bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The curvilinear relationship between servant leadership and work-family conflict: the moderating role of age in Chinese female workers
Authors: Xie Lei , Qiu Shaoping , Bian Xinyi
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Building on social exchange theory and selection, optimization and compensation theory, this study aims to examine a moderated curvilinear relationship between servant leadership (SL) and work-family conflict (WFC).

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 329 female workers recruited from a Chinese small business in the service Industry. A three-step hierarchical regression was conducted to examine the relationships among the variables and the incremental contribution of SL and age and the squared term of SL.

Findings

Study results confirmed a curvilinear relationship between SL and WFC and the moderating effect of age. When younger female employees perceived a moderate range of SL from their supervisors, they reported higher WFC compared to the low or high level of perceived SL. On the contrary, senior female employees reported a lower level of WFC when they perceived a moderate level of SL than when they perceived very low or high levels.

Originality/value

SL research has experienced a period of exponential growth in the past decade. This study advanced the field of leadership by arguing that SL perceived by female employees is curvilinearly related to WFC and the curvilinear relationship is moderated by age.
Destination image through social media analytics and survey method
Authors: Lin Michael S. , Liang Yun , Xue Joanne X. , Pan Bing , Schroeder Ashley
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Recent tourism research has adopted social media analytics (SMA) to examine tourism destination image (TDI) and gain timely insights for marketing purposes. Comparing the methodologies of SMA and intercept surveys would provide a more in-depth understanding of both methodologies and a more holistic understanding of TDI than each method on their own. This study aims to investigate the unique merits and biases of SMA and a traditional visitor intercept survey.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected and compared data for the same tourism destination from two sources: responses from a visitor intercept survey (n = 1,336) and Flickr social media photos and metadata (n = 11,775). Content analysis, machine learning and text analysis techniques were used to analyze and compare the destination image represented from both methods.

Findings

The results indicated that the survey data and social media data shared major similarities in the identified key image phrases. Social media data revealed more diverse and more specific aspects of the destination, whereas survey data provided more insights in specific local landmarks. Survey data also included additional subjective judgment and attachment towards the destination. Together, the data suggested that social media data should serve as an additional and complementary source of information to traditional survey data.

Originality/value

This study fills a research gap by comparing two methodologies in obtaining TDI: SMA and a traditional visitor intercept survey. Furthermore, within SMA, photo and metadata are compared to offer additional awareness of social media data’s underlying complexity. The results showed the limitations of text-based image questions in surveys. The findings provide meaningful insights for tourism marketers by having a more holistic understanding of TDI through multiple data sources.
Investigating factors that influence Malaysian auditors’ ethical sensitivity
Authors: Johari Razana Juhaida , Alam Md. Mahmudul , Said Jamaliah
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The primary role of auditors is to offer fiduciary services to society and users of financial reporting. With this role, users placed their trust and depend on the ability and judgement made by the auditors during their auditing works. However, recent financial scandals involving high profile companies frustrated the public’s expectations, particularly in Malaysia. It is claimed that auditors are not having ethical sensitivity while executing their task in mitigating fraudulent financial reporting. Therefore, this study aims to examine the influences of ethical orientation, locus of control and the firm’s ethical culture on the auditors’ ethical sensitivity in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected primary data based on a questionnaire survey among audit firms in the Klang Valley area and registered with Malaysian Institutes of Accountants.

Findings

The results showed ethical sensitivity has a significant negative relationship with relativism and in some cases has a significant positive relationship with idealism. Moreover, it found a significant positive relationship between ethical sensitivity and ethical culture.

Originality/value

This paper provides benefit to the audit firms, professional bodies, policymakers and academia in understanding the factors that might increase the sensitivity of auditors in dealing with ethical issues that could lead to fraudulent financial reporting in the company.
Unorthodox public leadership: the case study of an atypical approach to crisis in Iceland
Authors: Gudmundsdottir Arelia E. , Gudmundsdottir Svala
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present the case of Jón Gnarr's leadership as he served as a mayor of Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. The authors’ view is that his leadership style illustrates a case study of how a “new” leadership style can emerge in times of crisis. Iceland was significantly affected by the financial crisis in 2008, which led to political and economic crises, which were fuelled by the public's anger and lack of trust. In 2010, Jón Gnarr and his new party, the Best Party, were unexpectedly elected. Before he became known as an unorthodox leader, he worked as a comedian. However, he influenced the discourse in politics in the country and raised trust in the system again while empowering the public managers and simplifying the system while downsizing it. This paper explores and sheds light on the leadership abilities that crises can birth.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses qualitative methods. Seven in-depth interviews were conducted, and the interviewees included Jón Gnarr, three key political leaders who were in office at that time and three executive-level leaders from the city administration.

Findings

Evidence suggests that Jón Gnarr and his political party became a part of the political arena due to extreme social and economic factors, which might indicate the factors that can give rise to an unorthodox leader. At the same time, the research portrays the image of a leader that closely matches the theories of authentic leadership, and his leadership style at the time made a lasting impact. When Gnarr stepped into the role of mayor of Reykjavík, he used novel tactics. His political discourse was different; his manner with the public as well as within the system was different. When he became mayor, he demonstrated trust, respect and care as his underlying values. His unorthodox political behaviour appears to have empowered public officials. Thus, gradually, he inspired his followers to change their own communication style. He also addressed traditional political issues such as downsizing, mergers and financial undertakings.

Research limitations/implications

Its limitation is that it is difficult to generalize based on one case.

Practical implications

The case can shed a light on how unorthodox leadership style can unlock the potential of empowering and trust in a traditional political system. Leaders who dare to be different can raise awareness of those who work within the system as well as the public.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the understanding of authentic and unconventional leadership as an efficient vehicle in unusual circumstances in a public leadership position.
Relationship between cash holdings and expected equity returns: evidence from Pacific alliance countries
Authors: Vergara Garavito Judith , Chión Sergio J.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between cash holdings (CH) and expected equity return in a sample of firms of Pacific alliance countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper constructed a panel of Pacific alliance firms for the period ranging from 2010 to 2016. This paper estimated different specification models using multivariate regression, and the statistical technique used to validate the hypothesis was panel data.

Findings

Results showed that there is a positive relationship between CH and expected equity return (r). The relationship between CH and systematic risk (ß) was estimated and this paper found a positive and statistically significant association. Findings suggest that corporate liquidity contains underlying information that contributes to explain the expected equity return, which, if ignored, can produce quite misleading results.

Originality/value

The results of this study have both academic and practical implications. First, the findings of the research contribute to a better understanding of the asset pricing models in emerging countries. On the other hand, the results obtained in this study can serve shareholders to make better estimations of the expected equity return, so investors can improve the risk-return trade-off due to the model allow a better estimation of the risk-return relation.
Allocating fiscal stimulus during COVID-19 crisis based on sectoral linkages in Egypt for increasing growth and reducing unemployment
Authors: Ibrahim Mai Mohsen , Elkhawaga Ola , Ragab Adla
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the inter-sectoral linkages in the Egyptian economy, to increase the efficiency of allocating L.E 100bn fiscal stimulus package (FSP) to tackle the economic fallout from COVID-19 based on the strength of the backward and forward linkages of various sectors, and the values of both employment and value-added multipliers. The paper also measures the impact of the new FSP on the capability of various sectors in creating job opportunities and increasing economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper studies the intersectoral linkages by calculating backward and forward linkages index based on the latest input and output tables available for the Egyptian economy published in 2018. It also depends on a bivariate optimization model to distribute new investments allocated through the FSP based on the values of both employment and value-added multiplier for those sectors. The paper calculated both employment and value-added coefficients to measure the impact of the FSP on creating job opportunities and increasing growth rates.

Findings

Based on the results of the empirical analysis, both key sectors (with strong backward and forward linkages) and sectors with strong backward linkages have the highest impact on creating job opportunities and increasing growth rates in the Egyptian economy, which means that allocating FSPs in a way which targets those sectors, especially during economic crisis, could help in increasing the positive impacts of those packages.

Originality/value

The paper is based on the unbalanced growth theory of Hirschman and uses the empirical analysis to study the intersectoral linkages and allocate new investments through FSP through different sectors. The main policy implication of the empirical results of this paper suggests targeting the key sectors and the sectors with strong backward linkages during tough economic times related to COVID-19, to increase the positive impact of the package on the whole economy.
A multi-objective optimization model for logistic planning in the crisis response phase
Authors: Ershadi Mohammad Mahdi , Shemirani Hossein Shams
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Proper planning for the response phase of humanitarian relief can significantly prevent many financial and human losses. To this aim, a multi-objective optimization model is proposed in this paper that considers different types of injured people, different vehicles with determining capacities and multi-period logistic planning. This model can be updated based on new information about resources and newly identified injured people.

Design/methodology/approach

The main objective function of the proposed model in this paper is minimizing the unsatisfied prioritized injured people in the network. Besides, the total transportation activities of different types of vehicles are considered as another objective function. Therefore, these objectives are optimized hierarchically in the proposed model using the Lexicographic method. This method finds the best value for the first objective function. Then, it tries to optimize transportation activities as the second objective function while maintaining the optimality of the first objective function.

Findings

The performances of the proposed model were analyzed in different cases and its robust approach for different problems was shown within the framework of a case study. Besides, the sensitivity analysis of results shows the logical behavior of the proposed model against various factors.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology can be applied to find the best response plan for all crises.

Originality/value

In this paper, we have tried to use a multi-objective optimization model to guide and correct response programs to deal with the occurred crisis. This is important because it can help emergency managers to improve their plans.
Crisis-centric distance learning model in Jordanian higher education sector: factors influencing the continuous use of distance learning platforms during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Alkhwaldi Abeer F. , Abdulmuhsin Amir A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the factors that affect the acceptance of distance learning systems by university academic staff and students in Jordan. To achieve this objective, it has been proposed to examine the distance learning experience of Jordanian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) after the universities institution suspended face-to-face (traditional) courses delivery owing to novel Coronavirus’ (COVID-19) fears.

Design/methodology/approach

This study expands upon unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 by incorporating contextual variables such as trust (TR), autonomy (AUT) and compatibility (CMP). Data collection has been carried out through an online survey, which targeted participants at public and private universities during the crisis time of coronavirus. Structural equation modelling has been used to validate the proposed research model.

Findings

The outcomes revealed that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, TR and AUT were the significant predictors of distance learning acceptance in both samples. By identifying the factors affecting the acceptance of distance learning systems, it will be more useful to offer better services of distance learning. This will also help to demonstrate that distance learning will be capable of delivering the educational aims of HEIs to areas where a pandemic outbreak in the Middle East.

Originality/value

Distance learning provides university students with quality education, engaging platforms and most significantly a safe teaching environment. The results and implications to both practice and theory are described.
Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah on Islamic banking performance in Indonesia: a knowledge discovery via text mining
Authors: Hudaefi Fahmi Ali , Badeges Abdul Malik
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In Indonesia, subjective issues towards the fundamental of Islamic banks (IBs) have been arising. For example, they are claimed to be not in line with the Shari‘ah (Islamic law). Furthermore, the existing scholarly works have not much gained knowledge from the local IBs explaining their efforts in promoting maqasid al-Shariah (objectives of Islamic law). Hence, because religiosity drives the fundamental establishment of IBs, this paper aims to explore the knowledge of how IBs in Indonesia promote maqasid al-Shariah via their published reports.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper performs text mining from 24 official reports of 5 IBs in Indonesia published from 2015 to 2017. The sample contains 7,162 digital pages and approximately 3,021,618 words. Traditional text mining via human intelligence is first performed to analyse for the numerical data required in the maqasid al-Shariah index (MSI) analysis. Furthermore, a computer-driven text mining using the ‘Text Search’ feature of NVivo 12 Plus is conducted to perform qualitative analysis. These approaches are made to gain relevant knowledge of how the sampled IBs promote maqasid al-Shariah from their published reports.

Findings

The analysis using the MSI explains a quantified maqasid al-Shariah on the sample’s performance, which indictes the lowest and the highest performing banks. Furthermore, a qualitative analysis supports the evidence from the quantitative analysis. It explains the authors’ coding process that results in 2 parent nodes and 20 child nodes, which contain 435 references coded from the sampled unstructured and bilingual texts. These nodes explain the information that associates with maqasid al-Shariah from the IBs’ reports. These findings explain how maqasid al-Shariah is measured mathematically and represent relevant knowledge of how maqasid al-Shariah is informed practically via digital texts.

Research limitations/implications

A positivist generalisation is neither intended nor established in this study.

Practical implications

This paper gains relevant knowledge of how the sampled IBs in Indonesia control and maintain the implementation of maqasid al-Shariah from large textual data. Such knowledge is practically important for IBs stakeholders in Indonesia; moreover to help navigate the Shari‘ah identity of Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), the new IB established from the merger of 3 state-owned IBs, which are among the sample of this study.

Social implications

This paper provides evidence that might best challenge the subjective issue of IBs claiming that they are not in line with the Shari‘ah, particularly in Indonesia.

Originality/value

This paper is among the pioneers that discover knowledge of how IBs promote maqasid al-Shariah in Indonesia’s banking sector via a text mining approach.
Are Australian Islamic schools elitist?
Authors: Nathie Mahmood
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether Australian Islamic schools, by dint of their unique status within Australian private schooling, may be construed as elitist or exclusivist premised on markers such as religious affiliation, school age, history, location, reputation and non-curricular excellences such as affluence and alumni. This issue has not been examined empirically hitherto. This study addresses this absence, as these markers, when used selectively, may make student entry restrictive by virtue of enrolment criteria that is either hyper selective or exclusivist that is often administered through costly tuition fees.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative analysis is used to examine four distinct elitist markers associated with Islamic schools, as they appeal to a market prescribed by faith, preference and demand. Data is sourced from selected government and independent school databases including the index of community socio-educational advantage (ICSEA) database.

Findings

The findings indicate that Islamic schools do not fit any of these markers partly because these schools are positioned predominantly in middle to lower socio-economic communities and areas where the measure of educationally advantaged backgrounds is only marginally above the ICSEA threshold of 1,000. Further, their enrolment criteria are not premised on high fee-based structures nor on exclusivist selection and enrolment practices that would tag them as elitist.

Research limitations/implications

It is quite possible that parental and community perceptions of Islamic schools using qualitative measures may identify some schools as elitist. This, however, has yet to be tested empirically in further studies relying on surveys, interviews and focus group sessions.

Practical implications

Islamic schools should not market nor portray themselves as elitist or exclusivist for that may undermine the very purpose of their function as faith-based institutions.

Social implications

Perceptions of elitism levelled against some Islamic schools must be weighed against a number of distinct social markers. The examination of four markers in this study does not support such perceptions. Elitist perceptions may abound within communities and amongst parents when vying for student placements in these schools. The basis for such observations, however, is at best anecdotal or outright conjectural in the absence of empirical evidence.

Originality/value

This is the first and only study that examines the issue of elitism amongst Islamic schools in Australia and elsewhere.
Framing sustainability in public procurement by typologizing sustainability indicators – the case of Switzerland
Authors: Knebel Sebastian , Seele Peter
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Sustainable public procurement (SPP) lacks common means for its operationalization within legislative latitudes. Through the translation of sustainability indicators (SIs) from CSR and corporate sustainability reporting into the needs of SPP, this paper aims to support the framing process of sustainability in public procurement. This paper does so along with the case of Switzerland.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper performs a typological analysis of well-established SIs from CSR reporting to propose a criteria framework for SPP. Second, this paper tests the framework’s usability and feasibility with an expert online survey conducted in the Swiss SPP landscape.

Findings

This paper proposes 10 generic criteria to frame the operationalization of SPP. Furthermore, public procurement experts from Switzerland evaluate the SPP framework as useful and feasible.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the study can be seen in its deductive approach. Thus, it rather complements recent inductive approaches of SPP type and frame developments than replacing them. Future studies can further refine the understanding and operationalization of sustainability in public procurement.

Practical implications

The generic SPP criteria framework provides a common ground for the operationalization of SPP building on existing sustainability performance measurement knowledge and a frame to operationalize sustainability measurements for public tender processes.

Social implications

Implementing sustainability in public procurement potentially changes market behaviors globally toward social equality and minimization of climate change impacts. This research aims to support the SPP implementation process.

Originality/value

To the best knowledge, this is the first attempt to directly translate established SIs from sustainability reporting into public procurement to frame SPP and to use existing sustainability measurement knowledge for its operationalization and harmonization.
Are we one, or are we many? Diversity in organizational identities versus corporate identities
Authors: Sarasvuo Sonja
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The implications of multiple organizational identities for branding research have been scarcely considered. This paper aims to explore what sources of identity internal stakeholders use to construct organizational identities and corporate identities, and identify how diversity emerges in the perceived identities across various stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study includes 59 in-depth interviews with internal stakeholders in a business-to-business service company.

Findings

Employees may perceive identity diversity as a strategic benefit for the company, and employees may not identify with a uniform corporate identity. The corporate identity could become more identifiable for employees through managerial recognition of different dimensions of identity diversity, such as multiple professional and locational identities.

Originality/value

The study bridges insights between organizational identity and corporate identity and problematizes identity coherence and consistency as strategic principles for corporate branding by proposing an alternative approach guided by identity diversity. Additionally, the study discusses identity diversity-based approaches to internal branding and co-creation in branding.
An efficient stochastic programming approach for solving integrated multi-objective transportation and inventory management problem using goodness of fit
Authors: Gupta Srikant , Chaudhary Sachin , Chatterjee Prasenjit , Yazdani Morteza
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Logistics is the part of the supply chain (SC) that plans, executes and handles forward and reverse movement and storage of products, services and related information, in order to respond to customers' needs effectively and efficiently. The main concern for logistics is to ensure that the correct product is placed at the right time. This paper introduces a linear model of shipping focused on decision-making, which includes configuration of shipping network, choosing of transport means and transfer of individual customer shipments through a particular transport system.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, authors try to address the problem of supply chain network (SCN) where the primary goal is to determine the appropriate order allocation of products from different sources to different destinations. They also seek to minimize total transportation cost and inventory cost by simultaneously determining optimal locations, flows and shipment composition. The formulated problem of getting optimal allocation turns out to be a problem of multi-objective programming, and it is solved by using the max-addition fuzzy goal programming approach, for obtaining optimal order allocation of products. Furthermore, the problem demand and supply parameters have been considered random in nature, and the maximum likelihood estimation approach has been used to assess the unknown probabilistic distribution parameters with a specified probability level (SPL).

Findings

A case study has also been applied for examining the effectiveness and applicability of the developed multi-objective model and the proposed solution methods. Results of this study are very relevant for the manufacturing sector in particular, for those facing logistics issues in SCN. It enables researchers and managers to cope with various types of uncertainty and logistics risks associated with SCN.

Research limitations/implications

The principal contribution of the proposed model is the improved modelling of transportation and inventory, which are affected by different characteristics of SCN. To demonstrate computational information of the suggested methods and proposed model, a case illustration of SCN is provided. Also, environmentalism is increasingly becoming a significant global concern. Hence, the concept proposed could be extended to include environmental aspects as an objective function or constraint.

Originality/value

Efficient integration of logistical cost components, such as transportation costs, inventory costs, with mathematical programming models is an important open issue in logistics optimization. This study expands conventional facility location models to incorporate a range of logistic system elements such as transportation cost and different types of inventory cost, in a multi-product, multi-site network. The research is original and is focused on case studies of real life.
The practice of the development of researchers: the “state-of-the-art”
Authors: Bromley Tony , Warnock Lorna
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In this review paper, the authors are particularly interested in the growth in the scholarly investigation of the efficacy of developmental interventions for doctoral and early career researchers. This paper aims to provide a “State of the Art” overview of the emerging fields of research and suggest areas that command more research.

Design/methodology/approach

A foundation of key disseminations relating to the new discipline has become established, and it is the outputs of these that the authors look to first in their review. However, much of the work is reported in the proceedings of two specific conferences, known to the authors and does not appear in database searches, which results in a concentration of research in two specific countries, namely, the UK and Australia. Relatively little is found from database searches, however approached, but the authors also report on this work.

Findings

There is a general gap in the depth of the body of work in all areas of literature relating to research on the practice of developing researchers. We have identified specific areas as the most limited in terms of the body of published research including research governance; work life balance; engagement influence and impact training and creativity and innovation training.

Research limitations/implications

There is much work as yet unpublished and the practice of rigorous study and publication is not yet generally embedded in this research discipline.

Practical implications

Without the depth of rigorous and robust findings of research to provide us with evidence of good practice, the emergent discipline will struggle to have integrity in its practice. Continued growth in research in this emergent discipline is essential.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review of its kind looking at the published research in respect of the development of researchers.
Rare soil microbial taxa regulate the negative effects of land degradation drivers on soil organic matter decomposition
Authors: Wu Ying , Chen Dima , Saleem Muhammad , Wang Bing , Hu Shuijin , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Bai Yongfei
Published: June 2021

Land degradation drivers, including loss in vegetation and eutrophication, are expected to impact soil biodiversity and functions in drylands world‐wide. Soils contain both common and rare microbial taxa that drive multiple soil functions. Yet, little is known about how these microbial taxa influence the impacts of land degradation drivers on ecosystem functions. Obtaining this information is essential to determine whether rare taxa need to be protected, or if protecting only common taxa would be enough to sustain and protect ecosystem functions and services.

Here, we conducted an experiment to investigate the effects of N‐enrichment and vegetation loss (plant removal), which are two major land degradation drivers in semi‐arid grasslands, on the diversities of common and rare soil bacterial and fungal taxa and soil function [soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition] in a long‐term experiment.

Six years after N‐enrichment and vegetation loss, we found that N‐enrichment decreased the alpha diversities of common and rare soil bacteria and rare soil fungi, while vegetation loss only decreased the alpha diversity of rare soil fungi. Both N‐enrichment and vegetation loss altered the community composition of common and rare bacteria and fungi, except for the lack of response of common soil fungi to the vegetation loss. Moreover, both structural equation modelling and variation partitioning analyses show that land degradation drivers reduce SOM decomposition, and these were also indirectly associated with changes in the diversity of rare microbial taxa, especially that of bacteria.

Synthesis and applications. Collectively, this work shows that land degradation can have negative impacts on soil biodiversity and functions, and the rare microbial taxa indirectly regulate the impacts of land degradation on ecosystem functioning. These results indicate that the rare microbial taxa can be used as one of the ecological indicators for identifying land degradation in the semi‐arid grasslands. These findings are essential to understand the future impacts of desertification and land degradation on rare microbial taxa–function relationships in global drylands.
An updated structural model of the A domain of the Pseudomonas putida XylR regulator poses an atypical interplay with aromatic effectors
Authors: Dvořák Pavel , Alvarez‐Carreño Carlos , Ciordia Sergio , Paradela Alberto , de Lorenzo Víctor
Published: June 2021

A revised model of the aromatic binding A domain of the σ54‐dependent regulator XylR of Pseudomonas putida mt‐2 was produced based on the known 3D structures of homologous regulators PoxR, MopR and DmpR. The resulting frame was instrumental for mapping a number of mutations known to alter effector specificity, which were then reinterpreted under a dependable spatial reference. Some of these changes involved the predicted aromatic binding pocket but others occurred in distant locations, including dimerization interfaces and putative zinc binding site. The effector pocket was buried within the protein structure and accessible from the outside only through a narrow tunnel. Yet, several loop regions of the A domain could provide the flexibility required for widening such a tunnel for passage of aromatic ligands. The model was experimentally validated by treating the cells in vivo and the purified protein in vitro with benzyl bromide, which reacts with accessible nucleophilic residues on the protein surface. Structural and proteomic analyses confirmed the predicted in/out distribution of residues but also supported two additional possible scenarios of interaction of the A domain with aromatic effectors: a dynamic interaction of the fully structured yet flexible protein with the aromatic partner and/or inducer‐assisted folding of the A domain.
Allergenic components, biocides, and analysis techniques of some essential oils used in food products
Authors: Türkmenoğlu Aykut , Özmen Dilek
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, almost 300 essential oils (EOs) are commonly traded in the world market, with a prediction to be worth over $14 billion in 2024. EOs are natural preservatives for food products in order to reduce the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, therefore their use as an antioxidant or a preservative in foods has been encouraged. They are not only considered as antimicrobial or flavoring agents, but are also incorporated into food packaging materials. There are several types of EOs which have been approved as food additives by the Food and Drug Administration. Hence, it is important to use safe EO products to minimize possible adverse effect risks such as nausea, vomiting, necrosis, nephropathy, mucous membrane, and skin irritation. This review article gives information about some EOs that are used in the food industries and the types of some allergenic compounds and biocides which could make the EOs hazardous or may cause allergenic reactions in the human body. Besides, some analysis techniques of possible allergenic compounds or biocides in EOs were introduced and supported with the most relevant studies. The overall conclusion from the study is that pregnant women, patients taking drugs (e.g., diabetics) or the having a history of allergy are the most prone to be affected from EO allergenic components. As regards to biocides, organochlorine and organophosphorus types of pesticides that are carried over from the plant may be found mostly in EOs. The most common allergic reaction is skin sensitization and irritation if the EO components are oxidized during storage or transportation. Moreover, drug interactions are one of the other possible adverse effect. Hence, determination of biocides and possible allergenic component concentrations is an essential factor when they are used as a preservative or flavoring agent. The most prominent analysis techniques are gas and liquid chromatography because most of the allergens and biocides are mainly composed of volatile components.

Practical Application

Determining of the essential oil's content will be crucial if oils are used for food preservation or flavoring because they may have some hazardous effects, such as nausea, vomiting, necrosis and nephropathy. Therefore, after applying them to the food products, consumers (especially pregnant women) should be informed about their concentration levels and their possible adverse effects are taken into account when they are consumed over toxic limit. For this reason, we reviewed in our study that some allergenic components, biocides and toxic limits of EOs to be used in food products. In addition to this, recent analytical techniques have been explained and discussed which methods are suitable for analysis.
Development of a compound oral liquid containing herbal extracts and its effect on immunity and gastric mucosa
Authors: Pei Zejun , Lou Zaixiang , Zhang Bingjie , Wang Hongxin , Li Yaqin
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, consumers have an increasing demand for health products. In this study, an oral liquid was developed using a compound extract consisting of three herbal extracts (Dendrobium nobile Lindl., Lycium barbarum, and Puerariae lobatae Radix) because the compound extract (a combination of all three extracts) was superior to every single extract in promoting the phagocytic capacity of RAW264.7 macrophages and the proliferation ability of GES‐1 cells. In this oral liquid, the dosage of the stabilizer and the sweetener was selected using a stability test and sensory quality evaluation. When 0.30% (m/v) xanthan gum and 0.20% (m/v) mogroside were added, the oral liquid had not only a good stability but also the highest sensory score for overall acceptability. The chemical composition analysis showed that the oral liquid had various functional ingredients including polysaccharides, phenols, alkaloids, and so forth. The immune‐enhancing efficacy of the oral liquid was evaluated in BALB/c mice by measuring the levels of different immune indicators. The results indicated that the oral liquid obviously enhanced nonspecific and specific immunity. A rat model with ethanol‐induced gastric ulcer was used to examine the protective effect of the oral liquid on the gastric mucosa and to explore the related mechanisms. The oral administration of the oral liquid for days significantly prevented the formation of gastric ulcer. This study provided an effective oral liquid that could enhance immunity and protect gastric mucosa.
Chronological and biological aging of the human left ventricular myocardium: Analysis of microRNAs contribution
Authors: Ramos‐Marquès Estel , García‐Mendívil Laura , Pérez‐Zabalza María , Santander‐Badules Hazel , Srinivasan Sabarathinam , Oliveros Juan Carlos , Torres‐Pérez Rafael , Cebollada Alberto , Vallejo‐Gil José María , Fresneda‐Roldán Pedro Carlos , Fañanás‐Mastral Javier , Vázquez‐Sancho Manuel , Matamala‐Adell Marta , Sorribas‐Berjón Juan Fernando , Bellido‑Morales Javier André , Mancebón‑Sierra Francisco Javier , Vaca‑Núñez Alexánder Sebastián , Ballester‐Cuenca Carlos , Jiménez‐Navarro Manuel , Villaescusa José Manuel , Garrido‐Huéscar Elisa , Segovia‐Roldán Margarita , Oliván‐Viguera Aida , Gómez‐González Carlos , Muñiz Gorka , Diez Emiliano , Ordovás Laura , Pueyo Esther
Published: June 2021

Aging is the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In humans, cardiac aging remains poorly characterized. Most studies are based on chronological age (CA) and disregard biological age (BA), the actual physiological age (result of the aging rate on the organ structure and function), thus yielding potentially imperfect outcomes. Deciphering the molecular basis of ventricular aging, especially by BA, could lead to major progresses in cardiac research. We aim to describe the transcriptome dynamics of the aging left ventricle (LV) in humans according to both CA and BA and characterize the contribution of microRNAs, key transcriptional regulators. BA is measured using two CA‐associated transcriptional markers: CDKN2A expression, a cell senescence marker, and apparent age (AppAge), a highly complex transcriptional index. Bioinformatics analysis of 132 LV samples shows that CDKN2A expression and AppAge represent transcriptomic changes better than CA. Both BA markers are biologically validated in relation to an aging phenotype associated with heart dysfunction, the amount of cardiac fibrosis. BA‐based analyses uncover depleted cardiac‐specific processes, among other relevant functions, that are undetected by CA. Twenty BA‐related microRNAs are identified, and two of them highly heart‐enriched that are present in plasma. We describe a microRNA‐gene regulatory network related to cardiac processes that are partially validated in vitro and in LV samples from living donors. We prove the higher sensitivity of BA over CA to explain transcriptomic changes in the aging myocardium and report novel molecular insights into human LV biological aging. Our results can find application in future therapeutic and biomarker research.
Investor feedback: impact on analyst biases and investor critical evaluation
Authors: Barradale Nigel , Plenborg Thomas , Staehr Simone
Published: June 2021

Financial analysts (‘sell side’) face incentives that result in biased information for investors (‘buy side’). We examine whether a feedback channel from investors to financial analysts (comparable to the broker vote system) reduces these biases and thereby enhances information efficiency. In a controlled experiment with a monetary payment structure, 344 graduate students assume roles as analysts or investors, with the analysts making earnings recommendations for the investors in the presence of biased incentives. Under the treatment condition, the investors provide feedback to the analysts. Consistent with the monetary incentives built into the broker vote system and psychological theories, the presence of this feedback: (i) reduces bias among analysts; and (ii) enhances investors’ critical evaluation of information. Given the informational benefits of investor feedback, we highlight an unintended consequence of the European Union’s decision to abolish indirect payments to analysts from 2018 onwards.
Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of salicylate‐ and calcium silicate‐based root canal sealers on primer human periodontal ligament fibroblasts
Authors: Erdogan Hilal , Yildirim Sibel , Cobankara Funda Kont
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of epoxy‐resin‐based AHPlus, salicylate‐based MTA‐Fillapex and calcium silicate‐based iRootSP root canal sealers. Cytotoxicity was assessed by XTT test. The extracts from sealers of different setting times were serially diluted. Cell viability was calculated as the percentage of the control group (100%). The optimal concentration of each sealer was used at genotoxicity test, and micronuclei formations were detected. Statistical analyses were done by using Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn post hoc test with Bonferroni correction. AHPlus and MTA‐Fillapex showed the lowest percentage of cell viability at higher concentrations (1:1, 1:2, 1:4), especially at first 12 h. iRootSP showed higher viability at all concentrations and times than AHPlus and MTA‐Fillapex. At genotoxicity assay, AHPlus increased the number of micronuclei. MTA‐Fillapex slightly induced micronucleus formation (not significant) and iRootSP was not increased. In conclusion, calcium silicate‐based iRootSP had lowest cytotoxic and genotoxic potential and can be considered as a highly biocompatible material.
Single‐marker and haplotype‐based genome‐wide association studies for the number of teats in two heavy pig breeds
Authors: Bovo S. , Ballan M. , Schiavo G. , Ribani A. , Tinarelli S. , Utzeri V. J. , Dall'Olio S. , Gallo M. , Fontanesi L.
Published: June 2021

The number of teats is a reproductive‐related trait of great economic relevance as it affects the mothering ability of the sows and thus the number of properly weaned piglets. Moreover, genetic improvement of this trait is fundamental to parallelly help the selection for increased litter size. We present the results of single‐marker and haplotypes‐based genome‐wide association studies for the number of teats in two large cohorts of heavy pig breeds (Italian Large White and Italian Landrace) including 3990 animals genotyped with the 70K GGP Porcine BeadChip and other 1927 animals genotyped with the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip. In the Italian Large White population, genome scans identified three genome regions (SSC7, SSC10, and SSC12) that confirmed the involvement of the VRTN gene (as we previously reported) and highlighted additional loci known to affect teat counts, including the FRMD4A and HOXB1 gene regions. A different picture emerged in the Italian Landrace population, with a total of 12 genome regions in eight chromosomes (SSC3, SSC6, SSC8, SSC11, SSC13, SSC14, SSC15, and SSC16) mainly detected via the haplotype‐based genome scan. The most relevant QTL was close to the ARL4C gene on SSC15. Markers in the VRTN gene region were not significant in the Italian Landrace breed. The use of both single‐marker and haplotype‐based genome‐wide association analyses can be helpful to exploit and dissect the genome of the pigs of different populations. Overall, the obtained results supported the polygenic nature of the investigated trait and better elucidated its genetic architecture in Italian heavy pigs.
The role of decidual natural killer cell‐derived soluble factors in early pregnancy
Authors: Zhang Xueling , Li Yuye , Huang Chunyu , Liu Su , Chen Xian , Yu Shuyi , Diao Lianghui , Zeng Yong
Published: June 2021

Decidual natural killer cells (dNK), the predominant decidual lymphocytes in early pregnancy, are primarily identified based on their CD56bright CD16− phenotype and play an important role in maintaining immune tolerance at the maternal–fetal interface. dNK dysfunction reportedly leads to pathological pregnancy. Indeed, various dNK‐derived soluble factors are involved in a series of key processes related to pregnancy outcomes. In this review, we summarize the roles of these dNK‐derived factors in immune tolerance and embryonic development to improve the current understanding regarding the physiological and pathological mechanisms that occur during pregnancy, while potentially informing the development of effective therapeutics.