bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PDPN/CLEC-2 axis modulates megakaryocyte subtypes in a hematopoietic stem cell-regulating megakaryocyte-dominant manner
Authors: Nara Rikuto , Notoh Hinako , Sasaki Tomoyuki , Tsukiji Nagaharu , Kamata Ayuka , Suzuki Nobuaki , Suzuki Atsuo , Okamoto Shuichi , Kanematsu Takeshi , Suzuki Naruko , Katsumi Akira , Kojima Tetsuhito , Suzuki-Inoue Katsue , Matsushita Tadashi , Tamura Shogo
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Megakaryocytes are classified into several subtypes including LSP1-positive immune-skewed, MYLK4-positive hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-regulating, and BMAL1-positive platelet-producing megakaryocytes. Podoplanin (PDPN)-expressing stromal cells generate a microenvironment that promotes megakaryopoiesis in the bone marrow. In this context, PDPN interacts with C-type lectin-like receptor-2 (CLEC-2) on megakaryocyte progenitors, which induces megakaryocyte proliferation. However, the megakaryocyte subtypes developed by the regulation of the PDPN/CLEC-2 axis have not yet been elucidated.

Materials and Methods

We established an immortalized bone marrow PDPN-expressing stromal cell line and a PDPN-knockout line (PDPN WT and KO feeder cells, respectively). Bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors were committed to megakaryocytes in co-culture with PDPN WT or KO feeder cells. The number and ploidy of megakaryocytes, resultant platelets, and the polarization of megakaryocyte subtypes were investigated.

Results

The number of megakaryocytes was significantly increased in the co-culture with PDPN WT feeder cells compared to that with PDPN KO feeder cells. The megakaryocytes on the PDPN WT and KO feeders showed their main ploidy at 16N∼32N and 8N∼16N, respectively. The number of platelets decreased in the co-culture with the PDPN WT feeder compared to those in the co-culture with the PDPN KO feeder. Megakaryocyte subtypes were immunocytochemically detected inin vitrodifferentiated CD41-positive megakaryocytes. For each megakaryocyte subtype, the percentage of MYLK4-positive megakaryocytes significantly increased and the percentage of BMAL1-positive megakaryocytes significantly decreased when co-cultured with the PDPN WT feeder.

Conclusion

The PDPN/CLEC-2 axis modulates megakaryocyte subtype differentiation, with a predominance of HSC-regulating megakaryocytes.
A spatiotemporally resolved atlas of mRNA decay in theC. elegansembryo reveals differential regulation of mRNA stability across stages and cell types
Authors: Peng Felicia , Nordgren C. Erik , Murray John Isaac
Published: August 2024

During embryonic development, cells undergo dynamic changes in gene expression that are required for appropriate cell fate specification. Although both transcription and mRNA degradation contribute to gene expression dynamics, patterns of mRNA decay are less well understood. Here, we directly measure spatiotemporally resolved mRNA decay rates transcriptome-wide throughoutC. elegansembryogenesis by transcription inhibition followed by bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing. This allows us to calculate mRNA half-lives within specific cell types and developmental stages, and identify differentially regulated mRNA decay throughout embryonic development. We identify transcript features that are correlated with mRNA stability and find that mRNA decay rates are associated with distinct peaks in gene expression over time. Moreover, we provide evidence that, on average, mRNA is more stable in the germline than in the soma and in later embryonic stages than in earlier stages. This work suggests that differential mRNA decay across cell states and time helps to shape developmental gene expression, and it provides a valuable resource for studies of mRNA turnover regulatory mechanisms.
Slicing Pomerons in ultraperipheral collisions using forward neutrons from nuclear breakup
Authors: Alvioli M. , Guzey V. , Strikman M.
Published: August 2024

We argue that measurements of forward neutrons from nuclear breakup in inclusive high energy photon-nucleus (γA) scattering provide a novel way to study small-x dynamics of QCD in heavy-ion ultraperipheral collisions (UPCs). Using models for hadronic fluctuations of the real photon and neutron emission in nuclear fragmentation, we calculate the distribution over the number of evaporation neutrons produced in γPb collisions at the Large Hadron Collider. We show that it is correlated with the number of wounded nucleons (inelastic collisions) and, hence, can constrain the mechanism of nuclear shadowing and its x dependence.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Medium-assisted enhancement of
χc1(3872)
production from small to large colliding systems
Authors: Guo Yu , Guo Xingyu , Liao Jinfeng , Wang Enke , Xing Hongxi
Published: August 2024

Studies of exotic hadrons such as the χc1(3872) state provide crucial insights into the fundamental force governing the strong interaction dynamics, with an emerging frontier to investigate their production in high energy collisions where a partonic medium is present. The latest experimental measurements from the Large Hadron Collider show an intriguing evolution pattern of the χc1(3872)-to-ψ(2S) yield ratio from proton-proton collisions with increasing multiplicities toward proton-lead and lead-lead collisions. Here we propose a mechanism of medium-assisted enhancement for the χc1(3872) production, which competes with the more conventional absorption-induced suppression and results in a nonmonotonic trend from small to large colliding systems. Realistic simulations from this model offer a quantitative description of all available data. Predictions are made for the centrality dependence of this observable in PbPb collisions as well as for its system-size dependence from OO and ArAr to XeXe and PbPb collisions. In both cases, a nonmonotonic behavior emerges as the imprint of the competition between enhancement and suppression and can be readily tested by future data.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quark spin-orbit correlations in spin-0 and spin-1 mesons using the light-front quark model
Authors: Acharyya Ritwik , Puhan Satyajit , Dahiya Harleen
Published: August 2024

We investigate the spin-orbital angular momentum correlations for the active quark inside the light and heavy mesons for both the spin-0 and spin-1 cases. These correlations can be derived from the generalized transverse-momentum-dependent distributions as well as the generalized parton distributions. We employ the overlap representation of light-front wave functions in the light-front quark model to calculate our analytical results. The dependence of spin-orbit correlations (SOCs) on the longitudinal momentum fraction x as well as the transverse-momentum-dependence k⊥ is graphically presented. Even though the SOCs have already been studied for the spin-0 pions and kaons in other approaches, no calculations for the other light and heavy spin-0 mesons have been reported in the literature. Further, the correlations for any of the light and heavy spin-1 mesons are studied for the first time in the present work.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Constraints on symmetry-preserving gapped phases from coupling constant anomalies
Authors: Brennan T. Daniel
Published: August 2024

We characterize constraints on the possible IR phases of quantum field theories from coupling constant anomalies. We give conditions for when a coupling constant anomaly cannot be matched by a continuous family of symmetry preserving gapped phases: the theory must then be gapless or exhibit spontaneous symmetry breaking or a phase transition. We demonstrate examples of coupling constant anomalies which can be matched by a family of symmetry preserving gapped phases without a phase transition and comment on the interpretation of our results for the spontaneous breaking of “(−1)-form global symmetries.”

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Breaking the glass ceiling in banking: the impact of female directors, digitalization, and income diversification on financial stability
Authors: Tariq Waqas , Chen Yinfei , Tariq Adeel , Torkkeli Marko
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the impact of board gender diversity (BGD) on a bank’s financial stability. Moreover, it also examines whether digitalization and income diversification act as mediators (individual and serial) in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested using data from Pakistan’s banking sector financial statements from 2017 to 2021. A two-step analytical approach was used: panel regression in STATA for initial hypothesis examination, followed by mediation analyses using bootstrapping in SPSS. In addition, mixed-effect ML regression was conducted to verify causation and ensure robust findings.

Findings

Results demonstrate that BGD, digitalization and income diversification are positively associated with higher financial stability. Moreover, as hypothesized, both digitalization and income diversification individually and sequentially mediate the relationship between BGD and banks’ financial stability.

Research limitations/implications

It is important to acknowledge the study’s limited five-year timeframe. Further investigation is needed to determine the optimal board compositions, especially considering the study’s inclusion of up to 25% female directors on boards.

Practical implications

Policymakers and top management should prioritize increasing the number of female directors on boards for diversity. Banks that involve female directors can benefit from the synergies between gender diversity and digitization, along with the unique perspectives these women offer. This cooperative dynamic enables banks to explore and capitalize on innovative income diversification opportunities, enter new markets and ensure financial stability.

Social implications

Research findings emphasize promotion of gender equality and meritocracy through increased female director representation. This fosters a more inclusive and cooperative decision-making culture, benefiting individual banks and setting a model for other sectors. Ultimately, it contributes to greater social acceptance of women executives.

Originality/value

The study reveals a novel mechanism, emphasizing the revolutionary impact of active female directors in tandem with digitalization, amplifying chances for income diversification and accelerating increased bank viability.
Value creation across organizational borders: towards a value gap theory
Authors: Eriksson David , Hilletofth Per , Tate Wendy , Tan Kim Hua
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore and theorize value gaps within value chain management (VCM) by extending the service quality gap model to the context of global manufacturing value chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon a case study of a small, family-owned Swedish furniture wholesaler, Alpha, this research adapts the service quality gap model and integrates it into the VCM framework. The investigation examines the value creation and delivery processes across a network of actors, highlighting how various gaps emerge at different stages of the value chain.

Findings

The study identifies and describes several value gaps, including those related to consumer understanding, manufacturing capabilities and coordination across the value chain. Value creation gaps arise from poor communication about consumer needs and product features, whereas value delivery gaps are mainly tied to manufacturing capacity and material restrictions. These gaps can result in misalignment between consumer expectations and the delivered value.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study provides insights into the emergence of value gaps, further research is needed to determine the magnitude and reduction strategies for these gaps. In addition, understanding how consumers evaluate new products remains a critical area for investigation.

Practical implications

The research highlights the significance of a coordinated approach to managing value creation and delivery processes. It underscores the need for companies to capture accurate consumer data, consider manufacturing capabilities and engage in effective coordination with various actors in the value chain.

Social implications

By addressing value gaps, companies can enhance consumer satisfaction and minimize potential dissatisfaction caused by misalignment between consumer expectations and delivered value. This, in turn, can lead to improved relationships with consumers and other actors within the value chain.

Originality/value

This research offers a novel perspective on value gaps in VCM, extending the service quality gap model to the realm of manufacturing. It underscores the importance of managing both value creation and delivery processes for enhancing competitive advantage in a global market.
The current state of integrating equity, diversity and inclusion into knowledge mobilization: a systematic literature review
Authors: Cornelius-Hernandez Tracelyn , Clarke Amelia
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically review and analyze the academic literature on integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into knowledge mobilization (KMb).

Design/methodology/approach

This systematic literature review of the body of scholarly literature published on integrating EDI with KMb follows established methods and protocols proposed by Popay et al. (2006) and Page et al. (2021). Using a relevant keyword string, a search was conducted in ProQuest and SCOPUS to find peer-reviewed articles, which were then screened using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, inductive and deductive analyses were conducted on the selected articles.

Findings

The findings suggest that most of the authors are based in the Global North, the majority of literature was published in the last two years, and that it is conceptual. This synthesis highlights five solution-oriented themes: acknowledging inherent bias, centering marginalized groups, promoting responsible knowledge mobilization, establishing partnerships, and advocating for transformational and systemic change. This study also identifies four broad barriers: inherent, unconscious, and implicit biases, a lack of evidence-based best practices, siloing of research and information, and a lack of institutional support and resources. Findings also highlight the value of further research into barriers, gaps and opportunities.

Originality/value

By studying the intersection of EDI and KMb, this contemporary synthesis of the state of the field presents opportunities for future research into gaps, barriers and potential solutions.
Relationship between the informal social networks and entrepreneurial intentions of Chinese college students: the mediating role of entrepreneurial learning
Authors: Tang Xiangyu , Li Guobiao , Lv Linjiao , Wang Peng , Zhu Rong
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Many studies on entrepreneurial intention have explored the impact of different factors; however, few have examined the relationship between and impact mechanisms of informal social networks and entrepreneurial intention. This study aimed to bridge this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on social capital and ambidexterity theories. After surveying the data of 302 college students from different provinces and universities in China, a mediation model for research is constructed.

Findings

Informal social networks help enhance college students’ entrepreneurial intentions, whereas entrepreneurial learning (exploratory and exploitative learning) partially mediates this relationship.

Originality/value

This study empirically explores the impact of informal social networks on the entrepreneurial intentions of Chinese college students and indicates the crucial role played by entrepreneurial learning (divided into exploratory and exploitative learning).
Libraries in the age of Fourth Industrial Revolution: a systematic review based on scientometric and altmetric tools
Authors: Daimari Viv Ringsar , Saikia Swagota , Kalbande Dattatraya , Verma Manoj Kumar
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Industries throughout the world have gone through four phases of the industrial revolution. Today, the authors are encountering the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0 or 4IR), which is characterized by the application of information and communication technologies in the industry. This study aims to evaluate the growth of literature in the context of libraries and the Fourth Industrial Revolution and then identify the active research actors, countries, affiliations and sources and the status of collaboration across various geographical locations.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted. The data were extracted from the Scopus database incorporating scientometric and altmetric indicators. The search terms were TITLE-ABS-KEY “Industry 4.0” OR “4IR” OR “Fourth Industrial Revolution” AND “Library 4.0” OR “librarian 4.0” OR “libraries” OR “library” OR “library service” without any limitation. The results identified 218 documents out of which 67 core documents are related to libraries. Analysis was performed using MS Excel and VOSviewer.

Findings

South Africa, Nigeria and South Korea were the three most productive countries in the field. Library Hi Tech News is the most productive journal. Collaboration among African countries like South Africa, Nigeria and Zimbabwe seems to be good and they constituted the largest share of documents. The research on the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the context of libraries still lacks social media attention.

Originality/value

This study is the first systematic review in this area using a combination of scientometrics and altmetrics. The results will serve as a valuable reference for future researchers and policymakers.
Factors affecting traditional micro business (MB) to continue using E-marketplace from habit and social impact perspective
Authors: Budisusila Antonius , Handarkho Yonathan Dri , Handoko Victoria Sundari
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to proposes a theoretical model to understand the intention of Indonesian traditional micro businesses (MB) to continue using an e-marketplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This research involved the utilization and combination of habit formation and social impact theories to develop the model. A total of 162 responses were retrieved from the owners of traditional MB and used to validate the proposed model.

Findings

The results showed subjective norms to be the most substantial direct predictor of continuous usage, followed by usefulness, satisfaction and promotion proneness. Meanwhile, compatibility was found to have only an indirect effect through usefulness as a mediator. Moreover, moderating effect analysis also showed that the impact of herd behaviour was only significant for male and younger traditional MB owners.

Originality/value

The emphasis on the seller perspective using habit formation as well as the social impact theory to explain continuance behaviour is an alternative approach observed not to have been widely explored, especially for traditional businesses such as indigenous industry rather than organizations.
Why would you choose yachting tourism? Exploring the push-pull motivations and constraints in China
Authors: Yao Yunhao , Zheng Ruoquan , Parmak Merle
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The main aims of this study were to develop analytical scales for yachting tourism push-pull motivations and constraints, and analyze how these factors may influence the revisit intention of yachting tourists in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis was conducted using the PLS-SEM, including the evaluation of measurement models and the structural models. SPSS18.0 and SmartPLS 3.3.5 software were used for statistical analysis.

Findings

We conducted a survey of 451 respondents who participate in yachting activities in Dalian, China and identified six push motivational factors (novelty and stimulation, sightseeing and leisure, sports and learning, social relationships, self-esteem and prestige and self-realization), three pull motivational factors (featured activities and services, destination environment, destination facilities) and two constraints (internal and external). Partial least squares structural equation modelling showed that all hypothesized interactions between identified factors were statistically significant and meaningful.

Originality/value

The push-pull-constraint model offers a new interpretation to the traditional push-pull model in theory, and the results contribute to local yacht industry sectors.
Sustainable energy supply transition: the value of hydrogen for business customers
Authors: Leszczyński Grzegorz , De-León Almaraz Sofía
Published: August 2024

Purpose

While some hydrogen (H2) products are available in the industrial market, new clean H2 applications are considered critical alternatives in decarbonization efforts. As suppliers need to understand how business customers conceive the value of hydrogen, this paper aims to investigate how the value of hydrogen is described in the published evidence and to identify or propose specific tools to assess its value.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative literature review is developed to synthesize studies on the value of hydrogen to identify the main value categories. Then, the authors create a novel guideline by linking three value dimensions: 1) the product-oriented value (including sustainability), 2) the elements of B2B value and 3) the concept of goal-oriented value.

Findings

This paper categorizes the aspects of value discussed so far in the literature, suggesting conceptualizing the value of H2 value-in-use based on economic, environmental, social and technological categories. The missing value categories from the marketing perspective are related to perceived value. A comprehensive guideline for assessing the value of H2 for business customers was developed to address that gap. The guideline can evaluate hydrogen from a multicategory perspective and compare new hydrogen products with alternatives.

Originality/value

First, the authors present the value of hydrogen in the B2B marketing discussion. Second, the authors propose four hydrogen value categories based on the current state-of-the-art. Third, the authors developed the multicategory guideline for assessing the value of hydrogen products for business customers (VH2-BC).
How does body appreciation affect maladaptive consumption through fashion clothing involvement? A multi-group analysis of gender
Authors: Cengiz Hakan , Barin Ahmet
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating role of fashion clothing involvement in the relationship between body appreciation and maladaptive consumption, namely fashion-oriented impulse and compulsive buying. The second purpose of this study is to investigate if this mediation varies based on gender.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was adopted in this study, and data were collected via Amazon Mechanical Turk from 255 consumers located in the U.S. aged 18 and above. The collected data were analyzed using the least partial square and multi-group analysis of the structural equation model.

Findings

The results revealed that the relationship between body appreciation and maladaptive consumption is established through fashion clothing involvement. Results also showed that the mediating role of fashion clothing involvement in this relationship does not significantly differ across gender.

Originality/value

This study reports the fully mediating role of fashion clothing involvement in the relationship between body appreciation and maladaptive consumption, highlighting the importance of studying positive body image in the context of fashion and consumption. While previous research findings indicate the negative consequences of negative body image, this research reveals that positive body image can also lead to negative outcomes through possible mediators. Furthermore, this study finds fashion clothing involvement does not differ in mediating the relationship between body appreciation and maladaptive consumption behavior based on gender.
How entrepreneurs engage with feedback during value creation – a taxonomy
Authors: Kaffka Gabi , Krueger Norris
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Focused feedback, such as mentoring and coaching, is a crucial ingredient for generating the intellectual capital needed for successful venture creation and has become a structural resource offered to entrepreneurs in business incubator/accelerator programs. Yet so far, literature has remained silent on the way that entrepreneurs differ in their engagement with focused feedback in such programs. This study poses the question of how focused feedback engagement shapes cognitive development during value creation (i.e. business opportunity development), aimed at the construction of a taxonomy of such feedback engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on cognitive learning outcomes, we carried out a qualitative analysis using NVivo to perform content analysis on the logbooks of 70 entrepreneurs engaged in business opportunity development in a highly regarded accelerator program.

Findings

Results show that engagement with focused feedback and its effects relate to the state of tangibility of the entrepreneur’s value offer and to the amount of prior entrepreneurial experience. We also develop a promising taxonomy to classify entrepreneurs on their learning needs and outcomes (e.g. procedural versus declarative knowledge).

Originality/value

This study brings together types of human learning (types of knowledge acquired) with types of focused feedback. This connection has been speculated to exist in entrepreneurial settings; this study provides strong initial evidence that argues for more explicit consideration in practice. Adding the intellectual capital perspective further enabled this study to better address implications for practice as well as motivate powerful new directions for research.
Green lean six sigma practices: a scale development and measurement model from an engineer’s perspective
Authors: Gholami Hamed , Lee Jocelyn Ke Yin , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Salameh Anas A.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Since the advent of Industry 4.0, there has been a growing research interest in developing the Green Lean Six Sigma concept in the direction of achieving sustainable development, primarily aligned with Goal 12 of the agenda. Given that the concept is still in its early stages of exploration and requires further development through empirical validation, opportunities exist for innovative research. Yet, difficulties arise in adopting this green initiative due to an inadequate understanding of its strategic practices. Thus, this study aims to establish strategic practices facilitating its adoption in the Industry 4.0 era and develop a validated multi-item scale to measure the practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-phase methodological approach is designed to perform the techniques of exploratory and confirmatory analyses in the manufacturing context. To be a sound study, engineers have been involved since they play a pivotal role in the realm of manufacturing; however, the existing research on engineers' viewpoints on this subject is limited, emphasizing the need for further investigation.

Findings

Upon validation of the ultimate fallouts, the analyses demonstrated a confirmatory model with eighteen scales determining five practices: strategic integrity, human resource management, technologies and tools, eco-production, and eco-networks. The findings further revealed robust correlations among these core practices within the model.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study entails depicting and discussing a measurement model for future research since there is currently no empirically validated model available to measure this multidimensional green initiative.
A community development approach for regenerative tourism in the Nordics: lifestyle entrepreneurs towards a placed-based research agenda
Authors: Aquino Jessica , Falter Magdalena , Fusté-Forné Francesc
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to explore the potential of regenerative tourism practices and their influence on destinations and their stakeholders from a community development approach focusing on Nordic lifestyle entrepreneurs. We focus on small and micro-sized enterprises (SMiEs) that conform to the realities of tourism systems in Nordic regions.

Design/methodology/approach

We explore how community development can be used as an approach for regenerative tourism and vice versa. Our conceptual paper builds from recent work of the Nordic Regenerative Tourism project, which aims to develop place-based practices for SMiEs that contribute to the regeneration of natural and cultural resources.

Findings

Regenerative tourism research should focus on developing tools that aid in capacity sharing and equitable partnerships through a community development approach. However, there is a lack of understanding of the processes of how to implement this in real world practice. More research is needed in developing tools to mobilize Nordic communities, particularly within the countryside to help transform tourism towards a regenerative model. It was found that much of these efforts comes from MSMEs. Therefore, more case studies are needed to understand how and why lifestyle entrepreneurs play in community revitalization efforts and the potential linkages with regenerative tourism management and marketing.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper contributes to the discussion of regenerative tourism and focus on smaller countryside communities within the Nordics. We argue that community development is linked with the concept of regenerative tourism through lifestyle entrepreneurs.
CEOs’ political orientation and corporate political activities as enablers of ESG performance
Authors: Coelho Everton , Augusto Mário , Torres Pedro
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to clarify the influence of different CEO’s political orientation (liberal/conservative) and corporate political activity on ESG performance, considering contingencies related to CEO attributes and corporate governance mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 131 companies from the Standard and Poor’s 500 index, this study employs fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fs/QCA) to analyze combinations of conditions (i.e. configurations) that lead to greater ESG (i.e. environmental, social, and governance) performance.

Findings

Drawing on the upper echelon theory and the theory of social exchange, the findings show that different CEO’s political orientation (liberal/conservative) can contribute to ESG performance, depending on the combination of conditions. Furthermore, the results emphasize the importance of corporate political activity as a core condition to enhance ESG performance.

Originality/value

Taking a configurational approach, this study explores combinations of conditions that explain ESG performance, including CEO’s political orientation and corporate political activities as antecedent conditions. Unlike past research, this study examines possible complementarities between these two conditions and assumes that different CEO’s political orientation can have a positive influence on ESG performance, depending on the combination of conditions.
Digital transformation anxiety: absorptive capacity, dynamic capability, and digital innovation performance
Authors: Chang Ching-Hsun , Chen Yu-Shan , Tseng Chin-Wei
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study proposes the novel construct of digital transformation anxiety and investigates its effect, which is mediated by absorptive capacity and dynamic capability, on digital innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a questionnaire survey among Taiwanese manufacturing and service companies to verify the research framework. A total of 130 valid responses were collected and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and bootstrapping to test direct and mediation effects, respectively.

Findings

Digital transformation anxiety negatively affects absorptive capacity and dynamic capability, whereas absorptive capacity and dynamic capability positively affect digital innovation performance. Dynamic capability more strongly mediates the association between digital transformation anxiety and digital innovation performance than absorptive capacity. Additionally, digital transformation anxiety does not negatively affect digital innovation performance. Finally, manufacturing companies had significantly higher levels of digital transformation anxiety than service companies.

Research limitations/implications

This study proposes the novel construct of digital transformation anxiety to address a gap in the literature. Digital transformation anxiety leads companies to adopt unnecessarily conservative practices, preventing them from flexibly responding to technological advances. This insight highlights the negative effect of such anxiety on absorptive capacity and dynamic capability, extending the application of path dependency theory to companies. The findings underscore the value of enhancing dynamic capability and reallocating resources to foster digital innovation. The study identified and explored the concept of digital transformation anxiety and extended the perspective of dynamic capability to include digital transformation and digital innovation.

Practical implications

The current findings indicate that digital transformation anxiety does not substantially affect digital innovation performance in Taiwanese companies. Consequently, Taiwanese companies should focus on developing their absorptive capacity and dynamic capability to enhance digital innovation.

Originality/value

The study proposes the novel construct of digital transformation anxiety and explores its effect on business units. It presents a pioneering framework derived from path dependence theory and the perspective of dynamic capability.
Fabrication and properties of photothermal conversion and thermochromic cotton yarn
Authors: Zhang Aixin , Deng Wenli , Li Qiuyang , Song Zilong , Ke Guizhen
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate that, in line with the emerging trend of multifunctional yarn development, cotton yarn can effectively harness renewable solar energy to achieve photothermal conversion and thermochromism. This innovation not only maintains the comfort associated with natural fiber cotton yarn but also enhances its ultraviolet (UV) light resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, 4% zirconium carbide (ZrC) and thermochromic powder were adhered to cotton yarn through polyurethane (PU) by sizing coating method. After sizing, the two cotton yarns are twisted by ring spinning to obtain composite yarns with photothermal conversion and thermochromic functions.

Findings

The yarn obtained by cotton/6%PU/8% thermochromic dye single yarn and cotton/6%PU/4% ZrC single yarn composite is the best match. After 5 min of infrared light, the temperature of the composite yarn rose to the maximum, increasing by 36.1°C. The ΔE* value before and after irradiation of infrared lamp is 26.565, which proves that the thermochromic function is good. The yarn dryness unevenness was significantly reduced by 27.2%. The composite yarn has a UPF value of up to 89.22, and its performance characteristics remain stable after 100 minutes of washing.

Originality/value

The composite yarn’s photothermal conversion and thermochromism functions are mutually reinforcing. Using sunlight can simultaneously achieve heating and discoloration effects without consuming additional energy. The cotton yarn used in this application is versatile, and suitable for a wide range of uses including clothing, temperature visualization detection and other scenarios.
Beyond formality: a bricolage model to navigate between the conflicting considerations in social impact assessments
Authors: Helleputte Coralie , Périlleux Anaïs
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Social enterprises (SEs) are increasingly expected to rely on formal methodologies to assess their social impact. These structured methodologies, which produce objective and evidence-based measures of impact, are sometimes opposed to bricolage approaches that “make do” with what is at hand. This paper aims to question this distinction by identifying the conflicting considerations that arise in the process of implementing a formal methodology, which might lead SEs to rely on bricolage mechanisms. The authors propose a model of “formally-driven” bricolage with core principles to navigate between those considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting an inductive approach, the authors draw on the in-depth case study of a work integration SE engaged in a formal social impact assessment (SIA) through collaborative research.

Findings

First, the authors identify five types of considerations (feasibility, efficiency, ethics, legitimacy and aim) that come into tension with the primary considerations of formality in formal methodologies, leading SEs to still rely on bricolage mechanisms. Second, the authors identify five principles (multidimensional, participative, cultural, mixed-method and adaptive) that permit navigation between those conflicting considerations. Based on the findings, the authors develop a model of “formally-driven” bricolage.

Originality/value

The contribution is methodological, theoretical and practical. The authors bridge the gap between theory and practice through long-term immersion in an SE. The authors contribute to the understanding of the use of bricolage in SIA by investigating why and how bricolage is still at play in formal assessments. The proposed model of “formally-driven” bricolage can help researchers and practitioners to better grasp the ins and outs of the SIA process.
The many socials: how a social enterprise uses social media to communicate social capital-based social value. A case study
Authors: Wang Qian , Hallin Anette , Lång Stefan , Barner-Rasmussen Wilhelm
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study responds to the need in social entrepreneurship research for more empirical studies to clarify the meaning of social value. Specially, it aims to explore the meaning of social value communicated on social media (SoMe) within the local context of a social enterprise (SE).

Design/methodology/approach

A multimodal social semiotic approach was applied to several hundred Facebook posts of a Finnish SE providing elderly care solutions, complemented by secondary data from high-quality press sources.

Findings

Building on Young’s (2006) dimensions of social value and Hidalgo et al.’s (2021) theorisation of social capital in social entrepreneurship, the authors find that an SE draws on multiple levels of social capital on SoMe to express the meaning of the social value it creates.

Research limitations/implications

Although limited to one case, this study provides a deep contextual understanding of how SEs can give meaning to social value and leverage social capital on SoMe to do so.

Practical implications

The authors offer a contextually embedded framework for SEs to communicate social value through media. This approach enables SEs to engage stakeholders more effectively and improve the quality of support for local initiatives.

Social implications

Improvements in SEs’ ability to communicate social value will increase their legitimacy, thus enhancing their prospects to survive and create sustained social value.

Originality/value

The authors strengthen the theoretical underpinnings of social value by being among the first to empirically describe its connection to social capital in an SE, thereby deepening previous studies on subjective social value. Methodologically, this study is the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to apply social semiotics to research on SEs.
Tourism-led growth hypothesis (TLGH) in Africa: does institutional quality matter?
Authors: Chiriko Amare Yaekob , Alemu Sintayehu Hailu , Kim Seongseop (Sam)
Published: August 2024

Purpose

While the tourism–growth nexus is one of the better researched themes in both tourism and economics literature, there is limited evidence on how institutional quality affects this link, especially in the context of the developing world. To address this gap, this study aims to investigate the tourism-led growth hypothesis (TLGH) through the lens of institutional quality, drawing on evidence from African economies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a longitudinal design, involving panel data on 43 countries over an 18-year period, and the data were analyzed using the difference generalized method of moments model.

Findings

Results indicated that international tourism earnings contributed to economic growth in the selected economies. However, institutional quality negatively moderated the tourism–growth relationship on the continent, particularly in low-income economies, while reinforcing this link in middle-income countries.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights into how the TLGH varies across different levels of institutional quality and development.
Leaf functional traits predict timing of nutrient resorption and carbon depletion in deciduous subarctic plants
Authors: Hu Yu‐Kun , Schollert Michelle , Aerts Rien , van Logtestijn Richard S. P. , Weedon James T. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: August 2024

Resorption of key elements promotes their conservation in plants in nutrient‐poor ecosystems. In seasonal environments, the timing of resorption is expected to influence resorption efficiency and plant fitness due to the trade‐off between maximizing photosynthetic carbon gain by late resorption and minimizing frost risks and nutrient loss by early resorption. Here, we hypothesize that (1) these alternative strategies with respect to the timing of element resorption both occur among summergreen species; (2) deciduous woody plants favour delayed resorption while herbaceous species benefit from gradual, early onset resorption; (3) this pattern is part of a more general relationship in which species with conservative resource economic traits have more delayed resorption.

We measured nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and carbon (C) contents of mature, senescing and senesced leaves of 22 predominant plant species across four types of ecosystems in a subarctic region. We then calculated timing of resorption as the Julian calendar day of 50% of element resorption (T50), and examined its relationship with plant functional types and leaf resource economic traits (leaf mass per area [LMA], leaf C, N and P contents).

The timing of N resorption in subarctic plants ranged from day 213 to 254, while the timing of P resorption ranged from day 211 to 261 and of C from day 214 to 260 across species. On average, the resorption of N and P and depletion of C were 13, 12 and 19 days respectively earlier in herbaceous plants than in woody ones. For all the three elements, T50 of plants decreased significantly with increasing acquisitive economic traits.

Synthesis: As hypothesized, we found that (1) both “steady‐and‐slow” and “late‐and‐fast” strategies of resorption timing co‐occurred in a subarctic flora; consistent with these two strategies, herbaceous plants resorbed nutrients and carbon earlier than deciduous woody species; (2) relevant functional traits representing resource conservation were positively and linearly related to the timing of nutrient resorption and carbon depletion. These findings for element resorption timing have important implications for functional changes in the vegetation composition of seasonal regions in response to temperature fluctuations in a changing climate.
Perceived social support and academic resilience as predictors of psychological distress and wellbeing among students with disabilities in the University of Education, Winneba
Authors: Klutsey Delight Abla , Chinto Alhassan Lukman , Rockson Gifty Nana Yaa , Avi Godwin , Foba‐Engmen Joseph Kaningenye , Korkukorkor Peace , Kankam Joyce
Published: August 2024

Students with impairment whether physical, sensory or intellectual face challenges in their quest to have inclusive education predisposing them to various stressors. Yet, studies have rarely explored this important psychological construct. This cross‐sectional study assessed the prevalence of psychological distress and how perceived social support and academic resilience predict distress in this population. A total of 101 students with hearing, visual and physical impairments were purposively sampled and administered questionnaires that measured psychological distress, social support and academic resilience. Results revealed the prevalence of psychological distress was 75.5%. Also, perceived social support (β = −0.25, p < 0.01) and academic resilience (β = −0.34, p < 0.001) significantly predicted psychological distress with perseverance (β = −0.51, p < 0.001) being the only dimension of academic resilience that predicted psychological distress. This study concludes that students with impairments have a high prevalence of psychological distress, which can be reduced through social support and resilience building interventions at both individual and group levels. We recommend that these counselling interventions be provided for students with impairment to help them deal with the challenges or stressors they encounter.
Effect of cruciferous vegetable intake on cancer: An umbrella review of meta‐analysis
Authors: Guo Chunyan , Liu Yibo , Fu Haiqi , Zhang Xinyu , Li Minhui
Published: August 2024

Previous systematic evaluations and meta‐analyses of the relationship between cruciferous vegetable (CV) intake and cancer risk have yielded inconsistent results. Herein, we summarize and evaluate the existing data and examine the relationship between CV intake and cancer risk. We searched four databases for cancer risk as a key outcome indicator. AMSTAR‐2 was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included systematic reviews, PRISMA 2020 was used to evaluate the report quality, and corrected coverage area analysis was used to evaluate the duplication rate of the original documents. Overall, 22 meta‐analyses involving 175 independent cancer studies were included. Evidence on lung, gastric, prostate, breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer, as well as renal cell carcinoma, suggests a potential association between cancer and CV intake, which influences the risk of various cancers. Future research should focus on improving methods and techniques, controlling influencing factors, elucidating underlying mechanisms, and improving evidence quality to demonstrate the association between CV intake and cancer. The potential role of dietary CVs in cancer control has implications for public health policies.