bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flexible Copper Foil Sheet Receive Coil Array for MRI
Authors: Thompson Emily R. , Chen Li Wei , Miller Albert John Victor 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study presents the development and evaluation of a 16-channel general-purpose MRI coil array constructed using 50-micron copper foil sheets. The coils were rapidly manufactured using a die cut process and assembled into a square-shaped array designed for flexible, high-performance imaging. The copper foil coil demonstrated superior signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), lower noise correlation, and better parallel imaging performance compared to a commercially available 16-channel flexible coil. Phantom testing showed a 17-20% improvement in SNR with the copper foil coil, while noise correlation matrices indicated reduced interference between coil elements. In vivo testing further validated the coil’s performance, with higher SNR and enhanced image quality observed in axial and sagittal scans. The use of copper foil sheets, which are widely available and cost-effective, enabled rapid production of the coils without compromising quality. This approach offers significant advantages over existing flexible coil technologies that rely on more complex and expensive materials, such as copper threads and liquid metal. The ability to quickly tailor these coils for specific patient needs makes them particularly suitable for clinical applications where flexibility and speed are essential. The results of this study suggest that copper foil-based coils represent a promising solution for improving the accessibility, adaptability, and performance of MRI technology in a cost-effective manner.
AI-Based Discovery and CryoEM Structural Elucidation of a KATPChannel Pharmacochaperone
Authors: ElSheikh Assmaa , Driggers Camden M. , Truong Ha H. , Yang Zhongying , Allen John , Henriksen Niel , Walczewska-Szewc Katarzyna , Shyng Show-Ling 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPancreatic KATPchannel trafficking defects underlie congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) cases unresponsive to the KATPchannel opener diazoxide, the mainstay medical therapy for CHI. Current clinically used KATPchannel inhibitors have been shown to act as pharmacochaperones and restore surface expression of trafficking mutants; however, their therapeutic utility for KATPtrafficking impaired CHI is hindered by high-affinity binding, which limits functional recovery of rescued channels. Recent structural studies of KATPchannels employing cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) have revealed a promiscuous pocket where several known KATPpharmacochaperones bind. The structural knowledge provides a framework for discovering KATPchannel pharmacochaperones with desired reversible inhibitory effects to permit functional recovery of rescued channels. Using an AI-based virtual screening technology AtomNet® followed by functional validation, we identified a novel compound, termed Aekatperone, which exhibits chaperoning effects on KATPchannel trafficking mutations. Aekatperone reversibly inhibits KATPchannel activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ∼ 9 μM. Mutant channels rescued to the cell surface by Aekatperone showed functional recovery upon washout of the compound. CryoEM structure of KATPbound to Aekatperone revealed distinct binding features compared to known high affinity inhibitor pharmacochaperones. Our findings unveil a KATPpharmacochaperone enabling functional recovery of rescued channels as a promising therapeutic for CHI caused by KATPtrafficking defects.
Accounting for racial inequality in South Africa with the black economic empowerment policy
Authors: Munkuli Bongani , Nikidehaghani Mona , Ma Liangbo , Chang Millicent 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore how the South African government has used accounting technologies to manage the pervasive issue of racial inequality.Design/methodology/approachPremised on Foucault’s notion of governmentality, we conducted a qualitative case study. Publicly available archival data are used to determine the extent to which accounting techniques have helped to shape policy responses to racial inequality.FindingsWe show that accounting techniques and calculations give visibility to the problems of government and help design a programme to solve racial inequality. The lived experiences and impacts of racism in the workplace have been problematised, turned into statistics, and used to rationalise the need for ongoing government intervention in solving the problem. These processes underpin the development of the scorecard system, which measures the contributions firms have made towards minimising racial inequalities.Originality/valueThis study augments the existing body of Foucauldian literature by illustrating how power dynamics can be counteracted. We show that in governmental processes, accounting can exhibit a dual role, and these roles are not always subordinate to the analysis of political realities. The case of B-BBEE reveals the unintended consequences of utilising accounting to control the conduct of individuals or groups.
A highly efficient method for characterizing the kinetics of hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Xiong Xilin , Yang Jingjing , Chen Tongqian , Niu Tong 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide a highly efficient method to obtain the kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on metal electrodes in an alkaline solution and to analyze the effect of thiourea addition on HER under the same cathodic overpotential.

Design/methodology/approach
A novel method based on hydrogen permeation tests, potentiodynamic polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was put forward to characterize the HER kinetics on metal electrode.

Findings
The study found that adding thiourea accelerated the Volmer, Heyrovsky and Tafel reactions associated with HER. In addition, it reduced the hydrogen surface coverage and increased the hydrogen permeation steady-state current density. As a result, thiourea facilitated HER, promoted the diffusion of hydrogen atoms into iron and reduced the number of hydrogen atoms in the adsorbed state.

Originality/value
This work provides novel insights into the influence of thiourea on HER kinetics, demonstrating that thiourea addition can significantly enhance HER efficiency by altering reaction dynamics and promoting hydrogen atom diffusion into iron. This has implications for hydrogen energy applications, cathodic protection and understanding hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms.
Typologies of South African small-scale farmers and their risk perceptions: an unsupervised machine learning approach
Authors: Yazdan Bakhsh Sara , Ayisi Kingsley , Rötter Reimund P. , Twine Wayne , Feil Jan-Henning 
Published: September 2024

PurposeSmall-scale farmers are highly heterogeneous with regard to their types of farming, levels of technology adoption, degree of commercialization and many other factors. Such heterogeneous types, respectively groups of small-scale farming systems require different forms of government interventions. This paper applies a machine learning approach to analyze the typologies of small-scale farmers in South Africa based on a wide range of objective variables regarding their personal, farm and context characteristics, which support an effective, target-group-specific design and communication of policies.Design/methodology/approachA cluster analysis is performed based on a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative survey among 212 small-scale farmers, which was conducted in 2019 in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. An unsupervised machine learning approach, namely Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM), is applied to the survey data. Subsequently, the farmers' risk perceptions between the different clusters are analyzed and compared.FindingsAccording to the results of the cluster analysis, the small-scale farmers of the investigated sample can be grouped into four types: subsistence-oriented farmers, semi-subsistence livestock-oriented farmers, semi-subsistence crop-oriented farmers and market-oriented farmers. The subsequently analyzed risk perceptions and attitudes differ considerably between these types.Originality/valueThis is the first typologisation of small-scale farmers based on a comprehensive collection of quantitative and qualitative variables, which can all be considered in the analysis through the application of an unsupervised machine learning approach, namely PAM. Such typologisation is a pre-requisite for the design of more target-group-specific and suitable policy interventions.
Leadership, empowerment and innovation behavior linkages among knowledge workers: application of hierarchal component modeling approach
Authors: Peerzadah Sabzar Ahmad , Mufti Sabiya , Majeed Shayista , Nazir Nazir Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
Based on the Social Exchange Theory and Conservation of Resources Theory, this study aims to investigate the impact of transformational and transactional leadership on scientists’ innovative work behavior (IWB). It also examines the mediating effect of scientists’ psychological empowerment in the relationship between transformational leadership and IWB as well as between transactional leadership and IWB.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a quantitative design and uses data from a sample size of 357 scientists from all five different subject domains of India’s largest civilian Research and Development (R&D) organization, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Hierarchal component modeling (HCM) was performed for transformational leadership transactional leadership and psychological empowerment, whereas IWB was modeled as a first-order reflective construct. PLS-SEM was used to assess the study’s model and hypotheses.

Findings
It was found that transformational leadership is positively related to IWB and psychological empowerment mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and IWB. Moreover, transactional leadership was found to be positively related to IWB while psychological empowerment did not mediate the relationship between transactional leadership and IWB.

Originality/value
This study adds to IWB literature by empirically testing the mediating role of psychological empowerment between transformational leadership-IWB and transactional leadership-IWB link in the R&D context of an emerging economy using HCM.
Organizational slack and firm performance: do supply chain resilience and organizational ambidexterity matter?
Authors: Shi Haiqing , Feng Taiwen 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study aims to distinguish how unabsorbed and absorbed slack affects market and financial performance via proactive and reactive supply chain resilience (SCRES), particularly under varying conditions of organizational ambidexterity.Design/methodology/approachBy collecting survey data from 277 Chinese manufacturers, we verify the conceptual model applying structural equation modeling.FindingsProactive SCRES mediates the positive impacts of both unabsorbed and absorbed slack on market and financial performance, whereas reactive SCRES mediates only their positive effects on financial performance. High levels of organizational ambidexterity strengthen the indirect effects of both types of slack on market and financial performance via proactive SCRES, but not when mediated by reactive SCRES.Originality/valueWe introduce a new theoretical perspective to view fits (as mediation) between the use of unabsorbed/absorbed slack in different ways when switching attentions to proactive or reactive SCRES, both of which can be improved through organizational ambidexterity. This study offers novel insights into how managers can switch attentions between proactive and reactive SCRES knowing when to appropriately use unabsorbed/absorbed slack for which purposes, and the use of different learning modes (explorative vs exploitative).
The influence of electronic word of mouth on cosmetics purchasing: the role of the social component and engagement
Authors: Mendoza-Moreira Madelyn , Moliner-Velázquez Beatriz , Berenguer-Contri Gloria , Gil-Saura Irene 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
Social networking has provided the appropriate context to investigate Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) behaviour. Despite this, there are fewer studies from the recipient’s perspective. Under this premise, this paper aims to address the behaviour of adoption of online reviews to analyse the chain of relationships between the constructs of social influence, engagement with eWOM and adoption of eWOM in a poorly researched segment such as that of female consumers of cosmetics in Ecuador.

Design/methodology/approach
Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling was used on a sample of 236 cosmetics consumers in Ecuador.

Findings
The results not only confirm the relationship between the variables and contribute to the understanding of behavioural patterns in a scarcely explored market, but also highlight implications crucial for brand and product marketing strategies on social media.

Research limitations/implications
The focus on a specific demographic segment may limit the generalisability of the findings to broader populations. This suggests avenues for further investigation to enhance the robustness and applicability of the study’s findings.

Practical implications
The paper provides valuable insights for marketing and communication management.

Originality/value
This paper integrates the Information Acceptance Model and the Dual Process Theory, providing empirical insights into consumer behaviour with eWOM.
An empirical analysis of climate transition: a global outlook of agriculture productivity
Authors: Tanveer Zubair , Kalim Rukhsana 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study has empirically investigated the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity worldwide, considering the ranking of agriculture productivity. Additionally, the study has estimated the extent to which climate change favoured agriculture productivity from a global perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe study prepared a suitable econometric model and employed the quantile panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag technique with a two-step Error Correction Mechanism to assess the influence of global warming on worldwide agrarian productivity.FindingsThe estimated results provide evidence for the nonlinear impacts of climate change on agriculture productivity across all quantiles. Moreover, threshold levels of average annual temperature rise with the improvement of agricultural productivity, depicting that low-productive areas are highly vulnerable to global warming. Additionally, agricultural inputs like labour, capital and irrigated land are positively related to agricultural productivity, with relatively substantial marginal productivity in highly productive regions. Nevertheless, technological innovations are found to be more productive in low-productive areas.Practical implicationsPolicymakers should prioritize region-specific climate-smart agriculture by targeting policies to increase agricultural productivity and minimize the effects of climate change on food security and nutrition.Originality/valueDespite significant research in this area, there remains a knowledge gap on the nature of this relationship, especially regarding productivity thresholds under warming. The study aims to fill this gap, offering valuable insights to guide policy actions and adaptation strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on agriculture productivity.
Financing creativity: how state-owned and foreign ownership shape innovation engagement in China
Authors: Yue Shanshan , Norkhairul Bajuri Hafiz , Khatib Saleh F.A. , Lee Yini 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study delves into the nuanced relationship between financial constraints, ownership structures (state-owned and foreign) and innovation engagement within China’s A-share market, aiming to uncover how these dynamics vary across different industries and regional contexts.Design/methodology/approachBy retrieving data from various datasets in China (2010–2022), this study analyzed the effectiveness of each variable, employing various dimensions to reflect innovation engagement among Chinese listed companies. Meanwhile, for the measurement of financial constraints, this study tested all four typical ones and opted for the KZ Index, as it is the most suitable for China’s A-share market. Then, by fixing the industry and year effects, the study examined the main and moderating effects. At last, in order to address endogeneity issues and capture the dynamic nature of innovation activities, this study follow the suggestion of Khatib (2024) and employed the two-step system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation.FindingsThe results demonstrate that while the government has introduced many policies to promote innovation, state-owned ownership does not consistently enhance innovation engagement as expected, especially when firms are in financial dilemma. Particularly, in Hi-tech industries, foreign ownership demonstrates greater interest and confidence in the innovation capabilities of China’s A-share market. Findings also reveal significant regional heterogeneity in the moderating role of ownership structures. While state-owned and foreign ownerships have a buffering effect against financial constraints in the eastern and western regions, but this effect is notably different in the middle part, even though it is China’s political heartland.Originality/valueThe findings offer a different insight for policymakers and corporate strategists, suggesting that targeted financial and regulatory policies that leverage specific ownership structures can foster innovation in different ways, particularly in financially constrained environments. However, how to stimulate innovation vitality in the middle part of China still requires further research.
Predictive modelling in the shipping industry: analysis from supply and demand sides
Authors: Zhu Siying , Hsieh Cheng-Hsien 
Published: September 2024

PurposeMaritime transportation plays an important role in facilitating both the global and regional merchandise trade, where accurate trend prediction is crucial in assisting decision-making in the industry. This paper aims to conduct a macro-level study to predict world vessel supply and demand.Design/methodology/approachThe automatic autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) is used for the univariate vessel supply and demand time-series forecasting based on the data records from 1980 to 2021.FindingsFor the future projection of the demand side, the predicted outcomes for total vessel demand and world dry cargo vessel demand until 2030 indicate upward trends. For the supply side, the predominant upward trends for world total vessel supply, oil tanker vessel supply, container vessel supply and other types of vessel supply are captured. The world bulk carrier vessel supply prediction results indicate an initial upward trend, followed by a slight decline, while the forecasted world general cargo vessel supply values remain relatively stable. By comparing the predicted percentage change rates, there is a gradual convergence between demand and supply change rates in the near future. We also find that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the time-series prediction results is not statistically significant.Originality/valueThe results can provide policy implications in strategic planning and operation to various stakeholders in the shipping industry for vessel building, scrapping and deployment.
Development of an improved limit pressure solution for shape-distorted 90o pipe bends with through-wall circumferential cracks
Authors: Raghuraman T. , Veerappan AR. , Silambarasan R. 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis paper presents the approximate limit pressure solution for shape-imperfect and through-wall circumferential cracked (TWCC) 90° pipe bends at the intrados region. Finite element (FE) limit analysis was used to estimate the limit pressure by considering the small geometrical change effects.Design/methodology/approachThree-dimensional (3D) geometric linear FE methodology was implemented to investigate the limit pressure of structurally deformed TWCC 90° pipe bends. The material considered in the analysis is elastic perfectly plastic (EPP). The limit pressure of TWCC shape-distorted pipe bends was predicted from the corresponding internal pressure when von-Mises stress was equal to or just exceeded the material’s yield strength for all the models. The theoretical solution which was published in the literature was used to evaluate the current FE approach.FindingsOvality Co and TWCC at the intrados region caused a considerable impact on pipe bends, while the thinning? Ct produced a negligible effect and hence was not included in the analysis. With the combined effect, the bend portion of pipe bend experiences substantial influence, and the TWCC effect consequently increases with 45o, 60o and 90o crack angles and decreases the limit pressure of pipe bends. An improved closed-form empirical limit pressure solution was proposed for TWCC shape-distorted pipe bends at the intrados region.Originality/valueIn the limit pressure analysis of 90° pipe bends, the implications of structural irregularities (ovality and thinning) and TWCC have not been examined and reported.
Using destination to support domestic tourism: the moderated mediation effect of residency length
Authors: Naguib Hend M. , Elsharnouby Mohamed H. 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of destination accessibility on pro-tourism behaviour directly and indirectly through environmental impacts and/or affective destination image from residents’ point of view. It also investigates the moderated mediation effect of residency length in the indirect relationships between destination accessibility and pro-tourism behaviour through the negative environmental impacts or affective destination image.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative method was applied. More specifically, the survey approach was found to be the most effective method of data collection for this research. In total, 351 questionnaires were collected through an online survey from people who currently live in Alexandria. The questionnaire was translated into Arabic while adhering to back-translation guidelines. SPSS and AMOS software were used to analyse the collected data.FindingsThe results showed that residents’ destination accessibility affects both destination image and destination environment but does not affect the pro-tourism behaviour. It indirectly affects the pro-tourism behaviour through only affective destination image. Residency length plays a moderation role in this indirect relationship.Practical implicationsThe current study can help policymakers, governments and tourism institutions to make decisions. Policymakers can use these results to adopt a comprehensive policy that encompasses different interested parties in tourism, in order to ensure that tourism development efforts will succeed. The government can also join hands with tourism institutions to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism in order to balance the negative and positive impacts of tourism.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of destination accessibility to support tourism behaviours in domestic tourism.