bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ORMDL3 restrains type-I interferon signaling and anti-tumor immunity by promoting RIG-I degradation
Authors: Zeng Qi , Yao Chen , Zhang Shimeng , Mao Yizhi , Wang Jing , Wang Ziyang , Sheng Chunjie , Chen Shuai
Published: August 2024

Mounting evidence has demonstrated the genetic association of ORMDL3 (ORMDL Sphingolipid Biosynthesis Regulator 3) gene polymorphisms with bronchial asthma and a diverse set of inflammatory disorders. However, its role in type I interferon (IFN) signaling remains poorly defined. Herein, we report that ORMDL3 is a negative modulator of the type I IFN signaling by interacting with MAVS (Mitochondrial Antiviral Signaling protein) and subsequently promoting the proteasome-mediated degradation of RIG-I (Retinoic Acid-Inducible Gene I). Immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry (IP-MS) assays uncovered that ORMDL3 binds to USP10 (Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 10), which forms a complex with and stabilizes RIG-I through decreasing its K48-linked ubiquitination. ORMDL3 thus disrupts the interaction between USP10 and RIG-I, thereby promoting RIG-I degradation. Additionally, subcutaneous syngeneic tumor models in C57BL/6 mice revealed that inhibition of ORMDL3 enhances anti-tumor efficacy by augmenting the proportion of cytotoxic CD8 positive T cells and IFN production in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Collectively, our findings reveal the pivotal roles of ORMDL3 in maintaining antiviral innate immune responses and anti-tumor immunity.
A multi-model approach defines function altering MECP2 missense variants identified in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Chen Eric , Schmitt Jessica , McIntosh Graeme , Singh Ajay , Young Barry , Lian Tianshun , Liu Jie , Khan Vedanta , Chen Ke , Liston J Beatrice , MacDonald Lily , Wang Bill , Medina Giro Sonia , Boehme Benjamin , Das Mriga , Indran Seevasant , Rogic Sanja , Pavlidis Paul , Chao Jesse T , Allan Douglas W , Loewen Christopher JR
Published: August 2024

MECP2 is commonly mutated in Rett syndrome, where MECP2’s function as a DNA cytosine methylation reader is believed critical. MECP2 variants are also catalogued in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including nine missense variants with no known clinical significance. To assess these nine as risk alleles for ASD, we developed MECP2 variant function assays using yeast,Drosophilaand human cell lines. We calibrated these assays with known reference pathogenic and benign variants. Our data predict that four ASD variants are loss of function (LoF) and five are functional. Protein destabilization or nuclear delocalization offers insight into the altered function of a number of these variants. Notably, yeast andDrosophilalack DNA methylation, yet all Rett reference pathogenic and ASD variants in the methyl DNA binding domain that we analyzed proved to be LoF, suggesting a clinically-relevant role for non-methyl DNA-binding by MECP2.
Spatially organized striatal neuromodulator release encodes trajectory errors
Authors: Brown Eleanor H , Zi Yihan , Vu Mai-Anh T , Bouabid Safa , Lindsey Jack , Godfrey-Nwachukwu Chinyere , Attarwala Aaquib , Litwin-Kumar Ashok , DePasquale Brian , Howe Mark
Published: August 2024

Goal-directed navigation requires animals to continuously evaluate their current direction and speed of travel relative to landmarks to discern whether they are approaching or deviating from their goal. Striatal dopamine and acetylcholine are powerful modulators of goal-directed behavior, but it is unclear whether and how neuromodulator dynamics at landmarks incorporate relative motion for effective behavioral guidance. Using optical measurements in mice, we demonstrate that cue-evoked striatal dopamine release encodes bi-directional 'trajectory errors' reflecting relationships between ongoing speed and direction of locomotion and visual flow relative to optimal goal trajectories. Striatum-wide micro-fiber array recordings resolved an anatomical gradient of trajectory error signaling across the anterior-posterior axis, distinct from trajectory error independent cue signals. Dynamic regression modeling revealed that positive and negative trajectory error encoding emerges early and late respectively during learning and over different time courses in the medial and lateral striatum, enabling region specific contributions to learning. Striatal acetylcholine release also encodes trajectory errors, but encoding is more spatially restricted, opposite polarity, and delayed relative to dopamine, supporting distinct roles in modulating striatal output and behavior. Dopamine trajectory error signaling and task performance were reproduced in a reinforcement learning model incorporating a conjunctive state space representation, suggesting a potential neural substrate for trajectory error generation. Our results establish region specific neuromodulator signals positioned to guide the speed and direction of locomotion to reach goals based on environmental landmarks during navigation.
Lower Aperiodic Activity is Associated with Reduced Verbal Fluency Performance Across Adulthood
Authors: McKeown Daniel J , Roberts Emily , Finley Anna J. , Kelley Nicholas J. , Keage Hannah A.D. , Schinazi Victor R , Baumann Oliver , Moustafa Ahmed A , Angus Douglas J
Published: August 2024

Age-related cognitive decline associations with human electroencephalography (EEG) have previously focused on periodic activity. However, EEG is primarily made up of non-oscillatory aperiodic activity, which can be characterised with an exponent and offset value. In a secondary analysis of a cohort of 111 healthy participants aged 17 – 71 years, we examined the associations of the aperiodic exponent and offset with a battery of cognitive tests consisting of the Colour-Word Interference Test, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IV Digit Span Test, Rey Auditory Learning Test, Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Trial Making Test, and the Verbal Fluency Test. Using Principal Component Analysis and K-Means Clustering, we identified clusters of electrodes that exhibited similar aperiodic exponent and offset activity during resting-state eyes-closed EEG. Robust linear models were then used to model how aperiodic activity interacted with age and their associations with performance during each cognitive test. Offset by age interactions were identified for the Verbal Fluency Test, where smaller offsets were associated with poorer performance in adults as early as 33 years of age. Greater aperiodic activity is increasingly related to better verbal fluency performance with age in adulthood.
Heart Rate Variability Based Ventilatory Threshold Estimation – Validation of a Commericially Available Algorithm
Authors: Eronen Timo , Lipponen Jukka A. , Hyrylä Vesa V. , Kupari Saana , Mursu Jaakko , Venojärvi Mika , Tikkanen Heikki O. , Tarvainen Mika P.
Published: August 2024

Ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) are critical in exercise prescription and athletic training, delineating the transitions from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. More specifically, VT1 signifies the onset of lactate accumulation whilst VT2 signifies the onset of metabolic acidosis. Accurate determination of these thresholds is vital for optimizing training intensity. Fractal correlation properties of heart rate variability (HRV), particularly the short-term scaling exponent alpha 1 of Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA-α1), have demonstrated potential for this purpose. This study validates the accuracy of commercial ventilatory threshold estimation algorithm (VT-algorithm) developed by Kubios. The VT-algorithm employs instantaneous heart rate (HR) relative to HR reserve and respiratory rate (RF), along with the DFA-α1. Sixty-four physically active participants underwent an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) with inter-beat interval (RR) measurements. DFA-α1 and the Kubios VT-algorithm were used to assess HR and oxygen uptake (VO2) at ventilatory thresholds. On average VO2 at true VT, DFA-α1, and VT-algorithm derived ventilatory thresholds were 1.74, 2.00 and 1.89 l/min (VT1) and 2.40, 2.41 and 2.40 l/min (VT2), respectively. Correspondingly, average HRs at the true VT, DFA-α1, and VT-algorithm thresholds were 141, 151 and 142 bpm (VT1) and 169, 168 and 170 bpm (VT2), respectively. When compared to the true thresholds, Bland-Altman error statistics (bias ± standard deviation of error) for the DFA-α1 thresholds were -0.26±0.41 l/min or -10±16 bpm at VT1 and 0.00±0.34 l/min or 1±10 bpm at VT2, whereas the VT-algorithm errors were - 0.15±0.28 l/min or -1±11 bpm at VT1 and 0.01±0.20 l/min or -1±7 bpm at VT2. HRV based VT determination algorithms accurately estimate ventilatory thresholds, offering insights into training zones, internal loading, and metabolic transitions during exercise without the need of laboratory equipment. The Kubios VT-algorithm, which incorporates instantaneous HR and RF along with DFA-α1, provided higher accuracy for VO2 and HR values for both VT1 and VT2.
Collimator challenges at SuperKEKB and their countermeasures using nonlinear collimator
Authors: Terui Shinji , Funakoshi Yoshihiro , Ishibashi Takuya , Koiso Haruyo , Masuzawa Mika , Morikawa Yu , Morita Akio , Nakamura Shu , Nakayama Hiroyuki , Ohnishi Yukiyoshi , Ohmi Kazuhito , Shibata Kyo , Shirai Mitsuru , Suetsugu Yusuke , Tobiyama Makoto , Ueki Ryuichi , Zhou Demin , Oide Katsunobu , Natochii Andrii
Published: August 2024

In SuperKEKB, movable collimators reduce the beam background noise in the Belle II particle detector and protect crucial machine components, such as final focusing superconducting quadrupole magnets (QCS), from abnormal beam losses. The challenges related to the collimator, which were not properly considered at the time of SuperKEKB design, have surfaced through experience with its operation. In this paper, we report the collimator operation strategy in SuperKEKB. In addition, a significant challenge of beam collimation due to the future increase in the beam background is highlighted. We also discuss another issue caused by unexpected and sudden beam losses in the machine that damage collimators, leading to weaker beam collimation performance and an increase in transverse impedance. Furthermore, we introduce a novel collimation approach called the nonlinear collimator (NLC) to address these challenges. We detail the concept of NLC and evaluate their effectiveness by assessing the collimator impedance, beam background reduction, and impact on the dynamic aperture. The possibility of using NLCs as absorber collimators to counteract events that damage the collimator is also shown to be helpful.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fabrication and testing of the transition section between modules of a wakefield accelerator
Authors: Zholents A. , Lee S. , Popovic B. , Fedurin M. , Kusche K. , Li W. , Nassiri A. , Siy A. , Sorsher S. , Suthar K. , Trakhtenberg E. , Waldschmidt G.
Published: August 2024

The fabrication process is presented for a typical transition section located between each cylindrical corrugated waveguide structure comprising the wakefield accelerator module. The transition section includes couplers for extracting the 180 GHz TM01 accelerating mode and separate couplers for extracting the 190 GHz HE11 dipole mode, both modes induced by the electron bunch traversing the cylindrical corrugated waveguide structure. Extraction of the high-power accelerating mode reduces the heat load due to the subterahertz wave power dissipation within the corrugated accelerating structure. Extraction of the low-power dipole mode serves the purpose of detecting the electron bunch transverse oscillations within the wakefield accelerator and identifying the onset of beam breakup instability. Comprehensive testing of the fully functional transition section with an electron beam was done at the Accelerator Test Facility in Brookhaven National Laboratory which verified the functionality of the transition section.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Role of the triangle singularity in the isospin breaking process
J/ψ→ΛΛ¯π
and the possible evidence of
Σ*(12−)
states
Authors: Huang Qi , Ma Zi-Xuan , Wu Jia-Jun , Ping Rong-Gang , He Jun , Huang Hong-Xia
Published: August 2024

In this study, the impact of triangle singularity is investigated in the isospin breaking process J/ψ→ΛΛ¯π. The triangle singularity is found to play a significant role in the process, resulting in the creation of a resonancelike structure around 1.4 GeV in the Λπ(Λ¯π) invariant mass spectrum. To amplify the impact of this triangle singularity, the presence of two

Σ

*

(

1

2

−

)

states around 1.4 GeV and 1.6 GeV is essential, yet these states have not been definitively identified in the current baryon spectrum. We recommend that experiments, particularly the Beijing Spectrometer and the future Super Tau-Charm Factory, investigate the process J/ψ→ΛΛ¯π to offer direct evidence for our predicted triangle singularity and additional evidence regarding the Σ(12−) states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Jet quenching parameter in QCD kinetic theory
Authors: Boguslavski K. , Kurkela A. , Lappi T. , Lindenbauer F. , Peuron J.
Published: August 2024

We study the jet quenching parameter q^ in a nonequilibrium plasma using the QCD effective kinetic theory. We discuss subleading terms at large jet momentum p, show that our expression for q^ reproduces thermal results at small and large transverse momentum cutoffs for infinite p, and construct an interpolation between these limits to be used in phenomenological applications. Using simple nonequilibrium distributions that model pertinent features of the bottom-up thermalization scenario, we analytically assess how anisotropy, underoccupation, or overoccupation affect the jet quenching parameter. Our work provides more details on the q^ formula used in our preceding work [ ] and sets the stage for further numerical studies of jet momentum broadening in the initial stages of heavy-ion collisions from QCD kinetic theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Cooper quartets in interacting hybrid superconducting systems
Authors: Chirolli Luca , Braggio Alessandro , Giazotto Francesco
Published: August 2024

Cooper quartets represent exotic fermion aggregates describing correlated matter at the basis of charge-4e superconductivity and offer a platform for studying four-body interactions, of interest for topologically protected quantum computing, nuclear matter simulations, and more general strongly correlated matter. Focusing on solid-state systems, we show how to quantum design Cooper quartets in a double-dot system coupled to ordinary superconducting leads through the introduction of an attractive interdot interaction. A fundamentally novel, maximally correlated double-dot ground state, in the form of a superposition of vacuum |0〉 and four-electron state |4e〉, emerges as a narrow resonance in a many-body quartet correlator that is accompanied by negligible pair correlations and features a rich phenomenology. The system represents an instance of correlated Andreev matter and the results open the way to the exploration of interaction effects in hybrid superconducting devices, and the study of novel correlated states of matter with ingredients available in a quantum solid-state laboratory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Geometric and electronic structures of
Cs2BB′X6
double perovskites: The importance of exact exchange
Authors: Ji Yuyang , Lin Peize , Ren Xinguo , He Lixin
Published: August 2024

A widely adopted computational protocol in contemporary materials research is to first relax materials' geometries using semilocal density functional approximations (DFA), and then determining their electronic band structures using the more expensive hybrid functionals. This procedure often works well, as the popular semilocal DFAs, such as the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) generalized gradient approximation, yield rather good geometries for a wide range of materials. However, here we show that, for some of the lead-free halide double perovskites (HDPs) Cs2BB′X6 (B=Ag+, Na+; B′=In3+, Bi3+; X=Cl−, Br−), the validity of this common practice is questionable. We find that, for these HDPs, the geometrical structures, in particular, the B(B′)−X bond lengths predicted by PBE show large deviations from the experimental values. Additionally, the band gaps of some of these materials (specifically, the In-based HDPs) are sensitive to the B(B′)−X bond lengths. As a consequence, the band gaps obtained using the hybrid functionals (such as the Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof functional) based on the PBE geometries can still be quite off, in particular, for HDPs with B′=In3+. The situation is significantly improved by using hybrid functionals with tuned portion of exact exchange, based on the geometries determined consistently under the same level of theory. The successes and failures of several popular exchange-correlation (XC) functionals are traced back to the so-called delocalization error, and can be quantitatively analyzed and understood via a three-atom linear-chain B−X−B′ molecular model. Finally, our findings provide a practical guide for choosing appropriate XC functionals for describing HDPs and point to a promising path for band structure engineering via doping and alloying.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Enhancing organic milk sales through cumulative power of product – extrinsic cues: empirical evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Liming , Wang Yingqiao , Cheng Xu
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To examine the impact of manufacturer reputation, retailer reputation, and product price on consumers’ perceived quality and purchasing behavior regarding organic milk.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a 2 × 2 experiment, data were collected from 1,259 consumers in 32 provinces in China.

Findings

When a low-reputation manufacturer sells products through a high-reputation retailer, it improves consumers’ perception of quality and positively influences their purchasing behavior. Interestingly, setting higher prices for products manufactured by low-reputation companies and selling them through high-reputation retailers did not significantly enhance consumers’ perceived quality and deter their purchasing behavior.

Originality/value

The analysis expands the framework for cue diagnosis. While the existing framework primarily focuses on the influence of cue-type combinations on perceived quality, it does not integrate purchasing behavior into the conceptual framework. This limitation hinders people understanding of the theoretical mechanisms underlying the use of cues in purchasing decisions. This paper address this by gradually introducing variables, such as retailer reputation and product price, into the baseline model, thereby extending this theory. In addition, this paper advances the marketing research literature within the business-to-business-to-consumer context by examining the additive effects of manufacturer reputation, retailer reputation, and product price on consumers’ perception of quality and purchasing behavior.
Beyond tokenism: activism, resistance and rebellion
Authors: Weekes Arlene P. , Ward Shirleecia , Mguni Maureen
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The aim of this research was to explore and gain an understanding of the lived experiences of Black females transitioning from social work practice into academia and the support and barriers they experienced.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this an adaptation of Wengraf (2004) Biographical Narrative Interview Model (BNIM) was employed alongside Braun and Clarke (2006) thematic analysis as foundation of the methodology employed in this study. Whilst the adverse issues relating to Black female academics is not new, the paper is original in the manner in which data was gathered.

Findings

The study identified four themes: (1) significance of early life, (2) passion for learning, (3) overcoming obstacles and (4) navigating academia. The case studies highlighted the various examples of resistance, rebellion and activism the Black female academics employed within UK universities. The paper concluded that despite the positive messaging from families and communities, about pursuing education, and the need for having a strong work ethic, the progress that can be achieved by Black female academics is limited due to the pervasive nature of racism, therefore dispelling the myth of meritocracy.

Research limitations/implications

The research sample was small and therefore not easily generalisable to the whole population. The findings of the paper will need to be considered as a contribution of knowledge to the issue of structural racism.

Originality/value

Whilst the adverse issues relating to Black female academics is sadly not new, the paper is original in the manner in which data was gathered. Namely, the academics were both researchers and the participants, therefore simultaneously providing and analysing the data.
Navigating the new frontier: the impact of artificial intelligence on students’ entrepreneurial competencies
Authors: Somià Tatiana , Vecchiarini Mariangela
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have led to significant transformations across industries and society, including the field of education. The integration of AI in educational settings has the potential to improve students' learning experience and support their individual competencies when paired with non-AI methods. Despite the growing importance of AI in modern education, there remains a noticeable research gap regarding its use in entrepreneurship education and the effects of Chatbots on students' entrepreneurial competencies. To address this gap, an exploratory study was conducted on undergraduate students who were tasked with using ChatGPT to improve their business model canvas.

Design/methodology/approach

The chosen methodology aligned with the research purpose, aiming to explore the relationship between Generative AI and competencies. Due to the novel nature of the research problem, an exploratory study was conducted using a mixed methods approach. A survey with open- and closed-ended questions was designed, and statistical and text analyses were performed to interpret data and test identified propositions.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that ChatGPT can enhance the types of students' entrepreneurial competencies considered in this study: spotting opportunities, creativity, vision, valuing ideas and ethical and sustainable thinking. The results show that ChatGPT can be particularly helpful to improve the ability of students of valuing ideas.

Originality/value

Overall, this study highlights the potential of adopting ChatGPT in experiential learning methodologies for enhancing students' entrepreneurial competencies and improving their learning outcomes.
Crowd-funding to promote women entrepreneurship: a systematic literature review of the empirical studies conducted in the last decade (2012–2023)
Authors: Saluja Omika Bhalla
Published: August 2024

Purpose

It aims to understand crowdfunding’s effect on women’s entrepreneurship and summarize key findings, methods, and challenges women face in using crowdfunding for financing.

Design/methodology/approach

This literature review examines 36 empirical studies on crowdfunding use by women entrepreneurs. It follows the PRISMA framework, using Scopus and citation tracking to categorize studies on crowdfunding’s potential to empower women financially and address their barriers to accessing finance.

Findings

The review identified seven key themes: opportunities and challenges for women in crowdfunding, equity crowdfunding’s potential, gender differences in crowdfunding outcomes, the role of social capital and networks, investor trust and decision-making, the influence of language, communication, and platform design, and the importance of considering intersectionality and context. Crowdfunding offers women entrepreneurs access to capital and helps them overcome traditional financing barriers. Women-led campaigns achieve comparable or even higher success rates compared to their male counterparts. However, under-representation, lower funding requests, pitching difficulties, and limited access to networks remain as challenges.

Research limitations/implications

This study has limitations inherent to systematic reviews, including potential methodological flaws or biases in the included studies and the exclusion of relevant studies due to time and resource constraints.

Practical implications

Crowdfunding can be promoted as a viable financing option for women entrepreneurs and design targeted initiatives to support them. Building social capital, enhancing financial literacy, and creating networking opportunities can contribute to their success in navigating crowdfunding platforms effectively.

Originality/value

This review offers a comprehensive analysis of empirical studies conducted between 2012 and 2023. It provides up-to-date insights, identifies key themes, and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers and organizations seeking to support women entrepreneurs in effectively accessing and utilizing crowdfunding platforms.
Exploring the relationship between the built environment of prisons and the mental health of inmates
Authors: Gopinathan Bhavya , Vijayshankar Vaagdaa , Roy Sanghamitra
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Around the world, prison complexes have always been fundamentally taxing environments. The strained atmosphere within these prisons often contributes to the deterioration of mental health, mostly those who may already be psychologically vulnerable. This paper aims to understand whether there exists a relationship between the built environment of prisons, particularly the central prisons of India and its effects on the mental health of inmates.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of literature reviews, the study parameters were found to be connectivity to nature, lighting, acoustics, colour, air quality and thermal comfort. The data collected through interviews and email correspondences with identified experts were analysed thematically using a deductive approach to derive a set of practical recommendations, which could be implemented in Indian prisons.

Findings

The built environment of prisons impacts the prison population by further contributing to depressive symptoms. The effects of the built space persist regardless of social factors. A well-designed environment is healthy for its occupants and would yield positive changes. However, it is not the sole contributor to depression; social interactions, prison management, societal acceptance and meaningful activities are equally relevant factors. The sole focus of this paper is the relationship between the built environment and the mental health of inmates.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of research into the intersection between prison architecture and the mental health of inmates in the Indian subcontinent. This paper that addresses the gap may have significant consequences on how criminal reform is perceived, and also encourage further research in this field.
Deterrents for corporate carbon disclosures: a study on Indian corporations using Grey-DEMATEL approach
Authors: Sharma Anil Kumar , Prashar Anupama , Sharma Ritu
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Globally, the landscape of corporate carbon disclosures (CCD) is continually evolving as societal, environmental and regulatory expectations change over time. The goal of this study is to examine the challenges faced by Indian firms’ corporate carbon reporting (CCR). The literature recognized the hurdles to reaching net zero emissions and decarbonization, which are equally applicable to carbon disclosure (CD).

Design/methodology/approach

The scope 3 emission disclosure barriers (S3EDBs) identified from the literature were ranked, and their relationships were discovered using the “Grey-based decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory” (Grey- DEMATEL) technique.

Findings

The key findings are the S3EDBs, the most prominent barriers, their interrelationships and important insights for managers of organizations in prioritizing the action area for scope 3 CD. Eight S3EDBs were categorized in terms of cause and effect, threshold value is calculated as 0.78. “Quality, and reliability of data,” “Government policies and statutory requirement on emission disclosure” and “Traceability and managing supply chain partners” are the most prominent S3EDBs.

Practical implications

The results will help industry people in countries with emerging economies that have significant scope 3 carbon footprints. The managers can plan to deal with top S3EDBs as a step towards decarbonization and ultimately fighting climate change (CC).

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to rank these barriers to CD so that industry practitioners can prioritize their actions. The core contribution of this research is to detect the most significant S3EDBs and their interdependencies.
Platform openness and value: the mediation effect of user interaction and psychological distance
Authors: Saucède Florent , Vidal David
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Linking platform governance and value, the article explains how platforms manage openness, which gives users access and authority, to shape the user experience and orchestrate interactive value co-creation within their ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

We adopted an abductive approach, drawing on an embedded multiple case study of platform-based local alternative food networks. The strong symbolic dimension embedded into that context allowed for a full exploration of value in its interactive nature.

Findings

Platform openness influences value creation directly, but also through two mechanisms: one behavioural, involving interactions between users and sides, and the other cognitive, involving users’ abstraction level. Value co-creation goes beyond the online space and occurs in complex sets of interactions between users. Digital platforms can thus generate intrinsic value co-creation that enhances their utility.

Originality/value

We have adopted a marketing channel theory reading of openness and mobilised a broader conception of value as well as cognitive science to explain how this key element of platform governance affects value creation.
Discriminations in remote work contexts: the pivotal role of diversity and equality management
Authors: Tommasi Francesco , Ceschi Andrea , Sartori Riccardo , Trifiletti Elena , Vignoli Michela , Dickert Stephan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

We examined the effect of management practices on overt and subtle forms of discrimination in remote working contexts. Management practices (i.e. diversity and equality management systems) may influence employees’ perception of the diversity climate and affect the occurrence of discrimination.

Design/methodology/approach

To empirically investigate these associations, we administrated an online questionnaire with self-report measures via a 3-wave longitudinal research design.

Findings

Data analysis of our sample of N = 153 remotely working employees show that when managers invest in equality and diversity practices, employees perceive their workplace as more inclusive (i.e. diversity climate). In turn, this reduces the occurrence of subtle discriminations. Conversely, this relationship was not significant for overt forms of discrimination.

Originality/value

This result indicates that creating a diversity climate is especially important when combatting subtle forms of discrimination in remote work contexts. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings in light of managerial studies on discrimination at work and psychological literature on virtual environment and social networking.
Understanding customer’s post-M&A intentions and behaviors: the role of the family business brand and previous reputation of the acquiring firm
Authors: Strano Sonia M. , Botero Isabel C. , Fediuk Tomasz A. , Pisano Vincenzo
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are a critical time for organizations and their consumers. For the company, there are many financial and non-financial risks. For customers, it requires deciding whether or not to continue the relationship that they had with the previous firm. This paper explores the extent to which communicating the family business (FB) brand, and the previous reputation of the acquirer affects customer perceptions and intentions after an M&A event.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected from 159 Italian participants. We used a 2 (Communication of FB brand: Yes vs. No) by 3 (Reputation: positive, neutral, negative) between subjects’ experiment to test how the communication of the FB brand and the reputation of the acquirer affected perceived trustworthiness and service quality, and how this, in turn, influenced customer purchase intentions.

Findings

We find that communicating the FB brand does not influence consumer perceptions and intentions toward the acquired company. However, the previous reputation of the acquiring firm is critical in influencing consumer perceptions and intentions to buy.

Originality/value

Our study continues the growing research on M&A in family firms. It also increases our understanding of the boundary conditions of the FB brand effects, and the relevance that the previous reputation of a family firm can have in M&A scenarios. Finally, our study introduces the “Halo” and “Velcro” effects into the FB literature.
Investigating the impact of adopting big data and data analytics on enhancing audit quality
Authors: Abdelwahed Ahmed Saad , Abu-Musa Ahmad Abd El Salam , Badawy Hebatallah Abd El Salam , Moubarak Hosam
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to empirically investigate the impact of adopting big data and data analytics (BD&A) on audit quality (AQ).

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was distributed among audit practitioners working at audit firms in Egypt and 205 responses were collected. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze and test research hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that BD&A has a direct significant positive effect on the audit process (AP) and auditor competence (AC). However, an insignificant impact of BD&A is found on audit fees (AF). In addition, the results indicate that BD&A has significant positive direct and indirect impacts on AQ.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study will benefit several auditing stakeholders, such as audit firms, audit regulators, novice financial auditors and academic scholars.

Originality/value

This research is one of the earliest to empirically address the role of BD&A in enhancing AQ. It incorporates AP, AC and AF as mediators into a single model to explain the impact of BD&A on AQ. Also, it attempts to provide empirical evidence from a developing country with a less-regulated audit environment.
Customer loyalty model in Islamic bank: mosque perspective
Authors: Iskandar Ahmad Syarief , Muhajir Muhammad Nur Alam , Erwin Erwin , Fasiha Fasiha
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to test the empirical Islamic bank customer loyalty model with the perspective of mosques as customers.

Design/methodology/approach

The type of research used is quantitative to collect data from mosque customers; 93 questionnaires were analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling.

Findings

This research found a significant relationship between service quality and perceived value, service quality and brand image, perceived value and customer satisfaction, brand image and customer loyalty and customer satisfaction with brand image.

Research limitations/implications

First, this study only collects data from certain organizations or communities so that further research can develop the model by adding several other communities or organizations. Second, this research does not include several other important variables that influence customer loyalty, such as product innovation and company capabilities.

Originality/value

Islamic bank customer loyalty models have been widely explored from the perspective of individual customers only. This research offers new attributes that influence customer loyalty models in the context of organizations or communities, namely, mosques.
The relationship between classroom racial/ethnic composition and teacher perceptions of work conditions
Authors: Barch Fabian , Cherng Hua-Yu Sebastian
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Prior research reveals that teachers have lower job satisfaction when they have more Black students, but this work does not consider how different aspects of work conditions – and the increasing diversity of students beyond a Black/White binary – may matter. This study aims to examine the relationship between teachers’ perceptions of work conditions and the racial/ethnic compositions of the classes they teach.

Design/methodology/approach

This study leverages data from the Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) study. Analyses consist of both descriptive statistics and multilevel regression modeling.

Findings

Findings show that teachers’ satisfaction with working conditions varies in relation to the racial/ethnic composition of their students. Increase in the percent of Black, Latinx and Asian American students in a teacher’s classroom, was associated with a decrease in satisfaction with community involvement and student behavior. For increase in Latinx and Asian American students, this study finds significant decrease in satisfaction with measures of pedagogical and job support. For measures of school leadership and responsiveness to professional development needs, this study sees no significant relationship, which suggests that perceptions of some working conditions are more strongly tied to classroom demographics than others.

Originality/value

This work adds nuance to previous research on teacher job satisfaction by exploring satisfaction with various working conditions and how it varies in relation to classroom racial composition. This study concludes with a discussion of potential explanations for observed differences in teacher satisfaction, as well as potential ways to address these differences.
From general AI to custom AI: the effects of generative conversational AI’s cognitive and emotional conversational skills on user's guidance
Authors: Wang Kun , Pan Zhao , Lu Yaobin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Generative conversational artificial intelligence (AI) demonstrates powerful conversational skills for general tasks but requires customization for specific tasks. The quality of a custom generative conversational AI highly depends on users’ guidance, which has not been studied by previous research. This study uses social exchange theory to examine how generative conversational AI’s cognitive and emotional conversational skills affect users’ guidance through different types of user engagement, and how these effects are moderated by users’ relationship norm orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data collected from 589 actual users using a two-wave survey, this study employed partial least squares structural equation modeling to analyze the proposed hypotheses. Additional analyses were performed to test the robustness of our research model and results.

Findings

The results reveal that cognitive conversational skills (i.e. tailored and creative responses) positively affected cognitive and emotional engagement. However, understanding emotion influenced cognitive engagement but not emotional engagement, and empathic concern influenced emotional engagement but not cognitive engagement. In addition, cognitive and emotional engagement positively affected users’ guidance. Further, relationship norm orientation moderated some of these effects such that the impact of user engagement on user guidance was stronger for communal-oriented users than for exchange-oriented users.

Originality/value

First, drawing on social exchange theory, this study empirically examined the drivers of users’ guidance in the context of generative conversational AI, which may enrich the user guidance literature. Second, this study revealed the moderating role of relationship norm orientation in influencing the effect of user engagement on users’ guidance. The findings will deepen our understanding of users’ guidance. Third, the findings provide practical guidelines for designing generative conversational AI from a general AI to a custom AI.
Damaging dichotomies and confounding contradictions in mental health inpatient nursing: lessons learned from Orwell’s 1984
Authors: Haslam Michael , Harding Keir
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This discursive paper considers the use of restrictive practices in mental health inpatient settings and how these are often prioritised over relational approaches, especially where the diagnostic label of personality disorder intersects with risk.

Design/methodology/approach

Key concepts from Orwell’s 1984 are studied for their pertinence to mental health inpatient settings, supporting our argument that restrictive practices arise from dichotomous thinking and externalised fears.

Findings

Drawing upon Orwellian themes of power, social control and digital surveillance from 1984, the authors highlight the role of fear in perpetuating restrictive practices under a guise of benevolent care in mental health inpatient settings, especially for those who are diagnosed with a personality disorder. A lack of preparedness to work with complexity in such environments, coupled with a deficit in self-reflexivity and critical thinking, can exacerbate challenges.

Research limitations/implications

To transcend damaging dichotomies and reduce restrictive practices in inpatient settings, the authors make the argument for the adequate preparation and education of the mental health nurse and authentic, collaborative, user-involved care.

Originality/value

The authors use Orwell’s novel to support a critical discourse around those damaging dichotomies and inherent contradictions that contribute to restrictive practice in contemporary mental health settings and to question whose interests’ these restrictive practices serve.
Understanding customer’s intention to adopt metaverse banking services in Pakistan: a qualitative study
Authors: Hassaan Muhammad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The emergence of metaverse banking services (MBS) enables customers to interact and socialise in a virtual environment. However, there is a lack of research on MBS adoption. This study aims to examine the key factors influencing customer behaviour in adopting MBS, with a specific focus on Pakistan as a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 Pakistani banking customers, and the resulting data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis using NVivo software.

Findings

This qualitative investigation into the determinants of MBS adoption encompasses a wide range of facilitators, inhibitors and customer resources. These findings ultimately contribute fresh perspectives to the field, challenging prevailing beliefs and offering new insights into the complex dynamics driving customer behaviour in the MBS context.

Research limitations/implications

Since this study only focused on Pakistan with a limited scope, future studies on MBS adoption would benefit from a comparative analysis across several countries, especially in Asian nations.

Practical implications

This study advances our understanding of MBS adoption by revealing key determinants of customer intentions. Moreover, it offers actionable guidance for banking professionals, marketers and policymakers to navigate the implementation of MBS and unlock promising avenues for growth and innovation.

Originality/value

The first scholarly inquiry into MBS adoption seeks to expand extant knowledge by elucidating customers' viewpoints, thereby revealing novel insights into the key factors that influence customer behaviour within the MBS landscape.
Finite-time error constraint control for multi-AUV systems with unknown uncertainties based on observer and tan-type barrier Lyapunov function
Authors: Sun Yanchao , Li Jiayu , Qin Hongde , Du Yutong
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is widely used in resource prospection and underwater detection due to its excellent performance. This study considers input saturation, nonlinear model uncertainties and external ocean current disturbances. The containment errors can be limited to a small neighborhood of zero in finite time by employing control strategy. The control strategy can keep errors within a certain range between the trajectory followed by AUVs and their intended targets. This can mitigate the issues of collisions and disruptions in communication which may arise from AUVs being in close proximity or excessively distant from each other.

Design/methodology/approach

The tracking errors are constrained. Based on the directed communication topology, a cooperative formation control algorithm for multi-AUV systems with constrained errors is designed. By using the saturation function, state observers are designed to estimate the AUV’s velocity in six degrees of freedom. A new virtual control algorithm is designed through combining backstepping technique and the tan-type barrier Lyapunov function. Neural networks are used to estimate and compensate for the nonlinear model uncertainties and external ocean current disturbances. A neural network adaptive law is designed.

Findings

The containment errors can be limited to a small neighborhood of zero in finite time so that follower AUVs can arrive at the convex hull consisting of leader AUVs within finite time. The validity of the results is indicated by simulations.

Originality/value

The state observers are designed to approximate the speed of the AUV and improve the accuracy of the control method. The anti-saturation function and neural network adaptive law are designed to deal with input saturation and general disturbances, respectively. It can ensure the safety and reliability of the multiple AUV systems.
Digital twin–driven optimization of laser powder bed fusion processes: a focus on lack-of-fusion defects
Authors: Malik Asad Waqar , Mahmood Muhammad Arif , Liou Frank
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to enhance the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing technique by addressing its susceptibility to defects, specifically lack of fusion. The primary goal is to optimize the LPBF process using a digital twin (DT) approach, integrating physics-based modeling and machine learning to predict the lack of fusion.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses finite element modeling to simulate the physics of LPBF for an AISI 316L stainless steel alloy. Various process parameters are systematically varied to generate a comprehensive data set that captures the relationship between factors such as power and scan speed and the quality of fusion. A novel DT architecture is proposed, combining a classification model (recurrent neural network) with reinforcement learning. This DT model leverages real-time sensor data to predict the lack of fusion and adjusts process parameters through the reinforcement learning system, ensuring the system remains within a controllable zone.

Findings

This study's findings reveal that the proposed DT approach successfully predicts and mitigates the lack of fusion in the LPBF process. By using a combination of physics-based modeling and machine learning, the research establishes an efficient framework for optimizing fusion in metal LPBF processes. The DT's ability to adapt and control parameters in real time, guided by machine learning predictions, provides a promising solution to the challenges associated with lack of fusion, potentially overcoming the traditional and costly trial-and-error experimental approach.

Originality/value

Originality lies in the development of a novel DT architecture that integrates physics-based modeling with machine learning techniques, specifically a recurrent neural network and reinforcement learning.