bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Listen, who is it? A novel method for studying the nightly and annual phenologies of cave bat communities in data deficient areas of the world.
Authors: Labadie Morgane , Morand Serge , Caron Alexandre , De Nys Helene Marie , Niama Fabien R. , Nguilili Franel , TOBI N'KAYA- , Bourgarel Mathieu , Bas Yves , Roemer Charlotte
Published: February 2025

Context: Bats are the only mammals who have conquered the skies (Gunnell & Simmons, 2005; Thewissen & Babcock, 1992) and the leading mammals in terms of total biomass (Greenspoon et al., 2023) with the exception of domestic mammals. However, the ecology of bats is still a mystery, especially in poorly sampled regions such as Central Africa. Aims: We present a new method for studying the nocturnal and annual phenologies of cave bat communities in data deficient regions. Methods: In two caves (Mont Belo and Boundou) in the Republic of Congo, which are home to several species of insectivorous bats throughout the year, we set up an acoustic monitoring protocol (PAM) over a period of 19 months. In both caves, we collected a total of 2,375,956 acoustic files. We detected the presence of five distinct bat groups or species. Key results: Our results showed bimodal activity throughout the year, except during the long rainy season, when tri- or quadri-modal activity was detected. Activity distributed throughout the night is related to the period of juvenile rearing (gestation, parturition and lactation). For all acoustic groups, we also observed high activity from October to March (long rainy season, short dry season and short rainy season) and low activity during the long dry season (June, July, August). This high activity is linked to the lactation period, the independence of young bats and potentially the mating period. Finally, the reproductive activity of insectivorous bat species is synchronized with the period of high resource availability. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the great variability of activity in five acoustic groups of cave-dwelling insectivorous bats, while at the same time gathering valuable information on bat species in the Congo. These variations are strongly linked to the season and/or the biological cycle of these species. This information is relevant to understanding the mechanisms by which colonies of cave bats can merge and fission. Implications: The use of this technique can provide essential information to estimate insectivorous bat populations in habitats that have been poorly sampled using this passive acoustic monitoring protocol.
Geographical variation in mitogenomes of the largetooth sawfish Pristis pristis: challenges and perspectives for conservation efforts
Authors: Rodrigues Alan Erik S. , Brito Rafaela Maria S , Charvet Patricia , Faria Vicente , Cabanillas-Torpoco Mariano , Aleixo Alexandre , Burlamaqui Tiberio Cesar , Luis Luis Fernando da Silva Rodrigues Fi , Asenjo Angelico , Siccha-Ramirez Raquel , Nunes Jorge Luiz S , de Boer Hugo J , Cerca Jose , MAUVISSEAU Quentin , Ready Jonathan Stuart , de Luna Joao Braullio
Published: February 2025

Sawfishes (Pristidae) have been severely impacted by coastal development and unregulated fisheries and are considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analyses have shown potential for monitoring elasmobranch species, with various studies focusing on using species-specific approaches to detect Pristis species. However positive detection using existing probes has not been confirmed in some geographic regions where they would be expected. Here, we aimed to test whether mutations at key sites have been detrimental to species-specific detection of P. pristis (Linnaeus, 1758) using the existing probe set. To test this hypothesis mitogenomes were assembled that were found to follow the typical pattern of vertebrate mitogenomic organization. Phylogenetic trees showed similar topologies and confirmed geographic mitochondrial variation in P. pristis. Mismatches for the published 12S species-specific probe set for P. pristis were identified that prevent amplification of positive control samples from Brazil. However, ddPCR detection of the positive control was possible using a newly designed species-specific probe set. This study highlights how geographical variation can severely impact the success of generally applying species-specific detection systems developed based on data from only one geographical region. The new mitogenomes and species-specific probe set developed here may also contribute to improving the potential to map and monitor these Critically Endangered species across the globe.
Reference Library for Suspect Non-targeted Screening of Environmental Toxicants Using Ion Mobility Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Teri Devin , Aly Noor A , Dodds James N , Zhang Jian , Thiessen Paul A , Bolton Evan E , Joseph Kara M , Williams Antony J , Schymanski Emma L. , Rusyn Ivan , Baker Erin S.
Published: February 2025

As our health is affected by the xenobiotic chemicals we are exposed to, it is important to rapidly assess these molecules both in the environment and our bodies. Targeted analytical methods coupling either gas or liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS or LC-MS) are commonly utilized in current exposure assessments. While these methods are accepted as the gold standard for exposure analyses, they often require multiple sample preparation steps and more than 30 minutes per sample. This throughput limitation is a critical gap for exposure assessments and has resulted in an evolving interest in using ion mobility spectrometry and MS (IMS-MS) for non-targeted studies. IMS-MS is a unique technique due to its rapid analytical capabilities (millisecond scanning) and detection of a wide range of chemicals based on unique collision cross section (CCS) and mass-to-charge (m/z) values. To increase the availability of IMS-MS information for exposure studies, here we utilized drift tube IMS-MS to evaluate 4,685 xenobiotic chemical standards from the Environmental Protection Agency Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast) program including pesticides, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In the analyses, 3,993 [M+H]+, [M+Na]+, [M-H]- and [M+]+ ion types were observed with high confidence and reproducibility (≤1% error intra-laboratory and ≤2% inter-laboratory) from 2,140 unique chemicals. These values were then assembled into an openly available multidimensional database and uploaded to PubChem to enable rapid IMS-MS suspect screening for a wide range of environmental contaminants, faster response time in environmental exposure assessments, and assessments of xenobiotic-disease connections.
PCSK9 genetic variants, carotid atherosclerosis and vascular remodelling
Authors: Coggi Daniela , Ward Joey , Gigante Bruna , Amato Mauro , Lyall Donald M. , Frigerio Beatrice , Ravani Alessio Luigi , Sansaro Daniela , Ferri Nicola , Lupo Maria Giovanna , Macchi Chiara , Ruscica Massimiliano , Veglia Fabrizio , Capra Nicolò , Gallo Antonio , Pirro Matteo , Savonen Kai P. , Mulder Douwe , baetta roberta , Tremoli Elena , Pell Jill P. , Welsh Paul , Sattar Naveed , Baldassarre Damiano , Strawbridge Rona J.
Published: February 2025

Background and aims: Circulating PCSK9 is a crucial regulator of cholesterol metabolism. Loss-of-function variants in PCSK9 are associated with lower levels of circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, while gain-of-function variants correlate with elevated LDL-C concentrations and increased CVD risk. This study investigated whether genetically determined LDL-C levels, proxied by four PCSK9 genetic variants, influence common carotid artery atherosclerosis. Methods: The analysis included 3,040 European participants (mean age 64.2 {plus minus} 5.4 years; 45.8% men) at high cardiovascular risk from the IMPROVE study, alongside 49,088 individuals of white British ancestry (mean age 55.2 {plus minus} 7.6 years; 47.9% men) from the UK Biobank (UKB). Ultrasonographic measurements of common carotid intima-media thickness (CC-IMTmean, CC-IMTmax, CC-IMTmean-max) were obtained. Four lipid-level affecting genetic variants in the PCSK9 locus were selected for analysis, both individually and in a standardized polygenic risk score (PRS), to assess their effects on LDL-C and PCSK9 levels in the IMPROVE cohort and on ultrasonographic measures in both IMPROVE and UKB. Results: In the IMPROVE cohort, PCSK9 variants (rs11206510, rs2479409, rs11591147, rs11583680) exhibited expected effect directions, albeit not all statistically significant, on LDL-C and PCSK9 levels. The PRS was negatively correlated with CC-IMTmean, CC-IMTmax, and CC-IMTmean-max among women in IMPROVE, and among men and overall in UKB (all P < 0.05). Effect sizes were comparable between cohorts. Conclusions: Genetic variants in the PCSK9 locus influence LDL-C levels and CC-IMT, in keeping with proven benefits of PCSK9 inhibitors on atherosclerotic cardiovascular events.
Deciphering precursor cell dynamics in esophageal preneoplasia via genetic barcoding and single-cell transcriptomics
Authors: Jang Jinho , Ko Kyung-Pil , Jun Sohee , Zhang Jie , Park Jae-Il
Published: February 2025

Cancer cells exhibit high heterogeneity and lineage plasticity, complicating tumorigenesis and therapy development. Recently, preneoplastic cells, though histologically normal, have been shown to possess high plasticity and early genetic alterations, yet their origins and lineage trajectories remain unclear. Herein, we introduce a lineage-tracing tool integrating genetic barcoding with scRNA-seq to map preneoplastic esophageal cell lineages. We identified preneoplastic precursor cells (PNPCs) as a distinct progenitor-like population with unique transcriptional profiles and high plasticity, contributing to proliferative and basal cell populations. To enhance lineage mapping, we developed the eXamined Ridge (XR) score, accurately identifying high-plasticity cells. Nfib and Qk emerged as conserved PNPC markers, peaking in early preneoplasia and declining post-malignant transformation. These findings reveal PNPCs as key players in early tumorigenesis and highlight their potential as biomarkers for early cancer detection and therapeutic intervention, offering new strategies for preventing esophageal cancer progression.
Measurement of residual stress in the brain
Authors: Balouchzadeh Ramin , Kroenke Christopher D , Garcia Kara E , Bayly Philip V
Published: February 2025

Mechanical stress in brain tissue is an important feature of the brain, likely to play key roles in brain development and brain injury. Here, we characterize residual stresses in grey matter and white matter from the deformed shape of tissue cylinders extracted from the brain using a biopsy needle and imaged with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We use finite element simulations to reconstruct the stress state of tissue sections in the intact brain from images of corresponding sections of the deformed excised tissue. In both adult mouse and Yucatan minipig brains, cortical grey matter exhibited predominantly compressive stresses, while white matter exhibited strongly anisotropic tensile stresses. The direction of maximum tension in white matter generally aligns with axon orientation as observed with diffusion MRI in the minipig. These stress patterns (compressive in cortical grey matter, tensile along axons) are consistent with constrained cortical expansion and tension-induced axonal growth during brain development. These findings offer new insights into the biomechanical factors underlying brain morphogenesis, with implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders, brain injuries, and neurosurgical interventions.
Direct pathway bias and altered striatal neurogenesis in human iPSC models of 16p11.2 CNVs: Evidence from single-cell and functional analyses
Authors: Fjodorova Marija , Prapaiwongs Parinda , Petter Olena , Morella Ilaria , Li Zongze , Hall Jessica , Vinh Ngoc-Nga , Davies Sara , Green Jonathan , Hall Jeremy , van den Bree Marianne , Brambilla Riccardo , Li Meng
Published: February 2025

Striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) control motor, cognitive, and social domains via direct (dMSNs) and indirect (iMSNs) basal ganglia pathways. Recent genomic analyses implicate striatal circuit dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and highlight MSNs as a newly recognised cell type affected in schizophrenia, yet much NDD research still focuses on cortical interneurons and glutamatergic neurons, leaving MSN involvement understudied. Here, we use human iPSC-derived MSNs to demonstrate high-fidelity striatal development and explore 16p11.2 copy number variants (CNVs) - mutations predisposing carriers to autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, intellectual disability and other NDD conditions featuring basal ganglia deficits. By profiling both 16p11.2 duplication and deletion MSNs, we uncover reciprocal changes in MSN neurogenesis kinetics that converge on a dMSN fate bias. These shifts correspond to altered calcium signalling and enhanced firing upon direct-pathway activation. Our findings reveal a previously unappreciated role for MSN subtype imbalances in NDD pathogenesis and open new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Muscle stem cell activation in response to acute injury is promoted by transient exposure to neutrophil elastase
Authors: Clarke Christopher J , Stonadge Amy , Aminov Ethan , Pisconti Addolorata
Published: February 2025

The molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of muscle stem cells in response to skeletal muscle injury are complex and only beginning to be elucidated since new tools were developed in the last decade. The immune response to tissue injury, often referred to as sterile inflammation, is a known key contributor to the mechanisms supporting muscle stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the muscle stem cell niche, but it is unclear whether muscle stem cell activation is also affected by the immune response. Here we show that neutrophil elastase, released in abundance during the first two days after muscle injury by infiltrating neutrophils, contributes to muscle stem cell re-entry into the cell cycle and commitment to the myogenic program. When neutrophil elastase is genetically ablated in mice, muscle stem cell activation is impaired, and muscle regeneration is delayed. Additionally, we identified cMet/mTOR and FGFR/ERK1/2 as two pathways activated by elastase in two different in vitro systems, via elastase-mediated cleavage and activation of pro-HGF and via elastase-mediated cleavage of extracellular matrix and release of bioactive FGF, respectively. While chronic exposure to neutrophil elastase impairs myoblast survival and differentiation, ultimately causing muscle regeneration defects, its transient presence in injured muscle during the first 24-48 hours post injury is beneficial and necessary. Thus, our results emphasize the importance of a tight regulation of the immune response for successful muscle regeneration, and provide strong evidence in support of a role for neutrophil elastase that is mainly to promote muscle healing in response to injury. Mechanistically, we highlight a key role for the cross-talk between neutrophils and muscle stem cells in muscle stem cell activation that involves neutrophil-derived elastase-mediated activation of mTOR and ERK1/2 via cMet and FGFR in muscle stem cells.
Active telomere elongation by a subclass of cancer-associated POT1 mutations
Authors: Martin Annika , Schabort Johannes , Bartke-Croughan Rebecca , Tran Stella , Preetham Atul , Lu Robert , Ho Richard , Gao Jianpu , Jenkins Shirin , Boyle John , Ghanim George E. , Jagota Milind , Song Yun S. , Li Hanqin , Hockemeyer Dirk
Published: February 2025

Mutations in the shelterin protein POT1 are associated with diverse cancers and thought to drive carcinogenesis by impairing POT1's suppression of aberrant telomere elongation. To classify clinical variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) and identify cancer-driving loss-of-function mutations, we developed a locally haploid human stem cell system to evaluate >1900 POT1 mutations, including >600 VUSs. Unexpectedly, many validated familial cancer-associated POT1 (caPOT1) mutations are haplosufficient for cellular viability, indicating that some pathogenic alleles do not act through a loss-of-function mechanism. Instead, POT1's DNA damage response suppression and telomere length control are genetically separable. ATR inhibition enables isolation of frameshift mutants, demonstrating that the only essential function of POT1 is to repress ATR. Furthermore, comparison of caPOT1 and frameshift alleles reveals a class of caPOT1 mutations that elongate telomeres more rapidly than full loss-of-function alleles. This telomere length-promoting activity is independent from POT1's role in overhang sequestration and fill-in synthesis.
Scaling up a sign-ordered Kitaev chain without magnetic flux control
Authors: Liu Chun-Xiao , Miles Sebastian , Bordin Alberto , ten Haaf Sebastiaan L. D. , Mazur Grzegorz P. , Bozkurt A. Mert , Wimmer Michael
Published: February 2025

Quantum-dot-superconductor arrays have emerged as a new and promising material platform for realizing topological Kitaev chains. So far, experiments have implemented a two-site chain with limited protection. Here, we propose an experimentally feasible protocol for scaling up the chain in order to enhance the protection of the Majorana zero modes. To this end, we make use of the fact that the relative sign of normal and superconducting hoppings mediated by an Andreev bound state can be changed by electrostatic gates. In this way, our method only relies on the use of individual electrostatic gates on hybrid regions, quantum dots, and tunnel barriers, respectively, without the need for individual magnetic flux control, greatly simplifying the device design. Our work provides guidance for realizing a topologically protected Kitaev chain, which is the building block of error-resilient topological quantum computation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
FLEXR-MSA: electron-density map comparisons of sequence-diverse structures
Authors: Stachowski Timothy R. , Fischer Marcus
Published: February 2025

Proteins with near-identical sequences often share similar static structures. Yet, comparing crystal structures is limited or even biased by what has been included or omitted in the deposited model. Information about unique dynamics is often hidden in electron-density maps. Currently, automatic map comparisons are limited to sequence-identical structures. To overcome this limitation, we developed FLEXR-MSA, which enables unbiased electron-density map comparisons of sequence-diverse structures by coupling multiple sequence alignment (MSA) with electron-density sampling. FLEXR-MSA generates visualizations that pinpoint low-occupancy features on the residue level and chart them across the protein surface to reveal global changes. To exemplify the utility of this tool, we probed electron densities for protein-wide alternative conformations of HSP90 across four human isoforms and other homologs. Our analysis demonstrates that FLEXR-MSA can reveal hidden differences among HSP90 variants bound to clinically important ligands. Integrating this new functionality into the FLEXR suite of tools links the comparison of conformational landscapes hidden in electron-density maps to the building of multi-conformer models that reveal structural/functional differences that might be of interest when designing selective ligands.
How being a former/current executive impacts directors’ boardroom dynamics and board role execution
Authors: Bhardwaj Sneh , Nicholson Gavin , Morgan Damian
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Directors’ human capital has long been recognised as vital to ensuring effective corporate governance. While previous studies have sought to link director human capital with specific firm-level outcomes, there are persistent challenges facing researchers who seek to understand better what kind of human capital makes a difference to effective board role execution. This study aims to understand whether the way directors fulfil their roles and contribute to boardroom dynamics is shaped by any human capital they gain via senior executive experience.

Design/methodology/approach

We draw insights from 30 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with Indian directors to capture their perceptions and experiences of how a specific kind of human capital, namely the C-suite experience, affects directors' boardroom dynamics and board role execution.

Findings

We highlight how directors with executive experience appear to have a more salient set of human capital to draw on. Specifically, they report navigating governance processes differently, displaying a more contextualised understanding of boardroom dynamics and having a broader understanding of the firm’s problems. Doing so enables them to foster constructive board-management relationships and improve their service role execution.

Research limitations/implications

Our qualitative data are drawn from a purposively sampled group in a specific governance system (India). While this does not threaten the key theoretical insights, it does raise questions about their generalisability to other governance contexts.

Practical implications

Directors with executive experience build trust through their orientation towards and understanding of management without diminishing their capacity to scrutinise management decisions. The human capital of these directors appears to engender a more effective and contextualised boardroom dynamic that facilitates the execution of socialised accountability through balancing the control and service roles.

Originality/value

Our findings highlight the potential importance of a shared understanding of the communication and collaboration processes of corporate governance (i.e. a common transactional memory framework) between directors and management. Directors who share this understanding with management are more likely to effectively engage in the service role while not compromising the control role. This shared understanding appears to allow these directors and executives to encode, store and retrieve relevant information they need more effectively, engendering the trust between them that seems to foster socialised accountability.
The double-edged sword of leader-member exchange: when and why leader-­member exchange promotes versus inhibits workplace deviant behavior
Authors: Yang Huan , Zhao Xinyuan , Huang Gui , Zhang Long , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Managers in China prioritize the cultivation of loyal employees, resulting in positive effects associated with leader-member exchange (LMX). However, fragmented evidence suggests that LMX also can trigger deviant behavior. LMX provides employees with access to resources, while it also harbors potential risks for deviant behaviors. Based on the cognitive-affective system theory of personality and resource-related theories, this study aims to explore the double-edged sword effects of LMX by examining how LMX influences interpersonal deviant behaviors through emotional and cognitive pathways, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involved three waves of paired data surveys that were conducted in China over one month, and a total of 117 leaders and 235 subordinates participated in this study.

Findings

Even though LMX as a job resource reduces workplace anxiety, LMX also generates work overload for employees. Workplace anxiety and work overload further result in interpersonal deviant behavior. Narcissistic admiration, as a personality trait, can weaken the mediating role of work overload but not that of workplace anxiety.

Practical implications

The finding can help managers pay attention to negative effect of LMX and provide suggestions for preventing employees’ workplace deviant behavior.

Originality/value

The findings revealed how LMX leads to negative outcomes in the workplace. In addition, the results demonstrated the buffering effect of narcissistic admiration on the negative effect of LMX.
Measuring employee learning engagement: a scale development for learning and development practitioners
Authors: Deb Biswas Debanjana , Sengupta Ruparnab
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To develop a valid and reliable scale for measuring employee learning engagement (ELE) in corporate learning and development (L&D) programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study developed a 4-item scale on ELE, based on the literature of engagement and L&D. The scale’s reliability and validity were established through three separate studies conducted on a total of 150 employees across various sectors in India.

Findings

The items of the scale exhibited strong reliability and validity, capturing the key aspects of employee engagement during learning programs.

Practical implications

This scale offers both practical and theoretical implications for L&D practitioners and scholars that are discussed in detail in the paper.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneer in empirically developing and validating a measure of ELE, advancing research on engagement while supporting practitioners in optimizing corporate training strategies.
Enhance learner’s engagement ownership by measuring individual’s learning engagement
Authors: Wavre Shrikant Prabhakar , Kuknor Sunaina , Chaturvedi Sharma Nupur
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To identify factors and indicators for measuring individuals’ learning engagement (ILE) for learner’s ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed method with literature review, a survey, and focused group discussions.

Findings

The study proposes six factors and 16 indicators for measuring ILE for learner’s ownership.

Research limitations/implications

Measuring ILE factors with a large number of participants in a learning session may be a challenge.

Practical implications

The ILE factor measurement can enhance learner engagement, ownership, facilitator style, and content, resulting in better learning outcomes.

Originality/value

The study adds to the learning engagement domain by proposing factors for measuring ILE for learners’ ownership.
Zepto: redefining the future of rapid delivery
Authors: Karulkar Yashodhan , Sampat Brinda , Thapliyal Anshuman , Singh Bhavyaraj , Gupta Devansh
Published: February 2025

Learning outcomes

Understanding of quick commerce (q-commerce) and its relevance in modern retail.

Analysis of market entry strategies and competitive landscapes.

Insights into operational challenges and solutions in rapid delivery services.

Exploration of consumer behavior shifts and business adaptation in response to global events.

Case overview/synopsis

The case examines Zepto’s innovative approach in the quick commerce sector, emphasizing its strategies, challenges and the impact of the pandemic on its operations and growth.

Complexity academic level

This case study is suitable for undergraduate-level students, particularly in courses related to business management, e-commerce, marketing and supply chain management.
What drives participation in green loyalty programmes? Examining reactance, guilt and staff attractiveness
Authors: Huang Jingxi , Daryanto Ahmad , Hogg Margaret Kathleen , Chan Jin Hooi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to address the challenge of encouraging customers to join hotels’ green loyalty programmes (LPs) by examining the impact on customers’ decisions of their trait reactance, anticipated guilt and the physical attractiveness of service employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted three preliminary studies and one main study using scenario-based online surveys targeting Chinese hotel customers. The first two preliminary studies (N1A = 100, N1B = 158) explored the negative emotions (guilt vs. shame) linked to non-participation in green LPs, while the third study (N1C = 110) examined gender’s role in perceived physical attractiveness. The main study (n = 836) tested the three-way interaction effect.

Findings

This analysis confirms that guilt, rather than shame, plays a significant role in the decision-making process for participating in green LPs. The results reveal that trait reactance strongly deters participation intention when customers anticipate low guilt and perceive service employees as less attractive. Notably, higher anticipated guilt renders trait reactance ineffective in influencing intentions, regardless of employees’ attractiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The results reveal that a high level of anticipated guilt is the key to boosting customers’ intention to participate in a hotel’s green LP, which can mitigate the negative impact of customers’ trait reactance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate how anticipated guilt can lessen the negative effects of customers’ trait reactance on their intention to participate in green LPs. In addition, the findings reveal that guilt not only narrows customers’ attentional focus but also influences how the attractiveness of service employees affects their decision-making processes. the work introduces a new angle on how emotional responses (anticipated guilt) interact with physical cues (employee attractiveness) in shaping customer decisions concerning the hotel’s green initiatives.
Expanding the domain of hospitality research: the hospitality virtue scale
Authors: Line Nathan Discepoli , Hanks Lydia , Njeri Millicent , Mody Makarand Amrish
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to put forth the proposition that the concept of hospitality is broader than what is often acknowledged in academic research. Specifically, this paper establishes hospitality as a fundamental human virtue. Accordingly, all people are proposed to exhibit daily actions associated with this virtue – albeit to varying degrees. A conceptual and operational definition of hospitality virtue is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Churchill’s (1979) construct development process is used to operationalize the hospitality virtue construct. Item generation, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis are used to establish an operational definition for the construct.

Findings

The results indicate that hospitality virtue is a second-order construct consisting of three dimensions: empathy, execution and embrace. This specification is referred to as the E3 hospitality virtue scale. As evidence of the nomological validity of this scale, the construct is demonstrated to have a positive impact on human flourishing.

Research limitations/implications

To date, the vast majority of hospitality research has been conducted at the industry level. This research has the potential to break down the industry barriers that have constrained the broader impact of hospitality research and practice at the human and societal levels.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to empirically consider hospitality not as an industry-level phenomenon, but as a fundamental part of the human condition. While there is evidence for this idea throughout the history of philosophy, this paper is the first to lend an operational structure to this concept.
Does rebate in deferred sales differ from rebate in loans? A critical appraisal of discretionary rebate practice in Islamic finance
Authors: Rahman Md. Habibur
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether offering contractual rebates in deferred sales equals or differs from offering them in loans and critically evaluate the practice of discretionary rebates in Islamic finance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a qualitative approach. It obtains primary data through 15 qualitative interviews with Sharìah scholars and Islamic bankers. A general review is conducted to consult classical sources of Sharìah and other related scholarly materials to delve into the issue. The study utilises a thematic analysis technique to investigate qualitative data.

Findings

The study finds that a contractual increase in the price of deferred sales due to a moratorium is permissible, and it differs from an increment in loans, which is riba, i.e., usury. Likewise, a contractual rebate on deferred sales due to early settlement is lawful, not riba. Even a contractual loan reduction due to early repayment is permissible, not riba, based on the Prophet’s saying dà wa tàajjul, i.e., “reduce and expedite.” Offering contractual rebates does not contradict Sharìah. Rebates motivate clients to make regular and prompt repayments. The study verifies that a discretionary rebate does not provide this benefit; instead, clients feel insecure about whether and how much rebate they will obtain, depending on banks’ discretion. A discretionary rebate may cause disputes and gharar, i.e. ambiguity, in agreement. The study posits that a contractual rebate can be offered, and necessary clauses on a mandatory rebate and its calculation formula shall be incorporated into the main contract. Nonetheless, offering rebates has become a custom, resembling an agreement stipulation. The regulators could oblige to offer rebates, provided it secures public wellbeing and eliminates possible harm.

Practical implications

This study advocates a contractual rebate, which removes clients’ unhappiness and the possibility of dispute. By incorporating a binding rebate into the agreement, Islamic banks will remain competitive and flexible in pricing. A secure rebate genuinely encourages customers to settle their debt promptly. Moreover, the study would lead to a harmonisation of rebate offerings in Islamic finance across jurisdictions.

Originality/value

Previous studies theoretically addressed contractual rebates but made no difference between loan and credit sale rebates. This study is an unprecedented effort to examine empirically the validity and implications of contractual rebates. It highlighted the difference between the loan and deferred sale rebates. Additionally, the study will support Sharìah scholars, Islamic bankers and regulators in allowing and guiding contractual rebates accordingly.
Does capital structure mediate the relationship between corporate governance compliance and firm performance? Empirical evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Shakri Irfan Haider , Yong Jaime , Xiang Erwei
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how capital structure mediates the effects of corporate governance (CG) compliance on firm performance (FP) in the context of a developing market experiencing significant reforms to its governance landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

An index was built to measure firm-level compliance with Pakistan’s code of CG. Several robustness checks were performed, including alternate proxies of dependent and independent variables, using additional control variables and considering the Global Financial Crisis period. To address dynamic effects and endogeneity, several identification strategies were used: a leading dependent variable, fixed effects model, generalised method of moments model and propensity score matching.

Findings

CG compliance leads to higher FP. However, higher leverage partially and negatively mediates this association. The results of this study are robust against alternate proxies of dependent and independent variables and possible endogeneity issues.

Originality/value

This study constructs a summative measure of CG compliance that captures not only firm-level compliance to the prescribed codes but also the benefits of incremental improvements and reforms in the governance of the Pakistan market. This study offers insights into an emerging market, contributing further empirical evidence to support greater market transparency through mechanisms such as CG compliance and the monitoring effects of debt. However, this study cautions that greater compliance raises costs, especially when associated with higher leverage, and can undermine FP.
The impact of financial technology on bank’s performance in Egypt: the moderating role of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Fahmy Omar Ehab Ezzat , Hashim Ibrahim Ahmed Amin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The study aims to examine the moderating role of COVID-19 in the effect of financial technology on bank performance in the Egyptian banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a panel regression model, estimated using a fixed-effects approach, for the period spanning 2016–2022.

Findings

The study reveals a significant positive effect of financial technology on bank performance. In contrast, control variables such as the inflation rate and firm size show no notable impact on performance. Conversely, the annual gross domestic product growth rate exhibits a positive and significant influence on bank performance. Furthermore, COVID-19 moderates the relationship between the cost of software automation and variables such as capital adequacy (CA), asset quality (AQ) and liquidity, as well as the relationship between ATM machines and liquidity. However, it does not affect the relationship between the number of credit cards and any performance metrics.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses exclusively on one country, Egypt and one industry, banking. Other financial institutions, such as insurance companies, leasing companies and investment trusts, are not included in this analysis.

Practical implications

The results confirm the policymakers should encourage collaboration between banks and fintech firms by relaxing regulatory constraints and providing incentives for mergers and acquisitions, which can generate significant synergies within the banking sector.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the impact of financial technology on bank performance using five different measures: CA, AQ, earnings, liquidity management and financial stability.
Intuitionistic fuzzy approaches-based structured framework for optimal maintenance policy decision in sugar mill
Authors: Panchal Dilbagh , Kushwaha Dinesh Kumar
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of the current work is to present an intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) concept-based structured framework for selecting the optimal maintenance policy in a sugar mill.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework utilizes IF concept based multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approaches, specifically IF-analytic hierarchy process (IF-AHP) and IF-Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (IF-TOPSIS). IF theory based MCDM approaches utilises the hesitation present in the maintenance experts to encounter the uncertainties/vagueness to much higher degree of accuracy in decision-making. The suggested framework is used to evaluate and select the optimal maintenance policy based on six different criteria namely safety factor, cost factor, maintenance factor, reliability, risk and added values.

Findings

The IF-AHP approach has been employed to calculate the weights of the criteria and sub-criteria, while the IF-TOPSIS approach was utilized to rank the maintenance strategies. Based on the results, with a relative coefficient value of 0.7204, corrective maintenance (CM) is determined to be the best maintenance policy. For certifying the consistency of the recommended structured framework, sensitivity analysis (SA) has been also conducted.

Research limitations/implications

The ranking results obtained from the analysis are provided to the maintenance management of the considered sugar mill for its further implementation and validation. The findings of this work are also applicable to all other sugar mill industries which are installed globally.

Practical implications

The analysis results has been supplied to the maintenance manager of considered sugar mill industry. The implementation policy of the results will be shared with the higher management and hence once implemented the results could be tested and verified.

Originality/value

The developed framework so implemented to the considered sugar mill industry is original in nature. Also, consideration of hesitation effect in the collected raw data under the developed framework provide more authenticated decision results which proves to be useful in achieving higher availability and profitability of the industry.
Board gender diversity and ESG performance: the moderating role of earnings volatility in Australian publicly listed firms
Authors: Yasin Mesfin Yemer
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether board gender diversity has improved and influence environment, social and governance (ESG) performance. It also explores whether firm earning volatility moderates the relationship between board gender diversity and ESG performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses 907 final firm-year observations of public firms listed on the Australian Securities Exchange from 2010 to 2023.

Findings

The findings show that women’s representation on board has improved following the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) amendment and is significantly associated with higher ESG performance; however, firm earning volatility weakens the positive influence of women directors on ESG performance. The results remained the same even after addressing potential endogeneity concerns and are robust across (1) alternative proxies, (2) dynamic, (3) two-step system generalized methods of moments and (4) difference-in-differences model.

Practical implications

In addition, the findings of this study offer important practical implications for investors to focus on companies with higher female representation on their boards and demonstrating strong financial stability. It also has important practical implications for policymakers in understanding the importance of considering the time required to achieve meaningful board diversity and sufficient financial resources to meet the expectations of ASX recommendations and principles.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the academic literature by providing empirical evidence of how firm earning volatility affects the relationship between board gender diversity and ESG performance. Notably, the author identifies the previously unexplored moderating role of firm earnings volatility in this relationship. The result underscores the importance of stable financial conditions for maintaining the positive influence of board gender diversity on corporate sustainable practices.
Interplay between CSR, female director, promoter ownership and firm performance: a resource orchestration theory perspective
Authors: Pant Pushpesh , Yadav Rohit , Vats Abhinav
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Building on resource orchestration theory (ROT), this study assesses the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance considering the influence of female director representation and ownership structure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has employed secondary panel data on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) listed Indian firms. Fixed-effect models are applied to estimate our regression models. Additionally, the study employs models with robust standard errors to correct for heteroscedasticity.

Findings

The findings reveal that the performance effect of CSR is insignificant. However, the presence of female director representation positively moderates this relationship and, therefore, highlights the effectiveness of CSR in gender-diverse boards. Moreover, promoter ownership positively moderates the CSR–performance relationship, and thus, indicates promoters' long-term strategic interests in CSR initiatives.

Originality/value

Building on ROT, this research investigates the CSR–performance relationship dynamics, emphasizing the roles of female director representation and promoter ownership, particularly in the emerging market contexts. Moreover, it deepens our understanding of the CSR–performance relationship by utilizing secondary panel data from BSE listed Indian firms.
Millennials' perspectives: motivations for co-living in a developing nation
Authors: Tan Teck Hong , Toh Evelyn Bee Hwa
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Rapid urbanization and the widening disparity between household income and housing costs have made co-living a practical alternative that significantly lowers living costs through economic sharing. This study aims to examine the determinants influencing millennials' motivations to rent co-living housing, including economic, locational, physical and psychological factors.

Design/methodology/approach

An online self-administered questionnaire was used to examine these determinants using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), with a purposive sampling of 208 millennial tenants. In addition, a focus group was organized to capture the opinions of ten participants in depth.

Findings

The results revealed that physical, economic and locational attributes significantly impact millennials' motivations to rent co-living housing. While psychological flexibility may not directly predict motivations, it does exhibit an indirect relationship with co-living motivations through the mediating influence of locational and economic factors.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides valuable insights to co-living service providers on how to design suitable living arrangements that cater to the demands of millennials in urban areas.

Originality/value

The field of co-living receives less attention compared to traditional home purchasing in developing countries. This study aims to provide insights into millennial tenants’ preferences for co-living, shedding light on their perceptions of this emerging housing trend in Malaysia.
Geopolitical risk and gold price bubbles
Authors: Zhou Haonan , Liang Chao
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between geopolitical risk (GPR) and gold price bubbles to determine whether rising GPR can drive deviations in the fundamental value of gold, thus leading to speculative bubbles.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a data set that spans from January 2002 to December 2023 and covers both GPR data and gold price data, this study applies the log-periodic power law singularity (LPPLS) model to identify gold price bubbles. The analysis explores the effects of GPR and its sub-indices – geopolitical risk–acts (GPRA) and geopolitical risk–threats (GPRT) – on gold price bubbles. The causal relationships are examined through logistic regression, Tobit modelling and machine learning, with a focus on different countries, including major gold producers and consumers.

Findings

The results indicate a significant relationship between GPR and gold price bubbles, particularly with GPRA, which exerts a stronger influence than GPRT does. Peaks in GPR often align with the formation of gold price bubbles, both positive and negative. Additionally, geopolitical instability in Russia has a significant effect on US gold price bubbles.

Practical implications

The findings provide valuable insights for investors and policymakers by emphasizing the importance of GPR in shaping gold price dynamics. Investors are advised to consider the nuanced roles of GPRA and GPRT when using gold as a hedge during periods of heightened geopolitical tension.

Social implications

Understanding the role of GPR in gold price bubbles can help mitigate the financial risk associated with speculative bubbles, thereby offering a better framework for managing assets during geopolitical crises.

Originality/value

This study extends existing research by directly linking GPR with gold price bubbles via the LPPLS model, with a novel emphasis on the differentiation between GPRA and GPRT, providing new perspectives on the safe-haven role of gold during geopolitical uncertainty.