bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of ATP bioluminescence for rapid determination of farrowing room cleanliness after pressure washing at a commercial sow farm
Authors: Johnson Danielle C , Leal Leonardo A , Perez Jeremy G , Segundo Diana , Welch Michael W , Parr Eric , Meyer Matthew , Hedblom Grant A , Lopez-Velasco Gabriela , Mayo-Gibbons Mackenzie , Molitor April , Classen Dyneah M , Dillard Molly , Boler Dustin D
Published: September 2024

Rotavirus and other pathogenic microorganisms are known to cause scours, respiratory infection, and increased mortality, spread from pig to pig via contaminated equipment, insuffcient washing, and improper disinfection processes in farrowing rooms on commercial sow farms. Pig producers have adopted cleaning procedures and biosecurity policies as an attempt to ensure farrowing rooms are free of infectious organisms before the next group of sows is introduced. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence has been used in other industries to provide real-time feedback on surface cleanliness through the detection of ATP from organic sources. That technology may provide producers a way of objectively characterizing a farrowing room’s suitability for a new group of sows to be moved into the farrowing room. Three ATP luminometers (Charm Sciences novaLUM II-X, 3M Clean Trace, and Neogen AccuPoint) were used to estimate relationships between ATP bioluminescence relative light units (RLU) and coliform plate counts (CPC). Five farrowing crate locations and the room entryway floor were swabbed to determine locations within a farrowing crate that can accurately estimate room cleanliness. Coliform plate counts were strongly correlated with Charm novaLUM II-X RLU (r = 0.70, P < 0.01). The Clean-Trace CPCs and RLU (r = 0.48, P < 0.01) were moderately correlated. There was a weak correlation between CPCs and AccuPoint RLU (r = 0.32, P < 0.01). The greatest area of surface contamination was the entryway floor and the sow feeder. Because CPCs and luminometer RLU were correlated, statistical process control charts were developed to provide cleanliness thresholds based on RLU values. Based on an adjusted 3σ from the mean RLU critical limit, 7.7% of crates for the Charm novaLUM II-X, 10.6% of crates for the 3M Clean Trace, and 0% of crates for the Neogen AccuPoint would have failed the critical limit for the sow feeder cleanliness thresholds. Using a similar approach, 11.4% of crates for the Charm novaLUM II-X, 10.5% of crates for the 3M Clean Trace, and 15.2% of crates for the Neogen AccuPoint would have failed the critical limit for the crate sorting bar cleanliness thresholds. These data suggest that ATP bioluminescence may be a reliable method to monitor cleaning effectiveness in farrowing rooms on commercial sow farms. Bioluminescence is a monitoring tool that should be used in conjunction with periodic microbial validation to monitor procedures for cleaning and disinfection.
Katanin regulatory subunit B1 (KATNB1) regulates BTB dynamics through changes in cytoskeletal organization
Authors: Mao Bai‐Ping , Pan Mingdong , Shan Yuanyuan , Wang Ya‐Nan , Li Huitao , Wu Jinhan , Zhu Xuanjing , Hu Ende , Cheng C. Yan , Shangguan Wangning
Published: September 2024

In this study, we have explored the role of the KATNB1 gene, a microtubule‐severing protein, in the seminiferous epithelium of the rat testis. Our data have shown that KATNB1 expressed in rat brain, testes, and Sertoli cells. KATNB1 was found to co‐localize with α‐tubulin showing a unique stage‐specific distribution across the seminiferous epithelium. Knockdown of KATNB1 by RNAi led to significant disruption of the tight junction (TJ) permeability barrier function in primary Sertoli cells cultured in vitro with an established functional TJ‐barrier, as well as perturbations in the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton organization. The disruption in these cytoskeletal structures, in turn, led to improper distribution of TJ and basal ES proteins essential for maintaining the Sertoli TJ function. More importantly, overexpression of KATNB1 in the testis in vivo was found to block cadmium‐induced blood–testis barrier (BTB) disruption and testis injury. KATNB1 exerted its promoting effects on BTB and spermatogenesis through corrective spatiotemporal expression of actin‐ and microtubule‐based regulatory proteins by maintaining the proper organization of cytoskeletons in the testis, illustrating its plausible therapeutic implication. In summary, Katanin regulatory subunit B1 (KATNB1) plays a crucial role in BTB and spermatogenesis through its effects on the actin‐ and microtubule‐based cytoskeletons in Sertoli cells and testis, providing important insights into male reproductive biology.
FABP1 induces lipogenesis by regulating the processing of SREBP1 in hepatocytes of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)
Authors: Chen Fan , Hao Tingting , Chen Qiang , Sun Yuning , Shen Yanan , Zhao Zengqi , Du Jianlong , Li Yueru , Mai Kangsen , Ai Qinghui
Published: September 2024

Fatty acid‐binding protein 1 (FABP1) plays an important role in regulating fatty acid metabolism in liver, which is a potential therapeutic target for diseases such as non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the underlying mechanisms are not well defined. Using complementary experimental models, we discovered FABP1 induction in hepatocytes as a primary mediator of lipogenesis when exposed to fatty acids, especially saturated fatty acids (SFAs). In the feeding trial, palm oil led to excess lipid accumulation in the liver of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), accompanied by significant induction of FABP1. In cultured cells, palmitic acid (PA), a kind of SFA, triggered the fabp1 expression and increased triglyceride (TG) contents. Knockdown of FABP1 dampened PA‐induced TG accumulation through mitigated lipogenesis. The overexpression of FABP1 showed the opposite result. Furthermore, the inactivation of FABP1 led to induction in insulin‐induced gene 1 (INSIG1) expression, which attenuated the processing of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1 (SREBP1) by down‐regulating the nuclear‐localized SREBP1. These results revealed a previously unrecognized function of FABP1 in response to PA, providing additional evidence for targeting FABP1 in the treatment of NAFLD caused by SFA.
IRF5 Variants Are Risk Factors for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Two Mexican Populations
Authors: López-Briceño Isaac A. , Ramírez-Bello Julian , Montúfar-Robles Isela , Barbosa-Cobos Rosa Elda , Ángulo-Ramírez Angélica V. , Valencia-Pacheco Guillermo
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is one of the pivotal genes implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) among diverse ethnic groups, including Europeans, Asians, Hispanics, and Africans. Notably, its significance appears particularly pronounced among Hispanic populations. Previous studies have identified several single-nucleotide variants within IRF5, such as rs2004640G/T, rs2070197T/C, and rs10954213G/A, as associated with susceptibility to SLE among patients from Mexico City. However, the population of Yucatan, located in the Southeast of Mexico and characterized by a greater Amerindian genetic component, remains largely unexplored in this regard.

Objectives

Our study aimed to replicate the observed association between IRF5 variants and susceptibility to SLE among patients from Central Mexico and Yucatan. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of IRF5 rs59110799G/T, a variant that has not been previously studied in SLE individuals.

Method

Our study included 204 SLE patients and 160 controls from Central Mexico, as well as 184 SLE patients and 184 controls from Yucatan. All participants were females 18 years and older. We employed a TaqMan assay to detect the presence of the following single-nucleotide variants: rs2004640G/T, rs2070197T/C, rs10954213G/A, and rs59110799G/T. Furthermore, we utilized 2 distinct web tools and databases to predict the potential functional implications of IRF5 variants.

Results

In SLE patients from Central Mexico, several IRF5 alleles showed significant associations with the disease following adjustment by the Bonferroni test: the rs2070197C allele (odds ratio [OR], 2.08), the rs10954213A allele (OR, 1.59), and the rs59110799G allele (OR, 1.71). Conversely, among patients from Yucatan, the following alleles showed associations: rs2004640T (OR, 1.51), rs2070197C (OR, 1.62), rs10954213A (OR, 1.67), and rs59110799G (OR, 1.44).

Conclusion

Our findings highlight genetic variations between Mexican populations and emphasize the role of IRF5 as a risk factor in SLE patients from both Central Mexico and Yucatan.
Wind tunnel investigation of hemispherical forebody interaction on the drag coefficient of a D-shaped model
Authors: V. Suresh , Balusamy Kathiravan , Chidambaram Senthilkumar
Published: September 2024

Purpose

An experimental investigation of hemispherical forebody interaction effects on the drag coefficient of a D-shaped model is carried out for three-dimensional flow in the subcritical range of Reynolds number 1 × 105 ≤ Re ≤ 1.8 × 105. To study the interaction effect, hemispherical shapes of various sizes are attached to the upriver of the D-shaped bluff body model. The diameter of the hemisphere (b1) varied from 0.25 to 0.75 times the diameter of the D-shaped model (b2) and its gap from the D-shaped model (g/b2) ranged from 0.25 to 1.75 b2.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiments were carried out in a low-speed open-circuit closed jet wind tunnel with test section dimensions of 1.2 × 0.9 × 1.8 m (W × H × L) capable of generating maximum velocity up to 45 m/s. The wind tunnel is equipped with a driving unit which has a 175-hp motor with three propellers controlled by a 160-kW inverter drive. Drag force is measured with an internal six-component balance with the help of the Spider 3013 E-pro data acquisition system.

Findings

The wind tunnel results show that the hemispherical forebody has a diameter ratio of 0.75 with a gap ratio of 0.25, resulting in a maximum drag reduction of 67%.

Research limitations/implications

The turbulence intensity of the wind tunnel is about 5.6% at a velocity of 18 m/s. The uncertainty in the velocity and the drag coefficient measurement are about ±1.5 and ±2.83 %, respectively. The maximum error in the geometric model is about ±1.33 %.

ractical implications

The results from the research work are helpful in choosing the optimum spacing of road vehicles, especially truck–trailer and launch vehicle applications.

Social implications

Drag reduction of road vehicle resulting less fuel consumption as well as less pollution to the environment. For instance, tractor trailer experiencing approximately 45% of aerodynamics drag is due to front part of the vehicle. The other contributors are 30% due to trailer base and 25% is due to under body flow. Nearly 65% of energy was spent to overcome the aerodynamic drag, when the vehicle is traveling at the average of 70 kmph (Seifert 2008 and Doyle 2008).

Originality/value

The benefits of placing the forebody in front of the main body will have a strong influence on reducing fuel consumption.
Responsibilization as a return to collectivity? Legitimating the responsibilization of preparedness: the case of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB)
Authors: Ågren Malin
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study investigates how communication is used by a Swedish public authority to legitimate the responsibilization of preparedness, i.e. how the state encourages individual citizens to take more responsibility for their security.

Design/methodology/approach

A multimodal discursive approach drawing on multimodal narrative analysis of video clips and multimodal critical discourse analysis (MCDA) is used to examine how the responsibilization of preparedness is legitimated in video material published on Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency's (MSB’s) YouTube channel.

Findings

The study finds that the responsibilization of preparedness is legitimated through an ongoing but evolving normalization of threat. The findings also show how responsibilization is legitimated in moralizing terms of individual contribution to society, which may indicate a return from neo-liberal values to more traditional Swedish collectivist values.

Originality/value

The study shows how communication around preparedness and responsibilization is discursively constructed and legitimated through multimodal features, while previous research has mainly focused on verbal or written communication.
Evaluating Uganda’s preferential market access; trade intensity, comparative advantage and the potential for trade
Authors: Ecel Aaron , Ahimbisibwe Godwin Mwesigye , Nuwagaba Dennis , Nankya Mariah Nakintu , Nahurira Shareen
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Preferential market access is a pillar of the enabling clause in international trade, and as such has received scholarly attention in the recent past. This study aims to empirically examine intensity and utilisation of Uganda’s preferential market access.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data at the six-digit level of the harmonised system was sourced from the International Trade Centre’s and UN COMTRADE’s Trade Map database on trade flows to compute; trade intensity indices, Balsa’s revealed comparative advantage (RCA) indices and the existing potential trade. The time period was 2013–2022.

Findings

It is evident that Uganda is not taking full advantage of its preferential market access. The findings of the trade intensity analysis revealed that the strength of trade relations between Uganda and its preferential markets has been consistently weak in the period 2013–2022, while the intensity of trade relations with its FTA partners has been strong. The RCA results revealed that all Uganda’s agricultural exports to its preferential markets have a comparative advantage, with exports of roses reporting an exceptionally high RCA relative to other agricultural exports. The RCA results also show that the comparative advantage of Uganda’s coffee exports recovered after a significant fall in the period 2014–2022. The analysis of the existing potential for trade reveals a disproportionally low market share held by Uganda across all product lines, notably, only 2.3% of the US$29bn coffee imports in its preferential markets.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is that it primarily relied on quantitative data from the International Trade Centre and thus lacks an exhaustive understanding of the circumstances at the export firm level. Qualitative data, such as interviews with exporters and policymakers, could provide deeper insights into the specific challenges and opportunities faced by Ugandan businesses in these markets.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the need for additional trade facilitation measures to address preferential market access bottlenecks such as stringent rules of origin and call for an aggressive government intervention in enhancing the export readiness of SMEs in Uganda. In addition, the paper is informative to Uganda’s exporters regarding the existing and potential increase in their exports to international markets.

Originality/value

The strength of Uganda’s trade relations with its preferential markets is empirically examined in this paper and provides useful insights for enhancing utilisation of preferential market access by beneficiary countries.
Facility network design by using k-mean and elbow method: a case of Indian handloom industry
Authors: Naik M.K.P. , Bhardwaj Prabhas
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to design a facility network for the weavers to do direct business in the Indian handloom industry by using tourists as potential customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 4,001 weavers of the handloom industry and 82 tourist locations of Varanasi city were collected. This data was analysed using the k-mean and elbow methods to determine the locations and the optimal number of collection centres, selling stores and warehouses to provide opportunities for the weavers to do direct business.

Findings

The study's findings showed that a greater opportunity could be provided with four optimal collection centres and selling stores, along with two warehouses in the handloom industry of Varanasi city. These results provide valuable guidance for policymakers to plan the Varanasi handloom network of facilities efficiently and effectively to improve the conditions of weavers.

Originality/value

Determining the optimal locations is crucial for designing a facility network. The proposed network will aid the government and policymakers in comprehending and pinpointing potential sites to establish new facilities in the handloom industry in Varanasi, a city with tourism potential.
Role of social media and library marketing in Indian universities
Authors: Kumar Shiv , Chohda Nirupma , Gupta Richa
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Social media marketing (SMM) denotes attaining website traffic or attention through social media platforms. The paper aims to focus on examining the viewpoint of library professionals from different universities along with the user respondents from different disciplines and universities on the role of social media tools to market university libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a survey-based study that used the questionnaire as its chief data collection instrument designed to be administered to library professionals (n = 100) and users (n = 1,189) from eight universities. The study also adopted the general observation and interview methods to supplement the data. The data was analyzed using SPSS software, and Chi-square test and ANOVA were applied to ascertain the significant variations in viewpoints of the library professionals and the users.

Findings

The research study showed that library professionals (from different universities) and users (from different disciplines and universities) felt that social media could be an appropriate marketing tool for libraries in the future. Observations during data collection highlighted a lack of confidence and unwillingness among library professionals to implement any changes in the present time.

Practical implications

The present study provides some significant insights for improving the current situation of the libraries under study in terms of increasing awareness among the students and adopt social media tools for marketing of library facilities and services in future. It is important to note that a few issues that came into light during data collection were a marked lack of willingness and prevalence of less confidence among the library professionals to execute or implement the social media tools to market library resources and services among the users.

Originality/value

SMM programs focus on creating content that attracts attention and encourages readers to use it. This study attempts to fill the gap in of marketing in libraries through social media. The paper offers insights into the use of marketing tools for promoting library resources and services as per the needs of library users. The research work differs from other studies undertaken on library marketing related to social media as it has included both library professionals and users together to obtain a better picture in this regard.
Exploring the antecedents and consequences of brand addiction among Iranian consumers
Authors: Vakili Marziyeh , Salehzadeh Reza , Esmailian Hassan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Because brand addiction is one of the most intense forms of consumer–brand relationships, this type of behavior has recently attracted the attention of researchers in the field of consumer behavior management. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the antecedents and consequences of brand addiction among Iranian consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 401 people in Iran. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study found that brand love and brand involvement significantly influence brand addiction. Brand addiction was also positively associated with contingent self-esteem (CSE), compulsive shopping and resilience to negative information. Additionally, the results revealed a positive and significant effect of brand involvement on brand love and a similar positive and significant effect of CSE on compulsive shopping.

Originality/value

By examining the antecedents and consequences of brand addiction in an Islamic country, this research offers valuable insights that can enrich the literature on brand addiction in consumer behavior and brand management.
You want my loyalty? Treat me fairly! A study of Islamic banking customers in South Africa
Authors: Roberts-Lombard Mornay , Petzer Daniël Johannes
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate possible drivers of loyalty amongst Islamic banking customers in Gauteng, South Africa. We ponder the relationships of service fairness (a secondorder reflective construct) with perceived value, satisfaction, and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from Islamic banking customers in South Africa using interview-administered questionnaires. A total of 350 responses were perceived as being suitable for data analysis. The measurement and structural models were measured through structural equation modelling.

Findings

Service fairness and perceived value were found to be important drivers of loyalty within this context.

Research limitations/implications

This study demonstrates that service fairness and perceived value are precursors to the future loyalty intentions of Islamic banking customers. As such, they should be nurtured as key elements of the relationship building process.

Practical implications

The study guides South African Islamic banks and South African banks with Islamic windows to better understand how service fairness (interactional, procedural and distributive) fosters satisfaction, perceived value and loyalty (attitudinal and behavioural).

Originality/value

Enhancing comprehension of the relationship between service fairness and customer loyalty, with satisfaction and perceived value playing intermediary roles, represents an unexplored avenue in academic research within the context of Islamic banking in an emerging African market.
A call to adopt pedagogies of optimism in times of armed conflicts: theoretical and practical insights
Authors: Oplatka Izhar
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The paper argues for the introduction of pedagogies of optimism (and implicitly of hope) in schools as a response to the danger of pessimism, skepticism and helplessness characterizing periods of armed conflicts.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual analysis.

Findings

Following an analysis of armed conflicts and their impact on educational systems, the critical contribution of pedagogies of optimism is illuminated. Teachers are encouraged to follow major phases in this kind of pedagogy, such as discovery, acceptance of the situation, imagination and critical thinking.

Originality/value

Practical suggestions are provided at the end of the paper.
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools for academic research
Authors: Oyelude Adetoun A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in academic research, highlighting their potential to transform various stages of the research process. AI tools are transforming academic research, offering numerous benefits and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Academic research is undergoing a significant transformation with the emergence of (AI) tools. These tools have the potential to revolutionize various aspects of research, from literature review to writing and proofreading. An overview of AI applications in literature review, data analysis, writing and proofreading, discussing their benefits and limitations is given. A comprehensive review of existing literature on AI applications in academic research was conducted, focusing on tools and platforms used in various stages of the research process. AI was used in some of the searches for AI applications in use.

Findings

The analysis reveals that AI tools can enhance research efficiency, accuracy and quality, but also raise important ethical and methodological considerations. AI tools have the potential to significantly enhance academic research, but their adoption requires careful consideration of methodological and ethical implications. The integration of AI tools also raises questions about authorship, accountability and the role of human researchers. The authors conclude by outlining future directions for AI integration in academic research and emphasizing the need for responsible adoption.

Originality/value

As AI continues to evolve, it is essential for researchers, institutions and policymakers to address the ethical and methodological implications of AI adoption, ensuring responsible integration and harnessing the full potential of AI tools to advance academic research. This is the contribution of the paper to knowledge.
Implementing a mental health app intervention in a university setting: multi-methods evaluation study
Authors: Liverpool Shaun , Fletcher Ken , Chopra Tahira Kaur , Jay David , Walters Faye , Kaye Linda K.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The number of university students seeking mental health support is rapidly increasing. To provide additional psychological support to students accessing well-being services, this study aimed to pilot a mental health Web application (app) called Orpheus®.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by student consultations, a multi-methods approach was adopted, including an examination of in-app data, chart reviews of routinely collected student information and interviews with mental health practitioners. Usage data were analysed descriptively. Changes in mental health outcomes were examined using means, standard deviations and reliable change indices for anxiety and depression scores. Inductive and deductive thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data from staff interviews and student feedback.

Findings

A total of 26 students registered an account with 39 completed app visits. On 37 of the 39 (94.9%) occasions, students reported reductions in the intensity of unwanted negative emotions. Statistically significant reductions in the average pooled anxiety and depression scores were observed. Of the 15 students who completed pre- and post-routine outcome measures, between 20% and 60% showed reliable and meaningful symptom improvements. Students reported that the app was helpful and easy to set up and use, with no adverse events. Practitioners highlighted barriers and facilitators related to the technology features, situational contexts and individual differences.

Originality/value

Integrating Orpheus in real-world settings resulted in promising implementation processes, potential for future uptake and positive outcomes. However, ongoing research, staff training and app testing are needed to further improve the implementation processes for digital mental health interventions.
Corporate environmental responsibility’s influence on risk-taking in Chinese A-share listed companies
Authors: Qiu Yixin , Tang Ying , Ren Xiaohang , Moro Andrea , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farhad
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate environmental responsibility (CER) and risk-taking in Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2020. It seeks to understand the influence of CER on risk-taking behavior and explore potential moderating factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach is used, using data from Chinese A-share listed companies over the specified period. Regression analysis is used to examine the relationship between CER and risk-taking, while considering moderating variables such as performance aspiration, environmental enrichment and contextual factors.

Findings

The findings indicate that CER positively influences corporate risk-taking, with significant impacts on information asymmetry and corporate reputation. Moreover, positive performance aspiration strengthens the effect of CER on risk-taking, while negative performance aspiration and environmental enrichment weaken this effect. Cross-sectional analysis shows that the positive association between CER and risk-taking is more prominent for firms located in areas with strict environmental regulation, for nonstate-owned firms, and for firms with higher levels of internal control.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by providing insights into the dynamics between CER and risk-taking in the Chinese market context. It expands existing knowledge by considering the influence of performance aspiration on this relationship, offering practical implications for firms seeking to enhance corporate performance through strategic management of environmental responsibilities.
Circular economy design strategies in mass timber construction: a systematic literature review
Authors: Abad Fatemeh , Rameezdeen Raufdeen , Chileshe Nicholas
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study evaluates the implementation of circular economy (CE) design strategies in mass timber construction to identify knowledge gaps and define crucial future research areas for promoting CE design adoption in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to, first, identify CE design strategies applicable to the construction industry and then investigate the current state of CE design research in mass timber construction. Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant literature. In total, 52 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2016 and 2023 were shortlisted. Descriptive and thematic analyses were then employed to analyse and synthesise the relevant literature.

Findings

Seven CE design strategies were identified in the first stage of the SLR. The second stage of the SLR revealed limited research on CE design strategies in mass timber construction. Several research problems were identified, including a lack of suitable connectors for the deconstruction phase, durability concerns, insufficient knowledge of CE design methods, lack of knowledge and education about mass timber construction, missing actors within the value chain, higher cost, an underdeveloped market and inadequate regulatory requirements. These findings highlighted the future research directions to foster CE design adoption in mass timber construction.

Originality/value

The study systematically identifies existing knowledge on the application of CE design strategies in mass timber construction. Moreover, it presents a conceptual framework that links current research problems to future research directions across technical, social, economic and regulatory categories, thereby advancing CE practice in mass timber construction.
Communicating a comeback: a startup founder’s response to anonymous employee feedback
Authors: Miller Laura Nicole
Published: September 2024

Research methodology

This case study is based on primary data collected through interviews with the company’s founder and CEO. It also includes secondary data collected through the Glassdoor job search and career community site. The names of the company and the employees have been disguised. However, the figures included accurately represent the primary data and the quotes are directly from the company representative.

Case overview/synopsis

When it was founded in 2009, employees were excited about the prospect of working at Wombat alongside its founder and CEO Dan Wallace. They had looked forward to making a difference in the lives of college students with the company’s higher ed-focused digital communication platform. But by 2022, Wallace could not ignore the significant change in these employees’ attitudes. Anonymous feedback pointed to employees’ commitment to Wombat having wavered, and employees’ reception of post-COVID organizational changes had become concerningly critical. Though he knew enough to be concerned, Wallace felt unsure of how to move forward based on the anonymous feedback alone. He was left wondering: how should Wombat communicate with employees to boost their attitudes and strengthen their commitment while making the hard decisions that best serve the company?

Complexity academic level

This case study is appropriate for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in organizational communication courses. It can constitute the employee communication module in a class that surveys strategic managerial communication, or it could be used as one of many examples in a course specifically focused on the internal communication component of the discipline. Students will need an understanding of communication theory, specifically interpretive organizational communication theory, to grasp the complexities of the case. While the focus company is in the educational technology industry, the themes presented are faced by companies of all sizes in all sectors.
Smart city construction impact on destination competitiveness: a time-varying difference-in-differences analysis of Chinese prefectural-level cities
Authors: Zhang Jiekuan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze how smart city construction affects destination competitiveness and elucidates the potential mechanisms of digital economy. Also, the regional heterogeneity of smart city construction’s influence on destination competitiveness is discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the quasi-natural experiment characteristics of China's smart city construction pilot, this study applies a time-varying difference-in-differences approach using a panel dataset of 272 Chinese prefectural-level cities to examine the causal effects of smart city construction on destination competitiveness.

Findings

Results indicate substantial enhancement of urban destination competitiveness from smart city construction, with this effect escalating annually. Digital infrastructure and digital finance serve as influence mechanisms. The positive impacts of smart city construction on urban tourism competitiveness do not differ by geographic location, rather there are significant differences between cities of different administrative levels. The impact of smart city construction on destination competitiveness is more significant in low administrative level cities. The improvement of economic development level and innovation ability helps to exert the positive impact of smart cities on tourism competitiveness.

Originality/value

This study constructs a new panel data set for smart city construction and destination competitiveness based on multi-source data and posits a theoretical linkage among smart city construction, digital economy and destination competitiveness. This paper provides invaluable insights on how to boost destination competitiveness by creating smart cities and leveraging the digital economy. Tourism sectors should proactively engage in smart city construction and foster the digital transformation of tourism.
Host community structure can shape pathogen outbreak dynamics through a phylogenetic dilution effect
Authors: Toorians Marjolein E. M. , Smallegange Isabel M. , Davies T. Jonathan
Published: September 2024

Biodiversity loss and anthropogenic modifications to species communities are impacting the frequency and magnitude of disease emergence events. These changes may be related through mechanisms in which biodiversity either increases (amplifies) or decreases (dilutes) disease prevalence. Biodiversity effects can be direct, when contacts among competent hosts are replaced by contacts with sink hosts, or indirect through the regulation of host abundances.

Here, we introduce a multihost compartmental disease model, weighting host competences by their evolutionary relatedness. Our model simulates host communities with substitutive and additive assembly patterns and frequency‐ and density‐dependent pathogen transmission modes, from which we estimate the community disease outbreak potential .

Simulations show how differences in phylogenetic structure can switch host communities from diluting to amplifying a disease, even when species richness is unchanged. We additionally show that phylogenetic dilution can occur simultaneously with (classic) amplification through species richness.

We illustrate our model using empirical data describing the relationship between phylogenetic distances separating hosts and their likelihood of disease sharing. Our study demonstrates how host evolutionary histories can drive disease dynamics through a phylogenetic dilution effect.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Taylor's law on abundance unravels the role of traits and environmental conditions on population dynamics
Authors: Arim Matías , Illarze Mariana
Published: September 2024

The variance–mean scaling in population abundance or Taylor's power law (TPL) has been reported hundreds of times and is related to ecological processes such as competition, dispersal or territoriality. In this sense, the TPL was extensively validated to resume population variability and to show the action of ecological mechanisms.

Baumgartner and Peláez (2024) combine databases of fish dynamics along the United States, species traits, species phylogeny and climatic conditions, estimating the TPL for 180 species along 972 populations.

The observed scaling suggests that the variability of the population decreases with abundance. Notably, 68% of the variation in the variance–mean scaling was explained by species traits and environmental conditions. Specifically, the life history of the species, associated with its body size, was the main explanation for the TPL, also reporting that the variability of the population increased faster with mean abundance in the headwaters than in other river sections. Equally important, the diversity of the community in which the species were inserted did not affect the scaling.

These results provide overwhelming evidence on the nature of TPL on large geographic scales and how they are affected by species biology and environmental conditions. A contribution that should motivate further empirical and theoretical analysis of the TPL and its determinants.
Interacting effects of sand, slugs and jute drive community composition in direct‐seeded urban wildflower meadows
Authors: Horsfall Katherine , Livesley Stephen J. , Delpratt John , Hirst Megan J. , Williams Nicholas S. G.
Published: September 2024

Wildflower meadows support biodiversity in urban environments, whilst providing low‐maintenance, amenity landscapes. By moving from international plant palettes to those that include species from threatened plant communities in meadows, we can reintroduce native species to urban landscapes and help achieve conservation objectives. Adapting horticultural techniques from Europe, we determined if such approaches could support the germination and establishment of grasses and wildflowers from critically endangered plant communities in Melbourne, Australia.

Working in an urban park, we sowed seed of 27 species on soil capped with two depths of sand (10 and 80 mm) and site soil without sand to determine the impact of sand on weed emergence, slug grazing and growth of sown species. We quantified weed biomass and the time spent weeding unsown species from the emerging meadow. We also tested if covering the sites with a jute mesh enhanced sown species establishment.

Twelve months after sowing, the percentage cover of sown species did not differ significantly among treatments. However, the cover of forb species was greater on plots without jute, whereas the cover of grasses was greater on plots with jute. Forb density and species richness were highest on 80 mm sand treatments without jute and lowest on 80 mm sand with jute. We attribute this to greater competition from grasses and higher slug abundance in the presence of jute, leading to the loss of forb species that are more palatable to slugs. Greater sand depths significantly reduced the time to weed and the biomass of weed species removed from the emerging meadow.

Synthesis and applications. Using low‐nutrient substrates to cap and bury the weed seed bank, irrigation and direct seeding, we demonstrate it is possible to return plants from threatened grassy ecosystems to urban sites, creating a dense and species‐rich native understorey within 1 year whilst reducing labour requirements during meadow establishment.
Anger expressions of social media users following different crisis response strategies towards health emergency
Authors: Zhong Zhijin , Luo Zhiyi , Chen Yiling , Li Lifang
Published: September 2024

Although studies have argued the relationship of anger expressions with the satisfaction of crisis response strategies in traditional studies, fewer studies had integrated large‐scale user‐generated social media data to characterize public's dynamic anger expressions in multiple crisis stages following different response strategies. Drawing on the Situational Crisis Communication Theory and text mining techniques, this study analyzed the anger expressions in Weibo posts using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC, 2015), and the statistical comparison results suggested that the number of anger words after the involved company conducted deny strategy was significantly larger than the number of anger words when diminish and rebuild strategies were applied. Furthermore, using Biterm Topic Model, we observed dynamic changes of anger‐related posts' themes following different crisis response strategies. Our research serves as an impetus for authorities to systematically examine the manifestations of anger exhibited by individual users on social media platforms, thereby enabling an assessment of public sentiments pertaining to diverse strategies. This also empowers practitioners to enhance the precision and efficacy of crisis phase‐specific responses within the domain of crisis communication.
Next‐generation AMA1‐based plasmids for enhanced heterologous expression in filamentous fungi
Authors: Roux Indra , Woodcraft Clara , Sbaraini Nicolau , Pepper Amy , Wong Emily , Bracegirdle Joe , Chooi Yit‐Heng
Published: September 2024

Episomal AMA1‐based plasmids are increasingly used for expressing biosynthetic pathways and CRISPR/Cas systems in filamentous fungi cell factories due to their high transformation efficiency and multicopy nature. However, the gene expression from AMA1 plasmids has been observed to be highly heterogeneous in growing mycelia. To overcome this limitation, here we developed next‐generation AMA1‐based plasmids that ensure homogeneous and strong expression. We achieved this by evaluating various degradation tags fused to the auxotrophic marker gene on the AMA1 plasmid, which introduces a more stringent selection pressure throughout multicellular fungal growth. With these improved plasmids, we observed in Aspergillus nidulans a 5‐fold increase in the expression of a fluorescent reporter, a doubling in the efficiency of a CRISPRa system for genome mining, and a up to a 10‐fold increase in the production of heterologous natural product metabolites. This strategy has the potential to be applied to diverse filamentous fungi.
Herding in equity crowdfunding
Authors: Åstebro Thomas , Fernández Manuel , Lovo Stefano , Vulkan Nir
Published: September 2024

We build a model of equity crowdfunding that incorporates the two major funding models: all‐or‐nothing (AoN) and keep‐it‐all (KIA). Both informed and uninformed investors arrive sequentially and rationally choose whether and how much to invest. The KIA solution turns out to be a reduced version of AoN without signalling. We test predictions using data from a leading European equity crowdfunding platform and find support. Results are consistent with rational information aggregation. However, negative information cascades may still appear. The AoN crowdfunding mechanism might therefore fail to finance a nonnegligible percentage of positive NPV projects.
The effects of humic substances application on the phytohormone profile in Lactuca sativa L.
Authors: Atero‐Calvo Santiago , Magro Francesco , Masetti Giacomo , Navarro‐León Eloy , Albacete Alfonso , Ruiz Juan Manuel
Published: September 2024

Humic substances (HS) are commonly employed as plant biostimulants to enhance crop yields. However, the HS mechanisms of action, as well as the differences between radicular and foliar modes of application, remain unclear. Here, we explored the changes in phytohormonal balance as possible mechanism of HS to enhance lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth, and the difference between both modes of application. For this purpose, BLACKJAK®, a HS‐based product was applied as radicular (R) and foliar (F) at the concentrations (mL/L): 0.20 (R1), 0.40 (R2), 0.60 (R3), 0.80 (R4), 5.00 (F1), 7.50 (F2), 10.00 (F3), and 12.50 (F4). The experiment was performed in pots filled with vermiculite:perlite (3:1) and HS were applied three times with a periodicity of 10 days. Shoot and root growth parameters were measured. In addition, the phythormones indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), gibberellins (GAs), trans‐zeatine (tZ), isopentenyl adenine (iP), 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC), abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA), were analysed by U‐HPLC‐MS. BLACKJAK® application resulted in higher shoot growth at doses R1, R2, R3, F2, and F3, whereas root biomass was increased at R2, R3, F2, F3, and F4, showing radicular better plant growth than foliar applications. Furthermore, HS changed phytohormonal balance in shoots and roots. However, it was with radicular applications, especially at R2, where phytohormonal profile was best associated with plant growth due to the increases observed in IAA, GAs, JA, SA, tZ, and decreased ABA. However, further research is needed to clarify the involvement of hormones in the growth‐promoting action of HS.
Perilous state of critically endangered Northwest African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus hecki) across the Sudano‐Sahel
Authors: Shams A. , Farhadinia M. S. , O'Riain M. J. , Gaylard A. , Smit M. , Fraticelli C. , Koutou M. , Clement K. B. , Durant S. M. , Melzheimer J. , Naude V. N.
Published: September 2024

Northwest African cheetah populations have declined precipitously, with expert opinion estimating that <420 individuals persist across parts of Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger and Mali. However, no reliable density estimates exist in the remaining subspecies strongholds throughout the Sudano‐Sahel Zone, including the W‐Arly‐Pendjari Complex and Greater Zakouma Ecosystem within the Bahr/Salamat landscape. Camera trap surveys were combined with spatially explicit capture–recapture methodologies in both regions to estimate the cheetah density and detectable demographic composition of these populations. Following 15 429 camera trap nights, we detected nine individuals during the dry season and four individuals during the wet season in Pendjari (2021), nine individuals (dry season; 2023) in Zakouma and none in Siniaka Minia. Cheetah densities were thus estimated at 0.17–0.24 and 0.37 cheetah per 100 km2 in Pendjari and Zakouma, respectively. While marginally higher than predicted, such low‐density estimates are concerning in the last remaining habitats harbouring this critically endangered subspecies. Considering the substantial contraction of regional cheetah distribution, we estimate an overall population size of 68 ± 29 individuals across the studied areas. These novel estimates are among the lowest formally determined densities throughout cheetah range in Africa, where a high frequency of people and livestock detected on camera traps highlight the ongoing risks to large carnivores in these protected areas. Subsequent management recommendations include implementation of the established regional conservation strategies that encompass the distributional range of these cheetah, continuous monitoring of populations, genetic analyses to inform management, curbing illegal trade and increasing international awareness around the plight of the subspecies.