bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An unconventional interaction interface between the peroxisomal targeting factor Pex5 and Eci1 enables PTS1 independent import
Authors: Peer Lior , Elad Nadav , Dym Orly , Tirosh Asa , Jacobovitch Jossef , Albeck Shira , Schuldiner Maya , Peleg Yoav , Zalckvar Einat
Published: June 2024

Accurate and regulated protein targeting to organelles is crucial for eukaryotic cellular function and homeostasis. This has driven the evolution of targeting signals on proteins and the targeting factors that recognize them. One example for this is peroxisomal matrix proteins, the majority of which rely on the targeting factor Pex5 to correctly localize and function. While most Pex5 cargos contain a Peroxisomal Targeting Signal type 1 (PTS1), in recent years it has become clear that more binding interfaces exist, and that targeting by Pex5 is more complex than previously thought. Here, we uncover that the matrix protein Eci1 can reach peroxisomes in the absence of its PTS1. By solving the structure of a complex between full length yeast Pex5 and Eci1 using Cryo-Electron Microscopy, we could identify their binding interfaces. This allowed us to map an additional binding interface that is independent of the canonical PTS1-mediated binding site. Our work brings forward a solution to a long-standing mystery regarding Eci1 targeting to peroxisomes. More globally, it demonstrates the intricate and complex nature of organelle targeting and how it has evolved to serve the complex eukaryotic environment.
Transport collaboration network among competitors to improve supply chain antifragility
Authors: Vazquez-Noguerol Mar , Comesaña-Benavides Jose A. , Prado-Prado J. Carlos , Amorim Pedro
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Disruptions are appearing more frequently and having an ever greater impact on supply chains (SC), affecting the vulnerability and sustainability of organisations. Our study proposes an innovative approach to address contemporary challenges by introducing coopetition as a strategic capability. The aim of this study is to enable companies to adapt and thrive by applying a tool that measures and monitors different logistical scenarios to improve performance and antifragility.

Design/methodology/approach

With the aim of jointly planning transport activities of two competing companies, we present a linear programming model that promotes synergies which enhance resource utilisation. To demonstrate the validity of the model, a case study is conducted to measure, monitor and evaluate the results obtained after collaborating on SC activities.

Findings

Current tools to support logistics planning are not effective because they hamper information exchange, cost allocation and performance measurements. Our innovative model optimises collaborative networks (CNs) and monitors economic, environmental and social improvements. The case study shows the reduction of logistics costs (13%), carbon footprint (37%) and the improvement of social antifragility when agility and flexibility emerge.

Originality/value

CNs have become an effective means of enhancing resilience, but there are no empirical contributions to demonstrate how to achieve this. We provide a real case with computational experiments that provide empirical evidence of the effectiveness of the model, which measures, optimises and evaluates SC performance in coopetitive environments. This approach is a guide to researchers and practitioners when creating simulations to reduce risks and facilitate decision-making.
Can metacognition determine employee performance in the context of virtual workspace? An empirical investigation
Authors: Jain Shilpa , Singh Aarushi , Bhalla Ruchi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The pandemic has necessitated employees to work virtually due to mandatory work-from-home setup. Since every employee is not comfortable working online owing to their individual differences which impact performance, thus, it is essential to identify individual characteristics governing performance. As per conventional theories, cognition and metacognition have a significant impact on employee performance, and the key to performance in a collaborative online environment also is metacognition. However, this has been scarcely explored in the context of virtual workspace. This study, therefore, empirically investigates the influence of metacognition and its sub-domains on employees' virtual performance given the challenges they face in a virtual work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The cross-sectional study used a purposive sampling technique for data collection. Data collected from 534 professionals with high and low levels of metacognitive ability is analysed using univariate analysis to ascertain whether metacognitive ability helps employees deal with challenges associated with virtual work environments and perform better.

Findings

Results confirm a significant relationship between the level of metacognitive ability and virtual performance. Further, the findings also confirm the interaction effect of the level of metacognitive ability and challenge of maintaining work and non-work boundaries and the need for the physical presence of team member/s in predicting virtual performance.

Originality/value

This study is the first empirical attempt to examine the linkage between metacognitive ability and performance among professionals in the context of post-pandemic virtual work environment and challenges.
Will metaverse revolutionize retail banking? Understanding user acceptance towards metaverse banking
Authors: Kumar Aman , Shankar Amit
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study examines consumers’ usage intention towards retail metaverse banking. This research also investigated the mediating impact of trust and distrust. This research also examined the moderating impact of perceived security concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, a qualitative study is performed to explore the benefits and sacrifices that may influence usage intention. Further, the quantitative study gathered a total of 308 responses to investigate the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The findings suggest that perceived anthropomorphism and perceived immersion positively impact the usage intention towards retail metaverse banking. Further, lack of social interaction and perceived vulnerability had a negative influence towards retail metaverse banking. Further, trust and distrust were found to be significant mediators. Also, perceived security concern was shown to be a significant moderator.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the metaverse literature and suggests to banks how to enhance usage intention towards retail metaverse banking. The study also enriches the literature on dual-factor theory.
Evolution and trends in retailing: insights from International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management
Authors: Wang Siqi , Cheah Jun-Hwa , Lim Weng Marc , Kumar Satish , Lim Xin-Jean , Towers Neil
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to embark on a bibliometric journey through the International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management (IJR&DM) to delve into its rich repository of applied retailing research.

Design/methodology/approach

626 publications in IJR&DM between 2015 and 2023 have been retrieved from Scopus for performance analysis of the journal’s publication (productivity) and citation (impact) trends as well as a science mapping of the journal’s collaborators (contributors) and major themes (contributions).

Findings

The performance analysis highlights the growth in the productivity and impact of IJR&DM alongside its most cited publications, most prolific contributors, most relied-on journals, as well as the authors, institutions, countries, and journals that the journal has impacted the most. The co-authorship analysis reveals the collaboration (i.e., international with a high concentration in Europe and North America along with an emerging presence in Asia) of IJR&DM. Keyword co-occurrence analysis and bibliographic coupling reveal eight themes. Our exploration revealed close interconnections among various domains including retailing and adaptive strategies, channel strategies, customer experience, market innovations, operations management, relationship marketing, shopping motivation, and sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study delivers a state-of-the-art overview of the retail industry through the scientific contributions from IJR&DM, it remains limited to the insights from a single authoritative source of knowledge on retailing.

Originality/value

No review, to date, has been conducted for IJR&DM. This study provides the inaugural retrospective of the scientific contributions of IJR&DM, outlining publication and citation trends alongside the intellectual structure of its body of knowledge on retailing. Theoretically, this retrospective is pivotal in charting the intellectual growth and thematic nuances inherent in retail research. Practically, this study serves as a guide for practitioners, enabling them to make strategically informed decisions and craft forward-looking strategies in sync with current realities.
Measuring women’s empowerment in organic farming from Odisha: critical reflections on the total observed score of statement-revised scale (TOSS-R)
Authors: Dash Sarthak , Priyadarshini Sugyanta , Dulla Nisrutha , Swain Sukanta Chandra
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the level of empowerment of rural women organic farmers through the Total Observed Score of a Statement-Revised scale (TOSS-R).

Design/methodology/approach

In doing so, exploratory factor analysis is used to investigate the factorial structure of the 8-dimensional TOSS scale. Further, first and second-order confirmatory factor analysis is used to confirm the construct reliability and model adequacy of TOSS-R. The data has been collected from 314 women organic farmers from four selected districts (Nayagarh, Khurda, Boudh, and Ganjam) of Odisha based on 2022 records from the Directorate of Horticulture.

Findings

The results showed that the TOSS-R is showing better model adequacy compared (CMIN/df = 2.031, RMSEA = 0.073, SRMR = 0.064) to the earlier TOSS scale (CMIN/df = 2.697, RMSEA = 0.840, SRMR = 0.096). Further in the analysis of the overall empowerment, the TOSS-R scale determined that 49.60% of women are highly empowered, 44.58% are moderately, and 5.73% are less empowered.

Practical implications

The study emphasizes that the policymakers should establish a local capacity to promote gender equity in land titling such that women irrigators will be officially labelled as “farmers”, thereby bringing them under government scheme that is exclusively granted to women farmers.

Originality/value

The study’s novelty lies in a more comprehensive model of determining the empowerment of women organic farmers which has the capability to determine the constraints of the women failing to be empowered in the farming sector.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2023-0693
Justification of the twin deficit hypothesis in Bangladesh
Authors: Lubna Mahfuza Maliha , Saha Sanjoy Kumar
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In light of Bangladesh’s economy, the goal of this study is to examine the “Twin Deficit Hypothesis (TDH),” which refers to a link between the budget deficit and the current account deficit. This study used yearly time series data from 1980 to 2020 to investigate the phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

A multivariate autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) model has been presented for empirical investigation, with the ARDL bound test investigating the co-integration between the inadequacies. As some of the variables in the bound test lack co-integration, the study adds a multivariate vector autoregressive (VAR) model later on.

Findings

With evidence of the result, the study supports the validation of twin deficit hypothesis in Bangladesh economy since both current account deficit and fiscal deficit affects each other significantly whereas Granger causality test confirms that fiscal deficit causes current account deficit but not the other way around.

Practical implications

The government should maintain a restrictive monetary policy in order to stabilize the current account deficit.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is the incorporation of inflation, real exchange rate and GDP per capital to TDH that together form the basis for a macroeconomic snapshot of the economy.
Why is leader humility related to OCBs? A psychological entitlement explanation of the curvilinear moderated relations
Authors: Chen Mingyan , Zheng Xingshan , Wu Bingqing
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Integrating the reciprocity and equity lenses, this study explores the curvilinear relationship between leader humility and employee organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) by introducing psychological entitlement and perspective taking, and constructing a moderated mediation curvilinear model aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of why and how leader humility affects OCBs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using multisource, three-wave data collected from 261 employees and 55 supervisors in China, we adopted multi-level modeling analysis to test the moderated mediation curvilinear model that links leader humility to OCBs.

Findings

We found a curvilinear relationship between leader humility and psychological entitlement, and psychological entitlement mediated the curvilinear indirect relationship between leader humility and OCBs. Furthermore, employees' perspective taking buffered this curvilinear indirect effect.

Originality/value

Following social exchange theory and prior research discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks of leader humility, this study developed and tested a moderated mediation curvilinear model of the relationship between leader humility and OCBs. Our study thus provides a more balanced and dialectical perspective on understanding the effects of leader humility and enriching the leadership process model. This study also offers actionable strategies for leaders and organizations to optimize the benefits of humble leadership.
Reflexivity in co-constructed meanings: the impact of gender specific perspectives in the qualitative research context
Authors: Kingsman Johanna , Davis Ian
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the impact of lived experiences and attitudinal blueprints on researchers within the context of masculinities research. It explores the negotiation of gendered roles, exploring how personal narratives shape our engagement in gender research and the collaborative process of meaning-making. It discusses the methodological tensions surrounding narrative research and naturalistic inquiry when investigating masculinities.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a feminist post-structuralist lens, this paper analyses the discursive nature of masculinities and its theoretical and historical construction, alongside the use of narrative research methodologies in research practices.

Findings

The paper reinforces the importance of feminist frameworks in deconstructing gender norms and challenging implicit assumptions. The role of reflexivity in the research process and the potential for researcher subjectivity as a resource is emphasised. Drawing on existing scholarship and the authors' empirical research experiences, the importance of researcher reflexivity in recognising the potential for gender performativity in the research setting is emphasised, especially in gendered research spaces and when engaging with methodologies tacitly understood through gendered ideological lenses.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to ongoing scholarly discussions exploring the intersection of gender, theory and practice.

Originality/value

The paper's theoretical exploration contributes to understandings of gender dynamics in research and offers insights into the complexities of conducting masculinities research from a critical perspective. The paper contributes to ongoing scholarly discussions exploring the intersection of gender, theory and practice.
The association between mindfulness and couple quality: The mediating roles of self‐care and engagement in shared relationship activities
Authors: Park Cheolwoo , Harris Victor W. , Duncan Jeneé C.
Published: June 2024

Although studies have examined the association between individuals' mindfulness and romantic relationship quality, additional empirical research is necessary to specifically comprehend the potential factors influencing the association between mindfulness and couple quality. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between mindfulness and couple quality and the mediating roles of self‐care and engagement in shared relationship activities among 1,331 participants in a southeastern region of the United States. The authors of this study conducted a multiple mediation analysis using longitudinal data to investigate the mediating effects of caring for self and engagement in shared relationship activities. The research findings in this study indicated that an individual's mindfulness had a significant direct association with couple quality in a romantic relationship. In addition, participants' couple quality was significantly mediated by self‐care and engagement in shared relationship activities with a romantic partner. Implications for educators, researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Population tracing analysis and overwintering of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) in newly occurring areas in China
Authors: Zhao Yan , Singh Sandeep , Zhang Xiaodong , Shang Mingqing , Qin Yujia , Zhao Zihua , Lu Chunxian , Lu Mai , Li Zhihong
Published: June 2024

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), a very destructive insect pest of many fruits and vegetables, is widespread in the tropical and subtropical zones of Asia. However, the northward extension of B. dorsalis has been reported in China recently. It is crucial to determine the origin of new populations and to investigate the invasive potential of the species. Here, we investigated B. dorsalis in Nanyang, Henan Province and Heze, Shandong Province using a combined methodological approach. We first detected the hydrogen stable isotope ratios (δ2H) of B. dorsalis samples. The results showed that the δ2H values for B. dorsalis from Nanyang were consistent with those of the local rainwater. In contrast, the samples from Heze were inconsistent with those of the rainwater in Heze. We then sequenced the complete mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtDNA COI) from the same fruit fly samples for haplotype diversity and phylogenetic analyses. We found a close genetic relationship between the Heze population and Nanyang, Hefei, Sanya, Fuyang and Wuhan populations. Besides, we surveyed the fruit's origin in the wholesale market, and concluded that B. dorsalis trapped in Heze might have come from Hainan and Zhejiang in China. Finally, overwintering potential experiments showed that a small number of pupae could survive during the test periods in Nanyang, whereas no pupae could survive in Heze. Overall, this study reveals that the Nanyang population of B. dorsalis were resident, whereas the Heze population did not colonize and were repeated entries from other areas every spring.
Growth performance and nutritional profile of Tenebrio molitor raised on a diet composed of livestock feedstuff
Authors: Cho Jun Ho , Jang Ho Am , Lee Yong Seok , Han Yeon Soo , Jo Yong Hun
Published: June 2024

Edible insects such as the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) are emerging as an alternative animal protein resource to meet the needs of a growing global population. However, despite the successful mass production of edible insects, research into practical compound feed for edible insect is still insufficient. In this study, mealworms were fed wheat bran, layer chicken feed mash, chicken pellets and cattle pellets for 1 to 36 days, after which their body length was measured. In the groups fed with chicken feed mash, chicken pellets or cattle pellets, the mean body lengths were 2.88, 2.92 and 2.95 cm, respectively, similar to the 2.95 cm of the control T. molitor fed with wheat bran. Individual weight measurements yielded similar results: control, 7.87 g; chicken feed mash, 7.43 g; chicken pellets, 7.60 g; and cattle pellets, 7.63 g. Analysis of livestock feed intake showed that the intake was 290.4 g in control insects, 137.7 g in insects fed chicken feed mash, 220.2 g in insects fed chicken pellets and 230.3 g in insects fed cattle pellets. In the excretion analysis, the excretion of the control insects (161.60 g) was larger than that of the insects fed with chicken feed mash (93.37 g), chicken pellets (93.40 g) or cattle pellets (133.87 g). An analysis of the nutritional content of T. molitor based on nine major nutrients showed no significant differences between the control and the test groups. These results can be used to improve the price competitiveness and quality of T. molitor for commercial development.
Qaryat al‐Fāw/Qaryatum dhāt Kāhilim: On the identity of the god Kahl
Authors: de Lara Juan
Published: June 2024

Qaryatum dhāt Kāhilim (‘the City of [the god] Kahl’) is the Ancient South Arabian name of the modern site of Qaryat al‐Fāw. This compound refers to the tutelary deity of the city, in this case, a god called Kahl. However, the identity of this Kahl is obscure. Who is this god that makes his appearance in history towards the end of the second half of the first millennium bc? Despite his name being recorded in various texts and inscriptions on numerous objects that confirm his role as the city's patron god, scant information exists regarding his attributes or sphere of influence. Nonetheless, clues on some of his characteristics can be gleaned from coins bearing his likeness. This serves as a springboard for exploring potential connections with iconographies seen in petroglyphs, statues and paintings from the region, suggesting that Kahl may fit within the archetype of the smiting or menacing god, a prevalent motif in the broader Eastern Mediterranean region.
Early specialised treatment for bipolar disorder: Long‐term follow‐up from the early intervention in affective disorders (EIA) randomised controlled trial
Authors: Munkholm Klaus , Kessing Lars Vedel
Published: June 2024

Background

It is unclear whether treatment early after onset in bipolar disorder may improve the long‐term illness course. The early intervention in affective disorders (EIA) randomised controlled trial found that 2‐years treatment in a specialised mood disorder clinic combining evidence‐based pharmacological treatment with group psychoeducation improved clinical outcomes compared with standard treatment in patients with bipolar disorder discharged after their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd hospital admission. We aimed to assess the 16 years long‐term outcomes after randomisation of the participants in the EIA trial.

Methods

Data were obtained by linking nation‐wide Danish population‐based registers. All 158 participants of the EIA trial (Trial Registration Number NCT00253071) were followed from time of randomisation (2005–2009) to end of study (31 December 2021). The primary outcome was risk of psychiatric readmission. Secondary outcomes were total admissions and costs, medication use, intentional self‐harm or suicide attempt or suicide, and socio‐economic measures.

Results

The absolute mean risk of psychiatric readmission was 49.3% in the intervention group and 59.8% in the control group, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (b = −0.10, 95% CI: −0.26 to 0.047, p = 0.18). Compared with the control group, patients in the intervention group had numerically fewer total admission days (mean (SD) 44 (77) versus 62 (109)), lower total cost of psychiatric hospital admissions and hospital‐based outpatient visits (mean (SD) 22,001 (36793) euros versus 29,822 (52671) euros) and higher use of lithium and antipsychotics, but the differences were not statistically significant. Fewer patients in the intervention group had an event of intentional self‐harm or suicide attempt or suicide during follow‐up (OR 0.25, 95% CI: 0.15–0.40, p < 0.001) compared with the control group and more patients in the intervention group used antiepileptics (OR 2.21, 95% CI: 1.08–4.60, p = 0.031).

Conclusion

Analyses of very long‐term outcomes of the EIA trial may potentially indicate a beneficial effect of the intervention at the long term but were likely underpowered to detect a more subtle effect and for most outcomes the differences between groups were not statistically significant.
Trained immunity: A link between risk factors and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Chen Mingqi , Kang Xuya , Zhang Yan , Liu Yahan
Published: June 2024

Cardiovascular diseases are significant contributors to human mortality, closely associated with inflammation. With the changing living conditions and the extension of human lifespan, greater attention has been directed towards understanding the impact of early, long‐term events on the development of cardiovascular events. Lifestyle factors such as stress, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Interestingly, even if the risk factors are addressed later, their influence may persist. Recently, the concept of trained innate immunity (TRIM), defined as sustained alterations in the function of innate immunocyte that promote a more robust response to downstream stimuli, has been proposed to be involved in cardiovascular diseases. It is hypothesized that TRIM may serve as a mediator bridging the impacts of aforementioned risk factors. This review aims to elucidate the role of TRIM in cardiovascular diseases and highlight its significance in uncovering new mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
What are Aboriginal children and young people in out‐of‐home care telling us? A review of the child voice literature to understanding perspectives and experiences of the statutory care system
Authors: Burns Bradley , Grace Rebekah , Drake Gabrielle , Avery Scott
Published: June 2024

Aboriginal children and young people are over‐represented in the out‐of‐home care system, yet their voices are largely absent in practice and policy decision‐making. This paper presents a review of research that captures the voices of Aboriginal children and young people in out‐of‐home care. Three key themes are discussed: connection to culture, connection to family and participation. This paper argues for culturally meaningful research that honours child and youth citizenship, voice and roles in decision‐making as critical to quality care and positive outcomes. This paper aims to highlight the importance of listening and responding to the voices of Aboriginal children and young people as critical to the provision of appropriate care and supporting positive outcomes.
Can club activities foster adolescents' citizenship in sub‐Saharan Africa?: The evidence from the Good Neighbors' club in Malawi
Authors: Park Hwanbo
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of adolescent' participation in club activities on their citizenship in sub‐Saharan Africa countries, specifically focusing on participation in Good Neighbors International's club activity in Malawi. For this, the Good Neighbors' Hope School Project Survey data were analysed through ordinary least squares and propensity score matching regression. The results showed that participation in club activities had a positive effect on improving adolescents' citizenship. This study also showed that school‐related factors and relationship with others affect adolescents' citizenship. Based on this finding, the study concluded that participation in club activities can be understood as a process that connects adolescents with their lives and community problems or internalizes the global agenda, and it implies adolescents can grow up as global citizens through club activities in Malawi.
Marine protected areas can increase the abundance of invasive lionfish (Pterois miles)
Authors: Kleitou Periklis , Rees Sian E. , Kletou Demetris , Harris Holden E. , Cai Leda L. , Green Stephanie , Hadjioannou Louis , Savva Ioannis , Giovos Ioannis , Jimenez Carlos , Hall‐Spencer Jason M.
Published: June 2024

Marine protected areas (MPAs) can protect and restore marine biodiversity and fisheries, but there are concerns that they may also benefit invasive species. The spatial and temporal colonization of invasive lionfish (Pterois miles) in the eastern Mediterranean was compared across zones with varying fishing restrictions (no fishing, recreational and commercial fishing, and commercial fishing only), and stations where targeted removal events were conducted by volunteer SCUBA divers. Lionfish density in no fishing areas was nearly double that of areas with commercial fishing only, and over four times greater than in areas where both commercial and recreational fishing were allowed. Lionfish density increased with depth, possibly due to easier human exploitation in shallow waters (0–10 m) that are accessible to recreational spearfishers. Targeted removals by volunteer divers decreased lionfish densities by over 60%, while areas without removals had a 200%–400% increase. Along with management actions, natural and ecological processes might drive lionfish densities within MPAs, and the speed with which lionfish colonized fishery‐restricted zones, emphasized the need for a more sophisticated MPA management strategy that considers invasive species impacts and dynamics in an ecosystem‐based approach.
Fostering sustainability in local government: The institutional work perspective on the accounting–management nexus
Authors: Sinervo Lotta‐Maria , Vikstedt Elina , Luhtala Mika , Laihonen Harri , Welinder Olga
Published: June 2024

Sustainability is a critical societal aim, and local governments (LGs) play an important role in fostering sustainability, as the implementation of the global aims set by the United Nations—namely, the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs offer novel accounting, reporting, and management perspectives for LGs. The objective of the study is to understand the role of the accounting–management nexus which is needed to institutionalize sustainability in LG practices. We adopted an institutional work perspective to investigate how actors at the field, organizational, and suborganizational levels of LGs can foster sustainability in accounting and management. Based on interviews with managers and other representatives from the 18 largest LGs in Finland, we found that although sustainability integration is still in the early stages and there is considerable heterogeneity in LGs’ handling of sustainability issues, there is clear potential for the simultaneous deployment of different institutional work types. This has positive implications for the institutionalization of sustainability accounting and management practices in LGs, enhancing understanding of how sustainability is fostered in public sector accounting and management by focusing on organizational‐level institutional work.
Caught in the middle: The importance of interprofessional communication between healthcare middle managers in hospitals
Authors: Pettersen Inger Johanne
Published: June 2024

Over the last few decades, new public management reforms have dominated the hospital sectors in a number of European countries. Financial and nonfinancial performance targets have been introduced into most areas of the hospitals in order to stimulate clinical activity and outcome. Performance management has involved challenging tasks for healthcare middle managers due to service complexities and horizontal and vertical lines of accountability. Doctors and nurses are the major professional middle managers, and they are characterized as hybrid managers. The paper argues that interprofessional communication is important for middle managers as mediators between strategic and operational levels in hospitals. The key concept here is interprofessional communication between hybridized professions and how they manage the joint delivery of high‐quality healthcare. Two theoretical perspectives of interprofessional communication and performance management are presented and synthesized in a brief discussion on joint leadership to underline the importance of lateral communication in hospitals. The main contribution from this study is the empirical data, which depict the interprofessional differences in communication between groups of middle managers. The doctors are managers by co‐working with their colleagues as hybrid managers, whereas nurses tend to become full‐time managers and administrators. The study adds knowledge to previous literature as it exemplifies how professionals design their hybrid roles differently to handle competing institutional logics. Consequently, interprofessional communication is an important element in managing clinical performance and patient throughputs.
Humanizing students in a dehumanizing time—Faculty as crisis leaders during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Xiao He , Keifert Danielle Teo , Silva Supuni Dhameera
Published: June 2024

Having survived the disruptive global pandemic, the higher education community is believed to grow to be more adaptive and resilient. As contributors to the new ‘normal’, yet evolving post‐pandemic state, faculty have been painstakingly working to support students' learning and human needs during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Research documents faculty have enacted a collection of measures to respond to students' adversities inside and outside the educational space when the pandemic gave rise to a global crisis in the past several years. Yet, few studies have offered an in‐depth interpretation of how faculty conceived of, selected, and implemented those responses, approaches and strategies. Guided by a crisis response model, we conducted a qualitative inquiry in an effort to unveil this process. 14 faculty who were from the college of education in a national university in United States and varied in career stages and teaching experience participated in the study. Data were derived from one‐on‐one semi‐structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. The study yielded three themes: Supporting from a place of humanization; turning downsides up; and adhering to the standard. The themes reflect that the faculty exuded the capabilities and attributes characterizing the crisis leadership. The findings hold for faculty and institutions the implications that promise to gear up the higher education community for contingencies, crises and uncertainty in the future.
Organizational capital and private placements of common equity
Authors: Harris Oneil , Ngo Thanh
Published: June 2024

We examine the impact of organizational capital (OC) on the performance of firms that engage in private equity placements. We document larger discounts in stock sales where issuers have more OC, which suggests that private equity investors demand a higher risk premium to compensate for OC risk. We also find the private placements completed by high‐OC issuers elicit more favorable announcement‐period returns and superior postissue performance than those completed by low‐OC issuers. These findings are consistent with the certification hypothesis and support research showing that OC improves firm efficiency and productivity. Our study sheds light on the importance of OC as a determinant of issuer outcome in private stock sales. Overall, our empirical results imply that OC reflects value‐relevant information that is consistent with certification benefits.
“Broken fragments or a breathtaking mosaic”: A mixed methods study of self‐reported attributes and aspirations of siblings of individuals with and without neurodevelopmental conditions
Authors: Wolff Brittany , Glasson Emma J. , Pestell Carmela F.
Published: June 2024

Siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) experience distinct challenges and have unique strengths compared to siblings of individuals without NDCs. The present study examined attributes and aspirations of siblings of individuals with and without neurodevelopmental conditions, and analyzed the association between qualitative responses and quantitative measures of growth mindset, positive and negative valence, and mental health diagnoses. A novel mixed methods thematic analysis was employed to explore the experiences of 166 siblings (75 NDC and 91 controls, aged 14–26, 66.27% female) completing an online survey as part of a larger study on sibling mental health. The overarching theme described The Process of Self‐Actualization and Integration, reflecting the journey siblings undergo in seeking to understand themselves and others amidst psychological challenges. It encompassed three subthemes: Personal Growth and Identity Formation; Connection and Belonginess; and Societal Perspective and Global Consciousness. Qualitative responses were analyzed within a Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework, and associations between phenomenology and mental health diagnoses examined. NDC siblings had higher negative valence and lower positive valence embedded in their responses, and quantitatively lower self‐reported growth mindset (i.e., beliefs about the capacity for personal growth), compared to control siblings, which correlated with self‐reported mental health diagnoses. Findings suggest clinical practice may focus on optimizing self‐identified strengths and offer opportunities for self‐actualization of hopes and ambitions, while providing support for families to attenuate bioecological factors impacting mental health.
Molecular characterization of apple endophytic bacteria and biological effect on Alternaria rot on apple
Authors: Bektas Idris , Yazdıc Ferit Can , Kusek Mustafa
Published: June 2024

Apple rot disease, caused by Alternaria alternata, is causing significant losses in apple production, especially in post‐harvest periods. Alternaria alternata, was isolated from rotten apple fruit of cv Amasya. Identification of the strain isolated from rotten apple fruit was made by ITS sequence and morphological analysis. In the present study, 58 different endophytic bacteria strains were isolated from apple fruit for use in apple rot disease control. Among the isolated strains, 26 endophyte strains were determined to inhibit the radial growth of mycelia of A. alternata in binary culture in PDA media. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing analysis, these antagonistic endophytic bacteria strains were identified as Bacillus ssp. Bacillus methylotrophicus (ib17) showed the highest significant inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of A. alternata at a rate of 79.5% in PDA medium. The results of in vivo experiments showed that Bacillus licheniformis (ib20) achieved 100% biocontrol when endophyte bacterial strains were inoculated 24 h before the inoculation of A. alternata. When the three bacteria species and A. alternata were inoculated simultaneously, Bacillus myloliquefaciens (ib1), Bacillus licheniformis (ib21) and the Endophytic bacterium (ib16) showed the highest biocontrol efficacy against A. alternata at 81.8%. Furthermore, when the bacterial strains were inoculated at 24 h after inoculation of A. alternata, B. licheniformis (ib21) showed the highest biocontrol efficacy of 83.3% against the fungal pathogen compared to the controls. The endophytic bacterial strains produced fungal cell wall hydrolysing enzymes such as chitinase, cellulase, amylase and protease. According to the results of this study, apple endophytic bacteria are potential candidates to control apple decay caused by A. alternata through cell wall hydrolysing enzymes and reduce disease severity. However, the efficacy of the biological control was dependent on the applied time of epiphytic bacterial strains. Further research is needed on the biochemical mechanisms underlying the activity of these bacteria against A. alternata.
Multiplex PCR methods for simultaneous detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus, tomato spotted wilt virus and pepino mosaic virus
Authors: Cayak Havva Nur , Fidan Hakan
Published: June 2024

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a crucial vegetable globally, pivotal in securing the world's food supply. However, viral diseases pose a significant threat to tomato cultivation, resulting in considerable yield losses. Employing sensitive, rapid, and cost‐effective detection methods is imperative for mitigating such losses in agricultural production. In response, we developed a Taqman® probe‐based real‐time multiplex PCR method capable of concurrently detecting three major plant viruses: Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV), and pepino mosaic virus (PepMV), all of which are prominent viral pathogens affecting tomato production. Utilizing envelope protein encoding sequences of these pathogens, we designed primers and probes, assigning the FAM reporter for ToBRFV, the HEX reporter for TSWV, and the Cy5 reporter for PepMV detection. The multiplex RT‐qPCR experiment yielded successful results, with Ct values of 29.34, 25.93, and 27.47 for ToBRFV (at 10−6 dilution), TSWV (at 10−2 dilution), and PepMV (at 10−3 dilution), respectively. Developed primers facilitate the early detection of destructive pathogens ToBRFV, TSWV, and PepMV using both RT‐PCR and RT‐qPCR, offering a user‐friendly and cost‐effective approach.
Fusarium head blight resistance measured by type II inoculation method among UK wheat cultivars and investigations into the relationship with anthers trapped and anthers retained
Authors: Browne Roy A.
Published: June 2024

There is a paucity of information on the relationship between anthers and Type II expression of Fusarium Head Blight resistance (measured by point inoculation of a spikelet and observing disease spread over the wheat spike). Twenty‐nine UK commercial wheat varieties were evaluated for the expression of Type II resistance. Anther extrusion was measured by counting the number of spikelets with anthers trapped between the lemma and palea (anthers trapped). In five spikelets where trapped anthers were not observed, the number of spikelets with anthers contained within the spikelet was counted (anthers retained). There was variation in expression in the expression of Type II resistance (p < .001), anthers trapped (p < .001) and anthers retained (p < .001). Anthers trapped and anthers retained were not correlated with each other, indicating both should be considered independently. Later maturity correlated with great resistance in the AHDB Type I resistance ratings but to greater susceptibility to point inoculations (Type II). Consistent with previous literature higher numbers of anthers trapped to increase susceptibility to FHB Type I. However, the relationships were reversed for the expression of resistance measured by point inoculation within the spikelet, where anthers trapped between the lemma and palea reduced susceptibility to Type II point inoculation (p < .01). This suggests a benefit of releasing some pollen from within the spikelet for this inoculation method. Similarly, anthers retained contributed to increased Type II susceptibility (p < .05), potentially providing substrates within the spikelet inoculation site aiding fungal growth, but correlated to greater Type I resistance (p < .05) indicating the anthers are hidden from initial infection on the outside of the spikelet, particularly under low infection pressure. While preliminary, this work suggests that variation in anthers trapped, anthers retained and maturity date may increase Type II expression of resistance and could relate to increased Type I FHB susceptibility.
Grain yield losses in wheat from the seed gall nematode Anguina tritici under field conditions
Authors: Tülek Adnan , Öztürk İrfan , Tülek Banu , Göktepe Onur , Laasli Salah‐Eddine , Lahlali Rachid , Dababat Abdelfattah A.
Published: June 2024

The effects of the seed gall nematode ‘Anguina tritici’ (Steinbuch, 1799) on the agronomic characteristics of some bread wheat cultivars were investigated at the Trakya Agricultural Research Institute, Türkiye. An experiment was carried out in two different locations in Edirne in the 2019–2020 growing season. A total of 19 winter bread wheat cultivars were evaluated to assess infected grain number, healthy grain number, infected grain rate and yield. According to the results of the combined variance analysis, a statistically significant difference (p ≤ .01) was found in terms of yield from the application of inoculum. Compared to the control in wheat cultivars, there was a 52.15% decrease in the yield of infected parcels due to the damage of wheat seed gall nematode. The highest yield loss in infected parcels occurred in cv. Damla with 64.22% loss, while the least yield loss occurred in cv. Yüksel cultivar with 19%. Pathological symptoms, curling and twisting of the leaves, were not observed on green plants of cv. Yüksel cultivated in the field.
Singlet oxygen generation on a superhydrophobic surface: Effect of photosensitizer coating and incident wavelength on 1O2 yields
Authors: Ihalagedara Hasanuwan B. , Xu QianFeng , Greer Alexander , Lyons Alan M.
Published: June 2024

Photochemical generation of singlet oxygen (1O2) often relies on homogenous systems; however, a dissolved photosensitizer (PS) may be unsuitable for some applications because it is difficult to recover, expensive to replenish, and hazardous to the environment. Isolation of the PS onto a solid support can overcome these limitations, but implementation faces other challenges, including agglomeration of the solid PS, physical quenching of 1O2 by the support, photooxidation of the PS, and hypoxic environments. Here, we explore a superhydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (SH‐PDMS) support coated with the photosensitizer 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)‐21H,23H‐porphyrin (TFPP). This approach seeks to address the challenges of a heterogeneous system by using a support that exhibits low 1O2 physical quenching rates, a fluorinated PS that is chemically resistant to photooxidation, and a superhydrophobic surface that entraps a layer of air, thus preventing hypoxia. Absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy reveal the monomeric arrangement of TFPP on SH‐PDMS surfaces, a surprising but favorable characteristic for a solid‐phase PS on 1O2 yields. We also investigated the effect of incident wavelength on 1O2 yields for TFPP in aqueous solution and immobilized on SH‐PDMS and found overall yields to be dependent on the absorption coefficient, while the yield per absorbed photon exhibited wavelength independence, in accordance with Kasha‐Vavilov's rule.
Photodynamic priming modulates cellular ATP levels to overcome P‐glycoprotein‐mediated drug efflux in chemoresistant triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Rahman Idrisa , Liang Barry , Sajid Andaleeb , Ambudkar Suresh V. , Huang Huang‐Chiao
Published: June 2024

P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp, ABCB1) is a well‐researched ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) drug efflux transporter linked to the development of cancer multidrug resistance (MDR). Despite extensive studies, approved therapies to safely inhibit P‐gp in clinical settings are lacking, necessitating innovative strategies beyond conventional inhibitors or antibodies to reverse MDR. Photodynamic therapy is a globally approved cancer treatment that uses targeted, harmless red light to activate non‐toxic photosensitizers, confining its cytotoxic photochemical effects to disease sites while sparing healthy tissues. This study demonstrates that photodynamic priming (PDP), a sub‐cytotoxic photodynamic therapy process, can inhibit P‐gp function by modulating cellular respiration and ATP levels in light accessible regions. Using chemoresistant (VBL‐MDA‐MB‐231) and chemosensitive (MDA‐MB‐231) triple‐negative breast cancer cell lines, we showed that PDP decreases mitochondrial membrane potential by 54.4% ± 30.4 and reduces mitochondrial ATP production rates by 94.9% ± 3.46. Flow cytometry studies showed PDP can effectively improve the retention of P‐gp substrates (calcein) by up to 228.4% ± 156.3 in chemoresistant VBL‐MDA‐MB‐231 cells, but not in chemosensitive MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Further analysis revealed that PDP did not alter the cell surface expression level of P‐gp in VBL‐MDA‐MB‐231 cells. These findings indicate that PDP can reduce cellular ATP below the levels that is required for the function of P‐gp and improve intracellular substrate retention. We propose that PDP in combination with chemotherapy drugs, might improve the efficacy of chemotherapy and overcome cancer MDR.