bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genes involved in protein folding and chromatin organization buffer genetic variation
Authors: Frickel Jens , Tawfeeq Mohammed T. , Baker Emily , Baco Sara , Rombout Jonas , Voordeckers Karin , Jarosz Daniel F. , Vonesch Sibylle C. , Verstrepen Kevin J.
Published: September 2024

Mutations are not always phenotypically active or show different effects in different individuals. While the mechanisms underlying this variable relationship between mutations and phenotypes are largely elusive, some specific genes may influence the phenotypic effects of cryptic variation. We employ the toolbox ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeto perform a genome-wide screen aimed at identifying these so-called genetic buffer genes. Measuring the fitness of 1.8 million mutated strains identified a small set of evolutionary conserved buffer genes involved in protein folding and chromatin organization, includingGIM3, SSA2, HOG1andFKH2. Deletion of these genes increases the fitness effect of de novo mutations as well as standing genetic variation, with some mutations becoming adaptive. Moreover, losing a buffer gene results in a decline of standing genetic variation. Together, these results reveal a set of conserved genes that influence the phenotypic outcome of mutations and play a role in complex genetics and incomplete penetrance.
Mutational scanning ofCRXclassifies clinical variants and reveals biochemical properties of the transcriptional effector domain
Authors: Shepherdson James L. , Granas David M. , Li Jie , Shariff Zara , Plassmeyer Stephen P. , Holehouse Alex S. , White Michael A. , Cohen Barak A.
Published: September 2024

The transcription factor (TF) cone-rod homeobox (CRX) is essential for the differentiation and maintenance of photoreceptor cell identity. Several humanCRXvariants cause degenerative retinopathies, but most are variants of uncertain significance. We performed a deep mutational scan (DMS) of nearly all possible single amino acid substitutions in CRX using a cell-based transcriptional reporter assay, curating a high-confidence list of nearly 2000 variants with altered transcriptional activity. In the structured homeodomain, activity scores closely aligned to a predicted structure and demonstrated position-specific constraints on amino acid substitution. In contrast, the intrinsically disordered transcriptional effector domain displayed a qualitatively different pattern of substitution effects, following compositional constraints without specific residue position requirements in the peptide chain. These compositional constraints were consistent with the acidic exposure model of transcriptional activation. We evaluated the performance of the DMS assay as a clinical variant classification tool using gold-standard classified human variants from ClinVar, identifying pathogenic variants with high specificity and moderate sensitivity. That this performance could be achieved using a synthetic reporter assay in a foreign cell type, even for a highly cell type-specific TF like CRX, suggests that this approach shows promise for DMS of other TFs that function in cell types that are not easily accessible. Together, the results of theCRXDMS identify molecular features of the CRX effector domain and demonstrate utility for integration into the clinical variant classification pipeline.
Vacuum currents in curved tubes
Authors: Saharian A. A.
Published: September 2024

We investigate the combined effects of spatial curvature and topology on the properties of the vacuum state for a charged scalar field localized on rotationally symmetric 2D curved tubes. For a general spatial geometry and for quasiperiodicity condition with a general phase, the representation of the Hadamard function is provided where the topological contribution is explicitly extracted. As an important local characteristic of the vacuum state the expectation value of the current density is studied. The vacuum current is a periodic function of the magnetic flux enclosed by the tube with the period of flux quantum. The general formula is specified for constant radius and conical tubes. As another application, we consider the Hadamard function and the vacuum current density for a scalar field on the Beltrami pseudosphere. Several representations are provided for the corresponding expectation value. For small values of the proper radius of the tube, compared with the curvature radius, the effect of spatial curvature on the vacuum current is weak and the leading term in the corresponding expansion coincides with the current density on a constant radius tube. The effect of curvature is essential for proper radii of the tube larger than the radius of spatial curvature. In this limit the falloff of the current density, as a function of the proper radius, follows a power law for both massless and massive fields. This behavior is in clear contrast to the one for a constant radius tube with exponential decay for massive fields. We also compare the vacuum currents on the Beltrami pseudosphere and on locally de Sitter and anti–de Sitter 2D tubes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Stable bubble formations in a depth-perturbed Hele-Shaw channel
Authors: Lawless Jack , Keeler Jack , Hazel Andrew L. , Juel Anne
Published: September 2024

The propagation of polydisperse bubbles inside a rectangular Hele-Shaw channel by the constant volumetric flux flow of an ambient viscous liquid is generally unsteady; pairs of neighboring bubbles will either separate or coalesce because their propagation speeds increase monotonically with their sizes. Thus, any group of bubbles will eventually rearrange itself in order of decreasing size, individual bubbles will separate, and, crucially, there are no stable multiple-bubble states. Remarkably, the introduction of a small axially uniform elevation to the channel's lower boundary (on the order of a percent of the channel's depth) leads to the creation of stable multiple-bubble states and, thus, disrupts the usual reordering by bubble sizes. The constituent bubbles of such states lie in alternation on opposite sides of the elevation. The elevation provides a mechanism for the trailing bubbles to reduce their propagation speeds when approaching their preceding nearest neighbors. The stable multiple-bubble states are always led by the smallest bubble while the trailing bubbles can be arranged in any order and, thus, their number grows factorially as the number of bubbles increases.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Theoretical Description of Pump-Probe Experiments in Charge-Density-Wave Materials out to Long Times
Authors: Petrović Marko D. , Weber Manuel , Freericks James K.
Published: September 2024

We describe coupled nonequilibrium electron-phonon systems semiclassically—Ehrenfest dynamics for the phonons and quantum mechanics for the electrons—using a classical Monte Carlo approach that determines the nonequilibrium response to a large pump field. The semiclassical approach is expected to be accurate, because the phonons are excited to average energies much higher than the phonon frequency, eliminating the need for a quantum description. The numerical efficiency of this method allows us to perform a self-consistent time evolution out to very long times (tens of picoseconds), enabling us to model pump-probe experiments of a charge-density-wave (CDW) material. Our system is a half-filled, one-dimensional (1D) Holstein chain that exhibits CDW ordering due to a Peierls transition. The chain is subjected to a time-dependent electromagnetic pump field that excites it out of equilibrium, and then a second probe pulse is applied after a time delay. By evolving the system to long times, we capture the complete process of lattice excitation and subsequent relaxation to a new equilibrium, due to an exchange of energy between the electrons and the lattice, leading to lattice relaxation at finite temperatures. We employ an indirect (impulsive) driving mechanism of the lattice by the pump pulse due to the direct driving of the electrons. We identify two driving regimes, where the pump can either cause small perturbations or completely invert the initial CDW order. Our work successfully describes the ringing of the amplitude mode in CDW systems that has long been seen in experiment but never successfully explained by microscopic theory. We also describe the fluence-dependent crossover that inverts the CDW order parameter and changes the phonon dynamics. Finally, we illustrate how this method can examine a number of different types of experiments including photoemission, x-ray diffraction, and two-dimensional (2D) spectroscopy.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
FullProfAPP: a graphical user interface for the streamlined automation of powder diffraction data analysis
Authors: Arcelus Oier , Rodríguez-Carvajal Juan , Katcho Nebil A. , Reynaud Marine , Black Ashley P. , Chatzogiannakis Dimitrios , Frontera Carlos , Serrano-Sevillano Jon , Ismail Maha , Carrasco Javier , Fauth Francois , Palacin M. Rosa , Casas-Cabanas Montse
Published: September 2024

FullProfAPP is a software tool for data processing, refinement and visualization of large collections of powder diffraction patterns. Featuring an intuitive graphical user interface, it seamlessly facilitates a variety of tasks. These include conducting full-profile phase searches, sequential and high-throughput Rietveld refinements, and managing background (and peak) detection. FullProfAPP also provides convenient interaction with crystallographic databases and supports the visualization and export of high-quality pixel and vector graphics depicting the refinement results, among other functionalities. FullProfAPP wraps around the refinement program FullProf [Rodríguez-Carvajal (1993), Physica B, 192, 55–69] and offers the flexibility of user-defined workflows by accessing and editing FullProf's input files and triggering its execution as necessary. FullProfAPP is distributed as open-source software and is presently available for Windows and Linux operating systems.
Measurable structure factors of dense dispersions containing polydisperse optically inhomogeneous particles
Authors: Diaz Maier Joel , Gaus Katharina , Wagner Joachim
Published: September 2024

Here, it is investigated how optical properties of single scatterers in interacting multi-particle systems influence measurable structure factors. Both particles with linear gradients of their scattering length density and core–shell structures evoke characteristic deviations between the weighted sum 〈S(Q)〉 of partial structure factors in a multi-component system and experimentally accessible measurable structure factors S
M(Q). While 〈S(Q)〉 contains only the structural information of self-organizing systems, S
M(Q) is additionally influenced by the optical properties of their constituents, resulting in features such as changing amplitudes, additional peaks in the low-wavevector region or splitting of higher-order maxima, which are not related to structural reasons. It is shown that these effects can be systematically categorized according to the qualitative behaviour of the form factor in the Guinier region, which enables assessing the suitability of experimentally obtained structure factors to genuinely represent the microstructure of complex systems free from any particular model assumption. Hence, a careful data analysis regarding size distribution and optical properties of single scatterers is mandatory to avoid a misinterpretation of measurable structure factors.
A comprehensive characterization of thiophosgene in the solid state
Authors: Tambornino Frank , Ringelband Sven , Parker Stewart F. , Howard Christopher M. , Fortes Dominic
Published: September 2024

Thiophosgene is one of the principal C=S building blocks in synthetic chemistry. At room temperature, thiophosgene is a red liquid. While its properties in the liquid and gaseous states are well known, a comprehensive characterization of thiophosgene in its solid state is presented here. Differential scanning calorimetry shows that thiophosgene forms a supercooled melt before rapidly crystallizing. Its melting point is 231.85 K (−41.3 °C). At 80 K, thiophosgene crystallizes in space group P63/m [No. 174, a = b = 5.9645 (2), c = 6.2835 (3) Å, V = 193.59 (2) Å3]. The molecule shows a distinct rotational disorder: all S and Cl positions are of mixed occupancy and the disorder does not resolve at temperatures as low as 10 K, as was shown by neutron powder diffraction. Infrared, Raman and inelastic neutron scattering spectra were collected and assigned with the aid of quantum chemical calculations. A larger ordered structural model allowed for better agreement between the measured and calculated spectra, further indicating that disorder is an inherent feature of solid-state thiophosgene.
Magnetic structure of the noncentrosymmetric magnet Sr2MnSi2O7 through irreducible representation and magnetic space group analyses
Authors: Nambu Y. , Kawamata M. , Pang X. , Murakawa H. , Avdeev M. , Kimura H. , Masuda H. , Hanasaki N. , Onose Y.
Published: September 2024

Magnetic structures of the noncentrosymmetric magnet Sr2MnSi2O7 were examined through neutron diffraction for powder and single-crystalline samples, as well as magnetometry measurements. All allowed magnetic structures for space group P
421
m with the magnetic wavevector q
m = (0, 0, ½) were refined via irreducible representation and magnetic space group analyses. The compound was refined to have in-plane magnetic moments within the magnetic space group Cmc21.1′
c
(No. 36.177) under zero field, which can be altered to P212121.1′
c
(No. 19.28) above μ0
H = 0.067 (5) T to align induced weak-ferromagnetic components within one layer on the ab plane. All refined parameters are provided following the recent framework based upon the magnetic space group, which better conveys when exchanging crystallographic information for commensurate magnetic structures.
Money value, risk perception and behavior: evidence from the Brazilian market
Authors: Lopes Luis Felipe Dias , Santos Anavaléria Vieira , da Silva Deoclécio Junior Cardoso , Sonza Igor Bernardi , Knebel Baggio Daniel , de Moura Gilnei Luiz , Silva Wesley Vieira da , da Veiga Claudimar Pereira
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This research sheds light on the distinct decision-making behaviors and perceptions related to the value attributed to money, uncovering nuances in the interrelationship between money valuation and its ensuing influence on risk perceptions and related behaviors, mainly focusing on financial education.

Design/methodology/approach

Executed in the Brazilian market, this study employs a quantitative approach, encompassing 663 participants and deploying comprehensive statistical methodologies – principally, structural equation modeling based on variances – to scrutinize the amassed primary data.

Findings

The insights from the study reveal a significant impact of both negative money value (NMV) and positive money value (PMV) on participants' financial decisions, profoundly shaping perceptions, acceptances and responses to risk. Consequently, this study underscores the pivotal role the perceived value of money plays in sculpting financial behaviors and formulating risk management strategies. Distinctly, this research emphasizes intrinsic monetary values, extending unprecedented insights by delineating aversive behaviors toward losses and risks and probing the repercussions of both negative and positive monetary values.

Originality/value

It acts as an avant-garde exploration, unveiling new perspectives on upcoming consumers' anticipated financial decision-making approaches and pinpointing areas warranting deeper exploration and comprehension within the fluid consumer market landscape.
Ingesting digital archives into long-term storage system through free open-source software in South Africa
Authors: Shekgola Mahlatse Moses , Ngoepe Mpho
Published: September 2024

Purpose

In South Africa, public institutions face challenges in transitioning their digital records to trusted digital repositories due to a deficiency in skills, infrastructure and systems. Free and open-source software (FOSS) presents a viable solution for facilitating the transfer of digital archives for permanent preservation. Despite the existence of FOSS policy in South Africa, the public sector has yet to fully use it to engage in the development and implementation of products for records management and archive preservation using open-source software. This study aims to explore the ingestion of digital archives into an approved long-term storage system through FOSS in South Africa with the view of developing a framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative research approach to collect data through interviews with purposively selected participants (records managers, archivists and IT officials) from national government departments that have implemented records management systems for digital curation of archives, as well as the National Archives and Records Services of South Africa (NARSSA), which regulates archives and records management, and the State Information Technology Agency, which regulates information technology in government.

Findings

The findings of the study suggest that the systematic transfer of digital materials from public entities to NARSSA, as required by statute, has not taken place.

Research limitations/implications

The study specifically targeted national government departments that have implemented digital archives and records management systems. Consequently, perspectives from departments that have not implemented these solutions were excluded.

Originality/value

A framework is proposed for the transfer of digital archives, using interoperable FOSS, from government agencies responsible for records management to NARSSA for archival preservation. This framework, it is hoped, will facilitate infrastructure and skills development in the management of records and preservation of archives through open platforms.
An exploration of higher education leadership competencies: knowledge, skills and attitudes
Authors: Tyminski Quinn , Owens Grayson B.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Competencies for leadership in higher education have begun to emerge in the literature. Yet to better equip future leaders in higher education, the use of a learning taxonomy may serve as a framework to understand necessary learning for leaders in higher education. The aim of this study is to explore the competencies of higher education leadership through Bloom’s knowledge, skills and attitudes framework.

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory case study qualitative methodology was used to explore the experiences of senior leaders within a singular university to determine the necessary competencies of leadership in higher education. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants who served in Dean-level or higher positions. Eligible participants participated in a semi-structured interview.

Findings

Each of Bloom’s domains had a variety of themes emerge: knowledge (2), skills (6) and attitude (2).

Research limitations/implications

Sample size was limited by the availability of senior leaders and may not represent the experience of leaders at all institutions.

Practical implications

Findings from this study may allow future researchers to investigate the outcomes of a combination of competencies. Findings from this study will hopefully be able to be extrapolated to better understand the learning required of those who aspire to be future leaders in similar university structures.

Originality/value

Available studies fail to explore the process by which one learns the skills necessary to become a leader in higher education. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to map higher education leadership competencies through a learning taxonomy.
The use of pattern blocks in developing students' higher-order thinking skills
Authors: Changsri Narumon , Inprasitha Maitree , Tang KeowNgang , Boonsena Nisakorn , Pattanajak Auijit
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to explore students’ higher-order thinking skills development when they engaged in pattern blocks learning activities using Blended Learning Classroom teaching approaches through the Thailand Lesson Study Incorporated Open Approach model.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers utilized a multiple case research design for 47 higher education students from the Non-degree Higher-order Thinking in Mathematics Program using a purposive sampling technique. The researchers used the On-Demand teaching approach for two days and three hours of a combination of Virtual Live and Face-to-Face teaching approaches, making up a total of 70 and 30 percent of student learning time respectively.

Findings

The quantitative results from the online survey questionnaire indicated that the majority of the participants perceived positively the phenomena of the Blended Learning Classroom teaching approach ranging from a mean score of 4.44–4.65. The qualitative results revealed that participants used different interpretations, and utilized their creative, imaginative thinking to connect various concepts while they were solving the problem situations using pattern blocks.

Research limitations/implications

The discussions were limited to a study representative of 47 Non-degree Higher-order Thinking in Mathematics Program students.

Practical implications

The use of the pattern blocks in developing students’ higher-order thinking skills was found to strengthen the effectiveness of Blended Learning Classroom teaching approaches.

Originality/value

This study adds new insight to the literature on Higher-order Thinking Skills development.
Navigating digital waves: unveiling entrepreneurial leadership toward digital innovation and sustainable performance in the Chinese IT industry
Authors: Sahibzada Umar Farooq , Aslam Nadia , Muavia Muhammad , Shujahat Muhammad , Rafi-ul-Shan Piyya Muhammad
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The rapid evolution of digital innovation has significantly revolutionized the business landscape for entrepreneurs. Embracing digital innovation is crucial for all stakeholders to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) and promote sustainability. However, there is little understanding of how entrepreneurial leadership in developing nations has proactively responded to the challenge of digital innovation. Based on Drucker’s productivity theory, this study examines the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership (EL), digital orientation (DO) and digital capability (DC) as predictors of digital innovation (DI). The proposed model aims to establish the causal connections between variables and elucidate the complex interplay between digital innovation and the resulting outcome of sustainable performance (SP).

Design/methodology/approach

Two research studies were carried out in the Chinese IT industry to assess the efficacy of the theoretical framework among IT workers. Study 1 utilized a three-week, two-week time-lagged design (N = 299), while Study 2 used a two-week, four-week survey design (N = 341). The study used Smart-PLS 4.0 for data analysis.

Findings

The results showed that entrepreneurial leadership significantly impacts employee digital orientation and digital capabilities, fostering digital innovation. Moreover, digital innovation has a significant impact on sustainable performance.

Originality/value

The study’s findings allow authors to contribute to the existing scholarship on employee digital orientation, digital capabilities, digital innovation and sustainable performance in an emerging economy.
An advanced dual-layered framework for sustainable supply chain performance
Authors: Panigrahi Swayam Sampurna , Bahinipati Bikram Kumar , Govindan Kannan , Parhi Shreyanshu
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the sustainable supply chain performance indicators. At a macro level, the identification of the sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) performance indicators is done through exhaustive literature survey and interviews with experts. Furthermore, these indicators are evaluated through a hybrid approach, i.e. total weighted interpretive structural modelling (TWISM) followed by analytic hierarchical process (AHP).

Design/methodology/approach

Micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India are a major contributor to nation’s GDP. However, this sector struggles to comprehend benefits from implementation of SSCM due to a lack of appropriate performance evaluation metrics. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the body of knowledge in SSCM by proposing and evaluating a set of SSCM performance indicators.

Findings

The paper highlights the SSCM performance indicators and concludes that business strategies, implementation planning and impact of stakeholders are the top SSCM performance indicators (SPIs). Therefore, the decision-makers must initially focus on strategic requirements which foster the implementation of SSCM, thereby ensuring profitability for all stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

Although the proposed framework was validated through a case study on Indian automobile component manufacturing MSMEs, future research would explore the extension of the framework to other industries.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in the application of the novel TWISM-AHP tool. Furthermore, the SPIs identified in the study, consider the integration of the triple bottom line from the MSME perspective. The TWISM-AHP analysis will be beneficial for SC decision-makers to enhance the SSCM performance based on the identified indicators and their criticality.
Openness influences business model innovation: the mediating role of digital capability
Authors: Liu Kan , Zhang Ziyi , Zhou Hongrui
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Exploring open value, cultivating digital capability (DC) and driving business model innovation (BMI) have become an inevitable choice for enterprises to meet market demand and adapt to environmental changes. However, as one of the situational variables of BMI, the positive or negative influence of openness has not been proved and the path mechanism between DC and BMI is not clear. Based on the dynamic capability theory, this paper takes manufacturing enterprises as an example to explore the internal impact mechanisms of organizational openness on BMI. It extends the analysis by introducing DC as a mediating variable and introducing manufacturing enterprise type (high-tech and non-high-tech) as a moderating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted using data collected in China, data from 355 manufacturing enterprises were collected to carry out empirical research. Participants were mainly middle and senior managers with a comprehensive grasp of their firms’ information. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to test the reliability and validity of the sample data, and negative binomial regression analysis was used to test hypothesis relationships.

Findings

The authors find an inverted U-shaped relationship between openness and BMI, and explain that excessive openness may lead to low resource utilization, organizational inertia, cooperation distrust, which will have a negative impact on BMI. DC includes digital resource capability (DRC), digital management capability (DMC) and digital collaboration capability (DCC), which promote BMI and play a mediating role between openness and BMI. Enterprise type has a moderating effect on the relationship between DC and BMI.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this paper summarize the opportunities and threats of open innovation, help enterprises fully understand the double-edged sword impact of openness, guide manufacturing enterprises to be sensitive to openness and achieve sustainable innovation. By analyzing the path of DRC, DMC and DCC to BMI, managers can improve their understanding of digital-driven value creation process and improve the competitive advantage of enterprises.

Originality/value

This paper presents the relationships among openness, DC and BMI. We find the non-linear effects of openness on DC and BMI, bridging the inconsistent view of positive or negative relationship between openness and organizational change in previous studies. The introduction of DC extends the theory of dynamic capability in the digital age, and opens the “black box” from opening to BMI from the process perspective of DRC, DMC and DCC. From the perspective of enterprise type, this paper provides different choices of capability upgrading and strategic innovation based on openness for high-tech and non-high-tech manufacturing enterprises.
The influence of celebrity endorsement on the purchase behavior of brands and product categories
Authors: Calvo-Porral Cristina , Lévy-Mangin Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Celebrity endorsement has been profusely used to promote the consumption and purchase intention of diverse product categories; however, there is scarce research about whether celebrity endorsement effectiveness differs between brands and product categories. In this context, this study aims to answer this question: “Does consumer purchase behavior influenced by celebrity endorsement differ between brands and products?”.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, a conceptual model of the influence of celebrity endorsement on consumer purchase behavior is examined through a multiple group structural equation modeling on two consumer samples (315 = brands; 308 = product categories). Samples were categorized as a celebrity promoting either a product category or a brand, and food products were selected as the product category for the investigation.

Findings

Findings indicate differences in the effectiveness of celebrity endorsement between brands and product categories: credibility is the most relevant variable influencing consumer purchase intention for product categories, while credibility and congruence both influence consumer purchase intention for brands. Similarly, the celebrity recommendation of brands generates greater purchase intention due to celebrity congruence with the endorsed product.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present research is one of the first endeavors to compare the effectiveness of celebrity brand endorsement versus celebrity product endorsement on purchase intention.
Five decades of policymaking in the EU – background and overview of the current state of employee financial participation
Authors: Lowitzsch Jens , Lüke Jasper
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Opinions drafted by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and reports and studies by the European Parliament and 2014 and 2018 Resolutions on employee financial participation (EFP) emphasised the growing importance of EFP, particularly with respect to small and medium-sized enterprises. Against this background, the commission included the promotion of employee share ownership in its Action Plan to reform European company law and corporate governance and embarked on the 2013/14 Pilot Project. Based on the most recent data on the scope and impact of various EFP schemes in EU companies and the legal and regulatory changes in individual Member States, the aim of this article is to provide an overview of policymaking and the main trends of the dynamics of EFP over the last three decades.

Design/methodology/approach

We give an overview (1) of the analysis of the most recent rounds of different large-scale cross-country surveys (2015 European Working Conditions Survey, 2021 CRANET [Cranfield Network on International Human Resource Management], 2019 European Company Survey [ECS]) and (2) of the EU policy documents and legislative acts over the last three decades. We provide a tabular overview of the status quo in all 29 countries under consideration as of January 2024 to provide the reader with an Alta vista summary view of all forms of EFP practised.

Findings

The European Commission’s interest in EFP has grown substantially since the publication of the first PEPPER Report in 1991 and the Council Recommendation on EFP of 27 July 1992. Since then, the European Union has not only extended from 12 Members States to currently 27 but has also faced many complex and urgent challenges. Financial and other crises have endangered prosperity and cohesion on the continent and both, the financial crisis of 2008/09, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic 2020/21 have left their marks on “Social Europe”.

Originality/value

The European Commission’s interest in EFP has grown substantially since the publication of the first PEPPER (Promotion of Employee Participation in Profits and Enterprise Results) Report in 1991 and the Council Recommendation on EFP on 27 July 1992. Since then, the European Union has not only extended from 12 Members States to currently 27 but has also faced many complex and urgent challenges. Financial and other crises have endangered prosperity and cohesion on the continent and both, the financial crisis of 2008/09, and the COVID-19 pandemic 2020/21 have left their marks on “Social Europe”.
Wither vulnerable consumers? Meaningful dialogue about marketplace vulnerability
Authors: Hill Ronald Paul
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an alternative perspective to the article on consumer vulnerability recently published in this journal by Russell-Bennett et al. (2024).

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is collegial but firm in its analysis of their discussion about how vulnerable consumers feel and react, as offered without appropriate review and details from previous research.

Findings

The perspective given by the authors is found to lack sufficient substance and foundation in the consumer vulnerability literature across several leading journals in the field. Alternative interpretations are presented and articulated.

Originality/value

All ideas expressed as a counter to their arguments come from decades of experiences working with vulnerable peoples across multiple contexts and communities.
Experience identification: connecting online engagement to offline loyalty
Authors: Stevens Jennifer L. , Gleim Mark R. , Waites Stacie F.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the transformative role of experience identification in connecting online communities to offline experiences. This study also aims to understand if consumers in the pre-experience stage can identify with an experience and how this influences their subsequent evaluations, focusing on the impact of online community participation.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model, based on social identity theory, is tested using a two-study approach. Study 1 involves first-time cruisers in an online cruise community. Study 2 extends the findings to a broader range of travel experiences, including both first-time and repeat travelers.

Findings

Results suggest that experiential consumers can identify with an experience in the pre-experience stage through two key community participation variables – experience imagination and emotional significance. Experience identification directly influences loyalty, which subsequently impacts word-of-mouth and satisfaction post-experience.

Practical implications

Service providers should leverage forums, brand communities and social media platforms to enhance interactivity between experienced and first-time customers. Strategies are presented to foster user interaction and interconnectedness, boosting consumer satisfaction and loyalty and providing a competitive advantage from the outset of the customer journey.

Originality/value

Despite the recognized importance of experiential consumption, the marketing literature has largely focused on the actual consumption experience, overlooking the pre-experience stage. This research highlights the critical role of the pre-experience stage, showing that the value of an experience begins before the service encounter and continues after it ends.
Collaborative relationships: a stimulus for innovation culture and participation of SMEs in public procurement
Authors: Israel Baraka
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in stimulating economic growth and innovation underscores the crucial need to understand the factors that influence their participation in public sector markets. Drawing on network theory, this research delves into the interaction effect of innovation culture and collaborative relationships on SME participation in public procurement. It assesses how collaborative relationships can serve as a vital mediator, enhancing the impact of innovation culture on SME participation in public procurement.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was carried out with 248 SME suppliers in Ilala district, located in the Dar es Salaam region of Tanzania, utilizing a questionnaire survey and a stratified random sampling technique. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and the Hayes PROCESS macro were employed to analyze the data.

Findings

The study findings highlight collaborative relationships as a pivotal mediator between innovation culture and SME participation in public procurement. Although no direct link between innovation culture and SME participation in public procurement was established, the results indicate a noteworthy positive influence of innovation culture on collaborative relationships, subsequently affecting SME participation in public procurement.

Practical implications

The research underscores the significance of promoting an innovation-driven culture to support the participation of SMEs within public procurement activities. Additionally, the research offers valuable perspectives on the role of collaborative relationships in stimulating innovation and achieving success in public procurement, guiding SME managers, policymakers and industry stakeholders in cultivating productive relationships and partnerships.

Originality/value

The research enhances both theoretical and practical insights, adding to the literature that addresses the effects of innovation culture and collaborative relationships on SME participation in public procurement. These insights can be valuable to policymakers and SME managers in designing appropriate strategies that foster an innovative culture and explore the benefits of collaborative relationships for effective participation in public procurement.
Voluntary and mandatory reporting: a continuum of disclosure
Authors: E. Cooke Terence , McMeeking Kevin P. , Zeff Stephen A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to open a debate on the interrelationship between categorisation, labelling, disclosure and enforcement. The extant literature on the accounting reporting environment explores the provision of both mandated and voluntary disclosures. Often disclosure is defined in a less than rigorous manner, mislabelled, misclassified and uses a strict dichotomy that limits information fineness.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors advance a non-dichotomous continuum of disclosure from voluntary and innovative at one end of the spectrum, to mandatory at the other, that helps reduce mislabelling and miscategorisation.

Findings

Firms’ voluntary disclosures cannot be properly interpreted without reviewing their interrelationship with mandatory disclosures and vice versa. Definitions of voluntary disclosure that have been used in empirical studies are examined, including the mislabelling and misclassification of voluntary disclosures and the authors provide examples of truly voluntary and innovative disclosures by companies.

Originality/value

This paper constructs, and provides evidence consistent with, a reporting continuum rather than the dichotomous disclosure measure that dominates decades of prior literature.
Adaptive optimal observer for real-time state of charge estimation of lithium-ion batteries in robotic systems
Authors: Zhao Jun , Lu Zhenguo , Wang Guang
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to address the challenge of the real-time state of charge (SOC) estimation for lithium-ion batteries in robotic systems, which is critical for monitoring remaining battery power, planning task execution, conserving energy and extending battery lifespan.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors introduced an optimal observer based on adaptive dynamic programming for online SOC estimation, leveraging a second-order resistor–capacitor model for the battery. The model parameters were determined by fitting an exponential function to the voltage response from pulse current discharges, and the observer's effectiveness was verified through extensive experimentation.

Findings

The proposed optimal observer demonstrated significant improvements in SOC estimation accuracy, robustness and real-time performance, outperforming traditional methods by minimizing estimation errors and eliminating the need for iterative steps in the adaptive critic and actor updates.

Originality/value

This study contributes a novel approach to SOC estimation using an optimal observer that optimizes the observer design by minimizing estimation errors. This method enhances the robustness of SOC estimation against observation errors and uncertainties in battery behavior, representing a significant advancement in battery management technology for robotic applications.
Social entrepreneurial ecosystems in Euroregions
Authors: Wevers Herman Theodoor , Voinea Cosmina Lelia , Curseu Petru Lucian
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the knowledge of social entrepreneurial ecosystems and test their effect on social entrepreneurial activity in a cross-border context.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research used the fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis method on a sample of 4,357 cross-border cooperation (CBC) projects implemented between 2014 and 2020, spread over 40 Euroregions.

Findings

Single ecosystem elements can be sufficient conditions but with a limited effect on cross-border social entrepreneurship. Configurations of ecosystem elements can be necessary conditions with synergetic effects. A geographical pattern was identified in the spread of configurations across Europe.

Research limitations/implications

Geographical, quantitative and project data constraints exist. The authors call for research into synergies between ecosystem elements in cross-border contexts and ecosystem patterns across Europe.

Practical implications

Policymakers, their cross-border counterparts and Euroregions could coordinate their efforts to improve ecosystems’ impact and involve social entrepreneurs to scale impact in neighboring countries.

Social implications

Involving social entrepreneurs in CBC projects will show how social impact in one country can be valuable for solving issues in the neighboring country. This will increase the valuation of innovative solutions, create opportunities for scaling social impact and contribute to the European (EU) Cohesion Policy.

Originality/value

The study uses a novel approach by investigating the effect of social entrepreneurial ecosystems in Euroregions on social entrepreneurial activity in a cross-border context. The study shows that the impact of social entrepreneurial ecosystems does not stop at the country’s borders.
Differentiating three distinct kinds of flaws in oil and gas pipelines derived from the spacing effect of capacitive imaging sensors
Authors: Li Zhen , Han Jianqing , Cao Renting , Wang Yanzhe , Zhang Cong , Chang Lin , Zhang Yongbo , Zhang Hongyuan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to apply the spacing effect of capacitive imaging (CI) sensors to inspect and differentiate external flaws of the protective module, internal flaws of the protective module and external flaws of the metallic module in oil and gas pipelines simultaneously. Through experimental verification, a method for differentiating three distinct kinds of flaws derived from the spacing effect of CI sensors has been demonstrated.

Design/methodology/approach

A 3Dimensions (3D) model for simulating the inspection of these flaws was established by using COMSOL. A novel CI sensor with adjustable working electrode spacing was designed, and a modular CI system was developed to substantiate the theoretical findings with experimental evidence. A method for differentiating three distinct kinds of flaws derived from the spacing effect of CI sensors was established.

Findings

The results indicate that the method can successfully discriminate external flaws of the protective module, internal flaws of the protective module and external flaws of the metallic module using CI sensors.

Originality/value

The method for differentiating three distinct kinds of flaws derived from the spacing effect of CI sensors is vital for keeping the transportation safety of oil and gas pipelines.
Analysis of neuraminidase activity of human parainfluenza viruses using enzyme‐linked lectin assay and BTP3‐Neu5Ac assay
Authors: Yang Jie , Kisu Tomoko , Watanabe Oshi , Kitai Yuki , Ohmiya Suguru , Fan Yuxuan , Nishimura Hidekazu
Published: September 2024

Human parainfluenza viruses (hPIVs) are causative agents of upper and lower respiratory tract infections and they have four serotypes. The virion surface displays hemagglutinin‐neuraminidase (HN), having hemagglutinating (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) activities in a single molecule. The HA activity binds the virion to sialic acid on the viral receptor on host cells and the NA releases the progeny viruses from the cell surface. There are several methods for assaying viral NA activity, such as the thiobarbituric acid assay, 4‐methylumbelliferyl‐N‐acetyl‐α‐d‐neuraminic acid assay, NA‐Star assay, and enzyme‐linked lectin assay (ELLA). However, these are mainly used for influenza viruses and not for hPIVs. A fluorescent‐based cytochemical NA assay using BTP3‐Neu5Ac as the substrate was recently developed and used for orthomyxo‐ and paramyxoviruses, including types 1 and 3 hPIVs. In this study, we used the ELLA, and BTP‐Neu5Ac assay for 14 field isolate strains of hPIVs including all four serotypes. The reaction in ELLA at pH 6.5 using peanut agglutinin (PNA) as a lectin was very low for all tested viruses except a type 3 virus strain with the maximum reaction at pH 6.5 and the acidic conditions did not enhance the reaction. ELLA with another lectin, Erythrina cristagalli agglutinin exhibited significant and stronger reactions than with PNA in some strains of types 1 and 3 viruses. The BTP3‐Neu5Ac assay showed a fluorescent signal on cells infected with all the viruses except the hPIV1/Sendai/713/2018 strain in LLC‐MK2 and/or MNT‐1. The signal was detected in cell‐free virus, as well, in all the viruses except the hPIV4a/Sendai/3935/2003 strain. The strength of the signal varied among viral strains but it was stronger in the reaction at pH 4.0 than pH 7.0 and strongest in type 2 hPIVs.