides a deeper understanding of the role of global uncertainty in the global inflation process. It fills the gap in the literature by empirically investigating the dynamic movements of global uncertainty and the three most important groups of prices.
Social media use and performance of small businesses: a customer-centric perspective
Authors: Radebe Sithembisile Sakhikhaya , Verkijika Silas Formunyuy , Neneh Brownhilder Ngek
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Social media is widely regarded as a strategic resource to improve firm performance. However, there are mixed findings on how businesses can use social media for better performance. This study aims to propose and test a mechanism through which social media can influence firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey approach was used to collect data from 262 small businesses in South Africa. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to assess the hypothesised relationships.

Findings

The findings support the significant role of social media in fostering firm performance. It is observed that the use of social media influences firm performance through three key customer-centric constructs: the strength of customer–firm relationships, customer orientation and customer co-creation. Additionally, the relationship between the strength of customer–firm relationships and firm performance is moderated by customer co-creation.

Originality/value

The study provides new insights into the mechanism through which social media fosters firm performance. Due to a lack of universality in establishing the direct effect of social media use on firm performance, providing evidence of an indirect path becomes vital for advancing knowledge on social media use in business. As such, this study contributes to the literature on social media and entrepreneurship by demonstrating a novel mechanism through which social media influences firm performance.
Longitudinal and lateral stability control for autonomous vehicles in curved road scenarios with road undulation
Authors: Guo Zhizhong , Liu Fei , Shang Yuze , Li Zhe , Qin Ping
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This research aims to present a novel cooperative control architecture designed specifically for roads with variations in height and curvature. The primary objective is to enhance the longitudinal and lateral tracking accuracy of the vehicle.

Design/methodology/approach

In addressing the challenges posed by time-varying road information and vehicle dynamics parameters, a combination of model predictive control (MPC) and active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) is employed in this study. A coupled controller based on the authors’ model was developed by utilizing the capabilities of MPC and ADRC. Emphasis is placed on the ramifications of road undulations and changes in curvature concerning control effectiveness. Recognizing these factors as disturbances, measures are taken to offset their influences within the system. Load transfer due to variations in road parameters has been considered and integrated into the design of the authors’ synergistic architecture.

Findings

The framework's efficacy is validated through hardware-in-the-loop simulation. Experimental results show that the integrated controller is more robust than conventional MPC and PID controllers. Consequently, the integrated controller improves the vehicle's driving stability and safety.

Originality/value

The proposed coupled control strategy notably enhances vehicle stability and reduces slip concerns. A tailored model is introduced integrating a control strategy based on MPC and ADRC which takes into account vertical and longitudinal force variations and allowing it to effectively cope with complex scenarios and multifaceted constraints problems.
The mediating role of work-life balance on the relationship between job resources and job satisfaction: perspectives from Indian nursing professionals
Authors: Rashmi Kumari , Kataria Aakanksha
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the mediating effect of work-life balance (WLB) in the relationship between three significant job resources (namely, job autonomy, supervisor support and co-worker support) and job satisfaction experienced by frontline nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic in an Indian setting using the theoretical foundation of job demands-resources theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured questionnaire survey has been used to get the responses from 452 nursing professionals in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. To carry out data analysis structural equation modeling has been used.

Findings

The results reveal the relationship between the framed hypotheses. Surprisingly, the relationship between all three job resources and WLB was found to be positive, and also WLB was positively associated with nursing professionals’ job satisfaction during pandemic situations. However, WLB partially mediated the relationship only between two job resources (namely, job autonomy and supervisor support) and job satisfaction.

Originality/value

The research paper addresses Indian nursing professionals’ perceptions of job resources, WLB and job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper seeks to examine such a relationship when nursing professionals’ worked round the clock with intuitive expertise and cautiousness to provide quality care and responded more efficiently to scarce resource situations.
The value of societal values in finance
Authors: Schellhorn Carolin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to consider the limitations of traditional finance and to provide an overview of the challenges associated with the developing area of sustainable finance. In the context of multiple global systemic threats to humanity, the author argues that societal values must play a prominent role in calling for comprehensive government policy and activating the fund allocations required to safeguard the stability of multiple societal systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This study integrates research results from several disciplines to show that value-based finance is essential for ensuring that information acquisition, government policies and fund allocations support the stability of multiple systems on which society depends. The discussion is informed by research that documents massive uncertainty in planetary and biological processes requiring urgent action.

Findings

Traditional finance allows prioritization of financial returns at the expense of environmental and social stability with potentially catastrophic and irreversible consequences. To safeguard the stability of societal systems, fund allocation decisions by individuals and organizations must prioritize societal values, as they relate to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the science needed to achieve them.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel view of the critical importance of societal values in finance given growing global threats to the stability of multiple, interconnected systems. It offers a unique perspective by drawing on research results from multiple disciplines to highlight an essential role for science-based information related to societal values in the engagement and fund allocation decisions of all market participants operating under extreme uncertainty.
Transformative sustainability education in accounting: effects on male and female students’ attitudes toward sustainable development
Authors: Stewart Vicki M.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine curricular innovation in accounting using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and t-test to measure the effects of transformative sustainability education in accounting on the attitudes of male and female undergraduate accounting students at a public university in the southwestern USA toward the four sustainable development dimensions of environment, economy, society and education.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experimental research methodology using data from a convenience sample of 157 accounting students’ responses to an online Qualtrics survey compared the attitudes of male and female undergraduate accounting students who had sustainability education in accounting to those who did not toward the four aspects of environment, economy, society and education for sustainable development using correlation, MANOVA, independent- and paired-samples t-tests.

Findings

While there were no significant differences between the male and female accounting students’ attitudes who had sustainability education and those who did not, there were significant differences between some dimensions of sustainable development with medium effect sizes, and correlations between the students’ attitudes were moderate, positive and significant.

Research limitations/implications

This study was relatively small and conducted at one university, but the results indicated that the students consider sustainability education valuable to their future careers, which is important for future curriculum development.

Originality/value

This study showed that transformative sustainability education does not produce gender differences in students’ attitudes toward sustainable development.
Bridging the adoption gap for cryptocurrencies: understanding the affordances that impact approach–avoidance behavior for potential users and continuation usage for actual users
Authors: Armani Dehghani Milad , Karavidas Dionysios , Rese Alexandra , Acikgoz Fulya
Published: October 2023

Purpose

With the rise of cryptocurrency and its influence on the financial industry, this paper aims to explore cryptocurrency affordances that lead to approach–avoidance behavioral intentions for non-users (potential) and the intention to continue use for users (actual), drawing upon affordance theory and chasm theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 480 potential and actual users in Germany and used maximum likelihood structural equation modeling (ML-SEM) to analyze it. In particular, the data consisted of 301 cryptocurrency users in Germany\ the authors used ML-SEM to test the post-adoption model. Additionally, logistic regression was utilized to determine the dominant actual usage method (store of value or medium of exchange) for various cryptocurrency coins.

Findings

According to the study's results, the perceived value benefits have a positive impact on the behavioral intention of potential users to adopt cryptocurrency, and they influence the intention of actual users to continue using it. However, both perceived volatility and financial risk tolerance are the most crucial factors hindering cryptocurrency adoption, whether in the pre-adoption or the post-adoption stage.

Originality/value

This is the first study to reveal cryptocurrency affordances and examine their effect on behavioral intentions toward cryptocurrency adoption based on the differences between non-users (potential) and users (actual). Furthermore, the authors explore how cryptocurrency holders perceive and invest in different coins (e.g. NFTs), which sheds light on factors such as financial risk tolerance that affect their decision making.
Political alignment and corporate fraud: evidence from the United States of America
Authors: Cordis Adriana
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The paper investigates whether political geography, as measured by the degree of alignment of state politicians with the party of the USA President, has an impact on corporate fraud convictions.

Design/methodology/approach

Prior research shows that the degree of alignment between state politicians and the president's political party is positively correlated with measures of earnings management for firms headquartered in the state. Political alignment is conducive to earnings management because it affects a firm's information and enforcement environment by increasing policy risk and promoting lenient regulatory oversight. The paper posits that this environment is also conducive to corporate fraud and tests this hypothesis using pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) and panel regressions with annual state-level data for 2003–2018.

Findings

The paper documents a positive and statistically significant relationship between political alignment and corporate fraud conviction rates by state.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusions are tempered by data limitations. First, the conviction data are available at the state level only. Second, the true level of fraud is inherently unobservable and the conviction data may not reflect the actual number of frauds that are committed.

Practical implications

Fraud examiners might benefit from considering the role of political connectedness in determining fraud risk. Although additional research is needed before making concrete recommendations, the initial indications clearly point to political connections as a potential concern.

Originality/value

The findings build on evidence that political connections influence earnings management. Rather than focusing on direct measures of connectedness, such as lobbying expenditures, the paper examines a plausibly exogenous measure: political geography.
Unravelling barriers in high-tech technology start-ups: practical insights and solutions for healthcare enterprises
Authors: Singh Nidhi , Alshibani Safiya Mukhtar , Misra Pooja , Nawaz Rabiya , Gupta Bhumika
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Along with technology-based ecosystems, healthcare start-ups are expanding multi-fold. On the other hand, underlying uncertainties pose several challenges for these health-tech enterprises at macro-meso-micro level, influencing their business circumstances and profitability. The current study aims to comprehend the macro-, meso- and micro-level barriers that make it difficult for enterprises to set up healthcare technology start-ups. The study also observed the perceived effect of these challenges on firms' performance and cost structure over time. Using the theory of behaviour under uncertainty, the study revealed multiple systemic, sector-related, human and implementation barriers that hinder business growth and lead to uncertainties for health-tech start-ups.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a grounded theory approach, the study collected the views of 51 health tech start-ups in the UK using an online participants pool. The data was collected using qualitative data techniques in the form of open-ended essays, and a content analysis using thematic coding process was conducted. The questions centered around the different institutional uncertainties or barriers while setting up or running a healthcare start-up.

Findings

The study revealed several macro-, meso- and micro-level barriers these technology-based enterprises perceive in the healthcare industry. These are recognised as systemic barriers, such as lack of funding and procedural issues; sector-related barriers, such as market-related impediments; human barriers, including psychological barriers and resistance to new technology; and implementation barriers, such as operational and personnel issues.

Research limitations/implications

The study used qualitative, open-ended essay techniques to collect the data. Future studies may use a mixed-methods approach to provide holistic insights. The study is conducted in a single developed country, the UK. Future work may expand these findings by comparing developed market challenges with those of emerging markets and by assessing the viewpoints of healthcare start-ups.

Practical implications

This research will assist the healthcare sector and government understand health tech start-up hurdles and uncertainty. Policymakers must assist start-ups and encourage entrepreneurial innovation. Regulating and enabling policies will help. The paper examines start-ups' macro, meso and micro uncertainties. Policymakers promoting sector entrepreneurship must consider these barriers while designing policy guidelines.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing literature on technology start-ups, particularly in the healthcare industry, and identifies significant barriers these start-ups face. The study synthesizes research on health-tech start-up uncertainty and bridges the gap between theory and practice by applying empirical findings.
Does CSR disclosure mediate the board characteristics-cost of equity capital nexus? Evidence from Jordanian services companies
Authors: Abu Afifa Malik Muneer , Saleh Isam , Al-Zaghilat Maen , Thuneibat Nawaf , Nguyen Nha Minh
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the direct nexus between board characteristics, corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure and the cost of equity capital (CEQ). This is done by using agency theory, stakeholder theory and signalling theory, followed by an investigation into the indirect mediation impact of CSR disclosure in the board characteristics-CEQ nexus. It intends to present new experimental evidence from Jordan’s developing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s target population was services companies registered on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) between 2012 and 2020. As a result, the population and sampling of this study are represented by all services companies for whom complete data are available over the period, with a total of 43 services companies yielding 387 company-year observations. Data for our study were obtained from their annual disclosures and the ASE’s database.

Findings

The main findings demonstrated that board size, board gender variety and the number of board sessions positively affect CSR disclosure significantly. In addition, three board characteristics (i.e. board size, board independence and board gender variety) significantly negatively affect CEQ. Besides, CSR disclosure significantly negatively affects CEQ and it fully mediates the relationship between two board characteristics (i.e. board size and board gender variety) and CEQ, whereas it partially mediates the nexus between board independence, CEO/Chairman duality and the number of board sessions of board characteristics and CEQ.

Originality/value

This study varies from earlier studies, in that it builds a new research model by looking at the mediating role of CSR disclosure in the nexus among board characteristics and the CEQ.
A brand prominence perspective on crowdfunding success for aftermarket offerings: the role of textual and visual brand elements
Authors: Zihagh Fereshteh , Moradi Masoud , Badrinarayanan Vishag
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Adopting a brand prominence perspective, this study aims to examine how textual and visual brand elements influence the success of crowdfunding campaigns for aftermarket offerings.

Design/methodology/approach

A Python-based Web scraper was used to collect data from 620 crowdfunding campaigns for aftermarket offerings hosted on Kickstarter. The linguistic inquiry and word count application programing interface was then used to analyze the linguistic aspects of these campaigns. A fixed effects regression model was used to evaluate the hypotheses.

Findings

Textual and visual brand prominence are positively associated with campaign success. Further, with some variations, both types of brand prominence augment the positive effects of narrative and graphic design elements on campaign success.

Research limitations/implications

This study makes novel theoretical contributions to the literature on branding, crowdfunding and aftermarket products. The results also provide practical insights to aftermarket enterprises on creating compelling crowdfunding campaigns.

Originality/value

By analyzing the direct and synergistic effects of branding, narrative and graphic design elements on crowdfunding success, this study extends various literature streams and identifies several future research opportunities.
Examining financial growth nexus of emerging European countries
Authors: Ahmad Nafisa , Azad Md. Abul Kalam
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Besides the extensive research on managerial efficiency in the financial sector worldwide, emerging economies in Europe remain untapped. This research scrutinises the impact of managerial performance and competitive structures on their financial industry growth in terms of services they offer and ability to liquefy stock in capital markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This study contains data from selected emerging European countries' during the period of 2010–2020. This study uses data from the Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom to control for firm-level indicators. The fixed-effects (FE) method was used to explore the nexus between financial sector growth and management performance as well as competitive firm structure.

Findings

The findings provide evidence of the existing impact of firm indicators on the financial sector's growth. Two-step system the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimations are used for the robustness check of the authors' model. Whilst on a scavenger hunt through existing literature, the authors realise that there is an overwhelming lack of enthusiasm in this field.

Originality/value

With the intention of better assessment, the authors use regulatory contextual variables to look for any possible impacts and surprisingly discover a pattern in the financial growth nexus.
Investigation and optimization of hot pressed porcelain dental prostheses production by MSLA application
Authors: Cordeiro Ana Carla , Nuernberg Gustavo George Verdieri , Côcco Lilian Cristina , Cunico Marlon Wesley Machado
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Different technologies may currently be used to produce dental prostheses, such as additive manufacturing and traditional milling. This study aims to evaluate and improve the fabrication process for hot-pressed porcelain dental prostheses and compare the use of masked stereolithography apparatus (MSLA) casting to computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) casting. The cost-benefit analysis of producing dental prostheses through various technologies, including additive manufacturing and traditional milling, has not been fully explored. The cost of materials and processes used to produce prostheses varies based on complexity of design and materials used, and long-term effects, such as durability and wear and tear, must be taken into account.

Design/methodology/approach

Using key elements of part costs and estimation cost models, a multivariable approach was used to evaluate the practicality of the recommended strategy and process improvement.

Findings

The research found that MSLA casting provides a higher return on investment than CAD/CAM casting, and the optimized production process could be more suitable for the size and annual demand for prostheses.

Originality/value

Overall, this study highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the cost-benefit analysis of different dental prosthesis production methods and emphasises the importance of evaluating long-term effects on the cost-benefit analysis.
Is there any excuse for wrongdoing? The moderating role of perceived reasons for bank irresponsibility in blame appraisal and WOM recommendations
Authors: Zasuwa Grzegorz
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to outline the role of causal attributions in consumer responses to irresponsible corporate behaviour. Specifically, this paper presents a moderated mediation model that explains how four types of perceived motives behind an irresponsible action shape corporate blame and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, the study uses data from a large survey assessing consumer reactions to a real case of corporate socially irresponsible behaviour in the banking industry.

Findings

The findings show that market-, unethicality- and rogue employee-driven attributions increase corporate blame and subsequently make people more likely to spread negative comments regarding the culprit. The difficult situation of a bank, as a perceived reason for wrongdoing, does not reduce the blame attributed to the irresponsible organisation.

Originality/value

The literature offers little information on the attributions people make following egregious corporate behaviour; however, such cognitions can play an important role in stakeholders’ reactions to wrongdoing. This study therefore extends the understanding of how irresponsibility attributions affect consumers’ responses to misbehaviour. Given the empirical context, the findings might be particularly important for communication and bank managers.