bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring human context fear conditioning and retention after consolidation
Authors: Xia Yanfang , Wehrli Jelena , Gerster Samuel , Kroes Marijn , Houtekamer Maxime , Bach Dominik R.
Published: August 2023

Fear conditioning is a laboratory paradigm commonly used to investigate aversive learning and memory. In context fear conditioning, a configuration of elemental cues (conditioned stimulus [CTX]) predicts an aversive event (unconditioned stimulus [US]). To quantify context fear acquisition in humans, previous work has used startle eyeblink responses (SEBRs), skin conductance responses (SCRs), and verbal reports, but different quantification methods have rarely been compared. Moreover, preclinical intervention studies mandate recall tests several days after acquisition, and it is unclear how to induce and measure context fear memory retention over such a time interval. First, we used a semi-immersive virtual reality paradigm. In two experiments (N= 23 andN= 28), we found successful declarative learning and memory retention over 7 d but no evidence of other conditioned responses. Next, we used a configural fear conditioning paradigm with five static room images as CTXs in two experiments (N= 29 andN= 24). Besides successful declarative learning and memory retention after 7 d, SCR and pupil dilation in response to CTX onset differentiated CTX+/CTX−during acquisition training, and SEBR and pupil dilation differentiated CTX+/CTX−during the recall test, with medium to large effect sizes for the most sensitive indices (SEBR: Hedge'sg= 0.56 andg= 0.69; pupil dilation: Hedge'sg= 0.99 andg= 0.88). Our results demonstrate that with a configural learning paradigm, context fear memory retention can be demonstrated over 7 d, and we provide robust and replicable measurement methods to this end.
Drastic alterations in the loop structure around colchicine upon complex formation with an engineered lipocalin indicate a conformational selection mechanism
Authors: Jerschke Elena , Eichinger Andreas , Skerra Arne
Published: August 2023

Using Anticalin technology, a lipocalin protein dubbed Colchicalin, with the ability to bind the toxic plant alkaloid colchicine with picomolar affinity, has previously been engineered, thus offering a potential antidote in vivo and also allowing its sensitive detection in biological samples. To further analyze the mode of ligand recognition, the crystal structure of Colchicalin is now reported in its unliganded form and is compared with the colchicine complex. A superposition of the protein structures revealed major rearrangements in the four structurally variable loops of the engineered lipocalin. Notably, the binding pocket in the unbound protein is largely occupied by the inward-bent loop #3, in particular Ile97, as well as by the phenylalanine side chain at position 71 in loop #2. Upon binding of colchicine, a dramatic shift of loop #3 by up to 11.1 Å occurs, in combination with a side-chain flip of Phe71, thus liberating the necessary space within the ligand pocket. Interestingly, the proline residue at the neighboring position 72, which arose during the combinatorial engineering of Colchicalin, remained in a cis configuration in both structures. These findings provide a striking example of a conformational adaptation mechanism, which is a long-known phenomenon for antibodies in immunochemistry, during the recognition of a small ligand by an engineered lipocalin, thus illustrating the general similarity between the mode of antigen/ligand binding by immunoglobulins and lipocalins.
The unusual (syn-/anti-)2 conformation of a dimethoxypyrimidyl-based tennimide
Authors: Mocilac Pavle , Pohl Fabian , Gallagher John F.
Published: August 2023

The tennimide macrocycle, (I) (C52H40N16O16.0.167H2O), was synthesized from 2-amino-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidine and pyridine-2,6-dicarbonyl dichloride. Compound (I) represents the first tennimide incorporating pyridine rings in the macrocycle scaffold. In the macrocycle ring, the carbonyl groups at each successive dicarbonyl(pyridine) moiety adopt the (syn/anti)2 conformation. This contrasts with all previously reported tetraimide macrocycles, which exhibit the (syn)4 conformation. The effect is to close any potential cavity or niche by having two of the central pyridine C5N rings aligned close to each other [with closest pyridine Cg...Cg ring centroid separations of 3.5775 (19) Å; closest C...C = 3.467 (5) Å]. A partial occupancy water molecule (with s.o.f. = 0.167), resides with its oxygen atom on a twofold axis at hydrogen-bonding distances to the carbonyl O atom, in a molecular niche between two pyridine rings. Macrocyles of (I) have all six C=O groups and all eight methoxy O atoms present on the macrocycle surface. However, all twelve N atoms are effectively shielded on steric grounds from any potential intermolecular interactions. The remaining two C=O O atoms interact with the partial occupancy water molecule via two O—H...O=C hydrogen bonds. Macrocycles of (I) stack as one-dimensional chains along the b-axis direction with primary intermolecular interactions involving weak C—H...O=C/OCH3/H2O contacts. Chains interlock weakly via methoxy–methoxy C—H...O interactions into two-dimensional sheets.
Crystal structure of a (carboxymethyl)triethylazanium bromide–2-(triethylazaniumyl)acetate (1/1) hydrogen-bonded dimer
Authors: Carlson Faith M. , Staples Richard J. , Biros Shannon M.
Published: August 2023

The title compound, C8H18NO2
+·Br−·C8H17NO2, crystallizes as the bromide salt of a 50:50 mixture of (triethylazaniumyl)carboxylic acid and the zwitterionic (triethylazaniumyl)carboxylate. The two organic entities are linked by a half-occupied bridging carboxylic acid hydrogen atom that is hydrogen-bonded to the carboxylate group of the second molecule. The tetralkylammonium group adopts a nearly perfect tetrahedral shape around the nitrogen atom with bond lengths that agree with known values. The carboxylic acid/carboxylate group is oriented anti to one of the ethyl groups on the ammonium group, and the carbonyl oxygen atom is engaged in intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
How green sustainability efforts affect brand-related outcomes
Authors: Wong Amy
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Utilizing the Stimulus-Organism-Response framework, this study examines how stimuli such as green sustainability efforts and brand image affect organisms namely brand experience and brand trust, leading to brand-related outcomes such as brand affinity, brand satisfaction and purchase intention in the soft drink industry in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to a total of 243 members of several Singapore-based Facebook groups. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show the positive effects of green sustainability efforts on brand image, brand experience and brand trust. Brand experience affects brand satisfaction, brand affinity and purchase intention, whereas brand trust affects brand satisfaction and purchase intention. Moreover, the mediating roles of brand experience and brand trust are verified.

Practical implications

To build strong consumer-brand relationships, managers can elevate brand experience and brand trust through the implementation of green sustainability efforts.

Originality/value

This study adds to the body of green sustainability literature by verifying the mediating effect of brand experience and brand trust in the relationship between green sustainability efforts and brand-related outcomes. The study clarifies the direct and indirect antecedents of brand affinity, brand satisfaction and purchase intention.
Configuring urban morphological changes: the case of Damascus city in the late modern era
Authors: Alsherfawi Aljazaerly Alaa , Okyere Seth Asare , Fatemi Md. Nawrose , Frimpong Louis Kusi , Kita Michihiro
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper analyses changes in the activity pattern of Damascus city from late modern era (late Ottoman rule) to the contemporary era. The research objective is to explore the impact of the socio-historical process on the evolving morphological structure of the urban core and to draw implications for post-war reconstruction.

Design/methodology/approach

Space Syntax methodology was employed to trace the historical and morphological changes in the urban core of Damascus. The timeframe was divided into five periods covering the city's socio-political transformation and five maps depicting these periods. Local and global integration measures were used to analyse the changes in the urban core across each period. Normalised angular choice (NACH) measure was used to identify the changes in the city planning system.

Findings

The results revealed that the urban core corresponded to the main streets, which had socio-economic importance across history. However, introducing a new planning system influenced by Western planning ideals led to the creation of multi-morphological patterns. At the city level, the study found that the urban core was more accessible in the preplanned areas, while the organic expansion of the informal settlements was exclusive of the core area. At the local level, some informal settlements showed an intense core. Intelligibility analysis revealed that earlier periods showed considerably higher values, implying declines in the ease of navigation of the city over time.

Research limitations

This study did not account for the political, economic and cultural factors that could shape morphological changes in Damascus. In addition, the study adopted historical reference points to understand the morphological changes, as high-quality geospatial data was not available to monitor the recent post-war situation.

Practical implications

The research findings give a foundation for a more contextualised historical understanding of spatial structure and changes, which can contribute to the post-war reconstruction and redevelopment of Damascus city.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to trace historical spatial changes in Damascus from a space syntax approach, weaving together socio-historical and configurational studies. In doing so, it shows how historically informed and spatially aware urban planning and design policies can support policymakers and built environment professionals in planning and redevelopment.
Effects of misleading online advertisements on the purchase intention of mature Chinese consumers for dietary supplements
Authors: Sun Yuting , Li Yixuan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Advertisements for dietary supplements (DS) often include misleading claims regarding their health benefits. In this study, the authors designed an online advertisement for plant-based DS featuring misleading claims and investigated its effects on mature Chinese consumers before and after revealing the false claims. A consumer involvement framework was developed to evaluate the mediating effect of advertising involvement (AI) on the correlation between product involvement (PI), situational involvement (SI) and purchase intention (PI).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 467 mature adults aged over 40 years who resided in China's Yangtze River Delta region and had experience in purchasing DS online were recruited. Relevant data were collected through an online survey and analysed through structural equation modelling.

Findings

Cognitive PI was positively correlated with both SI and PI and SI was positively correlated with PI. AI negatively moderated the correlation between affective PI and SI. Both cognitive PI and AI were positively correlated with PI and the correlation was mediated through SI.

Originality/value

DS consumption is a rational decision-making process driven by utilitarian motives. Consumers who are aware of the misleading claims adopt a cautious evaluation approach and place themselves in specific purchase situations before making a purchase decision. This study advances the literature by incorporating the consideration of misleading advertisements into the consumer involvement model within the context of online DS consumption. The study's findings provide insights to intensify monitoring of false advertisements in the DS industry and design effective consumer education programmes.
Examining the mediating effects of sincerity and credibility in crisis communication strategies
Authors: Boman Courtney D. , Schneider Erika J. , Akin Heather
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how source type can influence organizational assets proposed by source credibility theory (SCT) when paired with matched situational crisis communication theory (SCCT) strategies for accidental, preventable, and victim crises. Crisis communication delivered online provides an invaluable outlet for organizations to disperse information to stakeholders quickly. It has been shown that receivers of this information have motivational assumptions about sources having their own agenda for producing content. Thus, it is important to explore how sources tasked with delivering crisis responses can influence perceptions of the sincerity and credibility of the message.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers conducted a 3 (crisis response: matched accidental, matched preventable, matched victim) × 3 (source type: organization, CEO, The New York Times) online between-subjects experimental design (N = 623).

Findings

By identifying how the source disseminating crisis responses influences message perceptions, findings from this study recognize how the crisis response is situated in a greater context. Since perceived sincerity and credibility were found to influence message acceptance and reputation, making intentional decisions that acknowledge both within a crisis communication strategy may benefit both future practice and research applications.

Originality/value

The current study advances understandings afforded by SCCT, along with SCT, by experimentally testing the influence of these variables within crisis responses on outcomes such as account acceptance and organizational reputation.
Collaboration with universities and innovation efficiency: do relationship depth and organizational routines matter?
Authors: Lazzarotti Valentina , Puliga Gloria , Manzini Raffaella , Tallarico Salvatore , Pellegrini Luisa , Eslami Mohammad H. , Ismail Muhammad , Boer Harry
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The study aims to test the success of university-industry (U-I) collaboration in terms of innovation process efficiency. Then, this study explores the moderating role of a set of organizational routines in the U-I relationship, which can help in overcoming the issues undermining the collaboration success.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on an international Open Innovation (OI) survey. The survey investigated the items to build the main variables of the conceptual framework, measured through seven-point Likert scales. Steps to ensure the reliability and validity of the variables were conducted. Then, hypotheses were tested with an ordinary least squares regression.

Findings

Results show that the higher the collaboration intensity (depth) with universities, the higher the innovation process efficiency. Furthermore, organizational routines aimed at improving firms' assimilation absorptive capacity further strengthen the positive effects of intensive collaboration on innovation process efficiency.

Practical implications

Findings indicate that R&D managers should strive to build deep collaborations with universities to enhance process efficiency and invest in the quality of these relationships. Managers should create and maintain an internal environment that further enhances the positive effects of intensive collaboration on innovation process efficiency.

Originality/value

The OI literature has not reached a shared view on the positive contribution of universities toward industrial firms' innovation performance. The study adopts a process-efficiency view, rarely used by other OI studies usually focused on output indicators; this study unpacks, respectively, the role of the intensity of collaboration and the organizational routines, thus disclosing the benefit of U-I collaboration on innovation efficiency.
Improved asymptotic expansion method for laminar fluid flow and heat transfer in conical gaps with disks rotating
Authors: Shevchuk Igor V.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to study laminar fluid flow and convective heat transfer in a conical gap at small conicity angles up to 4° for the case of disk rotation with a fixed cone.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the improved asymptotic expansion method developed by the author was applied to the self-similar Navier–Stokes equations. The characteristic Reynolds number ranged from 0.001 to 2.0, and the Prandtl numbers ranged from 0.71 to 10.

Findings

Compared to previous approaches, the improved asymptotic expansion method has an accuracy like the self-similar solution in a significantly wider range of Reynolds and Prandtl numbers. Including radial thermal conductivity in the energy equation at small conicity angle leads to insignificant deviations of the Nusselt number (maximum 1.23%).

Practical implications

This problem has applications in rheometry to experimentally determine viscosity of liquids, as well as in bioengineering and medicine, where cone-and-disk devices serve as an incubator for nurturing endothelial cells.

Social implications

The study can help design more effective devices to nurture endothelial cells, which regulate exchanges between the bloodstream and the surrounding tissues.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time, novel approximate analytical solutions were obtained for the radial, tangential and axial velocity components, flow swirl angle on the disk, tangential stresses on both surfaces, as well as static pressure, which varies not only with the Reynolds number but also across the gap. These solutions are in excellent agreement with the self-similar solution.
Dynamics of breather, multi-wave, interaction and other wave solutions to the new (3+1)-dimensional integrable fourth-order equation for shallow water waves
Authors: Wang Kang-Jia
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the new (3 + 1)-dimensional integrable fourth-order nonlinear equation which is used to model the shallow water waves.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of the Cole–Hopf transform, the bilinear form of the studied equation is extracted. Then the ansatz function method combined with the symbolic computation is implemented to construct the breather, multiwave and the interaction wave solutions. In addition, the subequation method tis also used to search for the diverse travelling wave solutions.

Findings

The breather, multiwave and the interaction wave solutions and other wave solutions like the singular periodic wave structure and dark wave structure are obtained. To the author’s knowledge, the solutions obtained are all new and have never been reported before.

Originality/value

The solutions obtained in this work have never appeared in other literature and can be regarded as an extension of the solutions for the new (3 + 1)-dimensional integrable fourth-order nonlinear equation.
Prioritizing customer requirements for men’s denim jeans through factor analysis and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Bizuneh Berihun , Kifle Tesfu
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to identify, screen and prioritize customer requirements (CRs) for men’s denim jeans. Moreover, the effect of demographic factors on the primary evaluation criteria has been examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was initiated by the growing complaints about denim jeans products of a local manufacturing company. First, 24 CRs were identified from the literature and customer complaints. Then, a survey was conducted to rate the identified CRs and solicit more CRs through closed-ended and open-ended questions, respectively. From the survey, 368 usable responses were collected while the participants were shopping in 14 local retail shops. After analyzing the data using factor analysis, univariate and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and content analysis, the resulting 15 criteria were prioritized by experts’ pairwise comparisons employing the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP).

Findings

Factor analysis extracted six components (primary criteria) including design cues, pocket design, comfort, size and fit, fashionability, and extrinsic cues from the CRs included in the closed-ended questions. MANOVA showed that age and frequency of purchasing denim jeans significantly affected the primary criteria, while educational level and frequency of wearing denim jeans did not. The weights from the fuzzy AHP revealed that colour fastness, price, durability, fabric weight, workmanship, side pocket design and fit as the most important CRs. Moreover, consumers preferred regular fit, stitched round side pockets, patch back pockets and stretchable denim fabric.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study are discussed in the body of the paper in Section 7.

Originality/value

The paper presents exploratory findings on denim jeans evaluation criteria in a developing country’s context. Moreover, the application of fuzzy AHP for prioritizing denim jeans’ CRs is unique.
Has the heterogeneity of culture, investor sentiment and uncertainty altered bank stock returns in the MENA region?
Authors: Shah Syed Faisal
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper has analysed the impact of cultural dimensions, investor sentiment and uncertainty on bank stock returns. Also, the study examined the influences of the interaction between cultural dimensions and individual (private) sentiment (investor sentiment).

Design/methodology/approach

To meet the study's objectives, a two-step generalised method of moments estimator was applied to the study sample, which included 105 banks in the nine Middle East and North African region countries between 2010 and 2020.

Findings

The cultural dimensions of individualism and masculinity were found to have a positive and significant effect on banks' buy and hold stock return (BUH). At the same time, power distance and uncertainty avoidance were discovered to have negative effects. Besides, the findings revealed that the interactions of power distance, individual sentiment and uncertainty avoidance had positive and significant relationships with banks' BUH. However, individualism, individual sentiment and masculinity had inverse relationships with banks' BUH. Furthermore, the findings revealed that investor sentiment positively influenced banks' BUH. Finally, uncertainty influenced banks' BUH stock returns positively.

Research limitations/implications

Important implications for participants in the financial sector and governments may be learnt from this study's conclusions. Due to cultural biases, this study's findings suggested that investors overreact in the stock market.

Originality/value

Additionally, this research comprises one of the few studies that have overviewed the link between classical and behavioural finance in MENA countries with distinctive cultural characteristics.
Examining the mediating effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between leader-member exchange and safety behavior among Algerian healthcare workers
Authors: Bennouna Aida , Boughaba Assia , Mouda Mohamed , Djabou Salim
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the long-term impact of leader–member exchange (LMX) on employee safety behavior. It proposes a conceptual model that includes the mediating role of job satisfaction (JS) in the relationship between LMX and safety behaviors, regarding safety compliance behavior (SCB) and safety participation behavior (SPB).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 325 health-care workers across public hospitals in Algeria at three waves. Data were analyzed with partial least square structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings revealed that LMX positively influenced employees’ job satisfaction. However, the relationship between LMX and SCB was found to be mediated by job satisfaction. LMX was not directly related to both dimensions of safety behavior, whereas JS was positively associated with safety compliance and safety participation.

Originality/value

This is the first paper, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to report on the significant mediating role of JS on the reciprocal process used to exchange resources between leaders and subordinates and safety behaviors among health-care workers, thereby filling an important research gap in existing literature.
Earnings string breaks, accounting litigation risk and audit fees
Authors: Robinson Dahlia , Smith Thomas , Whitworth James Devin , Zhang Yiyang
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether accounting-related litigation is associated with a break in the client’s earnings string and the auditor’s response to a break in the earnings string.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use regression models on a sample of publicly-traded USA companies with earnings strings.

Findings

The authors find that clients’ earnings string breaks are associated with increased accounting litigation risk and audit fees. The results are more prevalent for larger breaks.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest auditors anticipate string breaks by clients which implies that audit fee research should consider earnings string characteristics in the fee models.

Practical implications

The auditor’s access to private information allows them to anticipate string breaks and potential increase in litigation risk.

Originality/value

An earnings string break represents a convergence of concerns highly relevant to the auditor: more users relying on the financial statements with greater expectations, increased likelihood of losses to those users, an environment where the likelihood of misstatement may increase, and explicitly stated professional responsibilities in response to the latter. Despite that, and a rich earnings string literature, prior studies have not directly examined auditors’ response to a client’s string break.
Policing Asian communities in the United States: a systematic literature review and discussion
Authors: Lim Hyeyoung , Lawton Brian , Sloan John J.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This article aims to synthesize published research on the policing of Asian communities in the United States.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a systematic literature review using PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Findings

Sixteen studies were reviewed. Five examined violence by police against Asian community members and reported rates for Asians closer to those against Whites than against members of other groups. One study found no relationship between violence against police and increased minority representation on the force. Four studies reported conflicting results regarding traffic stops of Asian motorists and in general perceptions of police anti-Asian bias. One study illustrated how racialization processes reproduce inequality both between racial-ethnic categories and within them. Five studies examined Asian community members’ general attitudes toward/satisfaction with police and reported—with qualifications—generally favorable attitudes and satisfaction with them.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic literature review of policing Asian communities in the United States.
Feeling the Earthship house: eliciting a perspective of posterity through immersive virtual reality
Authors: Sudhakaran Gargy M. , Prabhakaran Abhinesh , Mahamadu Abdul-Majeed , Booth Colin A. , Wiejak-Roy Grazyna
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The surging cost of living and shortage of affordable and sustainable homes fuel the global housing crisis. Earthship buildings are marketed as the epitome of affordable and sustainable alternative housing. This paper aimed to elicit the perception of Earthship buildings among youngsters in the United Kingdom using immersive virtual reality technology. Additionally, the impact of virtual reality on perception compared with two-dimensional drawings was investigated in the study.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-phase, experiment-based survey was adopted: Phase 1: literature review, Earthship house model conception and the virtual environment creation; Phase 2: two-dimensional drawing-based pre-visualisation survey; Phase 3: virtual reality–based post-visualisation survey.

Findings

The findings indicated that youngsters had a remarkable, positive change in attitude towards the uptake of the Earthship houses after virtual reality visualisation. In contrast, sustainability experts shared more concerns regarding the concept's viability in the United Kingdom, even after the virtual reality visualisation. However, both youngsters and experts agreed with the pre-eminence of virtual reality over two-dimensional drawings.

Originality/value

The lack of awareness about Earthship buildings for posterity was noted in previous studies, which could be attributed to there being very few Earthship buildings in the United Kingdom. The importance of this awareness among youngsters cannot be over-emphasised since youngsters are affected most by the shortage of affordable and sustainable homes. This gap was addressed by enlightening the youth about Earthship houses and imparting awareness through near-real-life virtual reality visualisation.
Impact of organizational citizenship behavior on corporate sustainability through the mediation of TQM: focus on the textile industry in Bangladesh
Authors: Zhang Shuaijun , Rew Dongjun , Jung Joo , Wu Sibin , Baldo Carlos
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the relationship between organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), total quality management (TQM), and corporate sustainability (CS). Specifically, the authors propose that TQM mediates the relationship between OCB and CS. The authors intend to demonstrate that TQM practice may be able to balance the interests of all stakeholders and hence improve the performance of all three CS elements, namely economic, social and environmental.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed a survey questionnaire. The authors then collected data from managers that were in charge of quality control in 216 companies. Hypotheses were developed and regression and path analyses were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

OCB has a positive effect on both TQM and CS. TQM also is positively related to CS. Further, TQM mediates the relationship between OCB and CS. Further analyses show that the full mediation only applies to economic aspects of CS but not social and environmental.

Practical implications

Companies that aim to achieve overall CS performance should not only encourage OCB in an organization, but also pay attention to TQM. Moreover, when deciding on hard and soft TQM, the priority should be given to hard TQM.

Originality/value

The authors investigate the relationship between OCB, TQM and CS in detail. The authors treat TQM in two elements of soft TQM and hard TQM while treating CS performance in three elements of economic, social and environmental performances. The authors further examine how both hard and soft TQM impacts CS performance differently.
The impact of adoption of digital innovation dynamics in reduce work exhaustion in SMEs in developing countries: the case of cloud of things services
Authors: Alshaher Ali , Alkhaled Hani Ramadhan , H.H. Mohammed Mustafa
Published: August 2023

Purpose

There is a growing awareness in today's organizations of the gap between existing digital technologies and those arising from digital innovation that contribute to reducing work exhaustion. However, no comprehensive framework has been proposed for the importance of adopting digital innovation in reducing work exhaustion. The purpose of this paper is to provide a holistic view by proposing a model for the importance of adopting digital innovation technologies and their role in reducing work exhaustion in Iraq as a developing country, and the model was proposed based on the theory of technology-organization-environment and diffusion of innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

To collect data, an electronic questionnaire was designed for a survey conducted on 183 Iraqi firms in the industrial sector. For data analysis, the structured equation model was used through the (AMOS. 26) program.

Findings

The results revealed the importance and significance of the study model in adopting the cloud of things (CoT) as one of the techniques of digital innovation in reducing work exhaustion.

Research limitations/implications

The authors can conclude that the adoption of the CoT in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can have a positive impact on the performance of the employees. The adoption of the CoT may provide SME managers with an opportunity to effectively manage various roles and responsibilities. While there were many limitations that this study faced, the authors focused on one type of digital innovation dynamics, which is the CoT, as they must focus on other technologies.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first studies in Iraq as a developing country that explains how emerging digital innovation can be leveraged to create innovative digital products and services as a CoT technology and subsequently lead to the reduction of work exhaustion. It also fills the literature gaps related to adoption factors of digital innovation and their role in reducing work exhaustion.
Two species with a peculiar evolution within the genus Pectobacterium suggest adaptation to a new environmental niche
Authors: Ben Moussa Hajar , Pédron Jacques , Hugouvieux‐Cotte‐Pattat Nicole , Barny Marie‐Anne
Published: August 2023

Historically, research on Soft Rot Pectobacteriacea (SRP) has focused on economically important crops and ornamentals and knowledge of these bacteria outside the plant context remains poorly investigated. Recently, two closely related species Pectobacterium aquaticum and Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum were isolated from water and have not been isolated from any plant yet. To identify the distinctive characteristics of these two species, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of 80 genomes representing 19 Pectobacterium species and performed an evolutionary reconstruction. Both water species underwent a reduction in genome size associated with a high pseudogene content. A high gene loss was predicted at the emergence of both species. Among the 199 gene families missing from both P. aquaticum and P. quasiaquaticum genomes but present in at least 80% of other Pectobacterium genomes, COG analysis identified many genes involved in nutrient transport systems. In addition, many type II secreted proteins were also missing in both species. Phenotypic analysis revealed that both species had reduced pectinolytic activity, a biofilm formation defect, were highly motile and had reduced virulence on several plants. These genomic and phenotypic data suggest that the ecological niche of P. aquaticum and P. quasiaquaticum may differ from that of other Pectobacterium species.
Nowcasting Key Australian Macroeconomic Variables
Authors: Anthonisz Michael
Published: August 2023

Forecasts are relied upon as a guide to what future outcomes for the economy might be. However, it is also important to estimate what is happening in the economy now or has taken place in the recent past. This is where ‘nowcasts’ come in. In this article, I describe what nowcasting is, why it can be a useful tool for macroeconomists as well as present daily nowcasts of key Australian macroeconomic variables, including GDP growth, inflation and the unemployment rate.
An Epistolary Conversation
Authors: Beebe John , Carpani Stefano
Published: August 2023

This written exchange is between a senior and a younger Jungian analyst on issues relevant to the development of analytical psychology throughout the world today. The younger analyst, Stefano Carpani, considers himself a neo‐Jungian. He explains to John Beebe, known for post‐Jungian contributions to the study of typology, integrity, and gender, how important it is to include sociological perspectives alongside those that stem from the Jungian practice of relational psychoanalysis. The degree to which analysis has become an extended meditation on the relation of individual self‐exploration to supra‐personal Self‐realization is emphasized by both authors, who envision this introspection leading to an expanded inner openness that Carpani has called “absolute freedom.” The authors conclude that absolute freedom is a space of engaged reflection that can permit an informed but individualized approach to the complexities of the world soul today.
Rural/urban differences in rates and predictors of intimate partner violence and abuse screening among pregnant and postpartum United States residents
Authors: Kozhimannil Katy Backes , Sheffield Emily C. , Fritz Alyssa H. , Henning‐Smith Carrie , Interrante Julia D. , Lewis Valerie A.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To describe rates and predictors of perinatal intimate partner violence (IPV) and rates and predictors of not being screened for abuse among rural and urban IPV victims who gave birth.

Data Sources and Study Setting

This analysis utilized 2016–2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from 45 states and three jurisdictions.

Study Design

This is a retrospective, cross‐sectional study using multistate survey data.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

This analysis included 201,413 survey respondents who gave birth in 2016–2020 (n = 42,193 rural and 159,220 urban respondents). We used survey‐weighted multivariable logistic regression models, stratified by rural/urban residence, to estimate adjusted predicted probabilities and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for two outcomes: (1) self‐reported experiences of IPV (physical violence by a current or former intimate partner) and (2) not receiving abuse screening at health care visits before, during, or after pregnancy.

Principal Findings

Rural residents had a higher prevalence of perinatal IPV (4.6%) than urban residents (3.2%). Rural respondents who were Medicaid beneficiaries, 18–35 years old, non‐Hispanic white, Hispanic (English‐speaking), or American Indian/Alaska Native had significantly higher predicted probabilities of experiencing perinatal IPV compared with their urban counterparts.

Among respondents who experienced perinatal IPV, predicted probabilities of not receiving abuse screening were 21.3% for rural and 16.5% for urban residents. Predicted probabilities of not being screened for abuse were elevated for rural IPV victims who were Medicaid beneficiaries, 18–24 years old, or unmarried, compared to urban IPV victims with those same characteristics.

Conclusions

IPV is more common among rural birthing people, and rural IPV victims are at higher risk of not being screened for abuse compared with their urban peers. IPV prevention and support interventions are needed in rural communities and should focus on universal abuse screening during health care visits and targeted support for those at greatest risk of perinatal IPV.
Dietary tannins alter growth, behavior, and the gut microbiome of larval amphibians
Authors: MAURER Maya L. , GOYCO‐BLAS José F. , KOHL Kevin D.
Published: August 2023

Research has shown that leached plant toxins negatively impact the growth and development of larval amphibians. However, tadpoles may encounter these same toxins in food material, and differential exposure routes and distribution of toxic chemicals can yield variable downstream effects on animals. To date, most research understanding the interactions between dietary plant toxins and herbivores has been conducted in terrestrial systems. Despite the abundance of plant toxins in food and water sources, the effects of dietary plant toxins on larval amphibians have not been studied, and tannins could negatively affect these species. Here, green frog tadpoles (Lithobates clamitans) were fed diets with or without 2% tannic acid to test how their growth, development, behavior, and gut microbiome respond to dietary tannins. At the end of the trial, we conducted a behavioral assay to measure tadpole activity and boldness and inventoried the gut microbiome using 16S rRNA sequencing. Dietary tannins significantly decreased body mass by 66% and length by 28%, without influencing tadpole developmental stage. We found significant differences in exploratory behavior and boldness during the first minute of our behavioral assay, demonstrating that tannins have the potential to influence behavior during novel or stressful events. Finally, tannins significantly sculpted the gut microbiome, with an increase in the measurement of Shannon entropy. We observed 7 microbial phyla and 153 microbial genera that exhibited significantly differential abundances differences between control and tannic acid‐fed tadpoles. Collectively, our results demonstrate that dietary tannins have the potential to alter amphibian growth, behavior, and microbiome.
Measuring geomorphology in river assessment procedures 2: Recommendations for supporting river management goals
Authors: Papangelakis Elli , Hassan Marwan A. , Luzi David , Burge Leif M. , Peirce Sarah
Published: August 2023

Fluvial geomorphology, which describes the form and processes of rivers, is increasingly being incorporated into river assessment procedures. However, the complexity of geomorphic processes makes a single universal and standardized assessment protocol a challenging and possibly impractical task. In this paper, we present a set of recommendations for choosing appropriate river assessment procedures and measuring geomorphic indicators to effectively capture important geomorphic processes required to support river management goals. We outline steps for building a river assessment procedure based on an adaptive approach rather than a one‐size‐fits‐all approach, where the geomorphic indicators, spatial and temporal scale, and methodologies used are carefully chosen based on the goals of the management project; the assessment aims to support. Guidance for choosing the appropriate geomorphic indicators is based on their significance (usefulness in characterizing the system), ease of measurement, and temporal scale needs. We also present recommendations on measurement techniques for each indicator while highlighting recent technological and methodological advancements that help overcome resource challenges often faced in river assessment. Given the wealth of scientific and technological developments in the field of geomorphology, it is possible to improve how geomorphic form and function are measured and incorporated into river assessments that support watershed management goals.
Addiction specialists' attitudes toward psychedelics: A National Survey
Authors: Kim Amanda , Suzuki Joji
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

In recent years, there has been accelerating scientific and public interest in the use of psychedelics to treat mental health disorders. Our study's objective was to assess the attitudes of addiction specialists regarding therapeutic psychedelics.

Methods

Our study utilized an anonymous online survey to assess the opinions of 145 addiction specialists regarding the therapeutic promise, potential risks, and legalization of psychedelics in the treatment of psychiatric illness and substance use disorders. Psychedelics were defined in the survey as inclusive of nonserotonergic hallucinogens such as ketamine or MDMA in addition to “classic” serotonergic psychedelics.

Results

Most respondents expressed positive attitudes to the therapeutic use of psychedelics, but a sizeable minority expressed concern for their addictive potential. Familiarity with psychedelic scientific literature was the strongest positive predictor of belief in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, while concern for addictive potential was the strongest negative predictor.

Discussion and Conclusions

Participants overall expressed more positive attitudes to the therapeutic use of psychedelics than we had hypothesized. This may be attributable to the accelerating pace of psychedelics research in recent years. Given the strong influence of concern for addiction risk on attitudes, future study is warranted to explore the findings regarding these concerns. These findings may also represent an opportunity for improved education of physicians regarding the addictive potential, and relative risks/benefits of psychedelics.

Scientific Significance

Though there have been several prior studies assessing psychiatrist and psychologist attitudes toward psychedelics, we are unaware of any specifically examining the opinions of addiction specialists.
Quantifying co‐benefits of water quality policies: An integrated assessment model of land and nitrogen management
Authors: Weng Weizhe , Cobourn Kelly M. , Kemanian Armen R. , Boyle Kevin J. , Shi Yuning , Stachelek Jemma , White Charles
Published: August 2023

Due to the nature of nitrogen cycling, policies designed to address water quality concerns have the potential to provide benefits beyond the targeted water quality improvements. For example, actions to protect water quality by reducing nitrate leaching from agriculture also reduce emissions of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. These positive effects, which are incidental to the regulation's intended target, are termed “co‐benefits.” To quantify the co‐benefits associated with reduced nitrate leaching, we integrate an economic model of farmer decision making with a model of terrestrial nitrogen cycling for the watershed surrounding Lake Mendota, Wisconsin, USA. Our modeling approach provides a framework that links air and water pollutants in an agri‐environmental system and offers a direction for future studies. Our model results highlight the finding that the co‐benefits from nitrous oxide abatement are substantial, and their inclusion increases the benefit–cost ratio of water quality policies. Consideration of these co‐benefits has the potential to reverse the conclusions of benefit–cost analysis in the assessment of current water quality policies.
Association of silent myocardial infarction on electrocardiogram and coronary artery calcium: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kazibwe Richard , Singleton Matthew J. , German Charles A. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Burke Gregory L. , Yeboah Joseph
Published: August 2023

Background

Silent myocardial infarction (SMI) on electrocardiogram (ECG) is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but the relationship between SMI on ECG and coronary artery calcium (CAC) remains poorly understood.

Objective

Characterize the relationship between SMI on ECG and CAC.

Methods

Eligible participants from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis study had ECG and CAC scoring at study enrollment (2000–2002). SMI was defined as ECG evidence of myocardial infarction in the absence of a history of clinical cardiovascular disease. CAC was modeled both continuously and categorically. The cross‐sectional relationships between SMI on ECG and CAC were assessed using logistic regression and linear regression.

Results

Among 6705 eligible participants, 178 (2.7%) had baseline SMI. Compared to participants without SMI, those with SMI had higher CAC (median [IQR]: 61.2 [0–261.7] vs. 0 [0–81.5]; p < .0001). Participants with SMI were more likely to have non‐zero CAC (74% vs. 49%) and were more likely to have CAC ≥ 100 (40% vs. 23%). In a multivariable‐adjusted logistic model, SMI was associated with higher odds of non‐zero CAC (odds ratio 2.17, 95% CI 1.48–3.20, p < .0001) and 51% higher odds of CAC ≥ 100 (odds ratio 1.51, 95% CI 1.06–2.16, p = .02).

Conclusion

An incidental finding of SMI on ECG may serve to identify patients who have a higher odds of significant CAC and may benefit from additional risk stratification to further refine their cardiovascular risk. Further exploration of the utility of CAC assessment in this patient population is needed.