bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dense Sampling of Taxa and Genomes Untangles the Phylogenetic Backbone of a Non-model Plant Lineage Rife with Deep Hybridization and Allopolyploidy
Authors: Xu Chao , Jin Zetao , Wang Hui , Xie Siyu , Lin Xiaohua , Hodel Richard G.J. , Zhang Yu , Ma Daikun , Liu Bing , Liu Guangning , Jin Shuihu , Zhao Liang , Wu Jun , Ren Chen , Hong Deyuan , Liu Binbin
Published: October 2023

Phylogenetic networks, rather than purely bifurcating trees, more accurately depict the intricate evolutionary dynamics of most lineages, especially those characterized by extensive hybridization and allopolyploidization events. However, the challenges of achieving complete taxon sampling, and limited financial resources for studying non-model plant lineages, have hindered comprehensive and robust estimation of phylogenetic backbones with guidance from networks. The bellflower tribe, Campanuleae, characterized by a reticulate evolutionary history, serves as an ideal model to investigate how to diagnose nested ancient reticulation events. Here, by integrating multiple genomic data sources and a range of phylogenetic inference methods, we produced a robust phylogenetic backbone for the tribe Campanuleae. Our investigation of reticulate evolution indicates that hybridization and allopolyploidization were instrumental in shaping the diversity of the bellflower tribe, particularly during the initial diversification of the subtribe Phytematinae. Additionally, we ascertained that conflicting topologies resulting from distinct genomic datasets and inference methodologies significantly impact downstream estimates of divergence dating, ancestral area construction, and diversification rates. This study offers a universally relevant framework for deciphering how to use network-based phylogenetic structures using various genomic sources and inference methods. [Campanulaceae, Campanuleae, Cytonuclear discordance, paralog, phylogenomics, reticulate evolution]
Fragrance and color production by corona and perianth tissues of Iranian narcissus genotypes (Narcissus tazettaL.)
Authors: Haghshenas Azra , Jowkar Abolfazl , Chehrazi Mehrangiz , Moghadam Ali , Karami Akbar
Published: October 2023

Flower color, shape and scent are the most attracting factors for consumers in the floriculture industry. The most fragrant Iranian narcissi (Narcissus tazettaL.) grown in natural habitats are Shahla, Meskinak, and Porpar genotypes. The present study was conducted to evaluate the color, scent, and also their interaction separately in corona and perianth of eleven Iranian narcissus accessions, for a better understanding of the bio-physiological differences in these tissues. For this purpose, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed using Headspace GCMS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry); and total carotenoid, color values, and tissue thickness were measured in both perianth and corona tissues. Sensory analysis for corona and perianth was also conducted to evaluate scent perception. Besides, the expression of genes related to scent and color in corona and perianth was evaluated. Moreover, epidermal cells of perianth and corona were assessed by polarized light and SEM microscopy. The two most abundant compounds in both tissues were E-β-ocimene and benzyl acetate, respectively; among which the first compound was higher in perianth, while the second one was higher in corona. Among identified VOCs, α-terpineol, acetic acid, 2-phenylethyl ester, α-pinene, β-myrcene, and limonene were detected in corona of all genotypes ofN. tazetta; however, these compounds were not identified in perianth of every genotypes. In corona, the negative correlations between the measured values of E-β-ocimene and carotenoid and also, between the expression level of ocimene synthase and PSY (Phytoene synthase) with DXR (1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase) suggested that there might be a competition between carotenoids and monoterpenes precursors in the MEP (methyl-D-erythritol phosphate) pathway. Volatile organic compound, color, scent emission, fresh weight and thickness of tissue were different in perianth and corona; while the surface coverage (with epidermal conical cells) were similar in these tissues. The findings of this research illustrated clearly for the first time that while both perianth and corona play important roles in scent production, corona has a more distinguished role in greater production of scent and color in Iranian narcissus flowers.
Comprehensive reanalysis for CNVs in ES data from unsolved rare disease cases results in new diagnoses
Authors: Demidov German , Yaldiz Burcu , Garcia-Pelaez José , de Boer Elke , Schuermans Nika , Van de Vondel Liedewei , Paramonov Ida , Johansson Lennart F. , Musacchia Francesco , Benetti Elisa , Bullich Gemma , Sablauskas Karolis , Beltran Sergi , Gilissen Christian , Hoischen Alexander , Ossowski Stephan , de Voer Richarda , Lohmann Katja , Oliveira Carla , Topf Ana , Vissers Lisenka E.L.M. ,   the Solve-RD Consortia, Laurie Steven
Published: October 2023

We report the diagnostic results of a comprehensive copy number variant (CNV) reanalysis of 9,171 exome sequencing (ES) datasets from 5,757 families, including 6,143 individuals affected by a rare disease (RD). The data analysed was extremely heterogeneous, having been generated using 28 different exome enrichment kits, and sequenced on multiple short-read sequencing platforms, by 42 different research groups across Europe partnering in the Solve-RD project. Each of these research groups had previously undertaken their own analysis of the ES data but had failed to identify disease-causing variants.

We applied three CNV calling algorithms to maximise sensitivity: ClinCNV, Conifer, and ExomeDepth. Rare CNVs overlapping genes of interest in custom lists provided by one of four partner European Reference Networks (ERN) were identified and taken forward for interpretation by clinical experts in RD. To facilitate interpretation, Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV) screenshots incorporating a variety of custom-made tracks were generated for all prioritised CNVs.

These analyses have resulted in a molecular diagnosis being provided for 51 families in this sample, with ClinCNV performing the best of the three algorithms in identifying disease-causing CNVs. We also identified pathogenic CNVs that are partially explanatory of the proband’s phenotype in a further 34 individuals. This work illustrates the value of reanalysing EScold casesfor CNVs even where analyses had been undertaken previously. Crucially, identification of these previously undetected CNVs has resulted in the conclusion of the diagnostic odyssey for these RD families, some of which had endured decades.
Chronic post-COVID neuropsychiatric symptoms persisting beyond one year from infection: a case-control study and network analysis
Authors: Chau Steven Wai Ho , Chue Timothy Mitchell , Chan Rachel Ngan Yin , Lai Yee Lok , Wong Paul WC , Li Shirley Xin , Liu Yaping , Chan Joey Wing Yan , Chan Paul Kay-sheung , Lai Christopher KC , Leung Thomas WH , Wing Yun Kwok
Published: October 2023

Background

Limited data about chronic post-COVID neuropsychiatric complaints exist in the literature.

Aim

Our study aims to delineate the phenotypes of chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms among adult subjects recovering from their first COVID that occurred more than one year ago. We also aim to explore the clinical and socioeconomic risk factors of having a high loading of chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Methods

We recruited a post-COVID group who suffered from their first pre-Omicron COVID more than a year ago, and a control group who had never had COVID. The subjects completed app-based questionnaires on demographic, socioeconomic and health status, a COVID symptoms checklist, mental and sleep health measures, and neurocognitive tests.

Results

The post-COVID group has a statistically significantly higher level of fatigue compared to the control group (p<0.001). Among the post-COVID group, the lack of any COVID vaccination before the first COVID and a higher level of material deprivation before the COVID pandemic predicts a higher load of chronic post-COVID neuropsychiatric symptoms. Partial correlation network analysis suggests that the chronic post-COVID neuropsychiatric symptoms can be clustered into two major (cognitive complaints -fatigue and anxiety-depression) and one minor (headache-dizziness) cluster. A higher level of material deprivation predicts a higher number of symptoms in both major clusters, but the lack of any COVID vaccination before the first COVID only predicts a higher number of symptoms in the cognitive complaints-fatigue cluster.

Conclusions

Our result suggests heterogeneity among chronic post-COVID neuropsychiatric symptoms, which are associated with the complex interplay of biological and socioeconomic factors.
Improving the assessment of embryo developmental potential via morphokinetic forecasting of future events using language modeling
Authors: Zabari Nir , Kan-Tor Yoav , Srebnik Naama , Buxboim Amnon
Published: October 2023

In IVF treatments, accurate assessment of the developmental potential of embryos to implant is essential for reaching reasonable pregnancy rates while shortening time-to-pregnancy. Hence, clinical guidelines recommend extended incubation to blastocyst transfers, which provide better evaluation of embryo developmental potential. However, cleavage stage transfer is often favored owing to various clinical considerations. To improve embryo assessment of cleavage stage embryos without extended incubation, we present a computational strategy for forecasting future morphokinetic events. Motivated by the advances in language modeling, we adapt generative pre-training to forecast future morphokinetic events based on the sequence of present events. We demonstrate < 12% forecasting error in forecasting up to three consecutive events. A new policy is proposed that combines morphokinetic forecasting and assessment of the risk of embryo developmental arrest. Using this policy, we demonstrate an improvement in the prediction of known implantation outcome of day-3 embryos from AUC 0.667 to 0.707. We expect morphokinetic forecasting to address the inherent hurdles in the selection of cleavage-stage embryos for transfer. In addition, we hope that demonstrating for the first time the utilization of language modeling on non-textual data in healthcare will stimulate future applications in reproductive medicine and other disciplines.
Electroconvulsive therapy increases cortical thickness in depression: A systematic review
Authors: Tommaso Toffanin , Giulia Cattarinussi , Niccolò Ghiotto , Marialaura Lussignoli , Chiara Pavan , Luca Pieri , S. Schiff , Francesco Finatti , Francesca Romagnolo , Federica Folesani , Giulia Nanni Maria , Rosangela Caruso , Luigi Zerbinati , Martino Belvederi Murri , Maria Ferrara , Giorgio Pigato , Luigi Grassi , Fabio Sambataro
Published: October 2023

Objective

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most studied and validated available treatments for severe or treatment-resistant depression. However, little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying the ECT treatment. This systematic review aims to critically review all structural magnetic resonance imaging studies investigating longitudinal cortical thickness (CT) changes after ECT in patients with unipolar or bipolar depression.

Methods

We performed a search on PubMed, Medline, and Embase to identify all available studies published before April 20, 2023. A total of 10 studies were included.

Results

The investigations showed widespread increases in CT after ECT in depressed patients, involving mainly the temporal, insular, and frontal regions. In five studies, CT increases in a non-overlapping set of brain areas correlated with the clinical efficacy of ECT. The small sample size, heterogeneity in terms of populations, medications, comorbidities, and ECT protocols, and the lack of a control group in some investigations limit the generalizability of the results.

Conclusions

Our findings support the idea that ECT can increase CT in patients with unipolar and bipolar depression. It remains unclear whether these changes are related to the clinical response. Future larger studies with longer follow-up are warranted to thoroughly address the potential role of CT as a biomarker of clinical response after ECT.

Summations

This review summarizes how ECT affects CT in patients with unipolar or bipolar depression.

The areas that were predominantly affected by ECT were temporo-insular and frontal regions. An association between the antidepressant effect of ECT and CT changes was reported by half of the included studies.

Identifying the possible cortical changes associated with the clinical efficacy of ECT opens new targets to ameliorate ECT protocols.

Considerations

The review is based on studies with small numbers of patients and considerable heterogeneity in terms of patients’ characteristics and ECT protocols. Most studies cited did not have a randomized design, thus reducing the strength of evidence supporting a causal link between ECT and CT changes.
Deep cervical lymph nodes of patients with multiple sclerosis show dysregulated B cells in the presence of Epstein-Barr virus
Authors: Sarkkinen Joona , Yohannes Dawit , Kreivi Nea , Dürnsteiner Pia , Huuhtanen Jani , Nowlan Kirsten , Kurdo Goran , Linden Riikka , Saarela Mika , Tienari Pentti J , Kekäläinen Eliisa , Perdomo Maria , Laakso Sini M
Published: October 2023

Despite the recognized role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in predisposing to multiple sclerosis (MS) and the effectiveness of B cell-depleting therapies in MS, the mechanism of autoimmunity remains elusive. Using fine needle aspirations, we investigated deep cervical lymph nodes (dcLNs), the primary site of the adaptive immune response against EBV, in newly diagnosed untreated MS patients and healthy controls. We characterized the immune landscape of dcLNs with scRNAseq and CITE- seq and observed increased memory B cell proportions and reduced germinal center (GC) B cells with decreased clonality in patients with MS compared to healthy controls. In the patient with an active MS relapse, we detected elevated plasmablasts, reduced GC B cells, and clonally expanded memory CD8 T cells targeting EBV in the dcLN. These findings, along with increased EBV DNA detection in dcLNs and viral loads in patient saliva, support B cell dysregulation as a key mechanism in MS pathogenesis.
Nucleotide metabolism constrains prime editing in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Levesque Sébastien , Verma Archana , Bauer Daniel E.
Published: October 2023

Therapeutic prime editing of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) holds great potential to remedy blood disorders. Since quiescent cells have low nucleotide levels and resist retroviral infection, we hypothesized that nucleotide metabolism could limit reverse transcription mediated prime editing in HSPCs. We demonstrate that deoxynucleoside supplementation and Vpx-mediated degradation of SAMHD1 improve prime editing efficiency in HSPCs, especially when coupled with editing approaches that evade mismatch repair.
DMS-MapSeq Analysis of Antisense Oligonucleotide Binding to lncRNA PANDA
Authors: Romero-Agosto Gabriel , Cox Ethan , Rouskin Silvi
Published: October 2023

While various methods exist for examining and visualizing the structure of RNA molecules, dimethyl sulfate-mutational profiling and sequencing (DMS-MaPseq) stands out for its simplicity and versatility. This technique has proven effective for studying RNA structures both in vitro and in complex biological settings. We’ve updated the protocol for using DMS-MaPseq, and it can also be employed to identify the binding of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to RNA. By applying this updated protocol, we successfully characterized the structural ensemble of the HIV1 Rev Response Element (RRE), along with its two alternative structures. The findings align with previously published research. Additionally, we resolved the structure of the long non-coding RNA PANDA, which was previously unknown. Moreover, we used PANDA as a basis for designing ASOs and confirmed their binding through a substantial decrease in DMS-reactivities at the anticipated ASO binding locations.
Neurophysiological evidence of sensory prediction errors driving speech sensorimotor adaptation
Authors: Kim Kwang S. , Hinkley Leighton B. , Brent Kurtis , Gaines Jessica L. , Pongos Alvincé L. , Gupta Saloni , Dale Corby L. , Nagarajan Srikantan S. , Houde John F.
Published: October 2023

The human sensorimotor system has a remarkable ability to quickly and efficiently learn movements from sensory experience. A prominent example is sensorimotor adaptation, learning that characterizes the sensorimotor system’s response to persistent sensory errors by adjusting future movements to compensate for those errors. Despite being essential for maintaining and fine-tuning motor control, mechanisms underlying sensorimotor adaptation remain unclear. A component of sensorimotor adaptation is implicit (i.e., the learner is unaware of the learning process) which has been suggested to result from sensory prediction errors–the discrepancies between predicted sensory consequences of motor commands and actual sensory feedback. However, to date no direct neurophysiological evidence that sensory prediction errors drive adaptation has been demonstrated. Here, we examined prediction errors via magnetoencephalography (MEG) imaging of the auditory cortex (n = 34) during sensorimotor adaptation of speech to altered auditory feedback, an entirely implicit adaptation task. Specifically, we measured how speaking-induced suppression (SIS)--a neural representation of auditory prediction errors--changed over the trials of the adaptation experiment. SIS refers to the suppression of auditory cortical response to speech onset (in particular, the M100 response) to self-produced speech when compared to the response to passive listening to identical playback of that speech. SIS was reduced (reflecting larger prediction errors) during the early learning phase compared to the initial unaltered feedback phase. Furthermore, reduction in SIS positively correlated with behavioral adaptation extents, suggesting that larger prediction errors were associated with more learning. In contrast, such a reduction in SIS was not found in a control experiment in which participants heard unaltered feedback and thus did not adapt. In addition, in some participants who reached a plateau in the late learning phase, SIS increased (reflecting smaller prediction errors), demonstrating that prediction errors were minimal when there was no further adaptation. Together, these findings provide the first neurophysiological evidence for the hypothesis that prediction errors drive human sensorimotor adaptation.
Identification of therapeutic targets for 18 clinical diseases by integrating human plasma proteome with genome
Authors: Li Shifang , Gong Meijiao
Published: October 2023

The proteome is an abundant source of potential therapeutic targets, and a comprehensive evaluation of proteins as therapeutic targets for a wide range of diseases is required. By screening 4,907 plasma proteins, we conducted a systematically two-sample proteome-wide Mendelian randomisation (MR) study to uncover potential therapeutic targets for 18 clinical diseases. Following MR analysis and stringent process filtering, a total of 146 causative plasma proteins (false discovery rate<0.05) were discovered. Colocalization analysis (Posterior Probability H4>0.8) further supported the causality of three proteins (MAP2K1, GFRA1, and THBS3) in gastroesophageal reflux disease; LYPLAL1 in keratoconus; three proteins (PCSK9, ANGPTL4, and GCKR) in familial hyperlipidemia; CRAT in atopic eczema; three proteins (IRF3, CA12, and TNFRSF1B) in hypothyroidism; AIF1 in age-related hearing impairment; SCARF2 in male pattern baldness; IRF3 in basal cell carcinoma; and four proteins (RPS6KA1, ULK3, MPPED2, and BTN3A1) in prostate cancer. Interestingly, having a genetically higher circulating CA12 level is associated with a lower risk of hypothyroidism (OR=0.47,p-value=1.68e-05, Posterior Probability H4=0.82). Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis showed that CA12 was mainly expressed in fibroblasts and epithelial cells in patient thyroid tissue and that its expression increased in older adults. Furthermore, with a proportion of 3.8%, hypothyroidism appears to mediate the effect of IRF3 on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to mediation analysis. Overall, our research could provide new insights into the etiology of clinical diseases as well as intriguing targets for the development of screening biomarkers and therapeutic treatments.
Patient and Clinician Perceptions of a “People-Like-Me” Tool for Personalized Rehabilitation after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Churchill Laura , Graber Jeremy , Mealer Meredith , Thigpen Charles A. , Matlock Dan D. , Bade Michael J. , Stevens-Lapsley Jennifer E.
Published: October 2023

Objective

We developed a decision support tool to help physical therapists (PTs) address the varied expectations and recoveries of the total knee arthroplasty (TKA) population. The purpose of this study was to explore patients’ and clinicians’ perceptions and experiences with the tool during rehabilitation after TKA.

Methods

We piloted the tool in 2 outpatient physical therapy clinics. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 1) patients who underwent TKA and were exposed to the tool during rehabilitation and 2) clinicians who used the tool with patients after TKA. Two members of the research team coded the interview data using a descriptive content analysis.

Results

16 patients and 10 clinicians were interviewed. We identified 4 common themes: 1) Expectations: most patients and clinicians felt the tool provided patients with valuable feedback for managing recovery expectations; 2) Motivation: patients and clinicians felt the tool motivated patients to participate in rehabilitation by providing positive reinforcement and/or a form of competition; 3) Influence on practice: some patients and clinicians indicated that the tool helped guide treatment decisions or provided opportunities for patient education, but most felt it did not influence clinical decision making; and 4) Clarity and comprehension: the majority of patients understood the tool’s “take-home” message, however, some patients and clinicians felt the use of percentiles, line graphs, and medical jargon decreased patients’ clarity and comprehension of the tool.

Conclusions

Overall, participants reported that the tool helped to shape patients’ expectations for postoperative recovery and increase patient motivation to participate in rehabilitation. Participants had mixed perceptions on how the tool influenced clinical care. Finally, participants identified some limitations in patient comprehension of the tool, which will inform future revisions to the tool to accommodate varying levels of health literacy.
Effect of collaborative consumption on sustainable homestay development: an empirical study
Authors: Kataria Pushpa , Gupta Vijay Prakash , Kumar Sunil , Gupta Rupak
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the factors that influence sustainable homestay development and suggest a model for adopting and implementing the homestay concept and its contribution towards sustainable rural development in Uttarakhand, India.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers have collected a total of 360 responses from tourists, homestay owners/villagers and managers associated with homestay businesses in Uttarakhand to examine, assess and analyse the data with the help of different statistical tools such as SPSS and AMOS to validate the concept of homestay and its impact on sustainable rural development.

Findings

The analysis uncovered that collaborative consumption, sharing economy and family feeling and community development are positively associated with and, in return, community development affects sustainable development.

Research limitations/implications

This study enables us to explain the “collaborative consumption” in the context of homestays functional in the state of Uttarakhand only.

Practical implications

The study results in evidence of crucial implications for policymakers. Policymakers should focus on opportunities in tourism and its integration with economic, environmental and social goals. Homestays will be new avenues for economic and sustainable development.

Social implications

Homestay offers reasonable and cheap lodging for tourists within the existing ancient homes, typically restored for the guests to form a comfortable stay. Homestay is adopted to facilitate community-based tourism in the state. It also helps in developing a source of livelihood for the community. It is helpful for individuals’ economic, social and aesthetic desires to be consummated by maintaining cultural integrity, ecological processes, biodiversity and natural support systems through homestay, as social entrepreneurship. Homestay has been envisaged as a driver to realise the sustainable development goals by steering the pathways to a property future for all involved within the elected hill states.

Originality/value

This study validates a new homestay model that will be useful for developing community and achieving sustainable development.
Ownership structure and technological innovation: an investigation of Tunisian agri-food companies
Authors: Chouaibi Jamel , Festa Giuseppe , Alam Gazi Mahabubul , Rossi Matteo
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate potential relationships between the corporate governance system and the innovation development process, with a specific focus on the agri-food sector in the Tunisian context.

Design/methodology/approach

Most studies on innovation management have shown the collective nature of the innovation process, resulting from the multiple interactions that can be established between various actors, internal and external to the enterprise perimeter, which is increasingly digitally open, especially in the COVID-19 era. More specifically, the implementation of an innovation strategy is a risky issue for businesses, most of all when considering its financial requirements and impacts, and thus, appropriate management plays a relevant role in this respect.

Findings

Statistical tests, operated on a sample of 80 Tunisian companies, show that the style of management and the concentration of ownership exert significant influence on the dynamism of technological innovation in the agri-food sector.

Originality/value

The involvement and the commitment of institutional investors can contribute to stimulate the innovation process in the agri-food sector, providing related implications with significant impact, at the scientific and managerial level.
Symbiotic association of resources and market-facing capabilities in supply chains as determinants of performance: a resource orchestration perspective
Authors: Iyer Karthik N.S. , Srivastava Prashant , Srinivasan Mahesh
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to advance the understanding of resource orchestration in inter-firm partnerships that appropriately configure and align strategic cross-firm supply chain resources and capabilities generating synergies to deliver superior performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying the resource orchestration logic, supported by the relational view of competitive advantage, the study draws from an empirical analysis of survey data from 152 top-level executives of US manufacturing firms to investigate the effect of leveraging and coherently combining cross-firm supply chain resources with capabilities on operational performance.

Findings

The study underscores the view that appropriately orchestrated combinations of key partnership resources and capabilities as mechanisms for marketing strategy implementation, enhance performance. Specifically, research results suggest that complementary inter-firm resources and lean align, and similarly idiosyncratic resources and agility align synergistically to deliver superior operational performance outcomes. The results also accent partnership responses to intense competition, enabling enhanced operational performance. The findings thus enrich the understanding of the resource orchestration logic and strategy, making important theoretical contributions.

Research limitations/implications

As is typical in marketing and strategy research, the study research design has a cross-sectional framework, thus limiting insights on the resource orchestration dynamics that can otherwise be generated using a longitudinal design. Also, the resource orchestration stream is still nascent. Further research is needed to delineate the orchestration mechanisms that deliver on performance outcomes, especially in supply chains.

Practical implications

A key insight for supply chain and marketing managers is that close-knit inter-firm partnerships are critical for accessing idiosyncratic and complementary resources that can be configured and symbiotically aligned with market-facing agility and lean capabilities, respectively, to deliver market value. Proactive partnerships, especially in highly competitive and disruptive environments, enable mobilizing cross-firm resources and building appropriate matching combinations with capabilities to deliver on operational performance.

Originality/value

The study, guided by theory, advances the understanding of how key cross-firm resources and capabilities deliver performance gains. The key to competitive advantage and enhanced performance outcomes may lie in acquiring, leveraging and deploying appropriately matched resource-capability combinations. The present study investigates this proposition within the context of supply chain partnerships, focusing on cross-firm resources and capabilities.
Cryptocurrency investment behaviour of young Indians: mediating role of fear of missing out
Authors: Kala Devkant , Chaubey Dhani Shanker , Al-Adwan Ahmad Samed
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how fear of missing out (FOMO) mediates the relationship between cryptocurrency adoption intention and investment behavior among young Indians, using the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected by using survey items on cryptocurrency adoption intention, investment behavior and FOMO derived from existing literature on information systems and cryptocurrencies. A total of 384 Indian participants completed an online questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using PLS-SEM.

Findings

The findings indicate that facilitating conditions, social influence, effort expectancy and price value play important roles in cryptocurrency adoption. All hypothesized paths were significant, except for perceived risk. Furthermore, the study highlights that FOMO acts as a mediator between adoption intention and investment behavior.

Originality/value

This study makes a valuable addition to the literature by empirically exploring the influence of FOMO on the adoption of cryptocurrencies for investment purposes. The results provide valuable insights to crypto developers and exchanges regarding the diffusion of adoption in emerging markets. In addition, policymakers can gain meaningful insights into the influence of government regulations and FOMO on impulsive cryptocurrency behavior.
A matrixed nonlinear exponential grey Bernoulli model for interval number prediction of crude oil futures prices
Authors: Cang Haoze , Zeng Xiangyan , Yan Shuli
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The effective prediction of crude oil futures prices can provide a reference for relevant enterprises to make production plans and investment decisions. To the nonlinearity, high volatility and uncertainty of the crude oil futures price, a matrixed nonlinear exponential grey Bernoulli model combined with an exponential accumulation generating operator (MNEGBM(1,1)) is proposed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the original sequence is processed by the exponential accumulation generating operator to weaken its volatility. The nonlinear grey Bernoulli and exponential function models are combined to fit the preprocessed sequence. Then, the parameters in MNEGBM(1,1) are matrixed, so the ternary interval number sequence can be modeled directly. Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA) is chosen to optimize the nonlinear parameters. Finally, the Cramer rule is used to derive the time recursive formula.

Findings

The predictive effectiveness of the proposed model is verified by comparing it with five comparison models. Crude oil futures prices in Cushing, OK are predicted and analyzed from 2023/07 to 2023/12. The prediction results show it will gradually decrease over the next six months.

Originality/value

Crude oil futures prices are highly volatile in the short term. The use of grey model for short-term prediction is valuable for research. For the data characteristics of crude oil futures price, this study first proposes an improved model for interval number prediction of crude oil futures prices.
Income and health insurance effects on modern health-seeking behaviours in rural Ghana: nature and extent of bias involved
Authors: Sekyi Samuel , Adom Philip Kofi , Wiafe Emmanuel Agyapong
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study examined the influence of income and health insurance on the health-seeking behaviour of rural residents, addressing the concerns of endogeneity and heterogeneity bias.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage residual inclusion was utilised to correct self-selection-based endogeneity problems arising from health insurance membership.

Findings

This study provides support for Andersen's behavioural model (ABM). Income and health insurance positively stimulate rural residents' use of modern healthcare services, but the effect of insurance risks a downward bias if treated as exogenous. Further, the effect of health insurance differs between males and females and between adults and the elderly.

Originality/value

This study advances the literature, arguing that, within the ABM framework, enabling (i.e. income and insurance) and predisposing factors (i.e. age and gender) complement each other in explaining rural residents' use of modern health services.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2023-0223
Barriers and possible drivers for the implementation of sustainability in Brazilian business schools
Authors: Guadagnin Alana , Pauli Jandir , Ruffatto Juliane , Dal Moro Leila
Published: October 2023

Purpose

For sustainable strategies to be developed in business schools, it is essential to understand which sustainability drivers and barriers are identified by academic managers and coordinators in the implementation of sustainable practices. In this scenario, the study aims to understand the barriers and possible drivers for the implementation of sustainability practices in Brazilian business schools. The subjects are managers and coordinators of business schools that are part of the Principles for Responsible Executive Education Network – Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) Chapter Brazil/UN.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive research with a qualitative approach was conducted to achieve this objective. The study included academic managers, responsible for the general management of academic and administrative activities and coordinators, responsible for supervising and coordinating academic activities in a specific area, of schools that are part of PRME Chapter Brazil (interviews). For data analysis, the content analysis technique was used.

Findings

Taking into account the three pillars of sustainability (economic, environmental and social) as categories of analysis, as well as management, curriculum and teaching as subcategories, the study identified 10 barriers and 12 drivers.

Originality/value

The results reveal that both the barriers and the drivers are supported by the social pillar, which focuses on the academic community and society as a whole. The “Management” subcategory was also the most mentioned, indicating guidelines for the strategic academic management of these organizations.
How much customer collaboration is too much? Implications for user entrepreneurship and product performance
Authors: Srivastava Saurabh , Iyer Pramod , Davari Arezoo , Williams Jr. Wallace A. , Parke Perry L.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Research in the business-to-business (B2B) and user entrepreneurship literature agrees that “user-driven” perspectives allow entrepreneurs to develop innovative products superior to conventional products. Other researchers argue that such “user-driven” products have limited success and limited impact in certain markets (e.g. niche and industrial markets). This study aims to understand the extent to which user input or co-creation becomes critical in determining product performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The key informant approach is used for data collection. Data were collected using a survey instrument via an online panel. Existing scales are used to measure all the focal constructs. Partial least square-based structural equation modeling was used to check for the psychometric properties of the scales and test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that user entrepreneurship is significantly related to firm collaboration efforts and customer collaboration efforts in the B2B market. Both firm collaboration efforts and customer collaboration efforts are significantly related to product performance and mediate the relationship between user entrepreneurship and product performance. Also, findings show that there is an “n” relationship between firm collaboration efforts and product performance.

Originality/value

This study supports the concerns raised by researchers about the dark side of value co-creation and highlights that value co-creation can impede product performance when user entrepreneurs lay too much emphasis on the collaboration processes.
Effect of the pandemic on professional selling: an exposition of different selling styles using theories-in-use approach
Authors: Aman Mohd Atif , Azam Mohammad Khalid , Akhtar Asif
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify the changes in different selling situations/styles during and post-COVID scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

To attain the above-mentioned objective, a qualitative study drawn upon the principles of the theories-in-use approach is conducted. The data were collected through 23 in-depth semistructured interviews, conducted with professional salespeople working at various levels in different industries. The data thus generated was analyzed through open, axial and selective coding, which resulted in three broad categories of changes in professional selling.

Findings

The findings of the study suggest that though sales jobs are perceived to be similar in nature, but there are differences in how various selling jobs are being performed. The same is the case with the effect of the pandemic on sales jobs. The authors found that every selling style faced a different challenge due to the pandemic and so is the case for the salespeople engaged in the respective selling practice.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research of its kind that has focused on the differences in various selling styles. Though the recent academic literature on personal selling does manifest the effect of the pandemic. But, in doing so, these studies have presented “personal selling” as an overarching concept encompassing all types of selling and have failed to differentiate between the various nuances of personal selling which include trade selling, technical selling, new-business selling and missionary selling.
Has the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations impacted on tourism flows of member countries?
Authors: Fauzel Sheereen Banon , Tandrayen-Ragoobur Verena , Seetanah Boopen
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Using panel data for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member states, the present study explored the role of RCEP negotiations on tourism development.

Design/methodology/approach

A dynamic econometric model, namely the panel autoregressive dynamic lag model (PARDL) has been used. To test for panel causality, Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel causality tests were used.

Findings

Through the use of a dynamic econometric model, namely the PARDL, the results show that the RCEP negotiations, growth rates, as well as international trade contribute towards tourism development. Furthermore, the Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel causality tests confirm the existence of a bidirectional causal link between tourism development and RCEP negotiations. Finally, a unidirectional causal link is observed between tourism development and international trade.

Originality/value

This existing evidence on the topic seems to be very scant and limited to specific regions and particular regional trade agreements. This paper thus fills an important gap in the literature by advancing evidence about the effects of the RCEP on international tourism flows across member countries.
Supporting innovation and growth through entrepreneurship: reflections on the German Federal Government's “startup strategy”
Authors: Kuckertz Andreas , Brem Alexander
Published: October 2023

Purpose

All over the world, countries are searching for ways to foster innovation and growth through startups. This viewpoint paper presents the aims, development procedure and contents of Germany's “Startup Strategy,” published for the first time in 2022, along with a fundamental assessment of its potential usefulness.

Design/methodology/approach

In this opinionated viewpoint paper, the authors provide an overview of the strategy's contents and discuss it against established policy frameworks focusing on the determinants of innovative entrepreneurial activity and the potential consequences of the strategy on the micro-, meso- and macro levels of the German economy. Additionally, the authors evaluate and analyze the strategy's proposed fields of action to illustrate its potential impact on innovative entrepreneurial activity.

Findings

The strategy's development avoids considering an evidence-based, fundamental framework to structure its fields of action and instead relies on diverse input from various entrepreneurial agents. As a result, it emphasizes access to finance for startups and building entrepreneurial capabilities as its main fields of action. On the one hand, the authors show how the contents of the German “Startup Strategy” can be matched with the OECD (2017) framework. On the other hand, the authors offer detailed insights into how the “Startup Strategy's” fields of action might influence the German economy's micro, meso and macro levels.

Research limitations/implications

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this article is the first one commenting on the German government's first-ever published startup strategy. Hence, this might offer several starting points for other researchers to analyze future startup strategies. Also, comparing such strategic approaches in other European countries and beyond might be a starting point for developing public policies in this field. Also, researchers on entrepreneurial ecosystems and innovation ecosystems will find concrete anchor points for these subject areas.

Practical implications

Policymakers can use this viewpoint paper to devise future actions. The paper provides concrete fields of action on the individual and company levels, as well as on a national economic and regional ecosystem level, to derive such recommendations.

Originality/value

Germany is one of the strongest economic nations in the world and by far in Europe. Hence, this startup strategy comes with the potential for substantial impact. This viewpoint paper may inspire the development of other national strategies to create a positive economic and societal environment supporting the emergence of more innovative startups. In particular, the strategy's focus on diversity and social entrepreneurship seems promising.
An analysis of the determinants of money laundering in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Authors: Aljassmi Mariam , Gamal Awadh Ahmed Mohammed , Abdul Jalil Norasibah , Viswanathan K. Kuperan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

It is widely argued that money laundering (ML) is not a new phenomenon and the pervasiveness of ML is associated with some severe economic, social and political costs. Due to the lack of studies on the ML’s issue in the UAE, this study aims to examine the determinants of ML in the country between 1975 and 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing results demonstrate the presence of long-run relationship between ML and the selected macroeconomics variables. The analysis is validated by the dynamic ordinary least squares, the fully modified ordinary least squares and the canonical co-integration regression estimators.

Findings

The estimation result reveals that while the real estate market, outflow of money, arms procurement and size of the underground economy influences the size of ML positively, gold trade, the level of financial development and the size of economic activities are negatively associated with ML, both in the short- and long-run.

Originality/value

Up to date from a country-level analysis, no study has been devoted to the ML in UAE, except for Aljassmi et al. (2023). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the determinants of laundered money in the UAE economy. Based on these outcomes, strategies and measures which will deter the laundering of illicit funds through the real estate and gold market, remittance system, financial system and arms procurement contracts in the UAE are recommended.
Human-related lean practices for manufacturing SMEs’ lean transformation: a systematic literature review
Authors: Subramanian Nagamani , M. Suresh , A. John William
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Demanding and highly competitive business environment has stimulated small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to restructure their manufacturing practices. Lean manufacturing (LM), a comprehensive alternative, is now being adopted, notably by manufacturing organizations, to increase business effectiveness and performance through a variety of lean approaches. Lean implementation, however, ran into a number of difficulties, which showed that non-technical factors such as human-related practices must also be integrated if lean is to be successful. This study aims to examine a thorough overview of the various human-related lean practices (HRLP) mentioned in recent literature and to determine which of them is more pertinent to a successful LM implementation in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 193 publications published in 45 journals between 2013 and 2023 and based on the 4 reputable publishers, namely, Science Direct, Emerald Online, Taylor and Francis and Springer Link, were gathered based on a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed journal articles in LM.

Findings

The amount of research on human resource management and lean management that has been conducted has increased dramatically during the past few years. The outcome of this study will offer a thorough analysis of soft lean practices found in the LM literature that manufacturing SMEs should take into account while implementing lean.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of this research is restricted to a survey of scholarly works using the terms “Lean manufacturing” or “Lean production” as well as “human” or “people” or “soft-lean practices” in the title. Furthermore, only works published in scholarly publications that have undergone peer review were included. Also, due to the authors’ linguistic restrictions, only English articles were used. The HRLP linked to a smooth lean transition are described in this research. Thus, it can be used to assist the production and human resource departments in raising an organization’s long-term performance.

Originality/value

The study gives researchers a better grasp of the direction the subject is taking and what gaps still exist, which aids them in focusing their research on HRLP in small- and medium-sized businesses.