bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eleven-month SARS-CoV-2 binding antibody decay, and associated factors, among mRNA vaccinees: implications for booster vaccination
Authors: Asamoah-Boaheng Michael , Grunau Brian , Haig Scott , Karim Mohammad Ehsanul , Kirkham Tracy , Lavoie Pascal M. , Sediqi Sadaf , Drews Steven J. , O'Brien Sheila F. , Barakauskas Vilte , Marquez Ana Citlali , Jassem Agatha , Goldfarb David M.
Published: November 2023

Background. We examined the 11 month longitudinal antibody decay among two-dose mRNA vaccinees, and identified factors associated with faster decay.

Methods. The study included samples from the COVID-19 Occupational Risk, Seroprevalence and Immunity among Paramedics (CORSIP) longitudinal observational study of paramedics in Canada. Participants were included if they had received two mRNA vaccines without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and provided two blood samples post-vaccination. The outcomes of interest were quantitative SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentrations. We employed spaghetti and scatter plots (with kernel-weighted local polynomial smoothing curve) to describe the trend of the antibody decay over 11 months post-vaccine and fit a mixed effect exponential decay model to examine the loss of immunogenicity and factors associated with antibody waning over time.

Results. This analysis included 652 blood samples from 326 adult paramedics. Total anti-spike antibody levels peaked on the twenty-first day (antibody level 9042 U ml−1) after the second mRNA vaccine dose. Total anti-spike antibody levels declined thereafter, with a half-life of 94 [95 % CI: 70, 143] days, with levels plateauing at 295 days (antibody level 1021 U ml−1). Older age, vaccine dosing interval <35 days, and the BNT162b2 vaccine (compared to mRNA-1273 vaccine) were associated with faster antibody decay.

Conclusion. Antibody levels declined after the initial mRNA series with a half-life of 94 days, plateauing at 295 days. These findings may inform the timing of booster vaccine doses and identifying individuals with faster antibody decay.
The antiviral potential of the antiandrogen enzalutamide and the viral-androgen interplay in seasonal coronaviruses
Authors: Ogunjinmi Oluwadamilola D , Abdullahi Tukur , Somji Riaz-Ali , Bevan Charlotte L , Barclay Wendy S , Temperton Nigel , Brooke Greg N , Giotis Efstathios S
Published: November 2023

The sex disparity in COVID-19 outcomes with males generally faring worse than females has been associated with the androgen-regulated expression of the protease TMPRSS2 and the cell receptor ACE2 in the lung and fueled interest in antiandrogens as potential antivirals. In this study, we explored enzalutamide, an antiandrogen used commonly against prostate cancer, as a potential antiviral against the human coronaviruses which cause seasonal respiratory infections (HCoV-NL63, -229E, and -OC43). Using lentivirus-pseudotyped and authentic HCoV, we report that enzalutamide reduced 229E and NL63 entry and replication in both TMPRSS2- and non-expressing immortalised cells, suggesting a TMPRSS2-independent mechanism. However, no effect was observed against OC43. To decipher this distinction, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis on 229E-and OC43- infected primary human airway cells. Our results show a significant induction of androgen-responsive genes by 229E compared to OC43 at 24 and 72h post-infection. The virus-mediated effect to AR signaling was further confirmed with a consensus androgen response element (ARE)-driven luciferase assay in androgen-depleted MRC-5 cells. Specifically, 229E induced luciferase reporter activity in the presence and absence of the synthetic androgen mibolerone, while OC43 inhibited induction. These findings highlight a complex interplay between viral infections and androgen signaling, offering insights for potential antiviral interventions.
Trapping the exotic weevilCnestus mutilatuswith Isopropanol
Authors: Justice Teresa C. , Justice Michael J.
Published: November 2023

The ambrosia beetle Cnestus mutilatus Blandford, 1894 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) is native to Asia and is currently an exotic species in North America. This study tested whether this species can be trapped with isopropanol as bait. Lindgren multiple-funnel traps were deployed in the piedmont of south-central Virginia, USA. The experimental traps had isopropanol in the collection cups. For comparison, other traps had ethanol or soapy water. Both alcohols were effective for trapping C. mutilatus. More specimens were captured using ethanol. Isopropanol and ethanol may play similar roles in the chemical ecology of ambrosia beetles.
SJPedPanel: A pan-cancer gene panel for childhood malignancies
Authors: Kolekar Pandurang , Balagopal Vidya , Dong Li , Liu Yanling , Foy Scott , Tran Quang , Mulder Heather , Huskey Anna LW , Plyler Emily , Liang Zhikai , Ma Jingqun , Nakitandwe Joy , Gu Jiali , Namwanje Maria , Maciaszek Jamie , Payne-Turner Debbie , Mallampati Saradhi , Wang Lu , Easton John , Klco Jeffery M. , Ma Xiaotu
Published: November 2023

Background

Large scale genomics projects have identified driver alterations for most childhood cancers that provide reliable biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and disease monitoring using targeted sequencing. However, there is lack of a comprehensive panel that matches the list of known driver genes. Here we fill this gap by developing SJPedPanel for childhood cancers.

Results

SJPedPanel covers 5,275 coding exons of 357 driver genes, 297 introns frequently involved in rearrangements that generate fusion oncoproteins, commonly amplified/deleted regions (e.g.,MYCNfor neuroblastoma,CDKN2AandPAX5for B-/T-ALL, andSMARCB1for AT/RT), and 7,590 polymorphism sites for interrogating tumors with aneuploidy, such as hyperdiploid and hypodiploid B-ALL or 17q gain neuroblastoma. We used driver alterations reported from an established real-time clinical genomics cohort (n=253) to validate this gene panel. Among the 485 pathogenic variants reported, our panel covered 417 variants (86%). For 90 rearrangements responsible for oncogenic fusions, our panel covered 74 events (82%). We re-sequenced 113 previously characterized clinical specimens at an average depth of 2,500X using SJPedPanel and recovered 354 (91%) of the 389 reported pathogenic variants. We then investigated the power of this panel in detecting mutations from specimens with low tumor purity (as low as 0.1%) using cell line-based dilution experiments and discovered that this gene panel enabled us to detect ∼80% variants with allele fraction of 0.2%, while the detection rate decreases to ∼50% when the allele fraction is 0.1%. We finally demonstrate its utility in disease monitoring on clinical specimens collected from AML patients in morphologic remission.

Conclusions

SJPedPanel enables the detection of clinically relevant genetic alterations including rearrangements responsible for subtype-defining fusions for childhood cancers by targeted sequencing of ∼0.15% of human genome. It will enhance the analysis of specimens with low tumor burdens for cancer monitoring and early detection.
Prevalence of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusin Diabetic Patients Visiting the 37-MilitaryHospital in the Accra Metropolis
Authors: Boaitey-Biko Akosua Serwaa , Bukari Ishmael , Ogbe Isaac , Debrah Michael Acheampong
Published: November 2023

Misuse of antibiotics contributes to the worldwide rise in antibiotic resistance. However, it is equally important to consider inevitable situations that may contribute to a rise in antibiotic resistance and implement best practices to ensure the minimality of their resulting adverse effects. A case in point is the increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA), a strain of bacterium that has developed resistance to the antibiotic methicillin and other lactams among long-term diabetic patients as observed in this study. Diabetes is associated with immunosuppression and foot ulcers, which require the constant use of antibiotics as prophylactics, as such, persons with this condition would hold bacterial populations subject to immense selective pressure and are therefore at increased risk for MRSA colonization. Furthermore, these individuals may serve as reservoirs and disseminate these highly drug-resistant strains on return to the general populace. This warranted an investigation into the prevalence of MRSA among diabetic patients at the 37-Military Hospital. A total of 50 samples were taken from the sampled Military Hospital by swabbing the participants’ skin, nose, and wounds aseptically, and 20 samples were acquired from non-diabetics to serve as controls. To culture the samples, blood, and mannitol salt agar were used. Bacteria were isolated and identified using Gram staining and other biochemical testing. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used with Muller-Hinton agar to test for antimicrobial susceptibility. According to the study’s findings, antibiotic resistance was much higher among diabetic patients than among non-diabetic patients at the 37-Military Hospital in the Accra Metropolis, Ghana.
Elevated Cardiac Biomarkers in Relatively Healthy U.S. Adults
Authors: Claudel Sophie E. , Schmidt Insa M. , Gopal Deepa M. , Verma Ashish
Published: November 2023

Background

Despite the importance of early cardiovascular disease (CVD) intervention, little data exists for evaluating cardiovascular risk in adults without traditional CVD risk factors (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).

Methods

We included 4,544 adults from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey without prevalent diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, or CVD. We used multi-variable adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression modeling to assess the relationship between logarithmically transformed cardiac biomarkers (high sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), hs-cTnI (Abbott, Ortho, and Siemens assays), and NT-proBNP) and CVD mortality among a nationally representative cohort of relatively healthy adults.

Results

The mean age was 38.2 years (SD 12.8) and 53.9% were women. 8.7% had elevated levels of hs-cTnT or NT-proBNP above previously established thresholds for subclinical CVD. In multivariable adjusted models, each doubling of hs-cTnT was associated with a 49% increased risk of CVD mortality (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.49, 95%CI 1.02-2.17,p=0.04). Only two of the hs-cTnI assays (Abbott and Ortho) were significantly associated with CVD mortality (Abbott HR 1.48, 95%CI 1.06-2.07,p=0.02; Ortho HR 1.47, 95%CI 1.23-1.77,p=0.0001). Each doubling of NT-proBNP was associated with a 41% increased risk of CVD mortality (HR 1.38, 95%CI 1.09-1.74,p=0.008).

Conclusion

Younger patients who maintain relatively good health may still carry occult CVD risk. Efforts to reduce population-wide CVD should consider novel methods for risk stratification, as standard CVD risk factors may overlook subpopulations at risk.

Clinical Significance

Among relatively healthy adults without significant CVD risk factors, elevated cardiac troponins and NT-proBNP are associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

Subclinical cardiovascular disease poses higher cardiovascular risk among relatively healthy adults than previously appreciated.

Efforts to reduce population-wide CVD should consider novel methods for risk stratification and early intervention to mitigate preventable CVD.
Transcription-coupled changes in higher-order genomic structure and transcription hub viscosity prolong enhancer-promoter connectivity
Authors: Ohishi Hiroaki , Shinkai Soya , Owada Hitoshi , Fujii Takeru , Hosoda Kazufumi , Onami Shuichi , Yamamoto Takashi , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Ochiai Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

The orchestration of our genes heavily relies on a coordinated communication between enhancers and promoters, yet how this dynamic interplay remains elusive while transcription is active. Here, we investigated enhancer-promoter (E-P) interactions and relative to transcriptional bursting in mouse embryonic stem cells using sequential DNA/RNA/immunofluorescence (IF)-FISH analyses and computational simulations. Our data reveal that the active state of specific genes is characterized by higher-order genomic structures and local condensates of transcriptional regulatory factors, leading to an elevation in local viscosity that highly stabilizes the duration of E-P interactions. Our study underscores the pivotal role of viscosity in transcriptional dynamics and paves the way for a more nuanced understanding of gene-specific regulatory mechanisms.
Polygraph: A Software Framework for the Systematic Assessment of Synthetic Regulatory DNA Elements
Authors: Lal Avantika , Gunsalus Laura , Gupta Anay , Biancalani Tommaso , Eraslan Gokcen
Published: November 2023

The design of regulatory elements is pivotal in gene and cell therapy, where DNA sequences are engineered to drive elevated and cell-type specific expression. However, the systematic assessment of synthetic DNA sequences without robust metrics and easy-to-use software remains challenging. Here, we introduce Polygraph, a Python framework that evaluates synthetic DNA elements, based on features like diversity, motif and k-mer composition, similarity to endogenous sequences, and screening with predictive and foundational models. Polygraph is the first instrument for assessing synthetic regulatory sequences, enabling faster progress in therapeutic interventions and improving our understanding of gene regulatory mechanisms.
SOX2 and NR2F1 coordinate the gene expression program of the early postnatal visual thalamus
Authors: Serra Linda , Nordin Anna , Jonasson Mattias , Marenco Carolina , Gullo Francesca , Ottolenghi Sergio , Zambelli Federico , Studer Michèle , Pavesi Giulio , Cantù Claudio , Nicolis Silvia K. , Mercurio Sara
Published: November 2023

The thalamic dorsolateral geniculate nucleus, (dLGN) receives visual input from the retina via the optic nerve, and projects to the cortical visual area, where eye-derived signals are elaborated. The transcription factors SOX2 and NR2F1 are directly involved in the differentiation of dLGN neurons, based on mouse work and patient mutations leading to vision defects. However, whether they regulate each other, or control common targets is still unclear. By RNA-seq analysis of neonatal dLGN from thalamo-specificSox2andNr2f1mouse mutants, we found a striking overlap of deregulated genes. Among them, VGF, a cytokine transported along thalamic-cortical axons is strongly downregulated in both mutants. CUT&RUN analysis of SOX2 binding in dLGN chromatin identified a binding pattern characteristic of the dLGN. Collectively, the SOX2 and NR2F1- coregulated genes, and cognate SOX2 binding sites, contribute as a basis to understand the gene regulatory network driving the differentiation and connectivity of thalamic neurons.
The second messenger c-di-AMP controls natural competence via ComFB signaling protein
Authors: Samir Sherihan , Doello Sofía , Zimmer Erik , Haffner Michael , Enkerlin Andreas M. , Müller Teresa , Dengler Lisa , Lambidis Stilianos P. , Sivabalasarma Shamphavi , Albers Sonja-Verena , Selim Khaled A.
Published: November 2023

Natural competence requires a contractile pilus system. Here, we provide evidence that the pilus biogenesis and natural competence in cyanobacteria are regulated by the second messenger c-di-AMP. Furthermore, we show that the ComFB signaling protein is a novel c-di-AMP-receptor protein, widespread in bacterial phyla, and required for DNA uptake.
Parotid glands have a dysregulated immune response following radiation therapy
Authors: Gunning Jordan A. , Gilman Kristy E. , Zúñiga Tiffany M. , Simpson Richard J. , Limesand Kirsten H.
Published: November 2023

Head and neck cancer treatment often consists of surgical resection of the tumor followed by ionizing radiation (IR), which can damage surrounding tissues and cause adverse side effects. The underlying mechanisms of radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction are not fully understood, and treatment options are scarce and ineffective. The wound healing process is a necessary response to tissue injury, and broadly consists of inflammatory, proliferative, and redifferentiation phases with immune cells playing key roles in all three phases. In this study, select immune cells were phenotyped and quantified, and certain cytokine and chemokine concentrations were measured in mouse parotid glands after IR. Further, we used a model where glandular function is restored to assess the immune phenotype in a regenerative response. These data suggest that irradiated parotid tissue does not progress through a typical inflammatory response observed in wounds that heal. Specifically, total immune cells (CD45+) decrease at days 2 and 5 following IR, macrophages (F4/80+CD11b+) decrease at day 2 and 5 and increase at day 30, while neutrophils (Ly6G+CD11b+) significantly increase at day 30 following IR. Additionally, radiation treatment reduces CD3-cells at all time points, significantly increases CD3+/CD4+CD8+ double positive cells, and significantly reduces CD3+/CD4-CD8-double negative cells at day 30 after IR. Previous data indicate that post-IR treatment with IGF-1 restores salivary gland function at day 30, and IGF-1 injections attenuate the increase in macrophages, neutrophils, and CD4+CD8+ T cells observed at day 30 following IR. Taken together, these data indicate that parotid salivary tissue exhibits a dysregulated immune response following radiation treatment which may contribute to chronic loss of function phenotype in head and neck cancer survivors.
Thermal biology diversity of bee pollinators: taxonomic, phylogenetic and plant community-level correlates
Authors: Herrera Carlos M.
Published: November 2023

Community-wide assembly of plant-pollinator systems depends on an intricate combination of biotic and abiotic factors, including heterogeneity among pollinators in thermal biology and responses to abiotic factors. Studies on the thermal biology of pollinators have mostly considered only one or a few species of plants or pollinators at a time, and the possible driving role of the diversity in thermal biology of pollinator asemblages at the plant community level remains largely unexplored. More specifically, it is unknown whether diversity in the thermal biology of bees, a major pollinator group worldwide, contributes to the assembly and maintenance of diverse bee communities, broadens the spectrum of possibilities available to bee-pollinated plants, facilitate interspecific partitioning of ecological gradients across habitats, seasons and time of day, and/or enhance plant pollination success through complementarity effects. The objectives of this study were to assess the diversity in thermal biology of the bee assemblage that pollinates plants in a Mediterranean montane area, evaluate its taxonomic and phylogenetic underpinnings, and elucidate whether there existed seasonal, daily, between-habitat or floral visitation correlates of bee thermal biology which could contribute to partition ecological gradients among plant and bee species. Thermal biology parameters were obtained in the laboratory (K, intrinsic warming constant) and the field (thoracic and ambient temperature at foraging site,TthandTair) on individual bees of a diverse sample (N= 204 bee species) comprising most bee pollinators of the regional plant community. Species-specific thermal biology parameters were combined with quantitative field data on bee pollinators and flower visitation for the regional community of entomophilous plants (N= 292 plant species). Results revealed that the regional bee assemblage harbored considerable diversity in thermal biology features, that such diversity was mostly taxonomically, phylogenetically and body-size structured, and that the broad interspecific heterogeneity in thermal biology represented in the bee community as a whole eventually translated into daily, seasonal, among-habitat and flower visitation patterns at the plant community level. This lends support to the hypothesis that broad diversity in thermal biology of bees can act enhancing opportunities for bee coexistence, spatio-temporal partitioning of floral resources, and plant pollination success.
Psychological impact of COVID-19 on frontline healthcare workers during the early months of the pandemic and responses to reduce the burden, helping to prepare for Disease X: A systematic review
Authors: Ludski Jarryd S.
Published: November 2023

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic placed enormous strain on healthcare workers (HCW) and systems. With currently over 766 million cases, a high risk of workplace-acquired infection and a constantly evolving disease trajectory, COVID-19 placed an incredible burden on frontline HCWs. Studies from previous pandemics highlight significant psychological distress in these workers, yet mental health remained a secondary consideration in many hospitals pandemic response. This review explores the psychological impact of COVID-19 on frontline HCWs during the early stages of the pandemic and describes responses implemented by health services to reduce this impact. Additionally, it aims to provide a framework for future evidence-based programs that support the wellbeing of frontline HCWs throughout the ongoing pandemic and into the future, helping to prepare for Disease X.

Methods

A systematic review was completed using MEDLINE, CINHAL and Cochrane databases with bibliographic and grey literature searches.

Results

17 publications were included. Symptoms of psychological distress were reported in up to 70% of frontline HCWs, with as many as 50% suffering depression, 62% reporting anxiety and 45% of those requiring quarantine experiencing insomnia. Mindfulness training, safe rest areas, mental health practitioners and pandemic rostering are responses that have been implemented across health services during the pandemic, but their efficacy in reducing psychological burden has not been fully assessed.

Conclusions

The impact of COVID-19 has been enormous; however, its final toll remains unknown. High rates of psychological distress amongst frontline HCWs means the impact will extend far beyond the virus itself. Health services must implement evidence-based resilience strategies to ensure the safety of their frontline staff now and into the future.
3D electron microscopy of theLeishmania mexicanacell cycle: Patterns of organelle duplication and segregation and their implications for parasite biology
Authors: Hair Molly , Yanase Ryuji , Moreira-Leite Flávia , Wheeler Richard , Sádlová Jovana , Volf Petr , Vaughan Sue , Sunter Jack
Published: November 2023

The unicellular parasiteLeishmaniahas a precisely defined cell architecture that is inherited by each subsequent generation, requiring a highly coordinated pattern of duplication and segregation of organelles and cytoskeletal structures. A framework of nuclear division and morphological changes is known from light microscopy, yet this has limited resolution and the intrinsic organisation of organelles within the cell body and their manner of duplication and inheritance is unknown. Using volume electron microscopy approaches, we have produced three-dimensional reconstructions of different promastigote cell cycle stages to give a spatial and quantitative overview of organelle positioning, division and inheritance. The first morphological indications seen in our dataset that a new cell cycle had begun were the assembly of a new flagellum, the duplication of the contractile vacuole and the increase in volume of the nucleus and kinetoplast. We showed that the progression of the cytokinesis furrow created a specific pattern of membrane indentations and sub-pellicular microtubule organisation indicates that is likely a preferred site of new microtubule insertion. The daughter cells retained these indentations in their cell body for a period post-abscission. By comparing cultured and sand fly derived promastigotes, we found an increase in the number and overall volume of lipid droplets in the promastigotes from the sand fly, reflecting a change in their metabolism to ensure transmissibility to the mammalian host. Our insights into the cell cycle mechanics ofLeishmaniawill be invaluable for future molecular cell biology analyses of these important parasites.
Non-crystallographic helices in polymers and close-packed metallic crystals determined by the four-dimensional counterpart of the icosahedron
Authors: Talis Alexander , Kucherinenko Yaroslav
Published: November 2023

Non-crystallographic fractional screw axes are inherent to the constructions of n-dimensional crystallography, where 3 < n ≤ 8. This fact allows one to consider experimentally obtained helices as periodic approximants of helices from the four-dimensional {3, 3, 5} polytope and its derivative constructions. For the tetrahedral Coxeter–Boerdijk helix (tetrahelix) with a 30/11 axis from the {3, 3, 5} polytope, approximants with 11/4 and 8/3 axes in three-dimensional Euclidean space {\bb E}^{3} are considered. These determine the structure of rods composed of deformed tetrahedra in close-packed crystals of α-Mn and β-Mn. In the {3, 3, 5} polytope, highlighted here for the first time, is a 40-vertex helix with a 20/9 axis composed of seven-vertex quadruples of tetrahedra (tetrablocks), whose 7/3 approximants determine in a crystal of an α-Mn rod of deformed tetrablocks with the same period as the 11/4 approximant of the tetrahelix. In the spaces of the three-dimensional sphere and {\bb E}^{3}, the parameters of 20/9, 40/9 and 40/11 helices, as well as of their 20- and 40-vertex approximants, are calculated. The parameters of the approximant of the 40/11 helix in {\bb E}^{3} correspond to experimentally determined parameters of the α-helix, which allows us to explain the versatility of the α-helix in proteins by the symmetry of the polytope. The set of fractional axes of all periodic approximants of helices with 30/11, 20/9, 40/9, 40/11 axes, as well as the powers of these axes, are combined into a tetrahedral-polytope class of 50 basic axes. The basic axes as well as composite (defined as a combination of basic ones) fractional axes of this class cover all fractional axes known to us according to literature data for polymers, biopolymers and close-packed metals.
Identifying the Industry – A Short Case on Financial Statement Analysis
Authors: Nagar Neerav
Published: November 2023

This short case provides income statements and balance sheets for a recent year for 7 Indian firms from 7 industries in Exhibits 1 and 2. These firms belong to the following industries.1 Airline2. Banking 3. Information Technology Services 4. Liqour Producer 5. Oild Exploration and Development 6. Pharmaceutical 7. Retail. The task before the students is to evaluate the financial statements given in the exhibits and identify the appropriate industry for each firm.
MILAAP - Crowdfunding for All: Helping Patients by Facilitating Philanthropy
Authors: Chandwani Rajesh , Vimalkumar M. , Singh Jang Bahadur , Asthana Sonal
Published: November 2023

Milaap is a popular medical crowdfunding platform in India, enabling interaction between those who want to raise funds and those who want to donate. To achieve the critical mass Milaap had to increase the trust among the donors and ensure a higher success rate of the campaigns. Milaap provided two types of services: Do it Yourself (DIY), and Supported Campaign (SC). Milaap charged 5% of the raised amount from the DIY campaigns and 15% of the raised amount from the SC. Overall the chances of success were high in the SC. The case explores the dilemma of type of service to be prioritized.
Examining the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and digital financial service usage among Pakistani SMEs
Authors: Mahmood Salman , Wen Shuhui , Aslam Shoaib , Khan Muhammad Rizwan , Rehman Fahad Ur
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This research aimed to find out both direct and mediating relationships between the fear of COVID-19 (FC) and the usage of digital financial services (UDFS) via mediator financial anxiety (FA). It also attempted to ascertain the moderated effect of education of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners (ESO), i.e. business degree holders (BDH) vs nonbusiness degree holders (NBDH), in the relationship between FC and the UDFS.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed a simple random sampling technique. In total, 387 complete responses were collected from Pakistani SMEs. The complete analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 23, AMOS 24, Process Marco 4.1, and Interaction 1.7.

Findings

According to the findings, FC leads to UDFS and FA mediates this relationship. Additionally, the findings show that the ESO between FC and UDFS was moderated. However, conditional analysis shows that BDH-SME owners strengthened the moderated relationship between FC and UDFS compared to NBDH-SME owners, who did not show any relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Policymakers might use the study's findings to promote business education, which has been recognized as essential for making sound financial decisions. Finally, because the study is cross-sectional, the authors are unable to draw definitive generalizations.

Originality/value

The key novelty of this research work lies in the inclusion of FA as a mediator and the education of SME owners as a moderator in understanding the relationship between FC and the UDFS. This study illuminated the positive aspects of the COVID-19 epidemic based on the theory of emotional finance, risk avoidance theory and theories of emotion.
Does the pharmaceutical industry’s growth relate to Bangladesh’s macroeconomic stability?
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Rifat , Rahman Md. Mufidur , Subat Athkia , Tarin Tanzika Imam
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study empirically aims to examine the relationship between Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry growth and macroeconomic indicators such as the inflation rate, gross domestic product (GDP) growth, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, exchange rate and export growth through the long- and short-run relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the time series data from 1986 to 2020, this study was developed based on the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) framework for co-integration. In contrast, the Toda–Yamamoto Granger Causality approach was also used for finding the direction of causality.

Findings

This study used the ARDL bounds test, which found strong co-integration among the variables, indicating a long-term relationship between them. In the long run, inflation, exchange rate and export growth significantly positively influence the pharmaceutical industry’s growth. Surprisingly, an FDI inflow has a negative impact. In the short term, the exchange rate and GDP growth were found to influence the growth of the pharmaceutical industry positively. Bidirectional causality between the growth of the pharmaceutical industry and the exchange rate was also identified using the Granger causality approach.

Research limitations/implications

This paper emphasizes developing the policy as well as making concrete decisions regarding the development of the pharmaceutical industry and economic development in Bangladesh. The results also highlight the necessity for strategic macroeconomic management to support this sector’s long-term development and global competitiveness.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is conducted to identify the short- and long-run relationship of pharmaceutical industry development with the economic indicators and progress, where no study has been found on this dimension.
The roles and interplay of enforcers and auditors in the context of accounting fraud: a review of the accounting literature
Authors: Campa Domenico , Quagli Alberto , Ramassa Paola
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study reviews and discusses the accounting literature that analyzes the role of auditors and enforcers in the context of fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

This literature review includes both qualitative and quantitative studies, based on the idea that the findings from different research paradigms can shed light on the complex interactions between different financial reporting controls. The authors use a mixed-methods research synthesis and select 64 accounting journal articles to analyze the main proxies for fraud, the stages of the fraud process under investigation and the roles played by auditors and enforcers.

Findings

The study highlights heterogeneity with respect to the terms and concepts used to capture the fraud phenomenon, a fragmentation in terms of the measures used in quantitative studies and a low level of detail in the fraud analysis. The review also shows a limited number of case studies and a lack of focus on the interaction and interplay between enforcers and auditors.

Research limitations/implications

This study outlines directions for future accounting research on fraud.

Practical implications

The analysis underscores the need for the academic community, policymakers and practitioners to work together to prevent the destructive economic and social consequences of fraud in an increasingly complex and interconnected environment.

Originality/value

This study differs from previous literature reviews that focus on a single monitoring mechanism or deal with fraud in a broadly manner by discussing how the accounting literature addresses the roles and the complex interplay between enforcers and auditors in the context of accounting fraud.
Guest editorial: Critiques and conflicts in service research: suggestions for redefining the marketing of goods and services as a business discipline
Authors: Cronin Joe , Nagel Duane M.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This commentary aims to identify the myopic drift of the marketing discipline and to opine on the areas in which the leadership of service scholars is needed. The authors identify specific areas where the input of service scholars is needed to enable the discipline to better contribute to users, providers, and society. For example, the growing gap between marketing scholarship and practical business needs is acknowledged, emphasizing the unique position of service scholars to bridge this divide. While consumer well-being is crucial, the exclusive focus on behavioral science is critiqued. Marketing’s roots are deeply connected to economics, shaping consumer choices, and service scholars can help revive marketing’s essence.

Design/methodology/approach

Personal reflections and historical literature assessment.

Findings

The services discipline is caught in the general myopic behavioral drift of the marketing discipline. However, they are well positioned to reverse the trend by seeking leadership in PhD programs, journal editorships and review boards, faculty recruiting, hiring and promotion, and by continuing its engagement with industry professionals.

Research limitations/implications

The authors suggest extensive goals for service scholars. To accomplish these goals, it will be necessary to challenge the increasing behavioral drift of the majority of existing scholars in the discipline.

Originality/value

This work is original and controversial. It is meant to inspire discussion and focus attention on the problems inherent in the increasingly myopic behavioral orientation of the members of the discipline’s academic community.
Facilitators and barriers to dealing with questionable journals in management science
Authors: Dadkhah Mehdi , Rahimnia Fariborz , Memon Aamir Raoof
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Scientific publishing has recently faced challenges in dealing with questionable (predatory and hijacked) journals. The presence of questionable journals in any field, including management science, will yield junk science. Although there are studies about questionable journals in other fields, these journals have not yet been examined in the field of business and management. This study aims to identify facilitators and barriers to dealing with questionable journals in management science.

Design/methodology/approach

A Delphi research method consisting of three rounds was used in this study. Data were collected from 12 experts in the first two rounds, and ten experts in the final round.

Findings

The present study shows that management science is vulnerable to questionable journals. A total of 18 barriers and eight facilitators to dealing with questionable journals in management science were found. The present study also identifies some new barriers and facilitators for avoiding questionable journals, which are specific to management science and have not been identified in previous research. Most of these barriers and facilitators were identified as “important” or “very important”. Publishers and scientific databases, government, the research community and universities and research centers were identified as critical players in overcoming challenges posed by questionable journals.

Originality/value

The number of articles that investigate predatory journals in management science is limited, and there is no research focused specifically on hijacked journals in this field. This study identifies facilitators and obstacles to dealing with predatory and hijacked journals in the field of management, by gathering opinions from experts. Thus it is the first study to examine hijacked journals in the field of management science. It is also one of the few studies that examine predatory and hijacked journals by conducting exploratory research rather than with a descriptive/conceptual approach.
Student loan debt in retirement: identifying the correlates and implications for policy, practice and research
Authors: Korankye Thomas
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Research shows that having student loan debt in retirement is associated negatively with life satisfaction, suggesting that student debt is a bane of retiree well-being. The rationale for this study is to determine the factors related to owing student debt in retirement, given the adverse effects on the well-being of retired households.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes pooled cross-sectional data from the 2015 and 2018 U.S. National Financial Capability Study. The empirical analysis uses a sample of retired Americans aged 65 years and older (N = approximately 8,000) and estimates two-block logistic regression models to examine the effects of demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral factors on student loan indebtedness in retirement. A sensitivity analysis is performed for the subsample of retirees holding student debt for their children's education. Statistical interpretations use odds ratios.

Findings

The findings indicate that financial literacy, age, homeownership and high subjective financial knowledge are associated with a low likelihood of holding student loan debt in retirement. However, being Black, having postsecondary education, having difficulty covering expenses, having financially dependent children, having high-risk preferences and spending more than income increase the likelihood of holding student debt in retirement. The ensuing discussion will assist financial planners and educators identify practical ways to shape decisions regarding student loan debt in retirement.

Research limitations/implications

The amount of student loan debt is unavailable in the dataset for analysis. One cannot infer causal relations from the study. The factors examined do not reflect the time the student loan was obtained.

Originality/value

The study focuses on the determinants of student loan indebtedness among retired Americans rather than young adults or older adults on the verge of retirement. The paper enhances the understanding of student loan holdings in the decumulation phase of the life cycle. Many US individuals have low retirement savings from which they draw a retirement income. The more the student debt burdens on retired Americans, the greater the likelihood of outliving their resources and experiencing poverty.
Low-literate customer experience: an empirical exploration
Authors: Mishra Anubhav A. , Verma Megha
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This research paper explores customer experience (CX) among low-literate customers in organized retail environments. It integrates theories from customer literacy, CX and patronage literature to understand CX comprehensively.

Design/methodology/approach

The study gathered data from 470 respondents using mall intercept and snowball sampling. Data analysis employed partial least squares (PLS) modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that all the dimensions do not have the same effect on CX. Answering calls for future research, the results establish CX's nomological validity by showing its positive influence on retail reputation, retail quality and satisfaction. However, it does not directly affect patronage but has an indirect influence through retail quality and satisfaction. Also, the authors conclude that retail quality and satisfaction are consequences of CX and not previously conceptualized proxies for it.

Research limitations/implications

Conducting primary research with low-literate customers (LLCs) has its own set of limitations that give rise to further research directions. While acknowledging limitations, the study suggests avenues for future research by surveying LLCs with an objective questionnaire, contributing to limited empirical research in this segment.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the multidimensional nature of CX. In summary, this research paper provides insights into CX dimensions and outcomes for LLCs in organized retail. It contributes to marketing literature, assisting retailers in improving CX and driving patronage across customer segments.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to marketing literature by studying LLCs, testing a comprehensive CX model, confirming antecedents in retail patronage and exploring reciprocal relationships in retailing.
ESG consideration in venture capital: drivers, strategies and barriers
Authors: Lange Elfi M. , Banadaki Niloofar Ghotbedini
Published: November 2023

Purpose

There is an increasing awareness of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in the private equity (PE) environment. While many studies deal with the implementation of ESG in the field of PE, only little is known about how the subcategory venture capital. Therefore, this study aims to answer the questions: What are the motivations for venture capitalists to consider ESG in their investment decisions? How do they implement it and what are the barriers that hinder them?

Design/methodology/approach

An inductive study based on semi-structured interviews with 11 investors of venture capital firms (VCs) was conducted to explore the drivers, the barriers and the strategies to implement ESG in the investment decision-making.

Findings

All investors perceive that ESG will play a major role in investment decisions in the long term. VCs have seen benefits primarily in terms of performance and commercialization of startups that incorporate the ESG aspect. Limited partners are a driving force for change in this process. No standardized framework and lack of resources for implementation are mainly assumed as barriers.

Practical implications

Politics and industry might support particularly smaller VCs in their implementation by providing standardized frameworks. Owing to increasing awareness and interest of ESG criteria among VCs, startups should also address these criteria.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by examining how ESG is currently considered in VCs’ decisions and what challenges they face. Therefore, this research contributes to the understanding of the decision-making process among venture capitalists.
Projecting the dynamics of invading deer with pattern‐oriented modelling to support management decision‐making
Authors: Botterill‐James Thomas , Cunningham Calum X. , Johnson Christopher N. , Haythorne Sean , Fordham Damien A. , Brook Barry W. , Duncan Richard P. , Forsyth David M.
Published: November 2023

Avoiding the undesirable impacts of invasive species requires robustly evaluating the effects of alternative management scenarios. Such evaluations depend on reliable spatio‐temporal projections of changes in the distribution and abundance of the invasive species under different scenarios. However, commonly used modelling approaches are constrained for this purpose because they do not incorporate demographic processes and are seldom validated.

We develop a spatially and temporally explicit grid‐based population model for invasive fallow deerDama damain Tasmania, Australia, validated against observed distribution and abundance ‘targets’ using a pattern‐oriented approach. We use this validated model to project the future invasion patterns of deer, including encroachment into areas of high conservation value, under eight harvest and habitat suitability scenarios.

Projected population sizes of deer differ greatly depending on harvest and habitat suitability scenarios. Without harvest, the population grows sixfold, from about 80,000 deer in 2019 to over 500,000 by 2100. In contrast, the population stabilises at 32,000–41,000 deer with 25% annual harvest. Abundance in the environmentally sensitive Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA), a region of high conservation value, increases in all scenarios. We identify likely areas in the expanding range of deer where targeted removal should be most effective at minimising deer numbers in the TWWHA.

Synthesis and applications: Using a pattern‐oriented model validated with spatio‐temporal data, we show how the future distribution and abundance of invasive fallow deer in Tasmania can be substantially reduced by targeted increases in harvest and prioritising areas for removal around high conservation value regions. Our approach can be used to project likely effects of management interventions on future distributions and abundances for a range of invasive taxa.
Protecting our streams by defining measurable targets for riparian management in a forestry context
Authors: Kuglerová Lenka , Muotka Timo , Chellaiah Darshanaa , Jyväsjärvi Jussi , Richardson John S.
Published: November 2023

Generally, governments and industry have implemented some degree of protection to reduce the impacts of forestry on aquatic ecosystems. Here, we consider the widespread application of streamside management in terms of riparian buffer retention to protect freshwaters from forestry practices across three jurisdictions with large and intensive forestry sectors (British Columbia, Finland and Sweden).

This perspective was developed by working with researchers, practitioners and policymakers on mitigation measures to decrease the impacts of forestry on streams. We demonstrate that it is exceedingly rare for policies and guidelines to specify concrete objectives and measurable targets that can be assessed against riparian buffer management outcomes. Most often, policy objectives for riparian management prescribe ‘to prevent or mitigate impacts’, and this vagueness is insufficient to protect our waters. We argue that we should be clearer about the targets (outcomes) for riparian management and go beyond the simple idea that buffer presence, without further specification of its conditions, is always a successful protection strategy. One cannot measure the effectiveness of rules and guidelines without quantitative targets.

Policy implications: In this paper, we suggest that locally developed and adjusted targets for riparian buffers must include quantifiable, measurable goals that specify what is supposed to be achieved and protected with respect to ecological functions, biological communities or other values. It should be relatively simple to move from current vague objectives such as ‘protect and prevent’ to a defined range of values for ecological parameters that buffers are supposed to provide. For example, these can include region‐specific shading levels and microclimate targets, large wood volumes, or riparian forest species composition. We stress that these targets must be developed through an open dialogue between agencies, practitioners, land owners and scientists. We acknowledge that there are trade‐offs between being too prescriptive and too vague. However, when excessively broad goals are the norm, we lose the capacity to effectively implement, monitor or evaluate the outcomes of protection measures.