bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annotation-Free Deep Learning for Predicting Gene Mutations from Whole Slide Images of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Wei Bo-Han , Tsai Xavier Cheng-Hong , Sun Kuo-Jui , Lo Min-Yen , Hung Sheng-Yu , Chou Wen-Chien , Tien Hwei-Fang , Hou Hsin-An , Chen Chien-Yu
Published: November 2023

The rapid development of deep learning in recent years has revolutionized the field of medical image processing, including the applications of using high-resolution whole slide images (WSIs) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosis. Although the potential of characterizing gene mutations directly from WSIs has been demonstrated in some cancers, it still faces challenges due to image resolutions and manual annotations. To address this, we propose a deep learning model based on multiple instance learning (MIL) with ensemble learning to predict gene mutations from AML annotation-free WSIs. Our deep learning model offers a promising solution for gene mutation prediction onNPM1mutations andFLT3-ITD without the need for patch-level or cell-level manual annotations, reducing the manpower and time costs associated with traditional supervised learning approaches. The dataset of 572 WSIs from AML patients that we used to train our MIL models is currently the largest independent database with both WSI and genetic mutation information. By leveraging upsampling and ensemble learning techniques, our final model achieved an AUC of 0.90 for predictingNPM1mutations and 0.81 forFLT3-ITD. This confirms the feasibility of directly obtaining gene mutation data through WSIs without the need for expert annotation and training involvement. Our study also compared the proportional representation of cell types before and after applying the MIL model, finding that blasts are consistently important indicators for gene mutation predictions, with their proportion increasing in mutated WSIs and decreasing in non-mutated WSIs after MIL application. These enhancements, leading to more precise predictions, have brought AML WSI analysis one step closer to being utilized in clinical practice.
A single-cell atlas of transcribedcis-regulatory elements in the human genome
Authors: Moody Jonathan , Kouno Tsukasa , Kojima Miki , Koya Ikuko , Leon Julio , Suzuki Akari , Hasegawa Akira , Akiyama Taishin , Akiyama Nobuko , Amagai Masayuki , Chang Jen-Chien , Fukushima-Nomura Ayano , Handa Mika , Hino Kazunori , Hino Mizuki , Hirata Tomoko , Imai Yuuki , Inoue Kazunori , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Kimura Toshihiro , Kinoshita Tomofumi , Kubo Ken-ichiro , Kunii Yasuto , López-Redondo Fernando , Manabe Riichiro , Miyai Tomohiro , Morimoto Satoru , Nagaoka Atsuko , Nakajima Jun , Noma Shohei , Okazaki Yasushi , Ozaki Kokoro , Saeki Noritaka , Sakai Hiroshi , Seyama Kuniaki , Shibayama Youtaro , Sujino Tomohisa , Tagami Michihira , Takahashi Hayato , Takao Masaki , Takeshita Masaru , Takiuchi Tsuyoshi , Terao Chikashi , Yip Chi Wai , Yoshinaga Satoshi , Okano Hideyuki , Yahamoto Kazuhiko , Kasukawa Takeya , Ando Yoshinari , Carninci Piero , Shin Jay W. , Hon Chung-Chau
Published: November 2023

Transcribed cis-regulatory elements (tCREs), such as promoters and enhancers, are fundamental to modulate gene expression and define cell identity. The detailed mapping of tCREs at single-cell resolution is essential for understanding the regulatory mechanisms that govern cellular functions. Prior tCRE catalogs, limited by bulk analysis, have often overlooked cellular heterogeneity. We have constructed a tCRE atlas using single-cell 5’-RNA-seq, capturing over 340,000 single-cells from 23 human tissues and annotating more than 175,000 tCREs, substantially enhancing the scope and granularity of existingcis-regulatory element annotations in the human genome. This atlas unveils patterns of gene regulation, revealing connections between broadly expressed promoters and cell type-specific distal tCREs. Assessing trait heritability at single-cell resolution with a novel tCRE module-based approach, we uncovered the nuanced trait-gene regulatory relationships across a continuum of cell populations, offering insights beyond traditional gene-level and bulk-sample analyses. Our study bridges the gap between gene regulation and trait heritability, underscoring the potential of single-cell analysis to elucidate the genetic foundations of complex traits. These insights set the stage for future research to investigate the impact of genetic variations on diseases at the individual level, advancing the understanding of cellular and molecular basis of trait heritability.
Facultatively intra-bacterial localization of a planthopper endosymbiont as an adaptation to its vertical transmission
Authors: Michalik Anna , Franco Diego C. , Szklarzewicz Teresa , Stroiński Adam , Łukasik Piotr
Published: November 2023

Transovarial transmission is the most reliable way of passing on essential nutrient- providing endosymbionts from mothers to offspring. However, not all endosymbiotic microbes follow the complex path through the female host tissues to oocytes on their own. Here we demonstrate an unusual transmission strategy adapted by one of the endosymbionts of the planthopperTrypetimorpha occidentalis(Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae) from Bulgaria. In this species, anAcetobacteraceaeendosymbiont is transmitted transovarially within deep invaginations of cellular membranes of an ancient endosymbiontSulcia- strikingly resembling recently described plant virus transmission. However, in males,Acetobacteraceaecolonizes the same bacteriocytes asSulciabut remains unenveloped. Then, the unusual endobacterial localization ofAcetobacteraceaeobserved in females appears to be a unique adaptation to maternal transmission. Further, symbiont’s genomic features, including encoding essential amino acid biosynthetic pathways and very similar to a recently described psyllid symbiont, suggest a unique combination of ability to horizontally transmit among species and confer nutritional benefits. The close association withAcetobacteraceaesymbiont correlates with the so-far- unreported level of genomic erosion of ancient nutritional symbionts of this planthopper. InSulcia, this is reflected in substantial changes in genomic organization, reported for the first time in the symbiont renown for its genomic stability. InVidania, substantial gene loss resulted in one of the smallest genomes known, at 109 kb. Thus, the symbionts ofT. occidentalisdisplay a combination of unusual adaptations and genomic features that expand our understanding of how insect-microbe symbioses may transmit and evolve.

Significance Statement

Reliable transmission across host generations is a major challenge for bacteria that associate with insects, and independently established symbionts have addressed this challenge in different ways. The facultatively endobacterial association ofAcetobacteraceaesymbiont, enveloped by cells of ancient nutritional endosymbiontSulciain females but not males of the planthopperTrypetimorpha occidentalis, appears to be a unique adaptation to maternal transmission. Acetobacteraceae’s genomic features indicate its unusual evolutionary history, and the genomic erosion experienced by ancient nutritional symbionts demonstrates apparent consequences of such close association. Combined, this multi-partite symbiosis expands our understanding of the diversity of strategies that insect symbioses form and some of their evolutionary consequences.
Structural basis for the concerted antiphage activity in the SIR2-HerA system
Authors: Yu Guimei , Liao Fumeng , Zhang Chendi , Li Xuzichao , He Qiuqiu , Yin Hang , Li Zhuang , Zhang Heng
Published: November 2023

Recently, a novel two-gene bacterial defense system against phages, encoding a SIR2 NADase and a HerA translocase, has been identified. However, the molecular mechanism of the bacterial SIR2-HerA immune system remains unclear. Here, we determine the cryo-EM structures of SIR2, HerA and their complex in different functional states. The SIR2 proteins oligomerize into a dodecameric ring-shaped structure consisting of two layers of interlocked hexamers, in which each SIR2 unit exhibits an auto-inhibited conformation. Distinct from the canonical AAA+ proteins, the HerA hexamer in this antiphage system adopts a split spiral arrangement, resembling the substrate-binding state, which is stabilized by a unique C-terminal extension. SIR2 and HerA proteins assemble into a ∼ 1.1 MDa torch-shaped complex to fight against phage infection. Importantly, disruption of the interactions between SIR2 and HerA largely abolishes the antiphage activity. Interestingly, HerA binding alters the oligomer state of SIR2, switching from a 12-mer state to a 14-mer state. On the other hand, binding of SIR2 stimulates the ATPase activity of HerA. Together, our study not only provides a structural basis for the functional communications between SIR2 and HerA proteins, but also unravels a novel concerted antiviral mechanism through nucleotide (NAD+and ATP) depletion.
Differences in the neural representation of binaural sound localization cues in the auditory midbrain of chicken and barn owl
Authors: Aralla Roberta , Pauley Claire , Köppl Christine
Published: November 2023

The sound localisation behaviour of the nocturnally hunting barn owl and its underlying neural computations is a textbook example of neuroethology. Differences in sound timing and level at the two ears are integrated in a series of well characterised steps, from brainstem to inferior colliculus, resulting in a topographical neural representation of auditory space. It remains an important question of brain evolution how this specialised case derived from a more plesiomorphic pattern. The present study is the first to match physiology and anatomical subregions in the non-owl avian inferior colliculus. Single-unit responses in the chicken inferior colliculus were tested for selectivity to different frequencies and to the binaural difference cues. Their anatomical origin was reconstructed with the help of electrolytic lesions and immunohistochemical identification of different subregions of the inferior colliculus, based on previous characterisations in owl and chicken. In contrast to barn owl, there was no distinct differentiation of responses in the different subregions. We found neural topographies for both binaural cues but no evidence for a coherent representation of auditory space. The results are consistent with previous work in pigeon inferior colliculus and chicken higher-order midbrain and suggest a plesiomorphic condition of multisensory integration in the midbrain that is dominated by lateral panoramic vision.
Impaired migration and metastatic spread of human melanoma by a novel small molecule targeting the transmembrane domain of death receptor p75NTR
Authors: Lopes-Rodrigues Vanessa , Nyantakyi Samuel A. , Lun Xueqing , Zhang Jianbo , Ramanujuan Ajeena , Salim Shuhailah , Saleeb Michael , Senger Donna L. , Ibáñez Carlos F.
Published: November 2023

Receptor transmembrane domains (TMDs) are crucially involved in relaying ligand information from extracellular to intracellular spaces and represent attractive targets for small molecule manipulation of receptor function. Screening a library of over 8,000 drug-like compounds with an assay based on the TMD of death receptor p75NTR, we identified a novel small molecule capable of inhibiting p75NTR-mediated migration of human melanoma cells. Employing medicinal chemistry, a more potent derivative termed Np75-4A22 was identified that blocks nerve growth factor (NGF)-mediated melanoma invasion at submicromolar concentrations. Mechanistically, Np75-4A22 was found, at least in part, to function by antagonizing NGF-mediated recruitment of the actin-bundling protein fascin to p75NTRand its association with the actin cytoskeleton. Importantly, preclinical assessment of Np75-4A22 showed high oral bioavailability, low toxicity, and significant inhibition of melanoma lung metastases in a highly metastatic mouse model. These results support further development of this approach as an alternative or complementary strategy for patients that do not respond to conventional chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Combining full-length gene assay and SpliceAI to interpret the splicing impact of all possibleSPINK1coding variants
Authors: Wu Hao , Lin Jin-Huan , Tang Xin-Ying , Zou Wen-Bin , Schutz Sacha , Masson Emmanuelle , Fichou Yann , Le Gac Gerald , Férec Claude , Liao Zhuan , Chen Jian-Min
Published: November 2023

Background

Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) within gene coding sequences can significantly impact pre-mRNA splicing, bearing profound implications for pathogenic mechanisms and precision medicine. However, reliable splicing analysis often faces practical limitations, especially when the relevant tissues are challenging to access. Whilein silicopredictions are valuable, they alone do not meet clinical classification standards. In this study, we aim to harness the well-established full-length gene splicing assay (FLGSA) in conjunction with SpliceAI to prospectively interpret the splicing effects of all potential coding SNVs within the four-exonSPINK1gene, a gene associated with chronic pancreatitis.

Results

We initiated the study with a retrospective correlation analysis (involving 27 previously FLGSA-analyzedSPINK1coding SNVs), progressed to a prospective correlation analysis (incorporating 35 newly FLGSA-testedSPINK1coding SNVs), followed by data extrapolation, and ended with further validation. In total, we analyzed 67SPINK1coding SNVs, representing 9.3% of all 720 possible coding SNVs and affecting 19.2% of the 240 coding nucleotides. Among these 67 FLGSA-analyzed SNVs, 12 were found to impact splicing. Through extensive cross-correlation of the FLGSA-obtained and SpliceAI-predicted data, we reasonably extrapolated that none of the unanalyzed 653 coding SNVs in theSPINK1gene are likely to exert a significant effect on splicing. Out of these 12 splice-altering events, nine produced both wild-type and aberrant transcripts, while the remaining three exclusively generated aberrant transcripts. These splice-altering SNVs were predominantly concentrated in exons 1 and 2, particularly affecting the first and/or last coding nucleotide of each exon. Among the 12 splice-altering events, 11 were missense variants, constituting 2.17% of the 506 potential missense variants, while one was synonymous, accounting for 0.61% of the 164 potential synonymous variants.

Conclusions

Integrating FLGSA with SpliceAI, we conclude that less than 2% (1.67%) of all possibleSPINK1coding SNVs have a discernible influence on splicing outcomes. Our findings underscore the importance of performing splicing analysis in the broader genomic sequence context of the study gene, highlight the inherent uncertainties associated with intermediate SpliceAI scores (i.e., those ranging from 0.20 to 0.80), and have general implications for the shift from “retrospective” to “prospective” analysis in terms of variant classification.
Prior Fc Receptor activation primes macrophages for increased sensitivity to IgG via long term and short term mechanisms
Authors: Bond Annalise , Fiaz Sareen , Rollins Kirstin R , Nario Jazz Elaiza Q , Rosen Samuel J , Granados Alyssa , Wilson Maxwell Z , Morrissey Meghan A
Published: November 2023

Macrophages measure the ‘eat-me’ signal IgG to identify targets for phagocytosis. We wondered if prior encounters with IgG influence macrophage appetite. IgG is recognized by the Fc Receptor. To temporally control Fc Receptor activation, we engineered an Fc Receptor that is activated by light-induced oligomerization of Cry2, triggering phagocytosis. Using this tool, we demonstrate that Fc Receptor activation primes macrophages to be more sensitive to IgG in future encounters. Macrophages that have previously experienced Fc Receptor activation eat more IgG-bound cancer cells. Increased phagocytosis occurs by two discrete mechanisms – a short- and long-term priming. Long term priming requires new protein synthesis and Erk activity. Short term priming does not require new protein synthesis and correlates with an increase in Fc Receptor mobility. Our work demonstrates that IgG primes macrophages for increased phagocytosis, suggesting that therapeutic antibodies may become more effective after initial priming doses.
2-{3-Methyl-2-[(2Z)-pent-2-en-1-yl]cyclopent-2-en-1-ylidene}-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide
Authors: Oliveira Adriano Bof , Bresolin Leandro , Beck Johannes , Daniels Jörg
Published: November 2023

The hydrochloric acid-catalyzed equimolar reaction between cis-jasmone and 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide yielded the title compound, C18H23N3S (common name: cis-jasmone 4-phenylthiosemicarbazone). Concerning the hydrogen bonding, an N—H...N intramolecular interaction is observed, forming a ring with graph-set motif S(5). In the crystal, the molecules are connected into centrosymmetric dimers by pairs of N—H...S and C—H...S interactions, forming rings of graph-set motifs R
2
2(8) and R
2
1(7), with the sulfur atoms acting as double acceptors. The thiosemicarbazone entity is approximately planar, with the maximum deviation from the mean plane through the N/N/C/S/N atoms being 0.0376 (9) Å (the r.m.s.d. amounts to 0.0234 Å). The molecule is substantially twisted as indicated by the dihedral angle between the thiosemicarbazone fragment and the phenyl ring, which amounts to 56.1 (5)°, and because of the jasmone fragment, which bears a chain with sp
3-hybridized carbon atoms in the structure. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the major contributions for the crystal cohesion are: H...H (65.3%), H...C/C...H (16.2%), H...S/S...H (10.9%) and H...N/N...H (5.5%).
Exploring a Soccer Society: dreams, themes and the beautiful game
Authors: Hyndman Noel , Lapsley Irvine , Philippou Christina
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the key perspectives that emerge in this Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal (AAAJ) Special Issue as a basis for determining the existence or otherwise of a Soccer Society, as well as reflecting on the challenges that evidence of corruption in soccer (the beautiful game) has had on the game to date. Reflections on these matters are then utilised to offer a prospective analysis of issues for further research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a reflective analysis that draws on existing societal work to provide key dimensions of accounting and accountability for significant organisations in the world of sport in general and soccer in particular.

Findings

Much prior research on soccer has largely focussed on the internal workings of soccer organisations, with little discussion of the importance of context. This paper explores the influence of the game more broadly. Moreover, a number of the papers included illustrate an overwhelming sense of joy and pleasure from experiences of the beautiful game, as well as providing evidence of the general societal good that can flow from it. However, the study also highlights concerns emanating from weak, and seemingly pliable, governance, regulatory and accountability regimes that provide a fertile field for corruption and sportswashing.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights a research agenda as an encouragement to interdisciplinary accounting researchers to investigate accountability and governance issues as a basis for evidence-based discussions of the impact of soccer and its regulation.

Originality/value

This paper specifically, and the Special Issue more broadly, offers a set of original empirical and theoretical contributions with respect to an activity that has faced limited scrutiny and consideration by academic accountants. Together, they offer a substantive body of work to enable future research in this area.
Impact of financial literacy and financial confidence on the savings behaviour of the farmers: the Indian scene
Authors: Das Soumyadwip , Maji Sumit Kumar
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The study aims to explore the savings behaviour of Indian farmers. An attempt is also made to inspect the effect of financial literacy (FL) and financial confidence (FC) on the savings behaviour of the farmers in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used secondary data on 10,263 Indian farmers from Financial Inclusion Insights, 2017 database. Relevant statistical techniques and ordered probit regression were used to unfold the effect of FL and FC on the savings behaviour of farmers.

Findings

The outcome of the study revealed that the majority of the Indian farmers exhibited poor levels of FL and FC. Of the total, 42.99% were found to save regularly. FL and FC were observed to play instrumental roles in steering the savings behaviour of the Indian farmers. Household size, financial shocks, gender, farm ownership, income, household financial decision-making process, religion and educational attainment have emerged to be significant predictors of the savings behaviour of Indian farmers.

Originality/value

The present study makes an original contribution to the extant literature by unfolding the savings behaviour of Indian farmers and the effect of FL and FC on such behaviour using a rich sample of 10,263 farmers for the first time.
The association between managerial short-termism and green innovation: the moderating role of firms’ digital transformation
Authors: Xu Xiaohui , Liu Yi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of managerial short-termism on green innovation of firms and the moderating role of digital transformation of enterprises in the association between managerial short-termism and green innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2001 to 2021 and employ panel fixed model and moderating effect model to examine the impact of managerial short-termism on green innovation of firms and the moderating role of digital transformation of enterprises in the association between managerial short-termism and green innovation.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that managerial short-termism exerts negative influence on green innovation. Digital transformation enables firms to reduce the adverse effect of managerial short-termism on green innovation because digital transformation enhances information processing ability and then improves internal corporate governance and analyst coverage. Moreover, the moderating role of digital transformation is more prominent for firms with lower internal corporate governance, for firms with less analyst coverage and for non-state-owned enterprises.

Originality/value

This paper intends to address the following two questions: what is the impact of managerial short-termism on green innovation and what is the role of digital transformation in the two variables’ association? By using data of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2001 to 2021 and developing two individual indexes to measure managerial short-termism and digital transformation, the authors empirically test these above two questions. The results of this study indicate that: First, drawn on time-oriented theory and upper echelon theory, managerial short-termism has an adverse effect on firms’ green innovation. Second, digital transformation enables firms to reduce the negative effect of managerial short-termism on green innovation. Furthermore, the moderating mechanism tests show that the corporate governance effects of digital transformation play a supervisory role that impels managers to reduce short-term investments and promote firms’ green R&D investments, which helps to reduce the negative effect of managerial short-termism on green innovation. Additionally, the heterogeneity checks show that the moderating role of digital transformation in the relation between managerial short-termism and green innovation is more prominent for firms with lower internal corporate governance, with less analyst coverage and for non-state-owned enterprises.
Micro Housing Finance Corporation
Authors: Niendorf Elisabeth , Milap Akshay , Mendonca Valerie , Kathuria Ajay Kumar , Karna Amit
Published: November 2023

This case describes the evolution of MHFC, a player in the Indian informal housing sector. As a new entrant offering micro home loans to the financially excluded lower income families of urban India in 2008, MHFC had grown to an annual number of 18,000 loans worth INR 8 billion with an average ticket size of INR 0.43 million (USD 6,000).

With a 53.5% purchasable equity stake in MHFC, Chopra and his team were left with certain decisions to make. Should the company on-board a new social investor? Or should it bring on the more readily available and capital-rich private equity investors interested in the lucrative prospects of the microfinance housing sector?

The case discusses two key objectives: (1) to understand the entire entrepreneurial journey of a group of entrepreneurs and how they plan to exit the venture, and (2) to enable classroom discussion on how to develop a business model from scratch, get it funded, achieve scale and then exit.
Economic policy uncertainty and SMEs’ investment efficiency in France: does competitive pressure matter?
Authors: Hamza Taher , Barka Zeineb , Verdie Jean-François , Al Sayah Maher
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate empirically the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on small-to-medium enterprises’ (SMEs) investment efficiency and whether product market competition influences this association.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted on French SMEs listed on the “CAC Mid & Small” Index over 2008–2021. This paper proposes a quantitative approach to test the relationship between the EPU and SME investment efficiency.

Findings

These findings show that EPU significantly alleviates SMEs’ investment inefficiency, reflected in the reduction of overinvestment and underinvestment. As EPU increases, firms with more exposure to such uncertainty invest more efficiently, and their overinvestment tendency becomes lower, while reducing the risk of underinvestment. These results are still significant after a series of robustness checks. Further analysis shows that EPU mitigates investment inefficiency to a greater extent for firms operating in highly competitive industries, and better information environments.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to the French EPU index and could be extended to a European or even international scale. Moreover, using alternative uncertainty indexes across various European countries can be more advantageous in further studies. Although results suggest that EPU affects investment efficiency, future studies could further explore the mechanisms through which EPU affects SMEs’ investment efficiency and, in particular, across different industries. Understanding these variations due to the specific industry-EPU sensitivity can provide valuable insights. Finally, it would be interesting to examine the risk management strategies adopted by SMEs in the face of EPU, combined with other growing risks, such as climate risk.

Practical implications

In the face of high EPU, SME managers must improve risk management, adopt appropriate investment strategies, consider using predictive analytics or economic forecasting tools and embrace technology and innovation that enhance agility and responsiveness to policy uncertainty. Besides, political decision-makers should adapt their regulatory policies (tax, labor, housing, etc.) to preserve the efficiency of SME investment.

Originality/value

Although the debates on how policy uncertainty affects the investment and financing of large businesses have received a great concern of academia, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that focuses on the effect of EPU on investment distortions for SMEs.
Building a sustainable future: ideas and perceptions of university staff
Authors: Koivunen Tuija , Konst Taru , Friman Mervi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The universities of applied sciences (UASs) in Finland play a significant role in providing skilled professionals with higher education degrees to meet the needs of the labor market and society as a whole. The purpose of this study is to determine what the staff in these universities consider the role of UASs in promoting sustainable development (SD) to be.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative research data were collected from a survey distributed among UAS staff in the spring of 2021. The data consisted of 831 responses to an open-ended question on how UASs could promote SD and a sense of responsibility for it. The method used for the data analysis was theory-led content analysis.

Findings

Staff at UASs are actively promoting SD in higher education and have many ideas on how to do this, which is encouraging. With further processing of these ideas and support from management, UASs can play a more important role in sustainability work and set an example for how to build a sustainable future.

Originality/value

The promotion of SD is a timely topic, and examples of SD implementation and good practices can promote discussion of the role of higher education institutions in SD promotion and highlight collective ways to promote it.
Mapping covid-19 and transportation: a taxonomical study using bibliometric visualisation
Authors: Nobanee Haitham , Alodat Ahmad Yuosef , Chakraborty Dipanwita
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the progress and scholarly contributions concerning the effects of COVID-19 on transportation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the SCOPUS database, an analysis was conducted on the output of 733 studies concerning COVID-19 and transportation from 2020 to 2022. Bibliometric visualization techniques were performed, which included funding sponsors, top-cited documents, top journals, top countries, co-authorship of authors, co-citation of authors and keyword analysis.

Findings

This study presents diverse findings encompassing influential authors, predominant countries, prominent journals, pivotal papers, funding institutions and affiliations engaged in COVID-19 and transportation research. The research offers a comprehensive assessment of the field’s advancement, addressing existing gaps within the context of limited pertinent literature.

Practical implications

These practical implications highlight how the taxonomical study using bibliometric visualization can inform various aspects of research, policy, practice and decision-making related to COVID-19 and transportation.

Originality/value

The study uses bibliometric visualization techniques to provide a comprehensive overview of existing literature and research trends in COVID-19 and transportation. Its taxonomical approach categorizes the literature systematically, enhancing its originality. The comprehensive analysis contributes to understanding the research landscape, while visualization uncovers new insights. Overall, the study’s unique focus, visualization techniques, taxonomical approach and comprehensive analysis offer originality and potential for new insights in this field.
Students' emotional engagement in online classes: a conceptual framework
Authors: Prayogo Agus , Khotimah Khusnul , Istiqomah Lilik , Maharsi Ista
Published: November 2023

Purpose

In this paper the authors have sought to create solid connection between theory and practices pertaining to the immense value of students' emotional engagement in online instruction. This conceptual paper is motivated by the inadequacy of literature translating the emotional engagement concept to the micro level of online instructions within the upsurge intention to the new trend of online teaching-learning. This paper aims to contribute by addressing the fundamental issues of emotional engagement starting from revisiting the roles of teachers in students' emotional engagement, reviewing and underscoring the importance of students' emotional engagement in higher education and finally conceptualizing and framing how to infuse emotional engagement into the instructions.

Design/methodology/approach

The explanation of how to advocate for students' emotional engagement in online learning praxis is inadequately discussed although the library of literature has informed the fundamental role of students' emotional engagement in establishing successful online learning. This paper aims to address this practical need by interactively connecting the theory, empirical findings and pedagogical practices in the area to provide praxeological contribution to the development of quality online teaching-learning practices.

Findings

This study presents a framework that advances the existing body of research at the juncture of emotional engagement and online learning. This conceptual paper foregrounds an examination of the roles of teachers in students' emotional engagement and underscores the significance of students' emotional engagement in higher education. Moreover, it proposes a conceptual framework delineating effective strategies for the integration of emotional engagement within instructional methodologies. This framework comprises four key aspects: (1) fostering students' learning autonomy and ownership, (2) establishing socioemotional construction through verbal and non-verbal expressions, (3) integrating a multimodal approach to online learning and (4) honing the art of constructive feedback.

Research limitations/implications

This conceptual paper is rooted in a nested theory and draws upon empirical studies. While the presented framework holds promise, its efficacy in the classroom setting requires validation through further empirical investigation.

Practical implications

Those proposed pedagogical strategies detailed with the practical examples explained in the previous part would afford students with a better socioemotional amenities of learning environment benefitting them with positive affective engagement.

Originality/value

Given the imperative to enhance students' emotional engagement in online learning and the limited discourse surrounding its practical implementation, the proposed framework stands poised to enrich and inform online pedagogical practices.
Drivers and barriers for implementing social sustainability in supply chains: a qualitative investigation of a developing country's multi-tier suppliers
Authors: Nath Shobod Deba , Eweje Gabriel , Barua Suborna
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate why multi-tier apparel suppliers integrate social sustainability practices into their supply chains and what barriers these suppliers encounter while embedding social sustainability practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a qualitative research design, drawing on data from semi-structured interviews with 46 owners and managers from 33 multi-tier apparel suppliers in Bangladesh, an important outsourcing hub for the global apparel industry. To corroborate research findings, the views of owners and managers were triangulated by further interviewing 11 key representatives of institutional actors such as third-party auditors, a donor agency, industry associations, regulatory agencies and a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Findings

The authors' findings suggest a range of divergent institutional drivers and barriers – coercive, mimetic and normative – that determine the implementation of multi-tier suppliers' social sustainability practices. The key reported drivers were buyers' requirements, external stakeholders' expectations, top management commitment and competition. Conversely, cost and resource concerns and gaps in the regulatory framework were identified as key social sustainability implementation barriers. In particular, owners and managers of second-tier and third-tier supplier firms experienced more internal barriers such as cost and resource concerns than external barriers such as gaps in values, learning and commitment (i.e. compromise for mutual benefit and non-disclosure of non-compliance) that impeded effective social sustainability implementation.

Research limitations/implications

Social sustainability in supply chain management has received significant attention from academics, business practitioners, governments, NGOs and supranational organisations. However, limited attention has been paid to investigating the drivers and barriers for social sustainability implementation from a developing country's multi-tier supplier perspective. The authors' research has addressed this knowledge gap.

Practical implications

The evidence from the authors' study provides robust support for key assumptions of institutional theory and has useful implications for both managers and policy-makers.

Originality/value

The authors' study contributes to the embryonic research stream of socially sustainable multi-tier supply chain management by connecting it to the application of institutional theory in a challenging institutional context.
The role of ethical leadership to employees work engagement: a social learning theory perspective
Authors: Junaidi Junaidi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study examines the role of ethical leadership in building employee trust, knowledge sharing (KS), job satisfaction and then influencing employee engagement in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample included 610 employees of Indonesia Islamic Bank, obtained through an online survey. Structural equation modelling was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Ethical leadership actively contributes to the growth of employee trust, exchange knowledge frequent and job satisfaction and then become key points to enhance employees’ engagement.

Research limitations/implications

Future research is required to validate across regions and organisations to in light of the findings of the topic study.

Practical implications

Organisational leaders and employees obtain a better understanding of ethics and organisation management field, hence employees and leaders must encourage ethical values as code of conduct in the workplace.

Originality/value

This study demonstrated the extent of the Khan concept for a combination of employee engagement, ethical leadership and KS. It also incorporates employee job satisfaction and the organisational engagement among employees.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2023-0218
An industry 4.0 adoption in the circular economy application hierarchical model: driver, enable and barrier aspects
Authors: Abdul-Hamid Asma-Qamaliah , Ali Mohd Helmi , Osman Lokhman Hakim , Tseng Ming-Lang , Omar Ahmad Raflis Che
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute significantly to the empirical investigations on adopting Industry 4.0–circular economy in the Malaysian palm oil industry. The paper also aims to theorise and empirically assess a comprehensive model incorporating three aspects and 51 criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage methodology is proposed using the fuzzy Delphi method and the fuzzy-based analytical network process. Twenty-seven criteria on adoptability of industry 4.0–circular economy were selected for the first-stage methodology, followed by identifying each criteria's intersection with the overall objectives.

Findings

The findings indicate that financial constraints, the lack of a collaborative I4.0–CE model, laws and policy, low management support and the training of dedicated employers in I4.0–CE-application are the top five criteria requiring critical attention from the POI.

Practical implications

The overall sustainability advantages of the POI are identified and discussed in depth to establish criteria for industry 4.0–circular economy applications.

Originality/value

This study fills the previous research gap by theoretically explaining POI's industry 4.0 adoption–circular economy from the perspective of two underpinning theories. Due to the pressure towards sustainability, the industry must be ready to adopt industry 4.0–circular economy applications, and resources must be managed appropriately and effectively by sharing and integrating. Advanced industry 4.0 technologies and pragmatic practices such as a circular economy are needed to achieve optimal sustainable development while retaining commercial success.
Financial inclusion and market-based performance: empirical evidence from Syrian banks
Authors: Alomari Masah , Aladi Ibrahim
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Financial inclusion is considered one of the strategic tools for sustainable development and one of the types of corporate social responsibility disclosures. This study aims to focus on the association between the disclosure of financial inclusion activities and Syrian banking companies’ performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Different regression models were suggested to examine the hypotheses leading to a better understanding of the relationship between financial inclusion and Syrian banking performance for the period 2005 to 2020 using the STATA 17.

Findings

The results showed a positive association between financial inclusion disclosure and Syrian bank performance, with low participation in financial inclusion activities (8%).

Research limitations/implications

The study recommends that the Central Bank of Syria work on developing an index of financial inclusion for the Syrian environment, with the issuance of legislation and laws that obligate all listed banks to disclose their financial inclusion activities as a part of their social responsibility.

Originality/value

This study incorporates the relationship between the disclosure of financial inclusion activities and the performance of Syrian banking companies, which has been neglected by most studies on financial inclusion. Therefore, this study sheds light on this positive relationship, which could have important repercussions in reviving the deteriorating Syrian economy following the crisis it went through, which, in turn, led to Syria’s high inflation affecting the poor and vulnerable disproportionately.
Agile work practices and team creativity: the mediating role of team efficacy
Authors: Uraon Ram Shankar , Bharati Rashmi , Sahu Kritika , Chauhan Anshu
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of two dimensions of agile work practices (i.e. agile taskwork and agile teamwork) on team efficacy and creativity. Further, it examines the mediating effect of team efficacy in the relationship between two dimensions of agile work practices and team creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 563 professionals working in 290 information technology (IT) companies in India using a self-reporting structured questionnaire. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypothesized model.

Findings

The results demonstrate that agile taskwork and agile teamwork positively impact team creativity and team efficacy, and team efficacy positively impacts team creativity. Furthermore, team efficacy partially mediates the impact of agile taskwork and agile teamwork on team creativity.

Practical implications

This study shows the importance of agile work practices and team efficacy to enhance team creativity. The research offers managers strategies to boost team creativity.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of research examining the distinct effects of agile taskwork and agile teamwork on team efficacy and team creativity. Also, this study is one of its kind that examines the mediating mechanisms that explain the effect of agile taskwork and agile teamwork on team creativity.
Examining entrepreneurial successes and failures during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2023)
Authors: Gambirage Cinara , Cyrino Alvaro Bruno , Caetano da Silva Jaison , Barbosa Luiz Gustavo Medeiros , Parente Ronaldo Couto
Published: November 2023

Purpose

When entrepreneurship scholars and policy makers turned their attention to entrepreneurial ventures during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2023), its full effects on entrepreneurial firms and systems presented radically challenging questions and unresolved puzzles. In this paper, the authors shed light on these questions and puzzles with a large-scale empirical examination of the pandemic's overall effects on entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial firms, entrepreneurial environments and responses with a view toward success and failure over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a broad exploratory approach and examine different perspectives to develop a deeper understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial firms, entrepreneurial environments and responses especially regarding the success and failure of entrepreneurial ventures during the pandemic. Thus, the authors built a dataset with 10 survey waves from 2020 to 2021, with an average of 7,000 Brazilian entrepreneurial ventures (SMEs) in each wave of the survey. The authors used this data to examine their performance and survival.

Findings

The findings suggest that the increase of the COVID-19 virus contagion per se did not severely affect entrepreneurial ventures' performance and survival. However, the worsening of the COVID-19 pandemic did weaken entrepreneurial ventures' performance and survival. Moreover, the findings suggest that entrepreneur education has an inverted U-shaped relationship with entrepreneurial ventures performance. Indigenous, Brown and Black entrepreneurs experienced decreased entrepreneurial ventures survival compared to White entrepreneurs. While entrepreneurial ventures that adopted digital technologies and had access to loans increased their performance and survival during the COVID-19 pandemic, those who failed in these aspects experienced negative performance and survival effects. Thus, although the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted many entrepreneurial ventures and even forced some to close, others survived and even prospered during the environmental shock.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on a little understood topic: entrepreneurial venture success and failure in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adding hope to mitigate defensive responses: the effect of guilt+hope appeals in road safety campaigns
Authors: Mao Bingjing , Carcioppolo Nicholas , Tian Shiyun , Harrison Tyler R.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Guilt appeals are increasingly being used in road safety campaigns, despite recent research that has raised doubts about their effectiveness and the potential for triggering defensive responses. Building on the extended parallel process model, this study aims to add to this growing body of research by evaluating whether combining a hope message with guilt appeals can solve this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

An online experiment with a 2 (Appeal type: Guilt vs Guilt+hope) × 2 (Language intensity: Low vs High) between-subjects design was conducted. A total of 399 participants recruited from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk were randomized to view one of the four advertisements discouraging texting while driving (TWD). Their affective responses, perceptions about the advertisements and intentions to not TWD were measured.

Findings

The results showed that compared to guilt-only appeals, guilt+hope appeals directly reduced defensive responses (i.e. perceived manipulative intent and anger) across varying levels of language intensity. In addition, guilt+hope appeals mitigated the negative impacts of manipulative intent on intended emotions and intentions to not TWD.

Originality/value

Findings of this study mark the first to support the idea that communicating hope within guilt appeals is a promising social marketing strategy to discourage TWD.