bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-omics data analysis supporting inheritance of acquired traits in humans
Authors: Sharma Abhay
Published: May 2023

Experimental evidence supports presence of germline mediated nongenetic inheritance in animals including mammalian models. Observational and molecular epidemiological studies also suggest existence of environmental exposure induced germline inheritance in humans. Considering the obvious difficulties in conducting prospective cross-generational human studies, integrative analysis of available multi-omics data may seem to offer a valuable approach for assessing biological plausibility of inheritance of acquired traits in the species. To that end, the concept has mainly been tested here that, under the assumption of inheritance, human exposure to an environmental factor, if known to induce paternal inheritance in mammalian models and to act through molecular pathways conserved across species, would induce correlated changes in sperm epigenome and somatic transcriptome in the exposed subjects. The test is based on physical exercise, a physiologically relevant factor for which multiple datasets of human sperm DNA methylome and somatic transcriptome from interventional pre-post cohort studies, that minimizes inter-individual variability, were available. Existing somatic transcriptome datasets from animal model studies on exercise have been used for comparison. To control the analysis, bariatric surgery, for which exercise matched human datasets existed, have been used. The hypothesis testing involves gene set overrepresentation, comparison between directionality of epigenome and coding transcriptome changes, gene ontology enrichment, and epigenome and non-coding transcriptome interaction. Remarkably, the results show that, in humans, exercise induced DNA methylation changes in sperm specifically represent transcriptional response to exercise in soma. This germline epigenomic encoding of acquired transcriptome changes in soma clearly supports biological plausibility of epigenetic inheritance in humans.
TERSE: Efficient compression of the diffraction data
Authors: Matinyan Senik , Abrahams Jan Pieter
Published: May 2023

High-throughput data collection in crystallography poses significant challenges in handling massive amounts of data. Here, we present TERSE, a novel lossless compression algorithm specifically designed for diffraction data. We compare TERSE with the established lossless compression algorithms implemented in gzip, CBF, and HDF5, in terms of compression efficiency and speed, using continuous rotation electron diffraction data of an inorganic compound. Our results show that TERSE outperforms these algorithms by achieving a higher data compression at a speed that is at least an order of magnitude faster. TERSE files are byte-order independent and the algorithm can be readily implemented in hardware. By providing a tailored solution for diffraction data, TERSE facilitates more efficient data analysis and interpretation while mitigating storage and transmission concerns. TERSE C++20 compression/decompression code and an ImageJ/Fiji java plugin for reading TERSE files are open-sourced on GitHub under the permissive MIT license.

Synopsis

We present a fast and lossless algorithm for compressing diffraction data, achieving up to 85% reduction in file size while processing up to 2000 512×512 frames per second. This breakthrough in compression technology is a significant step towards more efficient analysis and storage of large diffraction datasets.
Crosstalk between the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor boosts glucocorticoid-induced killing of multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Clarisse Dorien , Prekovic Stefan , Vlummens Philip , Staessens Eleni , Van Wesemael Karlien , Thommis Jonathan , Fijalkowska Daria , Acke Guillaume , Zwart Wilbert , Beck Ilse M. , Offner Fritz , De Bosscher Karolien
Published: May 2023

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a crucial drug target in multiple myeloma as its activation with glucocorticoids effectively triggers myeloma cell death. However, as high-dose glucocorticoids are also associated with deleterious side effects, novel approaches are urgently needed to improve GR action in myeloma. Here we reveal a functional crosstalk between GR and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) that culminates in improved myeloma cell killing. We show that the GR agonist Dexamethasone (Dex) downregulates MR levels in a GR-dependent way in myeloma cells. Co-treatment of Dex with the MR antagonist Spironolactone (Spi) enhances Dex-induced cell killing in primary, newly diagnosed GC-sensitive myeloma cells. In a relapsed GC-resistant setting, Spi alone induces distinct myeloma cell killing. On a mechanistic level, we find that a GR-MR crosstalk likely arises from an endogenous interaction between GR and MR in myeloma cells. Quantitative dimerization assays show that Spi reduces Dex-induced GR-MR heterodimerization and completely abolishes Dex-induced MR-MR homodimerization, while leaving GR-GR homodimerization intact. Unbiased transcriptomics analyses reveal that c-myc and many of its target genes are downregulated most by combined Dex-Spi treatment. Proteomics analyses further identify that several metabolic hallmarks are modulated most by this combination treatment. Finally, we identified a subset of Dex-Spi downregulated genes and proteins that may predict prognosis in the CoMMpass myeloma patient cohort. Our study demonstrates that GR-MR crosstalk is therapeutically relevant in myeloma as it provides novel strategies for glucocorticoid-based dose-reduction.
Predicting T Cell Receptor Functionality against Mutant Epitopes
Authors: Dorigatti Emilio , Drost Felix , Straub Adrian , Hilgendorf Philipp , Wagner Karolin I. , Bischl Bernd , Busch Dirk H. , Schober Kilian , Schubert Benjamin
Published: May 2023

Cancer cells or pathogens can escape recognition by T cell receptors (TCRs) through mutations of immunogenic epitopes. TCR cross-reactivity, i.e., recognition of multiple epitopes with sequence similarities, can be a factor to counteract such mutational escape. However, cross-reactivity of cell-based immunotherapies may also cause severe side effects when self-antigens are targeted. Therefore, the ability to predict the effect of mutations in the epitope sequence on T cell functionalityin silicowould greatly benefit the safety and effectiveness of newly-developed immunotherapies and vaccines. We here present “Predicting T cell Epitope-specific Activation against Mutant versions” (P-TEAM), a Random Forest-based model which predicts the effect of point mutations of an epitope on T cell functionality. We first trained and tested P-TEAM on a comprehensive dataset of 36 unique murine TCRs in response to systematic single-amino acid mutations of their target epitope (representing 5.472 unique TCR-epitope interactions). The model was able to classify T cell reactivities, corresponding toin vivorecruitment of T cells, and quantitatively predict T cell functionalities for unobserved single-point mutated altered peptide ligands (APLs), or even unseen TCRs, with consistently high performance. Further, we present an active learning framework to guide experimental design for assessing TCR functionality against novel epitopes, minimizing primary data acquisition costs. Finally, we applied P-TEAM to a novel dataset of 7 human TCRs reactive to the tumor neoantigen VPSVWRSSL. We observed a similarly robust performance for these human TCRs as for the murine TCRs recognizing SIINFEKL, thus providing evidence that our approach is applicable to therapeutically relevant TCRs as well as across species. Overall, P-TEAM provides an effective computational tool to study T cell responses against mutated epitopes.
Robust higher-order multiplexing in digital PCR by color-combination
Authors: Santos-Barriopedro Irene , Ursuegui Sylvain , Fradet Etienne , Dangla Rémi
Published: May 2023

There is a growing need in molecular biology to interrogate samples for higher number of biomarkers, beyond the 2 to 5 biomarkers typically addressable with standard PCR technologies. Here, we demonstrate a novel approach to increase the level of multiplexing in digital PCR up to 15-plex by detecting each target with 2 distinct fluorophores with a 6-color digital PCR system, a method called digital PCR by color combination. We provide a statistical framework to interpret digital PCR data by color combination, predicting that high-plexed assays by color combination can, in theory, have the same precision and sensitivity as corresponding single-plex assays. We verified the statistical framework and confirmed the sensitivity prediction experimentally on a 15-plex assay and an 11-plex assay. These results establish the technical framework for future high-plex assays addressing a variety of applications and utilities, such as infectious disease syndromic panels or tumor mutation profiling panels.
Transcriptomic changes in oligodendrocytes and precursor cells predicts clinical outcomes of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Dehestani Mohammad , Kozareva Velina , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Fraenkel Ernest , Gasser Thomas , Bansal Vikas
Published: May 2023

Several prior studies have proposed the involvement of various brain regions and cell types in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathology. Here, we performed snRNA-seq on the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate regions from post-mortem control and PD brain tissue. We found a significant association of oligodendrocytes (ODCs) and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) with PD-linked risk loci and report several dysregulated genes and pathways, including regulation of tau-protein kinase activity, regulation of inclusion body assembly and protein processing involved in protein targeting to mitochondria. In an independent PD cohort with clinical measures (681 cases and 549 controls), polygenic risk scores derived from the dysregulated genes significantly predicted Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)-, and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)-scores but not motor impairment (UPDRS-III). We extended our analysis of clinical outcome prediction by incorporating three separate datasets that were previously published by different laboratories. In the first dataset from the anterior cingulate cortex, we identified a correlation between ODCs and BDI-II. In the second dataset obtained from the substantia nigra (SN), OPCs displayed notable predictive ability for UPDRS-III. In the third dataset from the SN region, a distinct subtype of OPCs, labeled OPC_ADM, exhibited predictive ability for UPDRS-III. Intriguingly, the OPC_ADM cluster also demonstrated a significant increase in PD samples. These results suggest that by expanding our focus to glial cells, we can uncover region-specific molecular pathways associated with PD symptoms.
Rapid cloning-free mutagenesis of new SARS-CoV-2 variants using a novel reverse genetics platform
Authors: Kipfer Enja , Hauser David , Lett Martin J. , Otte Fabian , Urda Lorena , Zhang Yuepeng , Lang Christopher M. R. , Chami Mohamed , Mittelholzer Christian , Klimkait Thomas
Published: May 2023

Reverse genetic systems enable the engineering of RNA virus genomes and are instrumental in studying RNA virus biology. With the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, already established methods were challenged by the large genome of SARS-CoV-2. Herein we present an elaborated strategy for the rapid and straightforward rescue of recombinant plus-stranded RNA viruses with high sequence fidelity, using the example of SARS-CoV-2. The strategy called CLEVER (CLoning-free and Exchangeable system for Virus Engineering and Rescue) is based on the intracellular recombination of transfected overlapping DNA fragments allowing the direct mutagenesis within the initial PCR-amplification step. Furthermore, by introducing a linker fragment – harboring all heterologous sequences – viral RNA can directly serve as a template for manipulating and rescuing recombinant mutant virus, without any cloning step. Overall, this strategy will facilitate recombinant SARS-CoV-2 rescue and accelerate its manipulation. Using our protocol, newly emerging variants can quickly be engineered to further elucidate their biology. To demonstrate its potential as a reverse genetics platform for plus-stranded RNA viruses, the protocol has been successfully applied for the cloning-free rescue of recombinant Chikungunya and Dengue virus.
Prefrontal Manifold Geometry Explains Reaction Time Variability
Authors: Herikstad Roger , Libedinsky Camilo
Published: May 2023

The stochastic drift-diffusion model proposes that the variability in reaction time is due to randomness during the accumulation of evidence until a decision threshold is reached. However, the neural mechanisms that explain both the randomness and implementation of the decision threshold in the model remain unclear. Here we address these questions using the dynamical systems approach to analyze primate frontal eye field activity and using microstimulation for causal manipulations. We built a mechanistic model in which signals associated with motor plans are bumped out of their attractor state by go-cue signals that emerge ∼60 ms after the go cue. The network then travels through a transition subspace towards a movement-initation subspace that emerges ∼35 ms before movement onset and implements the decision threshold. We postulate that the randomness in evidence accumulation, and hence in reaction times, is explained by the amplification of noise during movement preparation by the geometry of the frontal eye field manifold.
TOR1 dysfunction promotes phenotypic diversity in the asexual fungusCandida albicans
Authors: Zacchi Lucia F. , Anderson Mark T. , Southern Peter J. , Davis Dana A.
Published: May 2023

Genetic variation is a primary contributor to phenotypic variation within a population. However, it is unclear how, or if, genetic variation is generated and maintained to promote phenotypic variation in asexual eukaryotes.C. albicans, an asexual fungus that causes opportunistic infections in susceptible hosts, has several phenotypic switching systems, including the colony morphology phenotypic switching (CMPS) system. CMPS, a penetrant change in colony morphology on solid mediumin vitro, is associated with incipient or fulminant clinical disease. CMPS results in the alteration of additional virulence properties, such as drug resistance and protease secretion, that are not tightly correlated with colony morphology. Importantly, it is unknown whether CMPS is a regulated or stochastic process. We found that specific mutants affecting theTargetofRapamycin (TOR) pathway showed an increase in CMPS frequency and CMPS in these mutant backgrounds was associated with changes in rapamycin sensitivity. We also identified growth conditions that promoted CMPS in clinical strains and found that CMPS in these backgrounds was also linked to the TOR pathway through changes in rapamycin sensitivity. These results demonstrate that CMPS promotes phenotypic variation through the TOR pathway, supporting a model that this is a regulated process. Since the TOR growth control pathway is conserved throughout the eukarya, the identification of TOR as a phenotypic diversity regulator likely has broad implications.
Remote autism assessments – lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic: a service evaluation
Authors: Hartley Jonny , Purrington Jack , Hartley Gemma
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in health services adapting the delivery of routine assessments, with many operating remotely. This paper aims to explore the lived experiences of individuals undertaking remote autism assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods service evaluation was completed in an adult autism and neurodevelopmental service based in the north of England. A total of 24 participants, who had undergone remote autism assessments between March 2020 and July 2020, completed a questionnaire about their experiences. Thematic analysis was performed, and additional quantitative data were analysed descriptively to allow contextual information to be included.

Findings

The evaluation identified three main themes. The first, practical and sensory issues of remote assessment, indicated that internet connectivity problems were common and sometimes impeded a successful assessment. Additionally, participants identified some elements of the videocall impacted their sensory sensitivities. The second theme, emotional responses to remote assessment, demonstrated relief and exhaustion to be common following sessions. The ability to complete assessments from a safe space were favoured by most. The final theme, pros and cons of different assessment methods, highlighted the preference for video assessments above telephone and in person sessions.

Originality/value

This study provides an original contribution to the literature by gathering autistic adults’ perspectives on remote autism assessments. The findings suggest that video assessments were the most preferable, over face-to-face and then telephone. Services should offer video and face-to-face assessments while keeping telephone assessments to a minimum.
Digitalization as a driver of transformation towards sustainable performance in wine tourism – the Italian case
Authors: Festa Giuseppe , Cuomo Maria Teresa , Genovino Cinzia , Alam Gazi Mahabubul , Rossi Matteo
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The main aim of this research was to investigate whether and how digitalization affects sustainability and performance in wine tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the data emerging from the 2019 National Report on Wine Tourism from the National Association of “Wine Cities” in Italy (the most extreme case in the world of wine), three macro-agglomerates were investigated: digitalization, sustainability and performance, adopting descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

Although rigorous correlation between adopted digitalization and performed sustainability on one side and performed sustainability and market performance on the other cannot be verified for the 92 wineries under investigation, there is visible evidence that the more digitalized wineries are, the more sustainable they become and the better their performance. Evidence was not found to support the idea that the more sustainable wineries are, the more they are digitalized and the better their performance. Research implications and limitations to theoretical and practical application have been discussed.

Originality/value

Wine tourism, which is naturally associated with rural tourism, is a form of tourism in which sustainability has strong relevance, particularly considering the future needs/desires of post-pandemic tourists. At the same time, digitalization, especially in pandemic and post-pandemic tourism, is credited with developing a huge impact in this business, although wine tourism is most probably conceivable as a meta-market, with a strong cultural essence. In this respect, a digitalization > sustainability > performance approach seems practicable and globally profitable.
Factors influencing turnover intention among healthcare employees during the COVID-19 pandemic in the private hospitals of Bahrain
Authors: Alawi Haytham Yaseen , P. Sankar Jayendira , Ali Akbar Mahmood , Natarajan Vinodh Kesavaraj
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between polychronicity, job autonomy, perceived workload, work–family conflict and high work demand on the health-care employee turnover intention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted quantitative research in private hospitals using a self-administered questionnaire, and 264 respondents participated. The authors also used an analysis of moment structures to determine the relationship between independent and moderating variables.

Findings

The results show a significant positive relationship between polychronicity, job autonomy, perceived workload, work–family conflict and high work demand, affecting turnover intention. This study also found the moderating effect of high work demand on work–family conflict and turnover intention.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited to hospitals in Bahrain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the findings highlight the factors associated with health-care employee turnover intention and only five factors were identified.

Practical implications

This study enhances the theoretical and practical effects of turnover intention. The results provide a competitive benchmark for hospital managers, administrators and governing bodies of employee retention.

Social implications

It advances economics and management theory by enhancing the understanding of health-care employees’ turnover intention in Bahrain. It serves as a basis for future large-scale studies to test or refine existing theories.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to adopt extrinsic variables in self-determination theory to measure the turnover intention of health-care employees. However, using resources in a crisis can be applied to any disaster.
Women on boards and on top management positions and excess cash holdings: a quantile regression approach
Authors: Jilani Ibtissem , Lakhal Faten , Lakhal Nadia
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of gender diversity on boards and on top management positions on excess cash holdings.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt the quantile regression approach to test the relation between gender diversity and excess cash holding. The sample consists of 1,235 firm-year observations for the period 2005–2017.

Findings

The authors find that board gender diversity negatively influences the level of excess cash. This result suggests that women appointed in the boardroom are effective in monitoring managerial actions, including financing policies. The results also show that by forcing companies to have a quota of women on their boards, the presence of women no longer has a negative impact on excess cash holdings. However, when women stand at the chief executive officer or chief financial officer position, they tend to accumulate cash for precautionary motives. These results suggest that women behave differently regarding excess cash holding as monitors compared to their role as decision-makers.

Practical implications

The results may be of interest to legislators who may decide to break the glass ceiling, preventing women from gaining greater access to senior management positions. This is in line with the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Governance Code of 2020, which strongly recommends the recruitment of women to senior management positions. The results are also important to investors, who might be likely to trust companies in which women hold positions on boards of directors which may increase firm value. The results may also have a social impact. Indeed, the role of women in society may be enhanced if such initiatives are taken to increase their representation on leadership positions and in society in general.

Social implications

The results may also have a social impact. Indeed, the role of women in society may be enhanced if such initiatives are taken to increase their representation on leadership positions and in society in general.

Originality/value

This study investigates the role of women both as controllers and decision-makers in holding excessive amounts of cash. It also highlights new evidence on the impact the approach of appointing women on boards (enabling/coercive and market-based) can have on the relation between gender diversity and excess cash holdings.
Does mandatory corporate social responsibility expenditure affect the financial performance of food and agribusiness firms? Evidence from India
Authors: Ali Jabir
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the effect of mandatory corporate social responsibility expenditure (CSRE) on the performance of food and agribusiness firms in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the firm-level data collected from the Prowess database of the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy in the year 2019. The data on key characteristics, business performance and CSRE has been compiled from 362 food and agribusiness firms. The descriptive statistics, t-test for equality of means and Spearman correlation analysis have been undertaken to understand the relationship between mandatory CSRE and firm performance across food and agribusiness sectors.

Findings

Out of 362 food and agribusiness firms, 52.2% have reported expenditure in the implementation of social initiatives under their corporate social responsibility. The results show a significant difference in the firm’s characteristics vis-à-vis with and without CSRE. Further, the findings highlight a positive and significant correlation and causal impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on return on sales, return on assets and profit after tax.

Practical implications

The study provides insights for implementing strategic CSR in food and agribusiness firms and gives an adequate justification for incurring CSRE.

Originality/value

This paper increases the understanding of CSR in the food and agribusiness sector. Besides, provisioning mandatory CSR seems to be a beneficial proposition for enhancing a firm’s performance.
A multidimensional grey relational model considering reverse indicators and its application to the influencing factors of green finance in China
Authors: Yan Shuli , Xia Luting
Published: May 2023

Purpose

As an important measure to promote sustainable development, green finance has developed rapidly in recent years. In order to comprehensively analyze the positive and negative indicators of the influencing factors of green finance, this paper puts forward a grey relational method of spatial-temporal panel data from the perspective of the development trend of the object dimension indicators and the performance difference between the time dimension indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

From the different perspectives of object dimension and time dimension, the positive and negative indicators are standardized differently considering the reverse of indicators and characterizing factors. The grey absolute relational degree is used to define the matrix sequence. This method reflects the development trend of objects in time and the difference characteristics among objects, which comprehensively represents the correlation between the reference panel and the comparison panel.

Findings

The results show that: (1) The object dimension reflects the internal driving force of the development of green finance in each provincial administrative region and the time dimension reflects the relationship between regional differences of influencing factors and green finance. (2) From the object dimension, the influencing factors of green finance from high to low are economic development potential, economic development level, air temperature, policy support, green innovation and air quality. (3) From the time dimension, the influencing factors of green finance from high to low are green innovation, air quality, economic development potential, economic development level, policy support and air temperature.

Originality/value

The different standardized processing methods of positive and negative indicators proposed in this paper not only eliminate the sample dimension, but also study the grey relational degree among the indicator panels from different reference dimensions. The proposed model is applied to identify the influencing factors of green finance, which expands the practical application scope of the grey relational model. The research results can provide reference for relevant departments to better promote the development of green finance.
Revealing contribution mechanisms of project managers' technical competencies toward success in oil and gas projects
Authors: Abdulla Hazem , McCauley-Smith Catherine , Moradi Sina
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Project managers' competencies contribute toward project success in a considerable manner. The significance of technical competencies' (TCs) contribution toward success in Oil and Gas (O&G) projects is even higher due to the complexity and the technology-intensive nature of these projects. However, technical competencies have often been overlooked in favor of behavioral competencies or simply identified and listed in terms of their significance. Thus, there is currently very limited research-based knowledge concerning the contribution mechanisms of technical competencies toward project execution success. Hence, the aim of this study is to explore the contribution mechanisms of TCs toward success in O&G projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was employed as the research strategy through which data was collected from project professionals in O&G projects in the Kingdom of Bahrain using semi-structured interviews. Transcripts of the interviews were then analyzed through thematic analysis method with the aid of NVIVO 12.

Findings

The findings reveal six mechanisms through which technical competencies of project managers contribute toward execution success in O&G projects. TCs not only act as a launch pad toward project success, but also help in optimizing engineering designs throughout the project life cycle.

Originality/value

Instead of simply identifying and listing TCs, the obtained results enhance our current understanding of their contribution mechanisms toward project success in O&G projects.
Joint foreign ownership and global value chains effects on productivity: a comparison of firms from Poland and Germany
Authors: Szymczak Sabina , Parteka Aleksandra , Wolszczak-Derlacz Joanna
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The study aims to examine the joint effects of foreign ownership (FO) and involvement in global value chains (GVCs) on the productivity performance of firms from a catching-up country (Poland) and a leader economy (Germany).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use micro-level data on firms combined with several sector-level GVC participation measures. The authors investigate whether the link between productivity and the overall sectoral degree of involvement in global production structures depends on a firm's ownership. The authors verify the robustness of the obtained results by using an instrumental variables approach and weighted regression.

Findings

The results show that domestically owned firms are less productive than foreign ones, which is particularly true at low GVC participation levels. However, as GVC involvement increases, the FO productivity premium decreases, leading to productivity catching up between foreign and domestically owned firms. This mechanism is similar in Poland and Germany. However, in the leader country (Germany), the productivity performance of domestically owned firms is more stable along the distribution of GVC involvement.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the foreign direct investment (FDI)–productivity literature by comparing the catching-up and developed countries' perspectives and incorporating the productivity–GVC relationship into the FDI analysis. The authors show that the FO premium is not confined to the developing context but is also present in a leader country. Moreover, the link between productivity and the overall sectoral degree of involvement in global production structures depends on a firm's ownership.
Measuring consumer perceptions of home-delivery convenience – the case of cargo bikes
Authors: Pelet Jean-Eric , Taieb Basma , Alkhudary Rami
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Despite the increasing use of home delivery (HD) in e-commerce, no studies have explicitly examined consumer perceptions of the convenience of the last-mile delivery of goods by cargo bike (CB). Therefore, this study aims to identify the dimensions of HD convenience and to develop a reliable and valid measurement tool, namely the Home-Delivery Convenience via Cargo Bike (HDCCB) scale.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of this scale development study is premised on a review of the existing literature, which identifies differences in consumer perceptions of the convenience of services. The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 online consumers and validated the content with 3 experts on marketing in the retail and services sectors in order to develop the items for the scale. Thereafter, the authors identified the main dimensions through an exploratory factor analysis that the authors applied to an online survey with 116 respondents. Finally, the scale was validated through a confirmatory factor analysis of an online survey with 300 respondents.

Findings

Following the original work of Brown (1990), the authors define consumer perceptions of HD convenience as a multidimensional construct and measure each facet of its four dimensions, which are time, use, execution and acquisition. E-retailers and last-mile logistics providers could use the authors' proposed measurement tool to assess consumer perceptions of the convenience of HD. That assessment could generate a competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This study is original as the study deepens the existing understanding of consumer perceptions of the convenience of HD by CB in last-mile logistics. This study also develops a multidimensional measure that is based on an empirical study.
Gratification matters? An explorative study of antecedents and consequence in livestream shopping
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xu Yinghan , Dong Lingfeng , Long Qingqi
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore whether gratification matters in influencing consumers' attitudes towards purchase in the context of livestream shopping and the antecedents that lead to consumers' gratification perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

Four technology affordances (i.e. modality affordance, agency affordance, interactivity affordance and navigability affordance) and two gratifications (information gratification and entertainment gratification) are identified, and the relationships among the technology affordances, gratifications and purchase intention are examined. The model is tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The result shows that both information and entertainment gratification are positively associated with consumer purchase intention. No significant results have been uncovered with the relationship between interactivity affordance and entertainment gratification, while the rest relationships of gratification and its antecedents are positively associated.

Originality/value

The findings of this study uncover the antecedents and consequences of gratification in the context of livestreaming from technology affordance perspective. The uncovered relationships among technology affordance, gratification, purchase intention as well as the moderation roles aroused by price consciousness contribute to the extant literature.
e-Tutor: understanding the use of Facebook for informal learning through the lens of uses and gratifications theory
Authors: Ali Ramiz
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe university students’ motivations for using Facebook as an informal learning tool and explore the key barriers that may inhibit learning on the social media platform.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was adopted in this study. Participants were 82 university students who participated in “e-Tutor” – an informal learning activity, conducted through Facebook. Focus group interviews were conducted, and students’ interactions on Facebook were also analysed to understand their motives for using the social media platform for learning. The uses and gratifications theory was used to explore student motivations for participating in the learning activity.

Findings

Results suggest that students perceived Facebook as a potential tool for learning and identified multiple motivating factors for their participation that included information seeking, convenience, connectedness, entertainment and reward seeking. Results also show that time constraints, social anxiety and cultural issues may inhibit learners’ active participation on social media platforms such as Facebook.

Originality/value

This study outlines an approach to use readily available and low-cost technological tools in learning design and provides some insights for teachers to design ubiquitous and personalised learning environments for students using such technologies, particularly social media. Specifically, Facebook offered a way to engage students in informal learning which can supplement students’ formal learning trajectories at university. While the uses and gratifications students sought through Facebook had an overall positive effect on their participation in e-Tutor activity, certain barriers can impede student active participation in learning environments on social media sites such as Facebook.
Effectual networking capability and SME performance in international B2B markets
Authors: Karami Masoud , Wooliscroft Ben , McNeill Lisa
Published: May 2023

Purpose

International entrepreneurship and marketing research reports the impact of effectual decision-making logic on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) international performance. How the effectual logic of decision-making enhances the overall performance of SMEs in international business-to-business markets remains a puzzle in the field. The purpose of this study is to investigate the concept of networking capability as an important SME capability translating effectual decision-making into international performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the model presented in this study using quantitative data from 153 founders or managers in charge of international business at SMEs throughout New Zealand. The authors also used 142 open-ended responses to provide post hoc exploratory analysis.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that networking capability is a mechanism through which the logic of decision-making enhances the international performance of SMEs.

Originality/value

This study bridges between international marketing and entrepreneurship by investigating how the networking capability of internationalizing SMEs translates their founders’/managers’ effectual logic into a successful performance in international business-to-business markets.
The moderating role of emerging technologies on the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 and the performance of construction projects: the case of Pakistan
Authors: Ayat Muhammad , Qureshi Sheheryar Mohsin , Malikah Malikah , Kang Changwook
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the outcome of construction projects and explore the moderating effects of emerging technologies on the relationship between COVID-19 and construction project outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study was collected through a Web-based, semistructured questionnaire. The responses of 62 construction practitioners were analyzed using a hierarchical linear regression model. The model consists of 16 independent variables, three control variables (organization size, organization type and project size), one moderator (adoption level of emerging technologies) and three dependent variables (project time, project cost and project quality).

Findings

The study confirms the negative significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of construction projects. It also identifies the significant moderating effects of emerging technologies in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on construction projects. Further, it shows a significant increase in the application of emerging technologies in construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the findings related to the moderating impact of the technology, this study provides a clear set of recommendations for construction firms, public sector and research community in combating the unavoidable situation similar to the COVID-19 pandemic in the future.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to identify the moderating role of technology on the impact of COVID-19 on the performance of the construction sector in Pakistan. The findings can also be used for the construction sectors of other developing countries.
A study on the barriers that impact the adoption of Industry 4.0 in the context of Brazilian companies
Authors: Cordeiro Raphaella Ferreira , Reis Luciana Paula , Fernandes June Marques
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This research aims to evaluate the impact of barriers experienced by Brazilian companies in adopting Industry 4.0 (I4.0).

Design/methodology/approach

As a methodological approach, the survey method was used, adopting the use of the questionnaire for data collection. From the feedback of 99 companies (with an index of 80%), quantitative analyzes of the data were carried out with the aid of factor analysis and linear regression to validate the proposed structural model.

Findings

The barriers construct does not impact the I4.0 adoption construct. Directly evaluating the effect of the variables that make up the barriers construct in the I4.0 adoption construct, it was observed that three barriers affect effectively the adoption of I4.0: technological infrastructure; financial constraint and lack of understanding of the benefits of I4.0.

Research limitations/implications

As a limitation, the research was conducted only in the Brazilian context, requiring the development of future studies in other countries that can strengthen the findings of this research.

Practical implications

In addition, the results achieved provide relevant insights into public policymakers and business managers, helping them to deeply understand the barriers that impact the adoption of I4.0. This facilitates the propagation of I4.0 concepts in the context of Brazilian companies and in the formulation of public policies adapted to each sector, allowing a more assertive action in the face of the types of barriers experienced by organizations during the adoption of I4.0.

Social implications

The findings can help practitioners and policymakers to understand in detail this new industrial model and the difficulties that prevent its implementation.

Originality/value

From an extensive literature review, no studies were identified that statistically validate which barriers effectively affect the adoption of I4.0. This research is a pioneer in proposing a structural model to analyze the barriers experienced by workers during the adoption of I4.0, exploring Brazilian companies, from different economic sectors and sizes. It is noteworthy that the literature still focuses efforts on manufacturing companies.
Does feedback-seeking behavior trigger knowledge sharing at work: the role of gender
Authors: Farooq Rayees
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to test the relationship between feedback-seeking behavior (FSB) and knowledge sharing. The study also proposes the moderating role of gender in the relationship between FSB and knowledge sharing. In this study, the author draws on the social exchange theory to propose FSB as a driver of knowledge sharing. Ultimately, the study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the role that FSB plays in triggering knowledge sharing and the ways in which gender can influence this dynamic.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with 290 knowledge workers from the manufacturing and service sectors of India. FSB and knowledge sharing were assessed with a purposive sample (n = 290). The hypotheses were tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group moderation analysis.

Findings

The study found that FSB is positively related to knowledge sharing and gender moderates the relationship between FSB and knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature by investigating the potential interplay between FSB, knowledge sharing and gender. By uncovering the ways in which gender differences can impact FSB and knowledge sharing, this study provides valuable insights for organizations seeking to promote knowledge sharing and improve communication and collaboration among employees.
Knowledge management considerations in learning management systems in higher education institutions: a systematic review, synthesis and research agenda
Authors: Omanyo Joshua Omondi , Ndiege Joshua Rumo
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the state of research on the symbiotic relationship between knowledge management and learning management systems in advancing the mutual strategic agenda of the two initiatives in higher education institutions (HEIs), so as to uncover the themes that have been studied, identify gaps in the existing studies and suggest future areas of research work.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted systematic literature review (SLR), in which 64 articles published between 2010 and 2022 were identified and analyzed.

Findings

Whereas the review revealed some focus areas that have been researched, it also found that only few studies have explicitly explored the symbiotic relationship between knowledge management and learning management systems, with fewer articles exploring this relationship finding their way to mainstream journals. Thus, the findings showed that examination of the interlink between knowledge management and learning management systems in HEIs is still less explored and has multiple possibilities for future research with potential benefits to the higher education industry.

Originality/value

Although different SLRs exist separately in the fields of knowledge management and learning management systems, there seem to be no reviews on the interconnection between the two fields in the context of HEIs. Additionally, this review offers insights into future research avenues for theory, content and context of interplay between knowledge management and learning management systems in HEIs.
Variation in mycorrhizal communities and the level of mycoheterotrophy in grassland and Forest populations of Neottia ovata (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Wang Deyi , Gebauer Gerhard , Jacquemyn Hans , Zahn Franziska E. , Gomes Sofia I. F. , Lorenz Johanna , van der Hagen Harrie , Schilthuizen Menno , Merckx Vincent S. F. T.
Published: May 2023

Orchid mycorrhiza forms unique symbiotic associations between members of the Orchidaceae and multiple ecological guilds of fungi. Because orchids associate with a wide variety of fungi with different ecological functions, they represent an ideal study system to address fundamental questions about the evolution and ecophysiology of mycorrhizal symbiosis. Although it is well established that shifts in mycorrhizal associations are linked to transitions in plant trophic mode, it remains unclear what ecological drivers promote these evolutionary changes.

Here, we investigated mycorrhizal communities and isotope signatures across six populations of the terrestrial orchid Neottia ovata growing under contrasting light conditions in temperate Europe. We hypothesized that plants growing in forests would associate with different mycorrhizal fungi than plants occurring in grasslands and that the limited light availability in forests leads to a higher contribution of fungi to the carbon budget of orchids.

Our results showed that N. ovata predominantly associated with rhizoctonia fungi of the family Serendipitaceae in both habitats, but plants in forests also recruited ectomycorrhizal fungi. Root communities highly resembled soil communities and variation in root communities was significantly related to habitat type and edaphic factors. In contrast, isotope signatures (13C, 15N, 2H and 18O) and N concentration showed no significant relationship with habitat type. In addition, both 13C and 2H were not significantly correlated to habitat's light availability.

Although it has been suggested that the presence of a wide variety of ectomycorrhizal fungi in root communities of orchids can serve as a precursor for evolutionary shifts to partial mycoheterotrophy (mixotrophy), the presence or absence of ectomycorrhizal fungi did not substantially influence the isotope signatures of N. ovata. These results indicate that rhizoctonia fungi played the major functional role in C and nutrient supply and that ectomycorrhizal fungi did not substantially contribute to the carbon budget of the plants.

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