bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mosaic of Somatic Mutations in Earth’s Oldest Living Organism, Pando
Authors: Pineau Rozenn M. , Mock Karen E. , Morris Jesse , Kraklow Vachel , Brunelle Andrea , Pageot Aurore , Ratcliff William C. , Gompert Zachariah
Published: October 2024

Understanding how mutations arise and spread through individuals and populations is fundamental to evolutionary biology. Most organisms have a life cycle with unicellular bottlenecks during reproduction. However, some organisms like plants, fungi, or colonial animals can grow indefinitely, changing the manner in which mutations spread throughout both the individual and the population. Furthermore, clonally reproducing organisms may also achieve exceedingly long lifespans, making somatic mutation an important mechanism of creating heritable variation for Darwinian evolution by natural selection. Yet, little is known about intra-organism mutation rates and evolutionary trajectories in long-lived species. Here, we study the Pando aspen clone, the largest known quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) clone founded by a single seedling and thought to be one of the oldest studied organisms. Aspen reproduce vegetatively via new root-borne stems forming clonal patches, sometimes spanning several hectares. To study the evolutionary history of the Pando clone, we collected and sequenced over 500 samples from Pando and neighboring clones, as well as from various tissue types within Pando, including leaves, roots, and bark. We applied a series of filters to distinguish somatic mutations from the pool of both somatic and germline mutations, incorporating a technical replicate sequencing approach to account for uncertainty in somatic mutation detection. Despite root spreading being spatially constrained, we observed only a modest positive correlation between genetic and spatial distance, suggesting the presence of a mechanism preventing the accumulation and spread of mutations across units. Phylogenetic models estimate the age of the clone to between ~16,000-80,000 years. This age is generally corroborated by the near-continuous presence of aspen pollen in a lake sediment record collected from Fish Lake near Pando. Overall, this work enhances understanding of mutation accumulation and dispersal within and between ramets of long-lived, clonally-reproducing organisms.

Significance Statement

This study enhances our understanding of evolutionary processes in long-lived clonal organisms by investigating somatic mutation accumulation and dispersal patterns within the iconic Pando aspen clone. The authors estimated the clone to be between 10,000 and 80,000 years old and uncovered a modest spatial genetic structure in the 42.6-hectare clone, suggesting localized mutation build-up rather than dispersal along tissue lineages. This work sheds light on an ancient organism and how plants may evolve to preserve genetic integrity in meristems fueling indefinite growth, with implications for our comprehension of adaptive strategies in long-lived perennials.
Layer-specific dynamics of local field potentials in monkey V1 during electrical stimulation
Authors: Lee Sangjun , Zhao Zhihe , Alekseichuk Ivan , Shirinpour Sina , Linn Gary , Schroeder Charles E. , Falchier Arnaud Y. , Opitz Alexander
Published: October 2024

The mammalian neocortex, organized into six cellular layers or laminae, forms a cortical network within layers. Layer specific computations are crucial for sensory processing of visual stimuli within primary visual cortex. Laminar recordings of local field potentials (LFPs) are a powerful tool to study neural activity within cortical layers. Electric brain stimulation is widely used in basic neuroscience and in a large range of clinical applications. However, the layer-specific effects of electric stimulation on LFPs remain unclear. To address this gap, we conducted laminar LFP recordings of the primary visual cortex in monkeys while presenting a flash visual stimulus. Simultaneously, we applied a low frequency sinusoidal current to the occipital lobe with offset frequency to the flash stimulus repetition rate. We analyzed the modulation of visual-evoked potentials with respect to the applied phase of the electric stimulation. Our results reveal that only the deeper layers, but not the superficial layers, show phase-dependent changes in LFP components with respect to the applied current. Employing a cortical column model, we demonstrate that these in vivo observations can be explained by phase-dependent changes in the driving force within neurons of deeper layers. Our findings offer crucial insight into the selective modulation of cortical layers through electric stimulation, thus advancing approaches for more targeted neuromodulation.
Targeted deletions in human mitochondrial DNA engineered by Type V CRISPR-Cas12a system
Authors: Nikitchina Natalia , Heckel Anne-Marie , Shebanov Nikita , Mazunin Ilya , Tarassov Ivan , Entelis Nina
Published: October 2024

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) contribute to various neuromuscular diseases, with severity depending on heteroplasmy level when mutant and wild-type mtDNA coexist within the same cell. Developing methods to model mtDNA dysfunction is crucial for experimental therapies. Here, we adapted the Type V CRISPR-AsCas12a system, which recognizes AT-rich PAM sequences, for targeted editing of human mtDNA. We show that AsCas12a effector, fused with a mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) fromNeurospora crassaATPase subunit 9, is efficiently addressed into human mitochondria and induces specific mtDNA cleavage in human cells. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate that AsCas12a, complexed with two crRNAs targeting distant regions of human mtDNA, introduces specific deletions in mtDNA. For the first time, we provide experimental data proving that a CRISPR system can be used not only for mtDNA degradation but also for precise mtDNA manipulation, offering a potential therapeutic avenue to address mitochondrial disorders.
scAGCI: an anchor graph-based method for cell clustering from integrated scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq data
Authors: Dong Yao , Zhang Jiaxue , Shi Jin , Hu Yushan , Cao Xiaowen , Xing Li , Dong Yongfeng , Zhang Xuekui
Published: October 2024

Cell clustering plays a crucial role in the analysis of single-cell multi-omics research. Despite many methods for multi-omics integrated clustering, challenges such as noise, data sparsity, and biointerpretability analysis hider effective clustering. Recent studies have demonstrated that anchor graph learning clustering in the multiview graph domain can help alleviate sparsity and high noise, reducing runtime costs. However, addressing the heterogeneity and high noise levels in multi-omics data is crucial for obtaining a more representative anchor graph. Furthermore, the existing methods often directly obtain surface information from multi-omics for clustering purposes, neglecting the mining and utilization of higher-order correlations among different features within shared information. In response to these challenges, we propose scAGCI, a cell clustering method based on anchor graphs that integrates both scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq data. Our method captures specific and shared anchor graphs representing the properties of omics data in the process of dynamic anchor unification, and mines high-order shared information to complete the omics representation. Subsequently, clustering results are obtained by integrating the specific and shared omics representation. Extensive experiments show that our method not only outperforms 13 state-of-the-art methods in terms of clustering metrics and running time, but also that the completed omics retains the biological meaning of the original omics.
Validation of a simplified HPV genotyping assay designed for cervical screening in low-resource settings
Authors: Desai Kanan T. , Ajenifuja Kayode O. , Adepiti Clement A. , Inturrisi Federica , Dagnall Casey , Hoffman Amanda C. , Egemen Didem , Gage Julia C. , Wentzensen Nicolas , de Sanjose Silvia , Schiffman Mark
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype predicts cervical cancer risk, and genotyping could help guide management of HPV positives as part of cervical screening. An isothermal amplification HPV extended genotyping test (ScreenFire HPV RS assay) can assay up to 96 controls/samples in one hour plus preparation time. A novel format with pre-aliquoted reagents and an anti-contamination component (Zebra BioDome™) could simplify the HPV testing process by substantially reducing the assay preparation time and the chances of post-amplification contamination. We validated Zebra BioDome formulation prior to its clinical use.

Methods

Residual provider-collected cervical samples (n=450) from a population-based study in rural Nigeria were retested with ScreenFire, once using the standard assay version (liquid reagents combined onsite) and twice with Zebra BioDome. HPV results with adequate DNA (N=427) were analyzed channel-by-channel and using the cervical cancer risk-based hierarchy of HPV type channels (HPV16, else 18/45, else 31/33/35/52/58, else 39/51/56/59/68, else high-risk HPV negative) to evaluate Zebra BioDome repeatability and accuracy against the standard version.

Results

Zebra BioDome reduced the number of pipetting steps to run the ScreenFire HPV assay. Following amplification, the BioDome material formed a sealant layer above the reaction components. Zebra BioDome had excellent repeatability and agreement with the standard version, both at the channel-specific analysis [positive percent agreement between 88.4% (HPV39/51/56/59/68) and 100% (HPV16); negative percent agreement between 97.8% (HPV31/33/35/52/58) and 100% (HPV39/51/56/59/68)] and hierarchical analysis (overall agreement 97.2%).

Conclusions

The assay version utilizing Zebra BioDome performed similarly to the previously validated standard version of the ScreenFire HPV assay and is now undergoing field evaluation. This solution has the potential to reduce assay preparation time and risk of contamination, providing a simpler, low-cost, near-point-of-care HPV testing and extended genotyping solution for cervical screening in lower-resource settings. Potential application of Zebra BioDome technology to other DNA amplification assays should be considered.
Synaptic accumulation of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors mediates the effects of BDNF-TrkB signalling on synaptic plasticity and in epileptogenesis
Authors: De Luca Pasqualino , Mele Miranda , Tanqueiro Sara , Napoli Francesca , Butkevičiūtė Ugné , Souto Arthur C. , Costa Rui O. , Schwarz Alexander , Drexel Meinrad , Sebastião Ana M. , Diógenes Maria J. , Duarte Carlos B.
Published: October 2024

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key mediator of synaptic plasticity and memory formation in the hippocampus. However, the BDNF-induced alterations in the glutamate receptors coupled to the plasticity of glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus have not been elucidated. In this work we investigated the putative role of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in the plasticity of glutamatergic synapses induced by BDNF. Stimulation of hippocampal synaptoneurosomes with BDNF led to a significant time-dependent increase in the synaptic surface expression of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors as determined by immunocytochemistry with colocalization with pre- (vesicular glutamate transporter) and post-synaptic markers (PSD95). Similarly, BDNF induced the synaptic accumulation of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors at the synapse in cultured hippocampal neurons, by a mechanism sensitive to the PKC inhibitor GӦ6983. The effects of PKC may be mediated by phosphorylation of Pyk2, as suggested by western blot experiments analyzing the phosphorylation of the kinase on Tyrosine 402. GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors mediated the effects of BDNF in the facilitation of the early phase of long-term potentiation (LTP) of hippocampal CA1 synapses induced by θ-burst stimulation, since the effect of the neurotrophin was abrogated in the presence of the GluN2B inhibitor Co 101244. In the absence of BDNF, the GluN2B inhibitor did not effect LTP. Surface accumulation of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors was also observed in hippocampal synaptoneurosomes isolated from rats subjected to the pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy, after reaching Status epilepticus, an effect that was inhibited by administration of the TrkB receptor inhibitor ANA-12. Together, these results show that the synaptic accumulation of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors mediate the effects of BDNF in the plasticity of glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus.
Genetic diversity loss in the Anthropocene will continue long after habitat destruction ends
Authors: Mualim Kristy S. , Spence Jeffrey P. , Weiß Clemens , Selmoni Oliver , Lin Meixi , Exposito-Alonso Moises
Published: October 2024

Genetic diversity within species is the basis for evolutionary adaptive capacity and has recently been included as a target for protection in the United Nations’ Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). However, there is a lack of reliable large-scale predictive frameworks to quantify how much genetic diversity has already been lost, let alone to quantitatively predict future losses under different conservation scenarios in the 21st century. Combining spatio-temporal population genetic theory with population genomic data of 18 plant and animal species, we studied the dynamics of genetic diversity after habitat area losses. We show genetic diversity reacts slowly to habitat area and population declines, but lagged losses will continue for many decades even after habitats are fully protected. To understand the magnitude of this problem, we combined our predictive method with species’ habitat area and population monitoring reported in the Living Planet Index, the Red List, and new GBF indicators. We then project genetic diversity loss in 13,808 species with a short-term genetic diversity loss of 13–22% and long-term loss of 42–48% with substantial deviations depending on the level of habitat fragmentation. These results highlight that protection of only current habitats is insufficient to ensure the genetic health of species and that continuous genetic monitoring alone likely underestimates long term impacts. We provide an area-based spatio-temporal predictive framework to develop quantitative scenarios of global genetic biodiversity.
H2O2repurposes the plant oxygen-sensing machinery to control the transcriptional response to oxidative stress
Authors: Akter Salma , Perri Monica , Lavilla-Puerta Mikel , Ferretti Beatrice , Dalle Carbonare Laura , Shukla Vinay , Telara Yuri , Zhang Daai , Gunawardana Dona M. , Myers William K. , Giuntoli Beatrice , Flashman Emily , Licausi Francesco
Published: October 2024

Plants sense reduced oxygen availability (hypoxia) through Plant Cysteine Oxidases (PCOs). Reduced PCO activity in hypoxia, as seen during submergence, stabilises Group VII Ethylene Response Factors (ERFVIIs), master regulators of adaptive metabolic and anatomic responses. Equally important is timely arrest of these responses upon reoxygenation, assumed to occur through ERFVII degradation. Reoxygenation involves reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Here, we report that instead of degradation, reoxygenation results in ERFVII nuclear stabilisation, an effect mimicked by direct H2O2treatment. Interestingly, typical hypoxia marker genes are repressed while genes involved in ROS homeostasis and oxidative stress protection are upregulated. Usingin planta, heterologous and biochemical assays, we reveal that ROS-related ERFVII stabilisation is caused by PCO inactivation. Stabilised ERFVIIs are retained at hypoxia-responsive promoters but become repressors. Our findings suggest that by responding to both oxygen and ROS, PCOs coordinate ERFVII stability to regulate timely responses to damaging fluctuations in oxygen availability.
A novel dataset of 2,362 equine fecal microbiomes from eight veterinary teaching hospital on three continents reveals dominant effects of geography, breed, and disease
Authors: McAdams Zachary L. , Campbell Emma J. , Dorfmeyer Rebecca A. , Turner Giedre , Shaffer Samantha , Ford Tamara , Lawson Jenna , Terry Jackson , Raju Murugesan , Coghill Lyndon , Cresci Lucia , Lascola Kara , Pridgen Tiffany , Blikslager Anthony , Barrell Emily , Banse Heidi , Paul Linda , Gillen Alexandra , Nott Sascha , VandeCandelaere Marie , van Galen Gaby , Townsend Kile S. , Martin Lynn M. , Johnson Philip J. , Ericsson Aaron C.
Published: October 2024

Horses and other equids are reliant on the gut microbiome for health, and studies have reported associations between certain clinical conditions and features of the fecal microbiome. However, research to date on the equine fecal microbiome has often relied on small sample sizes collected from single and relatively localized geographic regions. Previous work largely employs single timepoint analyses, or horses selected based on limited health criteria. To address these issues and expand our understanding of the core microbiome in health, and the changes associated with adverse outcomes, the Equine Gut Group (EGG) has collected and performed 16S rRNA sequencing on 2,362 fecal samples from 1,190 healthy and affected horses. Here we present the EGG database and demonstrate its utility in characterizing the equine microbiome in health and acute gastrointestinal disease. The EGG 16S rRNA database is a valuable resource to study the equine microbiome and its role in equine health.
Newly identified SpoVAF/FigP complex: the role inBacillus subtilisspore germination at moderate high pressure and influencing factors
Authors: Lyu Fengzhi , Gong Ziqi , Zhang Tianyu , Rao Lei , Liao Xiaojun
Published: October 2024

The SpoVAF/FigP complex, a newly identified ion channel, has been shown to amplify the response of germinant receptors (GRs) to nutrient germinants. However, its contribution to high-pressure-induced germination remains unexplored. In this study, we discovered that the 5AF/FigP complex plays an important role in the GRs-dependent germination ofBacillus subtilisspores under moderate high pressure (MHP) by facilitating the release of ions such as potassium (K+), a mechanism in parallel with its role in nutrient-induced germination. Despite its predicted function as an ion channel, the 5AF/FigP complex fails to respond to MHP in the absence of GerA-type GRs. We quantitatively examined the factors that influence the 5AF/FigP complex’s function in MHP-induced germination using modeling and fitting techniques. Our results indicate that the complex’s amplification effect is both enhanced and accelerated as pressure levels increase from 50 to 200 MPa. However, raising the MHP treatment temperature from 22 to 30°C only speeds up the complex’s function without enhancing its effectiveness. Moreover, extreme conditions of higher pressure (300 MPa) and temperature (34-37°C) can diminish the complex’s functionality. Additionally, the amplification effect is weakened in spores produced at both elevated and reduced sporulation temperatures. Taken together, our findings highlight the essential role of the 5AF/FigP complex in boosting the efficiency of MHP-induced germination. This revelation has enriched our understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying GRs-dependent germination inBacillusspores, offering valuable insights that can be utilized to refine the germination-inactivation strategies within the food industry.
Impact of smart factory adoption on manufacturing performance and sustainability: an empirical analysis
Authors: Saleem Aqeela , Sun Hongyi , Aslam Javed , Kim Yunbae
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Previous studies have focused on explaining the developmental paths and the relevant skills necessary for smart factories, based on an extensive review of the literature. Unfortunately, there is a deficit of empirical analyses that present an in-depth overview of smart factory development. Although the literature supports the benefits of smart factories, it remains unclear whether there should be government intervention (GI) to facilitate or regulate such adoption. This study will provide an in-depth empirical analysis of smart factory adoption (SFA) and its role in manufacturing performance (MP) and sustainable manufacturing (SM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used non-probability convenience and referral sampling techniques for data collection. This approach considered production managers from each company that participated in the survey questionnaire; thus, each production manager represented one firm. A total of 240 managers from several manufacturing companies participated in the study. This study employed direct and moderating hypotheses tested using PROCESS Macro, which Andrew Hayes developed for SPSS.

Findings

The study identified three fundamental elements of a smart factory: manufacturing big data (MBD), process automation (PA) and supply chain integration (SCI) and analyzed them individually to see how they affect MP. According to the results, building a smart factory has positive and significant impacts on MP and SM. Furthermore, this study explores the role of GI in promoting smart factory deployment for both production performance and sustainable production. The study found that GI did not have a significant moderating effect but did have a positive relationship with SM.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature on smart factories by examining the impact of SFA on MP and SM. This provides a more comprehensive overview of the potential benefits of smart factories across various aspects, such as the application of big data, adoption of automation technology and integration of the supply chain. This study suggests that managers and decision-makers consider investing in smart factory implementation to improve factory productivity and enhance sustainability. Policymakers and government officials can promote the adoption of smart factories by providing incentives, funding, and resources to manufacturing firms.

Originality/value

There is a scarcity of research measuring the actual performance of manufacturing firms that have already adopted smart factories, and this study seeks to address this gap in the literature. This study focuses on the implementation of manufacturing big data, process automation and supply chain integration and how the adoption of these technologies improves MP and provides a SM environment by conducting a real-time study of manufacturing organizations. This study presents an initial effort to explore the role of government involvement in promoting smart factories.
Does subordinate moqi ignite employee creativity? The role of self-efficacy and face consciousness
Authors: Li Lan , Zheng Xingshan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Drawing on the self-concept-based theory, this study aims to consider subordinate moqi as a source of forming self-concept to develop a conceptual model to examine the relationships between subordinate moqi and employee creativity, including self-efficacy as a mediator and face consciousness as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted and 188 subordinate-supervisor paired samples were collected in China. This paper applied the multiple linear regression method to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Results show that subordinate moqi is positively related to employee creativity, and employee self-efficacy mediates the positive relationship between subordinate moqi and employee creativity. Additionally, face consciousness moderates the positive effect of self-efficacy on employee creativity and the indirect effect of subordinate moqi on employee creativity via employee self-efficacy.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that employees, managers and organizations should foster subordinate moqi, especially for the managers whose subordinates have low-level creativity. Moreover, fostering subordinate moqi can enhancing employee self-efficacy and further promote employee creativity. Additionally, our findings show the moderating role of face consciousness. That is, face consciousness can be regarded as a management tool to inspire employees’ intrinsic motivation to achieve goal tasks. Especially in the Chinese context, the face culture is quite prominent.

Originality/value

The findings provide empirical evidence on how and when subordinate moqi promote employee creativity. This study enriches our understanding of subordinate moqi.
Digital entrepreneurship landscapes in developing Asia: insights from the Global Index of Digital Entrepreneurship Systems
Authors: Autio Erkko , Komlósi Éva , Szerb László , Galambosné Tiszberger Mónika , Park Donghyun , Jinjarak Yothin
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Digitalization is changing the way entrepreneurs pursue opportunities. We have elaborated a conceptual framework to gain a better understanding of digital entrepreneurship. Using this framework, we have developed the Global Index of Digital Entrepreneurship Systems (GIDES), an analytical tool designed to measure and comprehend the impact of digitalization on entrepreneurship. This study aims to answer the research question of what specific bottlenecks are hindering the performance of digital entrepreneurial systems in the countries under investigation, with a particular focus on developing Asian economies.

Design/methodology/approach

GIDES is a composite indicator that evaluates the performance of digital entrepreneurial systems on a national scale. Unlike traditional entrepreneurship or most entrepreneurial ecosystem measures, GIDES adopts a systemic approach using the Penalty for Bottleneck (PFB) algorithm to spot bottlenecks that potentially degrade overall system performance.

Findings

GIDES assesses the digital entrepreneurship systems of 113 countries, with a specific focus on 21 developing Asian economies. Singapore is ranked first among developing Asian countries globally. However, most developing Asian economies have significant room for improvement. While developing Asia excels in terms of physical infrastructure, it needs to work on its culture and informal institutions.

Originality/value

Digital transformation is not happening in isolation. Instead, it is closely linked to and happens within the context of entrepreneurship. The level of digitalization of the economy, described by digital framework conditions, impacts entrepreneurial activity through their influence on national-level general and systemic framework conditions. Thus, GIDES monitors all the general, structural and digital frameworks that support digital entrepreneurship. Consequently, it offers a deeper understanding of how digitalization impacts entrepreneurship.
Digitalisation and sustainability: their role in corporate social responsibility through innovation
Authors: González-Ramírez Reyes , Gasco Jose , Llopis Juan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Despite the evident link between digitalisation and sustainability, many organisations have these two strategies operating on a parallel basis and not in a coordinated manner. Hence the objective of this work, which consists of proposing a model to analyse the connection existing between both strategies within the business environment, additionally relating them to innovation and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

With that aim, the results of a survey answered by 98 managers of Spanish enterprises are examined using the PLS software, especially suited for the study of structural equations like the one put forward in this paper.

Findings

The conclusions drawn suggest that the most innovative firms are indeed the ones that invest to a greater extent in digitalisation and sustainability. It was also possible for us to verify that digitalisation exerts a positive influence on sustainability and that both the latter and digitalisation directly relate to CSR strategies. However, innovation as such does not constitute a requirement for CSR; instead, these Social Responsibility actions will take place when innovations rely on digitalisation and sustainability strategies.

Originality/value

Until now, most studies have addressed digitalisation and sustainability independently, with contradictory theoretical approaches in the literature about these two topics and a paucity of empirical results about the link between digitalisation and sustainability. The present study clarifies the relationships between sustainability and digitalisation, also relating them to innovation and CSR in the business environment.
Exploring the intersectionality of ethnicity, gender and entrepreneurship: a case study of Nepali women in the United Kingdom
Authors: Maharjan Anju , Nazir Muhammad Arsalan , Roomi Muhammad Azam
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Entrepreneurs belonging to ethnic minority groups have emerged as a significant and more powerful element within the private sector, having considerable economic and social impact. Nevertheless, prior empirical research has indicated that each geographical area has distinct social and cultural obstacles that impact entrepreneurs in varying ways. Hence, the purpose of this study is to examine the difficulties and barriers faced by women entrepreneurs from diverse ethnic origins in the United Kingdom, a developed region, while managing their firms.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the cross-concepts of intersectional theory were used as the study’s analytical framework. The research methodology involved conducting semi-structured face-to-face interviews with a group of 30 Nepali women entrepreneurs residing in the United Kingdom. A qualitative approach was employed, and thematic analysis was used to extract meaningful findings.

Findings

The study’s outcomes underscore the emergence of social stereotypes as a salient factor affecting Nepali female entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the research identifies challenges and barriers, which fall into several cross-concept categories: those related to self-efficacy; family; social and cultural factors; business-related issues; access to financial resources; and ethnicity and work-based categorization. The findings might also have broader implications, benefiting ethnic female entrepreneurs in general, as well as ethnic communities and governmental and non-governmental organizations. Insights gained from the study can inform the development of tailored training and educational programs aimed at supporting and nurturing the entrepreneurial aspirations of ethnic women.

Originality/value

To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, there is a dearth of empirical investigations that probe the challenges and barriers faced by Nepali women who have embarked on entrepreneurial endeavours in the UK. This study contributes to the limited literature knowledge on ethnic women entrepreneurs, by linking ethnicity, class and gender/sexual orientation, as well as business, family, personal and financial constructs. By adopting the cross-concept of intersectional theory, this study further contributes to the knowledge of the discriminatory realities of Nepali women entrepreneurs as they grapple with the complex experiences of running a business. By doing this, our study can contribute further to the knowledge of gender and entrepreneurship from the ethnic background of UK enterprises.
Machine learning-based lean service quality improvement by reducing waiting time in the healthcare sector
Authors: Garedew Berhanu Tolosa , Azene Daniel Kitaw , Jilcha Kassu , Betizazu Sisay Sirgu
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The study presented healthcare service quality, lean thinking and Six Sigma to enhance patient satisfaction. Moreover, the notion of machine learning is combined with lean service quality to bring about the fundamental benefits of predicting patient waiting time and non-value-added activities to enhance patient satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) method. In the define phase, patient expectation and perception were collected to measure service quality gaps, whereas in the measure phase, quality function deployment (QFD) was employed to measure the high-weighted score from the patient's voice. The root causes of the high weighted score were identified using a cause-and-effect diagram in the analysis phase.

Findings

The study employed a random forest, neural network and support vector machine to predict the healthcare patient waiting time to enhance patient satisfaction. Performance comparison metrics such as root-mean-square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and R2 were accessed to identify the predictive model accuracy. From the three models, the prediction performance accuracy of the support vector machine model is better than that of the neural network and random forest models to predict the actual data.

Practical implications

Lean service quality improvement using DMAIC, QFD and machine learning techniques can be generalized to predict patient waiting times. This study provides better realistic insights into patient expectations by announcing waiting times to enable data-driven service quality deliveries.

Originality/value

Prior studies lack lean service quality, Six Sigma and waiting time prediction to reduce healthcare waste. This study proposes lean service quality improvement through lean Six Sigma (LSS), i.e. DMAIC and machine learning techniques, along with QFD and cause-and-effect diagram.
Social identity theory in retirement culture in an underprivileged population: a qualitative study
Authors: Adam Keren-Miriam , Kalagy Tehila , Malul Shenhav , Zalcman Beth G.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Social identity theory describes how an individual’s behaviors and choices are influenced by social group membership, including those related to financial planning. Social group behavior can also be influenced by structural barriers. The primary cause of poverty at retirement stems from the lack of financial planning for retirement. Underprivileged populations tend to have limited access to resources thus, they have difficulty saving for retirement. This study aims to identify barriers to financial planning among underprivileged populations through the framework of the social identity theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study examines key aspects of retirement planning among underprivileged populations using the social identity theory. Findings were based on 32 in-depth interviews with individuals from the Arab population in Israel.

Findings

Four central themes emerged from the interviews, detailing the motivations for financial planning for retirement: social identity, pension literacy, reliance on the national social security network and (lack of) trust in the state and the pension system.

Originality/value

By utilizing the social identity theory, this study identifies potential barriers retirement planning among people from underprivileged populations. Understanding these barriers is vital for policymakers globally, due to the expected increase in the rate of older adults in coming years. Lack of proper retirement planning can lead to an increased rate of poverty among older adults.
Technology “like a fork”. How PropTech shapes real estate innovation
Authors: Tagliaro Chiara , Pomè Alice Paola , Migliore Alessandra , Danivska Vitalija
Published: October 2024

Purpose

PropTech has shown important implications for real estate; however, it remains a poorly understood phenomenon in both academia and practice. This paper aims to advance the understanding of PropTech by disentangling what the real estate sector needs from technology and, in parallel, observing closely the activities of PropTech businesses in two different countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a mixed-method approach relying on qualitative data collected through interviews with PropTech players and real estate operators, and quantitative data collected through multiple sources on the Finnish and Italian PropTech ecosystems. The analysis is exploratory and descriptive.

Findings

This study underscores the potential benefits that digital technologies, introduced by PropTech, can add to the real estate sector: data integration; decisions informed from data; balance of new and old approaches to problem-solving; change in vision; adaptability of technologies and business models; and new professional profiles. These benefits are obtained when technology enables innovation from cross-pollination of different sectors. This becomes evident through the analysis of NACE activities, which demonstrates that innovation not only depends on interactions between property and technology, but the phenomenon covers a much broader spectrum of activities and industries.

Originality/value

Our exploratory analysis brings up new evidence that not only the real estate sector and property sector are affected by PropTech but the phenomenon covers a much broader spectrum of activities and industries. This paper contributes to the debate on technology innovations and value chain in the real estate and construction sector, while adding a cross-country perspective.
Female leadership and financial sustainability of MFIs: the moderating role of female borrowers
Authors: Githaiga Peter Nderitu
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the percentage of female borrowers moderate the effect of female leadership on financial sustainability of microfinance institutions (MFIs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected an unbalanced panel data of 821 MFIs between 2007 and 2018 from the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX). MFIs’ financial sustainability was measured as operational self-sufficiency (OSS). The data were analyzed using the fixed effect regression model.

Findings

The study found that having women participation in managerial and board positions has a positive effect on OSS. The results further demonstrated that the proportion of female loan officers and female borrowers had a negative effect on OSS. In addition, the study’s findings revealed that the percentage of female borrowers moderated the relationship between female board members, female managers, female loan officers and OSS.

Practical implications

These findings may offer important insights to policymakers and practitioners in formulating strategies to improve financial inclusion for women by examining the inherent link between female borrowers and women’s participation in leadership roles within MFIs, which affects the financial sustainability of these entities.

Originality/value

This study is among the few that have examined the interaction between the proportion of female borrowers and other forms of female participation, including loan officers, managers and board members, and its effect on the financial sustainability of MFIs.
Which innovation capabilities are relevant for technological and non-technological innovation? Implications for manufacturing firms' financial performance
Authors: Nascimento Leandro da Silva , Trizotto Rafaela Cabral Almeida , Pufal Nathália Amarante , Camboim Guilherme Freitas , Zawislak Paulo Antonio
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates which innovation capabilities are more important for driving technological and non-technological innovations and which of the two innovation types has the greatest impact on the financial performance of manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a theoretical model of four innovation capabilities – two technological: Technology Development Capability and Operations Capability, and two non-technological: Management Capability and Transaction Capability – a database of 1,331 Brazilian manufacturing companies was analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results indicate that technological capabilities (Technology Development and Operations) have a greater impact on technological innovation. However, both technological capabilities also affect non-technological innovation, with the Technology Development Capability being the most influential in this relationship. Results also indicate that non-technological capabilities (Management and Transaction) have a greater impact on non-technological innovation. Nevertheless, both non-technological capabilities also impact technological innovation, especially the Transaction Capability, which is the most influential in this relationship. Furthermore, it was identified that non-technological innovation has a more significant impact on financial performance than technological innovation, presenting a novel finding to the field of innovation in manufacturing.

Originality/value

This manuscript refutes prior discussions and opens new possibilities for the interconnection of dynamic and ordinary innovation capabilities in two different arrangements, each aimed at improving a specific type of innovation. A theoretical framework is proposed to highlight that, depending on the innovation type focused on, ordinary innovation capabilities can be more relevant than dynamic ones for innovation in the manufacturing sector. From these theoretical advancements, practitioners can understand that investments in non-technological resources, skills and routines can also boost technological innovation, as well as sales, profit and market share growth.
Programmes promoted on police service websites to safeguard autistic individuals in Ontario, Canada: an inductive content analysis
Authors: Whittingham Lisa
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study (1) explores what programmes police services promote for autistic individuals on their websites and (2) describes how autistic individuals are constructed in the information about these programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

All 53 official police service websites in Ontario, Canada, were examined to determine which programmes were promoted for autistic individuals. Inductive qualitative content analysis was used to identify and describe how autism was constructed in the information about the programmes.

Findings

About 64.8% of police services in Ontario, Canada, promoted at least one programme to autistic individuals and their caregivers. These programmes included Vulnerable Person and Autism Registries, MedicAlert™ and Project Lifesaver™. Autistic individuals were described as vulnerable using medicalised and tragic narratives of autism.

Originality/value

Autistic individuals and caregivers have suggested several interventions to improve police-autistic individual encounters. Little is known about which interventions police services have adopted and which representations of autism are used to describe autistic individuals.
Research on underwater target signal orientation estimation based on smoothness priors approach
Authors: Zhang Wenqing , Zhang Guojun , Chang Zican , Zhang Yabo , Wu YuDing , Zhang YuHui , Wang JiangJiang , Huang YuHao , Zhang RuiMing , Zhang Wendong
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to address the challenges in hydroacoustic signal detection, signal distortion and target localization caused by baseline drift. The authors propose a combined algorithm that integrates short-time Fourier transform (STFT) detection, smoothness priors approach (SPA), attitude calibration and direction of arrival (DOA) estimation for micro-electro-mechanical system vector hydrophones.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, STFT method screens target signals with baseline drift in low signal-to-noise ratio environments, facilitating easier subsequent processing. Next, SPA is applied to the screened target signal, effectively removing the baseline drift, and combined with filtering to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Then, vector channel amplitudes are corrected using attitude correction with 2D compass data. Finally, the absolute target azimuth is estimated using the minimum variance distortion-free response beamformer.

Findings

Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the SPA outperforms high-pass filtering in removing baseline drift and is comparable to the effectiveness of variational mode decomposition, with significantly shorter processing times, making it more suitable for real-time applications. The detection performance of the STFT method is superior to instantaneous correlation detection and sample entropy methods. The final DOA estimation achieves an accuracy within 2°, enabling precise target azimuth estimation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to apply SPA to baseline drift removal in hydroacoustic signals, significantly enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of signal processing. It demonstrates the method’s outstanding performance in the field of underwater signal processing. In addition, it confirms the reliability and feasibility of STFT for signal detection in the presence of baseline drift.
Learning organizations and sustainability outcomes in tourism: the mediating role of sustainable practices
Authors: Showkat Mohsin , Nagina Razia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of learning organization characteristics on sustainability outcomes in the tourism sector, with a specific focus on sustainable tourism practices. It seeks to gain insights into how organizations in the tourism industry contribute to sustainability efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a survey method to gather data from employees working in five leading Indian tourism companies. The study was designed based on the theoretical frameworks of triple bottom line theory and organizational learning theory, with quantitative analysis conducted using structural equation modeling through Smart PLS 4 software.

Findings

This study reveals that learning organizations play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and yielding positive sustainability outcomes in the tourism sector. The results demonstrated significant positive relationships and mediation effects, highlighting the substantial impact of learning organization characteristics on enhancing sustainability efforts within the industry.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s findings provide actionable insights for refining organizational strategies and formulating policy recommendations to strengthen sustainability initiatives within the tourism sector. In addition, this research contributes valuable knowledge to the expanding field of sustainable tourism management and best organizational practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field by offering empirical evidence on the interplay between learning organization characteristics, sustainable tourism practices and sustainability outcomes within the tourism sector. Its focus on addressing sustainability challenges in this industry context provides valuable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers, guiding them in formulating effective strategies and decisions to enhance sustainability efforts.