bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular insights into the modulation of the 5HT2Areceptor by serotonin, psilocin, and the G protein subunit Gqα
Authors: Viohl Niklas , Zanjani Ali Asghar Hakami , Khandelia Himanshu
Published: July 2024

The 5HT2Areceptor (5HT2AR) is a G protein-coupled receptor that drives many neuronal functions and is one of the primary targets for psychedelic drugs, which have recently shown promise in treating mental disorders. Understanding ligand interactions and conformational transitions is essential for developing effective pharmaceuticals, but mechanistic details of 5HT2AR activation and ligand binding modes remain poorly understood. We conducted all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations of the active and inactive forms of 5HT2AR with psilocin and serotonin. Both serotonin and psilocin have higher binding affinities for the orthosteric binding pocket than the extended binding pocket. Active state 5HT2AR collapses to a closed state in the absence of Gqα. We also discover a ‘partially-open’ receptor conformation that is intermediate between the active and inactive states. Our discoveries can inform the design of new pharmaceuticals that target specific receptor conformations, potentially leading to more effective treatments for mental disorders.
Content-based image retrieval assists radiologists in diagnosing eye and orbital mass lesions in MRI
Authors: Rumberger J. Lorenz , Lim Winna , Wildfeuer Benjamin , Sodemann Elisa B. , Lecler Augustin , Stemplinger Simon , Issever Ahi Sema , Sepahdari Ali R. , Langner Sönke , Kainmueller Dagmar , Hamm Bernd , Erb-Eigner Katharina
Published: July 2024

Background

Diagnoses of eye and orbit pathologies by radiological imaging is challenging due to their low prevalence and the relative high number of possible pathologies and variability in presentation, thus requiring substantial domain-specific experience.

Purpose

This study investigates whether a content-based image retrieval (CBIR) tool paired with a curated database of orbital MRI cases with verified diagnoses can enhance diagnostic accuracy and reduce reading time for radiologists across different experience levels.

Material and Methods

We tested these two hypotheses in a multi-reader, multi-case study, with 36 readers and 48 retrospective eye and orbit MRI cases. We asked each reader to diagnose eight orbital MRI cases, four while having only status quo reference tools available (e.g.Radiopaedia.org, StatDx, etc.), and four while having a CBIR reference tool additionally available. Then, we analyzed and compared the results with linear mixed effects models, controlling for the cases and participants.

Results

Overall, we found a strong positive effect on diagnostic accuracy when using the CBIR tool only as compared to using status quo tools only (status quo only 55.88%, CBIR only 70.59%, 26.32% relative improvement, p=.03, odds ratio=2.07), and an even stronger effect when using the CBIR tool in conjunction with status quo tools (status quo only 55.88%, CBIR + status quo 83.33%, 49% relative improvement, p=.02, odds ratio=3.65). Reading time in seconds (s) decreased when using only the CBIR tool (status quo only 334s, CBIR only 236s, 29% decrease, p<.001), but increased when used in conjunction with status quo tools (status quo only 334s, CBIR + status quo 396s, 19% increase, p<.001).

Conclusion

We found significant positive effects on diagnostic accuracy and mixed effects on reading times when using the CBIR reference tool, indicating the potential benefits when using CBIR reference tools in diagnosing eye and orbit mass lesions by radiological imaging.

Using a content-based image retrieval tool significantly improved diagnostic accuracy and had mixed effects on reading time for diagnosing MRI exams of patients with eye and orbit pathologies.

Key Results

Using the CBIR tool alone improved diagnostic accuracy from 55.88% to 70.59% (odds ratio=2.07, p=.03) and decreased reading time from 334s to 236s (p<.001) compared to SQ alone.

Using CBIR together with SQ tools further increased accuracy to 83.33% (odds ratio=3.65, p=.02) but increased reading time to 396s (p<.001) compared to SQ only.
A Quantitative Study of Factors Influencing Myasthenia Gravis Telehealth Examination Score
Authors: Garbey Marc , Lesport Quentin , Girma Helen , Öztosun Gülşen , Kaminski Henry J.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The increasing utilization of telemedicine offers an opportunity of video-recording to then perform post-hoc quantitative analysis of all aspects of the patient-examiner interaction. Presently, telemedicine examinations are adapted from the standard clinical visit, but their benefits and deficiencies have not been rigorously assessed.

Methods

We utilized a bank of 54 subjects with myasthenia gravis (MG) each having two telemedicine examinations by neuromuscular experts with recording of the MG Core Examination and the MG Activities of Daily Living. We then applied a broad spectrum of artificial intelligence algorithms from computer vision and speech analysis to natural language processing to generate quantitative metrics of the digital records.

Results

We successfully developed a technology to assess video examinations. Although the overall MG-CE examination scores were consistent across examiners, individual metrics showed significant variability, with up to a 25 percent variation in scoring within the MG-CE’s range. There was wide range of compliance with MG ADL instructions across examiners.

Discussion

We are able perform digital analysis of neuromuscular examinations and identified variations in outcome measure variations based on the examiner’s instructions, video recording limitations, and the severity of the patient’s disease. Particularly noteworthy is the high standard deviation in scores for examinations of patients with low disease severity.
Individualized Machine-learning-based Clinical Assessment Recommendation System
Authors: Setiawan Devin , Wiranto Yumiko , Girard Jeffrey M. , Watts Amber , Ashourvan Arian
Published: July 2024

Background

Traditional clinical assessments often lack individualization, relying on standardized procedures that may not accommodate the diverse needs of patients, especially in early stages where personalized diagnosis could offer significant benefits. We aim to provide a machine-learning framework that addresses the individualized feature addition problem and enhances diagnostic accuracy for clinical assessments.

Methods

Individualized Clinical Assessment Recommendation System (iCARE) employs locally weighted logistic regression and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) value analysis to tailor feature selection to individual patient characteristics. Evaluations were conducted on synthetic and real-world datasets, including early-stage diabetes risk prediction and heart failure clinical records from the UCI Machine Learning Repository. We compared the performance of iCARE with a Global approach using statistical analysis on accuracy and area under the ROC curve (AUC) to select the best additional features.

Findings

The iCARE framework enhances predictive accuracy and AUC metrics when additional features exhibit distinct predictive capabilities, as evidenced by synthetic datasets 1-3 and the early diabetes dataset. Specifically, in synthetic dataset 1, iCARE achieved an accuracy of 0·999 and an AUC of 1·000, outperforming the Global approach with an accuracy of 0·689 and an AUC of 0·639. In the early diabetes dataset, iCARE shows improvements of 1·5-3·5% in accuracy and AUC across different numbers of initial features. Conversely, in synthetic datasets 4-5 and the heart failure dataset, where features lack discernible predictive distinctions, iCARE shows no significant advantage over global approaches on accuracy and AUC metrics.

Interpretation

iCARE provides personalized feature recommendations that enhance diagnostic accuracy in scenarios where individualized approaches are critical, improving the precision and effectiveness of medical diagnoses.

Funding

This work was supported by startup funding from the Department of Psychology at the University of Kansas provided to A.A., and the R01MH125740 award from NIH partially supported J.M.G.’s work.
Effects of working memory training on cognitive flexibility, dendritic spine density and long-term potentiation in female mice
Authors: Stavroulaki Vasiliki , Vagiaki Lida-Evmorfia , Nikolidakis Orestis , Zafiri Maria , Plataki Maria E. , Sidiropoulou Kyriaki
Published: July 2024

Working memory (WM) is a cognitive function that refers to the ability of short-term storage and manipulation of information necessary for the accomplishment of a task. Two brain regions involved in WM are the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hippocampus (HPC). Several studies have suggested that training in WM (WMT) can improve performance in other cognitive tasks. However, our understanding of the neurobiological changes induced by WMT is very limited. Previous work from our lab has shown that WMT enhances synaptic and structural plasticity in the PFC and HPC in male mice. In this study, we investigate the effect of WMT on cognitive flexibility and synaptic properties in PFC and HPC in adult female mice. To this end, female adult mice were split into 3 groups: a) naïve which remained in their home cage, b) non-adaptive which learned to alternate the arms in the T-maze but without any delays and c) adaptive which were trained in the delayed alternation task for 9 days. The delayed alternation task was used for WMT. In one cohort, following the delayed alternation task, all mice were tested in the attention set-shifting (AST) task in order to measure cognitive flexibility, and then, the brains were harvested for Golgi-Cox staining to study dendritic spine density. Our results showed that in female mice, there were no differences in performance in the AST among the three groups tested, however, the latency to make a choice was reduced. With regards to dendritic spine density, no significant differences were identified in PFC while increased dendritic spine density was found in the hippocampus of the adaptive group, compared to the naïve group. In a second cohort, acute brain slices were prepared following the delayed alternation task to investigate the synaptic properties in the PFC and the HPC. Evoked field excitatory post-synaptic potential (fEPSP) recordings were performed in either PFC or HPC brain slices. Our results show that tetanic-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the PFC was not different among the three training groups. In the HPC, theta-burst induced LTP was significantly increased in the adaptive group also compared to the other two groups. These results reveal both similarities and differences of WMT on cognitive flexibility, dendritic spine density and LTP in females, compared to males.
Reprograming of the ubiquitin ligase Ubr1 by intrinsically disordered Roq1 through cooperating multifunctional motifs
Authors: Peters Niklas , Kanngießer Sibylle , Pajonk Oliver , Salazar Claros Rafael , Mogk Axel , Schuck Sebastian
Published: July 2024

One way cells control the speed and specificity of protein degradation is by regulating the activity of ubiquitin ligases. Upon proteotoxic stress in yeast, the intrinsically disordered protein Roq1 binds the ubiquitin ligase Ubr1 as a pseudosubstrate, thereby modulating the degradation of substrates of the N-degron pathway and promoting the elimination of misfolded proteins. The mechanism underlying this reprograming of Ubr1 is unknown. Here, we show that Roq1 controls Ubr1 by means of two cooperating multifunctional motifs. The N-terminal arginine and a short hydrophobic motif of Roq1 interact with Ubr1 as part of a heterobivalent binding mechanism. Via its N-terminal arginine, Roq1 regulates the ubiquitination of various N-degron substrates and folded proteins. Via its hydrophobic motif, Roq1 accelerates the ubiquitination of misfolded proteins. These findings reveal how a small, intrinsically disordered protein with a simple architecture engages parallel channels of communication to reprogram a functionally complex ubiquitin ligase.
Microscopic derivation of the generalized collective Hamiltonian
Authors: Dzyublik A. Ya. , Starosta K. , Yu Z. , Koike T.
Published: July 2024

The nucleus in the center-of-mass frame is described by 3A−3 independent coordinates, including three Euler angles and three variables ρ,β,andγ to describe orientation, size, and shape of the nuclear inertia ellipsoid as well as 3A−9 generalized Euler angles to describe internal motion of the nucleons. Based on the idea that the incompressible nucleus has constant density, we suggest a definition of the deformation parameter β. It allows us to derive the Hamiltonian, which describes large-amplitude collective motions. At β≪1 it reduces to a sum of the Bohr Hamiltonian and the Hamiltonian of monopole ρ vibrations. As a result of straightforward calculations we obtain explicit expressions for all the inertial parameters as functions of the variables ρ,β,andγ.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Production of ultralight dark matter from inflationary spectator fields
Authors: Belfiglio Alessio , Luongo Orlando
Published: July 2024

We investigate inflationary particle production associated with a spectator ultralight scalar field, which has recently been proposed as a plausible dark matter candidate. In this framework, we select the Starobinsky potential to drive the inflationary epoch, also discussing the case of a nonminimally coupled inflaton field fueled by a quartic symmetry-breaking potential. We focus on particle production arising from spacetime perturbations, which are induced by inflaton fluctuations during the quasi–de Sitter stage of inflation. In particular, we construct the first-order Lagrangian describing interaction between inhomogeneities and the spectator field, quantifying superhorizon particle production during slow-roll. We then compare this mechanism with gravitational particle production associated with an instantaneous transition from inflation to the radiation dominated era. We show that the number of particles obtained from perturbations is typically non-negligible, and it is significantly enhanced on super-Hubble scales by the nonadiabatic inflationary expansion. Possible implications for primordial entanglement generation are also debated.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The interplay among trust, reciprocity and commitment factors in facilitating supply chain collaboration: the case of Vietnamese fishery industry
Authors: Nguyen Minh Phuc , Thai Vinh Van , Chan Caroline , Lau Kwok Hung , Nguyen My Thi Ngoc , Do Hoang Phuong Nhi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Supply chain collaboration is increasingly important in today’s competitive business environment. While prior research has acknowledged the role of relationships in facilitating collaboration, few studies have considered inter-personal and inter-organisational attributes simultaneously. This study addresses this gap by investigating these two levels of the manufacturer-supplier relationship in Vietnam’s fishery industry and their impacts on supply chain collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a quantitative approach. A questionnaire was distributed to 635 fishery manufacturers in Vietnam by the drop-and-collect method. EFA and CFA were used to assess the reliability and validity of the measurement model, while CB-SEM was employed for structural model assessment and hypothesis testing.

Findings

Supply chain collaboration encompasses incentive alignment, collaborative communication, decision synchronisation, and information sharing. All antecedents, including commitment, inter-organisational trust, reciprocity, and inter-personal trust, positively affect collaboration. Inter-personal trust positively influences the other antecedents, and inter-organisational trust enhances commitment. Furthermore, there are partial mediating effects among these relationship attributes. However, no significant moderating effect regarding firm size is observed.

Originality/value

The study extends the social exchange theory to encompass both inter-personal and inter-organisational relationship attributes. Additionally, it pioneers in investigating the interrelatedness of these antecedents. By addressing the research gap in the Vietnamese fishery supply chain, it offers valuable insights for both academics and practitioners, contributing to theoretical understanding and practical implications in supply chain collaboration.
Exploring the nexus between CEO characteristics and the value of excess cash holdings through the lens of the resource-based view theory
Authors: Guizani Moncef , Larabi Chouayb
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between CEO characteristics and the value of excess cash holdings from the perspective of resource-based view (RBV) theory in the context of Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The analyses were made using ordinary least squares across 173 non-financial firms listed in Bursa Malaysia over the period of 2015–2021. The authors address potential endogeneity through the generalized method of moments. The results are also robust to alternative measures of excess cash holdings.

Findings

The results showed that female CEOs and CEOs’ educational level are significantly positively related to the value of excess cash holdings. In contrast, CEO tenure and CEO age negatively affect a firm’s excess cash valuation. The results are robust to measurement error and endogeneity issues.

Practical implications

The empirical results have useful policy implications. For practitioners, firms are recommended to prioritize the selection of female CEOs and CEOs with high education levels within their top management, as this initiative can result in improved value associated with excess cash holdings. In addition, policymakers are recommended to guide programs that attempt to improve educational attainment and gender diversity in business leadership. This study also provides investors with insightful information about the possible relationship between CEO traits and company performance, especially with regard to measures for managing surplus capital.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the role of CEO characteristics in the value of excess cash holdings based on the RBV theory.
Sustainable solutions: using MCDM to choose the best location for green energy projects
Authors: Karbassi Yazdi Amir , Tan Yong , Birau Ramona , Frank Daniel , Pamučar Dragan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to find the best location for constructing green energy facilities in India and reducing CO2 emissions. Incorporating green energy is a priority for many countries under the Paris Agreement. This task is challenging due to factors that affect implementation, and making the wrong decision wastes resources. India’s goals are net-zero emissions by 2070 and 50% renewable electricity by 2030. Other developing nations should emulate India’s renewable energy strategy. India ranks fourth in renewable energy and wind power, and fifth in solar power capacity. This research aims to identify the best locations in India for implementing green energy projects.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify the optimal green energy implementation sites in India, this research uses the hybrid multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) in an uncertain environment. This research uses the Delphi method to identify the most suitable green energy implementation sites in India. It adapts the elements for this investigation. In addition, the utilization of the Fermatean fuzzy weighted aggregated sum product assessment technique is implemented to effectively prioritize the factors that impact the selection of these sites. This study used the MEREC method (method based on the removal effects of criteria) to identify the most suitable areas in India for implementing green energy. The highest accuracy is attained through the amalgamation of these hybrid methods.

Findings

Following the computation data by hybrid MCDA in uncertainty environment, NP Kunta in Andhra Pradesh emerges as the recommended green energy site among the 11 considered. Also among the factors political strategies and objectives hold the highest priority among them.

Originality/value

This study is pioneering in its efforts to provide a comprehensive perspective on the development and management of green energy operations in India. The study proves advantageous for diverse sites in the successful adoption and management of green energy. The study is additionally valuable in informing policy development aimed at promoting the use of green energy by employees through the utilization of MCDA methods in uncertain environments.
Green human resource management, energy saving behavior and environmental performance: a systematic literature review
Authors: Sahan Utbee Monther Hussian , Jaaffar Amar Hisham Hisham , Osabohien Romanus
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing literature on green human resource management (GHRM) and its correlation with environmental performance (EP) and energy saving behavior (ESB) by using the PRISMA methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough examination was undertaken involving a total of 25 articles which included a diverse range of years and geographic areas.

Findings

The findings suggest a growing emphasis on the intersection of GHRM, EP and ESB, supported by a substantial increase in research in recent times. The literature in question was mostly contributed by Malaysia, Pakistan, Canada and Thailand. Majority of research endeavors were carried out within the context of manufacturing companies. The studies under scrutiny mostly used quantitative research methodologies and often applied the resource-based view (RBV) and theory of planned behavior (TPB) frameworks to investigate the relationships between GHRM, ESB and EP. In addition, structural equation modeling (SEM) has garnered significant attention as a commonly used analytical methodology. This analysis emphasizes the growing importance of GHRM strategies such as green recruiting, green performance management and green remuneration, in fostering sustainable organizational results.

Originality/value

This work offers significant contributions to the existing body of research in this particular sector; shedding light on its present condition and pinpointing prospective avenues for future inquiries.
Hazing for lunch: a study of unethical socialisation practices
Authors: Kristensen Anette Kaagaard , Kristensen Martin Lund , Mikkelsen Eva Gemzøe
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of social segregation and exclusionary workplace hazing during lunch breaks on newcomers’ relational quality during the early socialisation phase.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on data from a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with recently employed nurses (n = 19) and nursing students (n = 42) about their workplace hazing experiences. The data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings

The analysis revealed two main themes: “feeling isolated” and “justifying self-exclusion.” Newcomers reported feeling humiliated when subjected to exclusionary hazing by experienced colleagues, leading to feelings of alienation and impacting their relationships with their new colleagues. Newcomers tended to distance themselves in various ways and justified this behaviour as a means of self-care.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the limited knowledge about the effects of newcomers’ exposure to workplace hazing during their early socialisation. It provides a relational perspective on the consequences of workplace hazing and explains how the social context influences the normative expectations of newcomers.
Integrating traditional knowledge and cultural heritage with climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction: the role of training and tools
Authors: Bhatia Sanjaya , Shukla Nidhi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates potential solutions to the challenges governments and stakeholders face in applying climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction actions in ways that will save lives and use funds efficiently. The paper examines how traditional knowledge and cultural heritage can improve resilience and assesses the potential impact of relevant tools and training. Successful examples of tools, and applications of traditional knowledge as an accelerator to enhanced resilience will be explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper studies the importance of integrating cultural heritage with climate and disaster risk reduction plans and examines why this has not been happening to the extent it should. While probing the barriers to such integration, the paper also explores examples of best practice drawn from experience gathered in ICCROM projects. Possible mechanisms to overcome common barriers through training are suggested, and the role that training and relevant tools could play in enabling and accelerating such integration are studied.

Findings

The conclusions demonstrate that training is a critical factor in facilitating the knowledge enhancement needed to understand how to integrate disaster and climate risks.

Originality/value

The research was conducted as part of a training program which the authors helped organize. The analysis is the original work of the authors.
Unlocking the potential: redefining talent and competency mapping for Industry 4.0
Authors: Marlapudi Kiran , Lenka Usha
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This review aims to investigate the impact of Industry 4.0 on talent development, emphasizing the need to redefine talent for the future of work. By exploring the evolving job requirements, the research seeks to map the competencies essential for success in Industry 4.0 and provide insights for developing talent to stay competitive in the digital era.

Design/methodology/approach

The review uses a comprehensive literature review to systematically trace the evolution of talent and identify the evolving competencies needed for Industry 4.0. Drawing upon established theoretical frameworks of resource-based view, human capital theory and organizational learning theory, this review identifies key factors influencing talent development and Industry 4.0 competencies.

Findings

The findings reveal that the emergence of automated technologies has altered the traditional understanding of jobs and highlights the importance of talent development aligned with Industry 4.0. By investing in developing Industry 4.0 competencies, organizations empower employees to navigate change and remain competitive. Effective talent management strategies contribute to retaining talented individuals and achieving sustainable competitive advantage for organizations.

Practical implications

This study has implications for educational institutions in guiding their curriculum, for organizations to identify the skills and talents necessary to adapt to Industry 4.0 and for the government to inform policy changes that contribute to the global economy and promote a skilled workforce.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing literature by comprehensively examining talent in the context of Industry 4.0. It offers a nuanced understanding of the role of talent management in the intersection of talent, competencies and changing technologies in future-proofing organizations.
Evaluating women’s knowledge about dietary supplement use during pregnancy
Authors: Daghash Ayah Mohammed , Daghash Rajaa Mohammed , Abuh-Odeh Ala’ Mustafa , Fino Leen Bassam , Ayyash Manal Abdel-Kareem , Mohammad Beisan Ali
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Dietary supplements are important in improving maternal health and birth outcomes during pregnancy. This study aims to assess women’s knowledge about the benefits, sources and proper intake of dietary supplements during pregnancy.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was conducted among women at Jordan University Hospital in Amman, Jordan from July to October 2023.

Findings

A total of 448 women completed the questionnaire. Analysis of the results showed that among all questions, participants perceived sufficient knowledge about dietary supplements' beneficial effects. Around 50% of the participants did not recognize the importance of vitamin B12 and vitamin A. Most participants identified that iron supplements should not be taken with dairy products, coffee, tea, calcium and antacids. Most participants did not know the source of vitamin A (82.1%), and only 44% knew the correct source of vitamin B12. Less than half of the participants recognized the appropriate administration time for each dietary supplement.

Originality/value

The knowledge level of the interaction between iron and food, natural sources of vitamins and their benefits was high, less than half of the participants showed poor knowledge about the proper time to take the dietary supplement. Patient education and counseling is important to improve health outcomes.
When your reputation precedes you: strategic recruitment for enhancing diversity
Authors: Holmes Jordan , Ryan Ann Marie
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper provides a discussion of evidence supporting strategic, targeted recruitment for increasing minority representation in police agencies in the context of negative reputations for inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

Database searching along with backward and forward citation chaining identified 145 articles for review. After extracting the recruitment strategies mentioned that had empirical support for effectiveness, a framework was developed for categorizing those strategies.

Findings

Police agencies use some evidence-based practices (e.g. community engagement) but could do more to enhance diversity. Strategy applicability in the context of limited organizational diversity or a less positive reputation as an inclusive employer is discussed.

Practical implications

This review provides a clear set of recommended best practices for agencies to use in evaluating and enhancing their efforts at targeted recruiting.

Originality/value

Reviews of recruiting practices in policing have not provided a deep consideration of the evidence base for practice effectiveness nor considered practices that have support in non-policing contexts. Our review addresses the concerns of agencies that must address a less positive image regarding diversity and inclusion.
Defining brand heritage experience in luxury brand museums
Authors: De Boissieu Elodie , Chaney Damien
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the specific characteristics of consumers’ lived experience in a brand museum within a luxury context. While previous research has investigated this experience through the lens of brand heritage, the unique attributes and prestigiousness of the luxury field have not yet been examined. The authors argue that these distinctive features may alter the brand heritage experience in significant ways.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand the dimensions of a brand heritage experience in a luxury context, the authors applied a qualitative method using reflexive introspection. Specifically, the authors used 89 reflective introspections of 29 visitors of nine different luxury brand museums.

Findings

The findings indicate that a brand heritage experience in luxury is based on four dimensions: aesthetic, authentic, scientific and mythic. The data also reveal the heterogeneous aspect of the experience, which varies according to the level of consumers’ brand familiarity as well as whether the museum visit is led by a guide or not.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature by emphasizing a new dimension of a brand heritage experience in luxury: a mythic dimension. This study also unveils the impact of contextual factors on the brand heritage experience.
Assessing the carbon footprint of the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry of Australia
Authors: Kazemian Soheil , Zaman Rashid , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Mohd Sanusi Zuraidah
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study examines the carbon emissions of Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors from a consumption perspective to develop effective policy frameworks. The objective is to identify key supply chains, industries and products contributing to these emissions and provide recommendations for sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiregional input-output lifecycle assessment was conducted using the Australian Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratory (IELab) platform to disaggregate sectors and enable benchmarking against other economic sectors.

Findings

In 2018, the “agriculture, forestry, and fishing” sector was responsible for 12.15% of Australia’s carbon footprint. Major contributors included the “electricity, gas, water, and waste” category (26.1%) and the sector’s activities (24.3%). The “transport, postal, and warehousing” sector also contributed 18.4%. Within the industry, the agriculture subsector had the highest impact (71.3%), followed by forestry and logging (15%) and fishing, hunting and trapping (7.6%). Aquaculture and supporting services contributed 6.1%.

Research limitations/implications

The principal constraint encountered by the present study pertained to the availability of up-to-date data. The latest accessible data for quantifying the carbon footprint within Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fishing sector, utilizing the Input-Output analysis methodology through the Australian Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratory (IELab) platform, about 2018.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide policymakers with detailed insights into the carbon footprints of key sectors, highlighting the contributions from each subsector. This information can be directly used to develop effective emission-reduction policies, with a focus on reducing emissions in utility services, transport and warehousing.

Social implications

The study, by raising public awareness of the significant role of industrial agricultural methods in Australia’s carbon footprint and emphasizing the importance of renewable energy and sustainable fuels for electricity generation and road transport, underscores the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change.

Originality/value

This study stands out by not only identifying the most impactful industries but also by providing specific strategies to reduce their emissions. It offers a comprehensive breakdown of specific agricultural activities and outlines mitigation strategies for utility services, agricultural operations and transport, thereby adding a unique perspective to the existing knowledge.
Corporate social responsibility on worker turnover rate and worker turnover cost: the role of symbolic image dimensions and the unemployment rate
Authors: Nguyen Hien Ngoc , Vu Hoang Ngan , Hoang Huy Viet , Tran Huy Phuong
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and worker turnover rate (WTR) and worker turnover cost (WTC) in Vietnamese garment companies, using the mediating role of symbolic image dimensions (SID) of employer image and the moderating role of unemployment rate.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses Signaling Theory and Job Embeddedness Theory as theoretical frameworks to examine the mediating role of SID and the moderating role of the unemployment rate on the link between CSR and WTR, as well as the associated cost. Data from 119 Vietnamese garment companies are analyzed using structural equation modeling – AMOS software.

Findings

The findings suggest that CSR has a direct adverse effect on the WTR and an indirect effect on WTC through WTR. The results also indicate a direct relationship between the level of CSR adopted by companies and workers’ perception of the symbolic attributes of their company’s employer image as sincere, innovative, competent and prestigious. This, in turn, leads to a reduced rate of worker turnover. In addition, this study discovers the moderating influence of the region’s unemployment rate on the correlation between companies’ CSR and WTR.

Practical implications

The results indicate that companies should view CSR as a strategic tool to obtain better performance by achieving a win-win state of affairs with their workers. It also implies the influence of external economic factors on the relationship between CSR and worker turnover.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the economic benefits of CSR and the SID.
Do green banking practices improve the sustainability performance of banking institutions? The mediating role of green finance
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Rani Garima , Rani Manju , Rani Vinki
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the mediating role of green finance in the relationship between green banking practices and the sustainability performance of banking institutions in developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors performed an empirical investigation by applying the “partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM)” based on a representative sample of 414 bank employees working in the National Capital Region, India.

Findings

The study’s outcome confirms that employee, top-management, operation and policy related practices substantially influence green finance and banks’ sustainability performance. On the contrary, customer related practices insignificantly influence banks’ sustainability performance. Further, green finance substantially influences the sustainability performance of banking institutions.

Practical implications

This study shed light on green banking practices that can assist in achieving the vision of the “Clean India Mission” of the Indian government. In addition, it encourages policymakers and bank managers to fulfill their social responsibility by engaging employees and customers in cleaner operations to promote banks’ sustainability performance.

Originality/value

This is ground-breaking research that enriches the understanding of green banking practices and green finance by providing a novel theoretical framework concerning the sustainability performance of banking institutions. Theoretically, this paper also broadens the scope of corporate social responsibility literature by applying the resource-based view theory in finance and banking.
The mediating effect of financial reporting quality on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and corporate green innovation
Authors: Wang Lujian , Hussin Nazimah
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the mediating role of corporate financial reporting quality in the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on corporate green innovation, based on the integration of stakeholder theory, opportunity cost theory, innovation diffusion theory and signaling theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A deductive quantitative approach was used as the research methodology. Following a survey design, questionnaire responses were collected from a purposively chosen sample of 308 employees in China. The data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling, performed with SmartPLS4.0 software.

Findings

The findings show that CSR promotes green innovation, and that financial reporting quality mediates this relationship. It was further revealed that compared to employees’ CSR perception, consumers’ perception of firms’ CSR performance has a stronger positive effect on firms’ corporate financial reporting quality and green innovation. These findings provide insights into the impact of both internal and external CSR performance on corporate green innovation.

Research limitations/implications

This study only sampled Chinese employees, meaning that the findings may not be representative of other regions. Also, as this study employed only the questionnaire instrument, future research may collect data through multiple sources, including financial reports, surveys and interviews, to better understand and estimate variations in the positive impact of CSR on green innovation.

Originality/value

This study establishes the mediating role of corporate financial reporting quality in linking CSR to corporate green innovation. It further examines green innovation in multiple dimensions (i.e. product, process, organizational), while also measuring CSR in dual perspectives, namely internal (employee awareness) and external (consumer awareness). The results of this study offer guidance to firms in improving their green innovation in various aspects, thus promoting sustainability and environmental friendliness in corporate development.
The voice of the little giants: Arcellinida testate amoebae in environmental DNA‐based bioindication, from taxonomy free to haplotypic level
Authors: González‐Miguéns Rubén , Cano Emilio , García‐Gallo Pinto Mónica , Peña Pablo G. , Rincón‐Barrado Mario , Iglesias Guillermo , Blanco‐Rotea Andrés , Carrasco‐Braganza María Isabel , de Salvador‐Velasco David , Guillén‐Oterino Antonio , Tenorio‐Rodríguez Daniel , Siemensma Ferry , Velázquez David , Lara Enrique
Published: July 2024

Bioindication, evaluating biological responses to environmental disturbances, is crucial for assessing the ecological status of an ecosystem. While historical bioindication relied on macroscopic organisms, the introduction of environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques allows the application of protists without the necessity of morphological identification. In this study, we propose a novel bioindication methodology utilizing Arcellinida, a group of top predators among protists, as bioindicators of freshwater ecosystems. For that purpose, we first characterized the Arcellinida diversity over 1 year at three different points of Lake Sanabria, an ancient glacier lake known to be subjected to anthropogenic disturbances. We compared this diversity with an undisturbed control site. Second, we characterized the Arcellinida diversity in other ecosystems to generate the ecological background to test the connectivity between them. Results indicate limited connectivity between the different ecosystems and an edge effect between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Disturbed freshwater ecosystems exhibited reduced Arcellinida diversity at both specific and infraspecific levels, providing valuable insight into recent disturbances. Arcellinida‐based bioindication provides a sensitive, accurate and easy‐to‐interpret protocol for monitoring disturbances in freshwater ecosystems. It represents a valuable tool for environmental assessments and conservation strategies.
Identifying important species in meta‐communities
Authors: Rollin Guillaume , Kortsch Susanne , Lages José , Gauzens Benoit
Published: July 2024

With the ongoing biodiversity crisis, identifying which species are of particular importance to prevent the extinction of other species has become a pressing issue. However, most approaches to detect these important species are made at a local (i.e, community) level, without considering the potential effect of species dispersion in a landscape. As habitat fragmentation has important effects on biodiversity, we need methods to better assess how local and spatial processes interact to determine important species and therefore better inform conservation efforts.

We present a modified PageRank algorithm to determine the importance of species in meta‐communities. Species importance is defined as the ability of species in the meta‐community to spread nutrients within two sets of networks: food webs that depict local trophic interactions and landscape networks representing the movement of species across different habitat patches.

We show that dispersal and trophic links jointly determine the importance of the different species, both at the local scale (within habitat patches) and at larger scales (landscape). More precisely, we observed that (i) what is considered an important species changes between isolated communities and meta‐communities and (ii) the importance of a species in a meta‐community depends on the position of its habitat patch in the landscape network.

The importance of a species is influenced by both intrinsic factors (dispersal capacity, trophic position) and extrinsic factors (position of the patch in the landscape network). Our results stress the need for a larger‐scale consideration of space in the identification of important species.
Factors associated with disposable electronic cigarette use among US youth: A national repeated cross‐sectional study, 2021–22
Authors: Mattingly Delvon T. , Agbonlahor Osayande , Richardson Maggie , Rayens Mary Kay , Rose Shyanika W. , Hart Joy L.
Published: July 2024

Background and aims

Disposable electronic cigarette (e‐cigarette) use is becoming more popular among US youth, given the shifting landscape in product marketing, availability and regulation. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of and test factors associated with the most used e‐cigarette product (disposable versus other) among US youth aged 9–18 years who currently use e‐cigarettes.

Design, setting and participants

This was an observational study using cross‐sectional data from the US‐based 2021 and 2022 National Youth Tobacco Surveys (n = 48 704). We restricted our analytical sample to youth who currently use e‐cigarettes (n = 4137). The sample ranged from 9 to 18 years old and was 53.0% female.

Measurements

We dichotomized e‐cigarette device type to disposable versus all other types (e.g. refillable pods/cartridges). We conducted logistic regression to estimate whether age, sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, frequency of e‐cigarette use, nicotine vaping, flavored e‐cigarette use and current combustible/non‐combustible tobacco use were associated with disposable e‐cigarette use, compared with other e‐cigarette use.

Findings

Among youth who currently use e‐cigarettes, 54.5% used disposable e‐cigarettes. Older age (17–18 years), relative to younger age (9–14 years) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07–1.91], non‐Hispanic Black (versus non‐Hispanic White) race/ethnicity (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.01–2.15), any nicotine (versus non‐nicotine) vaping (OR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.96–3.23) and flavored (versus non‐flavored) e‐cigarette use (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.46–2.56) were associated with increased odds of mainly using disposable e‐cigarettes, compared with using other e‐cigarette products, whereas current combustible tobacco use (versus non‐current) (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.53–0.80) and current non‐combustible tobacco use (versus non‐current) (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.43–0.78) were associated with lower odds.

Conclusion

Disposable e‐cigarettes appear to be the most used type of e‐cigarette product among US youth. Older age, non‐Hispanic Black race/ethnicity, nicotine vaping and flavored e‐cigarette use are associated with mainly using disposable e‐cigarettes, relative to other e‐cigarette products.
Does Digital Transformation Alleviate Stock Price Delays: Evidence from China*
Authors: Feng Panpan , Pang Jiangwu , Jeon Seongil
Published: July 2024

This study uses data from Chinese A‐share listed firms from 2009 to 2021 to explore how enterprise digital transformation affects stock price delays. We find that implementing enterprise digital transformation significantly alleviates stock price delays. The mechanism analysis shows that enterprise digital transformation significantly alleviates stock price delays in enterprises with high information transparency and robust internal control. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that digital transformation's alleviating effect on stock price delays is stronger for non‐SOEs and enterprises with high industry competition. This study provides valuable insights into alleviating stock price delays, thus enhancing capital market pricing efficiency.