bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Platform for Label-Free, Proximal Cellular Pharmacodynamic Assays: Identification of Glutaminase Inhibitors Using Infrared Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pu Fan , Radosevich Andrew J. , Bruckner Brett G. , Fontaine David A. , Panchal Sanjay C. , Williams Jon D. , Gopalakrishnan Sujatha M. , Elsen Nathaniel L. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCellular pharmacodynamic assays are crucial aspects of lead optimization programs in drug discovery. These assays are sometimes difficult to develop, oftentimes distal from the target and frequently low throughput which necessitates their incorporation in the drug discovery funnel later than desired. The earlier direct pharmacodynamic modulation of a target can be established, the less resources are wasted on compounds that are acting via an off-target mechanism. Mass spectrometry is a versatile tool that is often used for direct, proximal cellular pharmacodynamic assay analysis but liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods are low throughput and unable to fully support structure-activity relationships efforts in early medicinal chemistry programs. Infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) is an ambient ionization method amenable to high throughput cellular assays, capable of diverse analyte detection, ambient and rapid laser sampling process, and low cross contamination. Here we demonstrate the capability of IR-MALDESI for detection of diverse analytes directly from cells and report the development of a high throughput label free, proximal cellular pharmacodynamic assay using IR-MALDESI for discovery of glutaminase inhibitors and a biochemical assay for hit confirmation. We demonstrate the throughput with a ∼100,000 compound cellular screen. Hits from the screening were confirmed by retesting in dose-response with mass spectrometry-based cellular and biochemical assays. A similar workflow can be applied to other targets with minimal modifications, which will speed up discovery of cell active lead series and minimize wasted chemistry resources on off-target mechanisms.
Selective deletion ofMethyl CpG binding protein 2from parvalbumin interneurons in the auditory cortex delays the onset of maternal retrieval in mice
Authors: Rupert Deborah D. , Pagliaro Alexa , Choe Jane , Shea Stephen D. 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACTMutations inMECP2cause the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome.MECP2codes for methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), a transcriptional regulator that activates genetic programs for experience-dependent plasticity. Many neural and behavioral symptoms of Rett syndrome may result from dysregulated timing and threshold for plasticity. As a model of adult plasticity, we examine changes to auditory cortex inhibitory circuits in female mice when they are first exposed to pups; this plasticity facilitates behavioral responses to pups emitting distress calls. Brain-wide deletion ofMecp2alters expression of markers associated with GABAergic parvalbumin interneurons (PVin) and impairs the emergence of pup retrieval. We hypothesized that loss ofMecp2in PVin disproportionately contributes to the phenotype. Here we find that deletion ofMecp2from PVin delayed the onset of maternal retrieval behavior and recapitulated the major molecular and neurophysiological features of brain-wide deletion ofMecp2. We observed that when PVin-selective mutants were exposed to pups, auditory cortical expression of PVin markers increased relative to that in wild type littermates. PVin-specific mutants also failed to show the inhibitory auditory cortex plasticity seen in wild type mice upon exposure to pups and their vocalizations. Finally, using an intersectional viral genetic strategy, we demonstrate that post-developmental loss ofMecp2in PVin of the auditory cortex is sufficient to delay onset of maternal retrieval. Our results support a model in which PVin play a central role in adult cortical plasticity and may be particularly impaired by loss ofMecp2.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes deficits in both communication and the ability to update brain connections and activity during learning (‘plasticity’). This condition is caused by mutations in the geneMECP2. We use a maternal behavioral test in mice requiring both vocal perception and neural plasticity to probeMecp2’s role in social and sensory learning.Mecp2is normally active in all brain cells, but here we remove it from a specific population (‘parvalbumin neurons’). We find that this is sufficient to delay learned behavioral responses to pups and recreates many deficits seen in whole brainMecp2deletion. Our findings suggest that parvalbumin neurons specifically are central to the consequences of loss ofMecp2activity and yield clues as to possible mechanisms by which Rett syndrome impairs brain function.
Women entrepreneurship development and sustainable rural livelihoods in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mashapure Rahabhi , Nyagadza Brighton , Chikazhe Lovemore , Mazuruse Gideon , Hove Precious 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThe main purpose of this research is to investigate factors influencing rural women entrepreneurship development and sustainable rural livelihoods in Manicaland province of Zimbabwe.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research was conducted in Manicaland province in Zimbabwe. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 400 women entrepreneurs in various sectors. The participants were in vegetable vending, operating clothing flea markets and cross border trading. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. Structural equation modeling in SmartPLS version 3 was used to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe study established that women entrepreneurship is driven by financial factors, positive environmental factors, positive psychological factors as well as positive sociological factors for a sustainable rural livelihood.Research limitations/implicationsIt is clear that if the discovered challenges are not addressed, sustainability of women entrepreneurship will remain a dream.Practical implicationsThe study came up with strategies for improving women entrepreneurship activities. Future research can be done in other areas of provinces to avoid generalization challenges.Social implicationsMany challenges hinder the sustainability of women entrepreneurship. Major impediments to women entrepreneurship comprises inadequate support from government schemes, patriarchal societal structure of the community, lack of relevant entrepreneurial knowledge to manage businesses, lack of collateral security to access funding, time limitation or role conflict to balance family pressures and business.Originality/valueThe study recommends proper entrepreneurship education and training, supportive government schemes and access to network affiliation/connection to sustain women entrepreneurship.
Investigating food waste generation at long-term care facilities in Ontario
Authors: McAdams Bruce , Robinson Emily , Gordon Rebecca 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThis research aims to investigate the sources of food waste generation at two long-term care (LTC) homes located in Canada. Given the distinctive regulatory and operational context LTC's work within there is an opportunity that unique causes of food waste exist.Design/methodology/approachAn initial audit using the Food Delivery System Framework determined the most appropriate method to measure food waste for this study was a quantitative approach supported by field observations.FindingsResults of the study show a significant food waste of over 55% at both facilities. Investigation into the generation of this waste isolated the major cause being government policy ensuring patients at these facilities are offered choices throughout the meal selection process. Plate waste was generated because of additional policies guaranteeing pre-determined nutritional and caloric intakes for each patient.Practical implicationsThese findings put into question the operating practices involved with adhering to policies on the choice of food. Ethical questions are raised pitting a patient's “quality of life” versus the environmental impact of the waste generated because of policies. Field observations note a “throw away culture” and an absence of established foodservice management practices that create a lack of awareness and attention to the issue of food waste.Originality/valueMost studies of food waste in healthcare facilities have looked at caloric and nutritional loss from a patient's point of view. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to look at the causes of food waste generation in these operations.
Information technology investment and digital transformation: the roles of digital transformation strategy and top management
Authors: Zhang Xin , Xu Yao Yu , Ma Liang 
Published: January 2023

PurposeIn the context of the digital economy, information technology (IT) investment has become a necessary way for enterprises to transform digitally. However, why and how IT investment can enhance digital transformation is lacking in the literature. Based on the resource-based view (RBV), this study explored the impact mechanism of IT infrastructure on the digital transformation of enterprises from the perspective of the digital transformation strategy. Further, this study examined the moderating role of top management on the relationships between IT infrastructure and digital transformation strategy and between digital transformation strategy and enterprise's digital transformation.Design/methodology/approachThrough a questionnaire survey of Chinese enterprises, 180 sample data were collected, and the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to test the hypothesis.FindingsDigital transformation strategy fully mediates the relationship between IT infrastructure and enterprise digital transformation. Furthermore, top management has a significant positive moderating effect on the relationship between IT infrastructure and digital transformation strategy, as well as the relationship between digital transformation strategy and digital transformation.Originality/valueThis study explores the moderating role of top management in the relationship between IT and enterprise performance, as well as the mediating role of digital transformation strategy in the relationship between IT infrastructure investment and digital transformation performance. As a result, the study adds significantly to the body of knowledge on IT business value, digital transformation and strategic management. The authors' findings can help update managers' perceptions of IT value and provide theoretical guidance on deriving digital transformation performance from IT infrastructure investments.
Work from anywhere: inequalities in technology infrastructure distribution for digit workers
Authors: Matli Walter , Wamba S.F. 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has fuelled the transition in the workplace into the digital era. The purpose of this review paper is to highlight how the pandemic has further exposed the digital divide and the structural inequalities in remote workers’ access to home-location technology infrastructure and services. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) is adopted to highlight how the pandemic has forced the workforce to accept and use digital technology from home for work purposes.Design/methodology/approachThis desktop-based review paper is drawn from the existing literature. Although both benefits and disadvantages are noted, technology plays a critical role in connecting remote workers to the digital world.FindingsThe paper found that remote workers did not necessarily struggle to work remotely from home to undertake their daily work tasks. Still, the critical challenge was the available Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in their respective residential areas.Practical implicationsThe paper seeks to highlight that even though the COVID-19 pandemic and related events have fast-tracked the switch of many work activities into the digital era, the uneven distribution of ICT infrastructure accentuates the barriers to effective home workplaces for many in developing communities. The research found a significant role that the advancement and acceptance of technologies play in the efficacy of remote working from home.Originality/valueThe relevance of this paper is in its contribution to the literature in extending knowledge about the UTAUT on remote working during a pandemic. The arguments presented herein may contribute to policy development and the ongoing debate about how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift into the digital era on a global basis.
The influence of marital status on customer-centric measures in the context of a ski resort using the importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) framework
Authors: Haverila Matti , Haverila Kai Christian , Twyford Jenny Carita 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThis study assesses the impact of marital status towards customer-centric measures in a Canadian ski resort using the importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) as the analytical framework. For the purpose of this paper, the three groups that were assessed included singles, partnership without children and partnership with children as marital status indicators. From the theoretical and especially managerial point of view, knowing the importance and the performance of the relevant ski resort-related customer-centric perceptions is of key importance.Design/methodology/approachA survey was completed to assess customer-centric measures including customer satisfaction, repurchase intent, value for money, willingness to recommend, overall performance in terms of meeting expectations, relationship quality and skiing service quality. An IPMA was conducted with partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess the importance-performance perceptions of the three marital status groups.FindingsThe results indicated that for five of the seven customer-centric measures, there were significant differences between the marital status groups. Overall, singles appeared to have the lowest values in customer-centric measures, whereas respondents living in partnership with children had the highest. This was also the case with the value for money perceptions, although the cost for the ski resort visit was likely to be the highest for the respondents living in partnership with children. There were also differences between the marital status groups in terms of the importance-performance evaluations.Originality/valueResults of this research have implications for ski resort management as the three marital status groups appear to perceive the customer-centric measures quite differently in the IPMA framework.
Noncognitive skills in training curricula and nonlinear wage returns
Authors: Kiener Fabienne , Gnehm Ann-Sophie , Backes-Gellner Uschi 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate self-competence—the ability to act responsibly on one's own—and likely nonlinear wage returns across different levels of self-competence as part of training curricula.Design/methodology/approachThe authors identify the teaching of self-competence at the occupational level by applying machine-learning methods to the texts of occupational training curricula. Defining three levels of self-competence (high, medium, and low) and using individual labor market data, the authors examine nonlinearities in wage returns to different levels of self-competence.FindingsThe authors find nonlinear returns to teaching self-competence: a medium level of self-competence taught in an occupation has the largest wage returns compared to low or high levels. However, in occupations with a high cognitive requirement profile, a high level of self-competence generates positive wage returns.Originality/valueThis paper first adds to research on the importance of teaching noncognitive skills for economic outcomes, which recently—in addition to personality traits research—has primarily focused on social skills by introducing self-competence as another largely unexplored but important noncognitive skill. Second, the paper studies not only average but also nonlinear wage returns, showing that the right level of self-competence is crucial, i.e. neither teaching too little nor too much self-competence provides favorable returns because of trade-offs with other skills (e.g. technical or professional skills). Third, the paper also examines complementarities between cognitive skills and noncognitive skills, again pointing toward nonlinear returns, i.e. only in occupations with a high cognitive requirement profile, high levels of self-competence generate positive wage returns.
The assessment of the impact of cyberfraud in the South African banking industry
Authors: Akinbowale Oluwatoyin Esther , Klingelhöfer Heinz Eckart , Zerihun Mulatu Fekadu 
Published: January 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of cyberfraud in the South African banks with the aim to provide recommendations to effectively mitigate it.

Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a qualitative approach involving the use of structured questionnaires. The questionnaires were made available to the staff of 17 licensed banks in South Africa who deal with management, operation, administration and banking services. Two hypotheses were formulated and non-parametric statistical analyses involving the use of Chi-square test, Fischer’s Exact test and Spearman’s correlation were carried out. The two hypotheses formulated were tested to draw a conclusion.

Findings
The results obtained indicate that the impact of cyberfraud in the South African banking industry is highly significant and has affected the reputation of some of the banks. This calls for the need to review the diverse ways of curbing cyberfraud to lessen their impact and that of associated fraud risks on the banking operation.

Practical implications
This study provides an analysis on the relationship cyberfraud occurrences and the reputation of South African banks. The implementation of the recommendations may reinforce the existing security measures in the fight against cyberfraud.

Originality/value
The novelty of this study lies in the fact that the assessment of the impact of cyberfraud on the banking industry in South Africa has not been sufficiently highlighted by the existing literature.
Influence of EU-Russian sanctions and oil price on Danish trade
Authors: Larsen Kseniia Skogstad 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThe article compares the effect of European Union (EU)-Russian sanctions imposed in 2014 with the influence of fluctuating oil prices on Danish trade.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper annual import and export trade data between Denmark and 152 countries from the period 2002–18 were computed in STATA/SE 16.1 using the Gravity model to evaluate the effect of economic sanctions and the price of oil.FindingsResults showed that the impact from the fall of oil price exceeded the negative effect from sanctions on Danish export. Additionally, the analyses suggest that the fall in oil price had a negative effect on Danish import. Even so, Danish import significantly increased due to growth in supplies of energy resources from Russia.Originality/valueThis study explains the overlapping effects of EU-Russian sanctions and fluctuating oil prices on Danish trade. This methodology can be expanded to encompass multiple countries using the two-sided Gravity model.
Mobile banking usage in the postpandemic era: Demystifying the disparities among divergent user segments in a majority-Muslim country
Authors: Chetioui Youssef , Lebdaoui Hind , Hafid Nisrine 
Published: January 2023

Purpose
The COVID-19 crisis has sped up digital transformation and technologies by several years. Customers have dramatically shifted to online channels, and businesses have quickly responded by offering additional canals for online shopping and payment. Customers have also been exhibiting greater preferences for contactless payments, and mobile banking has therefore become a norm in both developed and developing countries. This study aims to understand the antecedents of mobile banking actual usage in an early adoption stage setting (i.e. Morocco) through a comprehensive conceptual model combining the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, the DeLone and McLean IS success model and additional constructs extracted from extent literature. The moderating effects of age, gender and education are also examined and analyzed using multigroup analysis.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on data collected from 616 Moroccan users, the authors empirically tested the proposed conceptual model using structural equation modeling.

Findings
First, consumer M-banking actual usage has a significant effect on customer satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty; at the same time, attitudinal loyalty was significantly influenced by customer satisfaction. Second, while M-banking actual usage was significantly influenced by effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, price value, habit, service quality, trust, attitude and perceived security, the results show no significant impact of system quality and information quality. Third, the relationship between M-banking actual usage and its antecedents was significantly moderated by age, gender and education.

Practical implications
The findings help bank practitioners to understand the importance of meeting customers’ needs and expectations as a prerequisite in enhancing actual usage, satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty. More importantly, the authors emphasize the need for demographically oriented strategies to target different demographic segments of customers.

Originality/value
The study bridges a gap in M-banking literature by offering a thorough understanding of consumers’ mobile banking use during the pandemic. The findings provide evidence of the applicability of the conceptual model proposed in this research. Furthermore, the reflection of the moderating effects of gender, age and education emphasizes the mobile banking usage disparities among dissimilar demographic segments.
Predicting factors affecting business operations during pandemic COVID-19
Authors: Hussain Talib , Hussain Shahid 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThe global COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly overwhelmed our societies, shocked the global economy and disturbed normal business operations. While such impacts of COVID-19 are becoming clearer, the effects of the disease on business operations are more common. This study mainly focuses on identifying the factors that affect the smooth operation of businesses during a pandemic situation.Design/methodology/approachAnalytical hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to rate the result index. A total of 40 professionals and experts of different businesses were listed on stock exchanges, and asked to rank the key variables with relative indices and weighting methods.FindingsThe results of the AHP successfully assigned weighting scores to all key important factors during the COVID-19 pandemic situation that businesses should focus on, with economic factors receiving the highest score of 60%. Likewise, the other factors that impact values for business operations are reported as social (22%), legal (12.2%), technological (5.16%) and political (0.57%). The results of this study also match with the current policies adopted by different government and nongovernment agencies like the guidelines of the World Health Organization and some most recent research results.Originality/valueIn the hectic and growing environment under COVID-19 pandemic, more contributions are not enough, and it is helpful for the whole business industry and society by stipulating more views. This study aims to overview the global impacts and challenges of COVID-19 pandemic on business operations.