bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-Cell Antigen Receptor Sequencing in Pigs with Influenza
Authors: Gu Weihong , Madrid Darling Melany de Carvahlo , Clements Sadie , Touchard Laurie , Bivins Nathan , Zane Grant , Zhou Mingyi , Lee Kiho , Driver John P.
Published: October 2024

Understanding the pulmonary adaptive immune system of pigs is important as respiratory pathogens present a major challenge for swine producers and pigs are increasingly used to model human pulmonary diseases. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) has accelerated the characterization of cellular phenotypes in the pig respiratory tract under both healthy and diseased conditions. However, combining scRNAseq with recovery of paired T cell receptor (TCR) α and β chains as well as B cell receptor (BCR) heavy and light chains to interrogate their repertoires has not to our knowledge been demonstrated for pigs. Here, we developed primers to enrich porcine TCR α and β chains along with BCR κ and λ light chains and IgM, IgA, and IgG heavy chains that are compatible with the 10x Genomics VDJ sequencing protocol. Using these pig-specific assays, we sequenced the T and B cell receptors of cryopreserved lung cells fromCD1D-expressing and -deficient pigs after one or two infections with influenza A virus (IAV) to examine whether natural killer T (NKT) cells alter pulmonary TCR and BCR repertoire selection. We also performed paired single-cell RNA and receptor sequencing of FACS-sorted T cells longitudinally sampled from the lungs of IAV-vaccinated and -infected pigs to track clonal expansion in response to IAV exposure. All pigs presented highly diverse repertoires. Pigs re-exposed to influenza antigens from either vaccination or infection exhibited higher numbers of expanded CD4 and CD8 T cell clonotypes with activated phenotypes, suggesting potential IAV reactive T cell populations. Our results demonstrate the utility of high throughput single-cell TCR and BCR sequencing in pigs.
Illicit Cigarette Trade and Tax evasion in Zambia: Findings from the Tobacco Control Data Initiative 2023
Authors: Zyambo Cosmas , Phiri Masauso Moses , Mwamulela Webby , Zulu Richard , Maka Mbaita , Camara Aminata , Ogolla Sharon , Ali Seember Joy , Pokothoane Retselisitsoe , Ross Hana , Goma Fastone Matthew , Mdege Noreen Dadirai
Published: October 2024

Background

Illicit cigarette trade has significant economic and public health implications. It leads to governments tax revenue losses due to the evasion of tobacco taxes, and often these cigarettes are cheaper ones therefore increasing cigarette consumption.

Objective

To estimate the Illicit cigarette trade and tax evasion in Zambia and establish its associated factors

Methods and analysis

A cross sectional survey was used to collect empty cigarette packs from the retailers and street/bins in 25 districts covering 10 Provinces of Zambia. We used a descriptive analysis to calculate the proportion of illicit cigarette packs and other specific criteria. Logistic regression was used to model the factors associated with the prevalence of the illicit cigarette market in Zambia.

Results

Of the 118, 344 empty cigarette packs collected (82.0% from the retailers and 18.0% the street/bins), Rothmans accounted for 40.7% and Stuyvesant 13.1%, both manufactured by British American Tobacco. 14,428 (12.2%) were deemed illicit. Out of the total packs, 1792 (1.5%) did not have a textual health warning, 343 (0.3%) packs did not have a textual health warning in english, 1490 (1.3%) had duty-free stamps even though they were purchased from retail outlets that were not duty-free shops and, 11,939 (10.1%) did not have a ZRA stamp. Factors associated with reduced odds of illicit cigarettes sales were non-boarder [AOR 0.17 (CI; 0.13 – 0.23)] and local manufactured AOR 0.44 (CI; 0.37 – 0.53).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that 12.2% of the cigarettes sold on the Zambian market is illicit, with 10.1% evading tax. We found that cigarettes from Lusaka province, urban regions, border towns, and those that are imported had higher odds of being illicit. This finding underscores the fact that Zambia should ratify and implement the WHO Protocol on Illicit Tobacco Trade (ITP) to counter the supply of illicit cigarettes.
Body composition as a biomarker for assessing future lung cancer risk
Authors: Wang Jing , Leader Joseph K. , Meng Xin , Yu Tong , Wang Renwei , Herman James , Yuan Jian-min , Wilson David , Pu Jiantao
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To investigate if body composition is a biomarker for assessing the risk of developing lung cancer.

Materials and Methods

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans from the Pittsburgh Lung Screening Study (PLuSS) (n=3,635, 22 follow-up years) and NLST-ACRIN (n=16,435, 8 follow-up years) cohorts were used in the study. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms were developed to automatically segment and quantify subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), skeletal muscle (SM), and bone. Cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the hazard ratios (HRs). Standard time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic ability of different models over time.

Results

The final composite models were formed by seven variables: age (HR=1.20), current smoking status (HR=1.59), bone volume (HR=1.79), SM density (HR=0.29), IMAT ratio (HR=0.33), IMAT density (HR=0.56), and SAT volume (HR=0.56). The models trained on the PLuSS cohort achieved a mean AUC of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.74-0.79) over 21 follow-up years and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.66-0.74) over the first 7 follow-up years for predicting lung cancer development within the PLuSS cohort. In contrast, models trained on the PLuSS cohort alone, as well as in combination with the NLST cohorts, achieved an AUC ranging from 0.61 to 0.68 in the NLST cohort over a 7-year follow-up period.

Conclusion

Body composition assessed on LDCT is a significant predictor of lung cancer risk and could improve the effectiveness of LDCT lung cancer screening by optimizing the screening eligibility and frequency.

Summary statement

Body composition assessed on LDCT is a significant predictor of lung cancer risk and could improve the effectiveness of LDCT lung cancer screening by optimizing the screening eligibility and frequency.

Key Points

This study unveils the significant associations between body tissues and lung cancer risk.

The prediction models based on body composition alone, as well as the combination of demographics and body composition features can effectively identify patients at higher risk of developing lung cancer.
The Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway alters the cytoskeleton to modulate cell proliferation and migration in metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Shakya Rajina , Suraneni Praveen , Zaslavsky Alexander , Rahi Amit , Magdongon Christine B. , Gajjela Raju , Mattamana Basil B. , Varma Dileep
Published: October 2024

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progresses despite androgen deprivation therapy, as cancer cells adapt to grow without testosterone, becoming more aggressive and prone to metastasis. CRPC biology complicates the development of effective therapies, posing challenges for patient care. Recent gene-expression and metabolomics studies highlight the Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway (HBP) as a critical player, with key components like GNPNAT1 and UAP1 being downregulated in metastatic CRPC. GNPNAT1 knockdown has been shown to increase cell proliferation and metastasis in CRPC cell lines, though the mechanisms remain unclear.

To investigate the cellular basis of these CRPC phenotypes, we generated a CRISPR-Cas9 knockout model of GNPNAT1 in 22Rv1 CRPC cells, analyzing its impact on metabolomic, glycoproteomic, and transcriptomic profiles of cells. We hypothesize that HBP inhibition disrupts the cytoskeleton, altering mitotic progression and promoting uncontrolled growth. GNPNAT1 KO cells showed reduced levels of cytoskeletal filaments, such as actin and microtubules, leading to cell structure disorganization and chromosomal mis-segregation. GNPNAT1 inhibition also activated PI3K/AKT signaling, promoting proliferation, and impaired cell adhesion by mislocalizing EphB6, enhancing migration via the RhoA pathway and promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These findings suggest that HBP plays a critical role in regulating CRPC cell behavior, and targeting this pathway could provide a novel therapeutic approach.
Liver CYP4A autophagic-lysosomal degradation (ALD): A major role for the autophagic receptor SQSTM1/p62 through an uncommon target interaction site
Authors: He Liang , Kwon Doyoung , Trnka Michael J. , Liu Yi , Yang Jade , Li Kathy , Totah Rheem A. , Johnson Eric F. , Burlingame A. L. , Correia Maria Almira
Published: October 2024

The hepatic P450 hemoproteins CYPs 4A are typical N-terminally anchored Type I endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-proteins, that are inducible by hypolipidemic drugs and other “peroxisome proliferators”. They are engaged in the ω-/ω-1-oxidation of various fatty acids including arachidonic acid, prostaglandins and leukotrienes and in the biotransformation of some therapeutic drugs. Herein we report that of the mammalian liver CYPs 4A, human CYP4A11 and mouse Cyp4a12a are preferential targets of the ER-lysosome-associated degradation (ERLAD). Consequently, these proteins are stabilized both as 1%Triton X100-soluble and -insoluble species in mouse hepatocytes and HepG2-cells deficient in the autophagic initiation ATG5-gene. Although these proteins exhibit surface LC3-interacting regions (LIRs) that would target them directly to the autophagosome, they nevertheless interact intimately with the autophagic receptor SQSTM1/p62. Through structural deletion analyses and site-directed mutagenesis, we have identified the Cyp4A-interacting p62 subdomain to lie between residues 170 and 233, which include its Traf6-binding and LIM-binding subdomains. Mice carrying a liver-specific genetic deletion of p62 residues 69-251 (p62Mut) that includes the CYP4A-interacting subdomain also exhibit Cyp4a-protein stabilization both as Triton X100-soluble and -insoluble species. Consistently, p62Mut mouse liver microsomes exhibit enhanced ω- and ω-1-hydroxylation of arachidonic acid to its physiologically active metabolites 19- and 20-HETEs relative to the corresponding wild-type mouse liver microsomes. Collectively, our findings suggest that any disruption of CYP4A ERLAD results in functionally active P450 protein and consequent production of proinflammatory metabolites on one hand, and insoluble aggregates on the other, which may contribute to pathological aggregates i.e. Mallory-Denk bodies/inclusions, hallmarks of many liver diseases.
Diversity of structural and magnetic instabilities in
EuTiO3
Authors: Bussmann-Holder Annette , Kremer Reinhard K. , Liarokapis Efthymios , Roleder Krystian
Published: October 2024

The perovskite oxide EuTiO3 (ETO) has attracted increased scientific interest due to its potential multiferroic properties and magnetic activity above and below its structural phase transition at TS=282 K. Various experiments have indirectly evidenced that this transition is neither a cubic tetragonal nor the only one occurring in ETO. Here, we show results demonstrating two further instabilities below TS based on lattice dynamics and spin-phonon interactions combined with a Landau free energy model with coupled order parameters. The transition temperatures agree with available experimental data where further instabilities have been anticipated.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Approaches of frequency-dependent squeezing for the low frequency detector of the Einstein Telescope
Authors: Peng Xingrui , Martynov Denis , Zhu Zonghong , Zhang Teng
Published: October 2024

The quantum noise in gravitational-wave detectors can be suppressed in a broadband by frequency-dependent squeezing. It usually requires one large scale filter cavity and even two, for example in the low frequency detector of Einstein Telescope, which is a detuned dual recycling Fabry-Perot Michelson interferometer. In this paper, we study the feasibility of replacing two filter cavities with a coupled-cavity, aiming to reduce the optical losses with less number of optics. It turns out this approach is only theoretically valid, however, the required parameters of the optics do not support practical implementation, which is consistent with the results in Jones [Implications of the quantum noise target for the Einstein Telescope infrastructure design, ]. Furthermore, we investigate the viability of utilizing Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) squeezing to eliminate either one or two filter cavities in the Einstein Telescope. It turns out EPR squeezing would allow us to eliminate one filter cavity, and can potentially improve the detector sensitivity with the allowance of higher input squeezing level, benefiting from the longer length of the arm cavity which serves as one of the filter cavities for frequency-dependent squeezing.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Symmetries and symmetry-generated averages of elastic constants up to the sixth order of nonlinearity for all crystal classes, isotropy and transverse isotropy
Authors: Telyatnik Rodion Sergeyevich
Published: October 2024

Algebraic expressions for averaging linear and nonlinear stiffness tensors from general anisotropy to different effective symmetries (11 Laue classes elastically representing all 32 crystal classes, and two non-crystalline symmetries: isotropic and cylindrical) have been derived by automatic symbolic computations of the arithmetic mean over the set of rotational transforms determining a given symmetry. This approach generalizes the Voigt average to nonlinear constants and desired approximate symmetries other than isotropic, which can be useful for a description of textured polycrystals and rocks preserving some symmetry aspects. Low-symmetry averages have been used to derive averages of higher symmetry to speed up computations. Relationships between the elastic constants of each symmetry have been deduced from their corresponding averages by resolving the rank-deficient system of linear equations. Isotropy has also been considered in terms of generalized Lamé constants. The results are published in the form of appendices in the supporting information for this article and have been deposited in the Mendeley database.
Investigating the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in shaping digital entrepreneurial intention: the mediating role of self-efficacy
Authors: Ridwan Muhamad , Fiodian Vinsensius Yonakolas , Religia Yoga , Hardiana Shely Rizki
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the growing significance of digital entrepreneurship, which remains in its early stages within entrepreneurship research, with limited understanding of its determining factors. Specifically, it seeks to address the motivations driving individuals to pursue digital entrepreneurship, the factors shaping their intentions, and the essential requirements for success as digital entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study introduces a model that uses challenge and enjoyment as intrinsic motivation, compensation and outward factors as extrinsic motivation and self-efficacy as theoretical elements to predict digital entrepreneurial intention. Through a comprehensive literature review, the research establishes nine hypotheses in a model tested through structural equation modeling with a survey involving 303 students from various Indonesian universities.

Findings

The findings underscore the essential role of self-efficacy in forecasting digital entrepreneurial intention. Moreover, self-efficacy is a significant positive mediator in the relationships between challenge motivation, compensation motivation, outward motivation and digital entrepreneurial intention. The study also indicates that enjoyment motivation does not influence self-efficacy, and self-efficacy does not exhibit significant positive mediating effects on enjoyment motivation and digital entrepreneurial intention. The conclusions highlight the significance of intrinsic motivation through challenge, extrinsic motivation through compensation and outward factors and the role of self-efficacy in motivating students to participate in digital entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This study contributes significantly to the expanding field of digital entrepreneurial intention by developing a conceptual framework that elucidates the roles of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations in fostering self-efficacy, thereby shaping individuals’ intentions toward digital entrepreneurship.
Project managers’ competencies in the era of digitalization: the case of the construction industry
Authors: Kissi Ernest , Eluerkeh Kenneth , Aigbavboa Clinton , Addy Michael , Babon-Ayeng Prosper
Published: October 2024

Purpose

With emerging technologies rapidly changing work processes, it is important to understand the skills and characteristics project managers (PMs) need to effectively manage projects in the digital era. This study determines the underlying competencies needed for digitalization among PMs in the construction industry. The study also identified the most significant competencies needed by PMs in the era of digitalization.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted for the research study was quantitative. It was founded on a thorough review of pertinent literature, which went through a pilot survey study from six project management experts in the construction industry. Based on the comment and feedback, a questionnaire survey was developed and distributed to participants through a convenience sampling technique. The data retrieved were from 100 professional PMs out of 130 questionnaires distributed in the Ghanaian construction industry. Data collected were analyzed using fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE).

Findings

Based on FSE, the three competency parameters (knowledge, skills, personal characteristics) generated significant indices indicating that all three competencies are significant among construction PMs in the digitalization era. Under the knowledge competency parameter, six sub-competencies comprising a total of 12 variables were identified. For skills, seven sub-competencies consisting of 23 variables were identified. Regarding personal attributes, six sub-competencies with 17 variables were highlighted. Under knowledge, technical knowledge was found to be the most important with an index of 4.212. For skills, leadership skills were rated highest with an index of 4.240. Regarding personal attributes, social or interpersonal skills were deemed most critical with an index of 4.199.

Practical implications

The results provide guidance to both industry and academic stakeholders. For PMs and their employers, the study highlights priority areas for competency development and training related to the era of digitalization. It also informs educational institutions on how to structure project management curricula to best prepare students for jobs of the future. This study gives more insight into the competencies that need more attention for PMs in the digitalization era. As a result, firms that adopt the identified competency will benefit from implementing digitalization in project delivery.

Originality/value

This study makes an original contribution as one of the first to empirically investigate the competencies required of construction PMs in the construction industry in the digitalization era. By focusing on the developing country context of Ghana, the study extends knowledge to an under-researched region and market. It provides a foundation for future comparative research across diverse global contexts.
CEO activism: a strategic framework for topic selection, considering issue maturity and congruence
Authors: Kim Yeonsoo
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study proposes that strategic planning and execution can make CEO activism an effective public relations practice. It introduces a model for selecting activism topics, emphasizing issue maturity and congruence as critical factors. The study investigates how topic selection influences public trust in CEO activism and perceptions of CEO leadership, ultimately impacting public support for the advocated issue and company loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A randomized 2 × 2 experiment was conducted: issue maturity (mature vs controversial) and issue-company congruence (high vs low).

Findings

Generally, CEO activism on mature issues fostered greater public trust and favorable evaluations of transformational leadership compared to controversial issues. However, issue-company congruency significantly moderated these effects. Mature, high-congruence issues led to increased trust, positive leadership evaluations and greater advocacy and company loyalty. In contrast, mature issues with low congruency did not yield the same positive outcomes. Controversial issues with high congruency resulted in the lowest levels of trust, potentially leading to backlash and diminished the positive impact of CEO activism.

Originality/value

The results underscore the importance of strategic issue selection for CEO activism. Carefully chosen topics, considering both issue maturity and company-issue congruence, can effectively garner public support for the sociopolitical issue the CEO is advocating for while simultaneously enhancing perceptions of the CEO’s leadership and fostering company loyalty.
Profit shifting and tax competition policy: a global justice perspective
Authors: Love James H.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to argue that the endogenous processes of profit shifting by MNEs and tax competition lead not just to inequality but constitute a case of global injustice. The provisions of the planned “two-pillar” reforms to global corporate taxation are then considered relative to the minimum conditions for background justice in taxation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is partly conceptual, based on relevant theoretical work in philosophy, and partly policy-focussed, based on an assessment of the OECD/G20 “two-pillar solution”.

Findings

The normative case for considering international tax competition as a global justice issue is developed, contrasting the cosmopolitan and non-cosmopolitan (“internationalist”) approaches. Three key minimum conditions for background justice in term of international taxation are established. This paper concludes that the two-pillar solution is likely to fail in global justice terms not because of its principles, which are sound, but because its redistributive scope is insufficiently great to have a major effect in correcting the inequality arising from tax competition.

Originality/value

This paper applies the philosophical concept of global justice to a specific issue in international business: MNE profit shifting and tax competition policy.
An exploratory factor analysis on technological-related barriers to the construction of zero-energy buildings in Nigeria
Authors: Osuizugbo Innocent Chigozie , Orekan Atinuke Adebimpe , Omer Mazen M. , Simon Raphael Funsho
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Zero-energy building (ZEB) has been considered as an innovative approach to reducing building carbon emissions (CEs) and improving building energy performance. Despite huge benefits of ZEBs, there are still challenges limiting the construction of ZEBs in the construction sector. This study seeks to assess and determine the principal component of technological-related barriers to the construction of ZEBs in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study designed a questionnaire to examine the technological-related barriers to the construction of ZEBs in Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered, and 272 valid responses were elicited. Thereafter, data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

The results from the exploratory factors analysis show that the principal components of technological-related barriers to the construction of ZEBs in Nigeria are categorised into five principal components: access and awareness for technological integration and innovation; knowledge on renewable technology integration; space and complexity of sustainable energy technologies; cost and readiness for ZEB technologies; and research outcomes with practical implementation in sustainable building technologies.

Originality/value

This study contributed to more effective ZEB studies by highlighting technological-related barriers to the construction of ZEBs in construction industry. An understanding of these barriers can aid construction stakeholders, organisations, policy-makers and governments in devising strategies targeted at reducing these technological-related barriers and fostering the construction of ZEBs in construction sector. Recommendations for further study on ZEBs were also made.
Effect of servant leadership on lecturers’ attitudinal and behavioral loyalty in Nigeria: conservation of resource theory perspective
Authors: Jakada Muhammad Bello
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to draw from the conservation of resources (COR) theory and investigate two separate models termed Model A and Model B. Model A examines the mediating role of life satisfaction (LS) on the relationship between servant leadership (SL) and lecturers’ attitudinal loyalty (AL) and behavioral loyalty (BL). Model B examines the sequential mediating role of LS and AL on the link between SL and BL.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a cross-sectional survey from 247 public university lecturers which were analyzed through SPSS, structural equation model (AMOS 23), and PROCESS Macro v4.0.

Findings

Study findings revealed that LS fully and partially mediates the relationships between SL and lecturers’ AL and BL, respectively. Furthermore, LS and AL sequentially mediate the relationship between SL and BL.

Practical implications

The study provides insight to university management into how their selfless and caring behavior can contribute to lecturers' retention. As such, university management should provide an environment that fosters a culture of selfless and caring leadership behavior.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the theoretical development of SL by explicating the mechanism that links SL and positive outcomes in the workplace. The major contribution lies in exploring the mediating role of LS on the link between SL and lecturers’ AL and BL on one hand and the sequential mediating role of LS and AL on the link between SL and BL on the other hand in a context characterized by high-power distance.
Digital transformation and green innovation performance: unraveling the role of green knowledge sharing and top management environmental awareness
Authors: Martínez Falcó Javier , Sánchez-García Eduardo , Marco-Lajara Bartolomé , Akram Umair
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This research focuses on analyzing the impact of digital transformation (DT) on the green innovation performance of Spanish wineries, as well as the mediating effect of green knowledge sharing (GKS) on this main relationship, as well as the moderating role of top management environmental awareness (TMEA) on the GKS-green innovation performance linkage. In addition, age, size and protected designation of origin (PDO) membership are used to increase the precision of the cause–effect relationships examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes a conceptual model based on previous studies, which is tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling, with data collected from 196 Spanish wineries between September 2022 and January 2023.

Findings

The results of the research reveal the existence of a positive and significant relationship between the development of DT and green innovation performance of Spanish wineries, as well as the partial mediation of GKS in this link and a positive moderation of TMEA in the GKS-green innovation performance bond.

Practical implications

Winery executives should prioritize aligning DT with TMEA to drive green innovation performance. Additionally, it is recommended that they actively promote GKS within their wineries to enhance sustainability performance and strengthen their competitive positioning in an eco-conscious market.

Originality/value

The originality of the study derives from its pioneering character, as the research enters unexplored terrain by investigating the role of the GKS as a mediator in the relationship between DT and green innovation performance, as no previous research has ventured in this direction.
Exploring and assessing issue communication – issue communication practices and consequences of issue response strategies for organizational reputation and legitimacy
Authors: Jacobs Sandra , Liebrecht Christine
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Although issue management has received ample attention, changes in the media landscape and increased societal scrutiny are currently challenging organizations’ communicative handling of issues. This raises the question of how communication professionals currently perceive and communicatively deal with issues, and what impact issue response strategies have when organizations are addressed regarding their involvement in an issue.

Design/methodology/approach

We explore issue communication perceptions and practices by communication professionals in two focus groups. A subsequent experimental study assesses the consequences of issue response strategies for corporate reputation and legitimacy and examines to what extent this relationship can be explained by skepticism while taking issue phase into account.

Findings

Although most issue communication practices (still) resemble earlier descriptions, the focus groups also indicate the importance of timing and medium of issue communication. The experiment shows that organizations are better off responding to an issue than not responding at all. Organizations should choose for an accommodative or adaptive response to positively impact reputation and legitimacy, and should be aware of the phase of an issue. Remarkably, these empirical differences only apply for a sustainability issue, not for a social issue.

Originality/value

The focus group study illuminates current issue monitoring and communication practices in today’s challenging media and societal landscape. The subsequent experiment enhances our understanding of a sub-field of issue communication: the communicative options of organizations when they are the addressed actor in issues.
Simulating the effect of counterfactual changes in religious tourism on economic growth in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Raifu Isiaka Akande , Afolabi Joshua Adeyemi , Salihu Abdulkhalid Anda
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The literature has well-documented the positive economic effects of both leisure and religious tourism. However, certain events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and others, can impair the positive effect. Hence, the purpose of this study is to simulate the effect of counterfactual changes in religious tourism on Saudi Arabia’s economic growth during the MATAF expansion project and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs novel dynamic autoregressive distributed lag (DARDL) and kernel-based regularised least squares (KRLS) estimation techniques to analyse data spanning 1970–2022.

Findings

The results refuted the positive effect of spiritual tourism, especially during the two events. The simulation results show that a shock in predicted religious tourism will lower economic growth marginally in the short term but substantially in the long run.

Practical implications

The Saudi Arabian government should prioritise strategic infrastructural development such as expanding roads, airports and renovating worship centres during periods of low demand to promote economic growth through religious tourism. This will allow for the accommodation of a growing number of pilgrims without disrupting religious activities. In addition, it is imperative for the government to engage in international cooperation with other governments to proactively avert future pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

Even though many studies have examined the effect of religious tourism on economic growth, to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first one that simulates the effect of counterfactual changes in religious tourism on economic growth during the MATAF expansion project and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bonding with the destination brand during crisis: the role of message consistency
Authors: Šerić Maja , Ozretić Došen Đurđana , Mikulić Josip
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper studies the process by which tourists establish relationship quality with the destination brand in a crisis situation and the role that message consistency pursued through integrated marketing communications (IMC) has in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

Relationship quality was analyzed through three key marketing variables: satisfaction, trust and commitment. The impact of message consistency on relationship quality was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

Results confirm the interplay between the three relationship quality dimensions and suggest that message consistency directly influences tourist satisfaction and trust in destination service providers, with its impact on affective commitment being mediated by satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

This research study is limited to only one geographical context and one type of destination stakeholders.

Practical implications

Messages that consumers receive about a destination brand through multiple touchpoints must be consistent and non-contradictory to reduce consumers' uncertainties during the crisis.

Originality/value

This paper examines an underinvestigated research area of the effects of IMC on consumer–brand relationship outcomes in tourism. The study has a number of theoretical and practical implications for destination marketers during and beyond a crisis situation.
Innovative interiors: an evaluation of guest perceptions and booking responses to robotic furniture in hotel rooms
Authors: Badraoui Badr , Smith Scott J.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper examines guest perceptions and booking responses to robotic furniture in hotel rooms, addressing a gap in existing research on in-room technology in the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing an extended technology acceptance model, the study examines the impact of aesthetics, functionality and symbolism on guests’ booking intentions. Data were collected through an online survey of 426 participants, employing structural equation modeling for analysis.

Findings

The results reveal that hotel guests value the potential benefits of robotic furniture more than its mere functional aspect and may be inclined to appreciate it when it translates to tangible benefits and is easy to interact with. Additionally, the aesthetics and symbolic value of the furniture play a crucial role in shaping guests’ perceptions and booking intentions.

Practical implications

This study advises hoteliers to prioritize intuitive, user-friendly robotic furniture that offers clear benefits like convenience and comfort to boost booking intentions. Marketing should emphasize these practical advantages rather than focusing solely on innovation. Although secondary, aesthetics should still align with the room’s design. The symbolic value of robotic furniture should reflect the hotel’s brand identity, enhancing its appeal to target markets.

Originality/value

This study expands the application of the technology acceptance model in the context of hotel room design and technology adoption and provides academics and hoteliers with useful insights into integrating innovative technologies in hotel rooms.
From hiding to sharing: a knowledge hiding perspective on knowledge management in MNEs
Authors: Zhi Ruoting , Lockett Martin , Zhou Abby Jingzi
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Knowledge is a vital strategic resource for multinational enterprises (MNEs). As MNEs expand internationally, knowledge transfer through expatriates is a crucial part of the value proposition of outward foreign direct investment. However, this is undermined if knowledge is hidden rather than shared. Given the scarcity of research on knowledge hiding in MNEs, this paper aims to investigate this phenomenon among expatriates and develops a new framework to analyze knowledge hiding.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 201 Chinese MNE expatriates is collected and analyzed using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modeling to test the relationships between knowledge hiding, organizational practices, cultural intelligence and job embeddedness. Relevant organizational practices based on the ability-motivation-opportunity enhancing framework were identified, based on 24 semi-structured qualitative interviews which guided the quantitative analysis.

Findings

The direct effects of organizational practices on all types of knowledge hiding are limited. However, organizational practices’ influence on knowledge hiding is mediated by the cultural intelligence of expatriates, and this relationship is moderated by job embeddedness.

Originality/value

The research advances current thinking about knowledge management and outlines both theoretical and practical implications at organizational and societal levels. It explores the mechanisms for remedying knowledge hiding through organizational practices, including the interactive effects of cultural intelligence and job embeddedness among expatriates. Organizational knowledge management strategies in MNEs need to recognize cultural differences and improve job embeddedness to form the basis of successful knowledge transfer.
Fine‐scale variation in the medium and large‐sized mammal assemblage composition in northeastern Amazon: Drivers of β‐diversity and species interactions
Authors: Brandão Fernanda Colares , Carvalho William Douglas , Duarte Herbert O. B. , Rosalino Luís Miguel , da Silva Cláudia Regina , Hilário Renato Richard
Published: October 2024

Understanding fine‐scale assemblage composition patterns of mammals is important to increase ecological knowledge and support conservation actions. We investigated whether β‐diversity of medium and large‐sized mammals and its components (replacement and richness difference) are related to distance to major rivers, height above the nearest drainage (HAND), and vegetation height; and whether species interactions shape their spatiotemporal distribution. We used camera traps to monitor the mammal assemblage of the Tumucumaque Mountains National Park, Northeastern Amazon. The difference (Δ) in distance to major rivers and geographic distance between sites affected positively the total β‐diversity and both its components. ΔVegetation height affected total β‐diversity and species replacement, while ΔHAND affected richness differences, and to a lower extent, species replacement. We found evidence that spotted pacas (Cuniculus paca) and ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) adjust their spatiotemporal dynamics to escape from predation and to overlap with abundant prey, respectively. However, we did not find evidence that competition affects the spatiotemporal distribution of any other species. Vegetation height, distance to rivers and HAND influenced mammal assemblages probably through shaping the quality and amount of resources. Predation risk seems to be important in shaping the use of time and space by prey, while the distribution of prey is important for the use of time and space for predators. Furthermore, other niche differentiation mechanisms may explain why competition did not affect the species' spatiotemporal dynamics. We highlight the need to include different environmental contexts within protected areas to promote mammal diversity and conservation.
Racial and ethnic disparities in mental health among breast cancer patients and survivors in the United States
Authors: Osmani Ahmad Reshad , Moriya Asako , White‐Means Shelley
Published: October 2024

Objective

To decompose the mental health disparities between breast cancer patients and survivors (hereafter survivors) of racial and ethnic minority groups and non‐Hispanic White survivors into the contributions of individual‐, interpersonal‐, community‐, and societal‐level determinants.

Data Sources and Study Setting

We used data from the 2010–2020 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component (MEPS‐HC). Our primary outcome was whether the person had mental health conditions or not.

Study Design

We employed the Kitagawa–Oaxaca–Blinder (KOB) method to understand to what extent the differences in outcomes were explained by the differences in the determinants between non‐Hispanic Black or Hispanic breast cancer survivors and non‐Hispanic White survivors. We also bifurcated the Hispanic sample analysis by the US‐born status (and county of origin).

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Confidential geographic identifiers are utilized to supplement the MEPS‐HC data with information on community characteristics and local healthcare resources.

Principal Findings

The prevalence of mental health conditions among non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic breast cancer survivors was 26.1% (95% CI: 20.4, 31.7) and 28.3% (95% CI: 21.9, 34.6), respectively. These rates were higher than those for their non‐Hispanic White counterparts, 19.7% (95% CI: 17.4, 21.9). In our KOB model, the disparity between non‐Hispanic Black and White survivors was fully explained by differences in education, health, and family structure, with community‐ and societal‐level determinants playing no significant role. Conversely, our KOB model did not explain any of the overall differences between Hispanic and non‐Hispanic White survivors. However, for foreign‐born Hispanic survivors, the disparity was fully explained by a combination of individual‐ and societal‐level determinants.

Conclusions

Our findings, which identify specific individual‐, interpersonal‐, and societal‐ determinants that were associated with racial and ethnic differences in mental health, can be used by clinicians and policymakers to proactively address racial and ethnic disparities in health.
Preparing for pandemics needs a dose of public health and a booster of “complex thought” (Errare humanum est, perseverare diabolicum)
Authors: Paul Elisabeth , Brown Garrett W. , Bell David , Ridde Valéry , Sturmberg Joachim
Published: October 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic has triggered unprecedented governmental responses worldwide, revealing weaknesses in health systems and public health policies due to lack of “complex thought” required to manage complex adaptive systems. Understanding COVID‐19 response strategies' multiple effects is particularly important now that pandemic preparedness and response (PPR) is on top of the global health political agenda. Here, we adopt a complex adaptive systems approach to critically analyze the literature and draw lessons from the COVID‐19 response to inform future PPR strategies. We observe that in many contexts, strategies implemented in response to COVID‐19 were poorly effective, inefficient, and inequitable. We explain the limitations of these prevailing measures and propose approaches and strategies to manage pandemics arising from a “systems thinking” perspective. PPR demands the adoption of an evolving, evidenced‐informed, and context‐specific strategy based on comprehensive approaches reflecting the complexities of health crises. This means moving away from single‐focused health security paradigms to consider the full range of health problems facing populations and adopting a package of interventions chosen via participatory and deliberative processes that are context‐specific and sensitive, as well as evidence‐driven, to ensure a fair balance between various pillars of pandemic responses: health promotion, non‐pharmaceutical interventions, prophylaxis, vaccines, and treatments.
Governance of artificial intelligence in Southeast Asia
Authors: Keith Andrew J.
Published: October 2024

Governance of artificial intelligence (AI) has not achieved global participation. The primary state‐led instrument focusing specifically on the global governance of artificial intelligence is the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI). Although GPAI aims for broad international participation, the only GPAI member from Southeast Asia is Singapore. GPAI's imbalanced global participation, restrictive membership process, and limited translations are potential barriers to Southeast Asian participation. However, a comparative policy analysis suggests that GPAI members and nonmembers in Southeast Asia have AI governance policies which are largely compatible, despite key differences. This study uses quantitative topic‐modeling and qualitative content analysis to compare the AI governance policies of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam with the policies of Australia and Singapore, as reference GPAI members. The policies of GPAI, Australia, and Singapore emphasise the function of ethics while the policies of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam emphasise the function of human capital development. State‐led, global AI governance efforts could attract more Southeast Asian participation by further emphasising human capital development and deemphasising the function of ethics. GPAI could increase the likelihood of Southeast Asian participation by decreasing its emphasis on political systems, allowing intergovernmental organisations to join, and recruiting all G20 members.
Austerity Infrastructure, Gentrification, and Spatial Violence: A Ceaseless Battle over Urban Space in Exarcheia Neighbourhood
Authors: Apostolopoulou Elia , Liodaki Danai
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we aim to understand how long‐term state neglect of public infrastructure coexists with a renewed emphasis on profit‐driven infrastructure development in urban contexts. We focus on Exarcheia, an Athens neighbourhood known for its radical character, where a lack of public infrastructure investment aligns with plans for new transport infrastructure and urban regeneration. Using a participatory action research approach and engaging in collective discussions with grassroots organisations opposing these plans, we argue that prolonged austerity following the 2008 economic crisis has redefined state‐funded public infrastructures, aligning them more closely with the speculative interests of real estate, commercial, and infrastructure capital. The interplay of austerity infrastructure, gentrification, and spatial violence manifests as a form of slow urbicide, paving the way for revanchist urban regeneration that prioritises the commercial exploitation of urban space at the expense of the historical, political, and cultural identities of affected neighbourhoods.