bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do investment fund managers behave rationally in the light of central bank communication? Survey evidence from Poland
Authors: Wolski Rafał , Bolek Monika , Gajdka Jerzy , Brzeszczyński Janusz , Kutan Ali M. 
Published: February 2023

Purpose
This study aims to answer the question whether investment funds managers exhibit behavioural biases in their investment decisions. Furthermore, it investigates if fund managers, as a group of institutional investors, make decisions in response to central bank’s communication as well as other information in relation to various behavioural inclinations.

Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive study was conducted based on a questionnaire, which is composed of three main parts exploring: (1) general information about the funds under the management of the surveyed group of fund managers, (2) factors that influence the investment process with an emphasis on the National Bank of Poland communication and (3) behavioural inclinations of the surveyed group. Cronbach’s alpha statistic was applied for measuring the reliability of the survey questionnaire and then chi-squared test was used to investigate the relationships between the answers provided in the survey.

Findings
The central bank’s communication matters for investors, but its impact on their decisions appears to be only moderate. Interest rates were found to be the most important announcements for investment fund managers. The stock market was the most popular market segment where the investments were made. The ultra-short time horizon played no, or only small, role in the surveyed fund managers’ decisions as most of them invested in a longer horizon covering 1 to 5 years. Moreover, most respondents declared that they considered in their decisions the information about market expectations published in the media. Finally, majority of the fund managers manifested limited rationality and were subject to behavioural biases, but the decisions and behavioural inclinations were independent and, in most cases, they did not influence each other.

Practical implications
The results reported in this study can be used in practice to better understand and to improve the fund managers’ decision-making processes.

Originality/value
Apart from the commonly tested behavioural biases in the group of institutional investors in the existing literature, such as loss aversion, disposition effect or overconfidence, this paper also focuses on the less intensively analysed behavioural inclinations, i.e. framing, illusion of the control, representativeness, sunk cost effect and fast thinking. The originality of this study further lies in the way the research was conducted through interviews with fund managers, who were found to be subject to behavioural biases, although those behavioural inclinations did not influence their investment decisions. This finding indicates that professionalism and collectivism in the group of institutional investors protect them from irrationality.
Consumer motivations for engaging with corporate social responsibility on social media
Authors: Aguirre Claudia , Ruiz de Maya Salvador , Palazón Vidal Mariola , Rodríguez Augusto 
Published: February 2023

Purpose
This study aims to analyze consumer motivations to share information about corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities through electronic word of mouth. It examines the roles of self-enhancement, identity signaling and social bonding as antecedents of consumers’ CSR engagement on social media.

Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach is used with a single-factor between-subjects experimental design in which the presence vs absence of CSR information on a company website is manipulated. The hypotheses are tested through structural equation modeling.

Findings
Results show that after viewing the company’s CSR message on its website, consumers who generated more CSR associations were more motivated to engage with the CSR information to satisfy fundamental personality traits (need for self-enhancement) and social relationship motivations (social bonding), which increased their intention to share the information.

Research limitations/implications
This study is restricted to CSR information on websites. Further research should consider what happens if such information is shared on social media, as consumers are more likely to spread CSR messages when they are shared by other public social network sites.

Practical implications
The study highlights the relevance of including CSR information on websites and offers insights into the importance of considering consumers in disseminating CSR information. Consumers share information when they have personal motivation for doing so.

Social implications
This study put the focus on the role of consumers in the diffusion of corporate information.

Originality/value
The results show the importance of personal motivations such as self-enhancement and social bonding in sharing CSR information on social media.
How does corporate social responsibility affect financial distress? The moderating role of corporate governance
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Noor Amna , Maqbool Nabeeha 
Published: February 2023

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the financial distress (FD) of firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). Furthermore, the moderating effect of corporate governance (CG) on the CSR–distress relationship is investigated in this study.

Design/methodology/approach
The final sample of the study includes 117 companies from 2008 to 2021. The sample firms' CSR engagement is assessed using a multidimensional financial approach, and the likelihood of FD is determined using Altman's Z-score. The governance level is measured using the governance index, which includes 29 governance provisions. To achieve the research objectives, the system generalized method of moments estimator is used. Furthermore, several tests are performed to assess the robustness of the study's findings. The analysis was carried out using STATA software version 15.

Findings
The authors find that CSR is significantly inversely related to FD. The governance mechanism was discovered to be inversely related to FD. Furthermore, corporate governance strengthens the negative relationship between CSR and FD. In addition, the authors find that CSR is significantly inversely related to FD in firms with strong CG mechanisms but has no effect on FD in firms with weak CG mechanisms.

Practical implications
The findings of this study provide policymakers, business managers, regulators and investors with a better understanding of the relationship between the quality of CSR investments and the likelihood of FD in Pakistani firms, as well as the role of CG in this context.

Originality/value
This study contributes to our understanding of the role of CG in the CSR-distress relationship in an emerging market. This suggests that policymakers should prioritize CG quality while anticipating the impact of CSR on corporate FD.
Challenges of implementing extended producer responsibility for plastic-waste management: lessons from India
Authors: Gupta Dipti , Dash Satya 
Published: February 2023

Purpose
In the transition towards circular economy and sustainable development, effective implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation is crucial to prevent plastic-waste generation and promote recycling activities. The purpose of this study is to undertake a qualitative analysis to examine recent EPR policy changes, implementation, barriers and enabling conditions.

Design/methodology/approach
In-depth interviews and group discussions with key stakeholders were undertaken to derive the barriers and facilitators of EPR implementation. Based on opinions and insights from a wide range of participants, this study identified a number of key issues faced by various parties in implementing EPR in India.

Findings
Stakeholders agree on a lack of clarity on various policy aspects, such as mandatory approval of urban local bodies, registration of recyclers/waste processors and consistency in the definition of technical terms. This paper provides useful policy inputs to address these challenges and to develop comprehensive EPR policy systems. More consultation and deliberation across various stakeholders is required to ensure the policies are effective.

Practical implications
India’s plastic-waste generation has increased at a rapid pace over the past five years and is expected to grow at a higher rate in the future. This research provides implications for policymakers to formulate coherent policies that align with the interests of brand owners and recyclers. Clear policy suggestions and improvements for effective plastic-waste management in India are also outlined.

Originality/value
This paper, based on a qualitative approach, contributes to research on plastic-waste management by integrating the perspectives of all EPR-policy stakeholders in India.
Diagnosing social ills: Theorising social determinants of health as a diagnostic category
Authors: Gutin Iliya 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMedicine, as an institution and discipline, has embraced social determinants of health as a key influence on clinical practice and care. Beyond simply acknowledging their importance, most recent versions of the International Classification of Diseases explicitly codify social determinants as a viable diagnostic category. This diagnostic shift is noteworthy in the United States, where ‘Z‐codes’ were introduced to facilitate the documentation of illiteracy, unemployment, poverty and other social factors impacting health. Z‐codes hold promise in addressing patients’ social needs, but there are likely consequences to medicalising social determinants. In turn, this article provides a critical appraisal of Z‐codes, focussing on the role of diagnoses as both constructive and counterproductive sources of legitimacy, knowledge and responsibility in our collective understanding of health. Diagnosis codes for social determinants are powerful bureaucratic tools for framing and responding to psychosocial risks commensurate with biophysiological symptoms; however, they potentially reinforce beliefs about the centrality of individuals for addressing poor health at the population level. I contend that Z‐codes demonstrate the limited capacity of diagnoses to capture the complex individual and social aetiology of health, and that sociology benefits from looking further ‘upstream’ to identify the structural forces constraining the scope and utility of diagnoses.
The Noble Method in the dairy sector as a sustainable production system to improve the nutritional composition of dairy products: A review
Authors: Balivo Andrea , Sacchi Raffaele , Genovese Alessandro 
Published: February 2023

Sustainable production systems in line with consumer expectations are attractive for the dairy sector. The objective of this review is to examine the benefits of an Italian method, named the Noble Method (‘Metodo Nobile®’), in order to improve the nutritional properties of milk and environmental sustainability. The prohibition of silage and the use of polyphite pastures are some of the rules established by the Noble Method. The greater amount of unsaturated fatty acids and other beneficial compounds found in milk and dairy products produced by using milk from animals fed on well‐managed pasture could have positive implications on consumers' health.
Validation of reference genes for quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay of honeybee under various pesticide treatment conditions
Authors: Kim YeongHo , Cha JooHeon , Kim Hyemin , Lee Si Hyeock , Kim Young Ho 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), target gene expression levels are normalized to internal reference gene(s) that are stably expressed across different conditions to determine whether they are up‐ or down‐regulated. Therefore, it is essential to select appropriate reference gene(s) for the accurate comparison of target gene expression across different experimental conditions. Honeybee colonies can be damaged due to pesticide exposure, resulting in a decline of their population. Determination of gene expression levels is important for understanding the physiological response of honeybees to pesticide exposure. Therefore, in this study, we used qRT‐PCR to analyze the expression stability of five candidate reference genes (RPS5, RPS18, GAPDH, ARF1, and RAB1a) in honeybees subjected to treatment with different dosages and exposure durations of seven pesticides (acetamiprid, imidacloprid, flupyradifurone, fenitrothion, carbaryl, amitraz, and bifenthrin) using four programs (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder). Subsequently, the expression levels of the target genes (PER, FOR, and EGR1) were calculated using different normalization methods and compared. Based on our collective results, we propose RPS5 as the most appropriate reference gene for the normalization of target gene expression levels in qRT‐PCR assays for honeybees under various conditions of pesticide exposure, including pesticide type, exposure duration, and concentration.
The conserved microRNA‐229 family controls low‐insulin signaling and dietary restriction induced longevity through interactions with SKN‐1/NRF2
Authors: Matai Latika , Stathis Thalyana , Lee Jonathan D. , Parsons Christine , Saxena Tanvi , Shlomchik Kovi , Slack Frank J. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSeveral microRNAs have emerged as regulators of pathways that control aging. For example, miR‐228 is required for normal lifespan and dietary restriction (DR) mediated longevity through interaction with PHA‐4 and SKN‐1 transcription factors in Caenorhabditis elegans. miR‐229,64,65, and 66, a cluster of microRNAs located adjacent to each other on chromosome III, are in the same family as miR‐228, albeit with slight differences in the miR‐228 seed sequence. We demonstrate that, in contrast to the anti‐longevity role of miR‐228, the miR‐229‐66 cluster is required for normal C. elegans lifespan and for the longevity observed in mir‐228 mutants. miR‐229‐66 is also critical for lifespan extension observed under DR and reduced insulin signaling (IIS) and by constitutive nuclear SKN‐1. Both DR and low‐IIS upregulate the expression of the miRNA cluster, which is dependent on transcription factors PHA‐4, SKN‐1, and DAF‐16. In turn, the expression of SKN‐1 and DAF‐16 requires mir‐229,64,65,66. miR‐229‐66 targets the odd‐skipped‐related transcription factor, odd‐2 to regulate lifespan. Knockdown of odd‐2 increases lifespan, suppresses the short lifespan of mir‐229,64,65,66(nDf63) III mutants, and alters levels of SKN‐1 in the ASI neurons. Together with SKN‐1, the miRNA cluster also indirectly regulates several genes in the xenobiotic detoxification pathway which increases wild‐type lifespan and significantly rescues the short lifespan of mir‐229,64,65,66(nDf63) III mutants. Thus, by interacting with SKN‐1, miR‐229‐66 transduces the effects of DR and low‐IIS in lifespan extension in C. elegans. Given that this pathway is conserved, it is possible that a similar mechanism regulates aging in more complex organisms.
Continuous forest at higher elevation plays a key role in maintaining bird and mammal diversity across an Andean coffee‐growing landscape
Authors: Bedoya‐Durán M. J. , Jones H. H. , Malone K. M. , Branch L. C. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractShade coffee is among the most widespread and economically important crops in montane tropical regions and is considered more hospitable to wildlife than non‐shaded crops. Questions remain regarding the value of shade coffee as habitat for wildlife, however, given the historical research focus on small‐bodied and canopy species. Simultaneously, climate‐driven upslope migration of coffee crops represents an emerging threat to well‐conserved tropical montane forest at higher elevations. This study examined ground‐dwelling birds and medium‐large mammals in a shade coffee landscape of the Western Andes of Colombia. We asked the following questions: (1) How do bird and mammal occupancy, richness, and community composition change from continuous forest at higher elevations to middle‐elevation forest fragments and shade coffee? (2) Do birds and mammals differ in their response to shade coffee? (3) Do high‐elevation forests contribute to maintaining biodiversity in mid‐elevation shade coffee? We sampled birds and mammals with camera traps in middle‐elevation shade coffee plantations and forest fragments and in continuous forest further upslope. We then used a multi‐species occupancy model to correct for imperfect detection and to estimate occupancy, richness, and community composition. Shade coffee lacked ~50% of the bird and mammal species found in continuous forest, primarily large‐bodied and insectivorous birds and forest‐specialist and large‐bodied mammals. Forest fragment richness was closer to shade coffee than to continuous forest, but species composition significantly differed between coffee and both forest types. Birds in coffee plantations were generally a unique subset of disturbance‐adapted specialists, whereas mammals in coffee were mostly generalists. Distance from continuous forest was the most important landscape‐level predictor of occupancy for both taxa, suggesting that this forest plays a key role in maintaining biodiversity across the coffee landscape. Biodiversity conservation in shade coffee landscapes, therefore, will be ineffective unless linked to landscape‐level initiatives that conserve higher elevation tropical montane forest.
Horizontal differentiation in water chemistry, phytoplankton, zooplankton and macrozoobenthic communities in Lake Kwania
Authors: Nankabirwa Angela , Egessa Robert , Naluwairo Janet , Magezi Godfrey , Kiggundu Vincent , Pabire Gandhi Willy , Ocaya Henry , Okello William 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPhytoplankton, zooplankton and macrozoobenthic invertebrates are important elements in the structure and functioning of aquatic systems. There is, however, limited information to aid in understanding the interactions between these organisms and their environment. The three groups were examined along a horizontal water chemistry gradient in Lake Kwania. The lake was subdivided into three zones: west, central and east, similar to what was earlier described for Lake Kyoga. Conductivity, silica and Secchi depth showed significant horizontal differentiation between zones. Conductivity (126.3, 209.2 and 289.1 μS/cm) and silica concentration (1419.9, 3708.0, 9146.3 μg/L) increased from the west to the east zone. The composition, abundance and taxonomic diversity of phytoplankton, zooplankton and macrozoobenthic invertebrates did not show a significant pattern along this gradient. Cyanobacteria dominated by Planktolyngbya limnetica; Copepoda dominated by Tropocyclops tenellus; and Diptera dominated by Chaoborussp, were respectively the most abundant phytoplankton, zooplankton and macrozoobenthos across zones. These results suggest that other factors control these organisms in addition to the lake's water chemistry. It is critical to investigate these factors further to fill knowledge gaps that will aid in the future conservation and management of Lake Kwania, the Kyoga Lakes in general and other Great Lakes.
Highways to invasion: Powerline servitudes as corridors for alien plant invasions
Authors: Dalu Tatenda , Stam Eduard M. , Ligege Mukondi O. , Cuthbert Ross N. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractHuman use of powerline servitude corridors for the secure transmission and distribution of electricity disturbs natural landscapes and changes vegetation patterns. We examined vegetation communities under two powerlines in the Limpopo province, South Africa (Khakhu line 22KV and Fundudzi 132KV powerlines). Twelve invasive alien species were identified in Khakhu and Fundudzi, dominated by Khaki bush Tagetes minuta, common guava Psidium guajava, black‐jack Bidens pilosa, fierce thorn apple Datura ferox and common lantana Lantana camara. Sites closest to human settlements showed high alien species richness, whilst sites located further away were dominated by alien L. camara, but had a low overall species richness. Conversely, areas away from human settlements showed lower levels of alien invasion. Weak overlaps in the principal coordinates analysis polygons for the two powerline servitudes suggest that alien plant compositions are dissimilar, with five identified species groups being identifiable among sites, and thus a high potential for invasion success from multiple taxa. The research findings showed that powerline corridors could potentially trigger invasion success via disturbance as they act as pathways for arrival and should be a focus for management efforts to prevent further spread.
Modelling the current and future distribution of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb: Its implication for future conservation of the species in the Southern Benin
Authors: Lokonon Bruno Enagnon , Gbemavo Charlemagne D. S. J. , Agounde Gafarou , Simbo David , Samson Roeland , Glèlè Kakaï Romain 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCaesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb, the most commercialised medicinal species in Southern Benin, is reported to be extinct in the wild due to anthropogenic pressures on its natural habitats. Remaining individuals can only be found in traditional agroforestry systems and home gardens. It is therefore important to understand how spatio‐temporal distribution of the species could be impacted by changing environmental conditions and propose strategies to be used for its conservation. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modelling technique was used for modelling the current and future distribution of the species using present‐day combined with two future forecast scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways‐RCP): low‐RCP4.5 and high‐RCP8.5 emission scenarios. Environmental and demographic factors have impacted the distribution of the species. Rainfall driest quarter (44.5%), population density (30.4%), rainfall driest month (14.7%), potential evapotranspiration (6.5%) and number of dry months (4%) mostly contributed to the model. High suitable areas of the species will increase about (2.28%) and (0.06%) with the RCP8.5 and RCP4.5, respectively, at horizon 2055. In contrast, less suitable areas will decrease about 3.11% (RCP4.5) and 1.71% (RCP8.5). In‐situ conservation strategy is suggested to restore the species in the wild taking into account suitable areas for its growth, development and reproduction. Circa‐situ conservation should be promoted in agroforestry systems and home gardens for sustainable use of the species.