bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Luminescent ingestible electronic capsules for in vivo regulation of optogenetic engineered bacteria
Authors: Li Lianyue , Feng Zhijie , Zhang Xinyu , Li Mingshan , Yang Haoyan , Sun Dawei , Li Hongxiang , Xue Huimin , Wang Hanxin , Wang Yaxin , Liu Le , Shi Yanyan , Liu Duo , Du Taofeng , Wang Hanjie
Published: May 2024

The ideal engineered microbial smart-drug should be capable of functioning on demand at specific sites in vivo. However, precise regulation of engineered microorganisms poses challenges in the convoluted and elongated intestines. Despite the promising application potential of optogenetic regulation strategies based on light signals, the poor tissue penetration of light signals limits their application in large experimental animals. Given the rapid development of ingestible electronic capsules in recent years, taking advantage of them as regulatory devices to deliver light signals in situ to engineered bacteria within the intestines has become feasible. In this study, we established an electronic-microorganism signaling system, realized by two Bluetooth-controlled luminescent electronic capsules were designed. The "Manager" capsule is equipped with a photosensor to monitor the distribution of engineered bacteria and to activate the optogenetic function of the bacteria by emitting green light. The other capsule, "Locator", can control the in situ photopolymerization of hydrogels in the intestines via ultraviolet light, aiding in the retention of engineered bacteria at specific sites. These two electronic capsules are expected to work synergistically to regulate the distribution and function of engineered bacteria in vivo, and their application in the treatment of colitis in pigs is currently being investigated, with relevant results to be updated subsequently.
EEfinder, a tool for identification of bacterial and viral endogenized elements in eukaryotic genomes
Authors: Dias Yago José Mariz , Dezordi Filipe Zimmer , Wallau Gabriel da Luz
Published: May 2024

Horizontal transfer is a phenomenon of genetic material transmission between species with no parental relationship. It has been characterized among several major branches of life, including among prokaryotes, viruses and eukaryotes. Genetic elements derived from horizontal transfer are known as Endogenous Bacterial Elements and Endogenous Viral Elements. Endogenous elements characterization provides a snapshot of past host-pathogen interactions and coevolution as well as a reference sequence information to remove false positive results from viral metagenomic studies. However, there is a current lack of standardized tools for endogenous elements identification, which hinder comparative studies and reproducibility within this field. Here we describe EEfinder, a new tool for identification and classification of endogenous elements derived from horizontal transfer. The tool was developed to include six standard steps performed in this type of analysis: data cleaning, pairwise alignment, filtering candidate elements, taxonomy assignment, merging of truncated elements and flanks extraction. We evaluated the sensitivity of EEfinder to identify endogenous elements through comparative analysis using data from the literature and showed that EEfinder can systematically identify endogenous elements with bacterial/viral origin.
Microbial trait multifunctionality drives soil organic matter formation potential
Authors: Whalen Emily D. , Grandy A. Stuart , Geyer Kevin M. , Morrison Eric W. , Frey Serita D.
Published: May 2024

Soil microbes are a major source of organic residues that accumulate as soil organic matter (SOM), the largest terrestrial reservoir of carbon on Earth. As such, there is growing interest in determining the microbial traits that drive SOM formation and stabilization; however, whether certain microbial traits consistently predict SOM accumulation across different functional pools (e.g., total vs. stable SOM) is unresolved. To address these uncertainties, we incubated individual species of fungi in SOM-free model soils, allowing us to directly relate the physiological, morphological, and biochemical traits of fungi to their SOM formation potentials. We find that the formation of different SOM functional pools is associated with distinct fungal traits, and that ‘multifunctional’ species with intermediate investment across this key grouping of traits (namely, carbon use efficiency, growth rate, turnover rate, and biomass protein and phenol contents) promote SOM formation, functional complexity, and stability. Our results highlight the limitations of categorical trait-based frameworks that describe binary (high/low) trade-offs between microbial traits, instead emphasizing the importance of synergies among microbial traits for the formation of functionally complex SOM.
An acidic loop in the FHA domain of the yeast meiosis-specific kinase Mek1 interacts with a specific motif in a subset of Mek1 substrates
Authors: Weng Qixuan , Wan Lihong , Straker Geburah C. , Deegan Tom. D. , Duncker Bernard P. , Neiman Aaron M. , Luk Ed , Hollingsworth Nancy M.
Published: May 2024

The meiosis-specific kinase Mek1 regulates key steps in meiotic recombination in the budding yeast,Saccharomyces cerevisiae.MEK1limits resection at the double strand break (DSB) ends and is required for preferential strand invasion into homologs, a process known as interhomolog bias. After strand invasion,MEK1promotes phosphorylation of the synaptonemal complex protein Zip1 that is necessary for DSB repair mediated by a crossover specific pathway that enables chromosome synapsis. In addition, Mek1 phosphorylation of the meiosis-specific transcription factor, Ndt80, regulates the meiotic recombination checkpoint that prevents exit from pachytene when DSBs are present. Mek1 interacts with Ndt80 through a five amino acid sequence, RPSKR, located between the DNA binding and activation domains of Ndt80. AlphaFold Multimer modeling of a fragment of Ndt80 containing the RPSKR motif and full length Mek1 indicated that RPSKR binds to an acidic loop located in the Mek1 FHA domain, a non-canonical interaction with this motif. A second protein, the 5’-3’ helicase Rrm3, similarly interacts with Mek1 through an RPAKR motif and is an in vitro substrate of Mek1. Genetic analysis using various mutants in theMEK1acidic loop validated the AlphaFold model, in that they specifically disrupt two-hybrid interactions with Ndt80 and Rrm3. Phenotypic analyses further showed that the acidic loop mutants are defective in the meiotic recombination checkpoint, and in certain circumstances exhibit more severe phenotypes compared to theNDT80mutant with the RPSKR sequence deleted, suggesting that additional, as yet unknown, substrates of Mek1 also bind to Mek1 using an RPXKR motif.

ARTICLE SUMMARY

The FHA domain is conserved module best known for creating protein complexes by binding to phosphorylated threonines on target proteins. This work identified a non-canonical mechanism by which the FHA domain of the yeast meiosis-specific kinase Mek1 interacts with two of its substrates, Ndt80 and Rrm3. An acidic loop within the FHA domain binds to RPXKR motifs in Ndt80 and Rrm3. Genetic evidence suggests that this FHA domain acidic loop is required binding to additional Mek1 substrates.
Enhanced endogenous gene tagging in human induced pluripotent stem cells via AAV6-mediated donor delivery
Authors: Ehlers Erik A. , Klein Kyle N. , Fuqua Margaret A. , Torvi Julia R. , Chávez Javier , Kuo Lauren M. , McCarley Jacob , Smith Jacqueline E. , Turman Gaea , Yi Danielle , Gunawardane Ruwanthi N. , Roberts Brock
Published: May 2024

Systematically tagging endogenous proteins with fluorescent markers in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) allows observation of live cell dynamics in different cell states. However, the precise insertion of fluorescent proteins into live cells via CRISPR/Cas9-induced editing relies on homology-directed repair (HDR). The nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) DNA repair pathway often outcompetes HDR, resulting in irreversible insertions and deletions (INDELs) and low knock-in efficiency. Recognizing successful HDR-mediated tagging events is an additional challenge when the target gene is not expressed in stem cells and successful tagging cannot be immediately observed. To address these challenges, we used: 1) adeno-associated virus serotype 6 (AAV6) mediated DNA donors at optimized multiplicity of infection (MOI) to deliver tag payloads at maximal efficiency; 2) titrated, multiplexed Cas9:gRNA ribonucleo-protein (RNP) amounts to assure balanced HDR/INDEL frequency among conditions; 3) long-amplicon droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to measure the frequency of HDR-generated alleles in edited pools; and 4) simultaneous Inference of CRISPR Edits (ICE) to detect and thereby avoid conditions significantly saturated (>50%) with INDELs. These approaches enabled us to identify efficient and accurate editing conditions and recover tagged cells, including cells tagged at loci not expressed in stem cells. Together these steps allowed us to develop an efficient methodology and workflow to clonally isolate directly from an ideal cell pool with optimal HDR and minimized INDEL frequencies. Using this approach, we achieved both monoallelic and biallelic insertion of fluorescent markers into four genes that are turned on during differentiation but not initially expressed in hiPSCs, where direct selection of tagged cells based on fluorescence was impossible:TBR2, TBXT, CDH2(pro-differentiation and pro-migratory genes), andCDH5(endothelial specific gene). Through a systematic evaluation of various gRNA sequences and RNP concentrations, we identified conditions for each gene that achieved high HDR frequencies, peaking at 38.6%, while also avoiding conditions saturated with INDELs, where isolation of clones with a tagged allele in trans with an unedited allele is difficult. Over-all, this methodology enhances the efficiency of fluorescent tag knock-in at genes not expressed in hiPSCs, facilitating reliable image-based observation of cellular processes, and enables recovery of accurately edited mono- and biallelically tagged clones. We standardized these approaches to yield an efficient and general workflow for introducing large HDR mediated knock-ins into hiPSCs.
A synapse-specific refractory period for plasticity at individual dendritic spines
Authors: Flores Juan C. , Zito Karen
Published: May 2024

How newly formed memories are preserved while brain plasticity is ongoing has been a source of debate. One idea is that synapses which experienced recent plasticity become resistant to further plasticity, a type of metaplasticity often referred to as saturation. Here, we probe the local dendritic mechanisms that limit plasticity at recently potentiated synapses. We show that recently potentiated individual synapses exhibit a synapse-specific refractory period for further potentiation. We further found that the refractory period is associated with reduced postsynaptic CaMKII signaling; however, stronger synaptic activation only partially restored the ability for further plasticity. Importantly, the refractory period is released after one hour, a timing that coincides with the enrichment of several postsynaptic proteins to pre-plasticity levels. Notably, increasing the level of the postsynaptic scaffolding protein, PSD95, but not of PSD93, overcomes the refractory period. Our results support a model in which potentiation at a single synapse is sufficient to initiate a synapse-specific refractory period that persists until key postsynaptic proteins regain their steady-state synaptic levels.

Significance Statement

A refractory period in which newly modified synaptic connections are unable to undergo further plasticity is a proposed mechanism through which newly formed memories can be preserved at the synaptic level while brain plasticity is ongoing. Here, we provide new insights into the spatiotemporal signaling mechanisms that regulate the establishment and maintenance of a refractory period for plasticity at individual excitatory synapses in the hippocampus, a region of the brain vital for learning and memory. Our results have implications in the identification of molecular targets that could serve to improve learning outcomes associated with disease.
How consumers with hedonic (vs utilitarian) purchase motive use item-price (vs price-item) presentation order as a mechanism to justify their hedonic purchase
Authors: Choi Jungsil , Park Hyun Young
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the moderating role of hedonic and utilitarian purchase motives for the presentation order effect. Although past research finds that presenting item first and price later (e.g. 70 items for $29) increases consumers’ purchase intention more than presenting the information in the opposite order (e.g. $29 for 70 items), the effect was mostly examined in a hedonic consumption context. This study examines whether the effect is applicable for hedonic purchases but is less applicable for utilitarian purchases, and why.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven experiments tested the moderating effect of purchase motives for the presentation order effect. Two serial mediation analyses were conducted to examine the underlying mechanism.

Findings

The “item-price” (vs “price-item”) order increases hedonic purchases, but not utilitarian purchases. Because consumers feel guilty about hedonic purchases, they engage in motivated information processing to perceive greater value from their hedonic purchase when item (benefit) information is presented first and price (cost) information is presented later. Perceiving greater value reduces guilt, which consequently increases hedonic purchases. In contrast, the order effect is not observed for utilitarian purchases that do not elicit guilt. When a price discount is offered, the order effect is reversed because actual savings justify hedonic purchases better than perceived savings resulting from motivated information processing.

Practical implications

When promoting hedonic products, marketers are recommended to present item information before price information, unless a price discount is offered, in which case the price should be presented first.

Originality/value

This research introduces a novel moderator for the presentation order effect and a novel underlying mechanism, driven by the motivation to alleviate guilt associated with hedonic purchases.
Ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on construction operations in developing countries: Malaysian experience
Authors: Kum Yi Tong , Yap Jeffrey Boon Hui , Lew Yoke Lian , Lee Wah Peng
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study explored the ramifications of COVID-19 on construction operations in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a detailed literature review, 37 ramifications are identified and divided into nine aspects. A self-designed survey is then employed to seek the perceptions of construction practitioners around the Klang Valley region regarding the significance of the ramifications. A total of 203 valid responses are subjected to statistical analyses to prioritise the ramifications.

Findings

All the potential ramifications are perceived to be significant, with the five utmost critical ramifications being rescheduling the project timeline, compliance with government SOP, delay in the handover project, compulsory COVID-19 test for all workers and the extra cost incurred to provide COVID-19 test for workers.

Practical implications

This study highlights the ramifications of COVID-19 on construction operations and deliberately informs construction organizations regarding the shortcomings of recent construction management. Besides, the insights suggested that industry practitioners devise corresponding strategies for project sustainability in future similar crises.

Originality/value

The findings serve as a valuable reference and are benign to industry professionals and researchers from developing nations, especially nations that share similar characteristics to Malaysia.
Social strife at work: unravelling the link between workplace relationship conflict and employee ostracism behavior
Authors: Dahiya Rinki , Singh Abhishek , Pandey Astha
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The importance of workplace inclusion continues to gain scholarly acclaim. However, in reality, many employees choose to ostracize their colleagues post workplace relationship strife. With this notion the present study aims to delve into the intricate linkages between workplace relationship conflict (WRC) and employee ostracism behavior (EOB), exploring the serial mediating roles of relational identification (RI) and emotional energy (EE). Additionally, the study examines the potential moderating effect of perceived forgiveness climate (PFC) to understand how forgiveness climate may serve as a boundary condition in shaping these crucial relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis utilized five-wave time-tagged data collected from 228 employees through scenario and survey methods. The Hayes PROCESS Macro was employed to examine the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate a positive influence of WRC on EOB. Additionally, RI and EE sequentially mediate the relationship between WRC and EOB. Furthermore, PFC moderates the serial mediation process (RI and EE) between WRC and EOB as well as the adverse effects of WRC on RI.

Originality/value

Grounded in the theoretical framework of conservation of resource (COR) theory and cognitive-affective personality system (CAPS) theory, the present study offers new insights. By establishing the complicated interplay of RI and EE between WRC and EOB along with the moderating role of PFC, the study extends the understanding of the mechanisms involved, providing a more comprehensive perspective. By shedding light on these complicated interconnected links, the study paved the way for positive social dynamics at work.
Executive compensation, sustainable business practices and firm performance: a systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Morrison Emmanuel A. , Adu Douglas A. , Guo Yongsheng
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper provides the latest systematic literature review (SLR) of prevailing studies on the interrelationship among executive compensation, financial performance and sustainable business practices. This SLR is done in three parts: (1) examine the theories employed by previous studies; (2) identify the unique variables employed by researchers in analysing this interrelationship and (3) explore potential opportunities for further study in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted an SLR analysing studies from the Web of science, Scopus and EBSCO in over 20 countries from 2009 to 2022 published in several top-ranked journals. We utilised various search strings using the key phrases “executive compensation”, “CEO Pay”, “financial performance” and “sustainable business practices”. The initial sample of 27,210 was filtered with our meticulous inclusion and exclusion criteria to produce a list of 161 studies.

Findings

Our findings are as follows: first, most studies encompassing this subject area lack multi-theoretical perspectives with agency theory being the most dominant theoretical viewpoint; second, we observed the use of monotonous quantitative research methods, with studies heavily lacking qualitative and mixed-method research approaches; finally, there is a palpable gap in cross-country studies.

Research limitations/implications

There are a few limitations that must be acknowledged. First, the inclusion criteria ensured that only articles published in the CABS journal ranking of three star and above. Thus, this review may not be a precise reflection of the EC, FP and SBPs literature scope. The inclusion criteria also limit our review to only accounting, finance, management and business-related studies about the topic. Therefore, future studies could explore studies ranked three star and below and from other subject areas.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by conducting a comprehensive SLR that examines both the theoretical underpinnings and empirical evidence on this topic. It builds upon previous research and extends our understanding of the interrelationship among executive compensation, financial performance and sustainable business practices.
Directors' and officers' liability insurance: a systematic literature review
Authors: Bhuiyan Md. Borhan Uddin , Ahmad Fawad , Wu Julia Yonghua , Habib Ahsan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

We review and synthesize the existing research on directors' and officers’ (D&O) liability insurance. Our objectives are (1) to examine the institutional forces and regulatory requirements that have influenced the development of D&O liability insurance; (2) to identify the factors that influence firms to purchase D&O liability insurance and explore the consequences associated with its usage and (3) to identify gaps in the current literature and provide recommendations for future research on D&O liability insurance.

Design/methodology/approach

We perform a systematic literature review (SLR) using the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review of Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to examine archival studies that investigate the determinants and consequences of D&O liability insurance. Using a Boolean search strategy on the “Web of Science” (WoS) and PRISMA selection criteria, we review 64 published archival research articles and three working papers from 1987 to October 2023.

Findings

Our review reveals that disclosing detailed information regarding D&O liability insurance, such as total insurance premiums and coverage limit, is predominantly voluntary, except in Taiwan. Our findings suggest that the decision to purchase D&O liability insurance is influenced by litigation risk, which is determined by factors such as firm size, complexity and corporate governance variables. We also find that D&O liability insurance has implications for financial reporting, audit outcomes, investment behavior and capital market performance.

Practical implications

In the post-COVID era, where firms face pressure due to financial constraints, our research emphasizes the practical importance of carefully considering and understanding the impact of D&O liability insurance, particularly as it concerns the demand for such insurance.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first systematic review of previous research on D&O liability insurance. Our review highlights some research gaps, particularly in relation to the implications for financial reporting practices, auditing outcomes, firm investment behavior and capital market consequences.
Schadenfreude and purchase intention for counterfeit luxury brands among Iranian consumers
Authors: Salimian Soheyla , Mirmehdi Seyed Mehdi , Salehzadeh Reza , Moraadipoor Saeed
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of brand hate, personality traits (jealousy and sadism) and corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) on schadenfreude and the effects of brand hate, CSI and schadenfreude on purchase intention for counterfeit luxury brands (CLBs).

Design/methodology/approach

The statistical population of this study is consumers of luxury and CLB. Simple random sampling method was used, and data from 200 questionnaires were analyzed through structural equation modeling and SPSS 20 and AMOS 20 software.

Findings

The results indicated that brand hate, personality traits (jealousy and sadism) and CSI have a direct positive effect on schadenfreude. In addition, brand hate, CSI and schadenfreude have a direct positive effect on purchase intention for CLB.

Originality/value

TO the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first to evaluate the impact of brand hate, personality traits and CSI on schadenfreude and purchase intention.
Integrating modern research on social courage via psychological contract theory: direct and interactive effects of work engagement and moral disengagement
Authors: Howard Matt C. , Kasprzyk Mandy
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The current article integrates four prominent directions of modern research on workplace social courage. We (1) apply a novel framework, psychological contract theory, to identify (2) work engagement and moral disengagement as potential antecedents of social courage, (3) unethical pro-organizational behaviors as a possible duplicitous outcome of these antecedents and (4) moderating effects of moral disengagement on the relations of work engagement with these outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

We perform a two-wave survey study (n = 347), wherein antecedents are measured at Time 1 and outcomes are measured at Time 2 (one week later).

Findings

We support that work engagement and moral disengagement significantly relate to both workplace social courage and unethical pro-organizational behaviors. We also support that moral disengagement moderates the relation of work engagement with unethical pro-organizational behaviors but not workplace social courage.

Practical implications

We highlight that work engagement can be a possible avenue to promote workplace social courage, but organizations should monitor any interventions because it may also promote unethical pro-organizational behaviors for those who are morally disengaged. We also contend that the current results support the “resiliency of courage” by discovering a nonsignificant moderating effect, providing further support for this broadly replicable aspect of workplace social courage.

Originality/value

We discuss how these findings support psychological contract theory as a viable lens to understand workplace social courage, and we call on future researchers to apply the theory to identify further relations of the construct.
Vertical development in the age of work-from-home
Authors: Frkal Robin Ayers , Lewis Michael S.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study explores the work practices of managers who increased working from home during the pandemic to determine what, if any, impact there was on the conditions for vertical leadership development.

Design/methodology/approach

The project utilized a survey approach. Each of the participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire using Google Forms. The questionnaire included four sections. The first section included informed consent and required participants to agree before completing the questionnaire. Participants provided general demographic information in the second section, including gender, age, race, job title, company size, average project team size and industry. The third section asked if there had been any change in their work location following the pandemic. The last section asked participants about their work practices.

Findings

This study demonstrates that managers continued to be engaged in vertical leadership development activities while working from home. It also suggests that managers faced challenges working from home following the COVID-19 pandemic, which were prime vertical leadership development opportunities.

Originality/value

To capitalize on these opportunities, organizations can more intentionally support the development of their remote staff.
Human–AI resource relations in value cocreation in service ecosystems
Authors: Kaartemo Valtteri , Helkkula Anu
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Applications of artificial intelligence (AI), such as virtual and physical service robots, generative AI, large language models and decision support systems, alter the nature of services. Most service research centers on the division between human and AI resources. Less attention has been paid to analyzing the entangled resource relations and interactions between humans and AI entities. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to extend our metatheoretical understanding of resource integration and value cocreation by analyzing different human–AI resource relations in service ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual paper adapts a novel framework from postphenomenology, specifically cyborg intentionality. This framework is used to analyze what kinds of human–AI resource relations enable resource integration and value cocreation in service ecosystems.

Findings

We conceptualize seven different human–AI resource relations, namely background, embodiment, hermeneutic, alterity, cyborg, immersion and composite relation. The sociotechnical entangled perspective on human–AI resource relations challenges and reframes our understanding of interactions between humans and nonhumans in resource integration and value cocreation and the distinction between operant and operand resources in service research.

Originality/value

Our primary contribution to researchers and service providers is dissolving the distinction between operant and operand resources. We present two foundational propositions. 1. Humans and AI become entangled value cocreating resources in inherently sociotechnical service ecosystems; and 2. Human and AI entanglements in value cocreation manifest through seven resource relations in inherently sociotechnical service ecosystems. Understanding the combinatorial potential of different human–AI resource relations enables service providers to make informed choices in service ecosystems.
Retirement decisions in times of COVID-19: the role of telework, ICT-related strain and social support on older workers’ intentions to continue working
Authors: Schellaert Maaike , Derous Eva
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many employees to work from home, resulting in new demands that might cause older workers to reevaluate their retirement decisions. Building on the extended Job Demands-Resources model, which explains work-related outcomes in times of crisis, this study investigated the change in older workers’ intention to continue working during COVID-19 and the role of ICT-related strain and social support during teleworking.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-wave longitudinal study was conducted among 1,406 older workers (i.e. 50 years or older). Data were collected before the COVID-19 pandemic (2019: T1) and during the pandemic (2021: T2). In total, 967 older workers completed the survey at both waves.

Findings

Older workers’ nearing retirement experienced a decline in intentions to continue working during the pandemic, while intentions of older workers further away from their retirement increased. At T2, the negative relationship between telework intensity and the intention to continue working was mediated by ICT-related strain. Perceived social support at work seems to buffer the negative impact of telework intensity on ICT-related strain.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insights into factors that may stimulate older workers' workforce participation by investigating effects of ICT-related strain and social support during telework. Organizations can implement interventions that enhance job resources and reduce job demands during telework to help mitigate ICT-related strain and postpone retirement.
Reskilling and rethinking work: how to build a future-fit workforce
Authors: Pillans Gillian
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper sets out why reskilling is an essential element of an effective talent strategy and outlines the key steps to successful reskilling.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative review of methodologies and practices for reskilling is presented in this paper.

Findings

Reskilling is an essential organisational practice allowing employers to respond effectively to turbulent business conditions. Organisations need to engage in three priority actions: strategic workforce planning, adopting flexible work design practices and developing targeted upskilling and reskilling programmes.

Originality/value

This is a synthesis of a variety of ideas about how to approach reskilling and reflects practices adopted by organisations.
Using generative artificial intelligence (ChatGPT) for travel purposes: parasocial interaction and tourists’ continuance intention
Authors: Duong Cong Doanh , Nguyen Thanh Hieu , Ngo Thi Viet Nga , Pham Thi Thu Phuong , Vu Anh Trong , Dang Ngoc Su
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate what drives tourists to continue using ChatGPT for travel purposes. This study focuses on the impact of parasocial interaction on tourists’ intention to continue using ChatGPT. It also examines how satisfaction mediates this relationship and the role of technology anxiety as a moderating factor.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 606 tourists in popular Vietnamese tourist destinations, this study used the SPSS PROCESS macro (Model 4 and Model 14) to estimate the research model.

Findings

The study found that tourists’ satisfaction and parasocial interactions positively influenced their intention to continue using ChatGPT for travel purposes. The tourists’ satisfaction was found to play a partial role in mediating the relationship between parasocial interactions and their intention to continue using ChatGPT. Technology anxiety was found to be a negative moderator of the direct effect of satisfaction and the indirect impact of parasocial interaction on this intention.

Originality/value

This study stands out as a pioneering exploration into the novel intersection of parasocial interaction, satisfaction, and technology anxiety and their influence on tourists’ intention to persist with using ChatGPT for travel-related purposes.
Potential of undersown species identity versus diversity to manage disease in crops
Authors: Cappelli Seraina Lisa , Domeignoz Horta Luiz Alberto , Gerin Stephanie , Heinonsalo Jussi , Lohila Annalea , Raveala Krista , Schmid Bernhard , Shrestha Rashmi , Tiusanen Mikko Johannes , Thitz Paula , Laine Anna‐Liisa
Published: May 2024

In the absence of chemical control with its negative side effects, fungal pathogens can cause large yield losses, requiring us to develop agroecosystems that are inherently disease resistant. Grassland biodiversity experiments often find plant species diversity to reduce pathogen pressure, but whether incorporating high biodiversity levels in agricultural fields have similar effects remains largely unknown.

We tested if undersown plant species diversity could reduce barley disease, and whether the effect was mediated through above‐ or below‐ground mechanisms, by combining an agricultural field trial with a soil transplant experiment.

As predicted, barley disease decreased in the presence of undersown plants. Undersown species richness had no effect, but their abundance led to early season disease reduction. Above‐ground mechanisms underpinned this disease reduction. Barley yield slightly decreased with increasing undersown species richness, and undersown species varied in their impact on yield.

We identified two undersown species, Trifolium repens and T. hybridum, that contributed most to disease reduction and had the potential to increase barley yield. Furthermore, our results indicate that above‐ground mechanisms caused this. We show that agroecosystem functioning can be improved without trade‐offs on yield by targeted selection of undersown species.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Food web trophic control modulates tropical Atlantic reef ecosystems response to marine heat wave intensity and duration
Authors: Artana Camila , Capitani Leonardo , Santos Garcia Gabriel , Angelini Ronaldo , Coll Marta
Published: May 2024

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are episodes of anomalous warming in the ocean that can last from a few days to years. MHWs have different characteristics in terms of intensity, duration and frequency and generate thermal stress in marine ecosystems. In reef ecosystems, they are one of the main causes of the decreased presence and abundance of corals, invertebrates and fish. The deleterious capacity of thermal stress often depends on biotic factors, such as the trophic control of predators on prey. Despite the evidence of thermal stress and biotic factors affecting individual species, the combined effects of both stressors on entire reef ecosystems are much less studied.

Here, using a food web modelling approach, we estimated the rate of change in species' biomass due to different MHW characteristics. Specifically, we modelled the mechanistic link between species' consumption rate and seawater temperature (thermal stressor), simulating species' biomass dynamics for different MHW characteristics under different trophic control assumptions (top‐down, mixed trophic control and bottom‐up).

We find that total reef ecosystem biomass declined by 10% ± 5% under MHWs with severe intensity and a top‐down control assumption. The bottom‐up control assumption moderates the total ecosystem biomass reduction by 5% ± 5%. Irrespective of the MHW characteristics and the trophic control assumption, the most substantial biomass changes occur among top, mesopredators and corals (5% to 20% ± 10%).

We show that reef ecosystems where predators exert top‐down control on prey are prone to suffer species abundance declines under strong MHW events. We identify food web trophic control as a crucial driver that modulates the impacts of MHWs. Overall, our results provide a unified understanding of the interplay between abiotic stressors and biotic factors in reef ecosystems under extreme thermal events, offering insights into present baselines and future ecological states for reef ecosystems.
Examining factors influencing Turkish Jewish attitudes towards the Armenian genocide
Authors: Nefes Türkay Salim , Kaymak Özgür , Gürpınar Doğan
Published: May 2024

The most prominent issue influencing Turkish‐Armenian relations is the international recognition of the Armenian genocide. However, there is a notable absence of empirical analyses regarding the perceptions of the genocide among the Turkish population. This study aims to fill this scholarly gap by exploring, for the first time, the perspectives of Turkish Jews. It analyses evidence collected from interviews conducted with 14 Turkish Jews, utilising Stanley Cohen's (2001) theoretical framework, which aids in delineating significant factors by a categorisation of types of acceptance and denial. The findings highlight a diversity of responses linked to political attitudes, which can be broadly categorised into Kayades and Avlaremoz mindsets. They also show that Turkish Jews' views on the Holocaust influence how they perceive the Armenian genocide. Additionally, the results indicate that Cohen's approach is useful in explaining non‐denying responses. In conclusion, the study argues that Turkish Jews' perspectives appear to be strongly related to their stance towards the Turkish state and the Holocaust.
Schwannoma diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound‐guided intranodal forceps biopsy using standard‐sized biopsy forceps: A case report
Authors: Uchimura Keigo , Ishida Teruaki , Kan Shumei , Aoyama Katsuhiko , Kisohara Akira , Ikeda Shingo , Tagawa Kohei
Published: May 2024

Schwannomas are classified as neurogenic tumors and are the most frequent nerve sheath tumors in the paravertebral mediastinum. Recently, the addition of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided intranodal forceps biopsy (EBUS‐IFB) using standard‐sized biopsy forceps (SBFs) to endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) for metastatic lymph nodes in lung cancer patients reportedly improved the quality and quantity of the obtained specimens without significant complications. However, reports on the usefulness of this technique for benign diseases remain scarce. Here we report a case of schwannoma in the middle mediastinum, which was diagnosed by EBUS‐IFB using SBFs, despite inadequate specimens obtained via EBUS‐TBNA. An 80‐year‐old woman presented with dyspnea and a 5‐cm sized middle mediastinal tumor. EBUS‐TBNA and EBUS‐IFB using SBFs were performed for histological diagnosis. No complications were associated with the bronchoscopy procedure, and schwannoma was solely diagnosed using the EBUS‐IFB specimens. EBUS‐IFB using SBFs is potentially useful for diagnosing benign diseases, including schwannomas, which are often difficult to diagnose with EBUS‐TBNA.
Prenatal ethanol and cannabis exposure have sex‐ and region‐specific effects on somatostatin and neuropeptide Y interneurons in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Reid Hannah M. O. , Trepanier Owen , Gross Allyson , Poberezhnyk Polina , Snowden Taylor , Conway Kate , Breit Kristen R. , Rodriguez Cristina , Thomas Jennifer D. , Christie Brian R.
Published: May 2024

Background

Cannabis is increasingly being legalized and socially accepted around the world and is often used with alcohol in social settings. We recently showed that in utero exposure to both substances can alter the density of parvalbumin‐expressing interneurons in the hippocampus. Here we investigate the effects of in utero alcohol and cannabis exposure, alone or in combination, on somatostatin‐ and neuropeptide Y‐positive (NPY) interneurons. These are separate classes of interneurons important for network synchrony and inhibition in the hippocampus.

Methods

A 2 (Ethanol, Air) × 2 (tetrahydrocannabinol [THC], Vehicle) design was used to expose pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats to either ethanol or air, in addition to either THC or the inhalant vehicle solution, during gestational days 5–20. Immunohistochemistry for somatostatin‐ and NPY‐positive interneurons was performed in 50 μm tissue sections obtained at postnatal day 70.

Results

Exposure to THC in utero had region‐specific and sex‐specific effects on the density of somatostatin‐positive interneurons in the adult rat hippocampus. A female‐specific decrease in NPY interneuron cell density was observed in the CA1 region following THC exposure. Combined exposure to alcohol and THC reduced NPY neurons selectively in the ventral dentate gyrus hippocampal subfield. However, overall, co‐exposure to alcohol and cannabis had neither additive nor synergistic effects on interneuron populations in other areas of the hippocampus.

Conclusions

These results illustrate how alcohol and cannabis exposure in utero may affect hippocampal function by altering inhibitory processes in a sex‐specific manner.
Combining prior and post‐release data while accounting for dispersal to improve predictions for reintroduction populations
Authors: Armstrong D. P. , Stone Z. L. , Parlato E. H. , Ngametua G. , King E. , Gibson S. , Zieltjes S. , Parker K. A.
Published: May 2024

Attempts to reintroduce species to managed areas may be compromised by dispersal into the surrounding landscape. Therefore, decisions regarding the selection and ongoing management of reintroduction areas require predicting dispersal as well as the survival and reproduction rates of the species to be reintroduced. Dispersal can potentially be measured directly by tracking animals, but this is often impractical. However, dispersal can also be inferred from re‐sighting surveys done within reintroduction areas if such data are available from multiple areas with varying connectivity to the surrounding landscape, allowing apparent survival and recruitment to be modelled as a function of connectivity metrics. Here, we show how data from 10 previous reintroductions of a New Zealand passerine, the toutouwai (Petroica longipes), were used to predict population dynamics at a predator‐controlled reintroduction area with high connectivity, and predictions then updated using post‐release data. Bayesian hierarchical modelling of the previous data produced prior distributions for productivity, adult survival and apparent juvenile survival rates that accounted for random variation among areas as well as rat density and connectivity. The modelling of apparent juvenile survival as a function of connectivity allowed it to be partitioned into estimates of survival and fidelity. Bayesian updating based on post‐release data produced posterior distributions for parameters that were consistent with the priors but much more precise. The prior data also allowed the recruitment rate estimated in the new area to be partitioned into separate estimates for productivity, juvenile survival and juvenile fidelity. Consequently, it was possible to not only estimate population growth under current management, but also predict the consequences of reducing the scale or intensity of predator control, facilitating adaptive management. The updated model could then be used to predict population growth as a function of the connectivity and predator control regime at proposed reintroduction areas while accounting for random variation among areas.
Does abdominal protrusion in pregnant women affect abdominal injury severity in motor vehicle collisions? A nationwide database study
Authors: Kuwahara Ayumu , Hitosugi Masahito , Takeda Arisa , Nakamura Mami
Published: May 2024

Aims

Some pregnant women avoid vehicle driving owing to the risk of contact between their protruding abdomen and steering wheel. This study was performed to determine whether abdominal protrusion in late‐term pregnant car users affects the occurrence and severity of abdominal injuries in motor vehicle collisions using a national crash database.

Methods

The National Automotive Sampling System/Crashworthiness Data System was used to analyse maternal background, collision characteristics, outcome and Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) scores for the body regions of all persons involved in the collision.

Results

Comparison of pregnant and non‐pregnant women in the driver's seat showed no significant differences in the rate of AIS scores of ≥2 (2+) for abdominal injuries and female outcomes. Comparison of use of the driver's seat and front passenger's seat by pregnant women showed no significant difference in rate of AIS 2+ injuries or in maternal and fetal outcomes. Comparison of pregnant women with a gestational age of ≤27 and >27 weeks in the driver's seat showed no significant differences in rate of AIS 2+ injuries or in maternal and fetal outcomes.

Conclusions

Based on the data from relatively low‐speed frontal collisions, obstetrician/gynaecologists should advise pregnant women that they do not need to change their preferred car seat from the driver's seat to another seat because of fear of contact between their protruding abdomen and the vehicle interior.
The logic of idealization in political theory
Authors: Leader Maynard Jonathan
Published: May 2024

The role of ideals and idealizations is among the most vigorously debated methodological questions in political theory. Yet, the debate seems at an impasse. This paper argues that this reflects a fundamental ambiguity over idealization's intended inferential logic: the precise way in which idealizations might yield normative knowledge. I identify two tacit understandings of idealization—a dominant “telic” understanding and a less overt “heuristic” understanding—which, though importantly different, are rarely distinguished. I argue that delineating these understandings, and shifting from telic to heuristic idealization, recasts various unresolved methodological problems for political theorists, while productively connecting their discussions to work on idealization in political science and the practice and philosophy of science more broadly. I then provide a systematic account of how idealization might be used heuristically in normative reasoning and explicate the advantages of such an approach for promoting rigorous, relevant, and inclusive methodologies in political theory.