bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient genome replication in influenza A virus requires NS2 and sequence beyond the canonical promoter
Authors: Swaminath Sharmada , Mendes Marisa , Zhang Yipeng , Remick Kaleigh A. , Mejia Isabel , Güereca Melissa , te Velthuis Aartjan J.W. , Russell Alistair B. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractInfluenza A virus encodes promoters in both the sense and antisense orientations. These support the generation of new genomes, antigenomes, and mRNA transcripts. Using minimal replication assays—transfections with viral polymerase, nucleoprotein, and a genomic template—the influenza promoter sequences were identified as 13nt at the 5’ end of the viral genomic RNA (U13) and 12nt at the 3’ end (U12). Other than the fourth 3’ nucleotide, the U12 and U13 sequences are identical between all eight RNA molecules that comprise the segmented influenza genome. Despite possessing identical promoters, individual segments can exhibit different transcriptional dynamics during infection. However flu promoter sequences were defined in experiments without influenza NS2, a protein which modulates transcription and replication differentially between genomic segments. This suggests that the identity of the “complete” promoter may depend on NS2. Here we assess how internal sequences of two genomic segments, HA and PB1, may contribute to NS2-dependent replication as well as map such interactions down to individual nucleotides in PB1. We find that the expression of NS2 significantly alters sequence requirements for efficient replication beyond the identical U12 and U13 sequence, providing a mechanism for the divergent replication and transcription dynamics across the influenza A virus genome.
Measuring the neurodevelopmental trajectory of excitatory-inhibitory balance via visual gamma oscillations
Authors: Rhodes Natalie , Rier Lukas , Singh Krish D. , Sato Julie , Vandewouw Marlee M. , Holmes Niall , Boto Elena , Hill Ryan M. , Rea Molly , Taylor Margot J. , Brookes Matthew J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDisruption of the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission (E-I balance) underlies theories of many neurodevelopmental disorders, however, its study is typically restricted to adults, animal models and the lab-bench. Neurophysiological oscillations in the gamma frequency band relate closely to E-I balance, and a new technology – OPM-MEG – offers the possibility to measure such signals across the lifespan. We used OPM-MEG to measure gamma oscillations induced by visual stimulation in >100 participants, aged 2-34 years. We demonstrate a significantly changing spectrum with age, with low amplitude broadband gamma oscillations in children and high amplitude band limited oscillations dominating in adults. We used a canonical cortical microcircuit to model these gamma signals, revealing significant age-related shifts in E-I balance in superficial pyramidal neurons in visual cortex. Our findings detail the first MEG metrics of gamma oscillations and their underlying generators from toddlerhood, providing a benchmark against which future studies can contextualise.
Search for the production of dark matter in the framework of a mono-
Z′
portal at the ILC with simulated electron-positron collisions at
s=500  GeV
Authors: Elgammal S. 
Published: September 2024

In the present work, we study the possible production of the light neutral gauge boson (Z′) candidates, which originated from a simplified-model scenario based on the mono-Z′ model, in association with dark matter. This study has been performed by studying events with dimuon plus missing transverse energy produced in the simulated electron-positron collisions at the foreseen International Linear Collider (ILC), operating at 500 GeV center of mass energy and integrated luminosity of 1000  fb−1. In case no new physics has been discovered, we set upper limits at 95% confidence level on the masses of various particles in the model as, spin-1 (Z′), as well as the fermionic dark matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A holistic empirical approach to marketing activities and performance interaction in banking industry: the mediating role of customer-based brand equity
Authors: Akdogan Cagla Burcin , Uray Nimet , Ulengin Burc , Kiygi-Calli Meltem 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the direct impacts of marketing resources and marketing activities on several business performance indicators in the banking industry and the indirect effects through customer-based brand equity.Design/methodology/approachWe use a holistic empirical approach based on resource-based view and marketing productivity chain. The main study consists of a secondary analysis using quarterly data of fourteen banks over four years. We analyze the data using fixed-effect panel data regression, namely seemingly unrelated regressions.FindingsWe find that customer-based brand equity is one of the most influential factors on business performance. Moreover, the indirect effect through customer-based brand equity should be considered in improving business performance. Marketing-related financial resources positively impact customer-based brand equity and business performance. Regarding marketing activities, pricing strategies affect the bank preferences of customers, which in turn affect the growth of deposit volumes and churn rates. Additionally, the number of bank branches positively impacts business performance. Advertising spending on different media has differentiated impacts on the performance indicators; thus, the allocation of advertising budget and advertising planning are critical.Originality/valueThis study examines the inter-relationships among marketing resources, marketing activities, consumer response through brand equity and marketing performance. This study contributes to the literature by integrating the resource-based view and the marketing productivity chain to analyze the inter-relationships using panel data and several sector-related metrics. This study provides valuable insights to decision-makers in the banking industry.
Impact of coopetition on the performance outcomes of international construction joint ventures: a contingency and configuration approach
Authors: Xie Qiuhao , Zhang Shuibo , Gao Ying , Qi Jingyan , Feng Zhuo 
Published: September 2024

PurposeAlthough the literature recognizes that coopetition plays a significant role in the success of international construction joint ventures (ICJVs), the impacts of coopetition on the performance outcomes of ICJVs remain largely unknown. This study extends this line of research by theorizing coopetition from three dimensions, i.e. coopetition intensity, coopetition balance and coopetition structure, and examining the relationships between coopetition and ICJV performance outcomes from both the contingency and configuration perspectives.Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses were tested using survey data from a sample of 188 ICJVs. Structural equation modelling was employed for the contingency approach to estimate the relationships between the three dimensions of coopetition and performance. For the configuration approach, cluster analysis was utilized to identify coopetition patterns. Subsequently, an analysis of variance was employed to analyse the relationships between these coopetition patterns and performance.FindingsThe contingency results indicate that while coopetition intensity is positively related to all types of performance, coopetition balance is only positively related to project performance and partner performance. Moreover, coopetition structure is only related to partner performance and socioenvironmental performance. The configuration approach identifies six patterns of coopetition, manifesting different levels of project, partner and socioenvironmental performance.Originality/valueThese findings, therefore, contribute to the ICJV literature by extending the understanding of how coopetition dimensions individually and jointly influence ICJV performance.
Global perspectives on redefining workplace presence: the impact of remote work on organizational culture
Authors: Bilderback Stephanie , Kilpatrick Matthew D. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the impact of remote work on organizational culture, focusing on redefining workplace presence during the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines changes in communication patterns, employee engagement and leadership practices, offering insights into how organizations can adapt their cultural frameworks for a remote or hybrid workforce.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a conceptual approach, this paper draws on existing literature, theories and case studies to analyze the implications of remote work for organizational culture. It examines the practical applications of theoretical frameworks such as Kotter's 8-Step Change Model, the Competing Values Framework, Social Exchange Theory, Role Theory, Self-Determination Theory and Equity Theory.

Findings
The findings indicate that the transition to remote work necessitates changes in communication patterns, collaboration, employee engagement and the sense of belonging. It also highlights the critical role of leadership in fostering a positive remote work culture, requiring organizations to adapt to a paradigm where presence is measured by engagement and productivity rather than physical visibility.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to understanding the impact of remote work on organizational culture by integrating various theoretical frameworks and providing practical implications for managing remote work environments. It comprehensively analyzes the challenges and opportunities the shift to remote work presents and provides recommendations for organizations to navigate this transition successfully.
The impact of gamification on meaningful learning and student performance in an undergraduate online engineering course
Authors: Madero-Gonzalez Cecilia , Vazquez-Hernandez Jesus , Gonzalez Aleu Fernando 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of gamification on the five dimensions of meaningful learning (i.e. cooperative, active, authentic, constructive and intentional learning) and undergraduate student performance taking online lessons.

Design/methodology/approach
Therefore, the authors conducted an experiment among undergraduate students taking online classes at the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering School at a public university during the COVID-19 pandemic. The experiment included one control and two observation groups using gamification (Golden Points). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed.

Findings
Results showed that gamification significantly affects meaningful learning and impacts student performance in online courses.

Originality/value
This study was limited to a single topic in a six-month course at a public university. Additional research is required to continue examining the impact of gamification in higher education institutions with different format courses and in other organisational sectors.
Exploring off-chain voting and blockchain in decentralized autonomous organizations
Authors: Monteiro Thiago Dias , Sanchez Otavio Próspero , Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
The current scenario shows increased adoption of off-chain voting applications in decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) to avoid complexity and costs for user engagement in their governance. This paper aims to comprehend the trends and patterns within the DAO community with off-chain voting systems and blockchain usage.

Design/methodology/approach
This exploratory study uses a two-pronged quantitative approach, combining descriptive statistical analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. Input data from different DAO proposals and votes were analyzed.

Findings
Results indicate that the 179 DAOs analyzed account for 26,538 proposals and 1,268,474 followers of the entire Snapshot base in January 2023, showing high concentration in engagement. The preferred social media communication channels are Twitter and GitHub, showing a decrease of Ethereum as a main chain, with Polygon and Binance Smart Chain already accounting for 22%. Basic voting can lead to greater user involvement in the voting process.

Research limitations/implications
This study complements the traditional governance theory perspective and advances in the emerging literature on DAOs and blockchain with an empirical analysis.

Practical implications
As blockchain technology gains increasing adoption, comprehending trends and patterns within the DAO community becomes pivotal in identifying opportunities and challenges for innovation and improvement.

Social implications
Findings can facilitate the development of improved governance models and decision-making processes for DAOs, leading to a more robust and sustainable ecosystem.

Originality/value
This study presents a broader IT-based governance foresight via blockchain while providing an understanding of the voting process, technology features and governance mechanisms for social community engagement and decision-making in DAOs.
Deciphering CEO disclosure tone inconsistency: a behavioural exploration
Authors: Pouryousof Azam , Nassirzadeh Farzaneh , Askarany Davood 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis research employs a behavioural approach to investigate the determinants of CEO disclosure tone inconsistency. By examining CEO characteristics and psychological attributes, the study aims to unravel the complexities underlying tone variations in Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) reports. Through this exploration, the research seeks to contribute to understanding ethical considerations in corporate communications and provide insights into the nuanced interplay between personal, job-related and psychological factors influencing CEO disclosure tone.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilises a dataset comprising 1,411 MD&A reports from 143 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange between 2012 and 2021. Multiple regression analyses with year- and industry-fixed effects are employed to examine the relationships between CEO gender, tenure, duality, ability and psychological attributes such as narcissism, myopia, overconfidence and tone inconsistency. Data analysis involves MAXQDA software for analysing MD&A reports and Rahavard Novin software for document analysis, supplemented by audited financial statements.FindingsThe findings reveal significant relationships between CEO characteristics, psychological attributes and tone inconsistency. Female CEOs exhibit reduced tone inconsistency, contrasting with previous research trends. CEO tenure correlates negatively with tone inconsistency, whereas CEO ability shows a positive correlation, indicating a nuanced relationship with performance. However, CEO duality does not exhibit a significant association. Psychological attributes such as narcissism and myopia are positively associated with tone inconsistency, while no substantial connection is found with managerial overconfidence.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the inaugural exploration of CEO disclosure tone inconsistency through a behavioural lens, advancing measurement precision in the field. By delving into CEO characteristics and psychological attributes, the study offers unique insights into the roots of tone inconsistency. Applying comprehensive lexicon and phraseology enriches the methodological approach, fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders and adding distinct perspectives to the discourse on ethical issues in business. Through its meticulous examination of behavioural underpinnings, this study becomes a catalyst for reflection, dialogue and progress in corporate communications and ethical considerations.
Tensions in work integration social enterprises in The Netherlands: balancing social and commercial goals in a multi-stakeholder context
Authors: Drupsteen Linda , Meerstra-de Haan Erzsi 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
Social enterprises have proven to play a vital role in the transitions towards inclusive labour markets and sustainable economies. Yet, they often struggle to flourish within traditional economic systems due to the dual mission of pursuing social and commercial goals, leading to inherent tensions for social entrepreneurs. This study aims to explore tensions within work integration social enterprises (WISEs) arising from their dual mission and engagement with multiple stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach
Interviews with representatives from ten Dutch WISEs were conducted to understand their day-to-day challenges. The typology by Smith and Lewis (2011), focusing on learning, belonging, organising and performing tensions, was used for data analysis.

Findings
The study reveals tensions between social impact and commercial viability, with organisational challenges being predominant. Also, there is an observed temporal pattern in tension prominence: early stages emphasise belonging, organising and performing tensions, while learning tensions become more prominent as enterprises mature.

Originality/value
This study offers insights into tensions within WISEs, highlighting the complexity of managing multiple identities in a multi-stakeholder context. By drawing on practical experiences, it contributes nuanced understanding to existing literature.
Implementation of Six Sigma methodology in a medical equipment manufacturing company
Authors: Sreekanth V. , Kavilal E.G. , Krishna Sanu , Mohan Nidhun 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to highlight how the six sigma methods helped the medical equipment manufacturing company in finding and analysing the root causes that lead to the reduction in production rate, rejection rates, quality and other major causes that lead to the reduction in productivity of the blood bags manufacturing unit.Design/methodology/approachGiven the critical nature of blood bag manufacturing Six Sigma was chosen as the primary methodology for this research since Six Sigma’s data-driven approach provides a structured framework to identify, analyse and rectify inefficiencies in the production processes. This study proposes the Six Sigma DMAIC (D-Define, M-Measure, A-Analyse, I-Improve, C-Control) encompassing rigorous problem definition, precise measurement, thorough analysis, improvement and vigilant control mechanisms for effectively attaining predetermined objectives.FindingsThe paper demonstrates how the Six Sigma principles were executed in a blood bag manufacturing unit. After a detailed and thorough data analysis, it was found that a total of 40 critical-to-quality factors under the five drivers such as Machine, Components, Inspection and Testing, People and Workspace were influential factors affecting the manufacturing of blood bags. From the study, it is identified that the drivers such as inspection and testing, components and machines contribute significantly to increasing productivity.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper offers valuable strategic insights into implementing Six Sigma methodologies within the specific context of a blood bag manufacturing unit. The Six Sigma tools and techniques used by the project team to solve issues within the blood bag manufacturing unit can be used for similar healthcare organizations to successfully deploy Six Sigma. The insights from this research might not be directly applicable to other manufacturing facilities or industries but can be used as a guiding reference for researchers and managers.Originality/valueThe current state of scholarly literature indicates a significant absence in the examination of Six Sigma methodologies designed specifically to improve production output in healthcare equipment manufacturing. This paper highlights the application of Six Sigma principles to enhance efficiency in the specific context of blood bag manufacturing.
Soil fungi lead to stronger ‘diminishing returns’ in fine‐root length versus mass allometry towards earlier successional tropical forests
Authors: Guo Zijian , Miao Wenhao , Lyu Yueming , Wang Xiangping 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Decreasing returns in resource acquisition ability with increasing leaf mass investment is called ‘diminishing returns’, which provides important insights into plant economy. Yet, whether this is true for fine roots and how root resource acquisition strategies change with forest succession remain unclear.

We investigated the scaling relationship between fine‐root length (L) and mass (M) for 215 topsoil cores from 24 plots across four successional stages in tropical forests of Xishuangbanna, southwestern China. We also assessed the relative effects of edaphic conditions, leaf functional traits, tree species diversity and soil fungal factors on L versus M scaling relationship using hierarchical variation partitioning.

Our results revealed the existence of diminishing returns in root length (L vs. M scaling exponent <1), and that the exponent was higher in late‐ than early‐successional forests, corresponding to a strategy shifting from ‘do‐it‐yourself’ in the late‐successional stage to ‘outsourcing’ resource uptake by soil fungi in the early‐successional stage. Soil fungal abundance was the main driver of changes in the L versus M scaling exponent across plots (explained 58% of variances), with root endophytic fungi the strongest predictor (22.11%), followed by mycorrhizal fungi (10.41%), while other factors (leaf functional traits, edaphic nutrient conditions and tree species diversity) exerted weak effects.

Our results suggest that root endophytic and mycorrhizal fungi act as key modulators of root economy changes during forest succession, but the former has received less attention previously. L versus M scaling exponent may be a better indicator for shifts in root resource acquisition strategy than the commonly used specific root length.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Wastewater‐based evaluation of the efficacy of oxycodone regulations in Australia
Authors: Verhagen Rory , Gerber Cobus , Thai Phong K. , Connor Jason , Loveday Bill , Bade Richard , O'Brien Jake , Jaunay Emma L. , Simpson Bradley S. , Chan Gary , Hall Wayne , Thomas Kevin V. , Mueller Jochen F. , Tscharke Benjamin J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsBetween 2018 and 2020, Australia implemented major policy changes to improve the quality and safety of opioid prescribing, with a specific focus on oxycodone. This study used wastewater‐based epidemiology to assess the efficacy of Australia's regulatory reforms by measuring change in consumption of oxycodone via exploratory analysis.Design, setting, participants, measurementsWastewater analysis data on oxycodone consumption was from the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program. The program captures data from more than 50 wastewater treatment plant catchments across Australia, equivalent to more than 50% of the national population. Geographic trend analyses were conducted for both major cities and regional areas within all states and territories of Australia over a 6‐year period between 2017 and 2023.FindingsOxycodone consumption showed a statistically significant increase nationally from 78 mg/day/1000 people (95% confidence interval [CI] = 71, 84) in 2017 to 120 mg/day/1000 people in August 2019 (95% CI = 110, 120), an increase of 52% (95% CI = 42, 62, P < 0.0001). From August 2019 to December 2020, there was a statistically significant decrease from 120 to 65 mg/day/1000 people (95% CI = 60, 71), a decrease of 45% (95% CI = 40, 51), followed by a modest 2.4% increase to the end of the study period in April 2023 (95% CI [2.0,2.7]).ConclusionsA 45% reduction in oxycodone consumption in Australia from 2019 to 2020 coincided with national policy changes that aimed to reduce consumption of prescription opioids. The overall declining trend in consumption was suggestive of the effectiveness of national interventions in reducing pharmaceutical opioid use. Wastewater‐based epidemiology provides an effective approach for assessing the effectiveness of controlled substances policy changes.