bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generating, modeling, and evaluating a large-scale set of CRISPR/Cas9 off-target sites with bulges
Authors: Yaish Ofir , Orenstein Yaron
Published: November 2023

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a highly accurate geneediting technique, but it can also lead to unintended off-target sites (OTS). Consequently, many high-throughput assays have been developed to measure OTS in a genome-wide manner, and their data was used to train machine-learning models to predict OTS. However, these models are inaccurate when considering OTS with bulges due to limited data compared to OTS without bulges. Recently, CHANGE-seq, a newin vitrotechnique to detect OTS, was used to produce a dataset of unprecedented scale and quality. In addition, the same study producedin cellulaGUIDE-seq experiments, but none of these experiments included bulges. Here, we generated the most comprehensive GUIDE-seq dataset with bulges, and trained and evaluated state-of-the-art machine-learning models that consider OTS with bulges. We first reprocessed the publicly available experimental raw data of the CHANGE-seq study to gener-ate 20 new GUIDE-seq experiments, and hundreds of OTS with bulges among the original and new GUIDE-seq experiments. We then trained multiple machine-learning models, and demonstrated their state-of-the-art performance bothin vitroandin cellulaoverall and when focusing on OTS with bulges. Last, we visualized the key features learned by our models on OTS with bulges in a unique representation.

Graphical abstract
Binding in visual working memory is task dependent
Authors: Cao Ruoyi , Deouell Leon Y.
Published: November 2023

Working memory is a neurocognitive system for maintaining and manipulating information online for a short period after the source of information disappears. The information held in working memory has been shown to flexibly match current functional goals. Considering this, we revisited the question of whether information is held in WM as separate features or as bound objects. We conjectured that rather than having a fixed answer, the format in which information is maintained in working memory is also task dependent. In two separate experiments, we investigated the binding between features when the location was not (Experiment 1, color and orientation binding) or was (Experiment 2, color and location binding) a task-relevant feature in a delayed (yes/no) recognition task by manipulating the relative relevance of conjunctions and separate features. Each experiment included two conditions, Binding dominant (BD), which emphasizes the retention of binding between features, and Feature dominant (FD), which emphasizes the retention of individual features. In both experiments, we found that memory for conjunctions was better in the BD condition and that memory for separate features was better in the FD condition. These patterns suggested that the formats of objects in VWM could be shaped by the tasks they serve. Additionally, we found that the memory of location was impaired when conjunction between location and color was task-irrelevant, while memory of color and orientation was relatively independent of each other. We conclude that the representation format of objects in working memory is influenced by task requirements.
Gene surgery as a potential treatment option for Nephropathic Cystinosisin vitro
Authors: Sendino Garví E. , Faria J. , Pou Casellas C. , Thijssen S. , Wubbolts E.J. , Jamalpoor A. , Harrison P. , Masereeuw R. , Janssen M.J.
Published: November 2023

Nephropathic cystinosis is a rare monogenetic kidney disease caused by mutations in the lysosomal transporter cystinosin (encoded byCTNS) that, to date, has no cure. The hallmark of this disease is lysosomal accumulation of cystine and decline in proximal tubular function leading to kidney failure early in life. In this project, we developed a novel gene repair strategy using CRISPR/Cas9 Homology-Independent Targeted Integration (HITI) to restoreCTNS. A novel, non-viral peptide-mediated approach was used to deliver the Cas9-guideRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex and repair templates to conditionally immortalized proximal tubule epithelial cell (ciPTEC) lines. The repair constructs contained either mCherry (1.7 kb), theCTNSSuperexon (1.7 Kb) or both (3.2 Kb). The results demonstrated that the smaller mCherry construct achieved a higher repair efficiency (63%) compared to theCTNS-mCherry construct (16%). Clonal expansion of repaired cells showed restoration of lysosomal cystine levels in 70-75% of the clones, which was accompanied by improved mitochondrial bioenergetics. In conclusion, CRISPR/Cas9 HITI can be used to precisely insert repair templates into the genome, resulting in a functional cystinosin restoration, and a reversal of the cystinotic disease phenotype.
1H-NMR metabolomics-guided DNA methylation mortality predictors
Authors: Bizzarri D. , Reinders M.J.T. , Kuiper L.M. , Beekman M. , Deelen J. , van Meurs J.B.J. , van Dongen J. , Pool R. , Boomsma D.I. , Ghanbari M. , Franke L. ,   BIOS Consortium,   BBMRI-NL Consortium, Slagboom P.E. , van den Akker E.B.
Published: November 2023

1H-NMR metabolomics and DNA methylation in blood are widely known biomarkers predicting age-related physiological decline and mortality yet exert mutually independent mortality and frailty signals. Leveraging multi-omics data in four Dutch population studies (N=5238) we investigated whether the mortality signal captured by1H-NMR metabolomics could guide the construction of novel DNA methylation-based mortality predictors. Hence, we trained DNA methylation-based surrogates for 64 metabolomic analytes and found that analytes marking inflammation, fluid balance, or HDL/VLDL metabolism could be accurately reconstructed using DNA-methylation assays. Interestingly, a previously reported multi-analyte score indicating mortality risk (MetaboHealth) could also be accurately reconstructed. Sixteen of our derived surrogates, including the MetaboHealth surrogate, showed significant associations with mortality, independent of other relevant covariates. Finally, adding our novel surrogates to previously established DNA-methylation markers, such as GrimAge, showed significant improvement for predicting all-cause mortality, indicating that our metabolic analyte-derived surrogates potentially represent novel mortality signal.
TolRad: A model for predicting radiation tolerance using Pfam annotations identifies novel radiosensitive bacterial species from reference genomes and MAGs
Authors: Sweet Philip , Burroughs Matthew , Jang Sungyeon , Contreras Lydia
Published: November 2023

The trait of ionizing radiation (IR) tolerance is variable between bacterial species, with radiosensitive bacteria succumbing to acute doses around 100Gy and extremophiles able to survive doses exceeding 10,000Gy. While survival screens have identified multiple highly radioresistant bacteria, such systemic searches have not been conducted for radiosensitive bacteria. The taxonomy-level diversity of IR of intolerance across bacteria is poorly understood, as are genetic elements that influence IR sensitivity. Using the protein domain frequencies from 61 bacterial species with experimentally determined IR D10 values (the dose at which only 10% of the population survives) we trained TolRad, a random forest binary classifier, to distinguish between radiosensitive bacteria (D10 < 200Gy) and radiation tolerant bacteria (D10 > 200Gy). On the hidden species, TolRad had an accuracy of 0.900. We applied TolRad to 152 UniProt-hosted bacterial proteomes, including 37 strains from the ATCC Human Microbiome Collection, and classified 34 species as radiosensitive. Whereas IR intolerance (D10 < 200Gy) in the training dataset had been confined to the phylumProteobacterium, this initial TolRad screen identified radiosensitive bacteria in 2 additional phyla. We experimentally validated the predicted radiosensitivity of a key species of the human microbiome from theBacteroidotaphyla. To demonstrate that TolRad can be applied to Metagenome-Assembled Genome (MAGs), we tested the accuracy of TolRad on Egg-NOG assembled proteomes (0.965) and partial proteomes. Finally, three collections of MAGs were screened using TolRad, identifying further phylum with radiosensitive species and suggesting that environmental conditions influence the abundance of radiosensitive bacteria.

Importance

Bacterial species have vast genetic diversity, allowing for life in extreme environments and the conduction of complex chemistry. The ability to harness the full potential of bacterial diversity is hampered by the lack of high-throughput experimental or bioinformatic methods for characterizing bacterial traits. Here, we present a computational model that usesde novogenerated genome annotations to classify a bacterium as tolerant of ionizing radiation (IR) or as radiosensitive. This model allows for rapid screening of bacterial communities for low-tolerance species that are of interest for both mechanistic studies into bacterial sensitivity to IR and biomarkers of IR exposure.
Transcriptomic responses of Mediterranean sponges upon encounter with seawater or symbiont microbial consortia
Authors: Marulanda-Gomez A. , Ribes M. , Franzenburg S. , Hentschel U. , Pita L.
Published: November 2023

Sponges (phylum Porifera) constantly interact with microbes from the water column while filter-feeding and with the symbiotic partners they harbor within their mesohyl. Despite early observations on differential uptake between symbiont and seawater bacteria, it is still poorly understood how sponges discriminate between different microbial consortia. Initial evidence of the diverse repertoire of sponge immune receptors suggests their involvement in specific microbial recognition, yet experimental data is still scarce. We characterized the transcriptomic response of two sponge species,Aplysina aerophobaandDysidea avara, upon incubation with two different microbial consortia, which were either enriched from ambient seawater or extracted fromA. aerophoba.The sponges were sampled after 1 h, 3 h, and 5 h for RNA-Seq differential gene expression analysis.D. avarashowed higher expression levels of genes related to immunity, ubiquitination, and signaling when incubated withA. aerophobasymbionts, than in incubations with seawater microbial consortia. Interestingly, the different bacteria consortia triggered changes in Nucleotide Oligomerization Domain (NOD)-Like Receptors (NLRs) gene expression inD. avara. We here provide the first experimental evidence for NLRs playing a role in distinguishing between different microbes in a sponge. In contrast, the response ofA. aerophobainvolved comparatively few genes and lacked genes encoding for immune receptors. This indicates thatA. aerophobais less responsive to microbial encounters thanD. avara. Our study further reveals different transcriptomic responses between the two sponge species to microbes. The study of sponge responses to microbes aids in understanding the evolution of immune specificity and animal-microbe interactions.

Significant statement

Animals rely on components of the immune system to recognize specific microbes, whether they are pathogens, food, or beneficial symbionts. However, in marine invertebrates, the mechanisms of microbial discrimination and specificity are not well understood. Our work suggests that:(i) the transcriptomic response by the sponge can be scaled according to the type of exposure, (ii) the response to microbial encounters is species-specific and (iii) NLRs seem to have a prominent role in the differential response to microorganisms, whether symbionts or food bacteria.
Stereo-anomaly is found more frequently in tasks that require discrimination between depths
Authors: Baldwin Alex S , Min Seung Hyun , Carrillo Sara Alarcon , Wang Zili , Cheng Ziyun , Zhou Jiawei , Hess Robert F
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Within the population of humans with otherwise normal vision, there exists some proportion whose ability to perceive depth from binocular disparity is poor or absent. The prevalence of this “stereoanomaly” has been investigated in previous studies, some finding the proportion to be as small as 2%, others finding it to be as great as 30%. In this study, we set out to investigate the possible reason for the wide range of results found in these studies. We used a digital stereoacuity measurement tool that could measure performance in tasks requiring either the detection of disparity or the discrimination of the sign of disparity. The stimulus design was otherwise similar between the two tasks. In a cohort of 228 participants, we found that 98% were able to consistently perform the detection task. In contrast, only 69% consistently performed the discrimination task. The 31% of participants who had difficulty with the discrimination task could further be divided into 17% who were consistently unable to perform the task (seeming to behave at chance), and 14% who showed some ability to perform the task. We propose that the greater prevalence of stereo-anomaly is revealed when tasks require the judgement of the direction of disparity.
TOPOVIBL function in meiotic DSB formation: new insights from its biochemical and structural characterization
Authors: Diagouraga Boubou , Tambones Izabella , Carivenc Coralie , Bechara Chérine , de Massy Bernard , le Maire Albane , Robert Thomas
Published: November 2023

The TOPOVIL complex catalyzes the formation of DNA double strand breaks (DSB) that initiate meiotic homologous recombination, an essential step for chromosome segregation and genetic diversity during gamete production. TOPOVIL is composed of two subunits (SPO11 and TOPOVIBL) and is evolutionarily related to the archaeal TopoVI topoisomerase complex. SPO11 is the TopoVIA subunit orthologue and carries the DSB formation catalytic activity. TOPOVIBL shares homology with the TopoVIB ATPase subunit. TOPOVIBL is essential for meiotic DSB formation, but its molecular function remains elusive, partly due to the lack of biochemical studies. Here, we purified TOPOVIBLΔC25 and characterized its structure and mode of actionin vitro. Our structural analysis revealed that TOPOVIBLΔC25 adopts a dynamic conformation in solution and our biochemical study showed that the protein remains monomeric upon incubation with ATP, which correlates with the absence of ATP binding. Moreover, TOPOVIBLΔC25 interacted with DNA, with a preference for some geometries, suggesting that TOPOVIBL senses specific DNA architectures. Altogether, our study identified specific TOPOVIBL features that might help to explain how TOPOVIL function evolved toward a DSB formation activity in meiosis.
Simplified post-assembly plasmid library amplification for increased transformation yields inE. coliandS. cerevisiae
Authors: Fryer Thomas , Wolff Darian S. , Overath Max D. , Schäfer Elena , Laustsen Andreas H. , Jenkins Timothy P. , Andersen Carsten
Published: November 2023

Many biological disciplines rely upon the transformation of host cells with heterologous DNA, the limited efficiency of which can significantly hinder a researcher’s work. Directed evolution in particular typically requires the screening of large (thousand-billion member) libraries to identify sequences of interest, and the creation of these libraries at large enough scales to overcome transformation inefficiencies is a cost-and time-intensive process. We simplify this process by using Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA) to amplifyin vitroplasmid DNA assembly reactions, followed by facile resolution of the concatomeric products to monomers through treatment with specific endonucleases and subsequent efficient transformation of the linear DNA products into host cells forin vivocircularisation. We demonstrate that use of a nicking endonuclease to generate homologous single-stranded ends increases the efficiency ofE. colichemical transformation versus both linear DNA with double-stranded homologous ends, and circular golden-gate assembly products, whilst use of a restriction endonuclease to generate linear DNA with double-stranded homologous ends increases the efficiency of chemical and electrotransformation ofS. cerevisiae. Importantly, we also optimise the process such that both RCA and endonuclease treatment occur efficiently in the same buffer, streamlining the workflow and reducing product loss through purification steps. We expect our approach to have utility beyond directed evolution inE. coliandS. cerevisiae, to areas such as genome engineering and the manipulation of alternative organisms with even poorer transformation efficiencies.
Entropy generation minimization of hybrid nanofluid mixed convection flow in lid-driven square enclosure with heat-generating porous layer on inner walls
Authors: Çiçek Oktay , Baytaş A. Filiz , Baytaş A. Cihat
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to numerically scrutinize the entropy generation minimization and mixed convective heat transfer of multi-walled carbon nanotubes–Fe3O4/water hybrid nanofluid flow in a lid-driven square enclosure with heat generation in the presence of a porous layer on inner surfaces, considering local thermal non-equilibrium (LTNE) approach and the non-Darcy flow model.

Design/methodology/approach

The dimensionless governing equations for hybrid nanofluid and solid phases are solved by applying the finite volume method and semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equations algorithm.

Findings

The roles of the internal heat generation in the porous layer, LTNE model and nanoparticles volume fraction on mixed convection phenomenon and entropy generation are introduced for lid-driven cavity hybrid nanofluid flow. Based on the investigation of entropy generation and heat transfer, the minimum total entropy generation and average Nusselt numbers are found at 1 ≤ Ri ≤ 10 where the effect of the forced and free convection flow directions being opposite each other is very significant. When considering various nanoparticle volume fractions, it becomes evident that the minimum entropy generation occurs in the case of φ = 0.1%. The outcomes of LTNE number reveal the operating parameters in which thermal equilibrium occurs between hybrid nanofluid and solid phases.

Originality/value

The analysis of entropy generation under various shear and buoyancy forces plays a significant role in the suitable thermal design and optimization of mixed convective heat transfer applications. This research significantly contributes to the optimization of design and the advancement of innovative solutions across diverse engineering disciplines, such as packed-bed thermal energy storage and thermal insulation.
A systematic review of analytical thinking skills in STEM education settings
Authors: Hidayat Riyan , Nugroho Irham , Zainuddin Zamzami , Ingai Tony Anak
Published: November 2023

Purpose

In the realm of education, there has been an increasing emphasis on developing analytical thinking (AT) in the past few years. This systematic review focuses on an analysis of journal publications that have explored AT within the context of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. This analysis investigated four primary issues: (1) the operational definition that was used; (2) the types of theories that were used; (3) the interventions that were implemented to enhance AT skills; and (4) the research designs that were used.

Design/methodology/approach

To ensure a comprehensive and thorough review, we used the guidelines of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

Findings

A comprehensive review of 28 pertinent scholarly articles reveals that scholars frequently rely on the concepts proposed by Anderson (2002), Marzano and Kendall (2008), Rodrangsee and Tuntiwongwanich (2021) and Suyatman et al. (2021) to establish a framework for delineating the competencies associated with analytical thinking (AT). Quasi-experimental designs were the most frequently used research designs in the studies analysed, followed by research and development approaches and then correlational designs. Most researchers have focused on investigating the effectiveness of problem-based learning as an intervention for improving AT skills. However, most research indicates that the theories or theoretical frameworks used to guide the research must be evident.

Originality/value

To the extent the authors know, this study represents the initial comprehensive examination of analytical thinking in STEM education. It presents a consolidated summary of the available evidence, assessing its quality and bringing it together in a single resource.
Effect of composite solid lubricant coatings on the tribological performance of thrust cylindrical roller bearings
Authors: Xu Xiao , Zhang Yimin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to form composite solid lubricant coatings on the surface of bearing steel, which can significantly improve the tribological properties of thrust cylindrical roller bearings (TCRBs). Phosphating films possess microscopic porosity that typically needs to be sealed with oil, grease or wax. Due to its unique crystal structure, the phosphating film itself also exhibits a certain degree of lubricity. In this study, solid lubricants are used to fill the pores of the phosphating film. By combining the phosphating film with solid lubricants, lubrication and wear reduction can be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the surfaces of the shaft washer (WS) and seat washer (GS) were treated with zinc-phosphating. Subsequently, a solid lubricant solution (polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE], MoS2 and graphite) was sprayed onto the phosphated samples at concentrations of 1 , 2  and 3 g/L. The porous and adsorptive nature of the phosphating film was used to embed the solid lubricant particles into the film, thus forming a composite lubrication layer containing solid lubricants on the surface of the bearing steel.

Findings

The addition of solid lubricant materials has shown significant potential in reducing wear losses compared with phosphated samples without such additives. Increasing the amount of solid lubricant added can facilitate the formation of a transfer film, which further enhances the protective properties. However, it is important to note that excessive amounts of solid lubricant material can contribute to seizure, leading to increased wear losses of the cage and a higher average coefficient of friction (ACOF).By spraying a PTFE solution with a concentration of 2 g/L, the lowest ACOF and cage wear loss were achieved, resulting in reductions of 60.5% for the ACOF and 89.4% for the cage wear loss. Similarly, when spraying a graphite solution with a concentration of 3 g/L, the lowest wear losses for GS and WS were observed, with reductions of 51.7% for GS wear loss and 38.9% for WS wear loss.

Originality/value

The combination of the phosphating film and solid lubricants aims to achieve lubrication and wear reduction, providing a new approach to wear-resistant technology for TCRBs.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2023-0231/
An examination of comment letters on suggested Part 10: audits of groups' financial statements in the proposed ISA for less complex entities
Authors: Haapamäki Elina Elisabet , Mäki Juha
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the comment letters (CLs) in the standard-setting process of audits of less complex entities (LCEs). The objective is to gain insight into the overall picture of the CLs and to report on areas where comment providers agree or disagree with IAASB's Part 10.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of 60 comment letter (CLs) was conducted to investigate the suggested additional Part 10 on audits of groups' financial statements in the proposed ISA for LCEs. Hence, this study examines three specific topics: (1) the views related to the use of the International Standard on Auditing (ISA) for LCEs for group audits in which component auditors are involved, (2) the proposed group-specific qualitative characteristics to describe the scope of group audits and, finally, (3) insights into the content of the proposed Part 10 and related conforming amendments. The Gioia method is used to provide a holistic approach to concept development of the arguments about the new Part 10.

Findings

The CLs stated that, while the proposed Part 10 has some weak points, it still provides a solid and practical structure within which to undertake an LCE group audit and a promising basis for further development. For instance, when discussing the improvements, the CLs stated that Part 10 should allow for more auditor judgment when determining when the involvement of component auditors renders a group audit complex. In addition, the CLs asserted that professional judgment should be engaged when considering the qualitative characteristics and the complexity of the group.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the very scarce research about the ISA for LCEs and the role of lobbying in shaping the audit standard-setting process.
Institutional ownership, earnings management and earnings surprises: evidence from 39 years of U.S. data
Authors: Davis Justin G. , García-Cestona Miguel
Published: November 2023

Purpose

As the influence of institutional investors over managerial decision-making grows, so does the importance of understanding the effect of institutional investor ownership (IO) on firm outcomes. The authors take a comprehensive approach to studying the effect of IO on earnings management (EM).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors study the relation between IO and EM using a sample of 59,503 listed U.S. firm-year observations from 1981–2019. The authors proxy EM with earnings surprises and with accrual-based and real activity measures. The authors test for nonlinear relations and analyze changes resulting from the passage of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act.

Findings

The findings support a positive IO-EM relation overall, but show that the relation is dynamic and heavily context-dependent with evidence of nonlinearity. The authors also find evidence that IO positively affects accrual-based EM and real activities EM negatively.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of the IO-EM relation to consider evidence of nonlinearity in the U.S. context, measuring changes to the relation over time, and with the use of several measures of EM.
Impact of competition and concentration on bank income smoothing in Central and Eastern European countries
Authors: Shala Albulena , Ozili Peterson K. , Ahmeti Skender
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study examines the impact of competition and concentration on bank income smoothing in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The two-step system GMM method was used to analyse the impact of competition and concentration on bank income smoothing in 17 CEEs from 2004 to 2015.

Findings

Loan loss provisions (LLPs) are negatively related to bank competition and concentration. The authors find no evidence for income smoothing using LLPs in a high-competition or high-concentration environment.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the study is that the analysis was restricted to commercial banks. The authors did not examine investment banks or microfinance banks in this study. Also, not having access to databases does not allow them to include recent years in the study.

Practical implications

CEE commercial banks will likely keep fewer provisions or engage in under-provisioning when they face intense competition, and this can expose them to credit risk, which may threaten their stability.

Originality/value

This study is the first to investigate the effect of concentration and competition on income smoothing among CEE banks.
The role of coworker exchange in the relationship between coworker incivility and employees' behaviors: the moderating effect of servant leadership
Authors: Lin Cheng-Chen , Lu Szu-Chi , Lai Fong-Yi , Chen Hsiao-Ling
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of coworker incivility on employees' behaviors using a moderated mediation model that conceptualizes coworker exchange (CWX) as a mediator and servant leadership as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected using a multi-temporal research design. The hypotheses were tested on a sample of 1,272 participants using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), hierarchical regression analysis and moderated path analysis. In addition, supervisor incivility was added as a control variable to partial out the potential influence on employees' behaviors.

Findings

The results of CFA ensured that all measures had discriminant and convergent validity. In addition, the results of hierarchical regression analysis and moderated path analysis indicated that CWX mediates the relationship between coworker incivility and employees' behaviors. Furthermore, servant leadership exacerbates the negative relationship between coworker incivility and CWX.

Practical implications

Leaders and practitioners should invest in communication training programs for developing employees' communication skills to avoid incivility. In addition to viewing incivility as inappropriate behavior, leaders and practitioners should understand the meaning beyond those incivilities.

Originality/value

This study utilized incivility spiral theory to examine how coworker incivility affects employees' behaviors. The mediated path analysis found that CWX mediates the relationship between these variables, which has been ignored by previous research. Furthermore, this study introduced servant leadership as a moderator to account for the “when” in incivility spiral theory, i.e. what kind of social context facilitates or inhibits the influence of coworker incivility on CWX.
Call it robot: anthropomorphic framing and failure of self-service technologies
Authors: Barone Ada Maria , Stagno Emanuela , Donato Carmela
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the effect that anthropomorphic framing (i.e. robot vs automatic machine) has on consumers’ responses in case of service failure. Specifically, the authors hypothesize that consumers hold an unconscious association between the word “robot” and agency and that the higher agency attributed to self-service machines framed as robots (vs automatic machines) leads, in turn, to a more positive service evaluation in case of service failure.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have conducted four experimental studies to test the framework presented in this paper. In Studies 1a and 1b, the authors used an Implicit Association Test to test for the unconscious association held by consumers about robots as being intelligent machines (i.e. agency). In Studies 2 and 3, the authors tested the effect that framing technology as robots (vs automatic machines) has on consumers’ responses to service failure using two online experiments across different consumption contexts (hotel, restaurant) and using different dependent variables (service evaluation, satisfaction and word-of-mouth).

Findings

The authors show that consumers evaluate more positively a service failure involving a self-service technology framed as a robot rather than one framed as an automatic machine. They provide evidence that this effect is driven by higher perceptions of agency and that the association between technology and agency held by consumers is an unconscious one.

Originality/value

This paper investigates a novel driver of consumers’ perception of agency of technology, namely, how the technology is framed. Moreover, this study sheds light on consumers’ responses to technology’s service failure.
An analysis of reward mechanism and knowledge sharing for crowdsourcing-based open innovation contest
Authors: Jhang-Li Jhih-Hua , Chiang I. Robert
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate both the impact of different reward types and the adoption of knowledge-sharing practice on a crowdsourcing-based open innovation contest. Despite the benefit of knowledge sharing, contestants could struggle to find a balance between knowledge sharing and knowledge protection in open innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors' approach follows a stylised contest model in a game-theoretical setting in which contestants first decide on their efforts and then the contest sponsor chooses the winner. Moreover, the outcome of an open innovation contest is delineated as either intermediate goods that require further refinement and risk-taking versus a market-ready end product for the contest sponsor. The authors also investigate how knowledge sharing among contestants would be influenced by reward types such as fixed-monetary prizes vs performance-contingent awards.

Findings

The contest sponsor will lower the prize level after adopting knowledge sharing. Therefore, the total effort will decline regardless of the reward type. Moreover, the choice of reward types depends on the contest sponsor's characteristics because the performance-contingent award is suitable for a large market size but the fixed-monetary prize can more efficiently raise the quantity of contestant inputs.

Originality/value

Prior studies have tested the connection between contest performance and knowledge sharing in crowdsourcing-based contests; however, there is not an integrated framework to best design the operation of a contest when considering different reward types and knowledge-sharing practices.
Does intellectual capital affect bank performance? Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Majumder Md. Tofael Hossain , Ruma Israt Jahan , Akter Aklima
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper attempts to evaluate the impact of intellectual capital on bank performance in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze an unbalanced longitudinal data of 32 banks, which cover 318 observations of bank-year from 2010 to 2019. The study employs a dynamic panel model with the two-step system generalized methods of moments (SGMM).

Findings

The results show that bank performance is significantly positively affected by the intellectual capital (IC) in Bangladesh. In addition, the findings show that capital employed efficiency (CEE) is an essential determinant of bank performance rather than structural capital efficiency (SCE) and human capital efficiency (HCE) for the Bangladeshi banking sector.

Originality/value

This work is unique as no one has explored the impact of intellectual capital on Bangladesh's bank performance. The findings suggest that business owners, managers and policymakers who want to improve the efficiency of their organizations should spend continuously on IC and expand their investment into CEE, which includes both financial and physical resources, in order to obtain better bank performance.
Investor sentiments revisited: negligence of stock-level sentiments may be a mistake
Authors: Lee Te-Kuan , Koshoev Askar
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The primary objective of this research is to provide evidence that there are two distinct layers of investor sentiments that can affect asset valuation models. The first is general market-wide sentiments, while the second is biased approaches toward specific assets.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the goal, the authors conducted a multi-step analysis of stock returns and constructed complex sentiment indices that reflect the optimism or pessimism of stock market participants. The authors used panel regression with fixed effects and a sample of the US stock market to improve the explanatory power of the three-factor models.

Findings

The analysis showed that both market-level and stock-level sentiments have significant contributions, although they are not equal. The impact of stock-level sentiments is more profound than market-level sentiments, suggesting that neglecting the stock-level sentiment proxies in asset valuation models may lead to severe deficiencies.

Originality/value

In contrast to previous studies, the authors propose that investor sentiments should be measured using a multi-level factor approach rather than a single-factor approach. The authors identified two distinct levels of investor sentiment: general market-wide sentiments and individual stock-specific sentiments.
Analyst coverage and the probability of stock price crash and jump
Authors: Bouaddi Mohammed , Farooq Omar , Hurwitz Catalina
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to document the effect of analyst coverage on the ex ante probability of stock price crash and the ex ante probability stock price jump.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the data of non-financial firms from France to test the arguments presented in this paper during the period between 1997 and 2019. The paper also uses flexible quadrants copulas to compute the ex ante probabilities of crashes and jumps.

Findings

The results show that the extent of analyst coverage is positively associated with the ex ante probability of crash and negatively associated with the ex ante probability of jump. The results remain qualitatively the same after several sensitivity checks. The results also show that the relationship between the extent of analyst coverage and the probability of cash and the probability of jump holds when ex post probability of stock price crash and stock price jump is used.

Originality/value

Unlike most of the earlier papers on this topic, this paper uses the ex ante probability of crash and jump. This proxy is better suited than the ones used in the prior literature because it is a forward-looking measure.
Co-operative non-orthogonal multiple access networks: a survey
Authors: K. Ashwini , V.K. Jagadeesh
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an up-to-date survey on the non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technique with co-operative strategy, a fast-evolving fifth-generation (5 G) technology. NOMA is used for serving many mobile users, both in power and code domains. This paper considers the power-domain NOMA, which is now discussed as NOMA.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper discusses NOMA-based cooperative relay systems using different relay strategies over different channel models. In various research works, the analytical expressions of many performance metrics were derived, measured and simulated for better performance of the NOMA systems. In the second part, a brief introduction to diversity techniques is discussed. The multiple input and multiple output system merged with cooperative NOMA technology, and its future challenges were also presented in this part. In the third part, the paper surveys some new conceptions such as cognitive radio, index modulation multiple access, space-shift keying and reconfigurable intelligent surface that can be combined with NOMA systems for better performance.

Findings

The paper presents a brief survey of diverse research projects being carried out in the field of NOMA. The paper also surveyed two different relaying strategies that were implemented in cooperative NOMA over different channels and compared several performance parameters that were evaluated and derived in these implementations.

Originality/value

The paper provides a scope for recognizable future work and presents a brief idea of the new techniques that can be united with NOMA for better performance in wireless systems.
Tracing Eastern Mayan Perfect ‐maχ: Outcomes of Direct Affix Borrowing in the Sacapulas Corridor
Authors: Tandy James
Published: November 2023

Several Eastern Mayan languages of central highland Guatemala have an innovative perfect participle suffix ‐maχ, whose distribution suggests that it diffused areally. This article describes the innovation of ‐maχ in Poqom and argues that it spread to other Mayan languages in a newly proposed contact area called the ‘Sacapulas Corridor’. I explore three case studies where the distribution of the perfect participle ‐maχ changed in the recipient language: functional change to a general passive in Uspantek, matter replication without pattern replication in Sakapultek and Sipakapense, and contact‐induced multiple exponence in Northern Mam. The diffusion of ‐maχ exemplifies how structural similarity and bilingualism between the source and recipient language can facilitate direct affix borrowing.
Political narratives in representation: Maiden speeches of ethnic minority members of parliament
Authors: MÜGGE LIZA , RUNDERKAMP ZAHRA
Published: November 2023

The maiden speech – the first speech given by a newly elected member of parliament (MP) – is a tradition in many parliaments, a personalized rite of passage to political power. As ethnic minority MPs remain relative newcomers, the maiden speech is, for them, even more politically charged. How do ethnic minority MPs represent their identities in this transformative moment? Our data set includes 93 ethnic minority MPs who have held a seat in the Dutch parliament, covering 88 maiden speeches, spanning 11 cycles (1986–2023). The diachronic and intersectional analysis shows that the relation between descriptive, substantive and symbolic representation for historically marginalized groups fluctuates and is influenced by the political environment. The ‘firsts’ of a particular gender/ethnicity intersectional group are less likely to narrate a minority identity than non‐firsts. Progressive party ideology influences the extent to which ethnic minority MPs emphasize an (intersectional) minoritized identity. Personal stories and family histories are often used to counter stereotypes, unmute silenced cultures and share values. The focus on the maiden speech as a political narrative sheds light on the blurry lines between substantive, symbolic and descriptive representation. The political narrative is a strategic tool for MPs from historically disadvantaged groups to represent collective identities.
A sensory lexicon to characterize the quality of fresh and preserved peppers
Authors: Uppili Bhavana , LaFountain Lisa J. , Johanningsmeier Suzanne D.
Published: November 2023

Pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum) are economically important commodities worldwide due to their unique sensory profiles and rich antioxidant properties. With ongoing research efforts in optimizing the production and processing of peppers, there is a need for a standardized tool to evaluate the quality of peppers and pepper products. The objective of this work was to develop a sensory lexicon to characterize fresh and preserved peppers. A panel of 10 volunteers was recruited and trained in quantitative descriptive sensory analysis for a total of 37 h. Commercially available fresh, pickled, and roasted peppers were used to establish definitions, methods of evaluation, and reference materials for each unique attribute; and attribute intensities were scored on a scale ranging from 0 to 15. Commercially available fresh and preserved pepper samples (n = 22) were evaluated by the panel in duplicate to validate the lexicon. Principal component analysis was used to visualize differences among the products, and attribute redundancies were evaluated through analysis of correlations. This lexicon with 46 clearly defined terms that describe fresh, pickled, and roasted pepper products is comprised of 14 aroma, 19 flavor, 9 texture, and 4 chemesthetic attributes. Smoky, burnt, and cooked tomato flavors were typical of roasted red bell peppers, while the floral attribute was characteristic of fresh red bell peppers, and vinegar, pungency, and spicy notes characterized pickled peppers. The lexicon enabled the characterization and differentiation of a wide range of pepper products and lays the framework for quality evaluation and product improvement.

Practical Application

Breeders and processors are seeking technologies that ensure desirable quality of fresh and processed peppers for an extended shelf life. This sensory lexicon comprised of 14 aroma, 19 flavor, 9 texture, and 4 chemesthetic attributes serves as a basis for evaluating various strategies toward quality improvement, such as novel processing of pepper products.
Comprehensive analysis of different types of ginsenosides in the different parts of American ginseng by targeted and nontargeted MS/MS scanning
Authors: Gong Pi‐Xian , Zong Wan‐Li , Li Hai‐Huang , Wu Yan‐Chao , Ju Hao , Fan Zi‐Wei , Ma Chao , Liu Wei , Li Hui‐Jing
Published: November 2023

To comprehensively study the ginsenosides distribution in the various tissues of American ginseng, the qualitative and quantitative‐targeted and nontargeted mass spectroscopic methods were established using the high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with Qtrap triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC‐QtrapQQQ‐MS). The total ginsenosides of the root, stem, and leaf of American ginseng were determined by a colorimetric method, and the contents showed the order from high to low root, stem, and leaf. Eighty‐two kinds of ginsenosides were detected in the different parts of American ginseng by enhanced mass scan–information‐dependent data acquisition (IDA)–enhanced product ion (EPI) scan mode, including 69 from the root, 62 from the stem, and 48 from the leaf. An HPLC–multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method was established, and 28 representative ginsenosides were further quantified in the three parts. Nearly all ginsenosides had the highest contents in the root and the lowest content in the leaf. Three types of ginsenosides (protopanaxadiol [PPD]‐, protopanaxatiol [PPT]‐, and oleanolic acid [OA]‐types) were analyzed by precursor ion‐IDA‐EPI and MRM‐IDA‐EPI scan modes. Root had the most abundant ginsenosides in PPD‐ and PPT‐type ginsenosides. Meanwhile, the OA‐type ginsenosides are significantly enriched in the stem and leaf of American ginseng. The results provided a supplement to the quality assessment of American ginseng.

Practical Application

The distribution profile of ginsenosides in the parts of American ginseng is different. Except for the root, the stem, and leaf of American ginseng have the most abundant ginsenosides in oleanolic acid type. The results reported herein can help the manufacturers choose appropriate materials to extract the ginsenosides.
Making universal education a priority for sustainable development: The EU, Vietnam and education
Authors: Gegout Catherine
Published: November 2023

This article highlights the need to bring education to the forefront of EU policies to promote sustainable development in Vietnam. The EU is increasingly concerned with promoting sustainable development worldwide. It does this in its aid policies, and since 2010, it has included in its trade agreements provisions on labour, environmental and gender rights. But what about education rights? This article analyses the role of the EU and the Vietnamese government in the field of education. It argues that both actors could pay more attention to education, and in particular to the problem of unequal access to education for poor and minority children in Vietnam. To improve educational opportunity, both direct funding for the system and contextual support for students are needed. In remote and poor areas, Vietnam and the EU should provide increased salaries for teachers to reduce corruption, funding to support families, local social enterprises and improved local infrastructure. The article ‘double‐decenters’ the study of European foreign policy by (1) focusing first on education policy issues in the targeted state and then on EU policy and (2) listening not only to the government but also the citizens of Vietnam.