Research Strategy Research Articles

Entrepreneurial orientation and sustainable business model innovation through technology transfer. A study of SMEs leadership in knowledge-based economies

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the connections between knowledge-based economies, entrepreneurial orientation (EO), sustainable business model innovation and technology transfer (TT). This study specifically investigates whether TT might foster EO and long-term business model innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study focuses on economies that are knowledge-based, where information is viewed as a vital resource for economic growth. Design/methodology/approach This study uses structural equation modelling method and a quantitative research strategy to analyse data gathered from 309 SMEs in knowledge-based economies. A survey questionnaire created to examine the relevant factors was used to gather the sample data from PROLIFIC platform using judgemental sampling technique. Findings This study’s conclusions point to an association between TT and EO that is favourable, SMEs’ ability to use TT to strengthen their EO and the significance of EO in fostering innovation in SMEs. This study offers empirical proof of the role that TT may play in fostering innovation in sustainable business models and EO in SMEs. Research limitations/implications Policymakers, business professionals and academic researchers who are interested in the function of TT in knowledge-based economies will find it to be a helpful source of information. According to this study’s results, TT can assist SMEs in using outside expertise and assets to grow their entrepreneurial capacities, promote innovation and build long-term business strategies. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence of the role of TT in fostering innovation within sustainable business models and cultivating EO within SMEs, contributing to the literature on these critical topics.

Developing a Versatile Arsenal: Novel Antimicrobials as Offensive Tools Against Pathogenic Bacteria

The pervasive and often indiscriminate use of antibiotics has accelerated the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains, thus presenting an acute threat to global public health. Despite a growing acknowledgment of the severity of this crisis, the current suite of strategies to mitigate antimicrobial resistance remains markedly inadequate. This paper asserts the paramount need for the swift development of groundbreaking antimicrobial strategies and provides a comprehensive review of an array of innovative techniques currently under scrutiny. Among these, nano-antimicrobials, antimicrobials derived from ribosomal proteins, CRISPR/Cas-based systems, agents that undermine bacterial bioenergetics, and antimicrobial polysaccharides hold particular promise. This analysis gives special attention to CRISPR/Cas-based antimicrobials, scrutinizing their underlying mechanisms, exploring their potential applications, delineating their distinct advantages, and noting their likely limitations. Furthermore, we extend our exploration by proposing theoretical advancements in antimicrobial technology and evaluating feasible methods for the effective delivery of these agents. This includes leveraging these advances for broader biomedical applications, potentially revolutionizing how we confront bacterial pathogens in the future, and laying a foundation for extended research in multimodal therapeutic strategies.

Techniques for Evaluating Airborne BiocrustDiaspores: From Fundamentals to Advanced Approaches

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are communities which thrive primarily in the upper soil layers of arid and semi-arid environments. Biocrusts produce soil-binding compounds, tolerate extreme conditions, and disperse through both sexual and asexual diaspores via wind, water, or animals. Despite their significance, dispersal mechanisms involving airborne diaspores in biocrusts remain largely unexplored and poorly understood. This review provides an overview of techniques, from basic to advanced, to help researchers investigate these often-overlooked aspects of biocrust ecology. We discuss both passive and active methods for sampling airborne organisms, highlighting their potential in studies of biocrust organisms. We present traditional techniques, such as microscope glass slides coated with adhesive substances, as well as more advanced equipment like Rotorods. For organism identification, we explore traditional morphological methods, but also introduce more modern approaches, such as metabarcoding, which allow for the simultaneous study of multiple organism groups. This review underscores the potential of these methods to enhance our understanding of the aerobiology of biocrusts. By shedding light on these dispersal dynamics, this review aims to support future research and foster advancements in biogeography, ecosystem restoration, and conservation strategies.

Review of Bioinspired Composites for Thermal Energy Storage: Preparation, Microstructures and Properties

Bioinspired composites for thermal energy storage have gained much attention all over the world. Bioinspired structures have several advantages as the skeleton for preparing thermal energy storage materials, including preventing leakage and improving thermal conductivity. Phase change materials (PCMs) play an important role in the development of energy storage materials because of their stable chemical/thermal properties and high latent heat storage capacity. However, their applications have been compromised, owing to low thermal conductivity and leakage. The plant-derived scaffolds (i.e., wood-derived SiC/Carbon) in the composites can not only provide higher thermal conductivity but also prevent leakage. In this paper, we review recent progress in the preparation, microstructures, properties and applications of bioinspired composites for thermal energy storage. Two methods are generally used for producing bioinspired composites, including the direct introduction of biomass-derived templates and the imitation of biological structures templates. Some of the key technologies for introducing PCMs into templates involves melting, vacuum impregnation, physical mixing, etc. Continuous and orderly channels inside the skeleton can improve the overall thermal conductivity, and the thermal conductivity of composites with biomass-derived, porous, silicon carbide skeleton can reach as high as 116 W/m*K. In addition, the tightly aligned microporous structure can cover the PCM well, resulting in good leakage resistance after up to 2500 hot and cold cycles. Currently, bioinspired composites for thermal energy storage hold the greatest promise for large-scale applications in the fields of building energy conservation and solar energy conversion/storage. This review provides guidance on the preparation methods, performance improvements and applications for the future research strategies of bioinspired composites for thermal energy storage.

Revolutionizing faculty's intrinsic work motivation in China: A novel serial mediation model integrating value-based leadership, growth mindset, and teaching self-efficacy.

This study presents a revolutionary understanding of how value-based leadership enhances the intrinsic work motivation of Chinese university faculty. A novel serial mediation model is introduced, highlighting the interplay between growth mindset and teaching self-efficacy in transmitting the impact of leadership to increased intrinsic motivation. Utilizing a comprehensive sample of 394 faculty members from across China, advanced SmartPLS 3.0 analytics were employed to validate the model. The results demonstrate a significant positive effect of value-based leadership on faculty intrinsic motivation, partially mediated by the sequential influence of nurturing a growth mindset and strong teaching self-efficacy. The findings provide fresh theoretical perspectives and practical strategies for researchers, university leaders, administrators, and policymakers seeking to elevate the intrinsic work motivation of China's academic faculty to new levels.

Research of Grasping Strategy of Bionic Manipulator

This article reviews the research progress of bionic manipulator grabbing strategies in recent years, subsequently, the classification of existing bionic manipulator grabbing strategies was sorted out in detail, including crawling strategies based on the principle of biological inspiration, crawling strategies based on mechanical models and crawling strategies based on intelligent algorithms. First, the paper outlines the structural design and control methods of bionic manipulators. Next, the classification and characteristics of existing crawling strategies are summarized. These include strategies based on biological mechanisms, those guided by intelligent optimization algorithms, and data-driven learning methods. On this basis, the advantages and disadvantages of various crawling strategies and their performance in practical applications are compared and analyzed. Finally, the paper discusses the flexibility of bionic manipulator grabbing strategies, challenges and future development trends in adaptability and intelligence. This review not only provides a comprehensive theoretical reference for researchers in the field of bionic manipulator grasping strategies but also identifies key areas for future technological development.

Learning and Organisational Change in Regional Agencies of Telemedicine: Implications for the Mexican Case

The aim of this article is to analyse the technological and organisational learning processes and their relationship with organisational and institutional changes in Mexican public hospitals that have implemented telemedicine systems. A qualitative research strategy has been followed by implementing an exploratory multiple-case-study approach. The fieldwork was conducted from July 2012 to June 2015 in seven regional agencies of telemedicine (RATM) of Mexico. General information for each RATM has been updated to 2021. The implementation and use of systems of telemedicine in clinics and hospitals around the world have influenced the efficiency and effectiveness of health services, but the effects are not direct or automatic. Health organisations go through phases of internalisation of technology and this implies the development of a knowledge base, learning processes and organisational and institutional changes. The processes of learning-by-doing, learning-by-implementing and learning-by-using explain the patterns of organisational and technological change. However, there are cultural and technical constraints that make these changes slow. A natural tension between the changes achieved and the prevailing resistances is present, so the role of leaders, the creation of scenarios that foster collaboration, trust and good communication among the members of the team, a knowledge base and learning processes are crucial.

Termination Clauses in Common Law and Civil Law: A Comparative Corpus-Based Analysis of English–Italian Terms of Service

In common law, the “termination” of a contract entails several consequences, particularly on the basis of the context where such a term is used and, from a linguistic perspective, depending on the words that accompany it (e.g., “termination for cause” vs. “termination without cause”). In Italian civil law, there are manifold translations of the lemma “terminate”, which are investigated and discussed in this paper. To this aim, English and Italian comparable corpora of terms of service (i.e., online terms and conditions of web hosting services) are consulted, where similar clauses are retrieved and words are analyzed in context. In this way, the complex nature and the manifold meanings of the lemma “terminate” are unveiled, and Italian (full or partial) equivalents are proposed. The paper’s findings highlight that in order to explore the renderings of complex terms, such as “terminate”, not only are linguistic tools, such as ad hoc corpora, necessary, but also legal resources, such as statutory documents and case law. In addition, solid knowledge of the subject matter addressed is necessary. In this respect, this paper unveils corpus-based methodologies and research strategies to cope with the intricacies of the translation(s) of “termination” clauses.

Toxoplasmosis in camelids: the last 20 years

Toxoplasmosis is a universal zoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. One of its main manifestations is abortion in humans and animals. The present review aims to clarify the situation of the disease in camelids in different countries across the four continents of the world (Africa, Asia, America and Europe) over the past twenty years. The research strategy involved collecting all published data during this period, focusing on the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and genotyping in different camelid species, as well as analyzing the various identified risk factors. This review provides a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of Toxoplasma gondii infection worldwide, making it a valuable resource for researchers. In total, 81 studies published between 2004 and 2024 involving 22040 camelids from 23 countries were included for the final analyses (Seropositivity studies covered 21844 camelids, while genotyping studies were performed on 585 camelids). The overall global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the Camelidae family was 28.76% with 6284 positive cases. The highest seroprevalence rate was in Europe (73.01%), followed by Africa (39.26%), Asia (22.16%) and finally America (22.05%). The current article highlighted a high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in camelids worldwide, thus emphasizing the significant role these animals can play in the transmission cycle of this zoonotic disease. Therefore, it is essential to implement prevention and control measures as well as to raise public awareness to mitigate the public health impact of the disease.

Distribution Patterns and Habitat Preferences of Five Globally Threatened and Endemic Montane Orthoptera (Parnassiana and Oropodisma)

Greece is a European hotspot for Orthoptera (378 species), yet it has been scarcely explored. We investigated the distribution and habitat preferences of the species of two endemic Orthoptera genera, Parnassiana and Oropodisma, in the montane ecosystems of central Greece. We conducted field surveys from 2021 to 2024 in 174 sites across seven mountains. The species of both genera preferred habitats above 1500 m, with species-specific preferences for microhabitat parameters: Parnassiana species favored moderate slopes with dense shrub cover, while Oropodisma species favored substrates with intermediate stone cover and relatively high vegetation cover. Species distribution models estimated the area of suitable habitat for Parnassiana to be at 5 km2 and Oropodisma at 3.28 km2. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and potential evapotranspiration were the key environmental drivers of the habitat suitability for both genera. Generalized regression models showed that altitude positively influenced Parnassiana population density, peaking at 2200 m, whereas rock and soil cover negatively impacted Oropodisma population densities. The results emphasize the critical role of montane habitats in sustaining these species and provide essential data for future research and conservation strategies.

Beyond Leveraging Institutional Data for Student Success: Challenging Whiteness in Institutional Research Practice and Strategies

Beyond Leveraging Institutional Data for Student Success: Challenging Whiteness in Institutional Research Practice and Strategies

Auditing Under Martial Law

Purpose: The article examines the influence of martial law on the economy and social policy and presents the consequences for auditing. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative research strategy was used to study the financing of audit firms at the macro level. A purposive sampling method was applied to select 100 audit firms across 24 regions of Ukraine, representing diverse operational conditions. Data analysis involved statistical techniques to compare expenditures and revenues from 2021 to 2023, highlighting the impact of martial law on financial performance. Research Limitation: Data was obtained on a 25% reduction in the number of audits in 2023 due to economic pressure on the audit sector. Findings: The findings reveal that auditing during martial law in Ukraine underwent significant adaptation to sustain operations amid war-induced disruptions. Audit firms shifted towards digital tools like ACL and IDEA, enabling efficient remote auditing despite restricted site access. Modular systems and flexible schedules mitigated operational challenges such as relocations, delays, and increased risks. Practical Implication: This research benefits the industry by providing insights into practical strategies for maintaining operational continuity, addressing emerging risks, and leveraging technological tools to improve audit quality and efficiency. Social Implication: The analysis emphasised societal benefits, including increased resilience in financial reporting, enhanced data security, and improved accountability mechanisms, which collectively contribute to the country's economic recovery and stability. Originality/ Value: This study's novelty lies in its focus on the unique integration of digital platforms during active hostilities, which provides a model for adapting audit practices in crisis conditions.

Advancing drug delivery research: sustainable strategies for innovation and translation.

Sustainable systems are designed to promote lasting viability and resilience while reducing negative effects on the environment, society, and economy. Like many others, the drug delivery field is facing the challenges of the global environmental crisis. Despite its rapid growth and significant funding, there has been a noticeable slowdown in the rate of advancement, impacting the economy, society, and environment. This paper delves into sustainable strategies for drug delivery research, including reducing pill burden through controlled release systems, use of bio-degradable/absorbable polymers, reduction in excipient requirements and use of functional excipients, clinically viable drug delivery system designs, non-invasive/self-administration technologies, and use of relevant in vitro and in vivo tools and computational approaches. When adopted, these strategies can help researchers create widely available, reasonably priced, and ecologically friendly drug delivery systems, thereby advancing sustainable healthcare for all. The manuscript also advocates for funding policies that support sustainable drug delivery research. It underscores the need to integrate sustainability principles into drug delivery research to achieve the broader agenda of global sustainability and well-being, such as SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Does binge-watching affect impulsive paid subscription? An investigation of the mechanism and boundary

ABSTRACT Video-on-demand platforms encourage binge-watching (BW) to stimulate paid subscription. Despite decades of research, there is no academic consensus on the definition of BW, resulting in inconsistent findings regarding its effect on impulsive paid subscription. Drawing on the stimulus–organism–response theory, we develop a conceptual model to explore the mechanism that links the stimulus (BW), consumer organism (attractiveness, identification, involvement, and parasocial interaction), and response (impulsive paid subscription). We also investigate how the boundary condition of BW (number of episodes watched) affects this mechanism. We conducted an online survey and two quasi-field experiments to collect data and verify the hypotheses. Our findings confirm that compared with non-BW, BW triggers higher impulsive paid subscription. This main effect can be explained through the enhanced attractiveness, identification, involvement, and parasocial interaction produced by BW. Moreover, BW can be validly defined as watching at least three episodes of a program, which reveals significant differences in viewers’ impulsive paid subscription. Implications for future BW research and marketing strategies for video-on-demand platforms are also discussed.

Professional self-actualisation of pharmacist in the United Arab Emirates: a pilot study.

This pilot study evaluated the professional self-actualisation (PSA) of pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) across various practice settings. Our study was conducted in the UAE from February to May 2024 and targeted pharmacists in hospitals, community pharmacies, industry, and academia. A PSA questionnaire was developed using validated instruments and expert input, and included items on professional fulfilment (PF), societal acceptance (SA), work environment (WE), autonomy and professional opportunities (APO), involvement in professional advocacy (IPA), and the impact of work on personal relationships (IWPR). Sixty-eight responses were received from pharmacists working in the community, hospital, industry and academic sectors. No significant differences in self-actualisation were observed between genders. PF scores were consistent across age groups, and education level significantly impacted IPA scores, with MSc/PhD holders (mean = 3.6, SD = 0.7) scoring higher than Bachelor's degree holders (mean = 2.9, SD = 0.9; p = 0.008). Years of experience were significantly associated with SA scores (p = 0.046), with pharmacists having 5-10 years of experience (mean = 3.5, SD = 0.8) scoring higher than those with less than 5 years (mean = 3.1, SD = 0.9) or more than 10 years (mean = 2.9, SD = 0.7). PF showed a strong correlation with a supportive WE (r = 0.744), highlighting the crucial role of a positive work setting in professional self-actualisation. This study identified key factors affecting pharmacists' self-actualisation in the UAE, emphasising the importance of a supportive work environment, recognition, and professional development for job satisfaction. Despite limitations such as low sample size and underrepresentation of certain sectors, the findings provide a basis for future research and inform strategies to enhance work environments, policies, and pharmacists' professional satisfaction.

Klotho protein: A key modulator of aging and COVID-19 severity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn significant attention to factors affecting disease severity, especially in older adults. This study explores the relationship between Klotho, an anti-aging protein, and COVID-19 severity. Conducted at Tehran's Firouzgar Hospital, this case-control study involved 279 participants, assessing serum levels of Klotho, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin 6 (IL-6)), and Vitamin D. The findings indicate significantly lower Klotho levels in COVID-19 patients, especially those in the ICU, which correlate with elevated inflammatory markers and reduced Vitamin D levels. This inverse relationship between Klotho levels and disease severity underscores the protein's potential modulatory role in the inflammatory response to COVID-19. The study not only highlights the importance of Klotho as a biomarker for aging and disease severity but also suggests its potential therapeutic value in managing COVID-19, offering a novel perspective on targeting aging-related pathways to mitigate the impact of the disease. These insights open new avenues for research and intervention strategies to leverage anti-aging mechanisms to combat COVID-19 and potentially other age-related diseases.

Study of the SPL gene family and miR156-SPL module in Populus tomentosa: Potential roles in juvenile-to-adult phase transition and reproductive phase.

Populus tomentosa, a deciduous tree species distinguished by its significant economic and ecological value, enjoys a wide-ranging natural distribution. However, its long juvenile period severely restricts the advancement of breeding work. The SPL gene family, a distinctive class of transcription factors exclusive to the plant kingdom, is critical in various processes of plant growth and development. The miR156-SPL molecular module stands as an indispensable regulatory mechanism in the transition from the vegetative juvenile phase to the adult phase in plants. Consequently, this research endeavored a methodical and exhaustive exploration of the SPL gene family within the P.tomentosa species, synergistically integrating the miR156 family into the analysis. A total of 56 PtSPL genes were identified and subjected to a comprehensive analysis of their gene structure, conserved motifs, collinearity relationships, chromosomal localization, and promoter cis-acting elements. Further analysis of gene expression profiles confirmed the pivotal role of PtSPLs in the reproductive phase and tissue development of P. tomentosa. In addition, 11 members of miR156 in P. tomentosa were identified and their sequences analyzed, elucidating the miR156-SPL regulatory network. The target relationship between miR156k and PtSPLs was further validated by detecting the expression levels of PtSPLs in transgenic poplars overexpressing 35S::MIR156k. This comprehensive study lays a robust theoretical foundation for the continued exploration and application of the SPL genes in P. tomentosa, opening avenues for future research and potential advancements in plant biology and breeding strategies.

Bridging the gap: A scoping review of endovascular and microsurgical approaches to anterior ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVF) are abnormal anastomoses between meningeal arteries and dural venous sinuses. Typically, dAVF treatment involves an endovascular or microsurgical approach. Anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) dAVFs pose unique challenges due to their anatomy and location. We performed a scoping review to characterize pre and postoperative characteristics of AEA dAVFs and elucidate their optimal management. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature search on PubMed and Embase using Arskey & O'Malley's scoping review framework. The search strategy included "anterior," "ethmoidal," and "fistula" and excluded review articles and studies with unrelated pathology. Data collected included patient demographics, presentation, angiographic features, treatment modalities, and clinical and radiological outcomes. One-hundred and two articles describing 273 patients with an average age of 58.79 years were included. Two-hundred and sixty patients had surgery; 127 (49 %) had endovascular embolization and 133 (51 %) had open surgery. Surgical approach was significantly associated with complete dAVF obliteration (p = 0.003, X2=8.73, N = 206); patients treated endovascularly were less likely to have complete dAVF obliteration (85.9 % for endovascular versus 97.2 % for microsurgery). Additionally, patients with preoperative dAVF rupture had significantly greater rates of postoperative hemorrhage (p = 0.003, X2=11.86, N = 184). Surgical techniques and endovascular embolization are commonly used when treating dAVF, and our results highlight that open surgery appears to be superior to endovascular embolization when considering complete AEA dAVF obliteration. Despite advancements in treatment modalities, complications such as stroke, hemorrhage, and recurrence persist, emphasizing the importance of continued research and refinement of therapeutic strategies.

Relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases: Abibliometric and visual study.

To provide a comprehensive and updated mapping of observational studies assessing the relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases through a bibliometric and visual analysis. A search was conducted using the Web of Science database, covering the period 1989 to 2024. The Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) from the US National Library of Medicine was used to categorize systemic conditions, focusing on terms unrelated to stomatognathic diseases. The analysis included keyword co-occurrence mapping, co-authorship, bibliographic coupling, and co-citation analysis. Quality indicators such as silhouette score, modularity, and centrality were considered to assess the network's quality. The research strategy identified 6106 records, of which 1519 met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed that 46.73% of the literature on the topic was published in the last 5 years and that the annual publication trend peaked in 2023. Nutritional & Metabolic Diseases (n = 398), Cardiovascular Diseases (n = 335), Female Urogenital Diseases & Pregnancy Complications (n = 244), and Musculoskeletal Diseases (n = 182) were the most representative categories of systemic diseases associated with periodontitis. The most co-cited journals on the topic were the Journal of Periodontology (n = 1412), the Journal of Clinical Periodontology (n = 1343), the Journal of Dental Research (n = 940), and Periodontology 2000 (n = 849). The USA, China, Brazil, and Sweden were the countries that contributed the most to the number of publications. The analysis conducted in the present study revealed a growing trend of observational studies evaluating the association between periodontitis and systemic diseases, highlighting the negative impact of periodontitis on a plethora of systemic conditions and a rising translational interest in this relationship. With an aging population, periodontitis is expected to affect a growing number of people in the coming decades, presenting significant challenges to public health. Improved knowledge is, therefore, essential to enable more comprehensive care, preventive strategies, and optimal oral health for patients with periodontitis.

Network analysis of cross-income-level collaboration on multiple myeloma in sub-Saharan Africa

Cross-income-level collaboration (CILC) is crucial for developing global health approaches that benefit low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Multiple myeloma (MM) is a representative example of a complex, understudied disease in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Based on publications, we developed a network analysis tool to assess scientific collaborations. Here, we present findings from a systematic analysis of publications retrieved from PubMed between January 2002 and June 2022. We evaluated individual institutional contributions and collaboration patterns using undirected weighted networks. Our findings reveal that intra-income-level collaborations dominate MM research in SSA, with high-income countries (HICs) primarily engaging with a few local institutions, mainly in South Africa and Nigeria. Increasing CILC is essential to advance research in this area. Our analysis tool provides insights into the collaboration strength, highlights gaps in the field and identifies leading institutions, ultimately aiming to support the development of more effective international collaboration and research strategies.