bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A conserved biosynthetic gene cluster is regulated by quorum sensing in a shipworm symbiont
Authors: Robes Jose Miguel D. , Altamia Marvin A. , Murdock Ethan G. , Concepcion Gisela P. , Haygood Margo G. , Puri Aaron W.
Published: February 2022

Bacterial symbionts often provide critical functions for their hosts. For example, wood-boring bivalves called shipworms rely on cellulolytic endosymbionts for wood digestion. However, how the relationship between shipworms and their bacterial symbionts is formed and maintained remains unknown. Quorum sensing (QS) often plays an important role in regulating symbiotic relationships. We identified and characterized a QS system found in Teredinibacter sp. strain 2052S, a gill isolate of the wood-boring shipworm Bactronophorus cf. thoracites. We determined that 2052S produces the signal N-decanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C10-HSL), and that this signal controls activation of a biosynthetic gene cluster co-located in the symbiont genome that is conserved among all symbiotic Teredinibacter isolates. We subsequently identified extracellular metabolites associated with the QS regulon, including ones linked to the conserved biosynthetic gene cluster, using mass spectrometry-based molecular networking. Our results demonstrate that QS plays an important role in regulating secondary metabolism in this shipworm symbiont. This information provides a step towards deciphering the molecular details of the relationship between these symbionts and their hosts. Furthermore, because shipworm symbionts harbor vast yet underexplored biosynthetic potential, understanding how their secondary metabolism is regulated may aid future drug discovery efforts using these organisms.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteria play important roles as symbionts in animals ranging from invertebrates to humans. Despite this recognized importance, much is still unknown about the molecular details of how these relationships are formed and maintained. One of the proposed roles of shipworm symbionts is the production of bioactive secondary metabolites due to the immense biosynthetic potential found in shipworm symbiont genomes. Here, we report that a shipworm symbiont uses quorum sensing to coordinate activation of its extracellular secondary metabolism, including the transcriptional activation of a biosynthetic gene cluster that is conserved among many shipworm symbionts. This work is a first step towards linking quorum sensing, secondary metabolism, and symbiosis in wood-boring shipworms.
Opponent processing in the retinal mosaic of nymphalid butterflies
Authors: Pirih Primož , Ilić Marko , Meglič Andrej , Belušič Gregor
Published: February 2022

The eyes of nymphalid butterflies, investigated with incident illumination, show colourful facet reflection patterns, the eye shine, which is uniform or heterogeneous, dependent on the species. Facet colours suggest that the ommatidia contain different sets of photoreceptors and screening pigments, but how the colours and the cell characteristics are associated has not been clearly established. Here we analyse the retinae of two nymphalids, Apatura ilia, which has a uniform eyeshine, and Charaxes jasius, a species with a heterogeneous eye shine, using single-cell recordings, spectroscopy and optical pupillometry. Apatura has UV, blue and green-sensitive photoreceptors, allocated into three ommatidial types. The UV and blue-sensitive cells are long visual fibres (LVFs), receiving opponent input from the green-sensitive short visual fibres (SVFs). Charaxes has an expanded set of photoreceptors, allocated into three additional, red-reflecting ommatidial types. All red ommatidia contain green-sensitive LVFs, receiving opponent input from red receptors. In both species, the SVFs do not receive any opponent input. The simple retina of Apatura with three ommatidial types and two colour-opponent channels can support trichromatic vision. Charaxes has six ommatidial types and three colour-opponent channels. Its expanded receptor set can support tetrachromatic vision.
Protein binding and differential distribution of calcitonin in the sub-compartments of blood: An In vitro study
Authors: Bryan Alex , Kumar Arun HS
Published: February 2022

The pharmacodynamics effects of therapeutically administered calcitonin is observed for extended duration much beyond its reported short half-life. The rationale for this pharmacodynamic-pharmacokinetics mismatch of calcitonin is not known. Hence in this study the hypothesis on sub-compartmentalization of calcitonin in blood to explain the extended pharmacodynamics effects of calcitonin was evaluated in vitro using the sheep blood model. A relatively higher proportion of calcitonin concentration was observed in the WBC compartment. The partition coefficient analysis showed levels of calcitonin to be higher on WBC membrane compared to intracellular. Molecular modelling to assess the binding of calcitonin with protein in plasma and WBC membranes indicated physiologically relevant higher affinity with beta-2-microglobulin’s in plasma and glycoproteins (CD44), sushi domains (CD25), fibronectins (CD206) and siglecs (CD22) on WBC membrane. The physiologically relevant higher affinity with several proteins on WBC membrane and plasma can be responsible for extended pharmacodynamics effects observed for therapeutically administered calcitonin.
A multispecies framework for modeling adaptive immunity and immunotherapy in cancer
Authors: Qi Timothy , Vincent Benjamin , Cao Yanguang
Published: February 2022

Predator-prey theory is commonly used to approximately describe tumor growth in the presence of selective pressure from the adaptive immune system. These interactions are mediated by the tumor immunopeptidome (what the tumor “shows” the body) and the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire (how well the body “sees” cancer cells). Importantly, both tumor and T cell populations are dynamic and in competition with each other and their fraternal lineages. In particular, the immunopeptidome comprises neoantigens which can be gained and lost throughout tumorigenesis and treatment. Heterogeneity in the immunopeptidome is predictive of poorer survival and response to T-cell dependent immunotherapy in some tumor types, suggesting the TCR repertoire is unable to support a fully polyclonal response against every neoantigen. Whether between-lineage competition among T cells plays a role, and in what contexts, is unknown; moreover, longitudinal TCR profiling studies are expensive and logistically complex to conduct. In silico models may offer an inexpensive way to interrogate these phenomena ex ante and deepen our understanding of the tumor-immune axis. Here, we construct and calibrate a predator-prey-like model to preclinical and clinical data to describe tumor growth and immunopeptidome diversification. Simultaneously, we model the expansion of neoantigen-specific T cell lineages and their consumption of both lineage-specific and shared, lineage-agnostic resources. This predator-prey-like framework accurately described clinically observed immunopeptidomes as well as correlates and consequences of response to immunotherapy, including immunoediting. The model was also suitable for exploring treatment of tumors with varying growth and mutation rates.
Binding Interactions between RBD of Spike-Protein and Human ACE2 in Omicron variant
Authors: Jawad Bahaa , Adhikari Puja , Podgornik Rudolf , Ching Wai-Yim
Published: February 2022

Emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 Omicron VOC (OV) has exacerbated the COVID-19 pandemic due to a large number of mutations in the spike-protein, particularly in the receptor-binding domain (RBD), resulting in highly contagious and/or vaccine-resistant strain. Herein, we present a systematic analysis based on detailed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in order to understand how the OV RBD mutations affect the ACE2 binding. We show that the OV RBD binds to ACE2 more efficiently and tightly due predominantly to strong electrostatic interactions, thereby promoting increased infectivity and transmissibility compared to other strains. Some of OV RBD mutations are predicted to affect the antibody neutralization either through their role in the S-protein conformational changes, such as S371L, S373P, and S375F, or through changing its surface charge distribution, such as G339D, N440K, T478K, and E484A. Other mutations, such as K417N, G446S, and Y505H, decrease the ACE2 binding, whereas S447N, Q493R, G496S, Q498R, and N501Y tend to increase it.

TOC GRAPHICS
Molecular Dynamics Simulations Studies On The Effects Of Mutations On The Binding Affinities Between SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD And Human ACE2
Authors: Arora Smriti , Patra Jeevan
Published: February 2022

CONSPECTUS

The SARS-CoV-2 viruses had made a great impact on humankind and the world economy. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the newly identified B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 lineages possessed with few key mutations predominantly circulating. The signature mutations possessed by these lineages are situated in the RBD motif of S protein. Reports revealed variants L452R, T478K, and E484Q harbours in enhancement with hACE2 binding while P681R situated in furin cleavage site resulting in better transmissibility. To gain a deeper understanding of the impact of these variants (L452R, T478K and E484Q) binding with hACE2, structural dynamics at the interface between S-RBD protein and hACE2 were studied. We performed our dynamics studies with both single mutant complex (L452R, T478K and E484Q) and in the combination of triple mutants (L452R + T478K + E484Q) at 100ns in contrast with the wild type. Interfacial docking interactions and Molecular Mechanics approach exhibited that the spike mutants −L452R, T478K and E484Q harbour with higher binding affinity on hACE2 in contrast with its native spike protein. The presence of interfacial residue, intermolecular contacts such as hydrogen bonding, salt bridge and non-hydrogen bonded interactions might be the reason for its higher binding affinity. Hence the findings from our study unravelled plausible mechanism for the increase in affinities of mutants to hACE2 thus leading to higher transmissibility and infection of emerging variants. Further, the conformational alterations in the course of dynamics at the RBD motif led to enhancement of hACE2 binding and immune escape. These results suggest that the structural changes introduced by these variants enhance the binding affinities of the S protein with the hACE2 that could form the basis to further aid in designing therapeutics that could inhibit at the interface of S protein and hACE2 receptor.
Establishing reduced thermal mathematical model (RTMM) for a space equipment: an integrative review
Authors: Akbulut Mustafa , Ertas Ahmet H.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to, first, provide an overview of the previously conducted works related to thermal analysis of space equipment, including battery packages, especially lithium (Li)-ion ones. Second, the need for a reduced thermal mathematical model (RTMM) and a procedure devising it is defined. Finally, an experimental steady-state temperature distribution test is conducted to finalize the RTMM study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was carried out as part of a development project for thermal analysis of Li-ion battery packages used in a space equipment. The study presents certain stages of the design of the battery pack in parallel with battery technology development. Following a literature review, a numerical thermal analysis is conducted; then interface thermal conductance values are found out by means of the first law of thermodynamics; and the study is completed with the help of an experimental test.

Findings

The study provides key aspects for a successful battery-package thermal design for a space equipment. Additionally, the study summarizes the experimental results used in the RTMM process and the computed thermal conductance values between node couples.

Practical implications

Thermal analysis is important and vital in space equipment considering their harsh working conditions and environments. Hence, the study provides a RTMM for the thermal analysis of Li-ion battery packages, instead of a full finite element model, to save computational time and CPU usage. The findings are supported by experimental results. Hence, presented details can be used as guidelines for enterprises having a goal of battery package technology achievement, including design and manufacturing.

Originality/value

After providing a literature review of studies conducted on satellite subsystems including Li-ion batteries, this study presents a clear, complete and verified process of a RTMM for a Li-ion battery package in aero/space structures design. It presents details of building up a model and calculation methodology through an iterative procedure in which an optimization algorithm known as particle swarm optimization (PSO) was benefitted. In the RTMM, additionally, experimental temperature distributions obtained through thermal vacuum test were presented. It has been shown that the model can be used reliably in designing space equipments.
The impact of front-of-the-packaging nutrition labelling warnings on consumer habits: a scoping review exploring the case of the Chilean Food Law
Authors: Silva Cintia Pereira da , Bento Aline Cristina , Guaraldo Elaine
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this scoping review was to summarise the general results of the Chilean Food Law implementation to help to understand how this policy has changed consumer's behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were followed. Five databases were searched for studies published from January 2015 to February 2020 evaluating the Chilean population's perception, behaviour and purchasing habits of processed foods.

Findings

The results showed that consumers support the implementation of a front-of-package warning label (FOPWL) and thought it a good strategy to help make healthier food choices for themselves. However, even with a positive perception about these products, the intention-to-change the purchase of unhealthy food occurred only for sugar-sweetened beverages. Meanwhile, children did not stop eating foods that had a FOPWL, although the mothers' perception was that the presence of FOPWLs could be important to differentiate unhealthy from healthy products. The availability of products with FOPWLs at schools decreased, indicating that the law was being complied with and that the child-directed marketing strategy showed a reduction after the first phase of implementation.

Practical implications

This evidence will guide other countries about in understanding and improving this policy.

Originality/value

This is the first study to gather research available in international databases that evaluated the results of the Chilean Law on the advertising of children's food and the perception, purchase intention, reformulation of products and consumption behaviour of the Chilean population.
The development of corporate governance literature in Malaysia: a systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Khatib Saleh F.A. , Abdullah Dewi Fariha , Elamer Ahmed , Hazaea Saddam A.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature on corporate governance (CG) aspects of the Malaysian market. It offers insights into the phases of Malaysian CG, identifies crucial gaps in the literature and outlines an agenda for impending research.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a systematic literature review approach, a final sample of 125 studies from Scopus and Web of Science databases was used in this study. These studies were selected based on quality assessment criteria. Then, the sample literature was evaluated in terms of journals, methodology, theories, modelling, research outcomes and CG characteristics.

Findings

The results show that there is a growing interest among researchers to further explore CG aspects in Malaysia due to the continuous development of the Malaysian CG codes. Likewise, the review reveals that the majority of prior studies are quantitative and were carried out using archived data from non-financial firms. Also, the existing literature has primarily focused on the outcomes of CG, especially firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, the results show that there is ample room for future research. The present paper identifies a number of methodological problems and concerns, and discusses the implications of these problems, while also providing recommendations for future research. The main caveat is that the authors use scholarly papers published in academic journals only, but this approach offers them with opportunities for considerable further developments.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study contributes to the literature by being the first of its kind to concentrate on the Malaysian context. It provides a comprehensive knowledge assessment of the Malaysian CG research and offers advice regarding improvements in research, policy and practice by identifying possible knowledge gaps. Consequently, this study provides a cohesive story of the past and a road map for future research on Malaysian CG.
Entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurship policy and entrepreneurial competence: mediating effect of entrepreneurship competition in China
Authors: Li Guobiao , Long Zehai , Jiang Yujia , Huang Yangjie , Wang Peng , Huang Zhaoxin
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Entrepreneurial competence plays a decisive role in entrepreneurship success. To promote the employment of college students and accelerate economic growth through entrepreneurial activities, the Chinese government and universities encourage the use of multiple inputs to boost holistic entrepreneurship education and training. This study aims to assesses the entrepreneurial competence of college students by analysing the effects of entrepreneurship education and policy implementation in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative approach considered a large sample of 12,269 students, who participated in entrepreneurship education in Chinese “double-first-class” universities, to construct a theoretical model of their entrepreneurial competence. Entrepreneurship competition was introduced as a mediating variable in this model.

Findings

This study revealed that college students develop entrepreneurial competence by participating in entrepreneurship competitions unlike students who participate in regular entrepreneurship education. Additionally, there was a significant difference in the measured impact of entrepreneurship policy between students who participated in entrepreneurship competitions and those who did not.

Originality/value

The effects of the implementation of entrepreneurship education and policy were studied using a quantitative design. Additionally, this study highlights the effect of entrepreneurship competitions with empirical evidence from China, and contributes to the discussion of entrepreneurship education at schools and entrepreneurship policy for policymakers.
Development of a Men's Health course for first-year undergraduates using culturally responsive teaching strategies
Authors: Majewska Ania A. , Stuart Johnasha D. , Gray Kelsey M. , Ryder Pearl V. , Vereen Ethell
Published: February 2022

Purpose

A novel first-year experience course was developed using culturally responsive teaching strategies at an undergraduate liberal arts college in the southeastern USA to promote health advocacy and to provide students with an overview of male health. The course focuses on the biological, sociocultural, economic and gender influences that shape men's health beliefs and practices. It also emphasizes health disparities in the USA among Black/African American men compared to other racial groups and intervention strategies to improve health outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The lecture and laboratory components of the course were designed as a blended learning environment with a modified flipped class model. Culturally relevant strategies guided the course design with three focus domains: academic success, cultural competence and sociopolitical consciousness. A community engagement model and service-learning activities were also incorporated in the design. The authors used course grades to gauge learning and implemented a survey to assess students' perception of the knowledge gained in three realms: men's health, health sciences and physical sciences.

Findings

This report describes the course design, highlights the value of using culturally responsive teaching strategies and service-learning projects to encourage students' active learning. Course activity examples are discussed with student responses. The authors found that students' perception of their knowledge in men's health, health sciences and physical sciences increased and the students performed well in the course.

Originality/value

This is one of few biology courses in the nation that intentionally focuses on the unique health challenges of Black men, while empowering college students to develop culturally competent strategies to improve their health outcomes. The findings suggest that the students learned the material and that their perceived knowledge on men's health increased. The authors urge other academic institutions and healthcare providers to consider implementation of similar courses in an effort to enhance male health equity.
From the wall of the industry to the soul of society: a review and multi-level analysis on projectification
Authors: Voros Fregolente Mariana , Neto Achiles Camilo Soares , Ribeiro Daniel Ricardo Pereira , Salerno Mario Sergio , Nakano Davi Noboru , de Carvalho Marly Monteiro
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The growing presence of projectification is affecting more than its cradle, the industry, characterizing it as a broader phenomenon than initially envisioned. This study aims to provide a literature review on the concept.

Design/methodology/approach

The sampling process includes articles from two databases, Web of Science and Scopus, and a backward snowballing sampling through the references, entailing the analysis of 103 documents. The publications were analyzed applying bibliometric, content and semantic analyses both manually and with the assistance of VOSViewer, Bibliometrix, NVivo11 and Tropes v.8.

Findings

The results identified 55 definitions of projectification. The study synthesizes them in five levels of analysis to capture their main distinctive aspects, as follows: (1) Private Organizations; (2) Public Sector; (3) Academy; (4) Individuals (work and private life); and (5) Society. The paper concludes by depicting factors as general effects, negative effects, tensions, funding and knowledge, embedded within each level of analysis.

Originality/value

This work sheds light on the evolution of projectification concept, presents a multilevel analysis of its consequences and brings forward the related topics, which still require further investigation.
Airline brand equity: do advertising and sales promotion matter? An empirical evidence from UAE traveler’s perspective
Authors: Mahadin Bushra K. , Abu Elsamen Amjad , El-Adly Mohammed Ismail
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the roles of advertising (ADV) and sales promotion (SP) in creating airline brand equity (BE) in the UAE, and to test the mediational effect of customer perceived value on the proposed relationships. Additionally, the study examines the outcomes of airline BE (i.e. trust, satisfaction and loyalty).

Design/methodology/approach

A structured and self-administered survey was used targeting 234 passengers, from which 197 were valid for the analysis. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to assess the research constructs unidimensionality, validity and composite reliability.

Findings

The empirical findings support the direct relationship between ADV and BE. Perceived value fully mediates the effect of SP on BE. In addition, BE positively affects trust, satisfaction and loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could investigate BE and perceived value as multidimensional constructs. Additionally, future research should expand the effect of other variables such as airline type, airline class and other marketing mix elements.

Practical implications

The findings from this research highlight the importance of both ADV and sale promotion in enhancing airline BE, and the pivotal role of perceived value.

Originality/value

The originality of this research is highlighted in conceptualizing a parsimonious model of the preceding constructs (i.e. ADV, SP, customer perceived quality) and subsequent constructs of BE (i.e. customer trust, customer satisfaction, customer loyalty), which has never been investigated collectively in one model in the literature particularly in the airline’ context of emerging economies such as UAE.
Volatility spillover analysis between stocks and exchange rate markets in short and long terms in East European and Eurasian countries
Authors: Živkov Dejan , Gajić-Glamočlija Marina , Đurašković Jasmina
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper researches a bidirectional volatility transmission effect between stocks and exchange rate markets in the six East European and Eurasian countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Research process involves creation of transitory and permanent volatilities via optimal component generalized autoregressive heteroscedasticity (CGARCH) model, while these volatilities are subsequently embedded in Markov switching model.

Findings

This study’s results indicate that bidirectional volatility transmission exists between the markets in the selected countries, whereas the effect from exchange rate to stocks is stronger than the other way around in both short-term and long-term. In particular, the authors find that long-term spillover effect from exchange rate to stocks is stronger than the short-term counterpart in all countries, which could suggest that flow-oriented model better explains the nexus between the markets than portfolio-balance approach. On the other hand, short-term volatility transfer from stock to exchange rate is stronger than its long-term equivalent.

Practical implications

This suggests that portfolio-balance theory also has a role in explaining the transmission effect from stock to exchange rate market, but a decisive fact is from which direction spillover effect is observed.

Originality/value

This paper is the first one that analyses the volatility nexus between stocks and exchange rate in short and long term in the four East European and two Eurasian countries.
Government pandemic response strategies for AEC enterprises: lessons from COVID-19
Authors: Zamani Salma Husna , Rahman Rahimi A. , Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf , Mohamed Yusof Liyana
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Policymakers are developing government-level pandemic response strategies (GPRS) to assist architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) enterprises. However, the effectiveness of the GPRS has not been assessed. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the interrelationships between GPRS and AEC enterprises. To achieve that aim, the study objectives are to compare GPRS effectiveness between small-medium and large AEC enterprises, develop groupings to categorize interrelated GPRS and evaluate the effectiveness of the GPRS and interrelated constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with 40 AEC industry professionals were carried out, generating 22 GPRS. Then, questionnaire survey data was collected among AEC professionals. In total, 114 valid survey answers were received and analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis H test, normalized mean analysis, factor analysis and fuzzy synthetic evaluation.

Findings

Small-medium enterprises have four distinct critical GPRS: “form a special task force to provide support in maneuvering COVID-19,” “provide infrastructure investment budgets to local governments,” “develop employee assistance programs that fit all types of working groups” and “diversify existing supply chain.” Large enterprises have two distinct critical GPRS: “provide help in digitalizing existing construction projects” and “mandate COVID-19 as force majeure.” Eighteen GPRS can be categorized into the following five constructs: “market stability and financial aid,” “enterprise capability management,” “supply chain improvement,” “law and policy resources” and “information and workforce management.” The former two constructs are more effective than other GPRS constructs.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that evaluates the effectiveness of GPRS for AEC enterprises, providing new evidence to policymakers for well-informed decision-making in developing pandemic response strategies.
A qualitative study of improving the operations strategy of logistics using radio frequency identification
Authors: Flanagan John , McGovern Candice
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how radio frequency identification (RFID) is used and opinions about RFID in two world-leading logistics companies and four organisations in their supply network. Operations strategy was used to understand the sources of operations improvement and associated competitive advantage. However, the complexity of operations strategy hampers an evaluation of the benefits of RFID for logistics processes. We can evaluate RFID applied in logistics processes by thoroughly applying the theories of operations strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were recruited based on their roles and level of experience using non-probability purposive sampling. The findings were checked with participants to confirm interpretations and to ask confirming questions as necessary. Interviews were conducted as video chats. NVivo Pro was used for the fragmentation, classification, management and analysis of the primary and secondary data, allowing themes and relationships to emerge inductively. The literature was compared with the primary data.

Findings

The findings reinforce the argument that a firm can improve more than one performance objective at a time; show the relevance of technology and an operations performance objective; support the argument that top management strategies to implement technology should be aligned with the operations strategy and business aspirations.

Research limitations/implications

This research area would benefit from more detailed investigation to strengthen the arguments for the relationships between RFID capabilities and elements of operations strategy for logistics processes. The findings indicate that top management support of strategically aligned RFID projects will have the best chance of success if they create and leverage valuable data whilst addressing identified competitive priorities.

Practical implications

Smart connected devices, such as RFID, give firms access to big data, which can be used to develop long-term processes, to achieve competitive advantage and access new forms of economic value. RFID cumulatively influences the operations performance objectives of cost, quality, flexibility, speed, dependability and technology. Business strategies based on technology should align with operations strategy.

Social implications

The sharing of operational performance results, both before and after the implementation of RFID, will help to build learning within operations, increase the support of senior management and improve the performance of logistics processes with the associated benefits for society at large.

Originality/value

RFID is often evaluated in terms of theoretical technical or cost benefits. This research evaluates RFID by assessing and suggesting how it can contribute to operations strategy.
An extended cross-efficiency evaluation method based on information entropy with an application to the urban logistics industry
Authors: Jiang Wenjun , Liu Shuli , Li Susan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Green economy and economic development with high quality have set higher requirements for the development of the urban logistics industry. It can grasp the recent development level of the urban logistics industry by measuring its environmental efficiency to guide its future development direction. The purpose of this study is to improve the environmental efficiency and development level of the urban logistics industry by using a reasonable evaluation method.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses information entropy to directly aggregate index weights from different models to acquire comprehensive index weights (CIWs) for calculating peer-evaluation efficiency. Then, we weight self and peer-efficiencies to obtain final efficiency. The environmental efficiencies of the urban logistics industry in Anhui Province in 2019 are obtained according to the above method.

Findings

Several findings are summarized below. The logistics industry in Anhui is in urgent need of improving environmental efficiency. The environmental efficiency of the logistics industry in North Anhui is the highest one, showing that the logistics industry in North Anhui has achieved a relative balance between economic development and environmental protection. Their final cross-efficiency values based on the CIWs are smaller than those based on the comprehensive efficiency. And the environmental efficiency of almost all urban logistics industries is lower than its economic efficiency. The findings show that the proposed method is feasible and more reasonable. More economic implications and suggestions are proposed.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an extended cross-efficiency evaluation method based on information entropy to measure the environmental efficiency of the urban logistics industry, effectively avoiding the overestimation of efficiency results.
Interactive radio instruction – a legacy of COVID-19 for marginalized adolescent girls of Baluchistan
Authors: Raza Mehwish
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to report insights from the planning and execution phase of an interactive radio instruction (IRI) intervention envisioned as a medium-term response plan to address school closures amidst the global Coronavirus pandemic. The project has been envisioned by a local development agency in the province of Balochistan for adolescent out-of-school (OOS) girls.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reports respondents’ academic achievement through the one-group pretest-posttest design method across numeracy, literacy, civic education and indigenous crafts. Participating adolescent girl respondents were randomly selected from six districts of Balochistan and the results assert a positive impact of IRI intervention. Thus, showcasing IRI as a promising approach to address protracted challenges of educational accessibility in remote areas of Pakistan.

Findings

The mean score comparison of pre-test–post-test across four curriculum subjects indicates the greatest gains in numeracy and civic education. Results also highlight the significance of the pedagogical capacity of IRI developers and the quality of supplementary educational kits paired with IRI during this intervention.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study focus on design and implementation phases eliminating the analysis of learners’ behaviour, environmental factors and family support. Further research is suggested to identify gaps in related dimensions for the success of IRI in Pakistan.

Originality/value

This study contributes data-driven findings from a pioneer on-going IRI project in Balochistan, a hard-to-reach province where the ratio of OOS adolescent girls exceeds 78%. This study also proposes vital steps for the longevity of IRI to solve protracted educational crises in Pakistan.
Viewpoint: cost-effective health care developments and research opportunities in China, India and Singapore
Authors: Wirtz Jochen , Lin Chen , Das Gopal
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to show how major service developments in China, India and Singapore offer different perspectives on how cost-effective service excellence (CESE) can be achieved in health care. Resulting research opportunities are highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the authors’ in-depth experience in these three countries.

Findings

Digital platforms and related technologies seem more advanced in China than in most western economies in terms of their application, user acceptance and market penetration. The resulting digital ecosystem enabled innovation that provides CESE in digital health care. Second, India benefitted from a large health care market without excessive regulation, litigation risks and interlocking stakeholders. These allowed a number of organizations to achieve CESE through new business models and frugal innovation. Likewise, Singapore is a global leader in health outcomes while it also has one of the lowest health care cost per capita. This is achieved through focus on costs and productivity, standardization and digitization while being intensely focused on health outcomes and the patient experience.

Research limitations/implications

The three countries stand out in the ways they achieved CESE in health care and offer interesting research opportunities. China has fully integrated digital platforms with rapid innovation capabilities, India has extremely high volumes that met focused service factory and frugal service innovation approaches, and Singapore is a tightly controlled health care market with high levels of discipline, both facilitated by its culture and small size. These markets invite research to explore their successes in more depth and deduct lessons for CESE in health care elsewhere.

Originality/value

Together, the author team has decades of managerial, executive teaching and research experience related to service in Asia. The observations and reflections in this study originate from this unique perspective.
A theoretical framework on return on investment (ROI) in academic libraries
Authors: Pandey Shriram , Kumar Pramod
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the Return on Investment (ROI) of academic libraries. It shows different aspects of returns on investment from academic libraries (ROI concept, components, calculating ROI). The study helps the academic libraries to know the efficiency, performance and achievement in terms of students, research scholars, teachers and staff should be enhanced to increase returns on library investment.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper discusses various formulas for calculating ROI from the academic library, like the general ROI formula, the concept of origin ROI's formula and models. However, the study set forth some of the limitations. The study is limited to the ROI analysis of academic Libraries. It is believed that study may be helpful to the libraries to understand the concept of return on investment to offer better library services.

Findings

The study helps understands the concept of return on investment from academic libraries and services. In times of economic crisis and budgetary constraints, Library Advocacy needs to determine the economic value of resources in institutions to assist in decision-making. This paper presents more extensive study aimed at recognizing the importance of academic libraries. The economic and social pressure to affirm the position of libraries in academic libraries depends on demonstrating their importance, especially in terms of return on investment. Though it is important to get insight into returns, it has several challenges which are outlined and discussed.

Originality/value

This research can also be useful in decision-making, library collection development and system analysis of the institutional library. ROI presents an essential parameter for increasing the ranking system of the institution. ROI is considered the most important metrics for evaluating the value of libraries is the return on investment.
Textual characteristics of corporate sustainability disclosure and corporate sustainability performance: evidence from Australia
Authors: Li Zhongtian , Jia Jing , Chapple Larelle J.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyze whether various textual characteristics in corporate sustainability disclosure associate with corporate sustainability performance in Australia, pertaining to tones of language and readability. The voluntary disclosure theory and legitimacy theory are used to formulate the study hypothesis.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from Australian listed firms (2002–2016), four textual characteristics are examined: tone of optimism, tone of certainty, tone of clarity and readability. Corporate sustainability performance is measured by Thomson Reuters Asset4 ratings. Different strategies are adopted to mitigate endogeneity concerns.

Findings

The authors found that there is a positive relationship between the textual characteristics of sustainability disclosure and sustainability performance. Specifically, firms with better performance communicate in an optimistic, certain, clear and more readable manner.

Practical implications

The results suggest that Australia’s voluntary reporting status does not induce a combination of poor performance and positive disclosure. This paper should be of interest to investors and other stakeholders and also informs regulatory policy on sustainability disclosure in Australia.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the sustainability disclosure literature using computer-based textual analysis to explore whether firms reveal their sustainability performance by “how things are said” (i.e. textual characteristics) in sustainability disclosure. As far as the authors could ascertain, they are the first to investigate textual characteristics of sustainability disclosure in Australia.
A scoping review of older empty nesters’ mental health and its contributors
Authors: Park Cherrie , Mendoza Angela Nancy
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Although the effects of the empty nest syndrome on mental health have long been examined, middle-aged empty nesters were generally at the focus of this examination. However, the number of older empty nesters, namely, empty nesters 60 years old or above, is expected to increase as the population is aging. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to examine previous studies concerning mental health outcomes specifically among older empty nesters and to identify major contributors to their mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a scoping review by following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews guidelines.

Findings

A total of 18 studies selected for this review had been all conducted in Asia. A majority indicated that older empty nesters were at higher risks of poor mental health than their peers who were not empty nesters. Major contributors to their mental health included gender, education, income, living arrangement, health behaviors, personality, coping styles, resilience, a sense of coherence and social support.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first scoping review which concerns older empty nesters and their mental health outcomes. This review offers recommendations for researchers, policy makers, and healthcare providers based on the findings and knowledge gaps in the current literature.
The essential necessity to invest in the cultivation of peer recovery specialists as organizational leaders
Authors: Traci Carrano Traci Carrano , Burrell Darrell Norman
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The emergence of COVID-19 has exacerbated and spurred the growth of mental health issues in ways that have challenged mental health workers tremendously. The complex nature of COVID-19 has made the need of mental health professionals extremely important. Hospital ward overcrowding, social distancing requirements, sequestrations, limits to face-to-face consultations have created barriers to mental health access, especially those in need of Certified Peer Recovery Specialists. Certified Peer Recovery Specialists play a critical role in the treatment of mental illness through their support and engagement of those recovering from substance abuse. Many in this role are hired because they have a strong skillset for help-oriented clinical work but are often challenged, especially in times like this to development and demonstrate leadership skills. This paper explores the nature and need to develop leadership skills and leadership challenges for people in this field through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and a content analysis of the current and seminal literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the nature and need to develop leadership skills and leadership challenges for people in mental health through IPA and a content analysis of the current and seminal literature.

Findings

The essential necessity to invest in the cultivation of peer recovery specialists and mental health professionals as organizational leaders.

Originality/value

Hospital ward overcrowding, social distancing requirements, sequestrations, limits to face- to- face consultations have created barriers to mental health access, especially those in need of Certified Peer Recovery Specialists. Certified Peer Recovery Specialists play a critical role in the treatment of mental illness through their support and engagement of those recovering from substance abuse.
Learning to Question in Kindergarten
Authors: Kelley Lynn
Published: February 2022

Even though young children ask many questions, the request for a question usually receives a story in response. The purpose of this action research was to determine if the implementation of questioning activities throughout the curriculum would make kindergartners aware of questions and enhance the questioning skills of these young learners.
Intrinsic climatic predictability affects ornamental coloration of adult males: Evidence for compensation among carotenoid‐ and melanin‐based coloration
Authors: Masó Guillem , Vicente‐Sastre Diego , Fitze Patrick S.
Published: February 2022

Ornamental coloration is frequently an honest signal of quality associated with sexual selection. While changes in average environmental conditions affect carotenoid‐ and melanin‐based coloration, no evidence exists that changes in intrinsic environmental predictability affect coloration.

Here we experimentally manipulated the intrinsic predictability of precipitation in semi‐natural populations of common lizards Zootoca vivipara and tested its effect on ornamental coloration and reproduction of adult males.

Less predictable precipitation decreased hue of carotenoid‐based coloration and the extent of melanin‐based coloration. Hue was positively correlated and the extent of melanin‐based coloration was negatively correlated with the male's number of confirmed mate partners.

Treatment effects on hue were associated with reduced, and treatment effects on the extent of melanin‐based coloration with increased access to females, in line with differential effects on sexual selection.

Neither survival nor reproductive success of adult males significantly differed among predictability treatments, suggesting that negative effects on reproduction caused by changes in carotenoid‐based coloration may have been compensated by changes in melanin‐based coloration.

The results also showed that ornamentation, rather than reproduction and survival of adult males, was affected by less favourable conditions. Together with previous results, this suggests that coloration might be more sensitive to changes in environmental conditions than direct fitness proxies.

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