bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine Tuning Genetic Circuits via Host Context and RBS Modulation
Authors: Chan Dennis Tin Chat , Winter Lena , Bjerg Johan , Krsmanovic Stina , Baldwin Geoff S. , Bernstein Hans C.
Published: July 2024

The choice of organism to host a genetic circuit – the chassis – is often defaulted to model organisms due to their amenability. The chassis-design space has therefore remained underexplored as an engineering variable. In this work, we explored the design space of a genetic toggle switch through variations in nine ribosome binding sites compositions and three host contexts, creating 27 circuit variants. Characterization of performance metrics in terms of toggle switch output and host growth dynamics unveils a spectrum of performance profiles from our circuit library. We find that changes in host-context causes large shifts in overall performance, while modulating ribosome binding sites leads to more incremental changes. We find that a combined ribosome binding site and host-context modulation approach can be used to fine tune the properties of a toggle switch according to user-defined specifications, such as towards greater signaling strength, inducer sensitivity or both. Other auxiliary properties, such as inducer tolerance, are also exclusively accessed through changes in host-context. We demonstrate here that exploration of the chassis-design space can offer significant value, reconceptualizing the chassis-organism as an important part in the synthetic biologist’s toolbox with important implications for the field of synthetic biology.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Data sharing in cancer research: A qualitative study exploring community members’ preferences
Authors: Johnston Elizabeth A. , Bourdaniotis Xanthia E. , Ayre Susannah K. , Zajdlewicz Leah , Beesley Vanessa L. , Goodwin Belinda C.
Published: July 2024

Advancements in cancer treatment and survivorship rely on participation in research and access to health records. This study explored preferences for data access and sharing in 14 workshops with 42 community members, most of whom were a cancer survivor or carer. Various scenarios for data access and sharing were presented and discussed, with participants’ preferences summarized using descriptive statistics. Reasons underlying these preferences were identified through a thematic analysis of workshop transcripts. Most participants indicated a willingness for researchers to use their self-reported data and current health records for a specific research project (86%). Many were also willing for their self-reported data and current (62%) or all future (44%) heath records to be shared with other researchers for use in other studies if made aware of this. Willingness to consent to data access and sharing data in cancer research was influenced by: (i) the potential for data sharing to advance medical discoveries and benefit people impacted by cancer in the future, (ii) transparency around researchers’ credibility and their intentions for data sharing, (iii) level of ownership and control over data sharing, and (iv) protocols for privacy and confidentiality in data sharing. Based on these themes, we present practical strategies for optimizing data access and sharing in cancer research.
Systematic review of natural language processing (NLP) applications in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Authors: Mahmeed Gazal , Brin Dana , Konen Eli , Nadkarni Girish N , Klang Eyal
Published: July 2024

Background

As MRI use grows in medical diagnostics, applying NLP techniques could improve management of related text data. This review aims to explore how NLP can augment radiological evaluations in MRI.

Methods

We conducted a PubMed search for studies that applied NLP in the clinical analysis of MRI, including publications up to January 4, 2024. The quality and potential bias of the included studies were assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.

Results

Twenty-six studies published between April 2010 and January 2024, covering more than 160k MRI reports were analyzed. Most of these studies demonstrated low to no risk of bias of the NLP. Neurology was the most frequently studied specialty, with twelve studies, followed by musculoskeletal (MSK) and body imaging. Applications of NLP included staging, quantification, and disease diagnosis. Notably, NLP showed high precision in tumor staging classification and structuring of free-text reports.

Conclusion

NLP shows promise in enhancing the utility of MRI. However, there is a need for prospective studies to further validate NLP algorithms in real-time clinical and operational scenarios and across various radiology specialties, which could lead to broader applications in healthcare.
Computerized analysis of the eye vasculature in a mass dataset of digital fundus images: the example of age, sex and primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Fhima Jonathan , Eijgen Jan Van , Reiner-Benaim Anat , Beeckmans Lennert , Abramovich Or , Stalmans Ingeborg , Behar Joachim A.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To develop and validate an automated end-to-end methodology for analyzing retinal vasculature in large datasets of digital fundus images (DFIs), aiming to assess the influence of demographic and clinical factors on retinal microvasculature.

Design

This study employs a retrospective cohort design to achieve its objectives.

Participants

The research utilized a substantial dataset consisting of 115,237 digital fundus images obtained from individuals undergoing routine eye examinations. There was no inclusion of a separate control group in this study.

Methods

The proposed methodology integrates multiple stages: initial image quality assessment, detection of the optic disc, definition of the region of interest surrounding the optic disc, automated segmentation of retinal arterioles and venules, and the engineering of digital biomarkers representing vasculature characteristics. To analyze the impact of demographic variables (age, sex) and clinical factors (disc size, primary open-angle glaucoma [POAG]), statistical analyses were performed using linear mixed-effects models.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcomes measured were changes in the retinal vascular geometry. Special attention was given to evaluating the independent effects of age, sex, disc size, and POAG on the newly engineered microvasculature biomarkers.

Results

The analysis revealed significant independent similarities in retinal vascular geometry alterations associated with both advanced age and POAG. These findings suggest a potential mechanism of accelerated vascular aging in patients with POAG.

Conclusions

This novel methodology allows for the comprehensive and quantitative analysis of retinal vasculature, facilitating the investigation of its correlations with specific diseases. By enabling the reproducible analysis of extensive datasets, this approach provides valuable insights into the state of retinal vascular health and its broader implications for cardiovascular and ocular health. The software developed through this research will be made publicly available upon publication, offering a critical tool for ongoing and future studies in retinal vasculature.
HIGHLY CITED ARTICLES IN EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHIATRY: ASSESSMENT WITH A QUALITY AND ERROR RATING SCALE
Authors: Beyer Chad , Robinson Chanel , Stein Dan J.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Evolutionary psychiatry is a rapidly growing field that emphasizes the value of evolutionary explanations for traits that make individuals vulnerable to mental disorders. Some articles that apply evolutionary theory to psychiatric disorders make errors, such as viewing a disease as if it is an adaptation. We assessed the quantity of errors in the most widely cited articles on evolutionary psychiatry and its relationship to citation frequency

Methods

Two reviewers searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar on September 8, 2023, using specific search terms related to “evolution” and “psychiatry”, in order to find the most highly cited articles in the field. Based on the work of Nesse, we developed a measure for assessing the number of errors and overall quality in evolutionary psychiatry articles. We applied the measure to the 20 most highly cited articles, and calculated the correlations between article quality and number of errors with number of citations.

Results

Twenty highly cited articles, with a mean citation count of 758.95 and publication year range from 1964 to 2011, were rated. While the most highly cited articles had good quality on average, they also made important errors. There was no significant correlation of article quality or article errors and citation count.

Conclusion

Highly cited articles in evolutionary psychiatry demonstrated strengths but also exhibited weaknesses. The lack of a relationship of quality and error scores with citation rates suggests that other factors influence such citations. Future research should focus on achieving consensus on how best to assess the quality of evolutionary psychiatry articles and on what errors should be avoided.
Initial Treatment of Glaucoma with Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty: Economic Impact from the Perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System
Authors: Tavares Ivan M. , Hirai Flavio E. , Landim Diogo F. C. , Zucchi Paola
Published: July 2024

Objective

To evaluate the economic impact on the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) of the initial treatment of glaucoma in two scenarios: (1) the traditional continuous clinical treatment with hypotensive eye drops and (2) the single treatment with Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty.

Methods

Economic impact analysis was conducted in three scenarios, from the least to the most conservative, for the two initial treatment methods for open-angle glaucoma in a hypothetical cohort of 5,000 individuals. Projections were then made based on a prevalence of 3% of the Brazilian population in 2021.

Results

All three scenarios analyzed showed a significantly lower economic impact for Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty on the Brazilian Public Health System over one to five years, with a favorable difference of more than 8 billion US dollars over five years when considering 3% of the Brazilian population over 40 years old in 2021.

Conclusion

The economic impact on the Brazilian Public Health System was lower for Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty compared to the use of latanoprost and timolol maleate eye drops as the initial treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma in all scenarios studied over one and five-year periods.
Identification of novel human 15-lipoxygenase-2 (h15-LOX-2) inhibitors using a virtual screening approach
Authors: Viviani Lucas Gasparello , Iijima Thais Satie , Piccirillo Erika , de Rezende Leandro , Alegria Thiago Geronimo Pires , Netto Luis Eduardo Soares , do Amaral Antonia Tavares , Miyamoto Sayuri
Published: July 2024

The human 15-lipoxygenase-2 (h15-LOX-2) is a non-heme iron-containing enzyme that catalyzes the regio- and stereospecific oxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly arachidonic acid, and is implicated in the biosynthesis of pro- and anti-inflammatory lipid mediators. The biological roles of h15-LOX-2 have not been completely unveiled, but it has been suggested that high expression levels of h15-LOX-2 are related to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and of some types of cancer. Inhibitors of h15-LOX-2 might be helpful for a deeper understanding of its roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes, in addition to representing potential drug candidates for treating human diseases. Nevertheless, only a few h15-LOX-2 inhibitors have been reported in the literature to date. Here, aiming to search for novel h15-LOX-2 inhibitors, we used a virtual screening (VS) approach, consisting of four consecutive filters (shape-based matching, 2D structural “dissimilarity”, docking, and careful visual inspection), which were applied to a “curated” version of the ZINC database, pre-filtered for potential drug-like compounds. Six novel h15- LOX-2 inhibitors, with inhibitory potencies in the micromolar range, were identified. Kivalues were determined for two inhibitors, compounds10[Ki= (16.4 ± 8.1) μM] and13[Ki= (15.1 ± 7.6) μM], which showed a mixed-type mechanism of inhibition. According to docking predictions, the identified inhibitors occupy the more solvent-exposed arm of the U-shaped h15-LOX-2 active site’s cavity, possibly blocking the access of the substrate to the active site. The identified inhibitors are structurally different from the few h15-LOX-2 inhibitors reported in the literature, in addition to fulfilling drug-like criteria. Overall, our results provide a valuable contribution to the search for novel inhibitors of h15-LOX-2, a so-far underexploited target enzyme.
Modelling the impact of initiation delay, duration and prior PrEP usage on the prophylactic efficacy of FTC/TDF-containing post-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Zhang Lanxin , Collins Simon , Fox Julie , von Kleist Max
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) are important pillars of the HIV prevention portfolio to reduce the risk of infection just before or after HIV exposure. While PrEP efficacy has been elucidated in many randomized clinical trials, corresponding data for PEP is extremely difficult to obtain in a controlled setting. Consequently, it is almost impossible to study the impact of PEP initiation delay and duration on HIV risk reduction clinically, which would inform recommendations on PEP use.

Methods

We employ pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and viral dynamics models, along with individual factors, such as drug adherence to investigate the impact of initiation delay and PEP duration on HIV risk reduction. We evaluated PEP using two- and three-drug regimens with a FTC/TDF backbone. Moreover, we study PEP efficacy in the context of PrEP-to-PEP transitions.

Results

In our simulations, early initiation of PEP emerged as a pivotal factor for HIV risk reduction. We found that 2-drug (FTC/TDF) PEP may insufficiently protect when initiated>1 hour post- exposure. When adding a third drug, early initiation was still a critical factor, however, over 90% efficacy could be achieved when PEP was initiated 48hours post-exposure and taken for at least 14-28days, depending on the efficacy of the third-drug component. When investigating PrEP- PEP transitions, we observed that preceding PrEP can (i) contribute directly to prophylactic efficacy, and (ii) boost subsequent PEP efficacy by delaying initial viral dynamics and building-up drug concentrations, overall facilitating self-managed transitioning between PrEP and PEP.

Conclusions

Our study confirms the critical role of early (<48hours) PEP initiation, preferably with three drugs taken for 28days. Self-start with TDF/FTC and later addition of a third drug is better than not self-starting. Furthermore, our study highlights the synergy between recent PrEP intake and PEP and may help to inform recommendations on PEP use.
Epidemiological Parameters of SARS-CoV-2 in the UK during the 2023/2024 Winter: A Cohort Study
Authors: Overton Christopher E. , Fyles Martyn , Mellor Jonathon , Paton Robert S. , Phillips Alexander M. , Glaser Alex , Charlett Andre , Ward Thomas
Published: July 2024

Estimating epidemiological parameters is essential for informing an effective public health response during waves of infectious disease transmission. However, many parameters are challenging to estimate from real-world data, and rely on human challenge studies or mass community testing. During Winter 2023/2024, a community cohort study of SARS-CoV-2 was conducted across households in England and Scotland. From this survey, questionnaire data and follow-up testing protocols provided valuable data into multiple epidemiological parameters: namely, the duration of positivity, test sensitivity, and the incubation period. Here, Bayesian statistical modelling methods are developed and applied to estimate the underlying parameters. The duration of LFD positivity is found to increase with increasing age, with a mean of 8.55 days (95% CrI: 7.65 days, 9.44 days) in the youngest age group compared to 10.27 days (95% CrI: 9.85 days, 10.71 days) in the oldest age group. Similarly, test sensitivity, as a function of time since symptom onset, decays fastest in the youngest age group, reaching a minimum sensitivity of 0.26 (95% CrI: 0.16, 0.37) compared to 0.54 (95% CrI: 0.46, 0.6). Such patterns are expected since younger individuals experience less severe symptoms of COVID-19 and are likely to clear the virus faster. Combining the duration of positivity and test sensitivity, we estimate the probability of returning a positive test. Close to symptom onset date, this probability is approximately 95%. However, this rapidly drops off, dropping below 5% after 11.3 days (95% CrI: 9.7 days, 13 days) for the youngest age group and 16.2 days (95% CrI: 15.4 days, 17.1 days) for the oldest age group. For the incubation period, there is no clear pattern by age. Across all age groups, the mean incubation period is 2.52 days (95% CrI: 2.42 days, 2.62 days). This is shorter than the most recent estimates for Omicron BA.5, which is in line with earlier research that found replacing variants had shorter incubation periods.
Laser-driven acceleration of a 94.8 MeV uniform proton beam enhanced by a thin axial absorber rod
Authors: Al-Omari Husam Y. , Yahia Mohamed E. , Almomani Ali M.
Published: July 2024

Laser-based proton accelerators offer promising advantages for many sensitive applications due to their compact size. However, achieving uniform beams with a narrow energy spread remains a challenge. Here, a beamline simulation is performed using the racein and codes to optimize the spectral and spatial characteristics of a laser-driven proton beam. This beamline, comprised of four magnetic quadrupoles and equipped with a thin axial absorber rod in conjunction with an energy selection aperture for narrowing the energy spread, a carbon scatterer foil for beam spot smoothing, and an angular selection aperture for beam collimation, effectively transports a selected proton beam energy within the range of 50–250 MeV. In this work, laser-accelerated protons with a wide energy spread were transported through the proposed beamline, which was optimized for 109 MeV protons. The protons emerged well-collimated with a significantly narrowed energy spread of 94.8±3.9  MeV (a reduction from the intended 109 MeV due to passage through the scatterer) and a homogenized, 11 mm diameter beam spot while maintaining a transmission efficiency above 2.2%.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Reply to “Comment on ‘Towards exact solutions for the superconducting
Tc
induced by electron-phonon interaction' ”
Authors: Liu Guo-Zhu , Yang Zhao-Kun , Pan Xiao-Yin , Wang Jing-Rong , Li Xin , Zhu Hao-Fu , Huang Jie
Published: July 2024

In a series of papers, we have proposed a nonperturbative field-theoretic approach to deal with strong electron-phonon and strong Coulomb interactions. The key ingredient of such an approach is to determine the full fermion-boson vertex corrections by solving a number of self-consistent Ward-Takahashi identities. Palle argued that our Ward-Takahashi identities failed to include some important additional terms and thus are incorrect. We agree that our Ward-Takahashi identities have ignored some potentially important contributions and here give some remarks on the role played by the additional terms.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Small cross section of the synthesis of darmstadtium in the
Ca48+Th232
reaction
Authors: Nasirov A. K. , Yusupov A. R. , Kayumov B. M.
Published: July 2024

The smallness of the cross section of evaporation residues formed in the hot fusion reaction Ca48+Th232 is analyzed by the dinuclear system model (DNS). The capture probability has been calculated by solving the dynamical equations of motion for the relative distance between the centers of mass of the DNS nuclei. Fusion of nuclei is considered as evolution of the DNS to a stable compound nucleus. The fusion probability has a bell-like shape and quasifission is one of reasons causing smallness of the yield of the evaporation residues products. Another reason is the decrease of the fission barrier for the isotopes Dm275–285 related with the shell effects in the neutron structure. The agreement of the theoretical results obtained for the yield of the evaporation residues with the experimental data measured in the Factory of Superheavy Elements of Joint Institute for Nuclear Research is well.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Production of hidden-heavy and double-heavy hadronic molecules at the
Z
factory of CEPC
Authors: Jia Zhao-Sai , Li Gang , Shi Pan-Pan , Zhang Zhen-Hua
Published: July 2024

With a clean environment and high collision energy, the Circular Electron Positron Collider (CEPC) would be an excellent facility for heavy flavor physics. Using the Monte Carlo event generator ythia, we simulate the production of the charmed (bottom) hadron pairs in the electron-positron collisions at the Z factory of CEPC, and the inclusive production rates for typical candidates of the hidden/double-charm and hidden/double-bottom S-wave hadronic molecules are estimated at an order-of-magnitude level with the final state interactions after the hadron pair production. The predicted cross sections for the hidden-charm meson-meson molecules X(3872) and Zc(3900) are at pb level, which are about two to three orders of magnitude larger than the production cross sections for the double-charm meson-meson molecules Tcc and Tcc*, as the double-charmed ones require the production of two pairs of cc¯ from the Z boson decay. The production cross sections for the hidden-charm pentaquark states Pc and Pcs as meson-baryon molecules are a few to tens of fb, which are about one magnitude larger than those of the possible hidden-charm baryon-antibaryon and double-charm meson-baryon molecules. In the bottom sector, the production cross sections for the Zb states as B(*)B¯* molecules are about tens to hundreds of fb, indicating 106–107 events from a two-year operation of CEPC, and the expected events from the double-bottom molecules are about 2–5 orders of magnitude smaller than the Zb states. Our results shows great prospects of probing heavy exotic hadrons at CEPC.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Compound-Nucleus and Doorway-State Decays of
β
-Delayed Neutron Emitters
K51,52,53
Authors: Xu Z. Y. , Grzywacz R. , Gottardo A. , Madurga M. , Alonso I. M. , Andreyev A. N. , Benzoni G. , Borge M. J. G. , Cap T. , Costache C. , De Witte H. , Dimitrov B. I. , Escher J. E. , Fijalkowska A. , Fraile L. M. , Franchoo S. , Fynbo H. O. U. , Gonsalves B. C. , Gross C. J. , Harkness-Brennan L. J. , Heideman J. , Huyse M. , Judson D. S. , Kawano T. , King T. T. , Kisyov S. , Kolos K. , Korgul A. , Lazarus I. , Lică R. , Liu M. L. , Lynch L. , Marginean N. , Marginean R. , Mazzocchi C. , Mengoni D. , Mihai C. , Morales A. I. , Page R. D. , Pakarinen J. , Paulauskas S. V. , Perea A. , Piersa-Siłkowska M. , Podolyák Zs. , Sotty Ch. , Taylor S. , Tengblad O. , Van Duppen P. , Vedia V. , Verney D. , Warr N. , Yuan C. X.
Published: July 2024

We investigated decays of K51,52,53 at the ISOLDE Decay Station at CERN in order to understand the mechanism of the β-delayed neutron-emission (βn) process. The experiment quantified neutron and γ-ray emission paths for each precursor. We used this information to test the hypothesis, first formulated by Bohr in 1939, that neutrons in the βn process originate from the structureless “compound nucleus.” The data are consistent with this postulate for most of the observed decay paths. The agreement, however, is surprising because the compound-nucleus stage should not be achieved in the studied β decay due to insufficient excitation energy and level densities in the neutron emitter. In the K53 βn decay, we found a preferential population of the first excited state in Ca52 that contradicted Bohr’s hypothesis. The latter was interpreted as evidence for direct neutron emission sensitive to the structure of the neutron-unbound state. We propose that the observed nonstatistical neutron emission proceeds through the coupling with nearby doorway states that have large neutron-emission probabilities. The appearance of “compound-nucleus” decay is caused by the aggregated small contributions of multiple doorway states at higher excitation energy.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The failure mechanism of field polyethylene gas pipeline with gas leakage at electrofusion joint
Authors: Bao Qing , Wang Baojin , Li Manman , Li Chao , Gao Jin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

A section of in-service PE gas pipeline in Guocun, Beijing, was found to appear gas leaking at the electrofusion (EF) joint. This study is dedicated to reveal the material cause of EF joint failure to help with a more accurate prediction of service life of PE gas pipe and further normalize the construction of PE gas pipeline.

Design/methodology/approach

Defect detection was carried out on the leaking EF joint using ultrasonic phased array. The mechanical degradation and structural aging behavior was studied by tension test, FTIR technology, TG test and DSC test. The organic components in the soil surrounding the PE gas pipe failure area were qualitatively identified.

Findings

The results showed that the organic surfactants in the soil environment could accelerate the aging behavior of PE material, leading to a deterioration of mechanical properties and a serious reduction in the ability of the PE pipe and EF joint, especially at the welding defect, to resist external force.

Originality/value

A novel study was conducted to investigate the failure cause of the EF joint of in-service PE gas pipe, incorporating the analysis of environmental factors and structural deterioration.
Impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) on foreign institutional investments in India: a machine learning perspective
Authors: Chaklader Barnali , Chaklader Garima , Shrivastav Santosh Kumar
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study thoroughly examines the relationship between environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores and their subcategories with the investment decisions made by foreign institutional investors (FII). These subcategories include resource use, emission reduction and innovation under the environmental pillar, workforce, human rights, community and product responsibility under the social pillar and management, shareholders and CSR strategy under the governance pillar.

Design/methodology/approach

A machine learning technique known as “topic modeling” is used to analyse the current literature on ESG. To investigate the correlation between ESG scores and their subcategories with the investment decisions made by FII and to address concerns regarding multicollinearity and overfitting, a penalty-based regression model is employed.

Findings

The findings indicate that FIIs invest in firms with higher emission reduction and innovation scores under the environmental indicator. Additionally, firms with high human rights, community and product responsibility scores under the social indicator category have a positive relationship with FII investors. All subcategories of governance indicators, such as corporate social responsibility (CSR), strategy, shareholders and management scores, also positively impact FII investment. Of the three indicators, i.e. ESG, non-promoter FIIs give maximum weightage to governance indicators.

Research limitations/implications

Since ESG is a contemporary topic, the findings on the relationship between different categories of ESG on FII investment will support managers in their FII investment. Also, the study will help the government frame policy decisions on ESG.

Originality/value

Previous studies have explored the impact of the overall ESG indicators on FII investments, but they have not specifically studied the influence of sub-indicators within these categories on investment decisions. By addressing this gap, the study enhances stakeholder theory by identifying and prioritizing the various subcategories of ESG indicators that impact FII investment decisions.
Unveiling the linkages between entrepreneurial culture, innovation capability, digital marketing capability and sustainable competitive performance of manufacturing SMEs: evidence from emerging countries
Authors: Al Koliby Ibraheem Saleh , Mehat Nurul Aini Binti , Al-Swidi Abdullah Kaid , Al-Hakimi Mohammed A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Although the importance of entrepreneurial culture (EC) has been recognized, it remains unclear how EC affects sustainable competitive performance (SCP). This study aims to explore how EC affects SCP via the mediating role of innovation capability (IC) and the moderating role of digital marketing capability (DMC).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data gathered from manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia, the proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling via SmartPLS software.

Findings

The analysis results indicate that EC affects IC, which in turn has a positive effect on SCP. In addition, IC mediates the EC-SCP relationship. Importantly, DMC positively moderates the EC–SCP relationship.

Research limitations/implications

This study combines IC, DMC and SCP under resource-based view and dynamic capabilities theory into a single framework. Results confirm EC's impact on SMEs' manufacturing sector SCP, with IC mediating this link. However, the cross-sectional design restricts deeper respondent analysis.

Practical implications

This study offers SME managers/owners and decision-makers insights on enhancing EC for better performance and competitive edge. It highlights IC's crucial role in translating EC into innovation and value creation. Policymakers can also use these findings to design programs for SMEs in emerging markets.

Social implications

This study underscores the significance of EC adoption not only to generate a sustainable competitive advantage for the firm but also to increase the social as well as economic well-being of the firm, especially in the context of emerging economies, such as Malaysia; which are characterized by diverse ethnic groups contributing to their unique social fabric.

Originality/value

This work fills the knowledge gap by providing empirical evidence for the mediating and moderating role of IC and DMC, respectively, in the link between EC and SCP, thus significantly contributing to emerging markets, where managers seek to enhance their understanding of using EC for fostering SCP.
Industry 4.0 technologies: an examination of benefits, challenges and critical success factors for implementation in the Saudi construction industry
Authors: Alsehaimi Abdullah Owaimer , Sanni-Anibire Muizz O.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The construction industry is witnessing a paradigm shift as a consequence of the fourth industrial revolution (IR 4.0). The implementation of IR4.0 technologies is, however, elementary in emerging economies such as Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to carry out an examination of benefits, challenges and critical success factors for IR4.0 implementation in the construction industry in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology entailed a thorough review of the extant literature and consultation with experienced construction professionals in Saudi Arabia through questionnaire surveys. The data collected was further analyzed using the relative importance index approach and the confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The most important benefits, challenges and critical success factors established by this study include “Improved Communication and Coordination,” “Cost of implementation (initial investment and maintenance)” and “Clear goals and objectives,” respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis established a theoretical model to serve as a foundation for IR4.0 adoption in the Saudi construction industry.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations may be perceived in terms of the local context of the research, as well as the sample size. This prevents the potential for generalization of the study’s results.

Practical implications

It is of practical value to the Saudi construction industry in facilitating the successful implementation of technology through policies, frameworks and best practice guidance.

Originality/value

The study advances the theoretical knowledge of technology implementation in the construction industry. Emerging economies such as Saudi Arabia seeking to leverage the capabilities of digital technologies will find the results of this to be of crucial value.
The effects of geographical and business proximity on affiliates’ R&D investment: a proximity theory perspective
Authors: Zhao Yuejiao , Zheng Li , Zhao Ruofan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of geographical and business proximity between parent companies and affiliates on R&D investments in business groups. Furthermore, it compares the moderating effect of value chain participants’ bargaining power and the performance-aspiration gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from 411 Chinese private manufacturing listed firms affiliated with business groups. This paper conducts regression analysis using Stata 16.0 software. Additionally, this paper employs combined random effects regression models, the 2SLS method and GMM method.

Findings

Geographical distance between focal affiliates and parent companies is negatively related to focal affiliates’ R&D. The higher the business proximity between focal affiliates and parent companies, the more R&D investments are made. Further research shows that with stronger bargaining power and a wider performance-aspiration gap, the negative relationship between geographical distance and R&D investment weakens.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the R&D investment literature by offering a novel perspective on why proximity influences affiliates’ R&D investments in Chinese business groups. This study enriches the proximity theory by introducing business proximity as a new dimension into the framework. Furthermore, this study highlights the boundary conditions of the proximity theory by ascertaining the moderating effects of bargaining power and the performance-aspiration gap.
Unleashing entrepreneurial potential: venture creation and self-directed experiential learning on social media amongst secondary school-aged business owners
Authors: Jim Vanessa H.C. , Chow Jessie M.L. , Ward Donald F.B.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This research paper aims to explore how secondary school-aged business owners utilise social media to engage in informal learning. The authors make use of the concept of a self-directed experiential learning cycle to empirically explore adolescents’ entrepreneurial learning processes without formal guidance or curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a one-on-one interview approach with a critical incident technique in interviewing to examine the experiences of 10 Grade 9–11 business owners who run social media-based businesses on Instagram.

Findings

The results demonstrate that student business owners were able to capitalise on social media for venture creation and informal learning. They effectively engaged in experiential learning cycles with active help-seeking and mentorship in response to challenges in their business journey. A variety of resources within social media, their social circle and the internet were employed by students, highlighting the role the self-directed element plays in their experiential learning process.

Practical implications

The research urges institutions to recognise the potential of informal learning on social media and offer more support to strengthen students’ learning.

Originality/value

This research represents the first exploratory study on the potential of school-age teens’ self-initiated informal entrepreneurial learning while testifying the theory of the self-directed experiential learning cycle in the context of social media businesses. The study offers novel insights into the fields of students’ informal learning, entrepreneurial learning and social media learning.
Communal-brand connection and service loyalty: the mediation effect of corporate reputation and customer satisfaction among retail banking customers
Authors: Caruana Albert , Vella Joseph
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study explores the dynamics among communal-brand connections, corporate reputation, customer satisfaction and their collective influence on service loyalty within the retail customer segment of commercial banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are proposed for a parallel and serial-mediated model, in which corporate reputation and customer satisfaction mediate the influence of communal-brand connections on service loyalty. Data are collected from a sample of retail customers of commercial banks in a European country.

Findings

Findings indicate that individuals who perceive a strong affiliation with a brand that emphasises community engagement are more likely to demonstrate loyalty to that brand. Results highlight the need for managers allocate resources to cultivate community initiatives that foster communal-brand connection in their drive to improve service loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

A non-representative sample was collected, with a focus on a limited set of variables and employing a unidimensional measure of service loyalty. Additionally, the significance of communal-brand connection may vary across brands, warranting replication studies among smaller banks.

Practical implications

Recognition of communal-brand connection as an important driver of customer loyalty suggests that customers are motivated by intrinsic positioning factors related to the community. As part of their positioning, commercial banks can leverage their marketing and communication efforts to foster community development, thereby enhancing customer identification, connection and narratives that foster belongingness among customers.

Originality/value

The model of direct and mediated model of communal-brand connection on service loyalty has not been previously explored. Moreover, the research is conducted among retail bank customers that representing a context seldom considered in the domain of brand communities.
Supply chain optimization: bibliometric analysis, research structure and future outlook
Authors: Saadouli Nasreddine , Benameur Kameleddine , Mostafa Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Supply chain (SC) research has boomed over the past two decades. Significant contributions have been made to the field from various analytical and decision-making perspectives. This paper, a comprehensive bibliometric study, aims to identify the key research contributors, institutions and themes.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive knowledge domain visualization of over 1,000 articles, published between 2000 and 2022, is carried out to construct a bird’s eye view of the field in terms of research production, key authors, main publication outlets, geographic disparity of the contributions and emerging research trends. Additionally, collaboration patterns among researchers and institutions are mapped to highlight the communication networks underlying research initiatives.

Findings

Results show an explosive growth in the number of articles tackling supply chain optimization (SCO) issues with a significant concentration of the contributions in a relatively small cluster of authors, journals, institutions and countries. Among the many important findings, our analysis indicates that mixed-integer linear programming is the most commonly used model, while robust optimization is the method of choice for handling uncertainty. Furthermore, most SC models are developed at only one level of the organizational hierarchy and consider only one planning horizon. The importance of developing integrated SCO systems is key for future research.

Originality/value

The study fills the optimization techniques gap that exists in SC management bibliometric studies and presents a thematic map for the SCO research highlighting the various research foci.
Technical cleanliness of additively manufactured Inconel 718: a comparative study of surface treatment methods
Authors: Endress Felix , Tiesler Julius , Zimmermann Markus
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Metal laser-powder-bed-fusion using laser-beam parts are particularly susceptible to contamination due to particles attached to the surface. This may compromise so-called technical cleanliness (e.g. in NASA RPTSTD-8070, ASTM G93, ISO 14952 or ISO 16232), which is important for many 3D-printed components, such as implants or liquid rocket engines. The purpose of the presented comparative study is to show how cleanliness is improved by design and different surface treatment methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Convex and concave test parts were designed, built and surface-treated by combinations of media blasting, electroless nickel plating and electrochemical polishing. After cleaning and analysing the technical cleanliness according to ASTM and ISO standards, effects on particle contamination, appearance, mass and dimensional accuracy are presented.

Findings

Contamination reduction factors are introduced for different particle sizes and surface treatment methods. Surface treatments were more effective for concave design features, however, the initial and resulting absolute particle contamination was higher. Results further indicate that there are trade-offs between cleanliness and other objectives in design. Design guidelines are introduced to solve conflicts in design when requirements for cleanliness exist.

Originality/value

This paper recommends designing parts and corresponding process chains for manufacturing simultaneously. Incorporating post-processing characteristics into the design phase is both feasible and essential. In the experimental study, electroless nickel plating in combination with prior glass bead blasting resulted in the lowest total remaining particle contamination. This process applied for cleanliness is a novelty, as well as a comparison between the different surface treatment methods.
Feeding the future: 3D food printing as a strategic response to labor scarcity
Authors: Niyet Ilayda Zeynep , Dogan Seden , Cobanoglu Cihan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to address the critical labor shortage in the food industry by exploring the potential of 3D food printing technology as a strategic solution. The study investigates how 3D food printing can enhance productivity, reduce labor costs, and offer innovative applications in various sectors of the food industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies to analyze the current state of labor scarcity in the food industry and the technological advancements in 3D food printing. The paper also assesses the technical, operational, regulatory, and ethical challenges of 3D food printing and provides strategic recommendations for stakeholders.

Findings

3D food printing technology presents a viable solution by automating labor-intensive tasks, enhancing labor efficiency, and enabling customized food production. The technology’s potential benefits include improved productivity, reduced operational costs, and the ability to meet personalized nutritional needs. However, the adoption of 3D food printing faces challenges such as high initial costs, maintenance requirements, and scalability issues. Additionally, regulatory and consumer acceptance hurdles need to be addressed.

Practical implications

Policymakers are encouraged to support the development and adoption of 3D food printing through funding and clear regulatory frameworks. Business leaders should consider strategic investments in 3D printing technology and training programs to harness its benefits. Technology developers must focus on advancing the capabilities and user-friendliness of 3D food printers. Addressing these aspects can help the food industry overcome labor scarcity and achieve long-term sustainability and efficiency.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of 3D food printing technology as a strategic response to labor scarcity in the food industry. It contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the potential of 3D food printing to revolutionize food production and offering practical recommendations for its adoption and integration.
Selection favours high spread and asymmetry of flower opening dates within plant individuals
Authors: Ehrlén Johan , Valdés Alicia
Published: July 2024

Natural selection on traits expressed repeatedly by individuals is usually investigated with a focus on mean values, although within‐individual trait distributions often differ also in other aspects, such as their spread and shape. In plants producing multiple flowers during a season, there might not be a single optimal flowering time, but rather an optimal distribution of flower opening dates. This optimal distribution might depend on both resource allocation patterns and interactions with the abiotic and biotic environment.

In this study, we quantified mean, variance, skewness and kurtosis of 495 individual flowering schedules (5287 flowers) over 3 years, and assessed phenotypic selection on these aspects of the within‐individual distribution of opening dates in the perennial herb Lathyrus vernus. We also explored how selection on within‐individual variation in flowering schedules was related to effects on two fitness components: fruit set and the proportion of seeds escaping pre‐dispersal predation.

Within‐individual variation in phenology was larger than, or at least similar to, among‐individual variation in all years. We found phenotypic selection on several aspects of individual flowering schedules. In 1 year, selection favoured plants with higher variance in opening dates, and this coincided with a higher fruit set in plants with an increased spread of the flowering schedule. In two of the study years, selection favoured a higher asymmetry of the flowering schedule, and plants with more right‐skewed distributions had higher fruit set and higher proportions of seeds escaping predation. Both fruit set and seed predation increased with an earlier mean flowering, resulting in no net selection on mean flowering date.

Synthesis: Our results suggest that phenotypic selection on the spread and shape of flower opening date distributions might be at least as important as selection on the mean flowering date. In a broad sense, this implies that we should consider the entire trait distribution if we aim to understand the evolution of traits that are expressed multiple times within individuals.