bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PPFlow: Target-Aware Peptide Design with Torsional Flow Matching
Authors: Lin Haitao , Zhang Odin , Zhao Huifeng , Jiang Dejun , Wu Lirong , Liu Zicheng , Huang Yufei , Li Stan Z.
Published: March 2024

Therapeutic peptides have proven to have great pharmaceutical value and potential in recent decades. However, methods of AI-assisted peptide drug discovery are not fully explored. To fill the gap, we propose a target-aware peptide design method called PPFlow, based on conditional flow matching on torus manifolds, to model the internal geometries of torsion angles for the peptide structure design. Besides, we establish a protein-peptide binding dataset namedPPBench2024to fill the void of massive data for the task of structure-based peptide drug design and to allow the training of deep learning methods. Extensive experiments show that PPFlowreaches state-of-the-art performance in tasks of peptide drug generation and optimization in comparison with baseline models, and can be generalized to other tasks including docking and side-chain packing.
Coronavirus Spike-RBD Variants Differentially Bind to the Human ACE2 Receptor
Authors: Feinstein Paul
Published: March 2024

The SARS-CoV-2 betacoronavirus infects people through binding the human Angiotensin Receptor 2 (ACE2), followed by import into a cell utilizing the Transmembrane Protease, Serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and Furin cofactors. Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 extracellular spike protein has suggested critical amino acids necessary for binding within a 197-residue portion, the receptor binding domain (RBD). A cell-based assay between a membrane tethered RBD-GFP fusion protein and the membrane bound ACE2-Cherry fusion protein allowed for mutational intersection of both RBD and ACE2 proteins. Data shows Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 variants have altered dependency on the amino terminus of ACE2 protein and suggests multiple epitopes on both proteins stabilize their interactions at the Nt and internal region of ACE2. In contrast, the H-CoV-NL63 RBD is only dependent on the ACE2 internal region for binding. A peptide inhibitor approach to this internal region thus far have failed to block binding of RBDs to ACE2, suggesting that several binding regions on ACE2 are sufficient to allow functional interactions. In sum, the RBD binding surface of ACE2 appears relatively fluid and amenable to bind a range of novel variants.
The role of metals in hypothiocyanite resistance inEscherichia coli
Authors: Gray Michael J.
Published: March 2024

The innate immune system employs a variety of antimicrobial oxidants to control and kill host-associated bacteria. Hypothiocyanite/hypothiocyanous acid (-OSCN/HOSCN) is one such antimicrobial oxidant that is synthesized by lactoperoxidase, myeloperoxidase, and eosinophil peroxidase at sites throughout the human body. HOSCN has potent antibacterial activity while being largely non-toxic towards human cells. The molecular mechanisms by which bacteria sense and defend themselves against HOSCN have only recently begun to be elaborated, notably by the discovery of bacterial HOSCN reductase (RclA), an HOSCN-degrading enzyme widely conserved among bacteria that live on epithelial surfaces. In this paper, I show that Ni2+sensitizesEscherichia colito HOSCN by inhibiting glutathione reductase, and that inorganic polyphosphate protectsE. coliagainst this effect, probably by chelating Ni2+ions. I also found that RclA is very sensitive to inhibition by Cu2+and Zn2+, metals that are accumulated to high levels by innate immune cells, and that, surprisingly, thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase are not involved in HOSCN stress resistance inE. coli. These results advance our understanding of the contribution of different oxidative stress response and redox buffering pathways to HOSCN resistance inE. coliand illustrate important interactions between metal ions and the enzymes bacteria use to defend themselves against oxidative stress.

IMPORTANCE

Hypothiocyanite (HOSCN) is an antimicrobial oxidant produced by the innate immune system. The molecular mechanisms by which host-associated bacteria defend themselves against HOSCN have only recently begun to be understood. The results in this paper are significant because they show that the redox buffer glutathione and enzyme glutathione reductase are critical components of theEscherichia coliHOSCN response, working by a mechanism distinct from that of the HOSCN-specific defenses provided by the RclA, RclB, and RclC proteins, and that metal ions (including nickel, copper, and zinc) may impact the ability of bacteria to resist HOSCN by inhibiting specific defensive enzymes (e.g.glutathione reductase or RclA).
Released Bacterial ATP Shapes Local and Systemic Inflammation during Abdominal Sepsis
Authors: Spari Daniel , Schmid Annina , Sánchez-Taltavull Daniel , Murugan Shaira , Keller Keely , Ennaciri Nadia , Salm Lilian , Stroka Deborah , Beldi Guido
Published: March 2024

Sepsis causes millions of deaths per year worldwide and is a current global health priority declared by the WHO. Sepsis-related deaths are a result of dysregulated inflammatory immune responses indicating the need to develop strategies to target inflammation. An important mediator of inflammation is extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that is secreted by inflamed host cells and tissues, and also by bacteria in a strain-specific and growth phase-dependent manner. Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which bacteria release ATP. Using genetic mutant strains ofEscherichia coli(E. coli), we demonstrate that ATP release is dependent on ATP synthase within the inner bacterial membrane. In addition, impaired integrity of the outer bacterial membrane and bacterial death notably contribute to ATP release. In a mouse model of abdominal sepsis, local effects of bacterial ATP were analysed using a transformedE. colibearing an arabinose-inducible periplasmic apyrase hydrolyzing ATP to be released. Abrogating bacterial ATP release shows that bacterial ATP suppresses local immune responses, resulting in reduced neutrophil counts and impaired survival. In addition, bacterial ATP has systemic effects via its transport in outer membrane vesicles (OMV). ATP-loaded OMV are quickly distributed throughout the body and upregulated expression of genes activating degranulation in neutrophils, potentially contributing to the exacerbation of sepsis severity. This study reveals mechanisms of bacterial ATP release and its local and systemic roles in sepsis pathogenesis.
Monitoring myelin lipid composition and structure of myelinated fibers reveals a maturation delay in CMT1A
Authors: Capodivento Giovanna , Camera Mattia , Liessi Nara , Trada Anna , Debellis Doriana , Schenone Angelo , Armirotti Andrea , Visigalli Davide , Nobbio Lucilla
Published: March 2024

1.

Findings accumulated over time show that neurophysiological, neuropathological, and molecular alterations are present in CMT1A and support the dysmyelinating rather than demyelinating nature of this neuropathy. Moreover, uniform slowing of nerve conduction velocity is already manifest in CMT1A children and does not improve throughout their life. This evidence and our previous studies displaying aberrant myelin composition and structure in adult CMT1A rats prompt us to hypothesize a myelin and axon developmental defect in the CMT1A peripheral nervous system. Peripheral myelination begins during the early stages of development in mammals and, during this process, chemical and structural features of myelinated fibers (MFs) evolve towards a mature phenotype; deficiencies within this self-modulating circuit can cause its blockage. Therefore, to shed light on pathophysiological mechanisms that occur during development, and to investigate the relationship among axonal, myelin, and lipidome deficiencies in CMT1A, we extensively analyzed the evolution of both myelin lipid profile and MF structure in WT and CMT1A rats. Lipidomic analysis revealed a delayed maturation of CMT1A myelin already detectable at P10 characterized by deprivation of sphingolipid species such as hexosylceramides and long-chain sphingomyelins, whose concentration physiologically increases in WT, and an increase in lipids typical of unspecialized plasma membranes, including phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines. Consistently, advanced morphometric analysis on more than 130.000 MFs revealed a delay in the evolution of CMT1A axon and myelin geometric parameters, appearing concomitantly with lipid impairment. We here demonstrate that, during normal development, MFs undergo a continuous maturation process in both chemical composition and physical structure, but these processes are delayed in CMT1A.
PROTEOME DATA BASED IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL RNAi TARGETS FOR COTTON MEALYBUG (Phenacoccus solenopsisTinsley) POPULATION MANAGEMENT
Authors: Singh Sanchita , Rahangdale Somnath , Pandita Shivali , Singh Manisha , Saxena Gauri , Jain Gaurav , Verma Praveen C.
Published: March 2024

Backgroundof the study

Phenacoccus solenopsisTinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), commonly known as cotton mealybug, regarded as an invasive pest worldwide, particularly in the tropics and subtropics. It is one of the major pests of cotton and other commercially important crops. Despite the significant economic losses caused by cotton mealybug the molecular aspects of this insect are under-studied.

Methods

In the present study, proteome data of four different developmental stages of cotton mealybug is generated. Differential expression of proteins (DEPs) was studied among six different groups of which, maximum DEPs (550 up-regulated and 1118 down-regulated) were obtained when the quantifiable proteins of Egg+first nymphal were compared with second nymphal instar (FC ≥ 2, P < 0.05). From this proteomics data fifteen potential target genes were predicted for insect pest management. Further, these fifteen genes were explored and evaluated the for RNAi based pest control and optimisation of dsRNA delivery system in cotton mealybug. The analysis of transient expression of target genes was performed.

Results

The results signified that dsRNA ofFerritincaused ∼69% mortality hence, could be exploited as a promising candidate gene to design a sustainable method for cotton mealybug management.

Conclusion

This study provides an urgently required, alternate green control strategy based on proteomics to identify potential RNAi targets for pest management.
Comparative analysis of mouse strains forin vivoreprogramming
Authors: Picó Sara , Vílchez-Acosta Alba , de Sousa João Agostinho , del Carmen Maza María , Parras Alberto , Desdín-Micó Gabriela , Mrabti Calida , Maroun Céline Yacoub , Branchina Clémence , von Meyenn Ferdinand , Ocampo Alejandro
Published: March 2024

In vivoreprogramming through the forced expression of Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM) has demonstrated great potential for reversing age-associated phenotypes, as the combination of these transcription factors actively promote cell regeneration and rejuvenation in various tissues and organs. However, continuousin vivoOSKM expression raised safety concerns due to loss of cell identity, decrease in body weight, and premature death. Although cyclic short-term or targeted expression of the reprogramming factors can mitigate some of these detrimental effects in mice, systemic rejuvenation of wild type mice has remained elusive potentially due to these current technical limitations. To improve the fundamental understanding ofin vivoreprogramming, we conducted a comparative analysis across multiple reprogrammable mouse strains, tissues, and expression methods, presenting a comprehensive atlas of formerly established strains. In addition, we developed novel reprogrammable mouse strains by avoiding OSKM expression in specific organs, in dividing cells, or implementing chimeric expression approaches within specific cells, thereby offering safer strategies to inducein vivoreprogramming and fully harness its potential. We hope that these new tools will become valuable resources for future research in this very exciting field of research with potential implications to human health.
Optimization of landing gear under consideration of vibration comfort for civil aircraft
Authors: Yan Shuowen , Xue Pu , Liu Long , Zahran M.S.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the design and optimization of landing gear buffers to improve the landing-phase comfort of civil aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

The vibration comfort during the landing and taxiing phases is calculated and evaluated based on the flight-testing data for a type of civil aircraft. The calculation and evaluation are under the guidance of the vibration comfort standard of GB/T13441.1-2007 and related files. The authors establish here a rigid-flexible coupled multibody dynamics finite element model of one full-size aircraft. Furthermore, the authors also implement a dynamic simulation for the landing and taxiing processes. Also, an analysis of how the main parameters of the buffers affect the vibration comfort is presented. Finally, the optimization of the single-chamber and double-chamber buffers in the landing gear is performed considering vibration comfort.

Findings

The double-chamber buffer with optimized parameters in landing gear can improve the vibration comfort of the aircraft during the landing and taxiing phases. Moreover, the comfort index can be increased by 25.6% more than that of a single-chamber type.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study first investigates the evaluation methods and evaluation indexes on the aircraft vibration comfort, then further conducts the optimization of the parameters of landing gear buffer with different structures, so as to improve the comfort of aircraft passengers during landing process. Most of the current studies on aircraft landing gear have focused on the strength and safety of the landing gear, with very limited research on cabin vibration comfort during landing and subsequent taxiing because of the coupling of runway surface unevenness and airframe vibration.
Fashion industry in crisis: a systematic literature review 1972–2022
Authors: Johnson Sophie Louise
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This systematic literature review presents the state of the field of fashion and crisis communication. The quantitative coding offers insight into dominant and emergent themes in one of the most crisis-prone industries. This review also offers a framework for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a systematic literature review approach. 205 academic articles were gathered in total using the search term “fashion industry crisis”. Subsequently, they were quantitatively coded using the Diers-Lawson (2016) Crisis Communication Code Book.

Findings

Findings show an increase in the fashion industry crisis with clear emergent themes such as sustainability, emphasising the truly global and multidisciplinary nature of the industry. Findings also reveal a genuine lack of theoretical grounding, with over 80% of the articles coded using no crisis communication theory. The findings also suggest value co-creation ought to be a priority for this agenda moving forward, as it overlaps with emerging themes and is a practical tool and concept to support crisis prevention and management through an extension of the Stakeholder Relationship Model (SRM) Model.

Research limitations/implications

As a largely under-researched area in crisis communication, the findings present a new opportunity to explore fashion within its context and contribute. At this point, the research field is lacking, and there is room for theory testing and hypothesis building. The findings and themes from the research present a development of the original SRM model, SRM Val-Co.

Practical implications

As well as research implications, the proposed framework provides practical solutions for the future of the fashion industry.

Originality/value

As a largely under-researched area in crisis communication, the findings demonstrate a new opportunity to explore fashion within its context and contribute because there is a dearth of research and a lack of theoretical development. Therefore, the proposed framework provides practical solutions for the fashion industry’s future. The findings and themes from the research present a development of the original SRM model, SRM Val-Co.
The determinants of voluntary relational liabilities: empirical evidence
Authors: Guermazi Hend , Damak Salma , Beldi Adel
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to analyse the factors that contribute to the disclosure of relational liabilities (RLs) of the US companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses content analysis to examine the disclosure of RLs in annual reports of the US companies listed on the Nasdaq-100 index from 2013 to 2015.

Findings

The study finds a positive correlation between the disclosure of RLs and gender diversity of the board of directors as well as the education level of the CEO. By contrast, the disclosure of RLs is negatively associated with the age of the CEO. Companies in knowledge-intensive industries also tend to disclose more information about their RLs than those in other industries.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the determinants of RLs, whereas previous research has mainly examined the positive impact of voluntary disclosure of intellectual capital on financial performance. The main objective of this study is to shed light on the factors that influence the disclosure of RLs.
Helpful or harmful? The impact of gender stereotypes on publics’ crisis response
Authors: Kong Sining , Maresh-Fuehrer Michelle Marie , Gleason Shane
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Although situational crisis communication theory (SCCT) is centered on rationality and cognitive information processing, it ignores that people are also driven by irrationality and non-cognitive information processing. The purpose of this study aims to fill this gap by examining how gender stereotypes, based on perceived spokesperson sex influence the public’s perceptions of crisis response messages.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 (industry type: automotive vs daycare industry) × 2 (spokesperson’s sex: male vs female) × 2 (crisis response appeal: rational vs emotional) between-subject online experiment was conducted to examine the effect of gender stereotype in crisis communication.

Findings

Results showed that either matching spokesperson sex with sex differed industry or matching sex differed industry with appropriate crisis response appeal can generate a more positive evaluation of the spokesperson and the organization. The results also revealed under which circumstances, the attractiveness of different sex of the spokesperson can either promote or mitigate people’s perceptions of the organization. Furthermore, when people are aware of a spokesperson’s sex, in a female-associated industry, a mismatching effect of a positive violation of a male-related stereotype overrides a matching effect of a female-related stereotype in crisis communication.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to identify how the gender of a spokesperson and industry type affect publics’ crisis response.
Longitudinal analysis of interorganizational collaborative networks of cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction
Authors: Said Hisham , Rajagopalan Aswathy , Hall Daniel M.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an innovative construction material that provides a balanced mix of structural stiffness, fabrication flexibility and sustainability. CLT development and innovation diffusion require close collaborations between its supply chain architectural, engineering, construction and manufacturing (AECM) stakeholders. As such, the purpose of this study is to provide a preliminary understanding of the knowledge diffusion and innovation process of CLT construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study implemented a longitudinal social network analysis of the AECM companies involved in 100 CLT projects in the UK. The project data were acquired from an industry publication and decoded in the form of a multimode project-company network, which was projected into a single-mode company collaborative network. This complete network was filtered into a four-phase network to allow the longitudinal analysis of the CLT collaborations over time. A set of network and node social network analysis metrics was used to characterize the topology patters of the network and the centrality of the companies.

Findings

The study highlighted the scale-free structure of the CLT collaborative network that depends on the influential hubs of timber manufacturers, engineers and contractors to accelerate the innovation diffusion. However, such CLT supply collaborative network structure is more vulnerable to disruptions due to its dependence on these few prominent hubs. Also, the industry collaborative network’s decreased modularity confirms the maturity of the CLT technology and the formation of cohesive clusters of innovation partners. The macro analysis approach of the study highlighted the critical role of supply chain upstream stakeholders due to their higher centralities in the collaborative network. Stronger collaborations were found between the supply chain upstream stakeholders (timber manufacturers) and downstream stakeholders (architects and main contractors).

Originality/value

The study contributes to the field of industrialized and CLT construction by characterizing the collaborative networks between CLT supply chain stakeholders that are critical to propose governmental policies and industry initiatives to advance this sustainable construction material.
Evolution of ride-hailing platforms regulations in India: a multi-level perspective
Authors: Verma Ravinder Kumar , Ilavarasan P. Vigneswara , Kar Arpan Kumar
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Digital platforms (DP) are transforming service delivery and affecting associated actors. The position of DPs is impacted by the regulations. However, emerging economies often lack the regulatory environment to support DPs. This paper aims to explore the regulatory developments for DPs using the multi-level perspective (MLP).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores regulatory developments of ride-hailing platforms (RHPs) in India and their impacts. This study uses qualitative interview data from platform representatives, bureaucrats, drivers, experts and policy documents.

Findings

Regulatory developments in the ride-hailing space cannot be explained as a linear progression. The static institutional assumptions, especially without considering the multi-actors and multi-levels in policy formulation, do not serve associated actors adequately in different times and spaces. The RHPs regulations must consider the perspective of new RHPs and the support available to them. Non-consideration of short- and long-term perspectives of RHPs may have unequal outcomes for established and new RHPs.

Research limitations/implications

This research has implications for the digital economy regulatory ecosystem, DPs and implications for policymakers. Though the data from legal documents and qualitative interviews is adequate, transactional data from the RHPs and interviews with judiciary actors would have been insightful.

Practical implications

The study provides insights into critical aspects of regulatory evolution, governance and regulatory impact on the DPs’ ecosystem. The right balance of regulations according to the business models of DPs allows DPs to have space for growth and development of the platform ecosystem.

Social implications

This research shows the interactions in the digital space and how regulations can impact various actors. A balanced policy can guide the paths of DPs to have equal opportunities.

Originality/value

DP regulations have a complex structure. The paper studies regulatory developments of DPs and the impacts of governance and controls on associated players and platform ecosystems.
Determinants of digitalization: Evidence from Asia and the Pacific countries
Authors: Mia Md Aslam , Hossain Md Imran , Sangwan Sunil
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Digitalization is one of the major factors that fosters economic growth across the world. However, the level of digitalization varies significantly between developed and developing countries, with the latter often lagging behind. To bridge this gap, it is crucial to pinpoint the drivers of digitalization, specifically from the macroeconomic and country-level governance dimensions. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the determinants of digitalization, particularly for countries in Asia and the Pacific region.

Design/methodology/approach

Our study utilizes unbalanced panel data from 46 Asian and Pacific countries for the period of 2001–2021. Initially, we analyzed the data using conventional econometric methods, such as pooled ordinary least squares (POLS), random-effects model (REM) and fixed-effects model (FEM). Moreover, we employed endogeneity-corrected techniques and alternative proxies to enhance the robustness and reliability of our findings.

Findings

Our findings reveal that economic development progress, government expenditure relative to country size and political stability are key drivers of digitalization. In contrast, corruption at the country level emerges as a significant impediment. Notably, our results remain robust to endogeneity-corrected techniques and alternative proxies of digitalization. Overall, these insights can inform policymakers, helping them to understand the macroeconomic and governance factors shaping digitalization and guide their decision-making toward effective policy interventions.

Originality/value

This study’s empirical findings add significant value to the existing literature by quantifying the impact of macroeconomic and governance factors on digitalization in selected countries. This offers valuable insights for policymakers, particularly in nations with lower levels of digitalization.
Mission-oriented scenarios: a new method for urban foresight
Authors: Marciano Claudio , Fergnani Alex , Robiati Alberto
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose an innovative and efficient process in urban policy-making that combines a divergent and creative method with a convergent and strategic one. At the same time, the purpose is also to propose a useful innovation to enforce the usability of both methods. On the one hand, mission-oriented policies run the risk of being overly focused on the present and of not being able to develop preparedness in organization. On the other hand, scenario development has the reverse problem it often does not point out how to use scenario narratives to inform and devise short-term strategic actions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes an innovative methodological approach, the mission-oriented scenarios, which hybridizes Mazzucato's mission-oriented public policy framework with Jim Dator's Manoa school four futures method. The proposed methodological innovation emerges from a urban foresight academic-led project carried out in the context of the Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy, where a first application of the mission-oriented scenarios was tested on six different focal issues (from reindustrialization to cultural policies) and the scenario narratives were used as sources for the grounding of 12 missions and 48 strategic actions towards 2030.

Findings

Mission-oriented scenarios can contribute to the generation of more sustainable and inclusive urban public policies. This methodological proposal is based on an original mix of knowledge exchange procedures borrowed from methodological approaches with different backgrounds: the mission-oriented and the archetypal scenarios. Their conjunction could support the formulation of ambitious yet pragmatic policies, giving a plurality of actors the opportunity to act and establish fruitful and lasting partnerships.

Originality/value

The paper reconstructs one of the first urban foresight projects carried out in a major Italian city by two prestigious universities and exposes a methodological innovation resulting from reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of the project, which opens the door to the development of a new scenario technique.
Financial risk profiling of millennials
Authors: Mohta Anu , Shunmugasundaram V.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess the risk profile of millennial investors residing in the Delhi NCR region. In addition, the relationship between the risk profile and demographic traits of millennial investors was also analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected using a structured questionnaire segregated into two sections. In the first section, millennials were asked questions on socio-demographic factors, and the second section contained ten Likert-type statements to cover the multidimensionality of financial risk. Factor analysis and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze the primary data collected for this study.

Findings

The findings indicate that the risk profile of millennials is mainly affected by three factors: risk-taking capacity, risk attitude and risk propensity. Except for educational qualification and occupation, all other demographic features, such as age, gender, marital status, income and family size, seem to significantly influence the factors defining millennials' risk profile.

Originality/value

Uncertainty is inherent in any financial decision, and an investor’s willingness to deal with these variations determines their investment risk profile. To make sound financial decisions, it is mandatory to understand one’s risk profile. The awareness of millennials' distinctive risk profile will come in handy to financial stakeholders because they account for one-third of India’s population, and their financial decisions will shape the financial world for the decades to come.
Influence of innovation diffusion factors on non-users’ adoption of digital banking services in the banking 4.0 era
Authors: Shaikh Imran Mehboob , Amin Hanudin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to study the factors that drive non-users of digital banking services rendered by Islamic banks in Malaysia towards their adoption of digital services in the banking 4.0 era using the innovation diffusion theory (IDT), also known as the diffusion theory of innovation (DOI).

Design/methodology/approach

IDT theory and literature on intention to adopt digital bank services were reviewed in a bid to contribute to the factors that drive non-users to adopt digital banking.

Findings

The review suggests that the adoption of digital banking is determined not only by perceived relative advantage, and perceived compatibility but also by additional factors in IDT theory, which are technology self-efficacy and perceived expected benefits. On the contrary, perceived complexity does not turn out to be a factor of digital banking adoption.

Research limitations/implications

Considering this paper in terms of the limited scope of the theory rendered and the context, it should be given proper attention when interpreting future outcomes when further investigations are brought into play in terms of population and sampling method.

Practical implications

This paper serves as a guide to ensure the better planning of non-users’ adoption factors related to Islamic bank customers in both theory and practice.

Originality/value

DOI is extended in the context of digital banking, as evidenced by empirical results, and literature shows that IDT integrated with the technology self-efficacy model is yet to be proposed in the digital banking adoption by Islamic bank customers. Additionally, variables, namely, perceived expected benefits and technology self-efficacy, are proposed in IDT’s existing model. Current findings will therefore serve as a relevant reference for digital technology specialists, policymakers, Islamic banks’ IT managers, academicians and future researchers.
Macroeconomic drivers effect on housing sale prices in China
Authors: Wang Aimin , Hussain Sadam , Yan Jiying
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct a thorough empirical investigation of the intricate relationship between urban housing sales prices and land supply prices in China, with the aim of elucidating the underlying economic principles governing this dynamic interplay.

Design/methodology/approach

Using monthly data of China, the authors use the asymmetry nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model to test for nonlinearity in the relationship between land supply price and urban housing prices.

Findings

The empirical results confirm the existence of an asymmetric relationship between land supply price and urban housing prices. The authors find that land supply price has a positive and statistically significant impact on urban housing prices when land supply is increasing. Policymakers should strive to strike a balance between safeguarding residents’ housing rights and maintaining market stability.

Research limitations/implications

Although the asymmetric effect of land supply price has been identified as a significant contributor in this study, it is important to note that the research primarily relies on time series data and focuses on analysis at the national level. Although time series data offer a macroscopic perspective of overall trends within a country, they fail to adequately showcase the structural variations among different cities.

Practical implications

To ensure a stable housing market and meet residents’ housing needs, policymakers must reexamine current land policies. Solely relying on restricting land supply to control housing prices may yield counterproductive results. Instead, increasing land supply could be a more viable option. By rationally adjusting land supply prices, the government can not only mitigate excessive growth in housing prices but also foster the healthy development of the housing market.

Originality/value

First, the authors have comprehensively evaluated the impact of land supply prices in China on urban housing sales prices, examining whether they play a facilitating or mitigating role in the fluctuation of these prices. Second, departing from traditional linear analytical frameworks, the authors have explored the possibility of a nonlinear relationship existing between land supply prices and urban housing sales prices in China. Finally, using an advanced NARDL model, the authors have delved deeper into the asymmetric effects of land supply prices on urban housing sales prices in China.
Reconnoitering the impact of corporate governance on carbon emission disclosure in an emerging setting
Authors: Bedi Ankita , Singh Balwinder
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine the influence of corporate governance characteristics on carbon emission disclosure in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on S&P BSE 500 Indian firms for the period of 6 years from 2016–2017 to 2021–2022. The panel data regression models are used to gauge the association between corporate governance and carbon emission disclosure.

Findings

The empirical findings of the study support the positive and significant association between board activity intensity, environment committee and carbon emission disclosure. This evinced that the board activity intensity and presence of the environment committee have a critical role in carbon emission disclosure. On the contrary, findings reveal a significant and negative relationship between board size and carbon emission disclosure.

Practical implications

The present study provides treasured insights to regulators, policymakers, investors and corporate managers, as the study corroborates that various corporate governance characteristics exert significant influence on carbon emission disclosure.

Originality/value

The current research work provides novel insights into corporate governance and climate change literature that good corporate governance significantly boosts the carbon emission disclosure of firms. Previous studies examining the impact of corporate governance on carbon emission disclosure ignored emerging economies. Thus, the current work explores the role of governance mechanisms on carbon emission disclosure in an emerging context. Further, to the best of the author’s knowledge, the current study is the first of its kind to investigate the role of corporate governance on carbon emission disclosure in the Indian context.
Hide away from implication: potential environmental reputation spillover and strategic concealment of supply chain partners’ identities
Authors: Liu Bai , Ju Tao , Lu Jiarui , Chan Hing Kai
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This research investigates whether focal firms employ strategic supply chain information disclosure, focusing on the concealment of supplier and customer identities, as part of their supply chain environmental risk management strategies (supplier sustainability risk and customer loss risk, respectively).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a panel dataset of Chinese listed firms from 2009 to 2019 and utilizing the suppliers’ environmental punishment of peer firms (peer events) as an exogenous shock and employing ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation, this study conducts a regression analysis to test how focal firms disclose the identities of their suppliers and customers.

Findings

Our results indicate that focal firms prefer to hide the identities of their suppliers and customers following the environmental punishment of peer firms’ suppliers. In addition, supplier concentration weakens the effect of withholding supplier identities, whereas customer concentration strengthens the effect of hiding customer identities. Mechanism analysis shows that firms hide supplier identities to avoid their reputation being affected and hide customer identities to prevent the deterioration of customers’ reputations and thus impact their market share.

Originality/value

Our study reveals that reputation spillover is another crucial factor in supply chain transparency. It is also pioneering in applying the anonymity theory to explain focal firms’ information disclosure strategy in supply chains.
Livable cities in the global south: Buenos Aires city in the new normal
Authors: Korstanje Maximiliano Emanuel
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Social sciences have discussed the host–guest relation from many theoretical lenses and perspectives. Violence as well as local crime has been studied as one of the major risks concerning tourism security. Anyway, less attention was given to homeless people and their interaction with foreign or local tourists. The purpose of this paper is oriented to explain how globalization has winners and losers, in which case, as noted, thousands of persons are excluded from the formal labor marketplace or the economic system year by year.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that discusses critically not only the recent advances of sociology in urban tourism but also the connection between homeless people and tourists.

Findings

There is an urban underclass formed by those who have been excluded from the economic system. What is more important, such an underclass situates nearby luxury hotels and tourist destinations creating serious contradictions or zones of disputes. These contradictions have been approached by different sociologists since the turn of the 20th century.

Research limitations/implications

The question of sustainability, as well as the idea of liveable cities, and the efficient organization of the city, have occupied a central position in the academic debate, above all after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the present paper, the authors put in dialogue the contributions of Marc Auge with Zyggy Bauman toward a new understanding of this postmodern phenomenon.

Originality/value

Based on the metaphor of vagabonds and tourists, we give a snapshot of the problem of homelessness in Buenos Aires city and its effects on the tourism industry. Unlike other English-speaking countries where the cities are actively organized by the state, Buenos Aires city lacks a planned program to regulate and relocate homeless people. They dwell in nonplaces nearby tourists sleeping in the streets near luxury hotels (but for sure escaping any planning or governmental control).
Leadership coaching relationships: a qualitative examination of underlying factors
Authors: Lochmiller Chad R.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study explores factors that influence the initiation of leadership coaching relationships that include externally employed coaches and school administrators.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research study includes semi-structured interviews, observations and documents collected across three academic years within the context of a university-based leadership coaching program. Participants included six leadership coaches and six school administrators who participated in the program.

Findings

Qualitative analysis indicates that gender and race, prior professional experience, pre-existing professional relationships and the complexity of the district’s organizational structure influence the initiation of the coaching relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Confidentiality restrictions imposed by the program limit opportunities for member checking and other forms of triangulation. Additional data collection using more expansive research methods would help address this limitation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the sparse literature about leadership coaching with school administrators by describing how different factors influence initiation coaching relationships.
Aphid populations are frequently infected with facultative endosymbionts
Authors: Donner S. Helena , Slingerland Marijn , Beekman Mariska M. , Comte Arthur , Dicke Marcel , Zwaan Bas J. , Pannebakker Bart A. , Verhulst Eveline C.
Published: March 2024

The occurrence of facultative endosymbionts has been studied in many commercially important crop pest aphids, but their occurrence and effects in non‐commercial aphid species in natural populations have received less attention. We screened 437 aphid samples belonging to 106 aphid species for the eight most common facultative aphid endosymbionts. We found one or more facultative endosymbionts in 53% (56 of 106) of the species investigated. This likely underestimates the situation in the field because facultative endosymbionts are often present in only some colonies of an aphid species. Oligophagous aphid species carried facultative endosymbionts significantly more often than monophagous species. We did not find a significant correlation between ant tending and facultative endosymbiont presence. In conclusion, we found that facultative endosymbionts are common among aphid populations. This study is, to our knowledge, the first of its kind in the Netherlands and provides a basis for future research in this field. For instance, it is still unknown in what way many of these endosymbionts affect their hosts, which is important for determining the importance of facultative endosymbionts to community dynamics.
Taking ACTION: Identifying factors that affect public willingness to engage in emergency preparedness activities
Authors: Swan‐Keig Lauren , Waring Sara , Alison Laurence
Published: March 2024

With the scope and severity of disasters continuing to grow, encouraging public engagement in emergency preparedness activities is becoming increasingly important. Recently, this has included governments introducing emergency alert systems to warn people of nearby danger to life. However, to date, little research focus has been directed towards understanding what mechanisms affect public willingness to engage in preparing for emergencies. Accordingly, this study aims to improve understanding of what social and cognitive factors impact public willingness to take action to prepare for emergencies. Data was collected from 157 members of the public in one region of the UK using focus groups (N = 36) and questionnaires (N = 121). Thematic analysis of data highlighted six key themes of importance for improving public engagement in emergency preparedness activities: (i) provide information that allows people to Assess potential risks; (ii) Create a sense of community and responsibility; (iii) use Trustworthy sources; (iv) Inform the public regularly about risk updates; (v) provide feasible and practical information on how to Overcome risks; and (vi) Normalize engagement (‘ACTION’). Findings pose important implications for emergency planning theory and practice, including improving how multiagency emergency planning and response partnerships engage with local communities to promote emergency preparedness.
Renewable energy and technology adoption: MitigatingCO2emissions through implementation strategies
Authors: Bilgili Faik , Önderol Seyit , Kuşkaya Sevda , Alnour Mohammed , Hoque Mohammad Enamul , Balsalobre‐Lorente Daniel
Published: March 2024

An increase in the combustion of fossil fuels as a means of generating energy has resulted in adverse ecological ramifications. Therefore, to achieve environmental sustainability goals, it is essential to focus on reducing carbon emissions by conserving natural resources and adopting low‐carbon technologies. Renewable electricity generation, the advancement of environment‐related technologies, and the widespread adoption of these technologies have the potential to reduce carbon emissions and drive the shift towards a more sustainable future. Nevertheless, the impact of these initiatives in the European Union (EU) on promoting these solutions and reducing emissions is still ambiguous. Therefore, this paper aims to explore how renewable electricity generation, development of environment‐related technologies, and diffusion of environment‐related technologies limit CO2emission in 14 selected EU countries. To achieve this goal, our study span covered the period of 1990–2019 and employed Panel Vector Autoregressive (PVAR) based impulse function to capture responses to CO2. The empirical results reveal that CO2is positively influenced by economic growth and electricity consumption. The empirical findings indicate that renewable electricity generation, development of environment‐related technologies, and diffusion of environment‐related technologies have negative impacts on CO2levels, implying that they could mitigate CO2levels in 14 EU countries. The above empirical findings suggest that EU countries should invest more in the R&D, diffusion, and implementation of climate‐related technological advances in renewable energy generation. Policymakers should take action to develop market‐based environmental regulatory measures, cut fossil fuel subsidies, and boost renewable energy and climate change advances. To attain environmental sustainability and lower carbon dioxide emissions, it is crucial to implement such policies.
Commentary on the senate select committee into the provision of and access to dental services in Australia: an opportunity for reform
Authors: Hopcraft MS
Published: March 2024

A recent Senate Select Committee has tabled its report into the provision of and access to dental care in Australia. The Senate Committee heard:

There are significant barriers for many people accessing dental care, including high costs, trauma and fear, long waiting times and inaccessible services.

There are service gaps, including a lack of special needs dentists, limited mobile services, very few Aboriginal dentists and sparse services in regional areas.

There are significant impacts of poor oral health, including pain and suffering, shame and low self‐esteem, poor nutrition and poorer general health.

There are benefits to good oral health, including the ability to smile, eat and talk, improved confidence, increased productivity and being more employable.

There were 35 recommendations for reform centred around the need to put the mouth back in the body and covered by five broad themes:

More equitable access.

Better integration.

National data and coordination.

Awareness and education.

Culturally safe and accessible care.

This paper provides an overview of the problem and focuses on the recommended funding reforms necessary to improve access to dental care.