bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional Bayesian Estimation for Deep Brain Stimulation Using the SafeOpt Algorithm
Authors: Cooper Scott E. , Netoff Théoden I.
Published: January 2022

Some symptoms treated with Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) such as gait in Parkinson’s disease (PD), are often poorly responsive to DBS. This may be because DBS settings are usually optimized to other symptoms. To test this, we require an efficient, safe optimization algorithm. To develop such a tool, we extend the BayesOpt algorithm whose successful application to DBS settings we previously published [Louie et al 2021J Neuroeng Rehabil], using, as a test bed, a simulated cost function constructed for biological plausibility, with measurement noise based on experimental data.

We found that the SafeOpt algorithm [Sui et al 2015Proc Machine Learning Res] converged to the optimum as well, and as fast as the BayesOpt algorithm, while avoiding high-cost points much more effectively. In three dimensions, SafeOpt converged in about 30 iterations, which is a feasible number for physical experiments in real patients. Convergence was slower when measurement nose was greater, but this could be overcome by running it for more iterations. The algorithm was relatively robust to misspecification of hyperparameters, and considerably more robust when hyperparameter fitting was incorporated into the algorithm. The algorithm did not perform as well when the quantization of stimulation settings was coarser, suggesting that it will work better with neurostimulators capable of independent current control. Finally, the algorithm was able to cope with a cost function having multiple local minima.
The indirect effect of the psychosocial work environment on the association between precarious employment and the production of steroid hormones: A cross sectional analysis
Authors: Méndez Rivero Fabrizio , Pozo Oscar J , Julià Mireia
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The main objectives of this article are (i) to explore the potential relationship between precarious employment and the production of steroid hormones (both adrenal and gonadal) and (ii) to evaluate the psychosocial risk factors at work (i.e. demands, control, and support) and work-life conflicts in this relationship.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were derived from a sample of workers from Barcelona (n=255 —125 men, 130 women). A set of 23 markers were determined from hair samples to evaluate the chronic production of both adrenal and gonadal steroids. Linear regression models were used to estimate the association between precarious employment and the production of adrenal and gonadal steroids, and decomposition analyses were applied to estimate the indirect effect of psychosocial risk factors and work-life conflict on this relationship.

Results

Gender differences in the association with PE-steroid production were found. Among men, gonadal axis steroids were associated with precarious employment (specifically, androstenedione and testosterone), while among women, adrenal axis steroids, primarily cortisol and markers derived from its metabolism, were associated with precarious employment. Psychosocial risk factors and work-life conflicts had significant positive indirect effects only among women.

Conclusions

Gender differences were found in respect of the indirect effects of psychosocial risk factors and work-life conflicts on the association between precarious employment and the production of adrenal and gonadal steroids, which suggests that, beyond the biochemical differences, the physiological effect of PE could be mediated by the social construction of gender identities, positions and roles in society and family.

KEY MESSAGES

What is already known about this subject?

Previous studies suggest that precarious employment is associated with workers’ health; however, most studies are based on self-rated health indicators and do not explore the causal mechanisms behind this association.

What are the new findings?

Precarious employment was associated with the production of some adrenal and gonadal steroids, and the psychosocial work environment had an indirect effect on this association, although with significant gender differences.

How might this impact on policy or clinical practice in the foreseeable future?

An occupational health policy aimed at improving the quality of employment and, at the same time, the psychosocial work environment can reduce the production of hormones that are associated with stress.
The NAD+ precursor NMN activates dSarm to trigger axon degeneration in Drosophila
Authors: Rosell Arnau Llobet , Paglione Maria , Gilley Jonathan , Kocia Magdalena , Gasparrini Massimiliano , Cialabrini Lucia , Raffaelli Nadia , Angeletti Carlo , Orsomando Giuseppe , Coleman Michael P. , Loreto Andrea , Neukomm Lukas J.
Published: January 2022

Axon degeneration contributes to the disruption of neuronal circuit function in diseased and injured nervous systems. Severed axons degenerate following the activation of an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway, which culminates in the activation of SARM1 in mammals to execute the pathological depletion of the metabolite NAD+. SARM1 NADase activity is activated by the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). In mammals, keeping NMN levels low potently preserves axons after injury, however, it remains unclear whether NMN is also a key mediator of axon degeneration, and dSarm activation, in flies. Here, we demonstrate that lowering NMN levels in Drosophila through the expression of a newly generated prokaryotic NMN-Deamidase (NMN-D) preserves severed axons for months and keeps them circuit-integrated for weeks. NMN-D alters the NAD+ metabolic flux by lowering NMN, while NAD+ remains unchanged in vivo. Increased NMN synthesis, by the expression of mouse nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (mNAMPT), leads to faster axon degeneration after injury. We also show that NMN-induced activation of dSarm mediates axon degeneration in vivo. Finally, NMN-D delays neurodegeneration caused by loss of the sole NMN-consuming and NAD+-synthesizing enzyme dNmnat. Our results reveal a critical role for NMN in neurodegeneration in the fly, which extends beyond axonal injury. The potent neuroprotection by reducing NMN levels is similar or even stronger than the interference with other essential mediators of axon degeneration in Drosophila.
Single-cell genome-wide association reveals a nonsynonymous variant inERAP1confers increased susceptibility to influenza virus
Authors: Schott Benjamin H. , Wang Liuyang , Zhu Xinyu , Harding Alfred T. , Ko Emily R. , Bourgeois Jeffrey S. , Washington Erica J. , Burke Thomas W. , Anderson Jack , Bergstrom Emma , Gardener Zoe , Paterson Suzanna , Brennan Richard G. , Chiu Christopher , McClain Micah T. , Woods Christopher W. , Gregory Simon G. , Heaton Nicholas S. , Ko Dennis C.
Published: January 2022

Diversity in the human genome is one factor that confers resistance and susceptibility to infectious diseases. This is observed most dramatically during pandemics, where individuals exhibit large differences in risk and clinical outcomes against a pathogen infecting large portions of the world’s populations. Here, we developed scHi-HOST (single cell High-throughput Human in vitrO Susceptibility Testing), a method for rapidly identifying genetic variants that confer resistance and susceptibility to pathogens. scHi-HOST leverages scRNA-seq (single-cell RNA-sequencing) to simultaneously assign genetic identity to individual cells in mixed infections of cell lines of European, African, and Asian origin, reveal associated genetic variants for viral entry and replication, and identify expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). Applying scHi-HOST to influenza A virus (IAV), we identified eQTLs at baseline and in genes that are induced by IAV infection. Integration of scHi-HOST with a human IAV challenge study (Prometheus) revealed that a missense variant inERAP1(Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1;rs27895) was associated with IAV burden in cells and human volunteers. Functional studies using RNA interference, ERAP1 inhibitor, and overexpression of alternative alleles demonstrated that ERAP1 is exploited by IAV to promote infection. Specifically, the nonsynonymous substitution, which results in a glycine to aspartate substitution at ERAP1 residue 348, would disrupt the substrate binding pocket of ERAP1, likely resulting in a significantly altered preference for substrates, poorer catalytic efficiency, or both. Finally, rs27895 exhibits substantial population differentiation, with the higher frequency of the minor T allele in two African populations likely contributing to the greater permissivity of cells from these populations to IAV infection. scHi-HOST is an important resource for understanding susceptibility to influenza and is a broadly applicable method for decoding human genetics of infectious disease.
Aberrant mechanosensitive signaling underlies activation of vascular endothelial xanthine oxidoreductase that promotes aortic aneurysm formation in Marfan syndrome
Authors: Yagi Hiroki , Akazawa Hiroshi , Liu Qing , Yamamoto Kimiko , Nawata Kan , Saga-Kamo Akiko , Umei Masahiko , Kadowaki Hiroshi , Matsuoka Ryo , Shindo Akito , Toko Haruhiro , Takeda Norifumi , Ando Masahiko , Yamauchi Haruo , Takeda Norihiko , Fini Mehdi A. , Ono Minoru , Komuro Issei
Published: January 2022

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in theFBN1gene encoding fibrillin-1, a matrix component of extracellular microfibrils. The main cause of morbidity and mortality in MFS is thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, but the underlying mechanisms remain undetermined. We found a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in ascending aorta of MFS patients and MFS mice harboring theFbn1mutation (C1039G), which was associated with up-regulation of xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) protein in aortic endothelial cells (ECs). Mechanosensitive signaling involving focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and early growth response-1 (Egr- 1) was aberrantly activated in ascending aorta ofFbn1C1039G/+mice, and mechanical stress on human aortic ECs up-regulated XOR expression through FAK-p38 MAPK activation and Egr-1 up-regulation. Inhibition of XOR function by ECs-specific disruption ofXdhgene or by systemic administration of XOR inhibitor febuxostat inFbn1C1039G/+mice suppressed ROS generation, FAK-p38 MAPK activation, and Egr-1 up-regulation, leading to attenuation of aortic aneurysm formation. These findings unveil aberrant mechanosensitive signaling in vascular ECs triggering endothelial XOR activation and ROS generation as a culprit underlying the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm formation in MFS, and highlight a drug repositioning approach using a uric acid lowering drug febuxostat as a potential therapy for MFS.
mTOR-regulated Mitochondrial Metabolism Limits Mycobacterium-induced Cytotoxicity
Authors: Pagán Antonio J. , Lee Lauren J. , Edwards-Hicks Joy , Moens Cecilia B. , Tobin David M. , Busch-Nentwich Elisabeth M. , Pearce Erika L. , Ramakrishnan Lalita
Published: January 2022

Necrosis of macrophages in the tuberculous granuloma represents a major pathogenic event in tuberculosis. Through a zebrafish forward genetic screen, we identified the mTOR kinase, a master regulator of metabolism, as an early host resistance factor in tuberculosis. We found that mTOR complex 1 protects macrophages from mycobacterium-induced death by enabling infection-induced increases in mitochondrial energy metabolism fueled by glycolysis. These metabolic adaptations are required to prevent mitochondrial damage and death caused by the secreted mycobacterial virulence determinant ESAT-6. Thus, the host can effectively counter this early critical mycobacterial virulence mechanism simply by regulating energy metabolism, thereby allowing pathogen-specific immune mechanisms time to develop. Our findings may explain why Mycobacterium tuberculosis, albeit humanity’s most lethal pathogen, is successful in only a minority of infected individuals.
Distinct developmental phenotypes result from mutation of Set8/KMT5A and histone H4 lysine 20 in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Crain Aaron T. , Klusza Stephen , Armstrong Robin L. , Rosa Priscila Santa , Temple Brenda R. S. , Strahl Brian D. , McKay Daniel J. , Matera A. Gregory , Duronio Robert J.
Published: January 2022

Mono-methylation of histone H4 lysine 20 (H4K20me1) is catalyzed by Set8/KMT5A and regulates numerous aspects of genome organization and function. Loss-of-function mutations in Drosophila melanogaster Set8 or mammalian KMT5A prevent H4K20me1 and disrupt development. Set8/KMT5A also has non-histone substrates, making it difficult to determine which developmental functions of Set8/KMT5A are attributable to H4K20me1 and which to other substrates or to non-catalytic roles. Here, we show that human KMT5A can functionally substitute for Set8 during Drosophila development and that the catalytic SET domains of the two enzymes are fully interchangeable. We also uncovered a role in eye development for the N-terminal domain of Set8 that cannot be complemented by human KMT5A. Whereas Set8null mutants are inviable, we found that an R634G mutation in the SET domain predicted to ablate catalytic activity resulted in viable adults, suggesting important non-catalytic functions of Set8. Similarly, flies that were engineered to express only unmodifiable H4 histones (H4K20A) can also complete development, but they are phenotypically distinct from H4K20R, Set8null, and Set8R634G animals. Taken together, our results demonstrate functional conservation of KMT5A and Set8 enzymes, as well as distinct roles for Set8 and H4K20me1 in Drosophila development.
Matrix topology guides collective cell migration in vivo
Authors: Soans Karen G. , Ramos Ana Patricia , Sidhaye Jaydeep , Krishna Abhijeet , Solomatina Anastasia , Hoffmann Karl B. , Schlüßler Raimund , Guck Jochen , Sbalzarini Ivo F. , Modes Carl D. , Norden Caren
Published: January 2022

Diverse modes of cell migration shape organisms in health and disease and much research has focused on the role of intracellular and extracellular components in different cell migration phenomena. What is less explored, however, is how the arrangement of the underlying extracellular matrix that many cells move upon in vivo influences migration.

Combining novel transgenic lines and image analysis pipelines, reveals that during zebrafish optic cup formation cells use cryptopodia-like protrusions to migrate collectively and actively over a topologically changing matrix. These changing topologies correspond to different cell-matrix interactions. Interference with matrix topology results in loss of cryptopodia and inefficient migration. Thus, matrix topology influences the efficiency of directed collective cell migration during eye morphogenesis, a concept likely conserved in other developmental and disease contexts.

One-Sentence Summary

Dynamic cell-matrix interactions, crucial for successful collective rim cell migration, rely on extracellular matrix topologies during optic cup development in vivo.
Negative linear compressibility in Se at ultra-high pressure above 120 GPa
Authors: Yuan Shuhua , Wang Luhong , Zhu Sheng-cai , Liu Fuyang , Zhang Dongzhou , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Tkachev Sergey , Liu Haozhe
Published: January 2022

A series of in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were carried out, combined with first-principles calculations, to study structural phase transitions of selenium at high pressures and room temperature. Several phase transitions were observed, among which an isostructural phase transition was found at around 120 GPa for the first time. Evolved from the rhombohedral (space group R
3
m) structure (Se-V), the new phase (Se-V′) exhibited an interesting increase of lattice parameter a at pressures from 120 to 148 GPa, known as negative linear compressibility (NLC). The discovery of NLC behavior observed in this work is mainly attributed to the accuracy and fine steps controlled by the membrane system for in situ XRD data collected with an exposure time of 0.5 s. After 140 GPa, a body-centered cubic (b.c.c.) structure Se-VI (space group Im
3
m) was formed, which remains stable up to 210 GPa, the highest pressure achieved in this study. The bulk moduli of phases Se-V, Se-V′ and Se-VI were estimated to be 83 ± 2, 321 ± 2 and 266 ± 7 GPa, respectively, according to the P–V curve fit by the third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state. The Se-V′ phase shows a bulk modulus almost 4 times larger than that of the Se-V phase, which is mainly due to the effect of its NLC. NLC in a higher pressure range is always more significant in terms of fundamental mechanism and new materials discovery, yet it has barely been reported at pressures above 100 GPa. This will hopefully inspire future studies on potential NLC behaviors in other materials at ultra-high pressure.
Crystal structures of the ligand-binding domain of human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ in complexes with phenylpropanoic acid derivatives and a pyridine carboxylic acid derivative
Authors: Oyama Takuji , Takiguchi Kazuki , Miyachi Hiroyuki
Published: January 2022

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) is a member of the nuclear receptor family and regulates glucose and lipid homeostasis in a ligand-dependent manner. Numerous phenylpropanoic acid derivatives targeting three PPAR subtypes (PPARα, PPARγ and PPARδ) have been developed towards the treatment of serious diseases such as lipid-metabolism disorders. In spite of the increasing attraction of PPARδ as a pharmaceutical target, only a limited number of protein–ligand complex structures are available. Here, four crystal structures of the ligand-binding domain of PPARδ in complexes with phenylpropanoic acid derivatives and a pyridine carboxylic acid derivative are described, including an updated, higher resolution version of a previous studied structure and three novel structures. These structures showed that the ligands were bound in the ligand-binding pocket of the receptor in a similar manner but with minor variations. The results could provide variable structural information for the further design and development of ligands targeting PPARδ.
Effect of Y2O3 mass fraction on electrochemical corrosion performances of laser cladded CrNi coatings in 3.5% NaCl solution
Authors: Wei Li , Dejun Kong
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Y2O3 mass fraction on the electrochemical corrosion performance of CrNi coating, which provided a foundation for the performance optimization of CrNi coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

CrNi coatings with the different Y2O3 mass fractions were fabricated on AISI H13 steel by laser cladding, and the effect of Y2O3 mass fraction on the electrochemical performance of CrNi coating in 3.5% NaCl solution was investigated using an electrochemical workstation.

Findings

The electrochemical corrosion performance of CrNi coating enhances with the increase of Y2O3 mass fraction, and the CrNi–15%Y2O3 coating has the largest polarization resistance and the lowest corrosion current density, which displays the best electrochemical performance among the CrNi–5%Y2O3, –10%Y2O3 and –15%Y2O3 coatings. The protective films are formed with the increase of Y2O3 mass fraction, which inhibits the occurrence of electrochemical corrosion.

Originality/value

The Y2O3 was first added to the CrNi coating to improve its electrochemical corrosion performance, and the influence of Y2O3 on the corrosion resistance of the CrNi coating was discussed by the corrosion model.
Roadmap to initial public offering (IPO): the case of UECSB
Authors: Ahmad-Zaluki Nurwati A. , Badru Bazeet Olayemi , Kaliappen Narentheren
Published: January 2022

Learning outcomes

After studying this case, students must be able to explain the rationale for going public; identify the type of markets available for listing a company on Bursa Malaysia and explain the listing process; and analyse pre-IPO financial performance using trend analysis, comparative analysis and common-size analysis.

Case overview/synopsis

Uniutama Education and Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. (UECSB) in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) was a company with strong financial performance and growth opportunities. In 2020, UECSB was planning for an initial public offering (IPO), whereby the company could offer shares to the public. This would allow UECSB to raise capital from public investors, and increase UECSB’s credibility and exposure. Therefore, Halim, who was the General Manager of UECSB, needed to decide whether or not UECSB should go for an IPO.

Complexity academic level

This case is more appropriate for final-year undergraduate students, particularly those majoring in Finance. This case is also suitable for postgraduate students, especially those enrolling in Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Business Management (MBM) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programmes, and Executive Education programmes in Management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
What is an ELA text set? Surveying and integrating cognitive, critical and disciplinary lenses
Authors: Reynolds Dan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Researchers and teachers have noted the power of students reading text sets or multiple texts on the same topic, and numerous articles have been published with examples of and frameworks for text set construction. This study aims to traces the theoretical assumptions of these frameworks and explores their distinct implications and tensions for understanding disciplinary literacy in English language arts (ELA).

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws on three frameworks, using a focal article for each: cognitive (Lupoet al., 2018), critical (Lechtenberg, 2018) and disciplinary (Levineet al., 2018), and connect those articles to other research studies in that tradition. Separately, the author describes each of the three text set frameworks’ design principles. Then, across frameworks, the author analyze the disciplinary assumptions around each framework’s centering texts, epistemological goals and trajectories.

Findings

The centering text, goals and trajectories of each framework reflect its underlying epistemological lens. All frameworks include a text that serves as its epistemological center and the cognitive and disciplinary frameworks, both rely on progressions of complexity (knowledge/linguistic and literary, respectively). The author traces additional alignments and tensions between the frameworks and offer suggestions for possible hybridities in reading modality and reading volume.

Originality/value

Many articles have been written about models of text set construction, but few have compared the assumptions behind those models. Examining these assumptions may help English teachers and curriculum designers select texts and build curriculum that leverages the strengths of each model and informs researchers’ understanding of disciplinary literacy in ELA.
AI adoption in the hiring process – important criteria and extent of AI adoption
Authors: Bhatt Prachi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

In the context of new workplace environment, this study aims to study and generate insights about artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in hiring process of firms. It is very relevant when AI is dramatically reshaping hiring function in the changing scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives are achieved with the help of three studies involving Delphi method to explore the criteria for AI adoption decision. Followed by two multi criteria decision-making techniques, i.e. analytic hierarchy process to identify weights of the criteria and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution to assess the extent of AI adoption in hiring.

Findings

The findings reveal that information security and return on investment are considered two very important criteria by human resources managers while contemplating the adoption of AI in hiring process. It was found that AI adoption will be suitable at the sourcing and initial screening stages of hiring. And the suitability of the hiring stage where AI can be applied has been found to have changed from before and after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic situation. The findings and its discussion assist and enhance better decisions about AI adoption in hiring processes of firms amid changing scenario – external and internal to a firm.

Research limitations/implications

Findings also highlight research implications for future research studies in this emerging area.

Practical implications

Results act as a starting point for other human resources managers, who are still pondering over the idea of adopting AI in hiring in future.

Originality/value

This paper through a systematic approach contributes by identifying important evaluation criteria influencing AI adoption in firms and extent of its application in the stages of hiring. It makes a substantial contribution to the under-developed yet emerging paradigm of AI based hiring in practice and research.
The power of internet exposure: influence of online news coverage on restaurant survival
Authors: Li Hui , Chen Qian-Xia , Liang Sai , Yang Jing-Jing
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Few studies on hospitality firm survival consider the impact of online media exposure. This paper aims to investigate how the online news coverage of restaurants, characterized in terms of the number of articles, channel (Web page or mobile app), topic (operations or products) and consistency (mix of news tones), influences their survival.

Design/methodology/approach

A yearly panel data set covering 682 news-reported restaurants in Shanghai, China, over the period 2011–2019 is analyzed using a Cox model, and an extended cross-sectional data set containing 9,488 restaurants is used for robustness checks.

Findings

A larger number of online news articles, regardless of channel or topic, significantly improves restaurants’ chances of survival, and this positive impact of online exposure is greater if that news is published by mobile apps (rather than on Web pages) or reports topics related to operations (rather than products). Although, generally, news inconsistency is not good for restaurant survival, when the number of online news items is eight or more, inconsistency becomes good for survival.

Practical implications

This research guides restaurant operators to use news exposure in an online marketing environment to increase the firm’s chances of long-term survival.

Originality/value

Online media exposure has hitherto been ignored in the literature on the survival of hospitality firms. This paper provides a new perspective on hospitality firm survival and also contributes to the literature on media exposure by conceptualizing a unique factor, namely, the consistent online exposure.
Aerodynamic and structural performances of a single-stage transonic axial compressor with blade fillet radius
Authors: Chu Hoang-Quan , Dinh Cong-Truong
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study’s investigation aims to clarify the effect of an additional geometry, i.e. a fillet radius, to the blades of a single-stage transonic axial compressor, NASA Stage 37, on its aerodynamic and structural performances.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying the commercial simulation software and the one-way fluid–structure interaction (FSI) approach, this study first evaluated the simulation results with the experimental data for the aerodynamic performances. Second, this paper compared the structural performances between the models with and without fillets.

Findings

This research analyses the aerodynamic results (i.e. total pressure ratio, adiabatic efficiency, stall margin) and the structural outcomes (i.e. equivalent von Mises stress, total deformation) of the single-stage transonic axial compressor NASA Stage 37.

Originality/value

This paper mentions the influence of blade fillets (i.e. both rotor hub fillet and stator shroud fillet) on the compressor performances (i.e. the aerodynamic and structural performances).
Servant leadership, self-efficacy and life satisfaction in the public sector of Pakistan: exploratory, symmetric, and asymmetric analyses
Authors: Latif Khawaja Fawad , Ahmed Iftikhar , Aamir Suhaib
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The objectives of the study are threefold. First, it offers the development and validation of a scale to measure public sector servant leadership. Second, the study assesses the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship of servant leadership with life satisfaction. Finally, based on the tenets of complexity theory, fsQCA was utilized to identify the causal recipes that could lead to improved self-efficacy and life satisfaction in public sector employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 352 public sector employees in Pakistan. CB-SEM and fsQCA techniques were used for data analysis.

Findings

Results revealed that leadership is a multidimensional construct having dimensions: authenticity, behaving ethically, development, emotional healing, humility and wisdom. Furthermore, the results showed a significant inter-relationship of servant leadership with self-efficacy and life satisfaction. Self-efficacy mediated the relationship between servant leadership and life satisfaction. The results showed various configurations of servant leadership dimensions leading to improved self-efficacy and life satisfaction.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to conceptualize the SL in the public sector and to develop a multidimensional scale for measuring and assessing its psychometric properties. The research contributes to existing knowledge by examining the role of servant leadership in promoting employee life satisfaction through self-efficacy. As a methodological contribution, the study is one of the first to use fsQCA in SL literature. Due to the greater emphasis on symmetric methods, there is a significant lack of research studies on causal configuration in public sector organizations.
Is virtual reality technology an effective tool for tourism destination marketing? A flow perspective
Authors: Chang Hsuan Hsuan , Chiang Chin Chung
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR) as a communication tool for advertising on tourism destination image and the changes in destination attitude, clarifying how flow experience affects destination image, and examining how destination image mediates the effect of flow experience on attitude changes.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to collect data from 342 study participants who watched a tourism destination marketing video through HTC VR vive gear. A research model tested data collected from participants using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling by using partial least squares structural equation modeling software.

Findings

The results found that two factors (friendliness and telepresence) of flow experience in VR can positively affect destination image. Destination image has a significant indirect effect on how flow experience influences attitude change.

Originality/value

As tourism destinations are faced with strategic decisions about investment in different VR platforms or some other technologies, understanding how individuals respond to various VR stimuli is of practical importance. Therefore, this study’s findings provide valuable information for tourism industry practitioners.
Meeting current needs in mental health physical therapy: a qualitative study of students’ experiences
Authors: Bravo Cristina , Skjaerven Liv Helvik , Guitard Luisa , Rubí-Carnacea Francesc , Catalan-Matamoros Daniel
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was directed toward how a group of fourth year bachelor physiotherapy students describes their experiences, attitudes and beliefs from participating in a course of 40 h lasting three months in basic body awareness therapy (BBAT).

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study using phenomenological exploratory design was conducted. A total of 125 physiotherapy students within the subject of mental health physiotherapy, in the fourth year’s study course belonging participated. The BBAT introduction course consisted of 20 h theory and 20 h practical implementation with a particular focus on promoting movement quality through a movement awareness learning strategy. The course was carried out through three consecutive years. Data were collected through using focus group interview at the end of each movement session and qualitative face-to-face research interview at the end of the whole course.

Findings

The data-analysis revealed 16 emerging themes grouped into four categories: physical perceptions, body awareness characteristics, self-awareness and body awareness professional development.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights key experiences after attending a course on BBAT. In addition, it points out that to achieve movement quality awareness among the students, there is a need to include more self-training in the curriculum.

Practical implications

The movement quality learning process is necessary to develop the mental health physiotherapy program. The experiences of students while body awareness learning process included physical perceptions, body awareness characteristics, self-awareness and professional development.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to describe the experiences of students when a movement awareness learning methodology is applied. In physiotherapy in mental health, this learning process is relevant for the application of BBAT.
Examining identity- and bond-based hashtag community identification: the moderating role of self-brand connections
Authors: Kwon Soyeon , Ha Sejin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the role of hashtags as a symbol of community membership and examine the effect of branded hashtag community identification (BHCI) on BH engagement. The authors further examine two paths to BHCI (i.e. identity- and bond-related antecedents) and the moderating role of self-brand connections (SBCs).

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted with consumers who had participated in BH campaigns (N = 405). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Identity-related (actual self-congruence) and bond-related (group similarity and group receptivity) antecedents positively influence BHCI and further BH engagement. The relative importance of identity- and bond-related antecedents on BHCI varies by consumers' SBCs.

Originality/value

This study provides a new approach to understand BH engagement by focusing on the social identity communication aspect of hashtags.
Does countries' environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk rating influence international tourism demand? A case of the Visegrád Four
Authors: Hassan Adewale Samuel , Meyer Daniel Francois
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study examines whether international tourism demand in the Visegrád countries is influenced by countries' risk rating on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, as non-economic factors relating to ESG risks have been ignored by previous researches on determinants of international tourism demand.

Design/methodology/approach

The study investigates panel data for the Visegrád countries comprising the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia over the period 1995–2019. Recently developed techniques of augmented mean group (AMG) and common correlated effects mean group (CCEMG) estimators are employed so as to take care of cross-sectional dependence, nonstationary residuals and possible heterogeneous slope coefficients.

Findings

The regression estimates suggest that besides economic factors, the perception of international tourists regarding ESG risk is another important determinant of international tourism demand in the Visegrád countries. The study also established that income levels in the tourists' originating countries are the most critical determinant of international tourism demand to the Visegrád countries.

Originality/value

The research outcomes of the study include the need for the Visegrád countries to direct policies towards further mitigating their ESG risks in order to improve future international tourism demand in the area. They also need to ensure exchange rate stability to prevent volatility and sudden spikes in the relative price of tourism in their countries.
Organisational development programmes and employees’ career development: the moderating role of gender
Authors: Pinnington Ashly , Aldabbas Hazem , Mirshahi Fatemeh , Pirie Tracy
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between different organisational development programmes (360-degree feedback; Coaching; Job assignment; Employee assistance programmes; On-the-job training; Web-based career information; Continuous professional development; External education provision) and employees’ career development. The implications of the moderating effects of gender on the relationships between these eight organisational programmes and career development are assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine hypothesised relationships on eight organisational programmes and career development, this paper computed moderated regression analyses using the PROCESS macro (3.5), for a two-way analysis of variance (Hayes, 2018). The data collected are based on a survey sample of employees (n= 322) working in Scotland.

Findings

Two main findings arose from this empirical study. First, there are significant direct relationships between seven out of the eight organisational development programmes and their influences on employees’ career development. Second, gender is a significant moderator for four of the programmes’ relationship with career development, namely, coaching, web-based career information, continuous professional development and external education provision. However, gender failed to moderate the four other programmes’ (i.e. 360-degree feedback, job assignment, employee assistance programmes and on-the-job training) relationship with career development.

Originality/value

This paper concludes that closer attention should be given to the organisational design of these development programmes and consideration of potential gender differences in employees’ perception of their importance for career development in their organisation. To date, the majority of research in the literature has concentrated on the impact of training on career development, so this study contributes to the body of knowledge on a set of organisational development programmes and their effect on career development moderated by gender.
Do leaders have an influence on strengthening entrepreneurial orientation? Empirical evidence from SMEs of Turkish techno-parks
Authors: Baysak Birol , Bozkurt Serdar , Günsel Ayşe
Published: January 2022

Purpose

In this study, the authors aim to test the reflections of two so-called universal leadership styles -paternalistic leadership (PL) and transformational leadership (TL)- on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and ultimately on firm performance (FP) within the context of SMEs of a developing country, Turkey. Moreover, examining the contingency of uncertainty avoidance (UA) on the relationship between EO and firm performance is another aim of the study.

Design/methodology/approach

In this explanatory cross-sectional study, by studying a dataset of 345 small and medium-sized (SME) Techno-park companies in Turkey based on using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method, the authors try to examine the antecedent role of PL and TL on EO and ultimately on FP. Moreover, we followed a mediation procedure to reveal the mediator role of EO on the relationship between leadership style and firm performance. Finally, the authors also conducted a moderation analysis through SmartPLS 3.0 to explore the contingency of UA on the relationship between EO and firm performance.

Findings

Study results indicate that TL is a significant antecedent of EO that results in higher firm performance. However, while PL has a negative impact on entrepreneurial orientation, the results provide no statistical evidence in support of a significant relationship between PL and firm performance. Moreover, the findings indicate that the higher UA, the weaker the relationship between EO and firm performance.

Practical implications

Managers, following a TL approach, can successfully encourage their subordinates to be innovative and creative. Transformational leaders are conducive to both entrepreneurship and firm performance within the context of technology-based startups. Besides, avoiding the risks and uncertainties naturally weakens the consequences of EO. Hence, EO, as an essential intangible resource, requires a proper cultural context to result in a competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This research provides a comprehensive understanding regarding the interrelationships amongst transformational and paternalist leadership styles, EO and firm performance within an UA context in Small Business and Technology Development Centers (SBTDCs) and Techno-parks. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no other researcher has studied those links in a holistic manner in general, particularly on the SMEs of Techno-park firms of a developing Eastern country. The findings significantly enrich the literature on paternalist leadership and entrepreneurship orientation in a cultural context.
Commentary on: Intellectual disability in Switzerland: the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as a vehicle for progress
Authors: Petri Gabor
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on “Intellectual disability in Switzerland: the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as a vehicle for progress”.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary highlights the importance of including people with intellectual disabilities in human rights reporting. The commentary builds on available data from academic research as well as civil society reports.

Findings

Three main aspects are presented: the lack of involvement of people with intellectual disabilities in human rights reporting, the barriers to their participation in developing and publishing human rights reports and possible strategies to tackle those barriers.

Originality/value

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities (CRPD) makes it mandatory to include people with intellectual disabilities in policy-making as well as in monitoring the CRPD. Academics need to change their practice to include people with intellectual disabilities in human rights research.
Aquaculture drives distinct patterns of planktonic and sedimentary bacterial communities: insights into co‐occurrence pattern and assembly processes
Authors: Qin Mengyu , Xu Huimin , Zhao Dayong , Zeng Jin , Wu Qinglong L.
Published: January 2022

Aquaculture would change the environmental condition in the lake ecosystem, affecting the structure and function of the aquatic ecosystem. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms controlling the distribution patterns of bacterial community respond to aquaculture in water column and sediment. Here, we investigated the composition, co‐occurrence patterns, and assembly processes of planktonic and sedimentary bacterial communities (PBC vs. SBC) from an aquaculture‐influenced zone of the Eastern Lake Taihu, China. We found that aquaculture activity greatly influenced the diversity and composition of SBC by inducing excess nitrogen into the sediments. Meanwhile, network analysis revealed that aquaculture activity strengthened species interactions within the SBC network but weakened the species interactions within the PBC network. Aquaculture activity also increased the importance of deterministic processes governing the assembly of SBC by heightening the importance of environmental filtering, whereas it decreased the relative importance of deterministic processes within the assembly of PBC. In addition, ecological restoration with macrophytes increased the diversity of PBC and formed a more stable PBC network by increasing the number of network keystones. Overall, our results indicated that aquaculture drove distinct co‐occurrence patterns and assembly mechanisms of PBC and SBC. This study has fundamental implications in the lake ecosystem for evaluating the microbially mediated ecological consequences of aquaculture.
Cancer survivors’ exercise beliefs, knowledge, and behaviors: An Australian National Survey
Authors: Caperchione Cristina M. , Stolp Sean , Phillips Jane L. , Agar Meera , Sharp Paul , Liauw Winston , Harris Carole A. , McCullough Susan , Lilian Ruth
Published: January 2022

Aims

This study aimed to (1) explore the perceptions of people living with cancer about exercise in general and exercise as an adjunct form of cancer care, (2) explore their perceptions regarding exercise counselling needs and preferences, and (3) investigate how these perceptions of exercise as an adjunct form of cancer care shape survivors exercise levels postcancer diagnosis.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design and online survey were used to recruit cancer survivors via cancer‐related networks throughout Australia. Two factor analyses were conducted to examine the structure and reduce the number of variables pertaining to exercise during and after the cancer treatment. Extracted components were used in one‐way analysis of variance to compare differences in physical activity levels postcancer diagnosis.

Results

Participants (N = 288) had very positive perceptions of exercise, yet only 50% of participants would prefer to receive exercise counselling. Those who were more active postcancer diagnosis had higher exercise beliefs than those who were similarly active (p = 0.04, r = 0.27) and less active (p = 0.03, r = 0.24) postdiagnosis. Those who were less active also had lower exercise knowledge than those who were similarly active (p = 0.01, r = 0.31) and more active (p = 0.03, r = 0.26). Safety beliefs did not significantly differ between cancer survivors’ activity levels (p = 0.16)

Conclusion

This survey highlights the potential benefits of a concentrated effort in connecting survivors to relevant services and resources, and utilizing cancer clinicians to communicate with survivors about the role of exercise in cancer care.
Trends in the incidence of thyroid cancer in Incheon Province, South Korea, from 2004 to 2013: A representative sample study from Incheon cancer registry
Authors: Lee Jeongshim , Lee Hyun Young , Kim Woo Chul
Published: January 2022

Aim

This study aimed to assess the trends in the incidence of thyroid cancer in Incheon Province, South Korea, from 2004 to 2013 and to identify its association with thyroid cancer screening.

Methods

We evaluated randomly sampled data of 10% of thyroid cancer patients collected between 2004 and 2013 from the Incheon Cancer Registry, Incheon, South Korea. The expected annual incidence rates of thyroid cancer from 2004 to 2013 were calculated, and the trends in annual incidence change were assessed using a Poisson regression model. In addition, the annual proportion change in the thyroid cancer population according to the detection method and tumor size was also calculated by evaluating the linear‐by‐linear association.

Results

The average expected prevalence of thyroid cancer was 30 per 100,000 individuals from 2004 to 2013. The expected annual incidence of thyroid cancer per 100,000 individuals increased from 7 in 2004 to 49 in 2013, with an annual 1.25‐fold difference (p < 0.001). Screening helped improve the detection of thyroid cancer annually, with the proportion increasing by screening detection (p < 0.001). Majority (54%) of the tumors were small (< 10 mm) and their detection rate increased from 2004 to 2013 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The incidence of thyroid cancer has increased from 2004 to 2013 in Incheon Province, South Korea, with the increase being most significant for small tumors. These findings indicate that the increased incidence is primarily due to the widespread use of screening and not an actual increase in clinically significant thyroid cancer.