bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional factors and efficiency performance in the global microfinance industry
Authors: Mia Md Aslam , Rangel Gary John , Nourani Mohammad , Kumar Rajesh
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Measuring the success of microfinance institutions (MFIs) using a single efficiency value and then exploring its determining factors might be misleading. Hence, this study decomposed the efficiency measure into three divisions, namely operational, financial sustainability and social outreach. Subsequently, the authors identified factors affecting these efficiencies in the second stage regression analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed the network data envelopment analysis approach to evaluate each division of efficiency of 90 MFIs from 2013 to 2018 and used second-stage regression techniques (Tobit and Truncated) to examine the effect of institutional factors.

Findings

The authors’ efficiency analysis revealed that financial sustainability and social outreach were responsible for the low overall efficiency. The second stage analysis revealed the negative influence of institutional factors such as efficiency wage (particularly among small MFIs) on financial sustainability, social outreach and overall efficiencies. Staff turnover reduced operational, financial and overall efficiencies, particularly for large MFIs. The presence of female board members and staff improved the efficiency of MFIs, thus highlighting the pivotal role of women in the success of MFIs. Besides, the effects of regional location of MFIs, regulation and legal status on efficiencies were further discussed.

Originality/value

The study has uniquely evaluated three different types of efficiency in MFIs and employed conventional techniques for the second-stage regression to identify the determinants of efficiency. The findings will enable managers to make appropriate decisions to enhance their organisational efficiency.
Development of social work in prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and HCV in Central Asia
Authors: Stöver Heino , Michels Ingo Ilja
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to report on the findings of a pilot study of the prevalence and treatment of infectious diseases among people who inject drugs in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reports on study results based on two data collection methods: quantitative surveys and complimentary qualitative interviews.

Findings

The findings show that the role of social work in the region is crucial for establishing trust between non-governmental and civil society organizations and the state as exemplified by so-called “trust points” and “friendly cabinets.”

Originality/value

Firstly, this study provides an overview of injecting drug use and the prevalence statistics on infectious diseases. Following this, this study focuses on the treatment and prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS and HCV. Both areas are under-researched and address the gap in the literature on drug policy in Central Asia.
Do human resource management practices boost up employees' impersonal trust? Evidence from the banking sector of Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Sarmin , Khandakar Md. Shariful Alam
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of the study is to identify the relationship between human resource management (HRM) practices and impersonal trust. The study focuses on five HRM practices, namely training, fair reward and promotion opportunity, employment security and performance appraisal and impact of those on impersonal trust.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study have been collected from 384 front line service provider female employees of 39 private commercial banks through non-probability judgmental sampling technique and analyzed by applying structural equation modeling-partial least square (SEM-PLS) method.

Findings

The findings of the study reveals that all the five HRM practices, namely training, fair reward and promotion opportunity, employment security and performance appraisal, are positively and significantly related with impersonal trust.

Originality/value

Private commercial banks in Bangladesh are rapidly growing and facing huge competition to improve the competitive advantage of employees. Impersonal trust of employees is required for achieving competitive advantage. Due to the lack of research and scanty of knowledge in that field, the study offers a new avenue of existing knowledge to the stakeholders and researchers on how to develop impersonal trust with necessary recommendations.
Moderating effects of Covid-19-related psychological distress on the cognitive process of entrepreneurship among higher education students in Vietnam
Authors: Duong Cong Doanh , Ha Ngoc Thang , Le Thi Loan , Nguyen Thi Lan Phuong , Nguyen Thi Hong Tham , Pham Thanh Van
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to achieve two objectives: First, to investigate the moderating influences of Coronavirus-19 (Covid-19)-related psychological distress on the process of entrepreneurial cognition; and second, to close the gap between entrepreneurial intention and behavior of higher education institutions students.

Design/methodology/approach

Scales from previous studies have been adopted to develop a questionnaire survey. An online survey questionnaire then is carried out to collect the data; the final sample includes 405 university students. The validity and reliability of scales are tested throughout Cronbach's alpha and confirmatory factor analysis. Hypothesized correlations were then tested via structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results confirm the important roles of perceived behavioral control and entrepreneurial intention in encouraging entrepreneurial behavior, whereas attitude toward entrepreneurship is strongly and positively related to intention to engage in a business venture. Yet, subjective norms are not found to have an impact on entrepreneurial intention. Entrepreneurial attitude-intention link has been negatively moderated by Covid-19-related psychological distress. Also, Covid-19-related psychological distress can lessen the entrepreneurial intention–behavior linkage of higher education institutions students.

Practical implications

The study provides useful recommendations for practitioners such as educators and policymakers to promote higher education institutions students' entrepreneurship, especially in the global crisis context of the spread of Covid-19.

Social implications

Being aware of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the entrepreneurship process and translations from intention into behavior to become entrepreneurs provide useful insights to nascent entrepreneurs, community and our society to limit the negative influence of the Covid-19 pandemic and help us overcome this crisis.

Originality/value

Addressing the entrepreneurial intention–behavior gap is considered as the biggest contribution of this study. Moreover, the association between perceived behavioral control and entrepreneurial behavior, overlooked by previous studies, is also tested in this study. Furthermore, the findings confirm that psychological distress caused by Covid-19 can inhibit the cognitive process of entrepreneurship.
Fashionable sportswear working as a body measurement collecting tool
Authors: Li Jiayin , Xia Sibei , West Andre J. , Istook Cynthia L.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

A two-dimensional (2D) body measurement system was implemented to study the application of sportswear design in measurement garment development. A total of 50 participants were recruited. The basic demographic information and sportswear preference data were collected through a survey to understand consumer preferences and acceptance of the new designs. The body measurements were collected through both the selected 2D measurement system and a commercial three-dimensional scanning booth to evaluate measurement accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

Finding the right size has been a long-existing problem for clothing consumers. Size problem is the most common reason for e-commerce returns and adds a high cost for retailers. One possible solution is to offer consumers an easy-to-use method that extracts accurate body measurements to be used for clothing size selection. The purpose of this research is to apply sportswear design elements on measurement garments to see if consumers’ interest in using the 2D measurement system can be increased without influencing the measurement accuracy.

Findings

The results showed that the added design features increased consumers’ interest in using 2D body measuring technology without significantly influencing measurement accuracy.

Originality/value

This research applied sportswear elements to convert a 2D measurement bodysuit to a fashionable clothing product. The solution resolved users’ privacy concerns and increased their acceptance and use of the technology. Other studies have not focused on using aesthetic features to improve the 2D measurement technology.
COVID-19 responses, human rights and the cultural context of Global South
Authors: Uddin Md. Kamal , Chy Muhammad Tareq , Ahmmed Helal Uddin
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper focuses on COVID-19 and human rights in the Global South. Controlling COVID-19 has become very challenging to the courtiers in the Global South and the Global North. Various restrictive measures, mainly lockdown, home quarantine, travel restrictions and social distancing have been taken in both Global North and South to control COVID-19. However, the lower-middle and poor class people of the Global South have suffered from these restrictive measures. Thus, this paper aims to explore the human rights issues of the Global South during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a qualitative research based on secondary materials. It includes relevant scholarly articles, news reports and various reports from different national and international organizations. It critically reviews the current literature related to the topic to develop a theoretical understanding of human rights and public health in general and human rights challenges in COVID-19 in the Global South in particular. Existing international human rights principles in the case of public health were reviewed and discussed to identify the links between human rights laws in public health perspectives. Contents analysis was carried out to identify the relevant themes on the issues of human rights in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

This paper finds that universal guidelines to control COVID-19 challenged the human rights norms, which impacts the enjoyment of human rights in the Global South. The human rights of the people in the Global South were undermined in the response to the control of COVID-19.

Originality/value

This paper is a significant study on the issues of human rights in public health emergencies. It addresses how the human rights of the vulnerable people in the Global South are undermined in the global pandemic response, which can be useful for the countries in the Global South for ensuring better human rights-based responses in the future.
How big data analytics use improves supply chain performance: considering the role of supply chain and information system strategies
Authors: Wei Shaobo , Yin Jinmei , Chen Wei
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Drawing on the dynamic capabilities theory, this paper proposes that supply chain (SC) strategies (i.e. the lean SC and agile SC strategies) will mediate the relationship between big data analytics (BDA) and SC performance. Furthermore, from the perspective of strategic alignment, this study hypothesizes that the effect of the SC strategy on SC performance is differently moderated by the information system (IS) strategy (i.e. the IS innovator and IS conservative strategies).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used 159 match-paired questionnaires collected from Chinese firms to empirically test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results show the positive direct and indirect impact of BDA on SC performance. Specifically, the lean and agile SC strategies mediate the relationship between BDA and SC performance. Furthermore, the results indicate that the IS innovator and IS conservative strategies differentially moderate the effect of the lean and agile SC strategies on SC performance. Specifically, the IS innovator strategy positively moderates the effect of the agile SC strategy on SC performance. By contrast, the IS conservative strategy positively moderates the effect of the lean SC strategy on SC performance but negatively moderates the effect of the agile SC strategy on SC performance.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of how SC and IS strategies can help firms leverage BDA to improve SC performance.
The locational and gendered impacts of Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) on children education in Ghana
Authors: Mabe Franklin N. , Konja Dominic Tasila , Addo Maame Dokua D. , Awuni Joseph A.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study seeks to identify locational and gendered determinants of inclusion of households in Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) and estimate the respective impacts of LEAP on children education enrolment of beneficiary households in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used secondary data of the Ghana Living Standard Survey Round 7 and employed the propensity score matching (PSM) model for the analysis of the objectives.

Findings

The PSM results established that different factors determine the inclusion of households in LEAP in rural and urban areas. Similarly, different factors determine the inclusion of male-headed and female-headed households in the programme. The impact of LEAP on children education is higher in urban areas compared to rural areas. The impact of LEAP on children's education is 10.4% higher in urban areas than in rural areas. Lastly, female-headed households are better at using the cash received from LEAP to take care of their wards' education relative to male-headed households.

Practical implications

The study recommends that different selection criteria should be used in selecting male-headed and female-headed as well as urban and rural poor households for inclusion in the LEAP programme. Female-headed households should be prioritised for benefiting from LEAP. The social welfare department disbursing the LEAP funds in rural areas should intensify education on the need for LEAP beneficiary households to enrol their wards in schools.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors demonstrate that household inclusiveness of LEAP is influenced by locational and gendered factors. Also, the impact of LEAP on children education enrolment is relatively higher in urban areas than rural areas. Lastly, female-headed households relatively educate their wards with LEAP benefits than male-headed households.
Putting participation into praxis: the struggle with Karol Wojtyla's Laborem Exercens
Authors: Santillan Noe Montaño
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper scrutinizes the relevance of Karol Wojtyla's Laborem Exercens.

Design/methodology/approach

In doing so, the endeavor employs participatory method for workers to do the following: identify problems experienced or observed in unionism, determine what/who causes hindrance in achieving the union's aim, describe the future of unionism if the problems are not addressed and draw possible solutions.

Findings

Even though the Catholic Church had issued encyclicals that deal with workers' rights and had maintained in its social teachings affirmative arguments for workers, these must be seen yet in the Philippines where unionists are vilified and red-tagged, needing the prophetic role of Church leaders affirming workers' rights. Human work is not only personal but also social, political and economic; it is a collective act.

Originality/value

Though Wojtyla affirmed workers' rights, the workers can hardly feel the presence of the Church. AMA Sugbo – KMU (Alyansa sa mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo – Kilusang Mayo Uno/Workers' Alliance in Cebu – May 1 Movement), a Cebu-based labor group, needs the role of the Church in asserting rights to unionize and launch strikes, but, as Marx maintained, relies on the workers' dedication to arouse, organize and mobilize because many of the workers, as Althusser argued, view social institutions as state apparatuses; hence, there's a need to review the participation of the Church with Wojtyla's Laborem vis-à-vis neoliberal mode of production.
Gift of fantasy: investigating how fantasy in digital game impacts game brand immersion
Authors: Sarkar Abhigyan , Sarkar Juhi Gahlot
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This research aims to extend brand relationship theory to the domain of online gaming by augmenting the understanding of the role played by fantasy state in digital game in impacting gamers' immersive relationships with digital game brands. In this quest, the research examines how fantasy state in game (FSG) creates game brand immersion (GBI) through the mediation of emotional game brand attachment (EGBA) and the roles of individual's need for escapism (NE) and anxious attachment style (AAS) in moderating the aforementioned relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a pre-test followed by two quantitative studies. Quantitative data were analyzed using the PROCESS macro.

Findings

Results from Study 1 illustrate that perceived fantasy in game generates EGBA, which, in turn, predicts GBI. Further, Study 2 establishes that the effect of fantasy in game on EGBA is moderated by gamer's NE. The moderating effect of NE is moderated by individual's AAS.

Originality/value

Value of the study lies in extending consumer–brand relationship theory to digital gaming domain which enhances the understanding of how fantasy state in digital game can lead to GBI and the roles played by individual personality characteristics like escapism motivation and AAS in the process.
Servant leadership and customer OCB: moderation effect of altruistic values amongst family hotels employees
Authors: Azila-Gbettor Edem Maxwell
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The paper investigates the moderating model of servant leadership (SL), customer citizenship behaviour (CCB) and Altruistic Work Value (AWV) among employees of 1-star and 2-star rated family hotels in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Four hundred and fifty-two (452) respondents took part in the study. The respondents were selected using a convenient sampling technique and completed a self-reported questionnaire. Data were analysed using Partial Least Square Based Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

Results of the study reveal that SL positively predicts customers’ Organisational Citizenship Behaviours (OCB). In addition, AWVs (1) directly influence customer OCB and (2) further moderate the nexus of SL and customer OCB.

Practical implications

Management of 1-star and 2-star family hotels should continuously monitor and evaluate employees' AWVs so that such behaviours can be constantly reinforced to retain them within their enterprise.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the pioneers to have tested a model including SL, OCB-C and AWVs in a family hotel context.
Theory of planned behavior in predicting the construction of eco-friendly houses
Authors: Jose K Alphonsa , Sia Surendra Kumar
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The present study aimed to explore the applicability of theory of planned behavior in construction of eco-friendly houses.

Design/methodology/approach

Study utilized cross-sectional correlational research design, collected data from 269 adult house owners of Kerala, India, with the help of a self-report measures namely, attitude towards eco-friendly house construction, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention to build eco-friendly houses, check list of eco-friendly house and socio-demographic data sheet. Descriptive statistics, Karl Pearson product moment correlation, confirmatory factor analysis and mediation analysis with the help of AMOS were used to describe the distribution of study variables and to test the research hypotheses and proposed model.

Findings

Study revealed that behavioral intention to build eco-friendly house was the immediate and strongest predictor of actual behavior of constructing an eco-friendly house. Behavioral intention mediated the relationship of attitudinal variables, normative variables and control variables with the behavior of constructing eco-friendly houses.

Research limitations/implications

The results vouched the applicability of theory of planned behavior as a comprehensive model in explaining the behavior of eco-friendly house construction.

Practical implications

Results of the study iterates the utility of attitudinal, normative and control factors in enhancing the choice of constructing eco-friendly houses. The results can be applied to develop a marketing tool to enhance the behavior of choosing or constructing eco-friendly houses in the population.

Originality/value

Role of conventional concrete construction in climate crisis is unquestioned, and adopting eco-friendly architecture is a potential solution to the impending doom of climate crisis. Behavioral changes play a significant role in the success of global actions to curb the climate crisis. Present study discusses the role of psychological variables in constructing eco-friendly houses.
A meta-analysis on the effects of caffeine ingestion on swimming performance
Authors: Grgic J.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Caffeine is a popular ergogenic aid, but its effects on swimming performance are not yet fully clear. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of caffeine on swimming performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Crossover placebo-controlled studies that explored the effects of caffeine on swimming performance were included. Six databases were searched to find relevant studies with additional forward and backward citation tracking. The data were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis.

Findings

Eight studies were included in the review. The main meta-analysis showed a significant ergogenic effect of caffeine ingestion on swimming performance (Cohen’s d: –0.20; 95% confidence interval: −0.32, −0.08; p = 0.0008; –1.7%). In the analysis for short-distance swimming events, caffeine ingestion had a significant ergogenic effect on swimming performance (Cohen’s d: –0.14; 95% confidence interval: –0.27, −0.01; p = 0.03; −1.4%). An ergogenic effect of caffeine was also found in the analysis for moderate-to-long swimming distance events (Cohen’s d: –0.36; 95% confidence interval: −0.67, −0.05; p = 0.02; −2.2%).

Originality/value

The present meta-analysis found that caffeine ingestion decreases the time needed to complete a given swimming event. While these ergogenic effects may be classified as small, they are likely important in swimming, where narrow margins commonly determine placings.
A qualitative examination of changing investment preferences, sentiments and behavioural tendencies in COVID-19: a special case of Indian individual investors
Authors: Misra Rupali , Prosad Jaya Mamta , Ashok Shruti , Goel Puneeta
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify changes in individual investors’ preferences, prominent sentiments in the market, behavioural tendencies and biases demonstrated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

As the study is exploratory social research, the design is also structured as such. In total, 69 Securities and Exchange Board of India-registered investment advisors catering to investors of diverse profiles, experiences and locales are engaged through in-depth semi-structured interviews. The responses are categorised thematically using a data structure model.

Findings

Investors are guided by an inclination for safer and liquid asset classes and prefer fixed income securities. The authors observe various emotional reactions – inexperienced investors panic, experienced investors act maturely, while a few of both naïve and sophisticated investors are opportunistic contrarians. Lower valuations, ease of access to digital infrastructure for trading and social norms attract many first-time individual investors, causing a phenomenon identified as the “new investor boom”. Apart from the biases identified during the financial crisis, the authors also detect evidence of cognitive dissonance, bandwagon effect, fear-of-missing-out syndrome, disposition effect and others.

Practical implications

The paper also discusses some noticeable behavioural tendencies displayed by the individual investors and compiles helpful strategies to successfully navigate any such financial crisis.

Social implications

An individual investor is a least aware and most affected stakeholder in any crisis, so this study contributes newer insights to ensure their financial well-being.

Originality/value

The study’s originality lies in adopting a qualitative methodology that uses investment advisors’ professional experience to unveil the sub-structures of investor psychology and decision-making behaviour during COVID-19.
Life under COVID-19 lockdown: an experience of old age people in India
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Ayedee Nishu
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the pain and suffering of elderly age people during the COVID-19 lockdown. It was an unpleasant experience for old age people.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, primarily, the information has been collected through interviews and observation. The researchers interviewed the older people and discussed their experience during the lockdown, and they also observed their activities during that period.

Findings

The main results of this paper suggested that lockdown appeared as double-edge sword for old age and elderly people. They are not allowed to go outside to safeguard their lives, and inside the home, they are facing issues of anxiety, fear and mental trauma. They are not able to complete their daily routine, and it is hampering their mental strength.

Originality/value

The paper is based on firsthand information received from an old-age couple.
Parasite‐driven cascades or hydra effects: Susceptibility and foraging depression shape parasite–host–resource interactions
Authors: Walsman Jason Cosens , Strauss Alexander Thomas , Hall Spencer Ryan
Published: March 2022

Parasites kill hosts but also can indirectly increase the abundance of their resources. Given this resource feedback, how much will parasites decrease host density? Can they increase host density? Seeking answers, we integrate trait measurements, a resource–host–parasite model and experimental epidemics with plankton. This combination reveals how parasites may decrease or increase host density. This spectrum of outcomes reflects tension between parasite‐driven mortality (a density‐mediated effect) and foraging depression upon contact with parasite propagules (a trait‐mediated one).

In the model, mortality rises when higher susceptibility to infection increases infection prevalence. These large epidemics release resources while suppressing hosts (creating a trophic cascade). In contrast, when hosts are less susceptible and parasites depress host foraging, a resource feedback can elevate host density during epidemics (creating a hydra effect), particularly at higher carrying capacity of resources. This combination creates the hydra effect because it elevates primary production relative to per‐host consumption of resources (two key determinants of host density).

We test these predictions qualitatively with trait measurements and a mesocosm experiment. Clonal lines of zooplankton hosts differed in their foraging depression and susceptibility. Then, with these different host genotypes, we created epidemics in mesocosms supplied with either low or high nutrients (to manipulate carrying capacity). Hydra effects and trophic cascades both arose and in the trait–nutrient combinations predicted by the model.

Hence, we show how tension between trait‐ and density‐mediated effects of parasites can govern the fate of host density during epidemics—from trophic cascades to hydra effects.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Trait‐mediated responses to aridity and experimental drought by springtail communities across Europe
Authors: Ferrín Miquel , Márquez Laura , Petersen Henning , Salmon Sandrine , Ponge Jean‐François , Arnedo Miquel , Emmett Bridget , Beier Claus , Schmidt Inger K. , Tietema Albert , de Angelis Paolo , Liberati Dario , Kovács‐Láng Edit , Kröel‐Dulay György , Estiarte Marc , Bartrons Mireia , Peñuelas Josep , Peguero Guille
Published: March 2022

The capacity to forecast the effects of climate change on biodiversity largely relies on identifying traits capturing mechanistic relationships with the environment through standardized field experiments distributed across relevant spatial scales. The effects of short‐term experimental manipulations on local communities may overlap with regional climate gradients that have been operating during longer time periods. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies simultaneously assessing such long‐term macroecological drivers with local climate manipulations.

We analysed this issue with springtails (Class Collembola), one of the dominant soil fauna groups, in a standardized climate manipulation experiment conducted across six European countries encompassing broad climate gradients. We combined community data (near 20K specimens classified into 102 species) with 22 eco‐morphological traits and reconstructed their phylogenetic relationships to track the evolution of adaptations to live at different soil depths, which is key to cope with desiccation. We then applied joint species distribution models to investigate the combined effect of the regional aridity gradient with the local experimental treatment (drought and warming) over the assembly of springtail communities and tested for significant trait–environment relationships mediating their community‐level responses.

Our results show (1) a convergent evolution in all three major collembolan lineages of species adapted to inhabit at different soil strata; (2) a clear signature of aridity selecting traits of more epigeic species at a biogeographical scale and (3) the association of short‐term experimental drought with traits related to more euedaphic life‐forms.

The hemiedaphic condition would be the plesiomorphic state for Collembola while the adaptations for an epigeic life would have been secondarily gained. Epigeic springtails are not only more resistant to drought, but also have a higher dispersal capacity that allows them to seek more favourable micro‐habitats after experiencing drier conditions. The observed relative edaphization of the springtail communities after short‐term experimental drought may thus be a transient community response.

The disparity between macroecological trends and fast community‐level responses after climate manipulations highlights the need of simultaneously assessing long‐term and short‐term drivers at broad spatial scales to adequately interpret trait–environment relationships and better forecast biodiversity responses to climate change.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Thinning the thickets: Foraging of hardy cattle, sheep and goats in green alder shrubs
Authors: Pauler Caren M. , Zehnder Tobias , Staudinger Markus , Lüscher Andreas , Kreuzer Michael , Berard Joël , Schneider Manuel K.
Published: March 2022

Green alder shrubs Alnus viridis increasingly overgrow European mountain pastures but hinder natural forest succession. This nitrogen‐fixing, autochthonous invasive species has numerous negative effects including the loss of biodiversity and landscape aesthetic, eutrophication of soils and downstream waters, and greenhouse gas emission. Over centuries, A. viridis encroachment was impeded by grazing livestock, particularly goats. However, in modern agriculture, livestock numbers decreased on remote mountain pastures and goat farming became unprofitable.

A grazing experiment tested if hardy breeds of the more economically attractive livestock species, cattle and sheep can replace goats as A. viridis antagonists. On a subalpine pasture heavily encroached by A. viridis, space use and debarking (bark foraging) by Dexter cattle, Engadine sheep and Pfauen goats were analysed using GPS tracking and vegetation mapping.

Dexter cattle used space least evenly (Camargo evenness: cattle = 0.39; sheep = 0.52; and goats = 0.47) and preferred flat slopes and open pastures. They spent least time foraging in A. viridis stands (relative presence while foraging: cattle = 0.55; sheep = 0.76; and goats = 0.80). Dexter cattle did not debark any A. viridis, but damaged shrubs by trampling.

Engadine sheep visited A. viridis stands nearly as often as goats, but preferred flat slopes, short vegetation and shrub edges more clearly than goats. This sheep breed debarked significantly more A. viridis branches (average 244 branches per paddock; 7.4% of all A. viridis branches) than goats (45; 0.8%). Goats preferred mountain‐ash shrubs Sorbus aucuparia covering only 2% of the shrub layer.

Synthesis and applications. Green alder shrubs, controlled by goats traditionally, overgrow valuable mountain pasture ecosystems today. Cattle, kept instead of goats, may slow down but not hinder shrub encroachment, because they avoid shrub stands and do not debark green alder. However, this study is the first to show that Engadine sheep are even better suited for green alder clearance than goats. Moreover, if management goals include forest re‐establishment, Engadine sheep outperform goats, because they debark green alder (which hinders forest regeneration), but do not destroy elderberry—a valuable forest pioneer. Hardy breeds are an important tool to maintain biodiverse, open pastures, restore natural mountain forests and mitigate the negative environmental effects of shrub encroachment.
Physical exercise attenuates obesity development in Western‐diet fed obese rats independently of vitamin D supplementation
Authors: Cordeiro Maiara Mikuska , Ribeiro Rosane Aparecida , Bubna Patrícia Biscaia , de Almeida Any Caroline , Laginski Thiago Rentz Ferreira , Franco Gilson César Nobre , Scomparin Dionízia Xavier
Published: March 2022

Physical inactivity, associated with the ingestion of hypercaloric foods, contributes to obesity development. In contrast, physical exercise training (ET) can slow obesity progression. Vitamin (Vit) D, a hormone that regulates adipocyte metabolism, may represent a strategy to reduce obesity; however, it is currently not known whether Vit D enhances the anti‐obesity benefits of physical exercise. We hypothesized that swimming ET may prevent Western diet (WD)‐induced obesity, and that Vit D supplementation could enhance the anti‐obesity actions of ET. Male Wistar rats were fed, from 21 to 90 days of age, on a standard diet, or a WD, in association or not (sedentary control [CTL‐SED] and WD [WD‐SED] groups) with swimming ET for 15 min/day, 3 days a week (exercised CTL [CTL‐EXE] and WD [WD‐EXE] groups). Additionally, at 60 days of age, half of the CTL‐EXE and WD‐EXE groups were submitted, or not, to oral Vit D supplementation (CTL‐EXE‐VD and WD‐EXE‐VD groups, respectively). At 91 days old, WD‐SED rats displayed increased body weight, abdominal adiposity, hypercholesterolemia, hyperleptinaemia and high circulating levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Swimming ET attenuated the increase in abdominal adiposity induced by WD. Furthermore, the WD‐EXE group exhibited reductions in glycaemia, triglyceridaemia, cholesterolaemia, leptinaemia and in plasma TNF‐α concentrations. Vitamin D supplementation, combined with ET, did not provide any additive benefit against adiposity, only potentiating the effects of ET action on the reduction in triglyceridaemia. Exercise training, independently of Vit D, provides a strategy to attenuate the adiposity expansion that is induced by WD, mediated in part by reductions in leptinaemia and TNF‐α levels.
Walking the Tightrope: Private and Public Interests in Conservative Immigration Policy
Authors: Consterdine Erica
Published: March 2022

The Conservatives have long been ideologically split on immigration between the business right and identity right of the party. Appealing to the social right of its voter base, since 2010 immigration policy has been doggedly restrictive. Yet, lobbying channelled through bureaucratic politics has led to subtle, but important, concessions to appease business interests. The Conservative administrations have legitimised these concessions by making distinctions between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ migrants. In the 2010s, lobbying strategies, while shifting according to the political climate, predominantly consisted of insider lobbying. Yet, with significant labour market shortages induced by the new immigration system and heightened by the pandemic, employers are ‘going public’ with their opposition, placing significant pressure on the Conservatives to perform a policy reversal. Meanwhile, public opinion on immigration has softened and its saliency has dwindled. Politicising immigration may not be an electoral winner anymore; business interests may override the identity wing of the party.
The use of microfiltration technique in the production of skim milk powder: The effect of milk transport conditions on the microbiological and physicochemical properties of milk and milk powders
Authors: Kara Ümmügülsüm , Sert Durmuş
Published: March 2022

The aim of this work was to study the effect of milk transport conditions and microfiltration (MF) treatment on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of milk and skim milk powder (SMP). The raw milk was determined as milk after milking (30–35°C), uncooled inner‐city milk (3 h at 20–25°C), cooled transport milk (12 h at 4–6°C) and the control milk (cooling to 4°C as soon as milking; non‐MF). SMP samples were produced from MF‐treated milk with membrane pore sizes of 0.5‐μm and 0.8‐μm. MF application provided up to 2.39, 1.27, 1.64 and 1.67 log reductions in counts of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeast–moulds, Bacillus and Pseudomonas species in milk, respectively. MF treatment of milk improved the microbiological quality without any significant change in the chemical composition of SMPs.
Factors associated with federally qualified health center financial performance
Authors: Jung Daniel , Huang Elbert S. , Mayeda Eric , Tobey Rachel , Turer Eric , Maxwell James , Coleman Allison , Saber Jennifer , Petrie Susan , Bolton Joshua , Duplantier Daniel , Hoang Hank , Sripipatana Alek , Nocon Robert
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To understand factors associated with federally qualified health center (FQHC) financial performance.

Study Design

We used multivariate linear regression to identify correlates of health center financial performance. We examined six measures of health center financial performance across four domains: margin (operating margin), liquidity (days cash on hand [DCOH], current ratio), solvency (debt‐to‐equity ratio), and others (net patient accounts receivable days, personnel‐related expenses). We examined potential correlates of financial performance, including characteristics of the patient population, health center organization, and location/geography.

Data Sources

We use 2012–2017 Uniform Data System (UDS) files, financial audit data from Capital link, and publicly available data.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We focused on health centers in the 50 US states and District of Columbia, which reported information to UDS for at least 1 year between 2012 and 2017 and had Capital link financial audit data.

Principal Findings

FQHC financial performance generally improved over the study period, especially from 2015 to 2017. In multivariate regression models, a higher percentage of Medicaid patients was associated with better margins (operating margin: 0.06, p < 0.001), liquidity (DCOH: 0.67, p < 0.001; current ratio: 0.28, p = 0.001), and solvency (debt‐to equity ratio: −0.08, p = 0.004). Moreover, a staffing mix comprised of more nonphysician providers was associated with better margin (operating margin: 0.21, p = 0.001) and liquidity (current ratio: 1.12, p < 0.001) measures. Patient‐centered medical home (PCMH) recognition was also associated with better liquidity (DCOH: 19.01, p < 0.001; current ratio: 4.68, p = 0.014) and solvency (debt‐to‐equity ratio: −2.03, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The financial health of FQHCs improved with provisions of the Affordable Care Act, which included significant Medicaid expansion and direct funding support for health centers. FQHC financial health was also associated with key staffing and operating characteristics of health centers. Maintaining the financial health of FQHCs is critical to their ability to continuously provide affordable and high‐quality care in medically underserved areas.
Partial reprogramming strategy for intervertebral disc rejuvenation by activating energy switch
Authors: Cheng Feng , Wang Chenggui , Ji Yufei , Yang Biao , Shu Jiawei , Shi Kesi , Wang Lulu , Wang Shaoke , Zhang Yuang , Huang Xianpeng , Zhou Xiaopeng , Xia Kaishun , Liang Chengzhen , Chen Qixin , Li Fangcai
Published: March 2022

Rejuvenation of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in degenerative discs can reverse intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Partial reprogramming is used to rejuvenate aging cells and ameliorate progression of aging tissue to avoiding formation of tumors by classical reprogramming. Understanding the effects and potential mechanisms of partial reprogramming in degenerative discs provides insights for development of new therapies for IDD treatment. The findings of the present study show that partial reprogramming through short‐term cyclic expression of Oct‐3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c‐Myc (OSKM) inhibits progression of IDD, and significantly reduces senescence related phenotypes in aging NPCs. Mechanistically, short‐term induction of OSKM in aging NPCs activates energy metabolism as a “energy switch” by upregulating expression of Hexokinase 2 (HK2) ultimately promoting redistribution of cytoskeleton and restoring the aging state in aging NPCs. These findings indicate that partial reprogramming through short‐term induction of OSKM has high therapeutic potential in the treatment of IDD.
Dynamic regulation of myofibroblast phenotype in cellular senescence
Authors: López‐Antona Irene , Contreras‐Jurado Constanza , Luque‐Martín Laura , Carpintero‐Leyva Antonio , González‐Méndez Paula , Palmero Ignacio
Published: March 2022

Cellular senescence is an antiproliferative response with a critical role in the control of cellular balance in diverse physiological and pathological settings. Here, we set to study the impact of senescence on the regulation of cell plasticity, focusing on the regulation of the myofibroblastic phenotype in primary fibroblasts. Myofibroblasts are contractile, highly fibrogenic cells with key roles in wound healing and fibrosis. Using cellular models of fibroblast senescence, we find a consistent loss of myofibroblastic markers and functional features upon senescence implementation. This phenotype can be transmitted in a paracrine manner, most likely through soluble secreted factors. A dynamic transcriptomic analysis during paracrine senescence confirmed the non‐cell‐autonomous transmission of this phenotype. Moreover, gene expression data combined with pharmacological and genetic manipulations of the major SASP signaling pathways suggest that the changes in myofibroblast phenotype are mainly mediated by the Notch/TGF‐β axis, involving a dynamic switch in the TGF‐β pathway. Our results reveal a novel link between senescence and myofibroblastic differentiation with potential implications in the physiological and pathological functions of myofibroblasts.
Genetic differentiation in the threatened soft coral Dendronephthya australis in temperate eastern Australia
Authors: Williamson Jane E. , Gillings Michael R. , Nevatte Ryan J. , Harasti David , Raoult Vincent , Ghaly Timothy M. , Stow Adam J. , Smith Timothy M. , Gaston Troy F.
Published: March 2022

The endangered soft coral Dendronephthya australis faces substantial population decreases in central eastern Australian waters. Despite uncertainty about the cause of these declines, the population genetics of the species has not been investigated. Genetic analysis suggests that D. australis is a single species within the family Nephtheidae, confirming identifications based on morphological characteristics only. Soft coral colonies were distributed from Seahorse Gardens in Port Stephens to Jervis Bay in temperate Australian waters, a distance of some 400 km. Genetic differentiation was observed along this distribution using SNP genotyping. Relatively high levels of genetic differentiation were observed between Jervis Bay and the other sites, indicating limited gene flow between this location and others. Moreover, the genetic distinctiveness, low diversity and heterozygote excess at this southern location suggested that it was subjected to a recent population decline and genetic bottleneck. Colonies at Seahorse Gardens and Ettalong, approximately 150 km south of Seahorse Gardens, displayed greater genetic diversity, making these sites more likely to host ancestral populations and to have acted as refugia. Recent substantial decreases in population sizes at these locations are particularly concerning, and these locations require immediate conservation attention.
Antimicrobial evaluation of polytetrafluoroethylene used as part of temporary restorations: An ex vivo study
Authors: Solomonov Michael , Levy Dan Henry , Yaya Alin , Ben Itzhak Joe , Polak David
Published: March 2022

The use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape as the base layer of temporary restorations had gained popularity mainly due to the ease of manipulation. The aim of this study was to assess whether this method changes the potential for bacterial growth and leakage of temporary restorations. The direct contact test and live/dead fluorescent staining were used for comparing Enterococcus faecalis growth and biofilm formation on PTFE, composite, intermediate restorative material (IRM) and Coltosol F. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was employed to evaluate E. faecalis penetration through 2 mm of PTFE, IRM or Coltosol F placed on the bottom of the pulp chamber and into radicular dentinal tubules in extracted maxillary third molars. The results demonstrated that E. faecalis grows on and penetrates through PTFE significantly more than it does with IRM and Coltosol F, revealing its comparably reduced overall antimicrobial sealing ability when placed as the base part of temporary restorations.
The Portrayal of Women’s Empowerment in Select Indian Movies
Authors: Thangam Dhanabalan , Vaidya Gurunath Rao , Subramanian Gopalakrishnan , Velusamy Kalyani , Selvi Govindarajan Karthigai , Park Jin Yong
Published: March 2022

Feminism, the empowerment of women, and gender equality are frequently discussed concepts in contemporary India. The film industry, among other stakeholders, is taking steps to contribute to women’s empowerment. In India, the film industry is seeking to change society by touching on topics that are rarely discussed in public. Contemporary directors have begun to give greater visibility to the problems women face. There is a new wave of women‐centric movies that is bringing about a quiet rebellion in India. This article reveals how women's values are portrayed in select Indian movies.
Disney, Little Women, and Me
Authors: Filoi Rosa
Published: March 2022

The search for identity, security, and recognition by the women of Samoa is both a cultural issue and a personal one. This article offers an analysis of the issues facing Samoan women, making use of both social science research and two popular Disney films—Lilo & Stitch and Moana—that deal generally with Polynesian culture and specifically with the kinds of developemental issues facing women. Although Samoan women are facing the social dislocations caused by modernization, the mythic elements in movies that draw upon Polynesian legends can provide guidance. In addition, I draw upon one of my favorite films, Little Women, to reflect on how I continue to navigate emerging gender roles and expectations. As a woman living in Samoa, my own experience serves as a window into our culture, so I draw upon my own personal questions in reflecting on the material presented in fiction that helps us solve the problems that arise as cultures collide.