bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A widespread hydrogenase drives fermentative growth of gut bacteria in healthy people
Authors: Welsh Caitlin , Cabotaje Princess R. , Marcelino Vanessa R. , Watts Thomas D. , Kountz Duncan J. , Gould Jodee A. , Doan Nhu Quynh , Lingford James P. , Solari Jessica , D’Adamo Gemma L. , Huang Ping , Bong Natasha , Gulliver Emily L. , Young Remy B. , Walter Kaija , Wolf Patricia G. , Ridlon Jason M. , Gaskins H. Rex , Giles Edward M. , Lyras Dena , Lappan Rachael , Berggren Gustav , Forster Samuel C. , Greening Chris
Published: August 2024

Molecular hydrogen (H2) is among the most central, but least understood, metabolites in the human gastrointestinal tract (gut). H2gas is produced in large quantities during bacterial fermentation and consumed as an energy source by bacteria and archaea. Disruption of H2cycling is linked to gastrointestinal disorders, infections, and cancers, with H2used as an indicator of gut dysfunction through breath tests. Despite this, the microorganisms, pathways, and enzymes mediating H2production remain unresolved. Here we show that a previously uncharacterised enzyme, the group B [FeFe]-hydrogenase, drives most fermentative H2production in the human gut. Analysis of stool, biopsy, and isolate (meta)genomes and (meta)transcriptomes show this hydrogenase is encoded by most gut bacteria and is highly expressed. Through analysis of 19 taxonomically diverse gut isolates, the group B [FeFe]-hydrogenase produces large amounts of H2gas and supports fermentative growth of both Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes.Bacteroidesparticularly dominate H2production. Biochemical and spectroscopic characterisation shows purified group B [FeFe]-hydrogenases are catalytically active and bind a di-iron active site. These hydrogenases are highly enriched in the guts of healthy individuals, but significantly depleted in favour of other fermentative hydrogenases in Crohn’s disease. Furthermore, we show that metabolically flexible respiratory bacteria are the most abundant H2oxidizers in the gut, not sulfate reducers, methanogens, and acetogens as previously thought. This combination of enzymatic, cellular, and ecosystem-level analysis provides the first detailed understanding of H2cycling in the human gut and reveals new links between microbiota function and gastrointestinal health.
Viral and bacterial plant pathogens suppress antiviral defense against flaviviruses in their insect vectors
Authors: Larrea-Sarmiento Adriana , Olmedo-Velarde Alejandro , West-Ortiz Michael , Stuehler Douglas , Hosseinzadeh Saeed , Coleman Aminah , Preising Stephanie , Parker Glenn , Fei Zhangjun , Heck Michelle
Published: August 2024

A positive, single-stranded RNA virus member within theFlavivirusgenus was identified and characterized infectingMyzus persicae. This new insect-specific virus (ISV), Myzus persicae flavivirus (MpFV), is 23,236 nucleotides in length and encodes a large polyprotein from a single open reading frame. Analysis of conserved domains showed that helicases, NS3-proteases, Fts-J methyltransferase, and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase are present in the coded polyprotein. Aphid-infecting ISVs have been reported to interact with plant viruses within the vector, modulating its titer and manipulating aphid behavior and morphology. Small RNA (sRNA) profile analysis of theM. persicaesRNA profile demonstrated that the circulative plant virus, potato leafroll virus (PLRV), modified the aphid antiviral immunity against MpFV. Abundant sRNA reads matching MpFV were detected when aphids were fed on healthy plants, sucrose diet, and potato virus Y-infected plants. In contrast, no MpFV reads were detected in aphids that had acquired PLRV from infected plants or artificial diet sachets containing purified virions. While the titer ofM. persicae densovirus(MpDNV) was previously reported to be regulated by expression of the PLRV silencing suppressor protein P0, P0 had no effect on MpFV titer in the aphid. MpFV was transmitted 100% vertically to the offspring, and exhibited tissue tropisms for the body rather than the head. By artificial diet assays, other aphid species, includingAphis gossypii(cotton aphid),Schizaphis graminum(greenbug aphid),Rhopalosiphumpadi (bird cherry-oat aphid), andR. maidis(corn leaf aphid), acquired the MpFV. These findings further support the idea that PLRV suppresses aphid immunity against ISVs, suggest the existence of at least two distinct pathways for PLRV-induced aphid immune system modulation. To test whether other circulative plant pathogens suppress insect anti-viral immunity against insect-specific flaviviruses, we quantified the small RNA response ofDiaphorina citri, vector of “CandidatusLiberibacter asiaticus” (CLas) associated with citrus greening disease and showed thatCLas also suppressesD. citrianti-viral immunity againstD. citri-like flavivirus(DcLFV). These data reveal an evolutionary conserved, unexpected role for diverse circulative plant pathogens in modulating anti-viral immunity in hemipteran vectors.
Microglia morphology in the developing primate amygdala and effects of early life stress
Authors: King Dennisha P. , Abdalaziz Miral , Majewska Ania K. , Cameron Judy L. , Fudge Julie L.
Published: August 2024

A unique pool of immature glutamatergic neurons in the primate amygdala, known as the paralaminar nucleus (PL), are maturing between infancy and adolescence. The PL is a potential substrate for the steep growth curve of amygdala volume during this developmental period. A microglial component is also embedded among the PL neurons, and likely supports local neuronal maturation and emerging synaptogenesis. Microglia may alter neuronal growth following environmental perturbations such as stress. Using multiple measures, we first found that microglia in the infant primate PL had relatively large somas, and a small arbor size. In contrast, microglia in the adolescent PL had a smaller soma, and a larger dendritic arbor. We then examined microglial morphology in the PL after a novel maternal separation protocol, to examine the effects of early life stress. After maternal separation, the microglia had increased soma size, arbor size and complexity. Surprisingly, strong effects were seen not only in the infant PL, but also in the adolescent PL from subjects who had experienced the separation many years earlier. We conclude that under maternal-rearing conditions, PL microglia morphology tracks PL neuronal growth, progressing to a more ‘mature’ phenotype by adolescence. Maternal separation has long-lasting effects on microglia, altering their normal developmental trajectory, and resulting in a ‘hyper-ramified’ phenotype that persists for years. We speculate that these changes have consequences for neuronal development in young primates.

Significance Statement

The paralaminar (PL) nucleus of the amygdala is an important source of plasticity, due to its unique repository of immature glutamatergic neurons. PL immature neurons mature between birth and adolescence. This process is likely supported by synaptogenesis, which requires microglia. Between infancy and adolescence in macaques, PL microglia became more dense, and shifted to a ‘ramified’ phenotype, consistent with increased synaptic pruning functions. Early life stress in the form of maternal separation, however, blunted this normal trajectory, leading to persistent ‘parainflammatory’ microglial morphologies. We speculate that early life stress may alter PL neuronal maturation and synapse formation through microglia.
UV-irradiated rotifers for the maintenance of gnotobiotic zebrafish larvae
Authors: Rosales Susana Márquez , Bouchard Peter I. , Olmstead Emily M. , Parthasarathy Raghuveer
Published: August 2024

Host-associated microbial communities profoundly impact the health of humans and other animals. Zebrafish have proven to be a useful model for uncovering mechanisms of host-microbe interactions, but the difficulty of maintaining germ-free or gnotobiotic zebrafish beyond one week post-fertilization has limited their utility. To address this, we have developed a simple protocol using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of rotifers, a common and nutrient-rich prey species for larval zebrafish, to reduce the bacterial load associated with the rotifers by several orders of magnitude while maintaining their motility and viability. We find that though feeding with UV-treated rotifers does not preserve the sterility of germ-free fish, it enables the maintenance of pre-existing bacterial communities. Normal feeding, in striking contrast, leads to the near total depletion of these prior populations. We measure the abundance of single- and three-species consortia of zebrafish-commensal bacteria inoculated into initially germ-free larvae in a series of experiments extending to 8 days of feeding, or 13 days post-fertilization. We find, in fish fed UV-treated rotifers, persistence of bacterial populations on timescales of days, together with strong species-specific variation. In addition, re-inoculation of differently labeled strains of the same zebrafish-commensal species alongside feeding leads to colonization by the new bacteria without displacement of earlier microbes. Our method will facilitate the use of gnotobiotic zebrafish for investigations of phenomena that emerge later in animal development and for studies that probe microbiome composition fluctuations and stability over extended timescales.
Prevalence, associated factors and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns ofSalmonellaspecies and pathogenicEscherichia coliisolated from broiler poultry farms in Wakiso district, Uganda
Authors: Ssemakadde Thomas , Pauline Petra Nalumaga , Busingye Jude Collins , Bazira Joel , Taseera Kabanda
Published: August 2024

Background

The emergence and re- emergence of zoonotic bacterial infections and the upsurge reflected in current trends of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is a major global concern.Salmonellaspp andEscherichia coli (E. coli)are the two most important food-borne pathogens of public health interest incriminated in poultry products worldwide hence necessitating constant monitoring of microbial food safety measures. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, associated factors and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns ofSalmonellaandE. coliin poultry farms in Wakiso District to provide detailed information of extent of spread to guide plans that influence safer poultry keeping practices in this era.

Methods

This study was a cross sectional study that used a total of two hundred sixteen(216) poultry samples from cloacae swabs and fecal swabs collected from broiler poultry farms and cultured on ChromagarTMSalmonella and Sorbitol MacConkey agar for pathogenic E. coli. Biochemical tests, minimum inhibitory concentration, and polymerase chain reaction were utilized. Assessment of the correlations between the resistance patterns of resistant and susceptible isolates was determined using mean, and multiple logistic regression.

Results

A total of 40 (18.5%)Salmonellaand 120 (55.6%) PathogenicE. coliwas isolated. In this investigation, extended beta lactamase (ESBL) production was detected in 18 isolatesSalmonellaand 57 pathogenicE. coli. Prevalence ofblaTEM gene was expressed in 7/18 (39%)Salmonellaisolates and 42/57 (73.8%) PathogenicE. coliisolates The associated factors that predispose these farms toSalmonellaand PathogenicE. coliidentified in this study include: contact of poultry and wild birds (p- value =0.000), movement from one pen to the other by farm-handlers (P-Value = 0.030), use of untreated water (P-Value =0.005) and food contamination of commercial poultry feeds (P-Value= 0.0021)

Conclusion

Salmonellaspp andEscherichia coliremain the two most important food-borne pathogens of public health interest incriminated in the poultry field, and it is evident from this study that these bacteria have resistant genes associated with them.
A simple method for finding related sequences by adding probabilities of alternative alignments
Authors: Frith Martin C.
Published: August 2024

The main way of analyzing genetic sequences is by finding sequence regions that are related to each other. There are many methods to do that, usually based on this idea: Find an alignment of two sequence regions, which would be unlikely to exist between unrelated sequences. Unfortunately, it is hard to tell if an alignment is likely to exist by chance. Also, the precise alignment of related regions is uncertain. One alignment does not hold all evidence that they are related. We should consider alternative alignments too. This is rarely done, because we lack a simple and fast method that fits easily into practical sequence-search software. Described here is the simplest-conceivable change to standard sequence alignment, which sums probabilities of alternative alignments and makes it easier to tell if a similarity is likely to occur by chance. This approach is better than standard alignment at finding distant relationships, at least in a few tests. It can be used in practical sequence-search software, with minimal increase in implementation difficulty or run time. It generalizes to different kinds of alignment, for example, DNA-versus-protein with frameshifts. Thus, it can widely contribute to finding subtle relationships between sequences.
Coupled-channel
J−−
meson resonances from lattice QCD
Authors: Dudek Jozef J. , Johnson Christopher T. ,   for the Hadron Spectrum Collaboration
Published: August 2024

We extend an earlier calculation within lattice QCD of excited light meson resonances with JPC=1−−,2−−,3−− at the SU(3) flavor point in the representation, by considering the representation. In this case the resonances appear in coupled-channel amplitudes, which we determine, establishing the relative strength of pseudoscalar-pseudoscalar to pseudoscalar-vector decays. Combining the new octet results with the prior results for the singlet, we perform a plausible extrapolation to the physical quark mass, and compare to experimental ρJ⋆,KJ⋆,ωJ⋆ and ϕJ⋆ resonances.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Machine learning BPS spectra and the gap conjecture
Authors: Gukov Sergei , Seong Rak-Kyeong
Published: August 2024

We explore statistical properties of Bogomol’nyi-Prasad-Sommerfield q-series for 3d N=2 strongly coupled supersymmetric theories that correspond to a particular family of three-manifolds Y. We discover that gaps between exponents in the q-series are statistically more significant at the beginning of the q-series compared to gaps that appear in higher powers of q. Our observations are obtained by calculating saliencies of q-series features used as input data for principal component analysis, which is a standard example of an explainable machine learning technique that allows for a direct calculation and a better analysis of feature saliencies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exploring interlayer coupling in the twisted bilayer
PtTe2
Authors: Ahn Jeonghwan , Kang Seoung-Hun , Yoon Mina , Krogel Jaron T.
Published: August 2024

We have investigated interlayer interactions in the bilayer PtTe2 system, which influence the electronic energy bands near the Fermi level. Our diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) calculations for the high-symmetry bilayer stackings (AA, AB, AC) manifest distinct interlayer binding characteristics among the stacking modes by revealing significantly different interlayer separations depending on the stacking, which is critical to understanding the interlayer coupling of the twisted bilayers consisting of various local stacking arrangements. Furthermore, a comparison between the interlayer separations obtained from DMC and density functional theory (DFT) shows that meta-generalized gradient approximation (GGA)-based van der Waals–DFT results agree with DMC for different layer stackings, including twisted bilayers, but only the ground-state AA stacking matches well with GGA-based DFT predictions. This underscores the importance of accurate exchange-correlation potentials even for capturing the stacking-dependent interlayer binding properties. We further show that the variability in DFT-predicted interlayer separations is responsible for the large discrepancy of band structures in the 21.79∘ twisted bilayer PtTe2, affecting its classification as metallic or insulating. These results demonstrate the importance of obtaining a correct description of stacking-dependent interlayer coupling in modeling delicate bilayer systems at finite twists.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum tangent kernel
Authors: Shirai Norihito , Kubo Kenji , Mitarai Kosuke , Fujii Keisuke
Published: August 2024

The quantum kernel method is one of the key approaches to quantum machine learning, which has the advantage of not requiring optimization and its theoretical simplicity. By virtue of these properties, several experimental demonstrations and discussions of the potential advantages have been developed so far. However, as is the case in classical machine learning, not all quantum machine learning models could be regarded as kernel methods. In this work, we explore a quantum machine learning model with a deep parametrized quantum circuit and aim to go beyond the conventional quantum kernel method. In this case, the expressive power and performance are expected to be enhanced, while the training process might be a bottleneck because of the barren plateaus. Moreover, the high computational cost of gradient-based optimization and the large search space of the gradient-free optimization directly make the training intractable. However, we find that parameters of a deep enough quantum circuit do not move much from their initial values during training, allowing for a first-order expansion with respect to the parameters. This behavior is similar to that of the neural tangent kernel in classical machine learning, and such a quantum machine learning with deep variational quantum circuits can be described by another emergent kernel, the . We show that the proposed quantum tangent kernel has the potential to outperform the conventional quantum kernel method by performing a classification task on an ansatz-generated dataset. This work provides a different direction beyond the conventional quantum kernel method and explores the potential power of quantum machine learning with deep parametrized quantum circuits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Trade-offs between unitary and measurement induced spin squeezing in cavity QED
Authors: Barberena Diego , Chu Anjun , Thompson James K. , Rey Ana Maria
Published: August 2024

We study the combined effects of measurements and unitary evolution on the preparation of spin squeezing in an ensemble of atoms interacting with a single electromagnetic field mode inside a cavity. We derive simple criteria that determine the conditions at which measurement based entanglement generation overperforms unitary protocols. We include all relevant sources of decoherence and study both their effect on the optimal spin squeezing and the overall size of the measurement noise, which limits the dynamical range of quantum-enhanced phase measurements. Our conclusions are relevant for state-of-the-art atomic clocks that aim to operate below the standard quantum limit.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Methyl 2-[(Z)-5-bromo-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene]hydrazinecarbodithioate
Authors: Abdul Manan Mohd Abdul Fatah , Cordes David B. , McKay Aidan P.
Published: August 2024

The title compound, C10H8BrN3OS2, a brominated dithiocarbazate imine derivative, was obtained from the condensation reaction of S-methyldithiocarbazate (SMDTC) and 5-bromoisatin. The essentially planar molecule exhibits a Z configuration, with the dithiocarbazate and 5-bromoisatin fragments located on the same sides of the C=N azomethine bond, which allows for the formation of an intramolecular N—H...Ob (b = bromoisatin) hydrogen bond generating an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, adjacent molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming dimers characterized by an R
2
2(8) loop motif. In the extended structure, molecules are linked into a three-dimensional network by C—H...S and C—H...Br hydrogen bonds, C—Br...S halogen bonds and aromatic π–π stacking.
Foreign exchange market herd behaviour: empirical study in ASEAN-5 countries
Authors: Danila Nevi , Aggarwal Priyanka
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The study examines the herd behaviour in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-5 foreign exchange markets: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

We use the daily data as a sample. Cross-sectional absolute deviation (CSAD) and quantile regression are employed to identify the herding behaviour in these markets.

Findings

The findings report that all the foreign exchange markets in ASEAN-5 do not exhibit herding behaviour. Diversity of the fundamental economic, such as economic growth rate, rate of inflation and economy structure, produce monetary and exchange rate policies, is among the reasons for the absence of herd behaviour.

Practical implications

Maintaining macroeconomic stability and promoting market resilience to outside shocks should remain a priority for policymakers. As for investors, diversification is still a vital risk-management strategy.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel investigation into herd behaviour in ASEAN-5 foreign exchange market.
A systematic search and review of early contractor involvement in construction project development
Authors: Osuizugbo Innocent Chigozie , Omer Mazen M. , Rahman Rahimi A. , Oshodi Olalekan Shamsideen
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to review the current trends in early contractor involvement (ECI) in construction project development. The review consist of the following objectives: (1) identifying the benefits of ECI on construction project development; (2) identifying the challenges of ECI in construction project development; and (3) identifying the strategies of ECI in construction project development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study systematically reviews the literature on the application of ECI in construction project development. A total of 133 related articles were identified and analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method.

Findings

This review identified “improved team work/collaboration working relationship” as the top benefits of ECI in construction project development. “Cultural barrier” was identified as the top challenge of ECI in construction project development, while “contributing value engineering” and “buildability evaluation input”, were the top two strategies of ECI in construction project development.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to systematically review prior literature on ECI. As a result, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the art and fills the literature gap. Researchers and industry professionals can use the study findings to increase the rate and benefits of implementing ECI in construction projects.
Solo traveling behavior in pre-pandemic and post-pandemic eras – a comparative analysis
Authors: Nirkow Anna , Abbasian Saeid
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to empirically investigate solo travel behavior, comparing decision-making, destination choice, motivations, perceived experiences and constraints between the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic eras.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative and qualitative data to enhance reliability and flexibility. An online survey attracted 250 respondents, providing demographic data and pandemic-related insights, complemented by eight in-depth interviews. Qualitative content analysis was used to extract key findings on motivations, constraints and destination choices.

Findings

The findings reveal that, pre-pandemic, independence and flexibility were key motivators for solo travel, with safety and budget as significant constraints. During the pandemic, half of the respondents continued solo travel, mainly within Europe, facing constraints related to destination choice and health concerns. Post-pandemic, solo travel interest resurged, emphasizing unchanged motivations but reduced concerns over companionship and planning. The study identifies a “traveling for revenge” trend post-pandemic, showcasing a desire to overcome constraints imposed during the pandemic.

Originality/value

The study contributes original insights into the nuanced changes in solo travel behavior due to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a deeper understanding of solo travelers' evolving mindsets. It is one of the few studies to examine the pandemic's impact on solo traveling, providing short-term shifts in motivations and constraints with implications for the travel industry.
Exploring the first impression of a company: an empirical analysis of IPO prospectuses applying the impression formation model
Authors: Chung Jee Young , Ki Eyun-Jung
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The present study aims to identify how firms positioned their corporate reputation (i.e. impressiveness vs respectability) in their initial public offering (IPO) communication based on the impression formation model. Further, the study examined whether this presentation of corporate reputation was related to IPO success (i.e. stock price and volume of trading).

Design/methodology/approach

The present study analyzed 248 IPO prospectuses that were submitted to the major US stock markets. Specifically, various substantive and symbolic information and cues in IPO prospectuses were content analyzed.

Findings

The results suggest that bigger (in terms of revenue) IPO companies featured more “impressiveness” in their IPO prospectus, leading to greater IPO success. Bigger (in terms of both revenue and number of employees) IPO companies featured more “respectability” impressions in the IPO prospectus, although they did not achieve direct IPO success on the first day of IPO. Different types of industry used different information cues to feature “impressiveness” and/or “respectability,” suggesting that different types of firms view different cues to be important to IPO communication.

Practical implications

The results also suggest some practical guidelines for the strategic use of contents, tables and illustrations. Using more charts, tables and illustrations in IPO prospectus summaries was associated with a higher volume of trading on the first day. The more illustrations included in the IPO prospectus summaries, the less investors were willing to pay for initial stock prices.

Originality/value

IPO communication is a generally understudied area in corporate communication and strategic communication scholarship. The results should help to explain which communicative aspects and PR strategies effectively manage the firm’s impression to maximize the chances of an IPO success as well as initially build the financial reputation of a company. By doing so, the findings contribute to the broader advancement of financial communication within the strategic communications domain.
Digital humanities in US academic libraries: case studies
Authors: Habing Kelda , Ruan Lian
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Digital Humanities is a robust area of research and practice at universities and their libraries across the world. This case study investigates the unique DH practices of seven US academic libraries to provide insights into how varied academic libraries operate their DH programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with nine library staff in DH or DH-adjacent positions at seven US academic libraries were used to investigate library DH practices.

Findings

This case study highlighted key areas of academic library DH practices including Space, Technology, Staff, Instruction and Collaboration. Practices in these areas were compared against each other and literature to comment on the current state of DH library practices and offer some recommendations for select areas.

Research limitations/implications

This case study interviewed staff in a limited number of US libraries and is not generalizable to or a reflection of the many academic libraries in the US or across the world.

Originality/value

The juxtaposition of multiple libraries’ DH activities provides a unique perspective on academic library DH practice, as many studies investigate only a single library as their subject.
Learning to dance the interview dance: the job interview as an obstacle to employment for autistic university graduates
Authors: Garrod Brian , Hansen Marcus
Published: August 2024

Purpose

A significant autism employment gap persists in many countries. This study examines how the traditional job interview might form an obstacle to autistic people obtaining employment. It then offers a range of strategies that could make the traditional job interview more effective in allowing employers to identify and hire those who have an “autism advantage”.

Design/methodology/approach

A triangulated, qualitative approach is employed, comprising (1) five focus groups with a total of 23 students at a UK university who identity as autistic, and (2) semi-structured interviews with five of their support practitioners. Thematic analysis was then applied to identify causes, effects and possible solutions.

Findings

The analysis identified three main strategies, and two sub-strategies, for refining the traditional job interview by reducing or removing the obstacle it presents to autistic people seeking employment. These comprise abandoning the traditional interview, adapting it (divided in to adjusting and augmenting sub-strategies) and accepting it.

Originality/value

Three conclusions were developed from the analysis: first, that while the traditional interview tends to be biased against autistic people, it is not in itself a particularly acute method for selecting job candidates; second, that the application of universal design would be beneficial not only to neurodivergent people, but also to neurotypicals and employers; third, that the fear of disclosure represents a major obstacle to autistic people trusting in schemes intended to assist them.
Navigating diversity in supply chain relationships: building trustworthiness through complementary and supplementary fits
Authors: Ta Ha , Kumar Pritosh , Hofer Adriana Rossiter , Jin Yao “Henry”
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Supply chain (SC) professionals are increasingly working alongside business partners of diverse backgrounds, which has been argued to engender both innovation and creativity but also found as potentially detrimental to SC relationships and performance. To reconcile these views, this study explores two mechanisms – supplementary (similarity) and complementary fits – at the surface (observable traits) and deep (unobservable characteristics) levels and their impact on a focal firm representative’s perception of a SC partner’s trustworthiness.

Design/methodology/approach

Model was tested using survey data from 285 managers involved in interorganizational SC relationships.

Findings

Results indicate that a focal firm representative’s perception of supplementary and complementary fits with a SC partner positively impacts their perception of the partner’s trustworthiness. However, the effects of similarity at both surface and deep levels and complementarity weaken each other.

Practical implications

Understanding the mechanisms of diversity in SC relationships is crucial for fostering trustworthiness and achieving organizational objectives. Firms should evaluate both supplementary and complementary fits when hiring or assigning roles. Embracing a complementary fit not only promotes diversity but also mitigates the negative impact of similarity bias, ultimately strengthening trustworthiness within the organization's SC ecosystem.

Originality/value

By simultaneously examining individual and combined effects of two unique mechanisms of supplementarity and complementarity at the surface and deep levels, this study sheds light on inconsistent findings of the effects of diversity in the SCM literature.
Six dimensions of sustainability: a framework for organizing diverse university sustainability curricula at The Ohio State University
Authors: Conroy Maria Manta , Mansfield Becky , Irwin Elena , Jaquet Gina , Hitzhusen Gregory , Brooks Jeremy
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Integrating sustainability into university curricula brings diverse challenges and conflicts as separate units vie for ownership of courses and topics. This case study presents a six dimensions sustainability framework developed at The Ohio State University to organize curricula under an inclusive strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

An interdisciplinary group of faculty focused on sustainability education engaged in a three-phased process including review of sustainability definitions from diverse disciplines; analysis of key aspects of the definitions in conjunction with course descriptions and learning outcomes; and identification of commonalities across the key aspects. This yielded six foundational dimensions of sustainability which serve as a means to assess curricular contributions across University units and topics. The six dimensions framework has been used in practice in multiple contexts.

Findings

The six dimensions framework provides a way to identify and foster diverse sustainability curricula efforts. It has enabled academic units to describe their disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives on diverse sustainability topics and the University to advance a broad sustainability vision.

Originality/value

The six dimensions framework provides a novel “big tent” approach to integration of sustainability into higher education curricula. The framework provides guidance about what counts as sustainability while maintaining the breadth that widens participation.
Heterogeneous stock market impact of Russia–Ukraine War for oil and gas companies
Authors: Martins António Miguel , Correia Pedro , Gouveia Ricardo
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the short-term market impact of the beginning of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine (24 February 2022), the world’s largest oil and gas companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the world’s 100 largest listed oil and gas companies at and around the beginning of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine using an event study methodology.

Findings

The authors observe a positive and statistically significant stock price reaction at and around the military conflict. These results are consistent with the asset pricing perspective. Conversely, the stock market returns of Russian oil and gas companies, as well as those companies that were “forced” to divest in Russia due to corporate activism, exhibit a negative and statistically significant impact from the conflict. These reactions are reinforced or mitigated by company-specific characteristics such as size, profitability and institutional ownership. Finally, the findings indicate that companies engaged in oil and gas exploration and production report abnormally higher returns compared to firms in the other two subsectors of the industry.

Originality/value

The effect of the war on stock markets has been relatively little examined in the financial theory. This study intends to fill this gap in the literature.
Disentangling tech-enabled system change in social enterprises: an empirical exploration of Ashoka fellows
Authors: Chiodo Veronica , Gerli Francesco , Giuliano Ambra
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The complexity of contemporary societal challenges in emerging countries reanimates the necessity of collective action to resolve them. What is required is system change, namely, transformations in policy, practice, power relationships, market dynamics and social customs that underlie social and environmental issues. Technological innovations, paired with intentional social changes, might play a transformative role in this effort. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between the adoption of technologies in social enterprises (SEs) and their contribution to achieving system change. It also addresses the effects of their hybrid nature on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis relied on data collected through a survey of the global population of Ashoka fellows, which is largely based in emerging economies. Three models were developed concerning different pathways to achieve system change identified in the theoretical framework. These were tested using Probit regressions.

Findings

The investigation confirms that technology can support SEs in navigating complex pathways to achieve system change rather than merely enabling linear scaling operational strategies. The pursuit of economic value creation, in conjunction with a social mission, decreases the ability of SEs to achieve system change. This is because the scaling paths which hardly create revenues are neglected.

Originality/value

The study conceptualises a multifaceted model of system change. It tests the framework empirically to show that SEs can adopt technologies to unleash complex system change processes to generate societal impact, on top of merely demonstrating linear approaches to scaling or replication. The paper questions the capacity of SEs to facilitate system change without appropriate financial support and the inherent tensions between hybridity and the depth of system change dynamics.
Empirical nexus of corporate social responsibility, service quality, corporate reputation and brand preference: evidence from Iranian healthcare industry
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Davood , Chandra Teddy , Elmirzaev Samariddin , Mohammad AlHamad Ahmad Qasim , Prasad K.D.V. , Deng Yang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Researchers have widely explored and associated corporate social responsibility with firm success. Measuring the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR), service quality, corporate reputation, and brand preference by drawing on the stakeholder theory in healthcare industry and developing countries remains a substantial research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on quantitative research and convenience sampling, data for the study were collected from 320 patients who have undergone treatments in 5 different private hospitals in Tehran, Iran. We analyzed the data using the Smart PLS 3.0 structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The survey revealed that service quality and CSR are positively linked with corporate reputation, leading to brand preference in the healthcare sector. In addition, the mediating role of brand reputation in the relationship between corporate social responsibility, service quality and brand preference were confirmed.

Research limitations/implications

The survey was performed in the context of the healthcare industry; however, additional studies are necessary to extrapolate the results to other fields, such as education and food. This research helps guide policymakers, administrators, healthcare managers, and researchers by highlighting the contribution and role of service quality, corporate social responsibility, and corporate reputation in achieving a hospital’s performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study also extends research in the diverse literature by examining the relationship between CSR, service quality, corporate reputation, and brand preference by illustrating the stakeholder theory in the context of the healthcare sector.
The impact of point policies on hotel “sleeping” guests: awakening model construction
Authors: Liu Wei , Guo Kaiying , Gao Bo Wendy
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The conventional customer lifecycle fails to acknowledge the “sleeping” stage between regular patronage and churn, particularly prevalent in the hospitality industry. This study constructs an awakening model to regain “sleeping” guests.

Design/methodology/approach

342 questionnaires from Macau using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) were analyzed. The model was compared across different membership levels through multigroup analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that the point policy can awaken “sleeping” guests by influencing their perceived value, regret, and integrated satisfaction with a shorter “sleeping” period. Two path coefficients showed significant differences among basic and elite members.

Practical implications

Companies with loyalty programs should implement a transitional period before resetting points, leveraging altruistic point policies to awaken “sleeping” guests via direct communication. This strategy mitigates the negative impact of finite point expiration policies, enhancing customer re-engagement and point utilization.

Originality/value

Our study focuses on a crucial facet of hotel marketing—customer regain strategies. By identifying customer segments who have not revisited the hotel group for more than twelve months, we confirm the concept of “sleeping” guests. This term offers a nuanced perspective, distinguishing “sleeping” guests from generic lost customers. The “sleeping” guest segment provides valuable insights for enhancing targeted and effective marketing activities in the highly competitive hotel industry.
How Hispanic digital native media combat disinformation? Analysis of their ethical codes
Authors: Chaparro-Domínguez María-Ángeles , Moreno-Gil Victoria , Rodríguez-Martínez Ruth
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Given the considerable challenges posed by disinformation to both society and journalism, how do news media outlets in Hispanic America and Spain address this pervasive global phenomenon? The purpose of this study is to evaluate the extent to which these outlets embrace recommendations from academic, professional and institutional spheres for countering false contents.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative content analysis was used using variables linked to transparency, verification and potential errors incurred. This study comprehensively analyses the ethical codes of 34 digital native outlets spanning 12 Hispanic American countries (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela), as well as Spain.

Findings

The key findings reveal significant variations in adherence to the recommended guidelines. Particularly striking is the disparity between compliance with transparency and verification compared to notably higher adherence to measure aimed at rectifying errors. This exploratory study paves the way for further research on additional countries.

Originality/value

Ethical codes are a fundamental instrument of media accountability. Nevertheless, their utility in the fight against misinformation has barely been addressed. This study is pioneering in the field of disinformation and ethical codes within digital native media outlets in Hispanic America and Spain.
The evolution of Internet of Things (IoT) research in business management: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Sevak Kunal Yogen , George Babu
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper systematically reviews the evolution of Internet of Things (IoT) research in business and management over the past decade and a half. It synthesizes current knowledge, identifies major themes, gaps, and future opportunities to guide scholars on potential research directions within this exponentially growing domain.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured systematic literature review methodology filtered IoT publications across business/management journals using Scopus database. Detailed thematic and bibliometric analyses chronologically mapped the progress of peer-reviewed articles from 2005–2023. Both quantitative metrics and qualitative coding inductively revealed historical trends, topics, applications and research implications.

Findings

Analysis uncovered six primary IoT research themes - business models, technology, data, customers, organizations, and sustainability. Dominant focuses were found on technological enablers, business model innovation and customer experience transformations. While technical aspects are well-documented, strategic technology integrations and organizational change management require greater emphasis.

Research limitations/implications

Focus restricted to academic articles published in management journals risks missing relevant papers published in other fields. Screening process involved some subjectivity. Lacks geographic analysis of research contexts. The rapidly evolving nature of technology domain risks findings’ generalizability.

Practical implications

Key enablers and success factors that we identified may support managerial decision making when it comes to IoT adoption.

Social implications

We discuss advancing IoT innovation through ethics and sustainability lenses and these may help ensure responsible adoption.

Originality/value

This analysis weaves together the extant literature and offers an evidence-based research agenda for management scholars by chronicling the state, evolution, influential factors, and future opportunities within IoT literature. It highlights major thematic shifts and priority gaps to address.
Why not go the usual way? Empowering leadership, employees’ creative deviance and innovation performance
Authors: Li Xianmiao , Cheng Cheng , Yang Shanshan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Based on social exchange theory and self-determination theory, this study explores the influence mechanism of empowering leadership on employees’ creative deviance and innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 312 employees on Internet and other high-tech corporation in China. Hierarchical linear regression models and bootstrapping analysis outlined by Hayes were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Empowering leadership is positively correlated with employees’ innovation performance (EIP), and employees’ creative deviance plays an intermediary role in the above relationship. Power distance positively moderates the relationship between empowering leadership and employees’ creative deviance. Time pressure moderates the moderating effect of power distance on empowering leadership and employees’ creative deviance.

Originality/value

This study advances the empowering leadership and employees’ innovation performance by establishing creative deviance as the mediator. This study is also helpful to clarify the role of time press and power distance as boundary condition in the relationship between empowering leadership and employees’ creative deviance, which have certain reference significance for organization practices.