bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Egg-Laying Preference of IndividualAedes aegyptiMosquitoes
Authors: Tochor Nicholas Kristoff , Mohammed Yunusa Garba , Matthews Benjamin J.
Published: May 2024

Egg-laying behavior in insects has a dramatic impact on their fitness, controlling their extent and distribution across ecosystems. Thus, understanding the cues that guide mosquito egg laying is an important goal. Measuring mosquito egg-laying preference is critically important for understanding the sensory and neural mechanisms guiding adaptive breeding decisions. Here, we present a method for ascertaining the egg-laying preference of individualAedes aegyptimosquitoes in small chambers with two distinct oviposition substrate choices. This assay is best suited for medium- to high-throughput analysis of egg-laying preference to liquids containing distinct contact chemosensory cues, such as differing salinities. We discuss all steps of the process from assay construction and setup to data acquisition and analysis.
Cloning of Affibody Libraries for Display Methods
Authors: Ståhl Stefan , Hjelm Linnea Charlotta , Dahlsson Leitao Charles , Löfblom John , Lindberg Hanna
Published: May 2024

Affibody molecules are small (6-kDa) affinity proteins folded in a three-helical bundle and generated by directed evolution for specific binding to various target molecules. The most advanced affibody molecules are currently tested in the clinic, and data from more than 300 subjects show excellent activity and safety profiles. The generation of affibody molecules against a particular target starts with the generation of an affibody library, which can then be used for panning using multiple methods and selection systems. This protocol describes the molecular cloning of DNA-encoded affibody libraries to a display vector of choice, for either phage,Escherichia coli, orStaphylococcus carnosusdisplay. The DNA library can come from different sources, such as error-prone polymerase chain reaction (PCR), molecular shuffling of mutations from previous selections, or, more commonly, from DNA synthesis using various methods. Restriction enzyme-based subcloning is the most common strategy for affibody libraries of higher diversity (e.g., >107variants) and is described here.
Mosquito Transposon-Mediated Transgenesis
Authors: Bottino-Rojas Vanessa , James Anthony A.
Published: May 2024

Transposon-mediated transgenesis of mosquito vectors of disease pathogens followed the early success of transgenesis in the vinegar fly,Drosophila melanogaster. ThePtransposable element used inDrosophiladoes not function canonically in mosquitoes, and repeatable, routine transgenesis in mosquitoes was not accomplished until new transposable elements were discovered and validated. A number of distinct transposons were subsequently identified that mediate the introduction of exogenous DNA in a stable and heritable manner in mosquito species, including members of the generaAedes,Anopheles, andCulex. The most versatile element,piggyBac, is functional in all of these mosquito genera, as well as in many other insects in diverse orders, and has been used extensively outside the class. Transposon-mediated transgenesis of recessive and dominant marker genes and reporter systems has been used to define functional fragments of gene control sequences, introduce exogenous DNA encoding products beneficial to medical interests, and act as “enhancer traps” to identify endogenous genes with specific expression characteristics.
Engineering of Affibody Molecules
Authors: Ståhl Stefan , Lindberg Hanna , Hjelm Linnea Charlotta , Löfblom John , Dahlsson Leitao Charles
Published: May 2024

Affibody molecules are small, robust, and versatile affinity proteins currently being explored for therapeutic, diagnostic, and biotechnological applications. Surface-exposed residues on the affibody scaffold are randomized to create large affibody libraries from which novel binding specificities to virtually any protein target can be generated using combinatorial protein engineering. Affibody molecules have the potential to complement—or even surpass—current antibody-based technologies, exhibiting multiple desirable properties, such as high stability, affinity, and specificity, efficient tissue penetration, and straightforward modular extension of functional domains. It has been shown in both preclinical and clinical studies that affibody molecules are safe, efficacious, and valuable alternatives to antibodies for specific targeting in the context of in vivo diagnostics and therapy. Here, we provide a general background of affibody molecules, give examples of reported applications, and briefly summarize the methodology for affibody generation.
Tracking the Navigation Behavior ofDrosophilaLarvae in Real and Virtual Odor Gradients by Using the Raspberry Pi Virtual Reality (PiVR) System
Authors: Tadres David , Saxena Nitesh , Louis Matthieu
Published: May 2024

In a closed-loop experimental paradigm, an animal experiences a modulation of its sensory input as a function of its own behavior. Tools enabling closed-loop experiments are crucial for delineating causal relationships between the activity of genetically labeled neurons and specific behavioral responses. We have recently developed an experimental platform known as “Raspberry Pi Virtual Reality” (PiVR) that is used to perform closed-loop optogenetic stimulation of neurons in unrestrained animals. PiVR is a system that operates at high temporal resolution (>30-Hz) and with low latencies. Larvae of the fruit flyDrosophila melanogasterare ideal to study the role of individual neurons in modulating behavior to aid the understanding of the neural pathways underlying various guided behaviors. Here, we introduce larval chemotaxis as an example of a navigational behavior in which an animal seeks to locate a target—in this case, the attractive source of an odor—by tracking a concentration gradient. The methodologies that we describe here combine the use of PiVR with the study of larval chemotaxis in real and virtual odor gradients, but these can also be readily adapted to other sensory modalities.
Whole-Brain Electrophysiology and Calcium Imaging inDrosophiladuring Sleep and Wake
Authors: Van De Poll Matthew , Tainton-Heap Lucy , Troup Michael , van Swinderen Bruno
Published: May 2024

Sleep is likely a whole-brain phenomenon, with most of the brain probably benefiting from this state of decreased arousal. Recent advances in our understanding of some potential sleep functions, such as metabolite clearance and synaptic homeostasis, make it evident why the whole brain is likely impacted by sleep: All neurons have synapses, and all neurons produce waste metabolites. Sleep experiments in the flyDrosophila melanogastersuggest that diverse sleep functions appear to be conserved across all animals. Studies of brain activity during sleep in humans typically involve multidimensional data sets, such as those acquired by electroencephalograms (EEGs) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and these whole-brain read-outs often reveal important qualities of different sleep stages, such as changes in frequency dynamics or connectivity. Recently, various techniques have been developed that allow for the recording of neural activity simultaneously across multiple regions of the fly brain. These whole-brain-recording approaches will be important for better understanding sleep physiology and function, as they provide a more comprehensive view of neural dynamics during sleep and wake in a relevant model system. Here, we present a brief summary of some of the findings derived from sleep activity recording studies in sleepingDrosophilaflies and discuss the value of electrophysiological versus calcium imaging techniques. Although these involve very different preparations, they both highlight the value of multidimensional data for studying sleep in this model system, like the use of both EEG and fMRI in humans.
Developmental Genetic and Molecular Analysis ofDrosophilaCentral Complex Lineages
Authors: Chaya Gonzalo N. Morales , Hamid Aisha , Wani Adil R. , Gutierrez Andrew , Syed Mubarak Hussain
Published: May 2024

Complex behaviors are mediated by a diverse class of neurons and glia produced during development. Both neural stem cell–intrinsic and –extrinsic temporal cues regulate the appropriate number, molecular identity, and circuit assembly of neurons. TheDrosophilacentral complex (CX) is a higher-order brain structure regulating various behaviors, including sensory–motor integration, celestial navigation, and sleep. Most neurons and glia in the adult CX are formed during larval development by 16 Type II neural stem cells (NSCs). Unlike Type I NSCs, which directly give rise to the ganglion mother cells (GMCs), Type II NSCs give rise to multiple intermediate neural progenitors (INPs), and each INP in turn generates multiple GMCs, hence fostering the generation of longer and more diverse lineages. This makes Type II NSCs a suitable model to unravel the molecular mechanisms regulating neural diversity in more complex lineages. In this review, we elaborate on the classification and identification of NSCs based on the types of division adopted and the molecular markers expressed in each type. In the end, we discuss genetic methods for lineage analysis and birthdating. We also explain the temporal expression of stem cell factors and genetic techniques to study how stem cell factors may regulate neural fate specification.
Bidirectional state transfer between superconducting and microwave-photon qubits by single reflection
Authors: Koshino Kazuki , Inomata Kunihiro
Published: May 2024

The number of superconducting qubits contained in a single quantum processor is increasing steadily. However, to realize a truly useful quantum computer, it is inevitable to increase the number of qubits much further by distributing quantum information among distant processors using flying qubits. A key element towards this goal is a deterministic quantum interaction between superconducting-atom and propagating microwave-photon qubits. Here, we confirm the bidirectional state transfer between them, which completes by simply reflecting the photon at the atom. The averaged fidelity of the photon-to-atom (atom-to-photon) state transfer reaches 0.826 (0.801), limited mainly by the lifetime of the atom qubit. The present technology would be useful for future distributed quantum computation with superconducting qubits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Bigravity portal dark matter
Authors: Chen Qing , Zhou Shuang-Yong
Published: May 2024

We consider a model where the interaction between dark matter and the Standard Model particles is mediated by a ghost-free bigravity portal. The bigravity model invokes a massive spin-2 particle coupled to the usual massless graviton as well as generic bimetric matter couplings. The cross sections for dark matter direct detection are computed and confronted with the experimental bounds. The presence of the massive spin-2 mediator resolves the core-cusp problem, which in turn significantly constrains the dark matter coupling in such a bigravity theory. Yet, there remains a window of the parameter space where the model can be tested in the upcoming direct detection experiments such as XENONnT and PandaX-30T. The model also predicts a reheating temperature on the order of 106  GeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
NLO QCD corrections to the
Bc
-pair hadroproduction
Authors: Chen Zi-Qiang , Chen Long-Bin , Qiao Cong-Feng
Published: May 2024

The Bc meson pair, including pairs of pseudoscalar states and vector states, productions in proton-proton collisions are investigated at the next-to-leading order (NLO) accuracy in the nonrelativistic quantum chromodynamics factorization formalism. The corresponding cross sections at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) with s=14  TeV are evaluated. Numerical results indicate that the NLO corrections are substantial, and even dominate over the leading order contributions. Considering the predicted cross sections are sizable, the Bc-pair production is expected to be observable at the high-luminosity LHC experiment.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Analysis of double-resonance crossing in adiabatic trapping phenomena for quasi-integrable area-preserving maps with time-dependent exciters
Authors: Bazzani Armando , Capoani Federico , Giovannozzi Massimo
Published: May 2024

In this paper we analyze the adiabatic crossing of a resonance for Hamiltonian systems when a double-resonance condition is satisfied by the linear frequency at an elliptic fixed point. We discuss in detail the phase-space structure on a class of Hamiltonians and area-preserving maps with an elliptic fixed point in the presence of a time-dependent exciter. Various regimes have been identified and carefully studied. This study extends results obtained recently for the trapping and transport phenomena for periodically perturbed Hamiltonian systems, and it could have relevant applications in the adiabatic beam splitting in accelerator physics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Top-Bottom Interference Contribution to Fully Inclusive Higgs Production
Authors: Czakon Michał , Eschment Felix , Niggetiedt Marco , Poncelet Rene , Schellenberger Tom
Published: May 2024

We evaluate the top-bottom interference contribution to the fully inclusive Higgs production cross section at next-to-next-to-leading order in QCD. Although bottom-quark-mass effects are power suppressed, the accuracy of state-of-the-art theory predictions makes an exact determination of this effect indispensable. The total effect of the interference at 13 TeV is −1.99(1)−0.15+0.30  pb, while the pure O(αs4) correction is 0.43 pb. With this result, we address one of the leading theory uncertainties of the cross section.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Symmetry-induced higher-order exceptional points in two dimensions
Authors: Montag Anton , Kunst Flore K.
Published: May 2024

Exceptional points of order n (EPns) appear in non-Hermitian systems as points where the eigenvalues and eigenvectors coalesce. They emerge if 2(n−1) real constraints are imposed, such that EP2s generically appear in two dimensions (2D). Local symmetries have been shown to reduce this number of constraints. In this work, we provide a complete characterization of the appearance of symmetry-induced higher-order EPs in 2D parameter space. We find that besides EP2s only EP3s, EP4s, and EP5s can be stabilized in 2D. Moreover, these higher-order EPs must always appear in pairs with their dispersion determined by the symmetries. Upon studying the complex spectral structure around these EPs, we find that depending on the symmetry, EP3s are accompanied by EP2 arcs, and two- and three-level open Fermi structures. Similarly, EP4s and closely related EP5s, which arise due to multiple symmetries, are accompanied by exotic EP arcs and open Fermi structures. For each case, we provide an explicit example. We also comment on the topological charge of these EPs, and discuss similarities and differences between symmetry-protected higher-order EPs and EP2s.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
On the accounting implications of the dilemma: who speaks for nature?
Authors: Pesci Caterina , Gelmini Lorenzo , Vola Paola
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper draws on the thinking of the nineteenth-century Italian philosopher and poet Giacomo Leopardi and scholars who studied his thoughts on the relationship between nature and humans. Leopardi's philosophy of nature recognizes the alienness of nature in relation to humankind, thus challenging human governance of the planet. The poet’s thoughts align with the dilemma identified in the Anthropocene literature: who speaks for nature? This dilemma has accounting implications in terms of the frameworks and disclosures to be adopted. Therefore, Leopardi’s thoughts can become the basis for a more articulated and complex understanding of some key concepts and issues at the roots of SEA.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes content analysis to examine four essays by Giacomo Leopardi, which serve as the source of our data.

Findings

Leopardi recognizes the alienness of nature with respect to humanity and the voicelessness of nature as a generative of conflict. He also warned of the consequences of human governance that does not take nature’s needs into account. These findings open a discussion on the complex accounting implications of the distance between humanity and nature. They can inspire SEA scholars to change the status quo by developing new accounting frameworks from the perspective of nature and adopting forms of governance of nature that recognize the need to protect it as a voiceless stakeholder.

Originality/value

Through Leopardi’s humanistic and poetic philosophy, the perspective of nature can be infused into SEA studies, thereby promoting the need for a multidisciplinary and complex approach to the discipline.
Digital distractions during blended learning and its negative repercussions: an empirical analysis
Authors: Kumar Chetan , Rangappa K.B. , Suchitra S. , Gowda Huchhe
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Many studies have illustrated the vast advantages which blended learning has to offer to the learning community. However, when a learner accesses a digital platform, one cannot ignore the negative repercussions which the learner would be subjected to in the process. Our study tries to analyze the negative repercussions of digital media distractions on their wholistic development.

Design/methodology/approach

Information pertaining to the use of digital media among students for blended learning and the consequent distractions faced by them in the process was elicited through a well-structured questionnaire from pre-university and university students. The PLS-SEM model was constructed to identify the effect of digital distractions on students' academic performance, outlook of life and health, keeping counseling and spiritual inclination as moderating variables.

Findings

From our research, we inferred that the students' time spent on a digital platform was directly related with their time spent on blended learning and their tendency to get distracted. However, they were more prone to e-distractions than e-learning. Furthermore, e-learning did not enhance their academic performance. However, distractions had significant negative repercussions on their mental health. Counseling that the students were getting in their educational institutions did not play any significant role in improving their mental health.

Originality/value

Studies which have been undertaken to analyze the negative repercussions of blended learning on the wholistic development of students are scarce. Given the increasing popularity of blended learning among South Asian students in recent times, our study has tried to bridge this gap.
Evaluation of critical success determinants to the implementation of additive manufacturing technology in the spare parts supply chain: a grey causal modelling approach
Authors: Singh Shubhendu , Misra Subhas , Singh Gaurvendra
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Additive Manufacturing technology (AMT) is swiftly gaining prominence to induce automation and innovation in manufacturing systems. It holds immense potential to change supply chain dynamics by providing the possibility of printing objects on demand. This study thus formulates and analyzes the framework to incorporate AMT to handle the spare parts supply chain management (SPSCM) in capital-intensive industries by identifying and assessing the critical success factors (CSFs).

Design/methodology/approach

Assessment of the CSFs is performed using the novel Grey Causal Modeling method (GCM) with the objective of making SPSCM resilient and efficient. GCM conducts causal analysis by taking into consideration cause, effects, the objectives, and the situations.

Findings

Findings indicate that; Logistics Lead Time (SD4), Time to manufacture (SD3), Management Support (SD11), and Risk Management (SD20) are the most prominent causal factor having a maximum impact when incorporating AMT in SPSCM. The results also reveal that the performance of manufacturing organizations that adopt AMT is substantially influenced by internal and external factors such as Management Support (SD11) and Government Regulations (SD16).

Research limitations/implications

This research provides valuable information for getting the global spare parts supply chain equipped for the post-COVID age, where digital technologies such as AMT will be fundamental for bolstering supply chain resilience and efficiency.

Originality/value

This research proposes a framework for performance assessment when incorporating AMT in SPSCM. Study also demonstrates methodological application of novel Grey Causal Modelling technique using a real case in a spare parts manufacturing industry in India.
Optimization of conductors arrangement in slot for alternating current winding losses reduction
Authors: Zoubida Belli , Lyes Aomar
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and minimize the losses of alternating current (AC) in the winding of electrical machines. AC winding losses are frequently disregarded at low frequencies, but they become a significant concern at high frequencies. This is the situation where applications require a high speed. The most significant applications in this category are electrical propulsion and drive systems.

Design/methodology/approach

An analytical model is used to predict the AC losses in the winding of electrical machines. The process involves dividing the slot into separate layers and then calculating the AC loss factor for each layer. The model aims to calculate AC losses for two different winding arrangements involving circular conductors. This application focuses on the stator winding of a permanent magnet synchronous motor that is specifically designed for electric vehicles. The model is integrated into an optimization process that makes use of the genetic algorithm method to minimize AC losses resulting from the arrangement of conductors within the slot.

Findings

This study and its findings demonstrate that the arrangement of the conductors within the slot has a comparable effect on the AC losses in the winding as the machine's geometric and physical properties. The effectiveness of electrical machines depends heavily on optimizing the arrangement of conductors in the slot to minimize AC winding losses.

Originality/value

The proposed strategy seeks to minimize AC winding losses in high-speed electric machines by providing a cost-effective and precise solution to improve energy efficiency.
Entrepreneurial management, competitive advantage and SME performance: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Otache Innocent , Usman Timothy Onechojon
Published: May 2024

Purpose

There is a paucity of empirical studies on the impact of entrepreneurial management on small and medium enterprises (SME) performance. Against this backdrop and drawing upon the resource-based view, this study aims to explore the relationship between entrepreneurial management and SME performance and the mediating role of competitive advantage in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a survey research design and a quantitative approach. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data from a conveniently selected sample of 174 manufacturing SMEs in Nigeria. This study performed mediation analysis to test the proposed hypotheses using Hayes’ PROCESS macro v4.

Findings

The findings indicate that entrepreneurial management positively impacts competitive advantage and SME performance. Furthermore, competitive advantage has a positive impact on SME performance and plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between entrepreneurial management and SME performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study only examines manufacturing SMEs in a single country, Nigeria; thus, the generalisability of its findings is limited.

Practical implications

The findings of this study offer practical implications for SMEs and SME owners or managers. The findings suggest that to gain a sustainable competitive advantage and achieve superior performance, SMEs should pursue opportunities regardless of the available resources, promote flat and flexible organisation structures, adopt fast growth orientation and strategies, reward employees based on the value they add to the organisation and foster an entrepreneurial culture.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to provide empirical evidence of the mediating effect of competitive advantage on the relationship between entrepreneurial management and SME performance in an emerging economy. This study demonstrates that implementing entrepreneurial management practices by SMEs can result in sustainable competitive advantage and superior performance.
The operationalization of antifragility through organizational slack and the moderating effect of firms reliance on collaborative networks
Authors: Giordino Daniele , Troise Ciro , Culasso Francesca , Cutrì Laura
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The present article draws from the behavioral theory of the firm, and it explores whether various dimensions of organization slack can be employed as variables to measure organizations’ antifragility during times of uncertainty such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, considering the limitations and regulations put into place during the most recent pandemic, the present study seeks to explore the moderating effect that collaborative networks might have on the relationship between various dimensions of organizational slack and firms performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study retrieves data from Thomson Reuters Data Stream, and it gathers observations from manufacturing companies located in Europe. The dataset is composed of observations spanning from the fiscal year 2019–2022. Consequently, through the use of a balanced panel data, the authors conduct multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The obtained empirical findings reveal that high discretion slack has a positive effect on companies performance whereas low discretion slack has a negative effect on their performance. Additionally, the obtained findings indicate that low levels of reliance on collaborative networks positively moderates the relationship between organizational slack and firms’ performance. On the other hand, high levels of reliance on collaborative networks negatively moderate the relationship between organizational slack and firms performance.

Originality/value

This manuscript carries several original contributions. It expands the literature stream concerning antifragility and collaborative networks. Additionally, it postulates an operational measure which can be used to indicate firms’ antifragility.
Metaphorical effects of advertising in different types of hotels: evidence from eye-tracking
Authors: Chen Xianglan , Xiang Bingqing , Bilgihan Anil
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the attraction, influence and persuasive effect of advertising (with or without metaphor) across different types of hotels (luxury vs. budget hotels).

Design/methodology/approach

Two independent variables – namely, the hotel category (luxury versus budget) and the use of rhetorical figures (text with metaphors versus text without metaphors) – serve as the basis for the investigation. The research design is a 2 × 2 within-subjects construct based on eye-tracking methodology complemented by questionnaire-based data collection. Participants were engaged with hotel advertisements under four specific conditions, each reflecting a distinct combination of the two independent variables.

Findings

The findings reveal the augmented attention-grabbing prowess of advertisements that use metaphors compared to those that do not. Furthermore, the study findings reveal that the hotel category significantly influences the efficacy of advertising; advertisements promoting luxury hotels were found to stimulate superior impression recall, garner higher customer affinity and prompt a more potent intention to patronize the hotel. Finally, the study shows that neither congruent nor incongruent pairings of visual (budget or luxury hotel) and verbal elements (with or without metaphor) yield additional advertising benefits.

Practical implications

This research addresses the limited empirical guidance available for hotel operators at various levels regarding the design of advertisements incorporating rhetorical devices. It highlights the potential benefits of using figurative rhetoric, especially metaphors, in advertising for both budget and luxury hotels. The study reveals a notable correlation between hotel category, particularly luxury offerings, and customer attention, retention, preference and intention to visit. Furthermore, it encourages hotel operators, regardless of their hotel’s ranking, to incorporate metaphorical language into their advertising designs, underscoring the need for strategic integration in overall advertisement planning.

Originality/value

Using high-resolution online eye-tracking technology, this study innovatively examines the influence of hotel category and rhetorical devices on the effectiveness and attention-grabbing potential of advertisements. Through this approach, the study seeks to offer valuable managerial and advertising insights for those involved in hotel marketing.
Exploring the influence of green bonds on sustainable development through low-carbon financing mobilization
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Taneja Sanjay , Ozen Ercan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study to brought new dimensions by inserting market conditions and investor sentiments as independent variable measure their impact on government policy formulation and sustainable development. This research also measures the moderating effective stakeholder engagement. Previous research has focused on demystifying the relationship between green bonds and sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis part of the research is initiated by factor analysis on the sample size of 100. After the construction of appropriate statements matching the research objective, it was circulated to the respondents of northern region of India. The sampling technique was random in nature through which data analysis on 700 respondents was done. For meeting research objectives present research applies PLS algorithm on the conceptual model framed through review of literature.

Findings

Out of all independent variables green bond issuance is having statistically significant impact on government policy formulation and investors’ sentiment is having statistically significant impact on sustainable development. Rest all other pairs are statistically insignificant. For an investor, it is necessary to understand that how its sentiments impacts government policy formulation and the health of ecology.

Practical implications

The research produced results with management implications for practitioners and policy makers that are very significant to the fields of sustainability, green finance and environmental policy. Green bonds also influence government policy, illustrating how green financing may revolutionize environmental laws and regulations.

Social implications

The social implications of this revelation are considerable. The research enhances knowledge about sustainable development by emphasizing the importance of green bonds in supporting environmentally friendly activities. It allows for transparent reporting, increasing social accountability and reputation while attracting environmentally conscious consumers and fostering community trust. According to the survey, investor sentiment and their enthusiasm for eco-friendly investments may push more money to efforts that are good for society and the environment. This study enhances consciousness about sustainable finance, which has the potential to inspire beneficial social shifts towards a more environmentally and socially equitable future.

Originality/value

These social ramifications manifest themselves in various socioeconomic and environmental issues of the society in addition to credit and public policy. Second, it is evident that green bond emissions are influencing government policy, demonstrating the power of financial instruments to encourage environmentally beneficial social outcomes by providing officials with an incentive to modify environmental regulations.
French agricultural education students: “intermediaries” in the fight against climate change?
Authors: Levy Rachel , Del Corso Jean-Pierre , Fall François Seck
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to better understand how students of French agricultural education position themselves in the face of climate change and get involved in its fight.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a survey carried with 300 French students enrolled in the Brevet des Techniciens Supérieurs Agricoles class. A statistical analysis highlights the sensitivity of students to climate change and a simple econometric modelling examines the determinants of this sensibility. Finally, a qualitative study based on semi-directive interviews characterise the role of students as intermediaries of knowledge and innovative practices.

Findings

This study reveals that if the students ensure a function of intermediation inside rural where they act as true operators of institutional change, their role is less significant inside school and social networks.

Research limitations/implications

The analyses should be further developed by examining more precisely the place and roles of students in the creation and coordination of local collective structures acting for the defence of the climate.

Practical implications

The results show that the territories and the projects developed there can be relevant points of reference for introducing innovative teaching approaches to introduce climate change in the classroom.

Social implications

Young people’s commitment to the fight against climate change is strengthened by their concrete involvement in territorial development projects. Indeed, those territories specifically in rural areas appears as a space for innovation in environmental practices.

Originality/value

The originality of the study lies in its focus on the role of schools, living territories social networks as cultural spaces for shaping and transforming young people’s beliefs about climate change.
Inducing shoppers’ impulsive buying tendency in live-streaming: integrating signaling theory with social exchange theory
Authors: Luo Xi , Cheah Jun-Hwa , Lim Xin-Jean , Ramayah T. , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The increasing popularity of live-streaming commerce has provided a new opportunity for e-retailers to boost sales. This study integrated signaling theory and social exchange theory to investigate how streamer- and product-centered signals influence customers’ likelihood of making an impulsive purchase in the live-streaming commerce context.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was designed and distributed to the target respondents in China using purposive sampling. A total of 735 valid responses were analyzed with partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

Both streamer-centered signals, i.e. streamer credibility and streamer interaction quality, were discovered to significantly influence product-centered signal, i.e. product information quality. Additionally, streamer interaction quality was found to have a significant impact on streamer credibility. Furthermore, it was observed that customer engagement played a significant mediating role in the relationship between product information quality and impulsive buying tendency. Moreover, the paths between product information quality and customer engagement, as well as the connection between engagement and impulsive buying tendency, were found to be moderated by guanxi orientation.

Originality/value

Despite the prevalence of impulsive purchases in live-streaming commerce, few studies have empirically investigated the impact of streamer and product signals on influencing customers’ impulsive purchase decisions. Consequently, to the best of our knowledge, this study distinguishes itself by offering empirical insights into how streamers use reciprocating relationship mechanisms to communicate signals that facilitate impulsive purchase decisions.
P-facility capacitated location problem with customer-equilibrium decisions: a recreational case study in Mazandaran province
Authors: Zaferanieh Mehdi , Sadra Mahmood , Basirat Toktam
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a bi-level mixed integer linear location-allocation problem. The upper-level objective function is dedicated to minimizing the total distances covered by customers to meet the p-selected facilities and the fixed cost values for establishing these facilities. While in the lower level, a customer preference function evaluates the priority of customers in selecting facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The solution approach to the proposed model uses the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) optimality conditions to the lower-level problem where a set of p-selected facilities are introduced as the selection of the upper-level decision maker. The bi-level model reduces to a single-level model with some added binary variables.

Findings

Sensitivity analysis of the proposed bi-level model concerning variations of such different parameters as customers’ preferences and the number of selected facilities have been provided, using some numerical examples. Also, locating a recreational facility in Mazandaran province, Iran, has been provided to evaluate the reliability of the proposed model and efficiency of the solution approach, as well.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is original and its findings are not available elsewhere.
The role of team cohesion and ambidexterity in enhancing employee adaptive performance: an examination of a multilevel model
Authors: Ejaz Hina , Shafique Imran , Qammar Ahmad
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Drawing on social learning theory, the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between team cohesion and employee adaptive performance directly and through employee ambidexterity. The study also investigates the moderating role of team empowerment climate in the relationship between team cohesion and employee adaptive performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Time-lagged data were collected in two waves from a sample of 212 employees from 43 teams working in software houses in Pakistan. R (lavaan package) was used to analyze the multilevel framework.

Findings

The findings reveal that both team cohesion and employee ambidexterity positively relate to employee adaptive performance. Moreover, employee ambidexterity mediates the cross-level relationship between team cohesion and employee adaptive performance. The results also support that team empowerment climate (a contextual boundary condition) moderates the direct relationship between team cohesion and employee adaptive performance.

Originality/value

The primary novelty of this study lies in developing and examining a holistic conceptual framework for a multilevel model in the software industry that incorporates team cohesion (level 2) as an antecedent, employee ambidexterity (level 1) as an underlying mechanism, employee adaptive performance (level 1) as an outcome and team empowerment climate as a boundary condition (level 2).
Prophages carrying Zot toxins on different Vibrio genomes: A comprehensive assessment using multilayer networks
Authors: Soto Esteban F. , Alegría Melissa , Sepúlveda Felipe , García Katherine , Higuera Gastón , Castillo Daniel , Fontúrbel Francisco E. , Bastías Roberto
Published: May 2024

Vibrios, a group of bacteria that are among the most abundant in marine environments, include several species such as Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which can be pathogenic to humans. Some species of Vibrio contain prophages within their genomes. These prophages can carry genes that code for toxins, such as the zonula occludens toxin (Zot), which contribute to bacterial virulence. Understanding the association between different Vibrio species, prophages and Zot genes can provide insights into their ecological interactions. In this study, we evaluated 4619 Vibrio genomes from 127 species to detect the presence of prophages carrying the Zot toxin. We found 2030 potential prophages with zot‐like genes in 43 Vibrio species, showing a non‐random association within a primarily modular interaction network. Some prophages, such as CTX or Vf33, were associated with specific species. In contrast, prophages phiVCY and VfO3K6 were found in 28 and 20 Vibrio species, respectively. We also identified six clusters of Zot‐like sequences in prophages, with the ZOT2 cluster being the most frequent, present in 34 Vibrio species. This analysis helps to understand the distribution patterns of zot‐containing prophages across Vibrio genomes and the potential routes of Zot‐like toxin dissemination.
FinTech—A pathway to financial inclusion? Evidence from Southern African Development Community member states
Authors: Olaoye Olumide O. , Zerihun Mulatu F. , Shaddady Ali , Tabash Mosab I.
Published: May 2024

The study investigates the effect of FinTech on financial inclusion in Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states over the period 2011–2021, while also looking at the transmission channels. The study adopts a battery of econometric techniques such as ordinary least squares (OLS), the two‐step system generalized method of moments (GMM) and the Driscoll and Kraay covariance estimator. The study finds that FinTech (proxied by digitization) deepens financial inclusion (access to loan) and a decline in the number of bank branches in SADC member states. This is logical since the operations of FinTech are digital. This implies that an attempt to promote financial inclusion by traditional means such as building physical bank structures may be limited, especially in Africa where large swathes of the populace remain unbanked. As expected, FinTech (measured by automated teller machines [ATMs]) increases the number of bank branches in SADC. We also find that mobile cellular subscription, the share of population with access to electricity and Internet access and mean years of schooling are important transmission channels of FinTech to financial inclusion in SADC. In general, the result shows that FinTech enhances and deepens financial inclusion in SADC member states. The research and policy implications are discussed.
Gelatin/dextran active films incorporated with cinnamaldehyde and α‐tocopherol for scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) adductor muscle preservation
Authors: Fan Fengjiao , Yue Chenlinrui , Zhai Zhenni , Liao Hailu , Lian Xiaoni , Xie Hongkai
Published: May 2024

Scallops are rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid but perishable due to their microbial growth and lipid oxidation. In this study, gelatin/dextran films containing cinnamaldehyde and α‐tocopherol (0% + 0%, 0.3% + 0.3%, 0.6% + 0.6%, 0.9% + 0.9%, and 1.2% + 1.2%, w/w) as active fillers were developed by solution casting method, and their preservation effects on scallop adductor muscle refrigerated at 4°C for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days were evaluated. Inclusion of the two active fillers did not influence the thermal stability of the films but created heterogenous and discontinuous film microstructure and increased the film hydrophobicity. Increase in the concentrations of active fillers lowered the mechanical properties and water vapor permeability of the films but increased their crystallinity, thickness, water contact angle, opacity, antibacterial property, and antioxidant property. The longest release times for both cinnamaldehyde and α‐tocopherol were found in 95% (v/v) ethanol solution. The gelatin/dextran films containing 1.2% (w/w) of active fillers (Gelatin [Ge]/Dextran [Dx]/1.2 film) improved the chemical stability of refrigerated scallop adductor muscle. The total viable count (TVC) of the unpackaged scallop adductor muscle exceeded the recommended limit of 7 lg CFU/g on day 6 (7.07 ± 0.50 lg CFU/g), whereas the TVC of the Ge/Dx/1.2 film‐packaged scallop adductor muscle was still below the limit on day 9 (5.60 ± 0.50 lg CFU/g). Thus, the Ge/Dx/1.2 film can extend the shelf life of refrigerated scallop adductor muscle by at least 3 days. Overall, the developed gelatin/dextran active packaging films are promising for the preservation of aquatic food products.
Nomogram for the prediction of infected pancreatic necrosis in moderately severe and severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Song Ying Xiao , Chen Shu Tong , Zhao Ya Ting , Feng Yong Pu , Chen Jia Yu , Li Zhao Shen , Du Yi Qi
Published: May 2024

Objectives

As a serious complication of moderately severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP) and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) can lead to a prolonged course of interventional therapy. Most predictive models designed to identify such patients are complex or lack validation. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model for the early detection of IPN in MSAP and SAP.

Methods

A total of 594 patients with MSAP or SAP were included in the study. To reduce dimensionality, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis was used to screen potential predictive variables, a nomogram was then constructed using logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the discrimination, accuracy, and clinical efficacy of the model. External data were also obtained to further validate the constructed model.

Results

There were 476, 118, and 82 patients in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts, respectively. Platelet count, hematocrit, albumin/globulin, severity of acute pancreatitis, and modified computed tomography severity index score were independent factors for predicting IPN in MSAP and SAP. The area under the ROC curves were 0.923, 0.940, and 0.817, respectively, in the three groups. There was a good consistency between the actual probabilities and the predicted probabilities. DCA revealed excellent clinical utility.

Conclusion

The constructed nomogram is a simple and feasible model that has good clinical predictive value and efficacy in clinical decision‐making for IPN in MSAP and SAP.
Leafcutter ants enhance microbial drought resilience in tropical forest soil
Authors: Shulman Hannah B. , Aronson Emma L. , Dierick Diego , Pinto‐Tomás Andrian A. , Botthoff Jon K. , Artavia‐León Allan , Allen Michael F.
Published: May 2024

We conducted a research campaign in a neotropical rainforest in Costa Rica throughout the drought phase of an El‐Nino Southern Oscillation event to determine microbial community dynamics and soil C fluxes. Our study included nests of the leafcutter ant Atta cephalotes, as soil disturbances made by these ecosystem engineers may influence microbial drought response. Drought decreased the diversity of microbes and the abundance of core microbiome taxa, including Verrucomicrobial bacteria and Sordariomycete fungi. Despite initial responses of decreasing diversity and altered composition, 6 months post‐drought the microbiomes were similar to pre‐drought conditions, demonstrating the resilience of soil microbial communities to drought events. A. cephalotes nests altered fungal composition in the surrounding soil, and reduced both fungal mortality and growth of Acidobacteria post‐drought. Drought increased CH4 consumption in soils due to lower soil moisture, and A. cephalotes nests decrease the variability of CH4 emissions in some soil types. CH4 emissions were tracked by the abundance of methanotrophic bacteria and fungal composition. These results characterize the microbiome of tropical soils across both time and space during drought and provide evidence for the importance of leafcutter ant nests in shaping soil microbiomes and enhancing microbial resilience during climatic perturbations.