bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A highly potent, orally bioavailable pyrazole-derived cannabinoid CB2 receptor-selective full agonist forin vivostudies
Authors: Chicca Andrea , Batora Daniel , Ullmer Christoph , Caruso Antonello , Fingerle Jürgen , Hartung Thomas , Degen Roland , Müller Matthias , Grether Uwe , Pacher Pal , Gertsch Jürg 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2R) is a potential therapeutic target for distinct forms of tissue injury and inflammatory diseases. To thoroughly investigate the role of CB2R in pathophysiological conditions and for target validationin vivo, optimal pharmacological tool compounds are essential. Despite the sizable progress in the generation of potent and selective CB2R ligands, pharmacokinetic parameters are often neglected forin vivostudies. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a tetra-substituted pyrazole CB2R full agonist named RNB-61 with high potency (Ki0.13–1.81 nM, depending on species) and a peripherally restricted action due to P-glycoprotein mediated efflux from the brain.3H and14C labelled RNB-61 showed apparentKdvalues < 4 nM towards human CB2R in both cell and tissue experiments. The >6000-fold selectivity over CB1 receptors and negligible off-targetsin vitro, combined with high oral bioavailability and suitable systemic pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, prompted the assessment of RNB-61 in a mouse ischemia-reperfusion model of acute kidney injury (AKI) and in a rat model of chronic kidney injury/inflammation and fibrosis (CKI) induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction. RNB-61 exerted dose-dependent nephroprotective and/or antifibrotic effects in the AKI/CKI models. Thus, RNB-61 is an optimal CB2R tool compound for preclinicalin vivostudies with superior biophysical and PK properties over generally used CB2R ligands.
Oral bioavailability of a noncoding RNA drug, TY1, that acts on macrophages
Authors: Yamaguchi Shukuro , Miyamoto Kazutaka , Jones Xaviar M. , Ciullo Alessandra , Morris Ashley , Tsi Kara , Marbán Eduardo , Ibrahim Ahmed G.E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAll approved RNA therapeutics require parenteral delivery. Here we demonstrate an orally bioavailable formulation wherein synthetic noncoding (nc) RNA, packaged into lipid nanoparticles, is loaded into casein-chitosan (C2) micelles. We used the C2 formulation to deliver TY1, a 24-nucleotide synthetic ncRNA which targets the DNA damage response pathway in macrophages. C2-formulated TY1 (TY1C2) efficiently packages and protects TY1 against degradative enzymes. In healthy mice, oral TY1C2was well-tolerated and nontoxic. Oral TY1C2exhibited disease-modifying bioactivity in 2 models of tissue injury: 1) rat myocardial infarction, where a single oral dose of TY1C2was cardioprotective, on par with intravenously-delivered TY1; and 2) mouse acute lung injury, where a single dose of TY1C2attenuated pulmonary inflammation. Mechanistic dissection revealed that TY1C2is not absorbed into the systemic circulation but is, instead, taken up by intestinal macrophages, namely those of the lamina propria and Peyer’s patches. This route of absorption may rationalize why an antisense oligonucleotide against Factor VII, which acts on hepatocytes, is not effective when administered in the C2 formulation. Thus, some (but not all) ncRNA drugs are bioavailable when delivered by mouth. Oral RNA delivery and uptake, relying on uptake via the gastrointestinal immune system, has broad-ranging therapeutic implications.Graphical AbstractOral TY1C2is taken up in the small intestine mainly by macrophages of the lamina propria and the Peyer’s patches. Macrophages that have taken up oral TY1C2mediate disease-modifying bioactivity in 2 animal models of acute tissue injury. The blue + denotes the as-yet-uncertain mechanisms/mediators linking TY1 gut uptake to the drug’s systemic therapeutic benefits.
Mamaearth: a digital first brand venturing offline
Authors: Soni Swati , Trehan Devika , Chotia Varun , Srivastava Mohit 
Published: April 2024

Learning outcomes
The key learning objectives are as follows: analyze Mamaearth’s growth trajectory in the Indian market, illustrate the meaning of a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand, analyze the importance of social media in building a D2C brand, analyze the challenges and advantages associated with a D2C brand, analyze growth and expansion options available with Mamaearth and evaluate the strategies for Indian start-ups in the beauty and personal care space.

Case overview/synopsis
In 2016, what began as a quest to find safe baby care products for the first-time parents Varun and Ghazal, turned into an entrepreneurial opportunity. The couple started Honasa Consumer Private Limited at Gurugram, which owned the brand Mamaearth. Conceived as a D2C brand for mothers opposed to harsh baby care products, it debuted with just six baby care products with exclusive online availability. For the brand to grow, it recreated the marketing mix to be perceived as a brand for all ages. The step successfully garnered a customer base of over 1.5 million consumers in 500 cities and a valuation of INR 1bn within four years of operations. In February 2021, Mamaearth became a brand with INR 5bn annualized revenue run rate and aspired to double it to INR 10bn by 2023. Though Mamaearth debuted as a D2C brand, after tapping around 10,000 retail stores, the Alaghs realized that many consumers still preferred transacting in the offline space. Alaghs decided to expand by acquiring a robust offline space in 100 smart cities in India. Would it be wise for Mamaearth to take forward their offline expansion plans? Alternatively, would an aggressive product innovation coupled with a more substantial online presence be a more sustainable proposition?

Complexity academic level
The case study is appropriate for Post Graduate Diploma in Management/Master of Business Administration level courses of second year in strategic brand management, digital marketing, integrated marketing communication and marketing strategy. The case stuudy may also be useful for prospective entrepreneurs planning to embark upon a D2C venture. The case study elaborates on the emergence, marketing and branding of Mamaearth. The case study helps students understand the meaning of a D2C brand and the growth options available in the Indian market for a D2C brand from the perspective of Mamaearth.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Factors affecting the technological innovation of banks toward accounting benefits in a developing country’s industrial revolution 4.0 context: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Vu Thong Quoc , Abu Afifa Malik 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the factors affecting technological innovation intentions at banks listed in Vietnam, a developing country, to develop business activities and accounting benefits according to the trend of the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Design/methodology/approach
To collect and analyze the data for this study, qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Specifically, 20 finance and banking experts and 45 managers in the field of information technology were interviewed in qualitative research over a period of three months. Then, 1,000 questionnaires were sent to banks within six months, with the final sample for quantitative research being 324 respondents. Finally, the structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to check the hypotheses. Regarding the tools used, the qualitative study used a semistructured questionnaire to collect information. Meanwhile, SPSS software was used to analyze quantitative research information, including checking common method bias, nonresponse bias, evaluating scale quality and checking SEM.

Findings
The findings show that the usefulness, ease of application, credibility, innovation and efficiency of technology have certain impacts on technological innovation intentions at banks listed in Vietnam. Using the SEM analysis, the results showed that the five factors had a favorable influence on the technological innovation intentions. More specifically, this study proposed adding an efficiency factor, and the results showed that it has the greatest impact on technological innovation intentions.

Research limitations/implications
This study would be considered a continuation of prior studies because it provides empirical evidence for business models at banks listed in developing countries (for example, Vietnam) and so provides useful advice for bank management not only in Vietnam but across Asia. In fact, bank managers should consider introducing new technology as appropriate to make their reports more clear and up-to-date, therefore improving their performance. Banking managers, in particular, should focus on enhancing the bank’s application technology indicators to obtain a competitive edge.

Originality/value
This is a pioneering study that uses a combination of the reasoned action theory, planned behavior theory, transaction cost theory and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology to expand knowledge about technological innovation intentions at listed banks in the context of a developing country. The study also discovered and added the efficiency factor as a key factor affecting the intention to innovate technology at listed banks. These contribute to improving the literature of technological innovation intentions.
Giving is receiving: exploring the linkage between university corporate social responsibility and university corporate brand legitimacy
Authors: Amani David 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThis study examined the influence of university corporate social responsibility (University CSR) on university corporate brand legitimacy through the lens of university brand trust.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized a cross-sectional research design with a quantitative approach to gather data from a sample of 398 university students. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings of the study suggest that University CSR has a significant influence on the legitimacy of a university's corporate brand. Moreover, the study identified the mediating role of university brand trust in the proposed relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in the context of higher education in Tanzania. As a result, the generalizability of the findings to other contexts that significantly differ from Tanzania, a developing country, may be limited.Practical implicationsThe study recommends that the management of higher education institutions in developing countries should include CSR practices in the strategic plans of universities. Additionally, faculty members should be empowered to play a significant role as initiators and implementers of CSR programs.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few attempts to examine the interplay between university CSR, corporate brand trust and university corporate brand legitimacy. The study contributes to the state of knowledge in the education sector by highlighting the role of university CSR in building social acceptance, which is a crucial pillar in empowering universities to play a role in social and economic development.
A longitudinal model of continued acceptance of conversational artificial intelligence
Authors: Ng Yu-Leung 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe existing technology acceptance models have not yet investigated functional and motivational factors impacting trust in and use of conversational artificial intelligence (AI) by integrating the feedback and sequential updating mechanisms. This study challenged the existing models and constructed an integrated longitudinal model. Using a territory-wide two-wave survey of a representative sample, this new model examined the effects of hedonic motivation, social motivation, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness on continued trust, intended use, and actual use of conversational AI.Design/methodology/approachAn autoregressive cross-lagged model was adopted to test the structural associations of the seven repeatedly measured constructs.FindingsThe results revealed that trust in conversational AI positively affected continued actual use, hedonic motivation increased continued intended use, and social motivation and perceived ease of use enhanced continued trust in conversational AI. While the original technology acceptance model was unable to explain the continued acceptance of conversational AI, the findings showed positive feedback effects of actual use on continued intended use. Except for trust, the sequential updating effects of all the measured factors were significant.Originality/valueThis study intended to contribute to the technology acceptance and human–AI interaction paradigms by developing a longitudinal model of continued acceptance of conversational AI. This new model adds to the literature by considering the feedback and sequential updating mechanisms in understanding continued conversational AI acceptance.
The impact of waqf-based microfinance program on clients’ well-being during COVID-19 pandemic: empirical evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Yumna Aimatul , Marta Joan , Yanuarta Re Ramel 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a waqf-based microfinance program on clients’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach
This study obtained primary data from a survey distributed to 282 respondents, consisting of 150 clients and 132 nonclients of the Bank Wakaf Mikro (BWM) Al Kausar in Indonesia. This study constructed a well-being index (WBI) and compared clients’ and nonclients’ WBI before and during the pandemic using the difference-in-differences (DID) method. DID measures the effect of a treatment in a “treatment group” versus a “control group” using data from two periods.

Findings
This study found that clients and nonclients alike experienced an increase in well-being throughout the pandemic, but the increase was greater for clients than for nonclients. This study argues that the waqf-based microfinance program run by Bank Waqf Mikro model can assist their clients – as more vulnerable groups in society – to maintain their well-being during the pandemic.

Research limitations/implications
To ensure the effectiveness of waqf-based microfinance programs in diverse settings, this study should include more respondents from different institutions.

Practical implications
This research has several practical recommendations, particularly for integrating Islamic charity for microfinance. The findings of this study suggest that the BWM model, which combines three institutions – the government, zakat groups and Islamic boarding schools (pesantrens) – can play a substantial role in enhancing the welfare of its members during the pandemic.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the body of knowledge on Islamic microfinance by providing empirical evidence of the importance of waqf-based microfinance in reducing the pandemic’s impact on clients well-being.
Islamic marketing of conventional banks: bridging managers’ and clients’ perceived gaps
Authors: Islam Mohammad Mominul , Hasan Mostofa Mahmud 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
While the Noble Quran dictates the prohibition of interest, conventional banks promote Islamic banking by opening Islamic banking windows. Against this backdrop, this study aims to investigate the perceived gaps between managers and clients in Islamic marketing and banking, focusing on conventional banks’ Islamic banking windows.

Design/methodology/approach
Guided by a qualitative approach, semi-structured personal interviews and observations served as the data collection methods, involving 25 banks and 50 respondents in 3 different districts, namely, Shirajganj, Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj of Bangladesh from January to October 2023. The data were analysed using ATLAS.ti 2023 to explore codes and quotations derived from 14 interview questions. Further, ATLAS.ti 2023 facilitated synthesizing content, concepts, code occurrence, network analysis and thematic analysis.

Findings
Islamic and non-Islamic banks use Quranic verses, hadiths (prophetic traditions), images of mosques, the Kaaba and Arabic texts as Islamic marketing tools. These spiritual, divine and prescriptive tools are associated with Islamic banking. However, conventional banks receive criticism for having separate Islamic banking windows to serve religiously conscious clients, which generates tension among clients and bank managers.

Practical implications
The findings can theoretically assist academics in examining conventional banks’ Islamic marketing and banking practices, opening Islamic banking windows. Importantly, Shariah boards can play policy roles in safeguarding the function of Islamic marketing and banking. Managers can use the findings to anticipate client perceptions and enhance Islamic marketing and banking strategies. Likewise, the social implications include the explicit stance of Shariah to mitigate the mixture of halal and haram banking.

Originality/value
This pioneering study explores the perspectives of Islamic banking windows by non-Islamic banks. The combination of Islamic marketing and banking is a noteworthy novelty in this study and deserves recognition for its unique contribution to halal marketing and finance.
Gold-based housing financing model: proposing an alternative housing financing model for Islamic bank
Authors: Ivantri Madha Adi , Azizi Muhammad Hakim , Yudha Ana Toni Roby Candra , Saputra Yudi 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to propose a new housing finance mechanism through gold price as an alternative to interest rate in Islamic home financing, especially on Bai’Bithaman Ajil (BBA) contract.

Design/methodology/approach
This study using simulation approach to calculate the monthly installments for home financing using gold price references. In simple terms, propose a financing formula in the BBA contract by converting the selling price of the house to the gold price, and then the monthly installments also follow the actual gold price. The authors provide an example by simulating this formula using historical data and cases of housing financing at Indonesian Islamic banks. The authors compare housing financing models based on gold prices and interest rates. Finally, The authors can compare the two housing financing models that are affordable for low-income people.

Findings
The results show that in the initial period, monthly installments of BBA based on gold price were lower than home financing based on interest rate. This result makes it possible for low-income people who cannot access financing based on interest rates to access financing based on gold price. However, the total installments of financing based on gold prices are higher than the financing model based on interest rates.

Research limitations/implications
The paper confines one contract, namely, BBA, as it is claimed to be more Shariah-compliant than others.

Practical implications
These findings suggest an alternative model for Islamic banks and regulatory authorities in Indonesia to replace the interest rate reference with the gold price in BBA contract housing financing. This model can offer competitive advantages for Islamic banks, including lower initial installments and inflation-protected profits, serving as a means of differentiating them from conventional banks.

Social implications
Gold price-based housing financing model in Islamic banks will increase the affordability of housing financing for low-income people.

Originality/value
This paper tries to solve two problems, namely, first, the problem of assuming that Islamic and conventional banks are the same, and second, the problem of housing finance affordability. This study needs to be explored.
Addressing uncertainty in closed-loop supply chain networks: a multi-objective approach to integrated production and transportation problems
Authors: Varshney Niharika , Gupta Srikant , Ahmed Aquil 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
This study aims to address the inherent uncertainties within closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) networks through the application of a multi-objective approach, specifically focusing on the optimization of integrated production and transportation processes. The primary purpose is to enhance decision-making in supply chain management by formulating a robust multi-objective model.

Design/methodology/approach
In dealing with uncertainty, this study uses Pythagorean fuzzy numbers (PFNs) to effectively represent and quantify uncertainties associated with various parameters within the CLSC network. The proposed model is solved using Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy programming, presenting a comprehensive and innovative methodology designed explicitly for handling uncertainties inherent in CLSC contexts.

Findings
The research findings highlight the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed framework for addressing uncertainties within CLSC networks. Through a comparative analysis with other established approaches, the model demonstrates its robustness, showcasing its potential to make informed and resilient decisions in supply chain management.

Research limitations/implications
This study successfully addressed uncertainty in CLSC networks, providing logistics managers with a robust decision-making framework. Emphasizing the importance of PFNs and Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy programming, the research offered practical insights for optimizing transportation routes and resource allocation. Future research could explore dynamic factors in CLSCs, integrate real-time data and leverage emerging technologies for more agile and sustainable supply chain management.

Originality/value
This research contributes significantly to the field by introducing a novel and comprehensive methodology for managing uncertainty in CLSC networks. The adoption of PFNs and Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy programming offers an original and valuable approach to addressing uncertainties, providing practitioners and decision-makers with insights to make informed and resilient decisions in supply chain management.
Simulating the corrective actions affecting system availability: a system dynamics approach
Authors: Shaker Fatemeh , Shahin Arash , Jahanyan Saeed 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to simulate vital corrective actions (CAs) affecting system availability through a system dynamics approach based on the results obtained by analyzing the causal relationships among failure modes and effects analysis elements.

Design/methodology/approach
A stock and flow diagram has been developed to simulate system behaviors during a timeframe. Some improvement scenarios regarding the most necessary CAs according to their strategic priority and the possibility of eliminating root causes of critical failure modes in a roller-transmission system have been simulated and analyzed to choose the most effective one(s) for the system availability. The proposed approach has been examined in a steel-manufacturing company.

Findings
Results indicated the most effective CAs to remove or diminish critical failure causes that led to the less reliability of the system. It illustrated the impacts of the selected CAs on eliminating or decreasing root causes of the critical failure modes, lessening the system’s failure rate and increasing the system availability more effectively.

Research limitations/implications
Results allow managers and decision-makers to consider different maintenance scenarios without wasting time and more cost, choosing the most appropriate option according to system conditions.

Originality/value
This study innovation would be the dynamic analysis of interactions among failure modes, effects and causes over time to predict the system behavior and improve availability by choosing the most effective CAs through improvement scenario simulation via VENSIM software.