bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective deletion ofMethyl CpG binding protein 2from parvalbumin interneurons in the auditory cortex delays the onset of maternal retrieval in mice
Authors: Rupert Deborah D. , Pagliaro Alexa , Choe Jane , Shea Stephen D.
Published: January 2023

Mutations inMECP2cause the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome.MECP2codes for methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), a transcriptional regulator that activates genetic programs for experience-dependent plasticity. Many neural and behavioral symptoms of Rett syndrome may result from dysregulated timing and threshold for plasticity. As a model of adult plasticity, we examine changes to auditory cortex inhibitory circuits in female mice when they are first exposed to pups; this plasticity facilitates behavioral responses to pups emitting distress calls. Brain-wide deletion ofMecp2alters expression of markers associated with GABAergic parvalbumin interneurons (PVin) and impairs the emergence of pup retrieval. We hypothesized that loss ofMecp2in PVin disproportionately contributes to the phenotype. Here we find that deletion ofMecp2from PVin delayed the onset of maternal retrieval behavior and recapitulated the major molecular and neurophysiological features of brain-wide deletion ofMecp2. We observed that when PVin-selective mutants were exposed to pups, auditory cortical expression of PVin markers increased relative to that in wild type littermates. PVin-specific mutants also failed to show the inhibitory auditory cortex plasticity seen in wild type mice upon exposure to pups and their vocalizations. Finally, using an intersectional viral genetic strategy, we demonstrate that post-developmental loss ofMecp2in PVin of the auditory cortex is sufficient to delay onset of maternal retrieval. Our results support a model in which PVin play a central role in adult cortical plasticity and may be particularly impaired by loss ofMecp2.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes deficits in both communication and the ability to update brain connections and activity during learning (‘plasticity’). This condition is caused by mutations in the geneMECP2. We use a maternal behavioral test in mice requiring both vocal perception and neural plasticity to probeMecp2’s role in social and sensory learning.Mecp2is normally active in all brain cells, but here we remove it from a specific population (‘parvalbumin neurons’). We find that this is sufficient to delay learned behavioral responses to pups and recreates many deficits seen in whole brainMecp2deletion. Our findings suggest that parvalbumin neurons specifically are central to the consequences of loss ofMecp2activity and yield clues as to possible mechanisms by which Rett syndrome impairs brain function.
A new procedure for separating a multi-component powder diffraction pattern into individual component patterns without utilizing the pattern model for one of the components
Authors: Toraya Hideo
Published: January 2023

A new procedure has been developed for separating a multi-component powder diffraction pattern into its individual component patterns without utilizing the pattern model for one of the components. In currently used whole-powder-pattern fitting (WPPF) techniques, pattern models are required for all components in a target material that are not in negligible amounts. When the pattern model is unavailable for one of the components due to, for example, low crystallinity, the straightforward application of the WPPF procedure becomes difficult. In the present procedure, WPPF can be conducted even when the pattern model is not available for one of the components. The pattern model for that component can be automatically generated from a seed pattern by filling in the difference between the observed intensity and the sum of intensities calculated for the remaining components at each step in 2θ. The WPPF is conducted by iterative applications of linear least squares to scale the individual component patterns and of direct search (DS) to optimize the parameters, such as the peak positions and profile widths, of the modeled components. The procedure has been incorporated into a computer program for Rietveld refinement, and the simplex method is used for the DS. It has been tested by using intensity data sets of artificially mixed materials with different degrees of complexity in their powder diffraction patterns. The reliability of the procedure has been tested in quantitative phase analysis using separated intensity data sets. The errors in the derived weight fractions are of the same order (0.5 to 2.0 wt%) as those obtained by conventional techniques. Intensity data extracted as unknown patterns were also tested by Rietveld refinement.
Crystal structure of potassium chloride monohydrate: water intercalation into the B1 structure of KCl under high pressure. Corrigendum
Authors: Yamashita Keishiro , Komatsu Kazuki , Kagi Hiroyuki
Published: January 2023

In the paper by Yamashita et al. [Acta Cryst. (2022), C78, 749–754], an incorrect phrase is updated.
Women entrepreneurship development and sustainable rural livelihoods in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mashapure Rahabhi , Nyagadza Brighton , Chikazhe Lovemore , Mazuruse Gideon , Hove Precious
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this research is to investigate factors influencing rural women entrepreneurship development and sustainable rural livelihoods in Manicaland province of Zimbabwe.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research was conducted in Manicaland province in Zimbabwe. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 400 women entrepreneurs in various sectors. The participants were in vegetable vending, operating clothing flea markets and cross border trading. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. Structural equation modeling in SmartPLS version 3 was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The study established that women entrepreneurship is driven by financial factors, positive environmental factors, positive psychological factors as well as positive sociological factors for a sustainable rural livelihood.

Research limitations/implications

It is clear that if the discovered challenges are not addressed, sustainability of women entrepreneurship will remain a dream.

Practical implications

The study came up with strategies for improving women entrepreneurship activities. Future research can be done in other areas of provinces to avoid generalization challenges.

Social implications

Many challenges hinder the sustainability of women entrepreneurship. Major impediments to women entrepreneurship comprises inadequate support from government schemes, patriarchal societal structure of the community, lack of relevant entrepreneurial knowledge to manage businesses, lack of collateral security to access funding, time limitation or role conflict to balance family pressures and business.

Originality/value

The study recommends proper entrepreneurship education and training, supportive government schemes and access to network affiliation/connection to sustain women entrepreneurship.
Investigating food waste generation at long-term care facilities in Ontario
Authors: McAdams Bruce , Robinson Emily , Gordon Rebecca
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the sources of food waste generation at two long-term care (LTC) homes located in Canada. Given the distinctive regulatory and operational context LTC's work within there is an opportunity that unique causes of food waste exist.

Design/methodology/approach

An initial audit using the Food Delivery System Framework determined the most appropriate method to measure food waste for this study was a quantitative approach supported by field observations.

Findings

Results of the study show a significant food waste of over 55% at both facilities. Investigation into the generation of this waste isolated the major cause being government policy ensuring patients at these facilities are offered choices throughout the meal selection process. Plate waste was generated because of additional policies guaranteeing pre-determined nutritional and caloric intakes for each patient.

Practical implications

These findings put into question the operating practices involved with adhering to policies on the choice of food. Ethical questions are raised pitting a patient's “quality of life” versus the environmental impact of the waste generated because of policies. Field observations note a “throw away culture” and an absence of established foodservice management practices that create a lack of awareness and attention to the issue of food waste.

Originality/value

Most studies of food waste in healthcare facilities have looked at caloric and nutritional loss from a patient's point of view. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to look at the causes of food waste generation in these operations.
Information technology investment and digital transformation: the roles of digital transformation strategy and top management
Authors: Zhang Xin , Xu Yao Yu , Ma Liang
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In the context of the digital economy, information technology (IT) investment has become a necessary way for enterprises to transform digitally. However, why and how IT investment can enhance digital transformation is lacking in the literature. Based on the resource-based view (RBV), this study explored the impact mechanism of IT infrastructure on the digital transformation of enterprises from the perspective of the digital transformation strategy. Further, this study examined the moderating role of top management on the relationships between IT infrastructure and digital transformation strategy and between digital transformation strategy and enterprise's digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a questionnaire survey of Chinese enterprises, 180 sample data were collected, and the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to test the hypothesis.

Findings

Digital transformation strategy fully mediates the relationship between IT infrastructure and enterprise digital transformation. Furthermore, top management has a significant positive moderating effect on the relationship between IT infrastructure and digital transformation strategy, as well as the relationship between digital transformation strategy and digital transformation.

Originality/value

This study explores the moderating role of top management in the relationship between IT and enterprise performance, as well as the mediating role of digital transformation strategy in the relationship between IT infrastructure investment and digital transformation performance. As a result, the study adds significantly to the body of knowledge on IT business value, digital transformation and strategic management. The authors' findings can help update managers' perceptions of IT value and provide theoretical guidance on deriving digital transformation performance from IT infrastructure investments.
Work from anywhere: inequalities in technology infrastructure distribution for digit workers
Authors: Matli Walter , Wamba S.F.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has fuelled the transition in the workplace into the digital era. The purpose of this review paper is to highlight how the pandemic has further exposed the digital divide and the structural inequalities in remote workers’ access to home-location technology infrastructure and services. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) is adopted to highlight how the pandemic has forced the workforce to accept and use digital technology from home for work purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

This desktop-based review paper is drawn from the existing literature. Although both benefits and disadvantages are noted, technology plays a critical role in connecting remote workers to the digital world.

Findings

The paper found that remote workers did not necessarily struggle to work remotely from home to undertake their daily work tasks. Still, the critical challenge was the available Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in their respective residential areas.

Practical implications

The paper seeks to highlight that even though the COVID-19 pandemic and related events have fast-tracked the switch of many work activities into the digital era, the uneven distribution of ICT infrastructure accentuates the barriers to effective home workplaces for many in developing communities. The research found a significant role that the advancement and acceptance of technologies play in the efficacy of remote working from home.

Originality/value

The relevance of this paper is in its contribution to the literature in extending knowledge about the UTAUT on remote working during a pandemic. The arguments presented herein may contribute to policy development and the ongoing debate about how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift into the digital era on a global basis.
The influence of marital status on customer-centric measures in the context of a ski resort using the importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) framework
Authors: Haverila Matti , Haverila Kai Christian , Twyford Jenny Carita
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study assesses the impact of marital status towards customer-centric measures in a Canadian ski resort using the importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) as the analytical framework. For the purpose of this paper, the three groups that were assessed included singles, partnership without children and partnership with children as marital status indicators. From the theoretical and especially managerial point of view, knowing the importance and the performance of the relevant ski resort-related customer-centric perceptions is of key importance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was completed to assess customer-centric measures including customer satisfaction, repurchase intent, value for money, willingness to recommend, overall performance in terms of meeting expectations, relationship quality and skiing service quality. An IPMA was conducted with partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess the importance-performance perceptions of the three marital status groups.

Findings

The results indicated that for five of the seven customer-centric measures, there were significant differences between the marital status groups. Overall, singles appeared to have the lowest values in customer-centric measures, whereas respondents living in partnership with children had the highest. This was also the case with the value for money perceptions, although the cost for the ski resort visit was likely to be the highest for the respondents living in partnership with children. There were also differences between the marital status groups in terms of the importance-performance evaluations.

Originality/value

Results of this research have implications for ski resort management as the three marital status groups appear to perceive the customer-centric measures quite differently in the IPMA framework.
Noncognitive skills in training curricula and nonlinear wage returns
Authors: Kiener Fabienne , Gnehm Ann-Sophie , Backes-Gellner Uschi
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate self-competence—the ability to act responsibly on one's own—and likely nonlinear wage returns across different levels of self-competence as part of training curricula.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors identify the teaching of self-competence at the occupational level by applying machine-learning methods to the texts of occupational training curricula. Defining three levels of self-competence (high, medium, and low) and using individual labor market data, the authors examine nonlinearities in wage returns to different levels of self-competence.

Findings

The authors find nonlinear returns to teaching self-competence: a medium level of self-competence taught in an occupation has the largest wage returns compared to low or high levels. However, in occupations with a high cognitive requirement profile, a high level of self-competence generates positive wage returns.

Originality/value

This paper first adds to research on the importance of teaching noncognitive skills for economic outcomes, which recently—in addition to personality traits research—has primarily focused on social skills by introducing self-competence as another largely unexplored but important noncognitive skill. Second, the paper studies not only average but also nonlinear wage returns, showing that the right level of self-competence is crucial, i.e. neither teaching too little nor too much self-competence provides favorable returns because of trade-offs with other skills (e.g. technical or professional skills). Third, the paper also examines complementarities between cognitive skills and noncognitive skills, again pointing toward nonlinear returns, i.e. only in occupations with a high cognitive requirement profile, high levels of self-competence generate positive wage returns.
The assessment of the impact of cyberfraud in the South African banking industry
Authors: Akinbowale Oluwatoyin Esther , Klingelhöfer Heinz Eckart , Zerihun Mulatu Fekadu
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of cyberfraud in the South African banks with the aim to provide recommendations to effectively mitigate it.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative approach involving the use of structured questionnaires. The questionnaires were made available to the staff of 17 licensed banks in South Africa who deal with management, operation, administration and banking services. Two hypotheses were formulated and non-parametric statistical analyses involving the use of Chi-square test, Fischer’s Exact test and Spearman’s correlation were carried out. The two hypotheses formulated were tested to draw a conclusion.

Findings

The results obtained indicate that the impact of cyberfraud in the South African banking industry is highly significant and has affected the reputation of some of the banks. This calls for the need to review the diverse ways of curbing cyberfraud to lessen their impact and that of associated fraud risks on the banking operation.

Practical implications

This study provides an analysis on the relationship cyberfraud occurrences and the reputation of South African banks. The implementation of the recommendations may reinforce the existing security measures in the fight against cyberfraud.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in the fact that the assessment of the impact of cyberfraud on the banking industry in South Africa has not been sufficiently highlighted by the existing literature.
Influence of EU-Russian sanctions and oil price on Danish trade
Authors: Larsen Kseniia Skogstad
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The article compares the effect of European Union (EU)-Russian sanctions imposed in 2014 with the influence of fluctuating oil prices on Danish trade.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper annual import and export trade data between Denmark and 152 countries from the period 2002–18 were computed in STATA/SE 16.1 using the Gravity model to evaluate the effect of economic sanctions and the price of oil.

Findings

Results showed that the impact from the fall of oil price exceeded the negative effect from sanctions on Danish export. Additionally, the analyses suggest that the fall in oil price had a negative effect on Danish import. Even so, Danish import significantly increased due to growth in supplies of energy resources from Russia.

Originality/value

This study explains the overlapping effects of EU-Russian sanctions and fluctuating oil prices on Danish trade. This methodology can be expanded to encompass multiple countries using the two-sided Gravity model.
Mobile banking usage in the postpandemic era: Demystifying the disparities among divergent user segments in a majority-Muslim country
Authors: Chetioui Youssef , Lebdaoui Hind , Hafid Nisrine
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 crisis has sped up digital transformation and technologies by several years. Customers have dramatically shifted to online channels, and businesses have quickly responded by offering additional canals for online shopping and payment. Customers have also been exhibiting greater preferences for contactless payments, and mobile banking has therefore become a norm in both developed and developing countries. This study aims to understand the antecedents of mobile banking actual usage in an early adoption stage setting (i.e. Morocco) through a comprehensive conceptual model combining the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, the DeLone and McLean IS success model and additional constructs extracted from extent literature. The moderating effects of age, gender and education are also examined and analyzed using multigroup analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data collected from 616 Moroccan users, the authors empirically tested the proposed conceptual model using structural equation modeling.

Findings

First, consumer M-banking actual usage has a significant effect on customer satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty; at the same time, attitudinal loyalty was significantly influenced by customer satisfaction. Second, while M-banking actual usage was significantly influenced by effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, price value, habit, service quality, trust, attitude and perceived security, the results show no significant impact of system quality and information quality. Third, the relationship between M-banking actual usage and its antecedents was significantly moderated by age, gender and education.

Practical implications

The findings help bank practitioners to understand the importance of meeting customers’ needs and expectations as a prerequisite in enhancing actual usage, satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty. More importantly, the authors emphasize the need for demographically oriented strategies to target different demographic segments of customers.

Originality/value

The study bridges a gap in M-banking literature by offering a thorough understanding of consumers’ mobile banking use during the pandemic. The findings provide evidence of the applicability of the conceptual model proposed in this research. Furthermore, the reflection of the moderating effects of gender, age and education emphasizes the mobile banking usage disparities among dissimilar demographic segments.
Predicting factors affecting business operations during pandemic COVID-19
Authors: Hussain Talib , Hussain Shahid
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The global COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly overwhelmed our societies, shocked the global economy and disturbed normal business operations. While such impacts of COVID-19 are becoming clearer, the effects of the disease on business operations are more common. This study mainly focuses on identifying the factors that affect the smooth operation of businesses during a pandemic situation.

Design/methodology/approach

Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to rate the result index. A total of 40 professionals and experts of different businesses were listed on stock exchanges, and asked to rank the key variables with relative indices and weighting methods.

Findings

The results of the AHP successfully assigned weighting scores to all key important factors during the COVID-19 pandemic situation that businesses should focus on, with economic factors receiving the highest score of 60%. Likewise, the other factors that impact values for business operations are reported as social (22%), legal (12.2%), technological (5.16%) and political (0.57%). The results of this study also match with the current policies adopted by different government and nongovernment agencies like the guidelines of the World Health Organization and some most recent research results.

Originality/value

In the hectic and growing environment under COVID-19 pandemic, more contributions are not enough, and it is helpful for the whole business industry and society by stipulating more views. This study aims to overview the global impacts and challenges of COVID-19 pandemic on business operations.
Investigating COVID-19 spillovers in the US economy with a dynamic CGE model
Authors: Ahmed Irfan , Socci Claudio , Deriu Stefano , D'Andrea Silvia , Mathkur Naif M.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The recent COVID-19 is forcing governments to implement policies on a large scale to counter its spread. A central issue in the economic debate is the effective quantification of the impact that the policies may implicitly have on the economy. This study quantifies the effects of lockdown in the United States.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a dynamic computable general equilibrium (DCGE) model calibrated on a social accounting matrix (SAM). The lockdown policy is applied on the supply side, by using a reduction in the production according to the closing time of each industry. The reduction in the demand is also applied, throughout the contraction of the household consumption that is diversified by the commodities. In order to analyse the pure effect of the lockdown policy, the interventions by the policy makers are not considered in this study.

Findings

The results show an important contraction of productivity in the food industry, the real estate activities, the constructions and the general services.

Originality/value

The contraction produces a fall of the GDP for the whole period analysed, traced by the investments, which includes repercussions on the whole productive system, employment and income of the institutional sectors.
Multiple large shareholders and auditor choice: evidence from China
Authors: Feng Xiaoqing , Wen Wen , Ke Yun , He Ying
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether a firm's demand for high-quality auditors is influenced by multiple large shareholders (MLS). As one type of ownership structure, MLS have gained popularity in China recently and have different types of large shareholders, including large institutional shareholder, large foreign shareholder and large state shareholder. The authors also examine whether different types of MLS have heterogeneous impacts on appointing high-quality auditors.

Design/methodology/approach

With a sample of 27,131 firm-year observations from Chinese public companies from 2003 to 2018, the authors use multivariate regressions to examine the effect of MLS on auditor choice. Heckman two-stage analysis, a firm fixed effects model, propensity score matching and difference-in-differences test are used as robustness checks.

Findings

This paper finds that the presence and power of MLS increase the likelihood of appointing high-quality auditors. With regard to the types of MLS, large institutional shareholders and foreign shareholders have significant positive effects on appointing high-quality auditors, while the presence of state-owned large shareholders has no effect on auditor choice. Further analyses reveal that the positive effect of MLS on high-quality auditor choice is more pronounced in firms with severe agency problems and information asymmetry. Taken together, these results suggest that MLS play a monitoring role by demanding high-quality auditors.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on the determinants of auditor choice. While prior studies primarily focus on the impact of concentrated ownership structure, corporate governance and the pressure from stakeholders on auditor choice, this paper complements the literature by providing evidence from the heterogeneous effects of different types MLS. This paper also extends the literature on the consequences of MLS from the perspective of auditor choice.
Exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health organisations in England
Authors: Alshawwa Yusra , Sethi Faisil
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health organisations in England.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative mixed-methods approach was applied, including a review of the academic literature, a review of the non-academic literature and a brief semi-structured survey. Respondents of the semi-structured survey included seven healthcare leaders from four different NHS Mental Health Trusts in England. This review applied thematic analysis to the data findings.

Findings

Mental health organisations in England have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis of the identified resources found four overarching areas for learning: organisational structures, approaches to practice (working and delivering care), leadership and staff support. Organisational structures refer to structural, systemic and procedural changes that have taken place. Approaches to practice relate to shifts in organisational work and delivery of care. Leadership identifies styles used to manage change and disruption. Staff support refers to measures and interventions applied to meet changing staff needs and well-being.

Practical implications

Mental health organisations can reduce the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through continuous improvements in future crisis planning, innovations in clinical practice and a sustained focus on staff well-being.

Originality/value

A multi-dimensional exploration into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health organisations was conducted. The review also provides insights into the experience of healthcare leadership in managing change during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Access and impact barriers to academic publications: a global study of thesis and dissertation embargo policies
Authors: Rasuli Behrooz , Schöpfel Joachim , Boock Michael , Van Wyk Brenda
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Many Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) allow students or their advisors to restrict access to theses/dissertations (TDs) by applying embargoes. This study aims to identify why Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) allow embargoes.

Design/methodology/approach

One hundred HEIs were randomly selected, representing seven geographic regions. The authors imported policies/guidelines for embargoing TDs into MAXQDA software and coded the qualitative data.

Findings

Among the 100 studied HEIs, 43 HEIs (43%) have policies/guidelines on the web for embargoing TDs, most of which are from North America. For the majority of HEIs, embargoes are a voluntary option for students/advisors. Content analysis of the 32 embargo policies showed that embargo reasons (18 key reasons) can be categorized into six broad themes (commercialization, publication, ethical issues, funding contracts/agreements, security and safety, and miscellaneous).

Research limitations/implications

In this study, only those policies are reviewed that are available, discoverable and accessible on HEIs' websites.

Practical implications

Highlighting the detrimental effect of not managing stipulations towards embargoes clearly, the findings could be useful for national/institutional policymakers and administrators of research departments, academic libraries, institutional repositories and graduate offices.

Originality/value

This is the first study to investigate rationales for TDs embargo practices. It creates awareness of how embargoes are managed and reflected in policy. Ultimately, it recommends further interrogation on how embargoes influence the principle of openness to scholarship.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-09-2022-0497.
Recognizing and outmaneuvering the resistance to digital transformation
Authors: Denning Stephen
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The author reports on the chief obstacle to successful digital adoption, the resistance to change the fundamental way a firm is managed—one requiring a transformation from industrial-era management to digital-age thinking and management.

Design/methodology/approach

The author explains that it has become increasingly apparent that the most successful firms at digital transformation are being run very differently from industrial-era management practices.

Findings

As every company becomes a digital company, they need a distributed computing fabric to build, manage, secure and deploy applications anywhere.

Practical implications

The use of “low code/no-code technology” is now “rapidly becoming a priority for every organization’s digital capability building”.

Originality/value

The crucial learning: At Novartis, digital technology did not initially infuse itself throughout the firm as management initially hoped. Some Novartis managers began to realize that technologists and data scientists alone couldn’t bring about the kind of wholesale innovation the business needed, so they began pairing data scientists with business employees who had insight into where improvements in efficiency and performance were needed.
Customer lifetime value: the effect of relational benefits, brand experiences, quality, satisfaction, trust and commitment in the fast-food restaurants
Authors: Dandis Ala' Omar , Al Haj Eid Mohammad , Griffin Denis , Robin Robin , Ni Arnt Kyawt
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study examines factors that affect customer lifetime value (CLV) in fast-food restaurants (FFRs) in Jordan. These factors are relational benefits, brand experiences, service quality (SQ), satisfaction, trust and commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was collected from a sample of 503 respondents. The authors used SPSS to test the constructs' relationships and analyse the data. SmartPLS was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

In contrast to previous studies, not all dimensions of brand experiences and relational benefits had a significant and positive influence on relationship marketing outcomes (satisfaction, trust and commitment). On the other hand, results demonstrated that SQ had a significant and positive influence on relationship marketing outcomes. Furthermore, research reveals that satisfaction, trust and commitment significantly and positively influenced CLV.

Practical implications

Those FFRs that seek to enhance CLV should build solid and sustainable bonds with their customers. This paper concludes by stating its implications, its limitations and the opportunities available for future research.

Originality/value

This study, which is unique in the Middle East, includes essential strategies for managing customer relationship that can be universally applied to improve customer benefits and maximise the performance of businesses.
The impact of a Curriculum for Resilience Promotion in Deaf Children and Adolescents
Authors: Freitas Eunice , Simões Celeste , Mineiro Ana , Rosa Pedro J. , Santos Anabela C.
Published: January 2023

Resilience is an interactive process involving internal skills that should be promoted, especially in the early stages of development. This study aims to adapt and implement two themes from the European Curriculum for Resilience Promotion – RESCUR, namely, ‘Developing Communication Skills’ and ‘Establishing and Maintaining Healthy Relationships’, for deaf and hard‐of‐hearing (DHH) students. The study included 37 children and adolescents from three Portuguese regions and its impact was evaluated through the perspectives of the students, their guardians and their teachers. Each 90‐minute session was implemented weekly. The sessions followed the RESCUR curriculum structure with necessary adaptations to the mindfulness activities, stories, role‐play and worksheets. The mean scores increased from pre‐ to post‐intervention assessment on all instruments, namely, KIDSCREEN‐10 (children/adolescents), KIDSCREEN‐10 (guardians) and CYRM‐28 (teachers). The implementation of adapted curricula promoting resilience seems to be beneficial to DHH children, allowing the development of specific resilience‐associated skills, and thus enhancing health, well‐being and quality of life.
Biofluorescence and predator avoidance in the giraffe
Authors: Morandi Kin , Lindholm Anna K. , Lee Derek E. , Bond Monica L.
Published: January 2023

Biofluorescence of mammalian pelage may serve to hide prey from predators sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, among other potential functions. To date biofluorescence has been documented in nocturnal‐crepuscular and fossorial mammals that are active under low‐light conditions. Giraffes are primarily diurnal, but biofluorescent pelage might offer camouflage from their nocturnal felid predators. Using a full‐spectrum camera we qualitatively analyzed UV reflectance and absorption in giraffe pelage from a museum specimen. We found no trace of UV biofluorescence in the giraffe pelage, suggesting that this trait may not be ecologically or biologically relevant in giraffes. The function of biofluorescence in mammals remains elusive, but our study contributes to the growing body of data about biofluorescence, or its lack thereof, in diurnal versus nocturnal‐crepuscular or fossorial mammal species.
Differences in ingestive behavior between grazing goats and sheep at the bite scale
Authors: Yayota Masato , Hotokebuchi Mai , Kawata Rie , Tani Yukinori , Ohtani Shigeru
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to clarify the differences in ingestive behavior between goats and sheep at the bite scale. Animals were allowed to graze a feeding station of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatumFlügge) with two sward heights (short and tall) to two levels of bite depletion (20 and 40 bites). Ingestive behavior variables, which represent the rate and mass of bites and chews, intake rate, bite dimensions, and bite placement characteristics, were quantified. The interspecies difference in ingestive behavior became obvious at the short sward. Goats reduced the inter‐bite distance and maintained bite overlapping but took deeper bites than sheep at the short sward, resulting in slightly greater bite mass. These behavioral changes with efficient chewing may be helpful to maintain the intake rate at the short sward. Sheep maintained their inter‐bite distance regardless of the sward height and decreased overlapping bites at the short sward. These behavioral characteristics in sheep in response to sward height may partly compensate for the decrease in the bite mass at the short sward, although it may not always maintain the intake rate. Thus, the present study suggests that goats and sheep implement different bite scale ingestive behaviors, including bite placement, when they eat short swards.
Structural analysis and measured extension in fault complexes along the Lofoten‐Vesterålen margin, offshore Norway, in the context of crustal‐scale rifting towards breakup in NE Atlantic
Authors: Meza‐Cala Juan Camilo , Tsikalas Filippos , Abdelmalak Mansour M. , Faleide Jan Inge
Published: January 2023

Late Cretaceous–Palaeocene continental extension within the Lofoten‐Vesterålen margin is investigated by integrating 2D‐3D seismic and potential field datasets, together with updated crustal transects. Most of that deformation is recorded by two low‐angle detachment structures named West Røst High Fault Complex (WRHFC) and North Utrøst Ridge Fault Complex (NURFC) located at the southern and central‐northern portions of the studied area, respectively. Multiple extensional episodes of various intensities were mapped as different fault stages, including one Albian‐Cenomanian phase, four early Late Cretaceous phases, three Late Cretaceous to latest Cretaceous–Palaeocene phases, and one Palaeocene phase. The WRHFC is narrower in extent and has accommodated a relatively greater amount of localized extension (ca. 18–19 km), whereas the NURFC occupies a wider area with widespread extension intensity (ca. 6–8 km). In comparison, the total across‐margin average extension within the southern, central, and northern portions of the Lofoten‐Vesterålen and NE Greenland conjugate margins are ca. 192, 221, and 266 km, respectively. Such results indicate an apparent extension discrepancy between derived extension from measured fault‐block geometries within the fault complexes and the whole conjugate margin system, with only ca. 11% and 13% of the extension seen on the studied seismic profiles on the WRHFC and NURFC, respectively. The corrected maximum extension for purely sub‐seismic resolution faulting on both the WRHFC and NURFC fault complexes is ca. 164 and 46 km, respectively. Finally, both WRHFC and NURFC structures provide key evidence for a ductile mode of deformation towards breakup that is expressed through shear zones‐rift topography interactions with overlaying listric/detachment faults. These features reflect the resulting multiphase tectonic evolution across the asymmetric Lofoten‐Vesterålen and NE Greenland conjugate margins, and the obliquity in the breakup axis location along them. The study outcomes are pertinent and applicable to understand the breakup evolution of the northern NE Atlantic and its vicinity.
Manufacturing output and extreme temperature: Evidence from Canada
Authors: Kabore Philippe , Rivers Nicholas
Published: January 2023

This paper analyzes the effects of extreme temperature on manufacturing output using a data set covering the universe of manufacturing establishments in Canada from 2004 to 2012. Extreme temperature can affect manufacturing activity directly through its impact on labour productivity and indirectly through a change in demand for products. Using a panel fixed effects method, our results suggest a non‐linear relationship between outdoor extreme temperature and manufacturing output. Each day where outdoor mean temperatures are below  °C or above 24 °C reduces annual manufacturing output by 0.18% and 0.11%, respectively, relative to a day with mean temperature between 12 ° and 18 °C. In a typical year, extreme temperatures, as measured by the number of days below  °C or above 24 °C, reduce annual manufacturing output by 2.2%, with extreme hot temperatures contributing the most to this impact. Given the predicted change in climate for the mid‐ and end of century, we predict annual manufacturing output losses due to extreme temperature to range between 2.8% and 3.7% in mid‐century and 3.7% and 7.2% in end of century.
Penalties for speeding and their effect on moving violations: Evidence from Quebec drivers
Authors: Chandler Vincent , Morin Lealand , Penney Jeffrey
Published: January 2023

In 2008, the province of Quebec drastically increased penalties for speeding well above the speed limit by doubling fines and instituting on‐the‐spot licence suspension. Using administrative driving and licensing records in Quebec from 2006 to 2010, we examine whether the new law discouraged unlawful driving behaviour by investigating the frequency with which motorists received traffic citations. We find that the new law was effective in deterring motorists from speeding. Moreover, the effect was most pronounced for males compared with females, for young compared with old, and especially so for drivers with high demerit point balances accumulated from past infractions compared with those with few or no tickets. In sum, the change in behaviour was most apparent for those drivers who were the intended targets for the legislation.
Discrimination Experienced by Immigrants, Racialized Individuals, and Indigenous Peoples in Small‐ and Mid‐Sized Communities in Southwestern Ontario
Authors: Vaswani Mamta , Sutter Alina , Lapshina Natalia , Esses Victoria M.
Published: January 2023

We investigate discrimination experiences of (1) immigrants and racialized individuals, (2) Indigenous peoples, and (3) comparison White non‐immigrants in nine regions of Southwestern Ontario containing small‐ and mid‐sized communities. For each region, representative samples of the three groups were recruited to complete online surveys. In most regions, over 80 percent of Indigenous peoples reported experiencing discrimination in the past 3 years, and in more than half of the regions, over 60 percent of immigrants and racialized individuals did so. Indigenous peoples, immigrants and racialized individuals were most likely to experience discrimination in employment settings and in a variety of public settings, and were most likely to attribute this discrimination to racial and ethnocultural factors, and for Indigenous peoples also their Indigenous identity. Immigrants and racialized individuals who had experienced discrimination generally reported a lower sense of belonging and welcome in their communities. This association was weaker for Indigenous peoples. The findings provide new insight into discrimination experienced by Indigenous peoples, immigrants and racialized individuals in small and mid‐sized Canadian communities, and are critical to creating and implementing effective anti‐racism and anti‐discrimination strategies.
Biallelic intragenic tandem duplication of CPLANE1 in Joubert syndrome: A case report
Authors: Martínez‐Granero Francisco , Martínez‐Cayuelas Elena , Rodilla Cristina , Núñez‐Moreno Gonzalo , Rodríguez de Alba Marta , Blanco‐Kelly Fiona , Romero Raquel , Minguez Pablo , Ayuso Carmen , Lorda‐Sanchez Isabel , Corton Marta , Almoguera Berta
Published: January 2023

Joubert syndrome (JS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous genetic disorder. To date, 40 JS‐causing genes have been reported and CPLANE1 is one of the most frequently mutated, with biallelic pathogenic missense and truncating variants explaining up to 14% of JS cases. We present a case of JS diagnosed after the identification of a novel biallelic intragenic duplication of exons 20–46 of CPLANE1. The quadruplication was identified by short‐read sequencing and copy number variant analysis and confirmed in tandem by long PCR with the breakpoints defined by a nanopore‐based long‐read sequencing approach. Based on the genetic findings and the clinical presentation of the patient, a brain MRI was ordered, evidencing the molar tooth sign, which confirmed the diagnosis of JS in the patient. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of an intragenic duplication in this gene as the potential molecular mechanism of JS.
Feasibility of opioid‐free surgery for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Truong Adam , Yao Lucille , Fleshner Phillip R. , Zaghiyan Karen N.
Published: January 2023

Aim

Patients undergoing colorectal surgery or those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are particularly at risk for opioid‐related complications and progression to long‐term opioid dependence. The aim of this work is to explore the real‐world possibility of perioperative opioid avoidance in colorectal surgery and IBD.

Method

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients aggregated from two prospective studies on multimodal postoperative pain control conducted at a single tertiary referral centre. All patients underwent major colorectal surgery with bowel resection. Patients with chronic preoperative opioid use were excluded. Opioid use was measured in oral morphine equivalents (OME) each postoperative day (POD) and cumulatively for the first 72 h.

Results

Our cohort of 209 patients included 148 (71%) with IBD and 61 (29%) non‐IBD patients. IBD patients required significantly more opioids cumulatively over the first 72 postoperative hours compared with non‐IBD patients [median OME 77 mg (interquartile range 33–148 mg) vs. 4 mg (interquartile range 17–82 mg), respectively; p = 0.001]. Five percent of IBD patients achieved opioid‐free postoperative pain control during the entire 72 h postoperative period compared with 12% of non‐IBD patients. Only 7% of IBD patients avoided opioid use on POD 1 compared with 20% of non‐IBD patients (p = 0.02); however the number of IBD patients increased to 16% on POD 2 then 40% on POD 3, closely resembling the non‐IBD cohort at 49% (p = 0.22).

Conclusion

In the era of modern enhanced recovery protocols and minimally invasive techniques, we show that early postoperative opioid avoidance is feasible in a limited number of IBD patients after colorectal surgery.