bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Omega-3 & Aspirin Boost in Periodontal Therapy for Type II Diabetes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Walker Emma , Franklin John , Robinson Jonathan
Published: October 2024

Aim

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and aspirin are increasingly explored as adjuncts in periodontal therapy for patients with type II diabetes, owing to their anti-inflammatory properties. Despite preliminary evidence suggesting their effectiveness in reducing periodontal inflammation and improving metabolic control, comprehensive evaluations at the clinical level remain limited. This systematic review seeks to critically assess the existing evidence to determine the efficacy of these agents in modifying clinical, biochemical, and metabolic parameters in this high-risk patient group.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted across electronic databases, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, and Cochrane Library, to identify relevant studies from inception to January 22, 2024. Included studies were required to be randomised controlled trials and comprise both omega-3 and aspirin as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment. Data extraction was completed independently, and accuracy confirmed by a second reviewer. Data were synthesised using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials.

Results

A total of 76 records were identified, and three studies met the inclusion criteria. One demonstrated a statistically significant difference in pocket depth, clinical attachment gain and inflammatory markers compared to the control group, and two showed a significant improvement in glycated haemoglobin levels.

Conclusion

Omega-3 and aspirin combined have the potential to improve clinical parameters and reduce inflammatory markers in the gingival crevicular fluid. Following non-surgical periodontal treatment, this combination may enhance glycemic control and aid in managing type II diabetes. This systematic review offers insights into the potential effectiveness of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and aspirin as adjuncts to non-surgical periodontal therapy in patients with type II diabetes and periodontitis. However, current research is limited by small sample sizes and varied study designs. Consequently, there is insufficient evidence to integrate this approach into clinical practice at present.
Effects of Exertion on PLR; A study of pupillary light reflex in rugby players before and after exercise
Authors: Davies W , Middleton PM , Buzytsky I , Ryan Martha
Published: October 2024

Aim

To investigate the effects of physical exertion on pupillary light reflex (PLR) metrics in sports participants, with the aim of determining whether exercise-induced changes could potentially confound concussion assessment using PLR.

Materials and methods

Twenty-five adult rugby players underwent PLR assessment, using the MindMirror™ smartphone application, before and after a 30-55 minute rugby practice session or game. PLR metrics included latency, maximum and minimum pupil diameters, maximum constriction velocity, and pupil size correlation. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-exertion PLR metrics.

Results

No statistically significant differences were observed between pre- and post-exertion assessments in any of the measured PLR metrics (p > 0.05 for all metrics). The most notable, though still non-significant, change was in maximum constriction velocity (mean difference: 1.47 mm/s, p = 0.08 for pupil 1; 1.09 mm/s, p = 0.27 for pupil 2).

Conclusion

This study suggests that PLR metrics, as measured by a smartphone-based pupillometer, do not appear to be affected by rugby-related exertion. These findings support the potential use of PLR assessment in concussion screening protocols without the need to account for exercise-induced changes. However, further research with larger sample sizes and in full-contact situations is needed to confirm these results and their applicability in concussion assessment.

Plain language summary

Pupil size and reactivity have been critical components of the clinical assessment of patients with head injury and concussion for decades. Pupillary examination may provide critical information related to new or worsening intracranial pathology, and quantitative PLR examination is increasingly used outside of the hospital setting, particularly for concussion assessment in sports medicine. Exertion-dependent changes could confound valid measurement, however, and compromise the detection of concussion, so we investigated PLR assessment with the MindMirror™smartphone application. We found no systematic differences in PLR variables between exertion and non-exertion groups.

Tweetable abstract

A novel smartphone-based AI tool did not reveal exertion-related differences in pupillary light reflex measurement in rugby players.
Consensus for Integrating the Point-of-Care Genital InFlammation Test (GIFT) into Sexually Transmitted Infection Management Guidelines: Results from a Two-Round Modified Delphi Survey
Authors: Kpokiri Eneyi E. , Mackworth-Young Constance , Francis Suzanna , Crucitti Tania , van de Wijgert Janneke HHM , Masson Lindi , Passmore Jo-Ann , Harding-Esch Emma M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are frequently asymptomatic in women. They cause genital inflammation and can increase transmission and acquisition of HIV. GIFT (Genital InFlammation Test) is a novel, point-of-care (POC) device under development for detecting genital inflammation in women. We aimed to obtain consensus to inform the development of GIFT and its integration into management guidelines.

Methods

We employed a Delphi technique through two rounds of online surveys. Respondents included service providers, health programmers, researchers, and policy makers. Round one questions generated ideas, and round two built consensus on the strategies from round one. Survey sections included demographics, implementation of the test, integration into current guidelines and purpose. Round two survey employed a five-point Likert scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Consensus was reached if ≥70% of participants selected strongly agree or agree.

Results

We received 28 to the first and 68 to the second round. From both rounds, participants were healthcare providers (41%) or researchers (26%), residing in Africa (57%), Europe (21%) and America (10%). Most participants agreed that GIFT should be used as a screening tool to be followed by confirmatory STI testing before treatment: 75% (round 1), 69% (round 2). There was consensus that populations to benefit most from GIFT were young asymptomatic women (16-24 years) in high HIV prevalence settings, and high-risk women like female sex workers and those with multiple partners of any age. Attributes of GIFT ranked as most important included ease-of-use, stability at room temperature, high diagnostic accuracy and barriers were test stock-outs, complexity of use and high cost,

Conclusion

While the Delphi process suggests the purpose of GIFT is as a POC screening tool, factors like supply chain, storage and stakeholder engagement are crucial for its integration into management guidelines.

Key messages

There is a need to identify BV and STIs in asymptomatic women, however, laboratory diagnostics services are severely limited in most low- and middle-income countries

If the GIFT test has high diagnostic accuracy, it promises to be a valuable point-of-care screening tool for detecting genital inflammation in asymptomatic women and may be useful to inform the management of women with symptoms.

It is important to obtain feedback from a variety of stakeholders when considering test design and implementation to increase the test’s utility and likely adoption in policy and routine care.
Functional diversification of the BBSome: Insights from honey bee trypanosomatid parasite,Lotmaria passim
Authors: Yuan Xuye , Kadowaki Tatsuhiko
Published: October 2024

The BBSome is an octameric protein complex crucial for ciliary transport, though it also participates in multiple other cellular processes. These diverse functions may result from the co-option of its ancestral roles. Studying the BBSome in flagellated protists can provide insights into these ancestral functions and their subsequent adaptations. Here, we examine the function of the BBSome inLotmaria passim, a monoxenous trypanosomatid parasite infecting honey bee. Parasites deficient in LpBBS2 are smaller and less motile compared to wild-type. Although intraflagellar transport of a marker membrane protein is only mildly impaired, its association with lipid rafts is significantly disrupted in the mutants. This suggests that the BBSome is essential for maintaining lipid raft integrity inL. passim. Transcriptomic comparisons between wild-type and LpBBS2-deficient parasites reveal that the BBSome may also influence processes related to metabolism, membrane localization of specific proteins, DNA repair, microtubules, and mitochondria. In contrast toLeishmania mexicana, the BBSome inL. passimis crucial for efficient infection of the honey bee gut, demonstrating that its cellular functions vary between related trypanosomatid species. The BBSome is likely an adaptor that links multiple proteins in a species-specific manner under various cellular contexts.
Establishing immortalized brown and white preadipocyte cell lines from young and aged mice
Authors: Wu Xiangdong , Elsaid Salaheldeen , Levet Florian , Li Winson , Tee Sui Seng
Published: October 2024

Studying adipogenesis and adipocyte biology requires the isolation of primary preadipocytes from adipose tissues. However, primary preadipocytes have a limited lifespan, can only undergo a finite number of divisions, and often lose their original biological characteristics before becoming senescent. The repeated isolation of fresh preadipocytes, particularly from young pups or aged animals, is costly and time-consuming. Immortalization of these cells offers a solution by overcoming cellular senescence and maintaining proliferative capacity, allowing for long-term studies without the continuous need to isolate new cells from animals. Immortalized cell lines thus provide a consistent and reproducible experimental model, significantly reducing variability across different animals. However, successfully establishing immortalized preadipocyte cell lines presents challenges, including selecting appropriate adipose tissue depots, isolating primary preadipocytes, and choosing an effective immortalization strategy. In this study, we present optimized protocols and share first-hand experiences establishing immortalized brown and white preadipocyte cell lines from young and aging mice. These protocols offer a valuable resource for researchers studying adipogenesis, metabolism, and adipocyte biology.

Support Protocol 1: Retrovirus production

Basic Protocol 1: Isolation and culture of primary brown and white preadipocytes from mouse interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) in the same region

Basic Protocol 2: Immortalization of mouse brown and white preadipocytes

Basic Protocol 3: Selection of immortalized preadipocytes

Basic Protocol 4: Selection of single-cell clones of immortalized preadipocytes

Support Protocol 2: Cryopreservation of immortalized preadipocytes

Support Protocol 3: Wake up and culture of immortalized preadipocytes

Support Protocol 4: Subculture and expansion of immortalized preadipocytes

Basic Protocol 5: Differentiation of immortalized mouse brown and white preadipocytes

Support Protocol 5: Lipid droplet staining and nucleus counterstaining

Support Protocol 6: Mitochondria staining and nucleus counterstaining
cGAS deficient mice display premature aging associated with de-repression of LINE1 elements and inflammation
Authors: Martinez John C. , Morandini Francesco , Fitzgibbons Lucinda , Sieczkiewicz Natasha , Bae Sung Jae , Meadow Michael E. , Hillpot Eric , Cutting Joseph , Paige Victoria , Biashad Seyed Ali , Simon Matthew , Sedivy John , Seluanov Andrei , Gorbunova Vera
Published: October 2024

Aging-associated inflammation, or ‘inflammaging” is a driver of multiple age-associated diseases. Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase (cGAS) is a cytosolic DNA sensor that functions to activate interferon response upon detecting viral DNA in the cytoplasm. cGAS contributes to inflammaging by responding to endogenous signals such as damaged DNA or LINE1 (L1) cDNA which forms in aged cells. While cGAS knockout mice are viable their aging has not been examined. Unexpectedly, we found that cGAS knockout mice exhibit accelerated aging phenotype associated with induction of inflammation. Transcription of L1 elements was increased in both cGAS knockout mice and in cGAS siRNA knockdown cells associated with high levels of cytoplasmic L1 DNA and expression of ORF1 protein. Cells from cGAS knockout mice showed increased chromatin accessibility and decreased DNA methylation on L1 transposons. Stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED) showed that cGAS forms nuclear condensates that co-localize with H3K9me3 heterochromatin marks, and H3K9me3 pattern is disrupted in cGAS knockout cells. Taken together these results suggest a previously undescribed role for cGAS in maintaining heterochromatin on transposable elements. We propose that loss of cGAS leads to loss of chromatin organization, de-repression of transposable elements and induction of inflammation resulting in accelerated aging.
Activity in the peripheral representation within primate V1 is substantially modulated during running
Authors: Rowley Declan P. , Huk Alexander C. , Yates Jacob L.
Published: October 2024

We recently investigated whether activity in primary visual cortex of a primate (Callithrix jacchus) is modulated during running, and found that the effects were small (and suppressive), a notable difference from the large and positive modulations observed in mice. In that first report, we noted that the majority of our data were collected from the retinotopic representation of the fovea, and surmised that running modulations might be different in the peripheral representation. Here, we report that running-correlated modulations of the peripheral representation in marmoset V1 are positive and substantial— on order of 30%. In light of both the small and negative modulations observed in foveal V1, and the large and positive modulations seen in mouse V1, these results suggest that the foveal representation in primates may be unique. In this domain, non-foveal V1 in primates appears more similar to that of rodents.
Handwashing Practices among New Mothers and their Guardians: A Mixed-Methods Observational Study in Healthcare Facilities and Households in Rural Malawi
Authors: Luwe Kondwani , Chidziwisano Kondwani , Davies Katherine , Morse Tracy , Dreibelbis Robert
Published: October 2024

Background

Patient guardians perform hygiene-related roles during postnatal care but are often overlooked in hygiene Interventions. This study examined perceived facilitators and barriers to handwashing behaviour among Malawian new mothers and their guardians in healthcare facilities and households.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Postnatal Care (PNC) wards (n=2) and households (n=20) in two districts in Malawi. In the PNC wards, 15 mother/guardian pairs were observed and interviewed. In the households 20 new mothers were observed and interviewed while 15 of their guardians were interviewed and/or observed. Water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, handwashing opportunities and actions were documented and analysed using Stata. Behaviour determinants were assessed using the Capabilities, Opportunities and Motivation model in NVivo 14.

Results

PNC wards had Handwashing Facilities (HWFs) without soap. Hand rinsing with water only was observed in 20% of all hand hygiene opportunities in the wards (n = 41), with guardians practising it more than mothers. 90% of households lacked HWF. Baby care activities were integrated with chores. Hands were rinsed with water only in 38% of all hand hygiene opportunities (n = 128); before eating (91%), preparing food (36%) and breastfeeding (13%).

Participants knew the importance of handwashing but mothers in wards reported being too tired to get out of bed to wash their hands. The HWFs presented opportunities for handwashing but practice was limited by intermittent water supply, restricted access and soap absence. Participants expressed motivation to buy soap but didn’t prioritise it for handwashing. Mothers often prioritised pacifying their crying newborns and forgot to wash their hands. Guardians were frequently excluded from health promotion activities at the facility.

Discussion

Context-specific behaviour change interventions among new mothers and their guardians are needed. Utilising guardians’ support; placing HWFs and reminders strategically; and having innovative approaches to promote soap use should be promoted.
Proton migration on biological membranes: Lipid phase, temperature, and composition dependence of proton transfer processes and membrane proton barrier
Authors: Variyam Ambili Ramanthrikkovil , Rzycki Mateusz , Nandi Ramesh , Stuchebrukhov Alexei A. , Drabik Dominik , Amdursky Nadav
Published: October 2024

Biological membranes play a major role in diffusing protons on their surfaces between transmembrane protein complexes. The retention of protons on the membrane’s surface is commonly described by a membrane-associated proton barrier that determines the efficiency of protons escaping from surface to bulk, which correlates with the proton diffusion (PD) dimensionality at the membrane’s surface. Here, we explore the role of the membrane’s biophysical properties and its ability to accept a proton from a light-triggered proton donor situated on the membrane’s surface and to support PD around the probe. By changing lipid composition and temperature, while going through the melting point of the membrane, we directly investigate the role of the membrane phase in PD. We show that the proton transfer process from the proton donor to the membrane is more efficient in the liquid phase of the membrane than in the gel phase, with very low calculated activation energies that are also dependent on the lipid composition of the membrane. We further show that the liquid phase of the membrane allows higher dimensionalities (close to 3) of PD around the probe, indicating lower membrane proton barriers. In the gel phase, we show that the dimensionality of PD is lower, in some cases reaching values closer to 1, thus implying specific pathways for PD, which results in a higher proton recombination rate with the membrane-tethered probe. Computational simulations indicate that the change in PD between the two phases can be correlated to the membrane’s ‘stiffness’ and ‘looseness’ at each phase.

Significance statement

Proton diffusion on the surface of biological membranes serves a vital role in migrating protons into bioenergetic systems. Here, we explore how the biophysical properties of the membrane determine proton migration and proton retention on the surface of the membrane, i.e., the membrane proton barrier. We show that the membrane phase, which is also influenced by lipid composition, has a crucial role in the proton circuity of biological membranes. We found that the gel phase reduces the proton diffusion dimensionality and that the proton barrier is determined by lipid composition. Our results highlight the complexity of proton migration on the surface of biological membranes and the associated biophysical parameters that influence the proton diffusion process.
Planar Thermal Hall Effect from Phonons in Cuprates
Authors: Chen Lu , Le Roux Léna , Grissonnanche Gaël , Boulanger Marie-Eve , Thériault Steven , Liang Ruixing , Bonn D. A. , Hardy W. N. , Pyon S. , Takayama T. , Takagi H. , Xu Ke-Jun , Shen Zhi-Xun , Taillefer Louis
Published: October 2024

A surprising “planar” thermal Hall effect, whereby the field is parallel to the current, has recently been observed in a few magnetic insulators; this effect has been attributed to exotic excitations such as Majorana fermions or chiral magnons. Here, we investigate the possibility of a planar thermal Hall effect in three different cuprate materials, in which the conventional thermal Hall conductivity κxy (with an out-of-plane field perpendicular to the current) is dominated by either electrons or phonons. Our measurements show that the planar κxy from electrons in cuprates is zero, as expected from the absence of a Lorentz force in the planar configuration. By contrast, we observe a sizable planar κxy in those samples where the thermal Hall response is due to phonons, even though it should, in principle, be forbidden by the high crystal symmetry. Our findings call for a careful reexamination of the mechanisms responsible for the phonon thermal Hall effect in insulators.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structures of two different multi-component crystals consisting of 1-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-6,7-dimethoxyisoquinoline and fumaric acid
Authors: Shibata Hiroki , Sakon Aya , Takata Noriyuki , Takiyama Hiroshi
Published: October 2024

Two different multi-component crystals consisting of papaverine [1-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-6,7-dimethoxyisoquinoline, C20H21NO4] and fumaric acid [C4H4O4] were obtained. Single-crystal X-ray structure analysis revealed that one, C20H21NO4·1.5C4H4O4 (I), is a salt co-crystal composed of salt-forming and non-salt-forming molecules, and the other, C20H21NO4·0.5C4H4O4 (II), is a salt–co-crystal intermediate (i.e., in an intermediate state between a salt and a co-crystal). In this study, one state (crystal structure at 100 K) within the salt–co-crystal continuum is defined as the ‘intermediate’.
How social pressure anomie influences shadow accounting functions: the role of voluntary disclosure development in Iran
Authors: Zamanianfar Leila , Abdoli Mohammadreza
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This article aims to contribute to the accounting knowledge literature by presenting the framework of shadow accounting functions (SAF) and investigating the effect of stakeholders’ pressure anomie (SPA) on it.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a mixed, both inductive and deductive approach to develop an integrated framework, validate its practicability and verify its effectiveness in selected manufacturing firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. In developing the framework and implementation procedure, the study employed an exploratory data collection (qualitative) approach to review the phenomenon of shadow accounting functions. Then, in the second phase, this study tested the research hypothesis through a partial least squares process. The population of the study is made up of all financial managers and heads of the accounting departments of capital market companies in Iran. Presently, there are 185 companies (TSE). From this, a sample of 100 companies was selected, which are all on the Tehran Stock Exchange.

Findings

Based on the mixed method of this study, the result in the qualitative part provides the shadow accounting framework of the existence of three categories; there are six components and 37 themes during 12 interviews. In the quantitative section, it was also determined that social pressure anomie has a positive and significant effect on shadow accounting functions.

Originality/value

So far, it is rare to find preceding studies that proposed, validated and practically tested an integrated shadow accounting framework within the context of manufacturing industries. Thus, the authors understand that this is the very first research focused on the development of the framework for manufacturing industries to be competitive and could help managers, institutions, practitioners and academicians in the perception of social values expected by stakeholders.
Brand loyalty and electronic word-of-mouth antecedents: the moderating effects of experiences
Authors: Aragonés-Jericó Cristina , Rodriguez Santos Carmen , Kuster-Boluda Ines , Vila-Lopez Natalia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze brand loyalty and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) antecedents in restaurants: (1) utilitarian and hedonic benefits, (2) brand satisfaction and (3) brand love. It also provides valuable knowledge through the comparison between positive and negative restaurant experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was carried out of restaurant satisfied and dissatisfied consumers. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group analysis (MGA) were performed to examine the cause-and-effect relationship in both groups.

Findings

The results show the relevance of benefits, brand satisfaction and brand love as causes for brand loyalty and e-WOM. Also, these relationships are significantly stronger for dissatisfied consumers than for satisfied ones.

Originality/value

The outcome of the research provides new insights to develop a conceptual stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model of consumers’ restaurant behavior by drawing comparisons across satisfied and dissatisfied ones.
Assessing the role of augmented reality in enhancing employee operational engagement and knowledge retention in UAE business training
Authors: Shwedeh Fanar , Aburayya Ahmad , Gbemisola Ogbolu , Adelaja Ayotunde Adetola
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of augmented reality (AR) training modules on knowledge retention in corporate settings, focusing on the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and existing literature, the study examines the relationships between AR training modules, employees’ engagement, interactive learning environments and knowledge retention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative technique by using a structured survey to collect data from participants in service sectors in the UAE. The survey gathers information on their attitudes, views and behaviors toward using AR in business training. This study used a stratified random selection to guarantee representation across several service sectors in the UAE, including hospitality, tourism, retail and finance. A SEM analysis tool was used to test the relationship that exists between the construct under investigation, that is, employees’ engagements (EE), AR training modules (ARTM), interactive learning environment (ILE), Fintech training content (FTC), the moderating role of technological aptitude (TA) on knowledge retention (KR).

Findings

Findings reveal a significant positive correlation between AR training modules and knowledge retention, emphasizing the potential of immersive technologies in enhancing learning outcomes. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of engaged employees, customized training materials and technological proficiency in shaping knowledge retention. Limitations and avenues for further research are also discussed.

Originality/value

Overall, this study contributes to understanding the factors influencing knowledge retention in corporate training contexts and provides practical insights for organizations seeking to optimize their training programs.
Agency and vulnerability of women in disaster: exploring role of women in disaster risk reduction in DND project area
Authors: Dev Pratima
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address role of women in reducing vulnerabilities induced by waterlogging in the study area. The study also aims to identify the women’s role in disasters preparedness and disaster risk reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed the triangulation of qualitative and quantitative method. A semistructured questionnaire was used for collecting quantitative data from 400 females who have experienced and affected by waterlogging from four villages under the Dhaka–Narayanganj–Demra (DND) embankment area in Narayanganj district. Furthermore, 6 focus group discussions, 25 case studies and 6 key informant interview have been conducted to gather information about the nature of vulnerabilities, coping mechanisms followed by women role played by women to mitigate vulnerabilities and problems encountered by women as effective managers.

Findings

Findings of this study have revealed that women’s vulnerability enhances due to unequal access to basic services, like access to income and related opportunities, improve health-care service, access to proper sanitation, dual work burden and nonrecognition of their contribution and also socio-cultural barriers to participate in disaster and reconstruction processes. The traditional social structure and patriarchal societal norms made maximal women of the survey area worst victims of waterlogging as the findings confirms. During disasters, women use some indigenous coping mechanisms, yet women rarely used any indigenous coping mechanisms on their own.

Originality/value

The study identified agency and vulnerabilities of women in the context of DND embankment area of Narayanganj, Dhaka that has not been previously explored.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers
Authors: Wang Lei , Welbourne Jennifer
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers’ perception of job pressure as well as their anxiety and depression levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 109 healthcare workers enrolled in two MBA courses in Healthcare Human Resources Management at a university in the Southern USA, respectively, Fall 2020 and Fall 2021. A path analysis was conducted to test a model of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers’ perception of job pressure as well as their anxiety and depression levels.

Findings

The study results showed treatment of COVID-19 patients led to increased work hours for healthcare workers; changes in work hours and work methods were related to healthcare workers’ perception of job pressure; healthcare workers perceptions of job pressure were positively related to their anxiety levels; organizational support was negatively related to healthcare workers’ anxiety levels; and healthcare workers’ anxiety levels were positively related to their depression levels.

Originality/value

Findings from the tested model provide support for the Job Demands-Resources model in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Breakdown of the co-creation process on social media: developing the value co-washing framework and stakeholders dynamics
Authors: Sallaku Karolina , De Fano Domenico , Ha Van Su , Russo Angeloantonio
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Social media platforms facilitate brand-consumer interactions by leveraging principles from nudging, value co-creation and social identity theories. This study aims to investigate how these interactions mask harmful practices and accelerate market access, perpetuating extreme consumerism. Specifically, the authors explore how value flow on social media, across distinct stakeholders, leads to value co-washing, revealing their collective unsustainable behaviours and related effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a mixed-methods approach, conducting content and sentiment analysis on nine TikTok videos featuring products from a leading Chinese company and analysing 19,816 user comments.

Findings

The value co-washing framework is developed across three building blocks: brands, creators and users. Findings uncover a paradigm shift in stakeholders’ dynamics, highlighting how social media collaborative engagements foster value co-washing. User involvement is categorized into three distinct clusters – brand lovers, saga creators and boycotters. The analysis identifies nine thematic patterns, including value co-creation, brand promotion, audience retention and calls for responsibility. Sentiment analysis reveals a dominance of neutral sentiments, reflecting a widespread unawareness and social adherence to value co-washing.

Originality/value

The proposed framework innovatively maps how distinct stakeholders contribute to extreme consumerism through value co-washing, providing foundational insights into the underlying mechanisms of consumer behaviour.
How do sectoral elasticities affect the transmission of monetary shocks?
Authors: Sabaj Ernil
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The presence of heterogeneity in price stickiness has been previously shown to be the main determinant of the real effects of nominal shocks. The paper presents theoretical results that highlight the significance of labor mobility and intratemporal elasticity of substitution across sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores output dynamics in a closed economy, relying on a New Keynesian model that accounts for heterogeneity in price stickiness across sectors.

Findings

The key finding from the analytical results is that changes in labor mobility and intratemporal elasticity of substitution across sectors have an equivalent impact on sectoral output when accounting for differences in price stickiness. The model is then calibrated for the US economy using data from the manufacturing and services sectors, providing validation for the analytical results.

Originality/value

Conventional models often assume either immediate labor reallocation across sectors following shocks or no labor mobility at all. Additionally, these models assume either strong complementarity in consumption or some degree of substitutability. This paper demonstrates the crucial role that labor reallocation and the elasticity of substitution across goods across sectors play in generating well-known economic outcomes.
Solutions to insufficient incentives for developing green tourism by travel agencies: government intervention
Authors: Chen Chi-Jen
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This research aims to develop an improved model with government intervention and find the government policy for developing green tourism to induce the travel agencies have incentives to produce green tourism products.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs Stackelberg game theory to study two travel agencies in the horizontal direction of the tourism supply chain. Two deterministic, price-sensitive linear demand functions are utilized for these two different tourism products to derive possible analytical solutions.

Findings

No travel agency is willing to produce green tourism products without government intervention. The solution proposed in this paper is that a government should subsidize green travel agencies for their production of green tourism products, and create a tax for non-green traditional travel agencies for the production of non-green traditional tourism products. The amount of government subsidies for green tourism products plus the tax on non-green traditional tourism products equals the difference in unit cost of the two products. The travel agency that produces green tourism products has incentive to produce if there is government intervention.

Practical implications

This paper provides the stakeholders with three practical implications. The first one is that the amount of subsidy for green travel agencies can be paid by taxing non-green ones. This is the optimal solution. The second one for both the tourism sector and government is that technological innovation in cooperation between government and tourism industry such as low-carbon technology is critical to reduce the cost difference between green travel agency products and non-green ones. The third one is that green travel agencies that produce green tourism products can also fulfill their corporate social responsibilities and enhance their social image.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in that it develops a model to resolve the problem of insufficient incentives. In terms of government intervention, this article also considers tax policy in addition to subsidy policy which is different from previous literature.
The influence of personality on emotional and behavioral responses to psychological contract breach
Authors: Saef Rachel M. , Köhler Tine , Jebb Andrew
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Using Hirschman's Exit–Voice–Loyalty–Neglect (EVLN) framework, this study examines the dual-moderating role of the big five personality traits in shaping workers' behavioral responses to psychological contract breach. Building from calls for research on individual differences in psychological contract dynamics, the current study applies the theory of purposeful work behavior to delineate how the higher-order goals prescribed by one's personality jointly guide interpretation processes in forming emotional and behavioral responses. In doing so, we map how certain big five traits shape felt violation and EVLN responses following breach events, while others seem to only moderate emotional or EVLN responses.

Design/methodology/approach

A scenario-based experimental study asked participants (N = 610) about their reactions to a breach event. We tested a dual moderated mediation model, in which agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness and neuroticism moderated the intensity of felt violation, and the likelihood of each EVLN behavior following from felt violation.

Findings

We found evidence for the dual moderating effect of agreeableness on voice responses to breach. Additionally, neuroticism strengthened felt violation following breach, and extraversion weakened endorsement of neglecting work to cope with felt violation. Our results suggest that certain traits are particularly important for individual differences in emotional responses to breach (e.g. neuroticism), while others are important for shaping differences in behavior (e.g. extraversion). Additionally, results shed light on the importance of taking a person-by-situation perspective in understanding work behavior, such that extraversion, while conceptualized as general emotional tendencies, does not significantly influence felt violation in breach contexts.

Originality/value

While previous research has looked at how personality traits moderate either the breach–felt violation relation or the breach–EVLN relation, research has yet to test the moderating effect of personality simultaneously. Excluding one or the other overlooks important individual differences in the process, as interpretation processes guiding emotional and behavioral responses happen concurrently. In doing so, we examine responses to a specific breach event (rather than general breach perceptions), as this better aligns with the conceptualizations of breach (as specific occasions of broken promises) and felt violation (as an emotional state).
Impact of green inclusive leadership on employee green creativity: mediating roles of green passion and green absorptive capacity
Authors: Murad Majid , Li Cai
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Organizations encourage green creativity among their employees to reduce environmental pollution and attain sustainable development. Green, inclusive leadership can produce positive outcomes and influence employees' green innovation. However, green inclusive leadership and green creativity are empirically less examined in the sustainability literature. Therefore, this study theorized a conceptual model based on the organizational creativity theory to explore the influence of green inclusive leadership on employees’ green creativity. It also aimed to explore the intermediating effect of green passion and green absorptive capacity on the relationship between green inclusive leadership and green creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire-based survey from 540 employees of a manufacturing enterprise in China. The hypotheses were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique.

Findings

The findings reveal that green inclusive leadership positively and significantly influences employees' green creativity. Moreover, the results show that green passion and green absorptive capacity play positive mediating roles in the relationship between green inclusive leadership and green creativity.

Practical implications

This study offers practical implications for Chinese manufacturing enterprises, where green inclusive leadership is essential to enhance green passion, green absorptive capacity and green creativity among employees.

Originality/value

Drawing upon the organizational creativity theory, this research study is novel because it is one of the few empirical research studies to explore green inclusive leadership and green creativity in Chinese manufacturing enterprises. It further establishes the positive mediating role of green passion and green absorptive capacity in the relationship between green inclusive leadership and green creativity.
Exploring the consequences of automation in the post-pandemic era: hotel labor woes
Authors: Lee Samuel , Erdem Mehmet
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study provides an overview of challenges and opportunities presented by the increasingly prevalent self-service technology adoption in the hotel industry, with a focus on the post-COVID-19 pandemic era and related workplace issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of relevant literature along with references to secondary data is provided to support the viewpoints presented by the authors. A brief critical interpretation of published works on automation, self-service and similar technology-supported services in the hospitality industry, particularly the hotel industry, is outlined.

Findings

Potential near- and long-term workplace challenges, in the context of automation, for hotel employees and operators are summarized. Evidence based on published scholarly works and news reports indicates that there will be a period of difficulties in the hotel industry, and the hospitality industry in general, when it comes to the adoption of transformative technology solutions that support automation and self-service. However, the authors assert that a balanced and calculated approach to embracing such technologies could create new career paths as well as job security for hotel employees and stability for hotel operators.

Originality/value

The perspectives offered in this study focus on the difficulties as well as prospects of embracing technology-supported automation in the hotel industry in the context of a unique era and the accelerated adoption of various technology solutions following the COVID-19 pandemic. The documented challenges are also framed with aligned opportunities to offer a roadmap for both practitioners and scholars.
Transfer of potentially toxic metals and metalloids from terrestrial plants to arthropods—A mini review
Authors: Joubert Tean , Greyvenstein Bianca , Marcelo‐Silva João , Siebert Stefan John
Published: October 2024

Potentially toxic metals and metalloids (PTMs) may become a concern to plant and animal health when soil concentrations exceed toxicity limits. These limits are often exceeded in polluted environments (anthropogenic sources) and may transfer through the trophic system, from contaminated soil to plants, and thereafter to herbivores and predators. The aim of this mini review was to consider trophic transfer of PTMs in terrestrial ecosystems, focusing on arthropods as the endpoint. ScienceDirect® was used as search engine with a set of keywords. The most assessed PTMs were Cd, Pb, and Zn, and 63% of all PTMs considered in research were attributed to anthropogenic sources. Industrial or mining sites were most frequently studied, and agricultural sites the least. Brassica was the most studied plant genus as the main extractor of PTMs from the soil as they are easy growing food plants known to take up PTMs. Research mostly focused on primary consumers, with Coleoptera being the most investigated arthropod order, probably because of the diversity of the order and its common occurrence worldwide. Most research was conducted in Europe, while South America and Africa only contributed 6.8% and 2.6%, respectively. The majority of the investigated articles (61%) assessed trophic transfer. From those, only 24% directly measured PTM transfer with experimental trials and included only one trophic level, that is, primary consumers, while 7% of research directly measured PTM transfer across multiple trophic levels (primary and secondary consumers).
Employee Ownership and Firm Digital Transformation
Authors: Dong Meitong , Choi Yoona , Ma Pengcheng , Cai Hongbo , Cui Lin
Published: October 2024

The development of digital technologies has triggered the digital transformation of organizations, enabling business model innovation. With the rise of a human‐centred view of digitalization, previous studies have been devoted to exploring how leadership drives digitalization, overlooking the role of employees as a key stakeholder. Motivated by this gap, based on agency theory, we investigate how employee ownership affects digital transformation in firms. Further, we identify vital contingencies based on heterogeneity in human resource management under the ability–motivation–opportunity framework. Analysing data on Chinese listed firms from 2015 to 2021, we find that the adoption of employee ownership promotes firms’ digital transformation, and that this positive effect is moderated by R&D personnel (ability), female CEO (motivation) and state ownership (opportunity). Our findings reveal the role of employees in the digital transformation process, which deepens our understanding of the literature on employee ownership and business model innovation.
Board Nationality Diversity and Firm Value
Authors: Chen Jing , Dedman Elisabeth , Kim Ja Ryong , Metwally Tarek , Stark Andrew W.
Published: October 2024

Using management, finance and social psychology theories, we challenge the common perception that demographic diversity on boards of directors is unequivocally beneficial for firms. Employing a sample of 3826 UK firm‐years, we analyse the dual nature of nationality diversity, recognizing its potential to contribute expertise and reduce groupthink, while also posing risks of conflict and reduced cohesion. We construct measures of the positive and negative aspects of diversity to provide robust evidence that nationality diversity‐as‐variety within a board of directors is positively associated with firm value, whereas diversity‐as‐separation has a negative moderating effect on this relationship. Additionally, board longevity weakens the negative effects of diversity‐as‐separation. This comprehensive approach improves our understanding of the complex relationship between board diversity and firm performance. Our results are informative for researchers because they demonstrate the importance of adopting less simplistic diversity measures in empirical studies. They are also instructive for policymakers, who can benefit from a more nuanced understanding of the issues raised when firms are mandated to increase demographic diversity on their boards. Finally, our study provides information to boards to help them maximize the benefits of diversity while minimizing potential costs.