bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral effects of ethanol in the Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)
Authors: Gutierrez Arnold , Creehan Kevin M. , de Guglielmo Giordano , Roberts Amanda J. , Taffe Michael A.
Published: June 2021

Alcohol abuse and dependence remains one of the primary preventable sources of human mortality in the United States. Model laboratory species can be used to evaluate behavioral, neuropharmacological and other biological changes associated with alcohol exposure and to identify novel treatment modalities. This report describes methods for evaluating the behavioral effects of ethyl alcohol (ethanol; EtOH) in a crayfish model. Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) were immersed in ethanol baths with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 molar, and for durations of 10-30 minutes. Studies evaluated hemolymph alcohol concentration, locomotor behavior in an open field and anxiety-like behavior using a Light/Darktransfer approach. EtOH immersion produced dose dependent increases in hemolymph EtOH concentration (up to 249 mg/dL) and reductions in open field locomotor behavior that depended on EtOH concentration or exposure duration. Under baseline conditions, crayfish exhibit avoidance of the open parts of the locomotor arena and a preference for the covered portion, when available. Acute EtOH immersion decreased time spent in the covered portion of the Light/Dark arena, consistent with a decrease in anxiety-like behavior. EtOH immersion once per day for 5 days did not alter the acute locomotor behavioral response, however increased activity was observed 3 days after the repeated EtOH regimen. Overall, this study shows that this inexpensive, easily maintained species can be used for behavioral pharmacological experiments designed to assess the acute and repeated effects of EtOH.
Spatial prediction of air pollution levels using a hierarchical Bayesian spatiotemporal model in Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Saez Marc , Barceló Maria A.
Published: June 2021

Our objective in this work was to present a hierarchical Bayesian spatiotemporal model that allowed us to make spatial predictions of air pollution levels in an effective way and with very few computational costs.

We specified a hierarchical spatiotemporal model, using the Stochastic Partial Differential Equations of the integrated nested Laplace approximations approximation. This approach allowed us to spatially predict, in the territory of Catalonia (Spain), the levels of the four pollutants for which there is the most evidence of an adverse health effect.

Our model allowed us to make fairly accurate spatial predictions of both long- term and short-term exposure to air pollutants, with a low computational cost. The only requirements of the method we propose are the minimum number of stations distributed throughout the territory where the predictions are to be made, and that the spatial and temporal dimensions are either independent or separable.

Highlights

We show a hierarchical Bayesian spatiotemporal model.

Our model provides predictions of both long-term and short-term exposure.

The computational cost is low.

The model only needs a minimum number of stations being distributed throughout the territory.

The other requirement of our model is that the spatial and temporal dimensions are either independent or separable.

Graphical abstract

Software and Data availability

We used open data with free access using these sources. Air pollutants

Departament de Territori i Sostenibilitat, Generalitat de Catalunya [Available at: https://analisi.transparenciacatalunya.cat/en/Medi-Ambient/Qualitat-de-l-aire-als-punts-de-mesurament-autom-t/tasf-thgu, last accessed on March 14, 2021].

Meteorological variables

METEOCAT, Generalitat de Catalunya. Meteorological data from XEMA [Available at: https://analisi.transparenciacatalunya.cat/en/Medi-Ambient/Dades-meteorol-giques-de-la-XEMA/nzvn-apee, last accessed on March 14, 2021].

AEMET. AEMET Open Data [in Spanish] [Available at: http://www.aemet.es/es/datos_abiertos/AEMET_OpenData, last accessed on March 14, 2021].

Digitized cartography of the ABS

Departament de Salut. Cartography [Available at: https://salutweb.gencat.cat/ca/el_departament/estadistiques_sanitaries/cartografia/, accessed on March 14, 2021].

Code will be available at www.researchprojects.es
Movement Decoding using Spatio-Spectral Features of Cortical and Subcortical Local Field Potentials
Authors: Peterson Victoria , Merk Timon , Bush Alan , Nikulin Vadim , Kühn Andrea A , Neumann Wolf-Julian , Richardson Mark
Published: June 2021

The application of machine learning to intracranial signal analysis has the potential to revolutionize deep brain stimulation (DBS) by personalizing therapy to dynamic brain states, specific to symptoms and behaviors. Most decoding pipelines for movement decoding in the context of adaptive DBS are based on single channel frequency domain features, neglecting spatial information available in multichannel recordings. Such features are extracted either from DBS lead recordings in the subcortical target and/or from electrocorticography (ECoG). To optimize the simultaneous use of both types of signals, we developed a supervised online-compatible movement decoding pipeline based on multichannel and multiple site recordings. We found that adding spatial information to the model has the potential to improve decoding. In addition, we demonstrate movement decoding from spatio-spectral features derived from cortical and subcortical oscillations. We demonstrate between-patients variability of the spatial neural maps and its relationship to feature decoding performance. This application of spatial filters to decode movement from combined cortical and subcortical recordings is an important step in developing machine learning approaches for intelligent DBS systems.
Cryo-EM structure of native human thyroglobulin
Authors: Adaixo Ricardo , Steiner Eva M. , Righetto Ricardo D. , Schmidt Alexander , Stahlberg Henning , Taylor Nicholas M. I.
Published: June 2021

The thyroglobulin (Tg) protein is essential to thyroid hormone synthesis, playing a vital role in the regulation of metabolism, development and growth. Its structure is conserved among vertebrates. Tg is delivered through the secretory pathway of the thyroid follicular unit to the central colloid depository, where it is iodinated at specific tyrosine sites to form mono- or diiodotyrosine, which combine to produce triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), respectively. Synthesis of these hormones depends on the precise 3D structure of Tg, which has remained unknown despite decades of research. Here, we present the cryo-electron microscopy structure of human thyroglobulin (hTg) to a global resolution of 3.2 Å. The structure provides detailed information on the location of the hTg hormonogenic sites and reveals the position as well as the role of many of its glycosylation sites. Our results offer structural insight into thyroid hormonogenesis and provide a fundamental understanding of clinically relevant hTg mutations, which can improve treatment of thyroid diseases.
Telomouse – a mouse model with human-length telomeres generated by a single amino acid change in RTEL1
Authors: Smoom Riham , May Catherine Lee , Ortiz Vivian , Tigue Mark , Kolev Hannah M. , Rowe Melissa , Reizel Yitzhak , Morgan Ashleigh , Egyes Nachshon , Lichtental Dan , Skordalakes Emmanuel , Kaestner Klaus H. , Tzfati Yehuda
Published: June 2021

Telomeres, the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, protect genome integrity and enable cell proliferation. Maintaining optimal telomere length in the germline and throughout life limits the risk of cancer and enables healthy aging. Telomeres in the house mouse,Mus musculus, are about five times longer than human telomeres, limiting the use of this common laboratory animal for studying the contribution of telomere biology to aging and cancer. We identified a key amino acid variation in the helicase RTEL1, naturally occurring in the short-telomere mouse speciesM. spretus.Introducing this variation intoM. musculusis sufficient to reduce the telomere length set point in the germline and generate mice with human-length telomeres. While these mice are fertile and appear healthy, the regenerative capacity of their colonic epithelium is compromised. The engineered Telomouse reported here demonstrates a dominant role of RTEL1 in telomere length regulation and provides a unique model for aging and cancer.
CD36: Hemin interaction axis to control immune responses and cytokine secretion from macrophages involving Lyn kinase
Authors: Banesh Sooram , Layek Sourav , Trivedi Vishal
Published: June 2021

The intensity and duration of TNF-α production are mutually correlated with the level of CD36 expression level. The macrophages exposed to hemin exhibits modulation of non-opsonic phagocytosis of aged RBCs and ability to kill bacteria. Immuno-fluorescence study indicates translocation and sequestration of CD36 within the intracellular storage in the hemin treated macrophages. It in-tern dysregulate the global cytokine secretion from macrophages. CD36 has suitable hemin biophoric environment involving R292, D372 and Q382 to bind and the mutation in biophore residues (R292A, D372A or Q382A) significantly reduced the affinity. Ectopic expression of CD36 in MG63 cells showed several folds increment in cytokines TNF-α, MCP-1, RANTES and CCL1 in response to hemin stimulation but no significant amount of cytokines released with mutants (R292A, D372A or Q382A), highlights the relevance of CD36-hemin interaction for immune-dysfunction. Hemin is driving down-stream signalling involving CD36 and subsequent recruitment of adaptor proteins to the cytosolic domain of CD36. Immuno-precipitation of membrane bound CD36 and detection of adaptor proteins indicate change in level of Lyn proteins with CD36 fractions after hemin stimulation to macrophages. The Lyn targeted siRNA restored the phagocytic activity, reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels clearly suggests the Src family protein Lyn is crucial for CD36-hemin mediated immune dysregulation and cytokine secretion. In summary, hemin-CD36-Lyn cytokine signalling axis could be a contribution factor to severe malaria pathology and prognosis.
A severe form of maternal separation in rat consisting of nineteen-day 6-hour daily separation at unpredictable times minimally affects behavior across the lifespan
Authors: Behring Tatyana B. , Kyle Margaret H. , Hussain Maha , Zhang Jack Y. , Manganaro Alessia , Kaidbey Jasmine H. , Ludwig Robert J. , Myers Michael M. , Welch Martha G. , Dumitriu Dani
Published: June 2021

Maternal separation (MS), a type of early life stress, has been associated with adverse socioemotional and behavioral outcomes throughout the lifespan across multiple species. Comprehensive longitudinal biobehavioral characterization of MS in rats is sparse and conflicting, warranting more studies. We conducted an MS paradigm involving 6-hour daily separation at unpredictable start times from P2 to P21. We hypothesized this severe form of MS would lead to developmentally emerging maladaptive biobehavioral consequences from juvenile through adult periods compared to Controls (C), especially in social behaviors. We tested: (1) own dam odor preference shortly after weaning; (2) juvenile and adult anxiety-like, sociability, and play behaviors using the light-dark test, three-chambered social interaction test, and video-coded juvenile play behavior; and (3) adult coping behaviors and neuroendocrine response using the forced swim test and blood corticosterone responses. Our results show minimal effects on biobehavioral outcomes across the lifespan. Recently weaned MS male rats had a stronger preference for their dam’s odor. Juvenile MS females spent more time in rough-and-tumble play than C female rats. No differences in sociability were found in the juvenile or adult periods. MS promoted a decrease in anxiety-like behavior that persisted from juvenile to adult periods. Finally, MS led to deficits in coping behavior in male adults, but basal and reactive corticosterone levels were unaltered by MS. More studies are needed to validate our surprising findings and probe the neural mechanisms underlying some of the observed protective effects.

Significance Statement

Maternal separation (MS), a type of early life stress, has been shown to lead to short and long-term adverse socioemotional consequences in humans and biobehavioral outcomes in rodents. Available data on MS exposed rats are sparse, conflicting, and often lack longitudinal outcomes. We designed a 6-hour unpredictable daily MS paradigm from postnatal day (P2) to P21 to severely disrupt normal dam-pup interactions. Our results show MS leads to increased preference for own dam odor, persisting reductions in anxiety-like behaviors from juvenile to adulthood, and no effects on sociability. Adverse effects on coping behaviors were uniquely identified in males. The present study warrants reevaluation of the central dogma that MS leads to maladaptive biobehavioral outcomes.
Mutualistic interactions between B. subtilis and seeds dictate plant development
Authors: Berlanga-Clavero M.V. , Molina-Santiago C. , Caraballo-Rodríguez A.M. , Petras D. , Díaz-Martínez L. , Pérez-García A. , de Vicente A. , Dorrestein P. C. , Romero D.
Published: June 2021

A tightly coordinated developmental program controls precise genetic and metabolic reprogramming that dictates efficient transition of the seeds from dormancy to metabolically active seedlings. Beneficial microbes are known to stimulate the germination of the seeds or adaptation of the seedlings; however, investigations of exact mechanisms mediating these interactions and the resulting physiological responses of the plants are only beginning. Bacillus subtilis is commonly detected in the plant holobiont and belongs to the group of microbes that provide multifaceted contribution to the health of the plants. The present study demonstrated that B. subtilis triggered genetic and physiological responses in the seeds that determined subsequent metabolic and developmental status of adult plants. Chemically diverse extracellular matrix of Bacillus was demonstrated to structurally cooperate in bacterial colonization of the seed storage tissues. Additionally, an amyloid protein and fengycin, which are two components of the extracellular matrix, targeted the oil bodies of the seed endosperm, provoking changes in lipid metabolism or accumulation of glutathione-related molecules that stimulated two different plant growth programs: the development of seed radicles or overgrowth and immunization of adult plants. We propose this mutualistic interaction is conserved in Bacilli and plant seeds containing storage oil bodies.
In vitro evaluation of the effect of mutations in primer binding sites on detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR
Authors: Zimmermann Fee , Urban Maria , Krüger Christian , Walter Mathias , Wölfel Roman , Zwirglmaier Katrin
Published: June 2021

A number of RT-qPCR assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 have been published and are listed by the WHO as recommended assays. Furthermore, numerous commercial assays with undisclosed primer and probe sequences are on the market. As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic progresses, the virus accrues mutations, which in some cases – as seen with the B.1.1.7 variant – can outperform and push back other strains of SARS-CoV-2. If mutations occur in primer or probe binding sites, this can impact RT-qPCR results and impede SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. Here we tested the effect of primer mismatches on RT-qPCR performance in vitro using synthetic mismatch in vitro transcripts. The effects of the mismatches ranged from a shift in ct values from −0.13 to +7.61. Crucially, we found that a mismatch in the forward primer has a more detrimental effect for PCR performance than a mismatch in the reverse primer. Furthermore, we compared the performance of the original Charité RdRP primer set, which has several ambiguities, with a primer version without ambiguities and found that without ambiguities the ct values are ca. 3 ct lower. Finally, we investigated the shift in ct values observed with the Seegene Allplex kit with the B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant and found a three-nucleotide mismatch in the forward primer of the N target.
The role of rash-impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and reward drive in comorbid disordered eating and substance use disorders
Authors: Merinuk Natalie , Varcoe Stephanie C. , Kelly Peter J. , Robinson Laura D.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Substance use disorder (SUD) frequently co-occurs with other psychological conditions, such as eating disorders (EDs). Psychological factors such as emotional dysregulation, rash impulsivity (RI) and reward sensitivity (RS) play a role in the etiology of each disorder, yet little is known about the combined effects of these on comorbid SUDs and EDs or disordered eating behaviours (DEBs). This study aims to examine the role of these psychological factors in comorbid DEBs and SUDs among individuals in treatment for SUDs. The role of gender is tested as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional self-report survey was completed by 131 participants attending Australian residential substance use treatment centres. A binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the effects of emotional dysregulation, RI and RS on comorbid DEB and SUD. Further, moderation analyses were used to examine the moderating effect for gender on the relationship between these three personality variables and comorbidity.

Findings

The most commonly reported primary substance of use was alcohol (43.5%), followed by amphetamines (38.6%). Findings showed that emotional dysregulation and RI were significantly related to an increase in comorbidity likelihood; however, RS was not. Gender moderated the relationship between comorbidity and RI only.

Originality/value

The significant positive relationship found between RI and comorbidity for females only was a novel finding for the current study. Further research is needed to develop an understanding of the etiology of comorbidity.
Effects of workplace rumors and organizational formalization during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study of universities in the Philippines
Authors: Puyod Jenette Villegas , Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study examines the effects of workplace rumors and organizational formalization on the degree of role ambiguity and emotional exhaustion that university employees in the Philippines are experiencing during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The interaction between the two variables is also analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

Online survey data were obtained from 522 faculty members and staff at three public universities in the Philippines. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that both workplace rumors and organizational formalization are associated positively with role ambiguity and emotional exhaustion, and role ambiguity mediates workplace rumors' effect on emotional exhaustion. Moreover, the moderating effect analysis shows that workplace rumors and organizational formalization interact and intensify the degree of role ambiguity and emotional exhaustion that employees experience.

Originality/value

This study extends previous research by showing that employees who work in a highly formal structure can be extremely sensitive to workplace rumors during a period of uncertainty.
How do former smokers perceive information about nicotine products? Evidence from Sweden
Authors: Sohlberg Tove , Karlsson Patrik
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Health promotion strategies often attempt to change people’s behavior through targeting their risk perceptions. These perceptions may, however, be moderated by other factors. This study therefore aimed at investigating the trustworthiness and consistency of risk information, as well as respondent perceptions of the adequacy of amount received among a representative sample of former smokers, and how this information is related to gender, age, education level and whether using nicotine or not.

Design/methodology/approach

The respondents are part of a seven-year follow-up of former smokers in Sweden. Initially, 1400 respondents were contacted, whereof 705 (response rate 50%) answered a Web-survey. The majority (85 %) was still nicotine-free but some made use of nicotine in different forms. The data analysis includes descriptive statistics and logistic regressions.

Findings

Most respondents trusted risk information whether offered by the public authorities or came from other sources such as media, and generally perceived that there was an adequate amount. However, there were some differences between the products, where quite a few distrusted information on Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs) and some perceived the information on snus and NRTs as contradictory and too little.

Originality/value

Knowledge about how former smokers perceive information regarding negative aspects of cigarette use may facilitate more effective risk communication with current smokers, and it may also be important for communicating information about other nicotine products to those who are trying to or who already have quit smoking.
Regional differences and driving factors of construction and demolition waste generation in China
Authors: Wang Zhenshuang , Xie Wanchen , Liu Jingkuang
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The growth of the Chinese economy has resulted in a significant increase in construction and demolition waste (CDW), and regional differences in CDW generation are gradually increasing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the regional differences in CDW generation and the driving factors that influence CDW generation in different areas of China. To provide a systematic advisement for local governments to select the appropriate policy, reduce CDW generation.

Design/methodology/approach

The generation of CDW was calculated by region, based on the area estimation method, from 2005 to 2018. The relationship between CDW generation and economic development, and the driving factors of CDW generation in different regions of China, was investigated using the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) model and the STIRPAT theoretical model.

Findings

CDW generation of China increased at the average annual growth rate of 10.86% from 2005 to 2018. The main areas of CDW generation were concentrated in the eastern and central regions, while the proportion of CDW generation in the northeast region decreased gradually, and the changes varied significantly across different regions. The EKC between CDW generation and economic development was established for the whole country, North China, Northeast China, East China, Central South China, Southwest China and Northwest China. Three main factors based on the STIRPAT theoretical model were identified and explained into a framework to reduce CDW generation. The results provided a useful theoretical basis and data support guide for devising effective policies and regulations for the Chinese context.

Practical implications

The findings from this study can ultimately support policymakers and waste managers in formulating effective policies for waste management strategies and CDW-specific legislation. Additionally, it can help the coordinated reduction of CDW generation across regions in China and can support construction enterprises (in their development strategies), similar developing economies and foreign firms planning to operate in China.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field through the STIRPAT model on driving factors of CDW generation in the Chinese context, in different regions.
A fuzzy synthetic evaluation of vulnerabilities affecting supply chain resilience of industrialized construction in Hong Kong
Authors: Ekanayake E.M.A.C. , Shen Geoffrey , Kumaraswamy Mohan , Owusu Emmanuel Kingsford
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Demands for Industrialized Construction (IC) have intensified with growing construction industry imperatives to (A) boost performance; (B) reduce reliance on “in-situ and on-site” operations; and (C) strengthen supply chain resilience (SCR) not just for survival but also to fulfill obligations to clients in the coronavirus disease 2019–induced (COVID-19–induced) “new normal”. In addressing these imperatives, this paper targets more effective leveraging of latent efficiencies of off-site-manufacture, based on findings from a Hong Kong (HK)–based study on assessing and improving SCR in IC in a high-density city.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting with the identification of critical supply chain vulnerabilities (CSCVs), this study developed a multilevel–multicriteria mathematical model to evaluate the vulnerability levels of IC supply chains (SCs) in HK based on an in-depth questionnaire survey followed by experts' inputs and analyzing them using fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE).

Findings

The overall vulnerability index indicates that IC in HK is substantially vulnerable to disruptions, while production-based vulnerabilities have the highest impact. Top management attention is needed to address these CSCVs in IC in HK.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first structured evaluation model that measures the vulnerability level of IC, providing useful insights to industry stakeholders for well-informed decision-making in achieving resilient, sustainable and performance-enhanced SCs.
The “good manager” over five decades: towards an androgynous profile?
Authors: Powell Gary N. , Butterfield D. Anthony , Jiang Xueting
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine stability and change in the linkage between gender and managerial stereotypes over a five-decade period.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples from two populations (n = 2347) described a “good manager” on an instrument that assessed masculinity and femininity during each of the past five decades.

Findings

Good-manager descriptions exhibited a decreasing emphasis on masculinity and increasing emphasis on femininity over time, culminating in an androgynous profile, or a balance of masculine and feminine traits, for each population in the most recently collected data.

Practical implications

Although women face systemic barriers in the managerial ranks of organizations, a change in managerial stereotypes to an androgynous rather than masculine profile would represent one less barrier for them to overcome.

Social implications

If managers come to be held to an androgynous standard in their behavior regardless of their gender, there would be a more level playing field for candidates for open managerial positions, rather than one tilted in favor of men.

Originality/value

The analysis of data from samples of the same population types using the same measures systematically over five decades, and the provocative finding of an androgynous profile of a good manager in the most recently collected data, are original contributions to the literature.
Three-dimensional flow of radiative hybrid nanofluid past a permeable stretching/shrinking sheet with homogeneous-heterogeneous reaction
Authors: Khashi'ie Najiyah Safwa , Arifin Norihan Md , Rosca Natalia C. , Rosca Alin V. , Pop Ioan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of thermal radiation and homogeneous-heterogeneous reactions in the three-dimensional hybrid nanofluid flow past a permeable stretching/shrinking sheet.

Design/methodology/approach

The combination of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles with total volumetric concentration is numerically analyzed using the existing correlations of hybrid nanofluid. With the consideration that both homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions are isothermal while the diffusion coefficients of both autocatalyst and reactant are same, the governing model is simplified into a set of differential (similarity) equations.

Findings

Using the bvp4c solver, dual solutions are presented, and the stability analysis certifies the physical/real solution. The findings show that the suction parameter is requisite to induce the steady solution for shrinking parameter. Besides, the fluid concentration owing to the shrinking sheet is diminished with the addition of surface reaction.

Originality/value

The present findings are novel and can be a reference point to other researchers to further analyze the heat transfer performance and stability of the working fluids.
Timing matters: crisis severity and occupancy rate forecasts in social unrest periods
Authors: Qiu Richard T.R. , Liu Anyu , Stienmetz Jason L. , Yu Yang
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The impact of demand fluctuation during crisis events is crucial to the dynamic pricing and revenue management tactics of the hospitality industry. The purpose of this paper is to improve the accuracy of hotel demand forecast during periods of crisis or volatility, taking the 2019 social unrest in Hong Kong as an example.

Design/methodology/approach

Crisis severity, approximated by social media data, is combined with traditional time-series models, including SARIMA, ETS and STL models. Models with and without the crisis severity intervention are evaluated to determine under which conditions a crisis severity measurement improves hotel demand forecasting accuracy.

Findings

Crisis severity is found to be an effective tool to improve the forecasting accuracy of hotel demand during crisis. When the market is volatile, the model with the severity measurement is more effective to reduce the forecasting error. When the time of the crisis lasts long enough for the time series model to capture the change, the performance of traditional time series model is much improved. The finding of this research is that the incorporating social media data does not universally improve the forecast accuracy. Hotels should select forecasting models accordingly during crises.

Originality/value

The originalities of the study are as follows. First, this is the first study to forecast hotel demand during a crisis which has valuable implications for the hospitality industry. Second, this is also the first attempt to introduce a crisis severity measurement, approximated by social media coverage, into the hotel demand forecasting practice thereby extending the application of big data in the hospitality literature.
The connectedness of house price affordability (HPA) and rental price affordability (RPA) measures
Authors: Squires Graham , Webber Don , Trinh Hai Hong , Javed Arshad
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between house price affordability (HPA) and rental price affordability (RPA) in New Zealand. The cointegration of HPA and RPA is of particular focus given rising house prices and rising rents.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines the lead-lad correlation between HPA and RPA. The method uses a generalised least square technique and the development of an ordinary least squares model.

Findings

The study shows that there is an existence of cointegration and unidirectional statistical causality effects between HPA and RPA across 11 regions in New Zealand. Furthermore, Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury are the three regions in which the results detect the most extreme effects amongst HPA and RPA compared to other places in the country. Extended empirical work shows interesting results that there are lead-lag effects of HPA and RPA on each other and on mortgage rates at the national scale. These effects are consistent for both methods but are changed at individual lead-lag variables and amongst different regions.

Originality/value

The study empirically provides useful insight for both academia and practitioners. Particularly in examining the long-run effects, cointegration and forecasting of the volatile interactions between HPA and RPA.
Information transparency and pricing strategy in the Scottish housing market
Authors: Lo Daniel , Liu Nan , McCord Michael James , Haran Martin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Information transparency is crucially important in price setting in real estate, particularly when information asymmetry is concerned. This paper aims to examine how a change in government policy in relation to information disclosure and transparency impacts residential real estate price discovery. Specially, this paper investigates how real estate traders determined asking prices in the context of the Scottish housing market before and after the implementation of the Home Report, which aimed to prevent artificially low asking prices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses spatial lag hedonic pricing models to empirically observe how residential asking prices are determined by property sellers in response to a change in government policy that is designed to enhance market transparency. It uses over 79,000 transaction data of the Aberdeen residential market for the period of Q2 1998 to Q2 2013 to test the models.

Findings

The empirical findings provide some novel insights in relation to the price determination within the residential market in Scotland. The spatial lag models suggest that spatial autocorrelation in property prices has increased since the Home Report came into effect, indicating that property sellers have become more prone to infer asking prices based on prior sales of dwellings in close vicinity. The once-common practice of setting artificially low asking prices seems to have dwindled to a certain extent statistically.

Originality/value

The importance of understanding the relationship between information transparency and property price determination has gathered momentum over the past decade. Although spatial hedonic techniques have been extensively used to study the impact of various property- and neighbourhood-specific attributes on residential real estate market in general, surprisingly little is known about the empirical relationship between spatial autocorrelation in real estate prices and information transparency.
Teaching sustainability-oriented capabilities using active learning approach
Authors: Claro Priscila Borin , Esteves Nathalia Ramajo
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss how educators can teach sustainability-oriented capabilities (SOCs) using an active learning approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study methodology centered on a Brazilian business school, this research combines qualitative analysis of content, such as teacher notes and student work, with quantitative analysis of student grades. The authors used variance analysis and Bonferroni tests to establish whether the means of three test groups were significantly different. The authors also tested for normality, using the Skewness Kurtosis test, and for homoscedasticity, using Levene.

Findings

The authors’ findings suggest that the active learning (AL) method may be useful in developing SOCs related to the capabilities of “to know,” “to do,” “to interact” and “to be” because it improved student engagement in the program. In addition, this improved engagement was shown to have a positive influence on grades.

Research limitations/implications

Using convenience sampling, the authors studied a limited number of the mandatory management courses offered by Insper. There is a need to check for nonlinear positive effects over a more extended period of time and considering more courses.

Practical implications

This paper offers a practical and replicable technique for teaching SOCs in a business school context using AL.

Originality/value

The existing literature on education and sustainability discusses the role of business schools in the development of SOCs, especially with respect to curricular changes that integrate content and frameworks related to the conceptualization of sustainable development for business (Cebrián and Junyent, 2015; Cortese, 2003; Fairfield, 2018; Aleixo et al., 2020; Leal Filho, 2020; Arruda Filho et al., 2019). However, some studies suggest that the learning process at many business schools fails to explore the complexity of real life by not using a teaching approach that favors the development of SOCs (Leal Filho et al., 2015). Thus, prior studies have pointed to the need for further research on the impact of the active learning approach in teaching about sustainability (Leal Filho et al., 2015; Fisher and Bonn, 2011; Hesselbarth and Schaltegger, 2014). The aim of this research is to contribute to this discussion.
Implementation of embedded assessment in maker classrooms: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Kim Yoon Jeon (YJ) , Murai Yumiko , Chang Stephanie
Published: June 2021

Purpose

As maker-centered learning grows rapidly in school environments, there is an urgent need for new forms of assessment. The purpose of this paper is to report on the development and implementation of tools to support embedded assessment of maker competencies within school-based maker programs and describes alternative assessment approaches to rubrics and portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a design-based research (DBR) method, with researchers collaborating with US middle school teachers to iteratively design a set of tools that support implementation of embedded assessment. Based on teacher and student interviews, classroom observations, journal notes and post-implementation interviews, the authors report on the final phase of DBR, highlighting how teachers can implement embedded assessment in maker classrooms as well as the challenges that teachers face with assessment.

Findings

This study showed that embedded assessment can be implemented in a variety of ways, and that flexible and adaptable assessment tools can play a crucial role in supporting teachers in this process. Additionally, though teachers expressed a strong desire for student involvement in the assessment process, we observed minimal student agency during implementation. Further study is needed to investigate how establishing classroom culture and norms around assessment may enable students to fully participate in assessment processes.

Originality/value

Due to the dynamic and collaborative nature of maker-centered learning, teachers may find it difficult to provide on-the-fly feedback. By employing an embedded assessment approach, this study explored a new form of assessment that is flexible and adaptable, allowing teachers to formally plan ahead while also adjusting in the moment.
Uncovering the relationship between customer anger and frontline employees’ recovery performance in the service encounter
Authors: Luo Jia , Li Yongqiang , Che Yu
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Regarding the interpersonal influence of customer anger on frontline employees (FLEs) in service encounters, existing findings remain mixed. Building on emotion as a social information model and appraisal theory, this study aims to focus on two dimensions of customer anger – intensity and relevance with FLEs and examined their divergent effects on FLEs’ immediate recovery performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a questionnaire survey of 366 Chinese FLEs in the hospitality and tourism industries. Hierarchical regressions and bootstrap analysis for nonlinear mediated relationships were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggested a U-shaped curvilinear relationship between the intensity of customer anger and FLEs’ recovery performance and a positive linear relationship between relevance with FLEs of customer anger and FLEs’ recovery performance. Moreover, the mediating effects of FLEs’ emotional anger and cognitive perceived threat were confirmed.

Practical implications

Service managers should improve FLEs’ awareness of unconscious emotional contagion and encourage them to shoulder responsibility actively even if customer anger is not related to them. In addition, complaining customers can learn how to strategically express anger to get good remedies.

Originality/value

This paper examines the divergent effects of two dimensions of customer anger on FLEs, advancing the understanding of customer anger in the service interaction. It is also the first to suggest the U-shaped nonlinear effect of customer anger intensity on employees’ service outcomes and its underlying mechanisms, reconciling mixed findings.
Do sociodemographic factors and anthropometric measurements affect eating behavior patterns?
Authors: Koksal Eda , Macit Melahat Sedanur , Bilici Saniye , Karabudak Efsun
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Obesity is a chronic disease and it is very important to determine the underlying factors at the early stage. Disturbance in eating behaviors may predict the obesity risk.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, it was aimed to investigate eating behavior of Turkish adults by using The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 (TFEQ-R18) and to analyze the association between anthropometric measurements and socio-demographic factors.

Findings

Individuals composed of 698 males, aged 28.6 ± 10.3 years and 1,736 females, aged 25.1 ± 7.8 years. Demographic characteristics participants were obtained via a questionnaire. TFEQ-R18for assessing eating behavior was used. Results claim that the usage of TFEQ-R18 was appropriate for non-obese individuals (Cronbach’s α value 0.83 for underweight group (n = 180, 7.4%), 0.76 for normal group (n = 1604, 65.9%), 0.69 for overweight group (n = 492, 20.2%), 0.69 obese group (n = 158, 6.5%). Gender seems to effect emotional eating scores (p = 0.026) and employment status seem to affect all TFEQ-R18 sub-group dimensions (cognitive eating scores, p = 0.022, uncontrolled eating scores, p < 0.001, emotional eating scores, p < 0.001). Divorced individuals tend to have higher cognitive restraint scores (16.2 ± 3.7). Although, single people have higher emotional eating scores (7.5 ± 2.6) (p = 0.006). There is a positive correlation among waist–height ratio, waist and neck circumference and cognitive restraint and uncontrolled eating scores (p < 0.001). However, body weight and height correlate negatively with cognitive restraint scores (p < 0.001).

Originality/value

According to the authors’ knowledge, this study gives brief results for the usage of TFEQ-R18 and the ability to predict eating behaviors in the general population.
Community business impacts on health and well-being: a systematic review of the evidence
Authors: McClean Stuart , Ismail Sanda , Bird Emma
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide critical insight into the impact of locally embedded, community business-related approaches internationally to health and social care on users’ outcomes, in particular exploring their effectiveness in delivering outcomes for users.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a robust systematic review methodology. It carefully identifies relevant studies that have been conducted on the impact of community business-related approaches, rigorously evaluates how well these studies have been carried out and combines the results from these studies to address that particular topic.

Findings

Health and social care-related community businesses deliver on a range of health and well-being outcomes and impacts positively on local residents’ satisfaction with their community/local area. Existing research into community businesses uses mostly qualitative methods, but a few studies have also used quantitative survey and mixed methods and demonstrate the challenges of conducting methodologically rigorous real-world research within local community settings.

Research limitations/implications

The review was limited to papers published in English language and may have missed relevant studies published in other languages which could have influenced the overall findings. Only one reviewer screened the titles and abstracts of the identified papers. Having multiple reviewers would have strengthened the validity of the screening process.

Originality/value

Community businesses offer a positive contribution to health and well-being, and highlight the significance of engaging local communities in promoting health, reducing health inequalities and addressing the wider determinants of health. This paper provides a baseline of evidence about community business’ broad impacts on health and well-being to help inform new and emerging evidence
Swi6B, an alternative splicing isoform of Swi6, mediates the cell wall integrity of Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Lian Lingdan , Zhang Guang , Zhu Jing , Wang Yunxiao , Wang Lingshuai , Liu Rui , Shi Liang , Ren Ang , Zhao Mingwen
Published: June 2021

The cell wall integrity (CWI) signaling activates the transcription factor Swi6 through a MAPK signaling cascade in response to cell wall stresses. In this study, we observed two different mRNA variants of swi6 (GlSwi6A and GlSwi6B) existed, due to alternative splicing. Besides, the expression level of GlSwi6B was higher than that of the GlSwi6A mRNA variant. The co‐silencing of GlSwi6A and GlSwi6B was more sensitive to cell wall stress compared with WT, resulting in a decrease of 78% and 76% in chitin and β‐1,3‐d‐glucan content respectively. However, only the overexpression of GlSwi6B decreased the sensitivity to cell wall stress and increased the content of chitin and β‐1,3‐d‐glucan compared with the WT strain. Furthermore, Y1H, EMSA and BLI assays revealed that the GlSwi6B could bind to the promoters of chitin and glucan synthesis genes (GL24454 and GL18134). However, the binding phenome has not been observed in the isoform GlSwi6A. Taken together, our results found two different transcripts generated from Swi6, in which the alternative splice isoform of GlSwi6B participates in regulating the CWI of G. lucidum. This study provides the first insight into the alternative splicing isoform of GlSwi6B in the regulation of CWI signaling in fungi.
The Autobiography of a Neurasthene (1910): The Medical Counternarratives of Margaret Abigail Cleaves, MD
Authors: Tunc Tanfer Emin
Published: June 2021

This article argues that Margaret Abigail Cleaves's The Autobiography of a Neurasthene was part of a body of nineteenth‐century writing that attempted to reclaim and recover the voices of American women by chronicling their struggles with illnesses and cures and documenting their interactions with the medical profession. Cleaves's gynocentric counternarrative was a searing criticism of the prevalent medical model of her era that questioned its treatment of neurasthenic women and offered therapeutic alternatives such as electric, light and music therapy. By doing so, it positioned Cleaves as a significant force of change in understandings of women and their bodies.