bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling With Uncertainty Quantification Identifies Essential Features of a Non-Canonical Algal Carbon-Concentrating Mechanism
Authors: Steensma Anne K. , Kaste Joshua A.M. , Heo Junoh , Orr Douglas J. , Sung Chih-Li , Shachar-Hill Yair , Walker Berkley J.
Published: April 2024

The thermoacidophilic red algaCyanidioschyzon merolaesurvives its challenging environment likely in part by operating a carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM). Here, we demonstrated thatC. merolae’s cellular affinity for CO2is stronger than its rubisco affinity for CO2. This provided further evidence thatC. merolaeoperates a CCM while lacking structures and functions characteristic of CCMs in other organisms. To test how such a CCM could function, we created a mathematical compartmental model of a simple CCM distinct from those previously described in detail. The results supported the feasibility of this proposed minimal and non-canonical CCM inC. merolae. To facilitate robust modeling of this process, we incorporated new physiological and enzymatic data into the model, and we additionally trained a surrogate machine-learning model to emulate the mechanistic model and characterized the effects of model parameters on key outputs. This parameter exploration enabled us to identify model features that influenced whether the model met experimentally-derived criteria for functional carbon-concentration and efficient energy usage. Such parameters included cytosolic pH, bicarbonate pumping cost and kinetics, cell radius, carboxylation velocity, number of thylakoid membranes, and CO2membrane permeability. Our exploration thus suggested that a novel CCM could exist inC. merolaeand illuminated essential features necessary for CCMs to function.

Significance

Carbon-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) are processes which boost photosynthetic efficiency. By developing modeling approaches to robustly describe CCMs in organisms where biochemical data is limited, such as extremophile algae, we can better understand how organisms survive environmental challenges. We demonstrate an interdisciplinary modeling approach which efficiently sampled from large parameter spaces and identified features (e.g., compartment permeability, pH, enzyme characteristics) which determine the function and energy cost of a simple CCM. This approach is new to compartmental photosynthetic modeling, and could facilitate effective use of models to inform experiments and rational engineering. For example, engineering CCMs into crops may improve agricultural productivity, and could benefit from models defining the structural and biochemical features necessary for CCM function.
Conditionalnmy-1andnmy-2alleles establish that non-muscle myosins are required for lateC. elegansembryonic elongation
Authors: Molnar Kelly , Suman Shashi Kumar , Eichelbrenner Jeanne , Plancke Camille N. , Robin François B. , Labouesse Michel
Published: April 2024

The elongation ofC. elegansembryos allows examination of mechanical interactions between adjacent tissues. Muscle contractions during late elongation induce the remodelling of epidermal circumferential actin filaments through mechanotransduction. We investigated the possible role of the non-muscle myosins NMY-1 and NMY-2 in this process usingnmy-1andnmy-2thermosensitive alleles. Our findings suggest these myosins act redundantly in late elongation, and that they are involved in the multi-step process of epidermal remodeling. When inactivated, NMY-1 was seen to form protein aggregates.
On-farm biomass recycling with biostimulant Re-Gen increases corn yields in multi-year farm trials
Authors: Gibson William S , Ziobron Amy S , Olson Noah E , Neher Deborah A , Smith Charles F , Holden Victoria I
Published: April 2024

The United States produced 15.1 billion bushels of corn for grain in 2023, relying on harmful synthetic chemicals such as fertilizer and pesticides to ensure high yields. This dependency on agrochemicals has negatively impacted the environment and soil microbiome, therefore, there is a need to rebuild soil health by implementing regenerative agricultural practices. One increasingly utilized regenerative practice is the application of biostimulants, or microbial inoculants that can rebuild soil health and productivity. A multi-year corn trial was conducted to quantify the impact of Re-Gen, a biostimulant invented to degrade woody biomass and increase nutrient bioavailability in the soil, to increase corn yield at a dairy farm in Ferrisburgh, Vermont. Over the two-year trial, Re-Gen application on corn stover and cover crop residues increased corn bushels per acre by 24% and increased tons of corn silage per acre by 12.5-30%, depending on the field. Soil nutrient analysis and plant tissue analysis showed increased nutrients, particularly in one trial field. Multi-year Re-Gen application showed increased monetary value, indicating that the effects of Re-Gen do not diminish with multiple applications. Further investigation into the mechanism suggests that increased phosphatase production stimulated by Re-Gen could contribute to increased phosphorus bioavailability in the soil and uptake in the tissue, potentially increasing yields. These results highlight the potential for Re-Gen to foster regenerative agriculture processes while also increasing yield and, therefore, revenue for corn farmers in the United States.
On the critical concentration for net assembly of dynamically unstable polymers
Authors: Mullins R. Dyche
Published: April 2024

Cytoskeletal and cytomotive filaments are protein polymers that move molecular cargo and organize cellular contents in all domains of life. A key parameter describing the self-assembly of many of these polymers —including actin filaments and microtubules— is the minimum concentration required for polymer formation. This ‘critical concentration for net assembly’ (ccN) is easy to calculate for eukaryotic actins but more difficult for dynamically unstable filaments such as microtubules and some bacterial polymers. To better understand how cells (especially bacteria) regulate assembly of dynamically unstable polymers I investigate the microscopic parameters that influence their critical concentrations. Assuming simple models for spontaneous nucleation and catastrophe I derive expressions for the monomer-polymer balance. In the absence of concentration-dependent rescue, fixed catastrophe rates do not produce clear critical concentrations. In contrast, simple ATP-/GTP-cap models with concentration-dependent catastrophe rates, generate phenomenological critical concentrations that increase linearly with the rate of nucleotide hydrolysis and decrease logarithmically with the rate of spontaneous nucleation.
Relationship between Striatal Connectivity and Apathy during Phosphodiesterase 10 Inhibition in Schizophrenia
Authors: Omlor Wolfgang , Cecere Giacomo , Huang Gao-Yang , Rabe Finn , Kallen Nils , Kirschner Matthias , Surbeck Werner , Burrer Achim , Spiller Tobias , Garibaldi George , Holiga Štefan , Dukart Juergen , Umbricht Daniel , Homan Philipp
Published: April 2024

Negative symptoms in schizophrenia remain a challenge with limited therapeutic strategies. The novel compound RG7203 promotes reward learning via dopamine D1-dependent signaling and therefore holds promise to improve especially the apathy dimension of negative symptoms. When tested as add-on to antipsychotic medication apathy did not change significantly with RG7203 versus placebo. However, the response varied across patients, and a subset showed clinically relevant improvement of apathy. It remains unclear if these interindividual differences are related to neurobiological correlates. Due to the predominant binding of RG7203 in the striatum, we asked how apathy changes with RG7203 are related to changes in cortico-striatal connectivity. We focused on cortico-striatal circuits that have been associated with apathy and previously showed connectivity alterations in schizophrenia. In a double-blind, 3-way randomized crossover study, resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging was acquired in 24 individuals with schizophrenia following a 3-week administration of placebo, 5mg or 15mg of RG7203 as add-on to antipsychotics. We found that 5mg or 15mg of RG7203 did not lead to significant changes in striatal connectivity. However, changes in the apathy response across individuals were reflected by striatal connectivity changes. Apathy improvement with 5mg RG7203 vs. placebo was associated with increased connectivity between ventral caudate (vCaud) and paracingulate gyrus (PCG) as well as anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The same trend was observed for 15mg RG7203 vs. placebo. Importantly, such associations were not observed for the negative symptom dimension of expressive deficits. These findings suggest that the relationship between vCaud-PCG/ACC connectivity and apathy response with RG7203 should be further explored in larger clinical studies. Replication and further elaboration of these findings could help to advance biologically informed treatment options for negative symptoms.
RNA complexes with nicks and gaps: thermodynamic and kinetic effects of coaxial stacking and dangling ends
Authors: Todisco Marco , Radakovic Aleksandar , Szostak Jack W.
Published: April 2024

Multiple RNA strands can interact in solution and assume a large variety of configurations dictated by their potential for base pairing. Although duplex formation from two complementary oligonucleotides has been studied in detail, we still lack a systematic characterization of the behavior of higher order complexes. Here we focus on the thermodynamic and kinetic effects of an upstream oligonucleotide on the binding of a downstream oligonucleotide to a common template, as we vary the sequence and structure of the contact interface. We show that coaxial stacking in RNA is well correlated with but much more stabilizing than helix propagation over an analogous intact double helix step (median Δ Δ G37°C≈ 1.7 kcal/mol). Consequently, approximating coaxial stacking in RNA with the helix propagation term leads to large discrepancies between predictions and our experimentally determined melting temperatures, with an offset of ≈ 10°C. Our kinetic study reveals that the hybridization of the downstream probe oligonucleotide is impaired (lowerkon) by the presence of the upstream oligonucleotide, with the thermodynamic stabilization coming entirely from an extended lifetime (lowerkoff) of the bound downstream oligonucleotide, which can increase from seconds to months. Surprisingly, we show that the effect of nicks is dependent on the length of the stacking oligonucleotides, and we discuss the binding of ultrashort (1 ∼ 4 nt) oligonucleotides that are relevant in the context of the origin of life. The thermodynamic and kinetic data obtained in this work allow for the prediction of the formation and stability of higher order multi-stranded complexes.

Graphic entry for the Table of Contents (TOC)
Development of the ULK1-Recruiting Chimeras (ULKRECs) to enable proximity-induced and ULK1-dependent degradation of mitochondria
Authors: Zaman Niyaz , Aley Natasha , Pingitore Valeria , Selwood David L , Ketteler Robin
Published: April 2024

Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has opened new opportunities to investigate signalling pathways as a research tool, and as a unique therapeutic strategy using bifunctional chimeric small molecules, with candidate molecules in clinical trials for the treatment of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Most current TPD approaches use the 26S proteasomal machinery via PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs), however, new emerging strategies using the autophagy system, termed AUtophagy TArgeting Chimeras (AUTACs) expand on the degrader arsenal and repertoire of targets that can be degraded. This includes non-protein molecules such as lipid droplets, organelles, insoluble protein aggregates as well as typical TPD targets, soluble intracellular proteins. AUTACs were proposed to operate by binding the target of interest (TOI) and linking it to an autophagy cargo protein (LC3 or p62), tethering the TOI into forming autophagosomes. In this study, we designed an alternative strategy for AUTACs, reasoning that the local recruitment and activation of ULK1 is sufficient to induce the formation of an autophagosome at the site of recruitment. As a proof of concept, we used an ULK1 agonist linked to a mitochondrial targeting ligand and termed these chimeric molecules ULK1-Recruiting Chimeras (ULKRECs). We show that local activation of ULK1 by ULKRECs at the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) induces mitophagy, further enhanced by mitochondrial insult. Using Parkinson’s disease (PD) patient-derived fibroblasts, we show the ULKRECs induce mitophagy independently of the PRKN/PINK axis, components required to signal for canonical mitophagy in response to stressors and often dysfunctional in many neurological diseases. We propose that ULKRECs are a novel class of degraders that have potential as unique therapeutics for diseases where dysfunctional mitophagy plays a key role in disease pathology and progression.
SMG1:SMG8:SMG9-complex integrity maintains robustness of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay
Authors: Kueckelmann Sabrina , Theunissen Sophie , Lackmann Jan-Wilm , Franitza Marek , Becker Kerstin , Boehm Volker , Gehring Niels H.
Published: April 2024

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a translation-dependent mRNA turnover pathway, which degrades transcripts containing premature termination codons. SMG1-mediated phosphorylation of the key NMD factor UPF1 is essential for NMD initiation and regulated by SMG9 and the C-terminus of SMG8. However, their specific roles in NMD regulation within intact cells remain partially understood. Here, we deleted the C-terminus of en-dogenous SMG8 in human cultured cells, which resulted in unchanged NMD activity. Cell lines lacking SMG8 and SMG9 showed slight NMD inhibition and unchanged UPF1 phosphorylation levels, but were sensitized to treatment with a SMG1 inhibitor (SMG1i). Transcriptome-wide analysis revealed the upregulation of NMD-annotated transcripts, which corresponded to synergistic effects of SMG1i concentration and SMG8 and SMG9 knock-out conditions. Moreover, the UPF1 interactome showed enrichment of various NMD factors in SMG8 or SMG9 knock-out cells and following SMG1i treatment, suggesting an accumulation of stalled NMD complexes at various stages of the NMD process. Together, our work uncovers important roles of SMG8 and SMG9 in maintaining NMD robustness in human cells.
Human adherent cortical organoids in a multiwell format
Authors: Kroeg Mark van der , Bansal Sakshi , Unkel Maurits , Smeenk Hilde , Kushner Steven A. , de Vrij Femke M.S.
Published: April 2024

In the growing diversity of human iPSC-derived models of brain development, we present here a novel method that exhibits 3D cortical layer formation in a highly reproducible topography of minimal dimensions. The resulting adherent cortical organoids develop by self-organization after seeding frontal cortex patterned iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells in 384-well plates during eight weeks of differentiation. The organoids have stereotypical dimensions of 3 × 3 × 0.2 mm, contain multiple neuronal subtypes, astrocytes and oligodendrocyte lineage cells, and are amenable to extended culture for at least 10 months. Longitudinal imaging revealed morphologically mature dendritic spines, axonal myelination, and robust neuronal activity. Moreover, adherent cortical organoids compare favorably to existing brain organoid models on the basis of robust reproducibility in obtaining topographically-standardized singular radial cortical structures and circumvent the internal necrosis that is common in free-floating cortical organoids. The adherent human cortical organoid platform holds considerable potential for high-throughput drug discovery applications, neurotoxicological screening, and mechanistic pathophysiological studies of brain disorders.
Ultrastructural Dynamics of Dopaminergic Presynaptic Release Sites revealed by Cryo-correlative Light and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Lycas Matthew Domenic , Morado Dustin R. , Gether Ulrik , Briggs John A.G. , Erlendsson Simon
Published: April 2024

Dopaminergic neurons are fundamental in governing motivation, movement, and many aspects of cognition. The targeted modulation of dopaminergic signaling serves as a cornerstone in developing therapeutic interventions for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and addiction. Despite the pivotal role of dopaminergic neurons, the ultrastructure and associated dynamics of dopaminergic synapses remain poorly understood. Here, we develop and utilize a cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy process chain to investigate the micro- to nanoscale architecture and organelle content of dopaminergic presynaptic release sites. Using cryo electron tomography, we identify several protein complexes crucial to dopaminergic function and we utilize subtomogram averaging to resolvein situassemblies of the TRiC/CCT chaperone and vacuolar-type ATPase. Lastly, we find that pharmacological treatments using either dopamine or the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, haloperidol, bidirectionally modulate vesicular content, mitochondrial size and calcium phosphate deposition. These findings contribute to our general understanding of the composition and ultrastructural dynamics of dopaminergic presynaptic release sites and provide a methodological platform for further studies of the structure and cell biology of dopaminergic neurons and their responses.
Inhibitory control of locomotor statistics in walkingDrosophila
Authors: Gattuso Hannah C. , van Hassel Karin A. , Freed Jacob D. , Nuñez Kavin M. , de la Rea Beatriz , May Christina E. , Ermentrout G. Bard , Victor Jonathan D. , Nagel Katherine I.
Published: April 2024

In order to forage for food, many animals regulate not only specific limb movements but the statistics of locomotor behavior over time, switching between long-range dispersal and localized search depending on resource availability. How pre-motor circuits regulate such locomotor statistics is not clear. Here we analyze and model locomotor statistics in walkingDrosophila, and their modulation by attractive food odor. Odor evokes three motor regimes in flies: baseline walking, upwind running during odor, and search behavior following odor loss. During search behavior, we find that flies adopt higher angular velocities and slower ground speeds, and tend to turn for longer periods of time in one direction. We further find that flies spontaneously adopt periods of different mean ground speed, and that these changes in state influence the length of odor-evoked runs. We next developed a simple model of neural locomotor control that suggests that contralateral inhibition plays a key role in regulating the statistical features of locomotion. As the fly connectome predicts decussating inhibitory neurons in the lateral accessory lobe (LAL), a pre-motor structure, we gained genetic access to a subset of these neurons and tested their effects on behavior. We identified one population of neurons whose activation induces all three signature of search and that bi-directionally regulates angular velocity at odor offset. We identified a second group of neurons, including a single LAL neuron pair, that bi-directionally regulate ground speed. Together, our work develops a biologically plausible computational architecture that captures the statistical features of fly locomotion across behavioral states and identifies potential neural substrates of these computations.
Borotropic shifting of the hydrotris[3-(2-furyl)pyrazol-1-yl]borate ligand in high-coordinate lanthanide complexes
Authors: Thomas Jarrod R. , Sulway Scott A.
Published: April 2024

The coordination of hydrotris[3-(2-furyl)pyrazol-1-yl]borate (Tp2-Fu, C21H16BN6O3) to lanthanide(III) ions is achieved for the first time with the complex [Ln(Tp2-Fu)2](BPh4)·xCH2Cl2 (1-Ln has Ln = Ce and x = 2; 1-Dy has Ln = Dy and x = 1). This was accomplished via both hydrous (Ln = Ce) and anhydrous methods (Ln = Dy). When isolating the dysprosium analogue, the filtrate produced a second crop of crystals which were revealed to be the 1,2-borotropic-shifted product [Dy(κ4-Tp2-Fu)(κ5-Tp2-Fu*)](BPh4) (2) {Tp2-Fu* = hydrobis[3-(2-furyl)pyrazol-1-yl][5-(2-furyl)pyrazol-1-yl]borate}. We conclude that the presence of a strong Lewis acid and a sterically crowded coordination environment are contributing factors for the 1,2-borotropic shifting of scorpionate ligands in conjunction with the size of the conical angle with the scorpionate ligand.
A short-term “behavioural support” service for autistic adults without an intellectual disability: a pilot evaluation
Authors: Clifford Adam , Camps Deena
Published: April 2024

Purpose

A region’s transforming care partnership identified that autistic adults without an intellectual disability (ID) may be falling through gaps in services when presenting with a significant emotional and/or behavioural need in the absence of a mental health diagnosis. The region’s intensive support teams (ISTs) for adults with ID therefore piloted a short-term “behavioural support service” for this population. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate this pilot.

Design/methodology/approach

This study represents a mixed-methods service evaluation over a four year pilot period. The quantitative component examined referral rates and demographic data of accepted and declined referrals; and length of referral episodes and Health of The Nation Outcomes Scores (HoNOS) for accepted referrals. The qualitative component used thematic analysis to identify key themes relating to reasons for referral, clinical/therapeutic needs, and the models of support that most informed assessments and interventions at individual and systems levels.

Findings

The ISTs accepted 30 referrals and declined 53. Most accepted referrals were male (83%), and under 24 years old (57%). Average HoNOS scores were above the thresholds generally associated with hospital admission. Key qualitative themes were: transitional support; sexual risks/vulnerabilities; physical aggression; domestic violence; and attachment, trauma and personality difficulties. Support mostly followed psychotherapeutic modalities couched in trauma, attachment and second- and third-wave cognitive behavioural therapies. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) did not emerge as a model of preference for service users or professionals.

Originality/value

This project represents one of the first of this type for autistic adults without an ID in the UK. It provides recommendations for future service development and research, with implications for Transforming Care policy and guidance.
Sensory-directed approach to explore cider typicity: the case of ciders from the Canary Islands (Spain)
Authors: Di Fede Roberto Salvatore , Gonzalez-Hernandez Marivel , Parga-Dans Eva , Alonso Gonzalez Pablo , Fernández-Zurbano Purificación , Peña del Olmo María Cristina , Sáenz-Navajas María-Pilar
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The main aim of this study is to characterise and identify specific chemo-sensory profiles of ciders from the Canary Islands (Spain).

Design/methodology/approach

Commercial samples of Canary ciders were compared to ciders from the Basque Country and Asturias. In total, 18 samples were studied, six for each region. The analysis comprised their sensory profiling and chemical characterisation of their polyphenolic profile, volatile composition, conventional chemical parameters and CIELAB colour coordinates. In parallel, the sensory profile of the samples from the Canary Islands was first compared with their Basque and Asturian counterparts by labelled sorting task. Then, their specific aroma profile was characterised by flash profile. Further quantification of sensory-active compounds was performed by GC–MS and GC-FID to identify the volatile compounds involved in their aroma profile.

Findings

Results show that Canary ciders present a specific chemical profile characterised by higher levels of ethanol, and hydroxycinnamic acids, mainly t-ferulic, t-coumaric and neochologenic acids, and lower levels of volatile and total acidity than their Asturian and Basque counterparts. They also present a specific aroma profile characterised by fruity aroma, mainly fruit in syrup and confectionary, and sweet flavours related to their highest levels of vinylphenols formed by transformation of hydroxycinnamic acids.

Originality/value

An integrated strategy to explore the typicity of the currently existing Canary ciders in the market was developed. The results are important in that they will help other regions to identify specific typical chemo-sensory profiles and to promote the creation of certifications supporting regional typicity.
The role of foreign MNEs in China’s twin transition: a study on the organization of green and digital innovation processes
Authors: Brueck Chris
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to shed light on the twin transition in China in the organization of innovation processes in artificial intelligence (AI) and green technology (GT) development and to understand the role of foreign multinationals in Chinese innovation systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach is used by interviewing executives from German multinationals with expertise in AI and GT development and organization of innovation processes in China. In total, 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with companies, and the data were analysed with a thematic qualitative text analysis.

Findings

The findings show that AI applications for GT are primarily developed in cross-company projects that are led by local and regional authorities through the organization of industrial districts and clusters. German multinationals are either being integrated, remaining autonomous or being excluded from these twin transition innovation processes.

Originality/value

This paper aims to fill the gap in the literature by providing one of the first qualitative approach towards twin transition innovation processes in China and exploring the integration of multinational enterprises in cluster organizations. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is one of the first twin transition studies from this perspective in emerging economies.
Developing value-based leadership for sustainable quality development: a meta-analysis from a study of Lean manufacturing
Authors: Snyder Kristen , Ingelsson Pernilla , Bäckström Ingela
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how leaders can develop value-based leadership for sustainable quality development in Lean manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative meta-analysis was conducted using data from a three-year study of Lean manufacturing in Sweden using the Shingo business excellence model as an analytical framework.

Findings

This study demonstrates that leaders can develop value-based leadership to support Lean manufacturing by defining and articulating the organization’s values and accompanying behaviors that are needed to support the strategic direction; creating forums and time for leaders to identify the why behind decisions and reflect on their experiences to be able to lead a transformative process; and using storytelling to create a coaching culture to connect values and behaviors, to the processes and systems of work.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes insights for developing value-based leadership to support a systemic approach to sustainable quality development in lean manufacturing. Findings are based on a limited case sample size of three manufacturing companies in Sweden.

Originality/value

The findings were derived using a unique methodological approach combining storytelling, appreciative inquiry and coaching with traditional data collection methods including surveys and interviews to identify, define and shape value-based leadership in Lean manufacturing.
Unlocking entrepreneurial well-being: exploring the interplay of psychological capital and impostor phenomenon
Authors: Heminger Sarah , Arghode Vishal , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this empirical investigation was to explore the interrelationship between psychological capital (PsyCaP) and impostor phenomenon (IP) experienced by entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers performed exploratory data analysis, using a correlation matrix that included the composite score of all PsyCap dimensions (psychological capital questionnaire [PCQ-24]) and the factor scores of hope, self-efficacy, resilience and optimism. The data analysis was conducted in relation to participants’ IP scores.

Findings

The study results demonstrated that a negative relationship was present between entrepreneurs’ Clance impostor phenomenon scale (CIPS) factor scores (consisting of hope, self-efficacy, resilience and optimism) and PsyCap dimensions (PCQ-24) composite subscales. This indicated that higher levels of PsyCaP were associated with lower levels of IP experience by entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, it must be noted that, based upon these study results, both “impostor phenomenon” and entrepreneurial identity formation occurred among entrepreneurs. It was known to be associated with external environmental, situational and societal factors. The researchers established the relationship between entrepreneurs’ “impostor phenomenon” and “psychological capital (PsyCap)”.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurs and executives associated with business accelerators and incubators should comprehend the link between IP and PsyCap in entrepreneurs. This would enhance the well-being of entrepreneurs in their challenging context. Entrepreneurs and executives associated with business accelerators and incubators might explore the effectiveness of PsyCap-based interventions, along with IP-related considerations.

Originality/value

This was one of the first empirical studies investigating and establishing the relationship between entrepreneurs’ “impostor phenomenon” and “psychological capital (PsyCap)”.
Enhancing the viewing, browsing and searching of knowledge graphs with virtual properties
Authors: Dibowski Henrik
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Adequate means for easily viewing, browsing and searching knowledge graphs (KGs) are a crucial, still limiting factor. Therefore, this paper aims to present virtual properties as valuable user interface (UI) concept for ontologies and KGs able to improve these issues. Virtual properties provide shortcuts on a KG that can enrich the scope of a class with other information beyond its direct neighborhood.

Design/methodology/approach

Virtual properties can be defined as enhancements of shapes constraint language (SHACL) property shapes. Their values are computed on demand via protocol and RDF query language (SPARQL) queries. An approach is demonstrated that can help to identify suitable virtual property candidates. Virtual properties can be realized as integral functionality of generic, frame-based UIs, which can automatically provide views and masks for viewing and searching a KG.

Findings

The virtual property approach has been implemented at Bosch and is usable by more than 100,000 Bosch employees in a productive deployment, which proves the maturity and relevance of the approach for Bosch. It has successfully been demonstrated that virtual properties can significantly improve KG UIs by enriching the scope of a class with information beyond its direct neighborhood.

Originality/value

SHACL-defined virtual properties and their automatic identification are a novel concept. To the best of the author’s knowledge, no such approach has been established nor standardized so far.
Tribological performances of MoS2/C60 nanocomposite as lubricating additive in dioctyl sebacate
Authors: Lu Ziyan , Qiu Feng , Song Hui , Hu Xianguo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to solve the problems molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets suffer from inadequate dispersion stability and form a weak lubricating film on the friction surface, which severely limits their application as lubricant additives.

Design/methodology/approach

MoS2/C60 nanocomposites were prepared by synthesizing molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets on the surface of hydrochloric acid-activated fullerenes (C60) by in situ hydrothermal method. The composition, structure and morphology of MoS2/C60 nanocomposites were characterized. Through the high-frequency reciprocating tribology test, its potential as a lubricant additive was evaluated.

Findings

MoS2/C60 nanocomposites that were prepared showed good dispersion in dioctyl sebacate (DOS). When 0.5 Wt.% MoS2/C60 was added, the friction reduction performance and wear resistance improved by 54.5% and 62.7%, respectively.

Originality/value

MoS2/C60 composite nanoparticles were prepared by in-situ formation of MoS2 nanosheets on the surface of C60 activated by HCl through hydrothermal method and were used as potential lubricating oil additives.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2023-0321/
Effect of social media analytics on firm performance: the moderating role of entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: Onngam Worachet , Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of social media analytics on firm performance using a sample of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand. This study also investigated whether entrepreneurial orientation (EO) moderated the effects of social media analytics on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used SMEs listed in the Department of Business Development of Thailand as the sampling frame. Probability sampling was used to draw the sample. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 334 firms. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results supported the positive association between social media analytics practices on firm performance. Moreover, this study found that EO moderated this association significantly. In particular, the positive association between social media analytics practices on firm performance was higher for firms that exhibit a high EO than those that exhibit a low EO. This result indicated that firms that implement social media analytics practices achieved higher performance when they exhibited a high EO.

Practical implications

Social media data analytics should be implemented to strengthen the technological competence of firms. Moreover, firms should integrate EO practices into their implementation of social media analytics to increase their ability to generate substantial improvements in their strategic implementation, thereby enabling them to gain sustainable competitiveness in their market.

Social implications

Because SMEs are the driving force for economic growth and development in Thailand, their ability to achieve higher performance when they effectively integrate EO practices into their implementation of social media data analytics could be beneficial for the sustainable development of Thailand, especially in the current data-driven era.

Originality/value

The result that EO moderates the effect in enhancing social media analytics practices’ influence on firm performance provides new knowledge that extends the boundary of research on this topic. The authors provided a theoretical explanation to clarify the way the implementation of social media analytics practices should be integrated with EO to increase the level of performance that firms achieve from such practices.
The enablers and stumbling blocks in sustaining growth of women-owned micro-enterprises in India – a qualitative inquiry
Authors: Banu Jasmine , Baral Rupashree , Vijayalakshmi V.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The study aims to understand why women-owned microenterprises (WOMEs) in India experience a lower growth rate, where growth can be represented in increments in the venture’s size or scope. There is no conclusive understanding of the factors that affect the sustained growth of WOMEs in India.

Design/methodology/approach

What personal, social and economic factors support or hinder the choice, growth and sustainability of women-owned ventures? What role do institutional factors (government, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), self-help groups and microfinance institutions) play toward the sustainability of WOMEs? The answers to these questions were obtained through a qualitative design by interviewing 30 micro women entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu, a Southern state of India and one of the largest hubs for WOMEs and their responses were content analyzed using NVivo 12 software.

Findings

The findings capture and apply the fundamentals of two key theoretical perspectives, resource-based view (RBV) and self-determination theory (SDT), in identifying the links between the individual, social and economic factors and their combined effect on the sustained growth of women-owned micro businesses. The findings add value in identifying the ingrained cultural norms and traditions and several internal and external factors that support or challenge the growth of WOMEs. This study highlights that the interventions by the government need to be strengthened for the growth and sustainability of WOMEs.

Practical implications

The study’s findings provide suggestions to policymakers, banks, funding agencies, financial institutions and NGOs to design applicable policies and schemes toward the sustained growth of WOMEs.

Originality/value

This study contributes toward a better understanding of the trends in the context of WOMEs from an Indian context. This topic has received little attention in the academic literature. Second, the study’s conceptual contribution is an application of SDT and RBV to understand and categorize the enablers and deterrents in the path of growth of WOMEs, which is a novel pursuit.
Fraud risk implications of celebrity SPACs
Authors: Zaabalawi Reem , VanderPyl Gregory Domenic , Fredrick Daniel , Gleason Kimberly , Smith Deborah
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to extend the Fraud Diamond Theory to celebrity Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) and investigate their post-Initial Public Offering (IPO) stock market performance.

Design/methodology/approach

After obtaining a sample of celebrity SPACs from the Spacresearch.com database, fraud risk characteristics were obtained from Lexis Nexus searches. Buy and hold abnormal returns were calculated for celebrity SPACs versus a small-cap equity benchmark for time intervals after IPO, and multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between fraud risk features and post-IPO returns.

Findings

Celebrity SPACs exhibit Fraud Diamond characteristics and significantly underperform a small-cap stock portfolio on a risk-adjusted basis after IPO.

Research limitations/implications

This study only examines celebrity SPACs that conducted IPOs on the NYSE and NASDAQ/AMEX and does not include those that are traded on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB).

Practical implications

Celebrity endorsement of SPAC vehicles attracts investors who may not be properly informed regarding the risk characteristics of SPACs. Accordingly, investors should be warned that celebrity SPACs underperform a small-cap equity portfolio and exhibit significant elements of fraud risk.

Social implications

The use of celebrity endorsement as a marketing device to attract investment in SPACs has regulatory implications.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to examine the fraud risk characteristics and post-IPO performance of celebrity SPACs.
Impact of board characteristics on integrated reporting: evidence from South Asian countries
Authors: Sobhan Raihan , Mia Md Rasel
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to observe the practice of integrated reporting (IR) and investigate the impact of board characteristics on IR in three South Asian economies: Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the content analysis approach to measure the integrated reporting index (IRI) based on a structured checklist. To examine the impact of board characteristics (board size, board independence and gender diversity) on IRI, a multivariate analysis using pooled ordinary least square with panel-corrected standard error (PCSE) model has been conducted.

Findings

The content analysis findings show that the disclosure practice of IR is highest in India, followed by Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The regression result indicates that all the proxies of board characteristics have a positive and significant impact on IRI.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s outcomes may not be generalised for every region due to the differences in institutional contexts.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will assist the policymakers in understanding the importance of effective boards in enhancing the IR practice in their respective countries where the adoption of IR is still a voluntary requirement.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in the field of existing literature to conduct a comparative analysis of IR practice among three South Asian countries. It shows how an effective board improves IR practice using a broader institutional context by underpinning the agency theory and legitimacy theory.
Does financial technology improve intention to pay zakat during national economic recovery? A multi-group analysis
Authors: Mutmainah Lu'liyatul , Berakon Izra , Yusfiarto Rizaldi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Zakat has succeeded in becoming one of the safety nets for welfare during the crisis. As a result, continuous improvement is a necessity, especially through strengthening technology adaptation. This study aims to explore the factors determining Muslim behavior on their intention to pay zakat by taking into consideration the adoption of digital technology using the modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT).

Design/methodology/approach

The data collected were 265 respondents who live in urban and suburban areas. They were processed using the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) design. Furthermore, the multigroup analysis (MGA) was conducted to capture the difference results between urban and suburban.

Findings

The findings show that performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived security and privacy and zakat literacy significantly increase the intention of Muzakki to adopt financial technology. Perceived security and privacy has succeeded in being an important predictor of digital payment adoption for Muzakki. This paper provides a specific description of the adoption of Muzakki living in urban and suburban areas by using MGA. The research findings illustrate that there is a different urgency between the related variables. Suburban communities have more significant results regarding the research model used.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides new component variables that can drive individuals’ intentions to use digital services to pay zakat online by using the redesigned UTAUT model. Further research can explore more variables related to zakat digitalization, such as social media interaction, by conducting in-depth interviews with stakeholders to improve zakat performance in this digital era.

Practical implications

The result of this research recommends that zakat institutions enhance their zakat literacy and education among the Muslim population to improve zakat performance. The government should pay attention to the digital ecosystem to attract the community to use a digital platform.

Originality/value

This research modified the UTAUT model by integrating several other important constructs to produce more comprehensive findings in investigating the factors that can influence an individual's intention to pay zakat through an online digital platform. This study also examined the indirect effect to obtain significant results by positioning perceived security and privacy as an intervening variable. The implementation of the MGA was conducted to divide research respondents into two categories (urban and suburban) and compare the test results.
Behavioral responses resulting from e-health services and the role of user satisfaction: the case of the online diabetes test
Authors: Nguyen Hai Thi Thanh , Tapanainen Tommi , Hubona Geoffrey
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The advancement of technologies has made it possible for health-care organizations to provide convenient online services that enable people to manage their health conditions. Although many studies have investigated the adoption and benefits of e-health services, there has been little focus on health-oriented behaviors after adoption, particularly in relation to service quality and user satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the SOR model and service quality theories to investigate behavioral responses, including word-of-mouth, intention to use and intention to act. The authors use a partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis with 194 participants and the diabetes risk test survey in Finland.

Findings

The results show that people are willing to engage in health self-management behaviors if they intend to use the e-health service and are satisfied with it. User satisfaction can be enhanced by improving the visual appeal of the website presentation, the quality of the presented information, as well as the usability of the website, all as components of e-health services.

Originality/value

The authors contribute by creating a construct “intention to act,” referring to health-oriented behaviors resulting from e-health service use. In addition, this study is among the first to apply the SOR model to investigate how user satisfaction leads to intention to use, intention to act and word-of-mouth.
Problem-based learning and the integration of sustainable development goals
Authors: Nguyen Long Thang Van , Cleveland Donna , Nguyen Chi Tran Mai , Joyce Corinna
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study explores how problem-based learning (PBL) programs can address Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via the higher education (HE) curriculum, teaching materials and relevant assessments, supporting learning at scale for HE institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing SDGs and their indicators as the coding framework, our two-phase study evaluates the curriculum and teaching materials of seven PBL programs at a leading higher education institution (HEI). The first phase involved a content analysis to assess the degree of sustainability integration in 156 relevant courses. The second phase applied a semi-automated mapping protocol to analyze learning and teaching materials in 120 relevant courses.

Findings

The school aligns with 17 SDGs (100%), covering 94 indicators (55.62%). On average, each program within the school addresses over ten of these goals and incorporates more than 24 associated indicators. However, the study reveals an imbalance in the incorporation of SDGs, with some goals not yet deeply and comprehensively embedded in the curriculum. While there is a substantial focus on sustainability theories, the practical implications of SDGs in emerging countries, particularly through case studies and assessments, require significant enhancement.

Practical implications

Mapping SDGs allows HEIs to identify strengths and gaps in SDG integration, thereby improving the PBL approach to enhance student work readiness in sustainability-focused careers.

Originality/value

Through the lens of transformative learning theory, this study provides evidence of SDG integration into PBL curricula. It highlights a mapping methodology that enables HEIs to evaluate their sustainability readiness in curriculum, teaching materials and relevant assessments.