bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AI reveals a damage signalling hierarchy that coordinates different cell behaviours driving wound re-epithelialisation
Authors: Turley Jake , Robertson Francesca , Chenchiah Isaac V. , Liverpool Tanniemola B. , Weavers Helen , Martin Paul
Published: April 2024

One of the key tissue movements driving closure of a wound is re-epithelialisation. Earlier wound healing studies have described the dynamic cell behaviours that contribute to wound re-epithelialisation, including cell division, cell shape changes and cell migration, as well as the signals that might regulate these cell behaviours. Here, we use a series of deep learning tools to quantify the contributions of each of these cell behaviours from movies of repairing wounds in theDrosophilapupal wing epithelium. We test how each is altered following knockdown of the conserved wound repair signals, Ca2+and JNK, as well as ablation of macrophages which supply growth factor signals believed to orchestrate aspects of the repair process. Our genetic perturbation experiments provide quantifiable insights regarding how these wound signals impact cell behaviours. We find that Ca signalling is a master regulator required for all contributing cell behaviours; JNK signalling primarily drives cell shape changes and divisions, whereas signals from macrophages regulate largely cell migration and proliferation. Our studies show AI to be a valuable tool for unravelling complex signalling hierarchies underlying tissue repair.
A combination of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I overexpression and type I interferon induce mitochondrial dysfunction in human skeletal myoblasts
Authors: Thoma Anastasia , Bond Holly L , Akter-Miah Tania , Al-Shanti Nasser , Degens Hans , Pekovic-Vaughan Vanja , Lightfoot Adam P
Published: April 2024

The overexpression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I on the surface of muscle fibres is a characteristic hallmark of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), collectively termed myositis. Alongside MHC-I overexpression, sub-types of myositis, display a distinct type I interferon (IFN) signature. This study examined the combinational effects of elevated MHC-I and type I IFNs (IFNα/β) on mitochondrial function, as mitochondrial dysfunction is often seen in IIMs. Human skeletal muscle myoblasts were transfected with an MHC-I isoform using the mammalian HLA-A2/Kbvector. Mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species generation were assessed with or without IFNα and IFNβ. We show that MHC-I overexpression in human skeletal muscle myoblasts led to decreased basal glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration, cellular spare respiratory capacity, ATP-linked respiration, and an increased proton leak, which were all exaggerated by type I IFNs. Mitochondrial membrane depolarisation was induced by MHC-I overexpression both in absence and presence of type I IFNs. Human myoblasts overexpressing MHC-I showed elevated nitric oxide generation that was abolished when combined with IFN. MHC-I on its own did not result in an increased ROS production, but IFN on their own, or combined with MHC-I overexpression did induce elevated ROS generation. We present new evidence that MHC-I overexpression and type I IFNs aggravate the effects each has on mitochondrial function in human skeletal muscle cells, providing novel insights into their mechanisms of action and suggesting important implications in the further study of myositis pathogenesis.
MCM Double Hexamer Loading Visualised with Human Proteins
Authors: Weissmann Florian , Greiwe Julia F. , Pühringer Thomas , Miller Thomas C. R. , Diffley John F. X. , Costa Alessandro
Published: April 2024

Eukaryotic DNA replication begins with the loading of the MCM replicative DNA helicase as a head-to-head double hexamer (DH) at origins of DNA replication1–3. Our current understanding of how DH is assembled by the Origin Recognition Complex (ORC), CDC6 and CDT1 comes mostly from budding yeast. Here we characterise human DH (hDH) loading using biochemical reconstitution and cryo-electron microscopy with purified proteins. We show that hDH engages DNA differently from yeast (yDH), and generates ∼5 base pairs of unwound DNA at the interface between hexamers, as seen in hDH isolated from cells4. We identify several differences from yeast in the order of factor recruitment and dependencies during hDH assembly. Unlike yeast5–8, the ORC6 subunit of ORC is not essential for initial MCM recruitment or hDH loading, but contributes to an alternative hDH assembly pathway requiring an intrinsically disordered region (IDR) in ORC1, which may work through a novel MCM-ORC (hMO*) intermediate. Our work presents a detailed view of how DHs are assembled in an organism utilising sequence-independent replication origins, it provides further evidence for diversity in eukaryotic DH assembly mechanisms9, and it represents the first step toward reconstitution of DNA replication initiation with purified human proteins.
Evaluating the timecourses of morpho-orthographic, lexical, and grammatical processing following rapid parallel visual presentation: an EEG investigation in English
Authors: Dunagan Donald , Jordan Tyson , Hale John T , Pylkkänen Liina , Chacón Dustin A
Published: April 2024

Theories of language processing – and typical experimental methodologies – emphasize the word-by-word processing of sentences. This paradigm is good for approximating speech or careful text reading, but arguably, not for the common, cursory glances used while reading short sentences (e.g., cellphone notifications, social media posts). How can we interpret a sentence in a single glance? In an electroencephalography (EEG) study, brain responses to grammatical sentences (the dogs chase a ball) presented for 200ms diverged from non-lexical consonant strings (thj rjxb zkhtb w lhct) ∼160ms post-sentence onset and from scrambled constructions (a dogs chase ball the) ∼250ms post-sentence onset, demonstrating – at different time points – rapid recognition and cursory analysis of linguistic stimuli. In the grammatical sentences, unigram probability correlated with EEG data ∼150–300ms post-sentence onset, and probability of the word given its context estimated by BERT correlated with EEG data after ∼700–800ms. EEG responses did not diverge between grammatical sentences and their counterparts with ungrammatical agreement (the dogs chases a ball), although EEG responses did diverge for plural vs. singular morphology at ∼200ms. These results suggest that ‘at-a-glance’ reading is possible, based on coactivation of individual lexical items, morphological structures, and constituent structure at ∼200-300ms, but that words are not integrated into a coherent syntactic/semantic analysis, as evidenced by the substantially later responses to BERT probability and the absence of sensitivity to agreement errors.
da_Tracker: Automated workflow for high throughput single cell and single phagosome tracking in infected cells
Authors: Augenstreich Jacques , Poddar Anushka , Belew Ashton T. , El-Sayed Najib M , Briken Volker
Published: April 2024

Time-lapse microscopy has emerged as a crucial tool in cell biology, facilitating a deeper understanding of dynamic cellular processes. While existing tracking tools have proven effective in detecting and monitoring objects over time, the quantification of signals within these tracked objects often faces implementation constraints. In the context of infectious diseases, the quantification of signals at localized compartments within the cell and around intracellular pathogens can provide even deeper insight into the interactions between the pathogen and host cell organelles. Existing quantitative analysis at a single-phagosome level remains limited and dependent on manual tracking methods. We developed a near-fully automated workflow that performs with limited bias, high-throughput cell segmentation and quantitative tracking of both single cell and single bacterium/phagosome within multi-channel, z-stack, time-lapse confocal microscopy videos. We took advantage of the PyImageJ library to bring Fiji functionality into a Python environment and combined deep-learning-based segmentation from Cellpose with tracking algorithms from Trackmate. Our workflow provides a versatile toolkit of functions for measuring relevant signal parameters at the single-cell level (such as velocity or bacterial burden) and at the single-phagosome level (i.e. assessment of phagosome maturation over time). It’s capabilities in both single-cell and single-phagosome quantification, its flexibility and open-source nature should assist studies that aim to decipher for example the pathogenicity of bacteria and the mechanism of virulence factors that could pave the way for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.
A dual enhancer-silencer element ensures transientCdx2expression during posterior body formation
Authors: Amblard Irene , Baranasic Damir , Moyon Benjamin , Lenhard Boris , Metzis Vicki
Published: April 2024

During development, cells express precise gene expression programmes to assemble the trunk of the body plan. Appropriate control over the duration of the transcription factorCdx2is critical to achieve this outcome, yet, how cells control the onset, maintenance or termination ofCdx2, has remained unclear. Here, we delineate the cis-regulatory logic orchestrating dynamicCdx2expression in mouse caudal epiblast progenitors and their derivatives - spinal cord and presomitic mesoderm. Combining CRISPR-mediated deletion of regulatory elements with in vitro models and in vivo validation, we demonstrate that distinct enhancers, and a silencer, embedded at theCdx2locus, act sequentially to drive transientCdx2expression. We pinpoint a minimal silencer element that relies on a nuclear receptor motif to extinguishCdx2. Changing this single motif converts the repressive element to an enhancer with opposite regulatory behaviour. Our findings elucidate design principles of developmental enhancers and silencers and establish a dual enhancer-silencer cis-regulatory logic ensuring precise spatiotemporal control over gene expression for vertebrate body patterning.
Genome-Wide association study uncovers pea candidate genes and pathways involved in rust resistance
Authors: Osuna-Caballero Salvador , Rubiales Diego , Rispail Nicolas
Published: April 2024

Pea is an important temperate legume crop providing plant-based proteins for food and feed worldwide. Pea yield can be limited by a number of biotic stresses, among which, rust represents a major limiting factor. Some efforts have been made to assess the natural variation in pea resistance, but its efficient exploitation in breeding is limited since the resistance loci identified so far are scarce and their responsible gene(s) unknown. To overcome this knowledge gap, a comprehensive Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) on pea rust, caused byUromyces pisi, has been performed to uncover genetic loci associated with resistance. Utilizing a diverse collection of 320 pea accessions, we evaluated phenotypic responses to two rust isolates using both traditional methods and advanced image-based phenotyping. We detected 95 significant trait-marker associations using a set of 26,045 DArT-seq polymorphic markers. Ourin-silicoanalysis identified 62 candidate genes putatively involved in rust resistance, grouped into different functional categories such as gene expression regulation, vesicle trafficking, cell wall biosynthesis, and hormonal signalling. This research highlights the potential of GWAS to identify resistance sources, molecular markers associated with resistance and candidate genes against pea rust, offering new targets for precision breeding. By integrating our findings with current breeding programs, we can facilitate the development of pea varieties with improved resistance to rust, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and food security. This study sets the stage for future functional genomic analyses and the application of genomic selection approaches to enhance disease resistance in peas.

Key message

Candidate genes and metabolic pathways controlling resistance to rust disease in pea have been proposed through GWAS using 26,045 DArTseq polymorphic markers and phenotypic data from field and controlled conditions.
Postsynaptic BMP signaling regulates myonuclear properties inDrosophilalarval muscles
Authors: von Saucken Victoria E. , Windner Stefanie E. , Baylies Mary K.
Published: April 2024

The syncytial mammalian muscle fiber contains a heterogeneous population of (myo)nuclei. At the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), myonuclei have specialized positioning and gene expression. However, it remains unclear how myonuclei are recruited and what regulates myonuclear output at the NMJ. Here, we identify specific properties of myonuclei located near theDrosophilalarval NMJ. These synaptic myonuclei have increased size in relation to their surrounding cytoplasmic domain (scaling), increased DNA content (ploidy), and increased levels of transcription factor pMad, a readout for BMP signaling activity. Our genetic manipulations show local BMP signaling affects muscle size, nuclear size, ploidy, and NMJ size and function. In support, RNA sequencing analysis reveals that pMad regulates genes involved in muscle growth, ploidy (i.e.,E2f1), and neurotransmission. Our data suggest that muscle BMP signaling instructs synaptic myonuclear output that then positively shapes the NMJ synapse. This study deepens our understanding of how myonuclear heterogeneity supports local signaling demands to fine tune cellular function and NMJ activity.

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a well characterized synapse, yet the postsynaptic contributions that allow for synapse function are not well understood. This study by von Sauckenet al. uses theDrosophilalarval NMJ to define synaptic muscle (myo)nuclei and their properties and determine how BMP signaling regulates these myonuclear properties.
A human-specific enhancer fine-tunes radial glia potency and corticogenesis
Authors: Liu Jing , Mosti Federica , Zhao Hanzhi T. , Sotelo-Fonseca Jesus E. , Escobar-Tomlienovich Carla F. , Lollis Davoneshia , Musso Camila M. , Mao Yiwei , Massri Abdull J. , Doll Hannah M. , Sousa Andre M. , Wray Gregory A. , Schmidt Ewoud , Silver Debra L.
Published: April 2024

Humans evolved an extraordinarily expanded and complex cerebral cortex, associated with developmental and gene regulatory modifications1–3. Human accelerated regions (HARs) are highly conserved genomic sequences with human-specific nucleotide substitutions. Although there are thousands of annotated HARs, their functional contribution to human-specific cortical development is largely unknown4,5.HARE5is a HAR transcriptional enhancer of the WNT signaling receptorFrizzled8 (FZD8)active during brain development6. Here, using genome-edited mouse and primate models, we demonstrate that human(Hs) HARE5fine-tunes cortical development and connectivity by controlling the proliferative and neurogenic capacity of neural progenitor cells (NPCs).Hs-HARE5knock-in mice have significantly enlarged neocortices containing more neurons. By measuring neural dynamicsin vivowe show these anatomical features correlate with increased functional independence between cortical regions. To understand the underlying developmental mechanisms, we assess progenitor fate using live imaging, lineage analysis, and single-cell RNA sequencing. This revealsHs-HARE5modifies radial glial progenitor behavior, with increased self-renewal at early developmental stages followed by expanded neurogenic potential. We use genome-edited human and chimpanzee (Pt) NPCs and cortical organoids to assess the relative enhancer activity and function ofHs-HARE5andPt-HARE5.Using these orthogonal strategies we show four human-specific variants inHARE5drive increased enhancer activity which promotes progenitor proliferation. These findings illustrate how small changes in regulatory DNA can directly impact critical signaling pathways and brain development. Our study uncovers new functions for HARs as key regulatory elements crucial for the expansion and complexity of the human cerebral cortex.
Centromeric localization of KNL2 and CENP-C proteins in plants depends on their centromere-targeting domain and DNA-binding regions
Authors: Yalagapati Surya Prakash , Ahmadli Ulkar , Sinha Aditya , Kalidass Manikandan , Dabravolski Siarhei , Zuo Sheng , Yadala Ramakrishna , Rutten Twan , Berr Alexandre , Talbert Paul , Lermontova Inna
Published: April 2024

In eukaryotic organisms, proper chromosome segregation during cell division depends on the centromeric histone H3 (CENH3) variant. Our previous studies identified a plant CENH3 assembly factor, Kinetochore Null2 (αKNL2), that possesses a centromere-targeting motif, CENPC-k, similar to the CENPC motif in CENP-C. Additionally, we have demonstrated that αKNL2 can bind DNAin vitro,independent of its CENPC-k motif. Thus, the mechanism underlying the binding of αKNL2 to centromeric DNA remains elusive.

Our study shows that the CENPC-k and CENPC motifs alone are not sufficient to target the centromere inN. benthamianaandA. thaliana.In-silicoanalysis revealed flanking DNA-binding regions near the CENPC-k and CENPC motifs, suggesting their importance in interacting with centromeric DNA. Fusion of protein fragments containing these motifs to EYFP facilitated targeting to the centromere. Deletion of DNA-binding domains reduced the centromeric localization of αKNL2-C, whereas fusion of CENPC-k to the H-NS protein from E. coli targeted it to centromeres.

We conclude that targeting of αKNL2 and CENP-C proteins to centromeres is dependent on the CENPC-k/CENPC motifs, and their sequence-independent DNA-binding promotes anchoring at the centromere. Understanding the targeting mechanisms of KNL2 and CENP-C may help to engineer kinetochore structure by targeting chromatin modifying proteins to centromeres.
Extracellular vesicles adhere to cells primarily by interactions of integrins and GM1 with laminin
Authors: Isogai Tatsuki , Hirosawa Koichiro M. , Kanno Miki , Sho Ayano , Kasai Rinshi S. , Komura Naoko , Ando Hiromune , Furukawa Keiko , Ohmi Yuhsuke , Furukawa Koichi , Yokota Yasunari , Suzuki Kenichi G. N.
Published: April 2024

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have attracted significant attention, yet the molecular mechanisms that govern their specific binding to recipient cells remain elusive. Our in vitro study utilizing single-particle tracking demonstrated that integrin heterodimers comprising α6β4 and α6β1 and ganglioside, GM1 are responsible for the binding of small-EV (sEV) subtypes to laminin. EVs derived from four distinct tumor cell lines, regardless of size, exhibited high binding affinities for laminin but not for fibronectin, although fibronectin receptors are abundant in EVs and have functional roles in EV-secreting cells. Our findings revealed that integrins in EVs bind to laminin via the conventional molecular interface, facilitated by CD151 rather than by inside-out signaling of talin-1 and kindlin-2. Super-resolution movie observation revealed that sEV integrins bind only to laminin on living recipient cells. Furthermore, sEVs bound to HUVEC and induced cell branching morphogenesis in a laminin-dependent manner. Thus, we demonstrated that EVs predominantly bind to laminin on recipient cells, which is indispensable for cell responses.

Quantitative assessments using single-molecule imaging and super-resolution microscopy revealed that all extracellular vesicle subtypes derived from four distinct tumor cell lines, regardless of size, bind to laminin predominantly via CD151-facilitated integrin heterodimers and GM1, leading to response of recipient cells.
Machine learning techniques for intermediate mass gap lepton partner searches at the large hadron collider
Authors: Dutta Bhaskar , Ghosh Tathagata , Horne Alyssa , Kumar Jason , Palmer Sean , Sandick Pearl , Snedeker Marcus , Stengel Patrick , Walker Joel W.
Published: April 2024

We consider machine learning techniques associated with the application of a boosted decision tree (BDT) to searches at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) for pair-produced lepton partners which decay to leptons and invisible particles. This scenario can arise in the minimal supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM), but can be realized in many other extensions of the Standard Model (SM). We focus on the case of intermediate mass splitting (∼30  GeV) between the dark matter (DM) and the scalar. For these mass splittings, the LHC has made little improvement over LEP due to large electroweak backgrounds. We find that the use of machine learning techniques can push the LHC well past discovery sensitivity for a benchmark model with a lepton partner mass of ∼110  GeV, for an integrated luminosity of 300  fb−1, with a signal-to-background ratio of ∼0.3. The LHC could exclude models with a lepton partner mass as large as ∼160  GeV with the same luminosity. The use of machine learning techniques in searches for scalar lepton partners at the LHC could thus definitively probe the parameter space of the MSSM in which scalar muon mediated interactions between SM muons and Majorana singlet DM can both deplete the relic density through dark matter annihilation and satisfy the recently measured anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. We identify several machine learning techniques which can be useful in other LHC searches involving large and complex backgrounds.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Improving generative model-based unfolding with Schrödinger bridges
Authors: Diefenbacher Sascha , Liu Guan-Horng , Mikuni Vinicius , Nachman Benjamin , Nie Weili
Published: April 2024

Machine learning-based unfolding has enabled unbinned and high-dimensional differential cross section measurements. Two main approaches have emerged in this research area; one based on discriminative models and one based on generative models. The main advantage of discriminative models is that they learn a small correction to a starting simulation while generative models scale better to regions of phase space with little data. We propose to use Schrödinger bridges and diffusion models to create , an unfolding approach that combines the strengths of both discriminative and generative models. The key feature of is that its generative model maps one set of events into another without having to go through a known probability density as is the case for normalizing flows and standard diffusion models. We show that achieves excellent performance compared to state of the art methods on a synthetic Z+jets dataset.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Limits on dark matter annihilation in prompt cusps from the isotropic gamma-ray background
Authors: Delos M. Sten , Korsmeier Michael , Widmark Axel , Blanco Carlos , Linden Tim , White Simon D. M.
Published: April 2024

Recent studies indicate that thermally produced dark matter will form highly concentrated, low-mass cusps in the early universe that often survive until the present. While these cusps contain a small fraction of the dark matter, their high density significantly increases the expected γ-ray flux from dark matter annihilation, particularly in searches of large angular regions. We utilize 14 years of Fermi-LAT data to set strong constraints on dark matter annihilation through a detailed study of the isotropic γ-ray background, excluding with 95% confidence dark matter annihilation to bb¯ final states for dark matter masses below 120 GeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Motivation and needs of informal physics practitioners
Authors: El-Adawy Shams , Lau Alexandra C. , Sayre Eleanor C. , Fracchiolla Claudia
Published: April 2024

Physicists engage with the public to varying degrees at different stages of their careers. However, their public engagement covers many activities, events, and audiences, making their motivations and professional development needs not well understood. As part of ongoing efforts to build and support a community in the informal physics space, we conducted interviews with physicists with a range of different experiences in public engagement. We use personas methodology and self-determination theory to articulate their public engagement motivation, challenges, and needs. We present our set of three personas: the physicist who engages in informal physics for self-reflection, the physicist who wants to spark interest and understanding in physics, and the physicist who wants to provide diverse role models to younger students and inspire them to pursue a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics career. Needs covered a range of resources including science communication training, community building among informal physics practitioners, and mechanisms to recognize, elevate, and value informal physics. By bringing user-centered design methodology to a new topical area of physics education research, we expand our understanding of motivations and needs of practitioners in physics public engagement. Therefore, departments, organizations, and institutions could draw upon the personas developed to consider the ways to better support physicists in their respective environments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Splitting and parallelizing of quantum convolutional neural networks for learning translationally symmetric data
Authors: Chinzei Koki , Tran Quoc Hoan , Maruyama Kazunori , Oshima Hirotaka , Sato Shintaro
Published: April 2024

The quantum convolutional neural network (QCNN) is a promising quantum machine learning (QML) model that is expected to achieve quantum advantages in classically intractable problems. However, the QCNN requires a large number of measurements for data learning, limiting its practical applications in large-scale problems. To alleviate this requirement, we propose an architecture called split-parallelizing QCNN (sp-QCNN), which exploits the prior knowledge of quantum data to design an efficient model. This architecture draws inspiration from geometric quantum machine learning and targets translationally symmetric quantum data commonly encountered in physics and quantum computing science. By splitting the quantum circuit based on translational symmetry, the sp-QCNN can substantially parallelize the conventional QCNN without increasing the number of qubits and improve the measurement efficiency by an order of the number of qubits. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we apply the sp-QCNN to a quantum phase recognition task and show that it can achieve comparable classification accuracy to the conventional QCNN while considerably reducing the measurement resources required. Due to its high measurement efficiency, the sp-QCNN can mitigate statistical errors in estimating the gradient of the loss function, thereby accelerating the learning process. These results open up possibilities for incorporating the prior data knowledge into the efficient design of QML models, leading to practical quantum advantages.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (1H-imidazole-κN
3)[4-methyl-2-({[2-oxido-5-(2-phenyldiazen-1-yl)phenyl]methylidene}amino)pentanoate-κ3
O,N,O′]copper(II)
Authors: Kaneda Ai , Suzuki Soma , Nakane Daisuke , Kashiwagi Yukiyasu , Akitsu Takashiro
Published: April 2024

The title copper(II) complex, [Cu(C18H19N3O3)(C3H4N2)], consists of a tridentate ligand synthesized from L-leucine and azobenzene-salicylaldehyde. One imidazole molecule is additionally coordinated to the copper(II) ion in the equatorial plane. The crystal structure features N—H...O hydrogen bonds. A Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the packing are from H...H (52.0%) and C...H/H...C (17.9%) contacts.
Mechanical and radar absorption properties of sheep wool/epoxy composites
Authors: Saracoglu Goksel , Kiriş Serap , Çoban Sezer , Karaaslan Muharrem , Depci Tolga , Bayraktar Emin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine the fracture behavior of wool felt and fabric based epoxy composites and their responses to electromagnetic waves.

Design/methodology/approach

Notched and unnotched tensile tests of composites made of wool only and hybridized with a glass fiber layer were carried out, and fracture behavior and toughness at macro scale were determined. They were exposed to electromagnetic waves between 8 and 18 GHz frequencies using two horn antennas.

Findings

The keratin and lignin layer on the surface of the wool felt caused lower values to be obtained compared to the mechanical values given by pure epoxy. However, the use of wool felt in the symmetry layer of the laminated composite material provided higher mechanical values than the composite with glass fiber in the symmetry layer due to the mechanical interlocking it created. The use of wool in fabric form resulted in an increase in the modulus of elasticity, but no change in fracture toughness was observed. As a result of the electromagnetic analysis, it was also seen in the electromagnetic analysis that the transmittance of the materials was high, and the reflectance was low throughout the applied frequency range. Hence, it was concluded that all of the manufactured materials could be used as radome material over a wide band.

Practical implications

Sheep wool is an easy-to-supply and low-cost material. In this paper, it is presented that sheep wool can be evaluated as a biocomposite material and used for radome applications.

Originality/value

The combined evaluation of felt and fabric forms of a natural and inexpensive reinforcing element such as sheep wool and the combined evaluation of fracture mechanics and electromagnetic absorption properties will contribute to the evaluation of biocomposites in aviation.
Configuring an MNE’s subsidiary capabilities for performance in China
Authors: Roh Taewoo , Park Byung Il , Xiao Shufeng (Simon)
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how subsidiary capabilities collectively configure for performance. Additionally, it seeks to examine whether these configurations of capabilities can provide equifinal solutions through developing a comprehensive research framework that focuses on subsidiaries in China.

Design/methodology/approach

With a data set collected through a questionnaire from 172 Korean multinational enterprises (MNEs) in China, this study used a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to detect the capability conditions and configurations. These configurations represent combinations of various subsidiary capabilities linked to high performance.

Findings

This study identified several complex pathways with distinct configurations for high subsidiary performance. The findings demonstrate the importance of configurations over individual conditions. Thus, the results highlight that the effectiveness of diverse capabilities, which are widely believed to singularly contribute to the high performance of MNE subsidiaries, depends on how each combines with other capabilities. Overall, the findings provide a richer and fine-grained understanding of the role and relative importance of various forms of MNE subsidiary capabilities and how the joint effect of these subsidiaries contributes to high performance.

Practical implications

This study suggests that MNE managers should comprehensively understand how subsidiary capabilities are configured to produce subsidiary performance outcomes. This specifically illustrates the importance of understanding the mutually conflicting yet collectively exhaustive results of multi-selective solutions and aims to align with China’s industrial and regional heterogeneity.

Originality/value

By examining the role of MNE subsidiary capability configurations, which may collectively influence the subsidiary’s performance, this study contributes to the literature. It elucidates how MNE subsidiaries may achieve superior performance by developing and possessing various capabilities tailored to the local context.
Climate change and crop production nexus: assessing the role of technological development for sustainable agriculture in Vietnam
Authors: Chandio Abbas Ali , Zhang Huaquan , Akram Waqar , Sethi Narayan , Ahmad Fayyaz
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of climate change and agricultural technologies on crop production in Vietnam for the period 1990–2018.

Design/methodology/approach

Several econometric techniques – such as the augmented Dickey–Fuller, Phillips–Perron, the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test, variance decomposition method (VDM) and impulse response function (IRF) are used for the empirical analysis.

Findings

The results of the ARDL bounds test confirm the significant dynamic relationship among the variables under consideration, with a significance level of 1%. The primary findings indicate that the average annual temperature exerts a negative influence on crop yield, both in the short term and in the long term. The utilization of fertilizer has been found to augment crop productivity, whereas the application of pesticides has demonstrated the potential to raise crop production in the short term. Moreover, both the expansion of cultivated land and the utilization of energy resources have played significant roles in enhancing agricultural output across both in the short term and in the long term. Furthermore, the robustness outcomes also validate the statistical importance of the factors examined in the context of Vietnam.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides persuasive evidence for policymakers to emphasize advancements in intensive agriculture as a means to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In the research, the authors use average annual temperature as a surrogate measure for climate change, while using fertilizer and pesticide usage as surrogate indicators for agricultural technologies. Future research can concentrate on the impact of ICT, climate change (specifically pertaining to maximum temperature, minimum temperature and precipitation), and agricultural technological improvements that have an impact on cereal production.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine how climate change and technology effect crop output in Vietnam from 1990 to 2018. Various econometrics tools, such as ARDL modeling, VDM and IRF, are used for estimation.
An experimental investigation of the impact of sustainable ERP systems implementation on sustainability performance
Authors: Abobakr Mohamed Ahmed , Abdel-Kader Magdy , F. Elbayoumi Ahmed Fouad
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of sustainable enterprise resource planning (S-ERPs) systems implementation on sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A 1 × 2 experiment was conducted, involving a sample of 72 professional accountants enrolled in MPA, MBA and DBA programs at two prominent Egyptian universities. Simple linear regression was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results reveal positive relationships between the implementation of S-ERPs and economic, environmental and social sustainability performance.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the research methodology used, which relies on a laboratory experiment design; nevertheless, empirical data derived from a quasi-experiment conducted in a real-world context would offer valuable insights into the existing literature.

Practical implications

For manufacturing sector managers, the results offer value as organizations can benefit from S-ERP adoption in the internal and external integration of sustainability functions. The findings also provide decision-makers in the manufacturing context, particularly in emerging countries, with tangible reasons to consider S-ERP adoption for holistic sustainability benefits including waste management, resource consumption reduction and management of sustainable supply chain complexities. Further, the findings provide valuable insights for ERP vendors on how they can develop their ERP packages to align with software sustainability criteria.

Originality/value

This study is among the few that experimentally investigates the influence of S-ERPs implementation on sustainability performance within the manufacturing sector, especially in an emerging context such as Egypt. This unique contribution provides valuable insights into the complex connection between technology adoption and sustainability outcomes.
Harvest to basket: understanding drivers of organic food purchase behaviour through interpretive structural modelling and MICMAC approach
Authors: Ashrafi Dewan Mehrab , Maoua Jannatul
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the determinants impacting consumer behaviour in organic food consumption in Bangladesh. This study aims to identify the key factors facilitating organic food consumption and establish a framework by analysing their contextual relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used interpretive structural modelling (ISM), relying on expert perspectives from experienced academicians and marketing professionals. A Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis was performed to assess the driving forces and interdependencies among these determinants.

Findings

The MICMAC analysis grouped determinants influencing organic food purchases into four categories. The dependent factors, like attitude and food safety, showed moderate driving forces and high dependence. Linkage determinants, such as environmental concern and price, exerted considerable influence with moderate dependence. Independent variables, especially knowledge about organic food, had a strong impact with relatively low dependence.

Practical implications

This study’s insights offer valuable guidance for managers in the organic food industry, providing strategies to address consumer behaviour. Prioritising education on environmental benefits, transparent pricing, collaborating on policies, ensuring food safety and understanding determinants impacting purchase intent can aid in designing effective marketing strategies and product offerings aligned with consumer needs, ultimately promoting sustainability.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the interconnections and relative significance of determinants influencing organic food purchases, using the ISM approach and MICMAC analysis. It delves into the previously unexplored territory of understanding the relationships and hierarchical significance of these determinants in shaping consumer behaviour towards organic food purchases.
The growth potential of Palestinian family businesses: immigrant versus home-country entrepreneurship
Authors: Sultan Suhail , Sultan Wasim , Hudson Monika , Izhiman Naser
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This project aims to examine how entrepreneurial orientation and succession planning among Palestinian family businesses positively affects their associated growth potential, considering the mediating role of innovation and the moderation effect of geographic location. Leveraging ethnic entrepreneurship theory, the authors compare these types of enterprises in the USA with their counterparts in Palestine.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional quantitative research analyzes data collected from October through December 2022. 180 Palestinian family-owned firms completed a survey; 90 companies were located in Palestine, while the other 90 were in the USA. Structural equation modeling analysis was conducted using Smart-PLS4. The interrelations of the conceptual framework were examined via path analysis and bootstrapping techniques.

Findings

The authors found a statistically significant positive effect of entrepreneurial orientation on Palestinian family business growth; the authors’ results concurrently indicated succession planning did not affect growth within the authors’ selected population. The authors also discovered innovation mediates the relationship between orientation and growth, and business location appears to moderate this relationship. The authors’ research indicates geography appears to favor Palestinian family-owned companies in the USA, where the authors found opportunity-driven immigrant entrepreneurs benefit from the structured business systems in a highly-developed country.

Originality/value

Given the current situation in Palestine, it is essential to understand the potential contribution that Palestinian family-owned businesses globally can make to reconstruct the country’s local economy. The next few years will be critical in figuring out how innovative thinking can boost the region’s recovery and increase Palestinian-based family companies’ ability to engage in sustainable entrepreneurship with reinvestment support from its diaspora. Therefore, it is important to have research that identifies factors that could improve these businesses’ continued performance and growth potential. This study also aids in further understanding the defining characteristics of Palestinian-owned family firms, enhancing general theories related to entrepreneurship among ethnic and diasporic groups.
It’s hard to be loved by idiots.Fred Perry’s troubled relationship with the Proud Boys
Authors: Sanchez Gamonal Alicia , Kervyn Nicolas
Published: April 2024

Research methodology

For the design of this case study, the authors used primary sources of information from the shops visited by them in preparation of the case and website of Fred Perry and secondary sources of information from both academic and journalistic publications.

Case overview/synopsis

Fred Perry is a premium clothing brand, well-known for its polo shirts. It was created by Mr Fred Perry, a British tennis player. The brand’s stated values are integrity, personality and individuality. Throughout its history, the brand has been adopted by different British subcultures but recently it has faced a challenge because of the brand appropriation by the Proud Boys, a US far-right white supremacy group and other extremist groups as Antifa and hooligans. The nature and actions of the group mean that Fred Perry runs the risk of losing control over its brand equity. This brand hijack means that Fred Perry risks alienating some of its customers by openly opposing the group but also by embracing this subculture’s appropriation. Practically, the brand opposed the appropriation in a press release and by putting an end to the sale of the black and yellow polo shirts in the USA and Canada. Fred Perry has also made a lot of efforts to reposition the brand away from extremist groups while maintaining its strong historical and cultural roots. Through this case study, students will have the opportunity to discuss this topic and explore solutions for brands that face this type of dilemma.

Complexity academic level

This case is designed to be used in a marketing management, brand strategy or consumer behavior/culture course, especially in the subfield of market segmentation in the telecommunications sector. Specifically, this case is designed for college seniors or master students with basic strategic marketing training. This case will help students understand the difference between the brand identity that the brand owners intend and the brand image that consumers actually perceive. It provides the basis of discussions on the topics of brand management, consumer culture, consumers-brands relationships, brand architecture, brand equity, brand appropriation and repositioning strategy.
Mechanical characteristics and optimization of wear parameters of hybrid (TiO2 + Y2O3) nanoparticles with Al matrix using squeeze casting technique
Authors: Singh Mandeep , Bhandari Deepak , Goyal Khushdeep
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanical characteristics and optimization of wear parameters of hybrid (TiO2 + Y2O3) nanoparticles with Al matrix using squeeze casting technique.

Design/methodology/approach

The hybrid aluminium matrix nanocomposites (HAMNCs) were fabricated with varying concentrations of titanium oxide (TiO2) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3), from 2.5 to 10 Wt.% in 2.5 Wt.% increments. Dry sliding wear test variables were optimized using the Taguchi method.

Findings

The introduction of hybrid nanoparticles in the aluminium (Al) matrix was evenly distributed in contrast to the base matrix. HAMNC6 (5 Wt.% TiO2 + 5 Wt.% Y2O3) reported the maximum enhancement in mechanical properties (tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and density) and decrease in porosity% and elongation% among other HAMNCs. The results showed that the optimal combination of parameters to achieve the lowest wear rate was A3B3C1, or 15 N load, 1.5 m/s sliding velocity and 200 m sliding distance. The sliding distance showed the greatest effect on the dry sliding wear rate of HAMNC6 followed by applied load and sliding velocity. The fractured surfaces of the tensile sample showed traces of cracking as well as substantial craters with fine dimples and the wear worn surfaces were caused by abrasion, cracks and delamination of HAMNC6.

Originality/value

Squeeze-cast Al-reinforced hybrid (TiO2+Y2O3) nanoparticles have been investigated for their impact on mechanical properties and optimization of wear parameters.
Zedra Fiduciary Services (UK) Ltd v Attorney General: the Contemporary Scope of the Statutory Cy‐près Doctrine
Authors: Picton John
Published: April 2024

Historically, the cy‐près doctrine required that, upon the substantive alteration of a charitable trust, the new purposes should be ‘as near as possible’ to the old. This is no longer the case. Subject to section 67(3) of the Charities Act 2011, the redrafting court or Charity Commission must have regard to factors other than proximity of purpose. Zedra Fiduciary Services (UK) Ltd v Attorney General is the first high‐level authority to consider the meaning of the statute, and, with it, the scope of the contemporary statutory cy‐près doctrine. This note argues that the Court of Appeal read down the statutory factors conservatively, prioritising fidelity to the original objects of the trust. The note considers the method of the Court and suggests that a more creative approach might have been taken. Finally, the note considers the impact of the authority on the Charity Commission's routine, day‐to‐day cy‐près casework .