bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On detecting and characterizing planetary oceans in the solar system using a distance-based ensemble modelling approach: application to the Uranus system
Authors: Cochrane C. J. , Vance S. D. , Biersteker J. B. , Styczinski M. J. , Weiss B.
Published: December 2024

The discovery of Europa’s subsurface ocean has spawned a strong desire by the planetary community to return and assess the ocean’s habitability using the magnetic induction signal that Europa generates. NASA has since formulated and developed the
Europa Clipper
mission with that same goal, anticipating its arrival in the Jovian system in the early 2030s. In parallel, ESA has developed the
JUpiter Icy moons Explorer
mission to further investigate the interior of Ganymede and other Jovian moons, scheduled to arrive approximately one year later. As a result, extensive work has now been devoted to developing and refining methods to analyse magnetic induction measurements with the goal of characterizing oceans within icy moons, including those in the Neptune and Uranus systems, which are ideal laboratories for such investigations. We present one such method, involving a distance-based inverse and forward modelling approach that leverages self-consistent interior models used to infer ocean and ice-shell properties of various moons that respond inductively to the dynamic magnetic environments in which they reside. We demonstrate the method on a hypothetical ocean within Umbriel, showing the ocean thickness and conductivity constraints that can be inferred from a Monte Carlo error analysis using a three-flyby mission concept.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Magnetometric remote sensing of Earth and planetary oceans’.
Dual-frequency electromagnetic sounding of a Triton ocean from a single flyby
Authors: Khurana Krishan K. , Liu Jiang , Castillo-Rogez Julie , Cochrane Corey , Nimmo Francis , Prockter Louise M.
Published: December 2024

Triton, the largest satellite of Neptune, is in a retrograde orbit and is likely a captured Kuiper Belt Object (KBO). Triton has a mean density of only 2.061 gm/cm
3
and is therefore believed to have a 250–400 km thick hydrosphere. Triton is also one of the few planetary satellites to possess a thick ionosphere whose height-integrated Pedersen conductivity exceeds 10
4
S, complicating the sounding of Triton’s subsurface using electromagnetic induction. Triton experiences a time-varying magnetic field dominated by two periods, one at 14.4 h, at the synodic rotation period of Neptune (from Neptune’s tilted field) and one at 141 h, at the orbital period of Triton (from large inclination of Triton’s orbit). We show that for most models of ionospheric conductivity, the 14.4 h wave creates a large response from the ionosphere itself and is unable to sound the putative ocean below. However, the 141 h wave penetrates the ionosphere easily and provides information on Triton’s ocean. We introduce a technique that allows us to determine the complex magnetic moments generated at the two key periods from the magnetic data from a single flyby, allowing us to infer the presence of a subsurface ocean.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Magnetometric remote sensing of Earth and planetary oceans’.
Resolving the differential distribution of structural proteins in baculovirus using single-molecule localization microscopy
Authors: Martínez-Flores Daniel , Rodríguez-Hernández Aaron Pavel , Sampieri Alicia , Cruz-Reséndiz Adolfo , Tobías-Juárez Ileana , Lara-Martínez Reyna , Jiménez-García Luis F , Vaca Luis
Published: December 2024

Baculovirus is one of the most complex viruses found in nature. Proteomic analysis of budded viruses (BVs) indicates that they are formed by at least 50 different structural proteins. The function of most of these structural proteins and their specific localization in individual virions remain unknown. In the present study, we have conducted single-molecule localization microscopy analysis of the spatial distribution of the nucleocapsid protein P24 and the envelope proteins GP64 and E25. Our results show that P24 and GP64 are polarized to one end of the baculovirus, while E25 distributes more homogenously along the viral envelope. This is the first study using optical microscopy to demonstrate the polarized distribution of structural proteins in individual baculoviruses.
LNS8801: An enantiomerically pure agonist of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor suitable for clinical development
Authors: Natale Christopher A. , Mercado Sophia , Zhuang Richard , Aguirre-Portolés Cristina , Olayide Israel , Arnatt Christopher K. , Seykora John T. , Garyantes Tina K. , Luke Wayne , Ridky Todd W.
Published: December 2024

Estrogen effects in tissue are mediated in part through activation of the surface estrogen receptor GPER, a broadly expressed G protein-coupled receptor that impacts a wide range of normal and pathologic processes, including metabolism, vascular health, inflammation, and cancer. A commonly used synthetic and specific GPER agonist, named G-1, antagonizes tumors by promoting cellular differentiation and enhancing tumor immunogenicity. G-1 is a racemic compound, and since its discovery, the question of whether both enantiomers display agonist activity or the agonist activity resides primarily in a single enantiomer has never been fully resolved. Herein, we disclose the isolation of the pure enantiomers of G-1 and determine that the desirable activity resides exclusively in 1 enantiomer, named LNS8801, whose configuration we have unambiguously determined by single crystal x-ray structure analysis. Using preclinical models, we show that LNS8801 suppresses cancer in a GPER-dependent manner and that LNS8801 is efficacious when administered orally. Further, we show that GPER is widely, but not ubiquitously, expressed in both normal and malignant human tissues. In addition, an attenuated response to LNS8801 is observed in a common germline coding variant in human GPER. These findings support ongoing human cancer trials with LNS8801 and suggest that the germline GPER genotype may serve as a predictive biomarker of therapeutic response.
LRRK2 G2019S mutation incites increased cell-intrinsic neutrophil effector functions and intestinal inflammation in a model of infectious colitis
Authors: Pei Jessica , Oliveira Nathalia L. , Recinto Sherilyn J. , Kazanova Alexandra , Queiroz-Junior Celso M. , Li Ziyi , Couto Katalina , Westfall Susan , King Irah L. , Ribeiro Camila T. , Milnerwood Austen J. , Desjardins Michel , Thanabalasuriar Ajitha , Stratton Jo Ann , Gruenheid Samantha
Published: December 2024

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder characterised by motor and non-motor symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests a link between PD and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Constipation is frequently observed years prior to development of motor dysfunction in PD, and people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more likely to develop PD. Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 gene (LRRK2) account for approximately 1% of all PD cases and are associated with increased risk for IBD. Among them, LRRK2 Gly2019Ser (G2019S), located within the kinase domain, is the most common PD-associated mutation and increases kinase activity. It is unknown how LRRK2 mutation affects susceptibility to intestinal inflammation or pathogenesis of PD. Using single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), we demonstrate that LRRK2 G2019S mutation promotes a dysregulated gene profile, especially within neutrophil, monocyte and γδ T cell populations, followingCitrobacter rodentiuminfection in mice. Transcriptionally, LRRK2 G2019S neutrophils have a greater pro- inflammatory type I and II IFN response compared to those of WT mice. This is accompanied by an increase in neutrophil numbers in the lamina propria in LRRK2 G2019S mice. We also uncover cell-intrinsic functional defects in LRRK2 G2019S neutrophils, including increased chemotaxis, degranulation and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETosis) formation. Increased neutrophil infiltration is associated with an upregulation in Th17 immune responses, which may together contribute to the observed increase in colon pathology during infection. These findings increase our understanding of the role of PD-associated genes in immune cells and their contribution to immune dysregulation. Understanding the early perturbations driven by the LRRK2 G2019S mutation in gastrointestinal pathology may facilitate the development of biomarkers for early diagnosis and intervention in PD.
In Vitro Studies of Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Antibacterial Activities of Leea rubra Blume
Authors: Mai Hung Van , Do Mai Van , Ngo Phong Hong , Phung Nguyen Phat
Published: December 2024

The current work investigated the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties of extracts from Leea rubra roots, stems, and leaves in vitro. The antioxidant capabilities of Leea rubra extracts were tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), nitric oxide, total antioxidant activity, ferric reducing-antioxidant power, and reducing power tests. The extracts' antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli was tested using the agar-well diffusion method. The antidiabetic efficacy of the extract was assessed by inhibiting alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. Leea rubra extracts have shown strong antioxidant and antidiabetic action, with IC50 values ranging from 6.63+/-0.05 to 27.49+/-0.64 ug/mL and 20.31+/-0.46 to 41.84+/-0.02 ug/mL, respectively. Leea rubra extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 160 to 640 ug/mL. Furthermore, the chemical composition study revealed the existence of alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, saponins, and glycosides. This study reveals that Leea rubra contains a high potential of natural antibacterial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties.
Quantitative Attributions with Counterfactuals
Authors: Adjavon Diane-Yayra , Eckstein Nils , Bates Alexander S. , Jefferis Gregory S.X.E. , Funke Jan
Published: December 2024

We address the problem of explaining the decision process of deep neural network classifiers on images, which is of particular importance in biomedical datasets where class-relevant differences are not always obvious to a human observer. Our proposed solution, termed quantitative attribution with counterfactuals (QuAC), generates visual explanations that highlight class-relevant differences by attributing the classifier decision to changes of visual features in small parts of an image. To that end, we train a separate network to generate counterfactual images (i.e., to translate images between different classes). We then find the most important differences using novel discriminative attribution methods. Crucially, QuAC allows scoring of the attribution and thus provides a measure to quantify and compare the fidelity of a visual explanation. We demonstrate the suitability and limitations of QuAC on two datasets: (1) a synthetic dataset with known class differences, representing different levels of protein aggregation in cells and (2) an electron microscopy dataset ofD. melanogastersynapses with different neurotransmitters, where QuAC reveals so far unknown visual differences. We further discuss how QuAC can be used to interrogate mispredictions to shed light on unexpected inter-class similarities and intra-class differences.
CycleDesigner: Leveraging RFdiffusion and HighFold to Design Cyclic Peptide Binders for Specific Targets
Authors: Zhang Chenhao , Xu Zhenyu , Lin Kang , Zhang Chengyun , Xu Wen , Duan Hongliang
Published: December 2024

Cyclic peptides are potentially therapeutic in clinical applications, due to their great stability and activity. Yet, designing and identifying potential cyclic peptide binders targeting specific targets remains a formidable challenge, entailing significant time and resources. In this study, we modified the powerful RFdiffusion model to allow the cyclic peptide structure identification and integrated it with ProteinMPNN and HighFold to design binders for specific targets. This innovative approach, termed cycledesigner, was followed by a series of scoring functions that efficiently screen. With the combination of effective cyclic peptide design and screening, our study aims to further broaden the scope of cyclic peptide binder design.
Deciphering Cross-Cohort Metabolic Signatures of Immune Responses and Their Implications for Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Fu Jianbo , Unen Nienke van , Sarlea Andrei , Nguyen Nhan , Jaeger Martin , Botey-Bataller Javier , Koeken Valerie A.C.M. , Bree L. Charlotte de , Mourits Vera P. , Moorlag Simone J.C.F.M. , Temba Godfrey , Kullaya Vesla I. , Mast Quirijn de , Joosten Leo A.B. , Xu Cheng-Jian , Netea Mihai G. , Li Yang
Published: December 2024

The intricate interplay between circulating metabolites and immune responses, though crucial to disease pathophysiology, remains poorly understood and underexplored in systematic research. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the immune response and circulating metabolome in two Western European cohorts (534 and 324 healthy individuals) and one from sub-Saharan Africa (323 healthy donors). At metabolic level, our analysis uncovered sex differences in the correlation between phosphatidylcholine and cytokine responses uponex-vivostimulations. Notably, sphingomyelin showed a significant negative correlation with the monocyte-derived cytokine production in response toStaphylococcus aureusstimulation, a finding validated through functional experiments. Subsequently, employing Mendelian randomization analysis, we established a link between sphingomyelin and COVID-19 severity, providing compelling evidence for a modulatory effect of sphingomyelin on immune responses during human infection. Collectively, our results represent a unique resource (https://lab-li.ciim-hannover.de/apps/imetabomap/) for exploring metabolic signatures associated with immune function in different populations, highlighting sphingomyelin metabolism as a potential target in treating inflammatory and infectious diseases.
Community Perceptions, Knowledge, and Experiences of Pre-eclampsia: An Exploratory Study in Uganda
Authors: Kagoya Enid Kawala , Nsubuga Allan G , Authairwe Irene , Nakatudde Prossy , Asiimwe Catherine , Gidudu Chispus , Ajalo Elizabeth , Waako Paul , Wandabwa Julius , Arach Lawrence , Atwakire Grace Mbabazi , Musaba Milton , Kibuuka Ronald , Nyangoma Faith , Mbanago Sheilla , Mugabi Joshua , Chemutai Violet , Atugonza Jesca , Ewaala Byron Jonathan , Nakawuka Betty , Okello Francis , Mugahi Richard , Jackline Akello , Twineamatsiko Andrew , Adroma Moses , Mugabe Kenneth
Published: December 2024

Background

Pre-eclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are the second leading cause of maternal mortality globally, with 95% of the burden in low and middle in countries. In Uganda, these conditions account for 16% of maternal deaths. Pre-eclampsia, which affects 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide, significantly impacts both maternal and perinatal health due to complications and iatrogenic preterm delivery. Effective management hinges on understanding the condition, early symptom recognition, and timely healthcare seeking. However, patient perspectives and experiences on pre-eclampsia in low-and middle-income countries remain underexplored.

Objective

This study aimed to explore knowledge, myths, and experiences related to pre-eclampsia among women of reproductive age in Mbale city, Eastern Uganda, to understand their impact on health-seeking behaviours.

Methods

An explorative qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 81 women aged 18-49 years, recruited during a community outreach initiative on pre-eclampsia. Data were collected over 6 days between 21st-26th/May/2024 using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti software.

Results

Participants demonstrated a limited understanding of pre-eclampsia, with common misconceptions including associating it with swollen feet, body weakness, marital distress, multiple pregnancies, high blood pressure and witchcraft reflecting a mix of accurate and misguided understandings. Participants showed varying responses to pre-eclampsia, with some relying on traditional remedies and others seeking modern medical care. Management strategies included herbal treatments and unconventional remedies.

Conclusion

The study highlights a critical gap in accurate knowledge and awareness of pre-eclampsia among women in Mbale City. Misconceptions and reliance on traditional medicine contribute to delays in seeking appropriate care. Culturally tailored educational interventions are needed to improve awareness, and understanding of pre-eclampsia, and promote timely medical care, essential for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes in low-income settings.
Accelerating Tuberculosis Diagnosis in Mozambican Prisons Using Digital Chest X-rays with Computer Aided Detection: Preliminary Results from a Longitudinal, Comprehensive Health Intervention
Authors: Olotu Amadin A. , Chiramal Justy Antony , Boehm Rachel A. , Nair Aswathy M. , Chawla Sanya , Vicente Mário A. , Matusse Dulcidio A. , Uate Sérgio T. , Munguambe Amândio S. , Prophete Edwin J. , Brown Victoria M. , Anli Cremilde M. , Vijayan Shibu , Calder Ivan R. , Spaulding Anne C.
Published: December 2024

Background

Mozambique has a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) and in 2021, an estimated 18,000 incident cases nationwide were not diagnosed. Global estimates suggest that 47% of TB disease in prisons is undiagnosed. We implemented an integrated-care-model health intervention to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of TB disease, provide TB preventive treatment (TPT), and identify and treat other undiagnosed health conditions.

Methods

Beginning from July 11, 2023, and through the 2nd quarter of 2024 we conducted active case-finding for TB using digital chest x-rays with computer aided detection (DCXR-CAD), in three prisons in Maputo, Mozambique. We conducted clinical assessments for other health conditions and delivered TPT.

Results

Of 7912 individuals screened, 264 new cases of TB disease were notified, a TB screening yield of 3.34% and a number needed to screen of 30, and 1346 persons were initiated on TPT. Other conditions were diagnosed and treated including HIV (28), malnutrition (830), and skin conditions (462).

Conclusions

Strengthening local infrastructure and implementing DCXR-CAD for screening gave a substantial TB yield in this population. Paying attention simultaneously to preventing TB and addressing other health conditions in this vulnerable population was important.
Mapping single-cell rheology of ascidian embryos in the cleavage stages using AFM
Authors: Kotani Takahiro , Matsuo Tomohiro , Yokobori Megumi , Tsuboyama Yosuke , Miyata Yuki , Fujii Yuki , Kuribayashi-Shigetomi Kaori , Okajima Takaharu
Published: December 2024

During early embryo development, cell division is highly organized and synchronized. Understanding the mechanical properties of embryonic cells as a material is crucial for elucidating the physical mechanism underlying embryogenesis. Previous atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies on developing embryos revealed that single cells of ascidian embryos in the cleavage stage stiffened and softened during cell division. However, how embryonic cells, as a compliant material, exhibit viscoelastic properties during the cell cycle remains poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated the rheological properties of embryonic cells in the animal hemisphere in the cleavage stages using stress-relaxation AFM and approach-retraction force curve AFM techniques. The AFM measurements revealed that developing single cells followed a power-law rheology observed in single-cell rheologyin vitro. The embryonic cells increased the modulus (stiffness) and decreased the fluidity (the power-law exponent) towards cell division. We found three rheological states in developing embryos during the cell cycle. The correlation between the cell modulus and the fluidity during the cell cycle was collapsed onto a master curve with a negative correlation, indicating that embryonic cells tightly interacting with the neighboring cells conserved the universality of rheological behavior observed in single cellsin vitro.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the rheological properties of embryonic cells is crucial to elucidate the origin and mechanism of the functional and morphological changes in cells during embryogenesis. AFM-based microrheology revealed that single cells of ascidian embryos in the animal hemisphere in the cleavage stages followed a single power-law rheology, which has no characteristic time scale. Furthermore, the rheological parameters, such as cell stiffness and fluidity, were collapsed onto a master curve with a negative correlation during the cell cycle. These rheological behaviors are similar to those observed in single cells in vitro, indicating that the embryonic cells tightly interacting with each other conserved the intrinsic rheological behaviors of isolated single cells.
Charge distribution of coating brush drives inter-chromosome attraction
Authors: Sorichetti Valerio , Robin Paul , Palaia Ivan , Hernandez-Armendariz Alberto , Cuylen-Haering Sara , Šarić Anđela
Published: December 2024

The condensation of charged polymers is an important driver for the formation of biomolecular condensates. Recent experiments suggest that this mechanism also controls the clustering of eukaryotic chromosomes during the late stages of cell division. In this process, inter-chromosome attraction is driven by the condensation of cytoplasmic RNA and Ki-67, a charged intrinsically disordered protein that coats the chromosomes as a brush. Attraction between chromosomes has been shown to be specifically promoted by a localized charged patch on Ki-67, although the physical mechanism remains unclear. To elucidate this process, we combine here coarse-grained simulations and analytical theory to study the RNA-mediated interaction between charged polymer brushes on the chromosome surfaces. We show that the charged patch on Ki-67 leads to inter-chromosome attraction via RNA bridging between the two brushes, whereby the RNA preferentially interacts with the charged patches, leading to stable, long-range forces. By contrast, if the brush is uniformly charged, bridging is basically absent due to complete adsorption of RNA onto the brush. Moreover, the RNA dynamics becomes caged in presence of the charged patch, while remaining diffusive with uniform charge. Our work sheds light on the physical origin of chromosome clustering, while also suggesting a general mechanism for cells to tune work production by biomolecular condensatesviadifferent charge distributions.
A comparative analysis of planarian regeneration specificity reveals tissue polarity contributions of the axial cWnt signalling gradient
Authors: Cleland James P. , Vu Hanh T.-K. , Dickmann Johanna E. M. , Rozanski Andrei , Werner Steffen , Schuhmann Andrea , Shevchenko Anna , Rink Jochen C.
Published: December 2024

Planarians exhibit remarkable whole-body regeneration abilities. The formation of heads at forward-facing wounds and tails at rearward-facing wounds suggests an intrinsic tissue polarity guiding regeneration. While the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, reports of double-headed regenerates from increasingly narrow tissue fragments have long been hypothesised to reflect gradient-based polarity specification. Here, we systematically re-examine this hypothesis in the modern model speciesSchmidtea mediterraneaand a representative of the genus likely used in the original studies,Girardia sinensis. While we never observed double-heads inS. mediterranea,G. sinensisreadily regenerated double-heads in a manner dependent on piece length, anatomical position and body size. We found that the reduced regeneration robustness ofG. sinensiswas partially explained by wound site-symmetric expression of the head determinantnotum, which is highly anterior-specific inS. mediterranea. Exploring what else might mediate head/tail regeneration specificity inG. sinensis, we examined the role of the conserved tail-to-head cWnt signalling gradient. By developing a time-resolved pharmacological approach to reduce the cWnt gradient slope without affecting wound-induced cWnt signalling dynamics, we observed an increased incidence of double-headed regenerates. In addition, the body size-dependence of double-head formation correlated with the decreasing steepness of the cWnt gradient due to scaling. Taken together, our results indicate that the slope of the cWnt gradient may contribute to planarian head/tail regeneration specificity. Furthermore, they suggest that planarian tissue polarity is composed of multiple parallely-acting polarity cues, the differential reliance on which contributes to the observed interspecies variation in regeneration specificity.
Investigation of the semileptonic decay
Ξcc++→Ξc+ℓ¯νℓ
within QCD sum rules
Authors: Tousi M. Shekari , Azizi K. , Moshfegh H. R.
Published: December 2024

We study the semileptonic decay of the doubly heavy baryon Ξcc++ into the singly heavy baryon Ξc+ within the three-point QCD sum rule approach in two possible lepton channels. Our analysis includes perturbative as well as nonperturbative condensation contributions up to dimension 5. We evaluate the form factors of this semileptonic decay entering the amplitude described by the vector and axial vector transition currents. The fit functions of the form factors with respect to the transferred momentum squared are utilized to predict the decay widths and branching ratios of the Ξcc++→Ξc+ℓ¯νℓ channels. We compare our findings with other predictions in the literature. Our outcomes can be useful for experimental groups in their search for the weak decays of doubly heavy baryons and may be checked via future experiments such as LHCb.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Density functional theory investigation of the phase transition, elastic and thermal characteristics for AuMTe2(M = Ga, In) chalcopyrite compounds
Authors: Boucerredj N. , Semari F. , Ghemid S. , Oughaddou H. , Khenata R. , Bouhemadou A. , Boucharef M. , Meradji H. , Chouahda Z. , Bin-Omran S. , Goumri-Said S.
Published: December 2024

We explored the pressure-induced structural phase transitions and elastic properties of AuMTe2 (M = Ga, In) using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method within the framework of density functional theory, applying both generalized gradient and local density approximations. Thermodynamic properties were further assessed through the quasi-harmonic model. We determined the transition pressures for the phase shift from the chalcopyrite structure to the NaCl rock-salt phase in both AuGaTe2 and AuInTe2. Additionally, we calculated and analyzed mechanical properties, such as bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, elastic anisotropy, ductility versus brittleness, and hardness for the polycrystalline forms of AuMTe2 (M = Ga, In). The study also examined how temperature and pressure affect the Debye temperature, heat capacities, thermal expansion, entropy, bulk modulus, Grüneisen parameter, and hardness, utilizing the quasi-harmonic Debye model.
The impact of loan risk compensation policy in the short food supply chain: is blockchain-enabled financing more efficient?
Authors: Xue Ning , Huo Hong , Han Chunjia , Yang Mu , Arya Varsha , Panigrahi Prabin Kumar , Gupta Brij B.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore conditions for the application of blockchain-enabled financing versus traditional prepayment. It seeks to understand how a short food supply chain can choose more efficient financing pattern under loan risk compensation policy, crucial for designing an optimal short food supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing Stackelberg game, decisions of the short food supply chain regarding the adoption of different financing patterns are modeled. The theoretical model’s outcomes are validated using data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, including publicly available market prices and costs of soybeans and wheat over the past decade. Adjusted market prices are derived using consumer price index for residential prices to eliminate the impact of inflation.

Findings

The loan risk compensation rate, prepayment discount rate, blockchain-enabled financing interest rate and distribution of crop output create three distinct scenarios, prompting members of the short food supply chain to form various financing pattern preferences. Simultaneously, loan risk compensation effectively improves supply chain performance. Moreover, the impact of risk compensation is more pronounced at lower output rates.

Originality/value

This research emphasizes that the blockchain-enabled financing pattern is not always dominant. Government departments can shape the financing pattern preferences of supply chain members by adjusting risk compensation rate, thereby promoting the application of the blockchain-enabled financing pattern. This paper contributes to the literature on the adoption of blockchain technology for financing short food supply chain by delving into the issue of financing pattern selection.
Female physicians in senior management positions during a crisis: a constructive multimodal communication framework of feminine leadership
Authors: Grebelsky-Lichtman Tsfira , Gur-Dick Michal
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to explore multimodal, i.e. verbal and nonverbal, gendered communication patterns of female physicians in senior management positions (governmental and health authorities) during a crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed multi-variable design, repeated ANOVA tests, and planned contrasts, the authors analyzed television appearances of 20 female physicians in senior management positions during the COVID-19 crisis (March/2020-April/2021).

Findings

The findings revealed patterns of mixed-gendered communication structures. Verbally, female physicians primarily displayed a masculine/agentic communication style of assertiveness, control, confidence and rationality. Nonverbally, however, they expressed a feminine/communal communication style of emotional attention, interpersonal sensitivity, responsiveness, kindness and empathy. Moreover, the analysis delineated integrated multimodal constructive vs. inhibitive communication strategies for crisis communication of female physicians in senior management positions.

Research limitations/implications

In the current research the authors did not compare females to males in health management positions, which is their follow-up project, but the authors did examine studies of males and females in management positions in the political sphere, which supported their findings. Therefore, the authors were able to demonstrate theoretical implications of multimodal gendered communication frameworks of feminine leadership.

Practical implications

Delineating verbal and nonverbal gendered communicative structures of effective management in health sectors can help female physicians assume positions of leadership, serve as guide models for other female physicians and contribute to improving effective communication skills during a crisis.

Social implications

This study contributes to the attempts of promoting gender equity in medicine and management by presenting effective communication strategies in medical crises that can help to promote female physicians’ messages development, social influence, leadership and management success in the future.

Originality/value

This article presents constructive, multimodal gendered communication frameworks of female physicians in senior management positions used in television appearances during the global COVID-19 crisis. Most previous studies in this area have examined either verbal or nonverbal communication mode. The value of this multimodal examination provides insights that may enhance constructive communication of female physicians in senior management positions during a crisis.
Barriers to shippers’ resistance in adopting truck-sharing services
Authors: Islam Samsul , Uddin Mohammad Jasim , Wang Michael , Shi Yangyan , Venkatesh V.G.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Truck-sharing stands out as an impactful strategy for minimizing emissions and optimizing the streamlined transport of goods. This study seeks to address a gap in understanding by investigating the barriers shippers face in adopting truck-sharing services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs the innovation resistance theory to examine a range of potential barriers. A total of seven potential barriers are included in the investigation. Survey data from Bangladeshis are analyzed using an artificial neural network.

Findings

The barriers, ranked in importance, include image, tradition, value, usage, risk, psychological ownership and privacy concerns. Thus, psychological barriers (image and tradition) mostly underpin resistance to change, showing that the issue is more rooted in shippers' perceptions than operations. Also, they often do not find a financial cause to use truck-sharing services. Usage barriers, explicitly addressing the practical application of truck-sharing services, have now assumed the third position, underscoring their significance in overcoming the barriers.

Research limitations/implications

The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to reconsider their approaches in addressing the most formidable truck-sharing barriers.

Practical implications

This insight holds implications for shippers and transport companies, offering strategic guidance to optimize their engagement with and support for such services.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this study examines shippers' reluctance to adopt truck-sharing services in a developing country.
(In)visibilized? Roma in social, family and workfare policy discourses in the authoritarian neoliberal context of Hungary
Authors: Vidra Zsuzsanna , Virágh Enikő Anna
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This article explores how a disadvantaged ethnic minority is portrayed in government discourses related to social, family and workfare policies in an illiberal and authoritarian neoliberal system, using the case of Hungary and Hungarian Roma. In our paper, relying on the theory of post-raciality and, within this, the concepts of (in)visibilization, we aim to reveal to what extent Roma are perceived as the undeserving racialized poor.

Design/methodology/approach

We deployed the policy frame analysis method to categorize policy discourse content into different frames: diagnostic (identification of the problem), prognostic (solutions to problems) and motivational (incentives for action to mobilize people). Three data sources were used: pro-government media articles, state-of-the-nation address speeches and the party manifesto of the governing party. The timeframe of the analysis was between 2010 and 2023. The dataset consisted of 75 documents.

Findings

Only in a few cases did we find racializing language, typically at the beginning of the analyzed period, which gradually disappeared from the discourse, followed by a more paternalistic tone. We conclude that the notions of merit and self-responsibilization have been successfully used to hide (invisibilize) the structural causes of ethnic inequalities and shift the responsibility to individual efforts. The most vulnerable Roma, who are excluded from the labor market, are perceived as not accepting the neoliberal and paternalistic “social contract.” At the same time, they are made invisible by being omitted from the official narrative.

Originality/value

A wide range of literature tackles questions like how neoliberal authoritarianism is related to workfare policies and ethnic minorities. Much less is said about how vulnerable ethnic minority groups are perceived in authoritarian neoliberal regimes. This paper contributes to a better understanding of how such regimes perceive minorities: the use of the categories of racialized or non-racialized, and deserving or undeserving minorities.
Contingent convertible Ijara pricing model
Authors: Triki Ons , Abid Fathi
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to conceive and develop a pricing model for the Ijara contingent convertible contract (ICCC, hereafter), considering the possibility that the lessee may default. The ICCC model grants the lessor the option of converting the unpaid amount into equity or recovering the leased equipment and selling it at market price in case of financial distress.

Design/methodology/approach

The ICCC is consistent with the profit-sharing approach and the new risk management techniques, which are compatible with Islamic philosophy. Relying on real options theory and the contingent claim approach, a closed-form solution of the firm’s assets is developed in a dynamic environment, where the rate of return is generated by a Cox-Ingersoll-Ross stochastic process.

Findings

Examining the numerical analysis reveals the impact of the firm value, the conversion or sell decision and the conversion ratio and volatility on the ICCC value. The value of the ICCC can increase substantially as the value of the firm approaches the conversion threshold. The conversion ratio as well as the asset market price play equally an important role in the decision to convert or sell.

Originality/value

This paper develops a pricing model for a contingent Ijara contract, which incorporates a conversion option to mitigate the lessee’s credit risk during periods of economic instability. The ICCC is a cooperative strategy that would be advantageous to all parties, including the lessor and lessee. In the event of a conversion, businesses may be able to continue operating thanks to this financial innovation, and the lessor may profit from the company’s recovery by freeing up more resources for the use of more profitable ventures.
Cleanliness is next to godliness: can money laundering be sharia-compliant?
Authors: Alenazi Abdulrazak , Chazi Abdelaziz , M Alotaibi Eid , Gleason Kimberly
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the current research to create a conceptual framework for the Islamic perspective on money-laundering (ML) activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a qualitative research approach through an analysis of texts from the Holy Quran, the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Islamic scholars’ jurisprudence, as well as a literature review of the research regarding money laundering within the scope of Sharia law.

Findings

The authors document three examples of “grey areas” remaining for consideration within the context of anti-money laundering (AML) policy at Islamic banks and Islamic insurance companies: the proceeds of the secular predicate crimes of tax evasion, grey and black-market employment and inheritance issues.

Research limitations/implications

The authors open new avenues for future research to examine the ML and other financial crimes by comparing different legal jurisdictions to Sharia laws, i.e. country-by-country analysis. Future research can also further grain the Sharia perspective of ML and other financial processes by examining the detailed views of different Islamic schools of thought (i.e. Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali) or by considering additional ML typologies in light of Sharia law.

Practical implications

The results are of interest for policymakers, whereas by acknowledging the differences between Sharia and civil laws and their complementarity, more accurate regulations can be set to establish prudent operational AML/CTF frameworks for Islamic banks and insurance companies.

Social implications

For the Sharia advisory boards of Islamic financial and designated non-financial businesses and professions to enhance their monitory role as an additional layer of AML control.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to provide consideration to the distinction between the concepts of secular illegality and Sharia prohibition in determining the permissible scope of activities to which Know Your Customer compliance should apply at Islamic banks and insurance companies.
Will Muslims integrate an Islamic accounting principle (zakat) into the financial paradigm reshaped by cryptocurrencies? Insights into cryptocurrencies holder perspectives
Authors: Bin-Nashwan Saeed Awadh , Muneeza Aishath , Ismaiel Abdelhamid Elsayed A. , Mohamed Ismail , Bajary Anas Rasheed , Obaid Mohammed Mahdi
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Muslim engagement with cryptocurrencies (CC) raises fundamental questions rooted in religious faith: How should Muslims integrate Islamic Accounting principles like zakat into this new and rapidly evolving financial paradigm? Thus, it is essential to understand CC holders’ perceptions thoroughly and whether they are willing to pay zakat using crypto assets. This research aims to explore factors influencing Muslim CC holders’ intention to pay zakat on CC, emphasizing financial risk, theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs and Shariah compliance’s moderating role.

Design/methodology/approach

This attempt uses a quantitative approach through a cross-sectional research design, using purposive sampling to gather data from Muslim CC holders. An extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB) model is applied to comprehensively analyze the key factors influencing intentions to pay zakat on CC. SmartPLS software is used to generate meaningful findings.

Findings

The study finds that financial risk associated with CC exerted a negative influence on TPB constructs, attitude (ATT), social norms (SN) and perceived behavioral control regarding zakat on CC (PBC). However, ATT and PBC positively shaped holders’ intention to pay zakat on CC. Interestingly, Shariah compliance-moderated interactions of TPB constructs on payment intentions were statistically significant.

Originality/value

With the rise of CC, a profound transformation is underway in the financial landscape. As this evolution unfolds, it becomes increasingly essential for stakeholders to understand how zakat could fit into such a new and rapidly evolving paradigm. A pioneering effort was made in this study by exploring Muslim CC holders’ intentions to fulfill zakat obligations, bridging a significant gap in the literature.
The role of activity restrictions on financial intermediation costs in ASEAN countries
Authors: Taib Khan Fatin Nur Hidayah , Abdul Kader Malim Nurhafiza , Masron Tajul Ariffin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of activity restrictions on the financial intermediation costs in ASEAN countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the two-step system generalized method of moments approach to tackle the endogeneity problems. The sample consists of 130 banks from ASEAN countries covering the over 2009–2022 period.

Findings

This study provides valuable insights into various dimensions of activity restrictions within the banking across ASEAN countries. The findings highlight that imposing restrictions on activities such as securities, insurance and real estate can significantly elevate intermediation costs, affecting the overall efficiency of the banking sector. Furthermore, restrictions on ownership lead to higher intermediation costs by limiting operational flexibility, thereby constraining banks’ ability to optimize their financial services.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of this study is limited to banks in ASEAN countries and focuses only on the regulations restricting banking activities.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that policymakers should conduct a comprehensive review and potential adjustment of the existing regulatory framework related to restrictions on banking activities to strike an optimal balance between risk mitigation and fostering an environment that enhances banks’ efficiency. In addition, regulators could consider introducing regulatory reforms to ownership-related restrictions to promote greater flexibility and adaptability in the banking sector.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the field of banking by offering valuable insights for policymakers and regulators in ASEAN countries. It provides empirical evidence on the impact of activity restrictions on financial intermediation costs, highlighting key factors for developing more effective regulatory strategies.
Exploring the impact of digital economy on tourism employment
Authors: Cheng Li , Tian Jiawen
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to empirically analyze the impact of digital on tourism employment. It investigates how different dimensions of digital economy affect tourism employment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the data of 31 provinces in China from 2003 to 2022, this study makes an empirical analysis through the fixed effect model.

Findings

The results show that the digital economy has a significant negative impact on tourism employment, which has passed endogeneity and robustness tests. Specifically, digital platforms and digital users have a negative impact on tourism employment. Digital industries have a positive impact on tourism employment. In addition, product innovation and process innovation play a partial mediating role in the digital industries mechanism that affects tourism employment.

Practical implications

This study has significant practical implications for reducing tourism unemployment risks caused by digital platforms and users. It is crucial to expand the benefits of digital industry growth to enhance employment.

Originality/value

This study contributes to enhancing both theoretical frameworks and empirical insights into tourism employment. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to attempt to empirically analyze the impact of digital economy on tourism employment. This study also advances this body of knowledge by highlighting the mediating effect of innovation.
Influence of the COIL methodology on the development of intercultural competence and sustainability in Latin American business students
Authors: Vega Chica Mayra Liuviana
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of an collaborative online international learning (COIL) program on student behavioral satisfaction and community engagement, with a focus on diversity and sustainability. Explore how these changes affect students’ perceptions of the impact of these activities and their motivation to use sustainable practices in their future careers.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of research methods combining qualitative and quantitative methods was adopted. Quantitative data were collected through satisfaction surveys that included Likert scale to measure various aspects of the COIL experience. Qualitative data were obtained from students’ open statements and semi-structured interviews. Analysis uses statistical and literary techniques to identify key themes and patterns in the student’s understanding.

Findings

Results showed overall high student satisfaction with COIL’s activities; this highlighted the positive impact of multicultural leadership and integrating sustainability into the business. Statistical analysis revealed a positive relationship between the relationship quality created by COIL and the perception of safety-related factors. In addition, students have the desire to apply the principles they have learned in their future work.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of sustainability education within COIL by examining three critical dimensions: the promotion of sustainable practices in future professional environments, the development of sustainability competencies and the impact of sustainability topics on students’ perceived relationship quality and safety within collaborative international projects. Through this lens, the author investigates how COIL-based activities shape students’ commitment to sustainable practices, enhancing their intercultural competence and readiness for a globalized workforce.