bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The recycling endosome biogenesis machinery coordinates BACE1 endosomal sorting and amyloid-Beta production
Authors: Brault Jean-Baptiste , Liu Zengzhen , Bardin Sabine , Ladarre Delphine , Fraisier Vincent , Tchenio Anna , Lenkei Zsolt , Salamero Jean , Delevoye Cedric , Goud Bruno , Miserey Stephanie
Published: April 2023

Alzheimer s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia worldwide. One of AD s main pathological hallmarks is the cerebral plaque deposits of Beta-amyloid (ABeta). ABeta is generated through sequential enzymatic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). The Beta-secretase or Beta-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) initiates this cleavage and is thus key to regulate ABeta formation. Both APP and BACE1 transit through the endolysosomal system but the exact nature of the compartment(s) where APP cleavage occurs as well as the molecular mechanisms that govern their endosomal sorting remain poorly known. Here we show that RAB11 not only regulates BACE1 transport from early/sorting endosomes (EEs/SEs) and drives the exocytosis of BACE1-containing recycling carriers. Moreover, recycling endosome-associated KIF13A, as well as its closely related homolog KIF13B, which are known RAB11 effectors involved in the biogenesis of recycling endosome (RE) from EEs/SEs, also participate in BACE1 endosomal sorting. Importantly, depletion of KIF13A or KIF13B leads to an increase in ABeta generation. Depletion of the BLOC-1 complex, previously described as an essential partner for KIF13A-dependent RE biogenesis, also induces increased amount of ABeta. Altogether, our findings support a model where the EEs/SEs represent a major organelle for ABeta formation and identify the recycling endosome biogenesis machinery as a master coordinator of BACE1 endosomal sorting and transport.
3D architecture and a bi-cellular mechanism of touch detection in mechanosensory corpuscle
Authors: Nikolaev Yury A. , Ziolkowski Luke H. , Pang Song , Li Wei-Ping , Feketa Viktor V. , Xu C. Shan , Gracheva Elena O. , Bagriantsev Sviatoslav N.
Published: April 2023

Mechanosensory corpuscles detect transient touch and vibratory signals in the skin of vertebrates, enabling navigation, foraging, and precise manipulation of objects1. The corpuscle core comprises a terminal neurite of a mechanoreceptor afferent, the only known touch-sensing element within corpuscles, surrounded by terminal Schwann cells called lamellar cells (LCs)2–4. However, the precise corpuscular ultrastructure, and the role of LCs in touch detection are unknown. Here we used enhanced focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy and electron tomography to reveal the three-dimensional architecture of avian Meissner (Grandry) corpuscle5. We show that corpuscles contain a stack of LCs innervated by two afferents, which form large-area contacts with LCs. LCs form tether-like connections with the afferent membrane and contain dense core vesicles which release their content onto the afferent. Furthermore, by performing simultaneous electrophysiological recordings from both cell types, we show that mechanosensitive LCs use calcium influx to trigger action potential firing in the afferent and thus serve as physiological touch sensors in the skin. Our findings suggest a bi-cellular mechanism of touch detection, which comprises the afferent and LCs, likely enables corpuscles to encode the nuances of tactile stimuli.
Substrate specificity and functional conservation of SWEET10 transporter in pineapple
Authors: Fakher Beenish , Ashraf M. Arif , Wang Lulu , Wang Xiaomei , Zheng Ping , Aslam Mohammad , Qin Yuan
Published: April 2023

SWEET transporters are a unique class of sugar transporters that play vital roles in various developmental and physiological processes in plants.

While the functions of SWEETs have been well established in model plants such asArabidopsis, their functions in economically important fruit crops like pineapple have not been well studied.

This study investigated the substrate specificity of pineapple SWEETs by comparing the protein sequences of known glucose and sucrose transporters inArabidopsisto those in pineapple.

Genome-wide approach and 3D structure comparison showed that theArabidopsisSWEET8 homolog in pineapple, AcSWEET10, shares similar sequences and protein properties responsible for glucose transport. To determine the functional conservation of AcSWEET10, its ability to complement glucose transport mutants in yeast, its expression in stamens, and its impact on the microspore phenotype and seed set in transgenicArabidopsiswere analyzed.

AcSWEET10 was found to be functionally equivalent to AtSWEET8 and plays a critical role in regulating microspore formation through the regulation of CalS5.

Manipulating SWEET transporter activity could have important implications for improving fruit crop yield and quality.
Reservoir Dogs: Consequences of variable contact network structures for disease spread in free-ranging dogs
Authors: Sharma Manvi , Kulkarni Abhijeet , Katna Anjan , Vanak Abi Tamim
Published: April 2023

The risk of disease spread is contingent on not only the biological properties of causal agents, such as viruses and bacteria, but also the socio-ecological context of the outbreak. Therefore, researchers need to incorporate the variation in animal-animal interactions in models of disease spread. Much research has focused on how ecological factors (seasonality, mating systems) can influence the variation in animal interactions, but heterogeneity in interactions may arise due to human action, and this has received little attention. We hypothesised that social-mediated differences in the landscape can have consequences for interactions for free-roaming dogs and consequently for disease spread. We used GPS collared data from 31 free-ranging dogs present along a farm-village gradient to build social contact networks to examine differences in interactions. Additionally, we simulated scenarios of rabies infection of two types, dumb and furious, on the contact network structure of village and farm dogs. We found significant differences in the node degree between village and farm contact networks, but the node betweenness was similar. Our simulations showed that infections arising in village dogs are likely to spread to that network, but infections arising in farm dogs get are less likely to spread. Interestingly, this was independent of the type of rabies infection. We discuss our results in light of control strategies for managing rabies in the tropics.
Effect of vessel compression on blood flow in microvascular networks: implications for tumour tissue hypoxia
Authors: Enjalbert Romain , Krüger Timm , Bernabeu Miguel O.
Published: April 2023

The tumour microenvironment is abnormal and one of its consequences is that blood vessels are compressed. Vessel compression correlates with reduced survival rates, while decompression of vessels improves tissue oxygenation as well as increases survival rates. Vessel compression contributes, at a single vascular bifurcation, to the increase of heterogeneity of red blood cell (RBC) transport. However, the effect that vessel compression has at a network level is unknown. This work numerically investigates the effect of vessel compression on RBC transport in microvascular networks. The key findings are that vessel compression both reduces the average haematocrit, and increases haematocrit heterogeneity, in vessels in the network. The mechanisms for these changes in haematocrit distribution are unravelled, and a parameter sweep shows that networks with lower inlet haematocrits are more susceptible to haemodilution from vessel compression over a wide range of compressed fraction of a network. These findings provide a theoretical underpinning for the link between vessel compression and tumour tissue hypoxia.
Non-Hebbian plasticity transforms transient experiences into lasting memories
Authors: Faress Islam , Khalil Valentina , Hou Wen-Hsien , Moreno Andrea , Andersen Niels , Fonseca Rosalina , Piriz Joaquin , Capogna Marco , Nabavi Sadegh
Published: April 2023

The dominant models of learning and memory, such as Hebbian plasticity, propose that experiences are transformed into memories through input-specific synaptic plasticity at the time of learning. However, synaptic plasticity is neither strictly input specific nor restricted to the time of its induction. The impact of such forms of non-Hebbian plasticity on memory has been difficult to test, hence poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that synaptic manipulations can deviate from the Hebbian model of learning, yet produce a lasting memory. First, we established a weak associative conditioning protocol in mice, where optogenetic stimulation of sensory thalamic input to the amygdala was paired with a footshock, but no detectable memory was formed. However, when the same input was potentiated minutes before or after, or even 24 hours later, the associative experience was converted to a lasting memory. Importantly, potentiating an independent input to the amygdala minutes but not 24 hours after the pairing produced a lasting memory. Thus, our findings suggest that the process of transformation of a transient experience into a memory is neither restricted to the time of the experience nor to the synapses triggered by it; instead, it can be influenced by past and future events.
Universal verification methodology-based airborne electronic hardware certification approach for ARINC-429
Authors: Ayaz Ibrahim , Sakarya Ufuk , Hokelek Ibrahim
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a verification methodology for custom micro coded components designed for Avionics projects. Every electronic hardware which will be developed for an aircraft must be designed with the compliance of DO-254 processes. Requirements are the key elements of the aviation. All the requirements must be covered by the design to be considered as completed. Therefore, verification of the custom micro coded components against requirements should be comprehensively addressed. The verification using the manual testing approach is less preferable, as humans can possibly make mistakes. Therefore, the most used verification method today is the automated simulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The industry has developed a common methodology for generating automated testbenches by following the standardized guideline. This methodology is named as the universal verification methodology (UVM). In this paper, the verification study of ARINC-429 data bus digital design is presented to describe the DO-254 verification process using the UVM.

Findings

The results are supported with functional coverage and code coverage in addition to the assertions. It is observed that the design worked correctly.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study comprehensively describing the DO-254 verification process and demonstrating it by the UVM application of ARINC-429 on programmable logic devices.
How does the financial performance of sugar-using firms compare to other agribusinesses? An accounting and economic profit rates analysis
Authors: Trejo-Pech Carlos J.O. , DeLong Karen L. , Johansson Robert
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The United States (US) sugar program protects domestic sugar farmers from unrestricted imports of heavily-subsidized global sugar. Sugar-using firms (SUFs) criticize that program for causing US sugar prices to be higher than world sugar prices. This study examines the financial performance of publicly traded SUFs to determine if they are performing at an economic disadvantage in terms of accounting profitability, risk and economic profitability compared to other industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Firm-level financial accounting and market data from 2010 to 2019 were utilized to construct financial metrics for publicly traded SUFs, agribusinesses and general US firms. These financial metrics were analyzed to determine how SUFs compare to their agribusiness peer group and general US companies. The comprehensive financial analysis in this study covers: (1) accounting profit rates, (2) drivers of profitability, (3) economic profit rates, (4) trend analysis and (5) peer comparisons. Quantile regression analysis and Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney statistics are employed for statistical comparisons.

Findings

Regarding various profitability and risk measures, SUFs outperform their agribusiness peers and the general benchmark of all US firms in terms of accounting profit rates, risk levels and economic profit rates. Furthermore, compared to other US industries using the 17 French and Fama classifications, SUFs have the highest return on investment and economic profit rate―measured by the Economic Value Added® margin―and the second-lowest opportunity cost of capital, measured by the weighted average cost of capital.

Originality/value

This study finds nothing to suggest that the US sugar program hinders the financial success of SUFs, contrary to recent claims by sugar-using firms. Notably in this analysis is the evaluation of economic profit rates and a series of robustness techniques.
Boards and CSR: an emerging market perspective
Authors: Rivas Jose Luis , Rubio Job
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of family ownership and governance mechanisms on corporate social responsibility (CSR) scores through the lens of the principal–principal (PP) perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a random-effects model the authors sample 21 hundred board members across a 101 listed Mexican companies from 2008 to 2020.

Findings

The paper finds that board independence and board committees are positively related to CSR scores.

Practical implications

Results of this paper suggest that stronger governance can enhance CSR: board independence and committees can be a counterbalancing mechanism serving stakeholders aiming to improve CSR scores.

Originality/value

Most CSR research has focused on determinants and outcomes of CSR. The authors analyze an unexplored aspect of the corporate governance (CG) and CSR relationship: the potential influence of family ownership and governance mechanisms on CSR.
Benchmarking meta-analytical conceptualizations of B2B seller skills against empirical evidence in services firms
Authors: Høgevold Nils M. , Rodríguez Rocio , Otero-Neira Carmen , Svensson Göran
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to benchmark meta-analytical conceptualizations of business-to-business (B2B) seller skills against empirical evidence in services firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a deductive approach and questionnaire survey focusing on a range of services firms from different industries and corporate sizes. A total of 389 questionnaires out of 732 were returned, generating a response rate of 53.1%.

Findings

The study aims to provide empirical evidence and structures relating to B2B sellers' capabilities in a seven-dimensional conceptualization, all of which can be used in services firms to improve their seller efficiency. Each seller skill dimension performs a different function in the sales services process.

Research limitations/implications

The authors conclude that the verified meta-analytical conceptualizations of B2B seller skills seem valid and reliable in services firms. Nevertheless, further research needs to be carried out, based on other company characteristics as well as industries.

Practical implications

It reduces the risk perceived by customers in B2B services settings through cultivating the sellers' capabilities, based on the seven-dimensional evidence of seller skills to enhance sales performance.

Originality/value

The study contributes to existing theory and previous studies by offering a foundation on which to structure sales performance indicators in services firms. Specifically, it contributes to structuring B2B seller skills across a selection of principal dimensions in B2B services settings.
Getting organizational adaptability in the context of digital transformation
Authors: Sun Xinbo , He Zhiwei , Qian Yu
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore what organizational adaptability means in the digitized context and to discuss how manufacturing companies achieve organizational adaptability during the digital transformation process.

Design/methodology/approach

By conducting semi-structured interviews and acquiring archive data from a typical Chinese manufacturing company, this paper gathers extensive data. Based on this, a single-case study methodology is used to investigate organizational adaptability in digital transformation.

Findings

This study identifies the process by which companies achieve organizational adaptability during digital transformation and deconstructs organizational adaptability into three dimensions: structural adaptability, operational adaptability and governance adaptability. This study also explores how organizational adaptability is affected by digital capabilities.

Originality/value

This study proposes a process model to demonstrate how organizational adaptability may be attained during digital transformation and redefines organizational adaptability in the context of digitization.
The dynamics of cross-sector collaboration in disasters
Authors: Lee Khiam Jin , Malinen Sanna K. , Nilakant Venkataraman
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study examines challenges to cross-sector collaboration in disasters. The authors use Malaysian flooding as the context for the study and offer a framework to understand different types of collaborators in disaster settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected with semi-structured interviews, complemented with secondary data from government documents and news reports. The authors interviewed a total of 30 participants including six disaster aid recipients and 24 strategic and operational participants from 12 disaster management organizations. Thematic analysis was conducted including two cycles of coding, memoing and constant comparisons.

Findings

The authors present two key theoretical contributions: key barriers to cross-sector collaboration and a typology of collaboration in disasters. Key barriers include leadership approach and central vs local decision-making, differing levels of motivation to collaborate and the organizations' ability to collaborate in disasters. Despite these barriers, collaboration does occur in disaster settings. The authors suggest that the forms of collaboration may be driven primarily by differing motivations to collaborate and differing perceptions of others’ ability to collaborate, resulting in four types of collaboration: (1) enthusiastic, (2) mandate-driven, (3) reluctant and (4) non-collaboration.

Originality/value

The authors show that although the command-and-control model was dominant, organizations also attempted to improve disaster management efficacy through collaborative approaches. Central institutional agencies and their wider external partners are capable of using cross-sector collaboration as a strategy to tackle the complex problems post-disaster. However, pre-disaster relationship building will likely help organizations to collaborate more effectively when a disaster occurs.
On the use of AI-based tools like ChatGPT to support management research
Authors: Burger Bastian , Kanbach Dominik K. , Kraus Sascha , Breier Matthias , Corvello Vincenzo
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The article discusses the current relevance of artificial intelligence (AI) in research and how AI improves various research methods. This article focuses on the practical case study of systematic literature reviews (SLRs) to provide a guideline for employing AI in the process.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers no longer require technical skills to use AI in their research. The recent discussion about using Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT), a chatbot by OpenAI, has reached the academic world and fueled heated debates about the future of academic research. Nevertheless, as the saying goes, AI will not replace our job; a human being using AI will. This editorial aims to provide an overview of the current state of using AI in research, highlighting recent trends and developments in the field.

Findings

The main result is guidelines for the use of AI in the scientific research process. The guidelines were developed for the literature review case but the authors believe the instructions provided can be adjusted to many fields of research, including but not limited to quantitative research, data qualification, research on unstructured data, qualitative data and even on many support functions and repetitive tasks.

Originality/value

AI already has the potential to make researchers’ work faster, more reliable and more convenient. The authors highlight the advantages and limitations of AI in the current time, which should be present in any research utilizing AI. Advantages include objectivity and repeatability in research processes that currently are subject to human error. The most substantial disadvantages lie in the architecture of current general-purpose models, which understanding is essential for using them in research. The authors will describe the most critical shortcomings without going into technical detail and suggest how to work with the shortcomings daily.
The COVID-19 pandemic and perceived risks of immigrants in the United States
Authors: Lee Sunwoo Tessa , Kim Kyoung Tae
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused hundreds of thousands of people to suffer severe illness or die and has had severe effects on individuals’ financial well-being as well. Unfortunately, it is very likely that the pandemic has had a disproportionate effect, particularly on vulnerable and underserved groups, including immigrants in the USA. This study aims to examine the association between perceived health risk and perceived financial risk attributable to COVID-19, and focuses on their heterogeneous effects depending upon immigrant status.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the Understanding America Study (UAS) COVID-19 National Survey data collected from April 2020 to July 2021. Sets of ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and fixed effects regression analyses were conducted on the perceived risk COVID-19 poses on households’ finances. The main focal variables of interest were immigrant status and perceived risk of COVID-19 infection and death.

Findings

The results showed that the correlation between health risk and perceived financial risk was much higher among first- and second-generation immigrants. Surprisingly, various types of government aid did not have a consistent and significant effect on the recipients’ perception of the risk that COVID-19 poses to their household finances.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few attempts to empirically examine the association between perceived health risk and financial risk during the COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on the heterogeneity by immigrant status. The authors used an appropriate methodology that considered the panel structure of the UAS COVID-19 National Survey’s data. The study provides important implications for researchers and policymakers related to immigrants’ financial well-being.
Does brand attachment protect consumer–brand relationships after brand misconduct in retail banking?
Authors: Shimul Anwar Sadat , Faroque Anisur R. , Cheah Isaac
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This research aims to examine the role of consumers' brand trust and attachment on advocacy intention before and after the occurrence of brand misconduct in retail banking. In addition, the influence of brand attachment on consumers' willingness to switch, advocate for and forgive brands is examined in a post-misconduct scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a self-administered online survey questionnaire. A total of 304 valid and usable responses from Australian participants were analysed using IBM SPSS 27.0.

Findings

The findings reveal that brand attachment mediates the positive relationship between trust and advocacy intention. Furthermore, brand attachment (1) dilutes consumers' switching intention and (2) strengthens their willingness to forgive the bank after misconduct.

Practical implications

Results suggest that retail banks should create strong brand attachments with their consumers. In addition to brand trust, brand attachment will generate greater advocacy intention among consumers. Moreover, practitioners in retail banking can leverage brand attachment to mitigate the negative impact of brand misconduct.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to examine the impact of brand attachment on the consumer–bank relationship within the context of brand misconduct. The study is also unique in its analysis of the mediating role of brand attachment between brand trust and advocacy. This research further adds to the current literature by suggesting that strong and positive customer connections to the brand facilitate communication and marketing efforts after brand misconduct and that these are effective in maintaining consumer-bank relationship.
Application of MCDM using PROMETHEE II for evaluation of wine tourism services
Authors: Maracajá Kettrin Farias Bem , Batista Schramm Vanessa , Schramm Fernando , Valduga Vander , Trindade Jaiany Rocha
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply PROMETHEE II, a multicriteria decision-making method, to evaluate wineries, aiming to support the tourist’s decision regarding an online recommendation system on which wineries to prioritise visiting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was divided into four phases: literature review, which aimed to identify a list of criteria related to the quality of services offered by wineries in specialised literature; validation of the categories and criteria with specialists in the field of wine tourism using a questionnaire with questions based on the stage of the research; multicriteria evaluation of wineries using PROMETHEE II method which was adjusted to the model through a pre-test with ten specialist professionals from different states (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo and Pernambuco); and validation of the model with one decision-maker representing each winery in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and a decision-making expert who is familiar with all the wineries.

Findings

These findings reveal various scenarios based on different criteria that wine tourists may consider, with emphasis on the terroir of the region, extensive tasting, picnics in the vineyards and improvement in the development of wine tourism with a night harvest. The core of wine tourism services is based on 12 dimensions: waiting for the service, ease of purchase, opening hours, price, winery landscape, variety of products, local cuisine, quality of tasted products, access to the winery, tourist facilities, sustainable products and hygiene installation.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by demonstrating the applicability of multicriteria tools to solve wine tourism services based on the tourist perspective of the service. Still, this paper proposes that it be applied to other case studies.
Resilience through social innovation for sustainable development
Authors: Dobarrio Machado Ciccarino Irene , Serrano Fernandes Rodrigues Susana Cristina
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide an example of the intersections between resilience and innovation within the social economy. It describes the Portuguese context, boosted by a pioneering public policy focused on building resilience through innovation. The sustainable development concept usually sets multilevel relationships among the government, social investors and entrepreneurs. In this sense, the study explores the role of innovation in promoting resilience in initiatives and society that may lead to sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected the primary data through semistructured interviews with social investors and an online survey with the invested or awarded entities from 2015 to 2020. The database represents 43.63% of acknowledged Portuguese social innovative initiatives, describing a complex and multilevel result. The case also provides a unique context for deepening the understanding of popular, relevant, but still underdeveloped concepts.

Findings

The results highlight progress in overcoming social and economic challenges. This progress happens through innovative initiatives aiming to solve social problems that reflect collective interests. The data suggest a context dynamization due to an increase of 31.3% in new initiatives. This increase can potentially represent a consistent investment in resilience and sustainable development.

Originality/value

This paper helps to contextualize and structure information for three fragmented concepts. It relies on their combination to compensate for each other frailties, assuming that innovation can be a crucial factor for boosting sustainable development, making possible the countries’ resilience. It also argues that the literature state can result from a paradigm shift, and these features can favor this process toward a better world.
Land rental markets as a poverty reduction strategy: evidence from Southeast Asia
Authors: Seewald Eva , Baerthel Samantha , Nguyen Trung Thanh
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether the participation in land rental markets helps to mitigate impacts by climate change on multidimensional poverty in Thailand and Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use precipitation data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and self-reported shocks from the Thailand Vietnam Socio-Economic Panel (TVSEP) project to estimate climate change. Data from the TVSEP are also used to calculate a multidimensional poverty index (MPI). Fixed-effect logit panel regressions with interaction terms are implemented to analyze the above mentioned.

Findings

The results show that land rental markets are used as mitigation strategies to climate change in Thailand and Vietnam. The participation in land rental markets also reduces multidimensional poverty. However, as a mitigation strategy, land rental markets are only successful in certain circumstances.

Research limitations/implications

The results show that there is potential in using land rental markets as mitigation strategies to climate change. Further research is needed to better understand which adaptation strategies, besides land rental market participation, and which combinations of different adaptation strategies are successful to mitigate negative effects induced by climate change.

Practical implications

The results show that there is potential in using land rental markets as mitigation strategies to climate change. Therefore, education in the participation in land rental markets and how to use them as a mitigation strategy can be a way to increase households' resilience to negative effects induced by climate change. Households make better decisions regarding their land when they are better informed on the functionality of land rental markets. Additionally, being better informed increases self-confidence to participate in land-rental markets.

Originality/value

Land rental markets as a mitigation strategy to climate change rarely have been studied, and if so, mainly the effect of leasing land has been studied. Additionally, the authors implement new measures of poverty – a multidimensional view on poverty which provides new insights into who are the poor and how they can be lift out of poverty.
Credit risk downgrades and the CDS market: a wavelet analysis
Authors: Nataf Olivier , De Moor Lieven
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the consequences of credit risk downgrades on credit default swaps (hereafter CDS) written on financial companies from two different perspectives, namely the overall stress level observed on the market and the rating agency performing the downgrade.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors' study relies on several wavelet analyses performed on different subsamples of data coming from the iTraxx index, the downgrade dates ranging between October 28, 2005 and February 3, 2015. This study highlights that both the overall stress level and the rating agency taking actions do have an influence on how market players will react.

Findings

The authors' study points out that market players will anticipate and react to downgrades in different ways depending on the level of stress. Feedback effects are observed after the downgrade only during periods of tension. From a rating agency point of view, the authors' study shows that the market share as well as the reputation of each agency have an influence on the aftermaths of a downgrade.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this paper is the first one relying on wavelet to analyse the consequences of a downgrade on CDS market. The use of this methodology allows to capture the multiple impacts of a downgrade through time and, therefore, to analyse the dynamics triggered on the market by a negative rating event. Moreover, the study of the downgrades' repercussions of each of the main rating agencies underlines a psychological dimension in the way market players react to a downgrade.
Ethical leadership (EL) and innovative work behavior (IWB) in public universities: examining the moderating role of perceived organizational support (POS)
Authors: Musenze Ibrahim Abaasi , Mayende Thomas Sifuna
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the moderating role of perceived organizational support in the relationship between ethical leadership and innovative work behavior (IWB) among public university academic staff.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative approach, the authors relied on structural equation modeling together with bootstrapping procedure using Process Macro of the SPSS to analyze data from a homogenous sample of 291 academic staff from the university education sector in Uganda.

Findings

The finding from bootstrapping procedure using Process Macro of the SPSS as statistic tool support perceived organizational support as a moderator in the ethical leadership–IWB relationship. In general, the present findings suggest that ethical leadership is associated with IWB via perceived organization support.

Practical implications

Enhanced IWB requires diverse and integrated techniques based on ethical leadership principles and perceived organizational support among employees.

Originality/value

There is increasing acknowledgement of the importance of ethical leadership in successful employee IWBs. Within this context, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior study has empirically explored the moderating role of POS in the relationship between ethical leadership and IWB.
Applying active learning method to improve teaching outcomes in architectural engineering courses
Authors: Sukkar Ahmad , Yahia Moohammed Wasim , Mushtaha Emad , Maksoud Aref , Buhashima Abdalla Salem , Nasif Omar , Melahifci Omer
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study analyzes the effect of the techniques of active teaching and learning as a way of delivery on the outcomes of quality learning. Focusing on the courses of architectural science taught in a nontraditional method using various active learning strategies, the study takes the case study of the course Building Illumination and Acoustics (BIA) delivered in the academic year 2019–2020 at the University of Sharjah (UoS)'s Architectural Engineering Department (AED).

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, the study applied a case study and survey as methods. A questionnaire was designed and performed to assess the level of students' satisfaction with the implemented active teaching method.

Findings

The vibrant learning setting made the students actively engaged and more motivated and enthusiastic. The active learning practices used, including employing senses as in sight and hearing, reasoning rationally and intuitively, reflecting and acting, working steadily and in fits and starts, creating mathematical models, visualizing and memorizing and drawing analogies, were efficient in boosting their ability to comprehend theoretical concepts more effectively. The delivery style effectively enhances quality learning when various active techniques are used pedagogically beyond being merely a utilitarian instrument to prepare novice students of architectural engineering to fulfill practical challenges.

Research limitations/implications

This article focuses specifically on a theoretical, scientific non-studio course in a particular program of architectural engineering in a particular semester before the dramatic changes in styles of teaching delivery that happened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research could further highlight its results by comparing them to statistical evidence of the development of the course, especially for the duration of online teaching during the pandemic and the hybrid teaching period after it.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the development of teaching and learning of architectural engineering in the local Emirati context by putting original theories of teaching into practice. This paper further contributes to the field of architectural pedagogy in terms of the effect of active learning in the architecture field in the non-studio courses in higher education in the United Arab Emirates.
Empowering project manager motivation – a UK example focusing on national culture
Authors: Murphy Liam
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct practical analysis inside an organisation operating within the UK to assess what factors may be decreasing motivation for information technology project managers collaborating with geographically dispersed team members from different national cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

The topic is analysed through the author’s knowledge and engagement with the organisation, and by connecting related literature to identify cause and effect.

Findings

Methods for improving project manager motivation are suggested through staff training, workshops, goal-setting theory and assignments abroad. This paper also makes a recommendation for project manager job redesign through the utilisation of the job characteristics model.

Originality/value

This paper highlights key considerations for HR professionals and Senior Management in terms of work design, coaching and policy implementation, and provides a redesigned job blueprint that will be beneficial for other organisations using project managers.
Acquisition or investment: a manufacturer quality improvement strategic choice
Authors: Wang Suyuan , Song Huaming , Huang Hongfu , Huang Qiang
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper explores how the manufacturer’s strategic choice (acquisition or investment) impacts product quality in a supply chain comprising two complementary suppliers and a common manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

The manufacturer faces six strategic choices to improve product quality: acquiring or investing in the high-capable supplier, the low-capable supplier, or both. As the Stackelberg leader, the manufacturer determines which strategy is adopted, while suppliers are separately responsible for components’ quality and wholesale prices. The authors use game theory and calculate the model with Mathematica.

Findings

The authors develop analytical models to analyze how acquisition costs, investment proportions, component importance and quality improvement coefficients influence decision-makers. The results show that the highest quality may not benefit the manufacturer. Investing in or acquiring a low-capable supplier is better than a high-capable supplier under certain conditions. If the gaps between two suppliers’ quality improvement coefficients and the importance of two components are dramatic, the manufacturer should choose an investment strategy.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the complementary supply chain management by comparing two kinds of strategies-acquisition and investment, with a high-capable supplier and a low-capable supplier.
Bibliometric analysis and systematic review of green human resource management and hospitality employees' green creativity
Authors: Choudhary Parul , Datta Amit
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The study aims to work on two objectives, first to provide a theoretical foundation along with ongoing trend in the field of green human resource management (GHRM) and employee green creativity (EGC) in the hospitality and tourism industry. Second, the study also proposes a conceptual research model to understand the dynamics of the relationship between GHRM and EGC for future studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses multi-method approach, systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis is performed on published work on GHRM and EGC. This study initially shortlisted 52 publications from multiple databases, which was refined to 11 Scopus-indexed papers, which discussed both GHRM and EGC attributes in a hospitality context. VOSviewer and advance excel software's are being used to perform the analysis.

Findings

The systematic literature review concluded that very limited studies have been conducted on GHRM and EGC in the hospitality context and it has recently gained prominence during the covid pandemic. While bibliometric analysis also identified h-index authors with their co-authorship network, citations and keywords matrix and the changing trends in the domain of GHRM and EGC in hospitality and tourism industry. The analysis also highlights the individual and organisational factors influencing the relation between GHRM and EGC.

Originality/value

This study is the first to conduct a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis on GHRM and EGC in hospitality and tourism sector. Moreover the paper also provides researchers with an in-depth summary of the available literature and a blue print for future studies on GHRM and EGC.
Conflicts and tourists’ destination choice intention: a study of Kashmir Valley in India
Authors: Fazili Asif Iqbal , Charag Asif Hamid , Bashir Irfan , Alshiha Ahmed Abdulaziz , Sofi Maraj Rahman
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to extend the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to develop finer understanding about tourist’s attitude and intention towards visiting a politically unstable and conflict-ridden destination such as Kashmir.

Design/methodology/approach

A research instrument adapted from previous studies is administered on 490 tourists. The data collected is subjected to exploratory factor analysis followed by structural equation modelling using SPSS and AMOS. The study tests and validates a more robust behavioural prediction model grounded on the TPB.

Findings

The results of the study found that the tourists’ destination choice intention in a politically sensitive area such as Jammu and Kashmir is collectively determined by perceived destination attractiveness, perceived destination image, familiarity with place, media exposure and perceived value. However, quite interestingly, perceived risk and attitude were found to be insignificant determinants of choice intentionality.

Research limitations/implications

The study empirically validates extended TPB to predict tourist behaviour in a politically sensitive setting. Furthermore, the study provides vital inputs to the destination managers, policy makers and practitioners to develop strategies to enhance destination image and attractiveness. Although the study provides critical insights into the tourist’s decision-making process, nonetheless, certain limitations, such as restricted geographical approach, convenience sampling and ignoring the inter-group variations, warrant attention.

Originality/value

The study is essentially a pioneering effort in applying an integrated TPB model in determining destination choice intentionality in a politically sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir. The region has the potential to be one of the best destinations in the world. Therefore, studying the tourist perceptions and attitudes and intention towards Kashmir could help the local government and other destination management organizations in charting future courses of action.
Granulomatous rosacea in Chinese patients: Clinical‐histopathological analysis and pathogenesis exploration
Authors: Jiang Yumeng , Huang Yingxue , Ma Guangrong , Liu Tangxiele , Li Qianwen , Wu Haijing , Li Ji
Published: April 2023

The pathogenesis of granulomatous rosacea (GR), the only variant of rosacea, is unclear. To investigate the differences between GR and non‐granulomatous rosacea (NGR) in clinical characteristics, histopathological changes and gene expression for the purpose of providing new ideas on the pathogenesis of rosacea. A total of 30 GR and 60 NGR patients were included. Their clinical and histopathological information was collected retrospectively, and the characteristics of immune cell infiltration were investigated by multiple immunohistochemical staining. RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis were performed on three pairs of skin samples from GR and NGR patients, respectively. Then, the expressions of candidate genes that were potentially associated with granuloma formation were verified by immunohistochemical staining. It was found that GR patients were more prone to the occurrence of rosacea in the forehead, periocular and perioral skin (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.001), and presented more severe papules and pustules when compared with NGR patients (p = 0.032). For histopathological features, the inflammatory cells primarily infiltrated around hair follicles in the GR group and around blood vessels in the NGR group. In addition, the neutrophils were richer (p = 0.036) and the expression levels of CD4+, CD8+ and CD68+ cells were higher (p = 0.047, p < 0.001, p < 0.001) in the GR group than in the NGR group. In addition, the GR group had apparent collagen hyperplasia (p = 0.026). A total of 420 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected, and bioinformatics analysis showed that the DEGs were enriched in neutrophil activation, adaptive immune response and other biological processes. Lastly, the candidate genes related to neutrophil activation and collagen hyperplasia, i.e., Cathepsin S (CTSS), Cathepsin Z (CTSZ) and matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP9), were confirmed to be highly expressed in the GR group. The clinical and histopathological features of GR exhibited a very diverse pattern compared with NGR, and the underlying mechanisms may be related to neutrophil activation and collagen hyperplasia.
Socially enacted ethics: The inner life of an ethical advisory board
Authors: Virtanen Mikko J.
Published: April 2023

This article addresses the need to grasp the actual processing of health ethical issues in ethics organisations by analysing the work of the Finnish National Advisory Board on Social Welfare and Health Care Ethics (ETENE). ETENE's ethics is approached ethigraphically: the advisory board enacts ethics in its social life, through its own norms and values. It is asked how this internal ethics is performed in the board practice and how ethical debate eventually becomes bounded in this practice. Based on the analysis of the board members' textual reflections and on‐site observations of board meetings, ETENE's ethics appears as a tandem of a particular discussion culture and multi‐perspectivity: mutual recognition and respect among board members are nurtured in the meetings, and a tactful mode of reflection is established throughout all terms of office. This shared discussion culture enables ETENE's forte—weighing multiple perspectives—by preventing asymmetries and avoiding merely technical decision‐making procedures. Consequently, ETENE's ethics is not threatened by being externally bounded and formalised but is at risk of watering down endogenously, through the notable tactfulness of its discussion mode, which threatens to attenuate both substantial debate and the social shaping of board members' values in the discussion.