bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What makes Indian domestic tourists crowd-friendly in the post-COVID-19 phase?
Authors: Tiwari Pinaz , Chowdhary Nimit
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the good crowding effect among Indian domestic travellers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of the city destination. This study uses the framework of social motivation theory to achieve the objective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a qualitative research design by taking the case of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 37 respondents, and themes were drawn manually.

Findings

The analysis found four themes that create a good crowding effect among domestic tourists, namely, convenience and price; familiarity and place attachment; social affiliation; and safety. The themes indicated that despite the pandemic, and constant occurrences of new variants, Indian domestic tourists’ on-site attitude towards crowding was favourable.

Research limitations/implications

Firstly, the good crowding effect during the pandemic could have been better understood using empirical data. Secondly, the results cannot be generalized, specifically for developed economies.

Practical implications

This study offers practical implications to destination managers and local administrative bodies for whom achieving sustainability in urban tourism has always been concerning. These include developing infrastructural facilities, encouraging cultural activities in city centres and improving the perception of safety to sustain the good crowding effect.

Social implications

The affective dimension involved in making a travelling decision played a significant role in the post-pandemic phase. While suppliers needed survival, tourists needed social affiliation and escape from the mandated home isolation due to multiple phases of COVID-19 lockdown in India. This study adds value to society by emphasising that the need for social affiliation among travellers remains intact, and the tourism industry should embrace this transformation.

Originality/value

While most of the pandemic-related studies criticised crowd and tourists’ crowd averting behaviour, this study reported that the good crowding effect could also be an outcome owing to different factors. Therefore, this study offers distinctive nuance of tourists’ behaviour in the post-COVID-19 phase, allowing destination managers and tourism stakeholders to re-think their strategies.
Sharing network features analysis and dispatching strategy design
Authors: Lv Tong , Lefeng Shi , He Weijun
Published: October 2022

Purpose

A vital job for one sharing business is dynamically dispatching shared items to balance the demand-supply of different sharing points in one sharing network. In order to construct a highly efficient dispatch strategy, this paper proposes a new dispatching algorithm based on the findings of sharing network characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

To that end, in this paper, the profit-changing process of single sharing points is modeled and analyzed first. And then, the characteristics of the whole sharing network are investigated. Subsequently, some interesting propositions are obtained, based on which an algorithm (named the Two-step random forest reinforcement learning algorithm) is proposed.

Findings

The authors discover that the sharing points of a common sharing network could be categorized into 6 types according to their profit dynamics; a sharing network that is made up of various combinations of sharing stations would exhibit distinct profit characteristics. Accounting for the characteristics, a specific method for guiding the dynamic dispatch of shared products is developed and validated.

Originality/value

Because the suggested method considers the interaction features between sharing points in a sharing network, its computation speeds and the convergence efficacy to the global optimum scheme are better than similar studies. It suits better to the sharing business requiring a higher time-efficiency.
The role of supply chain resilience and absorptive capacity in the relationship between marketing–supply chain management alignment and firm performance: a moderated-mediation analysis
Authors: Salam Mohammad Asif , Bajaba Saleh
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to adopt a resource-based view (RBV) to investigate the link between marketing (MRKT)–supply chain management (SCM) alignment, supply chain resilience (SCR) and firm performance. It aims to cover two gaps in the SCM literature: the missing links between MRKT–SCM alignment and the performance of a firm, mediated by the SCR, and the role of absorptive capacity (AC) in shaping such links.

Design/methodology/approach

After the identification of a key capability in SCM, i.e. firms’ ability to align their’ MRKT–SCM processes and the role of AC, the relationships with performance are empirically tested in a sample of 133 firms in the fast-moving consumer goods industry in Saudi Arabia. The data was analyzed using SPSS 27 through hierarchal multiple regression and the PROCESS macro.

Findings

First, MRKT–SCM alignment capabilities provide a significant direct effect on SCR, and in turn, SCR also had a significant indirect effect on firm performance. Second, there is a significant mediating effect of SCR on the MRKT –SCM alignment and firm performance relationship. Third, a novel finding shows a statistically significant interaction effect and the interaction pattern supported that absorptive capacity would substitute the positive effect of SCR on firm performance, which implies that in the absence of SCR, AC can substitute the role of SCR. Finally, the results suggest a significant moderation and mediation effect for the overall model.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation is based on a self-reported cross-sectional analysis, and it is specific to a single economy. Nonetheless, it suggests a number of interesting implications. Achieving excellence in SCR requires the development of a distinct set of capabilities because the management of core supply chain activities and the alignment of MRKT with the supply chain are not mutually exclusive, rather they are complementary. Contrary to common expectations, an alignment of MRKT–SCM processes leads to improved interfunctional coordination.

Practical implications

In the postCOVID-19 world firms should develop and integrate their AC to capitalize on their MRKT–SCM alignment to pursue better performance. Investment in AC is required to develop, maintain and use it. It can play an important role against uncertainties in the long run.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in that it employs the RBV – to unpack the mechanisms through which MRKT–SCM activities contribute to SCR, and firm performance. It represents a first response to the call for research into the use of such theoretical frameworks which has recently been made in the SCM literature because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper also offers the first empirical test of how the MRKT–SCM interacts with existing capabilities to create SCR, providing clear guidance on how to exploit its often undervalued potential.
What role do FinTech companies play in supply chain finance? A signaling intermediary perspective
Authors: Song Hua , Han Siqi , Liu Wenyi , Ganguly Anirban
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of FinTech companies in SCF. The application of digital technology in supply chain activities has facilitated the evolution of supply chain finance (SCF) to a new level. However, how financial technology (FinTech) companies promote this evolution has not been thoroughly examined.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used the multiple-case study approach and social network analysis method to explore how FinTech companies influence SCF networks.

Findings

The results reveal that FinTech companies play the crucial role of a signaling intermediary by facilitating interactions among relevant parties, accelerating the flow of information and reducing information asymmetry arising from data smog. Moreover, FinTech companies make SCF information networks more equitable and promote the performance of SCF.

Originality/value

This study deepens the conversation at the nexus of signal theory and SCF and provides managerial implications for alleviating information asymmetry between borrowers and lenders to solve the difficulty and high-cost problems of obtaining financing of small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Lifestyle audits in South Africa – overrated or X-factor?
Authors: McIntyre Jacqui-Lyn , Aslett Duane , Buitendag Nico
Published: October 2022

Purpose

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his 2018 State of the Nation Address, stated that “Thieves who are stealing public funds should be arrested and prosecuted”, and called for lifestyle audits of public-sector employees. The gross misuse of COVID-19 relief funds by public officials indicated the urgent need to execute these audits as an anti-corruption measure. This paper aims to provide a review of the existing state of affairs with regard to the application of lifestyle audits in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper critically analyses the literature available on the current position of South Africa concerning lifestyle audits in the public sector, based on the mandates of some of the anti-corruption agencies that could be responsible for the conducting and processing of such audits.

Findings

South Africa has only recently seen a framework for applying lifestyle audits, developed by the Department of Public Service and Administration. Although these first steps in developing a standard practice are laudable, the practical process of dealing with misconduct and/or criminal matters remains to be seen. It is recommended that South Africa consider a legislative approach to dealing with unlawfully obtained wealth by either criminalising the act of illicit enrichment (per the United Nations Convention Against Corruption) or creating an Unexplained Wealth Order, as seen, for example, in the UK.

Originality/value

South Africa is in dire need of addressing corruption in the public sector. Despite lifestyle audits being called for, the lack of proper implementation is negating any positive outcomes. Therefore, alternative solutions should be investigated.
Are quantitative easing effects transitory? Evidence from out-of-sample forecasts
Authors: Kirikos Dimitris G.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Advocates of quantitative easing (QE) policies have emphasized some evidence that structural models do not predict long-term asset yields as well as naive forecasts, implying that predictions of price reversals cannot be profitable and that QE effects are not transitory. The purpose of this study is to reconsider the out-of-sample forecasting performance of structural time series processes relative to that of a random walk with or without drift.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses bivariate vector autoregression and Markov switching representations to generate out-of-sample forecasts of ten-year sovereign bond yields, when the information set is augmented by including the growth rate of the monetary base, and the estimation relies on monthly data from countries that have pursued unconventional policies over the last decade.

Findings

The results show that naive forecasts are not better than those of structural time series models, based on root mean squared errors, while the Markov model provides additional information on price reversals, through probabilistic inferences regarding policy regime switches, which can induce agents to counteract QE interventions and reduce their effectiveness.

Originality/value

The novel features of this work are the use of a large information set including the instrument of unconventional monetary policy, the use of a structural model (Markov process) that can really inform about potential asset price reversals and the use of a large sample over which QE policies have been pursued.
COVID-19 turbulence and positive shifts in online purchasing by consumers: modeling the enablers using ISM-MICMAC analysis
Authors: Sharma Meenakshi , Kumar Rupesh , Chauhan Pradeep
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Suppliers and marketers have started planning toward postpandemic scenarios where logistics and retail will happen in a new way with the help of technological advances. This shift means new challenges for manufacturers, suppliers and retailers, and there is a need for strategic sourcing decisions for a robust supply chain system, logistics and on-time delivery system, as consumers have shown a positive change in online buying behavior. Furthermore, with digital transformation, customers are expected to not return to traditional buying. Hence, it becomes essential to identify the factors acting as enablers of online purchase behavior for sustainable digital business. This study aims to analyze the positive shifts in online purchasing by consumers, identify and model the enablers of positive transformations in online purchasing by consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The interpretative structural modeling (ISM) technique is used to draw the interrelationships among the variables and their impact on online buying. A context-oriented relationship among the factors has been set up through the expert opinion technique. A total of 40 specialists have been approached for this. ISM with Matrice d’impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment (MICMAC) analysis was used to prioritize these drivers, identify the most critical factors and establish a driver-dependence relationship among these drivers.

Findings

Several significant categories of enablers like health, trust, convenience, work from home, referral buying, panic purchase and overstocking possess a strong influence on the shift to online due to the pandemic. The results will help the policymakers, suppliers, retailers, managers and practitioners with insights to plan, prepare for challenges and make decisions toward preparation and shifting to the emergent digital world. In addition, the study provides academicians scope for further research in the related area.

Research limitations/implications

Consumer behavior significantly impacts retail and supply chain business, as it is an interface with the customer and links between a manufacturer and a customer. This study provides an insight into the shift in purchase behavior which can help suppliers in this transition phase to be better prepared for tomorrow to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This study assists practitioners and researchers in understanding the interrelationships among the factors using ISM-MICMAC analysis in a realistic way rather than daydreaming with overambitious goals.
Crypto-hesitancy: is regulation the answer?
Authors: Ojih Joseph Ejike , Joshi Parikshit , Mohture Ashish , Gupta Sushil Kumar
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and address the possible reasons for the hesitancy in accepting cryptocurrency as an asset class by the world governments and central banks. The behaviour of delaying the acceptance or using cryptocurrency has been termed as crypto-hesitancy.

Design/methodology/approach

To establish the conceptual understanding of crypto-hesitancy, the bibliometric analysis was performed through Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. Through keyword search technique this study has located 507 useful studies in Scopus database, which were used for the bibliometric analysis.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that the government of developed and developing nations and central banks hesitate to regulate and accept cryptocurrency due to the following reasons: cryptocurrency’s ties to illegal activity, speculation and cryptocurrency’s capacity to circumvent government-imposed capital controls. The findings of this study can be used as platform to develop the construct – crypto-hesitancy – further and explore the empirical insights of it.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the construct crypto-hesitancy has not been evolved yet, which makes this study the first attempt to theoretically understand the concept and its evolution.
The extended reality technology (ERT) framework for designing customer and service experiences in phygital settings: a service research agenda
Authors: Batat Wided , Hammedi Wafa
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Because new-age technologies are gaining a broader interest among service scholars and practitioners, it is critical to identify these technologies and examine the roles they play. The examination needs to be conducted to design engaging customer and service experiences in new phygital settings that connect physical and digital environments. This review article aims to provide researchers with a new comprehensive and integrative extended reality technology (ERT) framework. The framework serves as the basis for an all-inclusive view of ERT types in order to explore the different types of technology used to design phygital customer and service experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

This article reviews prior works on the role technology plays in terms of customer experiences across various fields of research, including consumer, marketing and service literature. Adopting an experiential and phygital perspective as well as considering a consumer standpoint, this article defines the scope of the ERT framework by identifying categories of new-age technologies and their effects related to the design of phygital customer and service experiences.

Findings

The ERT framework proposed in this article offers directions for future research by adopting an experiential approach to technologies in order to categorize additional technological devices, platforms and tools that can be considered in the design of phygital experiences following several extension processes. These processes can enhance the cognitive, social, sensory and contextual dimensions of the phygital experience and thus create a continuum in terms of customer value from physical to digital settings and vice versa.

Research limitations/implications

Companies and service providers may benefit from a new, comprehensive, focused framework that assembles different types of technology. The technologies can be utilized to design engaging customer and service experiences that deliver customer value from physical to digital spaces and inversely.

Originality/value

No prior works have proposed a comprehensive ERT framework for service research following an experiential perspective and a consumer view of the experience occurring in a new setting: phygital. By embracing the ERT framework provided in this article, future service scholars can examine the dynamics and types of technologies that can positively or negatively affect the design of consumption and service experiences in phygital settings.
Goal-framing theory in environmental behaviours: review, future research agenda and possible applications in behavioural change
Authors: do Canto Natália Rohenkohl , Grunert Klaus G. , Dutra de Barcellos Marcia
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Preserving the environment is fundamental to the planet’s long-term sustainability, but attempts to promote pro-environmental behaviours often do not take into account the motivational determinants of such behaviours. This study aims to present and critically evaluate the theoretical and empirical basis of goal-framing theory, which asserts that pro-environmental behaviours might stem from conflicting goals. This study compares the theory to other approaches used to explain pro-environmental behaviour, reviews the empirical evidence for it and comes up with suggestions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study compares the theory with other popular theories to explain pro-environmental behaviour and behaviour change and systematically review 25 empirical research studies that adopt the goal-framing theory.

Findings

Most studies rely on survey data, focus on Europe and gather self-reported behaviours or hypothetical responses. Furthermore, many studies of goal frames neglect key situational factors. Thus, the directions for further research outlined herein emphasise the need for more experimental studies of real behaviours, with consideration of situational factors, using methods that can explicate unconscious processes too. Overall, goal-framing theory provides a promising approach for analysing pro-environmental behaviours, in that it explicitly deals with goal conflicts, takes situational factors into account and encompasses conscious and unconscious processes. The authors conclude that the theory can form a useful basis for the design of social marketing behavioural interventions to promote pro-environmental behaviours.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, as the first systematic review of empirical applications of goal-framing theory, this study provides refinement and validation. By also offering propositions and a research agenda, the authors hope to inspire researchers in social marketing to address the remaining gaps and refine the theory even further.
Regulation of the fashion supply chains and the sustainability–growth balance
Authors: Dobos Emese , Éltető Andrea
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The sustainability of global production chains is at the centre of discussion in the past few years. One of the most polluting sectors is the fashion industry. Fashion brands often decline responsibility, and continue misleading or exaggerated communication. This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of regulation in the fashion industry and show practices of fashion firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on documentary analysis and literature review, the article describes current civil, supranational and governmental policies aiming to enhance the three dimensions of sustainability. Connecting these to the high-growth firm theory, the authors present a case study of a rising Hungarian fashion star based on press, sustainability and balance-sheet report analysis and personal interviews.

Findings

The article highlights some problematic areas of sustainability and greenwashing and describes the different levels and targeted areas of regulation. From the entrepreneurial perspective, the difficult balancing among growth and sustainability is analyzed and illustrated by the detailed case study. The authors provide regulatory suggestions (including the creation of a supranational monitoring agency).

Practical implications

Even if the authors doubt that global fashion chains can be sustainable, they offer both managerial and policy suggestions to reach the highest level of sustainability.

Social implications

The suggested measures can contribute to the more sustainable practices and fraud reduction in the fashion industry.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the economic-regulatory approach used in this study to sustainable fashion industry is new, such as the presentation of the practices of a high-growth firm with a sustainable image.
Digital nomads: a savvy enterprise’s newest HR frontier
Authors: Nichols Audra
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is quantify the fast growing and dynamic population of workers known as digital nomads, workers who live a location agnostic, technology enabled lifestyle, traveling while living and working away from their home for extended periods of time. Since the pandemic, companies that embrace remote work policies are winning accolades. But along with the work-from-home crowd, there is another distinct group of employees that companies need to address: digital nomads – a rising new class of traditional job holders that have taken to the road. As human resources (HR) departments rewrite their policies for the remote workforce, it is critical that you put in place a digital nomad policy. Having a digital nomad policy will not only allow your company to attract and retain top talent but will also protect you from regulatory and legal risks.

Design/methodology/approach

The Digital Nomad data cited in this paper comes from the 2021 MBO Partners State of Independence in America study, which was fielded in July of 2021. This is the 11th consecutive year this study has been conducted. For the 2021 study, Emergent Research and Rockbridge Associates surveyed 6,240 residents of the USA (aged 18 and older). The survey results were weighted to reflect the demographics of the USA.

Findings

Today, the USA alone boasts 15.5 million digital nomads – a massive 112% increase from 2019 and 42% increase from 2020. With workers untethered from the office, the pandemic drove an increase in digital nomadism; however, the trend is here to stay. Corporations and HR teams need to take note and develop forward-thinking policies that will attract and retain talent.

Originality/value

Over the past three years, MBO Partners, in partnership with Emergent Research, have collaborated on an extensive digital nomad study that has attracted the interest of Harvard Business Review. The company’s larger State of Independence report is also the longest-running longitudinal study on the independent workforce. Despite the large and growing number of digital nomads, few organizations have formal policies and programs for them. MBO is the first to develop policies and programs to help HR teams embrace this new era of talent who want the freedom to roam.
Ground roll intelligent suppression based on spatial domain synchrosqueezing wavelet transform convolutional neural network
Authors: Xing Lei , Lin Haoran , Wang Linfei , Xu Zhenqiang , Liu Huaishan , Li Qianqian
Published: October 2022

Ground roll is usually considered as a common linear noise in land seismic data. The existence of the ground roll often masks the effective reflection information of underground media, resulting in the deterioration of seismic data quality. Therefore, ground roll suppression is one of the main tasks in seismic data processing. A large number of previous studies have proved that the time‐frequency signal processing method based on mathematical transformation has shown excellent performance in ground roll attenuation and still has development potential. Meanwhile, a convolutional neural network, as one of the popular deep learning technologies, has also been widely used in the field of seismic signal processing. In this paper, we combine the convolutional neural network with the time‐frequency signal processing method based on mathematical transformation, that is, spatial domain synchrosqueezing wavelet transform, and propose a complete ground roll suppression workflow of shot gathers in spatial wavenumber domain, realizing high‐precision and automatic ground roll removal. Field data examples show that compared with bandpass filtering, FK filtering, time domain synchrosqueezing wavelet transform, spatial domain synchrosqueezing wavelet transform and the convolutional neural network, the spatial domain synchrosqueezing wavelet transform convolutional neural network has achieved satisfactory results in effectively attenuating ground roll and retaining valid information.
Extension, austerity, and emergence: Themes identified from a global scoping review of non‐urban occupational therapy services
Authors: Hayes Karen , Dos Santos Vagner , Costigan Moses , Morante Danielle
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Rural communities contribute to national wellbeing, identities, economies, and social fabrics yet experience increased risk of mortality, morbidity, and disability, coupled with lower levels of income, formal education, and employment than urban citizens. Despite higher need, occupational therapy services are maldistributed to urban locations. Publications about non‐urban services discuss predominantly outreach‐based, individualist, rehabilitation for specified diagnoses/age groups. However, given this population level inequity, it is unclear why individualist focussed services are more commonly discussed. Understanding intentions expressed in publications about non‐urban service design may identify assumptions/limitations to current approaches and contribute to improved future services.

Methods

Each of 117 publications identified in a scoping review was read by two reviewers to independently identify themes. Provisional themes were discussed and modified in an iterative process to develop final themes/subthemes. The first author reinterrogated the publications and coded data to identify relevant examples to support the identified themes.

Results

Three key themes and nine subthemes were identified. Hegemonic perspectives were found in the themes (i) Extension of urban practice and (ii) Austerity, particularly in the Global North. Non‐urban services were typically extended to non‐urban contexts underpinned by austerity and neoliberal values such that non‐urban persons and their context were problematised rather than service or funding design. A counter‐hegemonic perspective was found in the theme (iii) Responses to situational realities more commonly in Global South publications, which valued non‐urban contexts, and focussed on developing non‐urban communities and promoting justice.

Conclusion

The hegemonic paradigm links occupational therapy services with neoliberal notions of individualism, private provision of care, and efficiency/market value, rather than the occupational therapy values for justice. The profession must consider our role in perpetuating injustice for non‐urban people and consider if and how more contextually tailored counter hegemonic place‐based paradigms can be developed from and with regional, rural, and remote practice.
Effects of vegetation type and topography on vegetation restoration after pipeline construction in the Northern Shaanxi Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Zhao Fuwang , Wang Ning , Liu Jun'e , Zhou Zhengchao
Published: October 2022

Vegetation disturbance during infrastructure construction can cause serious ecological problems, especially in fragile environments. The Northern Shaanxi Loess Plateau is an oil industry base in China with a fragile ecosystem. Vegetation restoration on the disturbance area can effectively control soil erosion and ensure the safety of oil pipelines. In the linear disturbance area, surrounding vegetation traits and topography may play an important role in vegetation restoration by influencing propagules and recruitment microsites. This study aimed to reveal the influence of vegetation type and topography on vegetation restoration in the disturbance area along the oil pipeline. The results showed that 89 species were recorded, and they belonged to 30 families and 74 genera. These species were mainly native herbaceous plants, especially perennial herbs. The species number and species diversity index in the disturbance area had a positive relationship with the undisturbed area. The lateral undisturbed vegetation type and species reproductive strategies influenced the vegetation restoration in the disturbance area. The species that produce a large number of seeds or regenerate by rhizome recolonized quickly in the disturbance area. However, the shrubs and arbor species that need seeds for recruitment will take a long time for restoration. The topographic factor had an obvious influence on the vegetation restoration and species diversity in the disturbance areas. On the sunny and steep slopes, vegetation restoration was difficult and slow, and artificial measures were needed to control soil erosion and maintain soil moisture to help seedling recruitment and survival.
Intra‐crown variation of leaf mass per area of Fagus crenata is driven by light acclimation of leaf thickness and hydraulic acclimation of leaf density
Authors: Rooney Rebecca , Ishii H. Roaki , Cavaleri Molly A.
Published: October 2022

In trees, leaf anatomy acclimates to the vertical light and hydraulic gradients within the crown. Intra‐crown trait variation reflects phenotypic plasticity, which is considered a measure of individual‐level acclimation to environmental variation. Here, we compared plasticity of leaf anatomical traits among trees from five regional populations of Fagus crenata and assessed the contribution of these traits to leaf mass per area (LMA). Intra‐crown variation of LMA was larger than variation among trees from different sites, suggesting phenotypic plasticity is greater than genetic variation. After intra‐crown light effects were removed, LMA increased with increasing height, suggesting, in addition to light acclimation, hydraulic limitation drives intra‐crown variation. LMA was positively correlated with leaf thickness and negatively correlated with mesophyll porosity. Leaf thickness accounted for 39% of the variation in LMA, while palisade thickness accounted for 62% of the variation in leaf thickness, suggesting light was the main driver of leaf thickness. Thicker leaves also had denser mesophyll and thicker epidermal layers, both acclimations to low water availability (i.e., hydraulic limitation). Among the traits, intra‐crown plasticity was highest for mesophyll porosity, while there was no difference among trees from different sites in overall trait plasticity. Our results indicate phenotypic plasticity of leaf traits in F. crenata is mainly driven by light availability, while some traits, such as leaf density, may be driven by hydraulic limitation. In regional populations with high phenotypic plasticity, individual‐level acclimation may buffer negative effects of future climate change on growth and productivity of F. crenata.
Circ‐EIF3I facilitates proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer via regulating the activity of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway through the miR‐1253/NOVA2 axis
Authors: Chen Tao , Feng Guangqiang , Xing Zhisong , Gao Xingcai
Published: October 2022

Many studies have shown that circular RNA (circRNA) is an important regulator mediating the malignant progression of cancer. However, the role and mechanism of circ‐EIF3I in lung cancer (LC) development are still unclear. A total 36 paired LC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues were enrolled. The expression of circ‐EIF3I, microRNA (miR)‐1253, and neuro‐oncological ventral antigen 2 (NOVA2) was measured by quantitative real‐time PCR. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of LC cells were determined by MTT assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the interaction between miR‐1253 and circ‐EIF3I or NOVA2. The protein levels of NOVA2 and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway‐related markers were detected by western blot analysis. Xenograft tumor was constructed to explore the function of circ‐EIF3I on LC tumor growth. Circ‐EIF3I was upregulated in LC tumor tissues and cells. Silenced circ‐EIF3I could suppress the proliferation, migration, invasion, and enhance the apoptosis of LC cells in vitro, as well as reduce LC tumor growth in vivo. Circ‐EIF3I could sponge miR‐1253, and miR‐1253 inhibitor overturned the regulation of circ‐EIF3I knockdown on LC cell progression. NOVA2 was confirmed to be a target of miR‐1253, which could reverse the inhibitory effects of miR‐1253 on LC cell progression. Further experiments showed that circ‐EIF3I regulated NOVA2 expression by sponging miR‐1253. In addition, circ‐EIF3I silencing could inhibit the activity of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway via regulating the miR‐1253/NOVA2 axis. Circ‐EIF3I might function as an oncogene in LC, which promoted LC progression by the miR‐1253/NOVA2/Wnt/β‐catenin network.
The Political Economy of Housing Investment in the Short‐Term Rental Market: Insights from Urban Portugal
Authors: Jover Jaime , Cocola‐Gant Agustín
Published: October 2022

Short‐term rentals (STRs) emerged as holiday accommodations, disrupting the hospitality industry in the decade before COVID‐19. Mainstream explanations for their growth revolved around digital tourism platforms like Airbnb as market disruptors and the sharing economy rationale. At the same time, critical scholars explored the capitalisation of greater rent gaps in urban central locations. However, these explanations are insufficient to explain the growth of STRs. We supplement them by building bridges between the urban political economy and the geographies of financialisation through the cases of Lisbon and Porto before the pandemic. The paper focuses on tourism‐induced housing investment, taking a closer look at the profile of investors in association with STR property managers in the context of the late‐entrepreneurial urban regime. We conclude that tourism development has allowed opportunities for housing financialisation through STR professionalisation, enhancing the allocation of interest‐bearing capital in tourism‐oriented real estate.
Emerging role and therapeutic implication of mTOR signalling in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Chen Hai‐Wei , Zhou Jian‐Wei , Zhang Guang‐Zhi , Luo Zhang‐Bin , Li Lei , Kang Xue‐Wen
Published: October 2022

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), an important cause of chronic low back pain (LBP), is considered the pathological basis for various spinal degenerative diseases. A series of factors, including inflammatory response, oxidative stress, autophagy, abnormal mechanical stress, nutritional deficiency, and genetics, lead to reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis by intervertebral disc (IVD) cells and accelerate IDD progression. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase that plays a vital role in diverse degenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that mTOR signalling is involved in the regulation of autophagy, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, ECM homeostasis, cellular senescence, and apoptosis in IVD cells. Accordingly, we reviewed the mechanism of mTOR signalling in the pathogenesis of IDD to provide innovative ideas for future research and IDD treatment.
Where have all the lions gone? Establishing realistic baselines to assess decline and recovery of African lions
Authors: Loveridge Andrew J. , Sousa Lara L. , Cushman Samuel , Kaszta Żaneta , Macdonald David W.
Published: October 2022

Aim

Predict empirically the current and recent historical (c1970) landscape connectivity and population size of the African lion as a baseline against which to assess conservation of the species.

Location

Continental Africa.

Methods

We compiled historical records of lion distribution to generate a recent historical range for the species. Historical population size was predicted using a generalized additive model. Resistant kernel and factorial least‐cost path analyses were used to predict recent historical landscape connectivity and compare this with contemporary connectivity at continental, regional and country scales.

Results

We estimate a baseline population of ~92,054 (83,017–101,094 95% CI) lions in c1970, suggesting Africa's lion population has declined by ~75%, over the last five decades. Although greatly reduced from historical extents (c1500AD), recent historical lion habitat was substantially connected. However, in comparison, contemporary population connectivity has declined dramatically, with many populations now isolated, as well as large declines within remaining population core areas. This decline was most marked in the West and Central region, with a 90% decline in connected habitat compared with its c1970 extent. The Eastern and Southern regions have experienced lower, though significant, declines in connected habitat (44% and 55%, respectively). Contemporary populations are connected by three non‐core habitat linkages and 15 potential corridors (spanning unconnected habitat) that may allow dispersal and gene flow. Declining connectivity mirrors recent studies showing loss of genetic diversity and increasing genetic isolation of lion populations.

Main conclusions

We provide an empirically derived baseline for African lion population size, habitat extent and connectivity in c1970 and at present against which to evaluate contemporary conservation of the species, avoiding a shifting baseline syndrome where conservation success/failure is measured only against recent population size or range. We recommend priorities for conservation of existing connections to avoid further fragmentation.
Cost‐utility analysis of semaglutide for type 2 diabetes after its addition to the National Medical Insurance System in China
Authors: Hu Shanshan , Gu Shengying , Qi Chendong , Wang Shuowen , Qian Fengdan , Shi Chenyang , Fan Guorong
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The main research purpose is to compare the long‐term cost‐effectiveness of semaglutide (SEMA) with that of dulaglutide (DULA) for patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes throughout their lifetime. If necessary, the second aim is to investigate a further price cut for SEMA to provide sound advice for government drug price adjustments.

Methods

Cost‐utility analysis was performed by the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study Outcomes Model 2 (UKPDS OM2) from the perspective of health care providers in China. Baseline characteristics and clinical efficacy of SEMA and DULA were sourced from the high‐dose comparison in the SUSTAIN‐7 trial. A binary search was used to identify the scope for further reduction in the price of SEMA. The impact of individual parameters was assessed with sensitivity analyses.

Results

Main analysis (SEMA vs. DULA) revealed a mean difference in quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) of 0.04 QALYs and costs of $1132.29. The incremental cost‐utility ratio was $26 957.44/QALY, showing that SEMA was a better option compared with DULA. In sensitivity analyses, the discount rate made the greatest contribution to the incremental cost‐utility ratio. In the binary search, there was still scope to reduce the SEMA cost further by approximately 6.83% to be cost‐effective, taking DULA as a reference.

Conclusion

After its addition to the National Medical Insurance System in China, SEMA is expected to be a cost‐effective choice compared with DULA for patients with type 2 diabetes with inadequately controlled from the cost‐utility analysis. However, there is still scope to reduce the annual cost of SEMA further.
Methods for anti‐factor VIII antibody levels in haemophilia A patients – validation of a multiplex immunoassay and comparability with assays measuring non‐neutralising and neutralising antibodies (inhibitors)
Authors: Martin Myriam , Augustsson Cecilia , Lind Vivian , Al‐Sabti Riam , Lam My Chi , Andersson Nadine G. , Strandberg Karin
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The development of neutralising (inhibitors) and non‐neutralising antibodies (NNAs) is a complication to factor replacement therapy in haemophilia. The diagnostic methods available lack standardisation, have high inter‐laboratory variation, and false‐negative as well as false‐positive results may affect treatment. Both functional inhibitors and NNAs may be detected with higher reproducibility, sensitivity and specificity using the immunological Luminex xMAP‐based fluorescence‐immunoassay (xFLI).

Aim

Validation of our xFLI and comparability with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chromogenic Nijmegen‐Bethesda assay (CBA) for anti‐FVIII antibodies in haemophilia A (HA) patients.

Methods

The xFLI method was developed with full‐length and B‐domain deleted factor coupled to magnetic beads, optimised and validated for performance characteristics. Comparability with ELISA and CBA was evaluated in HA patient samples (n = 112), serial samples in six inhibitor patients and reference interval and decision‐limits in healthy donors (n = 44).

Results

The intra‐ and inter‐assay precision (CV%) for the xFLI method was below 6% and detection limit (LLOQ) .084 ng/mL (NovoEight). All ELISA‐positive samples were positive with either Advate or NovoEight. Additionally, 10.7%–14.3% were xFLI‐positive and ELISA‐negative. All but one CBA‐positive sample was above 3SD with xFLI; one was between 2 and 3SD. 29.1% were xFLI‐positive and CBA negative. The overall concordance between xFLI and ELISA was 82.1% and xFLI and CBA 77.9%.

Conclusion

The anti‐FVIII antibody xFLI method is adaptable to clinical practice and more sensitive and reproducible than ELISA and CBA. Actual NNA titers are determined to both full‐length and B‐domain deleted FVIII. The xFLI is thus valuable for confirmation of all anti‐FVIII antibodies.
PDE5 inhibitors and male reproduction: Is there a place for PDE5 inhibitors in infertility clinics or andrology laboratories?
Authors: Dimitriadis Fotios , Kaltsas Aris , Zachariou Athanasios , Mamoulakis Charalampos , Tsiampali Chara , Giannakis Ioannis , Paschopoulos Minas , Papatsoris Athanasios , Loutradis Dimitrios , Tsounapi Panagiota , Takenaka Atsushi , Sofikitis Nikolaos
Published: October 2022

The objective of this review study is to evaluate the therapeutic role of PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5is) in the amelioration of oligoasthenospermia in infertile males. PDE5is have a beneficial influence on the secretory function of the Leydig and Sertoli cells, the biochemical environment within the seminiferous tubule, the contractility of the testicular tunica albuginea, and the prostatic secretory function. In several studies, the overall effect of sildenafil and vardenafil increased quantitative and qualitative sperm motility. Furthermore, some studies indicate that PDE5is influence positively the sperm capacity to undergo capacitation under biochemical conditions that are known to induce the sperm capacitation process. Additional research efforts are necessary in order to recommend unequivocally the usage of sildenafil, vardenafil, or avanafil for the alleviation of male infertility.
Porous alkali‐activated material from hypergolic coal gangue by microwave foaming for methylene blue removal
Authors: Li Xinyu , Liu Lei , Bai Chengying , Yang Kun , Zheng Ting , Lu Shuang , Li Hongqiang , Qiao Yingjie , Colombo Paolo
Published: October 2022

Overall, 100% hypergolic coal gangue (HCG)‐based geopolymer foams were produced by a novel saponification‐microwave foaming combined route. Microwave foaming with and without expired vegetable oil was first used to produce CG‐based geopolymer foams. Macropores were mainly generated by microwave foaming, and mesopores were mainly obtained by the addition of expired soybean oil that underwent a saponification reaction. The effects of the oil content on the density, porosity, pore morphology, compression strength, and methylene blue adsorption properties were studied. High total porosity (85.9–89.0 vol%) and acceptable compression strength (0.46–1.1 MPa) HCG‐based geopolymer foams were produced. Foams with 12.59 wt% oil exhibited the best adsorption properties, with an adsorption capacity up to 9.4 mg/g and high removal efficiency of about 95.3%. These solid‐waste‐based porous components are promising monolithic adsorbents for wastewater treatment.