bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of tumor-initiating cells and glioma-initiating cells from fetal neural stem cells through p53 genome editing
Authors: Ohtsu Naoki
Published: February 2022

The elucidation of the properties of malignant glioma and development of therapeutic methods require model cells with characteristics such as invasiveness, multinuclearity, and ability for mitosis. A previous study has shown that overexpression of active HRas (HRasL61) in neural stem/progenitor cells isolated from fetal telencephalic neuroepithelial cells with homozygous deletion of the p53 locus forms glioma-initiating cells (GICs). The orthotopically transplantation of 10 cells into the forebrain of immunodeficient mice, resulted in the development of glioblastoma multiforme-like malignant brain tumors. In this study, GICs were induced from wild-type fetal neural stem/progenitor cells. Through forced expression of CRISPR-associated protein 9 together with a guide RNA that recognizes the p53 gene, neural stem/progenitor cells containing p53 knockout cells were obtained. Furthermore, HRasL61 was forced-expressed and transplanted into the immunodeficient mice. These cells were tumor-initiating cells (TICs) with tumorigenicity in the brain. However, no invasiveness to the brain was observed. The p53 homozygous-deleted cells obtained through single-cell cloning from TICs were GICs, forming glioblastoma multiforme-like tumors. The induced GICs strongly expressed the GIC marker. These results indicate that GICs can be induced through genetic recombination using genome editing. This study suggests that the use of genome editing may lead to the elucidation of the oncogenic mechanisms of human cells that cannot delete genes.
An association test of the spatial distribution of rare missense variants within protein structures identifies Alzheimer's disease–related patterns
Authors: Jin Bowen , Capra John A. , Benchek Penelope , Wheeler Nicholas , Naj Adam C. , Hamilton-Nelson Kara L. , Farrell John J. , Leung Yuk Yee , Kunkle Brian , Vadarajan Badri , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Mayeux Richard , Wang Li-San , Farrer Lindsay A. , Pericak-Vance Margaret A. , Martin Eden R. , Haines Jonathan L. , Crawford Dana C. , Bush William S.
Published: February 2022

More than 90% of genetic variants are rare in most modern sequencing studies, such as the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP) whole-exome sequencing (WES) data. Furthermore, 54% of the rare variants in ADSP WES are singletons. However, both single variant and unit-based tests are limited in their statistical power to detect an association between rare variants and phenotypes. To best use missense rare variants and investigate their biological effect, we examine their association with phenotypes in the context of protein structures. We developed a protein structure–based approach, protein optimized kernel evaluation of missense nucleotides (POKEMON), which evaluates rare missense variants based on their spatial distribution within a protein rather than their allele frequency. The hypothesis behind this test is that the three-dimensional spatial distribution of variants within a protein structure provides functional context to power an association test. POKEMON identified three candidate genes (TREM2, SORL1, and EXOC3L4) and another suggestive gene from the ADSP WES data. For TREM2 and SORL1, two known Alzheimer's disease (AD) genes, the signal from the spatial cluster is stable even if we exclude known AD risk variants, indicating the presence of additional low-frequency risk variants within these genes. EXOC3L4 is a novel AD risk gene that has a cluster of variants primarily shared by case subjects around the Sec6 domain. This cluster is also validated in an independent replication data set and a validation data set with a larger sample size.
Structural investigation of a pyrano-1,3-oxazine derivative and the phenanthridinone core moiety against BRD2 bromodomains
Authors: Arole Aishwarya H. , Deshmukh Prashant , Sridhar Ashok , Padmanabhan Balasundaram
Published: February 2022

The BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal) family of proteins recognize the acetylated histone code on chromatin and play important roles in transcriptional co-regulation. BRD2 and BRD4, which belong to the BET family, are promising drug targets for the management of chronic diseases. The discovery of new scaffold molecules, a pyrano-1,3-oxazine derivative (NSC 328111; NS5) and phenanthridinone-based derivatives (L10 and its core moiety L10a), as inhibitors of BRD2 bromodomains BD1 and BD2, respectively, has recently been reported. The compound NS5 has a significant inhibitory effect on BRD2 in glioblastoma. Here, the crystal structure of BRD2 BD2 in complex with NS5, refined to 2.0 Å resolution, is reported. Moreover, as the previously reported crystal structures of the BD1–NS5 complex and the BD2–L10a complex possess moderate electron density corresponding to the respective ligands, the crystal structures of these complexes were re-evaluated using new X-ray data. Together with biochemical studies using wild-type BRD2 BD1 and BD2 and various mutants, it is confirmed that the pyrano-1,3-oxazine and phenanthridinone derivatives are indeed potent inhibitors of BRD2 bromodomains.
Dynamic performance development of entrepreneurial ecosystem in the agricultural sector
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Mahnaz , Samadi Foroushani Marzieh , Sadraei Razieh
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The study aims to identify the dynamic complexities and development points of the entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) in the agricultural sector of Iran to improve production factors' productivity, including arable land, water resources and human capital.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the EE of the agricultural sector in Iran was designed following Isenberg's framework. Then, the main variables and interrelationships of the variables in each context of the ecosystem, called subsystems, were formulated using the system dynamics (SD) approach. Next, the model was simulated and validated. Afterward, different policy options were identified, embedded into the model structure and simulated. Finally, the best policy group was selected.

Findings

According to Isenberg's EE model, three groups of policies were identified and evaluated, including “entrepreneurship development financing and investment policy,” “agricultural ecosystem's supportive services development policy” and “production factors productivity development policy.” According to the simulation results, the best combination of the solution strategies was recognized. The presented SD-EE model has a generic nature in the agricultural sector and could be modified to be applied in different regions for policy-making purposes.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the study is twofold. First, Isenberg's EE framework is applied to structure the main subsystems and interrelationships of the subsystems in the agricultural sector that has previously received limited attention. Second, the research is the first to operationalize the basic theory of Isenberg's EE in practice applying a robust systemic modeling methodology like SD.
Current status of research support services in university libraries of Pakistan
Authors: Awan Muhammad Hanif , Richardson Joanna , Ahmed Shamshad
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Research support services (RSS) is an emerging and popular area in university libraries, whose increasing importance has been well documented since the early 2010s. This study aims to identify the status of RSS provided in the university libraries of Pakistan and to compare the results with relevant international studies. The research also reports on the perception of librarians regarding the application of RSS in Pakistani university libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative survey was conducted of the chief librarians/head librarians working in the 175 university libraries of Pakistan. A structured questionnaire was designed and pre-tested with national and international research experts, faculty members and library professionals. SPSS was used to calculate descriptive statistics. Results of the study were compared with previous literature from an international perspective.

Findings

Results of the study indicated that most of the university libraries are providing basic RSS and that they have good collections of both general and subject-specific works to meet the needs of researchers. Most respondents not only were interested in providing RSS but also emphasized that libraries should upgrade their collection to meet researchers’ requirements. However, results of the study also indicated that there was noticeably less support for both the more advanced and newer research support services.

Practical implications

Because the delivery of RSS enables libraries to help meet a university’s strategic research goals, the findings will be of interest to university library and information science executives, policymakers and administration. The suggested recommendations highlight those service areas which are most in need of improvement.

Originality/value

This research provides an updated perspective on the delivery of research support services by university libraries in Pakistan.
An integrated model of BIM return on investment for Australian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Sompolgrunk Apeesada , Banihashemi Saeed , Hosseini M. Reza , Golzad Hamed , Hajirasouli Aso
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The business benefits envisaged for BIM represent the main criteria for decision-making about BIM implementation – or shy away from BIM. Despite the significance, traditional evaluation techniques have difficulty to capture “the true value” of BIM from multiple levels and dimensions – as an effective evaluation method is supposed to. This study aims to identify the significant factors that affect BIM return on investment (ROI), develop an integrated model for companies and examine the influence of intangible returning factors of BIM on the rate of BIM implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

A cluster sampling technique was used; 92 questionnaires completed by Australian architecture, engineering and construction small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) provided the basis to identify and analyse the key measurable returning factors, value drivers and strategic benefits associated with BIM ROI.

Findings

Applying the PLS-SEM technique, findings reveal that a lack of reliable quantification methods for the ROI factors associated with BIM significantly affects the organisation's commitments to implement BIM. In essence, the failure to adequately identify and assess these benefits could result in the system not being appropriately implemented and supported by executive sponsors, who give priority to hard and tangible ROI measurements.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study would be of direct appeal to policymakers, industry professionals and the academic community alike, in providing data-informed insight into the intersection between the implementation of BIM and the concept of ROI. Findings would provide a springboard for further research into using ROI factors to increase BIM implementation. Though the findings are directly applicable and contextualised for Australia, they provide lessons and offer a blueprint for similar studies in other countries and settings. That is, regardless of the context, findings raise awareness and provide a point of reference for the quantification of intangible returning factors rather than the tangible returning factors, as one of the first studies in its kind.

Originality/value

The study provides original insight in drawing attention to an untapped area for research in BIM implementation, namely BIM ROI. Apart from raising awareness around BIM ROI, the study is novel in providing a quantified model that establishes the links and level of impacts of various factors associated with BIM ROI. Findings of this study, particularly add value to the body of knowledge related to the business implications associated with BIM implementation in the context of Australian SMEs, while providing lessons for other countries and settings.
The appropriate leadership styles in times of crisis: a study of women in senior leadership positions in corporate South Africa
Authors: Mashele Winsome , Alagidede Imhotep Paul
Published: February 2022

Purpose

As women increasingly take on leadership roles during these turbulent times, the differences in their leadership styles in comparison to males in similar positions will continue to attract attention as it has in the past. The aim of this paper is to explore appropriate leadership styles that women in senior leadership positions facing the glass cliff have at their disposal.

Design/methodology/approach

This research method was qualitative. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews from a total of 17 participants in corporate South Africa; purposive and snowball sampling was used to select women in senior leadership positions.

Findings

Participants expressed overwhelming support for a transformational leadership style due to its characteristics; however, women leaders believe a style or combination of styles are used based on the situation at hand.

Research limitations/implications

Using only qualitative research has limited the scope and applicability of this study significantly.

Practical implications

The representation of women in senior leadership positions has increased over the years more especially in organisations where there is crisis, attention now is the difference in kind of leadership styles they use.

Originality/value

Very few research studies have gone in-depth into the effectiveness of the leadership styles that were used by women in corporate South Africa. The study, therefore, presents a major implication indicating that to show positive results, women need to be able to identify an appropriate leadership style based on carefully reviewing their specific organisational situation.
Will catering employees’ job dissatisfaction lead to brand sabotage behavior? A study based on conservation of resources and complexity theories
Authors: Peng Jiamin , Yang Xiaoyun , Guan Xinhua , Zhou Lian , Huan Tzung-Cheng
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Integrating conservation of resources (COR) and complexity theories, this study aims to develop and assess a research model of the relationship between job dissatisfaction and brand sabotage behavior (BSB) based on the moderating mechanism of psychological resources (i.e. brand-based role identity and relational energy). The interdependence between these influencing factors is analyzed from the perspective of social science holism.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 381 valid questionnaires were collected from frontliners serving in full-service restaurants in Guangzhou, China. Regression analysis was used to test the research hypotheses and combined with fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to identify the complex triggering mechanism of BSB.

Findings

Job dissatisfaction is positively related to BSB, brand-based role identity internalization and relational energy weaken this effect, whereas brand-based role identity compliance strengthens it. Qualitative comparative analysis shows that a single condition does not constitute a necessary condition for BSB. The interdependence of job dissatisfaction and employee psychological resources forms multiple asymmetric paths that trigger high and low BSB.

Practical implications

The findings can be used by catering organizations as guidelines for conducting training for brand internalization, formulating strategies to avoid BSB among employees and strengthening brand building.

Originality/value

This study is the first to integrate COR and complexity theories to comprehensively analyze how BSB is formed among dissatisfied employees. The authors advance theory by distinguishing the role of brand psychological resources (i.e. brand-based role identity) and psychological resources obtained from the environment (i.e. relational energy) in stimulating or buffering dissatisfied employees to engage in BSB.
An exploratory study of workers in the residential aged care sector of New Zealand: what drives them to stay or leave?
Authors: Garces-Ozanne Arlene , Carlos Ma. Reinaruth
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study analyses the different factors contributing to the retention and turnover of local- and overseas-born workers in the elderly care sector as an integral part of ensuring a stable workforce and quality care for the growing elderly population.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a respondent-driven sampling method, a sample of individuals who worked or are working in residential aged care facilities in Dunedin, New Zealand were surveyed.

Findings

The factors associated with intention to stay or leave are not necessarily the same factors influencing workers to leave.

Practical implications

Policies need to consider how to make workers want to stay and address the issues that make workers leave the aged care sector.

Social implications

Results of this study can be used to develop more relevant labour and migration policies that reflect a more grounded insight into the experiences of those who are directly and personally affected by these policies.

Originality/value

There are limited international or national empirical studies on the economics of care worker migration and the labour market. This study can provide practical policy advice to help improve recruitment and retention strategies for care workers in countries dependent on global labour markets for health workers. In New Zealand, changes in policies concerning remuneration and immigration highlight the importance of ensuring that care worker needs are met both financially and in terms of institutional support.
Effect of high-temperature thermal action on the film-forming properties of a lithium grease
Authors: Pan Jiabao , Wu Huaibiao , Wang Ao , Dai Qingwen , Wang Xiaolei
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of high-temperature thermal action on grease performance from the angle of film-forming performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A static thermal aging method was used to prepare high-temperature thermal grease samples after high-temperature thermal action. On the basis of optical interference technology, the film-forming characteristics of fresh grease samples and the grease samples after high-temperature thermal action under variable speed and fixed speed conditions were explored.

Findings

The decrease in the structural entanglement performance of the grease after short-term high-temperature thermal action makes its film-forming performance better. The mechanism is that the lubricating grease soap fiber entanglement is reduced. Although the continuous high-temperature thermal action can make the grease film-forming performance better, its mechanism is that the soap fiber structure caused by high-temperature thermal action is damaged and is easy to be cut off under the action of shear.

Originality/value

The effect of structural system change on its film formation performance was discussed in combination with the change in grease structure characteristics, and the mechanism of action was revealed.
Developing responsible consumption behaviours through social media platforms: sustainable brand practices as message cues
Authors: Sarkar Juhi Gahlot , Sarkar Abhigyan , Sreejesh S.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the underlying antecedents and psychological mechanisms through which brand's communication of sustainable business practices in social media influences consumers' responsible consumption behaviour and brand relationship outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using two surveys, from a sample of WhatsApp users (N = 632), and a sample of Facebook users (N = 471), and were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling.

Findings

The results suggest that systematic and heuristic processing of message cues about sustainable business practices communicated by the brand through online social networks influence consumers' perceptions of brand warmth and competence. These perceptions, in turn, direct consumers' responsible consumption behaviours and strengthen brand relationships. The impact of these cues is moderated by consumers' perception of the brand's motives for engaging in sustainable business practices.

Originality/value

The study insights can help brand managers to enhance consumers' brand-related perceptions, responsible consumption and consumer-brand relationships.
How short-form video features influence addiction behavior? Empirical research from the opponent process theory perspective
Authors: Tian Xiaoxu , Bi Xinhua , Chen Hao
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Considering the popularity and addictive attributes of short-form videos, this study aims to determine mechanisms by which short-form video features affect addiction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts empirical research using data collected from 382 Chinese TikTok users. Based on the stimulus–organism–response framework, the research model was constructed from the opponent process theory (OPT) perspective through features and emotional elements.

Findings

The results show that short-form video features influence addiction by activating users' perceived enjoyment and feeling of withdrawal. Based on the positive and negative reinforcement of the OPT, users must repeatedly interact with short-form videos to maintain positive emotions or reduce negative emotions. Eventually, this practice will lead to addiction. Additionally, users' procrastination moderates the relationship between feeling of withdrawal and addiction.

Originality/value

This study discussed how features influence addiction through opponent emotions on short-form video from the OPT perspective, enriching scholars' research on social media addiction. Furthermore, this study examined the moderating effects of procrastination and identifies unique features of short-form videos.
The construction of consumer dynamic trust in cross-border online shopping – qualitative research based on Tmall Global, JD Worldwide and NetEase Koala
Authors: Wang Xuhui , Zhao Bo , Chen Jiaqi
Published: February 2022

Purpose

As Chinese imported cross-border e-commerce has entered a stage of rapid development, the problem of consumer shopping risk is increasingly prominent and the crisis of consumer trust is intensified. The theory of establishing consumer trust in traditional online shopping can no longer meet the need of cross-border context.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers used the methods of network logs and grounded theory. The data collection and analysis are conducted on consumer comments from Tmall Global, NetEase Koala and JD Worldwide in the product comment area. This article explored and extracted the moderating variables of consumer perceived risk and cross-border characteristics in cross-border e-commerce. Based on the theory of “perceived risk – consumer trust – consumer purchase decision – making,” this article deduced mechanism of consumer dynamic trust based on the whole process of cross-border e-commerce transaction.

Findings

In the prepurchase, purchase and postpurchase stages of cross-border e-commerce transactions, consumers' perceived cognitive risk, transaction risk and utility risk are moderated by the cultural distance, geographical distance and institutional distance caused by the cross-border transaction subjects. On this basis, the preinfluence factors of trust in each transaction stage are synthesized to respectively influence the establishment of cognitive trust, emotional trust and behavioral trust, so as to affect consumers to make the order payment, confirm receipt and praise repurchase decisions. At the same time, with the advance of prepurchase, purchase and postpurchase transactions in cross-border online shopping, consumer trust presents a dynamic evolutionary path of “cognitive trust – emotional trust – behavioral trust.”

Originality/value

This article expands the application context of the theory of consumer rational behavior from traditional online shopping to the context of cross-border online shopping and expands the scope of interpretation of the theory of consumer rational behavior. This article also supplements the theoretical gaps in the dynamic evolution of consumer trust in cross-border online shopping, enriches the decision-making process model of consumers in the context of cross-border online shopping and provides new ideas for follow-up research.
College students' Twitter usage and psychological well-being from the perspective of generalised trust: comparing changes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ye Shaoyu , Ho Kevin K.W.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study investigated the relationship between generalised trust and psychological well-being in college students, considering the social support obtained from their social networks via Twitter and face-to-face (FTF) interactions. Initially, the authors planned to collect data at the beginning of the first semester in 2019 for fine-tuning the model as a pilot study, and in 2020 for the main study. However, due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the data helped authors to analyse changes in young people's psychological situation before and during the pandemic in Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted a self-report survey targeting college students in the Kanto region in Japan. Data were collected from mid-May to the end of June 2019, as well as in early to mid-June 2020, with 304 and 584 responses, respectively. The collected data were analysed using structural equation modelling and a multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The findings using the 2019 data set indicated that (a) students mostly used Twitter for information gathering and sharing of hobbies, and they received both informatics and emotional support from Twitter, and from FTF interactions; (b) there were direct positive effects of generalised trust and social skills on their psychological well-being; and (c) students with lower levels of generalised trust tended to interact with very intimate individuals using Twitter to obtain social support, which did not have any effects on their improvement of psychological well-being. From the 2020 data set, the authors also found that, like 2019, generalised trust and social skills had direct effects on the improvement of psychological well-being. Additionally, we observed that students spent more time using Twitter and received more emotional support from it, as most people tried not to meet other people in person due to the first State of Emergency in Japan. Similarly, the authors found that in 2019, only social support from very intimate partners via FTF communication had slightly significant effects on improving their psychological well-being, whereas in 2020, their expectation for social networks via FTF had decreased their levels of psychological well-being, but their social support from Twitter had slightly significant effects on their improvement of psychological well-being. One of the main reasons for this might be due to the challenge of meeting with others in person, and therefore, social support from Twitter partially played a role that traditionally was only beneficial through FTF communication.

Originality/value

We understand that this is one of the few social psychological studies on social media that collected data both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides unique evidence in demonstrating how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed college students communication behaviours.
Disposal of government offices in Jakarta pending relocation of the Indonesian capital: an application of multi-criteria analysis
Authors: Bonita Raut , Wadley David
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This article develops a viable means of assessment of the suitability for disposal of hundreds of national government offices in Jakarta as a facet of the relocation of Indonesia's capital from Java to Borneo.

Design/methodology/approach

A “disposal assessment model”, based on multi-criteria analysis (MCA) and a bespoke model of office adaptation, is constructed and applied to the population of to-be-vacated public office buildings in Jakarta.

Findings

In this initial demonstration mode, the disposal assessment model is tested on a live dataset and found able not only to rank buildings for disposal against stated objectives but also to incorporate more complex variables and lead into other forms of business analysis.

Practical implications

A fit-for-purpose model is shown capable of assisting decision-makers involved in major asset disposal, while also accounting for the stances of project stakeholders.

Social implications

The model offers the possibility to evaluate and, likely, optimise net social benefit for Jakarta and Indonesia both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Originality/value

The disposal assessment model builds on prior work in operations research and property management to develop a new construct applicable to a novel asset issue of massive proportions.
Informal learning and career identity formation: the mediating role of work engagement
Authors: Ali Abadi Hossein , Coetzer Alan , Roxas Hernan ‘Banjo' , Pishdar Mahsa
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The aim of the study is to extend prior research on career identity formation by investigating whether individuals' participation in informal workplace learning activities positively relates to career identity. The study also examines whether work engagement significantly mediates the participation in informal learning and career identity relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from a survey of 313 individuals in Iran, the study developed and tested measurement and structural models and employed partial least squares structural equation modelling to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings suggest that work engagement substantially mediates the positive relationship between participation in informal learning and career identity. Furthermore, the learning potential of the workplace and the propensities of individuals to actively approach situations that provide them with opportunities to learn and seek feedback on their performance have positive although varying relations with levels of participation in informal learning.

Practical implications

Human resource management and career management specialists must be cognisant of the central role that employee participation in informal learning plays in strengthening their work engagement and career identity. Learning and development specialists should seek to create conditions in the work environment that are favourable to informal learning and work engagement.

Originality/value

Although the role of formal development programmes in career identity formation is well documented, studies that examine links between participation in informal learning activities and career identity are very rare. Furthermore, there are no known studies that examine the potential mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between participation in informal learning activities and career identity.
Cryptocurrencies’ hashrate and electricity consumption: evidence from mining activities
Authors: Schinckus Christophe , Nguyen Canh Phuc , Chong Felicia Hui Ling
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Given the growing importance of cryptocurrencies and the technique called “SegWit” that allows to compile more transactions in a mined block, the electricity consumed per block might potentially decrease. The purpose of this study is to consider that the difficulty to mine a block might be a better indicator of the Bitcoin\Ether’s electricity consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the vector error correction model to investigate data related to primary energy consumption and electricity production, supply and consumption for Bitcoin and Ether hashrates from 2016M1 to 2021M5.

Findings

The hashrate (difficulty of solving the cryptographic problem related to the validation of a transaction) is found to have a positive cointegration with energy and electricity consumption. Despite the launch of the Segregation Witness (SegWit) mechanism allowing blocks to handle a higher number of transactions per block, this Bitcoin and Ether growing need in electricity has significantly been increasing since October 2019.

Originality/value

The major contribution of this study is to investigate a more relevant indicator, namely, hashrate (computational difficulty to solve cryptographic enigma associated with cryptocurrencies-related transaction). The approach of this study can be justified by the fact that there exists a technical solution consisting in increasing the number of transactions per blocks so that less electricity might be required to validate a transaction.
Familiar worldwide: how PDO products reflect quality in consumers' appraisal and behaviour
Authors: Toma Pierluigi , Manta Francesco , Morrone Domenico , Campobasso Francesco
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The present study focuses on the role of PDO certification in fostering the quality perception of certified-food consumers – highlighting the difference between quality brands and environmental labels. The case study of Mozzarella di Gioia del Colle DOP was taken into consideration to evaluate the opportunity of supporting a food product suitable for all families and promoting it worldwide through a quality certification.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors made a qualitative analysis on local Apulian consumers and, for testing our hypotheses, structural equation models were applied to evaluate the effect of familiarity on the relationships between perceived risk, trust, satisfaction, loyalty, resolution to pay a higher price and intent to purchase a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certified food product.

Findings

The authors observed managerial implications which seek to improve the collaborative network between the subjects employed in the phases of the production process, the stakeholders and the consortia, in order to plan a holistic development territorial strategy. It is useful to start a process of knowledge and evaluation of the benefits of the quality mark in the territory of origin of the PDO food product.

Research limitations/implications

The authors provided theoretical and managerial implications which aim at improving the collaborative network between the subjects employed in the phases of the production process, stakeholders and consortia, in the outlook of territorial development strategies.

Originality/value

According to the analysis of the theoretical background, the opportunity to recognise the origin of a certain product allows the consumer to easily appreciate its intrinsic quality, relating a combination of factors to the territorial matching. It also focuses on the analysis of a different feedback at a local level from consumers, showing a lower intention to pay by consumers living in the same area where the PDO product comes from rather than other food goods.
Real‐world blood examination screening data before initiation of biologics for psoriasis patients
Authors: Ozaki Saeko , Ichiyama Susumu , Ito Michiko , Hoashi Toshihiko , Kanda Naoko , Saeki Hidehisa
Published: February 2022

Psoriasis is a chronic immune‐mediated inflammatory skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation of epidermal keratinocytes. Biologics have been available for the treatment of patients with refractory psoriasis since 2010 in Japan, and as of December 2021, 10 biologics were available. The Biologics Review Committee of the Japanese Dermatological Association for Psoriasis recommends blood examination tests for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), Krebs von den Lugen (KL)‐6, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibodies (HBsAb), hepatitis B core antibodies (HBcAb), hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, HIV antibodies, human T‐cell leukemia virus (HTLV)‐1 antibodies, β‐D‐glucan, and the T‐cell spot (T‐SPOT) test before initiation of biologics at screening. In this study, we evaluated the use of biologics for 127 psoriasis patients and the blood examination screening data before initiation of biologics in the real‐world setting. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, interleukin (IL)‐17 inhibitors and IL‐23 inhibitors were initiated for 54 (42.5%), 36 (28.3%), and 37 (29.1%) patients, respectively. The numbers of patients positive for ANA, HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, HCV antibody, HIV antibody, HTLV‐1 antibody, and T‐SPOT were 27 (21.3%), 0 (0%), 22 (17.3%), 20 (15.7%), three (2.4%), zero (0%), one (0.8%), and 4 (3.1%), respectively. The numbers of patients whose KL‐6 and β‐D‐glucan levels were higher than the reference values were seven (5.5%) and seven (5.5%), respectively. In the real‐world setting, it is sometimes unavoidable to use biologics for those patients with abnormal data although careful monitoring is necessary.
Environmental regulation stringency and foreign direct investment
Authors: Tran Quan , Tran Thao , Vo Duc Hong
Published: February 2022

The effects of environmental regulation stringency on foreign direct investment are noted in the existing literature. However, current literature appears to have ignored the feedback effects from foreign investment to environmental regulation stringency. This feedback effect plays a significant role in designing policies to attract foreign investment to support economic growth and improve environmental quality concurrently. This study examines the feedback effects from foreign investment on environmental regulation stringency using the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) newly developed Environmental Policy Stringency Index for 26 OECD countries for almost three decades since 1990. The key findings from this study to the existing literature are threefold. First, we find that foreign investment affects the environment regulation stringency via lobbying. However, when the number of legislative units in the host countries is large enough, the lobbying effect diminishes, particularly for the larger‐gross domestic product (GDP) and the higher‐per‐capita‐income OECD countries. Second, our empirical results confirm the U‐shaped relationship between manufacturing activities and the environmental regulation stringency. Third, the bilateral relationship between environmental regulation stringency and foreign investment is found, indicating that ignoring foreign investment in designing environmental policies is problematic. Finally, policy implications have emerged based on the findings from this study.
Gamma frequency light flicker regulates amyloid precursor protein trafficking for reducing β‐amyloid load in Alzheimer's disease model
Authors: Shen Qi , Wu Xiaolei , Zhang Zhan , Zhang Di , Yang Sihua , Xing Da
Published: February 2022

Inducing gamma oscillations with non‐invasive light flicker has been reported to impact Alzheimer's disease‐related pathology. However, it is unclear which signaling pathways are involved in reducing amyloid load. Here, we found that gamma frequency light flicker increased anchoring of amyloid precursor protein (APP) to the plasma membrane for non‐amyloidogenic processing, and then physically interacted with KCC2, a neuron‐specific K+‐Cl− cotransporter, suggesting that it is essential to maintain surface GABAA receptor α1 levels and reduce β‐amyloid (Aβ) production. Stimulation with such light flicker limited KCC2 internalization and subsequent degradation via both tyrosine phosphorylation and ubiquitination, leading to an increase in surface‐KCC2 levels. Specifically, PKC‐dependent phosphorylation of APP on a serine residue was induced by gamma frequency light flicker, which was responsible for maintaining plasma membrane levels of full‐length APP, leading to its reduced trafficking to endosomes and inhibiting the β‐secretase cleavage pathway. The activated PKC from the gamma frequency light flicker subsequently phosphorylated serine of KCC2 and stabilized it onto the cell surface, which contributed to the upregulation of surface GABAA receptor α1 levels. Together, these data indicate that enhancement of APP trafficking to the plasma membrane via light flicker plays a critical modulatory role in reduction of Aβ load in Alzheimer's disease.
An Evaluation of Business Model Disclosures in Integrated Reports
Authors: Gutmayer Thomas , Cerbone Dannielle , Maroun Warren
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this paper is to examine companies’ business model disclosures in their integrated reports and to explore the possible determinants of more detailed business model disclosures. Content analysis is used to identify disclosure themes in the integrated reports of 40 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Descriptive statistics are generated for each disclosure theme/item and hypotheses are tested, using non‐parametric testing. The results suggest that financial performance does not have a material effect on how companies explain their business model. This is not the case when it comes to environmental performance as firms with strong environmental performance devote more attention to explaining how financial and non‐financial elements are managed. This is consistent with an emerging body of research which suggests that higher‐quality integrated reporting can be used to lower information asymmetry and reinforce investors’ ability to understand a firm's performance. This paper complements a growing body of work which has considered the determinants of better‐quality environmental or sustainability reporting and answers the call for more research on the factors that may influence the nature and extent of disclosures found in an integrated report.
The identification of gifted underachievement: Validity evidence for the commonly used methods
Authors: Jackson Rahmi Luke , Jung Jae Yup
Published: February 2022

Background

Much confusion exists about the underachievement of gifted students due to significant variations in how the phenomenon has been identified. From a review of the literature, five methods were found to be commonly used to identify gifted underachievement.

Aims

The purpose of the study was to assess the equivalence of the commonly used methods to identify gifted underachievement, and to determine which of these methods may be optimal.

Sample

Data were collected from a school in Sydney, Australia.

Method

Three measures of convergence (i.e., difference in proportions, phi association, and kappa agreement) were used to assess the equivalence of the identification methods, while latent class analysis was used to determine the optimal identification method.

Results

The convergence evidence suggested that the commonly used identification methods may not be considered convergent, while the criterion evidence indicated that one of the five identification methods may have strong levels of criterion validity.

Conclusions

A conclusion was reached that the simple difference method may be the most valid method to identify gifted underachievement.
Best evidence for improving function in children with cerebral palsy: Success is within reach
Authors: Jackman Michelle , Sakzewski Leanne , Morgan Catherine , Boyd Roslyn N. , Brennan Sue E. , Langdon Katherine , Toovey Rachel A. M. , Greaves Susan , Thorley Megan , Novak Iona
Published: February 2022

This letter to the editor is on the Clinical Practice Guide by Jackman et al. on pages 536–549 of this issue.
Perceptions of economic well‐being in the Western Balkans
Authors: Koczan Zsoka
Published: February 2022

Across Emerging Europe, the transition years of the 1990s were characterized by major economic transformation, but also significant disruption and uneven gains. The path of transition in the Western Balkans has, however, been particularly uneven, and dissatisfaction with living standards is especially stark and persistent there. We aim to contribute to the empirical literature on subjective perceptions of economic well‐being by providing insights on which personal characteristics and circumstances are associated with perceptions of relative economic standing and income needs. We find that factors other than spending play a larger role in the Western Balkans than in Central and South‐Eastern Europe: in particular, greater (perceived) income uncertainty and more pessimistic expectations about the future weighed on perceived relative economic standing and could account for some of the observed persistent dissatisfaction.
Dewey's Account of Habit through the Lens of Affect Theory
Authors: Zembylas Michalinos
Published: February 2022

In this essay Michalinos Zembylas attempts to formulate a conceptual framework that enables educators and policymakers to articulate an alternative formulation of habit in education spaces. In particular, he explores how theorizing affect, habit, and social change as entangled may enable a rethinking of the concept of habit and foster new ideas about how to cultivate possibilities of social transformation in schools. For this purpose, Zembylas brings into conversation literatures on John Dewey's account of habit and affect theory; both literatures explore the productive potential of creating new habits of social change that nurture alternative types of affective relations and possibilities for social transformation. Also, the theorization of habit as collective rather than individual is both a potentially radical political move and also one that opens new possibilities for reformulating habit in pedagogy and education policy: specifically, it turns our attention to actions and practices that see change as working through “mind–body–environmental assemblages” and that understand “progress” as an ongoing process of experimentation in the present, rather than an ideal for the distant future.
Rancière's The Ignorant Schoolmaster: Poetic Virtue and the Method of Equality
Authors: McCreary Michael
Published: February 2022

Jacques Rancière's The Ignorant Schoolmaster confronts its reader with an intellectual adventure. In this article, Michael McCreary interrogates why Rancière might have chosen to share Joseph Jacotot's pedagogical ideas with us and how the method in which he casts them might be internal to their teaching. In the first section, McCreary directs his attention to the end of the book, where Rancière chronicles the ways in which Jacotot's educational vision proved difficult to share with his nineteenth‐century contemporaries — both his critics and his supposed disciples. In the second, he suggests that recent interpretations of The Ignorant Schoolmaster by philosophers of education have, in their turn, tended to miss the adventure of Rancière's text in uncannily similar ways. In the third and final section, he returns to the question of what we stand to learn from Jacotot's story by considering how Rancière's text teaches us to read it. To do so McCreary looks at the pedagogical role of literary texts within Jacotot's teaching: Jacotot situates reading these texts as an act of “translation” by which one human intelligence makes itself known to another on the basis of their fundamental equality. McCreary concludes by suggesting some potential avenues for verifying the intelligence of The Ignorant Schoolmaster in a way that does not reduce the imaginative process of verification to a standardized pedagogical model.