bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial performance response of manufacturers to servitization: curvilinear relationship mediated by service business focus and moderated by digital technology application
Authors: Liu Beini , Li Zhenyan , Fu Yaoyao 
Published: February 2024

PurposeServitization of products is becoming increasingly prevalent among manufacturing enterprises. Existing research has primarily focused on exploring whether the direct impact of servitization on manufacturer performance follows a linear or a curvilinear relationship. However, the understanding of the underlying mechanisms between servitization and manufacturer financial performance remains limited. This paper aims to examine the non-linear relationship between servitization and manufacturer performance as well as the mediating process and boundary condition associated with this relationship.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on resource-advantage theory, this paper proposes a theoretical model of the U-shaped relationship between servitization and the financial performance of equipment manufacturers. Panel data of 248 listed equipment manufacturers in China during the period of 2010–2020 are used to test each hypothesis through the ordinary least square method.FindingsThe empirical results indicate that servitization follows a U-shaped relationship with service business focus and the financial performance of equipment manufacturers. Service business focus mediates this U-shaped relationship between servitization and financial performance, and digital technology application moderates this relationship.Originality/valueThis paper pioneers the unraveling of the potential mechanism that can explain the curvilinear relationship between servitization of manufacturers and financial performance. This mechanism is the focus of the service business, which is theoretically delineated and empirically tested. Furthermore, digital technology application enables manufacturers to achieve service business focus more effectively in the process of servitization. Thus, this study addresses the call for research on digital servitization.
Using learning analytics to alleviate course and student support administrative load for large classes: a case study
Authors: Honson Vanessa , Vu Thuy , Tran Tich Phuoc , Tejada Estay Walter 
Published: February 2024

PurposeLarge class sizes are becoming the norm in higher education against concerns of dropping learning qualities. To maintain the standard of learning and add value, one of the common strategies is for the course convenor to proactively monitor student engagement with learning activities against their assessment outcomes and intervene timely. Learning analytics has been increasingly adopted to provide these insights into student engagement and their performance. This case study explores how learning analytics can be used to meet the convenor’s requirements and help reduce administrative workload in a large health science class at the University of New South Wales.Design/methodology/approachThis case-based study adopts an “action learning research approach” in assessing ways of using learning analytics for reducing workload in the educator’s own context and critically reflecting on experiences for improvements. This approach emphasises reflexive methodology, where the educator constantly assesses the context, implements an intervention and reflects on the process for in-time adjustments, improvements and future development.FindingsThe results highlighted ease for the teacher towards the early “flagging” of students who may not be active within the learning management system or who have performed poorly on assessment tasks. Coupled with the ability to send emails to the “flagged” students, this has led to a more personal approach while reducing the number of steps normally required. An unanticipated outcome was the potential for additional time saving through improving the scaffolding mechanisms if the learning analytics were customisable for individual courses.Originality/valueThe results provide further benefits for learning analytics to assist the educator in a growing blended learning environment. They also reveal the potential for learning analytics to be an effective adjunct towards promoting personal learning design.
Unveiling ChatGPT in tourism education: exploring perceptions, advantages and recommendations from educators
Authors: Altun Ozlem , Saydam Mehmet Bahri , Karatepe Tuna , Dima Ştefana Maria 
Published: February 2024

PurposeFollowing the remarkable debut of ChatGPT and its rapid adoption by a global audience since its launch in November 2022, this study delves into educators' perceptions of ChatGPT within the specialized domains of tourism and hospitality education. While acknowledging ChatGPT’s swift rise and advanced capabilities, this research aims to comprehensively explore educators' perspectives, advantages and concerns regarding its integration into academic settings.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was utilized to reveal dominant themes from in-depth, semi-structured face-to-face interviews with twenty lecturers in tourism faculties in North Cyprus. Collected responses from respondents were subjected to analysis using Leximancer software.FindingsOur analysis unearthed seven significant themes encapsulating educators' perceptions of ChatGPT: 1 – “reliability and accuracy concerns”; 2 – “dependency”; 3 – “student engagement”; 4 – “ethical considerations”; 5 – “time efficiency and productivity”; 6 – “teacher-student interaction” and 7 – “learning flexibility”. Noteworthy positive perceptions emerged regarding “student engagement,” “time efficiency and productivity,” and “learning flexibility.”Originality/valueThis study contributes to the originality of research by addressing the underexplored aspect of educators' perceptions of ChatGPT within the domains of tourism and hospitality education, shedding light on its potential implications, advantages and drawbacks in a specialized educational context. Furthermore, it aims to offer insights into educators' recommendations for the effective incorporation of ChatGPT technologies into this specific educational setting, filling a crucial gap in understanding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in specialized fields of study.
Pro‐market Institutions and the Degree of Hybridity in Startup Social Ventures: The Moderating Effects of Organizational Activities
Authors: Liu Zhiyang , Xu Liping , Jia Fu , Zhuang Xinhe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAs a departure from previous research that takes social ventures as a distinct organizational type, this study investigates the relationship between the pro‐market institutions in a country and the degree of hybridity in social ventures, focusing on the dimension of organizational goals. Additionally, it examines the contingent effects of organizational activities, such as the novelty of market offering and the implementation of social performance measurement. Combining Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data in 2009 and 2015 with other cross‐national databases, we test our theoretical predictions using 3648 startup social ventures across 42 countries. We find that pro‐market institutions have an inverted U‐shaped effect on the degree of hybridity in social ventures. Furthermore, the novelty of market offering and social performance measurement attenuate the impact of pro‐market institutions on organizational hybridity by shifting the inverted U‐shape to relatively negative and linear. Through this cross‐level empirical exploration, we develop a richer explanation of organizational hybridity and contribute to the growing literature on social ventures and hybrid organizations.
Unveiling the influence of environmental taxes, socioeconomic conditions, renewable energy, and financial globalization on environmental sustainability
Authors: Ahmed Zahoor , Pata Ugur Korkut 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe augmented resource consumption, higher demand for resources, and limited supply promote a major resource crisis in a number of the largest economies. This crisis upsurges the ecological footprint (EF) augmenting the process of resource depletion and enhancing ecological degradation. Against this backdrop, this investigation aims to apprehend the interplay between environmental policy, socioeconomic conditions (SEC), financial globalization (FG), renewable energy (RN), and the EF within the top 10 economies. Driven by their massive economic growth, the top 10 economies have become entangled in a vicious cycle of resource consumption and environmental degradation. To understand these relationships, the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MM‐QR) is adopted, which helps to identify the impacts of regressors on EF from 2000 to 2021. The findings of this analysis denote that environmental taxes (ETX) reduce the EF in the context of top economies without much variation. RN bolsters reductions in the EF, displaying an escalating impact that ranges from the 10th to the 90th quantiles. FG reduces the EF across various quantiles, with its effects stimulating from lower to upper quantiles. The findings did not reveal any statistically significant effects of SEC on the EF. Additionally, the study observed a U‐shaped relationship between EF and economic growth, indicating a potential escalation of environmental issues with further development in the upcoming years. The study provides in‐depth policy directions for increasing the utilization of renewables and enhancing the FG to enhance environmental sustainability.
The antibacterial mechanism of (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) against Campylobacter jejuni through transcriptome profiling
Authors: Lin Yilin , Liang Siwei , Zhang Yehui , Yu Yigang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract(−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) has been shown antibacterial activity against Campylobacter jejuni; however, the relevant antibacterial mechanism is unknown. In this study, phenotypic experiments and RNA sequencing were used to explore the antibacterial mechanism. The minimum inhibitory concentration of EGCG on C. jejuni was 32 µg/mL. EGCG‐treated was able to increase intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and decline bacterial motility. The morphology and cell membrane of C. jejuni after EGCG treatment were observed collapsed, broken, and agglomerated by field emission scanning electron microscopy and fluorescent microscopy. The RNA‐seq analysis presents that there are 36 and 72 differential expressed genes after C. jejuni was treated by EGCG with the concentration of 16 and 32 µg/mL, respectively. EGCG‐treated increased the thioredoxin expression, which was a critical protein to resist oxidative stress. Moreover, downregulation of the flgH and flgM gene in flagellin biosynthesis of C. jejuni was able to impair the flagella, reducing cell motility and virulence. The primary antibacterial mechanism revealed by RNA‐seq is that EGCG with iron‐chelating activity competes with C. jejuni for iron, causing iron deficiency in C. jejuni, which potentially impacts the survival and virulence of C. jejuni. The results suggested a new direction for exploring the activity of EGCG against C. jejuni in the food industry.Practical ApplicationA deeper understanding of the antibacterial mechanism of EGCG against C. jejuni was more beneficial in improving the food safety, eliminating concerns about human health caused by C. jejuni in future food, and promoting the natural antibacterial agent EGCG application in the food industry.
Effects of extrusion screw speed, feed moisture content, and barrel temperature on the physical, techno‐functional, and microstructural quality of texturized lentil protein
Authors: Singh Ravinder , Guerrero Maria , Nickerson Michael T. , Koksel Filiz 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUtilizing lentil protein as a novel ingredient for producing texturized vegetable proteins (TVPs) can provide new opportunities for the production of next‐generation hybrid meat products. TVPs from lentil protein isolate were manufactured using low‐moisture extrusion cooking at different combinations of screw speed (SS), feed moisture content (MC), and barrel temperature (BT) profile. In total, seven different combinations of processing treatments were tested, and the resulting TVPs were characterized for their physical (rehydration ratio, texture profile analysis, color, and bulk density), techno‐functional (oil and water holding capacities), and microstructural properties. The processing conditions of higher SS and lower MC resulted in increased values of several textural profile attributes (springiness, cohesiveness, and resilience), increased water holding capacity (WHC), and decreased bulk density. Compared to raw lentil protein, TVPs showed enhanced oil holding capacity, though WHC either decreased or remained constant. The extrusion response parameters (die pressure, torque, and specific mechanical energy) showed positive correlations with several physical properties (texture, WHC, and total color change), revealing their potential for serving as important TVP quality indicators. TVPs produced at SS, MC, and BT of 450 rpm, 30%, and 140°C, respectively, showed relatively better overall physical and techno‐functional quality and can be used as meat extenders in hybrid meat patties. Overall, this research evidenced the viability of lentil protein as a potential ingredient for producing low‐moisture TVPs.
Metabolomic profiling of the nutritional components of chicory leaves following heat processing
Authors: Kobayashi Wataru , Tomizawa Ayumi , Kurawaka Misaki , Abe Masako , Watanabe Akio , Ayabe Sonoko 
Published: February 2024

AbstractChicory (Cichorium intybus L.; witloof) is a crisp bitter leafy vegetable, popularly used in western cuisine in salads and soups (leaves) and as an alternative to coffee (roasted roots). In this study, we explored the effect of heat processing under various temperatures and for different durations on the nutritional composition of chicory leaves using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and principal component analysis (PCA). “Vintor” chicory leaves were processed and homogenized to obtain lyophilized samples, and their moisture content and pH were measured. Heat processing was conducted at 4, 30, 60, and 100°C. Metabolites were extracted and analyzed using GC/MS. The results were statistically analyzed using multiple t‐tests and Tukey–Kramer method. A PCA was conducted using standardized data. A lower temperature (≤60°C) positively influenced the concentrations of nutritional components (sugars, free amino acids, and organic acids), branched‐chain amino acids (which reportedly improve exercise performance), and γ‐aminobutyric acid (which exerts antihypertensive effects). Whereas, a higher temperature (100°C) and microwave processing induced the generation of low‐molecular‐weight sugars from polysaccharides and glycosides, decreased free amino acid concentrations, and caused heat‐induced aminocarbonyl reactions. This study provides valuable information for enhancing the flavor profiles and potential health benefits of chicory leaves by identifying the optimal heat processing parameters for preserving the desired nutritional value.Practical ApplicationThe palatability, nutritional content, and health benefits of chicory have been evaluated based on its inherent constituents, but changes in these parameters during food processing remain unclear. Heating at 30 and 60°C activated secondary metabolism in chicory, increasing the amino acid and organic acid concentrations, whereas heating at 100°C and microwave processing increased the sugar concentrations in chicory. Thus, the nutritional value and potential health benefits of chicory could be enhanced by processing it under controlled temperatures; the findings are valuable for both consumers and food processing industry.
Botrytis cinerea type II inhibitor of apoptosis BcBIR1 enhances the biocontrol capacity of Coniothyrium minitans
Authors: Wu Jianing , Xin Ruolong , Jiang Yachan , Jin Huanan , Liu Hao , Zhang Hongxiang , Jiang Daohong , Fu Yanping , Xie Jiatao , Cheng Jiasen , Lin Yang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractApoptosis‐like programmed cell death is associated with fungal development, ageing, pathogenicity and stress responses. Here, to explore the potential of Botrytis cinerea type II inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) BcBIR1 in elevating the biocontrol efficacy of Coniothyrium minitans, the BcBIR1 gene was heterologously expressed in C. minitans. Results indicated that the strains expressing BcBIR1 had higher rates of conidiation, mycelial growth and biomass growth than the wild‐type strain. Moreover, BcBIR1 was found to inhibit apoptosis, indicating its role as an IAP in C. minitans. Under various abiotic stresses, the growth rates of BcBIR1‐expressing strains were significantly higher than that of the wild‐type strain. Moreover, the conidial survival rate of the BcBIR1‐expressing strains treated with ultraviolet irradiation was enhanced. In antifungal activity assay, the culture filtrates of BcBIR1‐expressing strains displayed a stronger inhibitory effect on B. cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum than the wild‐type strain. The study also found that BcBIR1 expression increased the mycoparasitism against the sclerotia, but not the hyphae of S. sclerotiorum. Taken together, these results suggest that BcBIR1 enhances vegetative growth, conidiation, anti‐apoptosis activity, abiotic stress resistance, antifungal activity and mycoparasitism in C. minitans. As an IAP, BcBIR1 may improve the control capacity of C. minitans against S. sclerotiorum.
Fermented foods, their microbiome and its potential in boosting human health
Authors: Valentino Vincenzo , Magliulo Raffaele , Farsi Dominic , Cotter Paul D. , O'Sullivan Orla , Ercolini Danilo , De Filippis Francesca 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFermented foods (FFs) are part of the cultural heritage of several populations, and their production dates back 8000 years. Over the last ~150 years, the microbial consortia of many of the most widespread FFs have been characterised, leading in some instances to the standardisation of their production. Nevertheless, limited knowledge exists about the microbial communities of local and traditional FFs and their possible effects on human health. Recent findings suggest they might be a valuable source of novel probiotic strains, enriched in nutrients and highly sustainable for the environment. Despite the increasing number of observational studies and randomised controlled trials, it still remains unclear whether and how regular FF consumption is linked with health outcomes and enrichment of the gut microbiome in health‐associated species. This review aims to sum up the knowledge about traditional FFs and their associated microbiomes, outlining the role of fermentation with respect to boosting nutritional profiles and attempting to establish a link between FF consumption and health‐beneficial outcomes.
An aggressive case of a thoracic undifferentiated SMARCA4‐deficient tumor with extensive pleural involvement
Authors: Hanona Paul F. , Ezekwudo Daniel , Fullmer Joseph , Allen Timothy , Jaiyesimi Ishmael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSMARCA4‐deficient undifferentiated thoracic tumors are a rare phenomenon. A 40‐year‐old male was newly diagnosed with SMARCA4‐deficient undifferentiated non‐small cell lung cancer. He had a history of heavy smoking and job‐related exposure to metal dust and melted nickel. CT imaging showed numerous right‐sided pleural masses and soft tissue plaques, but no metastases. CT‐guided biopsy of a pleural mass confirmed the diagnosis. He was prescribed six cycles of carboplatin paclitaxel, and follow‐up imaging showed largely stable disease. Treatment was changed to nivolumab due to shortness of breath, and he received one cycle of nivolumab without considerable side effects. Unfortunately, during the second cycle of his nivolumab, the patient presented with new weakness. Imaging showed spinal cord metastasis and he underwent a laminectomy; he was subsequently followed up as an outpatient. The objective of this publication was to explore SMARCA4‐deficient undifferentiated thoracic tumors, other related SMARCA4‐deficient tumors, and their overall pattern of presentation. The genetic aberrations of this case are compared to recent publications that also discuss genetic aberrations commonly occurring with this disease process, with an ultimate goal of hastening detection and adding to the library of treatment results.
Identification and molecular characterization of genes modulating progression of an oocyte from M‐I to M‐II in rat ovary
Authors: Sharma Alka , Dubey Pawan K. , Kumar Pradeep , Tiwari Kavindra Nath , Tripathi Anima 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo achieve oocyte competence for successful fertilization, bidirectional communication between oocyte and granulosa cells is crucial. The acquisition of meiotic competency in oocyte is facilitated by various regulatory genes however, expression pattern of these genes is not well documented during meiotic transition from Metaphase‐I to Metaphase‐II stage. Therefore, the present research analyzed the expression pattern of regulatory genes that are involved in the transition from M‐I to M‐II stages in rat oocyte.MethodsThe analysis of the data was conducted by applying an array of bioinformatic tools. The investigation of gene group interactions was carried out by employing the STRING database, which relies on co‐expression information. The gene ontology (GO) analysis was performed utilizing the comparative GO database. Functional annotation for GO and pathway enrichment analysis were performed for genes involved in networking. The GO obtained through computational simulations was subsequently validated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) analysis.ResultsThe findings of our study suggest that there is a distinct gene expression pattern in both the oocyte and granulosa cells. This pattern indicates that oocyte‐secreted factors, such as BMP15 and GDF9, play a crucial role in regulating the progression of the meiotic cell cycle from the M‐I to M‐II stages. We have also examined the level of mRNA expression of genes including CYP11A1, CYP19A1, and STAR, which are crucial for the steroidogenesis.ConclusionsIt is fascinating to observe that the oscillatory pattern of specific key genes may hold significance in the process of in vitro oocyte maturation, specifically during the transition from the M‐I to M‐II stage. It might be useful for determining biomarker genes and potential pathways that play a role in attaining oocyte competency, thereby aiding in the assessment of oocyte quality for the purpose of achieving successful fertilization.