bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of cannabis use on antidepressant treatment response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and ketamine
Authors: Shenasa Mohammad Ali , Afshar Houtan Totonchi , Miller Eric A. , Ellerman-Tayag Em , Mishra Jyoti , Ramanathan Dhakshin
Published: June 2023

Background

The antidepressant effects of ketamine and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are hypothesized to rely on mechanisms of long-term-potentiation and synaptic plasticity. Cannabis, via activation of CB1 receptors has been shown to impair synaptic plasticity, suggesting that cannabis use might moderate the antidepressant effects of ketamine and/or rTMS.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of 222 Veterans, including 58 females, treated for depression with either rTMS or ketamine/esketamine at the VA San Diego Medical Center (VASDMC). We estimated the effects of treatment using changes in the Patient-Health-Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) split by cannabis use. Cannabis use was determined using self-report for rTMS (102 total, 23 screening positive for cannabis use) or urinary drug screens for ketamine (120 total, 40 screening positive for cannabis use). Mixed-level repeated measures ANOVA was utilized to determine whether cannabis use affected PHQ-9 scores (group effect) or the change in PHQ-9 over time (group x time interaction).

Results

Cannabis use did not affect overall symptom severity (group effect F (1, 100) = 0.58, p = 0.45) for rTMS, group effect (F (1, 118) = 0.58, p = 0.45) for ketamine, nor did it impact changes in symptoms for either treatment (group x time effect for ketamine: (F (7, 759) = 0.36, p = 0.93); group x time effect for rTMS (F (5, 412) = 0.4160, p = 0.83).

Conclusions

Cannabis use was unrelated to antidepressant treatment outcomes for either rTMS or ketamine, suggesting that cannabis use should not be a contraindication for these treatments.
Predicting up to 10 year breast cancer risk using longitudinal mammographic screening history
Authors: Wang Xin , Tan Tao , Gao Yuan , Su Ruisheng , Zhang Tianyu , Han Luyi , Teuwen Jonas , D’Angelo Anna , Drukker Caroline A. , Schmidt Marjanka K. , Beets-Tan Regina , Karssemeijer Nico , Mann Ritse
Published: June 2023

Risk assessment of breast cancer (BC) seeks to enhance individualized screening and prevention strategies. BC risk informs healthy individuals of the short- and long-term likelihood of cancer development, also enabling detection of existing BC. Recent mammographic-based deep learning (DL) risk models outperform traditional risk factor-based models and achieve state-of-the-art (SOTA) at short-term risk prediction, but mainly use single-time exams, which seem to rely more on detecting existing lesions. We present a novel temporospatial and explainable deep learning risk model, the Multi-Time Point Breast Cancer Risk Model (MTP-BCR), which learns from longitudinal mammography data to identify subtle changes in breast tissue that may signal future malignancy. Utilizing a large in-house dataset of 171,168 screening mammograms from 42,792 consecutive exams involving 9,133 women, our model demonstrates a significant improvement in long-term (10-year) risk prediction with an area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUC) of 0.80, outperforming the traditional BCSC 10-year risk model and other SOTA methods at 5-year AUC in various screening cohorts. Furthermore, MTP-BCR provides unilateral breast-level predictions, achieving AUCs up to 0.81 and 0.77 for 5-year risk and 10-year risk assessments, respectively. The heatmaps derived from our model may help clinicians better understand the progression from normal tissue to cancerous growth, enhancing interpretability in breast cancer risk assessment.

Teaser

MTP-BCR model uses multi-time points mammograms and rich risk factors to predict 10-year breast cancer risk more accurately.
CHARR efficiently estimates contamination from DNA sequencing data
Authors: Lu Wenhan , Gauthier Laura D. , Poterba Timothy , Giacopuzzi Edoardo , Goodrich Julia K. , Stevens Christine R. , King Daniel , Daly Mark J. , Neale Benjamin M. , Karczewski Konrad J.
Published: June 2023

DNA sample contamination is a major issue in clinical and research applications of whole genome and exome sequencing. Even modest levels of contamination can substantially affect the overall quality of variant calls and lead to widespread genotyping errors. Currently, popular tools for estimating the contamination level use short-read data (BAM/CRAM files), which are expensive to store and manipulate and often not retained or shared widely. We propose a new metric to estimate DNA sample contamination from variant-level whole genome and exome sequence data, CHARR, Contamination from Homozygous Alternate Reference Reads, which leverages the infiltration of reference reads within homozygous alternate variant calls. CHARR uses a small proportion of variant-level genotype information and thus can be computed from single-sample gVCFs or callsets in VCF or BCF formats, as well as efficiently stored variant calls in Hail VDS format. Our results demonstrate that CHARR accurately recapitulates results from existing tools with substantially reduced costs, improving the accuracy and efficiency of downstream analyses of ultra-large whole genome and exome sequencing datasets.
A member of a new dynamin superfamily modulates mitochondrial membrane branching inTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: Morel Chloé Alexandra , Asencio Corinne , Moreira David , Blancard Corinne , Salin Bénédicte , Gontier Etienne , Duvezin-Caubet Stéphane , Rojo Manuel , Bringaud Frédéric , Tetaud Emmanuel
Published: June 2023

Unlike most other eukaryotes, where mitochondria continuously fuse and divide, the mitochondrion of trypanosome cells forms a single and continuously interconnected network that divides only during cytokinesis. However, the machinery governing mitochondrial remodeling and interconnection of trypanosome mitochondrion remain largely unknown. We functionally characterize a novel dynamin-superfamily protein (DSP) fromT. brucei(TbMfnL) which shares close similarity with a family of homologs present in various eukaryotic and prokaryotic phyla, but not in opisthokonts like mammals and budding yeast. The sequence and domain organization ofTbMfnL is distinct and it is phylogenetically very distant from the yeast and mammalian dynamin-related proteins involved in mitochondrial fusion/fission dynamincs, such as Opa1 and Mfn.TbMfnL localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane facing the matrix, and upon overexpression, induces a strong increase in the interconnection and branching of mitochondrial filaments in a GTPase-dependent manner.TbMfnL is a component of a novel membrane remodeling machinery with an unprecedented matrix-side localization that is able to modulate the degree of intermitochondrial connections.
Combinatorial transcription factor binding encodes cis-regulatory wiring of forebrain GABAergic neurogenesis
Authors: Catta-Preta Rinaldo , Lindtner Susan , Ypsilanti Athena , Price James , Abnousi Armen , Su-Feher Linda , Wang Yurong , Juric Ivan , Jones Ian R. , Akiyama Jennifer A. , Hu Ming , Shen Yin , Visel Axel , Pennacchio Len A. , Dickel Diane , Rubenstein John L R , Nord Alex S
Published: June 2023

Transcription factors (TFs) bind combinatorially to genomic cis-regulatory elements (cREs), orchestrating transcription programs. While studies of chromatin state and chromosomal interactions have revealed dynamic neurodevelopmental cRE landscapes, parallel understanding of the underlying TF binding lags. To elucidate the combinatorial TF-cRE interactions driving mouse basal ganglia development, we integrated ChIP-seq for twelve TFs, H3K4me3-associated enhancer-promoter interactions, chromatin and transcriptional state, and transgenic enhancer assays. We identified TF-cREs modules with distinct chromatin features and enhancer activity that have complementary roles driving GABAergic neurogenesis and suppressing other developmental fates. While the majority of distal cREs were bound by one or two TFs, a small proportion were extensively bound, and these enhancers also exhibited exceptional evolutionary conservation, motif density, and complex chromosomal interactions. Our results provide new insights into how modules of combinatorial TF-cRE interactions activate and repress developmental expression programs and demonstrate the value of TF binding data in modeling gene regulatory wiring.
Spatiotemporal Mapping of Brain Cilia Reveals Region-Specific Oscillation of Length and Orientation
Authors: Monfared Roudabeh Vakil , Abdelkarim Sherif , Derdeyn Pieter , Chen Kiki , Wu Hanting , Leong Kenneth , Chang Tiffany , Lee Justine , Versales Sara , Nauli Surya M. , Beier Kevin , Baldi Pierre , Alachkar Amal
Published: June 2023

In this study, we conducted high-throughput spatiotemporal analysis of primary cilia length and orientation across 22 mouse brain regions. We developed automated image analysis algorithms, which enabled us to examine over 10 million individual cilia, generating the largest spatiotemporal atlas of cilia. We found that cilia length and orientation display substantial variations across different brain regions and exhibit fluctuations over a 24-hour period, with region-specific peaks during light-dark phases. Our analysis revealed unique orientation patterns of cilia at 45° intervals, suggesting that cilia orientation within the brain is not random but follows specific patterns. Using BioCycle, we identified circadian rhythms of cilia length in five brain regions: nucleus accumbens core, somatosensory cortex, and three hypothalamic nuclei. Our findings present novel insights into the complex relationship between cilia dynamics, circadian rhythms, and brain function, highlighting cilia crucial role in the brain’s response to environmental changes and regulation of time-dependent physiological processes.

Abstract Figure
3D Cell Aggregates Amplify Diffusion Signals
Authors: Arjmandi Hamidreza , Kanebratt Kajsa P , Vilén Liisa , Gennemark Peter , Noel Adam
Published: June 2023

Biophysical models can predict the behavior of cell cultures including 3D cell aggregates (3DCAs), thereby reducing the need for costly and time-consuming experiments. Specifically, mass transfer models enable studying the transport of nutrients, oxygen, signaling molecules, and drugs in 3DCA. These models require the defining of boundary conditions (BC) between the 3DCA and surrounding medium. However, accurately modeling the BC that relates the inner and outer boundary concentrations at the border between the 3DCA and the medium remains a challenge that this paper addresses using both theoretical and experimental methods. The provided biophysical analysis indicates that the concentration of molecules inside boundary is higher than that at the outer boundary, revealing an amplification factor that is confirmed by a particle-based simulator (PBS). Due to the amplification factor, the PBS confirms that when a 3DCA with a low concentration of target molecules is introduced to a culture medium with a higher concentration, the molecule concentration in the medium rapidly decreases. The theoretical model and PBS simulations were used to design a pilot experiment with liver spheroids as the 3DCA and glucose as the target molecule. Experimental results agree with the proposed theory and derived properties.

Author summary

The primary objective of our research was to enable the development of reliable biophysical models for three-dimensional cell aggregates (3DCAs). To achieve this goal, we employed a combination of theoretical and experimental methods to derive and characterize the amplification boundary condition (BC), which represents the relation of inner and outer boundary concentrations at the border between a 3DCA and its surrounding medium. By understanding the amplificaiton BC, we can better comprehend the transport and diffusion processes that occur within 3DCAs.

The significance of our research lies in its potential to advance the understanding of 3DCAs and their underlying biophysical processes. This knowledge is crucial for a wide range of applications, including drug design and analysis of drug dosages within tissues. This factor may provide insight into the mechanisms behind tumor development and morphogenesis. In particular, the packed structure of cancer tumors enables them to receive and trap a higher concentration of nutrients and oxygen molecules based on the amplification factor. Thus, this study could contribute to the development of novel approaches to manage and treat cancerous tissues.
Recruitment of BAG2 to DNAJ-PKAc scaffolds promotes cell survival and resistance to drug-induced apoptosis in fibrolamellar carcinoma
Authors: Lauer Sophia M , Omar Mitchell H , Golkowski Martin G , Kenerson Heidi L , Pascual Bryan C , Forbush Katherine , Smith F Donelson , Gordan John , Ong Shao-En , Yeung Raymond S , Scott John D
Published: June 2023

The DNAJ-PKAc fusion kinase is a defining feature of the adolescent liver cancer fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC). A single lesion on chromosome 19 generates this mutant kinase by creating a fused gene encoding the chaperonin binding domain of Hsp40 (DNAJ) in frame with the catalytic core of protein kinase A (PKAc). FLC tumors are notoriously resistant to standard chemotherapies. Aberrant kinase activity is assumed to be a contributing factor. Yet recruitment of binding partners, such as the chaperone Hsp70, implies that the scaffolding function of DNAJ- PKAc may also underlie pathogenesis. By combining proximity proteomics with biochemical analyses and photoactivation live-cell imaging we demonstrate that DNAJ-PKAc is not constrained by A-kinase anchoring proteins. Consequently, the fusion kinase phosphorylates a unique array of substrates. One validated DNAJ-PKAc target is the Bcl-2 associated athanogene 2 (BAG2), a co-chaperone recruited to the fusion kinase through association with Hsp70. Immunoblot and immunohistochemical analyses of FLC patient samples correlate increased levels of BAG2 with advanced disease and metastatic recurrences. BAG2 is linked to Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic factor that delays cell death. Pharmacological approaches tested if the DNAJ- PKAc/Hsp70/BAG2 axis contributes to chemotherapeutic resistance in AML12DNAJ-PKAchepatocyte cell lines using the DNA damaging agent etoposide and the Bcl-2 inhibitor navitoclax. Wildtype AML12 cells were susceptible to each drug alone and in combination. In contrast, AML12DNAJ-PKAccells were moderately affected by etoposide, resistant to navitoclax, but markedly susceptible to the drug combination. These studies implicate BAG2 as a biomarker for advanced FLC and a chemotherapeutic resistance factor in DNAJ-PKAc signaling scaffolds.
Medical Expectations Survey on Artificial Intelligence Solutions in daily practice
Authors: Giavina-Bianchi Mara , Amaro Edson , Machado Birajara Soares
Published: June 2023

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) applied to Medicine has become one of the hottest topics for the past years. Although scarcely used in real practice, it brings along many expectations, doubts and fears for physicians. Surveys can help to understand this situation.

Objective

To explore the degree of knowledge, expectations, fears and daily practice questions on AI use by physicians.

Methods

an electronic survey was sent to physicians of a large hospital in Brazil, from August-September 2022.

Results

171 physicians responded to our survey. 54% considered themselves to have an intermediate knowledge of AI. 79% believe AI should be regulated by a Governmental Agency. If AI were reliable and available, 78% intend to use AI frequently/always for diagnosis (87%) and/or management (83%), but they were unsure about the use of AI by other health professionals (50%) or by the patients (51%). The main benefit would be increasing the speed for diagnosis and management (64%), and the worst issue, to over rely on AI and lose medical skills (71%). Physicians believe AI would be useful (94%), facilitate the work (87%), increase the number of appointments (54%), not interfere in the financial gain (58%) and not replace their jobs, but, rather, be utilized as an additional source of information (65%). In case of disagreement between AI and physicians, most answered that a third opinion should be requested (86%). There were no significant differences between the physicians’ answers according to time since graduation.

Conclusions

physicians showed to have good expectations regarding the use of AI in Medicine when applied by themselves, but not so much by others. They also have intention to use it, as long as it was approved by a Regulatory Agency. Although there was hope for the beneficial impact of AI on healthcare, it also brings specific concerns.
Microstructural changes in building materials after various consolidation treatments studied by small-angle neutron scattering, mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Ryukhtin Vasyl , Slížková Zuzana , Strunz Pavel , Bauerová Pavla , Frankeová Dita
Published: June 2023

Stone or rendered facades of historical buildings often encounter loss of cohesion after long-term weathering. Specialist consolidating agents containing nanoparticles which can penetrate the degraded layer are used to extend the lifetime of such facades. Clay mortar prepared in the laboratory was used in the present study as a material for testing the effectiveness of several consolidating agents. Changes in porosity after treatment of the sample layers were assessed using small-angle neutron scattering, mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The scattering differed for the various samples, mainly in the medium range of scattering vector magnitudes. The cause of the scattering was ascribed to three populations of pores: large (micrometres), medium-sized (thousands of ångströms) and small (hundreds of ångströms). While the non-treated sample and the sample treated with a silicic acid ester-based product do not exhibit significant differences, the sample treated with a nano-lime suspension shows a decrease of 16% in the volume fraction of medium-sized pores. A difference was also observed in the sample treated with a dihydrogen ammonium phosphate solution: the size of the medium pores increased while their volume fraction decreased, and a change in the large pores was observed. The modelled small pores remained unaffected by the consolidating treatment.
Synthesis, crystal structure and phase transitions of novel hybrid perovskite: bis(1,2-diaminopropane) di-μ-chloro-bis[diaquadichloromanganate(II)] dichloride
Authors: Abdel-Aal Seham K. , Souhassou Mohamed , Durand Pierrick , Lecomte Claude , Abdel-Rahman Ahmed S. , Claiser Nicolas
Published: June 2023

Single crystals of bis(1,2-diaminepropane) di-μ-chloro-bis[diaquadichloromanganate(II)] dichloride have been prepared by evaporation from ethanoic solution. The triclinic X-ray crystal structure is built as layers of centrosymmetric dimers of [Mn(Cl)4(H2O)2]2− octahedra and 1,2-diaminopropane. The inorganic part consists of Mn octahedra sharing one edge and distributed in the basal ac plane along the a direction. These doubly negative charged layers are separated along the b axis by a positively charged diamine propane layer. One Cl− anion contributes to the electroneutrality of the crystal interacting with both inorganic – through a hydrogen bond network to the two water molecules coordinated to Mn – and organic layers via the NH3
+ ammonium group. Differential scanning calorimetry shows two endothermic main peaks at T = 366 K and T = 375 K related to the release of the water molecules. The resulting dehydrated material is C-centered monoclinic as shown by powder X-ray diffraction.
Knowledge management capability and organizational performance: a moderated mediation model of environmental dynamism and opportunity recognition
Authors: AlMulhim Abdullah Fahad
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Knowledge management in any organization is important in enhancing the organization’s performance. This study aims to explore the influence of knowledge management capability on organizational performance with the mediation role of opportunity recognition and the moderation effect of environmental dynamism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an effective and well-developed survey to collect data from 387 managers working in different service organizations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Further, SmartPLS software was used for data analysis.

Findings

The outcomes confirm that knowledge management capability is directly and indirectly (via opportunity recognition) related to organizational performance. Environmental dynamism moderates the linkage between knowledge management capability and opportunity recognition, as well as between opportunity recognition and organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides a valuable and novel managerial and theoretical approach for management to improve firm performance with the help of knowledge management capabilities, opportunity recognition, and environmental dynamism. The findings of this paper can be implemented not only in the service sector but also in the production sector. Future studies can use this conceptual framework in different countries with the current data. Moreover, other analytical approaches can be used to check the variability of these findings.

Originality/value

This study contributes to connecting research gaps in the literature and advancing insights into how knowledge management capabilities affect organizational performance. The study explores the mediating role of opportunity recognition and environmental dynamics as moderators between knowledge management capability and opportunity recognition and between opportunity recognition and organizational performance.
Exploration of a Web-based accessibility tool for public facilities
Authors: Carlsson Gunilla , Jonsson Oskar , Olander Stefan , Salén Marianne , Månsson Lexell Eva , Slaug Björn
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how an accessibility database (AD) has been developed and implemented as a tool for facility managers to evaluate and increase the accessibility of public facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight participants were strategically sampled for semi-structured interviews, and documents on the AD were gathered. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used for a directed content analysis of the data. The CFIR domains used for the analysis were: intervention characteristics, outer setting, inner setting, characteristics of individuals and process.

Findings

The development and implementation of the AD demonstrated the complexity in assessing and planning for increased accessibility. The communication and iterative processes within the inner as well as with the outer setting was an important part of the development and implementation, as well as anchoring each step locally, regionally and nationally, within public authorities and disability organizations.

Practical implications

The assessments of environmental barriers and the results reported in the AD can serve as a guide for identification of accessibility issues. However, singular identified barriers were reported as a fragmentation of the building regulations, and thereby when retrofitting is carried out, experts who have the competence to suggest solutions based on the entirety need to be involved to reach the goals of increased accessibility and countering of exclusion and discrimination.

Originality/value

By structuring the implementation process by means of the CFIR, facilitators and barriers of using an AD as a basis for retrofitting were revealed. The practical challenges outlined in assessing and increasing accessibility can guide facility managers when considering actions to increase accessibility.
An experimental investigation of attribute framing effects on risky sourcing behaviour: the mediating role of attention allocated to suppliers' quality information
Authors: Wong Ricky S.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Despite its significance, research on how attribute framing affects ordering decisions in dual sourcing remains insufficient. Hence, this study investigated the effects of attribute framing in a sourcing task involving certain and uncertain qualities of two suppliers and analysed the role of attention with respect to suppliers' information in framing effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The impacts of attribute framing on sourcing decisions were demonstrated in two online between-subject (2 × 2 factorial) experimental studies involving professional samples. Study 2 was an eye-tracking experiment.

Findings

In Study 1 (N = 251), participants presented with a “high-quality” rather than a “low-quality” frame made different sourcing decisions, opting for larger percentage of order(s) from a supplier under the “high-quality” frame. This pattern holds true for suppliers who differ in risk. This finding was replicated in Study 2 (N = 129). Attention asymmetry related to the information on supplier quality contributes to this effect. Attention directed towards information regarding the supplier's quality under a positive frame mediated the relationship between attribute framing and sourcing decisions.

Practical implications

Highlighting the positive attributes of a risky supplier is essential when ordering from the risky supplier is an optimal decision. It is advantageous for suppliers to highlight positive rather than negative attributes when describing the quality of their components against others.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the effect of attention on the relationship between attribute framing and dual sourcing. This presents a new behavioural perspective wherein managers' attention to information plays a vital role.
An empirical assessment of customer satisfaction of internet banking service quality – Hybrid model approach
Authors: Kashyap Sachin , Gupta Sanjeev , Chugh Tarun
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The present work has proposed and employed an innovative hybrid method based on the combination of factor analysis and an artificial neural network (ANN) model to forecast customer satisfaction from the identified dimensions of service quality in India, a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative study is conducted with Internet banking users to understand e-banking clients' perceptions. The data is collected with the help of a questionnaire from randomly selected 208 customers in India. Firstly, factor analysis was performed to determine the influential factors of customer satisfaction, and four factors i.e. efficiency, reliability, security and privacy, and issue and problem handling were extracted accordingly. The neural network model is then applied to the factor scores to validate the key elements. Lastly, the comparative analysis of the actual ANN and the regression predicted result is done.

Findings

The success ability of the linear regression model is challenged when approximated to nonlinear problems such as customer satisfaction. It is concluded that the ANN model is a better fit than the linear regression model, and it can recognise the complex connections between the exogenous and endogenous variables. The results also show that reliability, security and privacy are the most influencing factors; however, problem handling and efficiency have the slightest effect on bank client satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

This research is conducted in India, and the sample is chosen from the urban area. The limitation of the purposeful sampling technique and the cross-sectional nature of the data may hamper the generalisation of the results.

Originality/value

The conclusions from the study will be helpful for policymakers, bankers and academicians. To our knowledge, few studies used ANN modelling to predict customer satisfaction in the service sector
Stimulating HRM practices through innovative culture: an empirical study on the UAE’s government agencies
Authors: Alosani Mohammed , Al-Dhaafri Hassan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

There is an assumption that innovative culture is considered to contribute to improving human resource management (HRM) practices. However, very little is known about this topic as well as innovations within the context of the government sector. Based on that, this study aims to investigate, theoretically and empirically, the impact of innovative culture on HRM practices with the moderating role of knowledge sharing in this association.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was obtained from government agencies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study used structural equation modelling to test the proposed hypotheses and SPSS to perform a preliminary analysis.

Findings

The findings show that innovative culture significantly and positively affects HRM practices. Moreover, knowledge sharing plays an important moderating role between innovative culture and HRM.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have several theoretical and practical implications. The study provides useful insights into the significance of innovative culture and knowledge sharing in stimulating HRM. The findings will help government agencies improve their employees’ capabilities by customising knowledge sharing and creating a culture that supports innovative activities within their agencies.

Originality/value

Private-sector organisations are concerned about factors that enhance innovative activities as one of the factors of development, improvement and enhancement of competitive advantage. However, in government, especially in the UAE, research into the part played by innovation remains uncommon, particularly into the role of knowledge sharing and innovative culture in enhancing HRM practices. To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this is one of the pioneer studies to examine the impact of both innovative culture and knowledge sharing on HRM in a government environment context.
Tourists’ perceived destination image and heritage conservation intention: a comparative study of heritage and film-induced images
Authors: Zhang Su , Lo Yin-Hsi
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Kaiping Diaolou in Guangdong Province, China, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is often used as a film location. This study aims to investigate the antecedents of film-induced heritage conservation behaviour in tourists visiting Kaiping Diaolou. The conceptual premises of stimulus-organism-response theory were used to provide additional insight into the impact of film- and heritage-induced images, and tourists’ perceived authenticity, destination attachment and heritage conservation intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested the hypotheses using covariance-based structural equation modelling by using the data collected from the 391 valid questionnaires.

Findings

The empirical results reveal that both film- and heritage-induced images have a direct impact on tourists’ heritage conservation intention. Furthermore, perceived authenticity and destination attachment fully mediate the relationship between destination image and conservation intention, while the serial multiple mediator effect in the heritage destination image model is not significant.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the understanding of tourists’ heritage conservation intention through the lens of destination image, perceived authenticity and destination attachment. The study’s findings enrich the literature on film and heritage tourism regarding destination image construction and heritage conservation and have implications for the sustainable development of heritage tourism and heritage conservation, as well as the marketing of heritage sites.
Tribological investigations of boride layers on Ti6Al4V at room and elevated temperatures
Authors: Zhang Dongya , Bai Ao , Du Xin , Li Gang , Wu Jiaoyi
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the wear resistance of titanium alloy using a high-hardness boride layer, which was fabricated on Ti6Al4V by a high-temperature boronizing process.

Design/methodology/approach

The boride layers on Ti6Al4V were obtained at 1000°C for 5–15 h. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive analysis and X-ray diffractometer were used to characterize the properties of the boride layer. The tribological performance of the boride layer at room and elevated temperatures was investigated.

Findings

The X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the boride layers were a dual-phase structure of TiB and TiB2. When the boronizing time increased from 5 h to 15 h, the microhardness increased from 1192 HV0.5 to 1619.8 HV0.5. At 25°C and elevated temperatures, the friction coefficients of the boride layers were higher than that of Ti6Al4V. The wear track areas of T-5 at 200°C and 400°C were 2.5 × 10–3 and 1.1 × 10–3 mm2, respectively, which were 6.1% and 2.6% of that of Ti6Al4V, indicating boride layer exhibited a significant wear resistance. The wear mechanisms of the boride layer transformed from slight peeling to oxidative wear and abrasive wear as the temperature was raised.

Originality/value

The findings provide an effective strategy for improving the wear resistance of Ti6Al4V and have important implications for the application of titanium alloy in a high-temperature field.
Why are there higher rates of children looked after in Wales?
Authors: Hodges Helen Ruth , Scourfield Jonathan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider some possible reasons for the relatively high rate in Wales of children looked after by local authorities.

Design/methodology/approach

Selected potential explanations for Wales having higher rates were tested against aggregate data from published 2021 Government statistics. Wales was compared with England and English regions for area deprivation, local authority spending, placements at home and kinship foster care. Descriptive statistics were produced, and linear regression was used where appropriate.

Findings

Wales has higher overall children looked-after rates and a bigger recent increase in these than any English region. Deprivation in Wales was higher than in most English regions. However, a smaller percentage of Welsh variation in local authority looked-after rates was explained by deprivation than was the case for England. Spending on preventative services has increased in recent years in Wales whilst decreasing in England, and there was not a clear relationship between spending on preventative services and the looked-after rate. Wales had a higher rate of care orders placed at home and more children per head of population in kinship foster care than any English region. Some of the explanations that have been suggested for Wales’s particularly high looked-after rates seem to be supported by the evidence from aggregate data and others do not. Practice variation is likely to also be an important part of the picture.

Originality/value

This is an original comparison of Wales, England and English regions using aggregate data. More fine-grained analysis is needed using individual-level data, multivariate analysis and qualitative methods.
Does employee relations climate mediate the effect of Islamic work ethics on organizational performance? Evidence from Qatar
Authors: Badar Kamal , Aboramadan Mohammed , Alhabil Wasim , Dahleez Khalid Abed , Farao Caterina
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Building on the resource-based view (RBV) and the theory of other orientation, this study aims to examine the association between Islamic work ethics (IWEs) and organizational performance highlighting the role of employee relations climate as an underlying mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 239 employees working in diverse sectors in the state of Qatar. Structural equation modeling of partial least squares was used to analyze the data of the study.

Findings

The results suggest that IWEs positively impact organizational performance and employee relations climate. Furthermore, employee relations climate demonstrated to play a mediating role in the IWEs-organizational performance link.

Practical implications

The study can be used by administrators pertaining to the importance of IWE and employee relations climate to cultivate higher organizational outcomes such as organizational performance.

Originality/value

This research is distinctive as it examines the connection between IWEs and organizational performance in Qatar, a country where the influence of Islamic values and beliefs on work ethics is profound. In addition, the research sheds light on a topic that has received little attention in the literature: the significance of the workplace climate in determining how IWEs affect organizational performance. Finally, the research integrates two important theoretical frameworks, the RBV and the theory of other orientation, to create a comprehensive model that explains the complex relationship between IWEs, employee relations climate and organizational performance.
The effect of internal knowledge transfer on the relationship between personality traits and employee service performance: a multilevel model
Authors: Yang Mingjun , Luu Tuan Trong , Wang Dan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Internal knowledge transfer is crucial for firms to improve their employees’ abilities and improve their work performance. However, there is still a gap in the knowledge management field regarding whether internal knowledge transfer can leverage employee personality traits and service performance in service-oriented organizations. To address this gap, this study aims to validate a multilevel model of the mediating (i.e. internal knowledge transfer as a mediator) and moderating (i.e. task interdependence as a moderator) mechanisms underlying personality traits and employee service performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Multilevel structural equation modeling was applied for model validation using an original data set from 45 team leaders and 333 employees working in Chinese hotels.

Findings

Internal knowledge transfer mediated the link between extraversion and employee service performance and the link between openness to experience and employee service performance. Task interdependence played a moderating role that strengthened both the impacts of extraversion and openness to experience on internal knowledge transfer.

Originality/value

Through the use of an original data set, this study advances the knowledge management discipline by investigating the mediating impact of internal knowledge transfer between personality traits and employee service performance and revealing the moderating impact of task interdependence that underlies the links between personality traits and internal knowledge transfer.
A framework of genealogy knowledge reasoning and visualization based on a knowledge graph
Authors: Wang Ruan , Deng Jun , Guan Xinhui , He Yuming
Published: June 2023

Purpose

With the development of data mining technology, diverse and broader domain knowledge can be extracted automatically. However, the research on applying knowledge mapping and data visualization techniques to genealogical data is limited. This paper aims to fill this research gap by providing a systematic framework and process guidance for practitioners seeking to uncover hidden knowledge from genealogy.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review of genealogy's current knowledge reasoning research, the authors constructed an integrated framework for knowledge inference and visualization application using a knowledge graph. Additionally, the authors applied this framework in a case study using “Manchu Clan Genealogy” as the data source.

Findings

The case study shows that the proposed framework can effectively decompose and reconstruct genealogy. It demonstrates the reasoning, discovery, and web visualization application process of implicit information in genealogy. It enhances the effective utilization of Manchu genealogy resources by highlighting the intricate relationships among people, places, and time entities.

Originality/value

This study proposed a framework for genealogy knowledge reasoning and visual analysis utilizing a knowledge graph, including five dimensions: the target layer, the resource layer, the data layer, the inference layer, and the application layer. It helps to gather the scattered genealogy information and establish a data network with semantic correlations while establishing reasoning rules to enable inference discovery and visualization of hidden relationships.
The effects of vitamin D on sleep quality and pregnancy symptoms in pregnant women: a randomized, tripled-blinded and placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mirzaei-Azandaryani Zahra , Javadzadeh Yousef , Shaseb Elnaz , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Because of the importance of having enough sleep in life and health, this study aims to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on sleep quality and pregnancy symptoms (primary outcomes) and side effects (secondary outcome).

Design/methodology/approach

In this triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, 88 pregnant women with gestational age of 8–10 weeks and serum vitamin D concentration less than 30 ng/ml were allocated into vitamin D (n= 44) and control (n= 44) groups by blocked randomization method. The vitamin D group received a 4,000 IU vitamin D pill, and the control group received a placebo pill daily for 18 weeks. Independentt-, Mann–Whitney U and ANCOVA tests were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The post-intervention mean (SD: standard deviation) of total sleep quality score in the vitamin D and placebo group were 1.94 (2.1) and 4.62 (1.71), respectively. According to the Mann–Whitney U test, this difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p< 0.001). The mean (SD) of pregnancy symptoms in the vitamin D and placebo groups was 23.95 (16.07) and 26.62 (13.84), respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups based on ANCOVA test (p= 0.56). Considerable side effects were not observed in any groups.

Originality/value

This study was conducted due to the contradictory results of the effect of vitamin D on sleep quality and the high prevalence of sleep disorders and pregnancy symptoms.
Trends, impacts and responses to cybercrime in the Zimbabwean retail sector
Authors: Mugari Ishmael , Kunambura Maxwell , Obioha Emeka E. , Gopo Norah R.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the nature and impacts of cybercrime in the Zimbabwean retail sector and evaluate the effectiveness of the current measures to deal with cybercrime.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a mixed research design on a sample of 38 retail players in a small mining town, Bindura, who were selected using stratified random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through a mainly closed-ended questionnaire and in-depth interview guide. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse quantitative data, whereas summative content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.

Findings

Virus dissemination, hacking and card fraud were identified as the major forms of cybercrime prevalent in the retail sector. Additional security costs, loss of sensitive data and direct financial losses were found to be the major impacts posed by cybercrime on retail sector. It was also established that the current internal measures and policing efforts to fight cybercrime in the retail sector were ineffective.

Originality/value

This study provides context-specific information on the scourge of cybercrime in a developing third world country that has of late been characterised by a myriad of other socioeconomic challenges. Although similar studies have been conducted in other parts of the globe, there has been a dearth of literature on retail sector cybercrime in Zimbabwe. This study also interrogates the Zimbabwean retail sector’s preparedness in dealing with this contemporary threat.
Supply chain digitalization and performance improvement: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Zhou Haidi , Wang Qiang , Li Lixu , Teo Thompson S.H. , Yang Shuili
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Leveraging the benefits of supply chain digitalization is a big challenge for many firms. To address this issue, this study aims to use information processing theory to explore the mechanisms between supply chain digitalization and supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on survey data from 223 Chinese companies, the authors tested the moderated mediation model using the Process program in SPSS.

Findings

The empirical results reveal that supply chain traceability and supply chain agility partially mediate the supply chain digitalization–supply chain performance relationship. More interestingly, the above significant mediation effects show differences across industries. In particular, manufacturing firms rely more on supply chain traceability, whereas supply chain agility contributes more to service firms. Lastly, supply chain dynamism is a significant moderator that enhances the mediation effect of supply chain traceability in the supply chain digitalization–supply chain performance relationship.

Originality/value

This study offers new insights into the growing literature on supply chain digitalization by proposing a new moderated mediation model that demonstrates the relative importance of different mediators. The findings also help managers boost their supply chain performance in the digital era.
Exploring a field-tested, substantive exchange of ideas: a discussion
Authors: Callahan Cory , Zylfiu Bahtije Gerbeshi
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Here the authors thoroughly explore a field-tested exchange of ideas, a discussion. The authors share a robust discussion script that models a wise-practice pedagogical approach for promoting civic competence [problem-based historical inquiry (PBHI)] and then describe precisely how the discussion is an exemplar of that approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Scores of teachers and teacher educators have participated in this discussion in real-world classroom settings. This was first experienced during a professional development seminar at the University of Prishtina in Kosovo when the first author, working with Kosovar colleagues including the second author, led this seemingly impromptu discussion of major values in conflict over the issue of whether Kosovo's government should make tobacco use illegal. This has since been implemented in several undergraduate and graduate education courses in the United States of America.

Findings

The discussion script contains two types of text: (1) traditional text – default formatting – which constitutes the semi-structured wording a discussion leader would say aloud and (2) supplementary text – italicized formatting – that provides educative suggestions for professional development.

Originality/value

Finally, the authors share suggestions for revising this discussion for future iterations and ways teachers and teacher educators can further develop the skills for facilitating discussions.