bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Causes of Optic Disc Edema in Patients Presenting With Significantly Compromised Vision
Authors: Pandya Bhadra U. , Jhaveri Aaditeya , Shamshad Farooq , Margolin Edward A. , Micieli Jonathan A.
Published: November 2023

Background:

To evaluate the most common causes of optic disc edema (ODE) in patients with significantly compromised vision (initial best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA] of 20/400 or worse) at presentation.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review over a 5-year period of consecutive patients presenting to tertiary neuro-ophthalmology clinics at the University of Toronto.

Results:

A total of 656 patients with ODE were included, and 49 patients (7.47%) had an initial BCVA of 20/400 or worse. There were 54 eyes included at baseline and 49 eyes at final follow-up. There were 29 female and 20 male patients. The mean age at first visit across patients was 55.9 years. Female patients (n = 29) were significantly older than male patients (n = 20) (P < 0.05). The causes of ODE were optic neuritis (ON) (n = 22; 40.7%), nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) (n = 22; 40.7%), arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION) (n = 5; 9.26%), uveitis-related (n = 3; 5.56%), papilledema from idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) (n = 1; 1.85%), and Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease (n = 1; 1.85%). Initial BCVA was not significantly different between ON and NAION groups (P = 0.52); however, final BCVA was significantly better in the ON group (P < 0.0001). The mean initial BCVA was worst in the AAION group (2.62 ± 0.54 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution). The most common cause of ODE in patients <40 years old was ON (83.3%), whereas the 2 most common causes in patients >80 were NAION (60%) and AAION (40%). In patients between the ages of 60–80, NAION (100%) was the only cause.

Conclusions:

Patients with ODE and poor vision at presentation represent a minority of cases seen in neuro-ophthalmology clinics (<10%). Optic neuritis and NAION are the 2 most common causes of ODE with poor vision at presentation. These findings are limited by a small sample size and potential sampling bias.
Parametric solutions to the kinematics of developable degree-4 rigid origami vertices
Authors: Hu Yucai , Zheng Changjun , Bi Chuanxing , Liang Haiyi
Published: November 2023

Developable degree-4 (DD4) vertices have four facets and four creases and can be unfolded flat. The rigid-folding kinematics of DD4 vertices is rich in that it generally has two folding modes and can get stuck when two facets bind together. To study the full spectrum of the kinematics of DD4 vertices, parametric solutions for fold angles in terms of the cotangents of half-angles are derived from the opposite and adjacent fold angle relationships. It is shown that any two fold angles of a general DD4 vertex are related by the equation of a hyperbola. When the vertex has collinear creases or is flat-foldable, the pertinent hyperbola equations degenerate into linear relationships. Meanwhile, when DD4 vertices are classified into three categories according to Grashof’s criterion, both unique and binding folds can be readily located from the facet with the largest or smallest sector angle. The rigid-folding kinematics of typical vertices is then investigated. In addition to the flat state, the two folding modes can also be switched at the binding states if self-intersection is permitted. The results provide new formulae and clear geometric views on the rigid-folding kinematics of DD4 vertices, which are fundamental for constructing larger origami patterns.
Curtobacterium caseinilyticum sp. nov., Curtobacterium subtropicum sp. nov. and Curtobacterium citri sp. nov., isolated from citrus phyllosphere
Authors: Feng Guang-Da , Li Jiali , Yang Songzhen , Zhang Jun , Zhu Honghui
Published: November 2023

Three novel Gram-stain-positive, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterial strains, designated RHCKG28T, RHCJP20T and RHCKG23T, were isolated from phyllosphere of healthy citrus leaves collected from Renhua County in Guangdong Province, PR China. 16S rRNA gene sequences comparison and phylogenetic analyses showed that they all belonged to the genus

Curtobacterium

, among which strain RHCKG28T showed the highest similarity to

Curtobacterium herbarum

NBRC 103064T (99.3 %), while strains RHCJP20T and RHCKG23T showed 99.2 and 99.0 % similarity to

Curtobacterium citreum

JCM 1345T, respectively. Phylogenomic analysis showed that the three novel strains were most closely related to

C. citreum

JCM 1345T and

Curtobacterium albidum

JCM 1344T. The novel strains could be distinguished from their closely related type strains in terms of enzyme activities, substrate assimilation and fatty acid profiles. In addition, the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between the novel strains and closely related type strains were 84.4‒89.5 % and 24.5‒34.1 %, respectively, which were below the threshold values for species delimitation. They all took anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0 as the major fatty acids, menaquinone 9 (MK-9) as the sole predominant respiratory quinone, and ornithine as the principal cell-wall diamino acid. The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and several unidentified glycolipids. The phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported that they represent three distinct novel species of the genus

Curtobacterium

, for which the names Curtobacterium caseinilyticum sp. nov., Curtobacterium subtropicum sp. nov. and Curtobacterium citri sp. nov. are proposed, with RHCKG28T (=GDMCC 1.2667T=JCM 34828T), RHCJP20T (=GDMCC 1.2668T=JCM 34829T) and RHCKG23T (=GDMCC 1.2669T=JCM 34830T) as the type strains, respectively.
Metagenome-assembled genomes from High Arctic glaciers highlight the vulnerability of glacier-associated microbiota and their activities to habitat loss
Authors: Hay Melanie C. , Mitchell Andrew C. , Soares Andre R. , Debbonaire Aliyah R. , Mogrovejo Diana C. , Els Nora , Edwards Arwyn
Published: November 2023

The rapid warming of the Arctic is threatening the demise of its glaciers and their associated ecosystems. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore and understand the diversity of genomes resident within glacial ecosystems endangered by human-induced climate change. In this study we use genome-resolved metagenomics to explore the taxonomic and functional diversity of different habitats within glacier-occupied catchments. Comparing different habitats within such catchments offers a natural experiment for understanding the effects of changing habitat extent or even loss upon Arctic microbiota. Through binning and annotation of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) we describe the spatial differences in taxon distribution and their implications for glacier-associated biogeochemical cycling. Multiple taxa associated with carbon cycling included organisms with the potential for carbon monoxide oxidation. Meanwhile, nitrogen fixation was mediated by a single taxon, although diverse taxa contribute to other nitrogen conversions. Genes for sulphur oxidation were prevalent within MAGs implying the potential capacity for sulphur cycling. Finally, we focused on cyanobacterial MAGs, and those within cryoconite, a biodiverse microbe-mineral granular aggregate responsible for darkening glacier surfaces. Although the metagenome-assembled genome of Phormidesmis priestleyi, the cyanobacterium responsible for forming Arctic cryoconite was represented with high coverage, evidence for the biosynthesis of multiple vitamins and co-factors was absent from its MAG. Our results indicate the potential for cross-feeding to sustain P. priestleyi within granular cryoconite. Taken together, genome-resolved metagenomics reveals the vulnerability of glacier-associated microbiota to the deletion of glacial habitats through the rapid warming of the Arctic.
Brain-Age Prediction: Systematic Evaluation of Site Effects, and Sample Age Range and Size
Authors: Yu Yuetong , Cui Hao-Qi , Haas Shalaila S. , New Faye , Sanford Nicole , Yu Kevin , Zhan Denghuang , Yang Guoyuan , Gao Jia-Hong , Wei Dongtao , Qiu Jiang , Bernhardt Boris , Thompson Paul , Frangou Sophia , Ge Ruiyang ,   ENIGMA World Aging Center
Published: November 2023

Structural neuroimaging data have been used to compute an estimate of the biological age of the brain (brain-age) which has been associated with other biologically and behaviorally meaningful measures of brain development and aging. The ongoing research interest in brain-age has highlighted the need for robust and publicly available brain-age models pre-trained on data from large samples of healthy individuals. To address this need we have previously released a developmental brain-age model. Here we expand this work to develop, empirically validate, and disseminate a pre-trained brain-age model to cover most of the human lifespan. To achieve this, we selected the best-performing model after systematically examining the impact of site harmonization, age range, and sample size on brain-age prediction in a discovery sample of brain morphometric measures from 35,683 healthy individuals (age range: 5-90 years; 53.59% female). The pre-trained models were tested for cross-dataset generalizability in an independent sample comprising 2,101 healthy individuals (age range: 8-80 years; 55.35% female) and for longitudinal consistency in a further sample comprising 377 healthy individuals (age range: 9-25 years; 49.87% female). This empirical examination yielded the following findings: (1) the accuracy of age prediction from morphometry data was higher when no site harmonization was applied; (2) dividing the discovery sample into two age-bins (5-40 years and 40-90 years) provided a better balance between model accuracy and explained age variance than other alternatives; (3) model accuracy for brain-age prediction plateaued at a sample size exceeding 1,600 participants. These findings have been incorporated into CentileBrain [https://centilebrain.org/#/brainAGE2], an open-science, web-based platform for individualized neuroimaging metrics.
Reported harassment and mental-ill health in a Canadian prospective cohort of women and men in welding and electrical trades
Authors: Galarneau Jean-Michel , Durand-Moreau Quentin , Cherry Nicola
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Experience of psychosocial environments by workers entering trade apprenticeships may differ by gender. We aimed to document perceived harassment and to investigate whether this related to mental ill-health.

Methods

Cohorts of workers in welding and electrical trades were established, women recruited across Canada and men from Alberta. Participants were re-contacted every six months for up to 3 years (men) or 5 years (women). At each contact they were asked about symptoms of anxiety and depression made worse by work. After their last regular contact participants received a ‘wrap-up’ questionnaire that included questions on workplace harassment. In Alberta respondents who consented were linked to the administrative health database which recorded diagnostic codes for each physician contact.

Results

1885 workers were recruited, 1001 in welding trades (447 women) and 884 in electrical trades (438 women). 1419 (75.3%) completed a ‘wrap up’ questionnaire, with 1413 answering questions on harassment. 60% of women and 32% of men reported that they had been harassed. Those who reported harassment had more frequently recorded episodes of anxiety and depression made worse by work in prospective data. In Alberta 1242 were successfully matched to administrative health records. Those who reported harassment were more likely to have a physician record of depression since starting in their trade.

Conclusions

Tradeswomen were much more likely than tradesmen to recall incidents of harassment. The results from record linkage, and from prospectively-collected reports of anxiety and depression made worse by work, support a conclusion that harassment resulted in poorer mental health.

What is important about this paper?

In this study we show that the majority of women entering the male-dominated trades of welding and electrical work report harassment, particularly during their apprenticeship, that is largely from co-workers and has a sexual component. Through its longitudinal design and linkage to an administrative health database, the study has reduced the impact of reporting bias and produced credible evidence that reported harassment is associated with anxiety and depression made worse by work and with physician reported depression. There is increasing recognition that workplace harassment of any worker is unacceptable, with obligations on the employer to take action to eliminate it. Evidence of ongoing mental health impacts reinforces this obligation.
Incorporation of multiple β2-backbones into a proteinin vivousing an orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase
Authors: Hamlish Noah X. , Abramyan Ara M. , Schepartz Alanna
Published: November 2023

Synthesis of sequence-defined biomaterials whose monomer backbones diverge from canonical α-amino acids represents the next frontier in protein and biomaterial evolution with the potential to yield better biological therapeutics, bioremediation tools, and biodegradable plastic-like materials. One monomer family of particular interest for biomaterials are β-hydroxy acids. Many natural products contain isolated β-esters, and polymeric β-esters are found in polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polyesters under development as bioplastics and drug encapsulation/delivery systems. Here we report that β2-hydroxy acids possessing both(R)and(S)absolute configuration are excellent substrates for pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS) enzymesin vitro, and that(S)-β2-hydroxy acids are substratesin cellulo. Using theMaPylRS/MatRNAPylpair, in conjunction with wild-typeE. coliribosomes and EF-Tu, we report the cellular synthesis of model proteins containing two(S)-β2-hydroxy acid residues at internal positions. Metadynamics simulations provide a rationale for the observed enantioselective preference of the ribosome for the(S)-β2-hydroxy acid backbone and mechanistic insights that inform future ribosomal engineering efforts. As far as we know, this finding represents the first example of an orthogonal synthetase that accepts a β-backbone substrate and the first example of a protein hetero-oligomer containing multiple expanded-backbone monomers producedin cellulo.
CRISPR/Cas9-based disease modelling and functional correction of Interleukin 7 Receptor alpha Severe Combined Immunodeficiency in T-lymphocytes and hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Rai Rajeev , Steinberg Zohar , Romito Marianna , Zinghirino Federica , Hu Yi-Ting , White Nathan , Naseem Asma , Thrasher Adrian J , Turchiano Giandomenico , Cavazza Alessia
Published: November 2023

Interleukin 7 Receptor α Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (IL7R-SCID) is a life-threatening disorder caused by homozygous mutations in theIL7RAgene. Defective IL7R expression in humans hampers T cell precursors proliferation and differentiation during lymphopoiesis resulting in absence of T cells in newborns, who succumb to severe infections and death early after birth. Previous attempts to tackle IL7R-SCID by viral gene therapy have shown that unregulated IL7R expression predisposes to leukaemia, suggesting the application of targeted gene editing to insert a correct copy of theIL7RAgene in its genomic locus and mediate its physiological expression as a more feasible therapeutic approach. To this aim, we have first developed a CRISPR/Cas9-based IL7R-SCID disease modelling system that recapitulates the disease phenotype in primary human T cells and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Then, we have designed a knock-in strategy that targetsIL7RAexon 1 and introduces via homology directed repair a corrective, promoterless IL7RA cDNA followed by a reporter cassette through AAV6 transduction. Targeted integration of the corrective cassette in primary T cells restored IL7R expression and rescued functional downstream IL7R signalling. When applied to HSPCs further induced to differentiate into T cells in an Artificial Thymic Organoid system, our gene editing strategy overcame the T cell developmental block observed in IL7R-SCID patients, while promoting full maturation of T cells with physiological and developmentally regulated IL7R expression. Finally, genotoxicity assessment of the CRISPR/Cas9 platform in HSPCs using biased and unbiased technologies confirmed the safety of the strategy, paving the way for a new, efficient, and safe therapeutic option for IL7R-SCID patients.
Generating and testing reagents for CRISPR/Cas9 based homologous recombination and gene drive inTribolium
Authors: Markley Hannah C. , Helms Kennedy J. , Maar Megan , Zentner Gabriel E. , Wade Michael J. , Zelhof Andrew C.
Published: November 2023

CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive systems are possible in a few insects and ever expanding. Nonetheless, success in one species and techniques developed for it are not necessarily applicable to other species. As such, the development and expansion of gene drive systems is dependent upon direct experimentation. A critical aspect and potentially limiting factor of gene drive is the ability to induce Cas9-dependent homologous recombination. Here we report our attempts to induce Cas9-dependent homologous recombination and subsequent gene drive inTribolium castaneum. Utilizing constructs containing one or two target gRNAs in combination with Cas9 under two different promoters and corresponding homology arms, we found a high incidence of CRISPR/Cas9 induced mutations but a complete lack of evidence of homologous recombination and genetic drive. Even though the generated constructs provide new resources for CRISPR/Cas9 modification of theTriboliumgenome, our results suggest thatTriboliumgenome may be refractory towards Cas9-induced homologous recombination and additional modifications will be necessary to increase the potential for homologous recombination.
Detection of a Mitochondrial Stress Phenotype using the Cell Painting Assay
Authors: Adariani Soheila Rezaei , Agne Daya , Koska Sandra , Burhop Annina , Warmers Jens , Janning Petra , Metz Malte , Pahl Axel , Sievers Sonja , Waldmann Herbert , Ziegler Slava
Published: November 2023

Mitochondria are cellular powerhouses and crucial for cell function. However, these organelles are vulnerable to internal and external perturbagens that may impair mitochondrial function and eventually lead to cell death. In particular, small molecules may impact mitochondrial function and cardio- or hepatotoxicity caused by numerous drugs links mitochondrial toxicity to these adverse effects. Therefore, the influence of small molecules on mitochondrial homeostasis is at best assessed early on in the characterization of biologically active small molecules and drug discovery. We demonstrate that unbiased morphological profiling by means of the Cell Painting assay (CPA) can detect mitochondrial stress coupled to the induction of integrated stress response. This activity is common for compounds addressing different targets, is not shared by direct inhibitors of the electron transport chain and enables prediction of mitochondrial stress induction for small molecules that are profiled using CPA.
Structures and biological activity of three 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzimidazole derivatives
Authors: Sukiennik Jarosław , Olczak Andrzej , Gobis Katarzyna , Korona-Głowniak Izabela , Suśniak Katarzyna , Fruziński Andrzej , Szczesio Małgorzata
Published: November 2023

Two new 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzimidazole derivatives, namely, 2-(4-phenoxypyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzimidazole, C18H13N3O, and 2-[4-(4-fluorophenoxy)pyridin-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole, C18H12FN3O, were synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy. Crystal structure, biological activity and ADME analyses were performed for these two new compounds and a third compound, namely, 5,6-dimethyl-2-[4-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole methanol monosolvate, C24H25N5·CH3OH, the synthesis of which had been described previously. All three compounds have a similar chain hydrogen-bonding pattern. One of them (the fluorophenoxy derivative) showed good antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The ADME analysis indicates that the compounds could be good drug candidates.
Crystal structures of the isotypic complexes bis(morpholine)gold(I) chloride and bis(morpholine)gold(I) bromide
Authors: Döring Cindy , Jones Peter G.
Published: November 2023

The compounds bis(morpholine-κN)gold(I) chloride, [Au(C4H9NO)2]Cl, 1, and bis(morpholine-κN)gold(I) bromide, [Au(C4H9NO)2]Br, 2, crystallize isotypically in space group C2/c with Z = 4. The gold atoms, which are axially positioned at the morpholine rings, lie on inversion centres (so that the N—Au—N coordination is exactly linear) and the halide anions on twofold axes. The residues are connected by a classical hydrogen bond N—H...halide and by a short gold...halide contact to form a layer structure parallel to the bc plane. The morpholine oxygen atom is not involved in classical hydrogen bonding.
Do the young employees perceive themselves as digitally competent and does it matter?
Authors: Tomczak Michał T. , Ziemiański Paweł , Gawrycka Małgorzata
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The study aims to examine the digital competence of young employees (under 30 years of age) who graduated from the technical university. Self-assessment of selected digital competencies was examined along with the determination of a self-efficacy level in the area of using digital competencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research was conducted using the computer-assisted web interview method on a sample of 4532 respondents.

Findings

Young employees' self-assessment of digital competencies and self-efficacy in the area of using them is high, and it can be assumed that they perceive themselves as digitally competent. Both digital self-efficacy and assessed digital competencies have a positive impact on satisfaction with the university.

Research limitations/implications

The research sample consisted only of employees who graduated from the technical university, but the results may provide feedback on the demand for digital competencies sought in the labor market and constitute valuable information useful in university curriculum development and in vocational education and training.

Originality/value

This is the first study that focuses on the Kozanoglu and Abedin approach to the concept of digital literacy in the context of research on self-assessment and self-efficacy in using digital competencies among technical university graduates, adapting the creative self-efficacy scale by Tierney and Farmer, for measuring digital self-efficacy.

Highlights/value

 

Young employees' digital competencies self-assessment is high.

Young employees' self-efficacy of using digital competencies is high.

Graduating from a DT-focused department has a positive impact on satisfaction.

Digital self-efficacy has a positive impact on satisfaction with the university.

Assessed digital competencies have a positive impact on satisfaction.
The Social Drivers of Inclusive Workplaces scale: a preliminary validation of the questionnaire
Authors: Santarpia Ferdinando Paolo , Sommovigo Valentina , Borgogni Laura
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Drawing on Shore and colleagues' model of inclusive workplaces (2018) and the perceptions of social context framework (Borgogniet al., 2010), this study aims to develop and provide a preliminary validation of the Social Drivers of Inclusive Workplaces (SDIW) scale.

Design/methodology/approach

Using inductive and deductive approaches, items were developed. The resulting pool of 28 items was administrated to 1,244 employees using an anonymous online survey. The factor structure of the SDIW scale was tested through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Reliabilities were estimated. Alternative models were tested through CFAs. Nomological validity and measurement invariance across gender were explored.

Findings

The EFA revealed a three-factor structure, including inclusive colleagues, supervisors and top management. This solution was confirmed by the CFA and outperformed all alternative models, showing good reliabilities. Measurement invariance across gender was confirmed. Correlations indicated that the SDIW total score and each dimension were positively associated with belongingness needs satisfaction and affective commitment, while negatively related to interpersonal strain, negative acts and turnover intention.

Practical implications

This study provides practitioners with a reliable tool to map social drivers of inclusion within workplaces in order to design tailored interventions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the inclusion literature, as it is the first to provide a scale that simultaneously measures employees' perceptions of inclusive behaviours enacted by the three main social actors within the workplace.
Meesho: reselling in the grocery or e-commerce segment?
Authors: Purohit Sonal
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this case study are as follows: to understand the concept of social commerce and how it is different from e-commerce business, to discuss the unique features of Meesho’s social commerce model, to understand concepts of entrepreneurship (e.g. addressing the gap through business, pivoting), to understand the dynamics of online grocery market and e-commerce market and to apply business strategy concepts to make recommendations.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study presents Meesho, an organization in social commerce in India. Meesho was founded by Indian Institute of Technology graduates Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal in the year 2015 to help the small business owners with online selling. It was initially launched as an app that connected local retailers to the customers. Owing to low customer interest and low profit margins, they pivoted the business to a reseller app that facilitated the individuals and small retailers to resell the wholesalers’ products (unbranded and long-tail products) to the customers on social media channels. However, the tough competition from other start-ups in social commerce and retail giants such as Amazon and Flipkart who targeted the same customers impacted their growth. After receiving a funding of US$300m, the founders were considering if they should enter the e-commerce market and directly compete with giants such as Amazon and Flipkart or extend the product line to the online groceries market and compete with dominant players such as BigBasket and Blinkit. Through this case study, the students could be provided an opportunity to evaluate a situation, apply the strategic management concepts and make a recommendation on the strategic plan.

Complexity academic level

The case study can be taught in the business and strategy courses at the graduate and postgraduate levels in business schools. It is also suitable for the entrepreneurship course with focus on e-commerce start-up and sustainability, which is also taught at the MBA level. This case study can also be used in executive development programs for abovementioned courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Factors influencing career advancement in supply chain management with gender perspectives: French case study
Authors: Kafa Nadine , Ruel Salomée , Jaegler Anicia
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The field of supply chain management (SCM) needs to attract and retain workers to solve the current talent shortage. The purpose of this research is to identify and evaluate factors that influence career advancement in SCM and compare male and female supply chain experts' perceptions of the importance of those factors.

Design/methodology/approach

First, 32 factors perceived as affecting career advancement in SCM were identified by conducting a literature review and consulting 36 experts. Those factors were grouped into four categories: “environmental and structural”, “human capital”, “individual” and “interpersonal”. Those factors were validated via the Delphi method, and ten factors were retained for further study. Second, the voting analytical hierarchy process was used to determine the priority weights experts assigned to these factors. The weights assigned by male and female experts were compared to determine if there were differences between the women's and men's perceptions of the factors' importance.

Findings

The findings reveal that the category of human capital factors is the most important, followed by individual factors and the least important is interpersonal factors. The experts consulted for this research emphasized “skills”, “a good fit between an individual and an organization” and “self-confidence” as important factors for career advancement. There were two unexpected results. First, the experts rejected all the environmental and structural factors. Second, no significant difference was found between the male and female groups' evaluations.

Originality/value

Prior to this study, no integrated approach to identify and evaluate the factors perceived which affect career advancement in SCM had been developed. This research is a single empirical and integrative study in France that provides valuable insights for academics and practitioners.
Circular service management: toward conceptual understanding and service research priorities for a more sustainable future
Authors: Karpen Ingo Oswald , Edvardsson Bo , Tronvoll Bård , Jaakkola Elina , Conduit Jodie
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Service managers increasingly strive to achieve sustainability through strategies centered on circularity. With a focus on saving, extending and (re)generating resources and their enclosing service systems, circularity can contribute to environmental, social and financial gains. Yet, the notion of circularity is surprisingly understudied in service research. This article seeks to provide an initial conceptual understanding of circular service management, introducing illustrative strategies and research priorities for circular service management. This paper provides a roadmap for scholars, practitioners and policymakers to develop a deeper understanding of the opportunities from adopting circular services.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explore the concept of circular service management by drawing upon existing literature on sustainability, circularity and service research. Strategies of circular service management and research priorities emerge on the basis of industry best practice examples and research on sustainability challenges and opportunities.

Findings

Service researchers have largely ignored the concept and role of circularity for service businesses. Extant research on the topic nearly exclusively features in non-service journals and/or does not seek to advance service theory through circularity. This article argues that circular service management enables the implementation of service thinking in the pursuit of sustainability and outlines four types of circular service management strategies.

Originality/value

The authors introduce the concept of circular service management and highlight the role of service research for designing and managing circular systems and operations. This article also offers a research agenda connecting managerial challenges and opportunities with key service research priorities for circular service management. This provides a roadmap for scholars, practitioners and policymakers to develop a deeper understanding of pursuing circular services, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future.
Uncovering the trends and developments in subscription business models through bibliometric analysis
Authors: Sharma Yogesh , Sijariya Rajeev
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the trends and developments of subscription business models (SBMs) over the past two decades.

Design/methodology/approach

The study extracted 469 documents (articles and reviews) from the Scopus database during 2000–2022 and analysed 132 documents (articles and reviews). A bibliometric methodology of scientific mapping was employed, including a cluster analysis based on the bibliographic coupling of documents. Content analysis was also conducted to reveal emerging trends in SBMs.

Findings

The study revealed six emerging themes in SBMs related to consumer behaviour, digital advertising, online news media, journal publications, circular economy and sustainability strategies.

Originality/value

The results of this study provide new and unique insights into the development and trends of SBMs over the past two decades and offer guidance for future researchers to investigate further the phenomenon of SBMs in emerging areas.
Decision-making is an important, yet overlooked, factor in executive hiring
Authors: d’Arcangeli Francesca
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Decision-making plays a vital role in business. Yet as a trait, it is often overlooked when identifying, assessing, onboarding and empowering leadership talent. This study, therefore, aims to focus on the dimensions of organisational decision-making and investigate whether it should be an integral factor in the hiring process. The survey also looks at the relationships between decision-making and executive leadership, talent strategy and employee satisfaction. Could good decision-making as a trait be a factor when it comes to retention, improving organisational thinking and thriving leadership?

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative and qualitative survey was commissioned and conducted by FT Longitude, part of the Financial Times Group. This included a questionnaire sent out to 400 senior executives at C-suite, C-1 and C-2 levels. The respondents were from companies with more than 1,000 employees in 13 industries and from five countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. This was also accompanied by in-depth interviews with three experts from both the public and private sector.

Findings

Almost two-thirds (63%) of senior executives have resigned or considered resigning due to frustration with organisational decision-making, while 29% have considered quitting because they were frustrated with the way a company makes decisions. More than a third (34%) resigned for this reason. Yet, a quarter of senior executives say that their decision-making experience was not explicitly discussed before starting their job. Senior executives who were asked about decision-making in interviews were 1.4 times more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. The ability to make decisions should therefore play a central role in hiring senior executives.

Originality/value

Decision-making as a trait has been neglected when hiring executives. For the first time, this research shows how significant it is for leadership teams. If senior executives are to improve organisational decision-making, this trait needs codifying in HR processes. This has led Kingsley Gate to embed it in recruitment profiling.
Tourism metaverse from the attribution theory lens: a metaverse behavioral map and future directions
Authors: Hassan Thowayeb , Saleh Mahmoud Ibraheam
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to highlight the importance of using attribution theory in metaverse tourism research. The study addresses the lack of clarity regarding the attribution theory’s dimensions (locus, stability, controllability) potential application in the metaverse tourism context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a comprehensive exploration of the research gap by searching top-tier journals in Scopus and Web of Science databases about the relevant literature to analyze relevant data to provide a foundation for future transformative research. The study examines the relationship between attribution theory and metaverse tourism and explores how attribution theory can inform the understanding of tourists’ judgments and actions in the metaverse context.

Findings

The study shows that attribution theory has the potential to significantly improve the understanding of metaverse tourism by illuminating tourists’ decision-making processes and the factors contributing to those decisions. The study highlights the importance of applying attribution theory to generate more impactful and reliable implications for the tourism industry.

Originality/value

This study is transformative because it provides a foundational understanding of the application of attribution theory in metaverse tourism research. The study is significant because it sheds light on an underexplored area where the theoretical framework is necessary to inform and guide tourism technology research. The study’s originality lies in its contribution to tourism by identifying room for improvement in metaverse tourism research and highlighting the potential benefits of using attribution theory.
The impact of monetary and fiscal policy on the climate investment in Nigeria
Authors: Okeke Charles C. , Adeyeye Awogbemi Clement
Published: November 2023

This study aims to show the response of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to monetary policy (represented by money supply and interest rate) and fiscal policy (represented by tax revenues) in Nigeria during the period (1990–2021). The autoregressive distributed lag approach is employed to estimate long‐run relationship among variables. The results indicate that there is cointegrating long‐run relationship among the study variables. The study provides empirical evidence showing that an increase in the percentage of money supply to gross domestic product (GDP) by (0.971%) leads to a decrease in the percentage of FDI inflows to GDP by (0.975%), an increase in the percentage of tax revenues to GDP by (4.256%) leads to a decrease in the percentage of FDI inflows to GDP by (0.975%), an increase in interest rate by (1.164%) leads to decrease in the percentage of FDI inflows to GDP by (0.975%), and an increase in inflation rate by (0.329%) leads to increase in the percentage of FDI inflows to GDP by (0.905%).
Estimation of the contemporary effective population size from SNP data while accounting for mating structure
Authors: Santiago Enrique , Caballero Armando , Köpke Carlos , Novo Irene
Published: November 2023

A new method is developed to estimate the contemporary effective population size (Ne) from linkage disequilibrium (LD) between SNPs without information on their location, which is the usual scenario in non‐model species. The general theory of linkage disequilibrium is extended to include the contribution of full‐sibs to the measure of LD, leading naturally to the estimation of Ne in monogamous and polygamous mating systems, as well as in multiparous species, and with non‐random distributions of full‐sib family size due to selection or other causes. Prediction of confidence intervals for Ne estimates was solved using a small artificial neural network trained on a dataset of over 105 simulation results. The method, implemented in a user‐friendly and fast software (currentNe), is able to estimate Ne even in problematic scenarios with large population sizes or small sample sizes and provides confidence intervals that are more consistent than resampling methods.
Whole‐cell studies of substrate and inhibitor specificity of isoprene monooxygenase and related enzymes
Authors: Sims Leanne , Wright Chloe , Crombie Andrew T. , Dawson Robin , Lockwood Colin , Le Brun Nick E. , Lehtovirta‐Morley Laura , Murrell J. Colin
Published: November 2023

Co‐oxidation of a range of alkenes, dienes, and aromatic compounds by whole cells of the isoprene‐degrading bacterium Rhodococcus sp. AD45 expressing isoprene monooxygenase was investigated, revealing a relatively broad substrate specificity for this soluble diiron centre monooxygenase. A range of 1‐alkynes (C2–C8) were tested as potential inhibitors. Acetylene, a potent inhibitor of the related enzyme soluble methane monooxygenase, had little inhibitory effect, whereas 1‐octyne was a potent inhibitor of isoprene monooxygenase, indicating that 1‐octyne could potentially be used as a specific inhibitor to differentiate between isoprene consumption by bona fide isoprene degraders and co‐oxidation of isoprene by other oxygenase‐containing bacteria, such as methanotrophs, in environmental samples. The isoprene oxidation kinetics of a variety of monooxygenase‐expressing bacteria were also investigated, revealing that alkene monooxygenase from Xanthobacter and soluble methane monooxygenases from Methylococcus and Methylocella, but not particulate methane monooxygenases from Methylococcus or Methylomicrobium, could co‐oxidise isoprene at appreciable rates. Interestingly the ammonia monooxygenase from the nitrifier Nitrosomonas europaea could also co‐oxidise isoprene at relatively high rates, suggesting that co‐oxidation of isoprene by additional groups of bacteria, under the right conditions, might occur in the environment.
Farm size, spatial externalities, and wind energy development
Authors: Winikoff Justin B. , Parker Dominic P.
Published: November 2023

The global push for renewable energy must overcome the local challenge of convincing neighboring landowners to lease their properties for wind power. Is this challenge more or less pronounced in rural landscapes with small landholdings? Our theoretical model combines ideas from literatures on the commons, anticommons, and spatial externalities to explain conditions when small landholdings could promote or inhibit voluntary leasing. Empirically, we estimate the effects of landholding size and landscape fragmentation on wind farm uptake across rural areas of the United States over the past 20 years. Evidence from three spatial levels of analysis (counties, square‐mile sections, and individual parcels) indicates that areas with more landowners have less installed wind capacity after controlling for windiness, access to transmission lines, and other relevant factors that vary across and within counties. The findings imply that fragmented ownership, which is an overlooked factor in studies of the feasibility of decarbonization, will pose an impediment to future wind expansion on private land as remaining areas without wind development become disproportionately fragmented.
Psychometric soundness and predictive factors of the NCAST Parent–Child Interaction Teaching Scale in urban Chinese population
Authors: Xu Mengxue , Ding Meiqi , Kong Wenrui , Jia Ni , Yan Shuangqin , Zhang Xuejiao , Zhang Qinglan , Oxford Monica Lynn , Guan Hongyan
Published: November 2023

Background

Quality of parent–child interaction in early childhood functions as a critical indicator of nurturing care and is strongly associated with short‐term and long‐term development (health, cognition, language, social emotion, well‐being, etc.). NCAST PCI Teaching Scale (PCI‐TS), a video‐based assessment regarded as a gold standard to measure PCI, has been widely used worldwide. However, its psychometric soundness among the urban Chinese population is unclear. This study assesses the PCI‐TS's reliability and validity and explores predictive factors among urban Chinese parent–child dyads.

Methods

PCI‐TS was adopted to code mother–child interaction among urban Chinese dyads recruited during the children's regular health checks in local maternal and child health centres. Reliability was evaluated by internal consistency (Cronbach'α coefficient) and test–retest reliability (Pearson correlation) with an average interval of 18 days. Score distribution of each subscale and total scale were compared with NCAST Database and Canadian community sample by single sample t‐test. Criteria‐related validity was conducted by Infant‐Toddler Home Observation Measurement of the Environment (Pearson correlation). Predictive factors was performed by multiple linear regression.

Results

Four hundred and twenty‐nine eligible mother–child dyads were included for data analysis among the 466 recruited samples. Four qualified local paediatricians accomplished video coding with an average agreement of 86%. The PCI‐TS has strong reliability among the Chinese population with the Cronbach'α coefficients of the Caregiver‐Infant total score, Caregiver total and Infant total scores of 0.81, 0.81 and 0.74, respectively; an acceptable test–retest reliability (r = 0.73, p < 0.01); and moderate correlation with IT‐HOME, ranging from 0.53 to 0.62. Child age, birth weight, maternal education, full‐time housewife, living with grandparent(s) and living space were predictive factors on PCI‐TS in the Chinese population.

Conclusion

PCI‐TS showed good psychometric properties for measuring mother–child interactions among urban Chinese dyads, offering clinicians and researchers a practical tool to evaluate PCI objectively. Child age, maternal education and living space were beneficial factors, while full‐time mothers and living with grandparent(s) were risk factors.
A single‐center review of outcomes between COVID‐19 vaccinated and unvaccinated liver transplant recipients
Authors: Nolan Annelise , McGowan Melissa , Von Stein Lauren , Ross Adrienne , Kaur Manjit , Pesavento Todd , Singh Priyamvada
Published: November 2023

Background

With the availability of vaccines against SARS‐COV‐2, recommendations for vaccination of transplant candidates are widespread. At our institution, patients may receive liver transplant (LTx) regardless of vaccine status. The purpose of this study is to compare post‐LTx outcomes between vaccinated (VAX) and unvaccinated (UNVAX) LTx recipients.

Methods

This is a retrospective, single‐center study of LTx from January 1, 2021–March 30, 2022. The primary outcome is incidence of post‐LTx COVID‐19. Secondary outcomes include graft function, mortality, graft loss, and COVID‐19 treatment.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐seven LTx recipients were included, 57% [101/177] VAX and 43% [76/177] UNVAX. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Overall, 28 (36.8%) UNVAX and 34 (33.7%) VAX tested COVID‐19 positive during the study period (p = .193) at a mean of 312.6 [255.4–369.8] days for UNVAX versus 254.6 [215.2–293.9] days for VAX (p = .084). COVID‐19 treatment was administered in 15 (53.6%) of the UNVAX compared to 22 (64.7%) in the VAX (p = .374), although eight (28.6%) of UNVAX required hospital admission for treatment compared with two (5.9%) of VAX (p = .016). There were no statistically significant differences in death, and no COVID‐19 related death or graft loss. There were no statistically significant differences in liver function tests at 3‐ and 12‐months post LTx.

Conclusion

In a series with a large percentage of UNVAX patients, LTx appears to be safe, with no difference in the rate of COVID‐19 or transplant‐related outcomes compared to VAX. While we encourage vaccination to prevent severe COVID, based on our results, vaccine status should not be reason to deny lifesaving transplant.
Simple endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gallbladder aspiration/irrigation using a double‐pigtail plastic stent system
Authors: Ban Tesshin , Kubota Yoshimasa , Joh Takashi
Published: November 2023

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Cutting the roots or transforming them? Luther and mysticism after 1522
Authors: Leppin Volker
Published: November 2023

The paper argues that the image of Luther cutting his mystical roots when he became a reformer draws more from a concept of orthodox or even liberal Lutheranism than from Luther himself. It shows that Luther and Karlstadt did not divide about the question of following mysticism or not, but about the way mysticism was shaped theologically. For Luther, after his debate with Karlstadt, mysticism was always based on the Word. He also developed a sacramental mysticism, with the Eucharist at its core. One might say, thus, that Luther's mysticism shaped the central aspects of Lutheran ecclesiology.