bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Customer-based brand competitiveness (CBBC) scale: advancing the relative perspective
Authors: Wangmo Gaki , Piehler Rico , Baumann Chris 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Brand competitiveness as a brand’s outperformance of competing brands is receiving growing attention in the literature. This study aims to provide a theoretical underpinning for the construct’s relevance, introduce customer-based brand competitiveness (CBBC) as a customer-based perspective and develop a scale to measure the construct.

Design/methodology/approach
The scale development process comprises three stages, with a literature search and a qualitative consumer study (n = 20) in the scale construction stage, interviews and a survey with academic branding experts (n = 21) in the scale refinement stage and three quantitative studies with consumers (n = 1,157), resulting in 2,078 brand evaluations across five industries, in the scale validation stage.

Findings
This study develops a seven-item CBBC scale, representing a powerful yet parsimonious tool for measuring brand competitiveness. The superiority of the new over the existing brand competitiveness scale was validated through structural equation modelling by comparing the performance in explaining customer-based brand equity and purchase intentions.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to develop a brand competitiveness scale following a scholarly scale development process. The CBBC scale advances the relative perspective in brand performance measures, considering the relativity at the individual customer level. This study offers a theoretical underpinning for the construct’s relevance and further insights into brand competitiveness by investigating the customer-based perspective. Finally, this study suggests and empirically validates customer-based brand equity and purchase intentions as outcomes of CBBC, extending research into the nomological network of brand competitiveness.
The digital (r)evolution in internal audits: are we there yet? Some insights from Italy
Authors: Bertacchini Federico , Gabrielli Gianluca , Lugli Ennio , Marchini Pier Luigi 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aims to identify the principal changes that digitalization has brought about in the internal audit functions (IAFs), focusing on the main characteristics that have been affected by this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach
The study follows a qualitative approach, involving the thematic analysis of semistructured interviews. A total of 22 professionals working in Italian-listed companies’ IAFs were interviewed. The framework of institutional theory was used to analyze the results.

Findings
The elements most affected by the digitalization of IAFs in Italy are: the skills required in IAFs, the relationship with external consultants and the types of activities performed by internal auditors (IArs). Nevertheless, the extent of the level digitalization within the IAFs of the companies analyzed appears to vary in accordance with the level of institutional pressures experienced by the organizations.

Originality/value
The study contributes to the literature on IA and digitalization by delineating the principal elements that are influenced by the digitalization process of IA. Moreover, it highlights how these elements develop and evolve as the level of digitalization of the IAF changes.
Competencies, skills, and personal attributes in job advertisements for archivists and records managers in Finland
Authors: Packalén Saara , Partanen Lauri 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aims to increase knowledge of archives and records management as a profession by examining which kinds of competencies, skills and personal attributes employers expect of and appreciate in archives and records-management professionals in Finland.

Design/methodology/approach
This work compiled and analysed advertisements (201 in total) of open archive and records-management positions in Finland, then subjected these to qualitative data-based content analysis with supplemental quantitative analysis. This paper illustrates the findings via tables, charts and excerpts from the advertisements.

Findings
Analysis revealed the public sector to be Finland’s largest employer of archives and records-management professionals. This study indicates that employers value an academic degree with some additional archive-related and records-management education and strong practical experience of similar duties. Both knowledge of legislation and language skills are appreciated. The general skills most valued by employers are interaction and co-operation abilities and skills in information technology, in customer service and in the development of work methods. Personal attributes especially valued in prospective archive professionals and records managers are independence, accuracy, self-motivation and flexibility.

Originality/value
This study adds to knowledge of the archives and records-management profession of the 2020s. Findings from this work may be of particular value for curriculum development.
Generation of Replication‐Competent Hepatitis B Virus Harboring Tagged Polymerase for Visualization and Quantification of the Infection
Authors: Morita Chiharu , Wada Masami , Ohsaki Eriko , Kimura‐Ohba Shihoko , Ueda Keiji 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious global health problem causing acute and chronic hepatitis and related diseases. Approximately, 296 million patients have been chronically infected with the virus, leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although HBV polymerase (HBVpol, pol) plays a pivotal role in HBV replication and must be a definite therapeutic target. The problems are that the detailed functions and intracellular dynamics of HBVpol remain unclear. Here, we constructed two kinds of tagged HBVpol, PA‐tagged and HiBiT‐tagged pol, and the HBV‐producing vectors. Each PA tag and HiBiT tag were inserted into N‐terminus of spacer region on HBVpol open reading frame. Transfection of the plasmids into HepG2 cells led to production of HBV. These tagged HBVpol were detectable in HBV replicating cells and pol‐HiBiT enabled quantitative analysis. Furthermore, these recombinant HBV were infectious to primary human hepatocytes. Thus, we successfully designed infectious and replication‐competent recombinant HBV harboring detectable tagged HBVpol. Such infectious recombinant HBV will provide a novel tool to study HBVpol dynamics and develop new therapeutics against HBV.
miRNA targeting Mpp53 is involved in UV‐B irradiation resistance in Myzus persicae
Authors: He Longchun , Yang Changli , Meng Jianyu , Tang Xue , Zhang Changyu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUltraviolet (UV) radiation, an environmental stressor, is crucial for the survival and adaptation of organisms. Myzus persicae, a global pest, is exposed to sunlight year‐round, making it unable to avoid UV rays in its environment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression and mediate various biological processes. However, the role of miRNA in aphids in response to UV‐B stress is unclear. In this study, Mpp53 expression level significantly increased with an increase in the duration of UV‐B radiation, peaking at 2 h; knockdown of Mpp53 decreased the survival rate of aphids under UV‐B stress, suggesting that Mpp53 is involved in aphid responses to UV‐B. Here, we first predicted 8 miRNAs targeting Mpp53, and then screened for miRNAs related to UV‐B resistance in aphids; of these, 5 miRNAs (miR‐305‐5p, novel_50, novel_80, novel_166, and novel_61) were found to target Mpp53. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that novel_61 binds to the noncoding region of Mpp53 and downregulates its expression. Overexpression of novel_61 in aphids decreased Mpp53 expression and caused significant mortality under UV‐B irradiation. Furthermore, the aphids exhibited lower reproductive capacity, lower body weight, and shorter body length and width. This is the first study to systematically screen and identify miRNA related to aphid responses to UV‐B stress and deepens our understanding of the molecular mechanism of insect responses to environmental stress, which may eventually aid in developing better control strategies.
Recyclable and non‐recyclable packaging films with different barrier properties: Effect of processing and storage time on quality of mashed potato and ground carrot
Authors: Sharmin Nusrat , Rotabakk Bjørn Tore , Grøvlen Magnhild Seim , Larsen Hanne , Skåra Torstein , Pettersen Marit Kvalvåg 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate if high barrier recyclable material polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol (PE/EVOH) can be an alternative non‐recyclable polyamides (PA)/PE laminate and also if high barrier is required or recyclable PE material with low barrier properties is good enough to maintain the quality of thermally processed mashed potato and ground carrot. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the PA/PE and PE films decreased after heat treatment, while no change was observed for PE/EVOH films. Food contact did not impact the OTR of PA/PE and PE/EVOH films, while the OTR of PE films decreased. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of PA/PE and PE/EVOH films increased after heat treatment. In general, the WVTR of films increased after food contact. The tensile strength of all films was only reduced up to 3–4 weeks of food contact. After 10 weeks, the PE film showed significantly lower hue values and a larger total color difference than the two other films. Light exposure reduced the hue values and increased total color difference after 6 weeks of storage. The odor and flavor of both mashed potatoes and ground carrots were affected by light exposure. The mashed potato showed a slight reduction in freshness‐odor for all materials with storage time. For flavor, mashed potato and ground carrot showed similar trends; flavor was scored unacceptable when packaged in PE films after 6 weeks, but when packaged in PA/PE and PE/EVOH films, the flavor was still acceptable after 10 weeks of storage.
Characterization of primary aroma compounds in Pu‐erh raw tea sourced from various regions using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and headspace solid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Du Lijuan , Ye Yanping , Shao Jinliang , Wang Yutong , Zhu Guolei , Jiang Hua , Liu Hongcheng , Liu Zhenhuan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe assessment of aroma plays a crucial role in determining the characteristics and quality of Pu‐erh tea. The volatile compounds present in Pu‐erh raw tea sourced from five regions in Yunnan Province have been studied using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) in conjunction with headspace solid phase microextraction (HS‐SPME). A total of 69 aroma‐active compounds were identified, with alcohols, ketones, and aldehydes being the predominant component types. Furthermore, notable variations were observed among four pairs of volatile terpenoid enantiomers. Significant discrimination was achieved using orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (R(x2) = 0.926, R(y2) = 0.843, Q2 = 0.501). Moreover, 33 important differential compounds were identified based on variable importance in the projection values (VIP > 1.0) and one‐way ANOVA analysis (p < 0.05). Subsequently, a KEGG pathway analysis was conducted, revealing enrichment pathways primarily focused on the mevalonate pathway, steroid biosynthesis, and fatty acid biosynthesis. Ultimately, the key volatile compounds and major aroma‐contributing compounds were successfully identified.
A Study on the Diagnostic Value of Dual‐Energy CT (DECT) Imaging in Patients With Gouty Arthritis
Authors: Luan YiXin , Gao XingShuai 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo explore the diagnostic value of dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) in patients with gouty arthritis.MethodsA total of 160 patients with gouty arthritis who were treated in our hospital from January 2023 to October 2023 were selected as the research subjects. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: an observation group and a control group. Each group had 80 cases. Observation group performed DECT examination and control group performed X‐ray examination. The researchers recorded the general information of the participants in both groups and conducted single‐factor analysis. They compared the detection of positive diseased joints between the two groups, as well as compared the distribution of positive diseased joints. In addition, the number of joint lesions was compared in the two groups.ResultsThere were not any statistically great differences between the two groups in gender, age, BMI, disease duration, blood uric acid, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p > 0.05). During the DECT examination, a total of 82 positive diseased joints were identified in the observation group. The observation group also had a positive rate of 85.42% (82/96) in the DECT examination. While the control group had a total of 55 positive diseased joints during the X‐ray examination with a positive rate of 59.78% (55/92). The difference between the two groups of patients in the positive rate of two kinds of examination was statistically significant (χ2 = 15.616, p < 0.001). No statistical significance was found in the distribution of the number of positive diseased joints between two groups (χ2 = 1.986, p = 0.851). Both DECT and X‐ray examinations of patients in the two groups revealed that the lesions were primarily located in the soft tissues or ligaments surrounding the distal small joints of the limbs, such as metatarsophalangeal joints, ankle joints, and proximal interphalangeal joints. Compared with the X‐ray examination of the patients, the DECT examination of the patients showed a great increase in the number of bone destruction, gout nodules, and soft tissue swelling (χ2 = 7.712, 10.441, 5.389, p = 0.005, 0.001, 0.020). Moreover, the DECT examination of patients showed the presence of urate crystals and joint effusion, while the X‐ray examination of patients in the control group did not show any.ConclusionsSiemens dual‐source 64‐slice CT dual‐energy imaging has better diagnostic value for gouty arthritis than X‐ray and has higher specificity for detecting urate crystals and joint effusion. Therefore, Siemens dual‐source 64‐slice CT dual‐energy imaging examination may serve as a promising new noninvasive technique for early diagnosis, clinical screening, and follow‐up of gout in the future.
circ‐TTC17 Promotes Esophagus Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Growth, Metastasis, and Inhibits Autophagy‐Mediated Radiosensitivity Through miR‐145‐5p/SIRT1 Axis
Authors: Liu Ying , Lan Shengmin , Duan Zhihui 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundCircular RNA (circRNA) plays a significant role in esophagus squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression. Nevertheless, circ‐TTC17 roles in ESCC have not fully understood.MethodsThe levels of circ‐TTC17, miR‐145‐5p and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) were determined using qRT‐PCR. ESCC cell functions were examined by CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay and colony formation assay. The relative protein levels of autophagy marker and SIRT1 were determined by western blot (WB). The interactions among circ‐TTC17, miR‐145‐5p, and SIRT1 were verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay.Resultscirc‐TTC17 was overexpressed and miR‐145‐5p was underexpressed in ESCC. circ‐TTC17 knockdown restrained ESCC cell proliferation and metastasis, while enhance apoptosis and autophagy‐mediated radiosensitivity. Circ‐TTC17 could sponge miR‐145‐5p, and its inhibitor reversed the inhibitory effect of circ‐TTC17 knockdown on ESCC cell progression. Additionally, SIRT1 was targeted by miR‐145‐5p, and SIRT1 overexpression abolished miR‐145‐5p‐mediated the suppressive effect on ESCC cell progression. Also, circ‐TTC17 interference reduced ESCC tumor growth via miR‐145‐5p/SIRT1 axis.Conclusioncirc‐TTC17 promoted ESCC cell growth, metastasis and inhibited autophagy‐mediated radiosensitivity by miR‐145‐5p/SIRT1 axis.
Hard tissue thin‐sectioning techniques in vertebrate paleohistology: Review, synthesis and improvements
Authors: Cuccu Andrea , Calderón Teresa , Azanza Beatriz , DeMiguel Daniel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Paleohistology provides a significant amount of information on the physiology and evolution of ancient organisms through the study of their fossilized tissues' microstructure. Such discipline has been increasingly applied in vertebrate research over the years, however comprehensive and up‐to‐date methodological resources are lacking. In the specific, technical expedients associated with mammal research are little mentioned and some standards and protocols are still needed for the homogenization of paleohistological research.

This work includes a review and summary of current paleohistological techniques, and new proposals for the improvement of the most widely used protocols for the preparation and sectioning of hard tissues. We further expand the focus beyond the traditional techniques including expedients for dentognathic remains, fossil and extant.

The guide provided herein covers the techniques necessary to produce a paleohistological thin section, providing step‐by‐step instructions along with insights for technicians and both beginners and experienced scientists.

Although paleohistology is widely applied, its technical aspect is often overlooked. With this work, we considerably improve the learning process, help standardize paleohistological techniques and make them accessible to researchers, increasing scientists' awareness of thin‐sectioning techniques and encouraging the exploration of new methodologies in this field.
Social Support, Delivery Mode, and Cultural Factors in Twin Parents' Postpartum Depression: A Response to Egsgaard et al.
Authors: Wen Yu‐Ren , Wei Lien‐Chung 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundEgsgaard et al. (2024) highlight the temporal patterns of postpartum depression (PPD) risk in twin parents versus singleton parents. However, additional factors such as social support systems, delivery mode, and cultural influences require exploration.PurposeTo discuss the role of structured postpartum care, cesarean sections, and mother‐infant bonding in moderating PPD risk, especially within cultural contexts.ConclusionThese factors may explain the gender‐specific temporal patterns observed by Egsgaard et al. Future research should integrate sociocultural and clinical variables to inform interventions for twin parents at risk of PPD.
Flexural properties and finite element analysis of novel 3D‐printed ceramic materials via 3D‐LCM technology
Authors: Alshamrani Abdullah , Fahimipour Amir , Alsarani Majed , Ellakwa Ayman 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study evaluates the mechanical properties of dental crown prosthodontic materials by investigating the flexural strength and stress distribution of various ceramic materials, including milled zirconia and two ceramics fabricated using LCM technology, employing Finite Element Analysis (FEA).MethodsSeventy‐five samples were divided into five groups: milled zirconia, Zirconia‐210, Zirconia‐230, Alumina‐350 and Alumina‐500. Flexural strength tests, including three‐point bending, Weibull analysis and FEA, were conducted to analyse stress distribution. Data were evaluated using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test.Results3D‐printed zirconia showed superior flexural strength compared to milled zirconia and alumina. Zirconia‐210 had the highest flexural strength (886.35 MPa), while Alumina‐350 had the lowest (424.49 MPa). Alumina‐350 exhibited higher von Mises stress (25.77 MPa) than the control group (22.83 MPa), whereas Alumina‐500 had the lowest stress (22.65 MPa). Zirconia models showed a slight increase in von Mises strain, while alumina models showed a decrease compared to the control.ConclusionOur study found that 3D‐printed zirconia displayed higher flexural strength when compared to milled zirconia and alumina. Moreover, there were noticeable variations in stress levels and strain behaviours observed in the materials.
How do Australian veterinarians perceive professional conduct in their profession?
Authors: Huang Q , Van Gelderen I 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveProfessional skills required for meeting standards of veterinary professional conduct demanded by the public, colleagues and the community are recognised as being equally important to the technical skills required of a veterinarian. To reflect current standards in the profession, this project describes how Australian veterinarians perceive aspects of veterinary professional conduct.MethodsUsing an anonymous survey, opinions of Australian veterinarians were sought on perceptions of importance of professional conduct criteria derived from the eight standards listed in the Australian Veterinary Association's Code of Professional Conduct. Participants rated the importance of 15 statements on a six‐point Likert scale. Univariable analysis of 98 completed responses was conducted where impacts of age, gender, career stage and the industry on the dependent variable (response to each statement) were evaluated using ordinary logistic regression analysis in R studio where odd ratios (ORs) were determined, and significance was at P < 0.05.ResultsThe statement revealing the highest mean score with respect to perceived importance was ‘that veterinarians hold the health, welfare and respectful treatment of animals as a key concern’. Results indicated high levels of consensus with nine of 15 statements revealing no significant differences based on age, gender, career stage, and for all statements no significant difference based on nature of work. Six statements demonstrating significant differences were based on either gender, age or career stage.ConclusionsThis study provides insights into how Australian veterinarians perceive professional conduct. Results provide an aid for future study development and contribute to the discussion of veterinary professionalism.
Expression of aquaporin and Na+/K+‐ATPase in gill and gut cells of the shrimp Palaemon argentinus regulated by ecdysone
Authors: Foguesatto Kamila , Almeida Celina C. , Boyle Robert T. , Nery Luiz E. M. , Souza Marta M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe crustacean molting cycle is triggered by the elevation of ecdysteroid levels in the hemolymph during late pre‐molt. It is known that these animals absorb water through the intestine and gills to promote bodily swelling and rupture of the old exoskeleton. The participation of two membrane proteins responsible for the most uptake of water during the late pre‐molt has been shown in the gill and gut cells of the freshwater shrimp Palaemon argentinus: Na+/K+‐ATPase (NKA), which generates an osmoionic gradient, and Aquaporins (AQPs), water channels, which provide higher water permeability. Studies investigating the action of ecdysteroids on these proteins are scarce. Therefore, we investigated 20‐hydroxyecdisone (20E) in relation to the regulation of NKA and AQPs in the gill and gut cells of P. argentinus. We exposed primary cultures of both gut and gill cells to 20E. Gill cells treated with hormone in the presence of NKA‐blockers, exhibited a reduction in volume, and cells treated with 20E showed a greater expression of NKA than untreated cells. Additionally, gills cells treated with 20E showed an increase in volume (∼60%), which the aquaporin inhibitor (HgCl2) prevented. The participation of AQPs in the influx of water was corroborated by a greater expression of AQP in cells treated with 20E compared to untreated cells. Gut cells of animals in intermolt exposed to hormone (20E) maintained their initial cell volume. With the addition of HgCl2, these cells showed a reduction in volume similar to cells of animals in pre‐molt. Immunocytochemistry showed a high expression of AQP in gut cells treated with 20E. These findings suggest that 20E regulates the expression of AQP and NKA in the late pre‐molt, to provide water uptake for molting. This work offers new perspectives concerning the molting hormone, placing it as a crucial part of water uptake for ecdysis.