bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity analysis of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a deep learning framework with weak supervision and privacy protection
Authors: Suzuki Yuto , Hill Andrew , Engel Elena , Granchelli Ann , Lockhart Gabe , Banaei-Kashani Farnoush , Bowler Russell Paul
Published: December 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects 5-10% of the adult US population and is a major cause of mortality. Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPDs) are a major driver of COPD morbidity and mortality, but there are no cost-effective methods to identify early AECOPDs when treatment is most likely to reduce the severity and duration of AECOPDs. We conducted the first long-term (> 12 months), real-time monitoring studies of AECOPD with wearable sensors and self-reporting. We applied a deep learning-based autoencoder for feature extractions, then applied K-means clustering to detect heterogeneity. Accordingly, we proposed a weakly supervised active learning framework to develop anomaly detection models for robust identification of early AECOPD, and a clustered federated learning approach to personalize the anomaly detection models for early detection of heterogeneous subtypes of AECOPD. We evaluated this model by comparing it with other unsupervised learning models and federated learning models. We identified two clusters based on the Silhouette score and SHAP analysis. We also found out that a single subject could have exacerbation events from both clusters, indicating that there is not only subject-level heterogeneity but also event-level heterogeneity. Our weakly supervised framework outperformed unsupervised methods by 0.06 in average precision with 25 human annotation labels per subject. Our federated learning framework outperformed standard federated learning methods by 0.14 in F1 score and 0.17 in average precision. We showed subject-level and event-level heterogeneity in AECOPD using mobile and wearable device data and developed a practical AECOPD detection framework with limited human annotated labels and keeping data private in each device.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Analysis of Multi-Rod Constructs in Adult Spinal Deformity
Authors: Azzam Moatasem M
Published: December 2023

Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) is a degenerative condition of the spinal column that is categorized by sagittal imbalance, iatrogenic spinal deformity, and abnormal spinal curvature and leads to diminished quality of life. ASD is frequently repaired via neurological or orthopedic spine surgery to restore normal curvature and alignment. Surgical correction often involves the use of single, dual, or multiple-rod constructs. Multirod constructs, in particular, offer improved stability and deformity adjustment that is unmatched by single and multi-rod assemblies, but may include significant disadvantages. This review seeks to weigh the costs and benefits associated with the use of multiple rods in adult spinal deformity surgery.
MANTIS at #SMM4H 2023: Leveraging Hybrid and Ensemble Models for Detection of Social Anxiety Disorder on Reddit
Authors: Zanwar Sourabh , Wiechmann Daniel , Qiao Yu , Kerz Elma
Published: December 2023

This paper presents our system employed for the Social Media Mining for Health 2023 Shared Task 4: Binary classification of English Reddit posts self-reporting a social anxiety disorder diagnosis. We systematically investigate and contrast the efficacy of hybrid and ensemble models that harness specialized medical domain-adapted transformers in conjunction with BiLSTM neural networks. The evaluation results outline that our best performing model obtained 89.31% F1 on the validation set and 83.76% F1 on the test set.
LGR5+ Intestinal Stem Cells Display Sex Dependent Radiosensitivity
Authors: Zitter Ryan C. , Chugh Rishi Man , Bhanja Payel , Saha Subhrajit
Published: December 2023

Radiosensitivity, the susceptibility of cells to ionizing radiation, plays a critical role in understanding the effects of radiation therapy and exposure on tissue health and regeneration. Identifying characteristics that predict how a patient may respond to radiotherapy enables clinicians to maximize the therapeutic window. Limited clinical data suggested a difference in male and female radiotherapy outcomes. Radiotherapy for gastrointestinal malignancy is still a challenge due to intestinal sensitivity to radiation toxicity. In this manuscript, we demonstrated sex-specific differences in intestinal epithelial radiosensitivity. In mice models of abdominal irradiation, we observed a significant increase in oxidative stress and injury in males compared to females. Lgr5+ve intestinal stem cells from male mice showed higher sensitivity to radiation-induced toxicity. However, sex-specific differences in intestinal radiosensitivity are not dependent on sex hormones as we demonstrated similar sex-specific radiosensitivity differences in pediatric mice. In an ex-vivo study, we found that human patient-derived intestinal organoids (PID) derived from males showed higher sensitivity to irradiation compared to females as evidenced by loss of budding crypt, organoid size, and membrane integrity. Transcriptomic analysis of human Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells suggested radiation induced upregulation of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in males compared to females’ possible mechanism for radiosensitivity differences.
Feedforward and feedback mechanisms cooperatively regulate rapid experience-dependent response adaptation in a single thermosensory neuron type
Authors: Hill Tyler J. , Sengupta Piali
Published: December 2023

Sensory adaptation allows neurons to adjust their sensitivity and responses based on recent experience. The mechanisms that mediate continuous adaptation to stimulus history over seconds to hours long timescales, and whether these mechanisms can operate within a single sensory neuron type, are unclear. The single pair of AFD thermosensory neurons inC. elegansexhibits experience-dependent plasticity in their temperature response thresholds on both minutes- and hours-long timescales upon a temperature upshift. While long-term response adaptation requires changes in gene expression in AFD, the mechanisms driving rapid response plasticity are unknown. Here, we show that rapid thermosensory response adaptation in AFD is mediated via cGMP and calcium-dependent feedforward and feedback mechanisms operating at the level of primary thermotransduction. We find that either of two thermosensor receptor guanylyl cyclases (rGCs) alone is sufficient to drive rapid adaptation, but that each rGC drives adaptation at different rates. rGC-driven adaptation is mediated in part via phosphorylation of their intracellular domains, and calcium-dependent feedback regulation of basal cGMP levels via a neuronal calcium sensor protein. In turn, cGMP levels feedforward via cGMP-dependent protein kinases to phosphorylate a specific subunit of the cGMP-gated thermotransduction channel to further regulate rapid adaptation. Our results identify multiple molecular pathways that act in AFD to ensure rapid adaptation to a temperature change, and indicate that the deployment of both transcriptional and non-transcriptional mechanisms within a single sensory neuron type can contribute to continuous sensory adaptation.

Significance statement

The nervous system must continuously adapt to the sensory environment in order to adjust response sensitivity. Although both short- and long-term response adaptation has been reported to occur within sensory neurons themselves, how temporally distinct plasticity mechanisms are coordinated within single sensory neurons is unclear. We previously showed that long-term adaptation of temperature responses in the single AFD thermosensory neuron pair inC. elegansis mediated via gene expression changes in this neuron type. Here we show that multiple second messenger-driven feedforward and feedback mechanisms act to drive rapid thermosensory adaptation in AFD. Our results indicate that modulation of thermotransduction molecules via both transcriptional and non-transcriptional mechanisms contribute to distinct temporal phases of adaptation in a single sensory neuron type.
Cross-Species Evaluation of qPCR Reference Genes inDiabrotica speciosa(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) using Diabrotica virgifera virgifera sequences
Authors: de Souza Luiz Renato Rosa Leme , Okumoto Nayara Costa de Carvalho S. , Marques-Souza Henrique
Published: December 2023

The cucurbit beetleDiabrotica speciosais one of the most important corn pests in Brazil, seen as responsible for about 10-13% losses in maze crops, especially in the southern region of Brazil. The development of sustainable technologies for specific pest control, such as RNAi, depends on the identification of target genes and on the characterization of the gene expression profile of these genes in different developmental stages. Gene expression analyses, on the other hand, depend on reliable reference genes for the normalization of RT-qPCR data. In this study, we performed a cross-species evaluation of qPCR reference genes already validated inDiabrotica virgifera virgifera, due to its relevance as an important corn pest in North America. The expression of the reference genes EF1α, β-actin, β-tubulin, and GAPDH was evaluated in different developmental stages of theDiabrotica speciosa: egg, neonate, 3rdinstar larva, pupa, and adult. The stability of the reference genes was analyzed using the ΔCt method, BestKeeper, GeNorm, and NormFinder algorithms available at RefFinder web-based tool. From all four genes, β-actin and EF1α were the most suitable for normalizing genes, with both expression and stability ranking position in accordance with the results reported forDiabrotica virgifera virgifera. Our findings provide valuable information for researchers studying gene expression during different developmental stages of this species and highlight the potential of validating cross-species reference genes.
Brain-charting autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder reveals distinct and overlapping neurobiology
Authors: Bedford Saashi A. , Lai Meng-Chuan , Lombardo Michael V. , Chakrabarti Bhismadev , Ruigrok Amber , Suckling John , Anagnostou Evdokia , Lerch Jason P. , Taylor Margot , Nicolson Rob , Stelios Georgiades , Crosbie Jennifer , Schachar Russell , Kelley Elizabeth , Jones Jessica , Arnold Paul D. , Courchesne Eric , Pierce Karen , Eyler Lisa T. , Campbell Kathleen , Barnes Cynthia Carter , Seidlitz Jakob , Alexander-Bloch Aaron F. , Bullmore Edward T. , Baron-Cohen Simon , Bethlehem Richard A.I. ,   MRC AIMS Consortium and Lifespan Brain Chart Consortium
Published: December 2023

Background

Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions with complex underlying neurobiology. Despite overlapping presentation and sex-biased prevalence, autism and ADHD are rarely studied together, and sex differences are often overlooked. Normative modelling provides a unified framework for studying age-specific and sex-specific divergences in neurodivergent brain development.

Methods

Here we use normative modelling and a large, multi-site neuroimaging dataset to characterise cortical anatomy associated with autism and ADHD, benchmarked against models of typical brain development based on a sample of over 75,000 individuals. We also examined sex and age differences, relationship with autistic traits, and explored the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD (autism+ADHD).

Results

We observed robust neuroanatomical signatures of both autism and ADHD. Overall, autistic individuals showed greater cortical thickness and volume localised to the superior temporal cortex, whereas individuals with ADHD showed more global effects of cortical thickness increases but lower cortical volume and surface area across much of the cortex. The autism+ADHD group displayed a unique pattern of widespread increases in cortical thickness, and certain decreases in surface area. We also found evidence that sex modulates the neuroanatomy of autism but not ADHD, and an age-by-diagnosis interaction for ADHD only.

Conclusions

These results indicate distinct cortical differences in autism and ADHD that are differentially impacted by age, sex, and potentially unique patterns related to their co-occurrence.
Transposition, duplication, and divergence of the telomerase RNA underlies the evolution ofMimulustelomeres
Authors: Kumawat Surbhi , Martinez Irene , Logeswaran Dhenugen , Chen Hongfei , Coughlan Jenn M. , Chen Julian J.-L. , Yuan Yaowu , Sobel James M. , Choi Jae Young
Published: December 2023

Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes with a crucial role of protecting chromosome ends. It consists of simple repeat sequences and dedicated telomere-binding proteins. Because of its vital functions, components of the telomere, for example its sequence, should be under strong evolutionary constraint. But across all plants, telomere sequences display a range of variation and the evolutionary mechanism driving this diversification is largely unknown. Here, we discovered in Monkeyflower (Mimulus) the telomere sequence is even variable between species. We investigated the basis ofMimulustelomere sequence evolution by studying the long noncoding telomerase RNA (TR), which is a core component of the telomere maintenance complex and determines the telomere sequence. We conducted total RNA-basedde novotranscriptomics from 16Mimulusspecies and analyzed reference genomes from 6 species, and discoveredMimulusspecies have evolved at least three different telomere sequences: (AAACCCT)n, (AAACCCG)n, and (AAACCG)n. Unexpectedly, we discovered several species with TR duplications and the paralogs had functional consequences that could influence telomere evolution. For instance,M. lewisiihad two sequence-divergent TR paralogs and synthesized a telomere with sequence heterogeneity, consisting of AAACCG and AAACCCG repeats. Evolutionary analysis of theM. lewisiiTR paralogs indicated it had arisen from a transposition-mediate duplication process. Further analysis of the TR from multipleMimulusspecies showed the gene had frequently transposed and inserted into new chromosomal positions duringMimulusevolution. From our results, we propose the TR transposition, duplication, and divergence model to explain the evolutionary sequence turnovers inMimulusand potentially all plant telomeres.
Nucleic acid sequence contributes to remodeler-mediated targeting of histone H2A.Z
Authors: Converso Cynthia , Pierrakeas Leonidas , Chan Lirong , Chowdhury Shalvi , Kuznetsov Vyacheslav I. , Denu John M. , Luk Ed
Published: December 2023

The variant histone H2A.Z is inserted into nucleosomes immediately downstream of promoters and is important for transcription. The site-specific deposition of H2A.Z is catalyzed by SWR, a conserved chromatin remodeler with affinity for promoter-proximal nucleosome depleted regions (NDRs) and histone acetylation. By comparing the genomic distribution of H2A.Z in wild-type and SWR-deficient cells, we found that SWR is also responsible for depositing H2A.Z at thousands of non-canonical sites not directly linked to NDRs or histone acetylation. To understand the targeting mechanism of H2A.Z, we presented SWR with a library of nucleosomes isolated from yeast and characterized those preferred by SWR. We found that SWR prefers nucleosomes associated with intergenic over coding regions, especially when polyadenine tracks are present. Insertion of polyadenine sequences into recombinant nucleosomes near the H2A-H2B binding site stimulated the H2A.Z insertion activity of SWR. Therefore, the genome is encoded with information contributing to remodeler-mediated targeting of H2A.Z.
Retroelement-Age Clocks: Epigenetic Age Captured by Human Endogenous Retrovirus and LINE-1 DNA methylation states
Authors: Ndhlovu Lishomwa C. , Bendall Matthew L. , Dwaraka Varun , Pang Alina PS , Dopkins Nicholas , Carreras Natalia , Smith Ryan , Nixon Douglas F. , Corley Michael J.
Published: December 2023

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), the remnants of ancient viral infections embedded within the human genome, and long interspersed nuclear elements 1 (LINE-1), a class of autonomous retrotransposons, are silenced by host epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation. The resurrection of particular retroelements has been linked to biological aging. Whether the DNA methylation states of locus specific HERVs and LINEs can be used as a biomarker of chronological age in humans remains unclear. We show that highly predictive epigenetic clocks of chronological age can be constructed from retroelement DNA methylation states in the immune system, across human tissues, and pan-mammalian species. We found retroelement epigenetic clocks were reversed during transient epigenetic reprogramming, accelerated in people living with HIV-1, responsive to antiretroviral therapy, and accurate in estimating long-term culture ages of human brain organoids. Our findings support the hypothesis of epigenetic dysregulation of retroelements as a potential contributor to the biological hallmarks of aging.
Lifelong learner needs for human-centered self-regulated learning analytics
Authors: Nguyen Andy , Lämsä Joni , Dwiarie Adinda , Järvelä Sanna
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Self-regulated learning (SRL) is crucial for successful learning and lifelong learning in today’s rapidly changing world, yet research has shown that many learners need support for SRL. Recently, learning analytics has offered exciting opportunities for better understanding and supporting SRL. However, substantial endeavors are still needed not only to detect learners’ SRL processes but also to incorporate human values, individual needs and goals into the design and development of self-regulated learning analytics (SRLA). This paper aims to examine the challenges that lifelong learners faced in SRL, their needs and desirable features for SRLA.

Design/methodology/approach

This study triangulated data collected from three groups of educational stakeholders: focus group discussions with lifelong learners (n = 27); five teacher interviews and four expert evaluations. The groups of two or three learners discussed perceived challenges, support needs and willing-to-share data contextualized in each phase of SRL.

Findings

Lifelong learners in professional development programs face challenges in managing their learning time and motivation, and support for time management and motivation can improve their SRL. This paper proposed and evaluated a set of design principles for SRLA.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel approach for theory-driven participatory design with multistakeholders that involves integrating learners, teachers and experts’ perspectives for designing SRLA. The results of the study will answer the questions of how learners’ voices can be integrated into the design process of SRLA and offer a set the design principles for the future development of SRLA.
Prospects of Islamic capital market in Uzbekistan: issues and challenges
Authors: Asadov Alam , Turaboev Ikhtiyorjon , Yildirim Ramazan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Despite its potential as an emerging market for Islamic financial services, Uzbekistan has lagged in legislative support. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of introducing an Islamic capital market (ICM) in Uzbekistan, preceding a broader industry establishment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors begin by assessing Islamic finance literacy and the potential demand for ICMs in Uzbekistan. The authors then scrutinize Uzbekistan’s capital market legislation and its readiness. This analysis uses primary data, including surveys and interviews, and secondary data from literature and financial legislation.

Findings

This study highlights a significant demand for ICMs, despite low Islamic finance awareness in Uzbekistan. Presently, Uzbekistan’s capital market development is lacking, with regulations not yet suitable for ICMs. As a result, legal and operational enhancements are needed.

Practical implications

The authors provide essential policy recommendations for authorities and practitioners to facilitate the effective launch of ICMs and enhance Uzbekistan’s capital market stature.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study offering an in-depth analysis of the potential and feasibility of ICMs in Uzbekistan.
Assessing the impact of external determinants on the social performance of Islamic banks
Authors: Meskovic Admir , Avdukic Alija , Kozarevic Emira
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Explaining the sources of the differences in social performance among Islamic banks (IBs) is the motivation for this research. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the development of Islamic finance regulation, the development of an Islamic financial system, the proportions of affected Muslim populations and the level of competition, on the one hand, and the social performance of IBs, on the other. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the impact of the development of regulation and the Islamic financial system on the social performance of IBs.

Design/methodology/approach

A balanced panel of annual data for 40 banks from 13 countries is applied, spanning 2012–2018. A social performance index with eight dimensions is constructed and measures the social performance of IBs. The index based on qualitative and quantitative data derives from IBs’ annual reports and financial statements. The linear scaling transformation method articulates the quantitative dimensions of the index. In hypotheses testing, the authors use OLS, LSDV, FEM and Random Effect Model to estimate Model (1) and panel-corrected standard errors with Prais–Winsten transformation to estimate Model (2).

Findings

This unique research confirms the positive impact of the development of Islamic finance regulation on the social performance of IBs. The results show that the development of Islamic finance regulation is consistently significant on all standard significance levels. IBs’ age and the presence of Muslim populations in the country are also significant in most estimators.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this research highlight a significant value for regulators, shareholders and the management of IBs. Without proper regulation, these banks can hardly operate under the principles and expectations of the Islamic moral economy.

Originality/value

This is pioneering research that explores the development of Islamic finance regulation and market concentration as a determinant of social performance of IBs. Development of Islamic finance regulation has proved significant in all estimated models, which confirms that a new variable has been discovered among determinants of the social performance of IBs.
The 2016 US presidential election, opinion polls and the stock market
Authors: Upadhyaya Kamal , Nag Raja , Ejara Demissew
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of the 2016 presidential election polls on the stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical model includes daily stock returns as the dependent variable and past asset prices, 10-year treasury rates, opinion polls and VIX (market uncertainty) as explanatory variables with a one-year lag. The model was estimated using two sets of daily polling data: from July 1, 2015, to November 8, 2016, and from June 1, 2016, to November 8, 2016. Additional descriptive statistics, such as means and standard deviations, were also calculated.

Findings

The estimated results did not reveal any statistically significant effects of opinion polls in favor of one candidate over another on stock returns. Simple statistical tests, however, show that the market performed better when Trump held a polling advantage over Clinton.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the only study that has examined the effects of the 2016 presidential election polls on the US stock market. This study adds value to the understanding of the relationship between election polls and the stock market in the USA.
15 years of Airbnb's authenticity that influenced activity participation: a systematic literature review
Authors: Sakr Mohamed Ahmed Qotb , Elsharnouby Mohamed H. , AbdelAziz Gamal Sayed
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to address three research questions (1) Who is the main stakeholder that shapes Airbnb experience, (2) Does Airbnb offers an authentic travel experience? and (3) What should be the future research trends in Airbnb?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the systematic literature review (SLR) with a well-defined protocol, research strategy and methods to answer the research questions.

Findings

The review revealed that while Airbnb plays a significant role as the platform provider, the stakeholders influencing the experiences are multifaceted. Hosts, guests, local communities and even regulatory bodies all contribute to shaping the overall Airbnb Experience ecosystem. Hosts, in particular, have a crucial role in curating and delivering unique experiences, which significantly impacts the quality and authenticity of the offerings. On the question of whether Airbnb offers an authentic travel experience, the review uncovered mixed findings. For examples, some studies emphasized the potential for Airbnb to provide authentic and local experiences, allowing travelers to engage with the community and cultural aspects of a destination. However, other studies raised concerns about the commodification and standardization of experiences, leading to a potential loss of authenticity.

Originality/value

This paper is different from previous SLR where previous research systematically reviewed; motivations to use and choose Airbnb, institutionalization of Airbnb, stakeholders of Airbnb. This paper addresses authentic experience as a factor that influences activity participation.
Exploring options to leverage partnership information for designing donation calls
Authors: Nurmala N. , de Vries Jelle , de Leeuw Sander
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to help understand individual donors’ preferences over different designs of humanitarian–business partnerships in managing humanitarian operations and to help understand if donors’ preferences align with their actual donation behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Choice-based conjoint analysis was used to understand donation preferences for partnership designs, and a donation experiment was performed using real money to understand the alignment of donors’ preferences with actual donation behavior.

Findings

The results show that partnering with the business sector can be a valuable asset for humanitarian organizations in attracting individual donors if these partnerships are managed well in terms of partnership strategy, partnership history and partnership report and disclosure. In particular, the study finds that the donation of services and products from businesses corporations to humanitarian organizations are preferable to individual donors, rather than cash. Furthermore, donors’ preferences are not necessarily aligned with actual donation behavior.

Practical implications

The results highlight the importance of presenting objective data on projects to individual donors. The results also show that donors value the provision of services and products by business corporations to humanitarian operations.

Originality/value

Partnerships between humanitarian organizations and business corporations are important for the success of humanitarian operations. However, little is known about which partnership designs are most preferable to individual donors and have the biggest chance of being supported financially.
Services as emulation marketing: conceptualization and concerns
Authors: Lee Christopher , Kahle Lynn
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce emulation marketing as an important strategy to consider for services marketing researchers and practitioners, given the ability to plant an aspirational goal in consumers' minds. Building on theories of lifestyle, values, self-concept and others, this conceptual paper presents the case for emulation marketing as an important consideration within services marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore mechanisms that will define service research in the future, this conceptual paper reviews the literature across the spectrum of social comparison and learning, social adaptation, conformity, values, persuasion and role modeling. The authors analyze existing theories while proposing a new mechanism, emulation, to advance research in service literature.

Findings

This paper suggests mechanisms to promote emulation in services marketing through the consumer decision process. A research agenda for future work is provided with emphasis on lack of emulation, emulation and status, emulation and aging, emulation and technology, emulation and linguistics and the dark side of emulation. Within each area, a series of considerations are discussed.

Originality/value

This paper introduces emulation as an important mechanism within services marketing. It offers a research agenda focused on a variety of emerging areas in the field. The paper contributes to services marketing and future research by proposing a novel approach, via emulation, to services marketing.
Depth, breadth and structural virality: the influence of emotion, topic, authority and richness on misinformation spread
Authors: Meng Xiao , Dai Chengjun , Zhao Yifei , Zhou Yuan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the mechanism of the misinformation spread based on the elaboration likelihood model and the effects of four factors – emotion, topic, authority and richness – on the depth, breadth and structural virality of misinformation spread.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected 2,514 misinformation microblogs and 142,006 reposts from Weibo, used deep learning methods to identify the emotions and topics of misinformation and extracted the structural characteristics of the spreading network using the network analysis method.

Findings

Results show that misinformation has a smaller spread size and breadth than true news but has a similar spread depth and structural virality. The differential influence of emotions on the structural characteristics of misinformation propagation was found: sadness can promote the breadth of misinformation spread, anger can promote depth and disgust can promote depth and structural virality. In addition, the international topic, the number of followers, images and videos can significantly and positively influence the misinformation's spread size, depth, breadth and structural virality.

Originality/value

The influencing factors of the structural characteristics of misinformation propagation are clarified, which is helpful for the detection and management of misinformation.
From project to platform: a case study on evolving the software development team
Authors: Coughlin Daniel , Lush Binky
Published: December 2023

Purpose

At the authors’ libraries, they consolidated two departments and attempted to find ways to increase productivity, reduce duplication and improve job happiness within their software development teams. The authors have lost institutional knowledge when developers leave the team, yet the authors remain responsible for critical library services. The merging of the authors’ departments provided the opportunity to rethink how their teams are structured and whether a different model could provide better professional development, more knowledge sharing and better stability of their services. This article presents a case study of moving from a project-centric approach to a platform-based model.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors met with those responsible for establishing priorities for their services and developers to assess successful and unsuccessful implementations and pivoted based on those assessments.

Findings

The authors found that their developers were happier to increase their portfolios and professional development, and the librarians were satisfied with more stable services during a particularly unstable time within the authors’ institution.

Originality/value

This is a practical example of a positive way to structure development teams in libraries. Frequently, teams support a single service to the library because of the criticality of that service on a day-to-day basis, but that can create a lack of shared knowledge during institutional instability. This study reveals the benefits of a platform-based approach, including increased developer happiness, reduced disruptions due to staff turnover and improved system stability. It also discusses the challenges of managing product owners' expectations and balancing feature development with maintenance work.
How and when inclusive leadership enhances team proactivity: the roles of collective thriving and team power distance
Authors: Zhao Lijing , Jolly Phillip M. , Zhao Shuming , Zeng Hao
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between team-level inclusive leadership perceptions, team thriving, and team proactivity as well as the moderating effect of team power distance on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-wave survey study of 365 manufacturing employees comprising 85 teams in an organization in Eastern China was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings indicate that inclusive leadership stimulates collective thriving, which then promotes team proactivity. In addition, team power distance negatively moderates the relationship between inclusive leadership and collective thriving, as well as the indirect effect of inclusive leadership on team proactivity via collective thriving.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to investigate the effects of inclusive leadership at the team level, and answers recent calls to investigate the mechanisms linking leadership-related constructs to team-level proactivity. The authors also identify an important boundary condition to the effects of inclusive leadership in team power distance.
Which factors can be used to persuade managers to start workplace physical activity programmes and what motivates employees to participate? A Hungarian study on goals, effects and motivations
Authors: Szabó Ágnes , Kajos Attila
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Physical activity (PA) has been widely studied for its individual and societal benefits, but research on how organisations can effectively promote workplace physical activity (WPA) programmes is lacking. This article aims to examine the organisational-level benefits and value drivers of corporate PA programmes whilst also exploring the factors that motivate employees to participate in these programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the self-determination theory (SDT) and the Hungarian Sport Motivation Scale (H-SMS) – which was modified and validated from the original English SMS scale, which is one of the six most highly cited motivation questionnaires in sports – to assess employees' motivation towards sports. In conjunction, in-depth interviews with company representatives were conducted to create a mind map outlining the impacts and advantages of WPA programmes. The study involved interviews with 13 managers in Hungary and a survey completed by 728 employees.

Findings

The findings of the authors' study indicate that WPA programmes had positive effects on employee engagement, turnover reduction and absenteeism. However, the authors' results also revealed that employee motivation to participate in these programmes was primarily driven by external factors, such as identified and introjected regulators, indicating a low level of intrinsic motivation for sports in the workplace. It is important to classify employees based on their motivation and behaviour to design and promote effective PA programmes in the workplace and to increase participation rates.

Originality/value

The authors' findings indicate the importance of aligning WPA programme promotion with employee motivation. This can encourage organisations to initiate their programmes, address participation challenges and strive for higher engagement rates. Further research on employee motivation can support the development of more effective communication strategies for companies in this context.
Risk management behaviour in digital factories: the influence of technology and task uncertainty on managerial risk responses
Authors: Kessler Melanie , Rosca Eugenia , Arlinghaus Julia
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to advance a behavioural approach towards understanding how managerial perception impacts the enactment of responses to risk management during the implementation of digital technologies in industrial operations and supply chains. The purpose is to investigate the influence of (digital) technology and task uncertainty on the risk perception of managers and how this impacts risk responses adopted by managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an exploratory theory elaboration approach, the authors collected more than 80 h of interview material from 53 expert interviews. These interviews were conducted with representatives of 46 German companies that have adopted digital technologies for different industrial applications within manufacturing, assembly and logistics processes.

Findings

The findings provide nuanced insights on how individual and combined sources of uncertainty (technology and task uncertainty) impact the perception of decision makers and the resulting managerial responses adopted. The authors uncover the important role played by the interaction between digital technology and human being in the context of industrial operations. The exploratory study shows that the joint collaboration between humans and technologies has negative implications for managerial risk responses regardless of positive or negative perception, and therefore, requires significant attention in future studies.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical base for this study is limited to German companies (mainly small and medium size). Moreover, German culture can be characterised by a high uncertainty avoidance and this may also limit the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Managers should critically revise their perception of different types of digital technologies and be aware of the impact of human-machine interaction. Thereby, they should investigate more systematic approaches of risk identification and assessment.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the managerial risk responses in the context of digitalisation projects with practical insights of 53 expert interviews.
Assessing solutions to overcome Quality 4.0 barriers: a decision-making framework
Authors: Virmani Naveen , Upadhyay Manas , Luthra Sunil , Singh Sanjeet , Upadhyay Arvind
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The industrial revolution changed the market landscape significantly in all industrial sectors. It has a noteworthy impact on enhancing the quality of goods and services. The quality aspect is of utmost concern and determines the success or failure of any product. Therefore, the presented study analyses the key barriers and solutions of Quality 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty barriers and fifteen solutions were identified using a literature review and investigated using a hybrid approach. Barrier weights were evaluated with the help of the fuzzy AHP method. Furthermore, the computed weights were used to perform computations in the next step using fuzzy-TOPSIS to prioritize the ranking of identified solutions.

Findings

The research results show that “Lack of applying advanced analytics to uncover Quality 4.0 initiatives” and “Lack of integrating data from various sources across the organization” are the topmost barriers. Furthermore, “Implement a leadership development program focused on Quality 4.0” and “Cross-departmental peer learning environment” are the topmost solutions.

Practical implications

Managers and industrialists can benefit from Quality 4.0 through improved decision-making, process efficiency, supply chain collaboration, agile quality management, enhanced customer experience and a culture of continuous improvement. This results in better quality, operational effectiveness and a competitive edge.

Originality/value

The solutions need to be mapped with barriers to adopting Quality 4.0. Furthermore, the research results involve novelty by prioritizing the solutions to overcome the anticipated barriers.
Testing feasibility of relevant outcome measures in an inpatient setting to demonstrate the value of occupational therapy
Authors: Tse Tamara , Skorik Stefani , Fraser Ruby , Munro Adrienne , Darzins Susan
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Measures of participation restrictions in daily life occupations are not typically used and may aid discharge planning and demonstrate the impact of occupational therapy services in inpatient settings. The overall aim of this mixed‐methods study was to test the feasibility of relevant outcome measures by (1) investigating which of the three identified measures—the Home Support Needs Assessment, the Personal Care Participation Assessment and Resource Tool, and the Functional Autonomy Measurement System—best identifies meaningful changes in participation restrictions in daily life occupations required for community life; and (2) investigating the acceptability, usefulness, and feasibility of each measure to support inpatient practice.

Methods

Occupational therapists (n = 3) completed the three measures with patient participants (n = 12) at admission and discharge. Each occupational therapist participated in a semi‐structured interview. Outcome measure responses were summarised statistically. Qualitative data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings

Total scores on all three measures changed significantly between admission and discharge (P < 0.002). Three themes reflected the occupational therapist participants' perceptions of the acceptability, usefulness, and feasibility of the outcome measures: ‘Clinically and Professionally Meaningful Tools’, ‘Becoming Familiar’, and ‘Fostering My Daily Work’.

Conclusion

Each measure demonstrated a meaningful change. Selection and successful implementation of an outcome measure depends on its local acceptability to occupational therapists and organisational practices. All three measures are promising tools to address a measurement gap in occupational therapy practice. Future research could embed one measure into practice using knowledge translation methods, with a large‐scale evaluation of the value of occupational therapy.
Responsiveness of market equilibrium agricultural output, price and land use to shocks
Authors: Resende Filho Moisés A. , Nascimento Leandro G.
Published: December 2023

We assess the responsiveness of market equilibrium agricultural output, price and land use to shocks in agricultural demand, land yield and arable land area and the role of road infrastructure policy in offsetting them. We adapt a partial equilibrium model in the agricultural composite good and lands markets to guide the specification and estimation of a simultaneous equation model (SEM) for agricultural demand, land yield and acreage, and calculate market equilibrium responsiveness. We estimate the SEM by the generalised method of moments three‐stage least squares (GMM 3SLS) using a panel data set of the 10 biggest agricultural producer states in Brazil from 2001 to 2017. Using demand, land yield and acreage price elasticity estimates, we find that Brazil may expand equilibrium agricultural output while preserving its native vegetation land and dampening long‐term agricultural price escalation under a scenario of increasing worldwide demand for food, fibre and fuel and adverse climate shocks. Using acreage and land yield freight rate elasticity estimates, we show how shocks may be offset by road infrastructure policies that reduce freight rates to specific destination states, as they may be designed to induce less equilibrium land use for the same equilibrium output or raise equilibrium output with less equilibrium land use.
A comparison of the environmental sustainability of brick‐and‐mortar retailing and online retailing: Contrasting academic research and consumer perceptions
Authors: Klein Patrick , Popp Bastian
Published: December 2023

Sustainability has become paramount in society and retail. Therefore, this study aims to compare the environmental sustainability of brick‐and‐mortar retail and e‐commerce. A literature review identifies various factors, such as buildings, shopping trips, order bundling, returns, packaging, transport and logistics, and environmentally conscious behavior, that determine the channel that is superior in terms of environmental sustainability. While these factors are context‐specific and depend on several actors (e.g., consumers, retailers, and logistics service providers), most studies consider e‐commerce to be more environmentally friendly than purchases from brick‐and‐mortar stores. However, this review demonstrates that most previous studies have focused on objective criteria (e.g., CO2). Therefore, to reflect the importance of consumers' perspectives on channel choice, we conducted four empirical studies that provide insights into the perceived environmental sustainability of each channel. In contrast to experts' views, consumers perceive e‐commerce as less sustainable than brick‐and‐mortar retailing. Hence, online retailers should improve their communication strategies and highlight the potential environmental advantages of e‐commerce and omni‐channel retailing. Brick‐and‐mortar retailers are advised to reduce the environmental damage they cause and encourage their customers to act in an eco‐friendly manner.
Experimental and finite element analysis for evaluating influence of contact pressure on fretting fatigue mechanisms of A319‐T6 cast aluminum alloy
Authors: Liao Yiping , Liu Xiaoshan , He Guoqiu , Zhou Zhiqiang , Liu Yinfu , Li Jingquan , Li Zhe , Wang Qigui , He Qiao
Published: December 2023

This paper evaluates the influence of contact pressure on the surface contact state, fretting damage degradation mechanism, crack initiation and propagation characteristics, and fretting fatigue life of A319‐T6 cast aluminum alloy in fretting fatigue test using bridge‐type fretting pad. For a certain range of contact pressure, the fretting fatigue life exhibits a trend of increasing and subsequently decreasing with increasing contact pressure. With finite element analysis, the fretting contact region can be divided into two characteristic zones according to the dynamic evolution of the contact status within one fatigue cycle. The contact pressure affects both the distribution of the two characteristic zones as well as the relative slip range, which results in distinct fretting damage mechanisms. The nucleation characteristics and propagation paths of fatigue cracks under three typical contact pressures were analyzed considering the effects of fretting damage and heterogeneous microstructures of the alloy, accounting for the contact pressure dependency of the fretting fatigue life.