bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Business continuity management: trends, structures and future issues
Authors: Widianti Tri , Dinaseviani Anggini , Ayundyahrini Meilinda , Sumaedi Sik , Rakhmawati Tri , Astrini Nidya Judhi , Bakti I Gede Mahatma Yuda , Damayanti Sih , Yarmen Medi , Jati Rahmi Kartika , Yaman Aris , Pandin Marlina , Hidayat Mauludin , Prihanto Igif Gimin , Gunawan Hendy , Mahmudi Mahmudi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study assesses the current landscape of business continuity management (BCM) research while exploring research trends, structures and delineating potential future directions.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted on 360 articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases using Biblioshiny software. A meta-synthesis was employed to aggregate and synthesize findings from the bibliometric results.

Findings

The results demonstrate a notable increase in publication numbers since the onset of the pandemic, reaching a peak in 2022 with a total of 342 articles. A collaborative bond among scholars transcends geographical boundaries and national affiliations. The analytical results propose avenues for future research, addressing crucial areas such as the integration of business continuity management systems (BCMS), the development of BCM frameworks and a comparative analysis of business impact analysis (BIA) frameworks through pertinent theories.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes theoretical and practical implications, serving as a valuable resource for academics and practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of BCM’s role in business recovery and preserving organizational continuity in the face of disruptions.

Originality/value

This study pioneers a comprehensive approach by integrating bibliometric analysis and qualitative meta-synthesis, providing a consolidated overview of BCM research. Additionally, it presents future research proposals in this area.
How does servitization promote value added in construction industry? The moderating role of R&D innovation
Authors: Li Huimin , Zhao Zhichao , Cao Yongchao , Su Limin , Zhao Jing , Zhang Yafei
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Servitization and research and development (R&D) innovation provide new developmental opportunities for transformation in the construction industry. This study aims to explore the transformative impact of servitization and R&D innovation on the value added of the construction industry, offering new insights into industry transformation and growth.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes panel data from Chinese listed construction companies from 2014 to 2022 to empirically investigate the relationship among servitization, R&D innovation and value added in the construction industry. The data analysis is augmented by incorporating text mining techniques to rigorously investigate the interplay among servitization, R&D innovation and the value added within the construction industry.

Findings

The research findings indicate that the impact of servitization on value added follows a positive U-shaped relationship, while the influence of R&D innovation on value added exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship. Additionally, innovation investment plays a negative moderating role in the relationship between servitization and value added.

Originality/value

This study reveals a fresh perspective on how construction companies can leverage servitization as a strategic pathway for transformation and competitive advantage. The research also lays a theoretical groundwork for future innovation investment strategies in the construction industry, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to innovation investments to maximize value added.
Influence of residential physical environments on occupant experience: considering the moderating effects of indoor plants and climate zones
Authors: Xu Leiqing , Zhang Zhubai
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Home is a place/system/product that becomes increasingly occupied with various tasks used to be performed in workplaces. However, the knowledge of the relationship between residential physical environments and occupant experience is limited, especially when considering the effect of indoor plants (IPs) and climate zones. To address the gap, this study conducted a questionnaire survey in three cities across different regions in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on User Experience and Customer Satisfaction Index theory, following the research paradigm, a total of 627 valid samples were collected and analyzed in a stepwise statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, reliability and validity test, correlation test and region comparison, then the model of PROCESS was adopted to examine the hypotheses that are given based on the former studies.

Findings

The results showed that residential physical environments have a significant effect on occupant satisfaction (OS) in all regions, as well as OS on occupant performance. However, regional differences were found that OS is a complete mediator in the Middle region, while a partial mediator in the North and South. A slight moderating effect of IPs was also found in the region of South. Nevertheless, both the number of plants and plant types have a significant moderating effect on the mechanism.

Originality/value

Besides combining two theories and confirming the mechanism in the residential physical environment, it is also the first study to consider the moderating effects of IPs and climate zones, providing potential empirical support for not only design and management stages but also facing global challenges of working at home and climate changes.
Developing a method for evaluating the value of hoisting risk response strategies: a multi-stakeholder perspective
Authors: Junjia Yin , Alias Aidi Hizami , Haron Nuzul Azam , Abu Bakar Nabilah
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Hoisting is an essential construction work package, but there is still a high incidence of accidents due to insufficient attention to coping strategies. This study aims to provide decision support to practitioners on safety protocols by developing a multi-stakeholder risk response model and a novel evaluation method.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the study summarizes the hoisting risk response strategies system through a literature review and stakeholder theory. Secondly, the study constructed a quantitative theoretical model based on GLS-SEM and questionnaires. Third, the EWM-VA evaluation method was developed to determine the value coefficients of strategies.

Findings

The strategic interaction between government and consultants, consultants and builders, and government and builders are in the top three pronounced. Three coping strategies, “Increase funding for lifting equipment and safety devices,” “Improve the quality of safety education and training on lifting construction,” and “Conduct regular emergency rescue drills for lifting accidents,” have the optimal ratio of benefits to costs.

Originality/value

The hoisting risk strategy model from the perspective of multi-interested subjects proposed by the study is based on the global thinking of the project, which reduces the troubles such as the difficulty of pursuing responsibility and the irrational allocation of strategies that were brought by the previously related studies that only considered a single interested subject. In addition, the EWM-VA evaluation method developed in the study also provides new options for evaluating risk strategies and has the potential to be extended to other fields.
Unveiling barriers to O2O technology platform adoption among small retailers in India: insights into the role of digital ecosystem
Authors: Chawla Umesh , Verma Balraj , Mittal Amit
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to delve into the intricate world of small retailers in India, seeking to understand the impediments/barriers they encounter when trying to embrace online-to-offline (O2O) platforms. It also investigates the potential impact of the digital ecosystem in moderating these barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 426 Indian retailers was collected, and structural equation modelling was used to validate the conceptual framework.

Findings

The findings highlight the importance of addressing distrust and technological anxiety as key barriers to O2O platform adoption. Psychological risk, low-tech orientation, privacy risk, financial risk and social risk were also identified as barriers. Interestingly, performance risk and infrastructure were found to be insignificant in this study. The study indicates that the digital ecosystem does moderate the relationship between psychological risk, performance risk, distrust and technological anxiety with attitude.

Research limitations/implications

This research holds significant implications for technology adoption, retail management and aggregator platform development in developing nations, notably India. This research draws upon a conceptual framework to deepen the understanding of the O2O technology platform by providing an all-inclusive overview.

Originality/value

This study breaks new ground by investigating the distinctive obstacles to O2O adoption faced by small retailers in India. By validating the digital ecosystem’s moderating effect, this research yields insights that are context-specific and particularly relevant to the Indian retail landscape. Valuable guidance is offered for researchers, practitioners and policymakers navigating O2O strategy implementation in emerging markets.
The impact of cross-organizational private relationships on cooperative behavior in construction projects: evidence from Chinese construction industry
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Deng Jiaojiao
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Antagonistic relationship among the participants of construction projects has significantly improved, and further improving cooperation quality are committed. In this context, expanding new ways to improve cooperation quality has become a new topic in cooperation research. This study is dedicated to exploring the mechanism of cross-organizational private relationships on cooperative behaviors, which is rarely addressed in current research on construction projects, and provides reference for the rational use of cross-organizational private relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on analysis of studies related to relational governance theory, institutional theory and project complexity, this study constructs the theoretical model. This study uses survey data from 395 construction professionals in China to test the theoretical model by using structural equation modeling (SEM) and explains the direct and indirect mechanism of cross-organizational private relationships on cooperation behavior.

Findings

(1) Cross-organizational private relationships have direct and indirect facilitating effect on cooperation behavior. (2) Relational norms as mediating variables contribute to the expansion of the positive effects of cross-organizational private relationships on cooperation behavior. (3) Institutional environment and project complexity have the moderating effect between cross-organizational private relationships and cooperation behavior.

Originality/value

This research investigates the impact mechanisms and boundary conditions of cross-organizational private relationships at the micro level on the cooperative behaviors in construction projects and conducts empirical research. It is a topic that has not been adequately researched in the field of project management. The research results expand the scope of research on relational governance and deepen the research on the antecedents of relational norms. It provides the base for the proposed contingency theory of relational governance.
Unleashing the black-box between high-performance work systems and employee flourishing-at-work: an integrative review
Authors: Peethambaran Meera , Naim Mohammad Faraz
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to unravel the black-box mechanism between high-performance work systems (HPWS) and the multifaceted well-being construct, flourishing-at-work (FAW). Moreover, this paper aims to bring in a positive psychological mechanism that can reduce the potential negative impact of HPWS on FAW.

Design/methodology/approach

A synthesis analysis of existing literature was carried out to formulate managerial and practical propositions.

Findings

Drawing upon the theoretical foundations of social exchange theory, conservation of resource theory, signalling theory and resource-based view (RBV), this study proposes a conceptual framework that connects HPWS, psychological capital (PsyCap), employee work passion (EWP), organisational trust (OT) and flourishing-at-work (FAW) with the possible moderating effect of OT in the relationship between HPWS and PsyCap.

Practical implications

Although the proposed conceptual framework is not empirically validated, the study provides several significant practical implications in terms of the integrated framework consisting of HPWS, PsyCap, OT, EWP and FAW.

Originality/value

This study represents a pioneering contribution by proposing an indirect relationship between HPWS and FAW. Moreover, none of the studies so far have unleashed the black-box mechanism between HPWS and FAW. The study provides a set of propositions that explain the relationships between the study variables, which enrich the understanding of strategic human resource management practices and their potential effects on employee well-being.
Household information and communication technology usage and post-harvest losses in Nigeria
Authors: Matthew Oluwatoyin.A. , Osabohien Romanus , Amoo Emmanuel O. , Olopade Bosede C.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Post-harvest losses are becoming a huge issue globally and predominantly severe in developing countries. Food losses decrease farm income by 15% for about 480m small-scale farming households. With technology adoption, particularly, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage, minimising post-harvest losses will be more effective, because of its ability to build households’ human development by bridging the information gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically examines the impact of ICT usage on post-harvest losses in Nigeria, utilising Wave 4 (2018/2019) of the Living Standards Measurement Studies (LSMS), Integrated Survey on Agriculture (ISA). The study engages the Logit regression and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to analyse the data.

Findings

The findings show that post-harvest losses constitute about 38% of household agricultural production. In addition, it shows that the influence of ICT is statistically significant and positive in reducing post-harvest losses.

Research limitations/implications

It implies that access to mobile phones and the Internet by households helps in developing their human capital through information access, for example, by linking them to the market and enhancing value chain participation. In addition, the implication is that mobile phone and Internet access contribute 1.87% and 2.68%, respectively, to reducing post-harvest losses. The findings suggest that there is a need for the government to improve support mechanisms for ICT usage among farming households.

Social implications

The study contributes to the society by examining how the well-being of farmers can be improved upon in order to increase their productivity.

Originality/value

The study on the contribution of ICT to post-harvest losses is relatively sparse in the extant literature. Therefore, this study is among the very few to empirically examine the impact of different ICT indicators, using the LSMS-ISA (2019) data and engaging propensity matching, while focusing on the household heads.
Factors in terrorist risk assessment: a rapid evidence assessment of the extremism risk guidance (ERG22+) factors
Authors: Silke Andrew
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Since 2011, the Extremism Risk Guidance (ERG 22+) has been the primary risk assessment framework used for terrorist and violent extremist offenders in England and Wales. The aim of this study was to conduct a rapid evidence assessment to examine the research literature on the ERG22+ factors and to identify possible significant new and emerging knowledge around potential new factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Searches were conducted of the Google Scholar database to identify relevant literature published between 2012 and 2020. In total, 29 documents were identified, which examined new radicalisation models and frameworks, 339 were identified, which explored to some extent one or more of the current ERG factors, and a further 138 articles were identified, which focused on potentially relevant additional issues/factors.

Findings

Most of the ERG factors were the focus of substantial research activity between 2012 and 2020. Six factors, however, received very little research attention. Potential implications of these trends are considered. Ten research themes were identified with the potential to either form new factors or which could play a significant role in the updating or revision of some existing factors.

Originality/value

This paper is the first rapid evidence assessment on the ERG22+ risk factors. It provides an important picture of the published scientific research of potential relevance in this area and helps to inform the review process for the ERG22+.
A systematic review on the role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in housing delivery in Africa
Authors: Asamoah Solomon , Simpeh Eric Kwame , Mensah Henry , Bonney Bernard , Ahadzie Divine Kwaku
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study aims to examine the potential benefits of integrating nature-based solutions (NbS) in the housing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted was a systematic literature review aided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews criteria and the VOSviewer software. Abductive reasoning was used to analyze the collected data, which was then subjected to content analysis through an iterative read-and-review procedure.

Findings

The study identified green walls, indoor greenery, porous pavement and landscaping, rainwater harvesting and water purification and green roofs as elements of buildings where NbS should be incorporated. Although nature-based research on integrated greenery facades and roof applications was noted, rainwater harvesting and water purification-oriented research remained dominant. These findings demonstrate the advantages of implementing NbS in the housing sector, including energy efficiency, environmental development, flood prevention and sustainable water management. Integrating NbS into housing designs can considerably contribute to the creation of more resilient, eco-friendly and comfortable living environments. However, the adoption of NbS faces hurdles, including a lack of awareness, limited policy support and economic constraints.

Practical implications

This study recommends that NbS be mainstreamed into housing development and knowledge exchange opportunities between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, as well as other regions, to promote the adoption of NbS through research and collaborations. Also, it contributes to the discourse of sustainable affordable housing in the Global South while addressing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 11, 12, 13 and 15. This study offers valuable guidance to stakeholders, thereby fostering the development of more sustainable and resilient housing practices and policies.

Originality/value

The study used VOSviewer software visualization to identify structural patterns and track prominent research frontiers, allowing for a more thorough yet concise mapping and capture of a scientific knowledge domain.
Institutional, economic and cultural safeguards against corruption: a panel study of OECD countries
Authors: Cunha Sandra , Camões Pedro
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether the combination of anti-corruption measures, with simultaneous impact on the institutional, economic and cultural dimensions, is associated with lower levels of corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have developed a research that seeks to find statistical evidence of the relationship between levels of corruption and combinations of anti-corruption measures. To test the hypotheses, the authors performed panel regression analysis using different panel estimation methods, namely, fixed effects (FE) models.

Findings

The results do not fully support the idea that the combination of anti-corruption measures with simultaneous impact on the institutional, economic and cultural dimensions has more impact on corruption levels than other measures taken singly, but rather that the most determining factor in preventing corruption lies in government effectiveness.

Originality/value

The relevance of this study lies in the shortcomings of this type of research applied to anti-corruption measures. Moreover, the development of panel data analysis makes it possible to approach the phenomenon from a double perspective, over time and in comparative terms between different countries, incorporating non-immediate effects and possible interactive effects between different anti-corruption measures.
Consumer continuous use of and satisfaction with Fintech payment applications in Saudi Arabia: towards an integrated model
Authors: Abed Salma S. , Alkadi Rotana S.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence Saudi Arabian users’ intentions to continue using fintech payment applications and their satisfaction with these applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 and DeLone and McLean’s IS success model were integrated to provide a comprehensive framework. A questionnaire was distributed to 401 users of fintech payment applications, and the data collected was analysed using structural equation modelling to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that factors such as social influence, price value and habit have a positive influence on the continued desire to use fintech payment applications, that the performance expectancy is positively influenced by the level of effort expectancy. Additionally, the quality of the system, service and information provided by the applications has a direct association with user satisfaction, as indicated by the IS Success Model. Moreover, it was observed that customer satisfaction with fintech payment applications positively affects their intention to continue using them.

Originality/value

This study addresses an important gap in the existing literature by examining the factors influencing Saudi Arabian consumers’ intentions to sustain the usage of fintech payment applications. Despite governmental support for the industry, understanding consumer behaviour and satisfaction with these applications remains limited, making this research timely and valuable.
Modeling the critical barrier factors to hindering sustainable construction: sampling the Turkish construction industry
Authors: Gumusburun Ayalp Gulden , Metinal Yusuf Berkay
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Considering the construction industry’s vital role in economic development and social consequences, this study seeks to pinpoint critical barriers hindering Turkey’s sustainable construction (SC). Although several studies highlighted the barriers to SC worldwide, none identified the critical factors. By identifying and understanding these barriers, the research aims to comprehensively understand practices and formulate strategic recommendations to promote sustainable construction.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic approach is adopted to achieve the research objectives. The study involves identifying potential barriers to SC with a systematic literature review. A questionnaire was organized and distributed via e-mail to architects, civil engineers, and contractors. The criticality of identified barriers was determined with normalized mean value analysis, and critical barrier factors (CBFs) to SC were isolated with exploratory factor analysis. Finally, the effect size of these factors was quantified through structural equation modeling.

Findings

This study identified 32 critical barriers hindering the SC in the Turkish construction industry among 49 barriers. Furthermore, this study revealed six CBFs to SC that are “inadequate supervision and control of SC,” “fear of transition to sustainable construction and disruptions in adoption,” “lack of educational opportunities,” “return on investment and financial bias,” “awareness and knowledge gap about SC,” and “lack of demand from stakeholders.” Among them, “awareness and knowledge gap about SC,” “fear of transition to SC,” “lack of educational opportunities,” “lack of demand from stakeholders,” and “inadequate supervision and control of SC” were determined as the very highly crucial CBFs hindering SC.

Originality/value

Although some studies have identified the barriers to SC qualitatively and quantitatively, studies have yet to provide insights into the critical barrier factors hindering SC. Therefore, this study comprehensively and quantitatively determines the relevant CBFs to SC using exploratory factor analysis and utilizes confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to present a structural model of how critical factors affect the SC.
The influence of business analytics on supply chain ambidexterity: the mediating role of market learning
Authors: Mehdikhani Rasoul , Valmohammadi Changiz , Taraz Roghayeh
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to assess the influence of business analytics (BA) on supply chain ambidexterity (SCA) and market learning (ML) in the context of Iran as a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

The study population encompasses a range of key positions such as senior managers, supply chain managers, senior IT managers and senior marketing and marketing research managers in Iran. Through a survey, a questionnaire was designed to gather data from these individuals. The data collected from a total of 214 participants underwent rigorous analysis using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Findings revealed BA has a positive influence on SCA and ML. Furthermore, the study found that distinct facets of ML, namely, exploratory and exploitative learning, exerted a positive influence on SCA. Additionally, the investigation uncovered that the mechanisms of exploratory ML and exploitative ML play a partially mediating role in the relationship between BA and SCA.

Research limitations/implications

It is prudent to acknowledge that the study’s sampled entities were exclusively Iranian companies, potentially curtailing the extent of generalizability of our findings.

Originality/value

This research contributes valuable theoretical insights and practical implications to policymakers and top managers of organizations, particularly the surveyed organizations to formulate and implement an appropriate strategy to avail of BA techniques toward enhancing SCA. Also, this study provides significant insights into the determinants of SCA and demonstrates how organizations can leverage data analytics and ML to attain sustained growth and ambidexterity within the supply chain context.
The surveillance, gamification and datafication of children’s finance: a feature and tagline analysis of child finance apps
Authors: Nansen Bjørn , Bliss Lauren
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Children’s finances are increasingly digitised through the emergence and development of a range of finance applications, or apps, for managing chores, saving and spending. This paper aims to offer a preliminary scoping study of these child finance apps in the nascent consumer research area of children’s FinTech.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper undertakes a qualitative analysis of the design features and marketing taglines of child finance apps to explore their role in the digitisation of children’s financial literacy, consumer socialisation and economic agency.

Findings

The present analysis reveals five key design functions of child finance apps: chore management; child savings; payment and spending systems; parental control features; and banking and finance features. Furthermore, three key child consumer themes emerge from the analysis of these child finance apps: gamification of child household labour; surveillance of children’s consumer participation; and datafication of children’s financial lives.

Originality/value

To date, there is little research into the increasingly popular use of child chore, consumption and financial management apps, and thus a research gap or problem is that we do not yet have sufficient understanding of how finance apps operate through their design and marketing to influence the financial conditions of contemporary childhoods. This study is significant in bringing theories of surveillance, gamification and datafication from digital platform studies to the fields of childhood studies, children’s consumer research and child FinTech studies. The findings suggest that child finance apps use gamification features to encourage children’s financial learning, surveillance features to enable parenting care in children’s financial development and datafication to exploit children’s financial data within the finance industry. This study is clearly limited to the app environment, and so future work should investigate the use and perceptions of these apps in more detail using more situated social research methods with families and children.
Seasonal precipitation distribution determines ecosystem CO2 and H2O exchange by regulating spring soil water–salt dynamics in a brackish wetland
Authors: Huang Wanxin , Han Guangxuan , Wei Siyu , Zhao Mingliang , Chu Xiaojing , Sun Ruifeng , Zou Nan , Wang Xiaojie , Li Peiguang , Zhang Xiaoshuai , Lu Feng , Zhang Shuyan
Published: July 2024

The intensification of the global hydrological cycle is anticipated to increase the variability of precipitation patterns. Brackish wetlands respond to changes in precipitation patterns by regulating the absorption and release of CO2 and H2O to maintain the stability of ecosystem functions. However, there is limited understanding of how the inter‐seasonal precipitation distribution (SPD) affects ecosystem CO2 and H2O exchange compared with annual precipitation totals.

Here, we conducted four consecutive years of field experiments in a brackish wetland, manipulating the proportion of precipitation across different seasons while maintaining a constant annual precipitation total. We utilized five inter‐SPD proportions (+73%, +56%, control (CK), −56%, −73%) to examine the effects of SPD on ecosystem CO2 and H2O exchange.

Our findings revealed that the annual ecosystem CO2 and H2O fluxes showed a trend of decreasing with the decrease in spring precipitation distribution. Among them, the annual net ecosystem CO2 exchange, evapotranspiration, carbon use efficiency and water use efficiency were shown to be more sensitive to decrease in spring precipitation distribution and increase in summer and autumn precipitation distribution. This negative asymmetric response pattern suggests that annual ecosystem CO2 and H2O exchange is primarily governed by seasonal precipitation variability, with spring soil water–salt dynamics identified as the key driver. Therefore, this association can be explained by the fact that drought of the early growth stage exacerbates soil salinization and inhibits vegetation colonization and growth, thereby greatly impairing the annual CO2–H2O exchange capacity of brackish wetlands.

Our results emphasized that the spring extreme precipitation‐induced soil water–salt conditions will greatly influence CO2 and H2O exchange in brackish wetlands in the future. These findings are crucial for improving predictions of the carbon sequestration and water‐holding capacity of brackish wetlands.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Cheap Talk? Strategy Disclosure Intensity, Corporate Risk‐Taking and Financial Performance
Authors: Cai Wenjing , Shi Wei , Jiang Fuxiu
Published: July 2024

Corporate risk‐taking is key to a firm's ability to achieve competitive advantages. Drawing on the attention‐based view and the information‐processing perspective, we argue that firms with higher strategy disclosure intensity (i.e. greater frequency of ‘corporate strategy’ mentions in a firm's public disclosure) will allocate more attention to corporate strategy and develop stronger information‐processing capacities, enabling them to undertake more intensive risk‐taking. This is particularly true when investment opportunities are more abundant and the environment is more dynamic. In addition, corporate risk‐taking will lead to better financial performance when firms exhibit stronger strategy disclosure intensity. Findings from 3190 firms support our arguments. Overall, this study advances strategic management research by demonstrating that strategy disclosure intensity provides important insights into a firm's risk‐taking decisions and performance.
The promotive influence of positive moral emotions on prosocial behavior in 3–5‐year‐old children
Authors: Zhao Feng , Peng Chunhua , Turel Ofir , He Qinghua , Zhang Shuyue
Published: July 2024

Prosocial behaviour is a hallmark of social and emotional competence during childhood. Thus, promoting the development of children's prosocial behaviour can have important downstream benefits for individuals and society. Previous studies indicated that there is a positive effect of negative moral emotions on prosocial behaviour, but the influence of positive moral emotions on prosocial behaviour remains largely unknown. This study adopted three experiments to investigate the influence of positive moral emotions on three aspects of prosocial behaviour in 3–5‐year‐old children. After inducing positive moral emotions in children, they were observed either in helping (Experiment 1, N = 151, 75 boys), sharing (Experiment 2, N = 141, 69 boys) or comforting (Experiment 3, N = 132, 66 boys) scenarios. Results showed that: (1) children's helping, sharing and comforting behaviours in the moral emotions (experimental) group were significantly higher than those in the control group, suggesting that positive moral emotions could positively influence the examined prosocial behaviours; (2) there were age differences in children's helping, sharing and comforting, but the effect of positive moral emotions on the examined prosocial behaviours did not differ by age and gender. These findings point to the need for fostering positive moral emotions in early cultivation of children's prosocial behaviour during pre‐schooler education.
Endothelial histone deacetylase 1 activity impairs kidney microvascular NO signaling in rats fed a high‐salt diet
Authors: Dunaway Luke S. , Cook Anthony K. , Kellum Cailin E. , Edell Claudia , Botta Davide , Molina Patrick A. , Sedaka Randee S. , d'Uscio Livius V. , Katusic Zvonimir S. , Pollock David M. , Inscho Edward W. , Pollock Jennifer S.
Published: July 2024

Aim

We aimed to test the hypothesis that a high‐salt diet (HS) impairs NO signaling in kidney microvascular endothelial cells through a histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1)‐dependent mechanism.

Methods

Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed normal salt diet (NS; 0.49% NaCl) or HS (4% NaCl) for 2 weeks. NO signaling was assessed by measuring L‐NAME induced vasoconstriction of the afferent arteriole using the blood perfused juxtamedullary nephron (JMN) preparation. In this preparation, kidneys were perfused with blood from a donor rat on a matching or different diet to that of the kidney donor. Kidney endothelial cells were isolated with magnetic activated cell sorting and HDAC1 activity was measured.

Results

We found HS‐induced impaired NO signaling in the afferent arteriole. This was restored by inhibition of HDAC1 with MS‐275. Consistent with these findings, HDAC1 activity was increased in kidney endothelial cells. We further found the loss of NO to be dependent upon the diet of the blood donor rather than the diet of the kidney donor and the plasma from HS‐fed rats to be sufficient to induce impaired NO signaling. This indicates the presence of a humoral factor we termed plasma‐derived endothelial dysfunction mediator (PDEM). Pretreatment with the antioxidants, PEG‐SOD and PEG‐catalase, as well as the NOS cofactor, tetrahydrobiopterin, restored NO signaling.

Conclusion

We conclude that HS activates endothelial HDAC1 through PDEM leading to decreased NO signaling. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms by which a HS decreases renal microvascular endothelial NO signaling.
Timing of information presentation matters: Effects on secondary school students' cognition, motivation and emotion in game‐based learning
Authors: Hu Yuanyuan , Wouters Pieter , van der Schaaf Marieke , Kester Liesbeth
Published: July 2024

Learning with games requires two types of information, namely domain‐specific information and game‐specific information. Presenting these two types of information together with gameplay may pose a heavy demand on cognitive resources. This study investigates how timing of information presentation affects cognition (ie, mental effort and performance), motivation (ie, achievement goals) and emotion (ie, achievement emotions). Participants were secondary school students (N = 145). Participants participated in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment with two factors—timing of domain‐specific information presentation and timing of game‐specific information presentation, either before or during gameplay. We measured mental effort, chemistry knowledge, time on task, achievement goals and achievement emotions. Multiple regression and robust regression revealed that presenting domain‐specific information before gameplay promoted higher approach goals, higher avoidance goals and more enjoyment than presenting it during gameplay. There was no difference between presenting game‐specific information before gameplay and during gameplay except for performance‐avoidance goals. We conclude that timing of information presentation affects motivational and emotional processes and outcomes and that students feel more motivated and enjoyed when domain‐specific information is presented before learning than during learning. Educators may change the timing of domain‐specific information presentation accordingly.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Well‐designed game‐based learning can increase learning.

Game‐based learning needs effective instructional design features.

What this paper adds

One instructional design feature, timing of information presentation, affects motivation and emotion in game‐based learning.

Students feel more motivated and enjoyed when domain‐specific information is presented before learning than during learning.

This study is one of the first to focus on cognitive, motivational and emotional processes and outcomes, and their interconnections.

Implications for practice and policy

Educators would do well to present domain‐specific information before learning than during learning.

Researchers on instructional design features should attend to all cognitive, motivational and emotional processes and outcomes instead of just one or two.
Form and function of anguilliform swimming
Authors: Stin Vincent , Godoy‐Diana Ramiro , Bonnet Xavier , Herrel Anthony
Published: July 2024

Anguilliform swimmers are long and narrow animals that propel themselves by undulating their bodies. Observations in nature and recent investigations suggest that anguilliform swimming is highly efficient. However, understanding the underlying reasons for the efficiency of this type of locomotion requires interdisciplinary studies spanning from biology to hydrodynamics. Regrettably, these different fields are rarely discussed together, which hinders our ability to understand the repeated evolution of this swimming mode in vertebrates. This review compiles the current knowledge of the anatomical features that drive anguilliform swimming, compares the resulting kinematics across a wide range of anguilliform swimmers, and describes the resulting hydrodynamic interactions using data from both in vivo experiments and computational studies.
Salivary metabolomic biomarkers for esophageal and gastric cancers by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Nakane Kosuke , Yagi Koichi , Yajima Sho , Nomura Sachiyo , Sugimoto Masahiro , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: July 2024

Early detection of esophageal and gastric cancers is essential for patients' prognosis; however, optimal noninvasive screening tests are currently not available. Saliva is a biofluid that is readily available, allowing for frequent screening tests. Thus, we explored salivary diagnostic biomarkers for esophageal and gastric cancers using metabolomic analyses. Saliva samples were collected from patients with esophageal (n = 50) and gastric cancer (n = 63), and patients without cancer as controls (n = 20). Salivary metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry to identify salivary biomarkers. We also examined the metabolic profiles of gastric cancer tissues and compared them with the salivary biomarkers. The sensitivity of the diagnostic models based on salivary biomarkers was assessed by comparing it with that of serum tumor markers. Additionally, using postoperative saliva samples collected from patients with gastric cancer, we analyzed the changes in the biomarkers' concentrations before and after surgery. Cytosine was detected as a salivary biomarker for gastric cancer, and cytosine, 2‐oxoglutarate, and arginine were detected as salivary biomarkers for esophageal cancer. Cytidine, a cytosine nucleotide, showed decreased concentrations in gastric cancer tissues. The sensitivity of the diagnostic models for esophageal and gastric cancers was 66.0% and 47.6%, respectively, while that of serum tumor markers was 40%. Salivary cytosine concentration increased significantly postoperatively relative to the preoperative value. In summary, we identified salivary biomarkers for esophageal and gastric cancers, which showed diagnostic sensitivity at least comparable to that of serum tumor markers. Salivary metabolomic tests could be promising screening tests for these types of cancer.
Enzyme replacement therapy for hypophosphatasia—The current paradigm
Authors: Schindeler Aaron , Ludwig Karissa , Munns Craig F.
Published: July 2024

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare, inherited, and systemic disorder characterized by impaired skeletal mineralization and low tissue nonspecific serum alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) activity. It is caused by either autosomal recessive or dominant‐negative mutations in the gene that encodes TNSALP. The phenotype of HPP is very broad including abnormal bone mineralization, disturbances of calcium and phosphate metabolism, pain, recurrent fracture, short stature, respiratory impairment, developmental delay, tooth loss, seizures, and premature death. Other than supportive care, there has been no disease‐specific treatment available for those with HPP. Asfotase alfa is a fully humanized, recombinant enzyme replacement therapy for the management of HPP. It is available in several countries for the treatment of the more severe forms of HPP, namely perinatal and infantile HPP. This review will summarize the preclinical data on asfotase alfa and highlight the data from clinical trials and case reports. These data show the transformative nature of asfotase alfa when administered as part of an interdisciplinary treatment model.
Factors affecting radiographic marginal bone resorption at dental implants in function for at least 5 years: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Trombelli Leonardo , Farina Roberto , Tomasi Cristiano , Vignoletti Fabio , Paolantoni Guerino , Giordano Francesco , Ortensi Luca , Simonelli Anna
Published: July 2024

Objective

To evaluate the influence of patient and implant‐related factors on the changes of marginal bone levels (MBL) at implants with a follow‐up ≥5 years.

Materials and Methods

At baseline (within 6 months from prosthetic insertion) and long‐term (≥5 years after implant placement) visits, interproximal (mesial and distal) MBL were radiographically evaluated. To analyze factors predicting MBL change, the site (either mesial or distal) showing the highest MBL change (hChMBL site) was identified for each implant. Multilevel regression models were built to explain MBL change as well as the probability for a bone loss ≥2 mm at long‐term.

Results

942 implants in 312 patients with a mean follow‐up of 8.02 ± 2.5 years were analyzed. MBL change was significantly predicted by baseline MBL, oral bisphosphonate (BP) intake, history of periodontitis, diabetes, and super‐hydrophilic implant surface. Higher risk for a bone loss ≥2 mm was observed in patients with history of periodontitis (OR = 9.52, 95% CI 0.72–3.79) and taking BP (OR = 6.84, 95% CI 0.21–3.63). Mandibular implants had higher odds for bone loss ≥2 mm compared to maxillary implants (OR = 3, 95% CI 0.39–1.87).

Conclusions

The findings of the present study contribute to the identification of specific clinical scenarios at higher risk for implant‐supporting bone loss that need to be strictly monitored during maintenance.
Therapeutic effects of exendin‐4 on spinal cord injury via restoring autophagy function and decreasing necroptosis in neuron
Authors: Gao Xiao , Li Qu‐Peng , Hao Jing‐Ru , Sun Kai , Feng Hu , Guo Kai‐Jin , Gao Can
Published: July 2024

Aims

Necroptosis is one of programmed death that may aggravate spinal cord injury (SCI). We aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of exendin‐4 (EX‐4) on the recovery of motor function and necroptosis after SCI.

Methods

The SD rats with left hemisection in the T10 spinal cord as SCI model were used. The behavior tests were measured within 4 weeks. The effects of EX‐4 on necroptosis‐associated proteins and autophagy flux were explored. In addition, the SHSY5Y cell model was introduced to explore the direct effect of EX‐4 on neurons. The effect of lysosome was explored using mTOR activator and AO staining.

Results

EX‐4 could improve motor function and limb strength, promote the recovery of autophagy flux, and accelerate the degradation of necroptosis‐related protein at 3 d after injury in rats. EX‐4 reduced lysosome membrane permeability, promoted the recovery of lysosome function and autophagy flux, and accelerated the degradation of necroptosis‐related proteins by inhibiting the phosphorylation level of mTOR in the SHSY5Y cell model.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that EX‐4 may improve motor function after SCI via inhibiting mTOR phosphorylation level and accelerating the degradation of necroptosis‐related proteins in neurons. Our findings may provide new therapeutic targets for clinical treatment after SCI.
Impaired autophagy‐mediated macrophage polarization contributes to age‐related hyposalivation
Authors: Xin Zhili , Xu Rongyao , Dong Yangjiele , Jin Shenghao , Ge Xiao , Shen Xin , Guo Songsong , Fu Yu , Zhang Ping , Jiang Hongbing
Published: July 2024

Age‐related dysfunction of salivary glands (SGs) leading to xerostomia or dry mouth is typically associated with increased dental caries and difficulties in mastication, deglutition or speech. Inflammaging‐induced hyposalivation plays a significant role in aged SGs; however, the mechanisms by which ageing shapes the inflammatory microenvironment of SGs remain unclear. Here, we show that reduced salivary secretion flow rate in aged human and mice SGs is associated with impaired autophagy and increased M1 polarization of macrophages. Our study reveals the crucial roles of SIRT6 in regulating macrophage autophagy and polarization through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, as demonstrated by generating two conditional knock out mice. Furthermore, triptolide (TP) effectively rejuvenates macrophage autophagy and polarization via targeting this pathway. We also design a local delivery of TP‐loaded apoptotic extracellular vesicles (ApoEVs) to improve age‐related SGs dysfunction therapeutically. Collectively, our findings uncover a previously unknown link between SIRT6‐regulated autophagy and macrophage polarization in age‐mediated hyposalivation, while our locally therapeutic strategy exhibits potential preventive effects for age‐related hyposalivation.