bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of a European general wildlife health surveillance program: chances, challenges and recommendations
Authors: Heiderich Elisabeth , Keller Saskia , Pewsner Mirjam , Origgi Francesco Carlo , Zürcher-Giovannini Samoa , Borel Stéphanie , Marti Iris , Scherrer Patrick , Pisano Simone Roberto Rolando , Friker Brian , Adrian-Kalchhauser Irene , Ryser-Degiorgis Marie-Pierre
Published: July 2023

In the context of a One Health perspective general wildlife health surveillance (GWHS) gains importance worldwide, as pathogen transmission among wildlife, domestic animals and humans raises health, conservation and economic concerns. However, GWHS programs operate in the face of legal, geographical, financial, or administrative conditions. The present study uses a multi-tiered approach to understand the current characteristics, strengths and gaps of a European GWHS that operates in a fragmented legislative and multi-stakeholder environment. The aim is to support the implementation or improvement of other GWHS systems by managers, surveillance experts, and administrations.

To assess the current state of wildlife health investigations and trends within the GWHS, we analyzed 20 years of wildlife diagnostic data, conducted an online survey and phone interviews with official field partners (hunting administrators, game wardens and hunters), and performed a time-per-task analysis.

Firstly, we found that infectious disease dynamics, the level of public awareness for specific diseases, research activities and increasing population sizes of in depth-monitored protected species, together with biogeographical and political boundaries all impacted case numbers and can present unexpected challenges to a GWHS. Secondly, we found that even a seemingly comprehensive GWHS can feature pronounced information gaps, with underrepresentation of common or easily recognizable diseases, blind spots in non-hunted species and only a fraction of discovered carcasses being submitted. Thirdly, we found that substantial amounts of wildlife health data may be available at local hunting administrations or disease specialist centers, but outside the reach of the GWHS and its processes.

In conclusion, we recommend that fragmented and federalist GWHS programs like the one addressed require a central, consistent and accessible collection of wildlife health data. Also, considering the growing role of citizen observers in environmental research, we recommend using online reporting systems to harness decentrally available information and fill wildlife health information gaps.
Temporal transcriptomic dynamics in developing macaque neocortex
Authors: Xu Longjiang , Yuan Zan , Zhou Jiafeng , Zhao Yuan , Liu Wei , Lu Shuaiyao , He Zhanlong , Qiang Boqin , Shu Pengcheng , Chen Yang , Peng Xiaozhong
Published: July 2023

Despite intense research on mice, the transcriptional regulation of neocortical neurogenesis remains limited in humans and non-human primates. Cortical development in rhesus macaque is known to recapitulate multiple facets of cortical development in humans, including the complex composition of neural stem cells and the thicker supragranular layer. To characterize temporal shifts in transcriptomic programming responsible for differentiation from stem cells to neurons, we sampled parietal lobes of rhesus macaque at E40, E50, E70, E80, and E90, spanning the full period of prenatal neurogenesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing produced a transcriptomic atlas of the developing rhesus macaque neocortex parietal lobe. Identification of distinct cell types and neural stem cells emerging in different developmental stages revealed a terminally bifurcating trajectory from stem cells to neurons. Notably, deep-layer neurons appear in the early stages of neurogenesis, while upper-layer neurons appear later. While these different lineages show overlap in their differentiation program, cell fates are determined post-mitotically. Pseudotime trajectories from vRGs to oRGs revealed differences in dynamic gene expression profiles and identified divergence in their activation of BMP, FGF, and WNT signaling pathways. These results provide a comprehensive picture of the temporal patterns of gene expression leading to different fates of radial glial progenitors during neocortex layer formation.
Prostaglandins as Candidate Ligands for a Per-ARNT-Sim (PAS) Domain of Steroid Receptor Coactivator 1 (SRC1)
Authors: Daffern Nicolas , Kelley Kade , Villegas José A. , Radhakrishnan Ishwar
Published: July 2023

Steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs) comprise a family of three paralogous proteins commonly recruited by eukaryotic transcription factors. Each SRC harbors two tandem Per-ARNT-Sim (PAS) domains that are broadly distributed that bind small molecules and regulate interactions. Using computational docking, solution NMR, mass spectrometry, and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the SRC1 PAS-B domain can bind to certain prostaglandins (PGs) either non-covalently to a surface that overlaps with the site used to engage transcription factors or covalently to a single, specific, conserved cysteine residue next to a solvent accessible hydrophobic pocket. This pocket is in proximity to the canonical transcription factor binding site, but on the opposite side of the domain, suggesting a potential mode of regulating transcriptional activator-coactivator interactions.
Elucidating the functional profiles of cultivable bacterial communities in the water and sediments during the southwest monsoon season, along the west coast of India
Authors: Parab Ashutosh S , Ghose Mayukhmita , Manohar Cathrine S
Published: July 2023

Understanding the functional profiles of cultivable bacterial communities is crucial for comprehending their ecological significance in marine environments. This study investigates the functional profiles of cultivable bacterial communities in the water and sediments during the productive, southwest monsoon season, along the west coast of India. The southwest monsoon plays a vital role in shaping the hydrological and biogeochemical characteristics of this region, making it an ideal period to study bacterial communities and their functions. Our study utilizes a cultivation techniques to study taxonomy as well as functional assays to elucidate the diverse organic substrates utilization capabilities of bacterial communities. Cultivable bacteria were isolated from discrete water depths and sediment samples from the coastal and off-shore region. Subsequently the carbohydrase, lipase and protease assays were performed to assess its functional potential. The results of this study reveal a rich diversity of cultivable bacterial communities including, representative from Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacterial phylum with diverse functional profiles. The functional analyses provide insights into the metabolic capabilities of the bacteria, including organic substrates degradation, processes. The bacterial taxonomic diversity and enzymes activities were significantly different (p < 0.001) among the water and sediment bacterial morphotypes. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the functional profiles of cultivable bacterial communities in the water and sediments along the west coast of India during the productive southwest monsoon season. The comprehensive analysis of their functional capabilities provides insights into their ecological roles and potential significance in organic matter recycling. These findings contribute to our understanding of microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning in coastal environments and lay the groundwork for further research on harnessing the significance of these bacteria in biogeochemical cycling.
Intercalation of the disulfide bond between the A2 and A4 loop of Cellobiohydrolase (Cel7A) ofAspergillus fumigatusenhances catalytic activity and thermostability
Authors: Dodda Subba Reddy , Hossain Musaddique , Mondal Sudipa , Das Shalini , Khator (Jain) Sneha , Aikat Kaustav , Mukhopadhyay Sudit S.
Published: July 2023

Disulfide bond is important for maintaining the structural conformation and stability of the protein. Introducing new disulfide bond is a promising strategy for rational protein design. In this report, disulfide bond engineering has been applied to improve the stability of an industrially important enzyme, Glycoside Hydrolase family GH 7 cellobiohydrolase (GH7 CBHs) or Cel7A ofA fumigatusorigin. Disulfide by Design 2.0 (DbD2), an online tool, was used for the detection of the mutation sites and created four mutations (D276C-G279C; DSB1, D322C-G327C; DSB2, T416C-I432C; DSB3, G460C-S465C; DSB4) both inside and outside of the peripheral loops but, not in the catalytic region. The disulfide bond formed between the A2 and A4 loop of DSB3 showed higher thermostability (70% activity at 700C), higher substrate affinity (Km= 0.081mM) and higher catalytic activity (Kcat=9.75 min-1; Kcat/Km= 120.37 mM min-1) compared to wild typeAfCel7A (50% activity at 700C; Km= 0.128mM; Kcat= 4.833 min-1; Kcat/Km= 37.75 mM min-1). The other three mutants with high B factor showed loss of thermostability and catalytic activity. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed that the mutation T416C-I432C makes the tunnel wider (DSB3:13.6 Å; Wt: 5.3 Å) at the product exit site; giving flexibility in the entrance region and mobility of the substrate. It may facilitate substrate entry into the catalytic tunnel and releases the product faster than the wild type. Whereas in other mutants, the tunnel is not prominent (DSB4), the exit is lost (DSB1), and the ligand binding site is absent (DSB2). This is the first report of the gain of function of both thermostability and enzyme activity of cellobiohydrolase Cel7A by disulfide bond engineering in the loop.

Importance

Cellulases are important for their role in the production of bioethanol, the cleanest renewable replacement of fossil fuels. Engineering of the cellulases is a chalange to increase their catalytic activity and thermostability for production of cheap ethanol. In this report we have introduced disulfide bond and successfully increased the both thermostabilty and catalytic activity ofAfCel7A.
The transcription factor OCT6 promotes the dissolution of the naïve pluripotent state by repressingNanogand activating a formative state gene regulatory network
Authors: Waisman Ariel , Sevlever Federico , Saulnier Denisse , Francia Marcos , Lombardi Antonella , Biani Celeste , Palma María Belén , Scarafía Agustina , Smucler Joaquín , Amín Guadalupe , Greca Alejandro La , Moro Lucía , Sevlever Gustavo , Guberman Alejandra , Miriuka Santiago
Published: July 2023

Animal development relies on complex gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that govern the nearly irreversible changes that occur during cell differentiation. In this work we aimed to determine key transcription factors (TFs) associated with the dissolution of the naïve pluripotent state and the acquisition of a formative identity. We identified OCT6 as one of the earliest TFs induced during the onset of mouse embryonic stem cell (mESCs) differentiation. To investigate its role, we generated anOct6knockout mESC line, which failed to acquire the characteristic cell morphology associated with the formative state. Transcriptome analysis of differentiating cells revealed nearly 300 differentially expressed genes compared to wild-type cells, including pluripotency TFsNanog, Klf2, Nr5a2, Prdm14,andEsrrb, that failed to correctly downregulate. Notably, premature expression of OCT6 in naïve cells triggered a rapid morphological transformation mirroring differentiation, accompanied by self-induction of Oct6 and expression of TFs such asSox3, Zic2/3, Foxp1, as well as the formative genesDnmt3AandFGF5. Strikingly, the majority of OCT6 expressing cells did not express NANOG. Gene expression and single molecule RNA-FISH analysis confirmed that this regulation was at the transcriptional level. Collectively, our results establish OCT6 as a key TF in the dissolution of the naïve pluripotent state and support a model whereOct6andNanogform a double negative feedback loop which could act as a toggle switch important for the transition to the formative state.

Highlights

Oct6is rapidly induced as mESCs exit ground state pluripotency.

Loss of OCT6 negatively affects the transition to formative pluripotency.

Premature expression of OCT6 in mESCs is sufficient to induce a formative-like phenotype.

OCT6 and NANOG repress each other forming a double negative feedback loop.
Ultra-long-range interactions between active regulatory elements
Authors: Friman Elias T. , Flyamer Ilya M. , Marenduzzo Davide , Boyle Shelagh , Bickmore Wendy A.
Published: July 2023

Contacts between enhancers and promoters are thought to relate to their ability to activate transcription. Investigating factors that contribute to such chromatin interactions is therefore important for understanding gene regulation. Here, we have determined contact frequencies between millions of pairs ofcis-regulatory elements from chromosome conformation capture data sets and analyzed a collection of hundreds of DNA-binding factors for binding at regions of enriched contacts. This analysis revealed enriched contacts at sites bound by many factors associated with active transcription. We show that active regulatory elements, independent of cohesin and polycomb, interact with each other across distances of tens of megabases in vertebrate and invertebrate genomes and that interactions correlate and change with activity. However, these ultra-long-range interactions are not dependent on RNA polymerase II transcription or individual transcription cofactors. Using simulations, we show that a model of chromatin and multivalent binding factors can give rise to long-range interactions via bridging-induced clustering. We propose that long-range interactions betweencis-regulatory elements are driven by at least three distinct processes: cohesin-mediated loop extrusion, polycomb contacts, and clustering of active regions.
Food at your doorstep? Examining customer loyalty towards online food delivery applications
Authors: Liu Xin , Lim Xin-Jean , Cheah Jun-Hwa , Ng Siew Imm , Kamal Basha Norazlyn
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study empirically investigated the different attributes (i.e. convenience, online reviews, online ratings, visual appeal and various food choices) of food delivery applications (FDAs) that impacted customers' perceived benefits, satisfaction and loyalty. Price consciousness was positioned as the moderator while customer satisfaction was positioned as the mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing the purposive sampling technique, 360 useable respondents were gathered from existing FDAs' customers in China. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to verify the interrelationships among variables.

Findings

The results confirmed the significant impact of four FDA attributes (i.e. convenience, online ratings, visual appeal and various food choices) on perceived benefits. Customer satisfaction positively influenced loyalty. Moreover, the mediating role of customer satisfaction and the moderating role of price consciousness were confirmed.

Practical implications

FDA operators should engage in providing more benefits to stimulate satisfaction and loyalty among customers. Promotion discounts remain a key factor in enhancing the satisfaction and loyalty of price-conscious customers.

Originality/value

This study extends the applicability of the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) framework and enriches FDA literature by assessing the external stimuli, organisms and moderating factors that trigger customer loyalty.
EcoTrend: new line of the ecological toilet in the Peruvian market
Authors: Regalado-Pezua Otto , Horna-Saldaña César Jhonnatan , Toro Leonardo
Published: July 2023

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of the study are to analyze the launch of a new business line for Trend at the commercial and market levels; identify the potential of the green consumer in Peruvian emerging market; and apply strategic tools to analyze the viability of launching a new business line in a new market.

Case overview/synopsis

José Luis Galindo planned to launch a new line of toilets in the Peruvian market called EcoTrend, based on the analysis of the responsible consumption trend and the presence of a new green consumer. Therefore, he carried out a series of studies and estimates to define the feasibility of the value proposition of his ecological toilet. However, Galindo doubted if these studies and estimates were enough to carry out the launch and commercial success of the EcoTrend line. Galindo, founder and current general manager of a company called Cerámica Industrial Trend S.A.C, is broadly knowledgeable about the construction sector in Peru and has more than 30 years of work experience in the ceramic bathroom fixtures industry. Throughout his professional career, Galindo has managed three of the leading bathroom fixture companies in Peru. However, it was when he started Trend, a company focusing specifically on the manufacture of toilets, that his dream of becoming an entrepreneur came true. Trend is focused on its one-piece toilet line. These toilets are characterized by their high-quality workmanship, which is achieved through the efficient and distinctive production process of Trend’s workforce. The workforce stays on its toes due to constant, thorough training, a key to Trend’s market competitiveness. In addition, the new EcoTrend line sowed in Galindo uncertainty in the commercial viability because the product was new in the market and was going to bring a great challenge.

Complexity academic level

Depending on the scope of the course, different teaching objectives could be oriented toward entrepreneurship, management sciences, strategy and green marketing. The case can be used to teach higher level undergraduate marketing and management courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Implementing corporate sustainability information in socially responsible investing: a systematic review of empirical research
Authors: Daugaard Dan , Jia Jing , Li Zhongtian
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide a precise understanding of how corporate sustainability information is used in socially responsible investing (SRI). The study is motivated by the lack of a recognised body of knowledge on this issue. This study, therefore, collates and reviews relevant studies (67 studies) to provide guidance to investors interested in SRI and identify a research agenda for academics desiring to contribute to this area.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a systemic literature review employing recognised key words and searching the Web of Science. HistCite is utilised to ensure important cited studies are not missed from the collection. The review was conducted from two perspectives: (1) sources of sustainability information and (2) how the information is used in SRI.

Findings

The review identifies five major sources of sustainability information, including corporate reports, ESG ratings, industry affiliation, news and private communication with firms. These sources of information play different roles in the cross section of SRI strategies (i.e. negative and positive screening, active ownership and integration). This study provides guidance on how to use this information in SRI and provides recommendations for future research on how analysts interact with the information, how different informational characteristics impact implementation, ways to improve data quality, improvements to analysis methods and where data use needs to be extended into new strategies.

Originality/value

This review contributes to the SRI literature by inventorying studies of an important, yet omitted aspect, namely, sustainability information. This work also enriches the literature on corporate sustainability information by investigating how this information can be used for a specific purpose, namely, SRI. Given the increasing interest in SRI, this review will provide much-needed guidance for a range of practitioners, including investors and regulators.
Investigating the impact of the dynamics of entrepreneurial intentions on ventures’ formalization
Authors: Yana Mbena Jacques , Durst Susanne , Kraus Sascha , Viala Céline
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To overcome economic hardship and survival, informal entrepreneurs must continually activate specific resilience capabilities and reassess their entrepreneurial intentions (EI). Accordingly, they may develop transformational characteristics to design a model supporting intersectorial business growth. This study aims to examine the EI ecosystem of change resulting from the above endeavors and proposes an entrepreneurial intention transformation model (EITM).

Design/methodology/approach

Using the EI questionnaire developed by Liñán and Chen, data was collected from street vendors in the main markets of the Cameroonian capital (N = 307) to capture the determinants of behavior reflecting the propensity to activate entrepreneurial events within informal ventures.

Findings

It was uncovered that perceived collective support, resilience, orientation capability and inferred policies influence the dynamics of EI in the informal sector. Additionally, while revisiting current entrepreneurial lifecycle models, the study distinguished between the entrepreneurial events of “renegare” and formalization. Furthermore, the construction of an informal entrepreneurial lifecycle model confirms the need to acknowledge the formalization and “deformalization” processes as integrative parts of an intersectorial entrepreneurial lifecycle model.

Originality/value

This study extends existing research by proposing an intersectorial entrepreneurial lifecycle to recognize the dynamics of EI on ventures’ formalization. The EITM encompasses the EI dynamic process model and the proposed entrepreneurial lifecycle.
A factor analysis of landlords’ and retail trade tenants’ different beliefs in lease negotiations: evidence from the Swedish market
Authors: Lundgren Berndt Allan , Hermansson Cecilia , Gyllenberg Filip , Koppfeldt Johan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose is to increase knowledge of rent negotiations by investigating differences in beliefs held by property landlords and retailers on factors that they deem important in rent negotiation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates differences in subjective beliefs held by landlords and retail trade tenants on factors that affect rent levels during the rent negotiation process using a factor analysis approach. Semi-structured interviews were made with seven large real estate owners/landlords and retailers and eight experts in negotiating retail rent to elicit variables that have an impact on retail rent. Thereafter, a web-based survey was sent to 421 respondents who had experience in rent negotiation. Several factors were extracted using factor analysis. The data collection was made in Sweden during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in late spring 2021

Findings

Significant differences are found in beliefs held by landlords and retail trade tenants in four out of seven-factor: regional growth, e-commerce, customer focus and trust. Landlords rate these factors higher than retailers do. There are also systematic differences between landlords and retailers depending on their education levels on the following factors: rent and vacancies, e-commerce and customer focus. The number of years of experience did not prove to be significant instead differences are found to exist in factors

Research limitations/implications

Not only do traditional factors of importance, such as lease structure, the effect of location, size and anchor or non-anchor tenants, have an effect on negotiated rent levels. Differences in other factors also exist, such as regional growth, e-commerce, customer focus and trust factors that may play an important role in the negation of retail rent.

Practical implications

The findings provide new insights into the different views on factors that affect rent negotiations between landlords and retail tenants. Knowledge of such differences may increase the overall transparency in the negotiation process. Transparency may be increased by putting forward information on these factors before a negotiation takes place, in order to smooth differences in their beliefs.

Social implications

If transparency in the negotiation process of retail rent increases, time to reach an agreement, stress and anxiety can be reduced by putting forward information on factors where differences exist between landlords and retailers

Originality/value

New insights on retail rent negotiation have been put forward in this research paper. Not only do traditional factors such as lease structure matters, but subjective beliefs on factors such as regional growth and the level of education are also important, as this study has shown using a factors analysis approach.
Lying in online social networks: a bug or a feature
Authors: Maddah Mahed , Esmaeilzadeh Pouyan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Online social networks can bridge the gap between distant individuals by simulating online experiences that closely resemble physical interactions. While people have positive experiences, such as joy, in a physical relationship and would like to enjoy those experiences online, they also have negative experiences, such as being subject to a lie. An online social network may allow users to lie to simulate a real-world social group better. However, lying must be prevented on social networks as unethical behavior. Thus, this study aims to investigate an ethical dilemma raised due to the two abovementioned perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines different aspects of lying in social networks, using a comprehensive descriptive literature review approach and a classification scheme.

Findings

Contrary to their initial intent, social networks are disrupting the traditional notion of human interaction, either by disregarding the presence of dishonesty or by attempting to regulate relationships. In this research, the authors examine the challenges of these two perspectives by identifying enablers, consequences and control measures of lying on social networks at the individual, social and technological levels. The authors also develop a framework to facilitate investigating this dilemma.

Originality/value

This paper examines a controversial topic. Although lying is unethical, allowing users to lie may be considered an appealing feature of social network platforms. This paper offers a framework to propose several research directions for future studies. This study’s examination focuses on the challenges associated with deception on social networks, prompting the formulation of three crucial questions regarding the potential impact of technology on such behavior.
Current state and future directions of green and sustainable finance: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Naeem Muhammad Abubakr , Karim Sitara , Rabbani Mustafa Raza , Bashar Abu , Kumar Satish
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Growing attention of policymakers, governments and regulation authorities towards climate change and global warming has spurred the extensive need to carefully examine the current practices of green and sustainable finance. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis on the current state and future directions of green and sustainable finance through bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

For extensive bibliometric analysis, the study comprises 1,413 documents published in peer-reviewed journals indexed in the SCOPUS database for the period ranging from 1990 to 2021.

Findings

The authors find that there are mainly three key areas of green and sustainable finance, which are largely addressed by the scholars following the given time. The key areas include socially responsible investments, green finance and climate finance that are in line with the previous studies and existing trends and practices prevailing in the business and corporate world.

Practical implications

The findings are important for policymakers, regulatory bodies, upcoming scholars, environmentalists and investors as findings of the study provide an effective framework for adopting sustainable strategies, to trade-off between profits and environmental hazards and to generate value from the green avenues of research and practice.

Originality/value

The study offers novel contributions to the existing literature in terms of comprehensively providing evidence of the current practices of green and sustainable finance. Meanwhile, significant implications for the prospective audience further refine the contribution of research.
Whose normal is the new normal anyway? A critical leadership appraisal of university administrators in a waning pandemic
Authors: Spector Bert
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose is to offer a critique of the process of decision-making by top university administrators and to analyze how their decisions imposed their preferences and expanded administrative control.

Design/methodology/approach

In the fall of 2021, the top administrators at Boston-based Northeastern University required that all members of the university community return to fully on-campus face-to-face work. That decision involved a return to what was labeled “normal operations” and followed a year-and-a-half of adjustments to the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on that case example, the analysis then ranges backward and forward in time. Other decisions – by Northeastern University leaders as well as leaders at other schools – are considered as well.

Findings

Leaders impose labels on complex contingencies as a way of constructing meaning. No label is objectively true or indisputable. In the hands of individuals who possess hierarchical power and authority, the application of a label such as “new normal” represents an exercise of power. Through an exploration and analysis of the underlying, unspoken, assumptions behind the application of the “new normal” label, the article suggests how the interests of university leaders were being advanced.

Research limitations/implications

Because of its reliance on labeling, the paper focuses mainly on the words of administrators – at Northeastern University and elsewhere – that are called upon to explain/justify decisions. The multiplicity of interests forwarded by the “new normal” label are explored. No attempt is made – nor would it be possible – to understand what was in the hearts and minds of these administrators.

Practical implications

The article makes a case that any and all pronouncements of leaders should be understood as assertions of power and statements of interests. The practical impact is to suggest a critical analysis to be applied to all such pronouncements.

Social implications

The approach taken in this article is situated within post-modernist analysis that critiques dominant narratives, disputes epistemological certainty and ontological objectivity and takes cognizance of coded messages contained in language.

Originality/value

Everyone has been through a traumatic period of time with the pandemic. The author has focused on a specific community – university administrators and tenure/tenure track faculty – as a window to help explain how decision-makers shaped their response. The author wants to emphasize the labels imposed by leaders and the assumptions behind the application of those labels.
Accessibility and smart tourism: tourism for all and reducing inequalities: a tourism agenda 2030
Authors: Arbidane Iluta , Puzule Anita , Znotina Daina , Narkuniene Ramute , Daubariene Jurgita
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study analyses the role of tourism in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as the need to integrate sustainability into tourism policies, which contribute to the development and accessibility of technologies and the quality of society.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews the accessibility of the tourism industry and the expansion of smart tourism in terms of sustainability, reviewing a wide range of research papers and analysing the concepts, findings and approaches suggested by scientists from various countries, as well as examples from the Baltic States.

Findings

The results reveal that the tourism industry is capable of adapting to changing conditions in modern society in a short enough period, thus contributing to the expansion of smart tourism and their active implementation at tourist attractions. In view of the goals set by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the accessibility of tourist attractions to various social groups should be provided through cooperation between public and private organizations.

Originality/value

This study explores the accessibility of tourism attractions and the development of smart tourism in the context of sustainability. Further, the article analyses some best practice examples from the Baltic States, which underpin the adaptation of the tourism industry to the changing conditions, as well as indicating the adaptation of the industry to the demands of modern society.
Generation time and seasonal migration explain variation in spatial population synchrony across European bird species
Authors: Martin Ellen C. , Hansen Brage Bremset , Lee Aline Magdalena , Herfindal Ivar
Published: July 2023

Spatial population synchrony is common among populations of the same species and is an important predictor of extinction risk. Despite the potential consequences for metapopulation persistence, we still largely lack understanding of what makes one species more likely to be synchronized than another given the same environmental conditions.

Generally, environmental conditions in a shared environment or a species' sensitivity to the environment can explain the extent of synchrony. Populations that are closer together experience more similar fluctuations in their environments than those populations that are further apart and are therefore more synchronized. The relative importance of environmental and demographic stochasticity for population dynamics is strongly linked to species' life‐history traits, such as pace of life, which may impact population synchrony. For populations that migrate, there may be multiple environmental conditions at different locations driving synchrony. However, the importance of life history and migration tactics in determining patterns of spatial population synchrony have rarely been explored empirically. We therefore hypothesize that increasing generation time, a proxy for pace of life, would decrease spatial population synchrony and that migrants would be less synchronized than resident species.

We used population abundance data on breeding birds from four countries to investigate patterns of spatial population synchrony in growth rate and abundance. We calculated the mean spatial population synchrony between log‐transformed population growth rates or log‐transformed abundances for each species and country separately. We investigated differences in synchrony across generation times in resident (n = 67), short‐distance migrant (n = 86) and long‐distance migrant (n = 39) bird species.

Species with shorter generation times were more synchronized than species with longer generation times. Short‐distance migrants were more synchronized than long‐distance migrants and resident birds.

Our results provide novel empirical links between spatial population synchrony and species traits known to be of key importance for population dynamics, generation time and migration tactics. We show how these different mechanisms can be combined to understand species‐specific causes of spatial population synchrony. Understanding these specific drivers of spatial population synchrony is important in the face of increasingly severe threats to biodiversity and could be key for successful future conservation outcomes.
The paradoxical role of social class background in the educational and labour market outcomes of the children of immigrants in the UK
Authors: Zuccotti Carolina V. , Platt Lucinda
Published: July 2023

Despite predominantly lower social class origins, the second generation of established immigrant groups in the UK are now attaining high levels of education. However, they continue to experience poorer labour market outcomes than the majority population. These worse outcomes are often attributed in part to their disadvantaged origins, which do not, by contrast, appear to constrain their educational success. This paper engages with this paradox. We discuss potential mechanisms for second‐generation educational success and how far we might expect these to be replicated in labour market outcomes. We substantiate our discussion with new empirical analysis. Drawing on a unique longitudinal study of England and Wales spanning 40 years and encompassing one per cent of the population, we present evidence on the educational and labour market outcomes of the second generation of four groups of immigrants and the white British majority, controlling for multiple measures of social origins. We demonstrate that second‐generation men and women's educational advantage is only partially reflected in the labour market. We reflect on the implications of our findings for future research.
Higher free testosterone in the third trimester was associated with lower abdominal circumference at birth in boys: Odense child cohort
Authors: Palm Camilla V. B. , Dreyer Anja F. , Boye Henriette , Jørgensen Jan S. , Wu Chunsen , Højsager Frederik D. , Jensen Tina K. , Glintborg Dorte , Andersen Marianne S.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate associations between maternal testosterone status and offspring birth anthropometrics.

Design

Population‐based prospective cohort study.

Setting

University Hospital.

Population

1486 mother–child dyads from Odense Child Cohort.

Methods

Maternal blood samples were collected at gestational weeks 27–30 and free testosterone (FT) levels were calculated using the Vermeulen equation from total testosterone (TT) analysed by mass spectrometry and sex hormone binding globulin. Associations between FT or TT levels and birth anthropometrics were analysed with multiple linear regression models according to offspring sex with adjustment for maternal age, parity, smoking and educational level. Analyses were repeated with polycystic ovary syndrome as exposure for offspring birth anthropometrics.

Main outcome measures

Offspring birth weight (BW), birth length, abdominal and head circumferences.

Results

Maternal mean (SD) age was 30.2 (4.5) years and pre‐pregnancy body mass index was 23.5 (5.3) kg/m2. In boys (n = 787), higher FT was associated with lower birth weight (adjusted doubling constant = −65.53, P = 0.010), shorter birth length (adjusted doubling constant = −0.43, P < 0.001), and lower abdominal circumference (adjusted doubling constant = −0.39, P < 0.001); Higher TT was associated with lower abdominal circumference (adjusted doubling constant = −0.25, P = 0.028). In girls, no associations were found between maternal FT or TT and offspring anthropometrics.

Conclusions

Higher maternal free testosterone exposure was linked to reduced birth weight, length and abdominal circumference in boys, whereas girls were not susceptible to maternal testosterone exposure.
Corporate social responsibility disclosure, dividend payments and firm value – Relations and mediating effects
Authors: de Villiers Charl , Ma Diandian , Marques Ana
Published: July 2023

We examine the relations between corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures, dividend payments and firm value. We use an international sample and measure CSR disclosures based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) disclosure levels, which we divide into two parts (unexpected and expected disclosures). We find three main results. First, firms with higher levels of unexpected CSR disclosure pay higher dividends, and this association is attributable to firms where unexpected CSR disclosure is aligned with CSR performance. Second, only the unexpected part of CSR disclosures is positively associated with share prices. Third, this positive association is fully mediated by dividends.
Cultural diversity and Indigenous participation on Australian corporate boards: Harder but better decisions
Authors: Weerasinghe Ashesha , Chapple Larelle (Ellie) , Williamson Alexandra
Published: July 2023

This study explores Indigenous Australians' participation on corporate boards. We confirm the significant under‐representation of Indigenous Australians on corporate boards. Using data collected from semi‐structured interviews with business leaders, we explore their perceptions of cultural diversity and pathways to directorships provided by corporate Australia for Indigenous Australians. Australian business leaders perceive the importance of cultural diversity (particularly in terms of its myriad benefits such as enhanced decision making), acknowledge the problem of limited diversity, and provide insights to improve diversity. Key pathways for Indigenous Australians include skills and experience, education and training, reputation, networking and organisational support.
Spheroid formation induces chemokine production in trophoblast‐derived Swan71 cells
Authors: Kanda Tatsuhito , Kagami Kyosuke , Iizuka Takashi , Kasama Haruki , Matsumoto Takeo , Sakai Yuya , Suzuki Takuma , Yamamoto Megumi , Matsuoka Ayumi , Yamazaki Rena , Hattori Akira , Horie Akihito , Daikoku Takiko , Ono Masanori , Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: July 2023

Problem

In the cell column of anchoring villi, the cytotrophoblast differentiates into extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and invades the endometrium in contact with maternal immune cells. Recently, chemokines were proposed to regulate the decidual immune response. To investigate the roles of chemokines around the anchoring villi, we examined the expression profiles of chemokines in the first‐trimester trophoblast‐derived Swan71 cells using a three‐dimensional culture model.

Method of Study

The gene expressions in the spheroid‐formed Swan71 cells were examined by microarray and qPCR analyses. The protein expressions were examined by immunochemical staining. The chemoattractant effects of spheroid‐formed Swan71 cells were examined by migration assay using monocyte‐derived THP‐1 cells.

Results

The expressions of an EVT marker, laeverin, and matrix metalloproteases, MMP2 and MMP9, were increased in the spheroid‐cultured Swan71 cells. Microarray and qPCR analysis revealed that mRNA expressions of various chemokines, CCL2, CCL7, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL8, and CXCL10, in the spheroid‐cultured Swan71 cells were up‐regulated as compared with those in the monolayer‐cultured Swan71 cells. These expressions were significantly suppressed by hypoxia. Migration assay showed that culture media derived from the spheroid‐formed Swan71 cells promoted THP‐1 cell migration.

Conclusion

This study indicated that chemokine expressions in Swan71 cells increase under a spheroid‐forming culture and the culture media have chemoattractant effects. Since three‐dimensional cell assembling in the spheroid resembles the structure of the cell column, this study also suggests that chemokines play important roles in the interaction between EVT and immune cells in their early differentiation stage.
Standardization of clinical outcomes used in allergen immunotherapy in allergic asthma: An EAACI position paper
Authors: Kappen Jasper , Diamant Zuzana , Agache Ioana , Bonini Matteo , Bousquet Jean , Canonica G. Walter , Durham Stephen R. , Guibas George V. , Hamelmann Eckard , Jutel Marek , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Roberts Graham , Shamji Mohamed H. , Zieglmayer Petra , Gerth van Wijk Roy , Pfaar Oliver
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In allergic asthma patients, one of the more common phenotypes might benefit from allergen immunotherapy (AIT) as add‐on intervention to pharmacological treatment. AIT is a treatment with disease‐modifying modalities, the evidence for efficacy is based on controlled clinical trials following standardized endpoint measures. However, so far there is a lack of a consensus for asthma endpoints in AIT trials. The aim of a task force (TF) of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is evaluating several outcome measures for AIT in allergic asthma.

Methods

The following domains of outcome measures in asthmatic patients have been evaluated for this position paper (PP): (i) exacerbation rate, (ii) lung function, (iii) ICS withdrawal, (iv) symptoms and rescue medication use, (v) questionnaires (PROMS), (vi) bronchial/nasal provocation, (vii) allergen exposure chambers (AEC) and (viii) biomarkers.

Results

Exacerbation rate can be used as a reliable objective primary outcome; however, there is limited evidence due to different definitions of exacerbation. The time after ICS withdrawal to first exacerbation is considered a primary outcome measure. Besides, the advantages and disadvantages and clinical implications of further domains of asthma endpoints in AIT trials are elaborated in this PP.

Conclusion

This EAACI‐PP aims to highlight important aspects of current asthma measures by critically evaluating their applicability for controlled trials of AIT.
Comrades and spies
Authors: Hrešanová Ema
Published: July 2023

When Czechs consider their involvement in the global colonial system, they usually imagine themselves as the victims of Soviet imperial power. This is the case among those Czech anthropologists whose research under state socialism was tightly circumscribed. But focusing on this history alone enables Czech scholars to obscure their nation's participation in “colonialism without colonies” and to maintain presumptions of “colonial innocence.” In fact, Czechs themselves imposed internal colonialism on the Roma and on people living in the country's sub‐Carpathian region. Some Czech scholars are increasingly reflecting on Czech colonialism, but others still perceive the decoloniality debate as a Western import in the postsocialist era. Nonetheless, anthropology's decolonizing projects may offer ways forward, helping us understand how Cold War imaginaries persist in academia.
Racial Capitalism, Political Reproduction, and the Commons: Insights from Migrant Solidarity Politics in Glasgow
Authors: Santamarina Ana
Published: July 2023

This paper foregrounds the centrality of reproductive politics in constituting the spaces of migrant activism. Addressing social reproductive issues as racial issues, it exposes how “premature death” and questions of survival shape migrants’ lives throughout the uneven geographies of racial capitalism. Drawing on the political experiences of the “No Evictions Network”—a migrant and activist‐led group campaigning for asylum seekers’ rights in Glasgow (Scotland)—the paper suggests the concept of “political reproduction”, grasping the interchange between care, trust, empowerment, political subjectivation, and the overcoming of barriers towards political action that take place within spaces of migrant activism. Building upon migrant voices and Black and Brown histories of organising, the paper explores the racialised, gendered, and classed character of reproductive activist labour in these spaces, evidencing the ways the notion of “political reproduction” breaks racialised and gendered constructions of political work.