bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Identification of Microtubule Inner Proteins Reveals JPT2 as a Key Regulator of Lumen Microenvironment and Drug Sensitivity
Authors: Shao Jinhui , Zhang Rui , Wu Peiyuan , Xu Honglin , Zhou Zhengrong , Gu Lusheng , Wang Lei , Ren Jinqi , Huang Xiahe , Xie Qi , Wang Yingchun , Ji Wei , Feng Wei , Liang Xin , Meng Wenxiang
Published: January 2025

Microtubules are primarily studied for the interactions of proteins that bind to their outer surfaces and ends, while the regulatory mechanisms within the microtubule lumen, particularly in singlet microtubules critical for essential cellular processes, remain largely unexplored. Our study provides the first systematic identification of key regulatory proteins within the single microtubule lumen. Using proximity-dependent biotin identification (Bio-ID) coupled with mass spectrometry, we identified candidate microtubule inner proteins (MIPs), including Jupiter microtubule-associated homolog 2 (JPT2). JPT2 binds directly to microtubules and specifically localizes within the lumen, where it modulates the luminal environment by inhibiting acetylase MEC17 and independently affects the binding and efficacy of Paclitaxel. Furthermore, our screening identified additional MIPs that influence cellular sensitivity to Paclitaxel, indicating a link between luminal regulation and drug responsiveness. These discoveries reveal JPT2’s critical role in singlet microtubule regulation and suggest new therapeutic targets for enhancing cancer drug sensitivity.
Specialized Molecular Pathways Drive the Formation of Light-Scattering Assemblies in Leucophores
Authors: Barzilay Y. , Eyal Z. , Noy Y. , Varsano N. , Olender T. , Bera S. , Lerer-Goldshtein T. , Kedmi M. , Porat Z. , Pinkas I. , Levin-Zaidman S. , Dezorella N. , Gur D.
Published: January 2025

Pigmentation plays a vital role in the survival of organisms, supporting functions such as camouflage, communication, and mate attraction. In vertebrates, these functions are mediated by specialized pigment cells known as chromatophores of which, uric acid crystal-forming leucophores remain the least understood, with little known about their molecular mechanisms. A key question in pigment cell biology is whether different crystal chemistries require distinct molecular pathways, or whether similar cellular processes drive the formation of diverse crystals. This study was designed to unravel the uncharacterized process of uric acid crystallization in leucophores and compare them to guanine crystal formation in iridophores and pterin formation in xanthophores. The results of our transcriptomic, ultrastructural, and metabolomic analyses, demonstrate that leucophores share molecular pathways with iridophores, particularly those connected to organelle organization and purine metabolism, but express discrete genes involved in uric acid biosynthesis and storage. Additionally, leucophores share intracellular trafficking and pterin biosynthesis genes with xanthophores, suggesting universally conserved processes. Ultrastructural studies reveal star-like fibrous structures in leucosomes, which likely serve as scaffolds for unique one-dimensional uric acid assemblies that radiate from the core and act as efficient light scatterers. These findings provide new insights into leucophore cell biology and the specialized mechanisms driving molecular crystalline assembly, and reveal that while some cellular processes are conserved, the specific chemistry of each crystal type drives the evolution of distinct molecular pathways.
The biofilm matrix protectsBacillus subtilisagainst hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Muratov Erika , Keilholz Julian , Kovács Ákos , Moeller Ralf
Published: January 2025

Biofilms formed byBacillus subtilisconfer protection against environmental stressors through extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) and sporulation. This study investigates the roles of these biofilm components in resistance to hydrogen peroxide, a common reactive oxygen species source and disinfectant. Using wild-type and mutant strains deficient in EPS or sporulation, biofilm colonies were cultivated at various maturation stages and exposed to hydrogen peroxide. EPS-deficient biofilms exhibited reduced resilience, particularly in early stages, highlighting the structural and protective importance of the matrix. Mature biofilms demonstrated additional protective mechanisms, potentially involving TasA protein fibers. In contrast, sporulation showed limited contribution to hydrogen peroxide resistance, as survival was primarily matrix-dependent. These findings underscore the necessity of targeting EPS and other matrix components in anti-biofilm strategies, suggesting that hydrogen peroxide-based disinfection could be enhanced by combining it with complementary sporicidal treatments. This study advances our understanding of biofilm resilience, contributing to the development of more effective sterilization protocols.
Investigator-initiated versus industry-sponsored trials – Visibility and relevance of randomized controlled trials in clinical practice guidelines (IMPACT)
Authors: Hecht Manuel , Blümle Anette , Binder Harald , Schumacher Martin , Binder Nadine
Published: January 2025

Background

The goal of evidence-based medicine is to make clinical decisions based on the best available, relevant evidence. For this to be possible, studies such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which are widely considered to provide the best evidence of all forms of primary research, must be visible and have an impact on clinical practice guidelines. We further investigated the impact of publicly and commercially sponsored RCTs on clinical practice guidelines by measuring direct and indirect impactful citations and the time to guideline impact.

Methods

We considered the sample from the IMPACT study, where a total of 691 RCTs (120 German investigator-initiated trials (IITs), 200 international IITs, 171 German industry-sponsored trials (ISTs) and 200 international ISTs) was sampled from registries and followed prospectively. Their publications in the form of original articles and systematic reviews (SRs) citing these articles had already been identified, as well as clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) which cited either the articles or the SRs. The methods and results of this effort were already published. In this investigation we aimed to better characterize the impact of RCTs in CPGs. Therefore, we identified all citations of the original articles and SRs in the citing CPGs and classified them into impactful and non-impactful. This allowed us to calculate an estimate for the guideline impact of a trial. In addition, we estimated the time-to-guideline-impact, defined as the time to a direct and indirect impactful citation in a CPG. Direct means that the publication of a trial was cited in the main text of a CPG. Indirect means that the publication was cited and included in the findings of a SR and the SR was cited in the main text of a CPG. We also investigated to what extent pre-defined study characteristics influenced the guideline impact using multivariable negative binomial regression as well as the time-to-guideline impact using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Overall, 22% of RCTs impacted a CPG. For international ISTs, only 15% of trials had an impact in CPGs. Overall, of the 405 associated guidelines, 331 were impacted. Larger trials were associated with more impactful main text citations in CPGs and earlier time-to-guideline impact, while international industry-sponsored trials were associated with smaller impact on CPGs and longer time-to-guideline impact. IITs funded by governmental bodies in Germany reached an impact on CPGs that is on par with German ISTs or international IITs and ISTs.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that a considerable number of trials previously identi-fied as being linked to CPGs have had impact in those CPGs (85%). International ISTs seem to have a lower impact on CPGs, and fewer of them influence CPGs at all.
Self-consistent
M1
radiative transitions of excited
Bc
and heavy quarkonia with different polarizations in the light-front quark model
Authors: Ridwan Muhammad , Arifi Ahmad Jafar , Mart Terry
Published: January 2025

In this study, we investigate the properties of pseudoscalar and vector charmonia, bottomonia, and Bc mesons using the light-front quark model, focusing on the M1 radiative transition. For that purpose, we conduct a variational analysis with a quantum chromodynamics (QCD)-motivated effective Hamiltonian, employing a trial wave function expanded in the harmonic oscillator basis functions up to the 3S state. We fit the model parameters to mass spectra and decay constants, obtaining reasonable agreement with experimental data and correctly reflecting the hierarchy of mass spectra and decay constants. In analyzing the M1 radiative transition, we consider both good (μ=+) and transverse (μ=⊥) current components with both longitudinal (h=0) and transverse (h=±1) polarizations, demonstrating that the results from both components of currents and polarizations are identical. Self-consistency is achieved by substituting M with M0 when computing the operators for decay constants and radiative transitions. We also find that the difference between longitudinal and transverse polarizations of the observables may quantify the anisotropy of the model wave function. Our results on radiative transitions align reasonably well with experimental data, lattice QCD, and theoretical predictions. Furthermore, we also provide predictions for Bc mesons that can be tested in experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Chiral transition and meson melting within improved holographic soft wall models
Authors: Ballon-Bayona Alfonso , Bartz Sean , Mamani Luis A. H. , Rodrigues Diego M.
Published: January 2025

We describe the chiral transition for the quark condensate and the melting of scalar and vector mesons in two-flavor holographic quantum chromodynamics (holographic QCD). This is done by extending the improved holographic soft wall models proposed in Ballon-Bayona [] to finite temperature, by means of introducing an asymptotically anti–de Sitter black brane. We find that the chiral transition is second order in the chiral limit and a crossover for physical quark masses, as expected in two-flavor QCD. We investigate the melting of vector and scalar mesons in the deconfined plasma through the calculation of hadronic spectral functions. Fixing the model parameters by the meson spectrum at zero temperature, we find that the mesons melt at temperatures between 90 and 110 MeV and the chiral transition occurs around 129 MeV. We also provide a prediction for the hydrodynamic diffusion constant associated with a flavor current in the deconfined plasma.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Quantitative analysis of the gravitational wave spectrum sourced from a first-order chiral phase transition of QCD
Authors: Zheng Hui-wen , Gao Fei , Bian Ligong , Qin Si-xue , Liu Yu-xin
Published: January 2025

We investigate the cosmological first-order chiral phase transition of quantum chromodynamics (QCD), and for the first time calculate its parameters which can determine the gravitational wave spectrum. With the state-of-the-art calculation from the functional QCD method, we found that the large chemical potential of QCD phase transition results in very weak and fast first-order phase transitions at the temperature lower than O(102)  MeV. These results further suggest that the gravitational wave (GW) signals of NANOGrav are very unlikely sourced from the chiral phase transition of QCD.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Error threshold in active steering protocols for few-qubit systems
Authors: Ackermann Nico , Morales Samuel , Yeyati Alfredo Levy , Diehl Sebastian , Egger Reinhold
Published: January 2025

We study active steering protocols for weakly measured qubits in the presence of error channels due to amplitude and phase noise. If the error rate is sufficiently small, the protocol approaches and stabilizes a predesignated pure target state with high fidelity and high purity, and thus implements autonomous state stabilization. We present numerical simulation results for one and two qubits, taking Andreev qubit circuits as an example. As a function of the error rate, a sharp threshold separates an error-correcting weak-damping regime from a strong-damping regime where the target state cannot be reached anymore. At the threshold, the purity gap closes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Efficient Prediction of Superlattice and Anomalous Miniband Topology from Quantum Geometry
Authors: Crépel Valentin , Cano Jennifer
Published: January 2025

Two-dimensional materials subject to long-wavelength modulations have emerged as novel platforms to study topological and correlated quantum phases. In this article, we develop a versatile and computationally inexpensive method to predict the topological properties of materials subjected to a superlattice potential by combining degenerate perturbation theory with the method of symmetry indicators. In the absence of electronic interactions, our analysis provides a systematic rule to find the Chern number of the superlattice-induced miniband starting from the harmonics of the applied potential and a few material-specific coefficients. Our method also applies to anomalous (interaction-generated) bands, for which we derive an efficient algorithm to determine all Chern numbers compatible with a self-consistent solution to the Hartree-Fock equations. Our approach gives a microscopic understanding of the quantum anomalous Hall insulators recently observed in rhombohedral graphene multilayers.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Accounting for electron-beam-induced warping of molecular nanocrystals in MicroED structure determination
Authors: Vlahakis Niko , Clauss Arden , Rodriguez Jose A.
Published: January 2025

High-energy electrons induce sample damage and motion at the nanoscale to fundamentally limit the determination of molecular structures by electron diffraction. Using a fast event-based electron counting (EBEC) detector, we characterize beam-induced, dynamic, molecular crystal lattice reorientations (BIRs). These changes are sufficiently large to bring reciprocal lattice points entirely in or out of intersection with the sphere of reflection, occur as early events in the decay of diffracted signal due to radiolytic damage, and coincide with beam-induced migrations of crystal bend contours within the same fluence regime and at the same illuminated location on a crystal. These effects are observed in crystals of biotin, a series of amino acid metal chelates, and a six-residue peptide, suggesting that incident electrons inevitably warp molecular lattices. The precise orientation changes experienced by a given microcrystal are unpredictable but are measurable by indexing individual diffraction patterns during beam-induced decay. Reorientations can often tilt a crystal lattice several degrees away from its initial position before irradiation, and for an especially beam-sensitive Zn(II)-methionine chelate, are associated with dramatic crystal quakes prior to 1 e− Å−2 electron beam fluence accumulates. Since BIR coincides with the early stages of beam-induced damage, it echoes the beam-induced motion observed in single-particle cryoEM. As with motion correction for cryoEM imaging experiments, accounting for BIR-induced errors during data processing could improve the accuracy of MicroED data.
The structure of His15 acetamide-modified hen egg-white lysozyme: a nice surprise from an old friend
Authors: Malanho da Silva Jose , Lanuza Jose , Bruno Francesco , Calderone Vito , Ravera Enrico
Published: January 2025

Hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) is a small polycationic protein which is highly soluble and stable. This has led to it becoming a `molecular laboratory' where chemical biological operations and structural techniques are tested. To date, HEWL accounts for 1233 PDB entries, roughly 0.5% of the total, making it the best-represented protein in the PDB. With the aim of unambiguously identifying the N atom of the His15 side chain that is most reactive towards iodoacetamide, the structure of chemically modified HEWL was determined by crystallizing it using the `15 minutes lysozyme' protocol. This protocol invariably yields tetragonal crystals of the unmodified protein. To our surprise, we found that the crystals of the modified protein had similar unit-cell parameters but that refinement was only possible when considering an orthorhombic system.
Synthesis and structure of 2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl 4-bromobenzoate: work carried out as part of the CNRS AFRAMED project
Authors: Bationo Valentin , Kambo Konan René , Sorgho Brahima , Sombié Charles Bavouma , Thiam El Walda , Semdé Rasmané , Djandé Abdoulaye , Lecomte Claude , Wenger Emmanuel
Published: January 2025

In the title compound, C16H9BrO4, the dihedral angle between the chromen-2-one ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.006 Å) and the bromobenzene ring is 10.29 (6)°. In the crystal, the molecules are connected through C—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions. According to a Hirshfeld surface analysis, H...H (22.4%), O...H/H...O (23.6%) and C...H/H...C (21%) interactions are the most significant contributors to the crystal packing.
Unpacking transformation in community music discourse
Authors: Humphrey Ryan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Transformation has become a commonly employed phrase in the field of community music. However, there has been little critical examination of its employment. This study aimed to explore how and why community musicians and project participants used this concept to describe their experiences of community music-making programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methodological approach was utilised for this study. This included conducting an extensive literature review to establish a conceptual framework of transformations meaning within community music literature. Additionally, a historiography of the use of transformation in cultural policymaking and community music practice was developed to examine how this concept has gained prominence in the discourse. Alongside this, a case study was conducted on a music-making programme for adults with a mental health diagnosis to investigate the practical application of the concept of transformation.

Findings

The research reveals that musicians and participants often use “transformation” as a metaphor to articulate the personal impacts of community music programmes. These impacts include enhanced self-confidence, a greater sense of control and shifts in how individuals perceive themselves. The widespread use of this term is influenced by the messaging of funders and policymakers, who use the concept of personal transformation to rationalise funding for arts and cultural initiatives.

Originality/value

This research provides a new perspective on transformation and its meaning in community music practice. Additionally, it highlights the interconnection between community music activity and cultural policymaking, a relationship that has yet to receive much attention from scholars across both fields.
Exploring ESG and circular economy in Brazilian companies: the role of stakeholder engagement
Authors: Provensi Tais , Marcon Maiara Lais , Sehnem Simone , Campos Lucila M.S. , Queiroz Adriane Farias S.L. de
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to analyze how the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) guidelines and the Circular Economy (CE) are being internalized in the companies that are part of the Corporate Sustainability Index – ISE B3, from the perspective of the stakeholder theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative approach, the research was developed with data analysis collected from multiple sources: documentary research in sustainability reports and websites, application of a survey, and conducting in-depth interviews with managers of ISE organizations.

Findings

ESG practices are internalized in the companies surveyed, highlighting aspects of waste management, relationship with communities and anti-corruption. CE practices are still at an early or intermediate stage of adoption. It was identified that in the ESG and circular dynamics, suppliers, customers and employees are primary stakeholders, which have a direct influence on the sustainability context of organizations. Integrating ESG with CE principles provides a systemic view of sustainability, going beyond fragmented approaches that treat ESG and CE as isolated initiatives.

Originality/value

The contribution of the study is associated with managerial support for decision-making. The practical examples presented can be used as a benchmarking parameter, contributing to the planning of organizations that are in the process of transition to CE. The focus on the Brazilian Stock Exchange’s Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE B3) is an original contribution, given that most studies on CE and ESG focus on developed economies or specific sectors. The study offers valuable insights into how Brazilian companies – which operate in the context of regulatory challenges.
A role paradigm shift in project management: investigating the project manager competencies required by sustainable project management
Authors: Yao Haona , Fu Hongwei , Lu Yongqiang , Xu Pengpeng , Wang Liang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

As project managers are in the central position of sustainable project management (SPM), their competencies become an important factor that affects the outcome of SPM. However, literature lacks a clear description of the project manager competence system required by SPM. The purpose of this study is to explore what competencies are required by sustainable project management and analyze the hierarchy and attributes of these competencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Aiming to address the problem, several methods were applied in this study. First, with a literature review, semi-structured interviews and Delphi technology, 23 project manager competencies required by SPM are identified. Second, the fuzzy interpretive structural modeling–matrix impact cross-reference multiplication applied to classification (FISM–MICMAC) method is used to analyze the data from 21 experienced project managers in the construction industry, revealing the hierarchy and attributes of the project manager competency system required by SPM.

Findings

The results indicate that the project manager competency system required by SPM includes nine micro levels. According to the nature of the competencies, these nine levels can be summarized into five macro levels. Furthermore, all competencies can be divided into three categories: independent, autonomous and dependent.

Originality/value

This study not only provides project managers and scholars with a further understanding of project manager competencies but also helps contractors make informed and objective judgments in the selection and/or appointments of project managers who have the appropriate competencies for SPM.
Developing a framework for housing financing: a case study of Nigeria’s sustainable low-cost housing via soft system methodology
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Samsurijan Mohamad Shaharudin , Muhammad Ahmad Kabir , Akinradewo Opeoluwa
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Several governments in developing countries have attempted via policies and programmes to improve access to low-cost housing (LCH) finance for low-income house owners, but sustainability has been an issue. Therefore, sustainable LCH (SLCH) financing framework may mitigate issues hindering LCH financing sustainability in developing countries. There is a paucity of studies about SLCH financing through a framework in Nigeria. Thus, the study investigated the barriers facing low-income earners (LInEs) accessing SLCH finance and developed a framework for promoting Nigerian SLCH financing.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed a soft system methodology (SSM) to understand Nigeria’s LCH financing sustainability. The adopted method permitted a substitute to enhance LCH financing sustainability part way through a developed framework. The study conducted interviews across seven cities in Nigeria with selected practitioners.

Findings

The results were presented using the SSM seven steps. Findings reveal the state and barriers facing LInEs in accessing SLCH finance. Also, findings show that there is a need for a finance framework. It would improve sustainability, especially for intending low-income house owners across Nigeria’s cities. Findings include a framework to reposition LCH financing sustainability to promote homeowners for intending low-income house owners across Nigeria’s cities.

Originality/value

Besides the developed LCH financing sustainable framework, housing policymakers and developers can employ SLCH financing to improve low-income intending house owners in Nigeria. This may be the first study to develop a SLCH financing framework using SSM in a developing economy.
Working mothers’ perceptions of fairness at home and work: a textual analysis of sentimental polarity in social discourse
Authors: Aplin-Houtz Matthew , Lane Emily , Rowsey April , Schmidt Gordon , Javadizadeh Bahar
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study explores working mothers’ perceptions of fairness in work and home environments through real-world social media discussions. It examines how these perceptions shifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a naturalistic approach, we analyzed 13,560 comments from 4,076 unique users on Reddit to convert qualitative data into quantitative variables. A nonparametric factorial ANOVA was employed to assess the relationship between fairness perceptions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these perceptions in both work and home settings.

Findings

The analysis revealed that working mothers predominantly express negative perceptions of fairness in both environments. Contrary to initial expectations, the pandemic did not exacerbate these perceptions. However, conversations involving both work and home contexts showed a more positive tone, suggesting the benefits of remote work scenarios introduced by the pandemic.

Originality/value

This study uniquely applies sentiment analysis to naturalistic social media data, offering real-time insights into how working mothers discuss fairness. Unlike traditional survey methods, this approach captures daily lived experiences, particularly in a crisis context, revealing new aspects of the work–family conflict.
Exploring internationalisation and EDI: an open conversation
Authors: Ferri Giuliana , Tsouroufli Maria , Lendák-Kabók Karolina , Tzanakou Charikleia , Merabet Ramzi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

In this concluding piece, we created an open forum and invited contributors to share insights on two key questions, the first relating to their experiences of internationalisation and the second dedicated to the most pressing issues in the field. Through these inquiries, we aimed to provide a platform for contributors to further elaborate on their own voices and experiences in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

XXX.

Findings

XXX.

Research limitations/implications

XXX.

Originality/value

XXX.
Rheology of Bingham viscoplastic flow triggered by a rotating and radially stretching disk
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa , Pop Ioan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the flow and heat transfer characteristics of a Bingham viscoplastic fluid subjected to the combined effects of axial rotation and radial stretching of a circular disk. Building upon existing models for Bingham fluids on stationary walls, we extend the formulation to incorporate the effects of a linearly stretching disk using von Kármán similarity transformations.

Design/methodology/approach

The resulting system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations is solved to characterize the flow and thermal fields. Three dimensionless parameters govern the momentum layer: a swirling number capturing the balance between rotation and stretching, a Bingham number characterizing the fluid’s yield stress and a modified Reynolds number incorporating the disk stretching. The Prandtl number controls the thermal response.

Findings

For purely stretching flows, a two-dimensional flow structure emerges. However, the introduction of rotation induces three-dimensional flow behavior. Unlike previous studies suggesting that moderate Bingham numbers are sufficient for non-Newtonian effects on purely revolving disks, the findings indicate that significantly higher yield stresses are required to observe non-Newtonian characteristics under radial stretching conditions. This difference can be attributed to the enhancing influence of wall movement on the fluid dynamics. At high Bingham numbers, a two-layer flow structure develops, comprising an unyielded plug region above the disk and a yielded shear layer adjacent to the wall. The von Kármán viscous pump mechanism drives the Bingham flow within this regime.

Originality/value

Physical quantities such as drag force due to wall shear stress, torque resulting from tangential shear stress and Nusselt number are extracted from the quantitative data.
Disruptions in global trade routes: market reactions to the US–Houthi conflict in the consumer cyclical sector
Authors: Yudaruddin Rizky , Lesmana Dadang , Yudaruddin Yanzil Azizil , Yahya Norliza Che , Anwar Ayesha
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the market reaction in the cyclical consumer sector to the US–Houthi conflict. Furthermore, the authors explore the impact of this conflict on market reactions by market and region.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an event study methodology, this paper analyze a sample of 1,973 companies. This paper used multiple event windows, including a 15-day period before the invasion announcement as the preinvasion event and a 15-day period after the invasion announcement as the postinvasion event.

Findings

The authors find that pre the event of war, the market tended to show a positive reaction, but toward the event day until post event, the market in the consumer cyclical sector actually reacted significantly negatively to the conflict, especially in developed and developing markets. The Asia and Pacific market is the market that feels the most negative impact from the US–Houthi conflict compared to other markets. Furthermore, in terms of industry types in the consumer staples sector, Food and Tobacco and Personal and Household Products and Services felt the negative impact, although the majority of all industries reacted significantly negatively.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the US–Houthi conflict, an event that has not been extensively studied in the context of market reactions. Unlike previous research, this study specifically examines the impact of the conflict on the consumer cyclical sector, emphasizing the significance of trade route disruptions, particularly the Suez Canal, on global markets. By providing insights into how such geopolitical events affect different regions and industries, this study offers valuable guidance for policymakers and managers in mitigating the adverse effects of geopolitical risks on market stability.
Generative A.I. in sport advertising: effects of source-message (in)congruence, model types and A.I. awareness
Authors: Lee J. Lucy , Choi Si Hoon , Jeong Suzy , Ko Namho
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of artificial intelligence (A.I.) awareness, advertisement models and source-message incongruence on consumer evaluations of A.I.-generated advertisements. It explores how these factors interact in shaping consumer perceptions and advertising effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 (source-message (in)congruence: incongruent vs. congruent) x 3 (A.I. awareness: unawareness, pre-advertisement, post-advertisement) x 3 (advertisement model: traditional human, virtual human, digital twin) between-subjects design was employed in this study. Using stratified random sampling, a total of 231 undergraduate students were recruited from course groups and randomly assigned to one of nine experimental treatments, each involving the viewing of a specific A.I.-generated advertisement followed by a survey. Data were analyzed using two-way ANCOVA and regression analyses, controlling for participants' involvement in sports and brand.

Findings

The results indicated that A.I. awareness timing, advertisement model types and source-message incongruence significantly affected consumer evaluations of advertisements. A.I. awareness generally had a positive impact on evaluations, with the most favorable outcomes when awareness of the A.I.-generated nature occurred after viewing the advertisement. Virtual human models were rated the lowest, while digital twin and traditional human models received similarly positive evaluations. Source-message incongruence negatively influenced evaluations. An interaction effect was observed between A.I. awareness timing and advertisement model types under high source-message incongruence, where virtual human models showed the highest effectiveness when A.I. awareness occurred after viewing.

Originality/value

Given that sports are characterized by the transcendence of human limitations and the emphasis on physical and emotional challenges – elements that A.I. cannot replicate – it is essential to examine how sports consumers perceive A.I., which, despite offering efficiency and personalization advantages, contrasts with the fundamentally human nature of athletic performance. This research contributes to the literature on A.I.-generated advertising by uniquely investigating the interaction between A.I. awareness timing and advertisement model types within the context of source-message incongruence. It offers critical insights for practitioners and researchers on strategically timing A.I.-generated ad disclosures and selecting appropriate advertisement models to optimize their effectiveness. By addressing these underexplored variables, the study enhances understanding of consumer perceptions and provides a foundation for more effective A.I. integration in advertising practices.
Rethinking financial deepening in Islamic countries: political system and economic growth
Authors: Ihsan Akmal , Wijaya Ibrahim Fatwa , Setiaji Bambang , Hanafi Syafiq Mahmadah
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to determine the effect of financial deepening on economic growth. It also investigates the role of the two political systems (i.e. democracy and monarchy) in supporting the effect between the two factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a dynamic panel regression model, i.e. generalized method of moments to answer the hypotheses. This paper uses data from 44 Islamic countries that are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for the period from 2010 to 2019.

Findings

This paper finds that financial deepening has an inverted U-shaped effect on economic growth. This means that financial deepening will only be effective at a certain threshold, if exceeded, it weakens economic growth. This negative effect is due to several reasons, such as high inflation, money supply, unproductive credit allocation and government policies. Furthermore, the political system facilitates the effect of financial deepening on economic growth. This finding becomes more valid as it is free from the endogeneity effect using two-stage least square tests.

Research limitations/implications

The proxies used for economic growth and financial deepening in Islamic countries require refinement to improve their relevance and applicability. Furthermore, due to the unavailability of an easily accessible political system index, this paper is forced to use dummy variables.

Practical implications

The primary outcome of this research is to advocate for the establishment of effective governance within each member country of the OIC countries.

Originality/value

This study addresses the need to understanding how the effectiveness of the political system enhances financial deepening, thereby fostering economic growth.
From many to one – the impact of the establishment of a family constitution on the strategic planning of the company
Authors: Wieszt Attila , Rónaföldi-Széll Gábor , Vajda Éva , Anand Amitabh
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This article examines how establishing a family constitution influences strategic planning in family businesses, applying the strategy-as-practice theoretical framework.

Design/methodology/approach

We analyzed qualitative interviews with family members and non-family managers involved in both constitution-making and strategic planning.

Findings

The study reveals that family constitutions drive formalization of governance mechanisms, aligning family values with business goals. Key findings highlight that constitutions professionalize decision-making, enhance family cohesion and introduce structured strategic planning.

Originality/value

Our proposed model illustrates how constitutions act as a bridge, integrating family governance with corporate strategy, thereby supporting business continuity and succession. These results suggest a structured, governance-focused approach to strategic planning, where family constitutions play a central role in aligning family and business interests.
The polycentric consumer in tourism: ethnocentrism and xenocentrism profiles’ interplay with authenticity in tourists’ destination choices
Authors: Cucato Jussara da Silva Teixeira , Strehlau Vivian Iara , Bizarrias Flávio Santino , Strehlau Suzane
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Consumer centrism’s perspectives serve as crucial determinants in decision-making processes, yet the burgeoning discourse on global marketing’s interplay with tourism scarcely addresses the nuanced interconnections between consumer dispositions toward global or local destinations, which assert a global preference bias in developing countries and their predilections for tourist destination selection. This study aims to elucidate the dynamics between ethnocentric and xenocentric dispositions and the selection of domestic tourist locales within developing countries, conditioned to perceived authentic experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of 264 tourists, we employed structural equation modeling and mediation analysis to determine the direct and indirect interplay of consumer centrism and the mechanisms of authenticity for destination choice and latent class analysis to unveil consumer heterogeneous profiles and their implications.

Findings

The results suggest the existence of a polycentric consumer due to the strong preference for domestic destinations among ethnocentric consumers. While xenocentrism did not have a similar direct impact, its influence on local destination choice emerged through the mediating effect of perceived authenticity. This finding provides evidence for the assumption of a global preference bias in developing nations, even within tourism contexts. Additionally, we identified four distinct heterogeneous tourist profiles based on consumer inclinations toward global and local aspects, allowing for a detailed exploration of their specific influences on tourism destinations.

Practical implications

Effective tourism strategies in developing countries can boost the economy based on authenticity, creating experiences that consider the duality of tourist inclinations and promoting cultural preservation. Practical examples include cultural events, themed tours, personalized marketing, influencer partnerships, social media engagement and loyalty programs, all aimed at engaging diverse consumer groups and strengthening consumer connections toward the local and xenocentric dispositions.

Originality/value

The study advances our understanding by proposing a polycentric profile of consumer inclinations toward tourism in developing countries, driven by the perceived authenticity of destinations. This profile highlights the nuanced interplay between ethnocentric and xenocentric dispositions, illustrating how local and global preferences coexist and influence travel decisions. By emphasizing the role of authenticity, the study provides valuable insights into the factors shaping tourism behaviors in developing countries.
What do citizens think of central bank digital currencies in the euro context? A Twitter sentiment analysis
Authors: Prodan Silvana , Stanca Liana , Dabija Dan-Cristian
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper delves into the discourse surrounding central bank digital currencies (CBDC) from the perspective of citizens’ views expressed on Twitter, on the potential implementation of a digital euro. The paper sheds light on citizens’ sentiments regarding CBDCs in relation to the euro and the euro area.

Design/methodology/approach

Using “TextBlob” sentiment analysis, this paper analyzes 4,462 Tweets containing the keywords “cbdc” and “euro” posted between September 14, 2018, and June 19, 2023. It explores citizens’ perceptions and concerns, as well as the general sentiment conveyed by the Tweets, through sentiment analysis and word-cloud generation. Text analysis and the “KMeans algorithm” are used to identify similar groups of Tweets. Statistical analysis of Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) keyword values in each cluster provides information about the relative distribution of words within clusters. In a further step, sentiment analysis is performed on each cluster by rating it positively, neutrally or negatively to identify the relevant dominant themes.

Findings

This paper reveals the evolving nature of CBDC-related discourse on Twitter over a four-year period, demonstrating a slight overall trend of positive sentiments. The distribution includes Tweets with a pronounced negative and positive sentiment, highlighting the need for clear and citizen-friendly communication through social media channels (such as Twitter or LinkedIn) in addition to the traditional channels used by official institutions.

Research limitations/implications

The extraction of Tweets was limited to English; bilingual Tweets containing English words were also considered. Future research could be expanded to include Tweets in additional languages and compare them to English Tweets. Geographical data on the origin of the Tweets were not considered due to potential inaccuracies resulting from the use of VPNs.

Practical implications

The findings highlight citizens’ views, expectations and perceptions on the digital euro as a type of CBDC, suggesting ways in which the European Central Bank (ECB) can ensure customer satisfaction with its successful implementation.

Originality/value

The originality of the article revolves around the focus on the digital euro and on analyzing European citizens’ opinions regarding its implementation. In contrast to previous literature, this research discusses critically the pros and cons and possible design aspects of the new digital euro, by taking a citizen-centric approach and focusing solely on one type of currency. Technological advances and the digital era have left their mark on how society communicates and behaves. The implementation of CBDCs will affect the digital society. Therefore, the paper sparks a debate about European citizens’ sentiments toward adopting the digital euro, as a new digital currency, which will impact their lifestyle and financial decisions.
Mental health and peace: a positive autoethnographic case study of Grant Rich
Authors: Rich Grant J. , Gonot-Schoupinsky Freda
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to invite Dr. Grant J. Rich, a positive psychologist influenced by humanistic and existential psychology, to tell his story and to share his research in the field including his insight on mental health and peace.

Design/methodology/approach

A positive autoethnographic case study approach is used to enable Dr. Rich to narrate his story while also addressing topics within a Q and A format.

Findings

Dr. Rich narrates how his life and work has been enriched by intercultural, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research. Mental health and peace can be closely related, and Rich narrates a range of ways he honed his peacemaking skills which he views as requiring a kind and gentle approach, but also courage.

Research limitations/implications

This case study narrates the experiences, perspectives and insight of one person, and these cannot be generalized.

Practical implications

As Dr. Rich states, “the world aches for peace now”. Peace psychology can enable us to understand how to induce inner and inter-relational peace, and reduce conflict and violence, for better mental health. This involves a practitioner/activist approach, albeit the authors have much to explore and investigate as to how best to do this.

Social implications

Social needs and outcomes are fundamental to advancing peace psychology’s insights. A focus on multi-disciplinary collaborations, including with educators, social psychologists and sociologists, and the public is recommended.

Originality/value

Dr. Rich is a psychologist with a positive psychology orientation who has called for more qualitative and mixed-methods research in positive psychology. Here, he shares with us multiple insights and his research including in the areas of mental health and peace.
Genetic Bioaugmentation‐Mediated Bioremediation of Terephthalate in Soil Microcosms Using an Engineered Environmental Plasmid
Authors: Marquiegui – Alvaro Alejandro , Kottara Anastasia , Chacón Micaela , Cliffe Lisa , Brockhurst Michael , Dixon Neil
Published: January 2025

Harnessing in situ microbial communities to clean‐up polluted natural environments is a potentially efficient means of bioremediation, but often the necessary genes to breakdown pollutants are missing. Genetic bioaugmentation, whereby the required genes are delivered to resident bacteria via horizontal gene transfer, offers a promising solution to this problem. Here, we engineered a conjugative plasmid previously isolated from soil, pQBR57, to carry a synthetic set of genes allowing bacteria to consume terephthalate, a chemical component of plastics commonly released during their manufacture and breakdown. Our engineered plasmid caused a low fitness cost and was stably maintained in terephthalate‐contaminated soil by the bacterium P. putida. Plasmid carriers efficiently bioremediated contaminated soil in model soil microcosms, achieving complete breakdown of 3.2 mg/g of terephthalate within 8 days. The engineered plasmid horizontally transferred the synthetic operon to P. fluorescens in situ, and the resulting transconjugants degraded 10 mM terephthalate during a 180‐h incubation. Our findings show that environmental plasmids carrying synthetic catabolic operons can be useful tools for in situ engineering of microbial communities to perform clean‐up even of complex environments like soil.
Food for Thoughts for Prospective Biomanufacturing
Authors: Takors Ralf
Published: January 2025

While rising greenhouse gases cause climate change, global economies ask for resilient solutions for the business of the future. Biomanufacturing may well serve as a pillar of a circular economy with minimised environmental impact. Therefore, innovations of the lab need to successfully bridge the imminent ‘death‐valley of innovation’ for making commercial production happen. This editorial aims to prepare the ground for prospective developments so as to the seed of novel ideas will prosper.