bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The psychometric properties of teacher leadership scale: the study of adaptation and validation based on the MLQ-5X in higher education
Authors: Assefa Yalalem , Moges Bekalu Tadesse , Tilwani Shouket Ahmad 
Published: March 2024

PurposeGiven the importance of teacher leadership in influencing, motivating and inspiring student learning engagement and associated learning outcomes, a robust instrument to assess this construct is critical. Although there are some teacher leadership instruments available in existing literature, efforts to adapt robust psychometric instruments to measure teachers' leadership practices in Ethiopian higher education institutions have been limited. Therefore, this study attempted to address this gap by adapting the Teacher Leadership Scale (TLS) based on the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X) and validating its psychometric properties for use in higher education settings.Design/methodology/approachUsing a cross-sectional design, the study involved 409 undergraduate university students who were randomly selected from public universities. Factor analytic methodologies, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), were used to analyze the data collected.FindingsThe result confirmed a set of 36 items arranged in nine factors, which have a theoretically supported factor structure, excellent model fit and robust evidence for validity, and reliability and measurement invariance. These results demonstrate that the scale is a strong psychometric tool for measuring the leadership profile and practice of higher education teachers.Originality/valueIt can be concluded that the TLS can assist stakeholders in several ways. Researchers can benefit from the scale to measure teachers' leadership practices and predict their influence on student learning outcomes. In addition, the scale can help practitioners and policymakers collect relevant data to rethink teacher professional development initiatives, leadership training programs and other practices aimed at improving teacher leadership effectiveness.
Liquidity and dynamic leverage: the moderating impacts of leverage deviation and target instability
Authors: Ho Ly 
Published: March 2024

PurposeWe explore the impact of equity liquidity on a firm’s dynamic leverage adjustments and the moderating impacts of leverage deviation and target instability on the link between equity liquidity and dynamic leverage in the UK market.Design/methodology/approachIn applying the two-step system GMM, we estimate our model by exploring suitable instruments for the dynamic variable(s), i.e. lagged values of the dynamic term(s).FindingsOur analyses document that a firm’s equity liquidity has a positive impact on the speed of adjustment (SOA) of its leverage ratio back to the target ratio in the UK market. We also demonstrate that the positive relationship between liquidity and SOA is more pronounced for firms whose current position is relatively close to their target leverage ratio and whose target ratio is relatively stable.Practical implicationsThis study provides important implications for both firms’ managers and investors. Particularly, firms’ managers who wish to increase the leverage SOA to enhance firms’ value need to give great attention to their equity liquidity. Investors who want to evaluate firms’ performance could also consider their equity liquidity and leverage SOA.Originality/valueWe are the first to enrich the literature on leverage adjustments by identifying equity liquidity as a new determinant of SOA in a single developed country with many differences in the structure and development of capital markets, ownership concentration and institutional characteristics. We also provide new empirical evidence of the joint effect of equity liquidity, leverage deviation and target instability on leverage SOA.
Benchmarking asset pricing models in emerging markets: evidence from Borsa Istanbul
Authors: Gökgöz Fazıl , Seyhan Canan 
Published: March 2024

PurposeInvestors who can transfer their savings to investments in a well-regulated market benefit not only themselves but also economic development. Hence, it is crucial for fund owners to evaluate their stock market investment decisions. The goal of the study is to understand which model determines the asset returns most efficiently. In this regard, the validity of single and multi-index asset pricing models (capital asset pricing model-CAPM and Fama–French models) has been examined in the Turkish Stock Exchange for 2009–2020, with the quantile regression (QR) approach.Design/methodology/approachOn 18 portfolios comprised of quoted stocks in the Istanbul Stock Exchange 100 (ISE-100/BIST-100), we test the CAPM, the Fama and French three factor model (FF3) and the Fama and French five factor model (FF5). Empirical analyses have been carried out via QR approach regressing the portfolios' average weekly excess returns on risk premium/market factor (Rm-Rf), firm size, book value/market value (B/M), profitability and investments factors. QR estimation has been employed since QR is more effective and provides a better definition of the distribution’s tails.FindingsOur empirical findings have revealed that the average excess weekly returns can be explained more strongly via CAPM. Moreover, Fama and French models are expected to give more reliable result with more data, whereas the market premium would give robust results for the Turkish Capital Market.Practical implicationsIndividuals investing in financial assets must find the price model that best fits the market. The return can be approximated in the most appropriate manner using the right variables.Originality/valueThe study differs from other research by comparing the asset pricing models via examining the assets' weekly returns with QR in the Istanbul Stock Exchange 100 (ISE-100).
Implementation of an adapted Handwriting Without Tears® programme for children with developmental disabilities in a special education setting
Authors: Goyen Emily , Grindle Corinna , Totsika Vaso , Sapiets Suzi Jayne 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Children with developmental disabilities (e.g. learning disability and autism) often struggle with handwriting skills. This study aims to implement an adapted handwriting programme for children with developmental disabilities to improve their handwriting skills.

Design/methodology/approach
Six children with developmental disabilities aged 9–15 years received an adapted Handwriting Without Tears® (HWT) programme in small groups over eight weeks. The programme was delivered by typical teaching staff (i.e. paraprofessionals) at a special education school following a brief training session and with ongoing supervision. A range of measures assessed the children’s handwriting and related skills. Social validity interviews were conducted with school staff following the intervention to evaluate the programme’s acceptability.

Findings
Typical teaching staff implemented the handwriting programme with 92.3% average fidelity and delivered a minimum of three sessions per week. Social validity interviews demonstrated the acceptability of the intervention to school staff. After eight weeks of intervention, all children improved their handwriting on various assessments. Improvements were only partially maintained at follow-up.

Originality/value
This study supports the feasibility of using an adapted HWT programme to teach handwriting to children with developmental disabilities in special education settings. Typical teaching staff can be trained to support the delivery of the programme to children in small groups.
‘Safe as Houses’: Recalibrating Homeownership in Australian Retirement Planning
Authors: Chen Jane , Tran Long , Sinclair Sarah , Boymal Jonathan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAustralia's longstanding culture of homeownership, symbolising stability and achievement, also impacts positive ageing outcomes across multiple domains. Recently, demographic and economic factors, such as housing affordability issues, insufficient income and barriers to the housing market, pose challenges to homeownership, with implications for retirement planning as the use of home equity to support ageing evolves. Secure housing and financial security are critical for successful ageing, necessitating flexible solutions and innovative financing models like fractional ownership. We raise awareness of the changing dynamics of retirement planning and accentuate the increasing significance of innovative housing solutions in supporting health during retirement.
Detection and quantification of biogenic amines in cephalopod using dansyl chloride pre‐column derivatization‐HPLC and their production
Authors: Wang Kang , Pan Chuanyan , Yang Qiong , Ruan Qiufeng , Chen Weijie , Lv Min , Yang Lifang , Zou Zhiming , Ma Huawei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe accurate detection of biogenic amines (BAs) is an important means of ensuring the quality and safety of cephalopod seafood products. In this study, the pre‐column derivatization of high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was optimized using dansyl chloride (Dns‐Cl) to detect BAs in octopus, cuttlefish, and squid. The reasons for the formation of BAs were investigated by assessing their decarboxylase activity and the rates of decomposition. The findings demonstrated that using Dns‐Cl to optimize pre‐column derivatization enabled the separation of nine different BAs. The detection limits ranged from 0.07 to 0.25 mg/L, and the results exhibited a high level of linearity (R2 ≥ 0.997). The decarboxylase activity and biodegradation rate positively correlated with the formation of BAs at temperatures below 0°C. Notably, the decarboxylase activity of octopus, cuttlefish, and squid exhibited a significant increase with prolonged storage time, and formyltransferase and carbamate kinase may be the key decarboxylase in cephalopod products. These findings serve as a valuable reference for further investigations into the mechanisms behind BAs production and the development of control technologies for BAs in cephalopod products. This study has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the Dns‐Cl pre‐column derivatization‐HPLC method in accurately and efficiently detecting BAs in octopus, cuttlefish, and squid. Moreover, it highlights the influence of decarboxylase content and biodegradation rate on the formation of BAs. Importantly, this method can serve as a reference for detecting BAs in various seafood products.
Enhancing citric acid tolerance of Acetobacter tropicalis using chemical and physical mutagenesis and adaptive evolution to improve the quality of lemon fruit vinegar
Authors: Yang Shaojie , Li Kang , Liu Hua , Lu Jian , Yang Hua , Wu Dianhui 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe high concentration of citric acid in lemons limits the production of lemon fruit vinegar because it inhibits the metabolism of acetic acid bacteria and reduces the utilization of raw materials. This study aimed to enhance the citric acid tolerance of Acetobacter tropicalis by using complex mutagenesis and adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) and improving the quality of lemon fruit vinegar. After mutagenesis and ALE, A. tropicalis JY‐135 grew well under 40 g/L citric acid, and it showed high physiological activity and excellent fermentation performance under high concentrations of citric acid. The survival rate and ATP content of JY‐135 were 15.27 and 9.30 times higher than that of the original strain J‐2736. In the fermentation of lemon fruit vinegar, the acid production and the number of aroma‐active compounds were 1.61‐fold and 2.17‐fold than J‐2736. In addition, we found that citric acid tolerance of JY‐135 is related to the respiratory electron‐transport chain and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. This work is of great significance for the production of high‐quality lemon fruit vinegar and the enrichment of seed resources of acetic acid bacteria.
Determination of the process effect on cocoa butter crystallization by rheometer: Kinetic modeling by Gompertz equation
Authors: Bölük Esra , Akdeniz Esra , Gunes Recep , Palabiyik Ibrahim , Konar Nevzat , Toker Omer Said 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, the effects of temperature (22, 24, 26, 28, and 30°C) and strain (0.1%, 1%, and 5%) on cocoa butter (CB) crystallization were investigated by oscillatory test, and the four‐parameter Gompertz model was used to interpret the effect of parameters on pre‐crystallization, nucleation, and crystal growth stages of CB. Lag time and growth rate were calculated using the Gompertz model using time‐dependent storage modulus (G′) data. According to the results, CB crystallization at 26°C with a 1% strain value had the highest growth rate value, the shortest lag time, and the formation of βv polymorph type. Followingly, polymorphic types of the CB crystals were determined based on the melting points of polymorphs via the temperature ramp step, and the results obtained were correlated with a polarized light microscope. In conclusion, using a rheometer in both the observation of the pre‐crystallization process and the determination of polymorph types is very important for research and development studies in the chocolate industry for process and formulation optimization.Practical ApplicationThis study demonstrates the feasibility of a novel approach for investigating crystallization and oscillatory shear of CB using a rheometer, both for observing crystallization kinetics and determining polymorph type, accompanied by the Gompertz equation to model the crystallization kinetics. According to the results, the effect of process parameters (temperature and shear) on the crystallization behavior of CB can be observed by rheometer, which can provide a detailed perspective for chocolate manufacturers and researchers in research and development studies.
Banking bad? A global field experiment on risk, reward, and regulation
Authors: Findley Michael G. , Nielson Daniel L. , Sharman J. C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAre banks sensitive to risk and reward in following global corporate transparency rules? Using a worldwide field experiment, this study evaluates competing predictions from expected utility, behavioralist, and institutionalist accounts. We incorporated a dozen companies around the world to make over 15,000 email solicitations asking for corporate accounts from 5000 of the world's internationally connected banks. Treatments randomize the risk profiles of different companies—by their countries’ association with corruption, terrorism, and tax evasion—and vary rewards by stating differing amounts of business revenues. The outcomes are the rates at which banks offer accounts and comply with rules on customer identification. The results suggest that banks are moderately responsive to risk—though not reward—but the magnitude of the effects is small, providing mixed evidence for conventional models and suggestive support for institutionalist accounts.
Historical lime‐based flooring mortars from the Church of Santa Maria de Alcobaça monastery (12th century), Portugal: A multi‐analytical approach
Authors: Carvalho Fernanda , Nunes Ana , Pagará Ana , Costeira Isabel , da Silva Teresa Pereira , Lima Maria Margarida Rolim Augusto , Veiga João Pedro 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Monastery of Alcobaça houses in reserve the ceramic tiles that adorned the floor of the church's apse. These tiles were removed during rehabilitation works and many preserve part of their original fixing mortars. A comprehensive analysis of 21 samples was conducted using a multi‐analytical approach (X‐ray fluorescence, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, μ‐Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis, optical microscopy, and colorimetry). Results suggest compositional variations in the samples from the back and sides of the ceramic tiles; however, the mineralogy and general characteristics of the aggregates remained consistent between the samples and are coherent with the local geology, suggesting a shared historical origin.
The unheard echoes of equality: perceptions of wealth inequality in the Czech Republic
Authors: Červenka Filip , Maialeh Robin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study examines various attitudes to wealth inequality in Czechia and the broader CEE region and provides valuable insights into global research on inequality perceptions. By focusing on this, to date, underexplored region, our research contributes to the current understanding of wealth inequality at the global scale. The findings revealed remarkable similarities between Czech and US respondents in terms of their perceptions and preferences. On average, participants estimated that the top 20% of the population in the Czech Republic holds approximately 48% of total wealth, while expressing a preference for a lower wealth share of around 34% in the ideal scenario. These results are in alignment with previous research that highlighted a prevalent lack of awareness of actual levels of wealth inequality combined with a consistent preference for the reduction of inequality levels. By elucidating these patterns, this study contributes to the growing body of literature in the field.
Carcass characteristics, meat quality, and nutritional profiles of Mithun (Bos frontalis) meat reared under a semi‐intensive system
Authors: Lalchamliani  , Chauhan Geeta , Ramesh Vikram , Shivanagowda Girish P. , Khate Kobu , Karabasanavar Nagappa S. , Mendiratta Sanjod K. , Haque Nazrul , Mitra Abhijit 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe present study aimed to determine carcass characteristics, meat quality, nutrient profiles, and sensory characteristics of Mithun meat. Sixteen Mithun were selected and divided into four groups, MM‐4 (male; n = 4; <4 years of age), MM‐47 (male; n = 4; 4–7 years of age), MF‐4 (female; n = 4; <4 years of age), MF‐47 (female; n = 4; 4–7 years of age). Carcass characteristics showed that adult males (MM‐47) have significantly higher (P < 0.05) live weight, carcass weight, and meat‐to‐bone ratio. Fat (%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05), and deboned meat (%) was lower in MF‐4 and MF‐47, while marginal differences were observed in bone (%), dressing percentage, and offal yield between groups. Visible marbling increased with age and varied from “slight” to “small” in all groups. Nutrient profiling revealed a significantly higher (P < 0.05) fat percentage and cholesterol in MF‐4 and MF‐47. Fatty acid profile, amino acid profile, water‐soluble vitamins, and minerals content did not differ between groups. However, lysine and leucine (essential amino acids) and glutamic acid and aspartic acid (nonessential amino acids) were most abundant. Effect of age was significant (P < 0.05) on juiciness, tenderness, and connective tissue residue scores. In conclusion, results indicate mithun meat is nutrient‐rich regardless of the animal's age or sex.
The effects of parental presence on amygdala and mPFC activation during fear conditioning: An exploratory study
Authors: Abramson Lior , Callaghan Bridget L. , Silvers Jennifer A. , Choy Tricia , VanTieghem Michelle , Vannucci Anna , Fields Andrea , Tottenham Nim 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLearning safe versus dangerous cues is crucial for survival. During development, parents can influence fear learning by buffering their children's stress response and increasing exploration of potentially aversive stimuli. Rodent findings suggest that these behavioral effects are mediated through parental presence modulation of the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Here, we investigated whether similar parental modulation of amygdala and mPFC during fear learning occurs in humans. Using a within‐subjects design, behavioral (final N = 48, 6–17 years, mean = 11.61, SD = 2.84, 60% females/40% males) and neuroimaging data (final N = 39, 6–17 years, mean = 12.03, SD = 2.98, 59% females/41% males) were acquired during a classical fear conditioning task, which included a CS+ followed by an aversive noise (US; 75% reinforcement rate) and a CS−. Conditioning occurred once in physical contact with the participant's parent and once alone (order counterbalanced). Region of interest analyses examined the unconditioned stress response by BOLD activation to the US (vs. implicit baseline) and learning by activation to the CS+ (vs. CS−). Results showed that during US presentation, parental presence reduced the centromedial amygdala activity, suggesting buffering of the unconditioned stress response. In response to learned stimuli, parental presence reduced mPFC activity to the CS+ (relative to the CS−), although this result did not survive multiple comparisons’ correction. These preliminary findings indicate that parents modulate amygdala and mPFC activity during exposure to unconditioned and conditioned fear stimuli, potentially providing insight into the neural mechanisms by which parents act as a social buffer during fear learning.Research Highlights
This study used a within‐participant experimental design to investigate how parental presence (vs. absence) affects youth's neural responses in a classical fear conditioning task.
Parental presence reduced the youth's centromedial amygdala activation to the unconditioned stimulus (US), suggesting parental buffering of the neural unconditioned response (UR).
Parental presence reduced the youth's mPFC activation to a conditioned threat cue (CS+) compared to a safety cue (CS−), suggesting possible parental modulation of fear learning.
Influence of victims' diet on the life‐history traits in cannibalistic Menochilus sexmaculatus
Authors: Yadav Tripti , Singh Gaurvanvita , Omkar  , Mishra Geetanjali 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMultitrophic interactions are common in nature and play a major role in modulating life‐history traits in predatory insects. The sequestration of chemicals and the transfer of nutrients from one trophic level to a higher trophic level have been reported previously. However, the effect of cannibalism, which is prevalent in the food chain, has not been explored yet. In this study, we hypothesised that the varying nutritional condition of the victim would significantly influence the life‐history traits of adult Menochilus sexmaculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). To test this hypothesis, we provided fourth‐instar individuals with first‐instar victims of varying nutritional quality for cannibalism. To create victims of varying nutritional quality, first‐instar victims were fed on high‐quality aphids [Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae)], low‐quality aphids (Aphis nerii Boyer de Fonscolombe) and conspecific eggs. The cannibalistic groups were tested against the control group, in which the fourth instars were provided with their natural prey, A. craccivora. Our results revealed a significant difference in the consumption of prey by the fourth instars between the diet groups, with the control group consuming the most prey. The developmental duration of fourth instars was not significantly influenced by the victims' diet or the amount of victims cannibalised. Furthermore, neither the victims' diet nor the amount of victims cannibalised affected the mating (time to commence mating and copulation duration) and reproductive parameters (egg viability and fecundity) in M. sexmaculatus. Cannibalism here might have compensated for the low‐quality victims, resulting in insignificant effects on the life‐history traits of M. sexmaculatus. Otherwise, given the short duration of the first instars and their potentially limited ability to sequester significant amounts of plant allelochemicals, it is possible that their diet did not affect the development, mating and reproductive attributes of the cannibals. Thus, the use of higher instars as victims may yield substantially different outcomes.