bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolving ancient gene transfers clarifies the early co-evolution of eukaryotes and giant viruses
Authors: Karki Sangita , Aylward Frank O.
Published: July 2023

Members of the phylumNucleocytoviricota, also called “giant viruses” due to their large physical dimensions and genome lengths, are a diverse group of dsDNA viruses that infect a wide range of eukaryotic hosts. Nucleocytoviruses likely evolved from smaller viruses, but the timing of their emergence and its relationship to the early evolution of eukaryotes remains unclear. Recent work has shown that the genomes of nucleocytoviruses often encode Eukaryotic Signature Proteins (ESPs) - including histones, vesicular trafficking factors, cytoskeletal components, and elements of RNA and DNA processing - that occur only rarely outside of eukaryotes. To investigate patterns of gene exchange between viruses and eukaryotes and possibly shed light on the early evolution of both, we examined the occurrence of viral-encoded ESPs (vESPs) and performed a comprehensive phylogenetic reconstruction on a subset that are widespread in nucleocytoviruses. Our results demonstrate that vESPs involved in cytoskeletal structure, ubiquitin system, and vesicular trafficking were acquired multiple times independently by nucleocytoviruses at different timepoints after the emergence of the eukaryotic supergroups. In contrast, vESPs involved in DNA and RNA processing are placed deep in their respective phylogenies, indicative of ancient gene exchange between nucleocytoviruses and eukaryotes. Examination of vESPs that could be rooted in archaea revealed that nucleocytoviruses likely acquired some of these genes prior to the emergence of the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA). Importantly, our findings also suggest that the eukaryotic delta DNA polymerase was acquired from nucleocytoviruses sometime during eukaryogenesis, underscoring the importance of viruses for early eukaryotic evolution. Collectively, these results suggest that gene exchange between nucleocytoviruses and eukaryotes played important roles in the evolution of both prior to the emergence of LECA.
The AAA+ protein Msp1 recognizes substrates by a hydrophobic mismatch
Authors: Fresenius Heidi L. , Gaur Deepika , Smith Baylee , Acquaviva Brian , Wohlever Matthew L.
Published: July 2023

An essential aspect of protein quality control is enzymatic removal of membrane proteins from the lipid bilayer. Failures in this essential cellular process are associated with neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Msp1 is a AAA+ (ATPases Associated with diverse cellular Activities) protein that removes mistargeted proteins from the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). How Msp1 selectively recognizes and extracts substrates within the complex OMM ecosystem, and the role of the lipid bilayer on these processes is unknown. Here, we describe the development of fully defined, rapid, and quantitative extraction assay that retains physiological substrate selectivity. Using this new assay, we systematically modified both substrates and the lipid environment to demonstrate that Msp1 recognizes substrates by a hydrophobic mismatch between the substrate TMD and the lipid bilayer. We further demonstrate that the rate limiting step in Msp1 activity is extraction of the TMD from the lipid bilayer. Together, these results provide foundational insights into how the lipid bilayer influences AAA+ mediated membrane protein extraction.
Chromatin remodeling of histone H3 variants underlies epigenetic inheritance of DNA methylation
Authors: Lee Seung Cho , Adams Dexter W. , Ipsaro Jonathan J. , Cahn Jonathan , Lynn Jason , Kim Hyun-Soo , Berube Benjamin , Major Viktoria , Calarco Joseph P. , LeBlanc Chantal , Bhattacharjee Sonali , Ramu Umamaheswari , Grimanelli Daniel , Jacob Yannick , Voigt Philipp , Joshua-Tor Leemor , Martienssen Robert A.
Published: July 2023

Epigenetic inheritance refers to the faithful replication of DNA methylation and histone modification independent of DNA sequence. Nucleosomes block access to DNA methyltransferases, unless they are remodeled by DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION1 (DDM1Lsh/HELLS), a Snf2-like master regulator of epigenetic inheritance. We show that DDM1 activity results in replacement of the transcriptional histone variant H3.3 for the replicative variant H3.1 during the cell cycle. Inddm1mutants, DNA methylation can be restored by loss of the H3.3 chaperone HIRA, while the H3.1 chaperone CAF-1 becomes essential. The single-particle cryo-EM structure at 3.2 Å of DDM1 with a variant nucleosome reveals direct engagement at SHL2 with histone H3.3 at or near variant residues required for assembly, as well as with the deacetylated H4 tail. An N-terminal autoinhibitory domain binds H2A variants to allow remodeling, while a disulfide bond in the helicase domain is essential for activityin vivoandin vitro. We show that differential remodeling of H3 and H2A variantsin vitroreflects preferential depositionin vivo. DDM1 co-localizes with H3.1 and H3.3 during the cell cycle, and with the DNA methyltransferase MET1Dnmt1. DDM1 localization to the chromosome is blocked by H4K16 acetylation, which accumulates at DDM1 targets inddm1mutants, as does the sperm cell specific H3.3 variant MGH3 in pollen, which acts as a placeholder nucleosome in the germline and contributes to epigenetic inheritance.
Mitochondrial proteostasis mediated by CRL5Ozzand Alix maintains skeletal muscle function
Authors: Campos Yvan , Rodriguez-Enriquez Ricardo , Palacios Gustavo , Van de Vlekkert Diantha , Qiu Xiaohui , Weesner Jayce , Gomero Elida , Demmers Jeroen , Bertorini Tulio , Opferman Joseph T. , Grosveld Gerard C. , d’Azzo Alessandra
Published: July 2023

High energy-demanding tissues, such as skeletal muscle, require mitochondrial proteostasis to function properly. Two quality-control mechanisms, the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and the release of mitochondria-derived vesicles, safeguard mitochondrial proteostasis. However, whether these processes interact is unknown. Here we show that the E3 ligase CRL5Ozz, a member of the UPS, and its substrate Alix control the mitochondrial concentration of Slc25A4, a solute carrier that is essential for ATP production. The mitochondria inOzz−/−orAlix−/−skeletal muscle share overt morphologic alterations (they are supernumerary, swollen, and dysmorphic) and have abnormal metabolomic profiles. We found that CRL5Ozzubiquitinates Slc25A4 and promotes its proteasomal degradation, while Alix facilitates SLC25A4 loading into exosomes destined for lysosomal destruction. The loss of Ozz or Alix offsets steady-state levels of Slc25A4, which disturbs mitochondrial metabolism and alters muscle fiber composition. These findings reveal hitherto unknown regulatory functions of Ozz and Alix in mitochondrial proteostasis.
The contribution of gene flow, selection, and genetic drift to five thousand years of human allele frequency change
Authors: Simon Alexis , Coop Graham
Published: July 2023

Genomic time series from experimental evolution studies and ancient DNA datasets offer us a chance to directly observe the interplay of various evolutionary forces. We show how the genome-wide variance in allele frequency change between two time points can be decomposed into the contributions of gene flow, genetic drift, and linked selection. In closed populations, the contribution of linked selection is identifiable because it creates covariances between time intervals, and genetic drift does not. However, repeated gene flow between populations can also produce directionality in allele frequency change, creating covariances. We show how to accurately separate the fraction of variance in allele frequency change due to admixture and linked selection in a population receiving gene flow. We use two human ancient DNA datasets, spanning around 5,000 years, as time transects to quantify the contributions to the genome-wide variance in allele frequency change. We find that a large fraction of genome-wide change is due to gene flow. In both cases, after correcting for known major gene flow events, we do not observe a signal of genome-wide linked selection. Thus despite the known role of selection in shaping long-term polymorphism levels, and an increasing number of examples of strong selection on single loci and polygenic scores from ancient DNA, it appears to be gene flow and drift, and not selection, that are the main determinants of recent genome-wide allele frequency change. Our approach should be applicable to the growing number of contemporary and ancient temporal population genomics datasets.

Significance statement

The relative contribution of random genetic drift and natural selection to the change in allele frequencies through time is a long standing question in Evolutionary Biology. We show through theory and simulation how genomic time series – such as ancient DNA datasets – can be used to decompose the genome-wide contributions of selection, gene flow, and genetic drift to allele frequency change. We apply these methods to two time time series from ancient Europeans and show that gene flow accounts for most allele frequency change over the last few thousand years, with genetic drift and not selection making up much of the rest of the contribution to genome-wide evolutionary change.
Arbuscular mycorrhiza convey significant plant carbon to a diverse hyphosphere microbial food web and mineral-associated organic matter
Authors: Kakouridis Anne , Yuan Mengting , Nuccio Erin E. , Hagen John A. , Fossum Christina A. , Moore Madeline L. , Estera-Molina Katerina Y. , Nico Peter S. , Weber Peter K. , Pett-Ridge Jennifer , Firestone Mary K.
Published: July 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) transport substantial plant carbon (C) that serves as a substrate for other soil organisms, a precursor of soil organic matter (SOM), and a driver of soil microbial dynamics. Using two-chamber microcosms where an air gap isolated AMF from roots, we13CO2-labeledAvena barbatafor six weeks and measured. the CRhizophagus intraradicestransferred to SOM and hyphosphere microorganisms.

NanoSIMS imaging, IRMS,13C NMR, and SOM density fractionation showed hyphae and roots had similar13C enrichment. AMF transferred 0.77 mg C per g of soil (increasing total C by 2%); 33% was found in occluded or mineral-associated pools, primarily as carbohydrates.

In the AMF hyphosphere, there was no overall change in community diversity but 36 bacterial ASVs significantly changed in relative abundance. With stable isotope probing (SIP)-enabled shotgun sequencing, we found taxa from the Solibacterales, Sphingobacteriales, Myxococcales and Nitrososphaerales (ammonium oxidizing archaea) were highly enriched in AMF-imported13C (>20 atom%). Mapping13C-enriched metagenome-assembled genomes to total ASVs showed at least 92 bacteria and archaea were significantly13C-enriched.

Our results illustrate the quantitative impact of hyphal C transport on the formation of potentially protective SOM pools and indicate microbial roles in the AMF hyphosphere soil food web.
N-(3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridine-3-carboxamide
Authors: Tian Guimiao , Long Sihui
Published: July 2023

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C13H11ClN2O2, the molecules form a three-dimensional network based on two types of hydrogen bonds between NH groups and the carbonyl oxygen atoms and amides. The molecule is highly twisted, as evidenced by the dihedral angle between the 6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridine and benzene rings [88.1 (2)°].
How broadcasters' characteristics affect viewers' loyalty: the role of parasocial relationships
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Zongshui , Jian Ling , Sun Zhuo
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study applies parasocial relationship theory to identify the role of broadcaster characteristics in the highly interactive business setting of live streaming commerce.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 401 online questionnaires were distributed to individuals with live streaming showroom shopping experience, and SmartPLS software was used to analyse the data and test the hypotheses.

Findings

Broadcasters' characteristics are positively associated with viewers' parasocial relationships, thus further enhancing viewers' attitudinal and behavioural loyalty towards that broadcaster's streams. Parasocial relationships mediate the effects of most broadcaster characteristics (except for expertise) on attitudinal and behavioural loyalty. In addition, parasocial relationships have a stronger positive effect on viewer behaviours for hedonic products and under high match-up.

Originality/value

The broadcaster is a key indicator of the success of live streaming commerce. This study establishes a well-organized framework to understand how broadcaster characteristics influence viewer loyalty towards that broadcasters' streams based on parasocial relationship theory.
Credit default swaps, investor protection, and audit cost: international evidence
Authors: Akorsu Patrick Kwashie
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Credit Default Swap (CDS) trading alters equilibrium interactive monitoring of external corporate monitors due to a possible change in private lenders' incentive to monitor client firms. This study explores how audit fees change in response to CDS trade initiation on client firms and how this effect is moderated by investor protection.

Design/methodology/approach

With 6,052 cross-country firm observations, the author conducts estimations in the systems dynamic general methods of moments framework.

Findings

The author documents that audit fees rise on average after CDS trade initiations with and/or without investor protection. Meanwhile, change in auditors' risk perception result in increased audit costs when CDS trade initiation and investor protection interact. The effect of CDS trading on audit fees remain after controlling for firm, audit, and auditor features are robust to different proxies of audit cost.

Practical implications

The need for firms in high investor protection jurisdictions to initiate CDS trade to implement policies in order to maximize their gains from investor protection activities to lessen the overall impact of any increased audit cost that may arise. Furthermore, CDS regulation may be strategically targeted to lessen the effect of increased audit costs on firms after initiation. This would ensure that the resulting increase in audit cost may not materially impact the cash or profitability position of such firms.

Originality/value

This study is distinct from previous ones by focusing on variation in private lenders incentive to monitor after CDS trade initiation after controlling for possible monitoring by short-term creditors. Given that monitoring is not costless for private lenders and CDS trading on their borrowers causes a change in this cost structure, the author documents how auditors react to such changes in incentive to monitor.
What drives consumers to use P2P payment systems? An analytical approach based on the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) model
Authors: Irimia-Diéguez Ana , Liébana-Cabanillas Francisco , Blanco-Oliver Antonio , Lara-Rubio Juan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Traditional payment systems based on cash and bank cards are being replaced by new innovative formats. This research analyzes the success factors in the adoption by customers of Bizum, a peer-to-peer (P2P) mobile payment system widely used in Spain. This study proposes a theoretical framework based on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) model and includes the analysis of the moderating effect of perceived risk and the mediating effect of perceived trust.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the proposed objectives, an online questionnaire was administered to 701 Spanish smartphone users, potential users of the proposed P2P payment systems.

Findings

The results show that perceived usefulness is the most important predictor of intention to use. Additionally, a medium predictive relevance performance of the proposed model is found.

Originality/value

This research contributes to a more holistic understanding of the adoption of P2P payment systems and provides new business opportunities that companies can exploit through the use of this technology.
Green human resource management and environmental performance: mediating role of green innovation – a study from an emerging country
Authors: Rana Geeta , Arya Vikas
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study sought to determine the role of green human resource management (GHRM) in fostering employees' environmental performance (ENVP). This study aims to advance knowledge related to the role of firms’ GHRM activities in cultivating eco-responsible behaviors among employees, considering green innovation (GI) as a mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, data of 579 respondents were collected from employees working in the manufacturing industry in India. In all, 579 employees from the manufacturing sector in India participated in the study. The proposed model was tested using SMART PLS 3.3.

Findings

The findings of this study stated that GHRM was found significantly to predict ENVP in the Indian manufacturing industry, and GI exhibited partial mediation. This study emphasizes that GHRM activities carried out by firms encourage employees to engage in innovation to develop green products and find novel green operation processes to improve firms’ ENVP.

Research limitations/implications

As this study is limited to manufacturing organizations in India, the results of this study cannot be generalized; future studies may examine the proposed model in different contexts to generalize findings.

Originality/value

This study encourages policymakers to devise laws to enable organizations to implement GHRM practices. This study contributes to the existing literature on the environmental aspects of corporate social responsibility and environmental management. This study is one of the few attempts that seek to assess the relationship between GHRM, ENVP and GI in the Indian manufacturing industry. The contribution of this paper is significant to limit GHRM literature, as it empirically investigates the association between GHRM and ENVP.
Understanding knowledge hiding in organizations: a bibliometric analysis of research trends between 2005 and 2022
Authors: Farooq Rayees , Durst Susanne
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Considering the increasing interest devoted to knowledge hiding in the workplace and academic research, the aim of this study is to analyze the existing literature on knowledge hiding to understand and trace how it has evolved over time and to uncover emerging areas for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used performance analysis and science mapping to analyze a sample of 243 studies published between 2005 and 2022. The study focused on analyzing the scientific productivity of articles, themes and authors.

Findings

The results of performance and science mapping analysis indicate that the concept of knowledge hiding behavior evolved recently and a majority of the studies have been conducted in the past decade. The study found that knowledge hiding is still in its infancy and has been studied in relation to other themes such as knowledge sharing, knowledge management, knowledge withholding and knowledge transfer. The study identified emerging themes, productive authors and countries, affiliations, collaboration network of authors, countries and institutions and co-occurrence of keywords.

Originality/value

Compared to the recent developments in the knowledge hiding behavior, the present study is more comprehensive in terms of the methods and databases used. The results of the study contribute to the existing literature on knowledge hiding and knowledge withholding.
The impact of Covid-19 on struggling ethnic minority entrepreneurs' business strategy: the case of Bangladeshi curry houses in the United Kingdom
Authors: Razzak B M , Idris Bochra , Hasan Rahaman , Saridakis George , Hansen Jared M.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper outlines ways in which struggling ethnic minority entrepreneurial service ventures and their owners might respond to unforeseen economic and social shocks. Interviews with owners of Bangladeshi Curry Houses in the United Kingdom — whom historically have lower performance rates compared to other ethnic minority businesses in the country — reveal that the entrepreneurs' response strategies undertaken to survive and remain in the business despite the challenges faced from operating in a turbulence environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted depth phone interviews with owners of Bangladeshi Curry Houses in London during January and February of 2021. The Gioia methodology was applied to the interview scripts to identify which crisis themes exist.

Findings

Despite no advanced educational training, Bangladeshi owners have applied all of the different crisis management techniques present in larger companies: retrenchment, persevering, innovation, and exit. Although the results show that government schemes aimed at helping small businesses have contributed significantly to their survival, concerns regarding the post-health crisis situation remain challenging and threatening for their growth and survivability.

Originality/value

The results indicates that the ethnic minority owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are less likely to plan for the future operations; furthermore, they tend not to have formulated a strategy for dealing with an external shock hence affecting and threatening their performance and competitiveness in the marketplace.
Bibliometric analysis of value-added tax research: a comparative study between European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Authors: Al Mazroui Tif Said Suhail , Thottoli Mohammed Muneerali , Al Alawi Maathir Mohammed Saud , Al Shukaili Noor Talal Hamed , Al Hoqani Duaa Suleiman Amur
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to compare recent topics on value-added tax (VAT) in the European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), understand the differences in VAT discourses between the two regions and explore the connection between research agendas, institutional legacies and semantic output in the field of VAT in each territory.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric study was conducted using R programming. The data were gathered from the Scopus database, which contains 99 English-language publications with publication dates ranging from 1996 to 2022 (87 of which are from the EU and 12 from the GCC). Information about publications, journals, authors and citations is gathered, validated, cross-referenced and analyzed using bibliometric metrics.

Findings

The results highlight two ideal research contexts for studying VAT: the EU countries approach VAT research with a centralized, pluralistic and quantitative focus, while the GCC countries adopt a centralized, qualitative and practically oriented approach, highlighting distinct research goals, collaboration styles and institutional legacies. The authors extend their result findings to broader discussions on competing knowledge systems in VAT, the significance of the state and the level of autonomy within tax governance after identifying the most popular issues among scholars working in GCC and EU countries.

Research limitations/implications

Although the focus of this analysis is restricted to the GCC and EU, it includes theoretical recommendations for broadening its application to other nations. Researchers from the GCC and the EU may benefit from this study by gaining more about VAT and being encouraged to share their research with young researchers. The study’s findings are relevant and important for comprehending the comparative state of research on VAT in GCC and EU countries, tax fields, publications and institutions.

Originality/value

This study analyzes the VAT systems of the GCC and the EU while identifying the intellectual structure of the field from each author’s point of view, revealing the scientometrics and informetrics intellectual structures in detail.
Designing the competency model of human resource managers based on paradox theory (case study: information and communication technology industry)
Authors: Nayebpour Hamid , Sehhat Saied
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The main goal of any organization is to achieve the best quality of work through employees, and managers play a very important role in this field. Managers and leaders of organizations often face with paradoxes that make decision-making difficult. The purpose of this paper is to develop a competency model for human resource managers considering the importance of the role of paradoxes for organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is of a mixed type and with an approach based on paradox theory and using theme analysis and fuzzy Delphi, it seeks to provide a model of paradoxical managers’ competence. The statistical sample included 11 experts working in the information and communication technology industry, who were selected using the snowball and judgmental sampling method.

Findings

The results of this research show that the competency model of human resource managers has three managerial, organizational and individual levels and has 15 themes including strategic partner, organizational knowledge, awareness of the industry environment, awareness of the external environment, paradoxical thinking, managerial knowledge, relationship management, resource management , leadership, human resources analyzer, information technology (IT) knowledge, personality traits, development, multitasking and cognitive competence. The most important theme identified is paradoxical thinking and familiarity with IT knowledge, and it is suggested that human resource managers working in this field should preferably study technical and engineering fields at the undergraduate level and shift to human resource management fields at the graduate level.

Originality/value

The distinguishing feature of this paper is the presentation of a competency model based on paradox theory. Paradoxes are part of organizational life. Therefore, there should be a paradoxical view in all organizational analysis.
The development and validation of a tool measuring administrators' attitude towards the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Program
Authors: Kundu Arnab , Gorai Jitendranath , Angadi Gavisiddappa R.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was the development and validation (D&V) of an assessment tool to measure administrators' attitudes towards the ‘Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Program (AEDP)’ in higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

A rigorous empirical method was followed encompassing four D&V phases: literature review, theoretical or face validation, validation with possible respondents or semantic validation and statistical validation. A pilot study was conducted among 150 randomly selected administrators from 50 different HEIs in India. The collected data were analyzed for statistical validation using exploratory factor analysis followed by confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The final version of the 21-item three-dimensional scale was found effective having significant degrees of reliability and validity. Exploratory factor analysis endorsed the factor extractions and data adequacy. The average variance extracted (AVE) for the three constructs (0.59, 0.70 and 0.66, respectively) were higher than the threshold value of 0.5, authorizing the convergent validity. The Cronbach alpha values (0.79, 0.81 and 0.77) were higher than the threshold value of 0.70, endorsing factors as reliable. Confirmatory factor analysis ascertained the multi-dimensionality of the scale and model fit having passable convergent validity. Discriminant validity (DV) was determined using the Fornell-Larcker criterion.

Research limitations/implications

The newly developed “Administrators’ Attitude towards AEDP Scale” will serve as a valid psychometric tool for future research accosting AEDP implementation. It could be administered as an electronic tool as well, subject to potential adjustments reducing the identified ceiling effects and floor effects.

Originality/value

The scale is a unique addition to the allied literature based on an original empirical survey finding conducted in India.
An ecosystem approach to Web3.0: a systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Guan Chong , Ding Ding , Guo Jiancang , Teng Yun
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper reviews the extant research on Web3.0 published between 2003 and 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a topic modeling procedure latent Dirichlet allocation to uncover the research themes and the key phrases associated with each theme.

Findings

This study uncovers seven research themes that have been featured in the existing research. In particular, the study highlights the interaction among the research themes that contribute to the understanding of a number of solutions, applications and use cases, such as metaverse and non-fungible tokens.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the relatively small data size of the study, the results remain significant as they contribute to a more profound comprehension of the relevant field and offer guidance for future research directions. The previous analysis revealed that the current Web3.0 technology is still encountering several challenges. Building upon the pioneering research in the field of blockchain, decentralized networks, smart contracts and algorithms, the study proposes an exploratory agenda for future research from an ecosystem approach, targeting to enhance the current state of affairs.

Originality/value

Although topics around Web3.0 have been discussed intensively among the crypto community and technological enthusiasts, there is limited research that provides a comprehensive description of all the related issues and an in-depth analysis of their real-world implications from an ecosystem perspective.
How gamified online loyalty programs enable and facilitate value co-creation: a case study within a sports-related service context
Authors: Dreher Frederic , Ströbel Tim
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to gain insights from a case study into how gamified loyalty programs enable and facilitate value co-creation and what underlying purpose organizations pursue when engaging with members in such a program.

Design/methodology/approach

A multimethod approach is deployed consisting of an observational and an explorative study. The authors collaborate with adidas, one of the leading (sports) retailers in the world. A five-month netnographic study is conducted on the adiClub, the online loyalty program of adidas. Based on the findings of this first study, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in a second study with adidas managers from diverse backgrounds currently involved in projects and day-to-day work related to the adiClub. The exclusive interview data provide further insights and help interpret and validate the netnographic observations.

Findings

Most value co-creation studies on engagement platforms in marketing relate to social media, physical events or online forums. Based on the multimethod approach of this study, existing research is extended on how online loyalty programs enable and facilitate value co-creation. Furthermore, the authors identify the organizational purpose behind engaging in value co-creation practices along the social, economic and ecological dimensions.

Practical implications

This case study offers implications for organizations on how online loyalty programs enable and facilitate value co-creation through gamification. In addition, it connects the value co-creation practices with the respective purpose that organizations pursue with related activities. Hence, it further enhances the knowledge and repertoire of managers for setting up and running gamified online loyalty programs.

Originality/value

Increased gamification driven by the advances of digital transformation enables and facilitates value co-creation, which initiates unprecedented digital sales potential for service organizations. Research about the digital transformation of value co-creation remains scarce. The authors seek to address this research gap by focusing on value co-creating activities within online loyalty programs.
Perspectives on cannabis risks and harm reduction among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention programs: a qualitative study
Authors: Ghelani Amar
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The Canadian government legalized cannabis in 2018 and funded harm reduction campaigns to educate youth about the risks. Cannabis can contribute to psychosis in vulnerable populations, and consumption is common among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) programs. The purpose of this study is to understand the views of youth in EPI programs on the risks related to cannabis and methods to reduce those risks.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative design and thematic analysis were used to understand the perspectives of youth in EPI programs (n = 15) towards cannabis risks and harm reduction.

Findings

Participants associated Δ−9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with problems related to cognition, psychosis, respiration, addiction, motivation, finances, relationships and anxiety. Cannabidiol (CBD) was believed to be safe and risk-free. To reduce the risks associated with THC, participants suggested using in moderation, delaying use, using CBD over THC, accessing legal sources, avoiding high THC dosages and using non-combustible methods.

Research limitations/implications

Participants self-selected to participate, were psychiatrically stable and may not represent youth in EPI programs with more severe psychotic symptoms.

Practical implications

Assessing risk perceptions, motives for use and perspectives towards the cannabis and psychosis connection can reveal educational needs. CBD may offer a harm reduction option for EPI clients wanting to decrease THC intake, though more research is needed and adverse effects should be explained. Educational campaigns should disseminate the connection between cannabis and psychosis to facilitate early intervention.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature by highlighting knowledge of harm reduction methods and gaps in risk awareness among EPI program youth.
Homelessness: measuring need to design more inclusive services
Authors: Woods Angela , Lace Rebecca , Dickinson Joanne , Hughes Ben
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper – the second of three – is to report the findings from a service user needs assessment in those who have contact with a local homelessness service in the North-West of England.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire that included a section exploring Adverse Childhood Experiences. Aggregated data from a total of 100 completed questionnaires were analysed to understand the nature and scope of those accessing the Homelessness and Vulnerable Adults Service (HVAS).

Findings

Homeless people accessing HVAS face a number of challenges, which reflect their upbringing and chaotic and complex lifestyles. Reports of multiple disadvantage, social isolation, physical and mental health problems were common among the cohort.

Research limitations/implications

This was a small cohort study, and the authors accept that this may potentially limit the scope of the findings. Themes identified are, however, reflected in wider research and official data collection sources. Future research may seek to widen the data collection methods to offer a more representative cohort.

Practical implications

The provision of co-ordinated multi-agency support is essential to tackle health inequalities experienced by those who are homeless.

Social implications

The complex issues often experienced by those who are homeless can further compound the impact of social exclusion on health and well-being. The reduction of statutory support and increased emphasis on self-reliance can further impact those people on the margins of society.

Originality/value

This study identifies how multiple deprivations and social isolation impacts upon health and well-being, further compounding a person’s ability and willingness to engage with services. It raises the question of the systems failure to respond effectively.
Boosting visual servoing performance through RGB-based methods
Authors: Fei Haolin , Wang Ziwei , Tedeschi Stefano , Kennedy Andrew
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate and compare the performance of different computer vision algorithms in the context of visual servoing for augmented robot perception and autonomy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors evaluated and compared three different approaches: a feature-based approach, a hybrid approach and a machine-learning-based approach. To evaluate the performance of the approaches, experiments were conducted in a simulated environment using the PyBullet physics simulator. The experiments included different levels of complexity, including different numbers of distractors, varying lighting conditions and highly varied object geometry.

Findings

The experimental results showed that the machine-learning-based approach outperformed the other two approaches in terms of accuracy and robustness. The approach could detect and locate objects in complex scenes with high accuracy, even in the presence of distractors and varying lighting conditions. The hybrid approach showed promising results but was less robust to changes in lighting and object appearance. The feature-based approach performed well in simple scenes but struggled in more complex ones.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the superiority of a hybrid algorithm that incorporates a deep neural network in a feature detector for image-based visual servoing, which demonstrates stronger robustness in object detection and location against distractors and lighting conditions.
The effect of eWOM on consumer purchase intention and mediating role of brand equity: a study of apparel brands
Authors: Khan Zebran , Khan Ariba , Nabi Mohammed Kamalun , Khanam Zeba , Arwab Mohd
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how electronic word of mouth (eWOM) affects purchase intention and brand equity, and to further examine the mediating role of brand equity between eWOM and purchase intention among Indian consumers of branded apparel.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from 303 consumers of branded apparel using an online questionnaire, and data were analyzed through structural equation modeling with the help of SPSS v24 and AMOS v23.

Findings

The findings of this study demonstrated that eWOM has a positive and significant influence on brand equity and purchase intention. Simultaneously, brand equity partially mediates between the eWOM and purchase intention of consumers of apparel brands.

Research limitations/implications

The study's data set is limited in its generalizability as it is based on specific responses from Indian consumers of branded apparel via an online survey. The results of this study would help marketing practitioners and apparel manufacturers to augment their sales and design their promotional strategy in accordance with consumers' traits.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to propose an integrative model that studies relationships between eWOM, brand equity and purchase intention by incorporating the Elaboration Likelihood Model among Indian consumers of branded apparel. Furthermore, this novel piece of research explores the relationship between eWOM and purchase intention with brand equity as a mediator, particularly for branded apparel selected by Indian consumers.
Development and characterization of grinding sludge-reinforced aluminum-based composite by friction stir process technique
Authors: Dwivedi Shashi Prakash
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The quantum of metal particle waste generation in manufacturing industries is posing a great concern for the environment. The iron forging industries generate a huge amount of grinding sludge (GS) waste, which is disposed into the earth. The accumulation of this waste in dump yards causes an increase in soil and air pollution levels.

Design/methodology/approach

In the current investigation, an effort was made to use this waste GS for the progress of aluminum-based composite. To maintain uniform distribution of reinforcing material, the friction stir processing technique was used.

Findings

The characterization based on the SEM image of the Al/GS composite revealed that uniform dispersal of reinforcement content can be attained in a single tool pass. Number of grains/inch was approximately 2,402. XRD of GS powder confirmed the presence of SiO2, Fe2O3, Al2O3 and CaO phases. These phases proved GS to be a better reinforcement with aluminum alloy. Tensile strength and hardness were significantly improved in comparison to the aluminum alloy. Thermal expansion and corrosion weight loss were evaluated to observe the influence of GS addition.

Originality/value

The studies proved that the use of GS as reinforcement material can help in curbing the menace of soil pollution to a large extent.
Forest conservation maximises açaí palm pollination services and yield in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Campbell Alistair John , Silva Felipe Deodato da Silva e , Maués Márcia Motta , Leão Kamila Leão , Carvalheiro Luísa Gigante , Moreira Eduardo Freitas , Mertens Frédéric , Konrad Maria Luíza de Freitas , de Queiroz José Antônio Leite , Menezes Cristiano
Published: July 2023

Agricultural expansion is one of the main drivers of global pollinator loss. Paradoxically, this occurs while agriculture is becoming increasingly dependent on biotic pollination, raising concerns about food production. Integrated Crop Pollination (ICP), the use of both wild and managed pollinators in crop fields, can help conserve pollinator diversity while ensuring effective pollination services for growers. However, given the context‐dependent nature of this approach, there is an urgent need to evaluate its application across different landscapes and crops.

We apply the ICP approach to açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) production in the eastern Brazilian Amazon to explore effects of a native stingless bee, Scaptotrigona aff. postica (Apidae: Meliponini), and landscape‐level forest conservation on yield and socioeconomic outcomes for açaí fruit growers. We assessed flower visitor assemblages and fruit production on 18 plantations across a landscape forest cover gradient, with bee colonies introduced on nine plantations. Field data were combined with information from semistructured interviews of growers to estimate yield and profit per hectare under different pollinator management scenarios.

Bee colonies and forest cover enhanced flower visitor abundance on palm inflorescences, but abundance increases attributed to managed bees were associated with shifts in flower visitor evenness and diversity (species richness), due to reduced visitation of wild bees near managed colonies.

Fruit production on inflorescences was positively related to bee abundance and bee diversity. Consequently, overall pollination performance was lower in plantations with bee colonies. This was repeated at the hectare scale, where yield and profit were associated with surrounding forest cover and not bee colonies.

Synthesis and applications. Managed bees can increase pollinator densities and fruit production, but the increased environmental and socioeconomic risks associated with this activity means açaí growers should prioritise forest conservation to safeguard pollination services and improve overall sustainability of açaí production in the eastern Brazilian Amazon.
The Water Surrounding the Iceberg: Cultural Racism and Health Inequities
Authors: MICHAELS ELI K. , LAM‐HINE TRACY , NGUYEN THU T. , GEE GILBERT C. , ALLEN AMANI M.
Published: July 2023

Policy Points

Cultural racism—or the widespread values that privilege and protect Whiteness and White social and economic power—permeates all levels of society, uplifts other dimensions of racism, and contributes to health inequities.

Overt forms of racism, such as racial hate crimes, represent only the “tip of the iceberg,” whereas structural and institutional racism represent its base. This paper advances cultural racism as the “water surrounding the iceberg,” allowing it to float while obscuring its base.

Considering the fundamental role of cultural racism is needed to advance health equity.

Context

Cultural racism is a pervasive social toxin that surrounds all other dimensions of racism to produce and maintain racial health inequities. Yet, cultural racism has received relatively little attention in the public health literature. The purpose of this paper is to 1) provide public health researchers and policymakers with a clearer understanding of what cultural racism is, 2) provide an understanding of how it operates in conjunction with the other dimensions of racism to produce health inequities, and 3) offer directions for future research and interventions on cultural racism.

Methods

We conducted a nonsystematic, multidisciplinary review of theory and empirical evidence that conceptualizes, measures, and documents the consequences of cultural racism for social and health inequities.

Findings

Cultural racism can be defined as a culture of White supremacy, which values, protects, and normalizes Whiteness and White social and economic power. This ideological system operates at the level of our shared social consciousness and is expressed in the language, symbols, and media representations of dominant society. Cultural racism surrounds and bolsters structural, institutional, personally mediated, and internalized racism, undermining health through material, cognitive/affective, biologic, and behavioral mechanisms across the life course.

Conclusions

More time, research, and funding is needed to advance measurement, elucidate mechanisms, and develop evidence‐based policy interventions to reduce cultural racism and promote health equity.
First Record of Sexual Dimorphism in Toxasterid Echinoid Heteraster from the Early Cretaceous Deposits of the Kopet‐Dagh Basin, NE Iran
Authors: KAMYABI SHADAN Hossein , TAHERPOUR KHALIL‐ABAD Morteza
Published: July 2023

Spatangoid echinoids belonging to Heteraster found in the Lower Cretaceous limestones and calcareous deposits of the Tirgan and Sarcheshmeh formations (Barremian–Aptian) in the Bahman jan‐Bala stratigraphic section on the northern flank of the Borouj syncline, situated in the eastern Kopet‐Dagh Basin, northeastern Iran are assessed as a sexually dimorphic species. Sexual dimorphism is a common feature in echinoids and, in this study of Heteraster renngarteni Poretzkaja, 1961, sexual dimorphism has been detected for the first time in the family Toxasteridae.