bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytochrome ‘Nanowires’ are Physically Limited to Sub-Picoamp Currents that Suffice for Cellular Respiration
Authors: Guberman-Pfeffer Matthew J. , Herron Caleb L.
Published: December 2024

Mineral-respiring microorganisms from hydrothermal vents to terrestrial soils express filaments that electrically connect intracellular respiration to extracellular geochemistry. Filaments dubbed “cytochrome nanowires” (CNs) have been resolved by CryoEM, but whether they are the two-decades-long sought-after physiological ‘nanowires’ remains unproven. To assess their functional competence, we analyzed biological redox conduction in all CNs by computing driving forces in the presence of redox anti-cooperativities, reorganization energies with electronic polarizability, and Marcus rates for diffusive and protein-limited flux models. The chain of heme cofactors in any CN must be densely packed to realize weak (≤0.01 eV) electronic coupling for electron transfer, as evidenced by a single Soret band produced from coincidental absorptions on multiple hemes. Dense packing, in turn, has three consequences: (1) limited driving forces (≤|0.3| eV) due to shared electrostatic microenvironments, (2) strong (≤0.12 eV) redox anti-cooperativities that would accentuate the free energy landscape if the linear heme arrangement did not dictate a contra-thermodynamic oxidation order, and (3) an entropic penalty that is offset by thioether ‘tethers’ of the hemes to the protein backbone. These linkages physically necessitate the rate-throttling T-stacked motif (10-fold slower than the other highly conserved slip-stacked motif). If the sequence of slip- and T-stacked hemes in the CNs had the fastest known nanosecond rates at every step, a micron-long filament would carry a diffusive 0.02 pA current at a physiological 0.1 V, or a protein-limited current of 0.2 pA. Actual CNs have sub-optimal (≤102-fold lower), but sufficient conductivities for cellular respiration, with at most thousands of filaments needed for total cellular metabolic flux. Since cells likely discharge less than the 1.0 pA assumed here, and there are multiple pathways besides CNs for expelling electrons, the micro-to-milli-Siemens/cm conductivities are more than sufficient. Reported conductivities once used to argue for metallic-like pili against the cytochrome hypothesis and now illogically attributed to CNs remain inconsistent by 102-105-fold with the physical constraints imposed on biological redox conduction through multiheme architectures.
Discovery of a novel bandavirus using metagenomic sequencing in a retrospective analysis of an unresolved 2020 mortality event involving black vultures in the northeastern United States
Authors: Mwakibete Lusajo , Hoarau Axel O. G. , Ahyong Vida , Waltari Eric , Bender Susan J. , Davison Sherrill , Niedringhaus Kevin D. , Gibison Michelle L. , Gagne Roderick B. , Miller Erica A. , Murphy Lisa A. , Kistler Amy , Tato Cristina M.
Published: December 2024

Investigations of wildlife diseases and mortality events can sometimes lead to inconclusive results due to limitations in diagnostics combined with an ever-increasing number of emerging viruses. The use of tools such as unbiased metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) can facilitate the identification of causative agents where conventional investigation methods fail. We performed a retrospective mNGS analysis on RNA isolated from postmortem samples collected during a black vulture (Coragyps atratus, family: Cathartidae) mortality event that occurred in eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey in 2020. We describe the discovery and identification of a novel species of bandavirus (Phenuiviridaefamily) in case specimens from this die-off, as well as some of the associated pathological findings. TheBandavirusgenus comprises tickborne viral species that have been reported across five continents and implicated in outbreaks in a variety of mammalian hosts, including humans, and in avian species making them important potential sources of zoonotic spillover events. Genomic and phylogenetic analysis of the bandavirus detected in this study indicate its closest relative corresponds to Hunter Island virus, a bandavirus previously implicated in albatross mortality events off the coast of Tasmania, Australia. Follow-up PCR testing of samples from additional vultures from the same cohort confirmed that this new bandavirus is the likely cause of death.
Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells Mitigate Inflammation in Periodontal Disease
Authors: Naqvi Raza Ali , Valverde Araceli , Nares Salvador , Van Dyke Thomas E. , Naqvi Afsar R.
Published: December 2024

Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature, immune suppressive myeloid cells. However, their role in periodontal disease (PD), a microbially induced inflammatory oral disease, remains understudied. Here we show that gingiva (gums) from PD patients exhibit significantly higher levels of MDSC markers including Granulocytic (G)-MDSC and Monocytic (M)-MDSC subsets as well as CD4+T cells and CD19+B cells. Gingival MDSC subsets exhibit potent immunoregulatory activity as marked by attenuated autologous CD4+ T cells proliferation and IFNγ production. In a murine model of ligature-induced periodontitis (LIP), we noticed time-dependent gingival MDSC infiltration, which correlates with CD4+T cell and CD19+B cell infiltration. To test whether MDSC confer immunoregulatory functionin vivo, we adoptively transferred G-MDSCs and M-MDSCs in mice. Interestingly, we observed significant reduction in inflammatory marker expression (IL6, TNF-α, and IL-1β), infiltration of CD4+T cells, and concomitant increase in MDSC-derived immune suppressive molecules, ARG1 and IL-10, and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+Tregs compared to mock. Conversely, depletion of MDSC using anti-Gr1 antibody resulted in marked induction of periodontal inflammation, reduced Treg population, and significantly higher alveolar bone loss. These findings, for the first time, suggest an anti-inflammatory and osteoprotective function of MDSCs in PD and offer a promising target to treat unresolved periodontal inflammation.
SenSet, a novel human lung senescence cell gene signature, identifies cell-specific senescence mechanisms
Authors: Hasanaj Euxhen , Beaulieu Delphine , Wang Cankun , Hu Qianjiang , Bueno Marta , Sembrat John C , Pineda Ricardo H , Melo-Narvaez Maria Camila , Cardenes Nayra , Yanwu Zhao , Yingze Zhang , Lafyatis Robert , Morris Alison , Mora Ana , Rojas Mauricio , Li Dongmei , Rahman Irfan , Pryhuber Gloria S , Lehmann Mareike , Alder Jonathan , Gurkar Aditi , Finkel Toren , Ma Qin , Póczos Barnabás , Bar-Joseph Ziv , Eickelberg Oliver , Königshoff Melanie
Published: December 2024

Cellular senescence is a major hallmark of aging. Senescence is defined as an irreversible growth arrest observed when cells are exposed to a variety of stressors including DNA damage, oxidative stress, or nutrient deprivation. While senescence is a well-established driver of aging and age-related diseases, it is a highly heterogeneous process with significant variations across organisms, tissues, and cell types.

The relatively low abundance of senescence in healthy aged tissues represents a major challenge to studying senescence in a given organ, including the human lung. To overcome this limitation, we developed a Positive-Unlabeled (PU) learning framework to generate a comprehensive senescence marker gene list in human lungs (termed SenSet) using the largest publicly available single-cell lung dataset, the Human Lung Cell Atlas (HLCA). We validated SenSet in a highly complex ex vivo human 3D lung tissue culture model subjected to the senescence inducers bleomycin, doxorubicin, or irradiation, and established its sensitivity and accuracy in characterizing senescence. Using SenSet, we identified and validated cell-type specific senescence signatures in distinct lung cell populations upon aging and environmental exposures. Our study presents the first comprehensive analysis of senescent cells in the healthy aging lung and uncovers cell-specific gene signatures of senescence, presenting fundamental implications for our understanding of major lung diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or asthma.
The Rodent Electronic Nicotine Delivery System: Apparatus for Voluntary Nose-Only E-Cigarette Aerosol Inhalation
Authors: Odum Amy L. , Willis-Moore Mariah E. , Callister Kiernan T. , Haynes Jeremy M. , Frye Charles C. J. , Scribner Lucy N. , Legaspi David N. , Da Silva Daniel Santos , Olsen Aaron L. , Truscott Tadd T. , Alden Preston T. , Bevins Rick A. , Leventhal Adam M. , Lee Stephen T. , Gomer Brenna , Benninghoff Abby D.
Published: December 2024

Tobacco use is the leading cause of death globally and in the U.S. After decades of decline, driven by decreases in combusted tobacco use, nicotine product use has increased due to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes. Preclinical models of nicotine self-administration can serve as important lodestars in the search for effective intervention and prevention tactics. Current variants of the task have substantial limitations, however. Therefore, we created the Rodent Electronic Nicotine Delivery System, a novel low-cost non-proprietary nose-only preclinical model of nicotine aerosol self-administration. We confirmed that RENDS sequesters nicotine aerosol in the nose port by measuring fine particulate matter (PM < 2.5 microns) generated by e-cigarettes. We also showed that rats robustly self-administer flavored nicotine aerosol, resulting in high blood levels of cotinine (the major nicotine metabolite) and spontaneous somatic withdrawal symptoms. Thus, we provide strong validation of the operation and function of the RENDS, opening the door to an open-source preclinical aerosol model of nicotine self-administration that is relatively low cost. Four existing operant chambers can be retrofitted with the RENDS for less than $325/chamber. All RENDS diagrams and plans for custom designed components are on Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/x2pqf/?view_only=775b55435b8e428f98e6da384ef7889d).
Testing the contribution of fibrinogen like 1 to the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Personnaz Jean , Cannizzo Lisa , Martin Céline Marie Pauline , Desquesnes Aurore , Sotin Manon , DaSilva Joanna , Guillou Hervé , Kautz Léon
Published: December 2024

Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) initiates from a simple steatosis that can evolve into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathogensis of MASLD alters the secretion of hepatokines such as fibrinogen-like 1 (FGL1), a candidate mediator of liver steatosis and hyperglycemia. To investigate the contribution of FGL1 to liver diseases, we compared wild-type mice to mice with hepatocyte specific deletion ofFgl1subjected to a steatosis or HCC experimental protocol. We found that mice deficient forFgl1in hepatocytes showed a reduced tolerance to glucose with pronounced metabolic alterations and liver injury when fed a western diet compared to their wild-type counterparts. However, both genotypes exhibited a similar lipid deposition in the liver. Similarly, wild type andFgl1deficient mice displayed comparable liver alterations during HCC progression. We observed thatFGL1expression was repressed during MASLD progression in mice and human concomitantly with the severity of liver injury. Altogether, these findings suggest that FGL1 is not a major contributor to the pathogenesis of MASLD and HCC.
A self-limiting Sterile Insect Technique alternative forCeratitis capitata
Authors: Davydova Serafima , Liu Junru , Liu Yiran , Prince Kavya , Mann Jonathan , Kandul Nikolay P. , Braswell W. Evan , Champer Jackson , Akbari Omar S. , Meccariello Angela
Published: December 2024

Genetic biocontrol systems have broad applications in population control of insects implicated in both disease spread and food security. In this study we establish and characterise a novel split-CRISPR/Cas9 system we term Sex Conversion Induced by CRISPR (SCIC) inCeratitis capitata(the Mediterranean fruit fly), a major agricultural pest with a global distribution. Using thewhite eyegene for toolkit selection, we achieved up to 100% CRISPR/Cas9 efficiency, displaying the feasibility ofC. capitatasplit-CRISPR/Cas9 systems using constitutive promoters. We then induce sex-conversion by targeting thetransformergene in a SCIC approach aimed for SIT-mediated releases upon radiation-based sterilisation. Knock-out oftransformerinduced partial to full female-to-male sex-conversion, with remaining individuals all being intersex and sterile. SCIC population modelling shows superior performance to traditional population control strategies, allowing for faster population elimination with fewer released sterile males. Our results build the foundation for further genetic pest control methods ofC. capitataand related tephritid agricultural pests.

Significance statement

Agricultural industry faces increasing threat from a multitude of pests including the domineering tephritid fruit flies. Genetic engineering of these pests has been recently tested to develop more efficient and affordable population control strategies. Here, we develop a new approach to improve existing population control measures by testing it in one of the most famous and dangerous tephritids, the Mediterranean fruit fly. Through optimisation, we achieved desired outcomes: female fly absence achieved via semi and full female-to-male sex conversion by CRISPR-mediated genome editing through gene mutations. For the first time in this insect, we used a split, and thus inducible, approach for such genome editing. Our work holds the potential to significantly improve tephritid population control strategies.
Dynamic p21-dependency during quiescence arrest unveiled by a rapid p21 depletion system
Authors: Zheng Dianpeng , Ai Zhipeng , Qiu Suwen , Song Yue , Ma Chenyang , Meng Weikang , He Feng , Liang Hongqing , Ma Jun
Published: December 2024

p21 inhibits CDK2 activity to induce quiescence in response to stress or developmental stimulation. It is currently unclear whether p21 exhibits an equal functional importance across different stages and states of the quiescence arrest. Here employing a rapid p21 degradation system, we evaluate the contribution of p21 across heterogeneous quiescence arrest states during quiescence progression. Our findings reveal that cells exhibit a dynamics dependency on p21 during quiescence arrest. At low levels of p21, quiescence is exclusively dependent on p21-mediated inhibition of CDK2 activity to prevent cell cycle progression. In contrast, when p21 accumulates to higher levels, quiescence transitions into an “auto-maintenance” state where p21 becomes less essential. Mechanistically, we found an active attenuation of the KRAS/ERK signalling pathway as a driver of reduced proliferation potential in this “auto-maintenance” state. This attenuation reinforces the robustness of quiescence through a mechanism that is independent of p21. Our results thus support a dynamic, adaptive mechanism for quiescence regulation that synchronizes the anti- and pro-proliferation signals. This mechanism is applicable over various stress or developmental quiescence context, offering a basis for cells to explore distinct quiescence states to achieve different degrees of robustness in cell cycle arrest.
A simpleex vivobladder infection model permits study of host-pathogen interactions in UTI
Authors: Köhn Rixa-Mareike , Durand Méline , Ramirez Finn Laura , Costas Ariana , Söderström Bill , Lacerda Mariano Livia , Ingersoll Molly A
Published: December 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common infections, worldwide. To understand mechanisms of UTI pathogenesis and find new treatments, researchers often use animal models, such as mice or rats. However, studying certain phenotypes in animals can be difficult. Additionally, using animals in research comes with significant administrative and ethical challenges. To address these challenges, we developed a simple, reproducible, and cost-effective model to study UTI using donated mouse bladder tissue that would otherwise be discarded. This model allows researchers of all experience levels to study interactions between the host and pathogen in a controlled environment. We tested uropathogenicE. colicolonization and invasion of isolated urothelial sheets from 30 minutes to 24 hours, finding that bacterial burden in ourex vivomodel was comparable toin vivoUTI mouse models. To optimize reproducibility, we tested multiple variables, including technical parameters, such as incubator conditions, and biological factors, such as biological sex or prior pregnancy in the donor mouse. This method offers several advantages, including assessment of early host-pathogen interactions, immune cell uptake of bacteria, the impact of age and sex of donor animals in infection, and diverse bacterial strains, mutants, or treatments. In addition, in some countries, sharing material recovered from animals sacrificed for other reasons does not require additional ethical approval by the receiving laboratory, providing a resource for labs without access to animals and reducing administrative burden. Given the breadth of the model with respect to sex, age, mouse and bacterial strain, and the ability to test any parameter that can be included in a 96-well plate, we believe this model will be useful to UTI researchers, with potential application beyond infection or even beyond the bladder to other tissues.
Potential energy surfaces from many-body functionals: Analytical benchmarks and conserving many-body approximations
Authors: Lani Giovanna , Marzari Nicola
Published: December 2024

We investigate analytically the performance of many-body energy functionals, derived by Klein, Luttinger, and Ward, at different levels of diagrammatic approximations, ranging from second Born, to , to the so-called T matrix, for the calculation of total energies and potential energy surfaces. We benchmark our theoretical results on the extended two-site Hubbard model, which is analytically solvable and for which several exact properties can be calculated. Despite its simplicity, this model displays the physics of strongly correlated electrons: it is prototypical of the H2 dissociation, a notoriously difficult problem to solve accurately for the majority of mean-field-based approaches. We show that both functionals exhibit good to excellent variational properties, particularly in the case of the Luttinger-Ward one, which is in close agreement with fully self-consistent calculations, and we elucidate the relation between the accuracy of the results and the different input one-body Green's functions. Provided that these are wisely chosen, we show how the Luttinger-Ward functional can be used as a computationally inexpensive alternative to fully self-consistent many-body calculations, without sacrificing the precision of the results obtained. Furthermore, in virtue of this accuracy, we argue that this functional can also be used to rank different many-body approximations at different regimes of electronic correlation, once again bypassing the need for self-consistency.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Decoherence of dielectric particles by thermal emission
Authors: Schäfer Jonas , Stickler Benjamin A. , Hornberger Klaus
Published: December 2024

Levitated nanoparticles are a promising platform for sensing applications and for macroscopic quantum experiments. While the nanoparticles' motional temperatures can be reduced to near absolute zero, their uncontrolled internal degrees of freedom remain much hotter, inevitably leading to the emission of heat radiation. The decoherence and motional heating caused by this thermal emission process is still poorly understood beyond the case of the center-of-mass motion of point particles. Here, we present the master equation describing the impact of heat radiation on the motional quantum state of arbitrarily sized and shaped dielectric rigid rotors. It predicts the localization of spatio-orientational superpositions only based on the bulk material properties and the particle geometry. A counterintuitive and experimentally relevant implication of the presented theory is that orientational superpositions of optically isotropic bodies are not protected by their symmetry, even in the small-particle limit.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exponential Improvements in the Simulation of Lattice Gauge Theories Using Near-Optimal Techniques
Authors: Rhodes Mason L. , Kreshchuk Michael , Pathak Shivesh
Published: December 2024

We report a first-of-its-kind analysis on post-Trotter simulation of U(1), SU(2), and SU(3) lattice gauge theories including fermions in arbitrary spatial dimension. We provide explicit circuit constructions as well as T-gate counts and logical qubit counts for Hamiltonian simulation. We find a reduction of up to 25 orders of magnitude in space-time volume over Trotter methods for simulations of non-Abelian lattice gauge theories relevant to the standard model. This improvement results from our algorithm having polynomial scaling with the number of colors in the gauge theory, achieved by utilizing oracle constructions relying on the sparsity of physical operators, in contrast to the exponential scaling seen in state-of-the-art Trotter methods, which employ explicit mappings onto Pauli operators. Our work demonstrates that the use of advanced algorithmic techniques leads to dramatic reductions in the cost of simulating fundamental interactions, bringing it in step with resources required for first-principles quantum simulation of chemistry.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Introducing accounting small talk: on genres of accounting talk
Authors: Nordlund Isabella , Catasús Bino , Kaarbøe Katarina
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purposes of this paper are to explore accounting talk events and to contribute to the literature by presenting a model of accounting talk genres.

Design/methodology/approach

In the qualitative tradition, interviews were conducted with accountants in both private and public sector. The pandemic provided a natural experiment, as the implemented restrictions gave rise to a situation in which accountants had to prepare and communicate numbers while working remotely. Using sociolinguistics, the paper analyzes the interactions between accountants and other organizational members when remotely preparing and communicating reports.

Findings

This study develops a conceptual model that illustrates the significant influence of accounting small talk on the production and presentation of financial information. The analysis reveals various genres of accounting talk in the everyday practice of management accountants. In so doing, the study makes three contributions. First, it provides a conceptual model of accounting talk. Second, it highlights the role of accounting small talk in creating a less risky environment for reflection, which facilitates the exchange of thoughts and ideas. Third, it offers an explanation of why even so-called bean counters can benefit from accounting small talk. It suggests that such informal communication can not only enhance efficiency by helping to ensure accurate accounts but also improve quality by aligning the numbers with more realistic forecasts.

Research limitations/implications

We encourage future studies of accounting discourse in settings that are more similar to everyday work environments. Additional insights could also be gained by drawing upon other methods, such as conversation analysis and ethnographic studies. This paper may help controllers to be more aware of how they use talk in addition to numbers. The knowledge provided here is also important for the education of future controllers.

Originality/value

The paper provides a conceptual model of how organizational members talk about accounting, which may enable a more detailed analysis of accounting talk. The study also highlights the importance of accounting small talk, which has been largely overlooked in accounting literature.
Reconceptualising brand transgressions in the context of sacred consumption: an institutional perspective
Authors: Kaur Simran , Chong Yit Sean , Ahmed Pervaiz Khalid , Ali Md Yunus
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This research investigates how religion uniquely influences consumer behaviour by exploring the dynamics when a brand transgression violates a religious norm. Specifically, the study focusses on the Halal consumption context, where brand transgression involves a breach of trust in Halal-certified brands. We draw upon assimilation contrast effects theory and institutional theory to examine customer responses following a religion-related transgression and identify effective recovery strategies in this unique context.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed three scenario-based experiments to examine Muslim consumers’ responses following a transgression involving a Halal-certified brand. Study 1 examines the impact of a religion-related brand transgression on brand trust and behavioural intentions (relative to general brand transgression). In Study 2 and Study 3, we draw on institutional theory to highlight institutional actors’ role in influencing consumer behaviour in religion-related transgression.

Findings

Study 1 revealed that trust and behavioural intentions were significantly lower following a religion-related brand transgression compared to a general brand transgression. Further insights from Studies 2 and 3 highlighted the role of institutions in improving consumer trust and behavioural intentions after a religion-related brand transgression.

Originality/value

This research examines brand transgressions within sacred consumption, emphasising the unique triadic relationship involving consumers, brands and “The Sacred.” Unlike previous studies that predominantly address competency-based violations, this study extends beyond the conventional dyadic consumer-brand perspective to understand how brands can recover when a sacred relationship is breached. By bridging sacred consumption and institutional theory, this study offers novel insights, highlighting the importance of engaging religious gatekeepers in brand recovery efforts to restore trust and legitimacy.
Examining the consumer behaviour of ultra-processed food products: evidence from the Spanish market
Authors: Calvo-Porral Cristina , Rivaroli Sergio
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Ultra-processed food products are omnipresent in our homes and in grocery stores, and everybody consumes these food products once in a while. In this context, the present study aims to analyse what factors influence the consumption behaviour of ultra-processed food products and, more precisely, what factors drive consumer satisfaction and purchase intention of these food products in one specific market – Spain-.

Design/methodology/approach

A model of consumer behaviour of ultra-processed food products is proposed and analysed through structural equation modelling on a sample of 608 consumers.

Findings

Findings indicate that the effortlessness of ultra-processed food products, as well as their affordability, are the factors that exert the higher influence on consumer satisfaction and purchase intention of ultra-processed food products. On the other hand, the product quality and the ability to save time show a negative influence on both consumer satisfaction and intention to purchase. Contrary to the initial expectations, product convenience and the hedonistic nature of ultra-processed food products do not influence consumer behaviour.

Practical implications

Food policymakers and public health interventions may consider possible actions to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed food products, the reduction of their affordability through taxation or the compulsory inclusion of nutritional warnings in the front of the package to confront marketing actions developed by food companies.

Originality/value

This study examines the factors that drive the purchase and consumption of ultra-processed food products in one European mature market: Spain.
Understanding provider behavior in the sharing economy: an experimental study on risk, value perception, and regulatory focus effects
Authors: Dalla Valle Pedro Brandão , de Matos Celso Augusto , Herter Marcia Maurer
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine providers’ intentions to engage with sharing platforms, focusing specifically on how perceptions of risk and value influence the intention to participate, considering the moderation effect of regulatory focus.

Design/methodology/approach

Two laboratory experimental studies were conducted. Study 1 examined the relationship between risk and value perception on the intention to provide. Study 2 replicated and extended the results by testing regulatory focus as a moderator.

Findings

The findings confirmed that risk perception negatively impacted the intention to provide, while value perception mediated a positive effect on the intention to provide. In addition, promotion versus prevention focus was supported as a significant moderator; providers with a prevention focus (vs promotion) presented reduced intentions to supply on sharing platforms because of their concerns about negative consequences.

Practical implications

Sharing platforms actively communicate safety measures on social networks to reduce users’ perceived risks. This study demonstrates that providers with a preventive focus are less inclined to engage in sharing platforms because they avoid risks. Therefore, platforms should not only communicate the rewards of sharing and mechanisms that reduce the perceived risk but also segment potential providers based on their regulatory focus profiles to effectively attract more providers to their platforms.

Originality/value

This study analyzes the sharing behavior in peer-to-peer platforms by focusing on the provider side, whereas most previous studies address the user (customer) side. In addition, the adoption of the experimental design allows for a better understanding of the influence of risk and value perceptions on the intention to provide, considering the moderation effect of regulatory focus.
Secularchy: suppressing the sacred in international business
Authors: Zyad Al Waqas Bin Abi , Ul-Haq Shoaib , Rauf Ateeq Abdul
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and critically examine the integration of religious perspectives in diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives in the context of international business (IB).

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study used a case study methodology, focusing on an international consulting firm, inspired by Islamic Sufism, and their clients in South Africa and Pakistan. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with consultants and clients from 25 organizations, participant observations during training sessions, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was used to identify and analyse patterns in the data.

Findings

The study revealed that religious ideas and individuals are marginalized in the global business environment through a phenomenon termed “secularchy”. Consultants from the Islamic Sufi-inspired firm had to detach religious elements from their management model to gain acceptance in secular corporate settings. Participants reported that religious perspectives were systematically excluded and those expressing religious viewpoints faced significant barriers. The findings emphasize the need for more inclusive D&I practices that genuinely integrate religious diversity into organizational cultures.

Originality/value

This study introduces the concept of “secularchy” to describe the systemic marginalization of religious perspectives in IB, a novel contribution to the D&I literature. The authors challenge the dominant secular paradigm in global business, advocating for more equitable and inclusive integration of religious diversity in organizational practices.
How to develop and validate experimental scenarios?
Authors: Lelo de Larrea Gabriela
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This critical reflection aims to introduce a five-step process to develop and validate experimental scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

The five-step process was developed by analyzing academic articles, research methodology books and encyclopedias. The researcher then synthesized the learnings and formulated foundational steps for developing and validating experimental scenarios. To illustrate this process, an example of its application in a service innovation acceptance study is presented.

Findings

A review of academic sources revealed a lack of clear guidance on developing and validating experimental scenarios. The synthesis of fragmented information in the literature resulted in a five-step process for developing and validating experimental scenarios.

Research limitations/implications

The resulting process serves as a first-of-its-kind research guide that enhances the validity and replicability of scenario-based experiments while addressing the gaps in scenario development and increasing the accessibility and impact of experimental research.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge by addressing a methodological shortcoming in the literature, providing a clear process for developing valid experimental scenarios. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first time that a systematic, easy-to-follow process for developing and validating scenarios is advanced.
Unveiling the potential of generative artificial intelligence: a multidimensional journey into the future
Authors: Ooi Keng-Boon , Koohang Alex , Aw Eugene Cheng-Xi , Cham Tat-Huei , Cobanoglu Cihan , Dennis Charles , Dwivedi Yogesh K , Hew Jun-Jie , Linton Kelly Heather , Hughes Laurie , Lin Chieh-Yu , Mishra Anubhav , Phau Ian , Raman Ramakrishnan , Sigala Marianna , Tang Yun-Chia , Wong Lai-Wan , Tan Garry Wei-Han
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The launch of ChatGPT has brought the large language model (LLM)-based generative artificial intelligence (GAI) into the spotlight, triggering the interests of various stakeholders to seize the possible opportunities implicated by it. Nevertheless, there are also challenges that the stakeholders should observe when they are considering the potential of GAI. Given this backdrop, this study presents the viewpoints gathered from various subject experts on six identified areas.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an expert-based approach, this paper gathers the viewpoints of various subject experts on the identified areas of tourism and hospitality, marketing, retailing, service operations, manufacturing and healthcare.

Findings

The subject experts first share an overview of the use of GAI, followed by the relevant opportunities and challenges in implementing GAI in each identified area. Afterwards, based on the opportunities and challenges, the subject experts propose several research agendas for the stakeholders to consider.

Originality/value

This paper serves as a frontier in exploring the opportunities and challenges implicated by the GAI in six identified areas that this emerging technology would considerably influence. It is believed that the viewpoints offered by the subject experts would enlighten the stakeholders in the identified areas.
Resilience in local Finnish health systems: how are leaders’ approaches to change manifested in organisational crisis responses?
Authors: Karreinen Soila , Janhonen Kristiina , Kihlström Laura , Paananen Henna , Viita-aho Marjaana , Tynkkynen Liina-Kaisa
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Local health systems form the basis for health system resilience. Leaders’ standpoints are crucial in advancing resilience capacities and change. This study analysed how local health system leaders’ approaches to change reflect health system resilience capacities. Furthermore, we explored what triggers and hinders change during a crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The data consist of purposively sampled interviews with 14 local Finnish health system leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using abductive content analysis, examples of resisting, absorbing, adapting and transforming were identified. Contextual triggers and hindrances for the initiation of change processes were analysed to support understanding of health system resilience capacities at the local level.

Findings

Resilience capacities were manifested by doing standard things faster (absorption), engaging in collaborative reflections (adaptation) and reforming organisational boundaries and services (transforming). “Resisting” leaned on varied levels of reflection, with mixed responses. Triggers and hindrances varied situationally and highlighted the roles of a changing operational environment, existing practices and the social dimension (e.g. building a shared understanding).

Originality/value

Leaders’ standpoints and their approaches to change are rarely the focus of attention in system-centred conceptualisations of health system resilience. Leaders’ awareness of their approaches to change can affect organisational responses and health system resilience. This should be more clearly acknowledged in theoretical frameworks, leadership training, preparedness planning and crisis governance. Health system resilience capacities form intertwined, nonlinear processes that are reshaped throughout a crisis. Analysis of resistance can enrich the understanding of local-level processes.
Customers’ acceptance of AI-powered robot chefs in casual dining restaurants
Authors: Parvez M. Omar , Hossain Md Sazzad , Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Eluwole Kayode Kolawole
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study examines the complex realm of customers’ acceptance of AI-powered robot chefs. It aims to enhance the understanding of customers’ motivational factors that influence their acceptance of AI-powered robots for food preparation in casual-dining restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted using a comprehensive approach. Data were collected from 520 participants at casual dining restaurants in Florida, USA. After rigorous data cleaning, 489 valid responses were obtained. The study employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) utilizing SmartPLS Ver. 4.0 to examine both the measurement and the proposed research model, ensuring a thorough and robust investigation.

Findings

The research results show that customers’ motivational factors, such as functionality and hedonic and cognitive innovativeness, positively influence their knowledge and attitude toward accepting robotic chefs in casual-dining restaurants. Social motivation negatively impacts customers’ knowledge, but on the other hand, it positively affects customers’ attitudes. In addition, customer knowledge and attitudes positively influence the acceptance behavior of AI-powered robot chefs.

Practical implications

This study provides a practical understanding of the presence and embodiment of robot chefs in casual-dining restaurants. In the restaurant industry, customer intention to accept robot chefs is a significant factor, and this study not only sheds light on this crucial aspect but also provides actionable insights for industry professionals and researchers.

Originality/value

Based on the existing hospitality literature, this study is one of the first to address this issue. It presents the antecedents of motivated customers’ acceptance of robot chefs based on their knowledge and attitudes toward robot chefs. In addition, this research addressed the factors that influence customers’ robot chef acceptance behavior in casual-dining restaurants.
Bank performance, governance structures and ICT investment among rural banks in an emerging economy
Authors: Agyapong Elvis Kwame , Annor Louis David Junior , Anarfo Ebenezer Bugri
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper evaluates how bank dynamics, governance structures and financial sector development drive rural banks’ information and communications technology (ICT) investment in the Ghanaian economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the empirical inquiry were compiled from relevant sources including World Development Indicators (WDI), World Governance Indicators (WGI) and ARB Apex Bank from 2014 to 2020. Prais–Winsten panel corrected standard errors (PW-PCSE) was employed in estimating and verifying hypothesized relationships for the study.

Findings

The results suggest that return on assets (ROA) and bank size improve rural banks’ ICT investment. Moreover, telecommunication development and government effectiveness have significant positive impact on ICT investment among rural banks in the Ghanaian economy. The results further show that telecommunication development has a positive moderating effect on regulatory quality and ICT investment nexus among rural banks in Ghana. Financial development, inflation and liquidity risk were found to negatively affect ICT investment among rural banks in Ghana.

Originality/value

The study is premised on four main motivations; (1) the growing role that ICT plays in development outcomes and firm performance (FP), as well as its potential for comparatively increased penetration among African banks and banking institutions (2) the importance of governance for innovation and investment in ICT, (3) banking regulation and (4) gaps in the literature. Previous studies on ICT investment highlight its impact on profitability but little on determinants of banks’ ICT investment in the emerging market context, especially moderating role of governance and ICT diffusion.
Ownership and state-based underpinnings of financial distress among successful entrepreneurial firms
Authors: Sharma Arpita , Singh Kuldeep
Published: December 2024

Purpose

We investigate the influence of promoters’ ownership and state-based underpinnings (proxied as national governance) on the financial distress of successful entrepreneurial firms. In this study, we consider listed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to be successful entrepreneurial firms because some level of success is required before the firms, which once started as entrepreneurial ventures, qualify for market listing.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses unbalanced panel data regression analysis to examine a sample of 80 Indian-listed SMEs over seven years (2017–2023). The SMEs are sampled from the Bombay Stock Exchange’s SME listing platform in India.

Findings

The main findings signify that both promoters’ ownership and national governance have linear and significant effects on financial distress. Further, national governance does not significantly moderate the linkage between promoters’ ownership and financial distress. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of how internal and external governance mechanisms should interact to mitigate financial distress.

Originality/value

The study highlights the inadequacy of interaction as well as the significance of the coexistence of internal and external governance mechanisms for better financial stability in successful entrepreneurial firms.
The impact of user-centric measures on the financial performance in the context of big data marketing analytics (BDMA) applications: the influence of a decision-making role
Authors: Haverila Matti , Gani Mohammad Osman , Dina Fariah Ahmed , Mohiuddin Muhammad
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the interrelationships between user-centric measures and their impact on the firm’s perceived financial performance as the respondents’ decision-making role changes.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected jointly with SurveyMonkey, a marketing research company, from marketing professionals working in companies with at least limited experience deploying big data marketing analytics (BDMA) applications. The respondents originated from Canada and the USA, and out of 970 responses in the initial sample, 236 were working in companies with at least limited experience in BDMA deployment. The data analysis used partial least squares structural equation modeling and necessary condition analysis.

Findings

All hypotheses except one were accepted. Perceived value for money positively and significantly impacted user satisfaction, positively and significantly impacted perceived financial performance. Also, the decision-making role positively and significantly impacted the perceived value for money and user satisfaction but not the perceived financial performance.

Originality/value

The research contributes to understanding how the decision-maker’s role impacts the perceived user-related performance measures in the BDMA context.
The effects of social media as a social networking tool for advertised donation-based crowdfunding
Authors: Granados Mark Rhonry Raagas , Alberto Angel Nichole S. , Manaor Mikhail Arvee F. , Talbo Sophia Fiona T. , Castaño Mary Caroline N.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the effects of social media as a social networking tool for donation-based crowdfunding by considering the factors affecting donation intention in the Philippines, such as social influences, motivations, strategic positioning and creative marketing efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was used through a survey questionnaire and short focus group discussions (FGD). The researchers used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) as a statistical tool and qualitative data was analyzed through thematic analysis.

Findings

The study found that social experience, perceived donor effectiveness, intrinsic motivation and leveraging creativity positively affected donation intention. In contrast, extrinsic motivation and strategic positioning were found to have no significant effect on donation intention. The qualitative findings support the conclusion by discovering the need to be authentic and transparent to achieve fundraising goals.

Research limitations/implications

Existing research has mainly focused on crowdfunding websites. Also, research regarding the use of social media as a social networking tool for crowdfunding is scarce.

Practical implications

This study provides a deeper understanding of donation crowdfunding and offers insights into developing effective strategies for crowdfunding campaigns through social media.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the literature on donation crowdfunding by identifying the determinants of a successful campaign through advertised crowdfunding.
Was Classical (Late Republican) Latin A ‘Standard Language’?*
Authors: Adams James
Published: December 2024

This article considers the applicability of the term ‘standard language' to classical Latin. The primary topic is spelling. An extensive sample of primary documents in the last two centuries BC and into the early Empire is examined to assess whether there was a genuinely standardised official variety. The paper also deals with morphological (including gender) standardisation, and considers the views of different grammarians and ancient commentators. Finally, the question of linguistic ‘purity' is addressed with reference to the avoidance or elimination of Greek loanwords.
The Standardisation of ‘Classical Latin’: The Case of Terence's Text
Authors: Pezzini Giuseppe
Published: December 2024

This short piece aims to provide further evidence supporting two of Adams's main claims: (1) the situation of late Republican Latin cannot be isolated from other diachronic varieties, and (for the purpose of my analysis) earlier Latin in particular, as regards both the absence of systematic standardisation and the presence of sporadic and idiosyncratic standardisation efforts; (2) manuscript traditions of literary authors are unreliable, due to extensive linguistic regularisation, which also contributed to foster the construct of a standardised ‘classical Latin’. The evidence I will provide comes from the textual tradition of Terence, a key figure in the history of the standardisation of Latin, in various ways. This is not a systematic study, but rather a methodological overview, focusing on selected orthographic and morphological phenomena.