bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonogenomic analysis of the Xanthomonas translucens complex leads to the descriptions of Xanthomonas cerealis sp. nov. and Xanthomonas graminis sp. nov.
Authors: Tambong James T. , Xu Renlin , Fleitas Maria Constanza , Kutcher Randy
Published: September 2024

The pathovar-based taxonomy of the Xanthomonas translucens group is very confusing due to an overlap of plant host ranges and level of host specificity. Here, whole-genome sequence-based parameters (digital DNA–DNA hybridization and blast-based average nucleotide identity), phylogenomic, biochemical and phenotypical data were used to taxonomically analyse the 11 known pathovars of the X. translucens complex. This polyphasic approach taxonomically assigned the 11 pathovars of X. translucens complex into three distinct species, two of which are new: X. translucens, X. cerealis sp. nov. and X. graminis sp. nov. X. translucens consists of three pathovars: pv. translucens (=pv. hordei), pv. pistaciae strain A ICMP 16316PT and pv. undulosa (=pv. secalis). X. cerealis sp. nov. encompasses the pv. cerealis strain LMG 679PT and pv. pistaciae strain B ICMP 16317PT with genome similarity of 92.7% (dDDH) and 99.0% (ANIb) suggesting taxonomically similar genotypes. The other new species, X. graminis sp. nov., consists of the remaining five designated pathovars (pv. graminis, pv. arrhenatheri, pv. poae, pv. phleipratensis and pv. phlei) with highly variable dDDH and ANIb values ranging from 74.5 to 93.0% and from 96.7 to 99.2%, respectively, an indication of a very divergent taxonomic group. Only strains of pvs. phlei and phleipratensis showed the highest genomic similarities of 93.0% (dDDH) and 99.2% (ANIb), suggesting synonymic pathovars as both infect the same plant hosts. The dDDH and ANI data were corroborated by phylogenomics clustering. The fatty acid contents were similar but the type strain of X. graminis sp. nov. exhibited 20% less C15 : 0 iso and 40% more C17 : 0 iso fatty acids than the other species. Based on phenotypic, biochemical and whole-genome sequence data, we propose two new species, Xanthomonas cerealis sp. nov. and Xanthomonas graminis sp. nov. with type strains LMG 679T (=NCPPB 1944T) and LMG 726T (=NCPPB 2700T), respectively.
Characterizing a stable five-species microbial community for use in experimental evolution and ecology
Authors: Castledine Meaghan , Pennycook Joseph , Newbury Arthur , Lear Luke , Erdos Zoltan , Lewis Rai , Kay Suzanne , Sanders Dirk , Sünderhauf David , Buckling Angus , Hesse Elze , Padfield Daniel
Published: September 2024

A corrigendum of this article has been published full details can be found at 10.1099/mic.0.001528

Model microbial communities are regularly used to test ecological and evolutionary theory as they are easy to manipulate and have fast generation times, allowing for large-scale, high-throughput experiments. A key assumption for most model microbial communities is that they stably coexist, but this is rarely tested experimentally. Here we report the (dis)assembly of a five-species microbial community from a metacommunity of soil microbes that can be used for future experiments. Using reciprocal invasion-from-rare experiments we show that all species can coexist and we demonstrate that the community is stable for a long time (~600 generations). Crucially for future work, we show that each species can be identified by their plate morphologies, even after >1 year in co-culture. We characterise pairwise species interactions and produce high-quality reference genomes for each species. This stable five-species community can be used to test key questions in microbial ecology and evolution.
Quinoline synergy and reduced use: a study of pharmacodynamic interactions
Authors: Sadouki Zahra , Wey Emmanuel Q. , McHugh Timothy D. , Kloprogge Frank
Published: September 2024

Synopsis

Background

Meropenem, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin have been used as empiric broad-spectrum combination therapy in different combinations. Recent restrictions on the use of quinolones jeopardises the rational of administering this combination to increase the spectrum of coverage for this particular case. A mechanistic understanding of pharmacodynamic interaction for these combinations is lacking but can provide insight in the necessity of using the different moieties.

Objectives

To study pharmacodynamic drug-drug interaction between meropenem, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin againstEscherichia coli.

Methods

Static time kill curve experiments were conducted withEscherichia coli(NCTC® 12241) at 0.25 – 16 × MIC for a duration of 24 hours with samples being collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hour. Meropenem, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin were tested alone, in two- and three-way combinations. Bacterial load time series data were enumerated on Meuller Hinton plates and Colony Forming Unit data was modelled using nonlinear mixed-effects models in nlmixr.

Results

Meropenem, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin two- and three-way combinations prevented regrowth, but did not when these moieties were studied alone. Gentamicin and meropenem were synergistic by decreasing ciprofloxacin IC50and the combination effects of meropenem and gentamicin and the addition of meropenem on top of a gentamicin and ciprofloxacin combination were indifferent.

Conclusions

Our findings emphasize the added value of a quinolone in the drug combination. In light of the recent move towards reduced use of quinolones, a quinolone free combination still prevented regrowth, it just did not display further synergy on IC50and was indifferent in initial killing.
Polyacrylamide-based Antimicrobial Copolymers to Replace or Rescue Antibiotics
Authors: Williams Shoshana C. , Chosy Madeline B. , Jons Carolyn K. , Dong Changxin , Prossnitz Alexander N. , Liu Xinyu , Herandez Hector Lopez , Cegelski Lynette , Appel Eric A.
Published: September 2024

Antibiotics save countless lives each year and have dramatically improved human health outcomes since their introduction in the 20thcentury. Unfortunately, bacteria are now developing resistance to antibiotics at an alarming rate, with many new strains of “superbugs” showing simultaneous resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics. To mitigate the global burden of antimicrobial resistance, we must develop new antibiotics that are broadly effective, safe, and highly stable for the purpose of global access. In this manuscript, we report the development of polyacrylamide-based copolymers as a novel class of broad-spectrum antibiotics with efficacy against several critical pathogens. We demonstrate that these copolymer drugs are selective for bacteria over mammalian cells, indicating a favorable safety profile. We show that they kill bacteria through a membrane disruption mechanism, which allows them to overcome traditional mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance. Finally, we demonstrate their ability to rehabilitate an existing small-molecule antibiotic that is highly subject to resistance development by improving its potency and eliminating the development of resistance in a combination treatment. This work represents a significant step towards combatting antimicrobial resistance.
WEE1 inhibition delays resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitor and antiestrogen treatment in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: He Wei , Demas Diane M. , Kraikivski Pavel , Shajahan-Haq Ayesha N. , Baumann William T.
Published: September 2024

Although endocrine therapies and Cdk4/6 inhibitors have produced significantly improved outcomes for patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, continuous application of these drugs often results in resistance. We hypothesized that cancer cells acquiring drug resistance might increase their dependency on negative regulators of the cell cycle. Therefore, we investigated the effect of inhibiting WEE1 on delaying the development of resistance to palbociclib and fulvestrant. We treated ER+ MCF7 breast cancer cells with palbociclib alternating with a combination of fulvestrant and a WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775 for 12 months. We found that the alternating treatment prevented the development of drug resistance to palbociclib and fulvestrant compared to monotherapies. Furthermore, we developed a mathematical model that can simulate cell proliferation under monotherapy, combination or alternating drug treatments. Finally, we showed that the mathematical model can be used to minimize the number of fulvestrant plus AZD1775 treatment periods while maintaining its efficacy.
Cross-sectional analysis: interpretation of non-statistically significant results in randomised controlled clinical trials in rehabilitation
Authors: Mugnai Caterina , Maistrello Luca Falsiroli , Fiacca Giacomo , Perucchini Michele , Corbetta Noemi , Amateis Federico , Salvioli Stefano
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Despite the CONSORT guidelines, which aim to improve the quality of studies, authors often formulate conclusions based on the dichotomous distinction of the p-value, declaring differences between ‘statistically significant’ and ‘non-significant’. This approach confuses the identification of the real efficacy of the studied treatment. To solve this problem, CONSORT guidelines recommend using confidence intervals, which offer a more complete view of possible effects. However, authors’ conclusions often remain based on a binary approach, confusing the absence of evidence with the evidence of absence. This error can influence clinical practice and future research, leading to the identification of ‘negative’ treatments based on ‘statistical insignificance’, which reflects a lack of evidence of absence, not the absence of evidence.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of misinterpretation of non-statistically significant results, both in the abstract and in the article, in a sample of all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with non-statistically significant primary outcomes published in 5 rehabilitation journals with the highest impact factor (IF) published between 2019 and 2023 and to assess whether the primary outcome result is reported according to CONSORT guidelines.

Methods

We will conduct a cross-sectional analysis of all Rcts with non-statistically significant primary outcomes in 5 general rehabilitation journals with the highest IF published between 2019 and 2023. We will determine the prevalence of trials in which non-significance is interpreted as absence of evidence, evidence of absence, or advice to use the intervention in clinical practice in the abstract and article conclusions, and the prevalence of trials that adhered to CONSORT guidelines for reporting the primary outcome.
The Milieu Interieur follow-up study - an integrative approach for studying immunological variation in an aging population
Authors: Jaquaniello Anthony , Dubois Florian , Rahal Farah , Dott Tom , Culina Slobodan , Albert-Vega Chloe , Rouilly Vincent , Villain Etienne , Saint-Andre Violaine , Unni Divya , Fernandes Pellerin Sandrine , Bloch Emma , White Michael , Hasan Milena , Quintana-Murci Lluis , Patin Etienne , Duffy Darragh ,   Milieu Interieur Consortium
Published: September 2024

Human immune responses are highly variable from one individual to another, with these differences determined by both genetic and environmental factors. We previously established the Milieu Interieur cohort to define the boundaries of healthy immune responses and identify and quantify its different determinants. From this cohort of 1,000 well-defined healthy donors, we have identified multiple genetic and environmental factors that are associated with variable immune phenotypes. Crucially, these associations were observed in a healthy context, as defined by strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. To assess how such immune responses may vary over time, we initiated a 10-year follow-up clinical study of the cohort. From the original 1,000 donors, we identified and recruited 415 donors from whom we assessed recent medical history and lifestyle factors, in addition to collecting samples for measurement of diverse immune phenotypes. A comparison of 107 laboratory and serological measures over the 10-year period showed significant correlations, highlighting the quality of the data collected. By accounting for potential batch effects, our analyses revealed the profound effects of aging on health-related biomarkers and antibody levels against common pathogens. We determined that a significant proportion of the donors no longer meet the initial definition of good health, due to either physiological changes associated with aging, or disease incidence including cancer, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. We found that disease development over the past 10 years is associated with a biological aging score, assessed at the time of the initial recruitment. In summary, the Milieu Interieur follow-up study will provide new opportunities for studying biological mechanisms of immunosenescence and identifying factors associated with accelerated immune aging and poor health outcomes.
PiggyBac mediated transgenesis and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout in the greater waxmoth,Galleria mellonella
Authors: Pearce James C. , Campbell Jennie S. , Prior Joann L. , Titball Richard W. , Wakefield James G.
Published: September 2024

The larvae of the greater waxmoth,Galleria mellonella, are gaining prominence as a versatile non-mammalianin vivomodel to study host-pathogen interactions. Their ability to be maintained at 37°C, coupled with a broad susceptibility to human pathogens and a distinct melanisation response that serves as a visual indicator for larval health, positionsGalleriaas a powerful resource for infection research. Despite these advantages, the lack of genetic tools, such as those available for zebrafish and fruit flies, has hindered development of the full potential ofGalleriaas a model organism. In this study, we describe a robust methodology for generating transgenicGalleriausing the PiggyBac transposon system and for precise gene knockouts via CRISPR/Cas9 technology. These advances significantly enhance the utility ofGalleriain molecular research, opening the way to its widespread use as an inexpensive and ethically compatible animal model for infection biology and beyond.
Contrasting Cognitive, Behavioral, and Physiological Responses to Breathwork vs. Naturalistic Stimuli in Reflective Chamber and VR Headset Environments: Randomized Control Study
Authors: Simonian Ninette , Johnson Micah Alan , Lynch Caitlin , Wang Geena , Kumaravel Velu , Kuhn Taylor , Schoeller Felix , Reggente Nicco
Published: September 2024

The MindGym, a novel immersive technology utilizing a reflective chamber environment, was developed to create standardized experiential content, including anxiolytic experiences. This study examined whether therapeutic experiences originally created in the MindGym could maintain their efficacy when delivered via 360-degree recordings through virtual reality (VR) headsets. A randomized controlled trial (N=126) compared anxiety reduction, cognitive performance, and physiological responses across four conditions: MindGym and VR platforms, each delivering either breathwork or rain stimuli. Results demonstrated significant improvements across all conditions in cognitive performance (Trail Making Test RTACC, p.fdr<.001; Architex Total Speed, p.fdr<.001) and anxiety reduction (STAI, p.fdr<.001). Breathwork conditions produced greater decreases in breath rate compared to rain stimuli (p.fdr=.002). Treatment responses were moderated by individual differences, with absorption (MODTAS) predicting both awe (p.fdr=.004) and ego dissolution (p.fdr=.015), while openness to experience interacted with stimuli type to influence anxiety reduction (p.fdr=.038). The anxiolytic effects originally generated in the MindGym maintained full efficacy when translated to VR delivery, with no significant differences in effectiveness or immersion between the original environment and its virtual reproduction. These findings establish the MindGym as a viable content creation platform for immersive, anxiety-reducing experiences that can be successfully adapted to more accessible delivery systems, while highlighting the potential for personalization based on individual differences. Future research should investigate the translation of more complex MindGym-generated experiences to expand accessible anxiety management tools.
Microglia replacement by ER-Hoxb8 conditionally immortalized macrophages provides insight into Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome neuropathology
Authors: Nemec Kelsey M. , Uy Genevieve , Chaluvadi V. Sai , Purnell Freddy S. , Elfayoumi Bilal , O’Brien Carleigh A. , Aisenberg William H. , Lombroso Sonia I. , Guo Xinfeng , Blank Niklas , Oon Chet Huan , Yaqoob Fazeela , Temsamrit Brian , Rawat Priyanka , Thaiss Christoph A. , Wang Qingde , Bennett Mariko L. , Bennett F. Chris
Published: September 2024

Microglia, the brain’s resident macrophages, can be reconstituted by surrogate cells - a process termed “microglia replacement.” To expand the microglia replacement toolkit, we here introduce estrogen-regulated (ER) homeobox B8 (Hoxb8) conditionally immortalized macrophages, a cell model for generation of immune cells from murine bone marrow, as a versatile model for microglia replacement. We find that ER-Hoxb8 macrophages are highly comparable to primary bone marrow-derived (BMD) macrophages in vitro, and, when transplanted into a microglia-free brain, engraft the parenchyma and differentiate into microglia-like cells. Furthermore, ER-Hoxb8 progenitors are readily transducible by virus and easily stored as stable, genetically manipulated cell lines. As a demonstration of this system’s power for studying the effects of disease mutations on microglia in vivo, we created stable,Adar1-mutated ER-Hoxb8 lines using CRISPR-Cas9 to study the intrinsic contribution of macrophages to Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS), an inherited interferonopathy that primarily affects the brain and immune system. We find thatAdar1knockout elicited interferon secretion and impaired macrophage production in vitro, while preventing brain macrophage engraftment in vivo - phenotypes that can be rescued with concurrent mutation ofIfih1(MDA5) in vitro, but not in vivo. Lastly, we extended these findings by generating ER-Hoxb8 progenitors from mice harboring a patient-specificAdar1mutation (D1113H). We demonstrated the ability of microglia-specific D1113H mutation to drive interferon production in vivo, suggesting microglia drive AGS neuropathology. In sum, we introduce the ER-Hoxb8 approach to model microglia replacement and use it to clarify macrophage contributions to AGS.
Fast-twitch myofibrils grow in proportion to Mylpf dosage in the zebrafish embryo
Authors: Adekeye Tayo E , Teets Emily M , Tomak Emily A , Waterman Sadie L , Sprague Kailee A , White Angelina , Coffin Maddison L , Varga Sabrina M , Easterbrooks Teresa E , Shepherd Sarah J , Austin Jared D , Krivorotko Dmitrii , Hupper Troy E , Kelley Joshua B , Amacher Sharon L , Talbot Jared C
Published: September 2024

Muscle cells become stronger by expanding myofibrils, the chains of sarcomeres that produce contraction. Here we investigate how Mylpf (Myosin Light Chain Phosphorylatable Fast) abundance impacts myofibril assembly in fast-twitch muscle. The two zebrafish Mylpf genes (mylpfaandmylpfb) are exclusively expressed in fast-twitch muscle. We show that these cells initially produce six times moremylpfamRNA and protein thanmylpfb. The combined Mylpf protein dosage is necessary for and proportionate to fast-twitch myofibril growth in the embryo. Fast-twitch myofibrils are severely reduced in themylpfa-/-mutant, leading to loss of high-speed movement; however, by persistent slow movement this mutant swims as far through time as its wild-type sibling. Although themylpfb-/-mutant has normal myofibrils, myofibril formation fails entirely in themylpfa-/-;mylpfb-/-double mutant, indicating that the two genes are collectively essential to myofibril formation. Fast-twitch myofibril width is restored in themylpfa-/-mutant by transgenic expression ofmylpfa-GFP, mylpfb-GFP,and by humanMYLPF-GFPto a degree corresponding linearly with GFP brightness. This correlate is inverted by expression ofMYLPFalleles that cause Distal Arthrogryposis, which reduce myofibril size in proportion to protein abundance. These effects indicate that Mylpf dosage controls myofibril growth, impacting embryonic development and lifelong health.
Alpha-synuclein preformed fibril-induced aggregation and dopaminergic cell death in cathepsin D overexpression and ZKSCAN3 knockout mice
Authors: Mueller Toni , Jeffrey Parker , He Yecheng , Ouyang Xiaosen , Westbrook David , Darley-Usmar Victor , Goldberg Matthew S. , Volpicelli-Daley Laura , Zhang Jianhua
Published: September 2024

α-synuclein accumulation is recognized as a prominent feature in the majority of Parkinson’s disease cases and also occurs in a broad range of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease. It has been shown that α-synuclein can spread from a donor cell to neighboring cells and thus propagate cellular damage, antagonizing the effectiveness of therapies such as transplantation of fetal or iPSC derived dopaminergic cells. As we and others previously have shown, insufficient lysosomal function due to genetic mutations or targeted disruption of cathepsin D can cause α-synuclein accumulation. We here investigated whether overexpression of cathepsin D or knockout (KO) of the transcriptional suppressor of lysosomal biogenesis ZKSCAN3 can attenuate propagation of α-synuclein aggregation and cell death. We examined dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra using stereology of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells 4 months and 6 months after intrastriatal injection of α-synuclein preformed fibrils or monomeric α-synuclein control in control, central nervous system (CNS)-cathepsin D overexpressing and CNS-specific ZKSCAN3 KO mice. We also examined pS129-α-synuclein aggregates in the substantia nigra, cortex, amygdala and striatum. The extent of dopaminergic neurodegeneration and pS129-α-synuclein aggregation in the brains of CNS-specific ZKSCAN3 knockout mice and CNS-cathepsin D overexpressing mice was similar to that observed in wild-type mice. Our results indicate that neither enhancing cathepsin D expression nor disrupting ZKSCAN3 in the CNS is sufficient to attenuate pS129-α-synuclein aggregate accumulation or dopaminergic neurodegeneration.
Those unpredictable crossroads
Authors: Marques Joan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Providing workforce members with an understandable and workable platform to successfully withstand professional crossroads.

Design/methodology/approach

A reflective, experience-based deliberation on the emotional and action-based steps to be taken when unanticipated crossroads emerge.

Findings

Crossroads are inevitable and can be heart-wrenching, but if addressed mindfully, they can lead to greater fulfillment.

Practical Implications

Providing workforce members a platform to consider when facing the next professional crossroads.

Originality/value

Crossroads happen to all of us, yet, few articles have been written about this all too common process. Given the frequently recurring nature of this predicament, a practical, compassionate notation could bring relief and encouragement to workforce members.
Digitalization and digital innovation in developing the capability of a digital economy
Authors: Abdelwahed Nadia Abdelhamid Abdelmegeed , Bano Safia
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Digital technology (DT) is a massive and robust tool for organizational success. This paper aims to examine the roles of digitalization and digital innovation (DI) in developing the capability of a digital economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a cross-sectional study to collect the data from the managers of Egyptian SME manufacturing firms. This study utilized 322 samples.

Findings

From applying the structural equation model (SEM), this study’s findings show that digital capability (DC) and digital orientation (DO) exert a positive effect on the firm’s digital economy capability (DEC). In addition, DC has a positive impact on DI. In contrast, digital technology self-efficacy (DTSE) negatively predicts DEC. This study’s results also confirm DO’s negative effect on DI. The DTSE is a positive enabler of DI that has also positively affected the DEC. The mediating results demonstrate that DI reinforces the positive connection between DO and DEC. On the other hand, DI does not mediate the connection between DO and DEC and between DTSE and DEC.

Practical implications

This study’s outcomes support policymakers and manufacturing organizations in employing DT to improve DEC and, thereby, develop firm performance and success. The study’s findings also encourage organizations to invest in bringing about a digital culture within them. Finally, by developing DT and DI, firms can nurture a conducive culture of creativity and forward-thinking.

Originality/value

This study directly overcomes the need for an integrated framework of all DI, DTSE, DO, DC and DEC. Furthermore, DI’s mediating contribution between DC and DEC, between DO and DEC and between DTSE and DEC adds fresh insights to the existing literature.
Exploring leadership effectiveness and its impact on employee well-being through emotional mediation
Authors: Rodrigues Rosa , Junça-Silva Ana , Lopes Cláudia , Espírito-Santo Diogo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study relied on the affective events theory to test the mediating role of the ratio of emotions in the relationship between employees' perceived leadership effectiveness and their well-being at work.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology was used, based on a deductive approach of a transversal nature. Data were collected from a convenience sample consisting of 255 working adults.

Findings

Structural equation modeling results demonstrated that perceived leadership effectiveness positively influenced well-being and the ratio of emotions, showing that when employees perceived their leader as effective, they tended to experience more positive emotions and less negative ones (as indicated by a positive ratio). Furthermore, the results supported the hypothesis that perceived leadership effectiveness influenced well-being through increases in the ratio of emotions.

Research limitations/implications

The nature of the sample makes it impossible to generalize the results. Also, the fact that the questionnaires were self-reported may have biased the results because only the employees' perception of the variables under study was known.

Practical implications

This study highlights the fact that perceived leadership effectiveness can be seen as an affective event that triggers positive and negative emotional responses at work, which, in turn, will have an impact on employee well-being.

Originality/value

An effective leadership style has been shown to be pivotal in reducing the prevalence of negative emotions within a team. When leaders foster a welcoming work environment where team members enjoy their roles, it often results in heightened positive emotions and overall well-being.
An examination of the “top 100” articles published in 2023: an altmetric analysis
Authors: R. Shimray Somipam , Nongsiej Prosperous
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the “Top 100” articles that received the highest online attention in 2023.

Design/methodology/approach

The author examined data obtained from the Dimensions database. They determined the top 100 articles with the highest Altmetric Attention Score published in 2023 using the Dimensions database. The search was done on December 31, 2023, and the publication type was limited to articles. Furthermore, articles were analyzed to identify online attention platforms, subject categories, publication sources, access types and authorship patterns. The data were organized in Microsoft Excel for eventual examination.

Findings

The most discoursed article in 2023 has an Article Attention Score of 26156. The “Top 100 List” is dominated by COVID-19-related studies. X (249,064), Mendeley (2,445) and News (1,977) are the most prominent sharing and discussion platforms. There is an unequal distribution of articles in 28 subject categories. The top 100 articles were published in 67 journals. The majority of articles are accessible under the open-access model. The top 100 articles are written by 1,323 authors, with an authorship range of 1 to 308. The majority of articles are the result of collaborative work, and the correlation analysis between citations and AAS indicates a weak positive correlation possibly because of different factors influencing each metric and their methods of measuring scholarly impact.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to present online attention to academic articles published in 2023. This study examines the effect of online attention platforms on research, which may be used as a measure of research outcome.
Zooming in small family wineries: exploring service quality, loyalty and the moderating role of wine involvement
Authors: Kladou Stella , Usakli Ahmet , Lee Kyuho
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of wine involvement in moderating the effect of winery service quality on loyalty toward small family wineries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a structured questionnaire. The survey was distributed to wine tourists who visited small family wineries located in Crete, Greece and a total of 216 usable questionnaires were collected for the study. To analyze the data, the study used partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results reveal that wine involvement moderates the effects of winery service quality on wine tourists’ loyalty. Specifically, staff behavior affects the loyalty toward wine tourists with low involvement more significantly compared to the wine tourists with high wine involvement. On the other hand, the quality of wine tastings affects the loyalty of wine tourists with high wine involvement more significantly in contrast with the wine tourists with low wine involvement.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that winery operators need to take into consideration wine involvement among wine tourists when they develop a winery service strategy. Operators of small family wineries can provide more customized, diverse and quality wine tastings to wine tourists with high wine involvement while prioritizing winery staff’s behavior and hospitality to those wine tourists with low wine involvement.

Originality/value

This study contributes to extant wine tourism literature by adding the effects of wine involvement on wine tourists’ loyalty toward the winery, and particularly focusing on small, family wineries.
Airline business models as complex systems: assessing component interdependencies through interpretive structural modelling
Authors: Vatankhah Sanaz , Bamshad Vahideh , Lohmann Gui , Shneikat Belal
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper explores the intricate interdependencies among core components of airline business models (BMs). In the airline industry, where BMs are complex systems, a successful BM requires an orchestrated configuration of various components. However, there is a paucity of research in BM literature pertaining to the interrelationships among key components of airline BMs.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing interpretive structural modelling, we gathered input from experts in Iran to assess the driving power and dependency of elements within airline BMs.

Findings

Our findings highlight the significance of operating environment conditions and competitive market dynamics as pivotal external components shaping the foundational structure. Value proposition, customer relationship management, and process monitoring are crucial linkage components that drive power and dependency. Notably, capturing value is positioned with the highest dependency.

Practical implications

We utilised the ISM technique to visualize interdependencies within airline business models, aiding strategic decision-making. Our findings suggest aligning business and operational strategies with market needs ensures effective value creation and capture, maintaining competitive advantage in the airline industry. In addition, our research reveals critical factors affecting value creation and capture, emphasising monitoring the operating environment and competitive market, and strategically managing value propositions and customer relationship initiatives in the airline industry. We advise adapting business models to external changes for sustained growth and recommend regular monitoring of industry trends and customer expectations.

Originality/value

Framed within complexity theory, these insights offer valuable perspectives on identifying and situating critical BM components in the airline industry. The practical implications derived from this study serve as strategic tools for airline managers and potential investors to optimise the design of their airline BMs.
Effect of environmental attitude on environmentally responsible behavior: a comparative analysis among green and non-green hotel guests in Turkiye
Authors: Kement Uzeyir , Dogan Seden , Baydeniz Erdem , Bayar Sinan Baran , Erkol Bayram Gul , Basar Berkan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Environmentally Responsible Behavior (ERB) refers to actions and practices aimed at minimizing negative environmental impact through conservation, waste reduction and sustainable practices driven by concern for environmental well-being. This study aims to explain the effect of environmental attitudes of hotel guests visiting green and non-green hotels on their ERB. In the research, hotels with different concepts were handled separately and a comparative analysis was made between both customer types.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was assessed using two separate models: one for green hotel guests and another for non-green hotel guests. Data were collected from 205 participants from green hotel guests in Turkiye and 206 participants from hotel guests visiting non-green hotels in Turkiye, using a survey form with a convenience sampling method. The hypotheses were analyzed with the structural equation model and multi-group analysis (MGA) in the Smart PLS statistical program.

Findings

The ecocentric attitude positively affects political and community activism but does not impact recycling, educational behavior, green consumerism or overall ERB. The technocentric attitude negatively influences recycling, educational behavior, green consumerism, community activism and ERB but does not negatively affect political activism. The dualcentric attitude positively impacts all ERB sub-dimensions. The multi-group analysis (MGA) revealed that dualcentric attitudes have a stronger influence on green consumerism, political activism and recycling behavior among green hotel guests compared to non-green hotel guests.

Practical implications

These findings directly impact hotel managers, underscoring the strategic significance of adopting and advocating green practices. Implementing environmentally friendly initiatives not only appeals to environmentally conscious consumers but also holds the potential to cultivate ERB among all guests. By integrating sustainability into marketing strategies, hotels can communicate their commitment to environmental stewardship, positively influencing guests’ environmental attitudes and behaviors.

Originality/value

The paper’s key contribution is its comparative analysis of ERB between guests at green and non-green hotels. It reveals how tourists’ environmental attitudes influence their hotel choices and behaviors, offering insights into sustainable tourism. Additionally, it explores the differences between ecocentric, technocentric and dualcentric attitudes, enhancing our understanding of how varying environmental concerns shape tourists’ behaviors and choices and contributing to the broader discussion on environmental psychology in tourism.
The management and evaluation of flats retribution rates in Surakarta City, Indonesia
Authors: Matitaputty Shandy Jannifer
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Surakarta needs to evaluate its flat management as the most populous city in Central Java, Indonesia. This study examines the implementation of flat management in Surakarta City and evaluates and recommends the appropriate flat retribution rate.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the analytical descriptive method to explain the problems in managing flats in Surakarta City. The data were obtained through a review of existing regulations and in-depth interviews with the flat residents and managers. The proposed retribution tariff for flats is calculated with a market approach through a comparison with neighboring cities and/or districts adjusted to the regional minimum wage to accommodate the residents’ ability to pay.

Findings

Based on the results of interviews and a review of regulations, problems were identified in the management of flats in Surakarta City. A comparison of levy rates with surrounding districts led to a proposal for new levy rates, which were divided into two tariff groups based on the characteristics of flats in Surakarta City.

Research limitations/implications

The result of this study is a suggested retribution tariff derived from an economic framework that has yet to be validated by assessing the flat residents' willingness to pay.

Originality/value

This paper complements previous studies on the management and financing of flats by more in-depth evaluating the current tariffs and providing recommendations for appropriate tariffs.
Role of policyholders’ beliefs in life insurance lapses: a model building approach
Authors: Bhatia Ritika , Bhat Anil K. , Tikoria Jyoti
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand the lapse behavior of life insurance policyholders. Despite being accessible for nearly two centuries, only a small fraction of individuals purchase such policies and many of those who do let them lapse. The belief hypothesis model (BHM) is introduced to elucidate the correlation between policyholders' beliefs and their decisions regarding life insurance lapses.

Design/methodology/approach

BHM establishes a comprehensive linkage between core beliefs, external data and the lapse behavior exhibited by policyholders. To derive policyholders’ core beliefs about life insurance lapses, the authors conducted a semistructured, in-depth interview with 42 policyholders and 11 insurance advisors, using a grounded theory approach with zero-order, first-order and second-order coding.

Findings

The study's findings reveal that policy lapsation is influenced by various factors such as policyholders' beliefs about life insurance, process-related attitudes, trust in insurers and advisors and personal financial viewpoints. Policyholders who consider life insurance unnecessary or misunderstand its purpose are likelier to lapse their policies. Cumbersome documentation processes and technical issues also contribute to policy lapsation, emphasizing the significance of simplified procedures. Trust in insurers and advisors, personal financial literacy and payment preferences influence policy lapsation.

Practical implications

The findings of this research can be practically applied by companies to improve customer retention and by regulatory bodies to encourage policyholders to honor their insurance commitments.

Originality/value

Distinguishing itself from conventional hypotheses-driven and factor-centric models, BHM integrates consumer beliefs, thus enriching comprehension and decision-making insights.
Tourism in the polycrisis: a Horizon 2050 paper
Authors: Gössling Stefan , Scott Daniel
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Tourism faces a range of interconnected and potentially transformative global risks – collectively considered an evolving polycrisis – that have not been adequately defined and understood. As a result, the industry struggles to proactively anticipate and mitigate potential future challenges, while governments lack insight for strategic longer-term decision-making on tourism development. The purpose of this paper is to advance tourism sector consideration of global change threats and their complex interactions and more effectively incorporate these risks into tourism futures planning.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual gap is addressed through a discussion of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Reports, and their definition of environmental, economic, geopolitical, societal and technological risk categories. In applying results to tourism, a preliminary expert assessment of global risks serves as a foundational framework to incorporate potential global change threats more effectively into tourism futures planning and decision-making.

Findings

Additional research should be prioritized to examine global risks most influential of tourism, how and where they may interact, how to convert risk categories into measurable indicators and to evaluate whether risk assessments can contribute to mitigating the evolving polycrisis.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the systematic and strategic engagement with global risks for tourism, critically reviews the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Reports from tourism perspective, presents key risk dimensions driving future tourism development, provides a foundational framework to further assess global risk for tourism and compels tourism academy to prioritize global change research agenda.
What is social science if not critical?
Authors: Bacevic Jana
Published: September 2024

This short article represents a contribution to the debate on the motion “Social science is explanation, or it is nothing.” While in the format of parliamentary debating the contribution would fall on the side of the opposition, I will not be arguing against explanation as such. The work of explaining is in no way oppositional to or mutually exclusive with critique. Instead, my contribution will revolve around two arguments: one is that both critique and explanation exhibit characteristics we commonly attribute to science; the other is that reserving the label of science for explanation draws a boundary around social sciences in ways that exclude many of the interesting things it does. Some of the examples include the sociological analysis of governmental approaches to the COVID‐19 pandemic, or critical analysis of concepts such as “cancel culture” or “terrorism.” The conclusion is that explanation and critique are mutually supporting elements of science, and that combined they give us insights we cannot glean from either alone.
The gender gap in fair earnings increases with age due to higher age premium for men
Authors: Adriaans Jule , Sauer Carsten , Wrohlich Katharina
Published: September 2024

This study explores how gender and age interact in shaping beliefs about fair pay through a factorial survey experiment conducted with German employees. Respondents evaluated hypothetical worker descriptions varying in age, gender, and earnings. While no gender gap in fair earnings was found for the youngest hypothetical workers, a significant gap favoring men emerged with increasing age. This suggests that male workers receive a higher age premium on fair earnings than female workers. The findings highlight the need to understand how gender interacts with other characteristics to legitimize workplace inequalities.
Ultrasound for assessing paediatric body composition and nutritional status: Scoping review and future directions
Authors: Ranger Bryan J. , Lombardi Allison , Kwon Susie , Loeb Mary , Cho Hayoung , He Keshi , Wei Donglai , Park Jinhee
Published: September 2024

Aim

This scoping review aims to assess the utility of ultrasound as a prospective tool in measuring body composition and nutritional status in the paediatric population. We provide a comprehensive summary of the existing literature, identify gaps, and propose future research directions.

Methods

We conducted a systematic scoping review following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. This involved screening titles and abstracts of relevant studies, followed by a detailed full‐text review and extraction of pertinent data.

Results

We identified and synthesised 34 articles. The review revealed that while ultrasound has been used to assess body composition and bone properties in children, significant gaps remain in the literature. These include limited studies on ultrasound performance, insufficient attention to relevant sample characteristics, reliance on manual image measurements, and limited sample diversity.

Conclusion

Point‐of‐care ultrasound shows significant promise for assessing paediatric body composition and nutritional status. To validate and enhance its effectiveness, further research is needed. Future studies should include larger and more diverse patient cohorts and conduct longitudinal investigations to evaluate nutritional interventions. Additionally, developing artificial intelligence (AI) for standardising and automating data interpretation will be crucial in improving the accuracy and efficiency of ultrasound assessments.
Weight Bias in the Perinatal Period: An Integrative Review
Authors: Bradford Heather M. , Puhl Rebecca M. , Phillippi Julia C. , Dietrich Mary S. , Neal Jeremy L.
Published: September 2024

Background

Weight bias toward individuals with higher body weights in healthcare settings is associated with adverse health behaviors, reduced healthcare utilization, and poor health outcomes. The purpose of this integrative review was to explore: (1) What has been measured and described regarding perinatal care providers' and students' weight bias toward pregnant, birthing, and postpartum individuals with higher body weights? (2) What has been measured and described regarding pregnant, birthing, and postpartum individuals' experiences of weight bias? (3) What is the association of experiences of weight bias with perinatal and mental health outcomes among pregnant, birthing, and postpartum individuals?

Methods

We conducted a systematic search in CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases to identify relevant research publications related to the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms weight prejudice (and related terms) and pregnancy (and related terms). The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA), Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence‐Based Practice model for study quality determination, and the Whittemore and Knafl integrative review framework for data extraction and analyses.

Results

Twenty‐two publications met inclusion criteria, representing six countries and varying study designs. This review found pervasive sources of explicit weight bias in the perinatal period, including care providers and close relationships. Experiences of weight bias among pregnant and postpartum individuals are associated with adverse perinatal and mental health outcomes.

Discussion

The findings address a knowledge gap regarding a summary of literature on weight bias in the perinatal period and elucidate its prevalence as well as its negative influence on perinatal and mental health outcomes. Future research efforts on this topic must examine the nature and extent of perinatal care providers' weight bias by demographic factors and explore its association with clinical decision‐making and perinatal and mental health outcomes.