bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giant extrachromosomal element "Inocle" potentially expands the adaptive capacity of the human oral microbiome
Authors: Kiguchi Yuya , Hamamoto Nagisa , Kashima Yukie , Runtuwene Lucky R. , Ishizaka Aya , Kuze Yuta , Enokida Tomohiro , Tanaka Nobukazu , Tahara Makoto , Kageyama Shun-Ichiro , Fujisawa Takao , Yamashita Riu , Kanai Akinori , Tuda Josef S. B. , Mizutani Taketoshi , Suzuki Yutaka
Published: October 2024

Survival strategy of bacteria is expanded by extrachromosomal elements (ECEs). However, their genetic diversity and functional roles for adaptability are largely unknown. Here, we discovered a novel family of intracellular ECEs using 56 saliva samples by developing an efficient microbial DNA extraction method coupled with long-read metagenomics assembly. Even though this ECE family was not hitherto unidentified, our global prevalence analysis using 476 salivary metagenomic datasets elucidated that these ECEs reside in 74% of the population. These ECEs, which we named, "Inocles", are giant plasmid-like circular genomic elements of 395 kb in length, having Streptococcus as a host bacterium. Inocles encode a series of genes that contribute to intracellular stress tolerance, such as oxidative stress and DNA damage, and cell wall biosynthesis and modification involved in the interactions with oral epithelial cells. Moreover, Inocles exhibited significant positive correlations with immune cells and proteins responding to microbial infection in peripheral blood. Intriguingly, we examined and found their marked reductions among 68 patients of head and neck cancers and colorectal cancers, suggesting its potential usage for a novel biomarker of gastrointestinal cancers. Our results suggest that Inocles potentially boost the adaptive capacity of host bacteria against various stressors in the oral environment.
Reproductive and cognitive effects in carriers of recessive pathogenic variants
Authors: Fridman Hila , Khazeeva Gelana , Levy-Lahad Ephrat , Gilissen Christian , Brunner Han G.
Published: October 2024

The genetic landscape of human Mendelian diseases is shaped by mutation and selection. Selection is mediated by phenotypic effects which interfere with health and reproductive success. Although selection on heterozygotes is well-established in autosomal dominant disorders, convincing evidence for selection in carriers of pathogenic variants associated with recessive conditions is limited, with only a few specific cases documented.

We studied heterozygous pathogenic variants in 1,929 genes, which cause recessive diseases when bi-allelic, in a cohort of 378,751 unrelated European individuals from the UK Biobank1. We assessed the impact of these pathogenic variants on reproductive success. We find evidence for fitness effects in heterozygous carriers for recessive genes, especially for variants in constrained genes across a broad range of diseases. Our data suggest reproductive effects at the population level, and hence natural selection, for autosomal recessive disease variants. We further show that variants in genes that underlie intellectual disability are associated with reduced cognition measures in carriers. In concordance with this, we observe an altered genetic landscape, characterized by a threefold reduction in the calculated frequency of biallelic intellectual disability in the population relative to other recessive disorders. The existence of phenotypic and selective effects of pathogenic variants in constrained recessive genes is consistent with a gradient of heterozygote effects, rather than a strict dominant-recessive dichotomy2.
Lamins regulate nuclear mechanics and shape to control glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion
Authors: Wang Xiuyu , Pereira David , Perfettini Isabelle , Péglion Florent , Wimmers Ryszard , Roy Ananya , Forsberg-Nilsson Karin , Baffet Alexandre , Etienne-Manneville Sandrine , Manneville Jean-Baptiste
Published: October 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is known as the most aggressive brain tumor and is characterized by a high heterogeneity and a median patient survival time around 15 months. Phenotyping based on cell mechanics is increasingly recognized as a potential prognostic marker for tumor aggressiveness. We have previously shown that cell and nuclear mechanical properties vary between different grades of gliomas and may be used to differentiate between GBM of different aggressiveness. Here, we find that the levels of lamin proteins can serve as an indicator of GBM aggressiveness. In patient-derived GBM cell lines, we found that cells from different GBM express different lamin levels. Nuclear size correlates positively with the ratio between lamin A and lamin B1 while nuclear stiffness increases with the levels of both lamin A and lamin B1. A simple mechanical model suggests that lamin A and lamin B1 act like springs in series. We also show that cells proliferate faster in GBM cell lines expressing higher lamin A levels. Downregulating lamin A expression in these cells reverse the aggressive phenotype. In contrast with breast cancer cells for which reduced lamin A levels favor cell migration in a confined environment, increased levels of lamin A may facilitate the invasion of more aggressive GBM cell lines in the soft environment of the brain. Furthermore, since nuclear deformation is a hallmark of malignancy in cancer cells, our results suggest that nuclear shape and mechanics may serve as prognosis biomarkers for GBM.
Impact of biosolids amendment on the soil resistome and microbiome – a greenhouse study
Authors: Marie John Ste. , Mays Catherine , Guo Bing , Radniecki Tyler S. , Waite-Cusic Joy , Navab-Daneshmand Tala
Published: October 2024

The spread of antibiotic resistance poses a significant challenge to public health worldwide. Wastewater treatment utilities are reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study investigates the impact of biosolids amendment on the soil microbiome, resistome, virulence factors, and ESKAPE pathogens during carrot cultivation in a replicated greenhouse study. Metagenomic sequencing revealed that biosolids amendment increased the richness of microbial genera, ARGs, and virulence factors in soil. The relative abundance of ESKAPE pathogens, includingEnterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andEnterobacterspp., was notably higher in biosolids-amended soils. These pathogens persisted throughout the 11-week cultivation period, raising concerns about the potential for horizontal gene transfer and the spread of antibiotic resistance. The study also identified significant co-occurrences between microbial genera and ARGs, which can suggest the possibility of the microbial taxa harboring the co-occurring ARGs. These findings highlight the importance of continued research and monitoring to ensure the safe and effective use of biosolids in agriculture.
Titin-dependent biomechanical feedback tailors sarcomeres to specialised muscle functions in insects
Authors: Loreau Vincent , Koolhaas Wouter , Chan Eunice HoYee , De Boissier Paul , Brouilly Nicolas , Avosani Sabina , Sane Aditya , Pitaval Christophe , Reiter Stefanie , Luis Nuno Miguel , Mangeol Pierre , von Philipsborn Anne C. , Rupprecht Jean-François , Görlich Dirk , Habermann Bianca H. , Schnorrer Frank
Published: October 2024

Sarcomeres are the contractile units of muscles that enable animals to move. Insect muscles are remarkable examples because they use extremely different contraction frequencies (ranging from ∼1 to 1000 Hz) and amplitudes for flying, walking and crawling. This is puzzling because sarcomeres are built from essentially the same actin-myosin components. We show here that the giant protein titin is the key to this functional specialisation. I-band titin spans and determines the length of the sarcomeric I-band, and occurs in muscle-type-specific isoforms. Surprisingly, it also rules the length of the force-generating myosin filament in a force feedback mechanism, even though it is not present there. We provide evidence for this model and its validity beyond insects.

Here we identified a mechanical mechanism that instructs sarcomeres to fulfill the specific needs of different muscle types.
Actomyosin Contractility is a Potent Suppressor of Mesoderm Induction by Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Fort Loic , Wang Wenjun , Macara Ian
Published: October 2024

The activation of WNT signaling in human pluripotent stem cells drives efficient conversion to lateral mesoderm, which can be further differentiated into cardiomyocytes. Stabilization of the WNT effector β-catenin promotes expression of mesoderm-specifying genes such as Brachyury (encoded byTBXT) and Eomesodermin and drives an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that occurs at 49-52 hrs post WNT activation. Interestingly, WNT activation also triggers an early contraction of stem cell colonies, with increased myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, resulting in cellular morphological changes. Small molecule inhibitors and genetic approaches were applied to determine if contractility is related to mesoderm differentiation. Contrary to expectation, suppressing contractility accelerated differentiation; Brachyury induction was enhanced, and EMT initiated as early as 24 hrs post WNT activation. Conversely, expression of constitutively active Rho kinase or myosin light chain kinase, to increase contractility, efficiently blocked any induction of mesoderm, and cells fail to undergo EMT. Mechanistically, reduced contractility promoted active β-catenin levels in the cytoplasm and nucleus. We propose that the early contraction of human pluripotent stem cell colonies in response to WNT activation initially delays mesoderm induction by restraining accumulation of active β-catenin, suggesting a role for contractility as a temporal gate.
Pulsatile basal gene expression as a fitness determinant in bacteria
Authors: Jain Kirti , Hauschild Robert , Bochkareva Olga O , Roemhild Roderich , Tkačik Gasper , Guet Calin C
Published: October 2024

Active regulation of gene expression, orchestrated by complex interactions of activators and repressors at promoters, controls the fate of organisms. In contrast, basal expression at uninduced promoters is considered to be a dynamically inert mode of non-functional “promoter leakiness”, merely a byproduct of transcriptional regulation. Here, we investigate the basal expression mode of themaroperon, the main regulator of intrinsic multiple antibiotic resistance inEscherichia coli, and link its dynamic properties to the non-canonical, yet highly conserved start codon ofmarRacrossEnterobacteriaceae. Real-time single-cell measurements across tens of generations, reveal that basal expression consists of rare stochastic gene expression pulses, which maximize variability in wildtype and, surprisingly, transiently accelerate cellular elongation rates. Competition experiments show that basal expression confers fitness advantages to wildtype across several transitions between exponential and stationary growth by shortening lag times. The dynamically rich basal expression of themaroperon, has likely been evolutionarily maintained for its role in growth homeostasis ofEnterobacteriawithin the gut environment, thereby allowing other ancillary gene regulatory roles to evolve, e.g. control of costly-to-induce multi-drug efflux pumps. Understanding the complex selection forces governing genetic systems involved in intrinsic multi-drug resistance is crucial for effective public health measures.
Tissue-specific and spatially dependent metabolic signatures perturbed by injury in skeletally mature male and female mice
Authors: Welhaven Hope D. , Welfley Avery H. , Brahmachary Priyanka P. , Smith Donald F. , Bothner Brian , June Ronald K.
Published: October 2024

Joint injury is a risk factor for post-traumatic osteoarthritis. However, metabolic and microarchitectural changes within the joint post-injury in both sexes remain unexplored. This study identified tissue-specific and spatially-dependent metabolic signatures in male and female mice using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) and LC-MS metabolomics. Male and female C57Bl/6J mice were subjected to non-invasive joint injury. Eight days post-injury, serum, synovial fluid, and whole joints were collected for metabolomics. Analyses compared between injured, contralateral, and naïve mice, revealing local and systemic responses. Data indicate sex influences metabolic profiles across all tissues, particularly amino acid, purine, and pyrimidine metabolism. MALDI-MSI generated 2D ion images of bone, the joint interface, and bone marrow, highlighting increased lipid species in injured limbs, suggesting physiological changes across injured joints at metabolic and spatial levels. Together, these findings reveal significant metabolic changes after injury, with notable sex differences.

Significance statement

Osteoarthritis, the leading cause of disability worldwide, disproportionately affects females with sex being one of the strongest predictors of disease. This disparity is partly driven by sex-specific differences in injury susceptibility, increasing the likelihood of traumatic injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), other ligaments, and menisci. Using a non-invasive injury model, we demonstrate that injury perturbs the local joint environment and has systemic effects in a sex-specific manner. Furthermore, by leveraging matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry imaging of the joint, we provide new insight into the composition of osteochondral tissue at the metabolite level. These sexually dimorphic metabolic responses to joint injury advance current understanding of the complex sexual dimorphism in OA pathogenesis providing a foundation for targeted therapeutic strategies and improved patient outcomes for female patients.
The multimodal transcriptional response of denervated skeletal muscle involves alterations in cholesterol homeostasis impacting muscle size
Authors: Calvo Cristofer , Swoboda Casey O. , Montecino Morales Fabian , Nagar Siddhant , Petrany Michael J. , Sun Chengyi , Durumutla Hima Bindu , Quattrocelli Mattia , Millay Douglas P.
Published: October 2024

The development and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) requires reciprocal signals between the nerve terminals and the multinucleated skeletal muscle fiber (myofiber). This interaction leads to highly specialized transcription in the sub-synaptic or NMJ myonuclei within mature myofibers leading to clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). Here, we utilized single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) to delineate the transcriptional response of myonuclei to denervation. Through snRNA-seq on skeletal muscle from two independent mouse models of denervation, sciatic nerve transection and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we identify a multimodal transcriptional response of NMJ-enriched genes and an alteration in cholesterol homeostasis in both slow and fast myofibers.Gramd1, a family of genes involved in non-vesicular cholesterol transport, are enriched at the NMJ in innervated muscle and upregulated in both models of denervation by the NMJ and extrasynaptic myonuclei.In vivogain and loss of function studies indicate that NMJ-enrichedGramd1 genesregulate myofiber sizes independent of an obvious impact on AChR clustering. We uncovered a dynamic transcriptional response of myonuclei to denervation and highlight a critical role for cholesterol transport to maintain myofiber sizes.
S1PR1 Regulates Lymphatic Valve Development And Prevents Ileitis-Independent Tertiary Lymphoid Organ Formation
Authors: Geng Xin , Chen Lijuan , Ahmed Zoheb , Formigari Guilherme Pedron , Ho Yenchun , Del Gaudio Ilaria , Datilo Marcella Neves , Azartash-Namin Zheila J , Shan Xindi , Keshari Ravi Shankar , Chen Hong , Lupu Florea , Xia Lijun , Randolph Gwendalyn J. , Zawieja Scott D , Camerer Eric , Davis Michael J , Srinivasan R. Sathish
Published: October 2024

Lymphatic vessels function throughout the body to drain interstitial fluids. Efficient lymph flow is ensured by lymphatic valves (LVs). However, the mechanisms that regulate LV development are incompletely understood. Here, we show that the deletion of the GPCR sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1PR1) from lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) results in fewer LVs. Interestingly, LVs that remained in the terminal-ileum draining lymphatic vessels were specifically dysfunctional, and tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) formed in this location. TLOs in the terminal ileum are associated with ileitis in humans and mice. However, mice lacking S1PR1 did not develop obvious characteristics of ileitis. Sphingosine kinases 1 and 2 (SPHK1/2) are required for the synthesis of S1P, the ligand of S1PR1. Mice that lackSphk1/2in LECs recapitulate the LV and TLO phenotypes of mice that lack S1PR1. Mechanistically, S1PR1 regulates shear stress signaling and the expression of the valve-regulatory molecules FOXC2 and connexin-37. Importantly,Foxc2+/-mice, a model for lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome, also develop TLOs in the terminal ileum. Thus, we have discovered S1PR1 as a previously unknown regulator of LV and TLO development. We also suggest that TLOs are a sign of subclinical inflammation that can form due to lymphatic disorders in the absence of ileitis.
Physiological response ofMicrocystis aeruginosaexposed to aqueous extracts ofPistia stratiotesandPontederia crassipes
Authors: de Oliveira Silva Luan , Santos Allan Amorim , Peñaloza Evelyn Maribel Condori , Pacheco Ana Beatriz Furlanetto , de Oliveira e Azevedo Sandra Maria Feliciano
Published: October 2024

Macrophyte extracts inhibit cyanobacteria growth, offering a sustainable solution for bloom control. The present study aimed to evaluateMicrocystisaeruginosa’s response to aqueous extracts obtained from the dried biomass ofPistia stratiotesL. andPontederia crassipesMart. Solms. Physiological parameters analyzed included growth, photosynthesis, and antioxidative response. Reactive oxygen species generation and the chemical profile of the aqueous extracts were analyzed. At 4.0 g L-1, both extracts inhibited cyanobacterial growth in 6 days.P. stratiotesextract achieved 100% inhibition, whileP. crassipesextract reached 60%.P. stratiotesextract showed higher photosynthetic inhibition (99% vs. 12% forP. crassipes). This was related to the downregulation of thepsbAgene (coding for the photosystem II protein D1). Exposure to both extracts increased intracellular reactive oxygen species content in cyanobacterial cells and increased peroxiredoxin gene (prxA)transcripts. This response was not noted forsod(superoxide dismutase) transcripts, although SOD enzymatic activity increased in cultures exposed toP. stratiotesextracts. Upon incubation of the macrophyte extracts withM. aeruginosacultures, phenol concentrations decreased, and their general metabolic profile changed. Thus,P. stratiotesextract outperformedP. crassipes, inhibitingM. aeruginosagrowth, affecting photosystem II, and inducing oxidative stress.

Highlights

Aqueous extracts from dried biomass ofP. stratiotesandP. crassipesinhibitedM. aeruginosagrowth.

P. stratiotesextract suppressed photosystem II activity, whileP. crassipesdid not

Both extracts elicited ROS production in cells.

Peroxiredoxin gene expression upregulated by extract exposure.

P. stratiotesextract increased SOD activity in cells.
Faecalibacterium prausnitziiregulates carbohydrate metabolic functions of the gut microbiome in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Geng Peiling , Zhao Ni , Zhou Yufan , Harris Reuben S. , Ge Yong
Published: October 2024

The probiotic impact of microbes on host metabolism and health depends on both host genetics and bacterial genomic variation.Faecalibacterium prausnitziiis the predominant human gut commensal emerging as a next-generation probiotic. Although this bacterium exhibits substantial intraspecies diversity, it is unclear whether genetically distinctF. prausnitziistrains might lead to functional differences in the gut microbiome. Here, we isolated and characterized a novelF. prausnitziistrain (UT1) that belongs to the most prevalent but underappreciated phylogenetic clade in the global human population. Genome analysis showed that this butyrate-producing isolate carries multiple putative mobile genetic elements, a clade-specific defense system, and a range of carbohydrate catabolic enzymes. Multiomic approaches were used to profile the impact of UT1 on the gut microbiome and associated metabolic activity of C57BL/6 mice at homeostasis. Both 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing demonstrated that oral administration of UT1 resulted in profound microbial compositional changes including a significant enrichment ofLactobacillus,Bifidobacterium, andTuricibacter. Functional profiling of the fecal metagenomes revealed a markedly higher abundance of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) in UT1-gavaged mice. Accordingly, UT1-conditioned gut microbiota possessed the elevated capability of utilizing starchin vitroand exhibited a lower availability of microbiota-accessible carbohydrates in the feces. Further analysis uncovered a functional network wherein UT1 reduced the abundance of mucin-degrading CAZymes and microbes, which correlated with a concomitant reduction of mucin glycans in the gut. Collectively, our results reveal a crucial role of UT1 in facilitating the carbohydrate metabolism of the gut microbiome and expand our understanding of the genetic and phenotypic diversity ofF. prausnitzii.
Electron-electron-ion triple-coincidence experiment of electron-initiated valence ionization of small water clusters
Authors: Ren Xueguang , Hossen Khokon , Jia Shaokui , Zhou Jiaqi , Xue Xiaorui , Pfeifer Thomas , Dorn Alexander
Published: October 2024

The ionization and fragmentation of small water clusters induced by electron impact (80 eV) is investigated. Using a multiparticle coincidence spectrometer (reaction microscope), all three charged final state particles—two outgoing electrons and one fragment ion—are detected. Nonprotonated (H2O)2+ and protonated water clusters H3O+, [H2O]2H+, [H2O]4H+, and [H2O]5H+ are identified in the measured ion spectrum. The ionization channels for formation of these species are investigated by measuring the kinetic energy distributions and the electronic states of the ions. Only a single state can lead to (H2O)2+, which is identified as ionization of water dimer with a 1b1 hole at the hydrogen bonding donor molecule, while for the protonated water species three major electronic states corresponding to the ionization of 1b1, 3a1, and 1b2 type orbitals are observed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Impossible symmetries and conformal gravity
Authors: Hinterbichler Kurt , Joyce Austin , Mathys Grégoire
Published: October 2024

We explore the physics of relativistic gapless phases defined by a mixed anomaly between two generalized conserved currents. The gapless modes can be understood as Goldstone modes arising from the nonlinear realization of (generically higher-form) symmetries arising from these currents. In some cases, the anomaly cannot be reproduced by any local and unitary theory, indicating that the corresponding symmetries are impossible, in the sense that they cannot appear in a Lorentzian physical system. We give a general construction and illustrate it with several examples. Most notably, we study conformal gravity from this perspective, describing the higher-form symmetries of the linear theory and showing how it can be understood in terms of anomalies. Along the way we clarify some aspects of electric-magnetic duality in linear conformal gravity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Combinatorial and algebraic mutations of toric Fano 3-folds and mass deformations of
2d(0,2)
quiver gauge theories
Authors: Ghim Dongwook , Kho Minsung , Seong Rak-Kyeong
Published: October 2024

We argue that algebraic and combinatorial polytope mutations of Fano 3-folds can be identified with mass deformations of associated 2d (0,2) supersymmetric gauge theories realized by brane brick models. These are type IIA brane configurations that realize a large family of 2d worldvolume theories on probe D1-branes at toric Calabi-Yau 4-folds. We show that brane brick models that are related by mass deformations associated to algebraic and combinatorial polytope mutations of Fano 3-folds have mesonic moduli spaces with the same number of generators. We show that mesonic flavor charges of these generators form convex reflexive lattice polytopes that are dual to the toric diagrams of the Fano 3-folds. The generating function of mesonic gauge invariant operators, also known as the Hilbert series of the mesonic moduli space, appears to be identical for such brane brick models under a particular refinement originating from the U(1)R charges in the brane brick model following the mass deformation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Robust and automatic beamstop shadow outlier rejection: combining crystallographic statistics with modern clustering under a semi-supervised learning strategy
Authors: Gao Yunyun , Ginn Helen M. , Thorn Andrea
Published: October 2024

During the automatic processing of crystallographic diffraction experiments, beamstop shadows are often unaccounted for or only partially masked. As a result of this, outlier reflection intensities are integrated, which is a known issue. Traditional statistical diagnostics have only limited effectiveness in identifying these outliers, here termed Not-Excluded-unMasked-Outliers (NEMOs). The diagnostic tool AUSPEX allows visual inspection of NEMOs, where they form a typical pattern: clusters at the low-resolution end of the AUSPEX plots of intensities or amplitudes versus resolution. To automate NEMO detection, a new algorithm was developed by combining data statistics with a density-based clustering method. This approach demonstrates a promising performance in detecting NEMOs in merged data sets without disrupting existing data-reduction pipelines. Re-refinement results indicate that excluding the identified NEMOs can effectively enhance the quality of subsequent structure-determination steps. This method offers a prospective automated means to assess the efficacy of a beamstop mask, as well as highlighting the potential of modern pattern-recognition techniques for automating outlier exclusion during data processing, facilitating future adaptation to evolving experimental strategies.
Innovation and competitiveness in the industry 4.0 era: the SYNCHRO framework for digital servitization
Authors: Minaya Pedro E. , Avella Lucía , Trespalacios Juan A.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop a theoretical and practical framework to guide manufacturing companies in their transition towards digital servitization (DS), identifying relevant elements in implementing a digital servitization (DS) strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

We use a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys. Data were collected from 98 manufacturing companies in Spain to understand their DS strategies and outcomes.

Findings

The SYNCHRO framework, encompassing seven components: Stakeholder environment, Yield through co-creation, New capabilities, Connectivity through Industry 4.0, Handling challenges, Restructuring internally and Organizational adaptation, is presented. The results indicate that companies can advance towards DS autonomously, without necessarily relying on co-creation with customers. However, the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies and internal adaptation are critical for success.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should expand the sample size and explore the implementation of the SYNCHRO framework in different industrial and geographical contexts to validate its effectiveness.

Practical implications

The framework provides a structured approach for companies to integrate digital technologies and reconfigure their business models, ensuring improved competitiveness and adaptability in the Industry 4.0 landscape.

Social implications

By promoting sustainable business practices and enhancing competitiveness, the SYNCHRO framework can contribute to economic growth and stability within manufacturing sectors.

Originality/value

The SYNCHRO framework offers a comprehensive guide for DS, highlighting the importance of internal innovation and organizational flexibility. This framework contributes to the existing literature and provides a tool for companies to enhance business competitiveness and sustainability.
Linking digital transformation with supply chain intelligence integration and carbon performance: does business model innovation matter?
Authors: Kong Ting , Feng Taiwen
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Companies are actively pursuing digital transformation to achieve sustainable development; however, how digital transformation can help manufacturing firms improve carbon performance remains unclear. Based on an integrated perspective of dynamic capability theory and practice-based view, this study examines the relationship between digital transformation and carbon performance by exploring the mediating effect of supply chain intelligence integration and the moderating role of business model innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data collected from 297 manufacturing firms in China, this study employs hierarchical regression analysis to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The findings demonstrated a significant positive association between digital transformation and carbon performance, and this relationship is mediated by all three dimensions of supply chain intelligence integration. Furthermore, business model innovation negatively moderates the relationships between digital transformation and both supplier intelligence integration and competitor intelligence integration.

Originality/value

The study provides empirical evidence that manufacturing firms can achieve greater benefits from digital transformation by aligning it with business model innovation and systematically promoting supply chain intelligence integration.
Five guidelines to improve context-aware process selection: an Australian banking perspective
Authors: Adams Nigel , Augusto Adriano , Davern Michael J. , La Rosa Marcello
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Selecting which processes to improve plays a critical role in the first phase of the business process management lifecycle, but it is a step with known pitfalls. Decision-makers rely on subjective criteria and their knowledge of the alternative processes put forward for selection is often inconsistent. This leads to poor quality decision-making and wastes resources. The purpose of this paper is to examine the proposition that decision-makers armed with context-enriched criteria make more logical, better-quality decisions. The context in question is qualitative, sensitive to decision-making bias and politically charged.

Design/methodology/approach

We applied a design-science approach, engaging 70 industry decision-makers through a combination of research methods to assess how different contextual configurations, in a hypothetical scenario adapted from the Australian banking industry, influenced and ultimately improved the quality of the process selection step.

Findings

The study highlights the impact of framing effects on context, and the need to adapt framing to decision-maker behavior and provides five guidelines to improve process selection effectiveness.

Originality/value

Process selection research to date has largely focused on quantitative evaluation techniques, with little attention paid to the role of context and the behavioral interplay of decision-making styles in practice.
The impact of emotional perceived value on hotel guests’ satisfaction, affective commitment and loyalty
Authors: El-Adly Mohammed Ismail , Souiden Nizar , Khalid Arusa
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of emotional perceived value on hotel guests’ satisfaction, affective commitment and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 348 respondents living in the United Arab Emirates, and hypotheses were tested using AMOS 28 and structural equation modeling.

Findings

This study’s unique contribution lies in its revelation that emotional perceived value directly impacts guests’ satisfaction, affective commitment and loyalty. Furthermore, it uncovers that emotional-perceived value indirectly influences loyalty through satisfaction and affective commitment.

Practical implications

This research underscores the importance of hotel managers prioritizing guests’ emotional perceived value in their offerings. Managers can significantly enhance guests’ satisfaction, affective commitment and loyalty by highlighting self-gratification, aesthetics, prestige, transaction and hedonics.

Originality/value

This study brings a fresh perspective to understanding customer perceived value (CPV). It argues that the mere emphasis on the functional aspect of CPV would likely fall short of fully comprehending specific outcomes of their experience (e.g. satisfaction-dissatisfaction, loyalty, etc.). Assessing the emotional aspect of CPV, known as emotional customer perceived value (ECPV), adds further explanations and sheds light on the understanding of the CPV concept and its impacts on consumers’ experience. Furthermore, this study emphasizes that emotional perceived value is better comprehended as a multidimensional rather than a unidimensional construct. It adds that the concept of customer value as a multidimensional concept is context-specific (i.e. dimensions vary from one service sector to another), providing a unique and valuable perspective for the luxury hotel industry.
Exploring the role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy into performance of graduate-owned small and medium-sized enterprises in Tanzania
Authors: Ndibalema Ivonne Charles , John Elia , Msuya Ombeni William
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The study assessed the role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) in the performance of graduate-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Specifically, the paper focused on how graduate owners’ confidence in identifying and commercializing new business opportunities and create new commodities according to the market demand influences both, the financial and non-financial performance of graduate-owned SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, in which 228 SME graduate owners majored in entrepreneurship were involved through online structured questionnaires. The relationship between the variables was determined by using partial least squares structured equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results indicate that entrepreneurial self-efficacy of graduate SME owners influence the financial and non-financial performance of their SMEs. Specifically, financial performance values have a ß-value of 0.576 and a p-value of <0.0001, non-financial performance values have a ß-value of 0.275 and a p-value of <0.0001.

Practical implications

In order to improve the performance of graduate-owned SMEs, universities should strive to equip graduates with self-confidence, which will enable them to utilize their entrepreneurial competences acquired through the entrepreneurship course programs. This will enable them to tackle business environmental challenges and be able to run successful businesses.

Originality/value

The results of this study extend the use of the self-efficacy theory in explaining the performance of graduate-owned SMEs in Tanzanian. Further, the study focused on ESE as a specific domain developed from entrepreneurship learning for entrepreneurial outcomes. Therefore, the study engaged graduate entrepreneurs who majored in entrepreneurship, which has not been the focus in most studies.
Engendering project management competencies in Saudi Arabian construction professionals
Authors: Moyo Tirivavi , Al-Otaibi Ali , Chigara Benviolent
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Persisting construction performance shortcomings in the Saudi Arabian construction industry requires engendering project management competencies in construction professionals’ roles and responsibilities. The purpose of this study was to determine significant construction project management competencies for Saudi Arabian construction professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey used project managers’ competencies from the literature. Construction professionals participated in the survey. Normalisation was used to determine the critical individual competencies. Statistically significant differences due to designations and organisations were analysed. Factor analysis revealed the relationships among significant competencies.

Findings

The most critical individual competencies included communication, team building and leadership skills. However, Project managers and all other construction professionals had statistically significant differences in insights on some of the critical competencies. The results revealed seven components: behaviour and attitude-related competencies; fundamental project management-related competencies; pro-active, knowledge and creativity-related competencies; political and organisational-related competencies; stakeholder management and experience-related competencies; management-related competencies; and confidence, commitment and negotiation-related competencies.

Research limitations/implications

Evidently, inculcating project management competencies is essential for construction professionals to enhance project performance. The failure to get insights from the National Project Management Office officials was a limitation; however, views from construction professionals were sufficient as they are the most affected stakeholders.

Originality/value

The study determined project management competencies necessary for Saudi Arabian construction professionals to improve their project delivery performance.
Impact of dimensions of absorptive capacity on multinationals' reverse knowledge transfer: from an Indian context
Authors: Singh Nivisha , Salwan Prashant , Kumar Mangla Sachin , Vrontis Demetris
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a holistic view of how the different dimensions of absorptive capacity (AC) impact reverse knowledge transfer (RKT). Although the importance of AC has been realized in knowledge and RKT literature, scholars have hardly explored the differentiated importance of each component of AC. When knowledge leads to competitive advantage, understanding the differentiated contribution will help enhance the impact of AC on RKT. This becomes even more important for emerging economy multinationals (EMNCs), which struggle in the global market and suffer from various liabilities. Therefore, this study focuses on the multidimensional impact of AC on RKT from Indian multinational subsidiaries based in developed nations to their parent firm.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a quantitative study. The authors tested the research model using a structural equation modeling design based on survey data collected from subsidiaries (in developed economies) of Indian multinationals.

Findings

The results show that acquisition, assimilation and transformation components of AC have positive impact on RKT. However, the authors found that the exploitation dimension has no impact on RKT.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the research design is original and this is the first study on the impact of all components of AC on RKT. AC is one of the most widely researched variables in knowledge literature, including different versions of Zahra and George’s concept of AC. However, its impact has not been explored much in RKT literature. This study addresses this gap and extends the literature on AC and RKT. The advantages of this study can be seen at the team and organization level.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction via mobile phone on female family caregivers' anxiety and sleep quality during COVID-19
Authors: Khoramirad Ashraf , Abedini Zahra , Gaeeni Mina , Dehghani Hakimeh , Akhoundzadeh Kobra
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) via mobile phone on female family caregivers during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

In the experimental study, 81 female family caregivers were randomly divided into the experimental group (n = 40) and control group (n = 41). The experimental group received MBSR via mobile phone. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire - Seventh Edition were evaluated at the beginning of the study, week 3 and week 8, respectively.

Findings

In both groups, anxiety decreased over time, although the decrease in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group (F = 22.912 p < 0.001). Sleep quality improved slightly in both groups over time; this improvement in the experimental group was significantly more than in the control group (F = 3.751 p = 0.035).

Originality/value

The MBSR via mobile phone helps to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in women caring for isolated patients at home.
CSR associations and market value: the moderating role of market competition
Authors: Brueninghaus David , Arribas Ivan , García Fernando , Burmann Christoph
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study the impact of consumers’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) associations on corporate financial performance and the moderating role of market competition.

Design/methodology/approach

The panel data set is analyzed using a random effects regression model. The analyzed data is based on the unique RepZ Responsibility scores published by the global research agency Kantar Millward Brown and contains information about consumer CSR associations.

Findings

This study reveals CSR associations' positive, lagged, direct impact on firms’ market value. Market competition moderates this relationship in the way that a company’s market value benefits more from consumers' CSR associations when facing high rather than low market competition.

Practical implications

Consumers' CSR perceptions increase the market value of a company. This effect is intensified when brands are exposed to intense competition, which allows conclusions about CSR as a differentiation strategy to be drawn: To stand out in a competitive market, brands should prioritize improving their CSR associations among consumers to differentiate themselves and increase their market value.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to test the effect of consumers’ CSR associations on forward-looking financial performance measures. Moreover, by analyzing the moderating effect of market competition on the relationship between CSR associations and firms' market value, this study provides information about the differentiating power of CSR from a brand perspective using a panel-data analysis.
Integration level within the European Union banking sector
Authors: Gholizadeh Younes
Published: October 2024

Purpose

What is the current level of integration of the retail and wholesale banking sectors in the European Union (EU) countries, and what are the main factors and challenges affecting it? What are the solutions to promote the integration and convergence of the retail banking sector in the European countries?.

Design/methodology/approach

Evaluated the level of integration of the banking sector, focusing on the EU banking context, retail banking especially. The paper will adopt a comprehensive and multidimensional approach, considering different criteria and indicators of integration, such as price, quantity and information, as well as different segments and dimensions of the EU banking sector, such as wholesale and retail, assets and liabilities, products, services, price indicators and institutions and markets.

Findings

It reveals that while significant integration has been realized in domains like the money market and wholesale banking, it is less pronounced in the retail banking and capital markets.

Originality/value

This paper is an original research. The entire study belongs to me.
Humanizing Different Archetypal Expressions of Gender Expansiveness1
Authors: Tyminski Robert
Published: October 2024

This article explores the concept of gender expansiveness. This term refers to a person’s self‐identifying as gender fluid, genderqueer, transgender, non‐binary, gender diverse, or gender nonconforming. Young people, including older children and adolescents, increasingly are experimenting with crossing gender lines. This trend can be understood as a sociocultural process for humanizing more terrifying archetypal forms of gender diversity. Using Henderson’s (1988) concept of the cultural unconscious, the author posits that current social developments among youth are attempting to bring gender expansiveness more into collective consciousness. This issue has occasioned a strong counterreaction with panicked appeals to upholding traditional gender norms and needing restrictions on gender‐affirming care. Examples from myth, literature and clinical practice help to contextualize the intense emotions aroused by gender diversity. A case example shows how gender fantasies are worked through within an empathic analytic relationship. The author makes an appeal for updating and humanizing older psychological theories that have relied heavily on splits, polarities, and oppositions, all of which are more characteristic of a 20th century way of thinking about the psyche. A potential approach to incorporate gender expansiveness is through a model of the psyche as a mosaic.
Teachers' non‐response bias in questionnaires about their attitude towards inclusive education
Authors: Guillemot Françoise , Lacroix Florence , Nocus Isabelle
Published: October 2024

The attitude of teachers towards inclusive education is a key issue for the success of inclusive education. Many studies have been designed to assess teachers' attitudes, but none have looked at the bias caused by teachers' non‐response to questionnaires on their attitudes. Non‐response biases are difficult to identify because it is impossible to access the responses of individuals who do not wish to reply. It is therefore necessary to use other data. This article examines the non‐response biases of teachers in questionnaires about their attitude towards inclusive education by cross‐checking the responses of parents of children with a disability (N = 382) regarding the quality of their child's inclusion and the responses or non‐responses of teachers to questionnaires about their attitude (N = 48 responses). This study shows that the non‐responses of teachers are not random and are associated with poorer well‐being and social inclusion at school, a lower sense of belonging and higher levels of bullying. This significant non‐response bias of teachers leads us to question the existence of a potential positivity bias in previous studies.