bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of cGAS-STING signaling pathway during HCV infection
Authors: Anwar Saleem , Islam Khursheed Ul , Azmi Iqbal , Iqbal Jawed 
Published: January 2025

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health issue, infecting over 170 million people worldwide and leading to severe liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The ability of HCV to persist and cause chronic infection is partly due to its evasion of the host’s innate immune responses, particularly those mediated by the RIG-I-MAVS pathway, which is critical for antiviral defense. Studies have shown the crucial role genome sensing of DNA viruses by cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) followed cGAMP production and activation of downstream effector STING (stimulator of interferon genes) to induce IFN-β, however it is not understood in RNA viruses specially in HCV infection. In this study, we explored first time the mechanism of the cGAS-STING pathway in the context of HCV infection, specifically using the JFH-1 strain of HCV (genotype 2a). We observed that cGAS expression is significantly upregulated during the early HCV infection, leading to the production of the second messenger cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), which in turn activates STING. This activation results in the significant induction of type I interferon responses, particularly interferon-β (IFN-β), which is essential for mounting an effective antiviral response. Moreover, our results demonstrated the translocation of cGAS and STING with cellular organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. This suggests that the cGAS-STING pathway is intricately linked with other cellular signaling networks in detecting and responding to HCV infection. Furthermore, knockdown experiments targeting cGAS, STING and RIG-I revealed that these proteins play a crucial role in suppressing HCV replication, underscoring their potential as therapeutic targets. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of the cGAS-STING pathway in mediating the innate immune response against HCV. Understanding this pathway’s role in the immune defense against HCV opens up new possibilities for therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing the host’s antiviral immunity and potentially developing new treatments for chronic HCV infection.
Understanding the high-order network plasticity mechanisms of ultrasound neuromodulation
Authors: Gatica Marilyn , Atkinson-Clement Cyril , Coronel-Oliveros Carlos , Alkhawashki Mohammad , Mediano Pedro A. M. , Tagliazucchi Enzo , Rosas Fernando E. , Kaiser Marcus , Petri Giovanni 
Published: January 2025

Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique, offering a potential alternative to pharmacological treatments for psychiatric and neurological disorders. While functional analysis has been instrumental in characterizing TUS effects, understanding the underlying mechanisms remains a challenge. Here, we developed a whole-brain model to represent functional changes as measured by fMRI, enabling us to investigate how TUS-induced effects propagate throughout the brain with increasing stimulus intensity. We implemented two mechanisms: one based on anatomical distance and another on broadcasting dynamics, to explore plasticity-driven changes in specific brain regions. Finally, we highlighted the role of higher-order functional interactions in localizing spatial effects of off-line TUS at two target areas—the right thalamus and inferior frontal cortex—revealing distinct patterns of functional reorganization. This work lays the foundation for mechanistic insights and predictive models of TUS, advancing its potential clinical applications.Significance StatementTranscranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) offers a non-invasive approach to modulating brain activity, holding promise for treating psychiatric and neurological disorders. Despite its potential, the mechanisms underlying its effects remain poorly understood. By integrating human fMRI data with whole-brain computational models, we identified how high-order functional interactions localize and propagate TUS-induced effects from local to global brain scales. This work introduces two mechanisms—distance-based propagation and diffusion-like broadcasting—that predict functional plasticity changes, providing a foundation for understanding and optimizing the biological and cognitive outcomes of TUS. Our findings offer critical insights into the dynamics of neuromodulation, bridging experimental results and clinical applications.
A novel broad-spectrum antibiotic targets multiple-drug-resistant bacteria with dual binding targets and no detectable resistance
Authors: He Wenyan , Huan Xueting , Li Yinchuan , Deng Qisen , Chen Tao , Xiao Wen , Chen Yijun , Ma Lingman , Liu Nan , Shang Zhuo , Wang Zongqiang 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe rapid emergence of difficult-to-treat multidrug-resistant pathogens, combined with the scarcity of antibiotics possessing novel mechanisms, poses a significant threat to global public health. Here, we integrated the synthetic-bioinformatic natural product approach with peptide optimization to unveil the antibiotic-producing potential ofPaenibacillaceaebacteria. Our culture-independent approach led to the discovery of paenimycin, a novel 11-merdepsi-lipopeptide featuring an unprecedented dual-binding mechanism. By sequestering the phosphate and hydroxyl groups of lipid A in Gram-negative bacteria, as well as the phosphate groups of teichoic acids in Gram-positive bacteria, paenimycin exhibited potent and broad-spectrum efficacy against MDR pathogensin vitroandin vivomodels. Remarkably, paenimycin demonstrates no detectable resistance, favorable pharmacokinetics and low nephrotoxicity, positioning it as a promising candidate for treating serve and urgent MDR infections.
Deciphering the role of age and gender in perceiving organizational politics in construction
Authors: Dhanasekar Yuvaraj , Anandh K.S. 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThe study investigates the impact of gender and age on the perception of organizational politics among construction professionals in Tamil Nadu, India, a region with unique sociocultural characteristics, which highlights the significance of a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace.Design/methodology/approachA self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 251 construction professionals. The study focused on three key aspects of organizational politics perception: general political behavior, go along to get ahead and pay and promotion policies. Data were examined using descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test and regression analysis with the help of SPSS V23.FindingsThe study reveals that female professionals in the sample may be more sensitive to go along to get ahead and pay and promotion policies than their male counterparts, particularly those aged 29–38. The study also found significant gender-age interactions in organizational politics perception, with females experiencing a greater impact of age on general political behavior, go along to get ahead and pay and promotion policies.Practical implicationsThe findings can help managers and practitioners design better interventions and policies to mitigate the negative effects of organizational politics, improve employee satisfaction and performance and foster a more diverse and fair work culture.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to explore the influence of gender and age on organizational politics perception in the construction sector, which is characterized by complexity and diversity. The study contributes to the literature on organizational politics and diversity in the construction industry.
Project-based group work for enhancing students learning in project management education: an action research
Authors: Afzal Fatima , Tumpa Roksana Jahan 
Published: January 2025

PurposeUsing an action research framework, the study engages in iterative cycles of implementing, assessing and refining the project-based learning (PBL) model to align closely with the skill demands of the project management field. The specific objectives are to (1) apply and evaluate the design of PBL to identify areas for improvement, (2) assess PBL’s effectiveness in fostering key competencies such as teamwork, critical thinking, adaptability and real-time decision-making, (3) identify challenges encountered in PBL implementation to guide continuous refinement and (4) develop actionable recommendations that inform future course iterations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used action research approach to understand the design and implementation of PBL to improve student learning outcomes. Data was collected from 137 students enrolled in a postgraduate course of a project management program at a university in Australia during semester two of 2022 through an online questionnaire.FindingsData from 137 students confirm established benefits of PBL—improved teamwork, critical thinking and communication skills—essential to project management. Additionally, our findings highlight new benefits specific to project management education. Engaging with real-world scenarios, students developed enhanced adaptability, learning to navigate uncertainties and shifting project requirements, a key competency for project management professionals. Moreover, students showed improved real-time decision-making abilities, allowing them to make quick, informed decisions in response to dynamic project constraints. These findings suggest that PBL not only supports foundational skills but also cultivates advanced competencies aligned with the demands of professional project environments.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides an actionable framework for future research, detailing an iterative, data-informed approach that adapts PBL to meet specific educational needs in project management.Practical implicationsEducators can use these findings to design experiential PBL models that integrate real-world constraints, enhancing the development of industry-relevant skills and preparing students for the challenges of professional project management environments.Originality/valueWe declare that the manuscript titled “Project-based Group Work for Enhancing Students Learning in Project Management Education: An Action Research” is our original work and has not been submitted or published elsewhere. This study explores the benefits and implementation of PBL in project management education, offering new insights from empirical data collected at an Australian university. All sources are appropriately cited. We affirm compliance with ethical guidelines and institutional policies. This manuscript represents our genuine and original research.
The impact of doping scandals on on-site spectator satisfaction at major sport events
Authors: Schnitzer Martin , Piller Sarah , Nadegger Monica , Staudegger Julia , Bocarro Jason , Barth Michael 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study analyzes whether a doping scandal occurring during a global major sport event has an impact on on-site spectator satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation was conducted among 896 on-site event spectators attending a minimum of one event at the Nordic Ski World Championships 2019. Furthermore, five members of the organizing committee were retrospectively interviewed about how they judged the doping scandals’ impact on the perception of the event and its organization.FindingsResults revealed that the scandal did not affect the spectators’ satisfaction and perception of the event. Nevertheless, the doping scandal was mentioned as a lowlight after becoming public.Practical implicationsEven though the doping scandal did not affect spectator satisfaction, such undesirable situations should be avoided as best as possible and form part of the event organizer’s comprehensive risk management and communication strategy.Originality/valueIt can be concluded that spectator satisfaction remained quite stable while any negative impacts, if not directly affecting the spectator, seemed to be considered as somehow “part of the event.”
Does self-congruity matter for virtual influencer’s non-fungible token (NFT) purchase intentions? The role of financial literacy
Authors: Brahmana Rayenda Khresna , Kontesa Maria 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis research aims to examine how financial literacy moderates the mediation of attitude toward virtual influencers’ non-fungible tokens (NFTs) or ATB on the relationship between purchase intention and self-congruity, which includes symbolic representation, self-image congruence and emotional value. Initially, we investigated the mediation effect of ATB on the relationship between self-congruity and purchase intention. Subsequently, we analyze how financial literacy moderates this mediation process.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a sample of 383 virtual influencers’ fans and applied a partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) along with robustness tests to test the research hypothesis. The analysis is based on the moderated mediation framework.FindingsThe findings are intriguing for several reasons. First, it reveals that only self-image congruence positively affects purchase intention, contrary to existing self-congruity theory literature. The relationship between self-image congruence and purchase intention is a direct relationship with no mediation effect of ATB. Second, ATB fails to mediate the self-congruity effect on purchase intention. Third, financial literacy has a negative relationship with purchase intention, indicating that fans of virtual influencers with higher financial literacy are less likely to purchase virtual influencers’ NFTs due to more critical investment evaluations. We also argue that financial literacy discards the consumption behavior effect from self-congruity variables on purchase intention.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the significance of financial literacy on purchase intention under the self-congruity framework. It also surmises that self-image congruence does matter for the purchase intention of a virtual influencer’s NFT. However, further research could validate findings by studying broader NFT investors, incorporating fandom and impulse buying variables and examining actual NFT purchases against planned behavior.Practical implicationsThis research is crucial for virtual influencers’ NFT creators, marketers and fans by providing insights for evaluating virtual influencers’ creators’ decision to pursue NFT markets. The findings reveal that the creators of virtual influencers should reconsider pursuing the NFT market, as self-congruity may not be a driving factor. Notably, our findings imply that a virtual influencer’s NFT is significantly different from a virtual influencer's merchandising business.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in extending the self-congruity within the NFT context, investigating how financial literacy moderates the mediation of ATB on the self-congruity-purchase intention relationship. It challenges self-congruity theory by showing that despite fans feeling aligned with virtual influencers, high financial literacy reduces the congruence.
Environmentally responsible behaviors in hospitality and tourism service employees: an application of complexity theory
Authors: Han Heesup , Baah Nancy Grace , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Chi Xiaoting , Jung Inyoung 
Published: January 2025

PurposeHospitality and tourism businesses often face environmental criticism as they rely heavily on natural resources to operate. Therefore, as a recent trend, hospitality companies are trying to adopt an environmentally friendly approach. Thus, this study sought to investigate the determinants of employee intention to engage in environmentally responsible actions in the workplace, drawing on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the value-belief norm (VBN) theory.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to discover sufficient configurations for predicting employees’ intentions.FindingsThe result has provided recipes with an efficient combination of factors that can influence employees’ intention to undertake environmentally responsible behaviors.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding sustainable behavior among employees and sustainability in the travel and hospitality sector. The findings of this research also provide managers and operators of sustainable hospitality businesses with guidance on how to enhance their staff members' environmentally friendly behaviors at work.
A study of COVID-19-related financial distress in companies in Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez-Reyes Luis Raúl , Pasillas Mireya 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to study the business-specific features associated with financial distress in enterprises during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach
A binary logistic regression model is used to analyze a random sample of 754 companies in Jalisco, Mexico. A modified backward elimination process is used to achieve parsimony. Model robustness is reviewed by running several model selection algorithms.

Findings
Layoffs raise companies’ odds of stress by 2.9 times. Being a micro business doubles companies’ odds of stress while asking for government aid implies 1.9 times higher odds. A drop in annual sales in 2021 increases the odds of closing by 1.7 times. Companies led by female owners faced 1.6 times higher odds of stress, a similar increase in odds as in companies in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Finally, businesses aged five or fewer years were 1.5 times more likely to experience stress.

Research limitations/implications
Given the study’s limited geographical scope, applying the results to broader public policy and its focalization may require external validation and deeper analysis of relevant local economic mechanisms, incentives, and constraints.

Practical implications
Findings support targeting public policy in disaster relief. For instance, financial aid programs may prioritize enterprises with some features that increase their risk of experiencing stress. Results also have implications for business strategies. For example, innovation or digitalization efforts in the company will serve the business better if they target improving sales and keeping the labor force.

Originality/value
This study contributes to closing a gap in business-specific studies on COVID-19. It underlines future research avenues, particularly in emerging issues such as heterogeneity within small business classification and gender studies.
Impact of information quality on strategic decision-making in construction organization: unravelling complexity and contingencies
Authors: Moshood Taofeeq Durojaye , Rotimi James O.B. , Shahzad Wajiha 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the crucial role of information quality in the construction industry and its impact on organizational performance. The research objectives are threefold: (1) to identify and analyse key factors influencing information quality in construction organizations; (2) to examine how information quality affects strategic decision-making processes in the industry; and (3) to assess the extent to which information quality impacts overall organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach
The study commences by gathering data from databases such as Scopus, Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, and Emerald Insight. The collected data is then analysed using ATLAS.ti 9 to construct a model linking information quality with strategic decision-making and organization performance.

Findings
The literature review analysis reveals the complex interplay between information quality, strategic decision-making and organizational performance in the construction industry. Key findings include identifying critical factors influencing information quality, such as technological infrastructure, organizational processes and personnel skills. The study highlights the necessity for organizations to recognize potential challenges in information management and formulate strategies to overcome them.

Originality/value
This research makes a significant contribution to the field by providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the role of information quality in strategic decision-making within the construction industry. The study’s originality lies in its systematic approach to synthesizing existing literature and developing visual representations of complex relationships between information quality, decision-making processes and organizational performance.
Central banking and fragmentation of currency markets in an emerging economy
Authors: Ige Abiodun 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the foreign currency crisis that occurred in the Nigeria from 2014 to 2017.

Design/methodology/approach
The author adopts a qualitative approach using data collected from CBN websites (e.g., official documents, reports and memorandums), newspaper articles and interviews with key market participants.

Findings
The paper leverages the concept of the earmarking of money (Zelizer, 1989) to elucidate the idiosyncratic policies of a central bank (i.e. the CBN) facing a foreign currency crisis. It demonstrates how CBN policies led to earmarking foreign currencies, which disrupted local currency as unit of account in foreign currency markets. The paper not only examines the nexus of the social relations of money and money as a unit of account within unique contexts but also how local institutions and foreign currency earmarking became mutually reconstitutive.

Practical implications
This study illustrates the dilemma many emerging countries face in managing different types of foreign currency inflows.

Social implications
With increasing transnational flows of foreign currencies, understanding how recipient nations states manage currency flows beyond their control becomes a salient issue.

Originality/value
While other studies have demonstrated earmarking at the individual level, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate earmarking of money at the macroeconomic level.
Imperfect detection in plant populations can cause misestimates of demographic rates and missed population trends: The case for Astragalus microcymbus Barneby
Authors: DePrenger‐Levin Michelle , Dawson Carol A. , Grant Thomas A. , Wunder Michael B. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Stage‐structured population models are widely used for plant demographic studies to assess population dynamics. Over the last several decades, there have been advancements in mark‐recapture methods in animal systems, but little to no use in plants because of the assumption that all individuals available for capture are seen.

We examine population trends and demographic rates of a long‐lived forb derived from conventional matrix population models compared with mark‐recapture methods.

We found a low probability of detection, primarily due to vegetative dormancy. While both models account for dormancy, only the mark‐recapture method detected a population trend.

Elasticity describes the effects of changes in vital rates on the population growth rate. Similar elasticity values are thought to buffer populations from environmental stochasticity. Vital rate estimates differed between methods, resulting in a higher growth rate with conventional methods but greater evenness among vital rate importance for the mark‐recapture method.

Synthesis and applications. This study highlights that long‐term demographic viability studies that have not addressed detectability can be revisited with minimal additional data to correct for imperfect detection. Plant studies have traditionally assumed perfect detection and may have missed trends, risk indicators, and conservation opportunities for rare plant populations.