bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking and Optimization of Methods for the Detection of Identity-By-Descent in High-RecombiningPlasmodium falciparum
Authors: Guo Bing , Takala-Harrison Shannon , O'Connor Timothy D.
Published: May 2024

Genomic surveillance is crucial for identifying at-risk populations for targeted malaria control and elimination. Identity-by-descent (IBD) is increasingly being used inPlasmodiumpopulation genomics to estimate genetic relatedness, effective population size (Ne), population structure, and signals of positive selection. Despite its potential, a thorough evaluation of IBD segment detection tools for species with high recombination rates, such asP. falciparum, remains absent. Here, we perform comprehensive benchmarking of IBD callers — probabilistic (hmmIBD, isoRelate), identity-by-state-based (hap-IBD, phased IBD) and others (Refined IBD) — using population genetic simulations tailored for high recombination, and IBD quality metrics at both the IBD segment level and the IBD-based downstream inference level. Our results demonstrate that low marker density per genetic unit, related to high recombination relative to mutation, significantly compromises the accuracy of detected IBD segments. In genomes with high recombination rates resemblingP. falciparum, most IBD callers exhibit high false negative rates for shorter IBD segments, which can be partially mitigated through optimization of IBD caller parameters, especially those related to marker density. Notably, IBD detected with optimized parameters allows for more accurate capture of selection signals and population structure; IBD-based Neinference is very sensitive to IBD detection errors, with IBD called from hmmIBD uniquely providing less biased estimates of Nein this context. Validation with empirical data from the MalariaGEN Pf7 database, representing different transmission settings, corroborates these findings. We conclude that context-specific evaluation and parameter optimization are essential for accurate IBD detection in high-recombining species and recommend hmmIBD for quality-sensitive analysis, such as estimation of Nein these species. Our optimization and high-level benchmarking methods not only improve IBD segment detection in high-recombining genomes but also enhance overall genomic analysis, paving the way for more accurate genomic surveillance and targeted intervention strategies for malaria.
Discovery of CRBN-dependent WEE1 Molecular Glue Degraders from a Multicomponent Combinatorial Library
Authors: Razumkov Hlib , Jiang Zixuan , Baek Kheewoong , You Inchul , Geng Qixiang , Donovan Katherine A. , Tang Michelle T. , Metivier Rebecca J. , Mageed Nada , Seo Pooreum , Li Zhengnian , Byun Woong Sub , Hinshaw Stephen M. , Sarott Roman C. , Fischer Eric S. , Gray Nathanael S.
Published: May 2024

Small molecules promoting protein-protein interactions produce a range of therapeutic outcomes. Molecular glue degraders exemplify this concept due to their compact drug-like structures and ability to engage targets without reliance on existing cognate ligands. While Cereblon molecular glue degraders containing glutarimide scaffolds have been approved for treatment of multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia, the design of new therapeutically relevant monovalent degraders remains challenging. We report here an approach to glutarimide-containing molecular glue synthesis using multicomponent reactions as a central modular core-forming step. Screening the resulting library identified HRZ-01 derivatives that target casein kinase 1 alpha (CK1α) and Wee-like protein kinase (WEE1). Further medicinal chemistry efforts led to identification of selective monovalent WEE1 degraders that provide a potential starting point for the eventual development of a selective chemical degrader probe. The structure of the hit WEE1 degrader complex with CRBN-DDB1 and WEE1 provides a model of the protein-protein interface and a rationale for the observed kinase selectivity. Our findings suggest that modular synthetic routes combined with in-depth structural characterization give access to selective molecular glue degraders and expansion of the CRBN-degradable proteome.
Evolutionary conservedcis-transregulation machinery for diterpenoid phytoalexin production in Poaceae
Authors: Liu Youming , Tomiyama Shiho , Motegi Ikuya , Yamamoto Naoki , Zheng Aiping , Mori Masaki , Kawahara Maki , Tsujii Yoshimasa , Miyamoto Koji , Furumi Hiroyasu , Sato Yutaka , Nojiri Hideaki , Okada Kazunori
Published: May 2024

Momilactones and phytocassanes are diterpenoid phytoalexins involved in plant chemical defense. These metabolites, along with biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), are conserved in wild rice. However, the mechanisms by which phytoalexins are regulated in wild rice are unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms for biosynthetic genes within the BGCs of diterpenoid phytoalexins.

We conducted a transcriptome analysis of five wild rice species,Oryza rufipogon,Oryza punctata,Oryza officinalis,Oryza brachyantha, andLeersia perrieri, after CuCl2treatment.

Among the CuCl2-responsive transcription factors, diterpenoid phytoalexin factor (DPF), which regulates phytoalexin production in cultivated rice (Oryza sativa), was broadly conserved in wild rice and showed phytoalexin-inducing activity when introduced into cultivated rice. Highly conserved genomic regions containing N-boxes (5′-CACGAG-3′), the potential binding motif of DPF, were found. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to remove these regions showed that biosynthetic gene expression and phytoalexin production were significantly attenuated after CuCl2treatment in the leaves of the edited plants. Thus, thecis-transfactor combination of DPF and N-boxes is a key determinant of regulation.

DPF has evolved as a strongcis-transregulatory system for diterpenoid phytoalexin production, with N-boxes generated within the cluster region during the evolution from wild rice to cultivated rice.
Pay dissatisfaction and withdrawal behaviour of employees in the civil service: does personal income tax regime matter?
Authors: Court Timinepere Ogele , Appiah Alaowei Kingsley
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The aim of the study is to explore the links between multiple personal income tax regimes, pay dissatisfaction, employee lateness and absenteeism. Accordingly, this paper examines the relationships between income tax policies, pay dissatisfaction and the work withdrawal behaviours of employees in the public service.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative design, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire from a sample of 252 respondents from the Bayelsa State Civil Service in Nigeria. Data were analysed by applying multivariate regression and structural equation modelling through the use of Stata software version 12 and SmartPLS version 4.

Findings

The results demonstrated that there was a positive relationship between personal income tax regimes and pay dissatisfaction; there was a positive relationship between pay dissatisfaction and work withdrawal behaviour of employee tardiness and absenteeism and pay dissatisfaction mediated the relationships between personal income tax regimes and work withdrawal behaviours of public sector employees.

Originality/value

The study appears to be the first to explore the nexus between personal income tax regimes and pay dissatisfaction and withdrawal behaviours of employee tardiness and absenteeism as well as the mediating role of pay dissatisfaction in public service organisations.
Modification of HFACS model for path identification of causal factors of collapse accidents in the construction industry
Authors: Qi Haonan , Zhou Zhipeng , Irizarry Javier , Deng Xiaopeng , Yang Yifan , Li Nan , Zhou Jianliang
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to modify the human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS) to make it suitable for collapse accident analysis in construction. Based upon the modified HFACS, distribution patterns of causal factors across multiple levels were discerned among causal factors of various stakeholders at construction sites. It explored the correlations between two causal factors from different levels and further determined causation paths from two perspectives of level and stakeholder.

Design/methodology/approach

The main research framework consisted of data collection, coding and analysis. Collapse accident reports were collected with adequate causation information. The modified HFACS was utilized for coding causal factors across all five levels in each case. A hybrid approach with two perspectives of level and stakeholder was proposed for frequency analysis, correlation analysis and path identification between causal factors.

Findings

Eight causal factors from external organizations at the fifth level were added to the original HFACS. Level-based correlation analyses and path identification provided safety managers with a holistic view of inter-connected causal factors across five levels. Stakeholder-based correlation analyses between causal factors from the fifth level and its non-adjacent levels were implemented based on client, government and third parties. These identified paths were useful for different stakeholders to develop specific safety plans for avoiding construction collapse accidents.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to modify and utilize the HFACS model for correlation analysis and path identification of causal factors resulting in collapse accidents, which can provide opportunities for tailoring preventive and protective measures at construction sites.
To internalize or not? Addressing key differences between Turkish migrant and native workers in construction employment
Authors: Yılmaz İsmail Cengiz , Tekin Hamdi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Migration is on the rise due to globalization and human mobility. This has led to increased impacts that have affected many industries, including the construction industry. A large number of migrants are employed in the construction sector, and employers are challenged to make sure all employees are properly integrated to meet the demands needed for construction projects. This article addresses key differences between migrant and native workers to help hiring departments in the construction industry analyse workers' attitudes based on cultural and motivational factors to have the workforce they need to succeed.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used both quantitative and qualitative surveys. A two-part questionnaire, designed through a comprehensive literature review, was carried out to identify key differences between native and migrant workers. The data were obtained and then analysed using different statistical approaches, including factor analysis protocol, factor structure model, reliability analysis, relative importance index and nonparametric test analysis. A semi-structured interview was then conducted to discuss all the findings.

Findings

The study indicated that migrant workers, compared to natives, tend to give more importance to their working environment, particularly accommodation, work safety and relations with teammates. Also, migrants typically take a socialistic approach instead of an individual approach while at work and reveal an extensive range of behaviours based on a sense of belonging. It might be more important for migrants to have a place in society, to have a settled life and to be integrated into an established order than to improve their rights and benefits. On the other hand, the study argued that native workers tend to prioritize their benefits at work, such as regular payments for overtime and insurance premiums. Their behaviours might carry a more neutral and individual attitude as well as specific cultural traces.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to a sample of participants in the Turkish construction sector. Further research based on more cultural models and motivational factors with a larger group of respondents from different countries could offer better results. The results of the study might not apply to a broad context due to many other factors that affect worker behaviours, such as geography, cultural structures and working conditions. Despite these drawbacks, the present paper may help employers and other stakeholders understand the best way to incorporate migrants into the construction industry.

Originality/value

This research is very important for the construction industry in various countries that are currently employing thousands of migrants. Being able to address the key differences between migrants and native workers based on cultural and motivational factors might help with engagement and create a level of harmony in the field for greater productivity.
Therapeutic gardening in English prisons post-pandemic: implications for health and wellbeing
Authors: Farrier Alan , Baybutt Michelle
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Greener on the Outside for Prisons (GOOP) is a therapeutic horticulture programme targeting the high levels of complex health and social care needs in prisons in England. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns led to unprecedented disruption in prisons in England. This paper examines the experiences of prisoners both during and post-lockdowns in four prisons, to understand the effects of participation in GOOP on health and wellbeing after the disruption of restrictions, and identify implications for developing this programme further.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on original qualitative data gathered from in-depth narrative-based interviews and focus groups with prisoners and staff in four English prisons. Audio data was transcribed and subject to a thematic analysis, drawing from a realist-informed lens.

Findings

Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: reimagining the GOOP context; increasing empathy between participants; building sense of coherence; reconnecting with nature and a joined-up connection with provider services. The main arguments centre on horticulture in prisons remaining under-utilised as a means of promoting good health and wellbeing, although there is enthusiasm from staff to provide green spaces for the most vulnerable prisoners and develop a range of mechanisms to connect people in prison with nature.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on new knowledge arising from an unprecedented situation in English prisons, from key stakeholders on the frontline of garden activities. Accounts demonstrate the extent of the health and wellbeing benefits of participation in such activities in this challenging environment, which has implications for practice for prisons more widely.
Empowering children for better health with child-to-child approach: a systematic literature review
Authors: Mittal Palka , Kalra Sheetal , Dadhich Abhishek , Ajmera Puneeta
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Child-to-Child (C-to-C) approach is an evidence-based approach that ensures the child’s participation in bringing about positive changes in healthcare. By systematically investigating the literature, the study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach and recognize associated themes, methodologies and outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive search on PubMed, ProQuest, Cochrane and Dimensions AI databases was performed for original research articles on C-to-C intervention, with no time and geographical restrictions. Following PRISMA and PICO, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool assessed the studies. A data tabulation technique was used to summarize these studies.

Findings

The approach shows promising results in enhancing children’s understanding of health issues and their participation in community health promotion. This, in turn, encourages the adoption of better healthcare practices and shows improved health outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is required to understand the long-term impact of the approach on populations from diverse socioeconomic statuses in different study settings.

Practical implications

The findings will be helpful for practitioners, educators, policymakers and other stakeholders in creating more successful and effective C-to-C intervention programs to make informed decisions, achieve sustainable behavior change and improve health.

Originality/value

The originality of this review paper is evident in its unique focus on the C-to-C approach, which empowers children not only as recipients of health education but also as active contributors to promoting health. Further, the present research also explores the intricacies of how children learn from each other, offering new insights into effective educational practices.
Beyond the hard and soft skills paradigm: an Australian architecture industry perspective on employability and the university/practice divide
Authors: Smith Sebastian , Dupre Karine , Crough Julie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study explores practitioners’ perspectives on the perceived gap between university and practice beyond the hard and soft skill paradigm. Utilising Tomlinson’s graduate capital model of employability (2017), we explored human, social, cultural, and psychological capitals to enrich the understanding of this issue and employability. It provided a new perspective, useful for implementing curriculum renewal.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilised a two-stage mixed methods design. Using Tomlinson’s (2017) Graduate capital model as a framework, the first stage involved distributing an online survey to qualified architects in hiring positions practising in Australia. This served as the foundation for generating qualitative and quantitative data. The second stage involved a two-hour practitioner workshop where the survey results were discussed and expanded upon.

Findings

Our results found that the practitioner’s perspective on the perceived skills gap is more complex than the hard/soft skill paradigm commonly discussed. Practitioners expressed a need for students/graduates to possess identity and cultural capital to contextualise industry norms and expectations. This knowledge lets students know where and how hard/soft skills are used. Our results also suggest practitioners are concerned with the prevailing individualistic approach to the higher education system and traditional architectural teaching methods, instead suggesting a more industry-aligned collaborative disposition.

Originality/value

By expanding the employability discourse beyond hard/soft skills, the results of this research provide an opportunity for architectural curriculum renewal in line with industry expectations.
Research on the new method for visualizing bendability testing of fabrics in multiple directions
Authors: Jiang Xin , Liu Chengxia
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The current bending test method can only test the bending performance of fabric in one direction at a time. It is not possible to directly observe the bending morphology of fabrics in different directions, and it is necessary to cut samples and repeat the test several times, which takes more time. For this situation, a multidirectional visualization of the fabric bending test method is proposed, using which multiple results can be obtained at one time and the fabric bending can be visualized.

Design/methodology/approach

About 17 fabrics are tested using a self-designed device. The fabrics are cut into special triangles and multiple sets of results in three directions are obtained at once using the device. The experimental specimens are photographed from the above and the transverse elongation length, bending projection area and circumference are extracted after image processing.

Findings

The results show that the correlation coefficients of transverse elongation, bending projected area and circumference are good with the bending length measured by the cantilever method. In which, all three indicators are positively correlated with the bending length. This indicates the good feasibility of the new method.

Originality/value

This method can get the bending index of fabrics in three directions, with five samples in each direction at one time. Meanwhile, it can also visualize the flexural differences between different fabrics and directions of the same fabric. It can provide more efficient testing means for the textile testing field, and the testing efficiency is 15 times of the existing method, which has better theoretical significance and practical values.
Antecedents of Murabaha home financing among Muslim household – an integrated framework
Authors: Chetioui Youssef , Lebdaoui Hind , Belouali Zakaria , Sarea Adel
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Though Murabaha financing experienced substantial growth in several majority-Muslim countries, its market share in the Moroccan banking industry is still very narrow than other conventional banks’ instruments. The current research investigated the ability of an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework to explain the main drivers of attitude and intention to use Murabaha financing among Moroccan households. The moderating effect of Islamic religiosity was also scrutinized.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via a survey of 512 Moroccan consumers and analyzed using the partial least squares (PLS) technique.

Findings

First, attitude toward Islamic banking products is a key predictor of consumer intention to use Murabaha financing. At the same time, consumers’ attitudes are influenced by Islamic financial literacy, subjective norms, behavioral control and profit and loss sharing. Islamic religiosity was also found to positively moderate the link between attitudes towards Islamic banking (IB) and intention to use Murabaha financing, e.g. positive attitudes toward IB are more likely to convert into an intention to use Murabaha financing among Muslim consumers with higher levels of religiosity.

Managerial implications

To boost consumers’ intention to use Murabaha financing, Islamic bank managers should consider further investment in advertising to enhance consumers’ awareness about IB products. Islamic banks should also consider digital and social media marketing to increase consumers’ awareness about the products and spread a positive e-WOM with regards to their products. Our findings emphasize the importance of Islamic religiosity in shaping Muslim consumers’ intentions to use Murabaha financing. Islamic banks ought to make sure that Murabaha financing contracts are strictly adherent to and compliant with Shari’ah principles. They should also train their frontline employees on Islamic financing activities so that they can effectively respond to the queries and questions of Murabaha potential consumers.

Originality/value

The study findings contribute to the IB literature by demystifying the key factors shaping Muslim consumers’ intentions to use Murabaha financing. The study also extends the literature by emphasizing Islamic religiosity as a basis for Muslim consumers’ behavior in the context of IB. To the best of our knowledge, this study is among the first to empirically investigate Muslim consumers’ intention to use Murabaha financing in North Africa and the Arab countries.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2022-0680
Factors influencing consumers’ Airbnb use intention: a meta-analytic analysis using the UTAUT2
Authors: Bommer William H. , Roy Sandip , Milevoj Emil , Rana Shailesh
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study integrates previous research on the intention to use Airbnb to determine which antecedents provide a parsimonious explanation.

Design/methodology/approach

Meta-analyses based on 61 samples estimate how 8 antecedents are associated with the intention to use Airbnb. Subsequent analyses utilize meta-analyses to estimate a regression model to simultaneously estimate the relationship between the antecedents and the intention to use Airbnb. Relative weight analysis then determined each antecedent’s utility.

Findings

A parsimonious model with only four antecedents (hedonic motivation, price value, effort expectancy and social influence) was nearly as predictive as the full eight-antecedent model. Ten moderating variables were examined, but none were deemed to consistently influence the relationships between the antecedents and the intention to use Airbnb.

Practical implications

Relatively few measures (i.e. four) effectively explain customers’ intentions to use Airbnb. When these measures cannot be readily influenced, alternatives are also presented. Implications for the travel industry are considered and straightforward approaches to increasing users are presented.

Originality/value

This is the first integrative review of customers’ intentions to use Airbnb. We integrate what is currently known about customers’ intentions to use Airbnb and then provide a robust model for Airbnb use intentions that both researchers and practitioners can utilize.
The study of social commerce in Generation Z context: the role of social support and privacy risk
Authors: Tseng Hsiao-Ting , Jia Shizhen (Jasper) , Nisar Tahir M. , Hajli Nick , Shabbir Haseeb
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The recent proliferation of social media platforms has witnessed a growth in social commerce by using social media to facilitate interactivity between customers and vendors. While emergent studies on social commerce are growing, their focus tends to be on millennials and cross-age groups. Given the growth of digital natives in shaping the online shopping experience of the future, we deemed an application to Generation Z necessary and overdue.

Design/methodology/approach

We draw on the existing literature and develop a framework to understand social commerce dynamics for digital natives. We employ PLS and CB-SEM to test our proposed model.

Findings

Our findings demonstrate the importance of social commerce information sharing activities in facilitating social support, a sense of warmth and belongingness, and online trust for Generation Z platform users. We also investigate the roles of online trust and perceived risk on intention to purchase and find support for both relationships. Finally, we discuss the findings in terms of theoretical and managerial contributions and conclude the study with limitations and future research directions.

Originality/value

This research is unique by using social commerce theory to explore Gen Z platform users. The finding will contribute to information system literature by expanding the social commerce research stream.
Unveiling key determinants of higher education expenditure in Vietnam: an adaptive LASSO approach in Tobit regression analysis
Authors: Pham Phuong-Thao , Le Thi Thu Huong
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates the key determinants affecting household spending for university degree in Vietnam. This paper serves as empirical evidence for policymakers to select appropriate factors to estimate financial needs for university students in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ an innovative variable selection approach with adaptive LASSO for Tobit Regression Model.

Findings

The results suggest income, region and ethnicity play significant roles in determining higher education expenditure at Vietnamese households. Gender-related indicators (such as gender of household head, student’s gender), distance to school, occupations, etc. are empirically insignificant.

Originality/value

This study proposes a data-driven method by interfering regulation and Tobit regression to understand the divergence in higher education spending. Especially, adaptive LASSO was first introduced to identify key determinants of higher education expenditure at household level in Vietnam. It hopes to tackle over-fitting problems of traditional OLS regression in previous literature.
Determinants of older people labour market decision in Ghana
Authors: Opoku Kwadwo , Domfe George , Adu Boahen Emmanuel
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the prevalence of labour force participation and the factors affecting labour supply among older persons in Ghana. Both the extensive and intensive margins of older persons’ labour supply were analysed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses nationally representative samples of household and individual data in 2016–2017 – Ghana Living Standard Survey (GLSS 7) data – for the analysis. Heckman’s sample selection model is used to analyse both the extensive and intensive margins of older persons’ labour supply.

Findings

The study found that older persons in Ghana who are pensioners, widowed, have high levels of education, poor health status and live in urban areas are less likely to participate actively in the labour market. On the other hand, being head of a household, married and owning certain assets increase the likelihood of an older person to work. Furthermore, pensions, household headship and post-secondary education have negative effects on the labour supply as having them make older persons work fewer hours per week compared to their counterparts.

Originality/value

This research is the first study to examine the prevalence of old age employment and factors that affect labour market decisions of older persons in Ghana. It also adds to the limited literature on pension and retirement decisions in developing countries.
Revolutionizing decision support: a systematic literature review of contextual implementation models for electronic health records systems
Authors: Mwogosi Augustino , Shao Deo , Kibusi Stephen , Kapologwe Ntuli
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess previously developed Electronic Health Records System (EHRS) implementation models and identify successful models for decision support.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The data sources used were Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar. The review identified peer-reviewed papers published in the English Language from January 2010 to April 2023, targeting well-defined implementation of EHRS with decision-support capabilities in healthcare. To comprehensively address the research question, we ensured that all potential sources of evidence were considered, and quantitative and qualitative studies reporting primary data and systematic review studies that directly addressed the research question were included in the review. By including these studies in our analysis, we aimed to provide a more thorough and reliable evaluation of the available evidence.

Findings

The findings suggest that the success of EHRS implementation is determined by organizational and human factors rather than technical factors alone. Successful implementation is dependent on a suitable implementation framework and management of EHRS. The review identified the capabilities of Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tools as essential in the effectiveness of EHRS in supporting decision-making.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature on EHRS implementation models and identifies successful models for decision support. The findings can inform future implementations and guide decision-making in healthcare facilities.
Is the incumbent crying or laughing: when does the entrant adopt the market expansion entry strategy?
Authors: Wang Shu , Liu Dun , Nie Jiajia
Published: May 2024

Purpose

It is only logical that a firm aims to make a profit after entering the market. However, some firms enter the market with the goal of market expansion and even burn money to pursue market share, which is counterintuitive in practice. To explore the theoretical foundations behind this rare phenomenon, this paper focuses on discussing the impact of the market expansion entry strategy on the entrant firm and the incumbent firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a game theory model of a supply chain with an incumbent and an entrant, this paper explores the mathematical conditions for the entrant to adopt either the traditional or the market expansion entry strategy and investigates the incumbent’s benefits and losses under different entry strategies.

Findings

The results show that when the market-expansion effect and the selling price ceiling are moderate, the entrant firm always adopts the market expansion entry strategy, and the incumbent firm obtains a free ride from the entrant firm and benefits from it. The entire industry profits and the industry consumer surplus are increased. In particular, we further investigate the cases in which the incumbent firm has a first-mover advantage or there is a troublesome cost, and the results confirm the aforementioned conclusions.

Originality/value

By considering market share as the entrant’s goal, this paper contributes to the dual-purpose literature. Moreover, based on the model’s mathematical results, this paper offers relevant management insights for the entrant and its stakeholders in the e-commerce platform.
Time-frequency connectedness between electricity prices in Romania and its determinants in the competitive markets
Authors: Georgescu Irina Alexandra , Oprea Simona Vasilica , Bâra Adela
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In this paper, we aim to provide an extensive analysis to understand how various factors influence electricity prices in competitive markets, focusing on the day-ahead electricity market in Romania.

Design/methodology/approach

Our study period began in January 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued for several months after the onset of the war in Ukraine. During this time, we also consider other challenges like reduced market competitiveness, droughts and water scarcity. Our initial dataset comprises diverse variables: prices of essential energy sources (like gas and oil), Danube River water levels (indicating hydrological conditions), economic indicators (such as inflation and interest rates), total energy consumption and production in Romania and a breakdown of energy generation by source (coal, gas, hydro, oil, nuclear and renewable energy sources) from various data sources. Additionally, we included carbon certificate prices and data on electricity import, export and other related variables. This dataset was collected via application programming interface (API) and web scraping, and then synchronized by date and hour.

Findings

We discover that the competitiveness significantly affected electricity prices in Romania. Furthermore, our study of electricity price trends and their determinants revealed indicators of economic health in 2019 and 2020. However, from 2021 onwards, signs of a potential economic crisis began to emerge, characterized by changes in the normal relationships between prices and quantities, among other factors. Thus, our analysis suggests that electricity prices could serve as a predictive index for economic crises. Overall, the Granger causality findings from 2019 to 2022 offer valuable insights into the factors driving energy market dynamics in Romania, highlighting the importance of economic policies, fuel costs and environmental regulations in shaping these dynamics.

Originality/value

We combine principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce the dataset’s dimensionality. Following this, we use continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to explore frequency-domain relationships between electricity price and quantity in the day-ahead market (DAM) and the components derived from PCA. Our research also delves into the competitiveness level in the DAM from January 2019 to August 2022, analyzing the Herfindahl-Hirschman index (HHI).
Barriers to public sector innovation in Switzerland: A phase‐based investigation
Authors: Singler Sebastian , Guenduez Ali A.
Published: May 2024

Innovation processes are crucial to modernizing business processes, products, and institutional arrangements in the public sector. However, many attempts at innovation in this area fail. Previous research has identified various barriers, yet little is known regarding which might manifest during the various phases of the innovation process. In this study, we analyse the barriers to public sector innovation from a process perspective, using the policy cycle as an analytical framework. We conducted qualitative interviews (n = 22) with Swiss practitioners to explore barriers to public sector innovation in individual phases of the innovation process. Thus, this study contributes to a better understanding of the barriers that can impede a successful public sector innovation process by shedding light on the barriers’ dynamics and differences at the national and regional levels.

Points for practitioners

Public sector innovation (PSI) barriers often require public sector organisations to follow a professional innovation management approach.

Reluctance to connect and insufficient and/or unclear room to manoeuvre appear to be the most critical barriers, likely resulting from the substantial complexity of the context.

PSI barriers show different levels of prevalence in each phase of the innovation process. It is crucial to address barriers in each stage appropriately. Understanding the prevalence of barriers in each phase will help with determining the appropriate strategy.

Barriers must be considered throughout innovation process, without neglecting any phase. This requires a strategic and long‐term perspective on innovation management.
A silver lining to a busted forecast? Building relationships after the storm through humanising messages
Authors: Atwell Seate Anita , Liu Brooke Fisher , Kim Jiyoun , Lee Saymin , Hawblitzel Daniel
Published: May 2024

Grounded in the quiet weather communication typology, we conducted two between‐subjects experiments comparing humanising to organisational voice messages in predicting disaster organisation‐public relationships, publics' message passing intentions, and publics' community resilience perceptions in the U.S. tornado context. Study 1 examines these relationships in the missed event context, where a tornado was not forecasted, but occurred. Study 2 examines these relationships in the false alarm context, where a tornado was forecasted, but did not occur. Results show differing processes across the two studies, with Study 1 results showing direct message effects, but no indirect effects. Study 2 results show indirect effects of the experimental condition on the outcomes via perceptions of conversational human voice. The discussion extends the quiet weather communication typology by theorising how context influences message strategy effectiveness.
Research, analytics and intelligence in issues and crises
Authors: LaVail Kate , DiRusso Carlina , Voges Taylor
Published: May 2024

Today, corporate crises inherently pose a threat to brand reputation. Multiple stakeholders, online influence and the interconnectedness of reputation with major social issues raise the stakes for crisis teams. The level of complexity has perhaps never been so great, and with it, the need for data‐driven decision‐making. In practice, research, analytics, and intelligence experts are full members of corporate risk and crisis teams from planning, to response, to evaluation. These professionals develop the insights to fuel smart, timely decision‐making by surfacing insights to ameliorate crises. Additionally, they are responsible for measuring and evaluating progress and performance improving the brand's readiness for future issues. Insights, intelligence and performance measures drive conclusions necessary to determine what, if any, brand damage has occurred, how to fix it, and how to prepare better for the next time.
The effects of grassland degradation on the genetic structure of a small mammal
Authors: WANG Zaiwei , MARTIN Amy , BRUNTON Dianne , GRUETER Cyril C. , QU Jiapeng , HE Jin‐Sheng , JI Weihong , NAN Zhibiao
Published: May 2024

Grassland degradation is challenging the health of grassland ecosystems globally and causing biodiversity decline. Previous studies have demonstrated the impact of grassland degradation on the abundance and behavior of small mammals. Little is known about how it affects the genetic structure of gregarious mammals in the wild. This study explores the effects of grassland degradation on the genetic structure of a small burrowing mammal, plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae). We used nine microsatellite loci to analyze the genetic diversity and genetic differentiation between colonies and genetic relatedness between individuals within the colony. We found that pikas in severely degraded grasslands had a significantly higher genetic diversity within colonies, a higher level of gene flow between colonies, and a lower genetic differentiation between colonies compared to pikas in less degraded grasslands. Individuals within colonies had a significantly lower genetic relatedness in severely degraded grasslands than in less degraded grasslands. This study has provided potential evidence of a significant impact of grassland degradation on the genetic structure of pikas, which has caused a breakdown of their kin‐selected colony structure.
Effects of a forested state park on stream nutrient concentrations in an agriculturally dominated watershed in the U.S. Midwest
Authors: Farthing Tessa , Rintsch Eileen , Larson Owen , Grudzinski Bartosz P. , Fisher Thomas J. , McCarty Jessica L.
Published: May 2024

Agricultural land cover in the U.S. Midwest is a major source of nutrient pollution that has led to impairment of stream water quality. This study examines the impact of a forested state park on nutrient concentrations within an agriculturally dominated watershed. Water samples were collected over a 2‐year study period from eight stream sampling sites along four creeks and processed for total nitrogen (TN), nitrate (), total phosphorus (TP), and orthophosphate (). Hydrology, channel morphology, and remotely sensed land cover and vegetation data were also collected and analyzed within the study area. Results indicate that water quality responses to a forested state park vary between TN, , TP, and , and water quality variables are uniquely influenced by watershed and stream characteristics. The greatest water quality benefits most frequently occurred within the two smallest study streams with the greatest residence times and proportion of watershed areas within the forested state park. Overall, the greatest improvements to water quality occurred during periods of low stream discharge and when riparian vegetation was greenest. The results of this study suggest that conservation of forested areas within agriculturally dominated watersheds can provide water quality improvements in the U.S. Midwest. Targeting watersheds that drain small streams with long residence times for conservation may be most beneficial to improving water quality.
Do higher global oil and wheat prices matter for the wheat flour price in Lebanon?
Authors: Karaki Mohamad B. , Neaimeh Andrios
Published: May 2024

This article investigates the effect of global oil and wheat prices, and local price shocks on the real price of wheat flour in Lebanon. We estimate a structural vector autoregressive model with exogenous variables (SVARX) using Bayesian methods. We then compute the impulse response functions and find that global commodity price shocks play a trivial role. Meanwhile, local gasoline price and wheat flour price‐specific shocks trigger large increases in the Lebanese wheat flour price on impact. Furthermore, since 2020, local gasoline price and wheat flour price‐specific shocks have contributed the most to the historical variation in the Lebanese wheat flour price.
The (Lack of) Progress in Accountancy Professionalisation: Insights from Non‐accountants in Portugal
Authors: Leão Fernanda , Gomes Delfina
Published: May 2024

Concerns about the success of professional accountancy in terms of its social dimension have been expressed in the literature. This study uses data from a questionnaire survey administered to a Portuguese community sample to provide insights for a better understanding of the social dimension of professional accountancy at the macro level. It examines how lay society in accounting posits accountants along the social judgement variables of status, competition, competence and warmth and tests these variables’ influence on accountants’ social image using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that status, competition, competence and warmth are all critical factors in constructing the social image of modern accountants. Accountants are perceived as modestly warm, highly competent and a cooperative lower middle‐class group. These findings confirm the profession's difficulties in enhancing accountants’ perceived social standing and reinforce the view of limited social mobility in the accountancy profession. The high level of competence identified suggests weak social power in the case of accountancy. Future research may investigate how soft skills and networking abilities in the perceived prototype of competence can promote the higher social standing of the accountancy group.
LINC00173 silence and estrone supply suppress ER+ breast cancer by estrogen receptor α degradation and LITAF activation
Authors: Xie Yu , Shan Meihua , Yu Jing , Du Yongjun , Wu Chengkun , Liu Shujing , Li Jiayin , Xiao Yupeng , Yan Yan , Li Ning , Qin Junfang , Lan Lan , Wang Yue
Published: May 2024

Persistent activation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)‐mediated estrogen signaling plays a pivotal role in driving the progression of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer (BC). In the current study, LINC00173, a long non‐coding RNA, was found to bind both ERα and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) factor (LITAF), then cooperatively to inhibit ERα protein degradation by impeding the nuclear export of ERα. Concurrently, LITAF was found to attenuate TNFα transcription after binding to LINC00173, and this attenuating transcriptional effect was quite significant under lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Distinct functional disparities between estrogen subtypes emerge, with estradiol synergistically promoting ER+ BC cell growth with LINC00173, while estrone (E1) facilitated LITAF‐transcriptional activation. In terms of therapeutic significance, silencing LINC00173 alongside moderate addition of E1 heightened TNFα and induced apoptosis, effectively inhibiting ER+ BC progression.
The reflections of health service providers on implementing contingency management for methamphetamine use disorder in Australia
Authors: Clay Simon , Wilkinson Zachary , Ginley Meredith , Arunogiri Shalini , Christmass Michael , Membrey Dean , MacCartney Paul , Sutherland Rachel , Colledge‐Frisby Samantha , Marshall Alison D. , Nagle Jack , Degenhardt Louisa , Farrell Michael , McKetin Rebecca
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Contingency management (CM) is the most effective treatment for reducing methamphetamine use. We sought to understand why CM has not been taken up to manage methamphetamine use disorder in Australia.

Methods

Six focus groups (4–8 participants per group) were conducted with health workers from agencies in Australia that provided drug‐related health care to people who use methamphetamine. These agencies had no previous experience delivering CM for substance use. The potential acceptability and feasibility of implementing CM in their services were discussed.

Results

Participants felt that it would be beneficial to have an evidence‐based treatment for methamphetamine use disorder. This sentiment was offset by concerns that CM conflicted with a client‐centred harm‐reduction approach and that it dictated the goal of treatment as abstinence. It was also perceived as potentially coercive and seen to reify the power imbalance in the therapeutic relationship and therefore potentially reinforce stigma. There was also concern about the public's perception and the political acceptability of CM, who would fund CM, and the inequity of providing incentives only to clients with a methamphetamine use disorder. Some concerns could be ameliorated if the goals and structure of CM could be tailored to a client's needs.

Discussion and Conclusions

Many healthcare workers were keen to offer CM as an effective treatment option for people with methamphetamine use disorder, but CM would need to be sufficiently flexible to allow it to be tailored to client needs and implemented in a way that did not adversely impact the therapeutic relationship.