bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation of CD4 in gorillas and chimpanzees conveyed resistance to simian immunodeficiency viruses
Authors: Warren Cody J. , Barbachano-Guerrero Arturo , Bauer Vanessa L. , Stabell Alex C. , Dirasantha Obaiah , Yang Qing , Sawyer Sara L.
Published: November 2023

Simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) comprise a large group of primate lentiviruses that endemically infect African monkeys. HIV-1 spilled over to humans from this viral reservoir, but the spillover did not occur directly from monkeys to humans. Instead, a key event was the introduction of SIVs into great apes, which then set the stage for infection of humans. Here, we investigate the role of the lentiviral entry receptor, CD4, in this key and fateful event in the history of SIV/HIV emergence. First, we reconstructed and tested ancient forms of CD4 at two important nodes in ape speciation, both prior to the infection of chimpanzees and gorillas with these viruses. These ancestral CD4s fully supported entry of diverse SIV isolates related to the viruses that made this initial jump to apes. In stark contrast, modern chimpanzee and gorilla CD4 orthologs are more resistant to these viruses. To investigate how this resistance in CD4 was gained, we acquiredCD4gene sequences from 32 gorilla individuals of two species, and identified alleles that encode 8 unique CD4 protein variants. Functional testing of these identified variant-specific differences in susceptibility to virus entry. By engineering single point mutations from resistant gorilla CD4 variants into the permissive human CD4 receptor, we demonstrate that acquired substitutions in gorilla CD4 did convey resistance to virus entry. We provide a population genetic analysis to support the theory that selection is acting in favor of more and more resistantCD4alleles in ape species harboring SIV endemically (gorillas and chimpanzees), but not in other ape species that lack SIV infections (bonobos and orangutans). Taken together, our results show that SIV has placed intense selective pressure on apeCD4, acting to propagate SIV-resistant alleles in chimpanzee and gorilla populations.
Antibacterial activity of human natural killer cells in the absence of accessory cells against extracellularStaphylococcus aureusand hypervirulentPseudomonas aeruginosabacteria
Authors: Guilbaud Audrey , Lottin Baptiste , Cadiou Gwenann , Beauvais Tiffany , Lambot Sylvia , Mouratou Barbara , Labarrière Nathalie , Davodeau François , Pecorari Frédéric
Published: November 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in the innate immune response to bacterial infections, including those due toPseudomonas aeruginosa(P. aeruginosa) andStaphylococcus aureus(S. aureus).In vivo, it has been shown that NK cells are activated by innate accessory cells that detect the presence of bacteria and activate NK cells via a cytokine network.In vitro, several studies have shown that NK cells can also be activated without the help of accessory cells by direct contact with some bacteria species such as extracellularP. aeruginosa. Whether this phenomenon of direct activation is restricted to certain bacterial species, or whether it can be generalized, is still debated, as for example in the case of NK cell activation byS. aureus, which seems to require the intervention of accessory immune cells. Here, we show with co-incubation experiments between NK cells and two bacterial species, that, in the absence of accessory cells, NK cells are able to impede bacterial growth. This has been demonstrated for theP. aeruginosaPA14 strain, which is hypervirulent and known for its deleterious effects on NK cells, as well as for theS. aureusNewman strain. The monitoring of CD107a by flow cytometry suggests that NK cells degranulate after contact withS. aureusbacteria. Our study contributes to the idea that NK cells can be activated in the absence of any accessory cells by various species of bacteria, even an hypervirulent one, and therefore that NKs can directly have an antibacterial effect. This important insight may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches using antibacterial NK-cell engagers.
Host kinase regulation ofPlasmodium vivaxdormant and replicating liver stages
Authors: Glennon Elizabeth KK , Wei Ling , Roobsoong Wanlapa , Primavera Veronica I , Tongogara Tinotenda , Yee Conrad B , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Kaushansky Alexis
Published: November 2023

Upon transmission to the liver,Plasmodium vivaxparasites form replicating schizonts, which continue to initiate blood-stage infection, or dormant hypnozoites that reactivate weeks to months after initial infection.P. vivaxphenotypes in the field vary significantly, including the ratio of schizonts to hypnozoites formed and the frequency and timing of relapse. Evidence suggests that both parasite genetics and environmental factors underly this heterogeneity. We previously demonstrated that data on the effect of a panel of kinase inhibitors with overlapping targets onPlasmodiumliver stage infection, in combination with a computational approach called kinase regression (KiR), can be used to uncover novel host regulators of infection. Here, we applied KiR to evaluate the extent to whichP. vivaxliver-stage parasites are susceptible to changes in host kinase activity. We identified a role for a subset of host kinases in regulating schizont and hypnozoite infection and schizont size and characterized overlap as well as variability in host phosphosignaling dependencies between parasite forms and across multiple patient isolates. Striking, our data point to variability in host dependencies acrossP. vivaxisolates, suggesting one possible origin of the heterogeneity observed acrossP. vivaxin the field.
The LINC complex regulates Achilles tendon elastic modulus, Achilles and tail tendon collagen crimp, and Achilles and tail tendon lateral expansion during early postnatal development
Authors: Pancheri Nicholas M. , Daw Jordan T. , Ditton Destinee , Schiele Nathan R. , Birks Scott , Uzer Gunes , Jones Calvin L. , Penney Brian T. , Theodossiou Sophia K.
Published: November 2023

There is limited understanding of how mechanical signals regulate tendon development. The nucleus has emerged as a major regulator of cellular mechanosensation, via the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) protein complex. Specific roles of LINC in tenogenesis have not been explored. In this study, we investigate how LINC regulates tendon development by disabling LINC-mediated mechanosensing via dominant negative (dn) expression of the Klarsicht, ANC-1, and Syne Homology (KASH) domain, which is necessary for LINC to function. We hypothesized that LINC regulates mechanotransduction in developing tendon, and that disabling LINC would impact tendon mechanical properties and structure in a mouse model of dnKASH. We used Achilles (AT) and tail (TT) tendons as representative energy-storing and limb-positioning tendons, respectively. Mechanical testing at postnatal day 10 showed that disabling the LINC complex via dnKASH significantly impacted tendon mechanical properties and cross-sectional area, and that effects differed between ATs and TTs. Collagen crimp distance was also impacted in dnKASH tendons, and was significantly decreased in ATs, and increased in TTs. Overall, we show that disruption to the LINC complex specifically impacts tendon mechanics and collagen crimp structure, with unique responses between an energy-storing and limb-positioning tendon. This suggests that nuclear mechanotransduction through LINC plays a role in regulating tendon formation during neonatal development.
Impact of habitual betel quid chewing on cardiovascular risk and outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Itaki Rodney , Taufa Shalon
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Habitual betel quid chewing is a leading cause of oral cancer in Asia-Pacific countries where this practice is prevalent. While health policies have focused on countering betel quid chewing concerning cancer, current policies and health promotion strategies overlook the emerging link to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. This oversight could be due to inadequate studies demonstrating the association between betel quid chewing and cardiovascular risk. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic literature review and narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed published studies showing habitual betel quid use as a cardiovascular risk factor.

Methods

We searched PubMed for studies assessing betel quid chewing and its impact on cardiovascular health. We included primary research on human subjects. Next, we extracted data from eligible studies and stratified by geographical location, study designs and cardiovascular outcomes. Finally, we did a narrative synthesis of the data to identify adverse cardiovascular outcomes associated with chronic betel quid use. We did not do a meta-analysis because of the different study designs, cardiovascular outcomes, and statistical measures.

Results

We reviewed data from 19 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Habitual betel quid chewing is associated with ischemic heart disease, obstructive coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome, and re-hospitalisation following an acute coronary event. Additionally, betel quid use is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation and premature ventricular contractions. Long-term betel quid consumption was associated with elevated risks of all-cause mortality, cancer-related mortality, cardiovascular diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases. Moreover, habitual betel quid users had a higher overall cardiovascular risk. The regular use of betel quid was positively correlated with arterial wall stiffness and was independently associated with heart disease in women. Habitual betel quid use is associated with hypertension.

Conclusions

Habitual betel quid chewing is an important cardiovascular risk factor in populations where the practice is prevalent.
Synthesis and crystallographic characterization of 6-hydroxy-1,2-dihydropyridin-2-one
Authors: Phillips Sara K. , Brancato Savannah G. , MacMillan Samantha N. , Snider Mark J. , Roering Andrew J. , Hicks Katherine A.
Published: November 2023

The title compound, C5H5NO2, is a hydroxylated pyridine ring that has been studied for its involvement in microbial degradation of nicotinic acid. Here we describe its synthesis as a formic acid salt, rather than the standard hydrochloride salt that is commercially available, and its spectroscopic and crystallographic characterization.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (2Z)-3-oxo-N-phenyl-2-[(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methylidene]butanamide monohydrate
Authors: Safarova Ayten S. , Khalilov Ali N. , Akkurt Mehmet , Brito Ivan , Bhattarai Ajaya , Naghiyev Farid N. , Mamedov Ibrahim G.
Published: November 2023

In the title compound, C15H14N2O2·H2O, the 1H-pyrrole ring makes a dihedral angle of 59.95 (13)° with the phenyl ring. In the crystal, the molecules are connected by C—H...O hydrogen bonds into layers parallel to the (020) plane, while two molecules are connected to the water molecule by two N—H...O hydrogen bonds and one molecule by an O—H...O hydrogen bond. C—H...π and π–π interactions further link the molecules into chains extending in the [\overline{1}01] direction and stabilize the molecular packing. According to a Hirshfeld surface study, H...H (49.4%), C...H/H...C (23.2%) and O...H/H...O (20.0%) interactions are the most significant contributors to the crystal packing.
Dynamics of property prices and asymmetrical impacts of economic policy uncertainty: new evidence from Indian cities
Authors: Sreenu Nenavath
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This research study aims to delve into the enduring relationship between housing property prices and economic policy uncertainty across eight major Indian cities.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the panel non-linear autoregressive distributed lag model, this study meticulously investigates the asymmetric impact of economic policy uncertainty on apartment and house (unit) prices in India during the period from 2000 to 2022.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that economic policy uncertainty exerts a negative influence on property prices, but noteworthy asymmetry is observed, with positive changes in effect having a more pronounced impact than negative changes. This asymmetrical effect is particularly prominent in the case of unit prices.

Originality/value

This research reveals that long-run price trends are also influenced by factors such as interest rates, building costs and housing loans. Through a comprehensive analysis of these factors and their interplay with property prices, this research paper contributes valuable insights to the understanding of the real estate market dynamics in Indian cities.
Contouring of the regulatory governance framework in emerging economies: a novel multidimensional approach
Authors: Mishra Brajesh , Kumar Avanish
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Globally, the governance has shifted from positivist to the regulatory-centric approach, necessitating accurate contouring of regulatory governance framework. The study proposes a novel approach to unravel the regulatory governance framework in the context of the Indian electronics industry – extendable to other sectors in India and other emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research objective has been operationalized through document analysis and thematic analysis of semi-structured interview transcripts in three steps: (1) arrive at parameters of the regulatory governance framework, (2) identify instruments against each parameter and (3) characterize parameters in terms of dominant instruments and their underlying modalities. The authors have adopted a set of 6 Cs modalities (control, communications, competition, consensus, code and collaboration) and regulatory space theory to analyze existing modalities mix in the dominant instruments.

Findings

In summary, the study has (1) identified eight macro and twenty micro regulatory governance parameters, (2) mapped regulatory governance parameters with instruments and institutions (3) revealed the top two dominant modalities for each regulatory governance parameter.

Practical implications

The existing modality characteristics of regulatory governance parameters can be used by manufacturers, investors and other stakeholders to make a realistic assessment of regulatory governance and reduce regulatory risk and regulatory burden.

Originality/value

The multidimensional use of parameters, instruments and modalities broadens the understanding of the existing regulatory governance framework and may assist the regulators in optimizing it to meet market requirements.
Mercaptobenzothiazole functionalized ionic liquids as additive in lithium complex grease: rheological and tribological performances
Authors: Yang Huimin , Ye Chunlin , Li Yi , Zhang Songwei
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to probe the applicability of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) as additives in lithium complex grease (LCG) by researching the corrosion inhibiting, rheological and tribological performances.

Design/methodology/approach

Electrochemical tests such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization curves were used on Gamry electrochemical workstation to research the corrosion inhibition properties of ILs in 1.0 M HCl corrosive solution. The rheological properties of different grease samples were tested on a rheometer. The tribological properties were investigated on SRV-V oscillating reciprocating friction and wear tester. Scanning electron microscope, X-ray spectrometer and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer were used to characterize the lubricating mechanism.

Findings

The 2-MBT functionalized ILs have excellent corrosion inhibition properties. When used as additives in LCG, they both exhibited enhancing effects on thermostability, colloid stability and structural recoverability, and furthermore, outstanding friction-reducing and antiwear properties were also obtained. Surface analysis indicated that the superior lubricating performances of 2-MBT functionalized ILs were mainly ascribed to the formation of tribochemical products on wear tracks, including organic compounds with C–O bond, Fe2O3 and FeS2.

Originality/value

The 2-MBT-based ILs synthesized in this study were multifunctional additives with excellent corrosion inhibiting and tribological properties, which would have a very broad application prospect in lubricating grease industry.
Behavioral biases and the rational decision-making process of financial professionals: significant factors that determine the future of the financial market
Authors: Khare Tanu , Kapoor Sujata
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper describes how financial professionals' behavioral biases influence their financial forecast and decision-making process. Most of the earlier studies are focused on well-developed financial markets, and little is researched about financial professionals, such as institutional investors, portfolio managers, investment advisors, financial analysts, etc., in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

An expert-validated questionnaire measure four prominent behavioral biases and Indian financial professionals' rational decision-making process. The final sample consists of 274 valid responses using the purposive sampling technique. IBM SPSS and AMOS structural equation modeling (SEM) software are used to build measurement and structural models, multivariate analysis including regression, factor analysis, etc.

Findings

The results provide empirical insights into the relationship between behavioral biases and the decision-making process. The results suggest that the structural path model closely fits the sample data. The presence of behavioral biases indicates that financial professionals' forecasting and decision-making is not always rational but bounded rational or irrational due to these factors. Furthermore, these biases (except overconfidence bias) have a markedly significant and positive relationship with irrational decision-making.

Research limitations/implications

It is critical to eradicate these psychological errors, but awareness and attentiveness toward behavioral biases may help financial professionals to make informed decisions. Investors can improve their portfolio decisions and investments by recognizing their judgment errors and focusing on specific investment strategies to mitigate the impact of these biases. It is necessary to incorporate behavioral insights while developing training techniques for financial professionals. Rules of thumb, visual tools, financial coaching and implementing social-cultural elements in training programs enable financial professionals to develop simple, engaging, appealing and customized approaches for their clients.

Originality/value

This novel study is the first of this kind of research that examines the relationship between financial professionals' behavioral biases and rational decision-making process. This study significantly and remarkably provides insights into irrationality in financial professionals' decision-making.
Greening the bottom line: a new scale to discern consumer perceptions of a firm’s green orientation
Authors: Ramirez Edward , Moreno Gabriel , Hadjimarcou John
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new scale designed to assess a firm's green orientation from the consumer's perspective. Its effects are tested on a managerially relevant outcome variable and an objectively measured product-performance indicator.

Design/methodology/approach

Four studies based on various data sources identify and operationalize a green-oriented firm. Leveraging signaling theory, a model tests the orientation’s impact on two outcome variables, behavioral intentions and revenue, demonstrating its relevance to both scholars and practitioners.

Findings

Previous research has explored consumers’ reactions to green products, announcements and initiatives in a piecemeal fashion. This study suggests that firms are perceived as green-oriented when they operate in an environmentally friendly manner, develop green products and publicize these accomplishments. Consequently, consumers’ identification of a firm as green-oriented affected their behavioral intentions, which positively influenced firms’ revenues.

Research limitations/implications

Green-oriented firms must incorporate environmental standards into production efforts and confidently trumpet such behaviors if they wish to profit from consumer perceptions.

Practical implications

To accrue positive behavioral intentions from consumers and to increase the firm’s revenues, marketers should invest in developing green-oriented products, operating in an environmentally friendly manner and publicizing these efforts. Understanding consumer perceptions is critical, as they are a leading indicator of firm performance.

Originality/value

This novel operationalization of a green orientation captures consumers’ perceptions, demonstrating that firms can significantly benefit from this consumer-aligned strategy.
GPT revolution and digital entrepreneurial intentions
Authors: Abaddi Samer
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Generative pretrained transformers (GPTs), soaring to one million users at lightning speed, outpaced social media giants (15 times faster) (Buchholz, 2023). Despite this, scant research explored GPT’s impact on the digital entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) of students and tech-savvy generations. This study aims to pioneer a fusion of the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB), bridging the gap in research.

Design/methodology/approach

In this bold quantitative quest, business administration students became fearless participants, engaging in a survey of profound significance. Guided by the mighty powers of G*Power and Stata’s structural equation modeling builder, the intricate relationships within a robust sample of (n = 400) were unraveled.

Findings

The mediating power of GPT usefulness and GPT ease of use part of the TAM emerges, paving the way for a future brimming with digital entrepreneurship (DE) boundless possibilities. Predictably, the study found that TPB constructs also affect the EI of students.

Originality/value

This groundbreaking study brings together the powerful combination of TAM and TPB, while pioneering the exploration of GPT models’ mediating role. Its findings offer invaluable contributions to the field of DE and policymakers.
Fast-food consumption and individual time preferences in Russia: evidence for the social policy
Authors: Kossova Tatiana , Sheluntcova Maria
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This article aims to investigate the role of socioeconomic factors and individual time preferences in the demand for fast-food in Russia. An individual discount rate shows the ability of a person to postpone utility from consumption to future periods.

Design/methodology/approach

An individual discount rate is measured through a hypothetical money experiment. The database is the special survey of the Levada analytical center conducted in 2017. Multivariate probit model enables the authors to consider the possible endogeneity of individual discount rate and reveal the relationship between socioeconomic factors and frequent fast-food consumption.

Findings

Results show that a higher individual discount rate is related to frequent consumption of fast-food. At the same time, there are factors that provoke both a higher individual discount rate and the refusal of frequent consumption of fast-food. Findings advise the prioritization of measures highlighting the short-term benefits of healthy eating and the short-term costs of avoiding it.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this article is the first one which presents comprehensive investigation of microeconomic factors of fast-food consumption in Russia including individual time preferences of consumers.
How does your cultural intelligence contribute to your adjustment? Unveiling the link between cultural intelligence and cross-cultural adjustment using meta-analysis
Authors: Tripathi Chhaya Mani , Kaurav Rahul Pratap Singh , Singh Tripti
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between cultural intelligence (CQ) and cross-cultural adjustment (CCA) using meta-analytic methods. The paper serves a dual purpose as it critically examines the CQ-CCA literature and provides summary effects using meta-analysis to determine how CQ and its facets affect CCA and its three dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

A meta-analysis of 77 studies involving 18,399 participants was conducted to obtain the summary effects. The studies reporting the relationship of CQ and/or its facets with CCA or any of its dimensions were included in the analysis.

Findings

Results revealed that CQ (overall) and all individual CQs were positively and significantly related to CCA and its three subdimensions. Although CQ (overall) had a strong effect on CCA and moderate to strong effects on all the subdimensions of CCA, the strongest effect size was measured for the relationship of motivational CQ with CCA. Not only this, when individual CQs' relationships were assessed with the individual adjustment dimensions, the motivational aspect of CQ happened to be the most influencing factor, having a close to strong effect on interaction adjustment.

Research limitations/implications

Since the study combines the results from numerous empirical research conducted over time, it avoids the limitations that an individual study has, which is carried out at a single point in time and on a limited sample.

Originality/value

This study adds to the academic research by critically reviewing the CQ-CCA literature. It also works as a guiding map for future research in the area. The study highlights the summary effects for each association between CQ and CCA and their dimensions, elucidating the mixed findings reported in previous research.
Re-examining asymmetric dynamics in the relationship between macroeconomic variables and stock market indices: empirical evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Mohnot Rajesh , Banerjee Arindam , Ballaj Hanane , Sarker Tapan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The aim of this research is to re-examine the dynamic linkages between macroeconomic variables and the stock market indices in Malaysia following some transformational changes in the policies and the exchange rate regime.

Design/methodology/approach

Using monthly data points for all the economic variables and the stock market index (KLCI Index), the authors applied vector autoregression (VAR) model to examine the relationship. The authors also used impulse response function (IRF) in order to explore the effect of one-unit shock in “X” on “Y” under the VAR environment.

Findings

The authors' study finds a significant relationship between all the macroeconomic variables and the stock market index of Malaysia. The cointegration results indicate a long-term relationship, whereas the vector autoregressive-based impulse response analysis suggests that the Malaysian stock index (KLCI) responds negatively to the money supply, inflation and producer price index (PPI). However, the authors' results indicate a positive response from the stock index to the exchange rate.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' study's results are based on selected macroeconomic variables and the VAR model. Researchers may find other variables and methods more useful and may provide findings accordingly.

Practical implications

Since the results are quite asymmetric, it would be interesting for the market players, policymakers and regulators to consider the findings and explore appropriate opportunities.

Originality/value

While the relationship between macroeconomic variables and stock market indices has been widely examined, a significant gap in the literature remains concerning the role of exchange rate variable on the stock market in an emerging economy context.
Service mega-disruptions: a conceptual model and research agenda
Authors: Vredenburg Jessica , Kapitan Sommer , Jang Sharon
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to formally conceptualize service mega-disruptions as any far-reaching and unforeseen general environmental stressor or threat that impacts a service organization’s ability to provide a desired level of service. The authors differentiate sudden large-scale general environmental threats from traditional service failures in scope and scale of impact via number of customers and sectors affected and duration and speed of the disruption.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws from service recovery theory to build a conceptual model of service mega-disruptions. The resulting conceptual model maps service failure recovery strategies against a service mega-disruption recovery approach to examine consumer response to changes in service value. This work further articulates additional research needs including conceptualization, measurement and methods as traditional drivers of service recovery and the value of the service experience change in response to service mega-disruptions.

Findings

This work proposes a research agenda to investigate whether service mega-disruptions can bypass the need for service recovery due to a consumer self-moderating process. As past research shows, the less control a service provider has over a failure, the more customers attribute fault to the situation and transfer blame away from an organization. This paper suggests that this self-moderating process disrupts the need for service providers to court forgiveness for a failure with perceptions of similarity and controllability providing an alternate pathway to customer forgiveness. Similarly, it is suggested that service mega-disruptions play a role in transforming service ecosystems into tighter, more contractual systems with less agency for service providers and poorer ability to adjust to market conditions. The duration and longevity of effects on service providers’ control, agency and ability to adjust following a service mega-disruption must be researched further.

Originality/value

This paper builds theory to develop a conceptual model of service mega-disruptions and their role in customer engagement and reshaping the service ecosystem. This paper culminates in the proposition of a research agenda that aims to build research capacity among services marketing scholars as service providers’ coordination and market conditions are challenged by service mega-disruptions.
How does blockchain technology implementation affect the supply chain members' strategic decisions under the factory encroachment?
Authors: Ding Fan , Lu Zhangping , Chen Jingxian
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Contract Manufacturers (CM, factory) can cultivate factory brand products by imitating Original Equipment Manufacturers' (OEM, brand owner) National Brand products, and compete with OEM through the online retailer, that is, factory encroachment. In practice, few consumers can identify the quality of those two products in the online market. Implementing blockchain technology (BTI) can help all consumers identify product quality but may change the operation decisions and incur implementation costs. This study aims to explore how will the BTI strategies affect participants' operation performance under the factory encroachment and delve into the decisions regarding NB product quality and CM encroachment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study constructs a three-level outsourcing supply chain comprising one contract manufacturer (CM, factory), one original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and one online retailer. By utilizing the Stackelberg game, the authors first compared the results between two strategic decisions of BTI and no-BTI by online retailers under the factory encroachment scenario. Then, the NB product quality decision and the CM's encroachment decision are also investigated.

Findings

BTI strategy can benefit all participants (triple win), which both occurs in exogenous and endogenous quality cases, and the triple win area will expand (shrink) as the BTI cost decreases (increases). In addition, the OEM will improve product quality to confront competition from the CM, and the OEM may not always benefit from the BTI, it depends on the maturity of the market. Interestingly, BTI could improve the consumer surplus when the proportion of novice consumers is low. Finally, this study also investigates the extended case that CM always encroaches into the market whether the online retailer choose BTI or not, which hurts OEM's profit and decreases the product quality.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the strategic decisions of online retailers' BTI regarding supply chain members' profits, consumer surplus and social welfare under factory encroachment. It also demonstrates that the BTI strategy, under different quality decisions (endogenous and exogenous), can be more profitable for chain members and consumers.
Sentiment investor, exchange rates, geopolitical risk and developing stock market: evidence of co-movements in the time-frequency domain during RussiaUkraine war
Authors: Hachicha Fatma
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is threefold: (1) to develop a new measure of investor sentiment rational (ISR) of developing countries by applying principal component analysis (PCA), (2) to investigate co-movements between the ten developing stock markets, the sentiment investor's, exchange rates and geopolitical risk (GPR) during Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, (3) to explore the key factors that might affect exchange market and capital market before and mainly during Russia–Ukraine war period.

Design/methodology/approach

The wavelet approach and the multivariate wavelet coherence (MWC) are applied to detect the co-movements on daily data from August 2019 to December 2022. Value-at-risk (VaR) and conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) are used to assess the systemic risks of exchange rate market and stock market return in the developing market.

Findings

Results of this study reveal (1) strong interdependence between GPR, investor sentiment rational (ISR), stock market index and exchange rate in short- and long-terms in most countries, as inferred from (WTC) analysis. (2) There is evidence of strong short-term co-movements between ISR and exchange rates, with ISR leading. (3) Multivariate coherency shows strong contributions of ISR and GPR index to stock market index and exchange rate returns. The findings signal the attractiveness of the Vietnamese dong, Malaysian ringgits and Tunisian dinar as a hedge for currency portfolios against GPR. The authors detect a positive connectedness in the short term between all pairs of the variables analyzed in most countries. (4) Both foreign exchange and equity markets are exposed to higher levels of systemic risk in the period of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Originality/value

This study provides information that supports investors, regulators and executive managers in developing countries. The impact of sentiment investor with GPR intensified the co-movements of stocks market and exchange market during 2021–2022, which overlaps with period of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Sustaining management quality through stress management
Authors: Romagnoli Daniela Andrea , Pumphrey David L. , Maamari Bassem E. , Katergi Elissa
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This exploratory research aims to identify the effect of perceived stress level and self-efficacy on management quality and what practices and theories need to be enhanced to improve management quality under volatility business environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveyed 291 working women, using the Perceived Stress Scale and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Latent class analysis (LCA) for classifications of respondents, using categorical observed variables and MANCOVA, are applied to determine the relationship between stress and self-efficacy on the assigned classes.

Findings

The study suggests that in a highly volatile business environment, where stress is high, affecting management quality, managers as individuals fall into one of four classes that describe their techniques of coping with the stress, namely Uncommitted Experimenters, Try Anything, Intrinsically Motivated and Externally Motivated. Techniques of stress management classification are significantly related to the combined perceived stress and self-efficacy measures, with Externally Motivated respondents as the classification with a significant mean difference.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study at hand refers to the sample size versus the number of potential factors of stress. This limitation highlights the need for further data gathering and research in this area, as stress is a critical factor of performance and often ignored in traditional management theories. Another limitation of this study is the lack of in-depth analysis of the use of meditation; its benefits and how to best use this practice in traditional work settings.

Practical implications

The outcome of the study could have significant implications for quality of management in business, private and social sectors by providing meditation as a tool for employees and stakeholders to handle stress in conflict zones.

Social implications

Using stress management techniques might prove to be a low-cost tool for better quality management of human assets.

Originality/value

The authors study focuses on women in volatile economic turmoil, natural devastations, conflict areas and politically insecure environments. This socioeconomic segment was rarely scrutinized despite its direct effect on a large number of economies hosting a sizeable portion of the world’s population. Interesting potential results highlight the relationship between the respondents in the Intrinsically Motivated class and stress reduction for the benefit of management quality.
Senior citizen tourists’ push and pull motivations: an approach–avoidance perspective
Authors: Aggarwal Arun , Hajra Vandita
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to pioneer the exploration of approach and avoidance intentions of senior tourists by analyzing push and pull factors. It innovatively categorizes these factors into dual-impact, resilient and facilitative types, surpassing previous research by understanding complex motivations shaping senior travel decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional research surveyed 641 elderly individuals in Odisha and West Bengal, India, analyzing data using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Notably, certain push factors such as health improvement, novelty and socialization exert a positive influence on approach intentions while discouraging avoidance intentions. The push factors of status and self-fulfillment solely have a negative impact on avoidance intentions. The factors of escape and relaxation have been found to positively contribute to approach intentions. In the realm of pull factors, destination familiarity/friendliness quotient and ease of consumption of tourist experiences exert a positive influence on approach intentions, whereas the health safety and security quotient of a destination reduces avoidance intentions.

Originality/value

This study uniquely categorizes push and pull factors impacting senior tourists’ intentions. The identification of dual-impact, resilient and facilitative factors opens new avenues for creating a supportive and accessible environment for senior tourists, thereby improving their travel experiences.
The magic in magician: Contributions of phonological dimensions of morphological awareness to children's reading development
Authors: Deacon S. Hélène , Robertson Erin K. , Ryken Alexandra , Levesque Kyle
Published: November 2023

Background

Oral language has long been acknowledged as a prominent influence on children's reading development. Here, we examine the intersecting contribution of two prominent aspects of oral language – phonology and morphology. We explore this interface by examining contributions from the two dimensions of phonology – phonemic and prosodic – of morphological awareness on children's reading development.

Methods

In a longitudinal study, we track the word reading and reading comprehension development of 175 children in Grades 3 and 4 (Time 1) over the course of 11 months into Grades 4 and 5 (Time 2), respectively. At Time 1, children also completed a measure of morphological awareness with items varying across the two intersecting phonological dimensions: phonemic and prosodic changes.

Results

We found two unique effects accounting for gains in reading skill over 1 year after controlling for vocabulary, phonological awareness and nonverbal ability, and the appropriate auto‐regressor. Gains in word reading skill were predicted by performance on morphological awareness items with phonemic changes. Gains in reading comprehension skill were predicted by performance on morphological awareness items with both phonemic and prosodic changes.

Conclusions

These findings point to key differences in the oral language skills that drive the development of word reading versus reading comprehension and encourage us to consider the rich intersection between features of oral language in understanding children's reading development.
Use of basic amino acids to improve gel properties of PSE‐like chicken meat proteins isolated via ultrasound‐assisted alkaline extraction
Authors: Li Ke , Wang Lin‐Meng , Gao Hui‐Jian , Du Man‐Ting , Bai Yan‐Hong
Published: November 2023

To improve the gel quality of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)‐like chicken protein isolate (PPI) obtained via ultrasound‐assisted alkaline extraction (UAE), l‐lysine (l‐Lys), l‐arginine (l‐Arg), or l‐histidine (l‐His) were used and the effects on the thermal gelling characteristics of PPI were studied. Compared with the nonbasic amino acid addition group, the addition of l‐His/l‐Arg/l‐Lys significantly increased the solubility and absolute zeta potential of PPI, whereas reduced the particle size and turbidity (p < 0.05). They enhanced the gel strength and textural properties of PPI (p < 0.05) and reduced the cooking loss of PPI in the following order: l‐Lys > l‐Arg > l‐His. The solubility, gel strength, and hardness of PPI with l‐Lys were increased by 18.6%, 44.6%, and 57.6%, respectively, and cooking loss was decreased by 18.1%. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging revealed that basic amino acids addition decreased the water mobility in PPI gels with increasing immobile water content. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the addition of basic amino acids promoted the formation of a more uniform and tight network microstructure in PPI gels. The α‐helix content was decreased, whereas the β‐sheet content was increased in PPI gels after basic amino acid addition. Therefore, addition of basic amino acids, especially l‐Lys, enhances the gel properties of PPI.

Practical Application

This study revealed that adding basic amino acids effectively improved the gel properties of PPI obtained via UAE method, with l‐Lys exerting the best improvement effect. Our findings highlight the application value of PSE‐like meat by the improvement of gel characteristics of PPI, providing a theoretical reference for the processing and utilization of PPI.
Reducing bias in density estimates for unmarked populations that exhibit reactive behaviour towards camera traps
Authors: Delisle Zackary J. , Henrich Maik , Palencia Pablo , Swihart Robert K.
Published: November 2023

Density estimates guide wildlife management, and camera traps are commonly used to estimate sizes of unmarked populations. Unfortunately, animals often alter their natural behaviour in the presence of camera traps, which may bias subsequent density estimates.

We simulated 100 populations of known density to test several new and existing methods that aimed to reduce bias in density estimates from camera trap distance sampling (CTDS) and the random encounter model (REM). Within our simulated populations, we introduced different behavioural reactions including attraction towards cameras, freezing when near cameras and fleeing from cameras.

CTDS and REM provided density estimates with decent coverage of confidence intervals (CTDS = 94%, REM = 87%), mean coefficient of variation (CTDS = 0.121, REM = 0.071) and minimal bias (root‐mean squared error: CTDS = 1.336, REM = 0.913) for simulated populations with no reactive behaviour. However, failure to implement a method to account for reactive behaviour resulted in low coverage, large bias and potentially imprecise density estimates when 30% of the simulated population potentially reacted by attraction to or fleeing from camera traps. We identified a corrective strategy that enhanced confidence interval coverage, increased precision and reduced bias for every behavioural reaction except when individuals potentially fled from cameras.

Synthesis and applications. We provide empirically tested methods for reducing bias of density estimates. Wildlife managers requiring population estimates of animals that exhibit reactive behaviour can use our methods to reduce inaccuracy. We encourage future studies to quantify behavioural responses to camera traps and to implement, test and possibly extend our methods to reduce bias through simulation.
3D reconstruction of murine mitochondria reveals changes in structure during aging linked to the MICOS complex
Authors: Vue Zer , Garza‐Lopez Edgar , Neikirk Kit , Katti Prasanna , Vang Larry , Beasley Heather , Shao Jianqiang , Marshall Andrea G. , Crabtree Amber , Murphy Alexandria C. , Jenkins Brenita C. , Prasad Praveena , Evans Chantell , Taylor Brittany , Mungai Margaret , Killion Mason , Stephens Dominique , Christensen Trace A. , Lam Jacob , Rodriguez Benjamin , Phillips Mark A. , Daneshgar Nastaran , Koh Ho‐Jin , Koh Alice , Davis Jamaine , Devine Nina , Saleem Mohammad , Scudese Estevão , Arnold Kenneth Ryan , Vanessa Chavarin Valeria , Daniel Robinson Ryan , Chakraborty Moumita , Gaddy Jennifer A. , Sweetwyne Mariya T. , Wilson Genesis , Zaganjor Elma , Kezos James , Dondi Cristiana , Reddy Anilkumar K. , Glancy Brian , Kirabo Annet , Quintana Anita M. , Dai Dao‐Fu , Ocorr Karen , Murray Sandra A. , Damo Steven M. , Exil Vernat , Riggs Blake , Mobley Bret C. , Gomez Jose A. , McReynolds Melanie R. , Hinton Antentor
Published: November 2023

During aging, muscle gradually undergoes sarcopenia, the loss of function associated with loss of mass, strength, endurance, and oxidative capacity. However, the 3D structural alterations of mitochondria associated with aging in skeletal muscle and cardiac tissues are not well described. Although mitochondrial aging is associated with decreased mitochondrial capacity, the genes responsible for the morphological changes in mitochondria during aging are poorly characterized. We measured changes in mitochondrial morphology in aged murine gastrocnemius, soleus, and cardiac tissues using serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy and 3D reconstructions. We also used reverse transcriptase‐quantitative PCR, transmission electron microscopy quantification, Seahorse analysis, and metabolomics and lipidomics to measure changes in mitochondrial morphology and function after loss of mitochondria contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) complex genes, Chchd3, Chchd6, and Mitofilin. We identified significant changes in mitochondrial size in aged murine gastrocnemius, soleus, and cardiac tissues. We found that both age‐related loss of the MICOS complex and knockouts of MICOS genes in mice altered mitochondrial morphology. Given the critical role of mitochondria in maintaining cellular metabolism, we characterized the metabolomes and lipidomes of young and aged mouse tissues, which showed profound alterations consistent with changes in membrane integrity, supporting our observations of age‐related changes in muscle tissues. We found a relationship between changes in the MICOS complex and aging. Thus, it is important to understand the mechanisms that underlie the tissue‐dependent 3D mitochondrial phenotypic changes that occur in aging and the evolutionary conservation of these mechanisms between Drosophila and mammals.