bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Venom Isosolenopsin A Delivers Rapid Knockdown of Fire Ant Competitors
Authors: Fox Eduardo G P , Wu Xiaoqing , Wang Lei , Chen Li , Lu Yong-Yue , Xu Yijuan
Published: April 2024

Fire ant venoms are composed of insecticidal alkaloids named ‘solenopsins’. Whilst species-specific differences are reported, little attention was given to caste-specific venom adaptations. The venom of fire ants queens has remained poorly studied. Founding queens must succeed in isolation in the field, where venom is bound to play a role against competitor species. The venoms of fire ant queens are strikingly similar across different species, in being mainly composed of the alkaloid isosolenopsin A, regardless of the chemical diversity of the worker caste. From assuming this pattern as the evolutionary result of stabilising trait selection, we hypothesise a shared mechanism explaining the conserved venom composition among the fire ant queens of different species. Here we report that fire ant queen venom and its major compounds are much quicker to neutralise competitor ants than the more diverse venoms of workers. Three representative competitor ant species sympatric with invasive fire ants were selected, exposed on the head to venoms from invasive fire ant workers and queens of two main invasive species,Solenopsis invictaandS. geminata. The venom diversity in the worker caste of these species represent extremes in the chemical diversity of fire ants. Queen venoms delivers quicker knockdown of rival foragers than worker venoms. The effects are traced back to synthetic solenopsins demonstrating solenopsin A analogues are particularly efficient as contact neurotoxins. The observed effects are comparable to nicotine. Overall the venoms ofS. invictaseem more lethal than ofS. geminata, regardless of knockdown speed. We believe these are fundamental aspects in the chemical ecology of the invasive ants which have been long overlooked, and emphasise on the need for further studies into the venom biology of founding queens.
Perturbative construction of coherent states
Authors: Berezhiani Lasha , Cintia Giordano , Zantedeschi Michael
Published: April 2024

The perturbative consistency of coherent states within interacting quantum field theory requires them to be altered beyond the simple nonsqueezed form. Building on this point, we perform explicit construction of consistent squeezed coherent states, required by the finiteness of physical quantities at the one-loop order. Extending this analysis to two loops, we demonstrate that a non-Gaussian alteration of squeezed coherent states is necessary. The modifications of the coherent state we propose are perturbative in ℏ and may be an indication that coherence must be viewed through a nonlinearly redefined, background-dependent, degree of freedom.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Hydrogen- and halogen-bonding-directed trimeric supramolecular motifs in dihalogenated 1,2,4-triazoles
Authors: Shukla Rahul , Sen Anik
Published: April 2024

Hydrogen-bonding and halogen-bonding interactions are important noncovalent interactions that play a significant role in the crystal structure of organic molecules. An in-depth analysis is given of the crystal packing of two previously reported crystal structures of dihalogenated 1,2,4-triazole derivatives, namely 3,5-dichloro-1H-1,2,4-triazole and 3,5-dibromo-1H-1,2,4-triazole. This work provides insights into the complex interplay of hydrogen-bonding and halogen-bonding interactions resulting in the formation of multiple trimeric motifs in the crystal structure of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives. Analysis of the crystal packing of these isostructural crystal structures revealed that the molecular arrangement in these molecules is primarily stabilized by the formation of different trimeric motifs stabilized by N—H...N hydrogen bonds, N—H...X (X = Cl/Br) halogen bonds and C—X...X halogen-bonding interactions. Computational studies further revealed that all these trimers are energetically stable. A crystallographic database search further reveals that while the cyclic trimers reported in this study are present in other molecules, structures analyzed in this study are the sole instances where all are present simultaneously.
An optimal decision for fresh products' cold chain considering freshness and carbon emission reduction
Authors: Liu Zheng , Huang Na , Han Chunjia , Yang Mu , Zhao Yuanjun , Sun Wenzhuo , Arya Varsha , Gupta Brij B. , Shi Lihua
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of carbon reduction efforts and preservation efforts on system benefits in the cold chain industry of fresh products.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops an optimal decision game model for the fresh products in the cold chain, incorporating the retailer's preservation effort and the supplier's carbon emission reduction effort. It quantifies the relationship between carbon emission reduction effort, preservation effort and system profit. The model considers parameters like carbon trading price, consumer low-carbon preference and consumer freshness preference, reflecting real-world conditions and market trends. Numerical simulations are conducted by varying these parameters to observe their impact on system profit.

Findings

Under the carbon cap-and-trade policy, the profit of the fresh cold chain system is higher than that of the fresh cold chain system without carbon constraints, and the profit of the supplier under decentralized decision-making is increased by nine times in the simulation results. The increase in carbon trading prices can effectively improve the freshness level of fresh products cold chain, carbon emission reduction level and system profit.

Originality/value

This study comprehensively considers the factors of freshness and carbon emission reduction, provides the optimal low-carbon production decision-making reference for the fresh food cold chain and promotes the sustainable development of the fresh food cold chain.
Grain price support policy and the distortion of market price
Authors: Tan Yanwen , Yue Ruixue , Chen Liru , Li Congxi , Chen Kevin Z.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether China's grain price support policy has distorted the grain market price.

Design/methodology/approach

The time-varying differences-in-differences (DID) model is used to study the impact of support policies on grain prices, and it is combined with the event study method to explore the dynamic effects of price support policy. Panel data model is used to study the effect of the price support policy on price formation for national grain market prices. In addition, we apply the smooth transformation (STR) model to verify whether there is a distortion in the transmission of grain prices among different markets in China and from the international market to China’s market.

Findings

China’s grain price support policy plays a significant role in rising grain market prices, weakens the decisive role of the market mechanism in the formation of grain prices, hinders the spatial transmission of market price signals and decreases the effect of price transmission from the world market to China’s market.

Research limitations/implications

In order to ensure both the stability of grain production as well as the market stability, and also to ensure that intervention policies do not distort the food market, the minimum purchase price of grain and market regulation policies should be adjusted as follows: (1) price support policy should be shifted to an income support policy and (2) reasonably determine the scale of reserves and implement a grain minimum purchase price policy in limited areas.

Originality/value

Our findings are relevant for understanding the effect of China's grain price support policies on the implementation regions and the price transmission effect, which provide reference experience for developing countries to implement food price policies.
A novel grey forecasting model with generalised fractal derivative and its optimisation
Authors: Jia Lina , Pang MingYong
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new grey prediction model, GOFHGM (1,1), which combines generalised fractal derivative and particle swarm optimisation algorithms. The aim is to address the limitations of traditional grey prediction models in order selection and improve prediction accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces the concept of generalised fractal derivative and applies it to the order optimisation of grey prediction models. The particle swarm optimisation algorithm is also adopted to find the optimal combination of orders. Three cases are empirically studied to compare the performance of GOFHGM(1,1) with traditional grey prediction models.

Findings

The study finds that the GOFHGM(1,1) model outperforms traditional grey prediction models in terms of prediction accuracy. Evaluation indexes such as mean squared error (MSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) are used to evaluate the model.

Research limitations/implications

The research study may have limitations in terms of the scope and generalisability of the findings. Further research is needed to explore the applicability of GOFHGM(1,1) in different fields and to improve the model’s performance.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the field by introducing a new grey prediction model that combines generalised fractal derivative and particle swarm optimisation algorithms. This integration enhances the accuracy and reliability of grey predictions and strengthens their applicability in various predictive applications.
The effects of mother's schooling on next generation’s schooling: evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Md. Nasir , Sarntisart Saran
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to find the effects of mothers’ schooling on child schooling.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses Bangladesh's Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES), which is a nationally representative survey. It employs the instrumental variable technique to estimate the intergenerational model.

Findings

Interestingly, the results show that the intergenerational transmission of schooling from mothers is slightly higher than that of fathers in Bangladesh.

Research limitations/implications

Estimating the intergenerational model is challenging due to the endogeneity issue. The methodology used in this paper may help to find similar evidence from other countries.

Practical implications

The findings of the study may help to design and evaluate the educational policies in Bangladesh or a country like Bangladesh. For instance, the results of this paper suggest that the female stipend program (FSP) in Bangladesh is effective for the next generation’s schooling.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to analyze the effect of mother’s schooling on the child’s schooling, controlling the father’s education and other household characteristics. In addition, it controls for endogeneity bias due to genetic transmission.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-06-2023-0491
TikTok short video marketing and Gen Z’s purchase intention: evidence from the cosmetics industry in Singapore
Authors: Rizomyliotis Ioannis , Lin Chih Lin , Konstantoulaki Kleopatra , Phan Trang
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of TikTok, a popular short-form video marketing platform, on purchase intention for cosmetics among Generation Z consumers in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative survey was conducted using a convenience sampling method, with a sample of 136 responses. This study examined the influence of various characteristics of TikTok influencers, such as trustworthiness, expertise, attractiveness and entertainment content, on purchase intention.

Findings

This study found that trustworthiness and expertise of influencers, as well as entertainment content, had a significant positive impact on purchase intention. In addition, this study also found that influencer attractiveness and brand anthropomorphism were also significant factors influencing purchase intention. Thise study highlights the importance of the entertainment value, which is in line with the nature of TikTok as a medium.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the limited literature on the effectiveness of TikTok on purchase intention in Singapore, specifically in the cosmetics industry.
The influence of corporate entrepreneurship strategy on SMEs’ internationalization: proposing and testing a model
Authors: Baena-Luna Pedro , Martínez-Román Juan A. , Romero-García José E. , Liñán Francisco
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to propose and test a corporate entrepreneurship strategy (CES) model in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international activity located in Andalusia (Spain) – a peripheral region with high levels of inequality in the European Union (EU).

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative analysis has been carried out with data from 101 SMEs to contrast and analyze the proposed CES model. The sample data were obtained through questionnaire-guided interviews with chief executive officers. Data processing has been done using partial least squares-path modeling, a variance-based technique for structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results of this study show the positive effect of environmental conditions on the development of CES actions in Andalusian SMEs (Spain) and the positive influence of CES on the results of SMEs’ international activity. In turn, environmental conditions do not directly affect the international activity.

Originality/value

Although previous works address the relationship between corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and international enterprise activity, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is original in testing a CES model (including CE and the entrepreneurial strategic vision) in SMEs in a region that has one of the lowest levels of development in the EU. The results have important implications for SMEs and policymakers and could be extrapolated to other emerging economies.
Evaluating the millennial mothers’ relationship building process with baby care brands across two emerging economies
Authors: Sahoo Debajani , Mishra Aditya Shankar , Vannem Reddy Hima Bindhu
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the motivators of mothers’ experience on their engagement behavior in the case of baby care toiletries. Additionally, the role of Brand trust and commitment have also been evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model was empirically tested based on the data collected through a survey using 320 samples from India and 431 samples from Sri Lanka. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Sensory and behavioral dimensions of brand experience can be considered as key drivers of brand trust and brand commitment among millennial mothers in the context of baby care toiletries. It was observed that brand trust had a significant positive impact on brand commitment. There was a significant relationship between brand trust, brand commitment and customer engagement. It was also inferred that brand loyalty is the consequence of customer engagement.

Practical implications

Marketers should gear up initiatives targeting new mothers through healthy aspects and genuine packaging to strengthen the mother’s trust through periodic uses of the product.

Originality/value

The present study is one of the unique empirical investigations that examine the antecedents of consumer engagement in the less researched context of high inherent risk products like baby toiletries.
Adoption patterns of profit-sharing based deposits: empirical evidence from a Muslim majority country
Authors: Rhoudri Sana , Benazzou Lotfi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the antecedents of adoption intention of profit-sharing investment deposits (PSID) among Moroccan customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying an extended version of diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory and using a non-probability sampling technique with convenience approach, a quantitative survey was developed and administered to 171 Islamic banking users. Structural equation modeling was then used to evaluate the significance of relationships between the various variables under study using SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 26.0 statistical packages.

Findings

Empirical findings of the structural analysis indicated a significant direct relationship between adoption intention and six out of seven variables: perceived relative advantage, perceived compatibility, perceived complexity, perceived risk, religiosity and social influence, all of which had a significant effect on Moroccan customers’ intention to invest their funds in profit-sharing based deposit instruments, whereas customer awareness exerted an insignificant positive effect.

Research limitations/implications

The absence of a longitudinal study tracking the actual adoption behavior is the main limitation of this study. Furthermore, data were collected solely from Islamic banking users. Finally, despite being insightful, the empirical findings should be generalized with caution since the sample was purposely selected by the banks’ management.

Practical implications

This study implied that participatory banks should pay substantial attention to risk perceptions, as PSID adoption intention is typically inhibited by high perceived risks associated with these products. Moreover, this study provides great indications to Moroccan regulators and policymakers on a number of issues related to this emerging business.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper represents the first attempt to confirm the effectiveness of the Rogers’ DOI in examining the intention to adopt a financial innovation in the Moroccan context. It is also the first of its kind to address customers’ apprehensions regarding profit-sharing investment products.
Corporate social responsibility: the key to improving brand equity and reputation for local sports associations in Islamic countries
Authors: Montazeri Amir
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Attracting resources (financial and non-financial), supporters and the community’s attention to sports and physical activity has become essential for local sports associations (LSAs). Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are innovative and less imitable tools for strengthening relationships with customers (Lim et al., 2018), and there needs to be relevant research on CSR and the variables discussed in this study at the level of small sports organizations. Moreover, past research has focused on professional sports organizations in developed and non-Islamic countries. So, the following research questions are: What is the influence of CSR initiatives on the organizational reputation, brand equity and customer satisfaction of LSAs operating in the context of recreational sports, particularly in Islamic developing countries, and how does this relationship evolve within the framework of small sports organizations?

Design/methodology/approach

Participants (n = 290) consisted of all customers who used the services of LSAs in the Islamic Republic of Iran). This research seeks to measure the relationship between variables within a causal model based on structural equation modeling.

Findings

This study critically examines the connection between CSR, customer satisfaction, organizational reputation and brand equity in LSAs. This study presents a model that explores how CSR influences customer satisfaction, reputation and brand equity in LSAs in developing countries.

Research limitations/implications

Consequently, customers are likely to feel more satisfied with LSAs that demonstrate a commitment to CSR, and this leads to evaluations of the organization’s reputation and brand equity, ultimately resulting in outcomes for them.

Originality/value

This research presents a comprehensive theoretical model that examines the relationship between CSR, customer satisfaction, reputation and brand equity of LSAs in developing Islamic countries. LSAs must understand and recognize customer interests in social issues and their response to various CSR programs.
Leaders’ knowledge systems in strategizing communication in high-uncertain and low-uncertain crises: balancing operational and relational outcomes
Authors: Bansal Anjali , Lakshman C. , Romano Marco , Nijjer Shivinder , Attri Rekha
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Research on leaders’ knowledge management systems focuses exclusively on how leaders gather and disseminate knowledge in collaboration with external actors. Not much is known about how leaders address the psychological aspects of employees and strategize internal communication. In addition, while previous work has treated high uncertainty as a default feature of crisis, this study aims to propose that perceived uncertainty varies in experience/meaning and has a crucial bearing on the relative balance of cognitive/emotional load on the leader and behavioral/psychological responses.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors contribute by qualitatively examining the role of leader knowledge systems in designing communication strategies in the context of the COVID-19 crisis by investigating communication characteristics, style, modes and the relatively unaddressed role of compassion/persuasion. In this pursuit, the authors interviewed 21 C-suite leaders, including chief executive officers, chief marketing officers, chief financial officers, chief human resource officers and founders, and analyzed their data using open, axial and selective coding, which were later extracted for representative themes and overarching dimensions.

Findings

Drawing from grounded theory research, the authors present a framework of knowledge systems and their resultant communication with employees in high uncertain and low uncertain crises. The authors highlight interactions of a set of concepts – leaders’ preparedness, leaders’ support to employees tailored communication adapted to perceived uncertainty, leading to enhanced trust – in the achievement of outcomes related to balancing operational and relational systems with employees. The findings suggest that a structured process of communication helps employees mitigate any concern related to uncertainty and feel confident in their leadership.

Originality/value

The research has implications for leaders in managing their knowledge systems, for human esources practitioners in designing effective internal communication programs, as well as for scholars in knowledge management, communication and leadership.
AI in Bangladeshi libraries: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Mahmud Md. Rifat
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries in Bangladesh and provide recommendations to guide the responsible integration of AI to enhance library services and accessibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews relevant literature on the applications of AI in libraries, the current state of technology adoption in Bangladeshi libraries and the ethical considerations surrounding AI implementation. It analyzes the potential benefits of AI tools such as chatbots, intelligent search engines, text-to-speech and language translation for improving user services and inclusion. The challenges of infrastructure constraints, lack of resources and skills, data privacy issues and bias are also examined through the lens of the Bangladeshi context.

Findings

AI offers transformative opportunities to automate operations, strengthen user services through 24/7 virtual assistants and personalized recommendations and promote accessibility for diverse users in Bangladeshi libraries. However, significant challenges such as inadequate technology infrastructure, funding limitations, shortage of AI-skilled staff, data privacy risks and potential biases must be addressed. Strategically planning for sustainable implementation, building AI capacity, prioritizing ethical AI development and fostering collaborations are critical factors for successful AI adoption.

Originality/value

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the prospects and obstacles in leveraging AI specifically for libraries in Bangladesh. It offers original insights and context-specific recommendations tailored to the needs and constraints of a developing nation working to harness AI’s potential to create dynamic, inclusive knowledge centers serving all communities.
Interlocking directorships and firm performance: the role of board diversity
Authors: Khan Ajab , Baker Kent H.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of interlocking directorships on firm performance in Turkey, with a specific focus on the moderating role of board diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a panel dataset comprising the top 100 firms listed on Borsa Istanbul from 2014 to 2018, this study employs regression analysis to investigate the relationship between interlocking directorships, board diversity, and firm performance. It firm-level financial data and directorship information to assess the effects of interlocking directorships on firm performance while also considering the moderating influence of board diversity.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal several important insights. First, the results confirm the “busyness hypothesis” as an increase in the number of interlocks per director negatively impacts firm performance, indicating reduced monitoring effectiveness. However, the study also demonstrates that board diversity plays a significant moderating role. Specifically, board diversity positively influences the relationship between interlocking directorships and firm performance, suggesting that a diverse board can mitigate the negative effects of interlocks and enhance overall firm performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature in several ways. First, this study extends our understanding of the relationship between interlocking directorships and firm performance, considering contingency factors in the Turkish market. Second, our findings imply that board diversity mitigates the negative impact of busy interlocking directorates and improves firm performance, which provides invaluable directions to firms in setting their boards. Moreover, this research enhances corporate governance practices in Turkey and beyond in other emerging markets with similar corporate governance mechanisms by identifying the importance of board diversity and its moderating influence.
Investigating “social time” in autism to develop a smartphone app: a co-produced consultation with specialist psychologists and psychotherapists
Authors: Riches Simon , Hammond Neil , Bianco Marilla , Fialho Carolina , Nicholson Sarah Lisle , Acland James
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Although increased social time is associated with healthier lifestyles, autistic people often present in therapy with social time difficulties. Given the growing interest in digital interventions and their applicability for autistic individuals, a social time app could be beneficial to support autistic people to manage social time, but there is limited research in this field, especially that which involves people with lived experience. The purpose of this study was to use co-production to conduct consultations with expert clinicians about the relationship between autism and social time, and the future development of a smartphone app to monitor and support social time in autistic people.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology investigated clinicians’ views on the relationship between autism and social time and potential development of a social time app. Clinicians (N = 8) participated in semi-structured interviews facilitated by a researcher with lived experience of autism.

Findings

Participants were psychologists and psychotherapists from a specialist autism service. Thematic analysis identified factors associated with social time, such as differences with neurotypical populations, need for balance with non-social time and gender differences. According to participants, advantages of social time were connecting with people and forming relationships, whereas challenges were limited social skills, anxiety and anger and frustration. Suggested features of an app were a user-friendly design, psychoeducational components and prompts and reminders. Potential advantages of the app were support outside of therapy, support in therapy and monitoring emotional responses, whereas challenges were task completion and personalising content.

Originality/value

Findings reinforce the importance of a balance between social and non-social time for autistic people, which could be monitored and supported using a social time app. Clinicians could incorporate use of this app within psychological therapies to support emotional regulation and general functioning.
Assessing mental health and technology use in the time of COVID-19 among farmworkers in the U.S. – Mexico border
Authors: Castor Michaela Dakota , Hernandez Nora , Orozco Adriana
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present findings on a community-based participatory research project where the authors examined access and ability to use technology, attitudes and perceptions of technology, and COVID-19 and mental health beliefs in the time of COVID-19, among predominantly Hispanic/Latinx farmworker males residing in the US–Mexico border city of El Paso, Texas.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a qualitative narrative analysis which consisted of in-person interviews in Spanish with male farmworkers (n = 10) between the ages of 49–60 years. This paper applied a research approach designed to engage researchers and community stakeholders as equal partners with the goal of improving practice.

Findings

Of the participants, eight reported having a phone and only three reported knowing how to use the internet. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the participants reported living a relatively stress-free life. When the pandemic impacted their community, they reported experiencing heightened anxiety and stress. To relieve stress, all participants used healthy coping strategies (e.g. walking and gardening).

Originality/value

The findings suggest that farmworker males are receptive to obtaining mental health services. In addition, they would benefit from resources highlighting healthy stress coping mechanisms. Due to their limited knowledge of current internet technology, efforts on how to promote and deliver mental health services and resources to farmworkers should be strategic and appropriate.
Organizational politics, anger and workplace cyberbullying perpetration: a multigroup analysis of gender
Authors: Malik Omer Farooq , Pichler Shaun
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Drawing on affective events theory, the purpose of this paper was to investigate direct and indirect relationships between perceived organizational politics and workplace cyberbullying (WCB) perpetration mediated through anger, as well as to examine the moderating role of gender in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised 534 white-collar employees who were employed in a variety of service industries, including banking, higher education, telecommunications, health care and insurance in Islamabad, Pakistan. Data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique in Amos.

Findings

Results demonstrated that perceived organizational politics has a direct positive effect on WCB perpetration. Moreover, results indicated that perceived organizational politics evokes anger among employees that, in turn, triggers WCB perpetration. Results of a multigroup analysis revealed that the positive effect of perceived organizational politics on WCB perpetration was not significantly different between men and women. However, the positive relationship between perceived organizational politics and anger was significantly stronger for men than for women. Likewise, this study found a significantly stronger relationship for men than for women between anger and WCB perpetration. Anger partially mediated the relationship between perceived organizational politics and WCB perpetration only among men.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating that perceived organizational politics triggers WCB perpetration directly and indirectly through its impact on anger. Moreover, this study identified gender differences in the experience and expression of anger in response to perceived organizational politics.
Retrospective perceptions of support for career development among PhD graduates from US and New Zealand universities
Authors: Spronken-Smith Rachel , Brown Kim , Cameron Claire
Published: April 2024

Purpose

PhD graduates are entering an increasing range of careers, but past research has highlighted a lack of preparation for these careers. This study aims to explore the reflections of PhD graduates from science and humanities and social science disciplines regarding support for career development (CD) during their study.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design and collected 136 survey responses and interviewed 21 PhD graduates from two US and one New Zealand universities to investigate their career readiness. Using the lens of Cognitive Information Processing theory, the authors explored the development of self-knowledge and career options-knowledge, and how support at the macro (institutional), meso (departmental) and micro (supervisors) levels influenced CD.

Findings

During doctoral study, there was very poor engagement with CD activities. Graduates displayed limited self-knowledge and poor knowledge about career options. Graduates reported drawing mainly on their departments and supervisors for career guidance. Although there were pockets of good practice, some departments were perceived as promoting academia as the only successful outcome, neglecting to support other possible pathways. Some graduates reported excellent supervisor support for CD, but others described disinterest or a damaging response if students said they were not wanting to pursue academia.

Originality/value

The enabling aspects for developing self- and options-knowledge are collated into a conceptual model, which identifies key factors at institutional, departmental and supervisor levels, as well as for PhD students themselves.
Below‐ground root nutrient‐acquisition strategies are more sensitive to long‐term grazing than above‐ground leaf traits across a soil nutrient gradient
Authors: Cai Jinting , Pan Xiaobin , Xiao Yingli , Wang Yue , Li Guangyin , Wang Yao , Zhang Minna , Wang Ling
Published: April 2024

Understanding how plant nutrient acquisition strategies respond to grazing at the community level is critical understanding ecosystem structure and functioning in grasslands. However, few studies have simultaneously compared the difference in above‐ground (leaf) and below‐ground (root) nutrient‐acquisition strategies in response to long‐term grazing, especially at the regional scale.

Here, we measured a set of leaf and fine‐root traits that correspond to the fast‐slow economic spectrum at the community level in 10 experimental sites from paired grazed and ungrazed grasslands across a soil nutrient gradient covering three major types of grasslands in northern China.

We found that patterns of variations of leaf and fine‐root traits were consistent with both a leaf and root economic spectrum at the community level for both grazed and non‐grazed plots. Grazing had minor effect on community‐level leaf nutrient‐acquisition strategies but strongly influenced community‐level root nutrient‐acquisition strategies. Specifically, root nutrient‐acquisition strategies were shifted to more exploitative resource use in grazed communities. Moreover, soil nutrient contributed to the changes in both leaf and root nutrient‐acquisition strategies, which tended towards a more resource acquisition strategy with increasing soil nutrient levels. Grazing significantly interacted with soil nutrient to affect root nutrient‐acquisition strategies, and grazing contributed more to root nutrient‐acquisition strategies than soil nutrient.

Synthesis. Our results demonstrated completely inconsistent responses of community‐level above‐ and below‐ground resource acquisition strategies to long‐term grazing, and below‐ground acquisition strategies were more sensitive to long‐term grazing. Our findings also suggest that high intensity anthropogenic activities such as grazing may strongly modify below‐ground resource acquisition strategies.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Does microbial carbon use efficiency differ between particulate and mineral‐associated organic matter?
Authors: Ma Lixiao , Zhu Erxiong , Jia Juan , Wang Ya , Kang Enze , Yi Wenxing , Jiang Zhenhui , Dai Guohua , Feng Xiaojuan
Published: April 2024

Microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE), a key parameter to characterize microbial carbon conversion efficiency, is assumed to be similar in soil models for different soil functional pools with varied organic matter composition and nutrient availability, that is, particulate organic matter (POM) and mineral‐associated organic matter (MAOM). However, empirical studies comparing microbial CUE in POM versus MAOM are largely lacking. It is not known whether microbial CUE variance may underpin the variant behaviour (i.e. turnover and composition) of different soil functional pools.

Here we collected surface soils from 25 natural forests and grasslands with divergent edaphic properties, and compared microbial CUE in their POM versus MAOM using soil fractionation in combination with incubation using 18O‐labelled water. We also quantified edaphic properties, organic matter composition, microbial community structures and the stoichiometric imbalance of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) relative to carbon based on the dissolved pool relative to microbial biomass (ImN and ImP) to investigate variables regulating microbial CUE and its variation in POM relative to MAOM (CUEPOM/CUEMAOM).

In contrast to our expectation, microbial CUE did not consistently differ between POM and MAOM across sites, albeit with large inter‐sample variations in CUEPOM/CUEMAOM (from 0.3 to 4.4). Although MAOM had higher substrate quality, indicated by lower ratios of soil organic carbon to total nitrogen (C/NOM) and higher N‐compounds/aromatic ratios, and higher proportions of r‐strategists and fast‐growing bacteria in the microbial community than POM, POM and MAOM had similar degrees of N limitation (i.e. ImN), which was the best predictor of microbial CUE across all samples. Therefore, although MAOM harboured more N‐containing compounds than POM, N limitation was not necessarily lower, leading to an overall similar microbial CUE in POM and MAOM. Nevertheless, CUEPOM/CUEMAOM decreased with increasing P limitation in POM relative to MAOM.

Overall, our paper presents a comprehensive, empirical study comparing microbial CUE in POM and MAOM of diverse soils, and our results support the use of similar microbial CUE for POM and MAOM in soil models, but also highlight potential contrasts in microbial CUE between soil pools under strong P limitation. Such inferences deserve attention under potentially increasing P limitation induced by N deposition. This study advances our mechanistic understanding of ecological patterns and processes from the organismic to the ecosystem scale based on soil microbial physiology and different soil functional pools.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Beyond yield and toward sustainability: Using applied ecology to support biodiversity conservation and food production
Authors: Rader Romina , Nuñez Martin A. , Siqueira Tadeu , Zou Yi , Macinnis‐Ng Cate , Marini Lorenzo , Batáry Péter , Gordon Rowena , Groves Lydia , Barlow Jos
Published: April 2024

Agroecological research has an important role in supporting evidence‐based land management to ensure food production is achieved whilst minimising the impacts on biodiversity and its associated ecosystem processes and services.

This nexus between often competing priorities of optimal production and sustainability requires greater knowledge of management decisions to enact more sustainable and transformative practice change and to better conserve biodiversity.

We highlight three key knowledge gaps in this area: (i) The use of appropriate indicators to measure dependencies and impacts on biodiversity; (ii) Methods to improve the management of resources to support the “health” of biodiversity within agroecosystems; (iii) Greater understanding of the ecosystem processes, and services generated and received across terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

Synthesis and applications. Ecological research and robust science will play a vital role in supporting more sustainable food production. We see Journal of Applied Ecology playing a key role in promoting agricultural research that goes beyond a narrow focus on increasing output, and encourage more submissions at the interface of agriculture, ecology and biodiversity conservation, considering social and economic aspects for a sustainable future.
Optimisation of fermentation for developing a novel low‐allergenic fermented milk beverage with reduced antigenicity
Authors: Sun Liping , Chen Gangliang , Wang Qi , Yang Sen , Li Xinling , Zheng Qi , Xu Chao , Chi Lei , Mu Guangqing , Zhu Xuemei
Published: April 2024

In pursuit of expanding dietary options for those with allergies, we aimed to develop a low‐allergenic fermented milk beverage. We adopted a combination fermentation strategy to enhance the allergy mitigation efficacy of 4 strains of lactic acid bacteria. Our fermentation conditions were optimised with an equal ratio (1:1:1:1) of strains, a total 5% inoculation rate and fermentation at 40°C for 6.5 h. Under conditions, the antigen reduction rates for α‐lactalbumin (α‐LA), β‐lactoglobulin (β‐LG), α‐casein and β‐casein were impressive, ranging from 43.54 to 70.51%. A 28‐day storage assessment showed that the reduction rates of the 4 antigens ranged from 38.98% to 78.06%. Most importantly, it was found through indirect competitive ELISA that the binding ability of immunoglobulin E to α‐LA and β‐LG, which we are concerned about, was significantly reduced compared to the unfermented sample. Notable, the beverage maintained favorable physicochemical properties throughout the storage period.
International Linkages of Inflation‐Output Dynamics: Fresh GVAR Evidence from Pakistan and Its Trading Partners
Authors: Ayyoub Muhammad
Published: April 2024

The key purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between inflation and output dynamics in a global macroeconomic framework by utilising time‐series data from Pakistan and thirty‐two trading partners which account for around 95 per cent of foreign trade of Pakistan, over the period 1979Q2–2016Q4. By featuring the GVAR approach, this paper empirically examined the international linkages to account for cross‐country inflationary spillovers. The findings show that both foreign and global variables jointly and significantly matter for the inflation‐output relationship in developing economies, in general and, in particular, in the economy of Pakistan. The findings from general impulse response functions (GIRF) reveal that shocks to the US real output, oil prices and food prices are transmitted and settled quickly, and put forward a significant impact on real GDP and inflation in Pakistan and its trading partner economies. Inflation in Pakistan is driven more strongly by the global changes in oil and food prices than GDP. For monetary policy formulation, the central bank should take into account developments in inflation‐output dynamics of Pakistan's major trading partners.
The surge of bromazolam‐related fatalities replacing other novel designer benzodiazepines‐related fatalities in San Francisco
Authors: Rodda Luke N.
Published: April 2024

Background and aim

Bromazolam, a novel designer benzodiazepine (NBD), exhibits potent sedative, hypnotic and anxiolytic effects, raising concerns regarding its potential for misuse and fatal outcomes, particularly when combined with opioids such as fentanyl. Despite limited documented fatalities globally, its use poses a significant threat, exacerbated by under‐reporting and a lack of routine testing. This study analysed NBD‐related deaths in a major US city over a 4‐year period.

Methods

Analysis of accidental overdose deaths involving NBDs in San Francisco, CA, USA from 2020 to 2023, was performed utilizing medico‐legal death investigations including comprehensive forensic toxicology, pathology and demographic information. San Francisco conducts thorough investigations into all non‐natural and sudden unexpected deaths, including routine alcohol and drug testing of decedents under its jurisdiction, including etizolam, flualprazolam, flubromazolam and bromazolam analysis.

Results

There was a sudden surge in bromazolam‐related deaths, with 44 fatalities documented in 2023, contrasting with relatively fewer deaths related to other NBDs. Bromazolam fatalities frequently involved co‐ingestion with opioids, primarily fentanyl, and stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Demographic characteristics indicated a predominance of males, with a significant proportion lacking fixed addresses. Blood concentrations of bromazolam increased during the study period, suggesting heightened availability and/or purity in the community.

Conclusion

There was a surge in bromazolam‐related deaths during 2023 in San Francisco, CA, USA, contrasting with relatively stable numbers of deaths associated with other NBDs over the preceding years. The findings underscore the urgency for enhanced death investigation, testing and reporting to facilitate targeted harm reduction strategies for individuals at risk of bromazolam‐related morbidity and mortality.
“It's about how you use your privilege”: Privilege, Power, and Social (In)justice in Berlin's Community Food Spaces
Authors: Véron Ophélie
Published: April 2024

This paper explores the role of community food spaces in processes of social change and reproduction. I investigate the mechanisms by which these groups reproduce, exacerbate, or dismantle power relations and socio‐environmental injustices. I systematically examine exclusion and inclusion dynamics and assess what shapes diversity of participation and representation. Contending that diversity is not a sufficient indicator of social equity and may overshadow forms of injustice, I unpack the interlocking workings of privilege and power in place and examine innovative ways of developing emancipatory food politics. Drawing upon activist ethnography among community gardens, people's kitchens, and co‐operative projects in Berlin, I expose the complex, dual nature of its food activist landscape, characterised by the coexistence of experienced, locally rooted, and openly political projects, and more recent, outsider‐led sustainability‐ and consumption‐orientated projects—together embodying the variegated and shifting politics of socio‐environmental change in the city and beyond.