bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patrick Matthew's synthesis of catastrophism and transformism
Authors: Dagg Joachim L. , Derry J. F.
Published: September 2022

Patrick Matthew (1790–1874) regarded natural selection as a force of conformity. Competition between species kept them from dysmorphic chaos. Catastrophes exterminated many species that would otherwise compete. The absence of this competitive natural selection allowed the remnants to ramify (their lineages to split). Matthew thus united elements of catastrophism and transformism in a way opposite to Lyell combining uniformitarianism with species fixity. Matthew's mechanism of lineage splitting differed from Darwin's or Wallace's. Wallace's lineages split in the presence of competing species. Darwin saw competition within species as the disruptive force splitting lineages. How, then, did the majority come to regard Matthew's and Darwin's mechanism as equal, a view shared by the mainstream and the fringe? The roots of this misconception lie in publications by Thomas Huxley, Patrick Matthew and Charles Darwin, each of whom had fragmentary knowledge of the others' ideas. Later writers elaborated the divergent presentism rolling from split narratives.
Regulating the regulator: a survey of mechanisms from transcription to translation controlling expression of mammalian cell cycle kinase Aurora A
Authors: Cacioppo Roberta , Lindon Catherine
Published: September 2022

Aurora Kinase A (AURKA) is a positive regulator of mitosis with a strict cell cycle-dependent expression pattern. Recently, novel oncogenic roles of AURKA have been uncovered that are independent of the kinase activity and act within multiple signalling pathways, including cell proliferation, survival and cancer stem cell phenotypes. For this, cellular abundance of AURKA protein isper secrucial and must be tightly fine-tuned. Indeed, AURKA is found overexpressed in different cancers, typically as a result of gene amplification or enhanced transcription. It has however become clear that impaired processing, decay and translation of AURKA mRNA can also offer the basis for altered AURKA levels. Accordingly, the involvement of gene expression mechanisms controlling AURKA expression in human diseases is increasingly recognized and calls for much more research. Here, we explore and create an integrated view of the molecular processes regulating AURKA expression at the level of transcription, post-transcription and translation, intercalating discussion on how impaired regulation underlies disease. Given that targeting AURKA levels might affect more functions compared to inhibiting the kinase activity, deeper understanding of its gene expression may aid the design of alternative and therapeutically more successful ways of suppressing the AURKA oncogene.
Differential kinetic analysis using nucleotide recoding RNA-seq and bakR
Authors: Vock Isaac W. , Simon Matthew D.
Published: September 2022

Conventional RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) provides limited information about the kinetic mechanisms underlying changes in RNA levels. Nucleotide recoding RNA-seq methods (NR-seq; e.g., TimeLapse-seq, SLAM-seq, etc.) are widely used approaches to identify changes in RNA synthesis and degradation kinetics, yet no software exists to rigorously compare the parameters of RNA kinetics between experimental conditions. We developed bakR to address this need. bakR relies on Bayesian hierarchical modeling of NR-seq data to increase statistical power by sharing information across transcripts. Using simulated and real data, we validate bakR and demonstrate how it provides new insights into the kinetics of RNA metabolism.
The UIP honeycomb airway cells are the site of mucin biogenesis with deranged cilia
Authors: Herrera Jeremy A. , Dingle Lewis A. , Montero M. Angeles , Venkateswaran Rajamiyer V. , Blaikley John F. , Granato Felice , Pearson Stella , Lawless Craig , Thornton David J.
Published: September 2022

Honeycombing (HC) is a histological pattern consistent with Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP). HC refers to cystic airways (HC airways) located at sites of dense fibrosis with marked mucus accumulation. Utilizing laser capture microdissection coupled mass spectrometry (LCM-MS), we interrogated the fibrotic HC airway cells and fibrotic uninvolved airway cells (distant from sites of UIP and morphologically intact) in 10 UIP specimens; 6 non-fibrotic airway cell specimens served as controls. Furthermore, we performed LCM-MS on the mucus plugs found in 6 UIP and 6 mucinous adenocarcinoma (MA) specimens. The mass spectrometry data were subject to both qualitative and quantitative analysis and validated by immunohistochemistry. Surprisingly, fibrotic uninvolved airway cells share a similar protein profile to HC airway cells, showing deregulation of SLITs and ROBO pathway as the strongest category. We find that BPIFB1 is the most significantly increased secretome-associated protein in UIP, whereas MUC5AC is the most significantly increased in MA. We conclude that spatial proteomics demonstrates that the fibrotic uninvolved airway cells are abnormal. In addition, fibrotic HC airway cells are enriched in mucin biogenesis proteins with a marked derangement in proteins essential for ciliogenesis. This unbiased spatial proteomic approach will generate novel and testable hypotheses to decipher fibrosis progression.
Random Tactile Noise Stimulation Reveals Beta-Rhythmic Impulse Response Function of the Somatosensory System
Authors: Chota Samson , VanRullen Rufin , Gulbinaite Rasa
Published: September 2022

Both passive tactile stimulation and motor actions result in dynamic changes in beta-band (15-30 Hz Hz) oscillations over somatosensory cortex. Similar to alpha-band (8-12 Hz) power decrease in the visual system, beta-band power also decreases following stimulation of the somatosensory system. This relative suppression of alpha and beta oscillations is generally interpreted as an increase in cortical excitability. Here, next to traditional single-pulse stimuli, we employed a random intensity continuous right index finger tactile stimulation (white noise), which enabled us to uncover an impulse response function (IRF) of the somatosensory system. Contrary to previous findings, we demonstrate a burst-like initial increase rather than decrease of beta activity following white noise stimulation (human participants, N = 18, 8 female). These beta bursts, on average, lasted for 3 cycles and their frequency was correlated with resonant frequency of somatosensory cortex, as measured by a multi-frequency steady-state somatosensory evoked potential (SSSEP) paradigm. Furthermore, beta-band bursts shared spectro-temporal characteristics with evoked and resting-state beta oscillations. Taken together, our findings not only reveal a novel oscillatory signature of somatosensory processing that mimics the previously reported visual IRFs, but also point to a common oscillatory generator underlying spontaneous beta bursts in the absence of tactile stimulation and phase-locked beta bursts following stimulation, the frequency of which is determined by the resonance properties of the somatosensory system.

Significance Statement

The investigation of the transient nature of oscillations has gained great popularity in recent years. The findings of bursting activity rather than sustained oscillations in the beta-band has provided important insights into its role in movement planning, working memory, inhibition and reactivation of neural ensembles. In this study, we show that also in response to tactile stimulation the somatosensory system responds with ∼3 cycle oscillatory beta-band bursts, whose spectro-temporal characteristics are shared with evoked and resting-state beta-band oscillatory signatures of the somatosensory system. As similar bursts have been observed in the visual domain, these oscillatory signatures might reflect an important supramodal mechanism in sensory processing.
Evaluation of safety and efficacy of autologous oral mucosa-derived epithelial cell sheet transplantation for prevention of anastomotic restenosis in congenital esophageal atresia and congenital esophageal stenosis: three case studies
Authors: Fujino Akihiro , Fuchimoto Yasushi , Mori Teizaburo , Kano Motohiro , Yamada Yohei , Ohno Michinobu , Baba Yoshiyuki , Isogawa Nobutaka , Arai Katsuhiro , Yoshioka Takako , Abe Makoto , Kanai Nobuo , Takagi Ryo , Maeda Masanori , Umezawa Akihiro
Published: September 2022

Background

We performed the first autologous oral mucosa-derived epithelial cell sheet transplantation therapy in a patient with refractory postoperative anastomotic stricture in congenital esophageal atresia (CEA) and confirmed its safety. In this study, patients with CEA and congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) were newly added as subjects to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of cell sheet transplantation therapy.

Methods

Epithelial cell sheets were prepared from the oral mucosa of the subjects and transplanted into esophageal tears created by endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD). The safety of the cell sheets was confirmed by quality control testing, and the safety of the transplantation treatment was confirmed by 48-week follow-up examinations.

Results

Subject 1 had a stenosis resected because the frequency of EBD did not decrease after the second transplantation. Histopathological examination of the resected stenosis revealed marked thickening of the submucosal layer. Subject 2 did not require EBD for more than 18 months after transplantation, and Subject 3 did not require EBD for at least 9 months after transplantation, during which time they were able to maintain a normal diet by mouth.

Conclusions

Subject 2 was free of EBD for a long period of time after transplantation, confirming that cell sheet transplantation therapy is clearly effective in some cases. In the future, it is necessary to study more cases; develop new technologies such as an objective index to evaluate the efficacy of cell sheet transplantation therapy and a device to achieve more accurate transplantation; identify cases in which the current therapy is effective; find the optimal timing of transplantation; and clarify the mechanism by which the current therapy improves stenosis.

Trial registration

UMIN, UMIN000034566, registered 19 October 2018,https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000039393.
Molecular insights into peptide agonist engagement with the PTH1 receptor
Authors: Cary Brian P. , Gerrard Elliot J. , Belousoff Matthew J. , Fletcher Madeleine M. , Jiang Yan , Russell Isabella C. , Piper Sarah J. , Wootten Denise , Sexton Patrick M.
Published: September 2022

The parathyroid hormone (PTH) 1 receptor (PTH1R) is a class B1 G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that critically regulates skeletal development and calcium homeostasis. Despite extensive study, the molecular underpinnings of PTH1R stimulation by its cognate hormones, as well as by therapeutic agents, remain unclear. Here, we describe cryo-EM structures of the PTH1R in complex with active fragments of the two hormones, PTH and parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP), the peptidic drug abaloparatide, as well as the engineered tool compounds, long-acting PTH (LA-PTH) and the truncated peptide, M-PTH(1-14). We found that the N-terminus of each agonist that is critical for activity, engages the transmembrane bundle in a topologically similar fashion, which reflects similarities in measures of Gαs activation. The full-length peptides bind the extracellular domain (ECD) using a shared interface but induce subtly different ECD orientations relative to the transmembrane domain (TMD). In the structure bound to M-PTH, an agonist which only binds the TMD, the ECD is completely unresolved, demonstrating that the ECD is highly dynamic when unconstrained by a peptide. High resolutions enabled identification of water molecules near the peptide and G protein binding sites, some of which are structurally conserved with other class B1 GPCRs. Our results shed light on the action of orthosteric agonists of the PTH1R and provide a foundation for structure based-drug design.
Advancing single cell technology: iSCseq drives living subcellular transcriptomic profiling in osteoimmune diversity
Authors: Okada Hiroyuki , Terui Yuta , Seki Masahide , Terashima Asuka , Tani Shoichiro , Motooka Daisuke , Kanazawa Sanshiro , Hosonuma Masahiro , Miyahara Junya , Makabe Kenta , Omata Yasunori , Onodera Shoko , Yano Fumiko , Kajiya Hiroshi , Gori Francesca , Saito Taku , Okabe Koji , Suzuki Yutaka , Baron Roland , Chung Ung-il , Tanaka Sakae , Hojo Hironori
Published: September 2022

Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) has clarified cellular heterogeneity within cell populations. However, scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics cannot capture the dynamic transcriptomic changes inside living cells. To decode subcellular gene expression, we developed intra-single cell sequencing (iSCseq), a novel approach that combines confocal imaging, repeatedly picking up cellular components inside living cells, and next-generation sequencing (intra single-cell RNA-seq; iSCseq). iSCseq illustrated the subcellular heterogeneity of gene expression. iSCseq revealed not only multiple differentiation stages embedded in the same cell, but also physical cytoskeletal connections, physiological activity of mitochondria, and intracellular calcium, as confirmed by transcriptomic evidence. Inclusive iSCseq within vivoscRNA-seq datasets identified new osteoclast subsets in physiological and pathological bones. Network analysis with centrality provided insights into the connection between subcellular components, and clearly divided differentiation and fusion processes in multinucleation. The iSCseq approach has the potential to enhance cell biology at subcellular resolution and identify new therapeutic targets.

Graphical abstract

In brief

intra-single cell sequencing (iSCseq) enhances single-cell technology by combining live cell imaging, subcellular sampling from living cells and sequencing, offering deeper insights into cell functions and pathology at subcellular resolution through inclusive analysis with scRNA-seq and advanced centrality-focused network analysis.

Highlights

intra-single cell sequencing (iSCseq) clarifies subcellular heterogeneity

iSCseq connects morphological and physiological features with transcriptome

Inclusive iSCseq unveils osteoclast subsets in physiological and pathological bones

Linkage at subcellular resolution reveals key players in characteristic fusion
A note on discretising Keyfitz entropy
Authors: de Vries Charlotte , Bernard Connor , Salguero-Gómez Roberto
Published: September 2022

Keyfitz’ entropy is a widely used metric to quantify the shape of survivorship of populations, from plants, to animals, and microbes. Keyfitz’ entropy values < 1 correspond to life histories with an increasing mortality rate with age (i.e., actuarial senescence), whereas values > 1 correspond to species with a decreasing mortality rate with age (negative senescence), and a Keyfitz entropy of exactly 1 corresponds to a constant mortality rate with age. Keyfitz’ entropy was originally defined using a continuous-time model, and has since been discretised to facilitate its calculation from discrete-time demographic data. In this short note, we show that the previously used discretisation of the continuous-time metric does not preserve the relationship with increasing, decreasing, or constant mortality rates. To resolve this discrepancy, we propose a new discrete-time formula for Keyfitz’ entropy for age-classified life histories. We show that this new method of discretisation preserves the relationship with increasing, decreasing, or constant mortality rates. We analyse the relationship between the original and the new discretisation, and we find that the existing metric tends to underestimate Keyfitz’ entropy for both short-lived species and long-lived species, thereby introducing a consistent bias. To conclude, to avoid biases when classifying life histories as (non-)senescent, we suggest researchers use either the new metric proposed here, or one of the many previously suggested survivorship shape metrics applicable to discrete-time demographic data such as Gini coefficient or Hayley’s median.
Uptake of aminoglycosides through outer membrane porins in Escherichia coli
Authors: Paul Eshita , Ghai Ishan , Hörömpöli Daniel , Brötz-Oesterhelt Heike , Winterhalter Mathias , Bafna Jayesh A
Published: September 2022

Aminoglycosides are important clinical antibiotics but their molecular uptake mechanism is still not completely understood. Here we quantify and compare the passive transport of three aminoglycosides (kanamycin, gentamicin, and amikacin) across general or sugar specific porins of Escherichia coli (OmpF, OmpC, LamB and ChiP). Our analysis revealed that permeation of aminoglycosides (Kanamycin/Gentamycin/Amikacin) is about the same through ChiP (≈5/3/2 molecules/s), OmpF (≈10/15/<1 molecules/s) and OmpC (≈11/8/<1 molecules/s). In contrast, LamB of smaller pore diameter has no significant permeation (≤1/1/1 molecules/s, all values recalculated for a gradient of 10 µM). Biological assays confirmed the relevance of these translocations for antibiotic potency.
High-throughput field phenotyping reveals that selection in breeding has affected the phenology and temperature response of wheat in the stem elongation phase
Authors: Roth Lukas , Kronenberg Lukas , Aasen Helge , Walter Achim , Hartung Jens , van Eeuwijk Fred , Piepho Hans-Peter , Hund Andreas
Published: September 2022

Crop breeders increasingly need to mitigate the effects of climate change. Ideally, their selection strategies are based on an understanding of crop responses to environmental covariates such as temperature. In this study, the height of 352 varieties (European and Swiss) was repeatedly measured in multiple years. P-splines were used to model plant height as a function of time, from which the phenology parameters jointing (start) and end of stem elongation were derived. An asymptotic model was used to estimate the base-temperature of growth (Tmin), the steepness of the response (lrc), and the growth at optimum temperature (rmax). Parameter rmax had the largest effect on final height, whereas the temperature-response parameters in the narrow sense (Tmin, lrc) were closely connected to phenology. Final height and rmax decreased from the more continental, eastern European countries towards the more maritime, western countries. For genotypes registered in Great Bitain, Tmin was distinctly lower compared to most other regions. Integrating such analysis of in-season responsiveness to fluctuating environmental conditions in breeding will help to improve the genetic gain for climate adaptation. It can only be achieved based on high-throughput assessment of phenotypes in the field throughout the season.

Highlight

Wheat phenology and environmental responses have been affected by breeders’ selections since 1970. High throughput field phenotyping methods reveal these developments, allowing to better adapt future varieties to climate change.
Co-substrate pools can constrain and regulate pathway fluxes in cell metabolism
Authors: West Robert , Delattre Hadrien , Noor Elad , Feliu Elisenda , Soyer Orkun S
Published: September 2022

Cycling of co-substrates, whereby a metabolite is converted among alternate forms via different reactions, is ubiquitous in metabolism. Several cycled co-substrates are well known as energy and electron carriers (e.g. ATP and NAD(P)H), but there are also other metabolites that act as cycled co-substrates in different parts of central metabolism. Here, we develop a mathematical framework to analyse the effect of co-substrate cycling on metabolic flux. In the cases of a single reaction and linear pathways, we find that co-substrate cycling imposes an additional flux limit on a reaction, distinct to the limit imposed by the kinetics of the primary enzyme catalysing that reaction. Using analytical methods, we show that this additional limit is a function of the total pool size and turnover rate of the cycled co-substrate. Expanding from this insight and using simulations, we show that regulation of co-substrate pool size can allow regulation of flux dynamics in branched and coupled pathways. To support theses theoretical insights, we analysed existing flux measurements and enzyme levels from the central carbon metabolism and identified several reactions that could be limited by co-substrate cycling. We discuss how the limitations imposed by co-substrate cycling provide experimentally testable hypotheses on specific metabolic phenotypes. We conclude that measuring and controlling co-substrate pools is crucial for understanding and engineering the dynamics of metabolism.
Ultra-sensitive coupling between organ growth and size by YAP-1 ensures uniform body plan proportions inC. elegans
Authors: Stojanovski Klement , Gheorghe Ioana , Lanjuin Anne , Mair William B. , Towbin Benjamin D.
Published: September 2022

Imbalance between the growth rate of different organs can amplify to large deviations of their size proportions during development. We show that, for theC. eleganspharynx, such size divergence is prevented by reciprocal coordination of pharyngeal growth with other tissues. Live imaging of hundreds of individuals revealed that small pharynxes grow more rapidly than large pharynxes, catching up in volume during development. Moreover, pharynx-to-body size proportions were robust to even strong tissue-specific inhibition of mTORC1 and insulin signalling. Tissue-specific depletion of these pathways slowed-down the growth of the respective tissue and additionally triggered a systemic growth response that ensured appropriate organ size proportions. By mathematical modelling, we show that the conservation of proportions requires a bi-directional ultra-sensitive coupling of body growth and pharynx size that cannot be explained by a reduction of food uptake alone. Instead, organ growth coordination requires regulation by the mechano-transducing transcriptional co-activator YAP/yap-1. Knock-down ofyap-1makes animals sensitive to tissue-specific inhibition mTORC1 inhibition, causing a disproportionate pharynx and developmental arrest. Our data suggests that mechano-transduction tightly coordinates organ growth duringC. elegansdevelopment to ensure the uniformity of body plan proportions among individuals.
A Comprehensive Conceptual and Computational Dynamics Framework for Autonomous Regeneration of Form and Function in Biological Organisms
Authors: Samarasinghe Sandhya , Minh-Thai Tran Nguyen
Published: September 2022

In biology, regeneration is a mysterious phenomenon that has inspired self-repairing systems, robots, and biobots. It is a collective computational process whereby cells communicate to achieve an anatomical set point and restore original function in regenerated tissue or the whole organism. Despite decades of research, the mechanisms involved in this process are still poorly understood. Likewise, the current algorithms are insufficient to overcome this knowledge barrier and enable advances in regenerative medicine, synthetic biology, and living machines/biobots. We propose a comprehensive conceptual framework for the engine of regeneration with hypotheses for the mechanisms and algorithms of stem cell-mediated regeneration that enables a system like the planarian flatworm to fully restore anatomical (form) and bioelectric (function) homeostasis from any small- or large-scale damage. The framework extends the available regeneration knowledge with novel hypotheses to propose collective intelligent self-repair machines, with multi-level feedback neural control systems, driven by somatic and stem cells. We computationally implemented the framework to demonstrate the robust recovery of both anatomical and bioelectric homeostasis in an in silico worm that, in a simple way, resembles the planarian. In the absence of complete regeneration knowledge, the framework contributes to understanding and generating hypotheses for stem cell mediated form and function regeneration which may help advance regenerative medicine and synthetic biology. Further, as our framework is a bio-inspired and bio-computing self-repair machine, it may be useful for building self-repair robots/biobots and artificial self-repair systems.

A conceptual framework for the machinery of self-repair in living systems that enables a synthetic organism to accurately regenerate form and function from any disturbance and damage.
Natural Genetic Variation in a Dopamine Receptor is Associated With Variation in Female Fertility in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Lyman Richard F. , Lyman Rachel A. , Yamamoto Akihiko , Huang Wen , Harbison Susan T. , Zhou Shanshan , Anholt Robert R. H. , Mackay Trudy F. C.
Published: September 2022

Fertility is a major component of fitness but its genetic architecture remains poorly understood. Using a full diallel cross of 50 Drosophila melanogaster Genetic Reference Panel inbred lines with full genome sequences, we found substantial genetic variation in fertility largely attributable to females. We mapped genes associated with variation in female fertility by genome-wide association analysis of common variants in the fly genome. Validation of candidate genes by RNAi knockdown confirmed the role of the dopamine 2-like receptor (Dop2R) in promoting egg laying. We replicated the Dop2R effect in an independently collected productivity dataset and showed that the effect of the Dop2R variant was mediated in part by regulatory gene expression variation. This study demonstrates the strong potential of genome-wide association analysis in this diverse panel of inbred strains and subsequent functional analyses for understanding the genetic architecture of fitness traits.

Author Summary

In evolutionary genetics, fitness is defined as the number of offspring an individual contributes to the next generation. This is determined by an individual’s viability (its ability to survive past the reproductive age) and its fertility. Although understanding the genetic basis for natural variation in fitness is a major goal of evolutionary and population genetics, the genetic factors that contribute to variation in fertility in natural populations have remained largely unresolved. To address this issue, we took advantage of the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel, a population of inbred, sequenced fly lines derived from a natural population. In this panel, there is minimal genetic variation among individuals within each line, whereas variation among the lines reflects the variation observed in the original population from which they were derived. We generated all possible pairwise crosses among 50 of these lines (2,500 distinct genotypes) and measured the productivity (number of offspring produced) for each genotype. We found considerable natural variation in productivity that was primarily determined by the female genotype. We performed a genome wide association as analysis and identified and functionally validated a dopamine receptor that plays a major role in determining variation in female fertility through an effect on egg-laying.
Impact of hormonal contraceptives on sex differences in fear conditioning and fear extinction in PTSD
Authors: Bartholomew Morgan E. , Rozalski Vincent , Richards Anne , Gurdock Joyce , Thornton Mary , Fee Connie , Lipshitz Sa'ar L. , Metzler Thomas J. , Neylan Thomas C. , Inslicht Sabra S.
Published: September 2022

Sex differences in the neurobiological mechanisms involved in fear conditioning and extinction have been suggested to contribute to differential vulnerability for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women compared with men. Reproductive hormones, such as estradiol, have been shown to facilitate fear conditioning and extinction learning and may explain some of these differences. However, the effect of commonly used hormonal contraceptives on the neurobiological mechanisms of fear conditioning and extinction is poorly understood. A laboratory study was conducted in trauma-exposed men and women with and without full or partial PTSD to examine effects of sex and use of hormonal birth control on fear conditioning, fear extinction learning, and extinction retention. Participants underwent fear conditioning with stimuli that were paired (CS+) or unpaired (CS−) with shock. Extinction learning occurred 72 h later, and extinction retention was tested 1 wk after extinction. Women on hormonal contraceptives (HCs) demonstrated enhanced acquisition of fear conditioning and enhanced extinction of fear as compared with women off hormonal birth control and men. While clinical implications have yet to be determined, these results suggest that hormonal contraceptives may facilitate learning during both fear acquisition and extinction. Understanding the impact of sex and hormones on fear conditioning and extinction processes may lead to new insights into the pathophysiology of PTSD and result in advancements in treatment that may vary by sex.
Specific analysis of highly absorbing nanoporous powder by small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Lu Zijie , Rébiscoul Diane , Narayanan Theyencheri , Zemb Thomas
Published: September 2022

The characterization of nanoporous powders of highly absorbing compounds by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) involves overcoming several difficulties before quantitative information related to the porous texture, such as the specific surface and the porous volume, can be derived. In this article, first, the contribution of the grain facet reflectivity and scattering from the bulk of a grain with the density of ThO2, a highly absorbing material, were calculated. Microporous ThO2 powder having micrometric grain size was characterized, in which the scattering signal is predominant. A high-resolution synchrotron instrument was used in order to cover a wider q range and minimize the absorption effect, and the results were compared with those obtained using a laboratory X-ray source. Concerning the absorption problem existing with a laboratory X-ray source, a new and robust experimental method was proposed to correctly determine the scattering intensity of the highly absorbing granular samples on an absolute scale. This method allows one to calculate accurately the porous volume and the specific surface via Porod's law and the invariant using a laboratory SAXS instrument. This last result opens new perspectives for the characterization of the volume and the specific surface of highly absorbing actinide oxide powders.
Structure analysis of a buried interface between organic and porous inorganic layers using spin-contrast-variation neutron reflectivity
Authors: Kumada Takayuki , Miura Daisuke , Akutsu-Suyama Kazuhiro , Ohishi Kazuki , Morikawa Toshiaki , Kawamura Yukihiko , Suzuki Jun-ichi , Oku Takayuki , Torikai Naoya , Niizeki Tomotake
Published: September 2022

This work demonstrates the advantage of spin-contrast-variation neutron reflectivity (NR) for the structure analysis of a buried interface in a bilayer film comprising organic and inorganic layers of acrylic urethane resin and methylated silica (MePDS), derived from methyl-group-substituted perhydropolysilazane. As the proton polarization P
H changed from 0 to ±24%, the NR curve of the bilayer film varied significantly. These NR curves were not reproduced using global fitting with a standard bilayer model. The oscillation in the NR curve at P
H = −24% was shifted slightly and non-negligibly from the fitting curve using the best-fit structure parameters for the curve at P
H = 0%. It was found from the shift of the oscillation that the density of the MePDS layer decreased within several nanometres of the interface, but the resin did not permeate the low-density MePDS layer.
Crystal structure of catena-poly[[[bis(1-benzylimidazole-κN)copper(II)]-μ-sulfato-κ2
O:O′-[tetrakis(1-benzylimidazole-κN)copper(II)]-μ-sulfato-κ2
O:O′] N,N-dimethylformamide disolvate dihydrate]
Authors: Meebua Nareekarn , Pentes Wanatchaporn , Chainok Kittipong , Laksee Sakchai , Wannarit Nanthawat
Published: September 2022

The title one-dimensional copper(II) coordination polymer, {[Cu(SO4)(C10H10N2)3]·C3H7NO·H2O}
n
or {[Cu(bzi)3(μ-O2SO2)]·H2O·DMF}
n
(bzi = 1-benzylimidazole, C10H10N2; DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide, C3H7NO), is constructed by monodentate bzi ligands and bridging sulfate anions, leading to chains propagating parallel to the c axis. Within a chain, there are two crystallographic independent CuII ions, each with site symmetry \overline{1}, which form [CuN2O2] and [CuN4O2] polyhedra alternating along the chain direction. The crystal structure is consolidated by weak hydrogen-bonding, C—H...π and π–π interactions, leading to the formation of a three-dimensional supramolecular network.
Moderating role of resistance to change in the actual adoption of HR analytics in the Indian banking and financial services industry
Authors: Arora Meenal , Prakash Anshika , Mittal Amit , Singh Swati
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the factors that determine an individual's decision to adopt human resources (HR) analytics. This study attempts to extend Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology - 2 (UTAUT2) to identify the lag rate in adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

Responses were obtained from 387 HR employees of the Banking Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector in metropolitan cities of India through nonprobabilistic purposive sampling. The analysis was performed through hierarchical regression, structural equation modeling and moderation of resistance to change.

Findings

The results suggest that performance expectancy, hedonic motivation and data availability are endorsed by proponents of the intention to adopt HR analytics. In contrast, effort expectancy, social influence, quantitative self-efficacy and habits did not influence behavioral intention (BI). Additionally, the actual use behavior (UB) of HR analytics was determined by BI and facilitating conditions. Furthermore, the moderating effect of resistance to change is explored.

Practical implications

This study makes a significant contribution to the literature on the adoption of HR analytics. By appropriately concentrating on the adoption intention of HR analytics, organizations can intensify healthy employee relationships, thus encouraging the actual usage of HR analytics.

Originality/value

This study formulates a conceptual framework for the adoption of HR analytics that can be used by top management to formulate strategies for the implementation of HR analytics. Moreover, this study aimed to expand UTAUT2, emphasizing the concept of data availability and quantitative self-efficacy and examining the moderating role of resistance to change in the relationship between BI and UB.
Schaduf: adding a splash of greenery to grim cities
Authors: Tolba Ahmed , Khatcherian Arpi
Published: September 2022

Learning outcomes

The case covers several topics such as social entrepreneurship, social innovation, green startups, their marketing and growth. The learning outcomes are as follows: identify the characteristics of social entrepreneurs; learn about the concept of social innovation, its challenges and opportunities; apply the concepts environmental sustainability to possible growth strategies; and evaluate the different growth opportunities available to the company in the region.

Case overview/synopsis

The case tells the story of a recently established technology and agriculture startup, Schaduf, founded in Egypt. Their concept mixes tradition with technology to improve the quality of life for city dwellers. Research and development (R&D) plays a big role in this company’s success. Schaduf uses the concepts of soilless farming to grow rooftop crops for low-income households. The company also provides aesthetic solutions for businesses and homes to increase their green spaces. Driven by a desire to transform the monochrome city to a green paradise, two Egyptian entrepreneurs founded Schaduf, an urban micro-farming and eco-friendly venture. The founders of the startup, brothers Sherif and Tarek Hosny, are in the process of expanding their business. They are faced by the dilemma of staying true to their original business concept in developing markets or pursuing other lucrative ventures in more affluent economies. This case offers learners insight into the growth strategy of a social enterprise that relies heavily on R&D to stay ahead of the game. Learners should evaluate the different growth strategies available to the company.

Complexity academic level

The case can be used for senior undergraduate students and at the graduate level in MBA, management, innovation, entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship programs.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
A novel consensus reaching method for MCGDM in social network with intuitionistic grey linguistic numbers
Authors: Guo Sandang , Li Qian , Jing Yaqian
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The existing consensus reaching mechanisms ignore the influence of social triangle structure on the decision-makers’ (DMs') weights, and the consensus reaching process (CRP) fails to fully reflect the DMs' subjectivity and can be time consuming and costly. To solve these issues, a novel CRP for multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) problems with intuitionistic grey linguistic numbers (IGLNs) is proposed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a weight calculation method is proposed by analysing the triangle structure of DMs' social network and scale of adjacent nodes. Then, a consensus degree index based on three-level polygon area is defined and applied to identify the inconsistent DMs. Finally, the feedback mechanism based on particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm under grey linguistic environment is developed, where subjective trust relationships in social network is utilised to determine the adjustment coefficient.

Findings

The advantages of the proposed method are highlighted by two practical applications of the evaluation of tunnel construction method and the selection of a hotel for the centralised isolation. Comparision analysis and numerical simulation are performed to reveal the effectiveness and applicability of the method.

Practical implications

The proposed model can not only reflect the effect of triangle structure in social network on DMs' weights, but also reduce the time and cost of decision-making.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is to propose a new MCGDM model based on intuitionistic grey linguistic numbers, which can handle the problem of inconsistency of information more effectively.
Exploring online lesson study as a vehicle for teacher collaborative professional learning
Authors: Holden Mairead
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper presents emerging findings from an ongoing research project which aimed to explore online lesson study (OLS) as a vehicle for teacher collaborative professional learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Two parallel OLS cycles with two OLS teams were facilitated by the author using Zoom and Google Drive as digital collaborative tools. Each OLS team comprised three primary teachers who taught in three different schools, with both teams' research lessons taking cross-curricular science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) focus. In order to explore the influence of OLS on teachers' collaborative professional learning outcomes in STEM, a qualitative case study approach was adopted, with data drawn and thematically analysed from OLS meeting transcripts, semi-structured interviews with teachers and the author's reflective diary. Boundary crossing is used as a theoretical lens to ascertain the potential of OLS as a vehicle for teacher collaborative professional learning.

Findings

Findings suggest that OLS facilitated collaborative learning and positively contributed to teacher participants' co-construction of knowledge in relation to STEM teaching approaches.

Originality/value

The study described in this paper represents the first OLS conducted in the Irish context and also represents the first inter-school lesson study (LS) conducted in the Irish primary context.
Monetary transmissions mechanism for Islamic capital markets: evidence from Markov switching dynamic regression approach
Authors: Anwer Zaheer , Sabit Ahmed , Hassan M. Kabir , Paltrinieri Andrea
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study akims to investigate the effectiveness of expansionary monetary policy for Islamic capital markets by studying the impact of decrease in policy rates on seven Islamic equity indices for the period 1996–2019. The transmission mechanism may be different for sampled indices, as they are exposed to Shariah screening that discards certain business sectors and puts limit on debt in capital structure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses Markov Switching dynamic regression approach of Hamilton (1988).

Findings

The results show little effectiveness of expansionary monetary policy in both Bear and Bull states, for most of the sample indices.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has made use of dynamic models to assess the association between monetary policy rate and Islamic index prices. Similarly, the authors found no work exploring the effectiveness of expansionary monetary policy actions in different regime for Islamic Indices. This investigation is important in unraveling whether, in the presence of limitations on selection of business activity and choice of capital structure, monetary policy can change the market sentiment, or it will be ineffective. The present study fills this gap.
Tourists' intention to visit green hotels: building on the theory of planned behaviour and the value-belief-norm theory
Authors: Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf , Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz , Kunjuraman Velan
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study integrates the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and value-belief-norm (VBN) theory to investigate tourists' intention and behaviour to visit green hotels in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 160 valid questionnaire responses were collected via an online survey. The partial least square–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique was utilised to assess the study framework and the hypothesised relationship.

Findings

The study's results confirmed that tourists' intention to stay at a green hotel is directly influenced by their subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Besides, the study confirms the insignificant relationship between green trust, personal norms and tourists' stay intention. On the other hand, perceived morals, responsibility, willingness to pay more and perceived consumer effectiveness were significant in explaining the customer's subjective norms, personal norms and perceived behaviour control.

Research limitations/implications

The hotel industry may benefit from this empirical outcome to devise effective marketing strategies for retaining their customers, particularly in rejuvenating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable practical implications for green hotel operators to develop effective strategies to attract tourists to green hotel visits.

Originality/value

This study is the first to integrate the extended TPB and VBN theory to understand tourist intention to visit a green hotel. Notably, the extended TPB and VBN theory was practical and helpful in predicting tourist intention to visit a green hotel.
Help and hindrance: family roles concerning small businesses of women in Bangladesh during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jaim Jasmine
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Although the extant literature has already recognised the negative impact of homebound responsibilities on women's entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is yet to know whether and how the family has any other role in women's businesses during this critical period. This research aims to explore the patronising and patriarchal roles of the family regarding women's small businesses in a developing nation during the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This feminist study is based on the interviews of women business-owners of a highly patriarchal developing nation, Bangladesh. During the period of the interview, Bangladesh was one of the top ten regions of the world in terms of the identified coronavirus cases.

Findings

The research unveils work-family enrichment by illustrating the help of family members in meeting the challenges of the pandemic period regarding women's certain business activities, such as the innovative production process. Besides, the study reveals the assisting and, in some cases, the non-cooperative approaches of family members concerning additional homebound responsibilities that affect work-family conflict during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

Whereas the existing literature on women's entrepreneurship regarding the family revolves around work-family conflict due to maternal or caregiving responsibilities during the COVID-19 period, this feminist study substantially contributes to the understanding by revealing how family members help women by getting involved in business activities. It further enriches the prevailing knowledge regarding assisting or hindering activities of family members concerning domestic activities that affect women's businesses during the pandemic.
Swimming against the tide: back to single materiality for sustainability reporting
Authors: Abhayawansa Subhash
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to critically examine the conceptualisation of the principle of materiality, which is one of the most divisive concepts in current regulatory work on standard setting for sustainability reporting. This paper pays particular attention to the current agenda for standard setting for sustainability reporting and the related discourse, including the International Sustainability Standard Board (ISSB) Exposure Draft IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information. A new conceptualisation of materiality is proposed based on the critique.

Design/methodology/approach

The academic and grey literature relating to current regulatory work on sustainability reporting, responses to the ISSB General Requirement Exposure Draft and sustainability reporting frameworks and standards are reviewed. This review also includes the papers in this journal’s special issue on standard setting for sustainability reporting. This review is used to develop original views on how materiality could be conceptualised and interpreted for sustainability reporting. This paper’s viewpoint is built on the criticisms of various definitions of materiality found in the literature and the author’s original critique of the materiality definitions provided in various reports and standards/frameworks on sustainability reporting.

Findings

Both financial materiality and double materiality approaches have drawbacks. A single materiality approach underpinned by accountability for financial and non-financial capitals instead of decision usefulness for any stakeholder is proposed. The proposed conceptualisation is also underpinned by the need to recognise dependencies between the environment, society and organisations when creating long-term enterprise value. The proposed approach is expected to trigger real changes in organisational practices to pursue a purpose beyond profit.

Practical implications

The proposed approach to defining materiality for sustainability reporting bridges the divide between financial materiality and social and environmental materiality concepts underpinning different standards and regulations.

Social implications

The approach to materiality proposed in this paper is aimed at enabling organisations to pursue United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to make the planet and societies more sustainable.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new conceptualisation of and approach to materiality determination for sustainability reporting.