bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membrane-embedded polar residues target membrane proteins for degradation by the quality control protease FtsH
Authors: Chai-Danino Michal , Ravensary Noy , Onyshchuk Tetiana , Plöhn Martin , Barshap Alon B.D. , Bsoul Aseel , Peled-Zehavi Hadas , Fluman Nir
Published: December 2023

Membrane proteins (MPs) navigate challenging biogenesis. Errors in this process are rigorously surveilled by cellular quality control to eliminate faulty MPs. The first critical challenge of this surveillance is the accurate recognition of misfolded proteins. However, how this recognition is achieved for MPs remains poorly defined. Here we reveal the specificity mechanism of FtsH, the major quality control protease clearing faulty MPs inEscherichia coli. Analyzing the in vivo degradation of two substrates, we show that lipid-facing polar residues direct substrates to FtsH-mediated degradation. Such polar residues are typically buried in the structural cores of folded MPs, and their exposure to the membrane may thus signify misfolding and flag proteins for degradation. Remarkably, lipid-facing polar residues are sufficient for recognition and can target even folded MPs for degradation. The recognition depends on the FtsH transmembrane domain. Thus, MP misfolding is sensed within the membrane to maintain a healthy membrane proteome.
High-resolution bulked segregant analysis enables candidate gene identification for bacterial wilt resistance in Italian ryegrass
Authors: Florian Goettelmann , Yutang Chen , Verena Knorst , Steven Yates , Dario Copetti , Bruno Studer , Roland Kölliker
Published: December 2023

Bacterial wilt, caused byXanthomonas translucenspv.graminis(Xtg), is a serious disease of economically important forage grasses, including Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorumLam.). A major QTL for resistance toXtgwas previously identified, but the precise location as well as the genetic factors underlying the resistance are yet to be determined. To this end, we applied a bulked segregant analysis (BSA) approach, using whole-genome deep sequencing of pools of the most resistant and most susceptible individuals of a large (n = 7,484) biparental F2population segregating for resistance toXtg. Using chromosome-level genome sequences as references, we were able to define a ∼300 kb region highly associated to resistance on pseudo-chromosome 4. Further investigation of this region revealed multiple genes with a known role in disease resistance, including genes encoding for Pik2-like disease resistance proteins, cysteine-rich kinases, and RGA4- and RGA5-like disease resistance proteins. Investigation of allele frequencies in the pools and comparative genome analysis in the grandparents of the F2population revealed that some of these genes contain variants with allele frequencies that correspond to the expected heterozygosity in the resistant grandparent. This study emphasizes the efficacy combining BSA studies in very large populations with whole genome deep sequencing and high-quality genome sequences to pinpoint regions associated with a binary trait of interest and accurately define a small set of candidate genes. Furthermore, markers identified in this region hold significant potential for marker-assisted breeding strategies to breed resistance toXtgin Italian ryegrass cultivars more efficiently.
Neurophysiological mechanisms underlying post-stroke deficits in contralesional perceptual processing
Authors: Pearce Daniel J. , Loughnane Ger M. , Chong Trevor T.-J. , Demeyere Nele , Mattingley Jason B. , Moore Margaret J. , New Peter W. , O’Connell Redmond G. , O’Neill Megan H. , Rangelov Dragan , Stolwyk Renerus J. , Webb Sam S. , Zhou Shou-Han , Brosnan Méadhbh B. , Bellgrove Mark A.
Published: December 2023

Slowed responding to sensory inputs presented in contralesional space is pervasive following unilateral cerebral stroke, but the causal neurophysiological pathway by which this occurs remains unclear. To this end, here we leverage a perceptual decision-making framework to disambiguate information processing stages between sensation and action in 30 unilateral stroke patients (18 right hemisphere, 12 left hemisphere) and 27 neurologically healthy adults. By recording neural activity using electroencephalography (EEG) during task performance, we show that the relationship between strokes in either hemisphere and slowed contralesional response times is sequentially mediated by weaker target selection signals in the contralateral hemisphere (the N2c ERP), and subsequently delayed evidence accumulation signals (the centroparietal positivity). Notably, asymmetries in CPP and response times across hemispheres are associated with everyday functioning. Together, these data suggest a plausible neurophysiological pathway by which post-stroke contralesional slowing arises and highlight the utility of neurophysiological assessments for tracking clinically relevant behaviour.
Distributed representations for cognitive control in frontal medial cortex
Authors: Colin Thomas R. , Ikink Iris , Holroyd Clay B.
Published: December 2023

In natural and artificial neural networks, modularity and distributed structure afford complementary but competing benefits. The former allows for hierarchical representations that can flexibly recombine modules to address novel problems, whereas the latter affords better generalization. Here we investigate these competing demands in the context of sequential behavior. First, we explore this by comparing the properties of several recurrent neural network models. We find that explicit hierarchical structure fails to provide an advantage for generalization above a “flat” model that does not incorporate hierarchical structure. However, hierarchy appears to facilitate cognitive control processes that support non-routine behaviors and behaviors that are carried out under computational stress. Second, we compare these models against functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data using representational similarity analysis. We find that a model that incorporates so-called wiring costs in the cost function, which produces a hierarchically-organized gradient of representational structure across the hidden layer of the neural network, best accounts for fMRI data collected from human participants in a previous study (Holroyd et al., 2018). The results reveal that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) encodes distributed representations of sequential task context along a rostro-caudal gradient of abstraction: rostral ACC encodes relatively abstract and temporally extended patterns of activity compared to those encoded by caudal ACC. These results provide insight into the role of ACC in motivation and cognitive control.
A collection of Predicted No-Effect Concentrations of human pharmaceuticals and their metabolites
Authors: Giunchi Valentina , Poluzzi Elisabetta
Published: December 2023

The environmental impact of pharmaceuticals is a growing concern, necessitating methodologies for risk assessment. Current evaluation methods rely on comparing pharmaceutical concentrations in exposed environments with relevant animal or plant tolerance thresholds, often represented by Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC) values. However, challenges arise from the limited accessibility and standardization of PNEC data. This study addresses these challenges by consolidating PNEC values from diverse sources into a unified and accessible tool. Investigated data sources were the NORMAN Ecotoxicology Database, the Swedish National Formulary of Drugs (FASS) website, the EU Watch List working documents, the European Public Assessment Reports (EPAR), the US EPA ECOTOX database, the UBA ETOX database, the WikiPharma database, the AstraZeneca documents, the European Chemical Agency registration dossiers, and the AMR Industry Alliance database. We retrieved 93,287 PNEC values associated with 92,850 substances, primarily medicines or their metabolites. Notably, 352 substances had more than one PNEC value, with the highest discrepancies often attributed to in-silico predicted values. The resulting database, available in the related OSF repository as a spreadsheet file, includes source information and processing scripts and is freely available for risk assessment analyses. While acknowledging limitations, future efforts should prioritize integrating additional data sources, addressing misspellings, and enhancing information on PNEC derivation. Collaboration in PNEC data collection is crucial for advancing collective knowledge in pharmaceutical risk assessment.
Geometry and dynamics of representations in a precisely balanced memory network related to olfactory cortex
Authors: Meissner-Bernard Claire , Zenke Friedemann , Friedrich Rainer W
Published: December 2023

Biological memory networks are thought to store information by experience-dependent changes in the synaptic connectivity between assemblies of neurons. Recent models suggest that these assemblies contain both excitatory and inhibitory neurons (E/I assemblies), resulting in co-tuning and precise balance of excitation and inhibition. To understand computational consequences of E/I assemblies under biologically realistic constraints we built a spiking network model based on experimental data from telencephalic area Dp of adult zebrafish, a precisely balanced recurrent network homologous to piriform cortex. We found that E/I assemblies stabilized firing rate distributions compared to networks with excitatory assemblies and global inhibition. Unlike classical memory models, networks with E/I assemblies did not show discrete attractor dynamics. Rather, responses to learned inputs were locally constrained onto manifolds that "focused" activity into neuronal subspaces. The covariance structure of these manifolds supported pattern classification when information was retrieved from selected neuronal subsets. Networks with E/I assemblies therefore transformed the geometry of neuronal coding space, resulting in continuous representations that reflected both relatedness of inputs and an individual's experience. Such continuous representations enable fast pattern classification, can support continual learning, and may provide a basis for higher-order learning and cognitive computations.
EasyCircR: Detection and reconstruction of circular RNAs post-transcriptional regulatory interaction networks
Authors: Aparo Antonino , Avesani Simone , Parmigiani Luca , Napoli Sara , Bertoni Francesco , Bonnici Vincenzo , Cascione Luciano , Giugno Rosalba
Published: December 2023

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are regulatory RNAs that play a crucial role in various biological activities and have been identified as potential biomarkers for the development of neurological disorders and cancer. CircRNAs have emerged as significant regulators of gene expression through different mechanisms, including regulation of transcription and splicing, modulation of translation, and post-translational modification. Additionally, some circRNAs function as microRNA (miRNA) sponges in the cytoplasm, enhancing the expression of target genes by suppressing miRNA activity. Although existing pipelines reconstruct circRNAs, identify miRNAs sponged by them, retrieve cascade-regulated mRNAs, and represent the regulatory interactions as complex circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks, none of the state-of-the-art approaches can discriminate the biological level at which the mRNAs involved in the interactions are regulated.

EasyCircR is a novel R package that combines circRNA detection and reconstruction with post-transcriptional gene expression analysis (exon-intron split analysis) and miRNA response element prediction. The package enables estimation and visualization of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions through an intuitive Shiny application, taking advantage of the post-transcriptional regulatory nature of circRNAs and excluding unrealistic regulatory outcomes. EasyCircR source code, Docker container and user guide are available at:https://github.com/InfOmics/EasyCircR
PvdL Orchestrates the Assembly of the Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetases Involved in Pyoverdine Biosynthesis inPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Manko Hanna , Steffan Tania , Gasser Véronique , Mély Yves , Schalk Isabelle J , Godet Julien
Published: December 2023

The pyoverdine siderophore is produced byPseudomonas aeruginosato access iron. Its synthesis involves the complex co-ordination of four nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), responsible for assembling the pyoverdine peptide backbone. The precise cellular organization of these NRPSs and their mechanisms of interaction remain unclear.

Here, we used a combination of several single-molecule microscopy techniques to to elucidate the spatial arrangement of NRPSs within pyoverdine-producing cells. Our findings revealed that PvdL differs from the three other NRPS in term of localization and mobility patterns. PvdL is predominantly located at the inner membrane, while the other also explore the cytoplasmic compartment. Leveraging the power of multicolor single-molecule localization, we further reveal co-localization between PvdL and the other NRPSs, suggesting a pivotal role for PvdL in orchestrating the intricate biosynthetic pathway.

Our observations strongly indicates that PvdL serves as a central orchestrator in the assembly of NRPSs involved in pyoverdine biosynthesis, assuming a critical regulatory function.
cancercelllines.org - a Novel Resource for Genomic Variants in Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Paloots Rahel , Baudis Michael
Published: December 2023

Cancer cell lines are an important component in biological and medical research, enabling studies of cellular mechanisms as well as the development and testing of pharmaceuticals. Genomic alterations in cancer cell lines are widely studied as models for oncogenetic events and are represented in a wide range of primary resources. We have created a comprehensive, curated knowledge resource -cancercelllines.org- with the aim to enable easy access to genomic profiling data in cancer cell lines, curated from a variety of resources and integrating both copy number and single nucleotide variants (SNVs) data. We have gathered over 5,600 copy number profiles as well as SNV annotations for 16,000 cell lines and provide this data with mappings to the GRCh38 reference genome. Both genomic variations and associated curated metadata can be queried through the GA4GH Beacon v2 API and a graphical user interface with extensive data retrieval enabled using GA4GH data schemas under a permissive licensing scheme.
Molecular basis of neurodegeneration in a mouse model ofPolr3-related disease
Authors: Moir Robyn D. , Merheb Emilio , Chitu Violeta , Stanley E. Richard , Willis Ian M.
Published: December 2023

Pathogenic variants in subunits of RNA polymerase (Pol) III cause a spectrum ofPolr3-related neurodegenerative diseases including 4H leukodystrophy. Disease onset occurs from infancy to early adulthood and is associated with a variable range and severity of neurological and non-neurological features. The molecular basis ofPolr3-related disease pathogenesis is unknown. We developed a postnatal whole-body mouse model expressing pathogenicPolr3amutations to examine the molecular mechanisms by which reduced Pol III transcription results primarily in central nervous system phenotypes.Polr3amutant mice exhibit behavioral deficits, cerebral pathology and exocrine pancreatic atrophy. Transcriptome and immunohistochemistry analyses of cerebra during disease progression show a reduction in most Pol III transcripts, induction of innate immune and integrated stress responses and cell type-specific gene expression changes reflecting neuron and oligodendrocyte loss and microglial activation. Earlier in the disease when integrated stress and innate immune responses are minimally induced, mature tRNA sequencing revealed a global reduction in tRNA levels and an altered tRNA profile but no changes in other Pol III transcripts. Thus, changes in the size and/or composition of the tRNA pool have a causal role in disease initiation. Our findings reveal different tissue- and brain region-specific sensitivities to a defect in Pol III transcription.
A high-fidelity CRISPR-Cas13 system improves abnormalities associated with C9ORF72-linked ALS/FTD
Authors: McCallister Tristan X. , Lim Colin K. W. , Terpstra William M. , Zeballos C M. Alejandra , Zhang Sijia , Powell Jackson E. , Gaj Thomas
Published: December 2023

An abnormal expansion of a GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat in the C9ORF72 gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), two debilitating neurodegenerative disorders driven in part by gain-of-function mechanisms involving transcribed forms of the repeat expansion. By utilizing a Cas13 variant with reduced collateral effects, we developed a high-fidelity RNA-targeting CRISPR-based system for C9ORF72-linked ALS/FTD. When delivered to the brain of a transgenic rodent model, this Cas13-based platform effectively curbed the expression of the GGGGCC repeat-containing RNA without affecting normal C9ORF72 levels, which in turn decreased the formation of RNA foci and reversed transcriptional deficits. This high-fidelity Cas13 variant possessed improved transcriptome-wide specificity compared to its native form and mediated efficient targeting in motor neuron-like cells derived from a patient with ALS. Our results lay the foundation for the implementation of RNA-targeting CRISPR technologies for C9ORF72-linked ALS/FTD.
The TR-icOS setup at the ESRF: time-resolved microsecond UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy on protein crystals
Authors: Engilberge Sylvain , Caramello Nicolas , Bukhdruker Sergei , Byrdin Martin , Giraud Thierry , Jacquet Philippe , Scortani Damien , Biv Rattana , Gonzalez Hervé , Broquet Antonin , van der Linden Peter , Rose Samuel L. , Flot David , Balandin Taras , Gordeliy Valentin , Lahey-Rudolph J. Mia , Roessle Manfred , de Sanctis Daniele , Leonard Gordon A. , Mueller-Dieckmann Christoph , Royant Antoine
Published: December 2023

The technique of time-resolved macromolecular crystallography (TR-MX) has recently been rejuvenated at synchrotrons, resulting in the design of dedicated beamlines. Using pump–probe schemes, this should make the mechanistic study of photoactive proteins and other suitable systems possible with time resolutions down to microseconds. In order to identify relevant time delays, time-resolved spectroscopic experiments directly performed on protein crystals are often desirable. To this end, an instrument has been built at the icOS Lab (in crystallo Optical Spectroscopy Laboratory) at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility using reflective focusing objectives with a tuneable nanosecond laser as a pump and a microsecond xenon flash lamp as a probe, called the TR-icOS (time-resolved icOS) setup. Using this instrument, pump–probe spectra can rapidly be recorded from single crystals with time delays ranging from a few microseconds to seconds and beyond. This can be repeated at various laser pulse energies to track the potential presence of artefacts arising from two-photon absorption, which amounts to a power titration of a photoreaction. This approach has been applied to monitor the rise and decay of the M state in the photocycle of crystallized bacteriorhodopsin and showed that the photocycle is increasingly altered with laser pulses of peak fluence greater than 100 mJ cm−2, providing experimental laser and delay parameters for a successful TR-MX experiment.
The impact of new energy vehicle information sources on mass consumers' purchase intentions: an investigation in China
Authors: Xiong Yongqing , Cheng Qian , Xiong Yukang , Liao Mingyan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact and mechanism of new energy vehicle (NEV) information sources (IS) on mass consumers' purchase intentions (PIs) in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Around 902 valid questionnaires were collected using the questionnaire to analyze the different effects of three types of IS (official, interpersonal and commercial) on mass consumers' PIs. Besides, this study investigates the mechanisms by examining the mediating effect of perceived risk (PR) and the moderating effect of individual differences like age and education level.

Findings

The three types of NEV IS stimulate the PI of mass consumers, but there are some differences, with interpersonal information sources (IISs) having the strongest contribution, followed by official information sources (OISs) and commercial information sources (CISs) the least. Meanwhile, PR plays a mediating role in the effect of NEV IS on mass consumers' PIs, and age and education level moderate the influence paths. Specifically, the moderating effect of age mainly works on the negative impact of PR on PI, while education level moderates the influence of IS on PR.

Originality/value

This study contributes to filling the gaps in the current understanding of the role played by NEV IS in shaping consumer preferences and choices. It provides valuable insights for automotive manufacturers, policymakers and marketers to tailor their marketing strategies and improve information dissemination to effectively promote NEV adoption among mass consumers.
UK higher education staff's mental health and wellbeing during Covid-19
Authors: Kassem Rasha , Mitsakis Fotios
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of academic and professional Higher Education (HE) staff in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method survey questionnaire was sent to almost 300 UK HE staff to secure qualitative and quantitative data to enable data triangulation.

Findings

The study found an adverse impact on academic and professional staff's mental health and wellbeing, further resulting in stress and anxiety. Several reasons for the increased stress and anxiety levels were identified, but social isolation and the increased workload were the most commonly reported. The most affected groups by the pandemic were females, younger staff, full-timers and those with disabilities or caring responsibilities.

Practical implications

This study offers a range of strategies to support staff's mental health and wellbeing; as such, it is of great interest to policymakers to inform their decisions of similar crisis events in the future. It also addresses some of the COVID-19 areas of research interest for the UK parliament.

Originality/value

The study's originality derives from exploring the pandemic's impact on UK HE staff's mental health and wellbeing by including professional staff's experiences alongside those of academics. It also expands the scant evidence concerning the pandemic's impact on HE staff in the UK.
Unravelling the mysteries of cyber incivility: a systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Shahwar Durrey , Dhar Rajib Lochan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The current digital work environment promoting a “constant-on” culture is a hotbed for cyber incivility. Thus, there is a pressing need to understand its mechanisms. This study aims to shed light on the triggers, sources and impact of rude behaviours in cyberspace. The authors also present the boundary conditions that exacerbate or alleviate the effects of such negative experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a systematic literature review based on predefined search protocols, the authors synthesised the current knowledge on cyber incivility and identified 21 peer-reviewed research articles.

Findings

The findings reveal the different sources of cyber incivility, its personal, relational and organisational antecedents and consequences, and its personal and situational boundary conditions that curb or enhance the negative impact.

Research limitations/implications

The authors unravel the main future research avenues based on the review findings by systemising knowledge on cyber incivility. Managerial efforts in the form of interventions and mitigation are also discussed to help combat this grieving issue in the workplace.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first systematic review of the cyber incivility literature and identifies new avenues for future research. Scholars can expand upon the findings of this study to fill gaps and move the incivility in cyberspace forward. It also offers practical insights on mitigating the advancement of such behaviours in organisations.
Cognitive styles and dynamic managerial capabilities: implications for SMEs in a transition economy
Authors: Kryeziu Liridon , Kurutkan Mehmet Nurullah , Krasniqi Besnik A. , Ramadani Veland , Hajrullahu Vjose , Haziri Artan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The dynamism of competition in international markets requires managers to react accordingly and ensure the firm's survival and competitiveness. This study examines the impact of cognitive styles and dynamic managerial capabilities (DMC) on a firm's international performance and the mediating role of these capabilities in the relationship between cognitive styles and international performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a quantitative cross-sectional research design, employing a sample of 306 firm owner-managers from exporting companies in Kosovo.

Findings

The findings suggest that managers' cognitive styles positively influence firm international performance, including their impact on DMC. Results also indicate that only managerial cognition mediates cognitive styles' effects on a firm's international performance, compared to managers' social capital.

Originality/value

In this study, the authors contribute to the literature by integrating cognitive styles with DMC in a transition country. Moreover, the authors demonstrate that DMC mediate the impact of cognitive styles on the firm international performance.
Intersectionality of place and race: entrepreneurial performance of Arab citizens of Israel
Authors: Said Inas Saleh , Vyas Vijay
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study is to understand how Arab entrepreneurs in Israel redress the disadvantage of the intersectionality of place and race by setting up their businesses in markets beyond their ethnic enclaves as well as by pursuing opportunity entrepreneurship and the role human values play in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the portrait value questionnaire, a survey of Arab entrepreneurs in Israel was conducted. Multiple linear regressions were run to generate the findings.

Findings

The authors find that educated and non-conforming Arab men in Israel, driven by stimulation and universalism, successfully neutralise the intersectional disadvantage of place and race through entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications

Care is advised in the generalisation of findings of this research to other intersectional communities as they emerge from the unique context of Arab entrepreneurs in Israel.

Practical implications

Education, stimulation and universalism facilitate entrepreneurial success beyond Arab ethnic enclaves whereas conformity suppresses it.

Social implications

With the right attributes and values, marginalised individuals can emerge from the disadvantage of the intersectionality of place and race.

Originality/value

The study advances the intersectionality discourse from “what it is” and “what it does” to “what can be done about it”. It identifies the attributes and values that help Arab entrepreneurs in Israel to remedy their intersectional disadvantage.
Back to goodwill amortisation: impact of the 2016 Spanish regulation on the mispricing of listed firms
Authors: Ruiz-Lamas Fernando , Peón David
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This article analyses the recent inverse transition from goodwill impairment to goodwill amortisation implemented in Spain in 2016. The authors contribute to the existing literature by describing their differing impact over goodwill and impairment figures and testing the impact of goodwill on balances over stock prices.

Design/methodology/approach

First, using a database with all Spanish non-financial firms with positive goodwill on their balance sheets, the authors describe the impact of the regulatory change over goodwill and impairment figures. Second, focussing on listed firms only, the authors study the impact of financial reporting of goodwill and impairment on stock prices.

Findings

Average goodwill per company and the share of goodwill over total assets significantly reduced after 2016, but the results cannot be easily extrapolated to listed firms due to lack of data. When testing the impact of potentially inflated goodwill balances on prices, the authors find that investors kept overvaluing firms with inflated goodwill balances also with the amortisation method.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of data for listed firms with goodwill in Spain makes it difficult to obtain statistically sound evidence, the results could be biased by the cultural traits of the country and related to the intensity of enforcement and monitoring.

Practical implications

This might suggest that the effects of the impairment method linger, so the authors conform to the interpretation that the systematic amortisation paired with a periodic impairment test may lead to accounting that better reflects the underlying economics of goodwill.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, there are no recent articles that analyse this new “turn-around” requiring again the systematic amortisation of goodwill.
The effectiveness of influencer endorsements for smart technology products: the role of follower number, expertise domain and trust propensity
Authors: Kim Taeyeon , Yoon Hye Jin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Considering the growth of the at-home smart technology industry and the increasing power of social media influencers, this study aims to examine how influencer endorsements affect individuals’ attitudes and trial intentions toward smart technology products.

Design/methodology/approach

An online experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of follower number and expertise domain of influencers and the trust propensity of individuals on their attitudinal and behavioral responses to influencer endorsements of smart technology products. The moderated mediation effect of perceived credibility was further examined.

Findings

The results demonstrated that individuals with lower trust propensity responded more positively to a microinfluencer with fewer followers and a specific area of expertise, which led to favorable attitudes and increased intention to try a smart technology product. However, the expertise domain was not a significant factor for the megainfluencer condition with a more extensive follower base. Interestingly, the interaction effects were not observed for individuals with higher trust propensity.

Practical implications

The results of this research provide practical implications for marketers who look for effective strategies for influencer marketing by demonstrating the significant impact of source-related cues, including follower number and expertise domain.

Originality/value

Based on the modality, agency, interactivity and navigability; source credibility; and persuasion knowledge models, this research explains how source-related cues of influencers affect credibility judgment, attitude formation and trial intentions for new technology products and how trust propensity as a personal dispositional factor varies the relationship.
Does the verified badge of social media matter? The perspective of trust transfer theory
Authors: Liao Chien Hsiang , Hsieh Jung-Kuei , Kumar Sushant
Published: December 2023

Purpose

On Instagram, a verified badge (a blue checkmark) is used to confirm the authenticity of influencers' accounts for consumers. Yet, it is unclear whether followers trust the badge or are influenced by the influencer's large following. This research aims to investigate the impact of verified badges on followers' trust and behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This research conducts three experiments to investigate the impact of the verified badge on consumer attitudes and behavioral intentions, recruiting participants from freelance recruiting website in all three experiments.

Findings

The results show that a verified badge can sequentially influence consumer trust, attitude and sharing intentions. Furthermore, the impact of the verified badge on trust is more pronounced among micro-influencers as opposed to macro-influencers, and it can mitigate the negative attitude toward commercial postings.

Originality/value

Based on trust transfer theory, this research is a pioneer in investigating the effectiveness of verified badges on social media. These findings contribute to the field of influencer marketing by considering influencers' characteristics and the commercial intent of postings as moderators. Additionally, the results offer managerial insights for developing influencer marketing strategies.
How to transform brand haters into forgivers through emotional intelligence?
Authors: Mednini Latifa , Damak Turki Mouna
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Consumers' responses to service failures are influenced not just by company-related issues but also by one's ability to react to stressful situations. The aim of this research is to explore the emotional intelligence of brand haters and transform them into forgivers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used two qualitative methods, namely in-depth semi-structured interviews with a total of 17 participants who have different emotional intelligence levels (high, medium and low) and projective techniques with 6 participants.

Findings

This study's results showed that consumers with high and medium emotional intelligence feel less hate toward a brand and are more likely to forgive it, whereas consumers with low emotional intelligence feel more hate toward a brand and are unwilling to forgive it.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is among the first to shed light on the importance of managing hate by consumers. Findings will help managers understand the importance of consumer personality in a management strategy and explain why some consumers forgive brands while others participate in anti-brand activities.
Food security for Nigerians through sustainable agriculture
Authors: Garba Khalid
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a practical implementation blueprint for the attainment of food security for all Nigerians based on sustainable agricultural practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducted a critical review of 66 peer-reviewed empirical articles on various sustainable agricultural case studies. The evidence obtained from this review and the in-depth knowledge of the authors regarding the Nigerian agricultural landscape was used to develop a practical implementation blueprint for achieving food security in the country.

Findings

The food security for all Nigerians (FOSFAN) blueprint was developed and comprising of eight practical and interconnected steps. These steps take into consideration the synergistic effort of the government, the ministry of agriculture and its corresponding agencies in ensuring that farmers attain sustainable practices in their endeavour.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this paper will contribute to existing literature on food security and will also serve as a baseline for deeper empirical exploration of the impact of sustainable agricultural practices on food security in Nigeria (a country in the Sub-Saharan region).

Practical implications

The FOSFAN blueprint provides a practical and comprehensive step-by-step guide, which the Nigerian Ministry of Agriculture can use to achieve food security for all Nigerians.

Social implications

This paper is addressed towards the development of food security plan in the Nigerian context in which the Nigerian Government ensures the availability of food to all its citizens in a bid to achieve “Zero Hunger”, which is the second Sustainable Development Goal.

Originality/value

The FOSFAN blueprint is a proactive guide that takes into consideration the importance of cultural and socioeconomic nuances in the development of a sustainable agriculture policy in a developing country context.
Lignosulfonate and glycidyl ether modified urea formaldehyde wood adhesives for interior particleboard production
Authors: Alkan Ümran Burcu , Kızılcan Nilgün , Bengü Başak
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is the development of sustainable and low-formaldehyde emission wood adhesive formulations.

Design/methodology/approach

Three-step urea formaldehyde (UF) resin has been in situ modified with calcium lignosulfonate (LS) and/or 1,4 butanediol diglycidyl ether (GE). The structural, chemical, thermal and morphological characterizations were carried out on resin samples. These resins have been applied for particleboard pressing, and UF, UF-LS and UF-GE were evaluated as P2 classes according to EN 312.

Findings

The results show that the improved LS- or diglycidyl ether-modified UF wood adhesives were successful in their adhesive capacity, and the formaldehyde content of the final product was obtained as low as 8 mg/100 g. This paper highlights that the presented adhesive formulations could be a potential eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to formaldehyde-based wood adhesives for interior particleboard production.

Research limitations/implications

Combination of LS and GE resulted in weaker mechanical properties and fulfilled P1 class particleboards due to temperature and duration conditions. Therefore, in situ usage of LS or GE in UF resins is highly recommended for particleboard pressing. Formaldehyde content of particleboards was determined with the perforator method according to EN 12460-5 and all of the particleboards exhibited E1 class. LS was more efficient in decreasing formaldehyde content than GE.

Practical implications

This study provides the application of particleboards with low formaldehyde emission.

Social implications

The developed LS- and diglycidyl ether-modified UF resins made it possible to obtain boards with significantly low formaldehyde content compared with commercial resins.

Originality/value

The developed formaldehyde-based resin formulation made it possible to produce laboratory-scale board prototypes using LS or GE without sacrificing of press factors and panel quality.
Measuring the degree of connection between currency futures: Empirical dive into higher moments
Authors: Donduran Murat , Faisal Muhammad Ali
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to unfold the existing information channel in the higher moments of currency futures for different time horizons.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a quasi-Bayesian local likelihood approach within a time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) framework and a dynamic connectedness measure to study the volatility, skewness and kurtosis of most traded currency futures.

Findings

The authors’ results suggest a time-varying presence of dynamic connectedness within higher moments of currency futures. Most spillovers pertain to shorter time horizons. The authors find that in net terms, CHF, EUR and JPY are the most important contributors to the system, while the authors emphasize that the role of being a transmitter or a receiver varies for pairwise interactions and time windows.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that looks upon the connectivity vis-á-vis uncertainty, asymmetry and fat tails in currency futures within a dynamic Bayesian paradigm. The authors extend the current literature by proposing new insights into asset distributions.
Cannabis in Wisikk: a tempting venture
Authors: Stack Ryan , Gould Storm , Malsch Bertrand
Published: December 2023

Research methodology

This case was developed using a mixture of publicly available documents created by the partner community, general information from public sources like the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) website and Government of Canada websites, and personal and first-hand experience of the indigenous coauthor, Storm Gould.

Case overview/synopsis

Wisikk is a Mi’kmaq sovereign reserve territory located in Mi’kmaq’ki in the place that settler governments call Nova Scotia. The community has existed in its location since time immemorial and has been recognized by the settler government since the early 19th century. An opportunity for community-run business has arisen for Wisikk based on the legalization of cannabis throughout Canada in 2018. This case’s protagonist is the community’s Vice-President for Business Development, Andrew Googoo, as he considers bringing a proposal for a cannabis retailing venture to the Chief and Council. Cannabis legalization in Canada left sales policies to the provinces and was silent as to the rules governing cannabis sales by indigenous communities on their sovereign territory. Considering both potential negative impacts to the community, as well as the potential financial benefits from a successful reserve-based cannabis dispensary, Andrew must soon present his initial findings to the Chief and Council for their deliberation and decision. Any venture undertaken by the reserve would require a loan from the FNFA, so Andrew must also consider the projections and reports that the FNFA would require to support their lending decision.

Complexity academic level

The case is appropriate for mid-level or capstone undergraduate and graduate business courses, especially those focused on entrepreneurship, business ownership or indigenous ownership. The case was originally developed for the accounting division of an international undergraduate case competition. In addition to accounting concepts like pro forma/budgeted income statements and decision analysis, it is intended to showcase some legal and cultural features of community-led indigenous business ventures. The idea is for students to explore concepts of sovereignty, community involvement and broader stakeholder impact, as well as more technical accounting and financial concepts.
Treatment preferences of adults and adolescents with alopecia areata: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Tervonen Tommi , Whichello Chiara , Law Ernest , Mauer Jonathan , Mitra Debanjali , Trapali Myrto , Krucien Nicolas , Hauber Brett
Published: December 2023

PRODUCTS with janus kinase (JAK) inhibition have been shown to promote hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata (AA). To guide drug‐approval and treatment decisions, it is important to understand patients' willingness to accept the potential risks of JAK inhibition in exchange for potential benefits. We quantified the treatment preferences of adult (≥18 years) and adolescent patients (12–17 years) with AA in the US and Europe to determine the trade‐offs they are willing to make between benefits and risks. Preferences for oral AA treatment attributes were elicited using a discrete choice experiment consisting of 12 tasks in which patients chose between two hypothetical treatment alternatives and no treatment. Benefits included the probability of 80%–100% scalp hair regrowth (Severity of Alopecia Tool score ≤ 20) and achieving moderate‐to‐normal eyebrow and eyelash hair. Treatment‐related risks included 3‐year probabilities of serious infection, cancer, and blood clots. Preference estimates were used to calculate the maximum level of each risk that patients were willing to accept for increases in treatment benefits. The most important attribute to both adults (n = 201) and adolescents (n = 120) was a 50% probability of achieving hair regrowth on most or all the scalp; however, adolescents placed greater relative importance on this attribute than did adults. Adults were averse to the risks of serious infection, cancer, and blood clots, whereas adolescents were averse to the risk of cancer. For a 20% increase in the probability of 80%–100% scalp hair regrowth, adults were willing to accept a mean (95% confidence interval) 3‐year risk of serious infection, cancer, and blood clots of 7.4% (5.5–9.3), 2.5% (1.9–3.1), and 9.3% (6.4–12.2). Adolescents were willing to accept a 3‐year risk of cancer of 3.3% (2.4–4.2). Patients with AA in the US and Europe are willing to accept substantial risks to obtain an effective treatment.
Successful treatment of classic Kaposi sarcoma with Trichophyton rubrum–infected onychomycosis and tinea pedis utilizing combination of oral itraconazole and thalidomide
Authors: Chen Jincong , Zheng Yaxuan , Zhu Changhua , Lin Lihang , Su Huichun
Published: December 2023

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a vascular proliferative tumor caused by human herpesvirus 8. At present, the treatment of KS is difficult and refractory. Here, we report a 68‐year‐old man who was diagnosed with a classical KS with tinea pedis and onychomycosis, infected by Trichophyton rubrum, and treated with itraconazole and thalidomide after locational excision of several bigger nodules. The lesions were relieved during treatment, and recurred after discontinuation. Retreatment still achieved good effect and the therapy was tapered down after control. After the whole course of treatment, the skin lesions subsided significantly without obvious adverse reactions, which showed that itraconazole combined with thalidomide may be another effective and safe treatment for KS in some cases.
Leveraging Patients’ Creative Ideas for Innovation in Health Care
Authors: LEE YUNA S. H. , GROB RACHEL , NEMBHARD INGRID , SHALLER DALE , SCHLESINGER MARK
Published: December 2023

Policy Points

Patients’ creative ideas may inform learning and innovation that improve patient‐centered care.

Routinely collected patient experience surveys provide an opportunity to invite patients to share their creative ideas for improvement. We develop and assess a methodological strategy that validates question wording designed to elicit creative ideas from patients.

Health care organizations should consider how to report and use these data in health care delivery and quality improvement, and policymakers should consider promoting the use of narrative feedback to better understand and respond to patients’ experiences.

Context

Learning health systems (LHSs) have been promoted for a decade to achieve high‐quality, patient‐centered health care. Innovation driven by knowledge generated through day‐to‐day health care delivery, including patient insights, is critical to LHSs. However, the pace of translating patient insights into innovation is slow and effectiveness inadequate. This study aims to evaluate a method for systematically eliciting patients’ creative ideas, examine the value of such ideas as a source of insight, and examine patients’ creative ideas regarding how their experiences could be improved within the context of their own health systems.

Methods

The first stage of the study developed a survey and tested strategies for elicitation of patients’ creative ideas with 600 patients from New York State. The second stage deployed the survey with the most generative open‐ended question sequence within a health care system and involved analysis of 1,892 patients’ responses, including 2,948 creative ideas.

Findings

Actionable, creative feedback was fostered by incorporating a request for transformative feedback into a sequence of narrative elicitation questions. Patients generate more actionable and creative ideas when explicitly invited to share such ideas, especially patients with negative health care experiences, those from minority racial/ethnic backgrounds, and those with chronic illness. The most frequently elicited creative ideas focused on solving challenges, proposing interventions, amplifying exceptional practices, and conveying hopes for the future.

Conclusions

A valid and reliable method for eliciting creative ideas from patients can be deployed as part of routine patient experience surveys that include closed‐ended survey items and open‐ended narrative items in which patients share their experiences in their own words. The elicited creative ideas are promising for patient engagement and innovation efforts. This study highlights the benefits of engaging patients for quality improvement, offers a rigorously tested method for cultivating innovation using patient‐generated knowledge, and outlines how creative ideas can enable organizational learning and innovation.