bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analytical Ultracentrifugation as a Tool for Exploring COSAN Assemblies
Authors: Fakhouri Hussein , Mas Caroline , Le Roy Aline , Marchal Estelle , Pasquier Coralie , Diat Olivier , Bauduin Pierre , Ebel Christine 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe self-assembly of the cobalta bis(dicarbollide) (COSAN) anionic boron clusters into micelles above a critical micelle concentration (cmc) of 10 - 20 mM and its behavior as “sticky nano-ions” facilitating controlled protein aggregation have been previously investigated using scattering techniques, particularly small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering. These techniques effectively provide average structural parameters but, when applied to colloidal systems, often rely on models assuming polydispersity or anisotropic shapes. Thus, complementary techniques are required to confirm or infirm the proposed analyses. Here, we employed sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (SV-AUC), which offers the ability to resolve discrete species. We revisited two key questions: (1) the aggregation behavior of COSAN into micelles, a topic still under debate and due to its unconventional amphiphilic nature, and (2) the nature of the protein assemblies induced by COSAN, specifically their size/shape distribution and aggregation number. Our findings confirm the cmc of COSAN of 16 mM and reveal that COSAN micelles exhibit low aggregation numbers (8 in water and 14 in dilute salt), consistent with recent hypotheses. Furthermore, SV-AUC showed that COSAN promotes myoglobin aggregation into discrete oligomeric species with well-defined aggregation numbers, such as dimers, tetramers, and higher-order assemblies, depending on the COSAN-to-protein ratio. These results provide clarity on the discrete nature of COSAN micelle aggregation and protein assembly. This study highlights the complementary role of SV-AUC in understanding supramolecular assemblies, offering useful insights into the behavior of COSAN nano-ions and their interactions with biomacromolecules.
Multiomics analysis revealed anti-freezing mechanism ofStaphylococcus aureusin its anti-freezing strain
Authors: Youzhi Wu , Linjun Sun , Chunlei Shi , xianghuan Wu , Lingxia Jiao , Fuzhou Ye 
Published: January 2025

Frozen food is currently a common food type. However, the presence ofStaphylococcus aureuscontamination caused serious challenge to frozen food safety. In this study, we explored the differences between sensitive strains and anti-freeze strains through multiomics analysis such as proteomics, phosphorylated proteomics, and metabolomics studies to understand the anti-freezing mechanism ofS. aureus. This study compared the proteomics, phosphorylated proteomics and metabolomic differences between anti-freeze strains and sensitive strains before and after freezing. pre- and post-freezing, antifreeze strains mainly responded to low temperatures by enhancing antioxidant capacity, energy metabolism and antibiotic synthesis before freezing, while after freezing, bacteria depended more on biofilm formation, nitrogen metabolism and amino acid metabolism to improve frost resistance and adaptability. Theketgene such assucDandcoaDin the energy metabolism and metabolic pathways,gapA1andtpiAin glucose metabolism and energy balance,asdandgndin the metabolic pathways of amino acid synthesis and protein synthesis,crtNin the context of protective mechanisms and stress response should be explored furthermore. In metabolomic research, the arginine synthesis pathway, biofilm formation pathway, Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporters and other metabolic pathways deserve special attention and research.IMPORTANCEThis study highlights the importance of understanding the anti-freezing mechanisms of *Staphylococcus aureus* in frozen food safety. By analyzing proteomics, phosphorylated proteomics, and metabolomics, it identifies key pathways like energy metabolism, biofilm formation, and amino acid synthesis that enhance bacterial frost resistance, offering insights for improving food preservation and safety.
An experimental approach to understanding plastic leachate impacts on marine microorganisms
Authors: Maday S. D. M. , Handley K.M. , Northcott G. , Kingsbury J. M. , Smith D. , Pantos O. , Lear G. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPlastics in the world’s oceans are exposed to diverse environmental stressors that fragment them, accelerating the leaching of associated additives. The impact of potentially toxic plastic degradation products and additives on marine microorganisms remains poorly understood. We assessed the impact of plastic leachate on marine microbial communitiesin vitroby exposure to one of four plastic leachates (from linear low-density polyethylene [LLPDE], polyamide-6 [or polycaprolactam; PA6], polyethylene terephthalate [PET] and polylactic acid [PLA]), prepared by immersing plastics in artificial seawater salts broth for three months at 80 °C. Microbial communities were then exposed to different leachates, noting that lower concentrations of plastic additives leached from the more inert plastic types (LLDPE and PET), as determined by GC-MS. PLA-leachate exposed communities differed significantly in composition from other plastic-leachate-exposed communities (PERMANOVA,P=0.001) as assessed by 16S rRNA gene and ITS region amplicon sequencing. Communities exposed to PLA-leachate contained a higher proportion of Proteobacteria, specificallyHalomonasspp., previously reported to degrade LDPE and common plasticisers. Greater relative abundances of Psathyrellaceae fungi also distinguished these communities from those exposed to other plastic leachates. However, despite significant differences in the structure of communities exposed to PLA-leachate, we found no difference in the relative abundances of gene transcripts associated with plastic degradation. While biodegradable plastics such as PLA may persist for shorter times in the environment than more inert plastics, our study indicates greater consequences for marine microbial communities.
Knowledge dissemination and employee-based brand equity nexus: an inclusive marketing perspective
Authors: Gulzar Obaid , Malik Muhammad Imran , Nawaz Faisal , Shahid Osama Bin 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThe study aims to investigate the relationship between internal knowledge dissemination and employee-based brand equity (EBBE) through the lens of inclusive marketing among university faculty members. The study also examines the role of employee absorptive capacity and brand knowledge as mediators.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 362 faculty members from Pakistani universities was considered for analysis using a quantitative study design. A questionnaire was used to measure the variables under study, and structural equation modeling was used to examine the direct and indirect relationships.FindingsThere exists a positive and significant relationship between internal knowledge dissemination and EBBE among faculty members. Moreover, it is noteworthy to highlight that employee absorptive capacity and brand knowledge play pivotal roles as mediators.Practical implicationsThe research findings have significant implications for the universities. Universities can strengthen their EBBE by properly disseminating knowledge among faculty members, which in turn fosters a sense of belongingness toward them. By improving the absorptive capacity of faculty members, universities can better prepare them to contribute successfully to the university’s brand and image. Developing brand knowledge among faculty members can help in fostering a unified and coherent brand image that deeply resonates with stakeholders such as colleagues, students and the academic community as a whole. Furthermore, promoting an inclusive culture within the organization will emphasize diversity and equity in internal knowledge dissemination practices, thereby further enhancing EBBE.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the prevailing knowledge-base by exploring the role of internal knowledge dissemination in developing EBBE among university faculty members. The research not only enriches the understanding of brand management in universities but also provides practical guidelines for the expansion of effective branding initiatives. Moreover, this study adds value by examining the association between internal knowledge dissemination and EBBE from the perspective of inclusive marketing strategies. It highlights the significance of encouraging a culture of diversity, inclusion and equity within organizations, leading toward significant outcomes in terms of enhanced brand equity among employees.
Linked data adaptation and practice in libraries: an Indian panorama
Authors: Dutta Biswanath , Khamaru Nabina , JS Harikrishnan 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to gauge library and information science (LIS) professionals’ awareness, readiness and preparedness to embrace linked data (LD) technologies, standards, techniques, and methodologies for integrating those within Indian libraries.

Design/methodology/approach
This survey study uses a precisely crafted methodology, comprising three main phases and 10 steps, to delve into core research questions by mapping them to detailed survey questions section-wise.

Findings
The study reveals insights regarding the conception of LD technologies among Indian LIS professionals, their inclination toward its adaptation for enhanced library operations, and their level of preparedness for its successful integration into library services. Despite the lack of technical knowledge and confidence among professionals, they seem interested in this new technological advancement and are ready to train themselves. So, it offers a positive outlook for the future adaptation of LD in Indian libraries. Moreover, it adds value to the understanding of policymakers, government bodies, researchers and practitioners, for further magnifying the quality and reach of library activities within society.

Originality/value
As per the authors’ knowledge, this paper serves as the first research output in understanding LD adaptation in the Indian landscape. Though the National Library of Sweden showcases initiatives in implementing LD techniques in libraries, this study underscores a lack of similar endeavors within the Indian context.
Linguistic difficulties of health educational materials: a sub-national-level assessment and implications for adolescent health literacy in Ghana
Authors: Nkrumah Jacqueline , Abuosi Aaron Asibi , Yarney Lily , Baku Anita Asiowome Adzo 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThe study aims to evaluate the readability, comprehensibility, and vocabulary knowledge of SRH educational materials available online and on paper to inform health educational material development for young adolescents.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a sequential mixed-method design. Thirty-four online and one print adolescent sexual and reproductive health educational materials were assessed for readability. Two hundred and sixty-three adolescents aged 11–15 participated in the comprehension and vocabulary knowledge assessment of the online sexual and reproductive health texts. Comprehensibility was measured using a cloze test, and vocabulary knowledge was assessed based on a vocabulary knowledge passage. Data processing was performed using SPSS, version 26.0 and the online readability consensus calculator, version 1.0. We analyzed the data using readability algorithms, cross-tabulation and bar charts.FindingsThe results show higher readability levels for online SRH materials. Average Flesch reading ease scores range between 37.5% and 69.1%. Other average range indices were the Flesch Reading Grade Level (7–14), Gunning Fog Index (8.8–19), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (6.6–10.6) and Common-Lieu Index (7.5–11.5). Nearly 51% of participants in the comprehension assessment read at the instructional level. The Chi-square test for grade level differences shows a statistically significant (X2 = 11.349; p = 0.003) difference in comprehension between 7th and 8th graders. The participants also identified 29 words from the 1,048-word passage for assessing vocabulary knowledge as unfamiliar and difficult, and 14 as familiar but difficult to understand.Originality/valueThe study’s findings may inform the design of health educational materials and provide a basis for a national decision on the readability threshold of adolescent health information.
Does societal trust affect banking activity? European evidence
Authors: Gama Paulo M. , Sol Murta Fátima , Coelho Arnaldo 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis paper provides empirical evidence on the impact of societal trust in three dimensions of banking activity: the quantity and quality of credit granted by banks and their economic performance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a sample of 1,366 European banks from 36 countries between 2014 and 2020. In our estimations, we control for bank-specific and country-specific determinants of banking activity. Moreover, we perform several robustness tests, including estimation by instrumental variables and hierarchical linear methods, variable definitions, and subsamples.FindingsSocietal trust increases the weight of credit on the balance sheets of banks and decreases the weight of nonperforming loans and net interest margins. Moreover, the results suggest a smaller (higher) impact of trust on loans and net interest margins (nonperforming loans) in the European Monetary Union (EMU) countries. Also, on the importance of loans and net interest margins, our results suggest a substitution effect between trust and the credit-favorable nature of the legal environment.Research limitations/implicationsThe symmetrical sign of the effect of societal trust on the importance of loans – positive – and nonperforming loans and net interest margins – negative – suggests that potential asymmetric information biases may be less severe or better accounted for by the credit risk evaluation in highly trustworthy environments. Also, bank managers should recognize risk factors related to trust levels and benefit from targeted risk mitigation measures and from implementing strategies aimed at enhancing profitability in different societal trust scenarios.Originality/valueThis paper provides empirical evidence on the impact of societal trust on banking activity from the perspective of the lending activity, risk and performance of banks. It also analyses the effects of EMU membership and the credit-favorable nature of the legal environment.
An examination of financial vulnerability among the AAPI population in the United States
Authors: Kim Kyoung Tae , Lee Sunwoo Tessa 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study uses data from the National Financial Capability Study to examine the financial vulnerability of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults relative to that of other major racial/ethnic groups in the United States across the past decade and within the AAPI population, examining how vulnerability varied across AAPI adults of East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander heritage.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses four waves (2012, 2015, 2018 and 2021) of the State-by-State National Financial Capability Study (NFCS) and the 2021 NFCS AAPI Oversample dataset. Financial vulnerability was estimated using five binary indicators: (1) An inability to come up with $2,000, (2) An experience of overdraw, (3) A lack of emergency fund savings, (4) Difficulty paying bills and expenses, and (5) Credit card revolving. A financial vulnerability index was also created using the binary indicators. Logistic regression analyses were conducted on binary indicators and an OLS regression was additionally conducted on the aggregated financial vulnerability index.FindingsResults show that, overall, AAPI respondents reported the lowest levels of financial vulnerability relative to White respondents, Black respondents, Hispanic respondents, and those of another race or ethnicity. However, using the 2021 datasets, we found that within the AAPI population, financial vulnerability varied widely by heritage, with those of East Asian heritage reporting less vulnerability than AAPI adults of other studied heritage groups.Originality/valueThese results provide insights into the financial well-being of AAPI households, particularly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and present initial evidence of the significant disparities that exist within this heterogenous community. This study provides valuable insights for researchers, educators, policymakers, and financial practitioners.
Anthropomorphic generative AI chatbots for enhancing customer engagement, experience and recommendation
Authors: Kumar Aman , Shankar Amit , Behl Abhishek , Chakraborty Debarun , Gundala Raghava R. 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This research focuses on developing and testing a conceptual model that explores customer behavioural responses (engagement, experience and recommendation) towards generative artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled chatbots. It highlights the significant influence of anthropomorphic characteristics in enhancing perceptions of competence and warmth, further enhancing perceived authenticity. In addition, this study aims to investigate how the need for social interactions moderates these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used a self-administered questionnaire distributed on Prolific Academic to gather data from 282 eligible participants worldwide. This study uses a structural equation modelling approach to answer the research questions.

Findings
The findings reveal that anthropomorphic characteristics of generative AI-enabled chatbots are positively associated with perceived competence. Moreover, the findings show that the perceived competence and warmth of generative AI-enabled chatbots are significantly associated with perceived authenticity. Furthermore, the results highlight that the perceived authenticity of generative AI-enabled chatbots is positively associated with customer engagement, experience and recommendation. Finally, the results illustrate that the impact of anthropomorphic characteristics on perceived warmth is significantly moderated by the need for social interaction.

Originality/value
This study enriches the generative AI literature and guides organizations in understanding consumer interactions for leveraging generative AI-enabled chatbots. Furthermore, this study contributes to the social response theory literature as this study investigates how user behavioural intentions towards generative AI-enabled chatbots are influenced by their perceived level of anthropomorphic characteristics.
Elucidating the role of team-managed social media in influencing sport fans’ purchase intention
Authors: Rai Jaskirat Singh , Cho Heetae , Singh Amanpreet , Itani Maher N. 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study examined how the repeated information posted by sports teams on their social media pages influences the purchase intention of sports consumers. More specifically, the mere exposure effect was used to describe how relevant, valuable and credible social media posts affect sports consumers’ brand awareness, brand attitude and brand images as well as how these effects ultimately influence their purchase decisions.Design/methodology/approachA total of 458 respondents who use social media platforms to access sports team-related information were reached via purposive sampling. Confirmatory factor analysis and covariance-based structural equation modeling were conducted to evaluate measurement and path models. This study also attempted to detect whether there is an indirect effect of sponsor brand awareness on the purchase intention of sports consumers.FindingsThe relevance, value and credibility of social media information significantly and positively affected sponsor brand awareness among the respondents. Such awareness favorably influenced their attitude and perceptions toward sponsor brands. This awareness also indirectly influenced their purchase intention through brand image as a mediator. As well, brand image strongly and directly affected purchase intention.Originality/valueBy identifying the importance of sports team information posted on social media platforms, this study guide sports teams and sponsors in crafting high-quality social media content that enhances brand awareness, brand image and positively shapes consumer attitudes, ultimately driving purchase intention.
Does seasonal variation in the corticosterone response affect the nutritional ecology of a free‐ranging lizard?
Authors: Banerjee Avik , Fahis K. T. , Joshi Mihir , Raubenheimer David , Thaker Maria 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Challenging events in the environment that are both predictable (e.g. seasonal patterns in breeding activities) and unpredictable (e.g. predator encounter) are known to induce a glucocorticoid response that facilitates metabolic requirements during the challenge.

Given its role in mobilizing energy, glucocorticoid levels can influence the nutritional ecology of an individual by shifting dietary intake or retention patterns, but this relationship has not been tested in free‐ranging vertebrates.

Using a tropical lizard species (Psammophilus dorsalis) as a model system, we tested whether the elemental composition of dietary intake and excretion (faecal samples) varies with stress‐induced corticosterone levels in males and females across different seasons. From free‐ranging lizards in the wild, we measured levels of stress‐induced corticosterone and glucose in blood and determined diet composition from gut‐flushing. Elemental composition of the diet was determined by analysing the carbon and nitrogen content of identified prey Orders caught from the wild. We also collected faecal samples and estimated their elemental composition.

We found that stress‐induced corticosterone levels varied across seasons, with the lowest levels during the breeding season for both males and females. Despite high variation in corticosterone responsiveness, lizards did not shift the elemental composition of their diets and maintained an intake carbon:nitrogen ratio of 4.56. We did, however, find a negative correlation between stress‐induced corticosterone levels and faecal elemental composition, suggesting selective retention of both carbon and nitrogen in individuals that have higher corticosterone responsiveness.

This study highlights the interplay between corticosterone responsiveness and nutritional ecology, challenging the existing links in literature and illustrating how free‐ranging animals, such as lizards, adjust the elemental composition of excretion and not dietary intakes as a potential strategy to modulate natural physiological and ecological challenges.
‘FARE MONEY’ STORIES: Transportation and everyday practices in the peripheries of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Campos Marcos L. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis article contributes to ongoing debates on Southern urbanisms by arguing that taking money seriously—as a practical, moral and material issue and as an integral part of the production of infrastructures—can offer us new insights into the urban experience among the racialized poor in the peripheries of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Using an ethnographic methodology, I explore ‘fare money’ stories shared by poor black poets, revealing the ways they invent new socialities—ways of living and being—and reshape everyday formations of urban collective lives. I argue that the experience of obtaining transportation tickets among the racialized poor is necessarily a collective one. In their case, transportation usages are anything but stable or uniform. They involve transitory negotiations and calculated mobilization of relations, the conversion of money, moralities, timing and knowledge of infrastructural spatialities. Moreover, everyday practices to enact fare money engender values and order, positioning it as a materiality that mediates between the legal, illegal, formal and informal, all of which are intertwined in the production of infrastructures. This analysis reveals the quality of an urban experience that is persistently precarious, multifaceted and unstable.