bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bats as ecosystem engineers in iron ore caves in the Carajás National Forest, Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Piló Luis B. , Calux Allan , Scherer Rafael , Bernard Enrico
Published: April 2022

Ecosystem engineers are organisms able to modify their environment by changing the distribution of materials and energy, with effects on biotic and abiotic ecosystem components. Several ecosystem engineers are known, but for most of them the mechanisms behind their influence are poorly known. We detail the role of bats as ecosystem engineers in iron ore caves in the Carajás National Forest, Brazilian Amazonia, an area with > 1,500 caves, some holding ∼150,000 bats. We analyzed the chemical composition of guano deposits in bat caves, radiocarbon-dated those deposits, and elucidated the chemical mechanisms involved and the role the bat guano has on structuring those caves. The insect-composed guano was rich in organic matter, with high concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus pentoxide and ferric oxide, plus potassium oxide, calcium and sulfur trioxide. Radiocarbon dating indicated guano deposits between 22,000 and 1,800 years old. The guano pH was mainly acid (from 2.1 to 5.6). Percolating waters in those bat caves were also acid (pH reaching 1.5), with the presence of phosphate, iron, calcium, nitrate and sulfate. Acid solutions due to guano decomposition and possible microbial activity produced various forms of corrosion on the caveś floor and walls, resulting in their enlargement. Caves with active or inactive bat colonies had, on average, horizontal projections 4.5 times larger, areas 4.4 times larger, and volumes 5.0 times bigger than the reginal average, plus more abundant, diversified and bigger speleothems. In an example of bioengineering, the long-term presence of bats (> 22,000 years) and the guano deposits they produce, mediated by biological and chemical interactions along millennia, resulted in very unique ecological, evolutionary and geomorphological processes, whose working are just beginning to be better understood by science. However, the current expansion of mineral activities coupled with the loosening of licensing and cave protection rules is a real conservation threat to the bat caves in Carajás. The destruction of those caves would represent and unacceptable loss of both speleological and biological heritage and we urge that, whenever they occur, bat caves and their colonies must be fully protected and left off-limits of mineral extraction.
The stoichiometric interaction model for mesoscopic molecular dynamics simulations of liquid-liquid phase separation
Authors: Murata Yutaka , Niina Toru , Takada Shoji
Published: April 2022

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has received considerable attention in recent years for explaining the formation of cellular biomolecular condensates. The fluidity and the complexity of their components make molecular simulation approaches indispensable for gaining structural insights. Domain-resolution mesoscopic model simulations have been explored for case in which condensates are formed by multivalent proteins with tandem domains. One problem with this approach is that interdomain pairwise interactions cannot regulate the valency of the binding domains. To overcome this problem, we propose a new potential, the stoichiometric interaction (SI) potential. First, we verified that the SI potential maintained the valency of the interacting domains for the test systems. We then examined a well-studied LLPS model system containing tandem repeats of SH3 domains and proline-rich motifs. We found that the SI potential alone cannot reproduce the phase diagram of LLPS quantitatively. We had to combine the SI and a pairwise interaction; the former and the latter represent the specific and non-specific interactions, respectively. Biomolecular condensates with the mixed SI and pairwise interaction exhibited fluidity, whereas those with the pairwise interaction alone showed no detectable diffusion. We also compared the phase diagrams of the systems containing different numbers of tandem domains with those obtained from the experiments, and found quantitative agreement in all but one case.

SIGNIFICANCE

Cells organize their interior structures as not only membrane-bound organelles but also as membrane-less organelles. Membrane-less organelles, such as stress granules, Cajal bodies, and postsynaptic density, are biomolecular condensates in which many biomolecules are gathered owing to their interactions. In some cases, biomolecular condensates are formed by tandemly connected multidomain proteins. In such cases, a mesoscopic simulation model representing each domain as a particle is effective; however, the problem with this approach is that a domain-domain pairwise interaction cannot regulate the well-defined valency. To overcome this problem, in this study, we have developed a new potential, viz. the stoichiometric interaction potential, and confirmed that this potential can reproduce the liquid-liquid phase separation of multidomain proteins, a hallmark of the membrane-less organelles.
Deciphering the roadmap of in vivo reprogramming towards pluripotency
Authors: Chondronasiou Dafni , Martínez de Villareal Jaime , Melendez Elena , Lynch Cian J. , Kovatcheva Marta , Aguilera Mònica , Prats Neus , Real Francisco X. , Serrano Manuel
Published: April 2022

Differentiated cells can be converted to pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) upon ectopic expression of transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and MYC (OSKM) in a process known as reprogramming. Great efforts have been made to dissect intermediate states of in vitro reprogramming and how they are affected by culture conditions, while the roadmap of in vivo reprogramming remains unexplored. Here, we use single cell RNA sequencing to capture cells undergoing reprogramming in the adult pancreas. We identify markers along the trajectory from acinar identity to pluripotency, which allow in situ visualization of the intermediate states of reprogramming. Importantly, different tissues expressing OSKM, such as pancreas, stomach and colon, share markers of intermediate reprogramming, suggesting a conserved in vivo reprogramming path. Our in vivo roadmap defines landmarks along in vivo reprogramming that could be useful for applications in tissue regeneration and cellular rejuvenation based on intermediate reprogramming states.
Vitis vinifera plants edited in DMR6 genes show improved resistance to downy mildew
Authors: Giacomelli Lisa , Zeilmaker Tieme , Scintilla Simone , Salvagnin Umberto , van der Voort Jeroen Rouppe , Moser Claudio
Published: April 2022

The production and cultivation of vines (Vitis vinifera) tolerant or resistant to diseases such as downy mildew (DM) is a promising strategy to reduce fungicides and help viticulture sustainability. In many crops, generation of knock-out mutants in host genes controlling susceptibility to DM, such as Downy Mildew Resistant 6 (DMR6) is a strategy of proven success to obtain resistant plants, while the effect of mutations in DMR6 genes has yet to be demonstrated in grapevine. In addition, small mutations in genes governing important traits can be obtained by gene-editing while maintaining the genetic background of commercially important clones. Moreover, very recent advances in the technology of gene-editing allowed to produce non-transgenic grapevine mutants, by regeneration of protoplasts previously edited with the CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein. This approach may revolutionize the production of new grapevine varieties and clones, but it requires knowledge on the targets, and an extensive evaluation of the impact of their mutation on plant phenotype and fitness. In this work we generated single and double knock-out mutants in DMR6 susceptibility (S) genes in multiple grapevine cultivars with improved resistance to DM.
Intercellular collectivity is governed by enzyme secretion strategies in marine polysaccharide degrading bacteria
Authors: D’Souza Glen , Ebrahimi Ali , Stubbusch Astrid , Daniels Michael , Keegstra Johannes , Stocker Roman , Cordero Otto , Ackermann Martin
Published: April 2022

Polysaccharide breakdown by bacteria requires the activity of enzymes that degrade polymers extracellularly. This generates a localized pool of breakdown products that are accessible to the enzyme producers themselves as well as to other organisms. Marine bacterial taxa often show marked differences in the production and secretion of degradative enzymes that break down polysaccharides. These differences can have profound effects on the pool of diffusible breakdown products and hence on the ecological dynamics. However, the consequences of differences in enzymatic secretions on cellular growth dynamics and interactions are unclear. Here we combine experiments and models to study the growth dynamics of single cells within populations of marine Vibrionaceae strains that grow on the abundant marine polymer alginate, using microfluidics coupled to quantitative single-cell analysis and mathematical modelling. We find that strains that have low extracellular secretions of alginate lyases show stronger aggregative behaviors compared to strains that secrete high levels of enzymes. One plausible reason for this observation is that low secretors require a higher cellular density to achieve maximal growth rates in comparison with high secretors. Our findings indicate that increased aggregation increases intercellular synergy amongst cells of low-secreting strains. By mathematically modelling the impact of the level of degradative enzyme secretion on the rate of oligomer loss to diffusion, we find that enzymatic capability modulates the propensity of cells within clonal populations to cooperate or compete with each other. Our experiments and models demonstrate that marine bacteria display distinct aggregative behaviors and intercellular interactions based on their enzymatic secretion capabilities when growing on polysaccharides.
Predicting gene expression from cell morphology in human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Wakui Takashi , Negishi Mitsuru , Murakami Yuta , Tominaga Shunsuke , Shiraishi Yasushi , Carpenter Anne E. , Singh Shantanu , Segawa Hideo
Published: April 2022

Purification is essential before differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into cells that fully express particular differentiation marker genes. High-quality iPSC clones are typically purified through gene expression profiling or visual inspection of the cell morphology; however, the relationship between the two methods remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between gene expression levels and morphology by analyzing live-cell phase-contrast images and mRNA profiles collected during the purification process. We employed this data and an unsupervised image feature extraction method to build a model that predicts gene expression levels from morphology. As a benchmark, we confirmed that the method can predict the gene expression levels from tissue images for cancer genes, performing as well as state-of-the-art methods. We then applied the method to iPSCs and identified two genes that are well-predicted from cell morphology. Although strong batch effects resulting from the reprogramming process preclude the ability to use the same model to predict across batches, prediction within a reprogramming batch is sufficiently robust to provide a practical approach for estimating expression levels of a few genes and monitoring the purification process.
Motor outcomes congruent with intentions may sharpen metacognitive representations
Authors: Charalampaki Angeliki , Peters Caroline , Maurer Heiko , Maurer Lisa K. , Müller Hermann , Verrel Julius , Filevich Elisa
Published: April 2022

We can monitor our intentional movements, in order to describe how we move our bodies. But it is unclear which information this metacognitive monitoring relies on. For example, when throwing a ball to hit a target, we might use the visual information about how the ball flew to metacognitively assess our performance. Alternatively, we might disregard the ball trajectory — given that it is not directly relevant to our goal — and metacognitively assess our performance based solely on whether we reached the goal of hitting the target. In two experiments we aimed to distinguish between these two alternatives and asked whether the distal outcome of a goal-directed action (hitting or missing a target) informs the metacognitive representations of our own movements. Participants performed a semi-virtual task where they moved their arm to throw a virtual ball at a target. After each throw, participants discriminated which of two ball trajectories displayed on the screen corresponded to the flight path of their throw and then rated their confidence in this decision. The task included two conditions that differed on whether the distal outcome of the two trajectories shown matched (congruent) or differed (incongruent). Participants were significantly more accurate in discriminating between the two trajectories, and responded faster in theincongruentcondition and, accordingly, were significantly more confident on these trials. Crucially, we found significant differences in metacognitive performance (measured as meta-d’/d’) between the two conditions only on successful trials, where the virtual ball had hit the target. These results indicate that participants successfully incorporated information about the outcome of the movement into both their discrimination and confidence responses. However, information about the outcome selectively sharpened the precision of confidence ratings only when the outcome of their throw matched their intention. We argue that these findings underline the separation between the different levels of information that may contribute to body monitoring, and we provide evidence that intentions might play a central role in metacognitive motor representations.

Highlights

Participants threw a virtual ball to hit a target

Following their throw participants selected between two plausible trajectories

On half the trials, the two alternative trajectories differed in their distal outcome.

Discrimination and confidence were higher in trials with different outcome.

Metacognitive performance was best in hit trials when the alternative missed.
Microbial mutualism generates multistable and oscillatory growth dynamics
Authors: Amchin Daniel B. , Martínez-Calvo Alejandro , Datta Sujit S.
Published: April 2022

Microbial communities typically comprise multiple different species with an intricate network of interactions, ranging from competitive to cooperative, between them. How does the nature of these inter-species interactions impact overall community behavior? While the influence of purely competitive interactions is well-studied, the opposite case of mutualistic interactions—which are also prevalent in many naturally-occurring communities—is poorly understood. Here, we address this gap in knowledge by mathematically modeling a well-mixed two-species community of aerobes and anaerobes having mutualistic metabolic interactions between them. Despite the simplicity of the model, we find that it reproduces three characteristic experimental findings. In particular, in response to changes in the fluxes of exogenously-supplied carbon and oxygen, the community adopts twodistinct stable stateswith differing fractions of aerobes and anaerobes. These states arebistable, capable of arising under identical environmental conditions; transitions between the two are therefore history-dependent and can give rise tooscillationsin the bacterial and chemical concentrations. Moreover, using the model, we establish biophysical principles describing how oxygen depletion and nutrient sharing jointly dictate the characteristics of the different states as well as the transitions between them. Altogether, this work thus helps disentangle and highlight the pivotal role of mutualism in governing the overall stability and functioning of microbial communities. Moreover, our model provides a foundation for future studies of more complex communities that play important roles in agriculture, environment, industry, and medicine.
An intranasal stringent response vaccine targeting dendritic cells as a novel adjunctive therapy against tuberculosis
Authors: Karanika Styliani , Gordy James T. , Neupane Pranita , Karantanos Theodoros , Castillo Jennie Ruelas , Quijada Darla , Comstock Kaitlyn , Sandhu Avinaash Kaur , Hui Yinan , Ayeh Samuel K. , Tasneen Rokeya , Krug Stefanie , Danchik Carina , Wang Tianyin , Schill Courtney , Markham Rirchard B. , Karakousis Petros C.
Published: April 2022

Lengthy tuberculosis (TB) treatment is required to address the ability of a subpopulation of persistentMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) to remain in a non-replicating, antibiotic-tolerant state characterized by metabolic remodeling, including induction of the RelMtb-mediated stringent response. We developed a novel therapeutic DNA vaccine construct involving fusion of therelMtbgene with the immature dendritic cell-targeting gene encoding chemokine MIP-3α/CCL20. To augment mucosal immune responses, intranasal delivery was also evaluated. We found that the intramuscularMIP-3α/relMtb(fusion) vaccine potentiates isoniazid activity more than a similar DNA vaccine expressingrelMtbalone in a chronic TB mouse model (absolute reduction ofMtbburden: 0.63 log10colony-forming units, P=0.0001), inducing pronouncedMtb-protective immune signatures. The intranasal fusion vaccine, an approach combiningrelMtbfusion to MIP-3α and intranasal delivery, demonstrated the greatest therapeutic effect compared to each approach alone, as evidenced by robust Th1 and Th17 responses systemically and locally and the greatest mycobactericidal activity when combined with isoniazid (absolute reduction ofMtbburden: 1.13 log10, P<0.0001, when compared to the intramuscular vaccine targetingrelMtbalone). This DNA vaccination strategy may be a promising adjunctive approach combined with standard therapy to shorten curative TB treatment, and also serve as proof-of-concept for treating other chronic infections.
Histone methyltransferase Ezh2 coordinates mammalian axon regeneration via epigenetic regulation of key regenerative pathways
Authors: Wang Xue-Wei , Yang Shu-Guang , Hu Ming-Wen , Wang Rui-Ying , Zhang Chi , Kosanam Anish R. , Ochuba Arinze J. , Jiang Jing-Jing , Luo Ximei , Qian Jiang , Liu Chang-Mei , Zhou Feng-Quan
Published: April 2022

Current clinical treatment for neurodegenerative diseases and neural injuries falls short of success, and one primary reason is that neurons in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) lose their regeneration ability as they mature. Previous studies indicated that the regeneration ability of neurons is governed by complex signaling networks involving many genes. Therefore, here we investigated the roles of Ezh2, a histone methyltransferase, in regulation of mammalian axon regeneration at the epigenetic level. We found that Ezh2 level was gradually downregulated in the mouse nervous system during maturation but significantly upregulated in mature sensory neurons during spontaneous axon regeneration in the peripheral nerve system (PNS), suggesting its role in supporting axon regeneration. Indeed, Ezh2 loss-of-function in sensory neurons impaired PNS axon regeneration in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, overexpression of Ezh2 in retinal ganglion cells in the CNS induced optic nerve regeneration after optic nerve injury in both methyltransferase-dependent and -independent manners. Mechanistic exploration with multiomics sequencing, together with functional analyses, revealed that Ezh2 supported axon regeneration by systematically silencing the transcription of genes regulating synaptic function and axon regeneration inhibitory signaling, while broadly activating factors promoting axon regeneration. Our study not only reveals that Ezh2 coordinates axon regeneration via epigenetically regulating multiple key regenerative pathways, but also suggests that modulating chromatin accessibility is a promising strategy to promote CNS axon regeneration.
Cluster selection for load balancing in flyingad hocnetworks using an optimal low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy based on optimization approach
Authors: Sefati Seyed Salar , Halunga Simona , Farkhady Roya Zareh
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Flyingad hocnetworks (FANETs) have a major effect in various areas such as civil projects and smart cities. The facilities of installation and low cost of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have created a new challenge for researchers. Cluster head (CH) selection and load balancing between the CH are the most critical issues in the FANETs. For CH selection and load balancing in FANETs, this study used efficient clustering to address both problems and overcome these challenges. This paper aims to propose a novel CH selection and load balancing scheme to solve the low energy consumption and low latency in the FANET system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper tried to select the CH and load balancing with the help of low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) algorithm and bat algorithm (BA). Load balancing and CH selection are NP-hard problems, so the metaheuristic algorithms can be the best answer for these issues. In the LEACH algorithm, UAVs randomly generate numerical, and these numbers are sorted according to those values. To use the load balancing, the threshold of CH has to be considered; if the threshold is less than 0.7, the BA starts working and begins to find new CH according to the emitted pulses.

Findings

The proposed method compares with three algorithms, called bio-inspired clustering scheme FANETs, Grey wolf optimization and ant colony optimization in the NS3 simulator. The proposed algorithm has a good efficiency with respect to the network lifetime, energy consumption and cluster building time.

Originality/value

This study aims to extend the UAV group control concepts to include CH selection and load balancing to improve UAV energy consumption and low latency.
Reputational risk on corporate corruption scandals: evidence from Latin America
Authors: Arbe Roby , Feria-Domínguez José Manuel
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper evaluates how corruption scandals effects corporate reputational risk in main representatives Latin America listed companies. Efficient market hypothesis (EMH) on Standard and Poor’s index is also tried on.

Design/methodology/approach

First it is run a standard event study to evaluate the negative impact of such corruption episodes in terms of abnormal returns (ARs) and cumulative negative abnormal returns (CARs). Secondly, we use the operational loss derived from the corruption scandal divided by the stock's market capitalization (Loss Ratio) to estimate the reputational abnormal returns (RepARs) and its cumulative measure (RepCAR).

Findings

It is found that corporate reputation (CR) does not affect the stock market performance of the companies involved in the corruptions events, at least, in the very short term. The results show positives RepCARs due to still unknown losses of relative size of corruption after the announcement of the scandal, when the market shows greater sensitiveness.

Practical implications

The behavior of the market on corruption scandals on the Latin American can let explore other options to limit bribery, and the study of this with a perspective of EMH is the significance of this paper.

Social implications

Corruption become major problems in recent years in Latin American and its implications on the stakeholders.

Originality/value

Observing in the existing literature, there is no many studies based on the corruption scandals and market price using event methodology.
Exploring the psychometric properties of personal optimism and self-efficacy optimism-extended (POSO-E) scale among Indian teachers
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Pathak Anchal , Lavanya B. Latha , Garg Naval , Lata Kusum
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the short form of personal optimism and self-efficacy optimism-extended (POSO-E) among Indian teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted to adjudge the reliability and validity of the scale. In the first study, the sample of 510 respondents was randomly divided into subsamples. The first subsample was subjected to the Exploratory Factor Analysis which yielded a two-factor solution explaining 71.02% of the variance. This model was subjected to the Confirmatory Factor Analysis using a second subsample. Acceptable model fit indices suggested factorial validity of the two-dimensional POSO-E among Indian teachers. In the second study, acceptable Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability estimates (greater than 0.70) indicated the scale's reliability. Also, as expected, personal optimism, self-efficacy optimism and overall optimism reported a positive correlation with spiritual well-being and a negative association with distress. It confirmed the criterion validity of the POSO-E among Indian teachers.

Findings

The results showed appreciable psychometric properties of the POSO-E in the context of Indian teachers. The study offered a valid and reliable scale to measure teachers' optimism levels. It is poised to generate renewed interest among scholars to emphasize teachers' positive and optimist thinking. The findings also reported a positive association between teachers' optimism and spiritual well-being. It suggests that spiritual practices and interventions could be used to develop an optimistic academic workforce.

Originality/value

The study is one of the pioneer studies that evaluated the reliability and validity of the POSO-E among Indian teachers.
Augmented and virtual reality in apparel industry: a bibliometric review and future research agenda
Authors: Goel Pooja , Mahadevan Kala , Punjani Krunal K.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to synthesize the extant literature on augmented reality and virtual reality in the apparel industry using bibliometric and network visualization techniques. This paper also highlights the existing gaps in the literature and sets out the future research trajectory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigated research articles in the domain of augmented and virtual reality in the apparel industry to assess global trends in research production in this area, and top contributors to research by way of authors, journals, countries and institutions. The study carried out an analysis of 239 research articles from the Scopus database during the period 1995 to 2021. The study used open-source bibliometric tools such as Biblioshiny and VOSviewer to analyze the research literature over the search period and also identify emerging research avenues.

Findings

The bibliometric analysis reveals that there is significant interest in this research domain. A total of 673 authors contributed to the 239 research articles analyzed and the number of multi-author documents exceeded those by single authors. Research in this domain is led by China with the maximum number of articles in the data set followed by the USA and France. However, the USA has received the highest number of citations. Donghua University from China is the largest contributor to research in this domain with 13 articles in the data set. The keyword co-occurrence analysis indicates that “virtual reality” has the most number of co-occurrences and linkages with other keywords. Other important keywords include “augmented reality,” “virtual try-on” and “cloth simulation.” The network visualization exercise also revealed significant collaboration between different countries in this research domain.

Practical implications

The gaps highlighted in this study will act as a reference point for researchers to conduct future studies in the field of augmented and virtual reality in apparel industry. Practitioners will also gain a comprehensive understanding of this research domain.

Originality/value

This study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first attempt to integrate the disjoint literature of augmented and virtual reality in apparel industry through a mapping of the intellectual structure of this research domain. The study also contributes by way of providing a snapshot of future research avenues in the knowledge domain of augmented and virtual reality in the apparel industry.
How does knowledge spur the productivity of private Egyptian firms? An instrumental variable approach
Authors: Sami Mina , Abdallah Wael
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to dissect firm knowledge into two main types: internal firm knowledge (knowledge workers) and external firm knowledge (relational knowledge with other firms). This study aims to investigate how each type affects the productivity of the firms. This study also examines how this effect differs among Egyptian firms in the agriculture, manufacturing and service sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use firm-level data in Egypt on the sectoral level. The properties of instrumental variables regression using two-stage least-squares estimation are adopted to overcome endogeneity and omitted variable bias in the empirical estimations.

Findings

The study’s findings reveal that the effects of internal and external knowledge on the firm productivity are sector-specific; knowledge-workers and relational knowledge are two times more effective for agriculture than manufacturing and service firms; external knowledge plays a vital role in increasing productivity relative to internal knowledge for the manufacturing sector; finally, internal and external knowledge has the same effect on the service firms.

Originality/value

This research adds to the body knowledge-based theory of the firm by examining the effects of internal and external knowledge on the firms’ productivity. In particular, the paper differentiates this effect across three sectors: agriculture, manufacturing and services. This paper also suggests a novel empirical methodology to address endogeneity and omitted variable bias in this literature of firm knowledge and productivity.
Configurational paths to medical crowdfunding success and failure based on a crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Peng Nianjiao , Feng Yuanyue , Song Xi , Niu Ben , Yu Jie
Published: April 2022

Purpose

With the increasing use of crowdfunding platforms in raising funds, it has become an important and oft-researched topic to analyze the critical factors associated with successful or failed crowdfunding. However, as a major subject of crowdfunding, medical crowdfunding has received much less scholarly attention. The purpose of this paper is to explore how contingency factors combine and casually connect in determining the success or failure of medical crowdfunding projects based on signal theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts the crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis to analyze the causal configurations of 200 projects posted on a leading medical crowdfunding platform in China “Tencent Donation.” Five anecdotal conditions that could have an impact on the outcome of medical crowdfunding campions were identified. Three relate to the project (funding duration, number of images and number of updates) and two relate to the funding participants (type of suffer and type of fund-raiser).

Findings

The results show that diversified configurations of the aforementioned conditions are found (six configurations for successful medical crowdfunding projects and four configurations for failed ones).

Originality/value

Despite the fact that there are a considerably large number of medical crowdfunding projects, relatively few researches have been conducted to investigate configurational paths to medical crowdfunding success and failure. It is found that there are certain combinations of conditions that are clearly superior to other configurations in explaining the observed outcomes.
The nurturing role of the local support ecosystem in the development of the Agtech sector in Argentina
Authors: Lachman Jeremias , López Andrés
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The objective of the paper is to learn about the enabling factors that fostered the development of the Agtech sector in Argentina. The authors analyze how the local ecosystem (S&T institutions, incubators and accelerators, domestic clients, venture capitals and other actors) contributed to the emergence, consolidation and early internationalization of Agtech ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

Throughout 2020 the authors held 16 semi-structured interviews with experts, CEOs and managers of Agtech firms, incubator and accelerator managers, as well as with other stakeholders of the Agtech sector. All the interviews were recorded and then transcribed. The authors also undertook two case studies, one on a consortium of agricultural producers that created an Agtech incubator, and another on a successful Agtech venture. The selection of the case studies was based on the information collected during the interviews with local stakeholders (“snowballing technique”).

Findings

Linkages with the actors of the local ecosystem allowed Agtech ventures to validate their services and value proposition, identify business opportunities, improve and develop technologies, obtain funding, and reach out to new national and international customers.

Research limitations/implications

While a case study methodology does not allow for direct generalization to other experiences, the authors’ findings shed light on relevant factors behind the development of the Agtech sector in Argentina which cannot be easily captured through quantitative methods.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to achieve a better understanding of the factors that allow the emergence and consolidation of young ventures based on disruptive technologies in Latin America. Hence, it contributes to the advancement of knowledge in an emerging field: the generation and dissemination of 4.0 technologies in developing regions.
The things we carry: migrants' personal collection management and use
Authors: Krtalic Maja , Ihejirika Kingsley T.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper explores personal collection management and use in the context of migration. The paper further investigates how migrants use items in personal collections to reflect their self-identity and learn about their heritage.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were used to collect data from 14 immigrants in New Zealand.

Findings

Findings show how migrants perceive the value of their personal collections, manage their personal collections during migration and use their personal collections as instruments of identity formation, self-awareness, and connections to cultural heritage.

Originality/value

Insights presented in this study increase an understanding of the critical role personal information plays in the migration and integration process.
The impact of public legal protection on the internal corporate governance efficiency in banking sector
Authors: El-Chaarani Hani , El-Abiad Zouhour
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to reveal the impact of public legal protection on the efficiency of internal corporate governance in banks. In addition, this research proposes a new corporate governance index that could be employed by the banking sector to evaluate the performance of their internal corporate governance mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

Orbis database, annual reports and direct questionnaire are used to collect corporate governance data of 127 banks from 14 countries during 2020. The Mann–Whitney U-test is employed to compare the efficiency of corporate governance mechanisms based on three subsamples of countries having different legal protection levels (weak, middle and strong).

Findings

This research suggests a new corporate governance index for banks based on seven constructs and 62 variables. This new non-parametric index could be used by bankers to improve the monitoring process and enhance the overall performance of banking. The results of this research show that the existence of a strong public legal protection environment within a specific country enhances the efficiency of corporate governance mechanisms in the banking sector and thus, leads to improve the protection of shareholders, depositors and other relevant stakeholders. However, in countries that are characterized by weak legal protection level, the efficiency of corporate governance mechanisms is very low and there are possibilities of entrenchment, expropriation and extraction of private benefits. These findings could be interpreted within the prediction of agency, moral hazard, asymmetric information, political and entrenchment theories.

Originality/value

This research paper provides information that bankers and other relevant stakeholders in the banking sector working in MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) and European countries. A strong public legal protection level could improve the efficiency of internal corporate governance mechanisms within banks.
The linear and non-linear interactions between blockchain technology index and the stock market indices: a case study of the UAE banking sector
Authors: Othman Anwar Hasan Abdullah , Alshami Mohamed , Abdullah Adam
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the linear and nonlinear interactions between the blockchain technology index and the UAE stock market index within the context of the Abu Dhabi and Dubai banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, linear analysis was performed using the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model (GARCH) (1,1) model, whereas nonlinear analysis was performed using the wavelet coherence model.

Findings

Based on the results of the GARCH (1) model, the authors find that the blockchain technology index has a positive significant impact on stock market returns in the Abu Dhabi and Dubai banking sector. In addition, the findings indicate that increasing blockchain integration in the banking industry decreases banks’ stock market volatility and facilitates price stabilization. Additionally, the coherence wavelet analysis reveals that there is a phase relationship between the blockchain technology index and banks’ stock market indices in the banking sector of the UAE. The association was stronger during the global pandemic crisis because they were moving together across different timescales.

Practical implications

With the help of the linear analysis, this study offers a focal point and valuable insights to policymakers, central banks and commercial banks management on how implementing blockchain technology in the banking industry help boost stock market returns, reduce volatility and facilitate price stability. As a result of the nonlinear analysis of the significant long-term degree of co-movement between blockchain technology and banks’ stock markets in UAE, policymakers or the management of banks in UAE should take the growth of the blockchain technology industry into consideration to ensure the continued development of the banking sector. For investors, the findings provide implications for portfolio managers operating in the UAE who are encouraged to take short-term co-movement into account (1–16-week horizons) through both frequency and time when designing their portfolio while keeping long-horizon periods in mind is not recommended.

Originality/value

It is a pioneering study that empirically examines the linear and nonlinear nexus between the blockchain technology index and banks’ stock market returns and price stability.
Islamic equity indices: a focus group discussion
Authors: Hashmi Waqar Haider , Ellahi Nazima , Ehsan Saima , Waheed Ajmal
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to highlight key issues pertaining to making use of Islamic equity indices and proposing possible solutions to address the problems faced in advancement of the concept of Shariah investing (SI) with the aim to advance the discourse on the subject.

Design/methodology/approach

Online focus group discussion (FGD) was carried out in which ten Islamic finance researchers and analysts belonging to institutions considered as authority on the subject matter participated to share their viewpoints on Islamic equity indices. Content analysis on the collected data of FGD was carried out which has revealed six key themes.

Findings

Six broader themes were identified based on the analysis of FGD, which includes criteria for constructing Islamic equity indices, utilization of Islamic equity indices for comparison with conventional stock indices, stock market efficiency perspectives, reason for integration of different equity markets, investors’ awareness of SI and future directions of Islamic equity indices. Results of the study indicate that Islamic finance researchers and analysts opined that there is a need for revising the criteria for construction of Islamic equity indices. There are conflicting viewpoints regarding performance and efficiency of Islamic indices in comparison with conventional indices and main reasons for stock market integration are trade liberalization, globalization and other factors. Moreover, there is a need for making investors and other market players aware about the attractiveness of Islamic indices from investing point of view.

Originality/value

Based on this extensive literature review and as highlighted by Masih et al. (2018) in their recap of literature on Islamic equity indices indicating that there are bulk of empirical studies carried in the past in the domain, however, there is a dearth of theoretical and qualitative studies. Hence, this preliminary qualitative study not only makes theoretical contribution but also deploys FGD, which is rarely used in the similar context, and offers candid views of the participants on key issues pertaining to Islamic equity indices. This lends novelty to this study.
Tourist behaviour in a COVID-19 world: a New Zealand perspective
Authors: Yeoman Ian Seymour , Schänzel Heike A. , Zentveld Elisa
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic is considered a “once in a century” public health shock that, at the time of writing, continues to have a profound impact on global tourism and New Zealand. The paper aims to assess how consumer behaviour trends changed using a trends analysis framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Positioning the paper in the prognosis–prediction paradigm from futures studies and using a trend analysis approach, the authors forecasted a series of tourist trends at the beginning of COVID-19 based upon a multitude of sources trends. Then, 12 months later, they reported on the accuracy of these forecasts.

Findings

The matrix identifies 15 trends based upon consumer behaviour changes, which are either dominant, slowed, advanced or arrested. The prognosis was largely correct, which was supported by evidence gathered 12 months later.

Research limitations/implications

The paper uses a series of different data sources to reflect on the initial forecasts. To some, this may be an issue of rigor, but the authors argue that through triangulation, credibility and validity are increased.

Originality/value

First, the evaluation matrix allows users to make sense of COVID-19 based upon the concepts of dominant, slowed, advanced or arrested trends. Second, the matrix allows users to evaluate changes and movement of trends. Third, the trends featured in this paper could be generalisable to several different circumstances associated with simple identity. Fourth, this paper has tested the ability to predict trends in an uncertain environment within the context of the ontological paradigm of prognosis and prediction of futures states.
CSR and customer orientation: a sustainable pathway towards competitive advantage? A customer’s perspective
Authors: Mahmood Shahzad , Khan Zia
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on customer orientation and competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 368 retail banking customers in Pakistan and analysed using partial least squares-based structural equation modelling.

Findings

Firstly, the research findings indicate that CSR has a positive and significant effect on customer orientation. Secondly, CSR and customer orientation were found to be the antecedents of competitive advantage.

Practical implications

Managers can use CSR activities strategically to enhance the perceptions of a firm’s customer orientation in their minds. This can then lead towards achieving a competitive advantage over rivals. The trend of being socially responsible, as well as customer-orientated, can lead to a healthy ecosystem within the industry, which in turn will benefit its stakeholders.

Originality/value

Firstly, this is one of the pioneering studies that investigate the relationship between CSR and customer orientation. Secondly, it examines the under-explored roles of CSR and customer orientation as antecedents of competitive advantage.
Employee ecological behavior among academicians at the workplace
Authors: Farooq Khalid , Yusliza Mohd Yusoff , Muhammad Zikri , Omar Muhamad Khalil , Nik Mat Nik Hazimah
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Successfully fostering employee ecological behaviors can reduce the environmental impacts of an organization while boosting performance. This paper aims to investigate the factors and organizational strategies for employees to engage in ecological behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative method. Academicians from four top-ranked research universities from Malaysia participated in semi-structured interviews.

Findings

The in-depth analysis of the interviews identified several factors (environmental attitude, feedback, green self-efficacy, leadership role, organizational culture and employee empowerment) and strategies (incentives; top management support; creating environmental knowledge and awareness; rules and regulations; and sustainability advocates) for promoting ecological behavior in the workplace.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to Malaysian public research universities. Future research could investigate additional variables that might influence employee ecological behavior. Implications include policymaking, which emphasizes boosting environmental factors among academicians.

Originality/value

Research studies on employee ecological behavior are minimal. This research contributes to the literature by discussing how different stimuli and strategies are used in the top four-ranked green universities of Malaysia for ecological behavior in the workplace.