bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photo-induced changes in tissue stiffness alter epithelial budding morphogenesis in the embryonic lung
Authors: Peak Kara E. , Rajaguru Poornacharanya , Khan Adil , Gleghorn Jason P. , Obaid Girgis , Ferruzzi Jacopo , Varner Victor D.
Published: August 2024

Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness has been shown to influence the differentiation of progenitor cells in culture, but a lack of tools to perturb the mechanical properties within intact embryonic organs has made it difficult to determine how changes in tissue stiffness influence organ patterning and morphogenesis. Photocrosslinking of the ECM has been successfully used to stiffen soft tissues, such as the cornea and skin, which are optically accessible, but this technique has not yet been applied to developing embryos. Here, we use photocrosslinking with Rose Bengal (RB) to locally and ectopically stiffen the pulmonary mesenchyme of explanted embryonic lungs culturedex vivo. This change in mechanical properties was sufficient to suppress FGF-10-mediated budding morphogenesis along the embryonic airway, without negatively impacting patterns of cell proliferation or apoptosis. A computational model of airway branching was used to determine that FGF-10-induced buds form via a growth-induced buckling mechanism and that increased mesenchymal stiffness is sufficient to inhibit epithelial buckling. Taken together, our data demonstrate that photocrosslinking can be used to create regional differences in mechanical properties within intact embryonic organs and that these differences influence epithelial morphogenesis and patterning. Further, this photocrosslinking assay can be readily adapted to other developing tissues and model systems.
Enzymatic reactions dictated by the 2D membrane environment
Authors: Bai Ru-Hsuan , Lin Chun-Wei
Published: August 2024

The cell membrane is a fundamental component of cellular architecture. Beyond serving as a physical barrier that encloses the cytosol, it also provides a crucial platform for numerous biochemical reactions. Due to the unique two-dimensional and fluidic environment of the membrane, reactions that occur on its surface are subject to specific physical constraints. However, the advantages and disadvantages of membrane-mediated reactions have yet to be thoroughly explored. In this study, we reconstitute a classic proteolytic cleavage reaction at the membrane interface, designed for the real-time, single-molecule kinetic analysis. The interactions between the enzyme and substrate near the membrane are examined under different classic scenarios. Our findings reveal that while the membrane environment significantly enhances enzymatic activity, it also imposes diffusion limitations that reduce this activity over time. By adjusting the enzyme’s membrane affinity to an intermediate level, we enable the enzyme to "hop" on the membrane surface, overcoming these diffusion constraints and sustaining high enzymatic activity with faster kinetics. These results provide critical insights into the role of the cell membrane in regulating biochemical reactions and can be broadly applied to other membrane-associated interactions.
The Impact of Ketamine and Thiopental Anesthesia on Ultraweak Photon Emission and Oxidative-Nitrosative Stress in Rat Brains
Authors: Ghaffari Mahdi Khorsand , Sefati Niloufar , Esmaeilpour Tahereh , Salari Vahid , Oblak Daniel , Simon Christoph
Published: August 2024

Anesthetics such as ketamine and thiopental, commonly used for inducing unconsciousness, have distinct effects on neuronal activity, metabolism, and cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Ketamine increases heart rate and blood pressure while preserving respiratory function, whereas thiopental decreases both and can cause respiratory depression. This study investigates the impact of ketamine (100 mg/kg) and thiopental (45 mg/kg) on ultraweak photon emission (UPE), oxidative-nitrosative stress, and antioxidant capacity in isolated rat brains. To our knowledge, no previous study has investigated and compared UPE in the presence and absence of anesthesia. Here, we compare the effects of ketamine and thiopental anesthetics with each other and with a non-anesthetized control group. Ketamine increased UPE, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activity while reducing thiol levels. Conversely, thiopental decreased UPE, oxidative markers, and antioxidant enzyme activity, while increasing thiol levels. UPE was negatively correlated with thiol levels and positively correlated with oxidative stress markers. These findings suggest that the contrasting effects of ketamine and thiopental on UPE are linked to their differing impacts on brain oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity. This research suggests a potential method to monitor brain oxidative stress via UPE during anesthesia, and opens up new ways for understanding and managing anesthetic effects.
The dynamics of Staphylococcal infection and their treatment with antibiotics and bacteriophage in theGalleria mellonellamodel system
Authors: Berryhill Brandon A. , Gil-Gil Teresa , Witzany Christopher , Goldberg David A. , Vega Nic M. , Regoes Roland R. , Levin Bruce R.
Published: August 2024

Critical to our understanding of infections and their treatment is the role the innate immune system plays in controlling bacterial pathogens. Nevertheless, many in vivo systems are made or modified such that they do not have an innate immune response. Use of these systems denies the opportunity to examine the synergy between the immune system and antimicrobial agents. In this study we demonstrate that the larva ofGalleria mellonellais an effective in vivo model for the study of the population and evolutionary biology of bacterial infections and their treatment. To do this we test three hypotheses concerning the role of the innate immune system during infection. We show: i) sufficiently high densities of bacteria are capable of saturating the innate immune system, ii) bacteriostatic drugs and bacteriophages are as effective as bactericidal antibiotics in preventing mortality and controlling bacterial densities, and iii) minority populations of bacteria resistant to a treating antibiotic will not ascend. Using a highly virulent strain ofStaphylococcus aureusand a mathematical computer-simulation model, we further explore how the dynamics of the infection within the short term determine the ultimate infection outcome. We find that excess immune activation in response to high densities of bacteria leads to a strong but short-lived immune response which ultimately results in a high degree of mortality. Overall, our findings illustrate the utility of theG. mellonellamodel system in conjunction with established in vivo models in studying infectious disease progression and treatment.
Treatment with Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) elicits secondary metabolite accumulation inAquilaria crassna(Agarwood) callus culture
Authors: Overmans Sebastian , Alflayyeh Yazan , Gutiérrez Sergio , Aldlaigan Yousef , Lauersen Kyle J.
Published: August 2024

Thymelaceaous trees are prized for accumulating fragrant resins composed of hundreds of secondary metabolites in their woody tissues. Slow growth and increasing consumer demand have stretched natural sources of agarwood trees to being endangered and alternative production modes, including silviculture and tissue culture, are currently being investigated. Dedifferentiated tissue culture of agarwood trees provides a means of cell propagation independent of environmental context. However, secondary metabolite accumulation, as found in fragrant resins, occurs largely in response to wounding. Here, we investigated the application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as potential elicitors of secondary metabolite formation inAquilaria crassnatissue culture samples. Callus cultures were exposed to five commercially available MOFs: UiO-67, MOF-808, HKUST-1, ZIF-67, and MOF-74, and ethanol extracts were used to quantify secondary metabolite accumulation compared to untreated cultures. Samples that were exposed to Zr-based MOFs exhibited similar metabolite production profiles, (trans-2-Carboxy-cyclo-hexyl)-acetic acid was reduced in the presence of all MOFs, the Cu-containing HKUST-1 MOF increased palmitic acid levels, and MOF-808 and ZIF-67 were found to elicit the highest accumulation of secondary metabolites with potential fragrance applications. These results demonstrate the possibility of eliciting secondary metabolites from dedifferentiated agarwood tree cell culture and may provide an alternative means of sourcing fragrant specialty chemicals from these plants.
Fully heavy tetraquark resonant states with different flavors
Authors: Wu Wei-Lin , Ma Yao , Chen Yan-Ke , Meng Lu , Zhu Shi-Lin
Published: August 2024

We use the quark potential model to calculate the mass spectrum of the S-wave fully heavy tetraquark systems with different flavors, including the bcb¯c¯,bbc¯c¯,ccc¯b¯, and bbb¯c¯ systems. We employ the Gaussian expansion method to solve the four-body Schrödinger equation, and the complex scaling method to identify resonant states. The bcb¯c¯,bbc¯c¯,ccc¯b¯, and bbb¯c¯ resonant states are obtained in the mass regions of (13.2, 13.5), (13.3, 13.6), (10.0, 10.3), (16.5, 16.7) GeV, respectively. Among these states, the bcb¯c¯ tetraquark states are the most promising ones to be discovered in the near future. We recommend the experimental exploration of the 1++ and 2++ bcb¯c¯ states with masses near 13.3 GeV in the J/ψϒ channel. From the root-mean-square radii, we find that all the resonant states we have identified are compact tetraquark states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quasi-two-body decays
B→Pf0(500)→Pπ+π−
in the perturbative QCD approach
Authors: Zhang Jia-Wei , Cui Bo-Yan , Wu Xing-Gang , Fu Hai-Bing , Chen Ya-Hui
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we study the quasi-two-body decays B→Pf0(500)→Pπ+π− [with P=(π,K,η,η′)] within framework of perturbative QCD (PQCD) factorization approach. With the help of π−π distribution amplitude and scalar form factor Fππ(ω2), we calculate the CP averaged branching fraction and the CP asymmetry for the quasi-two-body decays B→Pf0(500)→Pπ+π−. Taking the quasi-two-body decay B+→π+f0(500)→π+π+π− as an explicit example, we present the behavior of differential branching fraction and direct CP violation versus the π−π invariant mass. The total branching fraction and direct CP violation are B(B+→π+[σ→]π+π−)=(1.78±0.41±0.51)×10−6 and ACP(B+→π+[σ→]π+π−)=(29.8±11.1±13.0)% respectively. Our results could be tested by further experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Learning
S
-matrix phases with neural operators
Authors: Niarchos Vasilis , Papageorgakis Constantinos
Published: August 2024

We use Fourier neural operators (FNOs) to study the relation between the modulus and phase of amplitudes in 2→2 elastic scattering at fixed energies. Unlike previous approaches, we do not employ the integral relation imposed by unitarity, but instead train FNOs to discover it from many samples of amplitudes with finite partial wave expansions. When trained only on true samples, the FNO correctly predicts (unique or ambiguous) phases of amplitudes with infinite partial wave expansions. When also trained on false samples, it can rate the quality of its prediction by producing a true/false classifying index. We observe that the value of this index is strongly correlated with the violation of the unitarity constraint for the predicted phase and present examples where it delineates the boundary between allowed and disallowed profiles of the modulus. Our application of FNOs is unconventional: it involves a simultaneous regression-classification task and emphasizes the role of statistics in ensembles of neural operators. We comment on the merits and limitations of the approach and its potential as a new methodology in theoretical physics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Revisiting a natural wine salt: calcium (2R,3R)-tartrate tetrahydrate
Authors: Polo Alvaro , Soriano-Jarabo Alejandro , Rodríguez Ricardo , Macías Ramón , García-Orduña Pilar , Sanz Miguel Pablo J.
Published: August 2024

The crystal structure of the salt calcium (2R,3R)-tartrate tetrahydrate {systematic name: poly[[diaqua[μ4-(2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioato]calcium(II)] dihydrate]}, {[Ca(C4H8O8)(H2O)2]·2H2O}
n
, is reported. The absolute configuration of the crystal was established unambiguously using anomalous dispersion effects in the diffraction patterns. High-quality data also allowed the location and free refinement of all the H atoms, and therefore to a careful analysis of the hydrogen-bond interactions.
AI in action: transforming learning environments in tech organizations
Authors: Bisht Spardha , Sengupta Santoshi , Kumar Manish
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this viewpoint is to present the insights of how AI is transforming the learning environment and strengthening the potential of learning and development in large tech organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper leverages the expert opinions of 4 L&D professionals, whose specialized knowledge and direct involvement in the deployment of AI technologies provide a rich, informed perspective on the evolution of learning environments.

Findings

Four key trends in AI-integration in learning environments can be seen - AI-powered personalization in learning environment; enhancing interactivity with AI; fostering collaboration and social learning; and assessment and feedback in AI-powered environments.

Originality/value

The discussion around key trends offers a strategic framework for other tech organizations to consider when deploying AI in their learning environments. This can serve as a guideline for enhancing learner engagement, personalization, and overall effectiveness of learning programs.
Corporate carbon emissions, science-based targets initiatives and firm performance: evidence from India
Authors: Bharali Saikia Meghna , Maji Santi Gopal
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of corporate carbon emissions on the financial performance of select Indian companies. It further studies the moderating role of science-based target initiatives (SBTi) in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on 57 Indian SBTi companies and 74 Bombay Stock Exchange-listed non-SBTi companies for the period of four years from 2019–2020 to 2022–2023. The panel data regression models are used to study this association. Furthermore, two-stage least square and generalized method of moments models are used to test the robustness of the results.

Findings

There is a negative relationship between corporate carbon emissions and financial performance. The findings support the “win-win” hypothesis and confirm that reducing carbon emissions can improve the financial performance of Indian firms. Furthermore, the SBTi moderate the carbon emission and firm performance nexus.

Practical implications

The findings of the study would provide insights to the policymakers, regulators and managers to mainstream climate change in their core business activities driving sustainability and profitable outcomes.

Originality/value

This study is a noble attempt to study the moderating role of science-based targets in the carbon emissions and firm performance nexus in an emerging market setting. Earlier studies have been conducted in a cross-country context.
How the law can ensure the success of value-added tax
Authors: Almarri Ali Salem
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to demonstrate how legal strategies can be used to enhance the effectiveness of value-added tax (VAT) and how taxation laws can synergise with economic goals to strengthen the economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a comprehensive approach to explore various aspects of VAT, including its mechanics, collection process and global trends. It uses a comparative analysis of different types of taxes and their potential impact on economic growth. Additionally, it examines the role of the law in establishing tax systems, and how the law makes VAT more effective.

Findings

The research highlights the importance of legal frameworks in implementing VAT strategies and addressing associated challenges. It also identifies the advantages and disadvantages of VAT and discusses its role in diversifying economic income sources to ensure a sustainable national revenue stream.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by offering insights into the interplay between law, taxation and economic development, particularly focusing on the effectiveness of VAT. It provides original perspectives on legal strategies to optimise VAT systems and enhance economic growth.
Exploring the congruence between sustainable manufacturing capabilities and Hayes and Wheelwright's four stages of strategic manufacturing effectiveness
Authors: Pande Bhavya , Adil Gajendra Kumar
Published: August 2024

Purpose

As sustainability becomes more important in manufacturing, researchers recommend using the four-stage Hayes and Wheelwright (H-W) model of strategic manufacturing effectiveness (SME) to integrate sustainable manufacturing practices (SMPs) at a strategic level. However, there is limited research on this topic. This paper investigates SMPs encompassing four sustainable manufacturing capabilities (SMCs): pollution control, pollution prevention, product stewardship, and clean technology. It relates these SMCs to the four SME stages of the H-W model, both of which form a continuum of stages.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model on the congruence between SMCs and SME stages is first established using organizational theories to identify the dominant combinations. This model is then tested by examining 178 SMPs of four large manufacturing firms.

Findings

The study reveals that the SMPs of the case firms clearly show SMC and SME stage characteristics. Few deviations from the relationships established in the theoretical model are observed, leading to a revision of the model. A major finding is that SMPs within an SMC category can span multiple SME stages.

Research limitations/implications

The study proposes a revised model based on a small sample of case firms, which may limit its broader applicability.

Practical implications

Manufacturing practitioners can use the findings of this study to plan SMPs that align with their SME goals.

Originality/value

Towards incorporating sustainability in the H-W model, this is the first major exploratory study that establishes congruent relationship between SMCs and SME stages of the H-W model.
Women on board and financial distress: channeling effect of family firms
Authors: Khuong Nguyen Vinh , Quynh Anh Mai , Thi Thanh Thao Mai , Thanh Thao Tran , Hong Hanh Nguyen , Thi Hoai Vy Le
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study seeks to evaluate gender diversity within family members and analyze its effects on financial distress in firms listed in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regression model to assess the impact of gender diversity on corporate board performance, including factors such as the presence and proportion of female directors, female directors with family ties and the gender of CEOs. The study covers 152 listed companies on the HNX and HOSE exchanges from 2015 to 2022. The GMM model is chosen for its robustness in dealing with endogeneity issues and its ability to provide consistent estimates in the presence of potential correlation between explanatory variables and unobserved effects. This approach allows for a more accurate evaluation of how gender diversity influences operational efficiency and how these companies manage financial difficulties within the sample period.

Findings

Our research shows that diversity on the Board of Directors (BOD) as well as female CEO employment not only does not reduce the financial distress of businesses but also increases this situation. However, being both a female and a family member of the BOD is negatively related to financial distress. This can help female members who have connections with the family contribute to the work of adjusting and monitoring the business's operations to suit the family's goals, contributing to improving the operational efficiency of the business. BOD maximizes profits and contributes to promoting the company's sustainable development goals. From there, limited ability to travel and financial exhaustion.

Practical implications

The empirical results obtained from this study contribute to building a solid knowledge base, supporting businesses in the policymaking process and providing empirical evidence to enrich learning materials.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence on how gender diversity influences the financial challenges of businesses, especially within the context of publicly listed companies in Vietnam. It stands out from previous literature by specifically focusing on listed companies in Vietnam. By analyzing the impact of gender diversity on financial difficulties, this study also clarifies how various factors can influence management and business development.
Financial inclusion and household consumption behaviour in Ghana
Authors: Abokyi Eric , Bettin Giulia
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between financial inclusion and household expenditure behaviour among Ghanaian households, by taking into account both formal and informal financial inclusion channels.

Design/methodology/approach

Propensity score matching as well as instrumental variable techniques are applied to data from the Ghana Living Standard Survey to investigate the effect of financial inclusion on the share of total expenditure devoted to different categories, including food, health, education, housing, durables, temptation goods and other goods.

Findings

Informal financial inclusion seems to have no substantial effect on households’ consumption behaviour, whereas formal financial inclusion significantly affects it. The study finds that formal financial inclusion is inversely related to the budget share devoted to short-term expenditure (food, temptation goods and other goods such as transport and recreation). Conversely, financially included households spend more on long-term expenditure such as education, housing and consumer durables, thus, suggesting a diversion effect towards investment in long-term physical and human capital.

Practical implications

The investigation of the heterogeneous impact across households (male vs female headed, rural vs urban) has essential policy implications on how financial inclusion can be improved among the disadvantaged groups, and with what effects.

Originality/value

The study focuses on the importance of financial inclusion in Ghana, considering both formal and informal financial inclusion channels. Previous studies only examined the overall effects on household welfare, overlooking the impact on household expenditure composition and consumption shares. The analysis also considers the heterogeneous impact of financial inclusion on households based on the gender of the household head and the location where households reside (rural, urban).
Smart city development and improvement of quality of life in urban cities of Sri Lanka: citizen-centric approach
Authors: Wijayasinghe Sachin , Sachitra Vilani
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The rise in the urban population has led to an increase in the magnitude of inequalities within the community. Smart city is an evolution of cities with technology trying to facilitate modern urbanization complexities. Success of establishing smart city initiatives can be considered as a social transforming quest with technology reaching goals at individual and collective levels, thus citizen engagement is critical in heavy technological-reliant projects. This study aims to investigate the potential of improving quality of life through a citizen-centric approach to smart city development in urban cities of Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on qualitative methods where information was gathered from 20 citizens residing across 9 provinces of the smart city initiatives based on the City Competitive Index rankings. Six-dimensional smart city model was used as a theoretical lens.

Findings

Time management issues, well-being and bleak atmosphere were identified as key challenges; Citizen-centric approaches in Sri Lanka were not satisfactory, and there was room left for improvement of quality of life. Cultural integration and socio-cultural readiness were unique findings, whereas the need for smart education was dominant to overcome challenges in progressing in citizen-centric smart city initiatives.

Practical implications

The results of the study would provide comprehensive knowledge through theoretical and academic contributions in developing countries. At the same time, policymakers, the community at large, government and service providers will primarily benefit from the practical implications of the study.

Originality/value

The study recommends focusing on a tailored smart educational approach, feedback mechanisms and sustainable policies to facilitate the progression of smart cities. Novel findings of cultural integration, socio-cultural readiness and safety should be focused more to ensure the success of smart cities in the South Asian context.
Animating arousal and engagement: empirical insights into AI-enhanced robotic performances and consumer reactions
Authors: Li Yuhao , Wang Shurui , Li Zehua
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to apply the predictive processing theory to examine the influence of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven robotic performers on audience emotions and the audience’s resulting electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) behaviors during tourism service encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative research methodology, survey responses from 339 regular customers of performing arts in tourism destinations were analyzed. The respondents were recruited through Prolific, a professional data collection platform. SPSS 23.0 was used for the preliminary analysis, from which a research model to achieve the aim was proposed. SmartPLS 3 was used for partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the model.

Findings

Interactive and novel robotic performances significantly encouraged the consumers to share their experiences online, thereby enhancing eWOM. However, melodic resonance had no significant impact on eWOM intentions. The consumers’ emotional responses fully mediated the relationship of the novelty and interactivity of the performances to the consumers’ eWOM intentions but did not mediate the relationship of the musical elements to their eWOM intentions.

Originality/value

This study enriches the understanding of how AI-driven performances impact consumers’ emotional engagement and sharing behaviors. It extends the application of the predictive processing theory to the domain of consumer behavior, offering valuable insights for enhancing audience engagement in performances through technological innovation.
Tobacco dependence and motivation to quit among patients with schizophrenia in Morocco
Authors: Ahmed Achbani , Laila Lahlou , Hicham Laaraj , Mina Ouhamou , Khalid Mouhadi , Zineb Salahddine , Omar Elomary , Mohamed Elabbani , Fatima Zahra Ramdani , Jalal Doufik , Tbatou Amine , Ismail Rammouz
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to describe and analyze the factors associated with dependence and motivation to stop smoking in patients with schizophrenia.

Design/methodology/approach

This descriptive, analytical study was conducted between October 2021 and April 2023 at two psychiatric centers in Morocco. The study population consisted of 274 smokers diagnosed with schizophrenia, who were examined just before their discharge. In addition to sociodemographic and economic data, tobacco use status and clinical information, the authors assessed dependence with Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), motivation to quit and depression.

Findings

Around three-quarters (74%) smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day, with a mean FTND score of 5.61 (±1.94). Dependence was reported in 76% of smokers. More than two-thirds (69%) had made at least one attempt to quit, and almost all participants (99%) had done so without medical assistance. Nicotine dependence was associated with income, illness duration, motivation to stop smoking and depression. In addition, lower income, level of education, number of hospitalizations, attempts to stop smoking and nicotine dependence were associated with motivation to quit tobacco use. However, depression was not associated with motivation to stop smoking.

Research limitations/implications

The present study has the following limitations: the cross-sectional nature of the study does not allow for temporal evaluation, the sampling technique does not allow for generalization of the results, participants’ responses may be subjective despite the use of validated psychometric scales.

Practical implications

The results of this research have important public health implications: Duration of schizophrenia progression was associated with nicotine dependence – highlighting the need to offer help as soon as possible after diagnosis, as a preventative measure; Calgary depression score was a factor associated with increased dependence – suggesting that screening and additional help for people with co-existing mental health problems could be important. Similarly, the onset of depression after the development of schizophrenia should be monitored.

Originality/value

The authors have further searched the literature and have not found similar studies. The absence of such studies justifies the significance of this research, and its results will be valuable for publication to guide researchers in the treatment of tobacco dependence and, furthermore, to guide the preventive efforts of health authorities in Morocco. Additionally, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind in Morocco and among the few in North Africa.
Achieving competitiveness through innovation capability: developing what public sector customers really need
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Khurram , Ahmed Sheraz , Anwar Farooq , Hussain Talib
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Firms need competitiveness in terms of quality, price, and delivery to satisfy public sector customers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of innovation capability on this competitiveness in a market-oriented firm and to determine the role of supply chain integration and marketing-technical integration in enhancing innovation capability.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model was developed to test hypotheses. Data was collected from 199 top-level managers serving pharmaceutical companies. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling was used for datas analysis.

Findings

The results highlight the vital role of innovation capability in the development of firm competitiveness. Significant results for all relationships were obtained. The effect of market orientation on supply-chain integration was stronger than its effect on marketing-technical integration. Partial multi-mediation of supply chain integration and marketing-technical integration was found in the relation between market orientation and innovation capability.

Practical implications

The study helps managers develop an efficient strategy by using firms’ innovation capability to supply products according to public sector customer needs.

Originality/value

The study is based on a real-time practical problem faced by firms, as the majority of them fail to sell their products to public sector customers. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current study is one of the first studies that discusses the role of innovation capability at the marketing-supply chain management interface to help a firm become an attractive supplier for public sector customers.
An investigation of generative AI in the classroom and its implications for university policy
Authors: Hamerman Eric J. , Aggarwal Anubhav , Martins Chrissy
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The emergence of widely available Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, presents both opportunities and threats for higher education. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence students’ current use of GenAI and students’ perceptions of how GenAI can facilitate learning, as well as informs recommendations for institutional policies related to GenAI.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was used. A survey of undergraduate business students was followed by a case study that required students to use GenAI as part of a homework assignment and then reflect on their learning experience.

Findings

Students used GenAI more frequently when they perceived that it helped their learning outcomes and when it was perceived as a social norm. Conversely, the perception that GenAI was cheating reduced its usage. Male (vs female) students used GenAI more frequently. Students preferred institutional policies that allowed the use of GenAI but also set clear boundaries for its use. They reported that the assignment that required the use of GenAI enhanced their learning experience.

Practical implications

Results from the survey and case study imply that institutions should set policies establishing clear boundaries for the use of GenAI while encouraging and training faculty to incorporate GenAI into classroom assignments. Doing so can facilitate student learning and train students on an important technology that prepares them for the workforce.

Originality/value

This study provides insight into students’ usage of GenAI, explores factors that predict its usage, provides policy recommendations for educational institutions and offers a template for incorporating GenAI into classroom assignments.
A roadmap for overcoming barriers to implementation of blockchain-enabled smart contracts in sustainable construction projects
Authors: Singh Atul Kumar , Mohandes Saeed Reza , Awuzie Bankole Osita , Omotayo Temitope , Kumar V.R. Prasath , Kidd Callum
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study delves into the challenges obstructing the integration of blockchain-enabled smart contracts (BESC) in the construction industry. Its primary objective is to identify these barriers and propose a roadmap to streamline BESC adoption, thereby promoting sustainability and resilience in building engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a unique approach, this study combines the Technology-Organization-Environment-Social (TOE + S) framework with the IF-Delphi-HF-DEMATEL-IFISM methodology. Data is collected through surveys and expert interviews, enabling a comprehensive analysis of BESC implementation barriers.

Findings

The analysis reveals significant hindrances in the construction industry’s adoption of BESC. Key obstacles include economic and market conditions, insufficient awareness and education about blockchain technology among stakeholders, and limited digital technology integration in specific cultural and societal contexts. These findings shed light on the complexities faced by the industry in embracing blockchain solutions.

Originality/value

The research makes a significant contribution by combining the TOE + S framework with the IF-Delphi-HF-DEMATEL-IFISM methodology, resulting in a comprehensive roadmap to address barriers in implementing BESC in Sustainable Construction Projects. Noteworthy for its practicality, this roadmap provides valuable guidance for construction stakeholders. Its impact extends beyond the industry, influencing both academic discourse and practical applications.
Influence of annealing temperature on 3D surface stereometric analysis in C-Ni films
Authors: Dalouji Vali , Rahimi Nasim
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the correlation between the thicknesses of the C–Ni films that have been prepared by RF-magnetron sputtering on quartz substrates and their three-dimensional (3D) micro morphology. In this work by AFM images, this paper studied stereo metric analysis of these films.

Design/methodology/approach

The C–Ni films have been prepared by RF-magnetron sputtering on quartz substrates using a mosaic target consisting of pure graphite and strips of pure nickel approximately 2 cm2 attached to the graphite race track. The field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FESEM) images were used for the morphological characterization.

Findings

The histogram peaks are zero for all samples and the histograms are almost symmetric around zero. Temperature did not have much effect on the degree of isolation, so all four diagrams have similar results. The qualitative observations through statistical parameters of the 3D surface texture revealed that the smoothest surface has been obtained for C-Ni films annealed at 500 °C (Sa, Sq, Sz and Sv have the lower values), while the most irregular topography has been found for C-Ni films annealed at 300 °C (the fractal dimension D = 2.01 ± 0.131).

Originality/value

As shown in FESEM images, the size of the particles was increased for films deposited from 300 ºC to 800ºC; however, at 1000ºC, it decreased significantly. The histogram peaks are zero for all samples and the histograms were almost symmetric around zero. Also, the largest and lowest root mean heights (Sq) belong to films at 300 °C and 500 °C. Furthermore, the more irregular surface was found at 300 °C, and the more regular surface was found at 500 °C. As the temperature was increased to 800 °C, the values of the IAPSD function increased systematically, and then the values of the IAPSD function was decreased in the fourth sample. The surface skewness of samples annealed at 1000 °C was positive which confirms the lack of dominance of cavities on their surface with the highest amount of C-Ni films at 800 °C.
Identifying online user discourses triggered by destination stakeholder reactions
Authors: Pikkemaat Birgit , Pachucki Christoph , Scholl-Grissemanne Ursula
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Previous research acknowledges the importance of stakeholders for destination branding. However, there is a lack of studies examining which specific online user discourses are triggered by stakeholder responses to destination brand communication. To address this gap, the purpose of this study is to analyze online user discourses initiated by stakeholder’s reactions to a destination image video and thus enhance knowledge on brand communication and management.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigated 2,187 online comments to 19 medial stakeholder reactions to a destination management organization (DMO) image video both by running a manual as well as a software-based content analysis. The explorative empirical study identifies seven major categories reflecting online user discourses triggered by stakeholder reactions to destination brand communication.

Findings

The explorative study indicates that stakeholder reactions to destination brand communication trigger online comments evolving within both the inner and outer tourism system. The discourse subjects, in turn, reflect both user-generated content of brand cocreation and brand codestruction. The findings expand literature in that previous studies on brand cocreation mainly refer to service encounters.

Practical implications

By identifying which online user discourses are triggered by stakeholder reactions to DMO brand communication, the authors provide managerial implications. Specifically, the authors suggest guidelines for all stages of destination communication campaigns to support online user discourses reflecting brand value cocreation and preventing brand value codestruction.

Originality/value

The study responds to a lack of research on online user discourses initiated by stakeholder reactions to DMO brand communication. Contrary to previous studies, the authors identify specific online user discourses relating not only to the inner but also to the outer tourism interest system. Revealed discourses, in turn, reflect brand cocreation and brand codestruction.
Drivers of consumer trust in mHealth apps among young consumers: a socio-technical approach
Authors: Rai Nishtha , Srivastava Ankur
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors influencing trust toward mobile health applications (mhealth apps) among young consumers. By building on the socio-technical systems framework and self-congruence theory, the authors develop and examine a conceptual model of the trusting intentions of young consumers toward mhealth apps.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study was collected from a sample of 285 young consumers via an online survey by using a purposive sampling method. All the respondents were existing users of health apps and resided in the urban areas of the country. The sample comprised 53% male respondents and 47% female respondents. Subsequently, the data was analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The findings revealed that psychological factors like self-congruence and technical factors such as flow experience and perceived playfulness aid in building trust among young mhealth app users, which in turn influences the purchase intention and user loyalty toward the application. Social factors like perceived critical mass and social influence did not significantly impact trust.

Research limitations/implications

The data was collected from Generation Z, recognized as the most influential consumer demographic worldwide, primarily involved in mhealth app usage. Nonetheless, it is essential to understand that these findings might only partially apply to a specific user group. In addition, the study did not focus on any specific mhealth applications. Hence, it is prudent to exercise caution when generalizing these results to the broader population.

Originality/value

This study advances the comprehension of socio-technical elements in establishing trust, subsequently impacting purchase intentions and loyalty among young users in the context of mhealth apps. In addition, it expands the socio-technical framework by incorporating a psychological factor that could influence trust and purchase intentions toward mhealth apps. Furthermore, the post hoc findings reinforce this comprehension by identifying the moderating effects of operating system type and gender. These insights could provide valuable guidance for developing tailored marketing strategies targeting the young consumer base.
Evidence for a by‐product mutualism in a group hunter depends on prey movement state
Authors: Pacher K. , Krause J. , Bartashevich P. , Romanczuk P. , Bideau P. , Pham D. , Burns A. L. , Deffner D. , Dhellemmes F. , Binder B. , Boswell K. M. , Galván‐Magaña F. , Domenici P. , Hansen M. J.
Published: August 2024

Group‐hunting animals have been shown to engage their prey in long pursuits (kms) to increase capture success, but the evidence for this is limited to a few terrestrial species. This predation strategy may be effective in the open‐ocean, where group‐hunts are characterised by large predator–prey size ratios and there are few places for prey to hide.

However, recording the attack rates, capture rates and capture success probabilities of grouping predators during long‐distance pursuits through the open ocean, remains a significant challenge.

Here we use a combination of underwater and aerial video to assess the attack and capture behaviour of striped marlin, Kajikia audax, in relation to the movement of their schooling prey (‘stationary’ and ‘mobile’ movement states) during group hunts.

We found that the attack rate was higher when the prey school was ‘stationary’ and, during these times, individual marlin could make longer sequences of uninterrupted attacks on the prey school, effectively monopolising the prey resource for short periods over conspecifics.

When the prey school was ‘mobile’, the attack pattern changed and individual marlin alternated their attacks on the prey school more frequently. Capture success probability (likelihood of capture per attack) was not affected by prey movement state. However, attacks on ‘mobile’ schools resulted in more prey fish becoming isolated from the school, and these isolated prey were easily captured—not by the attacker but by conspecifics swimming nearby.

The likelihood of a prey becoming isolated from a ‘mobile’ school was predicted by prey school speed, with a 0.1 m s−1 increase leading to an 18.01% increase in the chance of isolation.

Altogether this meant the capture rate at the group level was highest when the prey school was ‘mobile’ rather than ‘stationary’ because the predators that were pursuing the ‘mobile’ prey school had an increased availability of isolated and easy to capture prey.

This mechanism provides evidence for a by‐product mutualism selecting for conspecific group formation and we discuss our findings in consideration of the social structure of the hunting group and the type of prey.

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‘A Cultivated Leader and Sensible Spokesman for Black African Views’1: Britain's Courting of KaNgwane Chief Minister Enos J. Mabuza
Authors: FEATHER DANIEL J.
Published: August 2024

This article analyses British policymakers’ efforts to court Enos John Mabuza, Chief Minister of the self‐governing South African homeland of KaNgwane, in the final years of apartheid. It contends that despite taking place nearly 30 years apart, there were striking similarities between British policy at the end of apartheid and in the era of decolonisation, particularly the efforts to build relations with moderate nationalists in an effort to maintain long‐term influence. While KaNgwane was a small territory lacking in material resources, Mabuza, as a moderate Black leader working within the law to challenge apartheid, took on greater importance in the minds of British policymakers seeking a peaceful transfer of power in South Africa. This was helped by Mabuza's ability to maintain relations with a diverse range of important political actors including the South African government, KwaZulu Chief Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and the African National Congress in exile. Additionally, KaNgwane's close proximity to Mozambique, which at the time was in the midst of a civil war, also gave the territory greater prominence. This article will highlight how Mabuza used these interconnecting factors to demonstrate his value as an important ‘interlocutor’ for Britain, which in turn saw him extract important resources for both the KaNgwane people and his own family, as well as a degree of protection from interference by the South African government.