Moderating Effect Research Articles

A modified QuEChERS-based UPLC-MS/MS method for rapid determination of multiple antibiotics and sedative residues in freshwater fish

Antibiotics and sedatives are used in freshwater fish culture and transportation, and residue in freshwater fish pose potential risks to human health. Therefore, a throughput method was developed to detect antibiotic and sedative residues in fish, simultaneously quantifying 68 antibiotics and 9 sedatives in freshwater fish using a modified QuEChERS extraction method and UPLC-MS/MS. Matrix-matched calibrations demonstrated good correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.995), with a recovery range of 66.2–118.5%. The intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviation (RSD) were below 9.7% and 12.8%, respectively. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.08–1.46 μg/kg and 0.25–4.86 μg/kg, respectively. 68.8% of analytes had weak matrix effects, and 13.0% had moderate matrix effects. In addition, diazepam and many types of antibiotics were detected in30 freshwater fish. The validation parameters were in agreement with the acceptable criteria of the Codex guidelines. The method was effective in analyzing antibiotic and sedative residues in freshwater fish.

Do sanctions affect the environment? The role of trade integration

Environmental degradation is one of the potentially unforeseen consequences of sanctions, yet few studies have investigated how sanctions affect the environment. For instance, by restricting the acquisition of more efficient technologies, sanctions can strain natural resources and erode environmental performance. Therefore, this study investigates the moderating effects of trade integration on the underlying links between several types of sanctions (i.e., military, arms, trade, financial, and travel) and the environmental quality of the target country. A rich dyadic dataset consisting of 214 sender countries/states, 135 target countries/states, and 28,532 country pairs is used for the empirical analysis. A multi-way panel fixed effects model is employed for the empirical analysis. This approach allows us to control for the unobserved sender and target country-specific as well as time-specific characteristics that might affect environmental performance. The results show that most sanctions result in the deterioration of the environmental quality. In contrast, trade sanctions promote the environmental quality of the target country. We also find that sanctions adversely impact the ecological aspect of the environment while positively influencing the climate change aspect of environmental quality. The results also show that greater bilateral trade interdependence between the sender and the target country helps to mitigate the adverse impacts of most sanctions. The findings of this study suggest that the real effects of sanctions on environmental quality cannot be empirically disentangled if several types of sanctions are clubbed under the umbrella of ‘sanctions’ and captured using a single dummy variable, as is often done in the extant literature. Policies that encourage greater economic integration, such as trade liberalization with multiple countries, can be used strategically by a country to reduce threats of being sanctioned or vulnerabilities to the negative effects of sanctions on the environment.

Different biomarker ratios in peripheral blood have limited value in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection after total joint arthroplasty: a single-center, retrospective study

BackgroundPeriprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe complication that can occur after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The timely and accurate diagnosis of PJI is the key to treatment. This study investigated the diagnostic value of platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), platelet count to mean platelet volume ratio (PVR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in PJI after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA).MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of the patients who underwent revision hip or knee arthroplasty at our Institute between June 2015 and June 2020. Of the 187 patients reviewed, 168 were included in the study. According to the diagnostic criteria of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS), 58 patients were in the PJI group, and 110 patients were in the aseptic loosening (AL) group. We recorded and compared the preoperative peripheral blood white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count (PLT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), PLR, PVR, NLR, and MLR in both groups. The diagnostic performance of the WBC, PLT, PLR, PVR, NLR, and MLR individually and in combination with the ESR and CRP for PJI diagnosis was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated.ResultsCompared to those in the AL group, the mean WBC, PLT, ESR, CRP, PLR, PVR, NLR, and MLR in the peripheral blood of the PJI group were significantly greater (P < 0.05). The analysis of the ROC curve revealed that the ESR, CRP, PLR, PVR, NLR, and MLR in peripheral blood had moderate effectiveness in diagnosing PJI, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.760 (95% CI: 0.688–0.823), 0.758 (95% CI: 0.687–0.821), 0.714 (95% CI: 0.639–0.781), 0.709 (95% CI: 0.634–0.777), 0.723 (95% CI: 0.649–0.789), and 0.728 (95% CI: 0.654–0.793), respectively. Conversely, the WBC and PLT counts demonstrated poor diagnostic value for PJI, with AUC values of 0.578 (95% CI: 0.499–0.653) and 0.694 (95% CI: 0.619–0.763), respectively. The results of the prediction model calculations revealed that the combined AUC of the WBC, PLT, ESR, CRP, PLR, PVR, NLR, and MLR was the highest at 0.853 (95% CI, 0.790–0.909), indicating good value in the diagnosis of PJI, with a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 72.7%. Moreover, the novel composite of parameters improved the accuracy and reliability in diagnosing PJI compared to the traditional biomarkers ESR and CRP (P = 0.015).ConclusionOur study suggested that the diagnostic value of the peripheral blood biomarkers PLR, PVR, NLR, and MLR for diagnosing PJI is limited and not superior to that of the ESR or CRP. However, when the WBC, PLT, ESR, CRP, PLR, PVR, NLR, and MLR are combined, the diagnostic performance of PJI in TJA patients can be improved.

Evaluating REDD+ progress and results-based incentives in Sri Lanka: A comparative analysis across Southeast and South Asian countries

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of REDD+ progress in South and Southeast Asian nations, investigating the intricate relationship between specific conditions and outcomes. Utilizing a two-step Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), it identifies the Outcome Enabling Configurations (OEC) that drive successful REDD+ results through transformational change (TC). The amalgamation of conditions observed in Sri Lanka demonstrates moderate effectiveness in REDD+ readiness and implementation. Key QCA insights underscore the significance of active participation in forest conservation, government policies shifting from conventional forest practices, and accessible funds for performance-based incentives, underpinned by formal commitments among stakeholders. Inferences drawn emphasize the need to synergize remote and proximate conditions within institutional and policy frameworks, propelling transformative change in REDD+ policies. Concurrently, interventions in existing forest, climate change, and REDD+ policies are pivotal to enhance core aspects and mitigate pressure on forest resources. Moreover, dynamic monitoring and adaptability are vital for advancing REDD+ goals, particularly in the evolving landscape of developing nations’ implementation.

Romanian Bee Product Analysis: Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial Activity, and Molecular Docking Insights.

Bee products are considered true wonders of nature, used since ancient times, and studied even today for their various biological activities. In this study, we hypothesise that Romanian bee products from different origins (micro apiary products, lyophilised forms, commercial) exhibit distinct chemical compositions, influencing their biological activities. An LC-MS analysis revealed varied polyphenolic content patterns, with cumaric acid, ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, and quercitine identified in significant amounts across all samples. Primary anti-inflammatory evaluation phases, including the inhibition of haemolysis values and protein denaturation, unveiled a range of protective effects on red blood cells (RBC) and blood proteins, contingent upon the sample concentration. Antimicrobial activity assessments against 12 ATCC strains and 6 pathogenic isolates demonstrated varying efficacy, with propolis samples showing low efficacy, royal jelly forms displaying moderate effectiveness, and apilarnin forms exhibiting good inhibitory activity, mostly against Gram-positive bacteria. Notably, the lyophilised form emerged as the most promising sample, yielding the best results across the biological activities assessed. Furthermore, molecular docking was employed to elucidate the inhibitory potential of compounds identified from these bee products by targeting putative bacterial and fungal proteins. Results from the docking analysis showed rosmarinic and rutin exhibited strong binding energies and interactions with the putative antimicrobial proteins of bacteria (-9.7 kcal/mol to -7.6 kcal/mol) and fungi (-9.5 kcal/mol to -8.1 kcal/mol). The findings in this study support the use of bee products for antimicrobial purposes in a biologically active and eco-friendly proportion while providing valuable insights into their mechanism of action.

Implementation of Archery Class Management at the Pre-Extracurricular Program Stage To Increase Elementary School Students' Interest

One of the non-academic extracurricular activities that can be developed in elementary schools is archery, because it has many benefits at the stage of student growth and development. This research is quantitative with a one group pretest-posttest pre-experimental design. The research was carried out at SD Muhammadiyah Jogokaryan with subjects aged 10-12 years. The sample was taken using a simple random sampling method in classes IV - VI totaling 15 students. The interest data collection technique is by giving a questionnaire before and after the implementation of the archery extracurricular pre-program. The implementation of the extracurricular archery pre-program is carried out by students practicing archery at a distance of 4-8 meters by shooting 6 arrows in each session and carried out in 12 sessions. The results of the Wilcoxon test on the output ranks have a negative rank value between the pre-test and post-test at a value (n) of 2, a mean rank of 3.50 and a sum rank of 7.00, meaning there is no decrease from the pre-test value to the post-test value. The positive rank value between the pre-test and post-test is a value (n) of 13, meaning that 13 students experienced an increase in interest scores from the pre-test score to the post-test score. The mean rank increase in value is 8.69 and the sum of ranks is 113.00. Meanwhile, the tie value is 0, meaning that there are no pairs of data that remain the same between the pre-test and post-test. Apart from that, it is known that the significance value is 0.003 &lt;0.05, meaning that there is a significant increase in the results of student interest scores between the pretest and posttest. Furthermore, based on the results of the n-gain score test, the average value is 0.58, so it is considered moderate effectiveness. The conclusion is that the implementation of archery class management at the pre-extracurricular program stage has a significant effect on increasing students' interest in participating in archery extracurriculars. However, the effectiveness of implementing archery training at the pre-extracurricular program stage in increasing interest is included in the moderate effectiveness category which is allegedly due to limited socialization and facilities and infrastructure for archery sports. The factors that influence archery performance include practice management, teaching methods, class management, and student interest. Meanwhile, teacher professionalism in classroom management also contributes significantly to the effectiveness of learning and increasing student interest. External support such as the school environment and parents also have a significant influence on student participation in extracurricular activities. Keywords: Class management, Pre-extracurricular program, Interest in archery, students.

Implementation of Archery Class Management at the Pre-Extracurricular Program Stage To Improve Archery Skills of Elementary School Students

Currently, archery is a sport that is growing in popularity in society. However, most elementary schools (ES) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, do not yet organize archery extracurricular activities. This is due to the lack of human resources related to archery sports skills. Apart from that, it is also due to limited facilities and infrastructure. This research is quantitative with a one-group pretest-posttest pre-experimental design. The research was conducted at Muhammadiyah Jogokaryan ES with subjects aged 10-12 who participated in the pre-archery extracurricular program. The sample was taken using a simple random sampling method in classes IV-VI, totaling 15 students. The technique for collecting data on archery skills was carried out by giving archery tests at a distance of 5 meters in 12 sessions/rounds by shooting at 6 children. The results of the paired t-test sig value. 0.001 &lt; 0.05 means there is a difference between the pre-test and post-test. The pre-test score was 59.53, and the post-test was 78.13, meaning there was a descriptive improvement. The n-gain effectiveness test result is 0.43, which is in the medium category. Findings from observations by researchers in the field also found that effectiveness was medium-level due to limited equipment and facilities for archery extracurricular activities. The conclusions are: (1) The implementation of archery class management at the pre-extracurricular program stage has a significant effect in improving ES students' archery skills; (2) The implementation of archery class management at the pre-extracurricular program stage in well-managed archery teaching has been proven to be effective in improving archery skills but only falls into the moderate effectiveness category, due to limited equipment and facilities for archery extracurricular activities; (3) Management of archery sports classes at the pre-extracurricular program stage requires planning, organizing, implementation/instruction and evaluation/assessment steps; (4) Support for equipment and facilities is needed for archery extracurricular activities at ES. This is to provide maximum archery skill achievement for ES students aged 10-12 years and as an encouragement for cultivating archery athletes in the city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Keywords: Class management, Pre extracurricular program, Archery achievement, Students

Green synthesis of ZnO/catechin nanocomposite: Comprehensive characterization, optical study, computational analysis, biological applications and molecular docking

Herein, a green and cost-efficient approach was employed to develop the ZnO/Catechin nanocomposite. Margosa leaf extract was utilized as a reducing and capping agent in the fabrication of ZnONPs. Catechin extracted from green tea was employed to modify the ZnONPs, and various conjugation strategies between ZnONPs and extracted catechin were explored. Comprehensive characterization techniques including SEM, elemental mapping, EDX, UV–vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, and XRD were employed to validate the successful formation of the ZnO/Catechin nanocomposite, revealing an average crystal size of 49.37 nm. In vitro antimicrobial assessment was conducted on green-synthesized ZnONPs (A), extracted catechin (B), and the nanocomposite (C) against both gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing highlighted the robust inhibitory effects of the nanocomposite (C) at notably lower concentrations (10–60 μg/mL), surpassing the efficacy of precursor compounds (A and B), which necessitated higher concentrations (20–600 μg/mL) for moderate effectiveness. Components (A-C) exhibited enhanced antibacterial efficacy, yielding inhibitory zones ranging from 9 ± 0.01 to 13 ± 0.22 mm against the tested pathogens, outperforming Azithromycin as a positive control. Exploration of Frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) unveiled smaller band gap energies (Eg) of 1.86, 0.49, and 2.14 eV for the prepared nanocomposites (C1-3) in contrast to precursor compounds (A = 4.04 eV, B = 4.03 eV).

Student's Gender Differences in Stress Management Through Communication

The aim of the article is to determine the specifics of optimizing the stress management of boys and girls during the student period through communicative training. The reliable data were obtained through valid and reliable test methods, and a formative experiment was planned and conducted. The results of the formative experiment indicate the moderate effectiveness of the developed communicative training programme for making stress management in student age more effective. Significant gender differences in stress management strategies and consequences of the impact of the training programme were identified. The girls are more focused on the strategy of actively overcoming the problem, planning a solution to the problem, and looking for social support. The boys are more focused on self-control, distancing, positive reassessment of the situation. Indicators of psychological well-being are higher among the boys compared to the girls. The training programme proved effective for the girls in building stress resistance, self-control, acceptance of responsibility, and psychological well-being. For boys, the most effective formative influence was based on self-control, search for social support, and the escape coping strategy. The study results can be used to optimize psychological assistance and the educational process at the student age.

Countermovement-Jump and Pull-Up Performance Before and After a Swimming Race in Preparatory and Competitive Phases of a Swimming Season.

Monitoring performance athletes' training responses can be efficiently completed at competitive events. This study aimed to explore the changes in swimming, countermovement-jump (CMJ), and pull-up (PU) performance following training across a competitive phase, as well as immediately before and after each race. Fourteen well-trained male sprint/middle-distance swimmers (height 179 [7]cm, mass 70 [8]kg, age 18 [2]y), from 3 regional training groups, completed CMJ and PU tests before and after the national competitions in October and May, when race performance was also assessed. Swimming race performance was significantly improved from before the national competitions in October to after the national competitions in May (1.8% [3.2%], P = .044, d = 0.60, moderate effect). Although there were no significant changes in PU velocity, CMJ performance significantly improved from before the national competitions in October to after the national competitions in May (mean difference 2.29cm, P = .004, d = 3.52) and showed before-to-after race decreases (mean difference -1.64cm, P = .04, d = 2.28). Swimming performance and CMJ performance improved as the season progressed, although these improvements were not directly correlated. PU performance did not appear to be sensitive to training or race-induced fatigue, in contrast to CMJ, in this group of male swimmers.

Co-occurring PTSD in intensive OCD treatment: Impact on treatment trajectory vs. response.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with more severe and chronic OCD. However, findings regarding treatment effectiveness of cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP) with this comorbidity are mixed. Research aimed at understanding the precise barriers to OCD treatment effectiveness for individuals with co-occurring PTSD may help elucidate unique treatment needs. The current study used linear regression and latent growth curve analysis comparing treatment response and trajectory from patients with OCD (n=3083, 94.2%) and OCD+PTSD (n=191, 5.2%) who received CBT with ERP in two major intensive OCD treatment programs. Although patients with OCD+PTSD evidenced similar trajectories of overall severity change, patients at one site required nearly 11 additional treatment days to achieve comparable reduction in OCD severity. Further, at the dimensional level, those with OCD+PTSD had poorer treatment response for unacceptable thoughts and symmetry symptoms. The moderate effect for unacceptable thoughts, indicating the widest gap in treatment response, suggests these symptoms may be particularly relevant to PTSD. Findings are limited by a naturalistic treatment sample with variation in treatment provision. Findings emphasize caution in using a one-size-fits-all approach for patients with co-occurring OCD+PTSD within intensive OCD treatment programs, as broadly defined outcomes (e.g., reduction in overall severity) may not translate to reduction in the nuanced symptom dimensions likely to intersect with trauma. Unacceptable thoughts and symmetry symptoms, when co-occurring with PTSD, may require a trauma-focused treatment approach within intensive OCD treatment.

Understanding the Factors Promoting Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria. This review aimed to identify and understand key factors promoting MTCT and assess the effectiveness of current prevention interventions. A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases using relevant keywords and approximately 57 individual literatures was reviewed. Studies focusing on MTCT in Nigeria published after 2015 were included. Eligible studies were critically appraised for quality and relevance. Findings indicate significant knowledge gap (such as misconceptions about transmission routes, limited understanding of prevention methods, delay in seeking testing and care and inconsistent adherence to Antiretroviral therapy) among pregnant women regarding HIV transmission, persistent stigma and discrimination hindering access to PMTCT services, and challenges within the healthcare system such as geographical disparities and inadequate provider training. Cultural practices, including breastfeeding and postnatal rituals, further exacerbate MTCT risk. Male partner involvement emerges as a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of PMTCT. Existing interventions showed moderate effectiveness, highlighting the need for tailored approaches. Strengthening multi-level interventions addressing social, economic, and cultural determinants, alongside culturally sensitive approaches and increased male engagement, are crucial to address MTCT and improve maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating interventions tailored to specific contexts and populations.

Signalling through managerial tone and analysts’ response

ABSTRACT This study investigates the interaction between a tone signaller and receiver through managerial tone on a conference call. Based on a signalling framework, we examine the following research questions: Does the signal (tone) match the latent information it intends to convey? Can a receiver (analyst) interpret the signal correctly and send feedback to confirm (or disconfirm) it? Does the signalling environment impact signalling effectiveness? Using a sample of 3680 transcripts of earnings conference calls from 241 UK firms in the FTSE 350 Index, we find that managerial tone can produce effective signals that match private information from managers. Analysts understand tone signals accurately and send confirmation feedback to managers. They revise their forecasts upward (downward) following more (less) optimistic managerial tones. They consistently confirm and respond to managers with a similar tone. Analysts with superior expertise, experience and ability better understand the tone signal, leading to a larger reduction in forecast error. The information environment can moderate signalling effectiveness. This shows that managerial tone represents a reliable signalling device for transmitting latent information on a firm’s quality and future performance and that receivers can understand this signal correctly. This study highlights the signalling role of managerial tone in managers and analysts’ communication. HIGHLIGHTS Managerial tone effectively communicates private information to analysts. Analysts accurately interpret tone signals and adjust forecasts accordingly. Analysts with superior expertise better understand tone, reducing forecast errors. Managerial tone's signalling effectiveness varies with information environment.

Effectiveness of interventions to reduce social inequalities of weight status in adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Many interventions are implemented in the public health context to overcome social inequalities of weight status in adolescents, but their effectiveness is challenged. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of these interventions with a systematic review and meta-analysis. We systematically searched for reports of randomized control trials and quasi-experimental studies aiming to reduce social inequalities of weight status in adolescents in five electronic databases. The primary outcomes were social inequalities in weight-related outcomes (body mass index [BMI], BMI z score, waist circumference, percent body fat, prevalence of overweight/obesity). Interventions were effective when they reduced social inequalities in at least one weight-related outcome. Meta-analyses involved using random-effects models. The review included 38 publications (33 studies) with interventions mostly targeting disadvantaged adolescents (n = 29 studies), showing effectiveness in half of the studies (n = 19/33, 57.6%). The meta-analysis (27 studies) revealed that targeted interventions significantly reduced BMI z score (β = -0.04 [95% CI -0.08, -0.01]), BMI (β = -0.32 [-0.47, -0.18]), and waist circumference (β = -0.84 [-1.48, -0.21]) but not percent body fat (β = -0.27 [-0.71, 0.17]) or prevalence of overweight/obesity (odds ratio = 1.06 [0.85, 1.31]). This review shows moderate effectiveness of interventions targeting disadvantaged adolescents to reduce social inequalities of weight status. High-quality research with better implementation to reach their full potential is required to strengthen their effectiveness.

The effects of dumbbell versus TRX suspension training on shoulder strength, vertical jump, and spike speed in volleyball players

BACKGROUND: Limited research exists on how various resistance training methods, such as TRX and dumbbells, impact sport-specific technical skills and muscle performance in young athletes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of 8-week Total-Body Resistance Exercise (TRX) suspension training and Traditional Dumbbell Training (TDT) on shoulder muscle strength, leg power, and spike speed in young male volleyball players. METHODS: Twenty-five male volleyball players were randomly assigned to either the TRX suspension group (n= 13) or the TDT group (n= 12). Anthropometric measures, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, spike speed, and shoulder joint isokinetic strength tests were conducted pre- and post-intervention. Both groups continued their volleyball training (5 days/week) and added TRX or TDT sessions for 2 months (60–90 minutes/day, 3 times/week), including 8 multi-joint exercises (1–3 sets/12 reps, 60 min rest). Statistical analysis involved Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests, with effect size calculations. RESULTS: Compared to the TDT group, the TRX group showed significant improvements in CMJ height (+12.17% vs. +0.83%; p= 0.001), CMJ power (+9.55% vs. -0.24 %; p= 0.01), and spike speed (+11.49% vs. +6.82%; p= 0.03) with a small to moderate effect size. CONCLUSIONS: In young male volleyball players, TRX suspension training may be more effective than dumbbell training in enhancing jump performance and spike speed.

Business model innovation, digital organizational culture, and bank performance: The role of digital technologies and top management mindfulness

Digital technologies have changed our lives. This digital move is not limited to a particular area or a sector. It has also changed the way of doing business, but the opportunities associated with this digitalization are not yet appropriately identified. Appropriate action to respond to new avenues can substantially change business performance. This research presents a framework that suggests that the development of digital organizational culture and innovation in business models support digital technology value development and digitization, ultimately improving business performance. The collected data from banks working in Pakistan were analyzed with smart PLS. The results revealed that business model innovation, business digitization, and top management mindfulness boost the banks' performance. In contrast, digital organizational culture and digital technologies value development have no association with bank performance. Further, top management mindfulness has no moderating effect on studied relationships. By adopting innovation and necessary developments, banks can improve their performance significantly.

Impact of destructive leadership styles on the psychological contract breach with the moderating effect of proactive personality

This research has an aim to investigate the impact of toxic and exploitative leadership and subordinate psychological contract breach, the moderation role of proactive personality within the proposed framework between the toxic leadership with psychological contract breach and exploitative leadership with psychological contract breach. Data was gathered utilizing a cross-sectional research technique. The sample of the study constituted 386 frontline nurses from public sector hospitals of Pakistan. Structural equation modelling was utilized for analyzing the collected data. Toxic and exploitative leadership had a significant positive impact on psychological contract breach. However, moderation of proactive personality was found to be insignificant between both relations.

Impact of brand communication on brand personality: Moderating mechanisms of brand equity in the telecommunication sector of Pakistan

The utmost aim of this paper is to examine the impact of brand communication on brand personality and the moderating mechanisms of brand equity in the telecommunication sector of Pakistan. The phenomenon was examined by applying a well-known theory of self-congruity to explain the moderating function performed by brand equity between the two variables, brand communication, and brand personality. A questionnaire was distributed and collected from 1536 customers in the telecommunication sector of Pakistan, using Telenor, Ufone, Zong and Jazz networks. The data was examined by IBM AMOS to examine the proposed relationships. The study's results suggest a strong moderating effect of brand equity on the relationship between brand communication and brand personality. In this sense, it not only contributes to the body of literature but also aids professionals and marketing managers in creating branding strategies that take into account the idea of brand personality.

Promoting ethical voice in the police: a daily Examination of ethical vision, LMX ambivalence, and interpersonal justice

ABSTRACT Drawing on signalling theory, this study explores the daily cues provided by leaders to promote ethical voice, specifically examining the impact of ethical vision communication as the primary cue. We also investigate the moderating effect of LMX ambivalence as a secondary cue, and how this effect can be diminished by daily interpersonal justice. Our seven-day daily diary study, which involved 68 French police officers, tested this model. The findings indicate that ethical voice is dynamically impacted by ethical vision communication, LMX Ambivalence and interpersonal justice. Finally, we discuss practical implications and provide guidelines to train public leaders.

Keeping up appearances: US domestic extremist organizations and the effects of membership on domestic terrorism perpetrators

ABSTRACT Within the broader discussion of US domestic terrorism, the impact of formal extremist groups on the behaviour of perpetrators of ideologically motivated crime stands as a key albeit under examined issue. Radicalization and terrorism have long been understood as group-driven processes, yet the degree and rate of group affiliation among US extremist offenders is highly variable, especially in the context of rising instances of lone actor attacks. This raises the question of the role that group affiliation plays in relation to perpetrators of extremist violence. For while discourse surrounding domestic terrorism has largely classified these organizations as facilitators or enablers of radicalization and extremist violence, patterns in recent years suggest these groups may in fact do the opposite and dampen the violent impulses of their members to preserve their organizational interests. This paper presents an analysis of data adapted from the Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States (PIRUS) dataset as well as original data and finds that membership in formal extremist groups does appear to create a moderating effect on perpetrators of ideologically motivated crime, reducing the probability of group members in engaging in violence.