bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A signaling inspired synthetic toolkit for efficient production of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins
Authors: Ryan Margaret M. , Portelance Reagan , Newman Graham F. , Martinez Gabrielle , Shekharan Swathi , Wu Anqi , Angel Savannah , Schaberg Katherine E. , Gilmore Petra , Sprung Robert , Townsend Reid , Naegle Kristen M.
Published: December 2024

Tyrosine phosphorylation is an important post-translational modification that regulates many biochemical signaling networks in multicellular organisms. To date, 46,000 tyrosines have been observed in human proteins, but relatively little is known about the function and regulation of most of these sites. A major challenge has been producing recombinant phosphoproteins in order to test the effects of phosphorylation. Mutagenesis to acidic amino acids often fails to replicate the size and charge of a phosphorylated tyrosine residue and synthetic amino acid incorporation has high cost with relatively low yield. Here, we demonstrate an approach, inspired by how native tyrosine kinases find targets in cells – through a secondary targeting interaction, augmenting innate catalytic specificity of a tyrosine kinase, without overriding it. We engineered complementary vector systems for multiple approaches to producing high yields of phosphoprotein products in E. coli. Here, we test phosphorylation as a function of the targeting interaction (an SH3-polyproline sequence) affinity, different reaction methods across kinases of different specificity. This system presents an inexpensive and tractable system to producing phosphoproteins and phosphopeptides and we demonstrate how it can be used for testing antibody specificity on targets of EGFR and PD-1. This methodology is a generalizable approach for enhancing the enzymatic action on a recombinant protein via the flexibility of in vitro reactions and co-expression approaches. We refer to this as SISA-KiT, for Signaling Inspired Synthetically Augmented Kinase Toolkit.
Predicting temozolomide response in low-grade glioma patients with large-scale machine learning
Authors: Du Hanqin , Piyawajanusorn Chayanit , Ghislat Ghita , Ballester Pedro J.
Published: December 2024

Background

Temozolomide is the primary chemotherapeutic agent and first-line treatment for low-grade glioma (LGG). Although LGGs are generally less aggressive than high-grade gliomas (HGGs), they can eventually progress into HGGs, making it crucial to maximise the efficacy of initial LGG treatment.

Methods

In this study, we analysed data from 109 LGG patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to assess the predictive performance of 12 machine learning (ML) classification algorithms in forecasting temozolomide response, utilising six types of omics data. Cross-validation and bootstrapping bias correction were employed to compare the performance of these models with that of a conventional biomarker-based model using MGMT promoter methylation status.

Results

Among the models, the miRNA-based approach using the XGBoost algorithm showed the most promising predictive performance, with a Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) of 0.447, outperforming the auto-ML method JADBio (MCC = 0.250) and the MGMT biomarker-based model. Converting the task into a regression framework by encoding cancer response as a continuous variable generally weakened predictive performance, with best model based on methylation profile (MCC = 0.344). Additionally, ML models focusing on biomarker-relevant features demonstrated improved prediction accuracy, though not to the extent of omics-based models, with the support vector machine (SVM) model achieving an MCC of 0.331. Incorporating clinical variables, such as patient age and Karnofsky score, further enhanced predictive power, with the LR-OMC model achieving the highest MCC (0.483). Feature importance analysis identified six significant miRNA factors, including three tumour-related miRNAs (miR-335, let-7f, and miR-7-2) and three potential biomarkers (miR-204, miR-6513, and miR-376).

Discussion

Overall, this study systematically demonstrates the potential of large-scale analyses combining machine learning and omics data to predict temozolomide response, offering superior predictive accuracy compared to standard MGMT biomarkers.
IFNα Inhibits JAK2V617F-Driven Neoplastic Vasculogenesis and Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in a 3D iPSC-Based Bone Marrow Niche Model
Authors: Caduc Madeline J. , Mabrouk Mohamed H. E. , Lopez Cristina B. , Grasshoff Martin , Buhl Eva M. , Ernst Sabrina , Wong Dickson W. L. , Müller-Newen Gerhard , Vogt Michael , Eschweiler Jörg , Boor Peter , Ackermann Maximilian , Chatain Nicolas , Franzen Julia , Costa Ivan G. , Zenke Martin , Schneider Rebekka K. , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Koschmieder Steffen , de Toledo Marcelo A. S.
Published: December 2024

The vascular niche plays a crucial role in regulating hematopoiesis, and the presence of JAK2V617F endothelial cells (EC) in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) underscores its therapeutic significance. Leveraging patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) harboring JAK2WTor the MPN-driver JAK2V617F (heterozygous, JAK2V617FHETor homozygous, JAK2V617FHOM), we developed a scalable 3D bone marrow (BM)-niche mimicking model to study neoplastic vasculogenesis with precise control over cellularity and genetics. Global RNA-sequencing revealed zygosity-dependent phenotypic differences in EC, with JAK2V617FHETiPSC-derived EC (iEC) shifting toward a pro-mesenchymal phenotype via endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), while JAK2V617FHOMiEC displayed dysregulated translation machinery. EndMT was exacerbated in JAK2V617FHETiEC-mesenchymal stromal cells 3D cocultures exposed to inflammatory cytokines and was effectively inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors ruxolitinib and nintedanib. Notably, interferon-alpha (IFNα) showed potential in reducing EndMT, with its anti-EndMT effect validatedin vivoin murine and MPN patient samples. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that JAK2V617F hematopoietic cells further amplified EndMT, emphasizing the interplay between the vascular niche and hematopoietic compartments. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that IFNα’s anti-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic effects may be partly mediated through EndMT inhibition. Our 3D coculture model offers a powerful platform for mechanistic studies of human hematopoiesis.
A Systematic Comparison of Single-Cell Perturbation Response Prediction Models
Authors: Li Lanxiang , You Yue , Liao Wenyu , Fan Xueying , Lu Shihong , Cao Ye , Li Bo , Ren Wenle , Fu Yunlin , Kong Jiaming , Zheng Shuangjia , Chen Jizheng , Liu Xiaodong , Tian Luyi
Published: December 2024

Predicting single-cell transcriptomes following perturbation is crucial for understanding gene regulation and guiding drug discovery. Yet, the complexity of perturbation effects pose significant challenges for robust predictive modeling. Although recent efforts have introduced foundation models alongside traditional statistical and machine learning approaches, a comprehensive benchmarking study of their predictive performance has been lacking. Here we establish a standardized evaluation framework and systematically assess 9 single-cell perturbation prediction models on 17 diverse datasets, spanning multiple cell types and perturbation modalities. Leveraging a multifaceted suite of 24 evaluation metrics, we find that models often excel in capturing global expression profiles yet struggle to predict the nuanced effects of perturbed genes, or vice versa. Moreover, while foundation models frequently outperform simpler methods, they tend to converge on population averages, struggling to capture heterogeneous cellular responses to perturbations. Taken together, our study highlights both the potential and limitations of single-cell foundation models, identifies opportunities for future improvement, and provide a roadmap for advancing single-cell predictive biology.
Aberrant homeodomain–DNA cooperative dimerization underlies distinct developmental defects in two dominantCRXretinopathy models
Authors: Zheng Yiqiao , Stormo Gary D. , Chen Shiming
Published: December 2024

Paired-class homeodomain (HD) transcription factors (TFs) play essential roles in vertebrate development, and their mutations are linked to human diseases. One unique feature of a paired-class HD is cooperative dimerization on specific palindrome DNA sequences. Yet, the functional significance of HD cooperative dimerization in animal development and its dysregulation in diseases remains elusive. Using the retinal TF cone-rod homeobox (CRX) as a model, we have studied how blindness-causing mutations in the paired HD, p.E80A and p.K88N, alter CRX's cooperative dimerization, leading to gene misexpression and photoreceptor developmental deficits in dominant manners. CRXE80Amaintains binding at monomeric WT CRX motifs but is deficient in cooperative binding at dimeric motifs. CRXE80A’s cooperativity defect impacts the exponential increase of photoreceptor gene expression in terminal differentiation and produces immature, nonfunctional photoreceptors in theCrxE80Aretinas. CRXK88Nis highly cooperative and localizes to ectopic genomic sites with strong enrichment of dimeric HD motifs. CRXK88N’s altered biochemical properties disrupt CRX's ability to direct dynamic chromatin remodeling during development to activate photoreceptor differentiation programs and silence progenitor programs. Our study provides in vitro and in vivo molecular evidence that paired-class HD cooperative dimerization regulates neuronal development and that dysregulation of cooperative binding contributes to severe dominant blinding retinopathies.
Evaluation of strategies for evidence-driven genome annotation using long-read RNA-seq
Authors: Paniagua Alejandro , Agustin-García Cristina , Pardo-Palacios Francisco J , Brown Thomas , De Maria Maite , Denslow Nancy D , Mazzoni Camila , Conesa Ana
Published: December 2024

While the production of a draft genome has become more accessible due to long-read sequencing, the annotation of these new genomes has not been developed at the same pace. Long-read RNA sequencing (lrRNA-seq) offers a promising solution for enhancing gene annotation. In this study, we explore how sequencing platforms, Oxford Nanopore R9.4.1 chemistry or PacBio Sequel II CCS, and data processing methods influence evidence-driven genome annotation using long reads. Incorporating PacBio transcripts into our annotation pipeline significantly outperformed traditional methods, such as ab initio predictions and short-read-based annotations. We applied this strategy to a nonmodel species, the Florida manatee, and compared our results to existing short-read-based annotation. At the loci level, both annotations were highly concordant, with 90% agreement. However, at the transcript level, the agreement was only 35%. We identified 4,906 novel loci, represented by 5,707 isoforms, with 64% of these isoforms matching known sequences in other mammalian species. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of using high-quality curated transcript models in combination with ab initio methods for effective genome annotation.
Nonthermal solid-solid phase transition in ferromagnetic iron
Authors: Azadi S. , Wark J. S. , Vinko S. M.
Published: December 2024

We posit the existence of a nonthermal phase transition in iron, driven by a loss of ferromagnetic ordering on ultrafast timescales with increasing electron temperature. The transition corresponds to a solid-solid bcc to fcc phase transformation and takes place at an electron temperature of 0.62 eV while the ion lattice remains near room temperature. The bcc structure initially undergoes phonon softening during the magnetic transformation, followed by a solid-solid phase transition to the fcc structure, and a subsequent hardening of phonon modes. We present a detailed physical picture of the process, supported by finite-temperature density functional theory simulations of the phonon dispersion curves, electronic density of states, and thermodynamic free energy.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Coupling-dependent antiferromagnetic-ferromagnetic ordering in a pinwheel artificial spin ice
Authors: Strømberg Anders , Digernes Einar , Chopdekar Rajesh Vilas , Grepstad Jostein , Folven Erik
Published: December 2024

Nanopatterned magnetic thin films offer a platform for exploration of tailored magnetic properties such as emergent long-range order. A prominent example is artificial spin ice (ASI), where an arrangement of nanoscale magnetic elements, acting as macrospins, interact via their dipolar fields. In this study, we discuss the transition from antiferromagnetic (AFM) to ferromagnetic (FM) long-range order in a square lattice ASI as the magnetic elements are gradually rotated through 45∘ to a “pinwheel” configuration. The AFM-FM transition is observed experimentally using synchrotron radiation x-ray spectromicroscopy and occurs for a certain rotation angle of the nanomagnets, dependent on the dipolar coupling strength determined by the separation of the magnets in the lattice. Large-scale magnetic dipole simulations show that the point-dipole approximation fails to capture the correct AFM-FM transition angle. However, excellent agreement with experimental data is obtained using a dumbbell-dipole model, which better reflects the actual dipolar fields of the magnets. This model also explains the coupling dependence of the transition angle, another feature not captured by the point-dipole model. Our findings resolve a discrepancy between measurement and theory in previous work on “pinwheel” ASIs and establish the coupling dependence of the AFM-FM transition. The revised dipole model, with a more accurate representation of the stray field, offers more precise control of magnetic order in artificial spin systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Computing Riemann zeros with light scattering
Authors: Yu Sunkyu , Piao Xianji , Park Namkyoo
Published: December 2024

Finding hidden order within disorder is a common interest in material science, wave physics, and mathematics. The Riemann hypothesis, stating the locations of nontrivial zeros of the Riemann zeta function, tentatively characterizes statistical order in the seemingly random distribution of prime numbers. This famous conjecture has inspired various connections with different branches of physics, recently with non-Hermitian physics, quantum field theory, trapped-ion qubits, and hyperuniformity. Here we develop the computing platform for the Riemann zeta function by employing classical scattering of light. We show that the Riemann hypothesis suggests the landscape of semi-infinite optical scatterers for the perfect reflectionless condition under the Born approximation. To examine the validity of the scattering-based computation, we investigate the asymptotic behaviors of suppressed reflections with the increasing number of scatterers and the emergence of multiple scattering. The result provides another bridge between classical physics and the Riemann zeros, exhibiting the design of wave devices inspired by number theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Proof of chiral symmetry breaking from anomaly matching in QCD-like theories
Authors: Ciambriello Luca , Contino Roberto , Luzio Andrea , Romano Marcello , Xu Ling-Xiao
Published: December 2024

We critically reconsider the argument based on ’t Hooft anomaly matching that aims at proving chiral symmetry breaking in confining four-dimensional quantum chromodynamics-like theories with Nc>2 colors and Nf flavors. The main line of reasoning relies on a property of the solutions of the anomaly matching and persistent mass equations called Nf-independence. In previous works, the validity of Nf-independence was assumed based on qualitative arguments, but it was never proven rigorously. We provide a detailed proof and clarify under which (dynamical) conditions it holds. Our results are valid for a generic spectrum of massless composite fermions including baryons and exotics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Structure and complexity of cosmological correlators
Authors: Grimm Thomas W. , Hoefnagels Arno , van Vliet Mick
Published: December 2024

Cosmological correlators capture the spatial fluctuations imprinted during the earliest episodes of the Universe. While they are generally very nontrivial functions of the kinematic variables, they are known to arise as solutions to special sets of differential equations. In this work we use this fact to uncover the underlying tame structure for such correlators and argue that they admit a well-defined notion of complexity. In particular, building upon the recently proposed kinematic flow algorithm, we show that tree-level cosmological correlators of a generic scalar field theory in a Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker spacetime belong to the class of Pfaffian functions. Since Pfaffian functions admit a notion of complexity, we can give explicit bounds on the topological and computational complexity of cosmological correlators. We conclude with some speculative comments on the general tame structures capturing all cosmological correlators and the connection between complexity and the emergence of time.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Reviving QFT in (
2+1
)-dimensional de Sitter spacetime
Authors: D’Amico Guido , Kaloper Nemanja
Published: December 2024

We consider a conformally coupled scalar quantum field theory (QFT) on (2+1)-dimensional static Einstein universe R×S2 and write down the free theory Hilbert space. We explain that this theory is secretly a QFT in (2+1)-dimensional de Sitter space because all the quantum observables experience “quantum revivals,” which naturally restricts the timelike R to the appropriate de Sitter time range. Our construction circumvents the causal obstruction to formulating QFT in de Sitter due to event horizons. There are not any in static Einstein. The “unitary gauge” description of the theory is realized by the zonal harmonics Pℓ(n^·n^′). We verify that interactions with conformally invariant external sources are mediated only by these modes. Hence these modes comprise the complete basis of the “bulk” theory. When the theory is cut off in the UV, the basis dimension scales as the Bekenstein-Hawking formula.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Distinguishing Charged Lepton Flavor Violation Scenarios with Inelastic
μ→e
Conversion
Authors: Haxton W. C. , Rule Evan
Published: December 2024

The Mu2e and COMET experiments are expected to improve existing limits on charged lepton flavor violation (CLFV) by roughly 4 orders of magnitude. μ→e conversion experiments are typically optimized for electrons produced without nuclear excitation, as this maximizes the electron energy and minimizes backgrounds from the free decay of the muon. Here we argue that Mu2e and COMET will be able to extract additional constraints on CLFV from inelastic μ→e conversion, given the Al27 target they have chosen and backgrounds they anticipate. We describe CLFV scenarios in which inelastic CLFV can induce measurable distortions in the near-endpoint spectrum of conversion electrons, including cases where certain contributing operators cannot be probed in elastic μ→e conversion. We extend the nonrelativistic EFT treatment of elastic μ→e conversion to include the new nuclear operators needed for the inelastic process, evaluate the associated nuclear response functions, and describe several new-physics scenarios where the inelastic process can provide additional information on CLFV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Using multiple representations to improve student understanding of quantum states
Authors: Marshman Emily , Maries Alexandru , Singh Chandralekha
Published: December 2024

One hallmark of expertise in physics is the ability to translate between different representations of knowledge and use the representations that make the problem-solving process easier. In quantum mechanics, students learn about several ways to represent quantum states, e.g., as state vectors in Dirac notation and as wave functions in position and momentum representation. Many advanced students in upper-level undergraduate and graduate quantum mechanics courses have difficulty translating state vectors in Dirac notation to wave functions in the position or momentum representation and vice versa. They also struggle when translating the wave function between the position and momentum representations. The research presented here describes the difficulties that students have with these concepts and how the research was used as a guide in the development, validation, and evaluation of a Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorial (QuILT) to help students develop a functional understanding of these concepts. The QuILT strives to help students with different representations of quantum states as state vectors in Dirac notation and as wave functions in position and momentum representation and with translating between these representations. We discuss the effectiveness of the QuILT from in-class implementation and evaluation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Evolutionary Innovation by Polyploidy
Authors: Hatakeyama Tetsuhiro S. , Ohbayashi Ryudo
Published: December 2024

The preferred conditions for evolutionary innovation are a fundamental question, but little is known, in part because the question involves rare events. We focus on the potential role of polyploidy in the evolution of novel traits. There are two hypotheses regarding the effects of polyploidy on evolution: Polyploidy reduces the effect of a single mutation and slows evolution. In contrast, the gene redundancy introduced by polyploidy will promote neofunctionalization and accelerate evolution. Does polyploidy speed up or slow down evolution? In this study, we propose a simple model of polyploid cells and show that the evolutionary rate of polyploids is similar to or much slower than that of haploids under neutral selection or during gradual evolution. However, on a fitness landscape where cells should jump over a lethal valley to increase their fitness, the probability of evolution in polyploidy could be drastically increased, and the optimal number of chromosomes is identified. We theoretically discuss the existence of this optimal chromosome number from the large-deviation theory. Furthermore, we propose that the optimization for achieving evolutionary innovation could determine the range of chromosome number in polyploid bacteria.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Ethyl 4-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-5-oxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate
Authors: Abdul Rashid Fatin Nur Ain , Mohammat Mohd Fazli , Abdul Manan Mohd Abdul Fatah , Bakhtiar Afendy Ayisy Amirul Afti , Cordes David B. , McKay Aidan P.
Published: December 2024

In the title compound, C17H22N2O5 the pyrrolidine ring is almost planar and subtends a dihedral angle of 85.77 (7)° with the pendant phenyl ring. An intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond generates an S(6) loop. In the crystal, the compound forms inversion dimers through O—H...O hydrogen bonds from the disordered hydroxyl group to either the hydroxyl or ester carbonyl O atom of the adjacent molecule.
The role of green influencers on users' green consumption intention: an empirical study from China and Pakistan
Authors: Cui Ting , Tang Shenlong , Iqbal Qaisar
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Based on social identity theory and parasocial interaction theory, this paper investigates the psychological influence mechanism of social media green influencers (GIs) on users' green consumption intention (GCI). It also examines the effects of users' environmental concern (EC), follow status (follower/non-follower), and nationality (Chinese/Pakistani).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses convenience and exponential non-discriminatory snowball sampling to collect 393 valid data from China and Pakistan. Research hypotheses are tested using Smart-PLS 4.0.

Findings

The results confirm that parasocial relationships (PRs) and interactions (PIs) significantly influence green influencers' identification (GII) and green self-identification (GSI), which then positively affect green life attitudes (GLA) and ultimately promote GCI. Unsurprisingly, it proves EC moderates the relationship between GLA and GCI. Additionally, users' follow status (follower/non-follower) and nationality (Chinese/Pakistani) do not significantly moderate the hypotheses proposed in the study.

Originality/value

This study enriches the research on GIs and the psychological influence mechanism of GCI by combining media communication and consumer behavior. Furthermore, it provides new insights into the moderating role of social media users’ follow status and nationality.
Antecedents of consumer purchase intention and behavior towards organic food: the moderating role of willingness to pay premium
Authors: Munaqib Peerzada , Islam Sheikh Basharul , Darzi Mushtaq Ahmad , Bhat Mohd Abass , Al Lawati Essam Hussain , Khan Shagufta Tariq
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This research aims to examine how health consciousness, social identity, self-identity, trust and willingness to pay premium impact individuals’ intention to make green purchases, which in turn influences organic purchasing behavior. Additionally, the study tried to examine the moderating effect of willingness to pay premium.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a purposive sampling approach, a questionnaire survey was used to gather information from 452 customers in India. The conceptual model was assessed, and the research hypotheses were examined using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results of this study showed that the intention to make green purchases is strongly influenced by consumers health consciousness, social identity and trust. However, self-identity did not influence consumers green purchase intention. Furthermore, the moderating effect of willingness to pay premium was significant, except for self-identity, in the relationship of health consciousness, willingness to pay premium social identity and trust with green purchase intention.

Practical implications

The research will help producers and marketers refine food and marketing tactics to promote a favorable perception of organic food products.

Originality/value

This study is pioneering in (1) investigating the moderating impact of willingness to pay premium (WLPP) in the relationship of health consciousness, social identity, self-identity and trust with green purchase intention and (2) investigating the influence of consumer identities on green purchase intention in the Indian context.
The role of perceived human resource management practices in organizational citizenship behaviors: evidence from the healthcare sector
Authors: Mach Merce , Abrantes António Cunha Meneses , Alvarado Juan Rodrigo
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explain the effects of perceived HRM practices on employees’ attitudinal and behavioral responses, specifically, how perceived HRM practices influence organizational citizenship behavior (OCB).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 276 employees working in healthcare centers, we conducted a cross-sectional research design with structural equation modelling and path-modeling techniques (PROCES macro).

Findings

Results provide evidence of the mediating role that organizational trust and job satisfaction play in the relationship between HRM organizational practices and employees’ OCB, as well as the conditional role that organizational justice levels play on these indirect effects, enhancing the impact of perceived HRM practices on employees’ behaviors.

Practical implications

This study provides practical insights to help organizations and managers enhance employees OCB to go above and beyond, directly contributing to organizational performance through effective HRM practices, promoting organizational trust, job satisfaction and the perceptions of organizational justice.

Originality/value

This empirical study makes several contributions. When employees perceive organizational justice, the impact of perceived HRM practices on behaviors that drive performance improvements contributes to raise both their organizational trust and OCB. If managers and organizations want to increase their impacts, they should invest in developing a sense of organizational justice among employees.
Nexus between corporate sustainable practices and sustainable development goals: Indian evidence
Authors: Maji Santi Gopal , Haloi Archana
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the disclosure of sustainable development goals (SDGs) by Indian firms and to examine the association between sustainable business practices and the disclosure of SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on large Indian non-financial firms listed in Bombay Stock Exchange 200 for six years from 2016–2017 to 2021–2022. Sustainable business practices are measured using four important indicators - the quality of sustainability discourse, compliance with Global Reporting Initiative guidelines, adoption of the guidelines of the International Integrated Reporting Council and external assurance of published reports. Content analysis is used to compute the disclosure score of SDGs and corporate sustainability performance. The authors have used a fixed effects regression model followed by Tobit model and two-stage least square model to examine the association between sustainable business practices and the disclosure of SDGs.

Findings

The results indicate an increasing trend of disclosure of SDGs by Indian firms. The empirical findings suggest a positive impact of sustainable business practices on the SDGs disclosure after controlling for firm-specific and corporate governance variables. Among the components of corporate sustainability, social and environmental factors positively influence the SDGs.

Originality/value

The study is a noble attempt to enrich the extant literature by providing empirical evidence on the association between sustainable business practices and disclosure of SDGs considering four important indicators of sustainable practices. The findings are useful for theoretical and practical implications.
Business internationalization and intellectual capital components: the case of the Colombian manufacturing sector exports
Authors: Pulido-López Alejandra , López-Salazar Alejandra
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the impact of intellectual capital components (human, structural and relational capital) on business internationalization through exports, analyzing the Colombian manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A binomial logistic regression model was used in which the export propensity was the dependent variable. The explanatory variables consisted of the human capital, including training and managerial characteristics; the structural capital, including innovation, intellectual property, certifications and management and the relational capital, encompassing relationships with other companies, public entities and the domestic market. The Survey of Development and Technological Innovation - EDIT - Industry 2018, carried out by the National Administrative Department of Statistics of Colombia, was used to collect data from 7,529 companies in 24 manufacturing subsectors.

Findings

The research findings suggest that there is a positive relationship between internationalization and human capital (postgraduate, university and school training), with structural capital (innovation in organizational processes, ownership of patents, software rights, industrial rights, trademark registration, obtaining intellectual property rights, complexity in design, process certifications, compliance with technical requirements and the existence of production goals) and with relational capital (confidentiality agreements with other companies and contracts with the international public sector).

Originality/value

This article contributes to the literature generating knowledge on the relationship between intellectual capital and the internationalization of Colombian industrial companies. It will also have managerial and social implications serving as input for the decision-making process of firms undergoing internationalization, and for policymakers.
How customer integration drives green innovation: exploring the influence of regulatory pressures and market changes
Authors: Zhong DeYu , Um Ki-Hyun
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to (1) validate the effectiveness of customer integration in enhancing firms’ green innovation and (2) explore the respective impacts of regulatory pressure and market changes on the effectiveness of integration mechanisms, thereby identifying the optimal integration outcomes for firms across different contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing an integrated theoretical framework based on the extended resource-based view (ERBV) and contingency theory, this study examines the complex interactions among customer integration, regulatory pressure, market changes and green innovation. The analysis is based on a dataset of 293 responses from manufacturing firms in mainland China. Hierarchical regression analysis was employed to rigorously test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The key outcomes of this research are summarized in two major findings: (1) integrating customers into a firm’s processes meaningfully boosts green innovation initiatives and (2) market dynamics have been found to amplify the positive impact of customer integration on green innovation, whereas regulatory pressure significantly and negatively moderates this relationship.

Originality/value

This study uniquely integrates multiple theoretical perspectives, providing a richer understanding of how various contextual factors influence the relationship between customer integration and green innovation. These findings contribute original insights to the literature, highlighting how different contextual factors interact with customer integration and offering practical insights for firms to make strategic decisions in diverse contexts.
How does capital regulation under Basel I influence bank’s loan loss provisions in Tunisia?
Authors: Zouari Nawel Fendri , Neifar Malika
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of regulatory pressure on discretionary capital management measured with the discretionary loan loss provisions (DLLP) in public (PuBs) and Private (PrBs) banks in Tunisia. Three variables are used to proxy the regulatory capital constraints: (1) the change in capital requirements, (2) the beginning of the year capital ratio (3) and the end of year adjusted capital ratio.

Design/methodology/approach

To address our objective, we provide in a first step the DLLP estimation as done by Shantaram and Steven (2021). Then, in a second step based on hand-collected panel data on the 12 commercial Tunisian banks, linear dynamic model with interaction variables is conducted to discriminate between PuBs and PrBs behavior. The generelized method of moment (GMM) estimation is applied to show if the PuBs and PrBs behave differently to regulatory capital pressures. For robustness check, the discriminant analysis and the nonlinear probit and logit models are considered in a third step.

Findings

The three capital constraints affect differently the discretionary behavior of Banks. First, an increase in capital requirements makes PrBs under pressure to reduce their DLLP, which is not the case for PuBs. Second, a low capital ratio at the beginning of the year makes strong pressure on PuBs to reduce their DLLP. Third, neither PrBs nor PuBs decrease their DLLP to improve the end of year-adjusted capital ratio. The discretionary behavior of PrBs is influenced by pressures to appear well-capitalized while the behavior of PuBs is influenced by pressure to enhance their capital positions. These results are well strengthened by the discriminant analysis and the nonlinear probit and logit model investigations.?

Originality/value

A few studies examined incentives based on the regulatory theory in Tunisian banks and were carried out within static linear models. Contrary to Elleuch and Taktak (2015) who tested the regulatory incentives following the publication of the (IMF, 2002), this paper tests, within linear dynamic model and nonlinear model, the effect of national prudential rules on capital management between 2006 and 2016.
Predicting Muslim MSMEs customer behavioral intentions at Islamic marketplaces through Islamic entrepreneurship context and principles
Authors: Riofita Hendra
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of the Islamic entrepreneurship context and principles on Muslim micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) customer behavioral intentions in Islamic marketplaces. In addition, it explored the capability of Islamic entrepreneurship principles to mediate the effect of the Islamic entrepreneurship context on Muslim MSMEs customer behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Research data were collected from Muslim MSMEs customers across ten Islamic marketplaces in Indonesia by using purposive, snowball and nonprobability sampling techniques. The data were subsequently processed using SPSS and structural equation modeling with the AMOS software.

Findings

The findings demonstrated that the Islamic entrepreneurship context and principles positively affected Muslim MSMEs customer behavioral intentions in Islamic marketplaces. Furthermore, Islamic entrepreneurship principles could fully mediate the effect of the Islamic entrepreneurship context on Muslim MSMEs customer behavioral intentions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of the correlation between the Islamic entrepreneurship context and principles as antecedents and Muslim MSMEs customer behavioral intentions as the consequent, extending the theory of reasoned action.
An analysis of circular economy adaptation in construction and demolition waste management sector: a systematic literature review and conceptual implementation framework
Authors: Swarnakar Vikas , Khalfan Malik
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Circular economy (CE) is a structured model of production and consumption involving sharing, leasing, reusing, recycling, repairing and refurbishing existing products or materials sustainably. Despite the numerous benefits of CE adoption, the construction and demolition (C&D) sector still struggles to comprehensively understand, integrate and adopt this approach. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of CE within the C&D sector and proposes a structured conceptual framework for an effective construction and demolition waste management (CDWM) program.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) framework to search for articles across three databases: Scopus, Web of Science and EBSCO. EndNote software and Excel spreadsheets were used to analyze and synthesize the articles up to 2024. A total of 102 articles were included in the study. Various key facets of the CE in CDWM, including barriers and mitigation actions, enablers, tools and techniques, benefits, strategies and frameworks, have been thoroughly reviewed and analyzed for the C&D sector to understand their nature and effectively adopt the CE approach in CDWM operations.

Findings

The findings provide a comprehensive analysis of different facets of CE in CDWM and a structured conceptual framework for the effective adoption of CE. This will contribute to improving the management of CDWM in the C&D sector. The outcomes offer a comprehensive knowledge base of CE in CDWM to managers, planners, decision-makers, stakeholders and researchers, enabling effective deployment.

Practical implications

This study offers a substantial knowledge base to researchers by examining various key facets of CE in CDWM, aiding further exploration of research in the same domain. Additionally, it assists C&D managers, planners, stakeholders and decision-makers by furnishing a structured conceptual framework of CE, thereby enhancing effective implementation. Furthermore, this study supports society by providing a pathway to improve C&D waste circularity through the execution of CE.

Originality/value

This study is the first to comprehensively review the various facets of CE from a CDWM perspective and to propose a structured conceptual framework for the effective adoption of CE in the C&D sector. Additionally, it not only advances theoretical knowledge of CE adoption in the CDWM field but also provides practical guidance to stakeholders on how to implement a comprehensive CE approach to enhance C&D waste circularity.
Event study analysis of immoral incidents and social activism in athlete endorsement
Authors: Cho Sungho , Lee Minyong , Kim Taewoo
Published: December 2024

Purpose

While studies have highlighted the benefits of athlete endorsement as a means of strategic marketing communication and public relations, there are risk factors associated with the practice, especially when a celebrity endorser is involved in immoral incidents or social activism. This study examined the impacts of athlete endorsers’ controversial behavior on sponsors. It scrutinized the change in publicly traded corporations’ shareholder value when their athlete endorsers were implicated in either immoral conduct or social activism.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the event study analysis, this study investigated the sponsored corporations’ abnormal returns around athlete endorsers’ involvement in immoral incidents and social activism. Total 34 cases (18 immoral scandals and 16 social activism) were collected from 2009 to 2019.

Findings

The data analysis revealed a significant difference in abnormal returns between the two different types of incidents for the four different windows (2, 4, 8 and 15 days) after the date of the focal event. While scandals of immoral conduct did not cause significant loss in shareholder value, cases of social activism showed negative abnormal returns for sponsoring corporations.

Originality/value

This study presented the first comparative analysis of how endorsers’ immoral behavior and social activism impacted on the shareholders’ value of sponsoring firms. Using stock performance data, the findings provided the empirical evidence in stock markets’ different reactions regarding scandals and social activism. The study contributes to the relevant body of literature by comparing the different contexts in celebrity endorsement.
Challenges and opportunities of supply chain traceability: insights from emergent agri-food sector
Authors: Anastasiadis Foivos , Apostolidou Ioanna , Tsolakis Naoum
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Traceability systems (TS) have enabled significant improvements in supply chain management. Despite these advancements, there is room for further enhancement in the acceptance and diffusion of TS among stakeholders in emergent agri-food supply chains. Conducting a strategic analysis of TS is crucial to reveal the associated challenges, opportunities, pros and cons. Doing so will foster the development of emergent agri-food supply chains and unlock their potential.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a modified quantitative four-round Delphi methodology among experts, selected according to the quadruple helix model, covering end-to-end the supply chain. The research was carried out in Greece, as its agri-food sector epitomizes the type of emergent supply chain under investigation.

Findings

This study reveals the impact of TS in emergent agri-food industries, emphasizing the firm-focused positive effects like improving their supply chain performance. The research also highlights the benefits of TS adoption, suggesting that they outweigh any drawbacks based on the TS internal-external environment analysis. The multi-stakeholder participatory approach resulted in a blend of well-informed policy-making recommendations and managerial insights, paving the way for a broader and more efficient TS adoption in emergent agri-food supply chains.

Research limitations/implications

Impediments on sampling require caution when extending these findings to other contexts. Yet, it is crucial to conduct further research using a similar approach in a broader area, not just limited to Greece but also in other economies with similar conditions characterized by nascent supply chains.

Originality/value

The comprehensive and holistic approach used in this study, examining the extended supply chain context instead of just dyads, offers valuable insights that contribute to theory development in supply chain management. Such an output is momentous when researching emergent supply chains and complex issues like traceability, which require information sharing and involve interdependencies and hidden dynamics among stakeholders that are impossible to explore otherwise.
Adaptive Responses of Cyanobacteria to Phosphate Limitation: A Focus on Marine Diazotrophs
Authors: Caille Chloé , Duhamel Solange , Latifi Amel , Rabouille Sophie
Published: December 2024

Phosphorus is an essential component of numerous macromolecules and is vital for life. Its availability significantly influences primary production, particularly in oligotrophic environments. Marine diazotrophic cyanobacteria, which play key roles in biogeochemical cycles through nitrogen fixation (N2 fixation), have adapted to thrive in phosphate (Pi)‐poor areas. However, the molecular mechanisms that facilitate their adaptation to such conditions remain incompletely understood. Bacteria have evolved various strategies to cope with Pi limitation, including detecting Pi availability, utilising high‐affinity Pi transporters, and hydrolyzing dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) with various enzymes. This review synthesises current knowledge regarding how cyanobacteria adapt to Pi scarcity, with particular emphasis on subtropical marine free‐living diazotrophs and their ability to utilise diverse DOP molecules. Omics approaches, such as (meta)genomics and (meta)transcriptomics, reveal the resilience of marine diazotrophs in the face of Pi scarcity and highlight the need for further research into their molecular adaptive strategies. Adaptation to Pi limitation is often intertwined with the broader response of cyanobacteria to multiple limitations and stresses. This underscores the importance of understanding Pi adaptation to assess the ecological resilience of these crucial microorganisms in dynamic environments, particularly in the context of global climate change.
Special Issue Editorial: ‘Crisis Management Keystone’
Authors: Jin Yan , Pfarrer Mike , Carson James , Zhao Wenqing
Published: December 2024

Written for the ‘Crisis Management Keystone’ special issue by the guest editorial team, this editorial piece provides the background and aim of the special issue and synthesizes the keystone themes emerged from the published articles. It further points out new directions for practitioners and scholars to jointly optimize the crisis management architecture and advance crisis communication leadership globally.