bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taste aversion training can educate free-ranging crocodiles against toxic invaders
Authors: Ward-Fear Georgia , Bruny Miles , Rangers the Bunuba , Forward Clare , Cooksey Ian , Shine Richard
Published: August 2024

Apex predators play critical ecological roles, making their conservation a high priority. In tropical Australia, some populations of freshwater crocodiles (
Crocodylus johnstoni
) have plummeted by greater than 70% due to lethal ingestion of toxic invasive cane toads (
Rhinella marina
). Laboratory-based research has identified conditioned taste aversion (CTA) as a way to discourage consumption of toads. To translate those ideas into landscape-scale management, we deployed 2395 baits (toad carcasses with toxin removed and containing a nausea-inducing chemical) across four gorge systems in north-western Australia and monitored bait uptake with remote cameras. Crocodile abundance was quantified with surveys. Free-ranging crocodiles rapidly learned to avoid toad baits but continued to consume control (chicken) baits. Toad invasion at our sites was followed by high rates of crocodile mortality (especially for small individuals) at a control site but not at nearby treatment sites. In areas with high connectivity to other waterbodies, repeated baiting over successive years had continuing positive impacts on crocodile survival. In summary, we succeeded in buffering the often-catastrophic impact of invasive cane toads on apex predators.
Hypertriglyceridemia as a Key Contributor to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Development and Rupture: Insights from Genetic and Experimental Models
Authors: Liu Yaozhong , Wang Huilun , Yu Minzhi , Cai Lei , Zhao Ying , Cheng Yalun , Deng Yongjie , Zhao Yang , Lu Haocheng , Wu Xiaokang , Zhao Guizhen , Xue Chao , Liu Hongyu , Surakka Ida , Schwendeman Anna , Lu Hong S. , Daugherty Alan , Chang Lin , Zhang Jifeng , Temel Ryan E. , Chen Y. Eugene , Guo Yanhong
Published: August 2024

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular disease without effective medications. This study integrated genetic, proteomic, and metabolomic data to identify causation between increased triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins and AAA risk. Three hypertriglyceridemia mouse models were employed to test the hypothesis that increased plasma TG concentrations accelerate AAA development and rupture. In the angiotensin II-infusion AAA model, mostLpl-deficient mice with severely high plasma TG concentrations died of aortic rupture. Consistently,Apoa5-deficient mice with moderately increased TG concentrations had accelerated AAA development, while humanAPOC3transgenic mice with dramatically increased TG concentrations exhibited aortic dissection and rupture. Increased TG concentrations and palmitate inhibited lysyl oxidase maturation. Administration of antisense oligonucleotide targetingAngptl3profoundly inhibited AAA progression in humanAPOC3transgenic mice andApoe-deficient mice. These results indicate that hypertriglyceridemia is a key contributor to AAA pathogenesis, highlighting the importance of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein management in treating AAA.
A systematic review ofSchistosoma intercalatum: an obscure causative agent of human schistosomiasis
Authors: Ajakaye Oluwaremilekun Grace , Mukendi Jean Pierre Kambala , Kakiese Eddy Laken , Ngoyi Dieudonne Mumba , Mutsaka-Makuvaza Masceline Jenipher
Published: August 2024

Background

Human schistosomiasis caused bySchistosoma intercalatumis poorly understood compared to other species of public health importance, such asS. haematobium, S. mansoni, andS. japonicum. The restricted distribution ofS. intercalatumin Africa, its perceived low virulence, and poor understanding of its pathological consequences are possible reasons for this neglect. However, schistosomiasis as a public health problem cannot be eradicated without adequate knowledge of existing species of schistosomes and the biological interactions between them, their hosts, and the environment. Current information onS. intercalatumis often confused with the previousS. intercalatum(Lower Guinea strain) which has now been described asS. guineensisn. sp. TheS. intercalatum(Zaire strain) with known foci only in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is now recognized as the ‘true’S. intercalatumspecies. Investigators not conversant with the present status of both species still get confused in understanding the literature hence this review. It is essential to discuss available knowledge onS. intercalatumand highlight gaps that are critical for deepening our understanding of the parasite in the DRC.

Methods

Thus, we systematically review existing available literature onS. intercalatumobtained from PubMed Central, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Relevant publications were screened and publications reportingS. intercalatumfrom other than the DRC were excluded. Eligible studies on the epidemiology and biology ofS. intercalatumwere reviewed.

Results

Based on 38 publications that met our inclusion criteria, we confirm thatS. intercalatumis the most neglected amongSchistosomaspecies responsible for human schistosomiasis. We discuss our synthesis of the available information in the context of the distribution, biology, pathology, and genetics ofS. intercalatum. Also highlighted are outstanding questions onS. intercalatumpopulation genomics, hybridization with otherSchistosomaspecies, snail vector host, zoonotic epidemiology, and pathology.

Conclusion

The review calls for a rekindling of research interest in the parasite and the need to answer fundamental questions that can deepen our understanding of the parasite epidemiology, disease ecology, and environmental interactions to help in control strategies and elimination.
Enhancing Clinical Documentation Workflow with Ambient Artificial Intelligence: Clinician Perspectives on Work Burden, Burnout, and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Albrecht Michael , Shanks Denton , Shah Tina , Hudson Taina , Thompson Jeffrey , Filardi Tanya , Wright Kelli , Ator Greg , Smith Timothy Ryan
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study assessed the effects of an ambient artificial intelligence (AI) documentation platform on clinicians’ perceptions of documentation workflow.

Materials and Methods

A pre- and post-implementation survey evaluated ambulatory clinician perceptions on impact of Abridge, an ambient AI documentation platform. Outcomes included clinical documentation burden, work after-hours, clinician burnout, work satisfaction, and patient access. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and proportional odds logistic regression to compare changes for concordant questions across pre- and post-surveys. Covariate analysis examined effect of specialty type and duration of use of the AI tool.

Results

Survey response rates were 51.1% (94/181) pre-implementation and 75.9% (101/133) post-implementation. Clinician perception of ease of documentation workflow (OR = 6.91, 95% CI: 3.90 to 12.56, p<0.001) and in completing notes associated with usage of the AI tool (OR = 4.95, 95% CI: 2.87 to 8.69, p<0.001) was significantly improved. The majority of respondents agreed that the AI tool decreased documentation burden, decreased the time spent documenting outside clinical hours, reduced burnout risk, and increased job satisfaction, with 48% agreeing that an additional patient could be seen if needed. Clinician specialty type and number of days using the AI tool did not significantly affect survey responses.

Discussion

Clinician experience and efficiency was dramatically improved with use of Abridge across a breadth of specialties.

Conclusion

An ambient AI documentation platform had tremendous impact on improving clinician experience within a short time frame. Future studies should utilize validated instruments for clinician efficiency and burnout and compare impact across AI platforms.
Upregulation of DEK Expression in Uterine Myomas and Cervical Cancer as a Potential Prognostic Factor
Authors: Janiak Amelia , Tan PengCheng , Kappes Ferdinand , Petraglia Felice , Donati Chiara , Liu Xinyue , Koviazina Renata , Shen Fangrong , Tsigkou Anastasia
Published: August 2024

The aim of this pilot study is to investigate the role of the DEK protein as a potential prognostic marker in gynecological tumors, specifically focusing on uterine myomas and cervical cancer. The study cohort comprised Chinese female patients manifesting with menorrhagia and pelvisalgia, from whom neoplastic and adjacent non-neoplastic tissue specimens were procured during surgical intervention for either leiomyomas or cervical carcinoma. DEK protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were measured across normal uterine tissue, uterine myomas, and cervical cancer tissues using Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results revealed a marked increase in DEK protein expression in cervical cancer tissues, moderate expression in uterine myomas, and minimal levels in normal uterine tissues. Statistical analyses confirmed significant differences in DEK protein expression between tissue types, though mRNA expression differences did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest DEK’s involvement in tumor development and suppression, making it a promising biomarker for early detection in gynecological tumors. Further research is needed to elucidate DEK’s mechanisms in gynecological tumorigenesis and its potential as an early biomarker, addressing critical need in women’s health.
AbrB antirepressor AbbA is a competitive inhibitor of AbrB-phyCinteraction
Authors: Neubauer Svetlana , Roessle Manfred , Borriss Rainer , Makarewicz Oliwia
Published: August 2024

InBacillusspecies, the interaction between the repressor AbrB and the antirepressor AbbA is vital for regulating gene expression. Our study reveals that AbrB binds DNA cooperatively the promoter of thephyCgene through multiple tetramers, forming a complex regulatory mechanism. AbbA disrupts AbrB’s DNA binding by competing for its DNA-binding sites, as shown by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and gel shift assays. Circular dichroism (CD) confirmed that AbbA does not bind directly to thephyCpromoter but mimics DNA to interfere with AbrB. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data suggest that AbbA resembles a deformed DNA double helix. Our results indicate that AbbA binds to AbrB’s DNA-binding sites located with the N-terminal domain causing AbrB displacement. The interaction exhibits negative cooperativity, with both high- and low-affinity binding sites, as evidenced by Scatchard plots and kinetic studies. Our findings suggest that AbbA effectively mimics DNA to displace AbrB, activating transition-state genes. This research enhances our understanding of bacterial gene regulation and provides insights into the complex mechanisms controlling transcription inBacillusspecies.
Machine Learning Reveals the Contribution of Rare Genetic Variants and Enhances Risk Prediction for Coronary Artery Disease in the Japanese Population
Authors: Ieki Hirotaka , Ito Kaoru , Zhang Sai , Koyama Satoshi , Kjellberg Martin , Yoshida Hiroki , Kurosawa Ryo , Matsunaga Hiroshi , Miyazawa Kazuo , Enzan Nobuyuki , Kim Changhoon , Seo Jeong-Sun , Higasa Koichiro , Ozaki Kouichi , Onouchi Yoshihiro ,   The Biobank Japan Project, Matsuda Koichi , Kamatani Yoichiro , Terao Chikashi , Matsuda Fumihiko , Snyder Michael , Komuro Issei
Published: August 2024

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have advanced our understanding of coronary artery disease (CAD) genetics and enabled the development of polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for estimating genetic risk based on common variant burden. However, GWASs have limitations in analyzing rare variants due to insufficient statistical power, thereby constraining PRS performance. Here, we conducted whole genome sequencing of 1,752 Japanese CAD patients and 3,019 controls, applying a machine learning-based rare variant analytic framework. This approach identified 59 CAD-related genes, including known causal genes likeLDLRand those not previously captured by GWASs. A rare variant-based risk score (RVS) derived from the framework significantly predicted CAD cases and cardiovascular mortality in an independent cohort. Notably, combining the RVS with traditional PRS improved CAD prediction compared to PRS alone (area under the curve, 0.66 vs 0.61; p=0.007). Our analyses reinforce the value of incorporating rare variant information, highlighting the potential for more comprehensive genetic assessment.
Frequency planning for LISA
Authors: Heinzel Gerhard , Álvarez-Vizoso Javier , Dovale-Álvarez Miguel , Wiesner Karsten
Published: August 2024

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is poised to revolutionize astrophysics and cosmology in the late 2030s by unlocking unprecedented insights into the most energetic and elusive astrophysical phenomena. The mission envisages three spacecraft, each equipped with two lasers, on a triangular constellation with 2.5 million-kilometer arm-lengths. Six interspacecraft laser links are established on a laser-transponder configuration, where five of the six lasers are offset phase locked to another. The need to determine a suitable set of transponder offset frequencies precisely, given the constraints imposed by the onboard metrology instrument and the orbital dynamics, poses an interesting technical challenge. In this paper we describe an algorithm that solves this problem via quadratic programming. The algorithm can produce concrete frequency plans for a given orbit and transponder configuration, ensuring that all of the critical interferometric signals stay within the desired frequency range throughout the mission lifetime, and enabling LISA to operate in science mode uninterruptedly.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Potential energy of heavy quarkonium in flavor-dependent systems from a holographic model
Authors: Guo Xi , Chen Xun , Xiang Dong , Contreras Miguel Angel Martin , Li Xiao-Hua
Published: August 2024

Within the framework of the Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton model, which incorporates information on the equation of state and baryon number susceptibility from lattice results, we have conducted a comprehensive analysis of the potential energy, running coupling, and dissociation time for heavy-quark–antiquark pairs using gauge/gravity duality. This study encompasses various systems, including pure gluon systems, 2-flavor systems, 2+1-flavor systems, and 2+1+1-flavor systems under finite temperature and chemical potential. The results reveal that the linear component of the potential energy diminishes as the flavor increases. It is also found that our results are extremely close to the recent lattice results for 2+1-flavors at finite temperature. Moreover, we have thoroughly investigated the dissociation distance and effective running coupling constant of quark-antiquark pairs to gain a comprehensive understanding of their behavior across various flavors. Finally, we have examined real-time dynamics of quark dissociation. The findings indicate that the dissociation time of quark-antiquark pairs is dependent on temperature, chemical potential, and flavor of the systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Search by the SENSEI Experiment for Millicharged Particles Produced in the NuMI Beam
Authors: Barak Liron , Bloch Itay M. , Botti Ana M. , Cababie Mariano , Cancelo Gustavo , Cervantes-Vergara Brenda A. , Chaplinsky Luke , Crisler Michael , Drlica-Wagner Alex , Essig Rouven , Estrada Juan , Etzion Erez , Moroni Guillermo Fernandez , Holland Stephen E. , Korn Yaron , Lawson Ian , Luoma Steffon , Munagavalasa Sravan , Orly Aviv , Perez Santiago E. , Rodrigues Dario , Saffold Nathan A. , Scorza Silvia , Singal Aman , Haro Miguel Sofo , Stefanazzi Leandro , Stifter Kelly , Tiffenberg Javier , Uemura Sho , Volansky Tomer , Yu Tien-Tien , Harnik Roni , Liu Zhen , Plestid Ryan ,   SENSEI Collaboration
Published: August 2024

Millicharged particles appear in several extensions of the standard model, but have not yet been detected. These hypothetical particles could be produced by an intense proton beam striking a fixed target. We use data collected in 2020 by the SENSEI experiment in the MINOS cavern at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory to search for ultrarelativistic millicharged particles produced in collisions of protons in the NuMI beam with a fixed graphite target. The absence of any ionization events with 3 to 6 electrons in the SENSEI data allow us to place world-leading constraints on millicharged particles for masses between 30 to 380 MeV. This work also demonstrates the potential of utilizing low-threshold detectors to investigate new particles in beam-dump experiments, and motivates a future experiment designed specifically for this purpose.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Estimate for the Bulk Viscosity of Strongly Coupled Quark Matter Using Perturbative QCD and Holography
Authors: Cruz Rojas Jesús , Gorda Tyler , Hoyos Carlos , Jokela Niko , Järvinen Matti , Kurkela Aleksi , Paatelainen Risto , Säppi Saga , Vuorinen Aleksi
Published: August 2024

Modern hydrodynamic simulations of core-collapse supernovae and neutron-star mergers require knowledge not only of the equilibrium properties of strongly interacting matter, but also of the system’s response to perturbations, encoded in various transport coefficients. Using perturbative and holographic tools, we derive here an improved weak-coupling and a new strong-coupling result for the most important transport coefficient of unpaired quark matter, its bulk viscosity. These results are combined in a simple analytic pocket formula for the quantity that is rooted in perturbative quantum chromodynamics at high densities but takes into account nonperturbative holographic input at neutron-star densities, where the system is strongly coupled. This expression can be used in the modeling of unpaired quark matter at astrophysically relevant temperatures and densities.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Non-Bloch theory for spatiotemporal photonic crystals assisted by continuum effective medium
Authors: Ding Haozhi , Ding Kun
Published: August 2024

As one indispensable type of nonreciprocal mechanism, a system with temporal modulations is intrinsically open in the physical sense and inevitably non-Hermitian, but the space and time degrees of freedom are nonseparable in a large variety of circumstances, which restrains the application of the non-Bloch band theory. Here, we investigate the spatially photonic crystals (PhCs) composed of spatiotemporal modulation materials (STMs) and homogeneous media, dubbed as the STMPhC, wherein the spatial and temporal modulations are deliberately designed to be correlated. To bypass the difficulty of the spatiotemporal correlation, we first employ the effective medium theory to account for the dispersion of fundamental bands under the influence of Floquet sidebands. Based on the continuum generalized Brillouin zone condition, we then analytically give the criteria for the existence of the non-Hermitian skin effect in the STM. Assisted by developing a numerical method that embeds the plane wave expansion in the transfer matrix, we establish the non-Bloch band theory for the low-frequency Floquet bands in the STMPhCs, in which the identification of the generalized Brillouin zone is central. We finally delve into the topological properties, including non-Bloch Zak phases and non-Bloch bulk-boundary correspondence. Our work validates the idea that the effective medium assists the non-Bloch band theory applied to the STMPhCs, which delivers a prescription to broaden the horizons of non-Bloch theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dynamical Magic Transitions in Monitored Clifford+
T
Circuits
Authors: Bejan Mircea , McLauchlan Campbell , Béri Benjamin
Published: August 2024

The classical simulation of highly entangling quantum dynamics is conjectured to be generically hard. Thus, recently discovered measurement-induced transitions between highly entangling and low-entanglement dynamics are phase transitions in classical simulability. Here, we study simulability transitions beyond entanglement: noting that some highly entangling dynamics (e.g., integrable systems or Clifford circuits) are easy to classically simulate, thus requiring “magic”—a subtle form of quantum resource—to achieve computational hardness, we ask how the dynamics of magic competes with measurements. We study the resulting “dynamical magic transitions” focusing on random monitored Clifford circuits doped by T gates (injecting magic). We identify dynamical “stabilizer purification”—the collapse of a superposition of stabilizer states by measurements—as the mechanism driving this transition. We find cases where transitions in magic and entanglement coincide, but also others with a magic and simulability transition in a highly (volume-law) entangled phase. In establishing our results, we use Pauli-based computation, a scheme distilling the quantum essence of the dynamics to a magic state register subject to mutually commuting measurements. We link stabilizer purification to “magic fragmentation” wherein these measurements separate into disjoint, O(1)-weight blocks, and relate this to the spread of magic in the original circuit becoming arrested.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Assessing the alignment of corporate ESG disclosures with the UN sustainable development goals: a BERT-based text analysis
Authors: Kim Hyogon , Lee Eunmi , Yoo Donghee
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to provide measurable information that evaluates a company’s ESG performance based on the conceptual connection between ESG, non-financial elements of a company and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for resolving global issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel data processing method based on the BERT is presented and applied to analyze the changes and characteristics of SDG-related ESG texts from companies’ disclosures over the past decade. Specifically, ESG-related sentences are extracted from 93,277 Form 10-K filings disclosed between 2010 and 2022 and the similarity between these extracted sentences and SDGs statements is calculated through sentence transformers. A classifier is created by fine-tuning FinBERT, a financial domain-specific pre-trained language model, to classify the sentences into eight ESG classes.

Findings

The quantified results obtained from the classifier reveal several implications. First, it is observed that the trend of SDG-related ESG sentences shows a slow and steady increase over the past decade. Second, large-cap companies relatively have a greater amount of SDG-related ESG disclosures than small-cap companies. Third, significant events such as the COVID-19 pandemic greatly impact the changes in disclosure content.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel approach to textual analysis using neural network-based language models such as BERT. The results of this study provide meaningful information and insights for investors in socially responsible investment and sustainable investment and suggest that corporations need a long-term plan regarding ESG disclosures.
Customer insights in the digital era: a mixed-method approach to understanding e-service interactions
Authors: Palmucci Dario Natale , Jabeen Fauzia , Santoro Gabriele
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore customers' motives and behaviours in sharing comments and information on e-service platforms, as well as what leads them to avoid sharing after consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the goal, this research used a mixed-method approach. Firstly, a two-phase qualitative design involving 2 focus groups and 27 in-depth interviews was employed. Secondly, a quantitative approach was implemented to test the relationship between three factors, identified in the qualitative analysis and comment-sharing behaviours.

Findings

The three identified factors are (1) willingness to improve the product/service and customer justice; (2) willingness to share emotions and feelings; and (3) technological readiness. Sharing emotions and feelings, as well as technological readiness, have been found positively associated with high posting behaviours.

Originality/value

Customers' opinions, comments and feedback on online platforms represent a crucial co-creation tool that must be better understood by businesses that aim to embrace the customer-centric philosophy. Despite the importance of the topic, only recently there has been interest in exploring the motives for and behaviours of customers' post-consumption comments and information sharing about a business on an e-service platform. Based on these findings, we put forward some relevant implications for theory and specific managerial strategies to be undertaken to exploit the potential of platforms.
Unleashing the potential: a bibliometric analysis of growth-oriented women entrepreneurship
Authors: Koch Laura H. , Kuckertz Andreas
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study scrutinizes the evolution of thematic directions in the domain of growth-oriented women entrepreneurship research over the past two decades. Furthermore, it explores the implications of this evolution for future research and practical endeavors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a bibliometric analysis of 741 publications from 2004 to 2023. The analysis first examines publication numbers and identifies important journals and articles based on performance analysis. Moreover, using science mapping techniques, the study provides four thematic maps organized into five-year periods, as well as a Sankey diagram.

Findings

The analysis reveals a significant surge in research activity, particularly since 2014, in terms of both the quantity and diversity of themes. The findings show that in 2004–2008, six themes were driving the research domain, but in 2019–2023, the number of themes increased to 24. Moreover, this study offers a holistic perspective on prospective research directions, emphasizing two key themes: emerging economies and sustainability.

Originality/value

This study makes an important contribution by bringing together scholarship on women entrepreneurs and growth-oriented ventures. These themes can be a significant factor in stimulating new approaches to economic growth when considered together. Moreover, this study emphasizes the need for a more diverse and inclusive research environment.
Material flow cost accounting for aluminum gravity die casting in electrical products manufacturing
Authors: D.B. Chetanraj , J.P. Senthil Kumar
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine the best way to apply material flow cost accounting (MFCA) in an SME environment with the goal of visualizing negative product cost during the manufacturing process and pinpointing places where improvements can be made.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a case study approach to demonstrate the usefulness of the MFCA tool in an SME in India that produces aluminum energy products used in the electrical power sector through gravity die casting.

Findings

According to the results, the company’s gravity die casting has a negative product cost margin of 27.38% as a result of MFCA analysis. It is also determined that the negative material cost is Rs. 22,919, the negative system cost is Rs. 462 and the negative energy cost is Rs. 1,069 for processing 300 kg of raw material. The typical monthly raw material processing for this company is 45,000 kg.

Originality/value

This research shows that MFCA’s implementation will improve the company’s environmental consciousness and bottom line. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to implement MFCA in aluminum gravity die casting of electrical parts manufacturing.
The microfoundations of strategy: empirical explorations under conditions of environmental uncertainty
Authors: Kashyap Rajiv , Mir Raza , Betts Stephen C.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Strategy scholars have argued that microlevel behavioral decisions by firms play a disproportionate role in making a firm nimble. Central to this issue is the interplay among several factors, such as actions by individual actors, firm-level decisions and broader changes in the economic environment that lead to a firm being successful in a competitive environment. The purpose of this paper is to offer a theoretical exploration of microfoundations research and subject the idea to empirical analysis using the constructs of customer orientation, competitor orientation and technology orientation as microfoundations of strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected through a key informant survey of executives were tested through a hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

The results of the study suggest that the microfoundations of strategy are located more in a firm’s customer and competitor focus, rather than a technological orientation. The findings also suggest that that customer orientation is a significant component of firm-level strategy and needs to be incorporated into decision-making in firms.

Originality/value

This study provides a framework that integrates the structural determinants of firm performance with microfoundations theory to refine our understanding of market knowledge capability.
Founders and their brands: how founder identity matters in small firm branding
Authors: Astner Hanna , Gaddefors Johan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Branding is essential for business survival and growth, particularly for small firms in their early development. However, small firms approach branding differently than large organisations. This study aims to delve into the evolution of small firm brands over time, emphasising the role of founders’ personal identities on shaping their firms’ brands. It also explores how these firm brands develop through ongoing interactions with stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Over eight years, empirical material was collected through a longitudinal multi-case study of small firms and their brands, using in-depth interviews over time with founders as the primary data source. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the empirical data.

Findings

This research reveals the intertwined relationship between founders’ identity work and small firm branding. The authors emphasise how founders use their personal identities to shape their small firm brands, influencing recognition, differentiation and value creation. As firm brands evolve over time, they often deviate from founders’ identities due to stakeholder pressure from within and outside the organisations.

Originality/value

This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by focusing on the branding processes within small firms, which have been largely overlooked in favour of larger organisations. By exploring the transformative journey of small firm brands from inception through development and ownership changes, this research elucidates the intricate entanglement of founder identity and brand. It highlights the distinctive challenges faced by small firms, offering new insights into their branding dynamics.
Is variety the spice of (expatriate) life? How cultural diversity in an expatriate’s home country affects their adjustment
Authors: Richardson Christopher , Amir Sabrina
Published: August 2024

Purpose

While the expatriation literature has explored cultural adjustment in considerable depth, it has largely overlooked the influence of cultural diversity in an expatriate’s home country. This study aims to address this shortcoming by investigating how home-country cultural diversity affects expatriate adjustment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative, inductive approach based on semi-structured interviews with a small number of Malaysian managers on international assignment in the Greater Brisbane area of Queensland, Australia.

Findings

The two key and related observations from the interviews are that, firstly, the existence of sizeable and profoundly distinct ethnic groups in an expatriate’s home country serves as an aid to successful adjustment, as it enhances cross-cultural understanding and communicative skills. Secondly, the positive effects of home-country cultural diversity are particularly felt by expatriates from ethnic minority groups in the home country due to their in-group and out-group interactions at home as well as their additional linguistic arsenal.

Social implications

Multiculturalism is a polarising and contentious topic in the public debate in many countries around the world, frequently used for differing political purposes. But in a globalising world, it is unlikely to disappear any time soon, making it imperative for academic research to develop a better understanding of the phenomenon, from as many angles as possible, including from an international business perspective.

Originality/value

This study addresses an under-researched topic, namely how cultural diversity within an expatriate’s home country impacts adjustment. From the findings, this study also introduces a theoretical model for use in future research.
Examining gastronomy festivals, a type of event tourism, within the scope of the United Nations sustainable development goals
Authors: Kabacık Mehmet
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to analyze the gastronomy festivals in Türkiye within the scope of the United Nations sustainable development goals.

Design/methodology/approach

In line with this purpose, a systematic review approach, which is a qualitative research method, was adopted as the method of the study. In the study, the data was collected with document analysis technique by accessing secondary sources. Systematic literature review was used to analyze the data.

Findings

When the gastronomy-themed festivals in Türkiye are analyzed, it is seen that 23 of them are in line with at least one of the United Nations sustainable development goals. The number of festivals organized in accordance with more than one of these goals is 18. The number of festivals organized in accordance with at least one goal is 5. The fact that only 23 of the 351 festivals in the research universe are organized in accordance with the United Nations sustainable development goals reveals that festivals are insufficient in terms of sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

This study adopts theoretical approaches such as the experience economy, as it provides unforgettable consumption experiences for both producers and consumers participating in gastronomy festivals, and stakeholder theory, as festivals involve many stakeholders. The study also presents practical approaches, such as supporting local development, which is one of the primary objectives of festivals.

Originality/value

This study has revealed the sustainability status of gastronomy festivals in Türkiye which have been taken into consideration more frequently in recent years. It may also contribute to the literature to examine the organized gastronomy festivals within the scope of the UN sustainable development goals.
Environment‐dependent relationships between corticosterone and energy expenditure during reproduction: Insights from seabirds in the context of climate change
Authors: Grunst Andrea S. , Grunst Melissa L. , Grémillet David , Chastel Olivier , Cruz‐Flores Marta , Gentès Sophie , Grissot Antoine , Jakubas Dariusz , Kato Akiko , Parteneau Charline , Wojczulanis‐Jakubas Katarzyna , Fort Jérôme
Published: August 2024

Alternative hypotheses have been proposed regarding how the hormone corticosterone (CORT) mediates energy expenditure during reproduction. Elevated baseline CORT (CORTb) could support daily energy expenditure (DEE), promoting reproductive effort or downregulate costly behaviours in low quality individuals facing allostatic overload.

We investigated relationships between CORTb, time activity budgets (TABs), DEE and diving behaviour across 2 years and colonies of little auk (Alle alle), an Arctic seabird in which elevating DEE may support reproduction in the face of climate change.

We also explored whether mercury (Hg) contamination might suppress DEE by affecting the hypothalamus‐pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and CORT production.

Furthermore, we performed phylogenetically controlled analysis across breeding seabird species to build broader understanding of CORT‐DEE relationships.

CORTb positively correlated with little auk activity, DEE and dive duration during a cold year in East Greenland, when CORTb was elevated in the population, but not during a warmer year, or at Svalbard. CORTb did not predict chick provisioning nor did Hg suppress CORTb.

Across breeding seabird species, CORTb and DEE were uncorrelated. Rather, contrary to predictions, CORTb was higher in species breeding at lower latitudes.

Intraspecific results suggest environment‐dependent relationships between CORTb, behaviour and DEE, with implications for understanding CORTb's role in climate change resiliency.

Interspecific analyses suggest absence of correlational selection between CORTb and DEE during reproduction, and that DEE thresholds that induce changes in CORTb might differ between species.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Meaningful gazes: Conditioned reinforcement for following gaze as a prerequisite for joint attention
Authors: Luke Nicole , Chin Cherisse , Kulmiye Hanan , Keith Avery
Published: August 2024

Joint attention is an important developmental skill. This series of studies investigated the teaching of component joint attention skills to 10 children with autism ranging in age from three to five years. The goal was to teach gaze shifting within a joint attention interaction. An additional goal was to expand some participants' community of reinforcers to include social reinforcers. Each study employed a single‐case research design using design variations for one dependent variable: gaze shifting. All 10 children improved their ability to shift their gaze to a therapist. Four participants demonstrated acquisition of social reinforcers.
Using orthographic support to reduce the impact of noise on oral vocabulary learning in adults
Authors: Salins Andrea , Cupples Linda , Leigh Greg , Castles Anne
Published: August 2024

Background

Although most prevalent in childhood, the acquisition of new words in oral vocabulary takes place right across the lifespan. Of the many factors that influence oral vocabulary learning, one extrinsic factor is the listening environment. The current study aimed to examine whether the presence of noise impacts oral vocabulary learning in adult native speakers of English and, if so, whether this can be alleviated by the incidental presence of orthography when introducing new words.

Methods

Sixty 18–35‐year‐old native speakers of English were divided into two groups: orthography present and orthography absent and were taught novel picture–word pairs either in quiet or in noise. Word learning was assessed using picture naming and picture–word‐matching tasks.

Results

The results revealed that the presence of orthography during training reduced the negative impact of noise and supported word learning and retention in adults.

Conclusion

These results are promising for vocabulary instruction practices in less‐than‐ideal listening environments where structural modifications are not a feasible option.
ELSEWHERES OF THE UNBUILT: The Global Effects of Transnational Energy Infrastructure Projects
Authors: Larsen Maren , Jenss Alke , Schuetze Benjamin , Cupers Kenny
Published: August 2024

Pipelines and refineries, hydropower dams, and solar and wind power projects feeding into emerging transnational energy networks make up the thrust of a new push for infrastructural expansion in the global South. This article argues that understanding the effects of this expansion requires attending to the multiple elsewheres of transnational energy projects in various states of realization. By this we mean accounting for the ways in which these projects are financed, planned, contested, contracted, built, transformed and withheld at multiple, sometimes connected and sometimes disparate, sites across the globe. Focusing on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), the Central American Electric Interconnection System (SIEPAC) and the Mediterranean Electricity Ring (MedRing), our research shows that such projects are ‘global’ not only in their physical reach and forging of connections between disparate and expansive geographies, but also in the ways they bring into being new, transnational or global publics.
The impact of telehealth cost‐sharing on healthcare utilization: Evidence from high‐deductible health plans
Authors: Gidwani Risha , Yank Veronica , Burgette Lane , Kofner Aaron , Asch Steven M. , Wagner Zachary
Published: August 2024

Objective

Evaluate whether cost‐sharing decreases led high‐deductible health plans (HDHP) enrollees to increase their use of healthcare.

Data Sources, Study Setting

National sample of chronically‐ill patients age 18–64 from 2018 to 2020 (n = 1,318,178).

Study Design

Difference‐in‐differences analyses using entropy‐balancing weights were used to evaluate the effect of a policy shift to $0 cost‐sharing for telehealth on utilization for HDHP compared with non‐HDHP enrollees. Due to this shock, HDHP enrollees experienced substantial declines in cost‐sharing for telehealth, while non‐HDHP enrollees experienced small declines. Event study models were also used to evaluate changes over time.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Outcomes included use of any outpatient care; use of $0 telehealth; use of $0 telehealth as a proportion of all outpatient care; and use of any telehealth. To test whether any differences were due to preferences for care modality versus cost‐sharing, we further evaluated use of non‐$0 telehealth as a placebo test.

Principal Findings

There was no difference in change in overall outpatient visits (p = 0.84), with chronicall‐ill HDHP enrollees using less care both before and after the policy shift. However, compared with non‐HDHP enrollees, HDHP enrollees increased their use of $0 telehealth by 0.08 visits over a 9‐month period, a 27% increase (95% CI 0.07–0.09, p < 0.001) and shifted 1.2 percentage points more of their care to $0 telehealth, a 15% increase (ß = 0.01, 95% CI 0.01, 0.01, p < 0.001). However, HDHP enrollees had lower uptake of non‐$0 telehealth than non‐HDHP enrollees (ß = −0.01, 95%CI −0.02, 0.00, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Recent‐but‐expiring federal legislation exempts telehealth from HDHP deductibles for care provided in 2023 and 2024. Our results indicate that extending the protections provided by this legislation could help reduce the gap in access to care for chronically‐ill persons enrolled in HDHPs.
Interventions based on alternative and sustainable strategies for postharvest control of anthracnose and maintain quality in tropical fruits
Authors: Fernandes Karina Felix Dias , Queiroga Talita Silveira , Lima Maiara da Costa , de Oliveira Kataryne Árabe Rimá , de Souza Evandro Leite
Published: August 2024

Colletotrichum spp. is a phytopathogen causing anthracnose in a variety of tropical fruits. Strategies used to control postharvest diseases in tropical fruits typically rely on the use of synthetic fungicides, which have stimulated the emergence of resistant pathogens. Safer alternative strategies to control anthracnose in tropical fruits have been described in the literature. This review presents and discusses the main innovative interventions concerning the application of sustainable alternative strategies in the postharvest control of pathogenic Colletotrichum species in tropical fruits, with a particular emphasis on the studies published in the last 5 years. The available studies have shown the use of various methods, including physical barriers, natural antimicrobials, and biological control with antagonistic microorganisms, to reduce anthracnose lesion severity and incidence in tropical fruits. The available literature showed high inhibitory activity in vitro, reduced anthracnose incidence and lesion diameter, and total disease inhibition in tropical fruits. Most studies focused on the inhibition of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on avocado, papaya, and mango, as well as of Colletotrichum musae on banana; however, the inhibition of other Colletotrichum species was also demonstrated. The application of emerging sustainable alternative methods, including natural antimicrobial substances, also stimulated the induction of defense systems in tropical fruits, including enzymatic activity, such as polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase. The retrieved data helped to understand the current state of the research field and reveal new perspectives on developing efficient and sustainable intervention strategies to control pathogenic Colletotrichum species and anthracnose development in tropical fruits.
The efficacy of interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes among women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus—A living systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Vivian Y. , Monjur Mohammad R. , Santos Joseph Alvin , Patel Anushka , Liu Rong , Di Tanna Gian Luca , Gupta Yashdeep , Goyal Alpesh , Ajanthan Saumiyah , Praveen Devarsetty , Lakshmi J. K. , de Silva H. Asita , Tandon Nikhil
Published: August 2024

Background

While previously considered a transient condition, with no lasting adverse impact, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is now a well‐established risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The risk of developing T2DM appears to be particularly high in the first few years after childbirth, providing a compelling case for early intervention. This review provides an up‐to‐date systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the effectiveness of interventions to reduce incidence of T2DM in women with a recent history of GDM.

Methods

The search was conducted on October 20, 2023 with an annual surveillance planned for the next 5 years to maintain a living systematic review. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials of any type in women within 5 years of GDM‐complicated pregnancy that reported outcomes of T2DM diagnosis or measures of dysglycemia with a follow‐up of at least 12 months.

Results

Seventeen studies met our inclusion criteria and have been included in this review. There were 3 pharmacological and 14 lifestyle interventions. Intervention was not associated with significant reduction in the primary outcome of T2DM (risk ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43–1.41; p = 0.41; I2 = 79%) compared with the control group (placebo or usual care). However, meta‐analysis of the four studies reporting hazard ratios suggested a reduction in diabetes incidence (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI: 0.48–0.97; p = 0.03; I2 = 31%).

Conclusion

This review provides equivocal evidence about the efficacy of interventions to reduce the risk of T2DM in women within 5 years of GDM‐complicated pregnancy and highlights the need for further studies, including pharmacotherapy.

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