bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respiratory modulations of cortical excitability and interictal spike timing in focal epilepsy - a case report
Authors: Kluger Daniel S. , Erdbrügger Tim , Stier Christina , Höltershinken Malte B. , Abbasi Omid , Saltafossi Martina , Unnwongse Kanjana , Wehner Tim , Wellmer Jörg , Gross Joachim , Wolters Carsten H.
Published: August 2023

Brain activity in focal epilepsy is marked by a pronounced excitation-inhibition (E:I) imbalance and interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) observed in periods between recurrent seizures. As a marker of E:I balance, aperiodic neural activity and its underlying 1/f characteristic reflect the dynamic interplay of excitatory and inhibitory currents. Recent studies have independently assessed 1/f changes both in epilepsy and in the context of body-brain interactions in neurotypical individuals where the respiratory rhythm has emerged as a potential modulator of excitability states in the brain. Here, we investigate respiration phase-locked modulations of E:I balance and their involvement in the timing of spike discharges in a case report of a 25 year-old focal epilepsy patient using magnetoencephalography (MEG). We show that i) respiration differentially modulates E:I balance in focal epilepsy compared to N = 40 neurotypical controls and ii) IED timing depends on both excitability and respiratory states. These findings overall suggest an intricate interplay of respiration phase-locked changes in excitation and the consequential susceptibility for IED generation and we hope they will spark interest in subsequent work on body-brain coupling and E:I balance in epilepsy.
Ccr4-Not ubiquitin ligase signaling regulates ribosomal protein homeostasis and inhibits 40S ribosomal autophagy
Authors: Johnson Daniel L. , Kumar Ravinder , Kakhniashvili David , Pfeffer Lawrence M. , Laribee R. Nicholas
Published: August 2023

The Ccr4-Not complex containing the Not4 ubiquitin ligase regulates gene transcription and mRNA decay, yet it also has poorly defined roles in translation, proteostasis, and endolysosomal-dependent nutrient signaling. To define how Ccr4-Not mediated ubiquitin signaling regulates these additional processes, we performed quantitative proteomics in the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaelacking the Not4 ubiquitin ligase, and also in cells overexpressing either wild-type or functionally inactive ligase. Herein, we provide evidence that both increased and decreased Ccr4-Not ubiquitin signaling disrupts ribosomal protein (RP) homeostasis independently of reduced RP mRNA changes or reductions in known Not4 ribosomal substrates. Surprisingly, we also find that both Not4-mediated ubiquitin signaling, and the Ccr4 subunit, actively inhibit 40S ribosomal autophagy. This 40S autophagy is independent of canonical Atg7-dependent macroautophagy, thus indicating microautophagy activation is responsible. Furthermore, the Not4 ligase genetically interacts with endolysosomal pathway effectors to control both RP expression and 40S autophagy efficiency. Overall, we demonstrate that balanced Ccr4-Not ligase activity maintains RP homeostasis, and that Ccr4-Not ubiquitin signaling interacts with the endolysosomal pathway to both regulate RP expression and inhibit 40S ribosomal autophagy.
Kinetic evidence for multiple aggregation pathways in antibody light chain variable domains
Authors: Wong Sherry , West Madeline E. , Morgan Gareth J.
Published: August 2023

Aggregation of antibody light chain proteins is associated with the progressive disease light chain amyloidosis. Patient-derived amyloid fibrils are formed from light chain variable domain residues in non-native conformations, highlighting a requirement that light chains unfold from their native structures in order to aggregate. However, mechanistic studies of amyloid formation have primarily focused on the self-assembly of natively unstructured peptides, and the role of native state unfolding is less well understood. Using a well-studied light chain variable domain protein known as WIL, which readily aggregatesin vitrounder conditions where the native state predominates, we asked how the protein concentration and addition of pre-formed fibril “seeds” alter the kinetics of aggregation. Monitoring aggregation with thioflavin T fluorescence revealed a distinctly non-linear dependence on concentration, with a maximum aggregation rate observed at 8 µM protein. This behavior is consistent with formation of alternate aggregate structures in the early phases of amyloid formation. Addition of N- or C-terminal peptide tags, which did not greatly affect the folding or stability of the protein, altered the concentration dependence of aggregation. Aggregation rates increased in the presence of pre-formed seeds, but this effect did not eliminate the delay before aggregation and became saturated when the proportion of seeds added was greater than 1 in 1600. The complexity of aggregation observedin vitrohighlights how multiple species may contribute to amyloid pathology in patients.
Orthogonal targeting of SAC1 to mitochondria implicates ORP2 as a major player in PM PI4P turnover
Authors: Doyle Colleen P. , Rectenwald Andrew , Timple Liz , Hammond Gerald R. V.
Published: August 2023

Oxysterol binding protein (OSBP)-related proteins (ORPs) 5 and 8 have been shown to deplete the lipid phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) at sites of membrane contact between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plasma membrane (PM). This is believed to be caused by transport of PI4P from the PM to the ER, where PI4P is degraded by an ER-localized SAC1 phosphatase. This is proposed to power the anti-port of phosphatidylserine (PS) lipids from ER to PM, up their concentration gradient. Alternatively, ORPs have been proposed to sequester PI4P, dependent on the concentration of their alternative lipid ligand. Here, we aimed to distinguish these possibilities in living cells by orthogonal targeting of PI4P transfer and degradation to PM-mitochondria contact sites. Surprisingly, we found that orthogonal targeting of SAC1 to mitochondria enhanced PM PI4P turnover independent of targeting to contact sites with the PM. This turnover could be slowed by knock-down of soluble ORP2, which also has a major impact on PM PI4P levels even without SAC1 over-expression. The data reveal a role for contact site-independent modulation of PM PI4P levels and lipid antiport.
Influenza A Virus Infections Sense Host Membrane Tension to Dynamically Tune Assembly
Authors: Partlow Edward A. , Jaeggi-Wong Anna , Planitzer Steven D. , Berg Nick , Li Zhenyu , Ivanovic Tijana
Published: August 2023

Enveloped viruses often exhibit a pleomorphic morphology, ranging in size from 100nm spheres to tens-of-micron long filaments. For influenza A virus (IAV), spheres enable rapid replication and minimize metabolic cost, while filaments resist effects of antibodies or other cell-entry pressures. The current paradigm is that virion shape changes require genetic adaptation; however, a virus evolved to alter its shape phenotypically would outperform one that relies on genetic selection. Using a novel quantitative flow virometry assay to characterize virion shape dynamics we find that IAV rapidly tunes its shape distribution to favor spheres under optimal, and filaments under attenuating conditions including the presence of antibodies. We identify membrane tension as a key cue sensed by IAV determining shape distributions. This phenotypic shift outpaces genetic change and serves to enable additional life cycles under pressure. Our work expands knowledge of the complex host-virus interplay to include viral responses to the local environment by optimizing its structure to maximize replication and ultimately host-host transmission.
Zebrafish Drug Screening Identifies Erlotinib as an Inhibitor of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling and Self-Renewal in T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Al-Hamaly Majd A. , Cox Anna H. , Haney Meghan G. , Zhang Wen , Arvin Emma C. , Sampathi Shilpa , Wimsett Mary , Liu Chunming , Blackburn Jessica S.
Published: August 2023

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway’s significance in cancer initiation, progression, and stem cell biology underscores its therapeutic potential, yet clinical application of Wnt inhibitors remains limited due to challenges posed by off-target effects and complex crosstalk with other pathways. In this study, we leveraged the zebrafish model to perform a robust and rapid drug screening of 773 FDA-approved compounds to identify Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors with minimal toxicity. Utilizing zebrafish expressing a Wnt reporter, we identified several drugs that suppressed Wnt signaling without compromising zebrafish development. The efficacy of the top hit, Erlotinib, extended to human cells, where it blocked Wnt/β-catenin signaling downstream of the destruction complex. Notably, Erlotinib treatment reduced self-renewal in human T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia cells, which are known to rely on active β-catenin signaling for maintenance of leukemia-initiating cells. Erlotinib also reduced leukemia-initiating cell frequency and delayed disease formation in zebrafish models. This study underscores zebrafish’s translational potential in drug discovery and repurposing, and highlights a new use for Erlotinib as a Wnt inhibitor for cancers driven by aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Highlights

Zebrafish-based drug screening offers an inexpensive and robust platform for identifying compounds with high efficacy and low toxicityin vivo.

Erlotinib, an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, emerged as a potent and promising Wnt inhibitor with effects in both zebrafish and human cell-based Wnt reporter assays.

The identification of Erlotinib as a Wnt inhibitor underscores the value of repurposed drugs in developing targeted therapies to disrupt cancer stemness and improve clinical outcomes

Graphical Abstract
Poly[[μ-1,4-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)piperazine]bis[μ3-4-(2-carboxylatoethyl)benzoato]dicopper(II)]
Authors: Jia Jason , LaDuca Robert L.
Published: August 2023

In the title coordination polymer, [Cu2(C9H6O4)2(C16H20N4)]
n
, the CuII atoms in {NO4} square-pyramidal coordination environments are conjoined into diperiodic coordination polymer slabs by the full span of the bridging 1,4-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)piperazine (bpmp) and 4-(carboxylethyl)benzoate (ceb) ligands. The slab motifs are expanded into the full crystal structure by means of longer-range C—H...O attractive interactions.
Accounting and racial violence in the postbellum American South
Authors: Walker Stephen P.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the relationship between accounting and racial violence through an investigation of sharecropping in the postbellum American South.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of primary sources including peonage case files of the US Department of Justice and the archives of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) are utilised. Data are analysed by reference to Randall Collins' theory of violence. Consistent with this theory, a micro-sociological approach to examining violent encounters is employed.

Findings

It is demonstrated that the production of alternative or competing accounts, accounting manipulation and failure to account generated interactions where confrontational tension culminated in bluster, physical attacks and lynching. Such violence took place in the context of potent racial ideologies and institutions.

Originality/value

The paper is distinctive in its focus on the interface between accounting and “actual” (as opposed to symbolic) violence. It reveals how accounting processes and traces featured in the highly charged emotional fields from which physical violence could erupt. The study advances knowledge of the role of accounting in race relations from the late nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century, a largely unexplored period in the accounting history literature. It also seeks to extend the research agenda on accounting and slavery (which has hitherto emphasised chattel slavery) to encompass the practice of debt peonage.
Gender and decision-making styles in male and female managers of Chilean SMEs
Authors: Inostroza M.A. , Sepúlveda Velásquez Jorge , Ortúzar Santiago
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This article aims to analyze how gender and decision-making styles of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) impact the financial performance of the firms they manage.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained for 2017 for 185 SMEs in Chile, an emerging economy, including firm information, CEO's sociodemographic characteristics and CEOs' decision-making styles. Generalized Least Squares (GLS) models were estimated to explain the influence of gender and decision-making styles on firm performance, controlling for a series of covariates. To test whether gender moderates the effect of decision-making styles on firm performance, interaction terms were included. Furthermore, models were subject to several robustness procedures, with no significant differences in results.

Findings

The authors find evidence of significant relationships for both gender and the avoidant style. Likewise, the authors find evidence of interaction effects between gender and decision-making styles, particularly between gender and the dependent style.

Originality/value

Findings contribute to prior research by analyzing the relationship between CEO gender and SME performance in the context of a Latin American emerging economy; by providing evidence of the impact of decision-making styles on the financial performance of SMEs; and by examining how a specific decision-making style, namely the dependent style, operates differently according to CEO gender, shedding some light on its ambiguous character as described by prior research. For policymakers and authorities, findings indicate the importance of incorporating women to SMEs and supporting their way towards higher management.
A network data envelopment analysis based paradigm to benchmark fiscal performance – an analysis of fiscal outlay efficiency among Indian states
Authors: Arora Nitin , Talwar Shubhendra Jit
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The fiscal outlay efficiency matters when the performance-based allocation of funds is made to state governments by the central government in a federal structure of an economy like India. Also the efficiency cannon of public expenditure is a key aspect in the field of public economics. Thus, a study to evaluate the efficiency in fiscal outlay of Indian states has been conducted.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers a three divisions–based paradigm under Network Data Envelopment Analysis framework to compare the performance of fiscal entities (say Indian state governments) in converting available fiscal resources into desired short-run and long-run growth and development objectives. The network efficiency score has been taken as a measure of the quality of fiscal outlay management that is trifurcated into divisional efficiencies representing budgeting process, fiscal outlay efficiency process and fiscal outlay effectiveness process.

Findings

It has been noticed that the states are under performing in achieving short-run growth targets and so the efficiency process division has been identified a major source of fiscal under performance. Suboptimum allocation of fiscal expenditure under various heads within the fiscal resources, as explained under budgeting process, is another major cause of fiscal under performance.

Practical implications

The study purposes a three divisions–based paradigm that takes into account efficiency of a state in (1) planning budget, (2) achieving short-run growth targets and (3) achieving long-run development targets. These three stages are named as budgeting process efficiency, fiscal outlay efficiency and fiscal outlay effectiveness, respectively. Therefore, a new paradigm called BEE paradigm is proposed to evaluate performance of fiscal entities in terms of fiscal outlay efficiency.

Originality/value

In existing literature on measuring efficiency of public expenditure, the public sector outputs have been made as function of fiscal expenditure as input treating the said outlay as an exogenous variable. In present context, the fiscal expenditure has been treated endogenous to the budgeting process. A high inefficiency on account of budgeting process supports this treatment too.
Green product development framework: empirical evidence from Chinese automotive supply chains
Authors: Abdulrahman Muhammad Dan-Asabe , Subramanian Nachiappan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The study aims to develop and test a supply chain wide green product development framework of focal firms and their major suppliers, in the context of the Chinese automotive industry.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth case studies approach is adopted for this study. Three automotive sector upstream supply chains involving 17 firms and 51 experts as respondents were interviewed on the importance and implementation effectiveness of 6Rs (reduce, redesign, recover, remanufacture, reuse and recycle) across the manufacturer and their respective tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers.

Findings

The results indicate that the Chinese automotive sector supply chains are mainly focused on “reduce” practices with immediate environmental and economic benefits. The investigated firms however had future implementation plans for “redesign” and “recovery” practices to become comprehensive in green product development (GPD).

Research limitations/implications

The study facilitates automotive firms, industry policymakers and researchers the understanding of incorporating comprehensive GSCM practices across the upstream supply chain to achieve circularity. The study focused on upstream supply chain due to the concentration of major production practices in this section of the supply chain. However, the downstream supply chain equally deserve attention as well as the need to understand the mediating and moderating roles of the different Rs to tease out the pros and cons of achieving overall environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

There are very limited studies on comprehensive GPD for achieving optimal GSCM and sustainability. By simultaneous looking at a focal firm and its upstream supply chains GSCM practices, this study addresses a system-wide comprehensive GPD issues from implementation of 6Rs perspectives in the supply chain.
Unveiling the link between operational interdependency and supply chain performance
Authors: Yang Jie , Xie Hongming , Wang Yuan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the possible curvilinear relationship between operational interdependency and supply chain performance as well as the contingency effect of supply chain disruptions, in terms of disruption orientation and disruption impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Path analysis was employed to test the hypotheses using the data collected from Chinese manufacturers.

Findings

The results confirm an inverted U-shape effect of operational interdependency. As level of buyer-supplier operational dependency increase, the supply chain performance is enhanced. However, the benefits of operational interdependency diminish beyond a certain point. Additionally, the findings of this study show the disruption orientations positively moderate the relationship between interdependency and performance, whereas the effect of disruption impact is not significant.

Originality/value

The findings of this study provide an explanation to the theoretical gap about the equivocal results of the effect of dependency, which provide new insights into the literature regarding buyer-supplier relationships. Furthermore, this paper identifies the moderating role of supply chain disruption in the relationship between operational interdependency and supply chain performance, which provide further explanation about the mixed results of the effect of dependency. The results confirmed that supply chain disruption orientation positively moderate the relationship between operational interdependency and supply chain performance.
Ecological resource deficits as opportunities for environmental innovation across countries
Authors: Battisti Martina , Huang Shuangfa , Pickernell David
Published: August 2023

Purpose

While previous research has identified that environmental innovation is shaped by a variety of drivers, researchers have devoted limited attention to the role of nature-based resources in the country. Building on environmental innovation theory and the natural resource-based view of the firm, this study introduces ecological resource deficits as a novel driver of environmental innovation. The authors explore how ecological resource deficits interact with institutional and regulatory drivers as well as firm-level technology drivers to explain the extent of environmental innovation across different countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to a multi-source dataset to identify different pathways for environmental innovation across 28 countries.

Findings

Findings show that higher environmental innovation is a function of ecological resource deficits complemented by the presence of at least two other conditions. Moreover, the results show that environmental policy stringency and societal expectations are substitute conditions of environmental innovation.

Originality/value

This study reveals the interdependences between different conditions for environmental innovation across countries contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the geography of environmental innovation.
Social media sites and nightlife tourism: an empirical study of tourist decision-making on nightlife entertainment consumption
Authors: Phucharoen Chayanon , Wichupankul Surarak , Sangkaew Nichapat , Stosic Kristina
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of tourists’ social media usage when planning trips on the probability of tourists consuming nightlife activities and their spending on nightlife consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Two thousand questionnaires comprising questions about social media usage, consumption of nightlife entertainment and decisions to consume nightlife activities are distributed to international visitors at the departure hall of Phuket International Airport. A series of regressions are estimated. A Heckman two-step correction model is conducted to avoid the potential of selection bias.

Findings

Results show that the information available on Facebook positively links with the probability of tourists consuming nightlife activities. Furthermore, findings indicate that the usage of YouTube in tourist trip planning could statistically influence tourists to spend more on their nightlife consumption. Therefore, the results suggest that entrepreneurs could use Facebook to stimulate tourists’ nightlife consumption, while YouTube could be used to elevate tourists’ spending on nightlife consumption. The influence of these two social media sites on tourists’ decisions aids the authorities in the mitigation of the negative impacts of nightlife tourism.

Originality/value

Given the increasing role of social media in tourists’ consumption choices, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to quantitatively explore the relationship between tourists’ social media usage and nightlife consumption in Thailand. The revealed relationship between the use of specific social media sites (Facebook and YouTube) and tourists’ decisions to consume and the amount spent on nightlife consumption could be used by nightlife tourism entrepreneurs and destination marketers in their marketing campaigns, yielding competitive advantages. Meanwhile, related authorities and non-profit organisations could apply this study’s findings to demarket tourists’ consumption of nightlife activities in areas affected by the negative impacts of tourists’ nightlife consumption.
Handling qualitative conditional preference queries in SPARQL: possibilistic logic approach
Authors: Touazi Faycal , Boustil Amel
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the need for new approaches in locating items that closely match user preference criteria due to the rise in data volume of knowledge bases resulting from Open Data initiatives. Specifically, the paper focuses on evaluating SPARQL qualitative preference queries over user preferences in SPARQL.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines a novel approach for handling SPARQL preference queries by representing preferences through symbolic weights using the possibilistic logic (PL) framework. This approach allows for the management of symbolic weights without relying on numerical values, using a partial ordering system instead. The paper compares this approach with numerous other approaches, including those based on skylines, fuzzy sets and conditional preference networks.

Findings

The paper highlights the advantages of the proposed approach, which enables the representation of preference criteria through symbolic weights and qualitative considerations. This approach offers a more intuitive way to convey preferences and manage rankings.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the usefulness and originality of the proposed SPARQL language in the PL framework. The approach extends SPARQL by incorporating symbolic weights and qualitative preferences.
Tribo-mechanical characterization of Cu-Cr-Zr ternary alloy aimed at fin-tube resistance welding electrode material
Authors: Sirsath Kiran G. , Bachchhav Bhanudas D.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Low performance life and increased machine downtime due to wear of resistance welding copper electrode is of major concern in fin–tube resistance welding in waste heat recovery boilers. The purpose of this study is to investigate an alternative material with good wear resistance to replace the currently utilized C11000 electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper electrode.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a Cu-Cr-Zr ternary alloy was developed for fin-to-tube welding electrode by melting commercial grade electrolytic copper (99.9% purity) plates, chips of chromium, powder of zirconium at 1100°–1300°C, followed by hot forging and precipitation hardening at 450°–550°C to attain appropriate grain flow. Microstructures of Cu-Cr-Zr alloys were analysed using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive backscatter electron spectrometry.

Findings

Wear performance of Cu-Cr-Zr and C11000 ETP Cu was evaluated using pin-on-disc set-up with Taguchi’s L8orthogonal array. Ranking of the parameters was done, and it was observed that the material and temperature play a very significant role in controlling the wear of an electrode.

Practical implications

Rate of fin–tube resistance welding was increased by 26% with Cu-Cr-Zr alloy. Further investigation on effect of plasma on the metallurgical characteristics of Cu-Cr-Zr is recommended.

Originality/value

Tribo-mechanical performance of newly developed Cu-Cr-Zr ternary alloy was compared with C11000 ETP copper.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2023-0092/
Dynamic capabilities and SMEs competitiveness: the moderating effect of market turbulence
Authors: Al Dhaheri Mariam , Ahmad Syed Zamberi , Abu Bakar Abdul Rahim , Papastathopoulos Avraam
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of individual dynamic capabilities (DC) constructs and whether they had comparable effects on a company’s competitiveness in market turbulence (MT). This study used quantitative methods to determine how the DC elements, sensing, learning, integrating and coordinating, influenced competitiveness, with the moderating role of MT during a real-time crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data was gathered from 426 tourism small and medium-sized enterprises (TSMEs) in the United Arab Emirates and analyzed quantitatively.

Findings

The study found that not all DC constructs were equally important in promoting competitiveness. TSMEs’ survival depended more on sensing and integrating capabilities than learning and coordinating capabilities, and on how these capabilities were used by managers or owners of TSMEs. The study found no moderation effect of MT.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the results was hindered by the study’s focus on TSMEs in a single geographic location. The reasons for lack of proper mobilization of DCs constructs were not explored, but the data on the relative efficacy of DC constructs during a crisis significantly contributed to the literature.

Originality/value

This study emphasized ways that companies could improve firm competitiveness during a crisis by deploying DCs to optimize operations. The implications for research, practical aspects and limitations are presented and discussed.
Factors affecting social media usage by market mavens for fashion-related information provision
Authors: Lee Angie , Fiore Ann Marie
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to understand factors affecting market mavens' use of social media for fashion-related information provision. The study examined market mavens' motivations to share fashion-related information. Specifically, this study investigates the impact of their motivations (i.e. pleasure from helping, a sense of obligation) and technology acceptance model variables (i.e. beliefs about and attitude toward using social media) on intention to use social media for sharing fashion-related information.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey yielded 862 responses from US female respondents. A subset (N = 307) representing those high in market mavenism was used for the study. Structural equation modeling was employed for the analysis.

Findings

The results confirmed that market mavens were driven by pleasure from helping and a sense of obligation to share fashion-related information. These motivations and attitude toward using social media to disseminate fashion-related information positively influenced market mavens' intention to use it to disseminate fashion-related information. Furthermore, belief variables (i.e. perceived usefulness, ease of use and enjoyment associated with social media) indirectly impacted this intention.

Originality/value

The study adds to the scant research examining market mavens' motivations for sharing fashion-related information with others and their intention to use social media. It provides valuable insights for fashion retailers looking to enhance the impact of social media marketing through the deployment of market mavens – very knowledgeable, motivated and trusted consumers.
Leveraging employee engagement and creativity through ethical leadership: the role of employee ambidexterity in the hospitality industry
Authors: Wang Chenxing , Ilyas Bena , Ni Guqang , Rasheed Muhammad Imran
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The success and long-term survival of service organizations depend on employee behavior such as work engagement and creativity. In this study, The authors intend to investigate employee engagement and creativity in the hospitality industry based on the theory of social exchange. In addition, The authors explore the mediating role of employee ambidexterity between ethical leadership and employee work engagement and between ethical leadership and employee creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an online survey questionnaire, data were collected from 246 workers in the hospitality industry in Pakistan. Smart-PLS version 3 was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results of the structural equation modeling reveal that ethical leadership has a positive association with work engagement and employee creativity in the hospitality industry. Results further reveal that employee ambidexterity significantly mediates the relationships between ethical leadership and work engagement and between ethical leadership and employee creativity.

Originality/value

This study not only makes an important contribution to the literature on the role of employee ambidexterity in the hospitality industry but will also help service businesses in managing their employees more effectively.
Excess cash or excess headache? Demonetisation and bank behaviour in India
Authors: Majumdar Saumen , Agarwal Swati , Ghosh Saibal
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Sudden and unannounced policy changes by the government that provide banks with windfall deposits creates a challenge in terms of resource deployment. In the process, there is an impact on their risk and returns. Using data on domestic Indian commercial banks, this study aims to examine the impact of such an announcement – the 2016 demonetisation episode – on bank behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data on domestic Indian commercial banks during 2010–2020, the paper investigates the effect of a sudden and unannounced policy change on their risk and returns. Using the demonetisation undertaken in November 2016 as a natural experiment, the paper applies the difference-in-differences methodology to tease out the causal impact.

Findings

The findings reveal a decline in risk and an increase in returns of state-owned banks, consistent with a flight-to-safety. The response differed in terms of market and accounting measures and across state-owned banks with differing levels of capital and asset quality.

Originality/value

Although several aspects of the demonetisation episode have been well analysed, its impact on banks – the main conduits of the exercise – and in particular on their risk and returns, is an unaddressed area of research. Viewed from this standpoint, this is one of the early studies to undertake a comprehensive empirical analysis on this aspect.
Supervisors’ experiences of doctoral supervision in times of change
Authors: Löfström Erika , Tikkanen Lotta , Anttila Henrika , Pyhältö Kirsi
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Empirical evidence on how supervisors have perceived the changes and the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on their supervision is scarce. This paper aims to examine how the changing landscape of doctoral education has affected supervision from the supervisors’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This survey addressed change, challenges and impact in supervisory responsibilities due to COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was completed by 561 doctoral supervisors from a large multi-field research-intensive university in Finland.

Findings

Results show that supervisors estimated that their supervision had been negatively affected by the pandemic, but to a lesser extent than their doctoral candidates’ progress and well-being. In the changed landscape of supervision, the supervisors grappled with challenges related to recognising doctoral candidates’ need of help. Supervisors’ experiences of the challenges and the impact of changed circumstances varied depending on the field and the position of the supervisor, whether they supervised part- or full-time candidates, and the organisation of supervision.

Practical implications

The slowed-down progression and diminishing well-being of doctoral candidates reported by supervisors is likely to influence supervision in a delayed way. Supervisors may be anticipating some issues with stalled studying and stress, but the question is the extent to which they are prepared to handle these as they emerge in supervision encounters. The fact that the experiences varied across field, position, organisation of supervision and the type of candidates (full or part time) suggests that support provided for supervisors to overcome challenges needs to be tailored and engineered.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on doctoral supervision by exploring the impact of transitioning to online supervision and the rapid changes in doctoral supervision as a consequence of the recent global pandemic.
Should the World Economic Forum’s global tourism competitiveness index be improved?
Authors: Epoh Hervé Honoré , Ewondo Mbebi Olivier , Nzepang Fabrice
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This research paper aim at providing a new approach of calculating the destinations competitiveness index. How can these variables been aggregated in other to reflect the realities of very distinct productive environments? We assume that: The weighting of variables provides a better measure of destinations competitiveness. Base on the Neo-Technological theory, after a life cycle differentiation, we used a panel data approach to calculate the weight of each variable as the spearman correlation coefficient of its contribution to tourism inflows growth. After integrating these weights, we came to the point that by applying an appropriate weight to its components, we end up having a competitiveness index that significantly improve the correlation between competitiveness and tourism inflows growth.
A case of herpetiform pemphigus mimicking bullous pemphigoid after using secukinumab and successfully treated with sulfasalazine
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Mingyue
Published: August 2023

Interleukin 17A (IL‐17A) inhibitors, such as secukinumab, have been widely used as the mainstream treatment for chronic plaque psoriasis; however, cutaneous adverse events have been reported. Here, we report a 43‐year‐old Chinese man who developed herpetiform pemphigus (HP) during secukinumab treatment for his psoriasis. He presented with (1) clinical features of HP, which resembled bullous pemphigoid; histopathological features of intraepidermal blisters, eosinophilic/neutrophilic spongiosis, and liquefactive degeneration of the basal cell layer; (3) positive anti‐desmoglein 1 antibody by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and cell surface IgG reactivity within the epidermis by indirect immunofluorescence assay; and (4) a satisfactory response to salicylazosulfapyridine (sulfasalazine). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the development of HP after the use of secukinumab for psoriasis.
Short‐ and long‐run impacts of gasoline price and macroeconomic factors on road traffic safety in Nigeria
Authors: Akinyemi Yingigba C.
Published: August 2023

This paper examined the short‐ and long‐run impacts of gasoline price, macroeconomic factors and road length on road traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities in Nigeria. Annual data from 1995 to 2019 and autoregressive distributed lag approach were employed. Results suggest that gasoline price, per capita income, road length and population density significantly influence road safety outcomes. Gasoline price has a positive short‐run impact on crashes, injuries, and fatalities contrary to findings in developed countries. Road crashes tend to decrease when income increases in the short term. Population density leads to improvement in road safety outcomes while road length exacerbates it. Government's policy on gasoline price increase could worsen road safety outcomes unless it is accompanied by improvement in road infrastructure, safe public transport and economic growth,
Behavioural normative economics: foundations, approaches and trends
Authors: Dold Malte
Published: August 2023

This article summarises the theoretical foundations, main approaches and current trends in the field of behavioural normative economics. It identifies bounded rationality and bounded willpower as the two core concepts that have motivated the field. Since the concepts allow for individual preferences to be context‐dependent and time‐inconsistent, they pose an intricate problem for standard welfare analysis. The article discusses the ways in which two prominent approaches – the preference purification approach and the opportunity approach – have tackled the problem. It argues that shortcomings in each of these approaches motivate an agency‐centric perspective. The article presents two concrete policy proposals of the agency‐centric approach. While this approach is promising, the article argues for pluralism in normative economics since an exclusive focus on agency can likely not do justice to the multifarious concerns that citizens hold.
Do remittances align with energy transition in Africa? An approach with the level of income of countries
Authors: Abba Yadou Barnabe , Ntang Philemon Bonaventure , Tchio Tchieutsouah Raisa , Abba Abam‐Nde Valery
Published: August 2023

The main objective of this paper was to highlight the nexus between migrant remittances and energy transition in a panel of 45 African countries from 2000 to 2020. The study utilized several estimation techniques ranging from fixed and random effects to two‐stage least square. The empirical findings suggest that remittances reduce energy transition in African countries. However, the growth of remittances reverses this relationship. There is therefore an U‐shaped relationship between remittances and energy transition in Africa. Furthermore, when disaggregating countries by income level, the results reveal that in low‐income countries, remittances reduce energy transition, but this effect is reversed in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Remittances are therefore a determinant in the choice of households for the process of energy transition. Thus, in order to take advantage of this relationship, African countries need to emphasize policies that can increase the flow of remittances by improving their financial system. In addition, migrant remittances contribute to improving access to modern, reliable, and affordable energy services through income growth of remittance‐receiving households.
Plasma exchange in neurology patients—experience from single center in Montenegro
Authors: Roganovic Milovan , Erakovic Jevto , Radulovic Ljiljana , Perunicic Slavisa , Milikic Dragica , Vujovic Balsa , Idrizovic Zilha , Vujovic Sandra , Debeljevic Mladen , Gluscevic Sanja
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Plasma exchange (PE) is widely used in many immune‐based neurological diseases. Our aim is to analyze characteristics of PE in neurological patients at the Clinical Center of Montenegro.

Methods

Our study involved neurological patients treated with PE between January 2020 and April 2022.

Results

In total, 246 PEs were performed in 43 patients. We divided patients into 4 groups according to indications. In 8/9 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients a decrease of Expanded Dysability Status Scale at least 0.5 was verified. In 14/20 Guillain Barre syndrome patients reduction of Hughes was observed. Four patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) were treated with PE. The most heterogeneous group (4) consisted of patients in whom the mechanism of disease development is assumed to be immune system dysregulation. Fourteen patients had any adverse event.

Conclusion

Our results show that PE is widely used and safe in the treatment of neurological diseases.
Macroinvertebrate conservation in river ecosystems: Challenges, restoration strategies, and integrated management approaches
Authors: Lim Sung‐ho , Do Yuno
Published: August 2023

River ecosystems face growing threats from human‐induced stressors, resulting in habitat degradation and biodiversity loss. Crucial to these ecosystems, macroinvertebrates maintain river health and functioning. In this review, we examine the challenges confronting macroinvertebrates, explore restoration strategies and management approaches, and shed light on knowledge gaps and future research directions. Habitat degradation, water pollution, climate change, and invasive species are discussed as key challenges. Various restoration strategies, such as in‐stream habitat restoration, flow regime restoration, riparian zone restoration, and connectivity restoration, are evaluated for macroinvertebrate conservation. Integrated catchment management, adaptive management, community‐based management, monitoring, and policy integration are highlighted as essential management approaches, and knowledge gaps in long‐term monitoring, innovative restoration techniques, climate change resilience, and policy incorporation are identified as areas calling for further research. Ultimately, a proactive, adaptable, and cooperative approach to river management will ensure macroinvertebrate conservation and sustainable river ecosystems.
Flood mitigation: Regulatory and hydrologic effectiveness of multicomponent runoff detention at a Southwest Florida site
Authors: Duke L. Donald , Mullen Madison N. , Unger Kallie E. , Rotz Rachel , Thomas Serge
Published: August 2023

This research investigates the capability of hydrological site design to mitigate inland flooding. Empirical data for a target watershed characterize interaction among three hydrologic components: stormwater detention ponds; seasonal wetlands; and soils/groundwater. Findings are (a) stormwater ponds' elevation change in response to precipitation events of a given magnitude varies sharply among storms, such that ponds' pre‐event elevation and forecast precipitation are not reliable to predict ponds' ability to detain runoff sufficiently to avoid downstream flooding; (b) water table elevation is governed partly by long‐term seasonal variation but also responds quickly to specific events, and powerfully affects the system's capacity to detain runoff; (c) water table elevation during wet weather periods common to Southwest Florida can be high enough to breach the soil surface for extended periods, severely reducing the capacity of the system to detain runoff; (d) in the target watershed of the Florida Gulf Coast University campus, depressed surface storage in seasonal wetlands compensates for reduced wet season capacity of ponds and soil storage. That mechanism explains why the campus has successfully mitigated flooding including from high‐precipitation events most prone to produce flooding (intense rate, late wet season events), while some downstream communities with components designed to meet the regulatory minimum have experienced inundation.
Efficacy of osimertinib for lung squamous cell carcinoma with de novo EGFR T790M‐positive: Case report and literature review
Authors: Maeda Chihiro , Shinada Kanako , Murakami Shuji , Saito Haruhiro
Published: August 2023

Among epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation‐positive non‐small cell lung cancers, squamous cell carcinoma is less common and shows lower responsiveness to first‐generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) compared to adenocarcinoma. However, the efficacy of osimertinib for squamous cell carcinoma with EGFR mutations is not well known. This study reports the case of a 57‐year‐old male diagnosed as having stage IIIC squamous cell lung cancer. Oncomine Dx Target Test identified EGFR exon19 deletion and de novo EGFR T790M mutation with variant allele frequencies (VAF) of 21.6% and 25.2%, respectively. The patient was treated with osimertinib after progression on chemoradiotherapy followed by durvalumab, and a partial response was maintained for more than 20 months. To predict EGFR‐TKI efficacy, confirmation of gene mutations and VAF using next‐generation sequencing is helpful.