bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identify compound-protein interaction with knowledge graph embedding of perturbation transcriptomics
Authors: Ni Shengkun , Kong Xiangtai , Zhang Yingying , Chen Zhengyang , Wang Zhaokun , Fu Zunyun , Huo Ruifeng , Tong Xiaochu , Qu Ning , Wu Xiaolong , Wang Kun , Zhang Wei , Zhang Runze , Zhang Zimei , Shi Jiangshan , Wang Yitian , Yang Ruirui , Li Xutong , Zhang Sulin , Zheng Mingyue
Published: April 2024

The emergence of perturbation transcriptomics provides a new perspective and opportunity for drug discovery, but existing analysis methods suffer from inadequate performance and limited applicability. In this work, we present PertKGE, a method designed to improve compound-protein interaction with knowledge graph embedding of perturbation transcriptomics. PertKGE incorporates diverse regulatory elements and accounts for multi-level regulatory events within biological systems, leading to significant improvements compared to existing baselines in two critical “cold-start” settings: inferring binding targets for new compounds and conducting virtual ligand screening for new targets. We further demonstrate the pivotal role of incorporating multi- level regulatory events in alleviating dataset bias. Notably, it enables the identification of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 as the target responsible for the unique anti- tumor immunotherapy effect of tankyrase inhibitor K-756, and the discovery of five novel hits targeting the emerging cancer therapeutic target, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1B1, with a remarkable hit rate of 10.2%. These findings highlight the potential of PertKGE to accelerate drug discovery by elucidating mechanisms of action and identifying novel therapeutic compounds.
Building A Foundation Model for Drug Synergy Analysis Powered by Large Language Models
Authors: Liu Tianyu , Chu Tinyi , Luo Xiao , Zhao Hongyu
Published: April 2024

Drug synergy prediction is a challenging and important task in the treatment of complex diseases including cancer. In this manuscript, we present a novel Foundation Model, known as BAITSAO, for tasks related to drug synergy prediction with a unified pipeline to handle different datasets. We construct the training datasets for BAITSAO based on the context-enriched embeddings from Large Language Models for the initial representation of drugs and cell lines. After demonstrating the relevance of these embeddings, we pre-train BAITSAO with a large-scale drug synergy database under a multi-task learning framework with rigorous selections of tasks. We demonstrate the superiority of the model architecture and the pre-trained strategies of BAITSAO over other methods through comprehensive benchmark analysis. Moreover, we investigate the sensitivity of BAITSAO and illustrate its unique functions including new drug discoveries, drug combinations-gene interaction, and multi-drug synergy predictions.
Chromosomal-level genome assembly and single-nucleotide polymorphism sites of black-faced spoonbillPlatalea minor
Authors:   Hong Kong Biodiversity Genomics Consortium, Hui Jerome H.L. , Chan Ting Fung , Chan Leo L. , Cheung Siu Gin , Cheang Chi Chiu , Fang James K.H. , Gaitan-Espitia Juan Diego , Lau Stanley C.K. , Sung Yik Hei , Wong Chris K.C. , Yip Kevin Y.L. , Wei Yingying , So Wai Lok , Nong Wenyan , Law Sean T.S. , Crow Paul , Leong Aiko , Rose-Jeffreys Liz , Yip Ho Yin
Published: April 2024

Platalea minor, the black-faced spoonbill (Threskiornithidae) is a wading bird that is confined to coastal areas in East Asia. Due to habitat destruction, it has been classified by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as globally endangered species. Nevertheless, the lack of its genomic resources hinders our understanding of their biology, diversity, as well as carrying out conservation measures based on genetic information or markers. Here, we report the first chromosomal-level genome assembly ofP. minorusing a combination of PacBio SMRT and Omni-C scaffolding technologies. The assembled genome (1.24 Gb) contains 95.33% of the sequences anchored to 31 pseudomolecules. The genome assembly also has high sequence continuity with scaffold length N50 = 53 Mb. A total of 18,780 protein-coding genes were predicted, and high BUSCO score completeness (93.7% of BUSCO metazoa_odb10 genes) was also revealed. A total of 6,155,417 bi-allelic SNPs were also revealed from 13P. minorindividuals, accounting for ∼5% of the genome. The resource generated in this study offers the new opportunity for studying the black-faced spoonbill, as well as carrying out conservation measures of this ecologically important spoonbill species.
High-Dimensional Imaging of Vestibular Schwannoma Reveals Distinctive Immunological Networks Across Histomorphic Niches inNF2-related Schwannomatosis
Authors: Jones Adam P. , Haley Michael J. , Gregory Grace E. , Hannan Cathal J. , Simmons Ana K. , Bere Leoma D. , Lewis Daniel G. , Oliveira Pedro , Smith Miriam J. , King Andrew T. , Evans D Gareth R. , Paszek Pawel , Brough David , Pathmanaban Omar N. , Couper Kevin N.
Published: April 2024

NF2-related Schwannomatosis (NF2SWN) is a rare tumour-predisposition syndrome characterised by the growth of multiple central and peripheral nervous system neoplasms. The drivers ofNF2SWN are pathogenic variants in the tumour suppressor geneNF2, encoding the protein Merlin, leading to development of bilateral vestibular schwannoma (VS) in >95% of patients. VS tumours are characterised by infiltration of myeloid cells and lymphocytes, highlighting the potential of immunotherapy for VS. However, the immunological landscape in VS and the spatial determinants within the tumour microenvironment that shape the trajectory of disease are presently unknown. In this study, to elucidate the complex immunological networks across VS, we performed imaging mass cytometry (IMC) on clinically annotated VS samples fromNF2SWN patients. We reveal the heterogeneity in neoplastic cell, myeloid cell and T cell populations that co-exist within VS, determining that the cellular composition of VS tumours is independent ofNF2-SWN genetic severity. We show that distinct myeloid cell and Schwann cell populations exist within varied spatial contextures across characteristic Antoni A and B histomorphic niches. Interestingly, we show that T-cell populations associate with tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) in Antoni A regions, seemingly limiting their ability to interact with tumorigenic Schwann cells. This spatial landscape is altered in Antoni B regions, where T-cell populations appear to interact with PD-L1+ Schwann cells. We also demonstrate that prior bevacizumab treatment (VEGF-A antagonist) preferentially reduces alternatively-activated TAMs, whilst enhancing CD44 expression, in bevacizumab-treated tumours. Together, we describe niche-dependent modes of T-cell regulation inNF2SWN VS, indicating the potential for microenvironment-altering therapies for VS.

Teaser

Imaging mass cytometry and spatial omic analyses illustrate spatially-distinct regions of T-cell regulation in vestibular schwannoma.
Evaluation of the gene fusion landscape in early onset sporadic rectal cancer reveals association with chromatin architecture and genome stability
Authors: Gupta Asmita , Avadhanula Sumedha , Bashyam Murali D
Published: April 2024

Gene fusions represent a distinct class of structural variants identified frequently in cancer genomes across cancer types. Several gene fusions exhibit gain of oncogenic function and thus have been the focus of development of efficient targeted therapies. However, investigation of fusion landscape in early-onset sporadic rectal cancer, a poorly studied colorectal cancer subtype prevalent in developing countries, has not been performed. Here, we present a comprehensive landscape of gene fusions in EOSRC and CRC using patient derived tumor samples and data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, respectively. Gene Ontology analysis revealed enrichment of unique biological process terms associated with 5'- and 3'- fusion partner genes. Extensive network analysis highlighted genes exhibiting significant promiscuity in fusion formation and their association with chromosome fragile sites. Investigation of fusion formation in the context of global chromatin architecture unravelled a novel mode of gene activation that arose from fusion between genes located in orthogonal chromatin compartments. The study provides novel evidence linking fusions to genome stability and architecture and unearthed a hitherto unidentified mode of gene activation in cancer.
MetaSpread: A cancer growth and metastatic spread simulation program in Python
Authors: Hernández-Inostroza Alfredo , Gjini Erida
Published: April 2024

We develop and provide MetaSpread, an open-source simulation package and interactive program in Python for tumor growth and metastatic spread, based on a mathematical model by Franssen et al. (2019). This paper proposed a hybrid modeling and computational framework where cellular growth and metastatic spread are described and simulated in a spatially explicit manner, accounting for stochastic individual cell dynamics and deterministic dynamics of abiotic factors. This model incorporates several key processes such as the growth and movement of epithelial and mesenchymal cells, the role of the extracellular matrix, diffusion, haptotaxis, circulation and survival of cancer cells in the vasculature, and seeding and growth in secondary sites. In the software that we develop, these growth and metastatic dynamics are programmed using MESA, a Python Package for Agent-based modeling (Masad & Kazil, 2015).
Fibroblast Stromal Support Model for Predicting Human Papillomavirus-Associated Cancer Drug Responses
Authors: James Claire D. , Lewis Rachel L. , Fakunmoju Alexis L. , Witt Austin J. , Youssef Aya H. , Wang Xu , Rais Nabiha M. , Tadimari Prabhakar Apurva , Machado J. Mathew , Otoa Raymonde , Bristol Molly L.
Published: April 2024

Currently, there are no specific antiviral therapeutic approaches targeting Human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which cause around 5% of all human cancers. Specific antiviral reagents are particularly needed for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers (HPV+OPCs) whose incidence is increasing and for which there are no early diagnostic tools available. We and others have demonstrated that the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is overexpressed in HPV+OPCs, compared to HPV-negative cancers in this region, and that these elevated levels are associated with an improved disease outcome. Utilizing this HPV+specific overexpression profile, we previously demonstrated that estrogen attenuates the growth and cell viability of HPV+keratinocytes and HPV+cancer cellsin vitro. Expansion of this workin vivofailed to replicate this sensitization. The role of stromal support from the tumor microenvironment (TME) has previously been tied to both the HPV lifecycle andin vivotherapeutic responses. Our investigations revealed thatin vitroco-culture with fibroblasts attenuated HPV+specific estrogen growth responses. Continuing to monopolize on the HPV+specific overexpression of ERα, our co-culture models then assessed the suitability of the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), raloxifene and tamoxifen, and showed growth attenuation in a variety of our models to one or both of these drugsin vitro.Utilization of these SERMsin vivoclosely resembled the sensitization predicted by our co-culture models. Therefore, thein vitrofibroblast co-culture model better predictsin vivoresponses. We propose that utilization of our co-culturein vitromodel can accelerate cancer therapeutic drug discovery.

Importance

Human papillomavirus-related cancers (HPV+cancers) remain a significant public health concern, and specific clinical approaches are desperately needed. In translating drug response data fromin vitrotoin vivo, the fibroblasts of the adjacent stromal support network play a key role. Our study presents the utilization of a fibroblast 2D co-culture system to better predict translational drug assessments for HPV+cancers. We also suggest that this co-culture system should be considered for other translational approaches. Predicting even a portion of treatment paradigms that may failin vivowith a co-culture model will yield significant time, effort, resource, and cost efficiencies.
Bayesian Selection of Relaxed-clock Models: Distinguishing Between Independent and Autocorrelated Rates
Authors: Panchaksaram Muthukumaran , Freitas Lucas , dos Reis Mario
Published: April 2024

In Bayesian molecular-clock dating of species divergences, rate models are used to construct the prior on the molecular evolutionary rates for branches in the phylogeny, with independent and autocorrelated rate models being commonly used. The two classes of models, however, can result in markedly different divergence time estimates for the same dataset, and thus selecting the best rate model appears important for obtaining reliable inferences of divergence times. However, the properties of Bayesian rate model selection are not well understood, in particular when the number of sequence partitions analysed increases and when age calibrations (such as fossil calibrations) are misspecified. Furthermore, Bayesian rate model selection is computationally expensive as it requires calculation of marginal likelihoods by MCMC sampling, and therefore methods that can speed up the model selection procedure without compromising its accuracy are desirable. In this study, we use a combination of computer simulations and real data analysis to investigate the statistical behaviour of Bayesian rate model selection and we also explore approximations of the likelihood to improve computational efficiency in large phylogenomic datasets. Our simulations demonstrate that the posterior probability for the correct rate model converges to one as more molecular sequence partitions are analysed and when no calibrations are used, as expected due to asymptotic Bayesian model selection theory. Furthermore, we also show the model selection procedure is robust to slight misspecification of calibrations, and reliable inference of the correct rate model is possible in this case. However, we show that when calibrations are seriously misspecified, calculated model probabilities are completely wrong and may converge to one for the wrong rate model. Finally, we demonstrate that approximating the phylogenetic likelihood under an arcsine branch-length transform can dramatically reduce the computational cost of rate model selection without compromising accuracy. We test the approximate procedure on two large phylogenies of primates (372 species) and flowering plants (644 species), replicating results obtained on smaller datasets using exact likelihood. Our findings and methodology can assist users in selecting the optimal rate model for estimating times and rates along the Tree of Life.
Expanding the cultivated human archaeome by targeted isolation of novelMethanobrevibacterstrains from fecal samples
Authors: Duller Stefanie , Vrbancic Simone , Szydłowski Łukasz , Mahnert Alexander , Blohs Marcus , Predl Michael , Kumpitsch Christina , Zrim Verena , Högenauer Christoph , Kosciolek Tomasz , Schmitz Ruth A. , Eberhard Anna , Dragovan Melanie , Schmidberger Laura , Zurabischvili Tamara , Weinberger Viktoria , Moser Adrian Mathias , Kolb Dagmar , Pernitsch Dominique , Mohammadzadeh Rokhsareh , Kühnast Torben , Rattei Thomas , Moissl-Eichinger Christine
Published: April 2024

Archaea are integral components of the human microbiome but persist as understudied entities within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), primarily due to the lack of cultured representatives for comprehensive mechanistic investigations. With only fourMethanobrevibacter smithiiisolates from humans available according to the Global Catalogue of Microorganisms (GCM), the existing cultures fail to adequately represent the observed diversity, as underscored by recent findings.

This study introduces a targeted cultivation method for enriching methanogenic archaea from human fecal samples. Applied to 16 stool samples from healthy and diseased donors, the method aimed to genomically characterize the archaeal cultures and establish correlations with gastrointestinal disorders. The procedure combines methane breath testing,in silicometabolic modelling, media optimization, FACS, dilution series, and genomic sequencing through Nanopore technology. Additional analyses include co-cultured bacteriome, comparative genomics of archaeal genomes, functional comparisons, and structure-based protein function prediction of unknown differential traits.

Successful establishment of stable archaeal cultures from 14 out of 16 fecal samples yielded nine previously uncultivated strains, eight of which were absent from a recent archaeome genome catalog. Comparative genomic and functional assessments ofMethanobrevibacter smithiiandCandidatusMethanobrevibacter intestini strains from diverse participant cohorts revealed features potentially associated with gastrointestinal diseases.

This work substantially broadens the scope of available archaeal representatives for functional and mechanistic studies in the human GIT. The established protocol facilitates the cultivation of methanogenic archaea from nearly every human fecal sample, offering insights into the adaptability ofCandidatusMethanobrevibacter intestini genomes in critical microbiome situations.
Optogenetic control of Nodal signaling patterns
Authors: McNamara Harold M. , Jia Bill Z. , Guyer Alison , Parot Vicente J. , Dobbs Caleb , Schier Alexander F. , Cohen Adam E. , Lord Nathan D.
Published: April 2024

A crucial step in early embryogenesis is the establishment of spatial patterns of signaling activity. Tools to perturb morphogen signals with high resolution in space and time can help reveal how embryonic cells decode these signals to make appropriate fate decisions. Here, we present new optogenetic reagents and an experimental pipeline for creating designer Nodal signaling patterns in live zebrafish embryos. Nodal receptors were fused to the light-sensitive heterodimerizing pair Cry2/CIB1N, and the Type II receptor was sequestered to the cytosol. The improved optoNodal2 reagents eliminate dark activity and improve response kinetics, without sacrificing dynamic range. We adapted an ultra-widefield microscopy platform for parallel light patterning in up to 36 embryos and demonstrated precise spatial control over Nodal signaling activity and downstream gene expression. Patterned Nodal activation drove precisely controlled internalization of endodermal precursors. Further, we used patterned illumination to generate synthetic signaling patterns in Nodal signaling mutants, rescuing several characteristic developmental defects. This study establishes an experimental toolkit for systematic exploration of Nodal signaling patterns in live embryos.
Undulator linear taper control at the European X-Ray Free-Electron Laser facility
Authors: Tomin Sergey , Kaiser Jan , Lockmann Nils Maris , Wohlenberg Torsten , Zagorodnov Igor
Published: April 2024

Undulator tapering controls the resonance properties of the free-electron laser (FEL) amplification process. Wakefield energy losses in an undulator’s vacuum chamber are one of the factors that determine the undulator’s linear taper. While another contribution to energy losses, namely the losses due to spontaneous radiation, can be calculated analytically, estimating wakefield energy losses requires detailed knowledge of the chamber geometry and the electron beam current profile. We introduce a method for the automatic estimation of wakefield energy losses, which leverages noninvasive THz diagnostics, a current profile reconstruction algorithm enhanced with machine learning, and a recently developed analytical wakefield function for the European XFEL’s undulator beamline. The correctness of this method was validated by directly measuring wakefield-induced electron beam energy losses in the undulator section. This, in turn, enables the prediction of the optimal linear taper in the undulator.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Renormalization group improvement for thermally resummed effective potential
Authors: Funakubo Koichi , Senaha Eibun
Published: April 2024

We propose a novel method for renormalization group improvement of thermally resummed effective potential. In our method, β-functions are temperature dependent as a consequence of the divergence structure in resummed perturbation theory. In contrast to the ordinary MS¯ scheme, the renormalization group invariance of the resummed finite-temperature effective potential holds order by order, which significantly mitigates a notorious renormalization scale dependence of phase transition quantities such as a critical temperature even at the one-loop order. We also devise a tractable method that enables one to incorporate temperature-dependent higher-order corrections by fully exploiting the renormalization group invariance.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
How mutation accumulation depends on the structure of the cell lineage tree
Authors: Derényi Imre , Demeter Márton C. , Pérez-Jiménez Mario , Grajzel Dániel , Szöllősi Gergely J.
Published: April 2024

All the cells of a multicellular organism are the product of cell divisions that trace out a single binary tree, the so-called cell lineage tree. Because cell divisions are accompanied by replication errors, the shape of the cell lineage tree is a key determinant of how somatic evolution, which can potentially lead to cancer, proceeds. Carcinogenesis requires the accumulation of a certain number of driver mutations. By mapping the accumulation of mutations into a graph theoretical problem, we present an exact numerical method to calculate the probability of collecting a given number of mutations and show that for low mutation rates it can be approximated with a simple analytical formula, which depends only on the distribution of the lineage lengths, and is dominated by the longest lineages. Our results are crucial in understanding how natural selection can shape the cell lineage trees of multicellular organisms and curtail somatic evolution.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
U(2) Is Right for Leptons and Left for Quarks
Authors: Antusch Stefan , Greljo Admir , Stefanek Ben A. , Thomsen Anders Eller
Published: April 2024

We posit that the distinct patterns observed in fermion masses and mixings are due to a minimally broken U(2)q+e flavor symmetry acting on left-handed quarks and right-handed charged leptons, giving rise to an accidental U(2)5 symmetry at the renormalizable level without imposing selection rules on the Weinberg operator. We show that the symmetry can be consistently gauged by explicit examples and comment on realizations in SU(5) unification. Via a model-independent analysis of a standard model viewed as an effective field theory, we find that selection rules due to U(2)q+e enhance the importance of charged lepton flavor violation as a probe, where significant experimental progress is expected in the near future.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Substance-based and sequential reasoning about current: An example from a bulb-ranking task using a resources theoretical lens
Authors: Bauman Lauren C. , Huỳnh Trà , Robertson Amy D.
Published: April 2024

Literature on student ideas about circuits largely focuses on misunderstandings and difficulties, with seminal papers framing student thinking as stable, difficult to change, and connected to incorrect ontological categorizations of current as a thing rather than a process. In this paper, we analyzed 417 student responses to a conceptual question about electric circuits using a lens consistent with resources theory. We found that though indicators of substance-based reasoning about current are common in student responses, this reasoning is not predictive of other difficulties reported in the literature, such as “current is consumed” or “the battery is a constant source of current.” We also found that students use substance-based reasoning in resourceful ways, suggesting that substance-based reasoning may in fact be a productive starting place for instruction on circuits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Entanglement spectroscopy of anomalous surface states
Authors: Dey Arjun , Mross David F.
Published: April 2024

We study the entanglement spectra of surface states of symmetry-protected topological phases. The topological bulk imprints the surface with an anomaly that does not permit it to form a trivial “vacuum” state that is gapped, unfractionalized, and symmetry preserving. Any surface wave function encodes the topology of the underlying bulk in addition to a specific surface phase. We show that the real-space entanglement spectrum of such surface wave functions are dominated by the bulk topology and do not readily permit identifying the surface phase. We thus use a modified form of entanglement spectra that incorporates the anomaly and argue that they correspond to physical edge states between different surface states. We support these arguments by explicit analytical and numerical calculations for free and interacting surfaces of three-dimensional topological insulators of electrons.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effect of visualization of production process on consumers’ purchase intentions in farmer-assisted livestreaming
Authors: Li Jie , Tao Zui , Aisihaer Nadilai
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study investigates whether the visualization of agricultural products influences consumers’ purchase intentions in the context of farmer-assisted livestreaming in China. Moreover, it explores the moderating effect of packaging functionality and the mediating effect of consumer trust.

Design/methodology/approach

Consumers in China from multiple social media platforms participated in this survey, which yielded 333 valid responses for analysis.

Findings

The results revealed a positive relationship between the video presentation about the agricultural production process and consumers’ purchase intention, which is mediated by consumers’ trust. Meanwhile, packaging functionality moderates the relationship between agricultural product visualization and consumers’ purchase intentions as well as the indirect effect of consumers’ trust.

Originality/value

This study extends the application of the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model to the field of farmer-assisted livestreaming. By building a more detailed model, this study adds to knowledge on the influencing mechanisms of consumers’ purchase intentions in farmer-assisted livestreaming.
Do foreign direct investment inflows affect tax revenue in developed and developing countries?
Authors: ALshubiri Faris
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows on tax revenue in 34 developed and developing countries from 2006 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

Feasible generalised least squares (FGLS), a dynamic panel of a two-step system generalised method of moments (GMM) system and a pool mean group (PMG) panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach were used to compare the developed and developing countries. Basic estimators were used as pre-estimators and diagnostic tests were used to increase robustness.

Findings

The FGLS, a two-step system of GMM, PMG–ARDL estimator’s results showed that there was a significant negative long and positive short-term in most countries relationship between FDI inflows and tax revenue in developed countries. This study concluded that attracting investments can improve the quality of institutions despite high tax rates, leading to low tax revenue. Meanwhile, there was a significant positive long and negative short-term relationship between FDI inflows and tax revenue in the developing countries. The developing countries sought to attract FDI that could be used to create job opportunities and transfer technology to simultaneously develop infrastructure and impose a tax policy that would achieve high tax revenue.

Originality/value

The present study sheds light on the effect of FDI on tax revenue and compares developed and developing countries through the design and implementation of policies to create jobs, transfer technology and attain economic growth in order to assure foreign investors that they would gain continuous high profits from their investments.
Toward an alternative measure of board diversity: an exploratory study on board polarization in German stock exchange-listed companies
Authors: Valentowitsch Johann , Kindig Michael , Burr Wolfgang
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The effects of board composition on performance have long been discussed in management research using fractionalization measures. In this study, we propose an alternative measurement approach based on board polarization.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an exploratory analysis and applying the polarization measure to German Deutscher Aktienindex (DAX)-, Midcap-DAX (MDAX)- and Small Cap-Index (SDAX)-listed companies, this paper applies the polarization index to examine the relationship between board diversity and performance.

Findings

The results show that the polarization concept is well suited to measure principal-agent problems between the members of the management and supervisory boards. We reveal that board polarization is negatively associated with firm performance, as measured by return on investment (ROI).

Originality/value

This exploratory study shows that the measurement of board polarization can be linked to performance differences between companies, which offers promising starting points for further research.
The relationship between abusive supervision and job satisfaction and turnover intentions: the moderating role of employee depression
Authors: Singh Riann , Deonarine Vimal , Balwant Paul , Ramdeo Shalini
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Using the lenses of social exchange and reactance theories, this study examines the relationships between abusive supervision and both turnover intentions and job satisfaction. The moderating role of employee depression in the relationship between abusive supervision and these specific work outcomes is also investigated, by incorporating the conservation of resources theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data were collected from a sample of 221 frontline retail employees, across shopping malls in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad. A 3-step multiple hierarchical regression analysis was performed to test the relationships.

Findings

The findings provided support for the propositions that abusive supervision predicts job satisfaction and turnover intentions, respectively. Employee depression moderated the relationship between abusive supervision and job satisfaction but did not moderate the relationship between abusive supervision and turnover intentions.

Originality/value

While existing research has explored the relationships between abusive supervision, job satisfaction and turnover intentions, limited studies have investigated the moderating role of employee depression. This study contributes to understanding this pervasive workplace issue by investigating a relatively unexplored moderating effect.
Assessing self-efficacy in interdisciplinary learning experiences and the effects of career-related predictors
Authors: Huang Chi-Jung , Kueh Ling-ling , Wang Hsiang-Wen , Hung Hsuan , Wang Hui-Hsin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study explores the extent of undergraduate students' engagement in interdisciplinary learning experiences across their academic journey and its potential correlation with elevated levels of self-efficacy in learning. Furthermore, the research investigates how the clarity of career decisions and future goals contributes to the perception of relevance, value and alignment of interdisciplinary learning experiences among undergraduate students.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire in a longitudinal survey administered annually to undergraduate students at a university in northern Taiwan over four waves from 2018 to 2021. The sample analyzed for this study consisted of 123 undergraduate students who willingly and continuously participated in the research throughout the specified period.

Findings

The results showed that self-efficacy within interdisciplinary learning experiences could be classified into three clusters: high efficacy, moderate efficacy and fluctuating efficacy. The determinants influencing these clusters include career decisions and years spent in university. Undergraduate students who have determined their career decisions and are in their latter two years of undergraduate studies demonstrate higher self-efficacy in interdisciplinary learning. Conversely, students who have yet to determine their career decisions exhibit a fluctuating pattern of self-efficacy across the three interdisciplinary learning categories.

Research limitations/implications

Two key limitations of this research include a small sample size and a confined university-specific context, potentially constraining the applicability of the results to a broader population.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the interdisciplinary learning experience in higher education by explaining the significance of undergraduates' self-efficacy and career-related factors. Whereas most research has focused on the effects of self-efficacy, this study investigated the factors that influence undergraduates' self-efficacy.
Internationalization strategies for non-Western higher educational institutions: a systematic literature review and conceptual framework
Authors: Avolio Beatrice , Benzaquen Jorge
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Internationalization has been a paramount objective for higher education institutions (HEIs) for decades. However, the landscape of education underwent significant transformation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to altered contexts, challenges and opportunities for HEI internationalization. This paper aims to critically evaluate the dimensions of internationalization strategies in HEIs and the opportunities within each dimension. Adopting a reflexive approach, the study focused on non-Western HEIs, recognizing the diverse approaches to internationalization within higher education contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, this paper covered 74 articles published in Web of Science database from January 2019 to December 2023.

Findings

The study organized dimensions related to internationalization strategies in non-Western HEIs, offering a comprehensive framework comprising six dimensions: students, programs, faculty, research, international ventures and other sources; and nine internationalization facilitators: international partnerships, funding, government education, international policies, technology, internationalization culture, diversity and inclusion, staff competence and attitude, student/faculty engagement, intercultural experience and satisfaction, English as a medium of instruction (EMI), and knowledge transfer mechanisms. Furthermore, the study delineated strategies within each dimension and highlighted prevalent performance indicators utilized by HEIs.

Originality/value

The study’s primary contribution is a conceptual framework designed to assist HEI directors and academics. This framework delves into dimensions, strategies and indicators of internationalization particularly relevant in the post-pandemic era.
Navigating the path to carbon efficiency: an integrated analysis of institutional quality, fossil fuel efficiency, structural changes and renewable energy in India's sustainability journey
Authors: Ganie Anam Ul Haq , Ahmad Masroor
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of institutional quality (IQ), fossil fuel efficiency, structural change and renewable energy (RE) consumption on carbon efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses an econometric approach, more specifically the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model, to examine the relationship between structural change, RE consumption, IQ, fossil fuel efficiency and carbon efficiency in India from 1996 to 2019.

Findings

This study finds the positive contributions of variables like fossil fuel efficiency, technological advancement, structural transformation, IQ and increased RE consumption in fostering environmental development through enhanced carbon efficiency. Conversely, this study emphasises the negative contribution of trade openness on carbon efficiency. These findings provide concise insights into the dynamics of factors impacting carbon efficiency in India.

Research limitations/implications

This study's exclusive focus on India limits the generalizability of findings. Future studies should include a broader range of variables impacting various nations' carbon efficiency. Furthermore, it is worth noting that this study examines renewable and fossil fuel efficiency aggregated. Future research endeavours could yield more specific policy insights by conducting analyses at a disaggregated level, considering individual energy sources such as wind, solar, coal and oil. Understanding how the efficiency of each energy source influences carbon efficiency could lead to more targeted and practical policy recommendations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study addresses a significant gap in the existing literature by being the first empirical investigation into the effects of IQ, fossil fuel efficiency, structural change and RE consumption on carbon efficiency. Unlike prior research, the authors consider a comprehensive IQ index, providing a more holistic perspective. The use of a comprehensive composite index for IQ, coupled with the focus on fossil fuel efficiency and structural change, distinguishes this study from previous research, contributing valuable insights into the intricate dynamics shaping India's path towards enhanced carbon efficiency, an area relatively underexplored in the existing literature.
Surviving crisis after crisis: strengths and gaps in support for Syrian refugee families living in Lebanon
Authors: Badawi Dena , Akesson Bree
Published: April 2024

Purpose

As host to over one million Syrian refugees, Lebanon continues to experience challenges addressing the needs of refugee families. This research examined the experiences of Syrian families with the refugee support system in Lebanon. The purpose of this study was to better understand the strengths and gaps in existing mechanisms of support for these Syrian families, including informal support from family, neighbors and community and more formalized support provided through entities such as nongovernmental organizations and United Nations agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 46 families displaced by the war and living in Lebanon (N = 351 individuals within 46 families). Collaborative family interviews were conducted with parents, children and often extended family.

Findings

The data identified both strengths and gaps in the refugee support system in Lebanon. Gaps in the refugee support system included inadequate housing, a lack of financial and economic support, challenges with a lack of psychosocial support for pregnant women and support for disabled youth. Despite these challenges, families and community workers reported informal community support as a strong mediator of the challenges in Lebanon. Furthermore, the data find that organizations working with Syrian families are utilizing informal community support through capacity building, to create more effective and sustainable support services.

Originality/value

This study provides an overview of strengths and gaps in supports identified by refugees themselves. The research will inform the development and improvement of better support systems in Lebanon and in other refugee–hosting contexts.
Examining how and why service quality fosters patients’ revisit intentions: evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Pervaiz Sundas , Javed Usman , Rajput Amir , Shafique Shoaib , Tasneem Rabia
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Drawing upon the stimulus-organism-response model, this study aims to explore the impact of soft aspects of service quality on revisit intention through the mechanism of perceived empathy.

Design/methodology/approach

For the examination of the hypothesized relationships, the study adopts structural equation modelling to analyse the data of 562 respondents (i.e. 281 family members and 281 inpatients).

Findings

The empirical results suggest that service quality increased family member empathy perception, which, in turn, improved inpatients’ revisit intentions.

Originality/value

Past studies have focused on the roles of overall service quality. The authors have extended the literature by examining the specific but important aspect of service quality and its effects on emotional response. Importantly, the study explains that the affective reactions of a patient’s family, fastened with perceived empathy, have a central role in influencing the patients’ subsequent reactions. Moreover, the prior studies collected the data either from hospital employees or patients. However, in the present study, the authors used a unique sample (family members as well as patients) to have a deeper understanding. Thus, the study enhances the literature on the stimuli-response (i.e. service quality – revisit intentions) relationship in the context of service marketing in general and health care in specific. Important academic and managerial contributions and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Delivering trust: how food safety performance drives loyalty across the online ordering journey
Authors: Hoyos Vallejo Carlos Arturo , Chinelato Flavia Braga
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This research delineates the interdependencies between e-service quality (e-SQ), product quality (PQ) and food biosafety measures (FBM) in shaping consumer satisfaction and loyalty within the online food delivery services (OFDS) landscape. Anchored by the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the study integrates these frameworks to examine how perceived service efficiency, reliability, product appeal and biosafety protocols contribute to overall consumer trust and repurchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were conducted on several 100 online food delivery app users, ages 20 to 64, in major cities in Colombia, which provided data for structural equation modeling analysis.

Findings

The analysis revealed that reliable, responsive service and appealing food presentation significantly influence consumer perceptions of behind-the-scenes safety protocols during delivery. Strict standards around mitigating contamination risks and verifiable handling at each point further engender trust in the platform and intentions to repurchase among users. The data cement proper food security as pivotal for customer retention.

Practical implications

Quantitatively confirming biosafety’s rising centrality provides an impetus for platforms to integrate and promote integrity, safety and traceability protection as a competitive differentiator.

Originality/value

The study’s originality lies in its comprehensive exploration of the OFDS quality attributes and their direct impact on consumer loyalty. Besides, it offers valuable insights for both academic and practical implications in enhancing service delivery and marketing strategies.
Esports for development? Exploring esports player profiles and their development and well-being outcomes
Authors: Choi Wonjun , Jang Wooyoung (William) , Song Hyunseok , Kim Min Jung , Lee Wonju , Byon Kevin K.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to identify subgroups of esports players based on their gaming behavior patterns across game genres and compare self-efficacy, social efficacy, loneliness and three dimensions of quality of life between these subgroups.

Design/methodology/approach

324 participants were recruited from prolific academic to complete an online survey. We employed latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify subgroups of esports players based on their behavioral patterns across genres. Additionally, a one-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was conducted to test the association between cluster memberships and development and well-being outcomes, controlling for age and gender as covariates.

Findings

LPA analysis identified five clusters (two single-genre gamer groups, two multigenre gamer groups and one all-genre gamer group). Univariate analyses indicated the significant effect of the clusters on social efficacy, psychological health and social health. Pairwise comparisons highlighted the salience of the physical enactment-plus-sport simulation genre group in these outcomes.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of the development and well-being benefits experienced by various esports consumers, as well as the role of specific gameplay in facilitating targeted outcomes among these consumer groups.
Effects of Spectrum Loading and break in period using molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) and zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) as EP additives in lithium based grease
Authors: Nehme Gabi N. , Nehme Najat G.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of variable loading conditions (392 N-785N-392N-785N) with break-in period were used to study interactions between zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) 0.1 P% (phosphorus) and fine-grade molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) 3%, in different mixtures of NLGI 2 lithium stearate grease. Four-ball wear tests were used to evaluate the tribological properties of different grease mixtures such as coefficient of friction and wear. ASTM 2266 as reported by earlier studies is useful, but it is not representative of real-life applications where variable loads and speeds and different break-in periods play a role and could change the results and the nature of tribofilms.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, chemical and mechanical properties of tribofilms were examined. Moreover, design of experiment was used to examine the data and shorten experimentation time. Research described here is investigating variable loading conditions for real-life applications by using a break-in period of 2 min at the start to minimize asperities and establish a clean surface. Design expert (DOE) analyzes responses to reveal those variables that are single factor and those that are multifactor whether synergistically or antagonistically.

Findings

The results indicated that spectrum loading with break-in period showed reduction in wear when tested in greases with ZDDP/MoS2 combinations. Ramping up or down the load every 7.5 min for a rotational speed of 1,200 rpm and a total of 36,000 revolutions or 30-min time slowed the wear properties of lithium-based grease under different MoS2 and ZDDP concentrations. Experiments indicated that wear was largely dependent on the loading condition and ZDDP additives during specific break-in period at 1,200 rotational speed. It is believed that MoS2 greases perform better under spectrum loading and under constant loading when mixed with ZDDP phosphorus.

Originality/value

This research indicates that there is a synergistic interaction between ZDDP, MoS2 and variable loading especially when a break-in period is applied. The results indicated that wear was largely dependent on the specific speed used with spectrum loading as presented in the energy dispersive spectroscopy and the Auger electron spectroscopy analysis, and thus a 3% MoS2 grease with ZDDP (phosphorus: 0.1 Wt.%) are needed to improve the wear resistance and improve the friction characteristics.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2024-0016/