bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic changes in somatosensory and cerebellar activity mediate temporal recalibration of self-touch
Authors: Kilteni Konstantina , Ehrsson H. Henrik
Published: December 2023

An organism’s ability to accurately anticipate the sensations caused by its own actions is crucial for a wide range of behavioral, perceptual, and cognitive functions. Notably, the sensorimotor expectations produced when touching one’s own body attenuate such sensations, making them feel weaker and less ticklish and rendering them easily distinguishable from potentially harmful touches of external origin. How the brain learns and keeps these action-related sensory expectations updated is unclear. We employed psychophysics and functional magnetic resonance imaging to pinpoint the behavioral and neural substrates of dynamic recalibration of expected temporal delays in self-touch. Psychophysical results revealed that self-touches were less attenuated after systematic exposure to delayed self-generated touches, while responses in the contralateral somatosensory cortex that normally distinguish between delayed and nondelayed self-generated touches became indistinguishable. During the exposure, the ipsilateral anterior cerebellum showed increased activity, supporting its proposed role in recalibrating sensorimotor predictions. Moreover, responses in the cingulate areas gradually increased, suggesting that as delay adaptation progresses, the nondelayed self-touches trigger activity related to cognitive conflict. Together, our results show that sensorimotor predictions in the simplest act of touching one’s own body are upheld by a sophisticated and flexible neural mechanism that maintains them accurate in time.
Circadian Vesicle Capture and Phase-Delayed Activity Maximize Synaptic Neuropeptide Release by Clock Neurons
Authors: Klose Markus K. , Kim Junghun , Gregg Sydney N. , Schmidt Brigitte F. , Xia Xiju , Li Yulong , Levitan Edwin S.
Published: December 2023

DrosophilasLNv clock neurons release the neuropeptide PDF to control circadian rhythms. Strikingly, PDF content in sLNv terminals is rhythmic with late night synaptic accumulation occurring in preparation for exocytosis from dense-core vesicles (DCVs) hours later at midmorning. The timing of this rhythm has been puzzling because (a) DCV exocytosis occurs hours after elevations in resting membrane potential (RMP) and Ca2+levels in the soma, which have traditionally been considered surrogates for activity and peptidergic transmission, and (b) the mechanism for the daily surge in synaptic neuropeptide content is unknown. Here, a sensor for sNPF, a neuropeptide co-packaged into DCVs along with PDF, reveals native synaptic neuropeptide release requires Ca2+influx and occurs at midmorning under control of the circadian clock. Furthermore, Ca2+imaging demonstrates that presynaptic activity and neuropeptide release both peak at the same time of day, showing that activity and release rhythms at the presynapse are remarkably uncoupled from somatic Ca2+and RMP rhythms in these neurons. Finally, anterograde axonal transport of DCVs is constant throughout the day and retention of circulating DCVs rhythmically boosts presynaptic neuropeptide content. This late-night vesicle capture requires the circadian clock. Thus, the robust daily rhythms of synaptic neuropeptide release that controls circadian behavior is produced by clock-induced late-night vesicle capture and midmorning activity.

Significance statement

Activity-dependent neuropeptide release from clock neuron distal terminals regulates behavioral biorhythms. Neuropeptide levels in fly sLNv clock neuron terminals cycle each day: they increase late at night and decrease hours later apparently due to dense-core vesicle exocytosis that is curiously delayed relative to daily somatic depolarization and Ca2+elevation. Imaging shows that the boost in presynaptic neuropeptide content is mediated by circadian capture of release competent vesicles. Then at midmorning, long after presumptive somatic surrogates change, Ca2+influx evokes native synaptic neuropeptide release. These results demonstrate a remarkable uncoupling of the daily rhythms in peptidergic synaptic transmission and somatic indices. Furthermore, the rhythmic burst of neuropeptide release controlling circadian behavior is produced by clock-controlled vesicle capture and phase-delayed activity.
Microbial pathway thermodynamics: structural models unveil anabolic and catabolic processes
Authors: Ebenhöh Oliver , Ebeling Josha , Meyer Ronja , Pohlkotte Fabian , Nies Tim
Published: December 2023

The biotechnological exploitation of microorganisms enables the use of metabolism for the production of economically valuable substances, such as drugs or food. It is, thus, unsurprising that the investigation of microbial metabolism and its regulation has been an active research field for many decades. As a result, several theories and techniques were developed that allow the prediction of metabolic fluxes and yields as biotechnologically relevant output parameters. One important approach is to derive macrochemical equations that describe the overall metabolic conversion of an organism and basically treat microbial metabolism as a black box. The opposite approach is to include all known metabolic reactions of an organism to assemble a genomescale metabolic model. Interestingly, both approaches are rather successful to characterise and predict the expected product yield. Over the years, especially macrochemical equations have been extensively characterised in terms of their thermodynamic properties. However, a common challenge when characterising microbial metabolism by a single equation is to split this equation into two, describing the two modes of metabolism, anabolism and catabolism. Here, we present strategies to systematically identify separate equations for anabolism and catabolism. Based on metabolic models, we systematically identify all theoretically possible catabolic routes and determine their thermodynamic efficiency. We then show how anabolic routes can be derived, and use these to approximate biomass yield. Finally, we challenge the view of metabolism as a linear energy converter, in which the free energy gradient of catabolism drives the anabolic reactions.
Astrocyte coverage of excitatory synapses correlates to measures of synapse structure and function in primary visual cortex
Authors: Thomas Connon I. , Ryan Melissa A. , McNabb Micaiah C. , Kamasawa Naomi , Scholl Benjamin
Published: December 2023

Most excitatory synapses in the mammalian brain are contacted by astrocytes, forming the tripartite synapse. This interface is thought to be critical for glutamate turnover and structural or functional dynamics of synapses. While the degree of synaptic contact of astrocytes is known to vary across brain regions and animal species, the implications of this variability remain unknown. Furthermore, precisely how astrocyte coverage of synapses relates toin vivofunctional properties of individual dendritic spines has yet to be investigated. Here, we characterized perisynaptic astrocyte processes (PAPs) contacting synapses of pyramidal neurons of the ferret visual cortex and, using correlative light and electron microscopy, examined their relationship to synaptic strength and to sensory-evoked Ca2+activity. Nearly all synapses were contacted by PAPs, and most were contacted along the axon-spine interface (ASI). Structurally, we found that the degree of PAP coverage scaled with synapse size and complexity. Functionally, we found that PAP coverage scaled with the selectivity of Ca2+responses of individual synapses to visual stimuli and, at least for the largest synapses, scaled with the reliability of visual stimuli to evoke postsynaptic Ca2+events. Our study shows astrocyte coverage is highly correlated with structural properties of excitatory synapses in the visual cortex and implicates astrocytes as a contributor to reliable sensory activation.
The pitfalls of regression to the mean in bivariate timeseries analysis
Authors: Versluys Thomas M. M.
Published: December 2023

1.Plastic traits, capable of taking multiple forms, often correlate with one another or with features of the environment when measured over time. These patterns of correlated change are sometimes assumed to reflect adaptive plasticity, such as coevolved “integrated phenotypes” within individuals, synchronisation between social or mating partners, or responses to environmental gradients.

2. Such plasticity is ecologically and evolutionarily important, so there is considerable interest in understanding how it varies between individuals and groups. However, “regression to the mean”, the statistical tendency for traits to revert to the average value, may create the illusion of strong bivariate correlations in timeseries data, including substantial but meaningless variation between individuals.

3. We demonstrate this using simulated and real data, revealing how regression to the mean can create bias both within and between samples. We then show, however, that its effects can often be eliminated using autoregressive models.

4. We also offer a detailed discussion of how and why regression to the mean arises, introducing the idea that it is both a statistical and ecological phenomenon.
A foundational atlas of autism protein interactions reveals molecular convergence
Authors: Wang Belinda , Vartak Rasika , Zaltsman Yefim , Naing Zun Zar Chi , Hennick Kelsey M. , Polacco Benjamin J. , Bashir Ali , Eckhardt Manon , Bouhaddou Mehdi , Xu Jiewei , Sun Nawei , Lasser Micaela C. , Zhou Yuan , McKetney Justin , Guiley Keelan Z. , Chan Una , Kaye Julia A. , Chadha Nishant , Cakir Merve , Gordon Martin , Khare Prachi , Drake Sam , Drury Vanessa , Burke David F. , Gonzalez Silvano , Alkhairy Sahar , Thomas Reuben , Lam Stephanie , Morris Montana , Bader Ethel , Seyler Meghan , Baum Tierney , Krasnoff Rebecca , Wang Sheng , Pham Presley , Arbalaez Juan , Pratt Dexter , Chag Shivali , Mahmood Nadir , Rolland Thomas , Bourgeron Thomas , Finkbeiner Steven , Swaney Danielle L. , Bandyopadhay Sourav , Ideker Trey , Beltrao Pedro , Willsey Helen Rankin , Obernier Kirsten , Nowakowski Tomasz J. , Hüttenhain Ruth , State Matthew W. , Willsey A. Jeremy , Krogan Nevan J.
Published: December 2023

Translating high-confidence (hc) autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genes into viable treatment targets remains elusive. We constructed a foundational protein-protein interaction (PPI) network in HEK293T cells involving 100 hcASD risk genes, revealing over 1,800 PPIs (87% novel). Interactors, expressed in the human brain and enriched for ASD but not schizophrenia genetic risk, converged on protein complexes involved in neurogenesis, tubulin biology, transcriptional regulation, and chromatin modification. A PPI map of 54 patient-derived missense variants identified differential physical interactions, and we leveraged AlphaFold-Multimer predictions to prioritize direct PPIs and specific variants for interrogation inXenopus tropicalisand human forebrain organoids. A mutation in the transcription factor FOXP1 led to reconfiguration of DNA binding sites and altered development of deep cortical layer neurons in forebrain organoids. This work offers new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying ASD and describes a powerful platform to develop and test therapeutic strategies for many genetically-defined conditions.
The effects of past and expected experiences on revisit intention: a study of Australian and Indonesian tourists
Authors: Maghrifani Dila , Liu Fang , Sneddon Joanne
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to better understand tourists’ revisit intention from their perspectives of past and expected experience and to investigate whether the formation of revisit intention differs between tourists from different nationalities.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 250 Indonesian tourists who have visited Australia and 275 Australian tourists who have visited Indonesia. The data were analysed by conducting structural equation modelling and multi-group analysis with group comparisons.

Findings

Indonesian tourists’ intention to revisit Australia was influenced by past feeling experience and expected experience, while Australian tourists’ intention to revisit Indonesia was influenced by past feeling and relating experiences and expected experience. Both samples differ significantly in terms of relations between experiences and revisit intention. The relationship between past thinking experience and revisit intention was positive for Indonesians but negative for Australians. The relationship between past relating and expected experience was positive for Australians but negative for Indonesians. In addition, the influence of expected experience on revisit intention was stronger for Australian than Indonesian tourists.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study, for the first time, enriches tourism literature in understanding revisit intention by investigating revisit intention in relation to both past and expected experiences, along with examining nationality differences in the revisit intention formation.
Does the big boss of coins—Bitcoin—protect a portfolio of new-generation cryptos? Evidence from memecoins, stablecoins, NFTs and DeFi
Authors: Chopra Monika , Mehta Chhavi , Lal Prerna , Srivastava Aman
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to primarily understand how crypto traders can use the Bitcoin as a hedge or safe haven asset to reduce their losses from crypto trading. The study also aims to provide insights to crypto investors (portfolio managers) who wish to maintain a crypto portfolio for the medium term and can use the Bitcoin to minimize their losses. The findings of this research can also be used by policymakers and regulators for accommodating the Bitcoin as a medium of exchange, considering its safe haven nature.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the cross-quantilogram (CQ) approach introduced by Han et al. (2016) to examine the safe-haven property of the Bitcoin against the other selected crypto assets. This method is robust for estimating bivariate volatility spillover between two markets given unusual distributions and extreme observations. The CQ method is capable of calculating the magnitude of the shock from one market to another under different quantiles. Additionally, this method is suitable for fat-tailed distributions. Finally, the method allows anticipating long lags to evaluate the strength of the relationship between two variables in terms of durations and directions simultaneously.

Findings

The Bitcoin acts as a weak safe haven asset for a majority of new crypto assets for the entire study period. These results hold even during greed and fear sentiments in the crypto market. The Bitcoin has the ability to protect crypto assets from sharp downturns in the crypto market and hence gives crypto traders some respite when trading in a highly volatile asset class.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to show how the Bitcoin can act as a true matriarch/patriarch for crypto assets and protect them during market turmoil. This study presents a clear and concise representation of this relationship via heatmaps constructed from CQ analysis, depicting the quantile dependence association between the Bitcoin and other crypto assets. The uniqueness of this study also lies in the fact that it assesses the protective properties of the Bitcoin not only for the entire sample period but also specifically during periods of greed and fear in the crypto market.
Investor sentiment and the NFT hype index: to buy or not to buy?
Authors: Baklanova Valeriia , Kurkin Aleksei , Teplova Tamara
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The primary objective of this research is to provide a precise interpretation of the constructed machine learning model and produce definitive summaries that can evaluate the influence of investor sentiment on the overall sales of non-fungible token (NFT) assets. To achieve this objective, the NFT hype index was constructed as well as several approaches of XAI were employed to interpret Black Box models and assess the magnitude and direction of the impact of the features used.

Design/methodology/approach

The research paper involved the construction of a sentiment index termed the NFT hype index, which aims to measure the influence of market actors within the NFT industry. This index was created by analyzing written content posted by 62 high-profile individuals and opinion leaders on the social media platform Twitter. The authors collected posts from the Twitter accounts that were afterward classified by tonality with a help of natural language processing model VADER. Then the machine learning methods and XAI approaches (feature importance, permutation importance and SHAP) were applied to explain the obtained results.

Findings

The built index was subjected to rigorous analysis using the gradient boosting regressor model and explainable AI techniques, which confirmed its significant explanatory power. Remarkably, the NFT hype index exhibited a higher degree of predictive accuracy compared to the well-known sentiment indices.

Practical implications

The NFT hype index, constructed from Twitter textual data, functions as an innovative, sentiment-based indicator for investment decision-making in the NFT market. It offers investors unique insights into the market sentiment that can be used alongside conventional financial analysis techniques to enhance risk management, portfolio optimization and overall investment outcomes within the rapidly evolving NFT ecosystem. Thus, the index plays a crucial role in facilitating well-informed, data-driven investment decisions and ensuring a competitive edge in the digital assets market.

Originality/value

The authors developed a novel index of investor interest for NFT assets (NFT hype index) based on text messages posted by market influencers and compared it to conventional sentiment indices in terms of their explanatory power. With the application of explainable AI, it was shown that sentiment indices may perform as significant predictors for NFT sales and that the NFT hype index works best among all sentiment indices considered.
The role of experiential familiarity in shaping hotel-chain competitiveness
Authors: Jokelainen Jere , Garrod Brian , Sthapit Erose , Pesonen Juho
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of experiential familiarity in determining the competitiveness of hotel chains. It does so by comparing the attribute-performance perceptions of guests who had and had not previously stayed at a property belonging to a specific hotel chain. It also examines how far such perceptions shape word-of-mouth and future purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 1,016 Finnish leisure tourists in 2021 using an online questionnaire, providing a representative sample of Finnish domestic leisure tourists.

Findings

The results indicate that the competitiveness of different hotel chains depends on a small number of key attributes. Differentiation between hotel chains can be seen from the results. Previous guests rate hotel chain attributes more highly than non-previous guests. Behavioral intentions do not differ between previous and non-previous guests, but how many times a person has stayed in the hotel chain significantly influences behavioral intentions. The results provide strategic levers that hotel chains can use to enhance their competitiveness.

Practical implications

Hotels should invest in attributes that have the biggest positive impact on customer behavior. These will be different for different hotel chains. By understanding these differences, it is possible to communicate relevant attributes to customers through marketing and develop hotel features that will drive revisit intention and word-of-mouth marketing.

Originality/value

This study found that while certain hotel attributes had a significant shaping effect on guests’ performance ratings, there were no decisive differences between those with or without experiential familiarity with the hotel chain.
Exploring the role of climate for conflict management and high involvement work practices as moderators in the workplace bullying and work-related depression link
Authors: Ekmekcioglu Emre Burak , Nabawanuka Hamidah , Mohammed Alhassan Yussif , Akparep John Yaw , Ergenç Cansu
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how organizational practices such as climate for conflict management (CCM) and high involvement work practices (HIWPs) reduce the negative consequences of workplace bullying (WPB) on work-related depression (WRD).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 468 full-time employees working in the financial sector in Türkiye by applying a student-recruited sampling strategy. The aforesaid relationships were assessed using SPSS AMOS 29.

Findings

The results indicated that WPB leads to WRD; however, this effect is alleviated by employee perceptions of strong CCM and the administration of HIWPs in workplace settings.

Research limitations/implications

Collecting data from a single source poses the risks of self-report data bias; however, in the future, data may be collected from multiple sources to lessen this potential threat. The study was a cross-sectional study, which makes it hard to make casual inferences; longitudinal data would be more beneficial to establish casual associations.

Practical implications

Business owners and managers can draw from the study results to create a work environment perceived by employees to be fair when dealing with conflicts and the negative vices of bullying in workplaces. Also, organizations may administer practices that empower employees’ confidence and competence to deal with negative persecution in organizations.

Originality/value

Few studies, if any, have focused on examining the moderating effect of CCM and HIWPs in the association between WPB and WRD. Drawing upon conservation of resources theory, the study stands out as it tests the moderating effect of CCM and HIWPs in the connection between WPB and WRD. The findings contribute to the few available studies tackling organizational factors relevant to alleviating the negative consequences of WPB in organizations.
Coopetition for corporate responsibility and sustainability: does it influence firm performance?
Authors: Bouncken Ricarda , Kumar Amit , Connell Julia , Bhattacharyya Asit , He Kai
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Corporate responsibility and sustainability (CRS) have emerged as an important topic today. At the same time, alliances and coopetition arrangements, as vehicles for inter-firm collaboration have been shown to support firm performance. Still, there has been a lack of research into how coopetition (collaboration with competing firms) in this area may support firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to untangle the relationship between coopetition arrangements including CRS and firm performance. The model permits garnering social performance, which is a key to CRS, and to move beyond the traditional view of the coopetition–firm–economic–performance relationship. This study is based on a survey and primary data from 215 firms in Australia. This study uses multiple indicators for the concepts. Relationships are estimated by multiple regression analyses.

Findings

Using survey data from 215 firms in Australia, the research findings confirm that coopetition in CRS can lead to improved firm performance, both in relation to financial and social performances. However, the association between coopetition in CRS and financial performance loses its significance when social performances is introduced as an additional control variable. Further, stakeholder attributes (i.e., effective power and legitimate stake) moderate the relationship between coopetition in CRS and firm financial performance. However, there was no evidence of moderation for the coopetition in CRS – firm social performance relationship.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to both coopetition and corporate social responsibility research. This study demonstrates that improved firm performance may be achieved through the promotion of CRS initiatives when a coopetitive approach is adopted, particularly where an understanding of stakeholder attributes is also evident. Firms do not need to shoulder corporate social responsibility alone. They need to find well-fitting partners. There are new ways to improve sustainability in terms of nature and human relationships.

Practical implications

Firms do not need to shoulder Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) alone. They need to find well-fitting partners.

Originality/value

This study provides very novel insights by having integrated the literature on coopetition, corporate social responsibility and sustainability resulting in a new conceptual framework that combines coopetition in CRS and performance. The new conceptual framework has both practical and research implications for coopetition in CRS and firm performance.
From zero to Hero: effect of gender diversity on corporate social performance in Brazil
Authors: Pinheiro Alan Bandeira , do Prado Nágela Bianca , Batistella Ana Julia , Ribeiro Cintia De Melo de Albuquerque , Mazzioni Sady
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of board gender diversity on corporate social performance (CSP) in Brazilian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This research collected available information on the CSP, financial performance and governance of Brazilian companies for five years (2016–2020). The dependent variable of this study is CSP (workforce, human rights, community and respect for the product). The independent variable is gender diversity. The authors control financial performance, the presence of a social responsibility committee and the industry sector. The data were analyzed using the dynamic panel data system, which is the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator.

Findings

This empirical investigation confirmed the hypothesis that the female presence on boards has a positive effect on the CSP of Brazilian companies. The findings of this study are consistent with previous studies. The authors' results suggest that women are more socially aware and exhibit more social corporate behavior.

Practical implications

Supplementing financial reports with nonfinancial information draws the attention of regulators and shareholders. Companies can also create human resources policies for appointing women to senior management positions and a succession plan that values the talent that women bring to companies.

Originality/value

A critical mass of women on the board can provide an effective balance, considering the diversity of backgrounds and experiences between men and women. Just one woman on the board can mean representation and resistance, but with a critical amount, female directors can have a voice and help formulate strategies aimed at CSP.
(Re)-discovering simulation as a critical element of OM/SCM research: call for research
Authors: Melnyk Steven Alexander , Thürer Matthias , Blome Constantin , Schoenherr Tobias , Gold Stefan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study focuses on (re-)introducing computer simulation as a part of the research paradigm. Simulation is a widely applied research method in supply chain and operations management. However, leading journals, such as the International Journal of Operations and Production Management, have often been reluctant to accept simulation studies. This study provides guidelines on how to conduct simulation research that advances theory, is relevant, and matters.

Design/methodology/approach

This study pooled the viewpoints of the editorial team of the International Journal of Operations and Production Management and authors of simulation studies. The authors debated their views and outlined why simulation is important and what a compelling simulation should look like.

Findings

There is an increasing importance of considering uncertainty, an increasing interest in dynamic phenomena, such as the transient response(s) to disruptions, and an increasing need to consider complementary outcomes, such as sustainability, which many researchers believe can be tackled by big data and modern analytical tools. But building, elaborating, and testing theory by purposeful experimentation is the strength of computer simulation. The authors therefore argue that simulation should play an important role in supply chain and operations management research, but for this, it also has to evolve away from simply generating and analyzing data. Four types of simulation research with much promise are outlined: empirical grounded simulation, simulation that establishes causality, simulation that supplements machine learning, artificial intelligence and analytics and simulation for sensitive environments.

Originality/value

This study identifies reasons why simulation is important for understanding and responding to today's business and societal challenges, it provides some guidance on how to design good simulation studies in this context and it links simulation to empirical research and theory going beyond multimethod studies.
The impact of word-of-mouth (WOM) on attitudes, behavioural intentions, and actual usage of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) among early and late adopters
Authors: Haverila Matti , Currie Russell , Haverila Kai Christian , McLaughlin Caitlin , Twyford Jenny Carita
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine how the theory of planned behaviour and technology acceptance theory can be used to understand the adoption of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). The relationships between attitudes, behavioural intentions towards using NPIs, actual use of NPIs and word-of-mouth (WOM) were examined and compared between early and late adopters.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to test the hypotheses with partial least squares structural equation modelling (n= 278).

Findings

The results indicate that relationships between attitudes, intentions and behavioural intentions were positive and significant in the whole data set – and that there were differences between the early and late adopters. WOM had no substantial relationship with actual usage and early adopters’ behavioural intentions.

Originality/value

This research gives a better sense of how WOM impacts attitudes, behavioural intentions and actual usage among early and late adopters of NPIs and highlights the effectiveness of WOM, especially among late adopters of NPIs. Furthermore, using the TAM allows us to make specific recommendations regarding encouraging the use of NPIs. A new three-stage communications model is introduced that uses early adopters as influencers to reduce the NPI adoption time by late adopters.
Does cross-channel consistency always create brand loyalty in omni-channel retailing?
Authors: Liu Ting , Liu Minghao
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Research to date has yet to reach a consensus regarding the role of cross-channel consistency in omni-channel retailing. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the impact of cross-channel consistency on brand trust and loyalty by differentiating four dimensions of consistency (i.e. product, service, price and promotion consistency) and exploring the moderating roles of showrooming and webrooming motivation in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method is used to collect data. A total of 550 valid responses were obtained from multi-channel apparel brands' customers. Hypotheses were tested by employing structural equation modeling and hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that product and service consistency positively influence brand loyalty via brand trust, whereas price and promotion consistency do not. Furthermore, showrooming motivation negatively moderates the effects of service, price and promotion consistency on brand trust, while webrooming motivation positively moderates the effects of product, price and promotion consistency on brand trust.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the omni-channel retailing literature by examining the effects of different dimensions of cross-channel consistency and the moderating roles of showrooming and webrooming motivation to unravel the contradictions of previous studies. It reveals both the beneficial and dark sides of cross-channel consistency. It also extends the knowledge of brand building and cross-channel behavior in omni-channel retailing.
Seismic reduction principle and response analysis of variable damping viscous damper system
Authors: Liang Shahe , Zhang Zhiqiang , Li Aiqun
Published: December 2023

Purpose

A new type of variable damping viscous damper is developed to meet the settings of different damping parameter values at different working stages. Its main principle and design structure are introduced, and the two-stage and multi-stage controllable damping methods are proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical calculation formulas of the damping force of power-law fluid variable damping viscous damper at elongated holes are derived, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development and application of variable damping viscous dampers. For the newly developed variable damping viscous damper, the dynamic equations for the seismic reduction system with variable damping viscous dampers under a multi-degree-of-freedom system are established. A feasible calculation and analysis method is proposed to derive the solution process of time history analysis. At the same time, a program is also developed using Matlab. The dynamic full-scale test of a two-stage variable damping viscous damper was conducted, demonstrating that the hysteresis curve is complete and the working condition is stable.

Findings

Through the calculation and analysis of examples, the results show that the seismic reduction effect of high and flexible buildings using the seismic reduction system with variable damping viscous dampers is significant. The program developed is used to analyze the seismic response of a broadcasting tower using a variable damping TMD system under large earthquakes. The results indicate that the installation of variable damping viscous dampers can effectively control the maximum inter-story displacement response of TMD water tanks and can effectively consume seismic energy.

Originality/value

This method can provide a guarantee for the safe and effective operation of TMD in wind and vibration control.
The sustainability and performance of Bank Wakaf Mikro: waqf-based microfinance in Indonesia
Authors: Yusgiantoro Inka , Pamungkas Putra , Trinugroho Irwan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to empirically investigate the sustainability and performance of Bank Wakaf Mikro (hereafter called BWM), which is a waqf-based microfinance in the context of Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use several model specifications. The specifications mainly take the BWM’s characteristics and governance into account. The authors use a standard-panel data approach with a fixed-effects model as the Hausman test result favors the fixed-effects model. The authors collected monthly data from the Indonesia Financial Services Authority for the period 2018–2020. The detailed data, 39 BWM enabling us to observe the financial, social and governance elements of BWMs.

Findings

The results reveal interesting findings. The authors find that BWM characteristics, governance and social capital are significant in shaping BWM’s sustainability, performance and risk. Furthermore, the authors find that BWM located in a province with higher lending density has lower performance than those located in a province with lower lending density. The results provide some evidence on how waqf-based microfinance could achieve both economic and social goals. It could provide perspectives for stakeholders in designing microfinance institutions.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to empirically study the waqf-based microfinance institutions in Indonesia by looking at the determinants of performance and sustainability of those institutions.
Prescribed performance sliding mode control for the PAMs elbow exoskeleton in the tracking trajectory task
Authors: Zhao Zhirui , Hao Lina , Tao Guanghong , Liu Hongjun , Shen Lihua
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study discusses the tracking trajectory issue of the exoskeleton under the bounded disturbance and designs an useful tracking trajectory control method to solve it. By using the proposed control method, the tracking error can be successfully convergence to the assigned boundary. Meanwhile, the chattering effect caused by the actuators is already reduced, and the tracking performance of the pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) elbow exoskeleton is improved effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

A prescribed performance sliding mode control method was developed in this study to fulfill the joint position tracking trajectory task on the elbow exoskeleton driven by two PAMs. In terms of the control structure, a dynamic model was built by conforming to the adaptive law to compensate for the time variety and uncertainty exhibited by the system. Subsequently, a super-twisting algorithm-based second-order sliding mode control method was subjected to the exoskeleton under the boundedness of external disturbance. Moreover, the prescribed performance control method exhibits a smooth prescribed function with an error transformation function to ensure the tracking error can be finally convergent to the pre-designed requirement.

Findings

From the theoretical perspective, the stability of the control method was verified through Lyapunov synthesis. On that basis, the tracking performance of the proposed control method was confirmed through the simulation and the manikin model experiment.

Originality/value

As revealed by the results of this study, the proposed control method sufficiently applies to the PAMs elbow exoskeleton for tracking trajectory, which means it has potential application in the actual robot-assisted passive rehabilitation tasks.
AI-driven sustainability brand activism for family businesses: a future-proofing perspective article
Authors: Doe Joshua Kofi , Hinson Robert E.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable business represent the irrefutable future of all forward looking businesses in the world today. In this perspective article, the authors explore the confluence of these important topics by highlighting the role of family businesses in advancing sustainable brand activism aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), like SDG 1, which emphasises poverty eradication. The authors fall on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and online brand communities in family businesses as an anchor for promoting sustainability practices that align with UNSDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using literature review, the authors fall on the transformative potential of AI and online brand communities in family businesses as an anchor for promoting sustainability practices that align with UNSDGs.

Findings

Scholarly research on AI-driven sustainability brand activism in family businesses is either limited or nonexistent. Family businesses have a unique opportunity to use AI for eco-friendly operations, personalised brand engagement, eco-friendly product development, global collaborations and education and advocacy in support of the UNSDGs. Future research could look at how family businesses align their values, their long-term effects, how they work across generations, how resilient and flexible they are and how they compare to non-family businesses when it comes to using AI and brand activism as long-term strategies for sustainability and survival.

Originality/value

The authors call for family businesses, governments and stakeholders to take theoretical and practical actions in promoting AI-driven sustainability brand activism aligned with the UNSDGs. It underscores the distinctive role of family businesses in driving sustainability and fostering brand activism through AI in a digital age.
The association between mental health literacy and resilience among individuals who received therapy and those who did not
Authors: Laufer Avital , Khatib Anwar , Finkelstein Michal
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the link between mental health literacy (MHL) and resilience in two groups: individuals who underwent psychotherapy and a similar group who did not.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved 256 participants from Israeli–Arab and Israeli–Jewish communities. Half of the participants had previously received psychological treatment, whereas the other half had not. MHL was evaluated through the Mental Health Literacy Scale (O’Connor and Casey, 2015), whereas resilience was gauged using the concise Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (Connor and Davidson, 2003).

Findings

The results indicated that participants who had therapy had higher levels of MHL and resilience compared to those who were not in therapy. Being acquainted with mental health disorders was positively associated with resilience, independent of sociodemographic variables and therapy participation. An interaction effect was found, showing a positive association between MHL and resilience among those who had therapy, whereas a negative association was observed among those not in therapy. A negative association was also found between social closeness to mental health patients and resilience for respondents who did not participate in therapy and was unrelated to resilience among those who had therapy.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that having MHL is vital but it does not necessarily translate into personal application or effective coping strategy implementation. In fact, it may be that having knowledge, in the absence of taking any active measures, can even be harmful.
Psychographic and demographic segmentation and customer profiling in mobile fintech services
Authors: Koziel Agnieszka Maria , Shen Chien-wen
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This research aims to comprehend the factors that impact the emerging inclination of consumers toward mobile finance technology (fintech) services over banking institutions. The study focuses on users' demographics and psychographics to delineate their unique segments and profiles.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes a segmentation and profiling framework that includes variance analysis, two-step cluster analysis and pairwise statistical tests. This framework is applied to a dataset of customers using a range of mobile fintech services, specifically robo-investment, peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, robo-advisory and digital savings. The analysis creates distinct customer profile clusters, which are later validated using pairwise statistical tests based on segmentation output.

Findings

Empirical results reveal that P2P payment service users exhibit a higher frequency of usage, proficiency and intention to continue using the service compared to users of robo-investment or digital savings platforms. In contrast, individuals utilizing robo-advisory services are identified to have a significantly greater familiarity and intention to sustain engagement with the service compared to digital savings users.

Practical implications

The findings provide financial institutions, especially traditional banks with actionable insights into their customer base. This information enables them to identify specific customer needs and preferences, thereby allowing them to tailor products and services accordingly. Ultimately, this understanding may strategically position traditional banks to maintain competitiveness amidst the increasing prominence of fintech enterprises.

Originality/value

This research provides an in-depth examination of customer segments and profiles within the mobile fintech services sphere, thus giving a nuanced understanding of customer behavior and preferences and generating practical recommendations for banks and other financial institutions. This study thereby sets the stage for further research and paves the way for developing personalized products and services in the evolving fintech landscape.
Assessing indirect effect of behavioral intentions on financial inclusion – a serial mediation model
Authors: Shaheen Muhammad Aamir , Aslam Shoaib , Mahmood Salman , Ahmad Mumtaz , Tabassum Sumaira
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The research examines how behavioral intentions, as a higher-order construct, indirectly affect financial inclusion through service trust, usage behavior and financial literacy in mobile money adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the positivist research philosophy, a cross-sectional study design was used to collect data through questionnaires comprised of scales adapted from prior studies. With a usable sample size of 340 respondents, this study employs partial least squares structural equation modeling to assess the model.

Findings

The study revealed the significant indirect role of behavioral intention on financial inclusion through use behavior, behavioral intentions on use behavior through service trust, and use behavior on financial inclusion through financial literacy. The role of behavioral intentions on financial inclusion through serial mediation of service trust, use behavior and financial literacy was also found to be significant.

Originality/value

This study's novelty resides in examining the indirect relationship between behavioral intentions and financial inclusion, specifically via the serial mediation of service trust, use behavior and financial literacy.
What do we know and what should we research about employer brand? A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Tran Cam-Tu , Collin-Lachaud Isabelle , Pham Hiep Hung
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide an extensive review of the employer brand literature by capturing research trends and proposing a research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis was conducted to study 232 peer-reviewed articles indexed on Scopus from 2004 to 2021. Content analysis is added where appropriate to further explore empirical studies and influential papers.

Findings

Based on bibliometric analysis, this study provides data about the volume, growth trajectory, geographic distribution, main authors, three main themes and future research avenues for each of these themes. Content analysis sheds light on research subjects, types of data, methods and most influential papers.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to conduct a bibliometric analysis along with content analysis focusing on employer brand. An extensive research agenda derived from the studied literature is also provided for interested scholars.