bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Assumption of The Regulatory Function of Nf2-Amot Complex in Early Mammalian Embryos with A Computational Model
Authors: Sakai Yusuke , Hakura Jun
Published: April 2024

The paper assumed that Nf2-Amot complex regulates the phosphorylation cascade so that each cell in the early mammalian embryo differentiates properlyin silico. To confirm the validity of the assumption, it was necessary to verify whether Nf2-Amot complex has an impact on the resulting differentiation. The living embryo is unsuitable for the confirmation since the early mammalian embryo is too small to observe and too ethically sensitive to invade. In such cases, computational models can be used as experimental subjects for operations that cannot be applied to the living embryo. Previous models on the embryo, however, could not verify the assumption because they had not modeled Nf2-Amot complex, and they seldom modeled the Hippo signaling pathway. Therefore, the paper introduced a model of Nf2-Amot complex to the previous study that had modeled the Hippo signaling pathway. Testing the model under diverse conditions revealed that the existence of Nf2-Amot complex reproduces the ideal cell differentiation observed in the living embryo. In this sense, the validity of the model was confirmed. Furthermore, diverse cell-cell contacts that induce various concentrations of Nf2-Amot complex also resulted in ideal cell differentiation. These results suggested the correctness of the assumptionin silico.
Long-Read Structural and Epigenetic Profiling of a Kidney Tumor-Matched Sample with Nanopore Sequencing and Optical Genome Mapping
Authors: Margalit Sapir , Tulpová Zuzana , Detinis Zur Tahir , Michaeli Yael , Deek Jasline , Nifker Gil , Haldar Rita , Gnatek Yehudit , Omer Dorit , Dekel Benjamin , Baris Feldman Hagit , Grunwald Assaf , Ebenstein Yuval
Published: April 2024

Carcinogenesis often involves significant alterations in the cancer genome architecture, marked by large structural and copy number variations (SVs and CNVs) that are difficult to capture with short-read sequencing. Traditionally, cytogenetic techniques are applied to detect such aberrations, but they are limited in resolution and do not cover features smaller than several hundred kilobases. Optical genome mapping and nanopore sequencing are attractive technologies that bridge this resolution gap and offer enhanced performance for cytogenetic applications. These methods profile native, individual DNA molecules, thus capturing epigenetic information. We applied both techniques to characterize a clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumor’s structural and copy number landscape, highlighting the relative strengths of each method in the context of variant size and average read length. Additionally, we assessed their utility for methylome and hydroxymethylome profiling, emphasizing differences in epigenetic analysis applicability.
Calcium (Ca2+) fluxes at Mitochondria-ER Contact Sites (MERCS) are a new target of senolysis in Therapy-Induced Senescence (TIS)
Authors: Puebla-Huerta Andrea , Huerta Hernán , Quezada-Gutierez Camila , Morgado-Cáceres Pablo , Casanova-Canelo César , Linsambarth Sergio , Díaz-Rivera Osman , López-Domínguez José Alberto , Rodríguez-López Sandra , Bustos Galdo , Silva-Pavez Eduardo , Lovy Alenka , Quiroz Gabriel , González-Seguel Catalina , Salas-Huenuleo Edison , Kogan Marcelo J. , Molgó Jordi , Zakarian Armen , Villalba José M. , Gonzalez-Billault Christian , Ahumada-Castro Ulises , Cárdenas J. César
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the state of calcium (Ca2+) flux and Mitochondria-ER contact sites (MERCS) on Therapy-Induced Senescence (TIS).

TIS cells-induced by Doxorubicin and Etoposide increase their MERCS contact surface but exhibit a decreased ER-mitochondria Ca2+flux.

TIS cells show decreased levels of IP3R isoforms and a decreased interaction between type 1 IP3R isoform and VDAC1.

The ER-mitochondria Ca2+flux is essential to maintain the viability of senescence cells.

Inhibition of ER-mitochondria Ca2+flux rise as a new target of senolysisin vitroandin vivo.
TheDrosophilaEcR-Hippo component Taiman promotes epithelial cell fitness by control of the Dally-like glypican and Wg gradient
Authors: Schweibenz Colby K. , Placentra Victoria C. , Moberg Kenneth H.
Published: April 2024

Rapidly dividing cells can eliminate slow growing neighbors through the apoptotic process of cell competition. This process ensures that only high fitness cells populate embryonic tissues and is proposed to underlie the ability of oncogene-transformed cells to progressively replace normal cells within a tissue. Patches of cells in theDrosophilawing disc overexpressing the oncogenic Taiman (Tai) transcriptional coactivator kill normal neighbors by secreting Spz ligands that trigger pro-apoptotic Toll signaling in receiving cells. However, extracellular signaling mechanisms responsible for elimination of slow growing cells by normal neighbors remain poorly defined. Here we show that slow growing cells with reduced Tai (Tailow) are killed by normal neighbors through a mechanism involving competition for the Wingless (Wg/Wnt) ligand. Elevated Wg signaling significantly rescues elimination of Tailowcells in multiple organs, suggesting that Tai may normally promote Wg activity. Examining distribution of Wg components reveals that Tai promotes extracellular spread of the Wg ligand from source cells across the wing disc, thus ensuring patterned expression of multiple Wg-regulated target genes. Tai controls Wg spread indirectly through the extracellular glypican Dally-like protein (Dlp), which binds Wg and promotes its extracellular diffusion and capture by receptors. Data indicate that Tai likely controls Dlp at two levels: transcription ofdlpmRNA and Dlp intracellular trafficking. Overall, these data indicate that the Tai acts through Dlp to enable Wg transport and signaling, and that cell competition in the Tailowmodel arises due to inequity in the ability of epithelial cells to sequester limiting amounts of the Wg growth factor.
Spatio-temporal requirements of Aurora kinase A in mouse oocytes meiotic spindle building
Authors: Blengini Cecilia S. , Vaskovicova Michaela , Schier Jan , Drutovic David , Schindler Karen
Published: April 2024

Meiotic spindles are critical to ensure proper chromosome segregation during gamete formation. Oocytes lack centrosomes and use alternative microtubule nucleation pathways for spindle building. However, how these mechanisms are regulated is still unknown. Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is necessary and sufficient for oocyte meiosis in mouse becauseAurkaKO oocytes arrest in meiosis I [1] and AURKA compensates for loss ofAurkb/Aurkc[2]. AURKA is required early in pro-metaphase I to trigger microtubule organizing center fragmentation, a step necessary to effectively build a bipolar spindle. Moreover, in doubleAurkb/Aurkcknockouts, AURKA localizes to spindles and chromatin to support meiosis. Although these mouse models were useful for foundational studies, we were unable to resolve AURKA spatial and temporal functions. Here we provide high-resolution analyses of AURKA requirements during multiple steps of meiotic spindle building and identify the subcellular populations that carry out these functions. By combining mouse genetics and pharmacological approaches we show that AURKA is specifically required in early spindle building and later for spindle stability, whereas AURKC is specifically required in late pro-metaphase. Through expression of targeted AURKA constructs expressed in triple Aurora kinase knockout oocytes and high-resolution live imaging, we demonstrate that the spindle pole population of AURKA is the predominate pool that controls meiotic spindle building and stability.
Phosphorylation on serine 72 modulates Rab7A palmitoylation and retromer recruitment
Authors: Modica Graziana , Tejeda-Valencia Laura , Sauvageau Etienne , Maes Juliette , Skorobogata Olga , Lefrancois Stephane
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The small GTPase Rab7A has a key role in regulating membrane trafficking at late endosomes. By interacting with several different effectors, this small GTPase controls late endosome mobility, orchestrates fusion events between late endosomes and lysosomes, and participates in the formation of and regulates the fusion between autophagosomes and lysosomes. Rab7A is also responsible for the spatiotemporal recruitment of retromer, which is required for the endosome-to-TGN retrieval of cargo-receptors such as sortilin and CI-MPR. Recently several post-translational modifications have been shown to modulate Rab7A functions, including palmitoylation, ubiquitination and phosphorylation. Here we show that phosphorylation of Rab7A at serine 72 is important to modulate its interaction with retromer, as the non-phosphorylatable Rab7AS72Amutant is not able to interact with and recruit retromer to late endosomes. We have previously shown that Rab7A palmitoylation is also required for efficient retromer recruitment. We found that palmitoylation of Rab7AS72Ais reduced compared to the wild-type protein, suggesting an interplay between S72 phosphorylation and palmitoylation in regulating the Rab7A/retromer interaction. Finally, we identify NEK7 as the kinase required to phosphorylate Rab7A to promote retromer binding and recruitment.
Quantification ofAnopheles gambiaeOlfactory Preferences under Semi-Field Conditions
Authors: Giraldo Diego , McMeniman Conor J.
Published: April 2024

Anopheles gambiaeis a highly anthropophilic (human-preferring) malaria vector that prefers to blood feed frequently and selectively on humans. This mosquito species exhibits a strong innate olfactory preference to seek out human scent over other animals, and certain humans over others—key behavioral traits with the potential to drive heterogeneity in biting risk and malaria transmission. Here, we describe the application of a large-scale, semi-field system in Zambia for the quantification ofAn. gambiaeolfactory preferences toward whole body odor sourced from individual humans. We detail steps for modifying one-person canvas tents to duct odor from sleeping humans into a central, semi-field flight cage arena that is securely screened. Using this system, we describe a protocol to perform two-choice olfactory preference assays with two human volunteers using laboratory-rearedAn. gambiaeand odor-guided thermotaxis assays that leverage infrared video tracking to quantify mosquito landings on heated targets baited with each body odor sample. This multichoice olfactory preference assay has the potential to be applied with expanded cohorts of humans to define the chemosensory basis ofAn. gambiaehost preference and interindividual differences in human attractiveness to mosquitoes and to be used to quantify the effects of protective measures such as personal and spatial repellents on mosquito landing behavior.
Non-Hermitian topology and criticality in photonic arrays with engineered losses
Authors: Pereira Elizabeth Louis , Li Hongwei , Blanco-Redondo Andrea , Lado Jose L.
Published: April 2024

Integrated photonic systems provide a flexible platform where artificial lattices can be engineered in a reconfigurable fashion. Here, we show that one-dimensional photonic arrays with engineered losses allow the realization of topological excitations stemming from non-Hermiticity and bulk mode criticality. We show that a generalized modulation of the local photonic losses allows the creation of topological modes both in the presence of periodicity and even in the quasiperiodic regime. We demonstrate that a localization transition of all the bulk photonic modes can be engineered in the presence of a quasiperiodic loss modulation, and we further demonstrate that such a transition can be created in the presence of both resonance frequency modulation and loss modulation. We finally address the robustness of this phenomenology to the presence of next to the nearest neighbor couplings and disorder in the emergence of criticality and topological modes. Our results put forward a strategy to engineer topology and criticality solely from engineered losses in a photonic system, establishing a potential platform to study the impact of nonlinearities in topological and critical photonic matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Microwave frequency transfer over 3000-km fiber based on optical frequency combs and active noise cancellation
Authors: Yu Dongrui , Chen Ziyang , Zhang Yufei , Jin Ziyi , Yu Song , Luo Bin , Guo Hong
Published: April 2024

Time and frequency transfer plays an important role in the fields of navigation and positioning, remote sensing, and fundamental physics. The performance of long-haul frequency transfer is ultimately limited by accumulated phase and amplitude noise in fiber propagation. In this work we overcome these limitations and demonstrate a frequency transfer system over 3000 km of indoor spooled fibers via repetition-frequency-locked frequency combs, which benefit from the extremely high signal-to-noise ratio. With the help of the digital phase discrimination and compensation method and active power stabilization, the dramatic phase and amplitude variations are sufficiently suppressed, respectively, which results in the residual instability 7.5×10−14 at 1 s and 1.0×10−16 at 10 000 s, without optical-electrical-optical recovery by the regeneration system. Our results mark a breakthrough in building large-scale, high-precision synchronization networks.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Charge Sensing the Parity of an Andreev Molecule
Authors: van Driel David , Roovers Bart , Zatelli Francesco , Bordin Alberto , Wang Guanzhong , van Loo Nick , Wolff Jan Cornelis , Mazur Grzegorz P. , Gazibegovic Sasa , Badawy Ghada , Bakkers Erik P.A.M. , Kouwenhoven Leo P. , Dvir Tom
Published: April 2024

The proximity effect of superconductivity on confined states in semiconductors gives rise to various bound states such as Andreev bound states, Andreev molecules, and Majorana zero modes. While such bound states do not conserve charge, their fermion parity is a good quantum number. One way to measure parity is to convert it to charge first, which is then sensed. In this work, we sense the charge of Andreev bound states and Andreev molecules in an InSb-Al hybrid nanowire using an integrated quantum dot operated as a charge sensor. We show how charge sensing measurements can resolve the even and odd states of an Andreev molecule, without affecting the parity. Such an approach can be further used for parity measurements of Majorana zero modes in Kitaev chains based on quantum dots.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The drivers of external debt in Ghana
Authors: Mensah Lord , Arku Felix Kwasi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the factors that contribute to the external debt growth in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and the error correction model (ECM) to establish the short-run and long-run relationships between the dependent variable (external debt) and the independent variables (debt service, exchange rate, gross domestic product, government expenditure, import and trade openness), using a time series data spanning from 1990 to 2019.

Findings

The results indicate that debt service, GDP, government expenditure and trade openness have a positive and significant relationship with external debt, while import and exchange rates have a negative relationship with external debt in the long run. In the short run, debt service, import, exchange rate and trade openness have a positive and significant relationship with external debt, while GDP has a negative relationship with external debt.

Practical implications

The study found that variables such as government expenditure, debt service and import contribute significantly to the nation’s external debt stock. These findings suggest that policymakers should focus on prioritising and cutting down expenditure in their quest to curtail the debt menace facing the nation. Since existing debt service has the tendency of influencing debt stock, it is recommended that government should reduce borrowing in order avoid debt trap. Home-grown policies to reduce imports must also be encouraged. As these drivers of external debt are tackled head-on, Ghana can be rightly positioned to record lower levels of public debt and subsequently reap the benefits of economic growth.

Originality/value

The study adds to the public debt literature, specifically addressing the idiosyncratic determinants of external debt within the Ghanaian context.
Effect of augmented reality applications on attitude and behaviours of customers: cognitive and affective perspectives
Authors: Iranmanesh Mohammad , Senali Madugoda Gunaratnege , Foroughi Behzad , Ghobakhloo Morteza , Asadi Shahla , Babaee Tirkolaee Erfan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Understanding how to retain users of augmented reality (AR) shopping apps and to motivate them to purchase is vital to the success of AR apps. This study assessed the chain effect of AR attributes on purchase intention and reuse intention through cognitive and affective factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from Thai users of the IKEA Place app using an online survey. A link to the survey was posted on Thai furniture groups on social media platforms. The 439 responses were analysed using the partial least squares (PLS) approach.

Findings

The results revealed that all four AR attributes, namely interactivity, vividness, novelty and spatial presence, significantly influence perceived enjoyment, perceived diagnosticity and perceived value. Brand attitude, as a key driver of purchase intention, is influenced by perceived value. Attitude towards the app significantly affects reuse intention and is affected by affective and cognitive factors.

Practical implications

The findings enable shopping app designers and marketers to successfully promote the brand, retain users and boost sales by effectively incorporating AR.

Originality/value

The study extends the literature on the impacts of AR apps on customer behaviours by including affective factors in addition to cognitive factors to explain why AR attributes influence customer attitudes and behaviours. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the serial causal paths from AR attributes to customer behaviours.
Compensatory consumption of specialty agricultural products from an ELM theory perspective: joint effect of product attributes and social affordances
Authors: Wang Lin , Zhao Meng , Zhang Jiangli , Wang Yufang
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Compensatory consumption focuses on the psychological value of products. Special agricultural products have symbolic and social functions that effectively meet psychological needs and stimulate compensatory consumption behavior. The social commerce context not only enriches consumer experience but also influences consumer purchase decisions. This study constructs a model based on the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) and the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory to explore the mechanism of compensatory consumption behavior of special agricultural products in a social commerce context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a two-stage method of partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze 523 valid samples collected through random sampling. PLS-SEM was used to examine the relationships and effects between the variables; fsQCA was used to conduct a cohort analysis between the variables to further reveal the complexity and diversity of compensatory consumption behaviors.

Findings

PLS-SEM indicates that product attributes and social affordances influence consumers’ triggering of compensatory consumption behavior for control and belongingness needs. fsQCA shows that there are three different modes, and the satisfaction of belongingness or control needs is a necessary condition for triggering compensatory consumption behavior.

Originality/value

There is limited research on compensatory consumption behavior specifically focused on special agricultural products. This study explores the influencing factors and mechanisms of compensatory consumption behavior related to special agricultural products. The occurrence of compensatory consumption behavior is not only influenced by product attributes but also by the social commerce environment. In marketing strategies, it is important to not only consider product characteristics but also pay attention to consumers’ social and psychological needs.
“What does well-being mean to me?” Conceptualisations of well-being in Irish primary schooling
Authors: Farrell Emma , Symonds Jennifer , Devine Dympna , Sloan Seaneen , Crean Mags , Cahoon Abbie , Hogan Julie
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the meaning of the term well-being as conceptualised by parents, grandparents, principals and teachers in the Irish primary education system.

Design/methodology/approach

A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was adopted to understand the nature and meaning of the phenomenon of well-being. Interviews were carried out with 54 principals, teachers, parents and grandparents from a representative sample of primary schools in Ireland. Each participant was asked the same, open, question: “What does well-being mean to you?” Responses were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a combination of the principles of the hermeneutic circle and Braun and Clarke’s framework for thematic analysis.

Findings

Three conceptualisations of well-being were identified (1) well-being is about being happy, (2) well-being is about being healthy and safe and (3) well-being is something you “do”.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge this paper is the first of its kind to describe how well-being is conceptualised by adults in Irish primary school contexts. In particular it highlights how neoliberal conceptualisations of well-being as a “thing”, a commodity exchanged on assumptions of individualism, moralism and bio-economism, have crept into the education of our youngest citizens.
A qualitative study of transformative learning during internships
Authors: Wang Jiunwen , Chia Ivy , Yap Jerry
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to document the process of transformative learning during students’ internships.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study was conducted with 13 interviewed students to gain deeper insights into their learning experiences during their internships. Their weekly reflections from their 6 month’s internship experience were also coded for common themes.

Findings

The study found numerous trigger events ranging from task-related challenges to interpersonal challenges to environmental challenges led to mindset shifts in students during their internships. The mindset shifts are enabled by students engaging in the trigger events through asking questions, seeking information and reflecting. Other enablers of these mindset shifts are workplace psychological safety, social support and individual learning orientation. The conclusion drawn is that trigger events and enabling resources such as external support are central to healthy mindset shifts and learning.

Practical implications

This paper provides important guidance for supporting transformative learning during student internships.

Originality/value

This paper provides important guidance for supporting transformative learning during student internships.
Human factors in remote work: examining cyber hygiene practices
Authors: Karayel Tuğçe , Aktaş Bahadır , Akbıyık Adem
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the cyber hygiene practices of remote workers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used two instruments: first, the Cyber Hygiene Inventory scale, which measures users’ information and computer security behaviors; second, the Recsem Inventory, developed within this paper’s context, to evaluate the cybersecurity measures adopted by organizations for remote workers. It was conducted on remote workers to examine their information security practices. The instrument was administered to a sample of 442 employees reached via the LinkedIn platform. Analyses were performed with SPSS v26, Python programming language and Seaborn library.

Findings

The findings indicate a significant correlation between the security measures implemented by companies and their employees’ cyber hygiene practices. A sector comparison revealed a significant difference in cyber hygiene levels between public and private sector workers.

Research limitations/implications

This paper aims to provide policymakers with suggestions for enhancing the cyber hygiene of remote workers to facilitate compliance with corporate security protocols.

Originality/value

This paper’s conclusions highlight the importance of companies increasing their cybersecurity investments as remote work becomes more prevalent. This should consider not only corporate-level factors but also employees' information and computer security behaviors.
Moderating effect of dynamic capabilities on the relationship between lean practices and operational performance
Authors: Liu Chao-chao , Wang Miao , Niu Zhanwen , Mo Xun
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The view that dynamic capabilities theory can help explain how lean organizations improve has been put forward by scholars. However, there is still a lack of research on the matching relationship between the application of lean practice and the internal elements of enterprise organization from the perspective of dynamic capabilities. The purpose of this study is to validate the moderating effect of dynamic capabilities on the relationship between lean practices and operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the method of survey and empirical research to collect sample data from 263 enterprises in China. Through literature review, this study put forward the moderating hypotheses around dynamic capabilities, lean practices and operation performance and used the method of regression analysis to validate these hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that dynamic capabilities have a partially moderating effect on the application of lean practices. Specifically, dynamic capabilities have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between just-in-time, total quality management, total preventive maintenance and operational performance, while dynamic capabilities have no significant moderating effect on the relationship between human resource management and operational performance.

Originality/value

The research conclusion complements and enriches the lean practices literature from the perspective of dynamic capabilities. Existing studies mainly focus on the moderating role of external environmental factors, while there is a lack of empirical research on the role of dynamic capabilities in lean practices literature. The research results will help enterprises further understand the matching relationship between lean practices and dynamic capabilities and then improve the success of lean practices application.
Customer bargaining power and supplier profitability: the moderating role of product market overlap
Authors: Zheng Rui , Ang Sheng , Yang Feng
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Research on the relationship between customer bargaining power and supplier performance in supplier–customer relationships has flourished in recent decades. This study aims to empirically investigate whether product market overlap (PMO) in a supply chain moderates the effect of customer bargaining power on supplier profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses large-scale secondary data from multiple databases. Econometric panel data techniques are used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that PMO in a supplier–customer relationship and PMO in supplier–supplier relationships both exacerbate the negative effect of the bargaining power of customers on supplier profitability.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of supply chain management. This study brings new insights into the ongoing debate surrounding the relationship between customer bargaining power and supplier profitability. The study also contributes to the literature on supply chain networks by showing the impact of indirect supply chain relationships.
Entrepreneurial orientation and socioemotional wealth as enablers of the impact of digital transformation in family firms
Authors: Lasio Virginia , Gómez Juan M. , Rosso John , Sánchez Alejandro
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The research aims to investigate how digital transformation (DT), entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and socioemotional wealth (SEW) impact the financial performance of family firms in uncertain business environments. Drawing from existing literature, we propose that DT and EO drive firm performance. Additionally, we suggest a new role for SEW, which positively moderates this relationship in family firms, especially in terms of risk behavior and innovation for survival.

Design/methodology/approach

We used the STEP Consortium’s 2020–2021 database, derived from a global survey that explored how family businesses responded to environmental shocks. Following STEP’s definitions, we proposed three hypotheses and tested two models using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings show that EO significantly enhances the impact of DT on family firm performance. Family businesses exhibit a notable willingness to take strategic venture risks to protect their SEW. These findings align with conclusions drawn in related literature, supporting all hypothesized relationships proposed.

Practical implications

The study has made an applied contribution by challenging the misconception that family firms are outdated and provides insights into supporting their approach to entrepreneurship, innovation and transgenerational entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it provides business families and consultants with a new view of SEW as a strategic asset.

Originality/value

Our study adds to the literature by showing how entrepreneurial orientation catalyzes the positive impact of digital transformation on firm financial performance. We also highlight the contextual influence on family firm decision-makers' risk propensity, which affects SEW development and firm outcomes. This context dependency of SEW can hinder or enhance performance, offering new research and support avenues for family firms.
Balancing between dynamics and stability for innovation alliance synergy based on evolutionary game model
Authors: Qi Hongmei , Yang Kailin , Wu Sibin , Jung Joo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Research on strategic alliances is concerned with two issues: continuation and reconfiguration. Building on prior research that examines the two issues separately, the paper studies them simultaneously. This paper aims to investigate how strategic alliances may exert the synergetic effect between dynamics and stability as well as to discuss the dynamic evolution process and influence factors of strategic alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the construction of a two-party evolutionary game model of alliance and partners. The model is used to analyze the evolution process of synergetic mechanism to determine when to terminate and when to continue with a partnership. Further, numerical simulation is used to quantify the results and to gain insight into the effects of various factors on the dynamic evolution of the synergetic mechanism.

Findings

This paper reveals several synergetic states of dynamics and stability in the alliances. The results show that synergy states are positively affected by the collaborative innovation benefits, alliance management capability, the intensity of intellectual property protection, liquidated damages and reputation losses, and negatively affected by the absorptive capacity of partners.

Practical implications

The study helps the alliance to achieve long-term development as well as to balance the paradoxical relationship. The results suggest that managers of strategic alliances should focus on building strong and long-term relationships in order to achieve high performance innovations. Managers should also pay close attention to their partners’ behaviors in previous alliances.

Originality/value

This paper provides new insights into the paradoxical relationship in alliance by revealing the evolution of synergetic mechanism between dynamics and stability. The results remind alliances to understand the relationship between dynamics and stability and to notice the influence factors of synergistic effects when they are making decisions.
Money laundering prevention: the challenge of insurance termination for outlaw biker gangs’ club houses
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the legal barriers to termination of an insurance arrangement where there is suspicion of money laundering when paying insurance premiums.

Design/methodology/approach

Trials in court between insurance firm and outlaw biker gangs regarding insurance of their clubhouses.

Findings

Protection of insured seems more important than prevention of money laundering.

Research limitations/implications

This is a case study that cannot be generalized.

Practical implications

Anti money laundering is difficult when competing with other considerations.

Social implications

Accusations of money laundering is not sufficient to terminate an insurance contract. Rather, solid evidence is needed.

Originality/value

This is a real case of failing anti-money laundering efforts.
Building new business models in MSMEs: digital capabilities, global value chains integration and the moderating role of entrepreneurial failure
Authors: Veiga Pedro Mota , Marnoto Sandra , Guerra-Mota Marta , Rexhepi Gadaf
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The research aims to explore the relationships between the digital capabilities of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), their participation in global value chains and their adoption of innovative business models. Additionally, the study investigates how the prior experiences of entrepreneurial failure may influence or moderate these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

To address these research objectives, the study draws upon data obtained from the Flash Eurobarometer 486 survey, a comprehensive dataset that explores the challenges faced by 13,197 European MSMEs as they navigate the complexities of growth, the integration of sustainable business models and the incorporation of digital technologies. To test the proposed hypotheses, the research employs multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Findings

Digital capabilities are found to be positively associated with business model innovation, while integration into global value chains is linked to a higher likelihood of implementing new business models. Interestingly, entrepreneurial failure did not significantly influence the relationship between digital capabilities and the adoption of new business models. In contrast, entrepreneurial failure significantly moderated the impact of global value chain inclusion on business model innovation, particularly in MSMEs with a history of failure.

Originality/value

This article provides practical guidance to entrepreneurs and companies interested in enhancing their digital strategies and engagement in global value chains, considering the entrepreneurs' business histories.
Does “Open Strategy” improve employees’ knowledge of strategy? A quantitative study
Authors: Stadler Michael , Scheidegger Nicoline
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Recent research has highlighted limited explicit knowledge of a company’s strategy on the part of its employees. The concept of Open Strategy has emerged as a promising approach to address and enhance knowledge and understanding of an organization’s strategy across all hierarchical levels. However, empirical investigations of the relationship between the degree of openness in a strategy process and employees’ strategy knowledge remain scarce. This study aims to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted an online survey of individuals from various organizations, measuring the degree of openness of their strategy process and using regression analysis to determine the impact on strategy knowledge among the respondents. We operationalized strategy knowledge using two concepts. The first concept encompassed general knowledge of the employer’s strategy, mission, and vision. The second concept measured strategy knowledge in a more concrete manner by assessing factors such as the company’s markets, how it positions itself and its economic logic.

Findings

Our findings indicate that regardless of the level of hierarchy, the degree of openness has a strong positive effect on strategy knowledge. However, this effect is smaller when specific aspects of strategy knowledge are assessed compared to a general understanding of strategy. Our results highlight the potential of Open Strategy as an effective approach to enhancing employees’ knowledge of the employer’s strategy.

Originality/value

Our research demonstrates that the degree of openness in strategy processes significantly enhances strategy knowledge, thereby laying the groundwork for effective strategy implementation. The results highlight the importance of cultivating a culture of transparency, participation and inclusion of employees as well as ongoing communication to effectively integrate strategy into organizational practices. We offer practical implications for managers striving to optimize their strategic management processes.
Policing the pandemic in rural America: experiences from Pennsylvania
Authors: Gutiérrez Vanessa Jesenia , Lee Daniel
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study explored the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on rural municipal police in Pennsylvania.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed rural police chiefs and sworn officers to inquire about their intra-department organizational capabilities, police-community relations, well-being practices, and how these strategies may have developed since March 2020.

Findings

The pandemic affected rural police officers and rural policing strategies in many ways. Moreover, existing challenges to limited rural police budgets were exacerbated suggesting a need for more flexible budgetary capacities, access to wellness resources were limited suggesting better access to these resources and preparation for responding to public health emergencies was limited suggesting more complete training is warranted.

Originality/value

This study draws attention to the unique experiences of rural municipal police across one state by capturing specific areas of concern throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
“Online group discussion was challenging but we enjoyed it!” an exploratory practice in extensive reading
Authors: Nurhadi Kardi , Basthomi Yazid , Sulistiyo Urip , Widiati Utami , Misdi Misdi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

While many works have reported adopting exploratory practice (EP) principles in language teaching research, only a few studies have explored the enactment of EP in an online extensive reading of students majoring in English education. Given the relative paucity of attention to the use of EP as the practitioner research in English language teaching (ELT), the present EP investigates how students understand online extensive reading practice mediated by online group discussion and extensive reading logs, where the first author served as the online extensive reading practice instructor.

Design/methodology/approach

The exploratory practice focuses on incorporating research into pedagogy and fastens the importance of the quality-of-life in the classroom. The data were collected through students reading logs and semi-structured interviews. The collected data were analyzed using the thematic analysis. In this case, there were six phases including familiarizing with the data, generating initial codes, searching for the themes, reviewing the themes, defining the theme and writing up.

Findings

The findings reveal that online group work driven by EP enables everybody to engage in learning activities. EP assists the students in perceiving their potential and gaining a better awareness of the need to devote themselves to the class. In the EP activities, they work together to build a peaceful situation to advance the quality of learning in EFL classrooms.

Research limitations/implications

The present study’s limitation is the small sample. Apart from that, the research results cannot be generalized to other places.

Practical implications

This study suggests that EP is suitable to create a mutual understanding among the learners and teachers. To conclude, English language competency can be achieved in a pleasant atmosphere through EP.

Originality/value

The present study succeeded in adding new literature studies related to EPs by discussing online group discussions and their challenges during the learning process. These aspects were identified through reading logs and interviews with students. Thus, it focuses on the implementation and challenges of online group discussions.
Restraining knowledge leakage in collaborative projects through HRM
Authors: Fawad Sharif Sayed Muhammad , Naiding Yang , Kifayat Shah Sayed
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Collaborative projects require overlapping skills and capabilities to facilitate knowledge transfer. However, not all kinds of learning are virtuous and some may lead to leakage of commercially valuable knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to explain and restrain leakage of organizational competitive knowledge in collaborative projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 398 survey questionnaires are collected from project-based firms in Pakistan. We gathered data from horizontal and vertical collaborations. Analysis is conducted with transaction cost economics lens through Process Macro 3.0.

Findings

Findings suggest that partner’s learning intent (PLI) and distrust positively affect knowledge leakage, whereas human resource management (HRM) practices have negative effect on knowledge leakage. Furthermore, HRM practices negatively moderate the relationship between PLI and knowledge leakage and distrust positively mediates it.

Research limitations/implications

This study integrates HRM with knowledge management to restrain knowledge leakage and contributes to knowledge management and strategic management. This study examines knowledge leakage in the presence of passive opportunism.

Originality/value

This study explains how passive opportunism translates into opportunistic behavior. Besides, effectiveness of HRM practices are least surveyed to restrain passive and active opportunisms.
Proteasome inhibitor‐associated histiocytoid Sweet's syndrome: Clinical and histological similarities to Nakajo‐Nishimura syndrome suggest a potential mechanism
Authors: Cho Ryang , Nakajima Saeko , Kaku Yo , Tezuka Junko , Fujimoto Masakazu , Kambe Naotomo , Kabashima Kenji
Published: April 2024

Histiocytoid Sweet's syndrome (HSS) is a variant of Sweet's syndrome (SS) that clinically resembles SS but differs histologically by infiltrates, predominantly composed of immature cells of the myeloid lineage. Medications such as proteasome inhibitors have been reported to cause HSS but there has been little discussion on the underlying mechanism. Here we report two cases of HSS associated with a proteasome inhibitor. Both patients were on ixazomib for the treatment of multiple myeloma and presented with acute erythematous plaques on the upper half of the body. Pathological findings were consistent with HSS. Similarities between proteasome inhibitor‐induced HSS and Nakajo‐Nishimura syndrome, an inherited inflammatory disease, can be identified both clinically and histologically, suggesting a potential explanation of the mechanism behind proteasome inhibitor‐associated HSS.
Intractable Nocardial mycetoma with possible colonisation by Candida species
Authors: Sumioki Ayano , Saito Kanami , Nishida Haruto , Nishizono Akira , Miyamoto Yuji , Ishii Norihisa , Hiruma Masataro , Shibuya Kazutoshi , Yaguchi Takashi , Hatano Yutaka
Published: April 2024

A Japanese male in his 30s with no underlying medical condition presented with painless nodules after being bitten by a dog during a stay in Bali, Indonesia, 7 years earlier. He was referred to our department with multiple ulcers, nodules, and masses on the right leg. The final diagnosis was mycetoma caused by Nocardia vulneris, which may have been exacerbated by colonization of Candida parapsilosis and C. tropicalis as these yeasts were isolated by culture from the tissue. Treatment with minocycline hydrochloride and sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim showed partial efficacy, but the addition of posaconazole achieved significant efficacy. This suggests that the surmised coexistence of pathogenic yeasts of lower virulency may have made mycetoma in this case intractable.
Prevalence and risk factors for onychomycosis in acute care dermatology wards
Authors: Inoue Tsuyoshi , Watabe Daisuke , Furukawa Maiko , Goto Maki , Kamada Hirofumi , Sato Yuri , Arakawa Nobuyuki , Miura Shinpei , Sato Toshiki , Yasuhira Shinji , Tsunemi Yuichiro , Amano Hiroo
Published: April 2024

We conducted a cross‐sectional study on the clinical and mycological features of onychomycosis in patients in the dermatology ward of Iwate Medical University Hospital, an acute care hospital. Of the 226 hospitalized patients, 73 (32.3%) had onychomycosis and 61 (26.9%) were diagnosed after admission. The toenail was the most common site of onychomycosis (94.5%), while toenail plus fingernail and fingernail only sites were 4.1% and 1.4%, respectively. The most common clinical form of onychomycosis was distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis (79%) with Trichophyton rubrum (66.7%) and T. interdigitale (27.8%) as the main causative species. Patients who were older, or had neurological diseases, or needed stretcher transfer had onychomycosis significantly more frequently than those who were obese, had diabetes, cancer, needed an escort for moving, or could move independently. Our study suggests that there is likely to be a significant number of untreated and undiagnosed patients with onychomycosis in acute care hospitals. Therefore, it is necessary to increase awareness of onychomycosis in hospitals.
Trends in reported GHB‐related presentations to Sydney emergency departments between 2012 and 2021
Authors: Harris Oliver , Siefried Krista J , Chiew Angela , Jamshidi Nazila , Chung Daniel T , Moore Nicholas , Nic Ionmhain Una , Roberts Darren M , Ezard Nadine , Brett Jonathan
Published: April 2024

Objectives

In overdose, gamma‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursors can cause decreased levels of consciousness, coma and death. Here, we aim to describe reported exposure to GHB at four EDs in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Methods

We searched the ED databases of four Sydney metropolitan hospitals for presentations relating to GHB exposure between 2012 and 2021. We calculated annual number of presentations stratified by hospital, age, sex, mode of arrival and triage category.

Results

A total of 3510 GHB‐related presentations to ED were recorded across the four hospitals. Data for all hospitals were only available from 2015 onwards and between 2015 and 2021; there was a 114% increase in annual presentations (from 228 to 487). Males represented 68.7% of all presentations and the median age was 31 years (range 16–74 years). There was an increase in the proportion of female presentations between 2012 and 2021 (from 27.9% to 37.9%) along with the severity of presentation over the same period, with the proportion of presentations with a triage category 1 increasing from 19.7% to 34.5%.

Conclusions

Increases in recorded absolute number and severity of GHB‐related presentations to Sydney EDs are a major public health concern. There may also be shifts in the demographics of those with GHB‐related presentations. Renewed efforts are required to understand the drivers of these increases to optimally target harm reduction approaches.