bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic CD8+ T cell effector signature predicts prognosis of lung cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Sim Hyungtai , Park Geun-Ho , Park Woong-Yang , Lee Se-Hoon , Choi Murim
Published: September 2024

Background

While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are adopted as standard therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, factors that influence variable prognosis still remain elusive. Therefore, a deeper understanding is needed of how germline variants regulate the transcriptomes of circulating immune cells in metastasis, and ultimately influence immunotherapy outcomes.

Methods

We collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 73 ICI-treated NSCLC patients, conducted single-cell RNA sequencing, and called germline variants via SNP microarray. Determination of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) allows elucidating genetic interactions between germline variants and gene expression. Utilizing aggregation-based eQTL mapping and network analysis across eight blood cell types, we sought cell-type-specific and ICI-prognosis-dependent gene regulatory signatures.

Results

Our sc-eQTL analysis identified 3,616 blood- and 702 lung-cancer-specific eGenes across eight major clusters and treatment conditions, highlighting involvement of immune-related pathways. Network analysis revealed TBX21-EOMES regulons activity in CD8+ T cells and the enrichment of eQTLs in higher-centrality genes as predictive factors of ICI response.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that in the circulating immune cells of NSCLC patients, transcriptomic regulation differs in a cell type- and treatment-specific manner. They further highlight the role of eQTL loci as broad controllers of ICI-prognosis-predicting gene networks. The predictive networks and identification of eQTL contributions can lead to deeper understanding and personalized ICI therapy response prediction based on germline variants.
PANOMIQ: A Unified Approach to Whole-Genome, Exome, and Microbiome Data Analysis
Authors: Srivastava Shivani , Ehsaan Saba , Chowdhury Linkon , Faruk Muhammad Omar , Singh Abhishek , Kapoor Anmol , Bhinder Sidharth , Singh M. P. , Mishra Divya
Published: September 2024

The integration of whole-genome sequencing (WGS), whole-exome sequencing (WES), and microbiome analysis has become essential for advancing our understanding of complex biological systems. However, the fragmented nature of current analytical tools often complicates the process, leading to inefficiencies and potential data loss. To address this challenge, we present PANOMIQ, a comprehensive software solution that unifies the analysis of WGS, WES, and microbiome data into a single, streamlined pipeline. PANOMIQ is designed to facilitate the entire analysis process from raw data to interpretable results. It is the fastest algorithm that can achieve results much more quickly compared to traditional pipeline approaches of WGS and WES analysis. It incorporates advanced algorithms for high-accuracy variant calling in both WGS and WES, along with robust tools for characterizing microbial communities. The software’s modular architecture allows for seamless integration of these diverse data types, enabling researchers to uncover complex interactions between host genomics and microbiomes. In this study, we demonstrate the capabilities of PANOMIQ by applying it to a series of datasets encompassing a wide range of applications, including disease association studies and environmental microbiome profiling. Our results highlight PANOMIQ’s ability to deliver comprehensive insights, significantly reducing the time and computational resources required for multi-omic analysis. By providing a unified platform for WGS, WES, and microbiome analysis, PANOMIQ offers a powerful tool for researchers aiming to explore the full spectrum of genomic and microbial diversity. This software not only simplifies the analytical workflow but also enhances the depth of biological interpretation, paving the way for more integrated and holistic studies in genomics and microbiology.
Type-II kinase inhibitors that target Parkinson’s Disease-associated LRRK2
Authors: Raig Nicolai D. , Surridge Katherine J. , Sanz-Murillo Marta , Dederer Verena , Krämer Andreas , Schwalm Martin P. , Elson Lewis , Chatterjee Deep , Mathea Sebastian , Hanke Thomas , Leschziner Andres E. , Reck-Peterson Samara L. , Knapp Stefan
Published: September 2024

Aberrant increases in kinase activity of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Numerous LRRK2-selective type-I kinase inhibitors have been developed and some have entered clinical trials. In this study, we present the first LRRK2-selective type-II kinase inhibitors. Targeting the inactive conformation of LRRK2 is functionally distinct from targeting the active-like conformation using type-I inhibitors. We designed these inhibitors using a combinatorial chemistry approach fusing selective LRRK2 type-I and promiscuous type-II inhibitors by iterative cycles of synthesis supported by structural biology and activity testing. Our current lead structures are selective and potent LRRK2 inhibitors. Through cellular assays, cryo-electron microscopy structural analysis, and in vitro motility assays, we show that our inhibitors stabilize the open, inactive kinase conformation. These new conformation-specific compounds will be invaluable as tools to study LRRK2’s function and regulation, and expand the potential therapeutic options for PD.
A Combined Approach to Extract Rotational Dynamics of Globular Proteins undergoing Liquid- Liquid Phase Separation
Authors: Gendreizig Dominik , Kalarikkal Abhishek , Holtbrügge Simon L. , Mukherjee Saumyak , Galazzo Laura , Kucher Svetlana , Rosspeintner Arnulf , Schäfer Lars V. , Bordignon Enrica
Published: September 2024

The formation of protein condensates (droplets) via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a commonly observed phenomenon in vitro. Changing the environmental properties with cosolutes, molecular crowders, protein partners, temperature, pressure, etc. was shown to favour or disfavour the formation of protein droplets by fine-tuning the water-water, water-protein and protein-protein interactions. Therefore, these environmental properties and their spatiotemporal fine-tuning are likely to be important also in a cellular context at the existing protein expression levels. One of the key physicochemical properties of biomolecules impacted by molecular crowding is diffusion, which determines the viscoelastic behaviour of the condensates. Here we investigate the change in the rotational diffusion of γD-crystallin, undergoing LLPS in vitro in aqueous solutions in absence and presence of cosolutes. We studied its rotational dynamics using molecular dynamics simulations (MD), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. MD simulations performed under dilute and crowded conditions show that the rotational diffusion of crystallin in water is retarded by one to two orders of magnitude in the condensed phase. To obtain the rotational dynamics in the dilute phase we used fluorescence anisotropy and to extract the retardation factor in the condensed phase we used spin-labeled γD-crystallin proteins as EPR viscosity nanoprobes. Aided by a viscosity nanoruler calibrated with solutions at increasing sucrose concentrations, we validate the rotational diffusion retardation predicted by MD simulations. This study underlines the predictive power of MD simulations and showcases the use of a sensitive EPR nanoprobe to extract the viscosity of biomolecular condensates.
A chronic murine model of pulmonaryAcinetobacter baumanniiinfection enabling the investigation of late virulence factors, long-term antibiotic treatments, and polymicrobial infections
Authors: Jackson-Litteken Clay D. , Di Venanzio Gisela , Janet-Maitre Manon , Castro Ítalo A. , Mackel Joseph J. , Rosen David A. , López Carolina B. , Feldman Mario F.
Published: September 2024

Acinetobacter baumanniican cause prolonged infections that disproportionately affect immunocompromised populations. Our understanding ofA. baumanniirespiratory pathogenesis relies on an acute murine infection model with limited clinical relevance that employs an unnaturally high number of bacteria and requires the assessment of bacterial load at 24-36 hours post-infection. Here, we demonstrate that low intranasal inoculums in immunocompromised mice with atlr4mutation leads to reduced inflammation, allowing for persistent infections lasting at least 3 weeks. Using this “chronic infection model,” we determined the adhesin InvL is an imperative virulence factor required during later stages of infection, despite being dispensable in the early phase. We also demonstrate that the chronic model enables the distinction between antibiotics that, although initially reduce bacterial burden, either lead to complete clearance or result in the formation of bacterial persisters. To illustrate how our model can be applied to study polymicrobial infections, we inoculated mice with an activeA. baumanniiinfection withStaphylococcus aureusorKlebsiella pneumoniae. We found thatS. aureusexacerbates the infection, whileK. pneumoniaeenhancesA. baumanniiclearance. In all, the chronic model overcomes some limitations of the acute pulmonary model, expanding our capabilities to study ofA. baumanniipathogenesis and lays the groundwork for the development of similar models for other important opportunistic pathogens.
Neuroimaging model of visceral manipulation in awake rat
Authors: Cramer Samuel R. , Han Xu , Chan Dennis C.Y. , Neuberger Thomas , Zhang Nanyin
Published: September 2024

Reciprocal neuronal connections exist between the internal organs of the body and the nervous system. These projections to and from the viscera play an essential role in maintaining and finetuning organ responses in order to sustain homeostasis and allostasis. Functional maps of brain regions participating in this bidirectional communication have been previously studied in awake humans and anesthetized rodents. To further refine the mechanistic understanding of visceral influence on brain states, however, new paradigms that allow for more invasive, and ultimately more informative, measurements and perturbations must be explored. Further, such paradigms should prioritize human translatability. In the current paper, we address these issues by demonstrating the feasibility of non-anesthetized animal imaging during visceral manipulation. More specifically, we used a barostat interfaced with an implanted gastric balloon to cyclically induce distension of a non-anesthetized rat’s stomach during simultaneous BOLD fMRI. General linear modeling and spatial independent component analysis revealed several regions with BOLD activation temporally coincident with the gastric distension stimulus. The ON-OFF (20 mmHg - 0 mmHg) barostat-balloon pressure cycle resulted in widespread BOLD activation of the inferior colliculus, cerebellum, ventral midbrain, and a variety of hippocampal structures. These results suggest that neuroimaging models of gastric manipulation in the non-anesthetized rat are achievable and provide an avenue for more comprehensive studies involving the integration of other neuroscience techniques like electrophysiology.

Significance Statement

It is unclear to what extent measurements of brain activity are affected by background, and experimentally unrelated, interoceptive processes. To advance our understanding of ongoing visceral activity’s influence on brain states, here we provide a proof of concept, anesthesia-free animal model of visceral manipulation during simultaneous BOLD fMRI. We successfully demonstrated BOLD activation during gastric distension of the unanesthetized rat in both classically reported (cerebellum, hippocampus) and novel (inferior colliculus) regions. This paradigm establishes an important foundation for further interrogation of viscera-brain interactions.
Notch/Hairless Pathway Modulation ofsogTranscriptional Bursting in Prelude to Gastrulation
Authors: Fenelon Kelli D. , Borad Priyanshi , Rout Biraaj , Boodaghimalidarreh Parisa , Nasr Mohammad S. , Luber Jacob , Koromila Theodora
Published: September 2024

Transcriptional regulation, orchestrated by the interplay between transcription factors (TFs) and enhancers, governs gene expression dynamics crucial for cellular processes. While gross, qualitative fluctuations in transcription factor-dependent gene expression patterning have a long history of characterization, the roles of these factors in the nuclei retaining expression in the presence or absence of these factors are now observable using modern techniques. Our study investigates the impact of Suppressor of Hairless (Su(H)), a broadly expressed transcription factor, on enhancer-driven transcriptional modulation usingDrosophilaearly embryos as a model system. Building upon previous findings, we employ super-resolution microscopy to dissect Su(H)’s influence onsogDistal (sogD) enhancer activity specifically in nuclei with preservedsogD-driven expression in the absence of Su(H) binding. We demonstrate that Su(H) occupancy perturbations alter expression levels and bursting dynamics. Notably, Su(H) absence during embryonic development exhibits region-specific effects, inhibiting expression dorsally and enhancing expression ventrally, implying a nuanced role in enhancer regulation. Our findings shed light on the intricate mechanisms that govern transcriptional dynamics and suggest a patterning role for Notch/Hairless signaling insogexpression during the transition to gastrulation.
Reducing oxidative stress improves ex vivo polymer-based human haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell culture and gene editing
Authors: Bozhilov Yavor , Brown Elizabeth , Hsu Ian , Singh Indranil , Rodriguez-Fraticelli Alejo , Roy Anindita , Yamazaki Satoshi , Wilkinson Adam C.
Published: September 2024

Self-renewing multipotent haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have the unique capacity to stably regenerate the entire blood and immune systems following transplantation. HSCs are used clinically to reconstitute a healthy blood system in patients suffering from a range of haematological diseases. However, HSCs are very rare and have been challenging to grow ex vivo, which has hampered efforts to collect large numbers of HSCs for both basic research and clinical therapies. Polymer-based culture conditions have recently been developed to support expansion of mouse and human haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). While mouse HSPCs expanded rapidly in polymer-based cultures, growth speeds for human HSPCs in polymer-based cultures was limited to ∼70-fold over 4-weeks. Here we have found that reducing oxidative stress improves human HSPC growth in these conditions. We describe an optimised culture condition that improves growth to 250-1400-fold over 4-weeks through reducing oxygen tension and the addition of antioxidants. These conditions also enable efficient gene editing in these polymer-based cultures. We envision these improved culture conditions will support a range of research into human HSPC biology and provide a platform for clinical-scale HSPC expansion and gene editing.
Mid-infrared chemical imaging of living cells enabled by plasmonic metasurfaces
Authors: Huang Steven H. , Shen Po-Ting , Mahalanabish Aditya , Sartorello Giovanni , Shvets Gennady
Published: September 2024

Mid-Infrared (MIR) chemical imaging provides rich chemical information of biological samples in a label-free and non-destructive manner. Yet, its adoption to live-cell analysis is limited by the strong attenuation of MIR light in water, often necessitating cell culture geometries that are incompatible with the prolonged viability of cells and with standard high-throughput workflow. Here, we introduce a new approach to MIR microscopy, where cells are imaged through their localized near-field interaction with a plasmonic metasurface. Chemical contrast of distinct molecular groups provided sub-cellular resolution images of the proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids in the cells that were collected using an inverted MIR microscope. Time-lapse imaging of living cells demonstrated that their behaviors, including motility, viability, and substrate adhesion, can be monitored over extended periods of time using low-power MIR light. The presented approach provides a method for the non-perturbative MIR imaging of living cells, which is well-suited for integration with modern high-throughput screening technologies for the label-free, high-content chemical imaging of living cells.
Effects of the chirp rate on single-shot coherent Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering
Authors: Suzuki S. , Gerakis A. , Hara K.
Published: September 2024

Single-shot coherent Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering (CRBS) is modeled using direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC). In CRBS, an optical lattice generated by the interference of two pump lasers traps the neutral particles via the dipole force. The gradient of refractive index due to the trapped particles of the gaseous media leads to coherent scattering of a probe beam, resulting in the CRBS signal. Additionally, using a chirped laser beam, CRBS signals can be obtained in a single laser shot, shortening the measurement time of the gas flow (on the order of 100 ns). The DSMC results of single-shot CRBS assuming Maxwellian velocity distribution functions (VDFs) show good agreement with experimental data, including argon, carbon dioxide, and xenon, for different gas pressures. One of the key observations obtained from the present simulations is that the CRBS signals become asymmetric when using a fast chirp rate due to finite time for collisionless trapping and collisional thermalization.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Pion gravitational form factors in the QCD instanton vacuum. II
Authors: Liu Wei-Yang , Shuryak Edward , Zahed Ismail
Published: September 2024

We revisit the hard QCD contributions to the pion gravitational form factors, in terms of the twist-2,3 pion distribution amplitudes (DAs), including novel semihard contributions from the instantons. The pion DAs are evaluated in the QCD instanton vacuum and then properly evolved to higher resolution. The results are compared to our recent results from the QCD instanton vacuum, as well as Bethe-Salpeter calculations and recent lattice data. The interpolated hard and soft contributions to the pion D form factor are used to derive the (gravitational) pressure and shear within the pion, with a clear delineation of their range.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dihadron helicity correlation in photon-nucleus collisions
Authors: Chen Zhao-Xuan , Dong Hui , Wei Shu-Yi
Published: September 2024

The helicity correlation of two back-to-back hadrons is a powerful tool that makes it possible to probe the longitudinal spin transfer G1L in unpolarized hadronic collisions. In this work, we investigate the helicity correlation of back-to-back dihadrons produced in photon-nucleus collisions with both spacelike and quasireal photons and explore its potential in understanding the flavor dependence of spin-dependent fragmentation functions. We present helicity amplitudes of partonic scatterings with both virtual and real photons and make numerical predictions for the dihadron helicity correlations at the future Electron Ion Collider experiment and the current Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider/LHC ultraperipheral collision experiment. Future experimental measurements can also illuminate the fragmentation function of circularly polarized gluons.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Estimating the uncertainty of cosmological first order phase transitions with numerical simulations of bubble nucleation
Authors: Guo Huai-Ke , Li Song , Xiao Yang , Yang Jin Min , Zhang Yang
Published: September 2024

In order to study the validity of analytical formulas used in the calculation of characteristic physical quantities related to vacuum bubbles, we conduct several numerical simulations of bubble kinematics in the context of cosmological first-order phase transitions to determine potentially existing systematic uncertainties. By comparing with the analytical results, we obtain the following observations: (1) The simulated false vacuum fraction will approach the theoretical one with increasing simulated volume. When the side length of the cubic simulation volume becomes larger than 14.5βth−1, the simulated results do not change significantly. (2) The theoretical expected total number of bubbles do not agree with the simulated ones, which may be caused by the inconsistent use of the false vacuum fraction formula. (3) The different nucleation rate prefactors do not affect the bubble kinetics much. (4) The lifetime distribution in the sound shell model does not obey an exponential distribution, in such a way as to cause a suppression in the gravitational wave spectra.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Hidden conformal symmetry in
AdS2×S2
beyond tree level
Authors: Heslop P. J. , Lipstein A. E. , Santagata M.
Published: September 2024

Correlators of N=2 hypermultiplets with two-derivative interactions in AdS2×S2 exhibit a hidden four-dimensional conformal symmetry which allows one to repackage all tree-level four-point correlators into a single four-dimensional object corresponding to a contact diagram arising from a massless ϕ4 theory in AdS2×S2. This theory serves as a toy model for IIB string theory in AdS5×S5 and is interesting in its own right because AdS2×S2 describes the near-horizon limit of extremal black holes in four dimensions. We argue that, after acting with an SU(1,1)×SU(2) Casimir, all one-loop correlators can similarly be encoded by a four-dimensional function which arises from a one-loop scalar bubble diagram in AdS2×S2, explaining how the hidden conformal symmetry extends beyond tree level. Finally, we conjecture a scalar effective field theory with a two-derivative interaction in AdS2×S2 whose Witten diagrams should directly reproduce four-point correlators to all loops without acting with Casimirs.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quasiprobabilities in Quantum Thermodynamics and Many-Body Systems
Authors: Gherardini Stefano , De Chiara Gabriele
Published: September 2024

In this tutorial, we present the definition, interpretation, and properties of some of the main quasiprobabilities that can describe the statistics of measurement outcomes evaluated at two or more times. Such statistics incorporate the incompatibility of the measurement observables and the state of the measured quantum system. We particularly focus on Kirkwood-Dirac quasiprobabilities and related distributions. We also discuss techniques to experimentally access a quasiprobability distribution, ranging from the weak two-point measurement scheme, to a Ramsey-like interferometric scheme and procedures assisted by an external detector. Once defined the fundamental concepts following the standpoint of joint measurability in quantum mechanics, we illustrate the use of quasiprobabilities in quantum thermodynamics to describe the quantum statistics of work and heat, and to explain anomalies in the energy exchanges entailed by a given thermodynamic transformation. On the one hand, in work protocols, we show how absorbed energy can be converted to extractable work and vice versa due to Hamiltonian incompatibility at distinct times. On the other hand, in exchange processes between two quantum systems initially at different temperatures, we explain how quantum correlations in their initial state may induce cold-to-hot energy exchanges, which are unnatural between any pair of equilibrium nondriven systems. We conclude the tutorial by giving simple examples where quasiprobabilities are applied to many-body systems: scrambling of quantum information, sensitivity to local perturbations, and quantum work statistics in the quenched dynamics of models that can be mapped onto systems of free fermions, for instance, the Ising model with a transverse field. Throughout the tutorial, we meticulously present derivations of essential concepts alongside straightforward examples, aiming to enhance comprehension and facilitate learning.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Utilizing anomalous signals for element identification in macromolecular crystallography
Authors: El Omari Kamel , Forsyth Ismay , Duman Ramona , Orr Christian M. , Mykhaylyk Vitaliy , Mancini Erika J. , Wagner Armin
Published: September 2024

AlphaFold2 has revolutionized structural biology by offering unparalleled accuracy in predicting protein structures. Traditional methods for determining protein structures, such as X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, are often time-consuming and resource-intensive. AlphaFold2 provides models that are valuable for molecular replacement, aiding in model building and docking into electron density or potential maps. However, despite its capabilities, models from AlphaFold2 do not consistently match the accuracy of experimentally determined structures, need to be validated experimentally and currently miss some crucial information, such as post-translational modifications, ligands and bound ions. In this paper, the advantages are explored of collecting X-ray anomalous data to identify chemical elements, such as metal ions, which are key to understanding certain structures and functions of proteins. This is achieved through methods such as calculating anomalous difference Fourier maps or refining the imaginary component of the anomalous scattering factor f′′. Anomalous data can serve as a valuable complement to the information provided by AlphaFold2 models and this is particularly significant in elucidating the roles of metal ions.
Unscrambling the preference puzzle: an in-depth exploration of why Indian international students shy away from home institutions for Master’s programs
Authors: Chanda Ruby S. , Pawar Sanjay Krishnapratap
Published: September 2024

Purpose

In 2021, more than half a million Indian students traveled abroad to pursue Master’s programs. Against this background, we explore why Indian students do not enroll in Master’s programs in Indian higher education (IHE) institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured, in-depth online interviews of 30 Indian international students pursuing post-graduation studies in four major host countries were conducted to elicit the required information. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using a thematic approach. The attribution theory was used as a theoretical lens to discuss the findings.

Findings

The results indicate that the primary reasons for students not choosing Indian institutions are wide-ranging. The need to study abroad, decision influencers and why they did not consider IHE institutes were three significant categories encompassing nine themes. The study revealed that besides other factors, the rigor of admission in premier Indian universities is much higher when compared with other international universities. Also, the perceived rate of return in investing in those developed countries' universities is better when compared with those of premier Indian universities.

Practical implications

The insights will act as marketing intelligence for supporting the business and university administrators of Indian universities in formulating effective tactics to admit more students from this in-demand Indian subgroup.

Originality/value

Most of the existing research papers discuss the motivation and challenges of Indian international students for studying abroad, There is negligible research on their demotivation to join IHE institutions. The present study tries to focus on the aspects that most of them considered but did not join IHE. Also, the attribution theory is a new perspective for understanding their behavior in selecting higher education institutions.
ESG performance and financial distress during COVID-19: the moderating effects of innovation and capital intensity
Authors: Binesh Fatemeh (Nasim) , E-Vahdati Sahar , Ozdemir Ozgur
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices and financial distress in times of uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

Thomson Reuters ESG database, Compustat and Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP) were used to derive a final sample size of 1,572 firms and 11,618 firm-year observations from 2003 to 2022. Fixed-effects regression was used to analyze the data.

Findings

It was found that increasing ESG involvement leads to an increase in Z score (i.e. lower financial distress), and this impact was more profound during the COVID-19 period and also when firms' innovativeness increased. However, during the COVID-19 period, increases in capital expenditures weaken the positive effect of ESG on financial distress.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the impact of ESG performance on financial distress and the nature of this relationship during times of uncertainty such as COVID-19.

Practical implications

This study offers insights to managers and practitioners when developing their corporate financial strategies, particularly financial distress management, showing the potential benefits of innovativeness and capital intensity during turbulent times similar to COVID-19.

Originality/value

Little knowledge exists on how ESG engagement helps weather financial distress during periods of uncertainty due to external shocks (e.g. COVID-19). This paper looks at the effect of ESG engagement on financial distress and how capital intensity and innovativeness could influence this relationship while giving fresh insights into the impact of COVID-19.
Fast payment, credit and bank diversification: the impact of Pix adoption on the local credit market structure
Authors: Gomes Adriana , Silva Thiago Christiano
Published: September 2024

Purpose

In this article, the research objective is to empirically investigate the effect of the adoption of the Brazilian instant payment system, Pix, on the local credit market structure and the diversification of the banking system in Brazilian municipalities.

Design/methodology/approach

By analyzing the data, in this study, we compile and align data from supervisory and public sources, covering the period from 2019 to 2022 in Brazil. As of 2014, Brazil was comprised of 5568 municipalities distributed across five regions: North (450 municipalities), Northeast (1792), Midwest (467), Southeast (1668) and South (1191), according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Our analysis relies on the volume and quantity of Pix to the outstanding credit operations in Brazil.

Findings

This article provides evidence that the widespread adoption of Pix has impacted the financial structure of municipalities. This analysis of banking concentration in the country and municipalities, based on banking relationships, helped us assess whether the adoption of Pix had any correlation with the increase in credit lines. Overall, the results from the statistical tables suggest that the adoption of Pix may be having a positive impact on the local credit market structure.

Originality/value

The originality contribution of the study is to initiate an investigation into the impact of this instant payment system, Pix, on the Brazilian reality. Pix was launched in 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and had significant numbers, such as over 61% of the adult population having at least one Pix key registered in a little over a year; about 100 million people made at least one payment with Pix; and more than 1.4 billion transactions per month, with 72% between individuals, as presented by the REB 2021.
The everyday female entrepreneur and the pursuit of emancipation
Authors: Pergelova Albena , Mandakovic Vesna
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study takes an “entrepreneurship as emancipation” perspective to study entrepreneurs defined as “others” on multiple categories: women entrepreneurs whose ventures are necessity-based, bootstrapped and located in economically impoverished areas (neighborhoods) in two Latin-American countries: Chile and Peru.

Design/methodology/approach

The study takes an interpretivist research approach and analyses inductively interviews with women entrepreneurs.

Findings

The findings reveal how everyday practices in pursuit of emancipation – while conducted within the existing patriarchal social structure – push the boundaries and contribute to changes in the social system via a variety of outcomes such as intergenerational social mobility, personal fulfilment and strengthening the communities in which the women entrepreneurs operate. Furthermore, while the authors find that in the particular Latin-American context under study, entrepreneuring activities become an emancipatory possibility for the everyday women entrepreneurs, they also highlight a “dark side” of their emancipatory projects.

Originality/value

The study contributes to recent critical studies in entrepreneurship by demonstrating the diversity and importance of the “mundane” activities undertaken by “necessity-based” entrepreneurs, and the significant – yet underappreciated – reach of their ventures’ impact on issues well beyond economic considerations.
Relationship between teacher leadership and teacher learning in Japanese lesson study: focusing on the knowledge-creation process
Authors: Arii Yuta
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between teacher leadership and learning in lesson study (LS).

Design/methodology/approach

A multilevel analysis of data was conducted based on the results of a questionnaire survey of 129 teachers collected through Google forms from 27 schools in the city.

Findings

First, in the sample, leadership and learning perceptions in LS did not differ depending on the school that teachers belonged to but appeared as a difference between teachers who perceived leadership and learning within their school and those who did not. Second, the influence of leadership on learning perceptions in the LS was found to be different depending on the socialization, externalization, combination and internalization phase. Third, the results suggested that principals should provide leadership supporting the research team’s leadership.

Originality/value

Previous research on LS has not focused on the relationship between the principal’s leadership and teacher learning. The findings of this study are significant both academically and practically, as they suggest in what settings of LS leadership can work effectively for teacher learning.
Facing barriers to unlock large-scale agile benefits: exploring the mediating role of organizational readiness
Authors: Santos Paula de Oliveira , Alves Josivan Leite , Carvalho Marly Monteiro de
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This aims to explore the relationship between the agile methods barriers in large-scale contexts and the benefits for business, team and product and process, exploring the organizational readiness (OR) mediating role.

Design/methodology/approach

We propose a theoretical model through survey-based research, applying partial least square structural equation modelling.

Findings

We confirmed that OR mediating effect on the relationship between agile methods barriers and team benefits. We operationalized OR in a broader context that embeds the strategic alignment of large-scale agile implementation, considering variables such as organizational structure and culture.

Research limitations/implications

The data are cross-sectional rather than longitudinal, which limits temporal interpretations of the associations between agile methods and organizational issues.

Practical implications

The findings offer a way forward for organizations already using or planning to implement agile management to understand the pathway towards achieving the expected benefits. Our study also unveils the importance of looking at OR when implementing such a complex change in management from traditional to large-scale contexts.

Originality/value

Our results show the significant and positive influence of agile method on all three benefit variables (team, business, product and processes). Furthermore, we identified the significant and positive mediating role of OR on the relationship between agile method and team benefits.
Learning by exporting: the moderating role of employee human capital
Authors: Li Xiaoyuan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the means by which exporters foster innovation via the learning-by-exporting effect and to appraise the moderating role of employee human capital in the export–innovation relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging the linked-survey-secondary data from the Human Capital Corporate Panel (HCCP) spanning 2011–2017, with 890 observations from 228 Korean exporters, this study utilizes Generalized Least Squares (GLS) regression to empirically test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that exporting significantly boosts a firm’s innovation performance by encouraging the generation of new concepts in products, services, technologies and/or production lines. Moreover, the presence of international talent and highly educated staff positively moderates the relationship between export intensity and innovation performance.

Originality/value

By integrating organizational learning and human capital theories, this study yields theoretical and managerial insights by elucidating the roles of exporting and human capital in advancing innovation performance, thereby guiding corporate export strategies and human resource policies.
The effect of standardized advertising, managerial ties and born global orientation on export performance
Authors: Chung Henry F.L. , Ho Mia Hsiao-Wen
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Given the contradictory findings of standardization/adaptation of marketing strategy in explaining export performance in the extant research, this study aims to examine the contingent effects of managerial ties and born global orientation in the standardized advertising-export performance conceptualization.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used two-respondent method in the survey research by a sample of 155 exporting firms operating in the industrial marketing based in Australia and New Zealand and applied hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that standardized advertising has a significant effect on export performance and this relationship is positively moderated by business ties. Such effect is particularly enhanced for born global firms (than nonborn global firms). However, political ties negatively influence the impact of standardized advertising on performance and such effect is stronger for born global firms.

Research limitations/implications

A broader perspective of contingent variables should be included to examine the underlying relationship between standardized advertising and export performance in capturing the dynamism in international marketing contexts, such as institutional frameworks or sociocultural environments in host countries.

Practical implications

Standardized advertising is critical for born global firms’ export performance as it can increase efficiency and speed up internationalization processes. Such positive impact of standardized advertising on export performance is further enhanced if born global firms allocate resources to develop strong business ties with host country partners instead of building political ties with host country governments, because smooth business networking can facilitate standardized advertising on industrial marketing, yet justifiable political relations require intricate negotiations that often prolong internationalization progress.

Originality/value

This study incorporates managerial ties and born global orientation as contingent factors in fixing the theoretic interlock between standardization advertising strategy and export firm performance.
Exploring the impact of key audit matters on audit report lag: insights from an emerging market
Authors: Alawadhi Abdullah , Alrefai Abdulrahman , Alqassar Ahmad
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of key audit matters (KAMs) on the timeliness of financial statement reporting, measured as audit report lag (ARL), within the context of Kuwait's evolving financial market.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 136 unique firms and 841 firm-year observations over the period 2016–2022, the study employs a random effects model on a panel data set to examine the correlation between the number and type of KAMs disclosed in audit reports and the length of ARL. In addition, we employ sub-sample analysis and two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression to enhance overall reliability.

Findings

The results indicate a positive relationship between an increased number of reported KAMs and the length of ARL. Specific categories of KAMs, such as those related to investments and the implementation of new standards, also significantly impact the delay. Additionally, the findings reaffirm the importance of several determinants of ARL, which is consistent with prior research.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to offer new insights by examining the relationship between both the number and specific types and/or categories of KAMs on ARL in emerging markets.
Developing and validating a scale for entrepreneurial marketing orientations: EMICO framework and its impact on business performance in startups
Authors: Yadav Anshita , Paul Justin , Bansal Sanchita , Talan Amogh
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Although marketing is essential for a firm’s survival and growth, a set of entrepreneurial strategic orientations may help it gain a competitive advantage. Entrepreneurial marketing (EM) is critical for growing businesses to succeed in today's fast-paced industry. The present study aims to measure the role of EM on the business performance (BP) of Indian startups.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, a thorough literature review was conducted to develop a scale from the proposed conceptual framework – EMICO by Jones and Rowley (2009b). To assess the reliability and validity of the scale (62 items), the data are analyzed by employing partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The scale is empirically tested, and the results lead to discussions. The results show the positive impact of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), marketing orientation (MO), innovation orientation (IO) and customer orientation (CO) on the BP of the startups. The paper concludes by suggesting managerial and practical implications, also providing future research agenda.

Originality/value

Our objective is to address the existing dearth of comprehensive scales for evaluating EM by undertaking a rigorous statistical approach. Notably, our research represents the pioneering effort in adopting the EMICO framework and subsequently formulating and empirically validating a robust scale specifically tailored for nascent or small-scale startups within the Indian context.
Information technology and business strategic alignment in small and medium organizations: an exploratory study in Mexico
Authors: Cortes Lopez Javier Santiago , Rodriguez Abitia Guillermo , Gomez Reynoso Juan , Muñoz Zavala Angel Eduardo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This qualitative study aims to fill gaps in a widely studied and relevant organizational feature: the alignment between information technologies and business strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a qualitative study. The authors used focus groups, content analysis and semantic networks as research approaches to identify the main factors that prevent or foster such alignment.

Findings

Results reveal a leading role of innovation, organizational culture, access to information and financial factors that could promote or inhibit alignment and competitiveness.

Originality/value

This research was conducted only in small and medium organizations in Mexico, which represents about 52% of the Mexican Gross Domestic Product (for Mexico as one of the leading trade partners of the USA).
Exploring Chinese enterprise innovation ecosystem health: a dynamic evaluation method
Authors: Yuan Ning , Li Meijuan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study identifies a methodology to explore the issues of enterprise innovation ecosystem health (EIEH).

Design/methodology/approach

First, this study constructs the indicator system of EIEH based on the research objective; second, the dynamic vertical projection method (DVPM) and entropy weight method are proposed to analyze the status and influencing factors of EIEH; finally, the future development of EIEH is analyzed using GM (1,1).

Findings

In terms of methodology, the DVPM can effectively analyze EIEH, which can not only analyze the development status and potential of EIEH every year but also analyze the comprehensive state of EIEH for many years. In terms of practice, the value and grade of EIEH in China have been gradually increasing from 2016 to 2020, but the overall development is unbalanced, and five key factors affecting EIEH have been identified. The EIEH in China is predicted to steadily grow from 2021 to 2025.

Originality/value

The analytical method employed in this study can effectively analyze EIEH, which provides a new analytical perspective for the evaluation of EIEH and enriches the research content of the enterprise innovation ecosystem (EIE). By analyzing the results, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the state of different EIEs, enabling each EIE to design tailored remedial measures to enhance EIEH and achieve sustainable development.
The effects of FinTech adoption on bank loan spreads
Authors: Hong Jieying , Wang Na , Zhou Tianpeng
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of traditional banks’ financial technology (FinTech) adoption on corporate loan spreads and lending practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the impact of FinTech adoption by banks on corporate loan spreads and lending practices. By analyzing data from bank 10-K filings, we develop a novel metric to assess FinTech adoption at the individual bank level. Our analysis reveals a significant positive correlation between increased FinTech adoption and higher corporate loan spreads, particularly for loans that are relatively informationally opaque. This causality is further validated through a quasi-natural experiment. Additionally, we identify trends toward loans with smaller sizes and longer maturities in banks with advanced FinTech integration.

Findings

Using a sample of corporate loans issued from 1993 to 2020, this paper documents a significant positive relationship between a bank’s increased FinTech adoption and higher loan spreads. This correlation is especially noticeable for loans that are informationally opaque. Moreover, the paper reveals trends toward smaller loan sizes and longer maturities with advanced FinTech integration in banks. Overall, these findings indicate FinTech enhances efficiency in processing hard information and holds the potential to enhance financial inclusion.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to two significant strands of finance literature. First, it highlights how banks with advanced FinTech integration gain advantages through enhanced processing of hard information. Furthermore, it underscores the role of FinTech in promoting financial inclusion, particularly for those borrowers facing informational opacity.