bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The transcription factor Zeb2 drives formation of age-associated B cells
Authors: Dai Dai , Gu Shuangshuang , Han Xiaxia , Ding Huihua , Jiang Yang , Zhang Xiaoou , Yao Chao , Hong Soonmin , Zhang Jinsong , Shen Yiwei , Hou Guojun , Qu Bo , Zhou Haibo , Qin Yuting , He Yuke , Ma Jianyang , Yin Zhihua , Ye Zhizhong , Qian Jie , Jiang Qian , Wu Lihua , Guo Qiang , Chen Sheng , Huang Chuanxin , Kottyan Leah C. , Weirauch Matthew T. , Vinuesa Carola G. , Shen Nan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAge-associated B-cells (ABCs) accumulate during infection, aging and autoimmunity, contributing to lupus pathogenesis. Here, we screen for transcription factors driving ABC formation and find Zeb2 is required for human and mouse ABC differentiation in-vitro. ABCs are reduced in ZEB2 haploinsufficient individuals and in mice lacking Zeb2 in B-cells. In mice with TLR7-driven lupus, Zeb2 is essential for ABC formation and autoimmune pathology. Zeb2 binds to the +20kb intronic enhancer of Mef2b, repressing Mef2b-mediated germinal center B-cell differentiation and promoting ABC formation. Zeb2 also targets genes important for ABC specification and function includingItgax. Zeb2-driven ABC differentiation requires Jak-Stat signaling, and treatment with the Jak1/3 inhibitor tofacitinib reduces ABC accumulation in autoimmune mice and patients. Zeb2 thus emerges as a driver of B-cell autoimmunity.One-Sentence SummaryZeb2 is essential for Age-associated B cells differentiation and function.
The adverse impact of consecutive COVID-19 waves on mental health
Authors: Novotný Jan Sebastian , Gonzalez-Rivas Juan Pablo , Kunzová Šárka , Skladaná Mária , Pospíšilová Anna , Polcrová Anna , Vassilaki Maria , Medina-Inojosa Jose Ramon , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco , Geda Yonas Endale , Stokin Gorazd Bernard 
Published: July 2021

SummaryBackgroundAlthough several studies documented the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, the long-term effects of COVID-19 on mental health remain unclear.AimsTo examine longitudinal changes in mental health prior to and during the consecutive COVID-19 waves in a well-established probability sample.MethodAn online survey was completed by the participants of the COVID-19 add-on study at 4 timepoints (N1=1823, N2=788, N3=532, N4=383): pre-COVID period (2014/2015), 1stCOVID-19 wave (April-May, 2020), 2ndCOVID-19 wave (August-October, 2020) and 3rdCOVID-19 wave (March-April, 2021). Data were collected via a set of validated instruments and analysed using latent growth models.ResultsDuring the pandemic, we observed a significant increase in stress levels (slope=1.127, P<0.001) and depressive symptoms (slope=1.177, P<0.001). The rate of increase in stress levels (cov=2.167, P=0.002), but not in depressive symptoms (cov=0.558, P=0.10), was associated with the pre-pandemic mental health status of the participants. Further analysis revealed two opposing clusters of factors that influenced mental health: loneliness and COVID-19 showed a negative effect on emotionality, while higher resilience acted protectively. A greater increase in stress was observed in women and younger participants.ConclusionsThe surge in stress levels and depressive symptoms persisted across all three consecutive COVID-19 waves. This surge is attributable to the effect of several risk factors including the status of mental health prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings have implications for strategies promoting resilience and addressing loneliness to mitigate the mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic.
New ways of spreading food safety online: the role of food bloggers in risk communication
Authors: Brombin Alice , Mascarello Giulia , Pinto Anna , Crovato Stefania , Ricaldi Guido , Giaretta Mosè , Ravarotto Licia 
Published: July 2021

PurposeBlogs have become a widespread means for the exchange of information, where topics regarding food and nutrition feature with increasing prominence. In the sphere of online risk communication, food bloggers are relevant actors because they pass on practical information about food preparation and crucial phases of food safety (preservation, handling and cooking of food). Moreover, they have the ability to reach user networks in a rapid and capillary manner. This paper focusses on the figure of the food blogger, the context in which he/she acts and his/her perceptions and type of communication of food safety issues.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative and qualitative data were collected using an online survey and an online training programme was implemented to actively engage food bloggers in the creation of food risk communication.FindingsThis study showed that a common reason for the creation of a food blog is the love for food and the practice of caring for themselves and others through food. Food bloggers feel responsible for taking care of their users by providing accurate information related to health and safety. Communication via blogs is based on the shared experiences of users, thereby representing a type of knowledge that is closer to direct practice. Interacting with these new actors in the field of food is important for institutions traditionally committed to promoting public health and food safety.Originality/valueThe research stands out for its innovative purpose of using the network of food blogs as a communication tool that overcomes the traditional linear communication model (top-down) to experiment with a new participatory model and spread to Internet users good practices related to food management.
Choosing to stop consuming meat for environmental reasons: exploring the influence of gender and social status variables in Chile
Authors: Giacoman Claudia , Ayala Arancibia Pamela , Alfaro Juan 
Published: July 2021

PurposeGlobal meat consumption has increased rapidly, which is of concern, given its contribution to environmental destruction. Within this framework, this article aims to analyse the social determinants in relation to stopping red meat consumption for environmental reasons in Chile, with a focus on gender and social status.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from a representative national survey, we estimated six logistic regression models to analyse the social determinants that reduce red meat consumption in Chile.FindingsThe results show that social stratification variables (gender, social class, household income and education) are closely linked with choosing to stop eating red meat for environmental reasons. A possible interpretation of these results is the ambiguous status of red meat in contemporary Chilean society and its symbolic link with masculinity.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis may be complemented by future research that distinguishes the environmental aspects, which encourage individuals to stop eating red meat. In addition, asking about meat consumption in an environmental survey, may generate social desirability.Originality/valueThe results contribute to understanding which social factors help stop meat consumption within a strong carnism culture. This is relevant since South America is well known for high meat consumption, and few studies have explored the issue of consumption in these countries.
Cannabis and web marketing strategies-A study of Colorado cannabis vendors
Authors: Forzley Samer 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the level of adoption of digital marketing by cannabis vendors in the state of Colorado.Design/methodology/approachThe study surveyed a random sample of 30 cannabis vendors in the state of Colorado. The analysis of the vendors’ use of digital marketing methods was conducted using a rubric based on a modified 7C Framework.FindingsIn the state of Colorado, the cannabis industry is nascent and has made an initial investment in digital marketing. While most companies had deployed a website, these websites featured basic elements of digital marketing. Though limited, the industry has made initial attempts to engage customers in a socially responsible manner. The industry would also benefit from better age verification, educational programs and profit sharing.Originality/valueThe study furthers the application of 7C Framework used in evaluating e-commerce sites for cannabis marketing.
Behavioural intention to purchase organic food: Bangladeshi consumers' perspective
Authors: Kabir Mohammad Rokibul , Islam Saima 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis research aims to assess the consumers' intention to purchase organic foods for balanced physical and mental growth. It examines the decision-making process in buying organic products built on the extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). This study designed a model to show how Bangladeshi consumers wish to purchase organic food.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by means of a formal questionnaire from shoppers in different markets who buy organic and non-organic foods. Statistical analysis is done by applying partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).FindingsFindings refer that among the four antecedents called social norms (SN), personal attitude (ATT), perceived behaviour control (PBC) and health consciousness (HC), three (ATT, PBC and HC) have a significant influence on the intention to consume organic food in Bangladesh. The only cognitive variable called social norm (SN) has no statistically significant impact though it positively relates to the behavioural intention to purchase organic food.Research limitations/implicationsThe fitted model did not consider any moderating or mediating variable though there might be such effects regarding organic food purchase and consumption. The study includes a major portion of the respondents from less than Tk. 20,000 monthly income group, which is a price-sensitive group from Bangladesh perspective. Hence, this price sensitivity might have a slight influence on the results of the study.Practical implicationsThis study includes four variables as the predictors to describe consumers' intention to purchase organic food products in Bangladesh. Among the predictors, health consciousness or awareness is found to be most powerful. Though consciousness is the key, the awareness of Bangladeshi citizen regarding organic food is lower than in other parts of the world. Hence, the research model directs the policymakers to increase awareness through different social campaigns.Social implicationsUnder Vision 2040 of promoting sustainable development, the government of Bangladesh is trying to increase organic food consumption. Production and consumption of organic food will positively impact society since organic fertilizers are environmentally friendly and do not harm society. This research promotes a strategy formulation to ensure the consumption of organic foods for a positive social impact.Originality/valueThis study is a unique research to concentrate on the importance and factors influencing the consumption of organic foods in Bangladesh, a recently graduated developing country. Furthermore, it extended the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and proposed a new conceptual framework.
Linking organizational members' social-related use of enterprise social media (ESM) to their fashion behaviors: the social learning and stimulus-organism-response theories
Authors: Olfat Mohammad , Ahmadi Sadra , Shokouhyar Sajjad , Bazeli Sepideh 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis study through the lens of social learning theory and using the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework aims to show that employees' social-related use of enterprise social media (ESM) can positively affect their intentions to purchase the fashion products used by their coworkers by mediating role of their perceptions toward their coworkers' credibility in fashion (i.e. physical attractiveness, reliability in communications and experience in fashion).Design/methodology/approachTo evaluate the validity of the measurement and structural models, 361 employees who were able to take advantage of ESM with social-related motivations were surveyed within seven Iranian organizations. The collected data were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results of the study confirmed that employees' social-related use of ESM positively affects their perceptions toward their coworkers' credibility in three dimensions of physical attractiveness, reliability in communication (trustworthiness) and fashion experience (expertise). Employees' perceptions toward their coworkers' credibility in three dimensions of physical attractiveness, reliability in communications and fashion experience positively affect their intentions to purchase the fashion products used by their coworkers.Practical implicationsThis study shows that ESM technology can shape a trusted online community of practice in which employees can share the same interests and learn about different types of [fashion] products and services from each other. Thus, ESM can be considered an online instrument for marketing purposes with which organizations can obtain revenue from other organizations by letting them advertise their products on ESM.Originality/valueThe main theoretical implication of this study is to extend the use of two advanced theories in the workplace, especially regarding employees' social-related use of ESM. In fact, this study through the lens of social learning theory and based on the S-O-R model shows that employees' social-related use of ESM can be considered as a stimulus in the workplace, influencing employees' perceptions toward different objects (e.g. their coworkers' credibility), and resulting in several changes in their behaviors. This is among a few studies addressing marketing outcomes of ESM in the employees' communities.
Six ways to leave a lover: how sensemaking of the purpose of internal social media changes over time in a public sector organization
Authors: Madsen Vibeke Thøis , Schmeltz Line 
Published: July 2021

PurposeInternal social media (ISM) make it possible for all employees to participate in knowledge sharing and decision-making and to voice their opinions. However, several studies have found that organizations are far from unlocking the full potential of ISM. This paper seeks to explore and explain this gap further by adopting a sensemaking lens to managers' understanding of a social intranet in a public sector organization.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal case study of the process of introducing ISM was conducted in a Danish municipality. Before, during and after the launch of the intranet, interviews with department heads and communication managers in the six different municipal departments were carried out to explore how they made sense of the purpose of ISM.FindingsFindings indicate that during the process of introducing and implementing ISM, department heads' and managers' narratives about the purpose of the intranet changed from being a matter of involving, engaging and hearing the voices of the employees to being an effective administrative tool and a channel for management to reach all employees.Originality/valueRather than the traditional focus on whether ISM fail or succeed, the paper offers new understandings of how managers' sensemaking of ISM changes over time, leading to changes in the actual usage of and communication on ISM.
Economic policy uncertainty, value of cash and financial crisis
Authors: Tran Quoc Trung 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis paper investigates the effect of economic policy uncertainty on value of cash before and after the global financial crisis.Design/methodology/approachWe investigate the relationship between economic policy uncertainty and value of excess cash based on the valuation model of Fama and French (1998). Baker et al. (2016) news-based index (BBD index) is employed to calculate measures of economic policy uncertainty. Our research sample includes 103,474 observations from 11,000 firms across 19 countries over the period 2004–2016.FindingsWe find that economic policy uncertainty is negatively “positively” related to value of cash in the pre-crisis “post-crisis” period. Moreover, we also document that the positive effect of economic policy uncertainty in the post-crisis period is stronger in financially constrained firms.Originality/valueWhile prior studies find a relationship between economic policy uncertainty and cash levels or the effect of firm-level uncertainty on value of cash, this paper shows how economic policy uncertainty as an institutional environment factor affects value of cash. Moreover, it documents that economic policy uncertainty has opposite effects on value of cash before and after the global financial crisis.
Different firm responses to the COVID-19 pandemic shocks: machine-learning evidence on the Vietnamese labor market
Authors: Le Lam Hoang Viet , Huynh Toan Luu Duc , Weber Bryan S. , Nguyen Bao Khac Quoc 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on labor markets.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conduct a large-scale survey on 16,000 firms from 82 industries in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and analyze the data set by using different machine-learning methods.FindingsFirst, job loss and reduction in state-owned enterprises have been significantly larger than in other types of organizations. Second, employees of foreign direct investment enterprises suffer a significantly lower labor income than those of other groups. Third, the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labor market are heterogeneous across industries and geographies. Finally, firms with high revenue in 2019 are more likely to adopt preventive measures, including the reduction of labor forces. The authors also find a significant correlation between firms' revenue and labor reduction as traditional econometrics and machine-learning techniques suggest.Originality/valueThis study has two main policy implications. First, although government support through taxes has been provided, the authors highlight evidence that there may be some additional benefit from targeting firms that have characteristics associated with layoffs or other negative labor responses. Second, the authors provide information that shows which firm characteristics are associated with particular labor market responses such as layoffs, which may help target stimulus packages. Although the COVID-19 pandemic affects most industries and occupations, heterogeneous firm responses suggest that there could be several varieties of targeted policies-targeting firms that are likely to reduce labor forces or firms likely to face reduced revenue. In this paper, the authors outline several industries and firm characteristics which appear to more directly be reducing employee counts or having negative labor responses which may lead to more cost–effect stimulus.
“Reluctant stayers do not get what they want”: the relationship between procedural injustice and workplace incivility
Authors: Singh Riann 
Published: July 2021

PurposeResearch has explored the behavioural responses of reluctant stayers to various organisational perceptions. This study extends current research to explain how employees who perceive procedural injustice respond, when they intend to leave but are unable to, due to limited job alternatives. This study postulates that employees who perceive procedural injustice are more likely to develop turnover intentions. Procedural injustice is expected to indirectly influence workplace incivility, with turnover intentions as the mediator. Further, the availability of job alternatives is expected to moderate the relationship between turnover intentions and workplace incivility, to form a moderated-mediation model.Design/methodology/approachData was collected from 204 retail employees across five major shopping malls within the Caribbean nation of Trinidad, using a two-wave research design. A path-analytic approach was used to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe findings provided support for the propositions that procedural injustice predicts turnover intentions, that turnover intentions mediate the procedural injustice – workplace incivility relationship, and that the availability of job alternatives moderate the relationship between turnover intentions and workplace incivility.Originality/valueThis study addresses a clear research gap since no study has examined how employees' perceptions of procedural injustice affect their behaviour when they intend to leave but are unable to, due to limited job alternatives. This study extends research on the behaviour of reluctant stayers.
Inclusive growth in Africa: are Chinese investment and local industry participation compatible?
Authors: Kodzi Jr Emmanuel T. 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to explore whether increasing Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) is associated with rising contributions of local industry in African countries connected to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The existence of cooperative industry linkages between Chinese investments and local businesses is a necessary condition for achieving the mutual benefits asserted by the BRI.Design/methodology/approachUnder growing FDI, the authors framed increasing local industry contribution as indicative of existing industry linkages. Using principal component analysis and multiple regression on collated country-level data, the authors examined relationships between key industry output variables and several independent variables representing Chinese investment and economic activity in a contiguous three-country region, over two investment periods.FindingsIncreasing Chinese FDI was associated with positive economic outcomes including decreasing unemployment; however, it did not appear to support local industry participation. The authors identified a “China effect” that hampered industry contribution to gross domestic product. The authors found that attempting to counterbalance this effect through direct exports to China was not strategically sound. Similarly, export-focused clusters in special zones may not foster industry linkages if they result in isolationism. Rather, host countries have an opportunity to enhance local industry contribution through leveraging interconnectivity factors under increasing FDI.Research limitations/implicationsSmall sample size of the study has implications for the predictive power of the model and for the complete explanation all the emerging findings. However, the authors presented compelling arguments for selecting the specific three countries. By conducting robustness checks on a separate region, findings of this study were substantially corroborated.Practical implicationsInstead of exporting directly to China as a way to mitigate local industry contraction, host countries need to thoughtfully pursue opportunities that present the greatest value-added export advantages. Proposed Chinese-funded infrastructure projects must be negotiated with a goal to strategically reduce interconnectivity barriers and achieve broader logistics improvements in the host countries.Social implicationsThe study provides a tool for proponents of local industry growth to present clearer frameworks in their advocacy. The social tensions around Chinese dominance in the host countries can be reduced by understanding and pursuing levers that enhance industry contribution in those contexts.Originality/valueThis study takes a different approach to examining the professed win-win proposition of the BRI in Africa. It uncovers important effects of increasing Chinese FDI and addresses viable host country responses, including a clear pathway for forging the cooperative industry linkages needed for inclusive growth and sustainable development.