bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signatures of selective sweeps in continuous-space populations
Authors: Chotai Meera , Wei Xinzhu , Messer Philipp W.
Published: July 2024

Selective sweeps describe the process by which an adaptive mutation arises and rapidly fixes in the population, thereby removing genetic variation in its genomic vicinity. The expected signatures of selective sweeps are relatively well understood in panmictic population models, yet natural populations often extend across larger geographic ranges where individuals are more likely to mate with those born nearby. To investigate how such spatial population structure can affect sweep dynamics and signatures, we simulated selective sweeps in populations inhabiting a two-dimensional continuous landscape. The maximum dispersal distance of offspring from their parents can be varied in our simulations from an essentially panmictic population to scenarios with increasingly limited dispersal. We find that in low-dispersal populations, adaptive mutations spread more slowly than in panmictic ones, while recombination becomes less effective at breaking up genetic linkage around the sweep locus. Together, these factors result in a trough of reduced genetic diversity around the sweep locus that looks very similar across dispersal rates. We also find that the site frequency spectrum around hard sweeps in low-dispersal populations becomes enriched for intermediate-frequency variants, making these sweeps appear softer than they are. Furthermore, haplotype heterozygosity at the sweep locus tends to be elevated in low-dispersal scenarios as compared to panmixia, contrary to what we observe in neutral scenarios without sweeps. The haplotype patterns generated by these hard sweeps in low-dispersal populations can resemble soft sweeps from standing genetic variation that arose from substantially older alleles. Our results highlight the need for better accounting for spatial population structure when making inferences about selective sweeps.
Physical modeling of embryonic transcriptomes identifies collective modes of gene expression
Authors: Skinner Dominic J. , Lemaire Patrick , Mani Madhav
Published: July 2024

Starting from one totipotent cell, complex multicellular organisms form through a series of differentiation and morphogenetic events, culminating in a multitude of cell types arranged in a functional and intricate spatial pattern. To do so, cells coordinate with each other, resulting in dynamics which follow a precise developmental trajectory, constraining the space of possible embryo-to-embryo variation. Using recent single-cell sequencing data of early ascidian embryos, we leverage natural variation together with modeling and inference techniques from statistical physics to investigate development at the level of a complete interconnected embryo – an embryonic transcriptome. After developing a robust and biophysically motivated approach to identifying distinct transcriptomic states or cell types, a statistical analysis reveals correlations within embryos and across cell types demonstrating the presence of collective variation. From these intra-embryo correlations, we infer minimal networks of cell-cell interactions, which reveal the collective modes of gene expression. Our work demonstrates how the existence and nature of spatial interactions along with the collective modes of expression that they give rise to can be inferred from single-cell gene expression measurements, opening up a wider range of biological questions that can be addressed using sequencing-based modalities.
SGLT2 inhibitors activate pantothenate kinase in the human heart
Authors: Forelli Nicholas , Eaton Deborah , Patel Jiten , Bowman Caitlyn E. , Kawakami Ryo , Kuznetsov Ivan A. , Li Kristina , Brady Claire , Bedi Kenneth , Yang Yijun , Koya Kaustubh , Megill Emily , Kanter Daniel S. , Smith Louis G. , Bowman Gregory R. , Snyder Nathaniel , Edwards Jonathan , Margulies Kenneth , Arany Zoltan
Published: July 2024

Inhibitors of sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2i) demonstrate strong symptomatic and mortality benefits in the treatment of heart failure but appear to do so independently of SGLT2. The relevant pharmacologic target of SGLT2i remains unclear. We show here that SGLT2i directly activate pantothenate kinase 1 (PANK1), the rate-limiting enzyme that initiates the conversion of pantothenate (vitamin B5) to coenzyme-A (CoA), an obligate co-factor for all major pathways of fuel use in the heart. Using stable-isotope infusion studies, we show that SGLT2i promote pantothenate consumption, activate CoA synthesis, rescue decreased levels of CoA in human failing hearts, and broadly stimulate fuel use inex vivoperfused human cardiac blocks from patients with heart failure. Furthermore, we show that SGLT2i bind to PANK1 directly at physiological concentrations and promote PANK1 enzymatic activity in assays with purified components. Novelin silicodynamic modeling identified the site of SGLT2i binding on PANK1 and indicated a mechanism of activation involving prevention of allosteric inhibition of PANK1 by acyl-CoA species. Finally, we show that inhibition of PANK1 prevents SGLT2i-mediated increased contractility of isolated adult human cardiomyocytes. In summary, we demonstrate robust and specific off-target activation of PANK1 by SGLT2i, promoting CoA synthesis and efficient fuel use in human hearts, providing a likely explanation for the remarkable clinical benefits of SGLT2i.
Reconstitution of chromatin reorganization during mammalian oocyte development
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Wang , Guo Jing , Xu Xiaoming , Ge Lin , Li Bin , So Chun
Published: July 2024

The final step of oocyte growth, which reorganizes chromatin from the uncondensed, non-surrounded nucleolus (NSN) configuration to the condensed, surrounded nucleolus (SN) configuration, is essential for embryonic development after fertilization. However, the mechanism of NSN-to-SN transition remains unknown. Here, we identify RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) degradation as the key driver of this process. RNAPII inhibitors, but not nucleoside-based transcription inhibitors, swiftly induced RNAPII degradation and NSN-to-SN transition in oocytes. Strikingly, induced SN-like nuclei recapitulated epigenetic features, chromatin interactions and developmental potential in SN oocytes. Using segregase and proteasome inhibitors and the newly established scFv miniTrim-Away for nuclear proteins, we further demonstrate that RNAPII degradation is necessary and sufficient for NSN-to-SN transition in mouse and human. RNAPII degradation globally cleared RNAPII from transcriptionally active chromatin and increased chromatin dynamics, concomitantly leading to transcriptional silencing and chromatin rearrangement in oocytes. Our study elucidates the framework of chromatin reorganization in growing mammalian oocytes and provides an alternative source of fully grown oocyte nuclei, representing a milestone for the potential use of growing oocytes in reproductive medicine.
A Novel Computational Pre-Procedural Planning Model for Coronary Interventions Based on Coronary CT Angiography
Authors: Lyu Mengzhe , Liang Ce , Zhang Xuehuan , Wang Xiao , Li Qiaoqiao , Torii Ryo , Ventikos Yiannis , Chen Duanduan
Published: July 2024

In percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the ability to predict post-PCI fractional flow reserve (FFR) and stented vessel informs procedural planning. However, highly precise and effective methods to quantitatively simulate coronary intervention are lacking. This study developed a validated virtual coronary intervention (VCI) technique for non-invasive physiological and anatomical assessment of PCI. In this study, patients with substantial lesions (pre-PCI FFR of less than 0.80) were enrolled. VCI framework was used to predict vessel reshape and post-PCI FFR. The accuracy of predicted post-VCI FFR, luminal cross-sectional area (CSA) and centreline curvature was validated with post-PCI computed tomography (CT) angiography datasets. Overall, 21 patients were selected for the study, of which 9 patients (9 vessels) were included in the analysis. The average time for PCI simulation was 24.92 ± 1.00 s on a single processor. The calculated post-PCI FFR was 0.92 ± 0.09 and the predicted post-VCI FFR was 0.90 ± 0.08 (mean difference: -0.02 ± 0.05 FFR unit; limits of agreement: -0.08 to 0.05). Morphologically, the predicted CSA is 16.36 ± 4.41 mm2and post-CSA is 17.91 ± 4.84 mm2(mean difference: -1.55 ± 1.89 mm2; limits of agreement: -5.22 to 2.12), the predicted centreline curvature of stented region is 0.15 ± 0.04 mm□1and post-PCI centreline curvature is 0.17 ± 0.03 mm□1(mean difference: -0.02 ± 0.06 mm□1; limits of agreement: -0.12 to 0.09). The proposed VCI technique achieves non-invasive pre-procedural anatomical and physiological assessment of coronary intervention. The proposed model has the potential to optimize PCI pre-procedural planning and improve the safety and efficiency of PCI.

Highlights

Present a computational pre-procedural planning model for coronary interventions.

Develop a computational framework to predict post-PCI FFR.

Validation of the model with post-PCI CT angiography datasets.

The proposed model has the potential to optimize PCI pre-procedural planning.
Unlocking the Potential: FKK6 as a Microbial Mimicry-Based Therapy for Chronic Inflammation-Associated Colorectal Cancer in a Murine Model
Authors: Sládeková Lucia , Li Hao , DesMarais Vera M. , Beck Amanda P. , Guzik Hillary , Vyhlídalová Barbora , Gu Haiwei , Mani Sridhar , Dvořák Zdeněk
Published: July 2024

Chronic intestinal inflammation significantly contributes to the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and remains a pertinent clinical challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. Indole-based microbial metabolite mimics FKK6, which is a ligand and agonist of the pregnane X receptor (PXR), was recently demonstrated to have PXR-dependent anti-inflammatory and protective effects in a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute colitis. Here, we examined the therapeutic potential of FKK6 in a mouse model (C57BL/6 FVB humanized PXR mice) of colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). FKK6 (2 mg/kg) displayed substantial anti-tumor activity, as revealed by reduced size and number of colon tumors, improved colon histopathology, and decreased expression of tumor markers (c-MYC, β-catenin, Ki-67, cyclin D) in the colon. In addition, we carried out the chronic toxicity (30 days) assessment of FKK6 (1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg) in C57BL/6 mice. Histological examination of tissues, biochemical blood analyses, and immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67 and γ-H2AX showed no difference between FKK6-treated and control mice. Comparative metabolomic analyses in mice exposed for 5 days to DSS and administered with FKK6 (0.4 mg/kg) revealed no significant effects on several classes of metabolites in the mouse fecal metabolome. Ames and micronucleus tests showed no genotoxic and mutagenic potential of FKK6in vitro. In conclusion, anticancer effects of FKK6 in AOM/DSS-induced CAC, together with FKK6 safety data fromin vitrotests andin vivochronic toxicity study, and comparative metabolomic study, are supportive of the potential therapeutic use of FKK6 in the treatment of CAC.
The Neuropeptide Sulfakinin, a peripheral regulator of insect behavioral switch between mating and foraging
Authors: Li Hong-Fei , Dong Bao , Peng Yuan-Yuan , Luo Hao-Yue , Ou Xiao-Lan , Ren Zheng-Lin , Park Yoonseong , Wang Jin-Jun , Jiang Hong-Bo
Published: July 2024

Behavioral strategies for foraging and reproduction in the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) are alternative options for resource allocation and are controlled by neuropeptides. Here we show that the behavioral switch between foraging and reproduction is associated with changes in antennal sensitivity. Starved flies became more sensitive to food odors while suppressing their response to opposite-sex pheromones. The gene encoding sulfakinin receptor 1 (SkR1) was significantly upregulated in the antennae of starved flies, so we tested the behavioral phenotypes of null mutants for the genes encoding the receptor (skr1-/-) and its ligand sulfakinin (sk-/-). In both knockout lines, the antennal responses shifted to mating mode even when flies were starved. This suggests that sulfakinin signaling via SkR1 promotes foraging while suppressing mating. Further analysis of the mutant flies revealed that sets of odorant receptor (OR) genes were differentially expressed. Functional characterization of the differentially expressed ORs suggested that sulfakinin directly suppresses the expression of ORs that respond to opposite-sex hormones while enhancing the expression of ORs that detect food volatiles. We conclude that sulfakinin signaling via SkR1, modulating OR expressions and leading to altered antenna sensitivities, is an important component in starvation-dependent behavioral change.
Quantum vortex stability in draining fluid flows
Authors: Patrick Sam
Published: July 2024

Quantum vortices with more than a single circulation quantum are usually unstable and decay into clusters of smaller vortices. One way to prevent the decay is to place the vortex at the center of a convergent (draining) fluid flow, which tends to force vortices together. It is found that while the primary splitting instability is suppressed in this way (and completely quenched for strong enough flows) a secondary instability can emerge in circular trapping geometries. This behavior is related to an instability of rotating black holes when superradiantly amplified waves are confined inside a reflective cavity. The end state of the secondary instability is dramatic, manifesting as a shock wave that propagates round the circular wall and nucleates many more vortices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Transition magnetic moment of Majorana neutrinos in the triplets next-to-minimal MSSM
Authors: Zhang Zhao-Yang , Yang Jin-Lei , Zhang Hai-Bin , Feng Tai-Fu
Published: July 2024

The next-to-minimal supersymmetric Standard Model with triplets is an attractive extension of the Standard Model. It combines the advantages of the next-to-minimal supersymmetric Standard Model and the minimal supersymmetric Standard Model with triplets to give three tiny Majorana neutrinos masses via a type-I+II seesaw mechanism. With the on-shell renormalization scheme, we consider the neutrino masses up to one loop approximation. Applying the effective Lagrangian method, we study the transition magnetic moments of Majorana neutrinos and consider the normal hierarchy and inverse hierarchy neutrino mass spectra within the constraints of experimental data on neutrino oscillations. The solar neutrino transition magnetic moment is further deduced, and compared with the XENONnT experiment limit.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Diffusion model approach to simulating electron-proton scattering events
Authors: Devlin Peter , Qiu Jian-Wei , Ringer Felix , Sato Nobuo
Published: July 2024

Generative artificial intelligence is a fast-growing area of research offering various avenues for exploration in high-energy nuclear physics. In this work, we explore the use of generative models for simulating electron-proton collisions relevant to experiments like the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility and the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). These experiments play a critical role in advancing our understanding of nucleons and nuclei in terms of quark and gluon degrees of freedom. The use of generative models for simulating collider events faces several challenges such as the sparsity of the data, the presence of global or eventwide constraints, and steeply falling particle distributions. In this work, we focus on the implementation of diffusion models for the simulation of electron-proton scattering events at EIC energies. Our results demonstrate that diffusion models can reproduce relevant observables such as momentum distributions and correlations of particles, momentum sum rules, and the leading electron kinematics, all of which are of particular interest in electron-proton collisions. Although the sampling process is relatively slow compared to other machine-learning architectures, we find diffusion models can generate high-quality samples. We foresee various applications of our work including inference for nuclear structure, interpretable generative machine learning, and searches of physics beyond the Standard Model.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Single-site
DFT+DMFT
for vanadium dioxide using bond-centered orbitals
Authors: Mlkvik Peter , Merkel Maximilian E. , Spaldin Nicola A. , Ederer Claude
Published: July 2024

We present a combined density-functional theory and single-site dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT) study of vanadium dioxide (VO2) using an unconventional set of bond-centered orbitals as the basis of the correlated subspace. VO2 is a prototypical material undergoing a metal-insulator transition (MIT), hosting both intriguing physical phenomena and the potential for industrial applications. With our choice of correlated subspace basis, we investigate the interplay of structural dimerization and electronic correlations in VO2 in a computationally cheaper way compared to other state-of-the-art methods, such as cluster DMFT. Our approach allows us to treat the rutile and M1 monoclinic VO2 phases on an equal footing and to vary the dimerizing distortion continuously, exploring the energetics of the transition between the two phases. The choice of basis presented in this work hence offers a complementary view on the long-standing discussion of the MIT in VO2 and suggests possible future extensions to other similar materials hosting molecular-orbital-like states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum logarithmic multifractality
Authors: Chen Weitao , Giraud Olivier , Gong Jiangbin , Lemarié Gabriel
Published: July 2024

Through a combination of rigorous analytical derivations and extensive numerical simulations, this work reports an exotic multifractal behavior, dubbed “logarithmic multifractality,” in effectively infinite-dimensional systems undergoing the Anderson transition. In contrast to conventional multifractality observed in finite dimensions, logarithmic multifractality at infinite dimension introduces an algebraic behavior with respect to the logarithm of system size or time. We demonstrate this phenomenon across eigenstate statistics, spatial correlations, and wave packet dynamics. Our findings offer crucial insights into strong finite-size effects and slow dynamics in complex systems undergoing the Anderson transition, such as the many-body localization transition.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A comprehensive review of state-of-art FishBAC – fishbone active camber morphing wing surfaces–: a promising morphing method
Authors: Ozbek Emre , Ekici Selcuk , Karakoç Tahir Hikmet
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The current research conducts a comprehensive review on FishBAC (fishbone active camber morphing wing surfaces) for researchers and scientists and sheds light on challenges and opportunities of FishBAC development.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a review article and this study reviews previous research on FishBAC.

Findings

The current FishBAC applications could be upgraded into more efficient designs in materials, design and mechanisms with more perspectives involved. Then, this promising branch of morphing surface design could be integrated with rotor blades, unmanned aerial vehicle wings, general aviation aircraft surfaces and so on.

Research limitations/implications

This is a review article.

Practical implications

The contributions of the study are summarized as follows: to provide an overview of FishBAC research; to compare various approaches and trends in FishBAC designs; to address the research gap in the roadmap for FishBAC design; and to discuss the challenges and opportunities of FishBAC development.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review on a promising morphing method and an alternative for conventional flaps and ailerons.
The digital future of Spanish universities: facing the challenge of a digital transformation
Authors: Luque-Martínez Teodoro , Doña-Toledo Luis , Faraoni Nina
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to advance the understanding of both the challenges and the priorities facing Spanish universities undergoing the digital transformation era, to identify areas for improvement in university management, from a managerial point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyze the importance and adequacy of various aspects related to digitalization, the authors use the importance–performance matrix, by surveying figures who have or have had a managerial position in the university, such as rectors and vice-rectors.

Findings

The results showed that the priority areas were related to strategic and financial management, knowledge management and the society and environment dimension. It all revealed imbalances, the most important of which were in the areas referring to attracting talent, sources of financing, strategic management and digitalization.

Research limitations/implications

The study could benefit from considering or placing greater emphasis on alternative viewpoints, including those of external experts and administrative managers at public universities.

Practical implications

The practical implications relate to university management. In particular, the study highlights two issues that are a priority: attracting talent and training for university management as well as for data management. It follows from these results that legislative development and public funding should be directed towards adapting the training offer as well as the management structure and processes to the context of digitalization.

Social implications

These results have implications for the public sphere, for decision-making related to the public funding that organizations receive from governments. Indeed, as the empirical results demonstrate, the proposed framework is effective not only in assessing the status of digitalization in the university but also in providing information on the most important aspects that need particular attention to achieve the desired future condition.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in the analysis and evaluation of the digitalization process and how public universities are facing it, from the perspective of university management. Methodologically, the novelty lies in the use of the importance–performance matrix, which not only provides insight into the importance of different aspects to be analyzed but also provides information about their adequacy.
Addressing performance improvement of a neural network model for Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes solutions with high wake formation
Authors: Ajaya Kumar Ananthajit , Assam Ashwani
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Deep-learning techniques are recently gaining a lot of importance in the field of turbulence. This study focuses on addressing the problem of data imbalance to improve the performance of an existing deep learning neural network to infer the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes solution, proposed by Thuerey et al. (2020), in the cases of airfoils with high wake formation behind them. The model is based on a U-Net architecture, which calculates pressure and velocity solutions for fluid flow around an airfoil.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, we propose various methods for training the model on selectively generated data with different distributions, which would be representative of the under-performing test samples. The property we chose for selectively generating data was the fraction of negative x-velocity in the domain. We have used Grad-CAM to compare the layer activations of different models trained using the proposed methods.

Findings

We observed that using our methods, the average performance on the samples with high wake formation (i.e. flow over airfoils at high angle of attack) has improved. Using one of the proposed methods, an average performance improvement of 15.65% was observed for samples of unknown airfoils compared to a similar model trained using the original method.

Originality/value

This work demonstrates the use of imbalanced learning in the field of fluid mechanics. The performance of the model is improved by giving significance to the distribution of the training data without changes to the model architecture.
Students’ support facilities and academic adjustment among first-year undergraduates: evidence from a Nigerian public university
Authors: Joseph Chinedu Hillary , Osiesi Mensah Prince , Adaramoye Toyin Olanike , Arogundade Abidemi Olufemi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the extent to which support facilities are available, accessible and satisfactory and the relationship between support facilities and academic adjustment among first-year university undergraduates.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted a survey research design. A simple random sampling technique was used to select six faculties at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria. Six hundred first-year students took part in the study. The Support Facilities and Academic Adjustment Questionnaire (SSAAQ) was adapted and used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation and the t-test were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The study revealed that the extent of the availability of support facilities is low, accessibility is moderate while the extent of satisfaction is high in the study context. Significant positive relationship exist between support facilities and academic adjustment, in favour of female first-year undergraduates. The challenges faced by first-year undergraduates were highlighted.

Originality/value

Nigerian students are confronted with accessing important components of support facilities at tertiary institutions. These student face additional hurdles in accessing support facilities at universities because of their socioeconomic status but were not explicit in identifying the exact nature of the challenges they experience. There is dearth of literature regarding the extent of availability, accessibility, as well as the challenges encountered by first-year students and their satisfaction in accessing the university’s support facilities, vis-à-vis its relationship to their academic adjustment in the university amidst gender differences. This current study fills this gap in the literature.
Telepresence, social presence and involvement in consumer’s intention to buy apparels through an interplay of consumer brand engagement
Authors: Zahid Muhammad Nauman , Kamran Muhammad , Szostak Michał , Awan Tahir Mumtaz
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore the effect of telepresence, social presence and consumer involvement on intention to purchase, with an intervening impact of three dimensions of consumer brand engagement (cognitive processing, affection processing and activation).

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed a surveying technique and an adopted questionnaire was used to collect data from 426 shoppers of apparels. The model was tested using Smart PLS and it was found that there is a positive relationship between telepresence, social presence and consumer brand involvement with consumer brand engagement, which also mediates their relationship with intention to purchase.

Findings

This study offers analytical evidence for telepresence, social presence and involvement of customers and advances the literature of brand engagement. Marketers can benefit from this study and design their future campaigns to enhance the involvement of customers by utilizing the outcomes of this study.

Originality/value

This study offers analytical evidence for telepresence, social presence and involvement of customers and advances the literature of brand engagement. Marketers can benefit from this study and design their future campaigns to enhance the involvement of customers by utilizing the outcomes of this study.
Unveiling the impact of sustainable manufacturing on triple bottom line sustainability performance: a Bangladesh perspective
Authors: Islam Azharul , Ghosh Ratan , Hamid Md Kaysher , Kabir Sadman
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to measure the impact of sustainable production and distribution processes on the sustainability performance in the pharmaceutical sector of Bangladesh based on triple bottom line (TBL) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

It measures sustainable manufacturing and distribution practices with three dimensions namely: sustainable production process, sustainable supply chain management and sustainable end-life management, whereas sustainability performance is measured with three important aspects of performance measurement of TBL, namely social, environmental and financial performance. A survey questionnaire has been designed to collect data relating to sustainability practices and sustainability performance of listed pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh. The data have been analyzed with the partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to investigate the relationship between sustainable production and distribution practices and economic, environmental and social performances.

Findings

The findings show that a sustainable production process has a positive impact on environmental and economic performance, but sustainable supply chain management has a significant impact only on economic performance. Whereas sustainable end-life management has a significant impact on both environmental and social performance but not on the financial performance of the industry. Although the current findings contradict some of the previous outcomes, the results can still be robust in the context of Bangladesh.

Practical implications

It is expected that the findings of the study might provide new insights into the sustainability initiatives of the manufacturing companies of Bangladesh. The study findings can help policymakers in implementing the sustainability agenda of the United Nations.

Originality/value

The pharmaceutical industry of Bangladesh has a significant contribution to the foreign earnings of the country. But the introduction of sustainable development goals (SDGs) criteria has forced the industry to redesign its production and operation systems. While numerous studies have investigated the individual components of the TBL in the developed country context, the dynamics of an emerging economy like Bangladesh have been overlooked. By focusing specifically on Bangladesh, a country with a promising pharmaceutical sector handling unique socioeconomic and environmental challenges, the current study fills a considerable gap in the existing sustainability literature.
The disastrousness of asylum: Syrian asylum seekers and their impact on disastrousness in the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes
Authors: Şahin Ali Utku
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Turkey hosts the majority of Syrians who fled their country due to the Syrian Civil War that started in 2011, and Syrians mostly live in the provinces most affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of the presence of disadvantaged population on disaster risk in Turkey, a disaster country, through the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes and Syrian asylum-seekers, based on the claim that the vulnerability caused by this additional population residing in the provinces most affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes is a factor that will increase the disastrousness of the earthquakes.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the mathematical model used in the calculation of the Human Development Index, the study comparatively calculates the vulnerability of the Turkish and Syrian populations residing in the earthquake-affected provinces by taking into account population density, gender, age, education and employment factors.

Findings

The findings of the analysis show that the vulnerability of Syrian asylum seekers in Kilis, Gaziantep and Hatay provinces is higher than the vulnerability of the Turkish population.

Originality/value

This paper shows significant findings on the effects of disadvantaged groups residing in a disaster-prone area concerning the consequences of the devastating earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023 in the southern region of Turkey.
A critical review of service climate role in customer experiences
Authors: Almeida Pedro
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Extensive research has made it possible for service climate (SC) to establish itself as “a pivotal construct from a practical and theoretical perspective in the services marketing and management literatures” (Auh et al., 2011, p. 427). Key to that interest is the role granted to SC in several important outcomes, such as customer satisfaction and loyalty. A closer look at the theoretical arguments and empirical evidence supporting such role reveals, however, several fragilities. The main purpose of this paper is to present some of those fragilities considered to be particularly relevant to identify possible ways to avoid them.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive review of SC literature was conducted leading to the identification of several fragilities regarding the role of SC in customers experiences.

Findings

The literature review conducted revealed several limitations that warrant some caution regarding the general consensus concerning the role of SC in customers experiences.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the identification of several important issues regarding the arguments and empirical support that have been ignored in the literature regarding the role of SC in customers experiences.
Muslim women entrepreneurs: an exploratory study of the Nigerian “Mumpreneurs” perspective
Authors: Nasir Muhammad Muhammad , Shamim Saemah
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper explores the motivations and challenges faced by Muslim women ‘mumpreneurs,’ in Northern Nigeria, a region with a predominantly Muslim population. The unique socio-religious and cultural context of Northern Nigeria serves as a key driver for this research, prompting a deeper understanding of the experiences of Muslim mumpreneurs in the area.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a qualitative approach, by utilizing semi-structured interviews with 12 Muslim mumpreneurs residing in various states across Northern Nigeria. Accordingly, thematic analysis was used to explore the influence of their motherly roles on their entrepreneurial experiences.

Findings

Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: Motivations: Mumpreneurs were driven by desires for financial independence, positive societal impact and increased flexibility to manage work-family balance. Challenges: Lack of capital, skills, knowledge and sociocultural constraints (e.g. gender norms) impeded their progress. Push and pull factors: Their entrepreneurial journeys were shaped by both internal aspirations and external societal influences.

Originality/value

The findings of this study provide further understanding of the distinct experiences of Muslim mumpreneurs in Northern Nigeria, contributing significantly to our knowledge of the dynamics of Muslim women mumpreneurs in a specific, understudied Muslim society. By implication, it highlights the need for targeted support for this under-researched population, informing policymakers, support organizations, and future research endeavors.
Enabling change agents for sustainable development: a whole-institution approach to embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals in higher education
Authors: Price Elizabeth , Nicholson Dawn Theresa , Dunk Rachel , Lawler Cormac , Carney Matthew , Vargas Valeria Ruiz , Veitch Sally , Leigh Sophie , Singleton Matt , Mottram Sarah
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Recognising that there is increasing urgency to equip graduates to become future leaders in delivering the sustainable development goals (SDGs), this study presents a critical analysis of a whole-institution approach to embedding education for sustainable development (ESD) in curricula. This study aims to explore the wider reach of adopting a similar approach within varied professional practices and institutional settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is mixed-methods action research framed within a revised institutional strategy. The authors place this in the wider context of ESD in higher education.

Findings

Embedding ESD in curricula and recognition of its relevance across all disciplines were important to stakeholders. These outcomes translated into strategic commitments. Within the first year of the strategy, Carbon Literacy was embedded in almost 20% of courses and in progress in a further 25%; ESD was embedded in 42% of courses and in progress in a further 7%; and over 80% of students agreed with the statement “My course provides me with the opportunities to gain knowledge and skills relating to sustainable development”.

Originality/value

This work demonstrates effective measures that can be amplified across the sector, framed by two overarching principles that are effective regardless of context: demonstration that sustainability adds value to academic activities and consultation and co-creation to build a shared vision and support for change.
Boundary spanning activities and resource orchestration as microfoundations of dynamic capability: a systematic literature review
Authors: Ariwibowo Aziz Fajar , Afiff Adi Zakaria , Rachmawati Riani , Kusumastuti Ratih Dyah
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The interest of scholars to study microfoundations of dynamic capability has increased. Literatures associated with them are rapidly and diversely developing. This study aims to investigate whether both boundary spanning activities and resource orchestration are the microfoundations of dynamic capability.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline is applied to extract 263 studies from Scopus and 12 studies from other online sources. Some studies investigate some of the relationships but only one investigates all relationships examined.

Findings

Further discussion suggests that boundary spanning activities and resource orchestration are microfoundations of dynamic capability. The first and second groups of boundary spanning activities (scout and ambassador) and the first stage of resource orchestration (structuring/search/selection) are microfoundations of sensing/shaping. Third group, task coordinator, with some elements of the second stage, leveraging and all elements of third stage, bundling, are microfoundations of seizing. Meanwhile, some other elements of second stage, leveraging, are microfoundations of reconfiguring. Guard, the fourth group of boundary spanning activities, is excluded from microfoundations of dynamic capability because of its nature of internal activities to keep things from the environment.

Originality/value

This study is an original review of literatures about both boundary spanning activities and resource orchestration as microfoundations of dynamic capability. The paper starts with a systematic literature review on four relationships examined and ends up with deep further analysis on the elements of activities groups of boundary spanning, stages of resource orchestration and process groups of dynamic capability.
Exploring undergraduate students’ understanding of global leadership through short-term study abroad leadership courses
Authors: Witt Evan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Many colleges and universities within USA higher education claim that their graduates understand global leadership. The purpose of this study is to explore undergraduate students’ understanding of global leadership through their participation in short-term study abroad leadership courses.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a post-intentional phenomenological (PIP) framework, this qualitative study explored how the phenomenon of undergraduate students’ understanding of global leadership may take shape through their participation in short-term study abroad leadership courses. A secondary research question explored how the context of short-term study abroad leadership courses provokes students’ understanding of global leadership. Interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of twelve participants, either current students or alumni, from three institutions.

Findings

The four key productions of the phenomenon were developing a leadership identity, influences of experiences, perceived impact of short-term study abroad courses on understanding of global leadership and application of global leadership. Select productions and associated provocations are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

Based on these productions and provocations of the phenomenon, implications for leadership educators are provided.

Originality/value

This inquiry focuses on the phenomenon of undergraduate students’ understanding of global leadership to build on the knowledge about the experiences of students participating in short-term study abroad leadership courses. It fills a gap in the literature related to what is known about short-term study abroad leadership courses and outcomes from student participants. The methodology of this study as a PIP design further contributes to the need for qualitative research in leadership education. It is through this methodology that the diverse sample of student voices has been captured to inform our field of their experiences.
Investigation on selective laser-melted AlSi10Mg micro-struts: influence of processing parameters on dimensional accuracy, molten pool morphology and microhardness
Authors: Eren Oğulcan , Sezer Hüseyin Kürşad , Yüksel Nurullah , Bakhtarı Ahmad Reshad , Canyurt Olcay Ersel
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to address the limited understanding of the complex correlations among strut size, structural orientation and process parameters in selective laser melting (SLM)-fabricated lattice structures. By investigating the effects of crucial process parameters, strut diameter and angle on the microstructure and mechanical performance of AlSi10Mg struts, the research seeks to enhance the surface morphologies, microstructures and mechanical properties of AM lattice structures, enabling their application in various engineering fields, including medical science and space technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This comprehensive study investigates SLM-fabricated AlSi10Mg strut structures, examining the effects of process parameters, strut diameter and angle on densification behavior and microstructural characteristics. By analyzing microstructure, geometrical properties, melt pool morphology and mechanical properties using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and microhardness tests, the research addresses existing gaps in knowledge on fine lattice strut elements and their impact on surface morphology and microstructure.

Findings

The study revealed that laser energy, power density and strut inclination angle significantly impact the microstructure, geometrical properties and mechanical performance of SLM-produced AlSi10Mg struts. Findings insight enable the optimization of SLM process parameters to produce lattice structures with enhanced surface morphologies, microstructures and mechanical properties, paving the way for applications in medical science and space technologies.

Originality/value

This study uniquely investigates the effects of processing parameters, strut diameter and inclination angle on SLM-fabricated AlSi10Mg struts, focusing on fine lattice strut elements with diameters as small as 200 µm. Unlike existing literature, it delves into the complex correlations among strut size, structural orientation and process parameters to understand their impact on microstructure, geometrical imperfections and mechanical properties. The study provides novel insights that contribute to the optimization of SLM process parameters, moving beyond the typically recommended guidelines from powder or machine suppliers.
Research and design of an expert diagnosis system for rail vehicle driven by data mechanism models
Authors: Li Lin , Wang Jiushan , Xiao Shilu
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The aim of this work is to research and design an expert diagnosis system for rail vehicle driven by data mechanism models.

Design/methodology/approach

The expert diagnosis system utilizes statistical and deep learning methods to model the real-time status and historical data features of rail vehicle. Based on data mechanism models, it predicts the lifespan of key components, evaluates the health status of the vehicle and achieves intelligent monitoring and diagnosis of rail vehicle.

Findings

The actual operation effect of this system shows that it has improved the intelligent level of the rail vehicle monitoring system, which helps operators to monitor the operation of vehicle online, predict potential risks and faults of vehicle and ensure the smooth and safe operation of vehicle.

Originality/value

This system improves the efficiency of rail vehicle operation, scheduling and maintenance through intelligent monitoring and diagnosis of rail vehicle.
The wet stuff: An exploration of the UK's water rescue community from the middle
Authors: Collie Craig J. R. , Pritchard David , Teeuw Richard , Crook Phil , Tipton Michael , Shalev Karen , Morris Naomi
Published: July 2024

This article seeks to explore the way in which key, specifically situated actors within the UK water rescue community understand and perceive challenges relating to navigating policy and practical challenges inherent to their role. Utilizing Lipsky's notion of the ‘street level bureaucrat’, focus groups and interviews were undertaken with water rescue practitioners who bridge the gap between high‐level strategy implementers and ground‐level operational personnel. Utilizing a grounded theory approach, the research uncovered how these operators conceptualize the boundaries in relation to their work, the role of knowledge and knowledge exchange, the nature of the obligation, especially with regard to differences between statutory and voluntary agencies, and in relation to ever‐changing public attitudes towards risk and expectations of a right to be rescued. This was underscored by consistent reference to challenges posed by funding, resourcing and the contingent nature of both political will and public interest in their work. The findings, drawing on these uniquely situated actors, emphasized the importance of practitioners interacting with and knowing one another, in addition to having a shared understanding of the water environment on the coast and inland, as being a key means to navigate the ‘bureaucracy’ of water rescue. The ways in which Lipsky's model can complement contemporary discussions regarding social identity within the emergency response to promote both vertical and horizontal cohesion and clarity are examined.