bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small is beautiful? Entrepreneurship ecosystems in small towns of Montana
Authors: Motoyama Yasuyuki , Henderson Christina 
Published: December 2022

Purpose
Much of extant literature on entrepreneurship ecosystems is geared toward mid- and large-size metropolitan areas, and small cities are considered disadvantageous without essential elements for the ecosystem. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on understanding how small cities can have vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach
This study conducted 42 semistructured interviews of entrepreneurs and supporters in small towns of Montana, USA. This study also supplemented with a survey of 178 firms.

Findings
Entrepreneurs in small cities enjoy dense support networks including experienced entrepreneurs, key business and civic leaders and elected officials. They also attend entrepreneurial events and establish connections with support organizations with a distance of 200 miles.

Originality/value
The cases in this paper demonstrate that small cities can have vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystems without urban diversity and agglomeration. That additionally means that we should not apply the theoretical framework developed with large urban areas to small cities and consider different models of development for small cities.
Role of Islamic work ethics in shaping employees’ behaviour: evidence from the banking sector in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Aman-Ullah Attia , Mehmood Waqas 
Published: December 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Islamic work ethics (IWEs) on the job satisfaction, commitment and loyalty among the bank employees in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach
Data for this study was collected using the purposive sampling from 354 bank employees of Azad Jammu and Kashmir region.

Findings
The findings of this study support all the three proposed hypotheses, with IWEs demonstrating significant positive relationships with job satisfaction, organisational commitment and employee loyalty.

Practical implications
Because of the nature of operations, banks need energetic employees who can participate actively in work activities. The implementation of IWEs enables banks to improve their employees’ satisfaction, commitment and loyalty, which will benefit the organisation in the long term through improved performance.

Originality/value
By encouraging the adoption of IWEs, organisations can increase job satisfaction, employee’s commitment and loyalty in the workplace, especially in an Islamic banking context. Therefore, managers should strengthen the mutual understanding among employees regarding IWE principles. They should be consistently applied and disseminated by Islamic banks’ management in the form of a formal code of ethics that applies to all actions within the organisation. Besides, this study contributes in terms of divine command theory which was yet to be tested with employee’s behaviour. Loyalty was another behavioural attribute which is providing novelty while testing with IWEs in banking context.
Entrepreneurship barriers faced by Pakistani female students in relation to their entrepreneurial inclinations and entrepreneurial success
Authors: Soomro Bahadur Ali , Abdelwahed Nadia A. Abdelmegeed , Shah Naimatullah 
Published: December 2022

Purpose
The current environment is unhelpful to female entrepreneurs, and they need to overcome numerous barriers when starting their own businesses. In this study, the researchers investigated the significant barriers that Pakistani female entrepreneurs require to overcome in this respect.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the researchers used a quantitative study and they used a questionnaire to survey the respondents and collect cross-sectional data. The researchers targeted female students who were undertaking bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in different Pakistani public and private sector universities. Accordingly, the researchers based this study’s findings on the usable samples received from 498 Pakistani female students.

Findings
The researchers used a structural equation model (SEM) in this study and its findings highlight that aversion to risk (ATR) has an insignificant impact on entrepreneurial inclinations (EI). In addition, fear of failure (FoF), lack of resources (LoR), aversion to hard work and stress (ASH) and the lack of social networking (LSN) have negative and insignificant effects on EI. The ATR factor has an insignificant effect on entrepreneurial success (ES), whereas FoF, LoR, ASH and LSN are negative and insignificant predictors of Pakistani female students’ ES.

Practical implications
This study’s findings may help Pakistani women to overcome the barriers to ES. In this respect, the researchers recommend that the Pakistan Government and policymakers develop significant strategies to provide the conducive business environment and to financially support Pakistani women to start their own businesses. Furthermore, this study’s findings contribute greatly to the vast amount of current literature and help to overcome the entrepreneurial conditions and barriers that potential entrepreneurs from advanced and developing countries experience frequently.

Originality/value
This study’s findings provide empirical evidence of EI and ES in Pakistan.
A brief review of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) use in quality management studies
Authors: Magno Francesca , Cassia Fabio , Ringle Christian M. 
Published: December 2022

PurposePartial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has become an established social sciences multivariate analysis technique. Since quality management researchers also increasingly using PLS-SEM, this growing interest calls for guidance.Design/methodology/approachBased on established guidelines for applying PLS-SEM and evaluating the results, this research reviews 107 articles applying the method and published in eight leading quality management journals.FindingsThe use of PLS-SEM in quality management often only draws on limited information and analysis results. The discipline would benefit from the method's more comprehensive use by following established guidelines. Specifically, the use of predictive model assessment and more advanced PLS-SEM analyses harbors the potential to provide more detailed findings and conclusions when applying the method.Research limitations/implicationsThis research provides first insights into PLS-SEM's use in quality management. Future research should identify the key areas and the core quality management models that best support the method's capabilities and researchers' goals.Practical implicationsThe results of this analysis guide researchers who use the PLS-SEM method for their quality management studies.Originality/valueThis is the first article to systematically review the use of PLS-SEM in the quality management discipline.
Contrasting intra‐annual population dynamics of two codominant species are consistent across spatial and temporal scales
Authors: Gray Jesse E. , Smith Melinda D. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDespite asymmetric competition and a wide array of functional similarities, two ecologically important C4perennial grasses,Andropogon gerardiiandSorghastrum nutans, frequently codominate areas of the mesic tallgrass prairie of the US Great Plains. A subtle difference in their vegetative reproduction strategies may play a role in preventing the exclusion ofS. nutans, the presumed weaker competitor in such regions.WhileA. gerardiivegetative tiller densities peak in the early growing season and decline thereafter (determinate recruitment), those ofS. nutansmay continue to increase throughout the growing season (indeterminate recruitment), providing a potential avenue for recovery from more intensive early season competition. However, until now these patterns have only been informally observed in the field.We examined the year‐to‐year consistency of growing season vegetative tiller dynamics (measured as seasonal change in tiller densities) of each grass species from an intact tallgrass prairie in Kansas – a site within the core of both species' distributions – over a period of 8 years. Then, to investigate environmental effects on these dynamics, we examined whether they differ across a Kansas landscape varying in topography, fire management regimes, and the abundances of the study species. Finally, we expanded the investigation of environmental effects on growing season tiller dynamics by observing them at the periphery of the species' distributions in central Colorado, where climatic conditions are dryer and the study species' abundances are reduced.Synthesis. We found that the tiller densities ofA. gerardiidecline within seasons with striking consistency regardless of spatio‐temporal scale or environmental factors (topography and fire regimes). In contrast, we found the seasonal dynamics ofS. nutanstiller densities were dependent on environmental factors, with seasonal tiller density increases occurring only within the Kansas populations but not consistent between years. These observations lay the groundwork for establishing differences in tiller recruitment determinacy as a potentially important yet underappreciated mechanism for promoting coexistence and codominance among perennial plant species.
Coupled C, H, N, S and Fe biogeochemical cycles operating in the continental deep subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt
Authors: Amils Ricardo , Escudero Cristina , Oggerin Monike , Puente Sánchez Fernando , Arce Rodríguez Alejandro , Fernández Remolar David , Rodríguez Nuria , García Villadangos Miriam , Sanz José Luis , Briones Carlos , Sánchez‐Román Mónica , Gómez Felipe , Leandro Tania , Moreno‐Paz Mercedes , Prieto‐Ballesteros Olga , Molina Antonio , Tornos Fernando , Sánchez‐Andrea Irene , Timmis Kenneth , Pieper Dietmar H. , Parro Victor 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMicrobial activity is a major contributor to the biogeochemical cycles that make up the life support system of planet Earth. A 613 m deep geomicrobiological perforation and a systematic multi‐analytical characterization revealed an unexpected diversity associated with the rock matrix microbiome that operates in the subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB). Members of 1 class and 16 genera were deemed the most representative microorganisms of the IPB deep subsurface and selected for a deeper analysis. The use of fluorescence in situ hybridization allowed not only the identification of microorganisms but also the detection of novel activities in the subsurface such as anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) and anaerobic methane oxidation, the co‐occurrence of microorganisms able to maintain complementary metabolic activities and the existence of biofilms. The use of enrichment cultures sensed the presence of five different complementary metabolic activities along the length of the borehole and isolated 29 bacterial species. Genomic analysis of nine isolates identified the genes involved in the complete operation of the light‐independent coupled C, H, N, S and Fe biogeochemical cycles. This study revealed the importance of nitrate reduction microorganisms in the oxidation of iron in the anoxic conditions existing in the subsurface of the IPB.
Cyclitol metabolism is a central feature of Burkholderia leaf symbionts
Authors: Danneels Bram , Blignaut Monique , Marti Guillaume , Sieber Simon , Vandamme Peter , Meyer Marion , Carlier Aurélien 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe symbioses between plants of the Rubiaceae and Primulaceae families with Burkholderia bacteria represent unique and intimate plant–bacterial relationships. Many of these interactions have been identified through PCR‐dependent typing methods, but there is little information available about their functional and ecological roles. We assembled 17 new endophyte genomes representing endophytes from 13 plant species, including those of two previously unknown associations. Genomes of leaf endophytes belonging to Burkholderia s.l. show extensive signs of genome reduction, albeit to varying degrees. Except for one endophyte, none of the bacterial symbionts could be isolated on standard microbiological media. Despite their taxonomic diversity, all endophyte genomes contained gene clusters linked to the production of specialized metabolites, including genes linked to cyclitol sugar analog metabolism and in one instance non‐ribosomal peptide synthesis. These genes and gene clusters are unique within Burkholderia s.l. and are likely horizontally acquired. We propose that the acquisition of secondary metabolite gene clusters through horizontal gene transfer is a prerequisite for the evolution of a stable association between these endophytes and their hosts.
Staff experiences of using non‐violent resistance in a residential care home for young people with high‐risk behaviours
Authors: Mackinnon Jessica , Jakob Peter , Kustner Claudia 
Published: December 2022

AbstractNon‐violent resistance (NVR) is a systemic approach to working with young people presenting with aggression and other harmful behaviours. The work draws on the use of personal presence in resistance movements of the twentieth century, focusing on the role of the caregiver to increase their presence through acts of resistance and care. This paper investigates the experiences of professionals using NVR in one UK residential care home. Eight participants took part in semi‐structured interviews, which were analysed thematically. Analysis identified four overarching themes: NVR is both a set of processes and a way of being, NVR and transformation, NVR and the personal–professional divide and NVR and organisational support. The findings suggest that NVR offers an effective and acceptable alternative to behavioural approaches. Further research is required to investigate the liminal role of the professional/parent and the challenge of managing reluctance both within and around the organisation.
Ricochet of 9 mm pistol bullets on glazed ceramic tiles: An empirical study in support of shooting incident reconstruction
Authors: Nishshanka Bandula , Shepherd Chris , Jayawickrama Samindi Madhubha , Ariyarathna Randika 
Published: December 2022

AbstractExperimental ricochet data on the most commonly found bullet‐target combinations in shooting incidents are contemporary necessity in conducting ricochet analysis during shooting reconstructions. As bullet ricochet behavior and associated evidence production are affected by various factors, understanding specific phenomena related to each bullet‐target combination is essential for shooting investigators to reconstruct bullet ricochet incidents accurately. However, there is a significant lack of empirical data in this area despite the significant demand. Building on a previous study conducted with rifle bullets, this empirical study explores the ricochet behavior and surface evidence when 9 mm Luger pistol bullets ricochet off glazed ceramic wall and floor tiles. The study highlights the critical angles of bullets for floor and wall tiles (14.8 degrees and 16.6 degrees, respectively), and different bullet ricochet trends when 9 mm bullets ricochet off standard wall and floor tiles. This paper introduces for the first time in a ricochet event, the “caterpillar effect” or “caterpillar impact mark” and the first observation of the “nucleus” ricochet mark for pistol caliber bullet ricochets, both of which are important novel findings. This study further demonstrates the significance of undergoing practical and relevant ricochet experimentation for the accurate reconstruction of shooting incidents.
College students' virtual and in‐person drinking contexts during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hultgren Brittney A. , Smith‐LeCavalier Kirstyn N. , Canning Jessica R. , Jaffe Anna E. , Kim Isabel S. , Cegielski Victoria I. , Garcia Tracey A. , Larimer Mary E. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in pronounced changes for college students, including shifts in living situations and engagement in virtual environments. Although college drinking decreased at the onset of the pandemic, a nuanced understanding of pandemic‐related changes in drinking contexts and the risks conferred by each context on alcohol use and related consequences have yet to be assessed.MethodsSecondary data analyses were conducted on screening data from a large parent clinical trial assessing a college student drinking intervention (N = 1669). Participants across six cohorts (from Spring 2020 to Summer 2021) reported on the frequency of drinking in each context (i.e., outside the home, home alone, home with others in‐person, and home with others virtually), typical amount of drinking, and seven alcohol‐related consequence subscales.ResultsDescriptive statistics and negative binomial regressions indicated that the proportion and frequency of drinking at home virtually with others decreased, while drinking outside the home increased from Spring 2020 to Summer 2021. Limited differences were observed in the proportion or frequency of individuals drinking at home alone or at home with others in‐person. Negative binomial and logistic regressions indicated that the frequency of drinking outside the home was most consistently associated with more alcohol‐related consequences (i.e., six of the seven subscales). However, drinking at home was not without risks; drinking home alone was associated with abuse/dependence, personal, social, hangover, and social media consequences; drinking home with others virtually was associated with abuse/dependence and social consequences; drinking home with others in‐person was associated with drunk texting/dialing.ConclusionThe proportion and frequency of drinking in certain contexts changed during the COVID‐19 pandemic, although drinking outside the home represented the highest risk drinking context across the pandemic. Future prevention and intervention efforts may benefit from considering approaches specific to different drinking contexts.
Thalamic volume and functional connectivity are associated with nicotine dependence severity and craving
Authors: Lor Cindy Sumaly , Haugg Amelie , Zhang Mengfan , Schneider Letitia , Herdener Marcus , Quednow Boris B. , Golestani Narly , Scharnowski Frank 
Published: December 2022

AbstractTobacco smoking is associated with deleterious health outcomes. Most smokers want to quit smoking, yet relapse rates are high. Understanding neural differences associated with tobacco use may help generate novel treatment options. Several animal studies have recently highlighted the central role of the thalamus in substance use disorders, but this research focus has been understudied in human smokers. Here, we investigated associations between structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging measures of the thalamus and its subnuclei to distinct smoking characteristics. We acquired anatomical scans of 32 smokers as well as functional resting‐state scans before and after a cue‐reactivity task. Thalamic functional connectivity was associated with craving and dependence severity, whereas the volume of the thalamus was associated with dependence severity only. Craving, which fluctuates rapidly, was best characterized by differences in brain function, whereas the rather persistent syndrome of dependence severity was associated with both brain structural differences and function. Our study supports the notion that functional versus structural measures tend to be associated with behavioural measures that evolve at faster versus slower temporal scales, respectively. It confirms the importance of the thalamus to understand mechanisms of addiction and highlights it as a potential target for brain‐based interventions to support smoking cessation, such as brain stimulation and neurofeedback.
Non‐reproductive effects of follicle‐stimulating hormone in young men
Authors: Elenkov Angel , Wirestrand Elin , Hagsund Agnes , Huhtaniemi Ilpo , Giwercman Yvonne Lundberg , Giwercman Aleksander 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveFollicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor expression has been reported in many extra‐gonadal tissues, raising the question of non‐reproductive effects of FSH. Because of increasing usage of FSH in treatment of male infertility, deeper knowledge of possible harmful off‐target effects of FSH is warranted.MethodsIn total, 33 healthy young men (mean age 30 years) were included in the study. All received an s.c. injection of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist and n = 16 were randomized to 300 IU recombinant FSH (300 IE 3 times/week) for 5 weeks at first visit (V1) whereas n = 17 served as controls. Blood samples were taken at (V1), after 3 weeks (V2), and after 5 weeks (V3), when the study ended. At V2, all subjects received 1000 mg testosterone undecanoate i.m. A standard set of bio‐ and inflammatory markers were compared between the groups using the Mann–Whitney test adjusted for multiple testing.ResultsAs compared to controls, the FSH treated men had higher SHBG and albumin concentrations at V2 (p = 0.024 and 0.027, respectively), and lower levels of alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.026) and magnesium (p = 0.028) at V3. However, none of the results remained statistically significant after Bonferroni correction (p > 0.0011).ConclusionsFSH had no significant effects on non‐reproductive organs when given in standard therapeutic doses to young men for 5 weeks. Therefore, the FSH treatment can be considered safe in otherwise healthy young men, constituting candidates for the infertility treatment with FSH.
Nonparametric Scanning Tests of Homogeneity for Hierarchical Models with Continuous Covariates
Authors: Todem David , Hsu Wei-Wen , Kim KyungMann 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
In many applications of hierarchical models, there is often interest in evaluating the inherent heterogeneity in view of observed data. When the underlying hypothesis involves parameters resting on the boundary of their support space such as variances and mixture proportions, it is a usual practice to entertain testing procedures that rely on common heterogeneity assumptions. Such procedures, albeit omnibus for general alternatives, may entail a substantial loss of power for specific alternatives such as heterogeneity varying with covariates. We introduce a novel and flexible approach that uses covariate information to improve the power to detect heterogeneity, without imposing unnecessary restrictions. With continuous covariates, the approach does not impose a regression model relating heterogeneity parameters to covariates or rely on arbitrary discretizations. Instead, a scanning approach requiring continuous dichotomizations of the covariates is proposed. Empirical processes resulting from these dichotomizations are then used to construct the test statistics, with limiting null distributions shown to be functionals of tight random processes. We illustrate our proposals and results on a popular class of two-component mixture models, followed by simulation studies and applications to two real datasets in cancer and caries research.