bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the role of social media and dynamic capabilities in innovation performance in AgTech: a serial mediation model
Authors: Foguesatto Cristian Rogério , Balestrin Alsones , Martins Bibiana Volkmer , Frare Anderson Betti 
Published: July 2024

PurposeWe developed and tested a theoretical model that measures the importance of social media and dynamic capabilities with regard to improving innovation performance in startups from the agribusiness sector (AgTech), that is, technology-based companies with scalability potential that operate in the agribusiness sector.Design/methodology/approachThis model analyzed three dynamic capabilities: internal collaboration capacity, absorptive capacity, and organizational agility. To test this theoretical model, we employed structural equation modeling with partial least squares estimation (PLS-SEM) analyzing 237 AgTech in Brazil.FindingsOur results show that the use of social media positively affects innovation performance and contributes to internal collaboration capability (a second-order construct that encompasses commitment, communication, and trust). Internal collaboration is an antecedent of absorptive capacity and organizational agility. These two dynamic capabilities positively impact innovation performance. Our results also indicate that these dynamic capabilities serially mediate the relationship between social media and innovation performance.Practical implicationsWhile some literature describes the dark side of social media, our study sheds light on the importance of these platforms to improve internal collaboration in AgTech, a pivotal capability that is necessary to develop other relevant capabilities.Originality/valueThis study presents results from one of most large AgTech survey found in literature. Furthermore, this study also shows that there are dynamic capabilities essential to develop others relevant dynamic capabilities, indicating that innovation performance involves a sequential integration of capabilities.
Audit committee cash compensation and related-party transactions: the role of directors’ affiliation
Authors: Alkebsee Radwan , Alhebry Adeeb A. , Tiron-Tudor Adriana , Gubara Gubara Farah , Alsayegh Abdulkarim 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between the audit committee’s (AC) cash compensation and related-party transactions (RPTs). This paper also explores whether the affiliation of directors on the AC has a differential effect on the association between AC members’ cash compensation and RPTs.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses data from Chinese-listed firms for the period from 2007 to 2017 and use the ordinary least square regressions, to test the association between AC cash compensation and RPTs. To alleviate the endogeneity concerns, this paper applies the generalized method of moment, the two-stage least square regression technique and the Granger causality test.

Findings
This paper documents a negative association between the AC members’ cash compensation and RPTs. The findings reveal that one standard deviation increase in the AC’s cash compensation leads to around 0.08% reduction in the amount of RPTs. Further analysis shows that the cash compensation of AC independent directors is negatively associated with RPTs, whereas that of nonindependent directors shows no significant impact. The results remain robust to endogeneity tests. The results might be of interest to both practitioners as well as regulatory bodies and investors.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to try to examine the relationship between AC cash compensation and RPTs in the context of China. This study also is the first attempt to consider the affiliation of AC directors by decomposing the AC compensation into independent and nonindependent directors. Also, it adds to the literature on the determinants of RPTs.
Resisting and disrupting neoliberal subjectivity in self-directed education: what can we learn from black homeschoolers
Authors: Tougas Renee 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
From the in-group status as a former homeschool parent, the goal is to problematize the entanglement of neoliberalism within self-directed education (SDE) pedagogies. Further and importantly, this study aims to bring attention to and examine the neoliberal resistant practices found in Black homeschooling.

Design/methodology/approach
A narrative literature review, content analysis and autoethnographic reflection to critically examine the neoliberal subjectivity of SDE and identify neoliberal-resistant SDE practices of Black homeschooling families.

Findings
This paper identifies SDE’s vulnerability to neoliberal subjectivity despite the neoliberal oppositional ethos of many of its practices and its antiestablishment historical context and rhetoric. It analyzes conceptions of self, autonomy and freedom (the ideas that underwrite self-direction) that can inform a critical self-directed learning (SDL) approach. It explores contemporary Black homeschooling and SDE practices for evidence of these conceptions, arguing that this demographic, at the margin of the discursive homeschooling community, instantiates an authentic resistance and disruption to neoliberal subjectivity in SDE.

Originality/value
Very little research has been done on neoliberal subjectivity in the discursive SDE community. The vulnerability of SDE to neoliberalization is important to SDL homeschoolers, unschoolers and other SDE facilitators who want to practice alternative-to-mainstream values or social justice-oriented pedagogy. Without awareness of this vulnerability, neoliberal hegemony can be reproduced by SDE practices.
A critical review of data mining in education on the levels and aspects of education
Authors: Fuseini Inusah , Missah Yaw Marfo 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This systematic literature review aims to identify the pattern of data mining (DM) research by looking at the levels and aspects of education.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper reviews 113 conference and research papers from well-known publishers of educational data mining (EDM) and learning analytics-related research using a recognized literature review in computer science by Carrera-Rivera et al. (2022a). Two major stages, planning and conducting the review, were used. The databases of Elsevier, Springer, IEEE, SAI, Hindawi, MDPI, Wiley, Emerald and Sage were searched to retrieve EDM papers from the period 2017 to 2023. The papers retrieved were then filtered based on the application of DM to the three educational levels – basic, pre-tertiary and tertiary education.

Findings
EDM is concentrated on higher education. Basic education is not given the needed attention in EDM. This does not enhance inclusivity and equity. Learner performance is given much attention. Resource availability and teaching and learning are not given the needed attention.

Research limitations/implications
This review is limited to only EDM. Literature from the year 2017 to 2023 is covered. Other aspects of DM and other relevant literature published in EDM outside the research period are not considered.

Practical implications
As the current trend of EDM shows an increase in zeal, future research in EDM should concentrate on the lower levels of education to identify the challenges of basic education which serves as the core of education. This will enable addressing the challenges of education at an early stage and facilitate getting a quality education at all levels of education. Appropriate EDM techniques for mining the data at this level should be the focus of the research. Specifically, techniques that can cater for the variation in learner abilities and the appropriate identification of learner needs should be considered.

Social implications
Content sequencing is necessary in facilitating an easy understanding of concepts. Curriculum design from basic to higher education dwells much on this. Identifying the challenge of learning at the early stages will facilitate efficient learning. At the basic level of learning, data on learning should be collected by educational institutions just as it is done at the tertiary level. This will enable EDM to accurately identify the challenges and appropriate solutions to educational problems. Resource availability is a catalyst for effective teaching and learning. The attributes of a learner will enable knowing the true nature of the learner to determine the prospects of the learner.

Originality/value
This research has not been published in any journal. The information presented is the original knowledge of the authors. However, a pre-print of the work is in Research Square.
The potential of self-access language centres in fostering lifelong global citizenship: towards a community of practice approach
Authors: D. Smith Michael , Niboshi Ran , Samuell Christopher , Timms Simon F.N. 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
Drawing primarily on the Japanese context, this study aims to highlight this setting to emphasise the potential for tertiary-level self-access language centres to develop lifelong global citizenship, self-reflection and cross-cultural collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach
This inquiry calls on the community of practice approach to account for the shared interests motivating lifelong cross-cultural participation, the quality of social engagement between actors, and the material and cognitive tools called upon to realise global citizenship’s shared enterprise.

Findings
As argued here, embracing various cultures and inclusive participation can lead to a broader understanding of global citizenship, avoiding narrow-minded views of globalism through shared knowledge and critical practices. Further, self-access provides a cost-effective, technology-mediated alternative to bilateral student mobility, whereby digital community-building occasions cross-cultural practice that may be extended throughout a learner’s life, irrespective of their financial status or place of study.

Originality/value
This study is one of a select few drawing on the community of practice framework within the context of lifelong global citizenship. Nevertheless, such an approach remains primed for future development. With a social constructivist philosophy in view, the authors suggest complementary qualitative research approaches that highlight the socially situated nature of both disciplines.
Barriers to digital financial inclusion and digital financial services (DFS) in Pakistan: a phenomenological approach
Authors: Nizam Kehkashan , Rashidi Muhammad Zaki 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
Financial inclusion plays an essential role in today’s modern era. There has been a growing recognition that financial inclusion is an important enabler in poverty reduction. It is an essential tool in enabling inclusive growth and reducing poverty. This study aims to identify the barriers that limit customers to use digital financial services (DFS) in Pakistan. Second, this study aims to spread awareness of DFS and benefits of digital financial inclusion and services to retain customers in Pakistan. Third, the study purposes to retain old customers toward DFS in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is qualitative phenomenology study. The data were collected through interviews (i.e., online or face-to-face, depending on participants convenience). The sample comprised respondents with different age and different nature of work. Before conducting actual interviews, the interview questions were validated by three experts working in the State Bank of Pakistan in the relevant field. The interviews took from those individuals who were have digital financial account, but not using it due to some reasons. Data analysis carried out by using the NVivo software to deliver the themes after analyzing the data by querying, visualizing and coding.

Findings
The study categorized s6 themes as second order themes including dependency, illiteracy, lack of trust, cost, lack of access to financial services and financial instability by emerging 16 subject themes as 1st order themes. It including financial illiteracy, digital illiteracy, lack of knowledge, depend on spouse, depend on parents/children, depend on siblings, fear, security issues, privacy issues, lack of internet access, lack of account access, unemployment, low income, high expenses, other cost and transaction cost. These barriers limit DFS adoption and its use. This study found that 90% respondents were financial illiterate and 80% respondents do not have the knowledge of new recent e-payment system.

Originality/value
However, this study contributes to reducing these barriers and spreading knowledge about financial inclusion and DFS. From a managerial perspective, additional attention needs to be devoted to the adoption of financial inclusion and innovation in DFS.
Plant species composition and key‐species abundance drive ecosystem multifunctionality
Authors: Li Xinshuai , Chen Youchao , Liu Feng , Cheng Xiaoli , Zhang Quanfa , Zhang Kerong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Global biodiversity loss has generated great interest in the role of plant communities in driving ecosystem functions. There is limited understanding of how soil properties, plant richness and plant community composition interact to affect ecosystem multifunctionality.

We conducted a constructed ecosystem experiment by simultaneously manipulating soil origin (i.e. fertile farmland soil and relatively infertile bare land soil), plant richness and community composition (one‐species monoculture, and all possible two‐, three‐ and four‐species combinations of five plants) to evaluate their influence on ecosystem multifunctionality related to the accumulation of biomass, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in plants, greenhouse gas emissions, soil nutrients, soil N fixation and mineralization of N and phosphorus (P).

We found that ecosystem multifunctionality was significantly affected by soil origin, plant community composition and the community‐weighted mean (CWM) of plant biomass, but not by plant richness.

We grouped the community composition into the N‐fixing group (including N‐fixing plants) and the non‐N‐fixing group (excluding N‐fixing plants). The N‐fixing plant group exhibited significantly higher multifunctionality than the non‐N‐fixing species group in both soil origins. For bare land soil, multifunctionality increased with the increasing relative abundance and biomass ratio of Albizia julibrissin (N‐fixing species) in communities, but decreased with the biomass ratio of Platycladus orientalis (non‐N‐fixing species). For farmland soil, multifunctionality increased with the abundance of Toona sinensis (non‐N‐fixing species) and the biomass ratio of Albizia julibrissin, but decreased with the abundance and biomass ratio of Morus alba (non‐N‐fixing species). These results indicate that the key species determining ecosystem multifunctionality vary under different soil conditions.

Synthesis and applications: We propose that plant community composition and the relative abundance and biomass ratio of key species drive ecosystem multifunctionality. We suggest that selecting the appropriate plant combination under different soil conditions should be emphasized in ecological restoration projects. Our study highlights the differentiated roles of key species on ecosystem functions under different resource conditions. The N fixation in general plays a crucial role in driving ecosystem multifunctionality and the N‐fixing plants can serve as restoration tools in nutrient‐poor degraded lands.
Gene expression controlling signalling molecules within mutualistic associations of an invasive plant: An evolutionary perspective
Authors: Tian Baoliang , Pei Yingchun , Li Weiqiang , Zhang Junli , Zhang Shulin , Ding Jianqing , Zhang Xuebin , Siemann Evan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Chemical signals are crucial in mediating ecological and evolutionary adaptation of plants to their environments. Indeed, invasive plants may produce greater amounts of chemical metabolites in their new ranges. Some of these chemicals can enhance their mutualistic interactions and improve invasive plant performance, but genetic mechanisms of such adaptations are unexplored.

We used Triadica sebifera plants as a model to investigate evolutionary changes in chemical signals that enhance arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal associations. Previous studies found that T. sebifera plants from invasive populations had higher root exudate concentrations of the flavonoid quercetin and elevated AM fungal colonization compared with those from native populations. Here, we explored genetic variation in strigolactone concentrations in root exudates and their contribution to AM fungal colonization with strigolactone analogue GR24 additions. In addition, we studied how gene expression patterns related to flavonoid and strigolactone biosynthesis varied among invasive and native populations using comparative genomics, transcriptomics and fluorescent real‐time quantitative PCR.

We found that plants from invasive populations had higher concentrations of the strigolactone 5‐deoxystrigol in root exudates that were correlated with higher AM fungal colonization rates, relative to those from native populations. Exogenous applications of GR24, a synthetic analogue of 5‐deoxystrigol, increased AM fungal colonization. We found higher expression of a single gene in flavonoid (FLS) and strigolactone (DAD1) biosynthesis pathways increased levels of quercetin and 5‐deoxystrigol in plants from invasive populations, respectively.

Synthesis. Understanding the role of genetic evolution in enhancing mutualisms of invasive plants provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of plant invasion. This study suggests that an invasive plant enhanced its mutualisms by upregulating the expression of key genes related to secondary metabolites in root exudates which stimulate symbiotic relationships with AM fungi. Thus, these findings provide insights into genetic mechanisms that underlie higher AM fungal colonization and enhanced invasive plant performance.
Potential mediation effect of insulin resistance on the association between iron metabolism indicators and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zhang Xin , Han Xin Yu , Fan Hong , Guo Cheng Nan , Li Yi , Wang Hai Li , Liu Zhen Qiu , Zhang Tie Jun 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesIron metabolism and insulin resistance (IR) are closely related to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the interplay between them on the occurrence and progression of NAFLD is not fully understood. We aimed to disentangle the crosstalk between iron metabolism and IR and explore its impact on NAFLD.MethodsWe analyzed data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 to evaluate the association between serum iron metabolism indicators (ferritin, serum iron, unsaturated iron‐binding capacity [UIBC], total iron‐binding capacity [TIBC], transferrin saturation, and transferrin receptor) and NAFLD/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Mediation analysis was conducted to explore the role of IR played in these relationship.ResultsA total of 4812 participants were included, among whom 43.7% were diagnosed with NAFLD and 13.2% were further diagnosed with NASH. After adjusting the covariates, the risk of NAFLD increases with increasing serum ferritin (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–2.14), UIBC (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.17–1.79), and TIBC (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11–1.68). Higher levels of serum ferritin (aOR 3.70, 95% CI 2.25–6.19) and TIBC (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.13–2.56) were also positively associated with NASH. Participants with IR were more likely to have NAFLD/NASH. Moreover, IR‐mediated efficacy accounted for 85.85% and 64.51% between ferritin and NAFLD and NASH, respectively.ConclusionHigher levels of serum ferritin and TIBC are closely associated with the occurrence of NAFLD and NASH. IR may be considered a possible link between NAFLD or NASH and increased serum ferritin levels.
Role of breastfeeding in disease prevention
Authors: Masi Andrea C. , Stewart Christopher J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHuman milk provides the infant with many bioactive factors, including immunomodulating components, antimicrobials and prebiotics, which modulate the infant microbiome and immune system maturation. As a result, breastfeeding can impact infant health from infancy, through adolescence, and into adulthood. From protecting the infant from infections, to reducing the risk of obesity, type 1 diabetes and childhood leukaemia, many positive health outcomes are observed in infants receiving breastmilk. For the mother, breastfeeding protects against postpartum bleeding and depression, increases weight loss, and long‐term lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, breast and ovarian cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Beyond infants and mothers, the wider society is also impacted because of avoidable costs relating to morbidity and mortality derived from a lack of human milk exposure. In this review, Medline was used to search for relevant articles to discuss the health benefits of breastfeeding and its societal impact before exploring future recommendations to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms behind breastfeeding's positive effects and promote breastfeeding on a global scale.
A BBCH‐scale code for the phenology of sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum (L.) Moq.)
Authors: Ran Ruilan , Chen Guoxiong , Zhao Pengshan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum (L.) Moq.), an annual psammophyte, is a promising wild plant for de novo domestication. Although many related studies have been documented recently, a basic phenological scale describing its growth stages is lacking. To address this gap, we have defined nine principal growth stages, each subdivided into several secondary stages according the international BBCH coding system. The growth stages mainly include seedling emergence, leaf development, formation of the primary branches, main stem elongation, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, ripening and senescence. Importantly, the growth sequence of sand rice reveals a distinctive stage, coded as BBCH21, characterized by the elongation of the first pair of primary branches, which occurs prior to main stem visible (BBCH30). This branch priority phenotype in sand rice strongly challenges the generally recognized growth pattern of ‘apical dominance’ in dicotyledons. The sequential and chronological progression of principal growth stages of sand rice was further determined in an experimental field with a representative genotype from the Tengger desert of Northwest China in 2023. The establishment of BBCH scale of sand rice lays a methodological foundation for morphological assessment among different germplasms and between wild‐type and mutant plants. This will accelerate the de novo domestication process of sand rice using natural selection and artificial mutagenesis.