bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Prevotella copri and Advanced Fibrosis in the Progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Authors: Leitman Madelaine , Zhang David , Pawar Shrey , Shera Simer , Hernandez Laura , Jacobs Jonathan P. , Dong Tien S.
Published: November 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), driven by obesity and metabolic syndrome, is increasingly prevalent and a significant contributor to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver-related mortality. Emerging research implicates the gut microbiome as a critical player in MASLD progression, yet specific microbial drivers remain poorly understood. Here, we explore the role ofPrevotella copri(P. copri) in MASLD progression through both human patient cohorts and a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, we identified elevatedP. copriabundance in MASLD patients with advanced fibrosis, linked with significant shifts in microbial diversity and bacterial network connectivity. To investigate causality, experimental colonization ofP. copriin mice on a high-fat diet worsened MASLD progression, withP. copri-colonized mice showing significant increases in hepatic steatosis, liver triglyceride accumulation, and body weight, independent of caloric intake. At the molecular level,P. copricolonization downregulated key lipid metabolism genes, such as Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 1, Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase, and Adipose Triglyceride Lipase, and impaired tight intestinal junction integrity through the downregulation of cluadins, occludin, and zonula occludens-1. Collectively, our findings positionP. coprias a possible driver of MASLD progression by promoting hepatic steatosis through lipid and triglyceride accumulation and fibrosis through decreased tight junction integrity. These insights suggest a promising therapeutic avenue to target specific microbial signatures likeP. coprito curb MASLD progression and mitigate the associated risk of advanced fibrosis.
A motif preferred adenine base editor with minimal bystander and off-targets editing
Authors: Shang Mengyu , Li Yinuo , Cao Qiuyu , Ren Jingxuan , Zeng Yuqiang , Wang Jinxin , Ge Xiyu , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: November 2024

48% of hereditary disease are caused by single C-to-T base conversion, which makes efficient A-to-G base editing tools (ABEs) have great potential in the treatment of these diseases. However, the existing efficient ABE, while catalyzing A-to-G conversion, will bring more A and C bystander editing and off-target events, which poses safety concerns for their clinical application. Here, we developed ABE10 (ABE8e with TadA-8e A48E) for efficient and accurate editing of As in YA motifs with YAY>YAR (Y=T or C, R=A or G) hierarchy through structure-oriented rational design. Compared with ABE3.1, currently the only motif (YAC) preference ABE version, ABE10 exhibited A-to-G editing efficiency improvement with an average up to 3.1-fold in indicated YA motif while maintaining reduced bystander Cs editing and minimized DNA or RNA off-targets. Also, we showed ABE10 corrected pathogenic mutation with high efficiency and precision in human cells. Moreover, by ABE10, we efficiently and precisely generated hypocholes-terolemia and tail-loss mouse models mimicking human associated disease and mousePCSK9base editing in vivo for hypercholesterolemia gene therapy, indicating their great potential in broad applications for and disease modeling and gene therapy.
MAT2a and AHCY inhibition disrupts antioxidant metabolism and reduces glioblastoma cell survival
Authors: Rowland Emma C. , D’Antuono Matthew , Jermakowicz Anna , Ayad Nagi G.
Published: November 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary malignant adult brain tumor that inevitably recurs with a fatal prognosis. This is due in part to metabolic reprogramming that allows tumors to evade treatment. We therefore must uncover the pathways mediating these adaptations to develop novel and effective treatments. We searched for genes that are essential in GBM cells as measured by a whole-genome pan-cancer CRISPR screen available from DepMap and identified the methionine metabolism genesMAT2AandAHCY. We conducted genetic knockdown, evaluated mitochondrial respiration, and performed targeted metabolomics to study the function of these genes in GBM. We demonstrate thatMAT2AorAHCYknockdown induces oxidative stress, hinders cellular respiration, and reduces the survival of GBM cells. Furthermore, selective MAT2a or AHCY inhibition reduces GBM cell viability, impairs oxidative metabolism, and changes the metabolic profile of these cells towards oxidative stress and cell death. Mechanistically, MAT2a or AHCY regulates spare respiratory capacity, the redox buffer cystathionine, lipid and amino acid metabolism, and prevents DNA damage in GBM cells. Our results point to the methionine metabolic pathway as a novel vulnerability point in GBM.

Significance

We demonstrated that methionine metabolism maintains antioxidant production to facilitate pro-tumorigenic ROS signaling and GBM tumor cell survival. Importantly, targeting this pathway in GBM can potentially reduce tumor growth and improve survival in patients.
Modeling Primer-Template Interactions using BERT Tokenizer to Predict PCR Amplification with Attention-BiLSTM
Authors: Latifian Niloofar , Nazer Naghme , Jafarpisheh Amir Masoud , Hossein Khalaj Babak
Published: November 2024

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a widely used molecular biology technique to amplify DNA sequences. PCR amplification is affected by factors such as binding dynamics and primer-template interactions. This study aims to reduce the time and cost of the experiment by predicting PCR outcomes based on these factors. To achieve this, we first identify the most stable binding sites for each primer-template pair by calculating the Gibbs free energy. Then, we propose a unique labelling strategy that captures primer-template interactions in the binding sites by analyzing match and mismatch positions. We categorize a set of English words into two semantically distinct groups: one for match positions and another for mismatch positions. Words within each group have a higher cosine similarity to one another than to words in the opposing group. We assign the corresponding word to each base pair based on whether it is a match or a mismatch. The labelled sequence is then tokenized with BERT, serving as input to an attention Bi-LSTM model. Achieving 96.3% accuracy, this approach significantly outperforms prior methods and pioneers BERT-based analysis in primer-template bindings.
The Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Genes MS4A4A And MS4A6A Cooperate to Negatively Regulate Trem2 and Microglia states
Authors: Rosner Dalya , Sun Jessica , Yee Angie , Wagh Chaitanya , Rychkova Anna , Cacace Rita , Buonfiglioli Alice , Alwahagri Muhammed , Kong Phil , Roell Marina , Ho Wei-Hsien , Gong Belvin , Denton Heidi , Muscarnera Giacomo , Meese Tim , El-Khatib Malak , Bermingham Daniel , Ibrahim Adiljan , Kuhn Julia , Wang Xiaoting , Gulbranson Daniel , Rhinn Herve , Khan Zia , Mitra Ananya , Schwabe Tina , Srinivisan Karpagam , Tassi Ilaria , DeWitte Lotje , Mancuso Renzo , Long Hua , Heutink Peter , Kenkare-Mitra Sara , Rosenthal Arnon
Published: November 2024

Genetic variations inMS4A4AandMS4A6Aare linked to the regulation of cerebrospinal fluid soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) levels and are associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk and progression. Using CRISPR knockout and MS4A4A-degrading antibodies in primary human microglia, non-human primates (NHP), and a xenotransplantation model of amyloid pathology, we provide evidence thatMS4A4AandMS4A6Aare negative regulators of both the transmembrane and soluble TREM2 proteins. They also negatively regulate microglia proliferation, survival, metabolism, lysosomal function, energetics, phagocytosis, and disease-fighting states. Mechanistically, we find that MS4A4A exerts negative regulation by interacting with MS4A6A and protecting it from degradation. MS4A6A in turn forms a complex with and blocks the co-receptor DAP12, which is required for the stability, cell surface localization, and signaling of TREM2 and other receptors. Taken together, the data indicate thatMS4A4AandMS4A6Aare cooperating, post-transcriptional negative regulators of TREM2 and microglial function, and potential drug targets for AD.
Heat stress impacts the gut microbiome of Atlantic salmon by promoting growth of Vibrionaceae and is associated with extensive cast production
Authors: Bowman John P.
Published: November 2024

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) when exposed to heat stress have reduced voluntary feeding and exhibit changes in digesta consistency. This study was performed to determine what bacterial species occur and the overall bacterial abundance in the gut microbiome in heat stressed Atlantic salmon. For this Atlantic salmon in seawater tanks at 15°C were fed for 2 to 4 weeks. Tank temperatures were increased to 19°C until voluntary feeding abated at which point tank temperatures were cooled to 15°C for 4 weeks. At the end of each temperature phase the fish were stripped of feces and microbiome profiles were determined using 16S rRNA V1-V3 metabarcoding. The tank experiment was repeated three times in successive years. Vibrionaceae comprised most reads after the warm phase completed. The prominent levels of Vibrionaceae were accompanied by a large predominance of cast (sloughed intestinal mucosa) containing fecal samples. qPCR estimated Vibrionaceae cell populations increased 1.9-3.4 log units/g after the warm phase but and slightly decreased by 0.3-1.1 log units/g after the 15°C recovery phase. The results indicated heat stress induced inappetence corresponds to increased cast production accompanied by predominance of Vibrionaceae. Vibrionaceae colonizing the Atlantic salmon gut should be the focus of studies on the microbiology of thermally induced inappetence and dysbiosis in Atlantic salmon.

Key Contribution

The experiments confirm that thermal stress increased cast production in Atlantic salmon. The increase in cast production coincides with increased predominance of Vibrionaceae. Though the growth of Vibrionaceae in the gut of salmon is not associated with acute disease it may represent a dysbiosis effect. The results suggest extended summers in regions where sea surface temperatures are at the tolerance limits require increased husbandry management of farmed fish. In addition, more studies are needed to determine if novel approaches can limit overgrowth of Vibrionaceae.
Single-unit activations confer inductive biases for emergent circuit solutions to cognitive tasks
Authors: Tolmachev Pavel , Engel Tatiana A.
Published: November 2024

Trained recurrent neural networks (RNNs) have become the leading framework for modeling neural dynamics in the brain, owing to their capacity to mimic how population-level computations arise from interactions among many units with heterogeneous responses. RNN units are commonly modeled using various nonlinear activation functions, assuming these architectural differences do not affect emerging task solutions. Contrary to this view, we show that single-unit activation functions confer inductive biases that influence the geometry of neural population trajectories, single-unit selectivity, and fixed point configurations. Using a model distillation approach, we find that differences in neural representations and dynamics reflect qualitatively distinct circuit solutions to cognitive tasks emerging in RNNs with different activation functions, leading to disparate generalization behavior on out-of-distribution inputs. Our results show that seemingly minor architectural differences provide strong inductive biases for task solutions, raising a question about which RNN architectures better align with mechanisms of task execution in biological networks.
Blood draw site and blood matrix influence mineral assessment
Authors: Alejandro Mikail G. , Schultz Kathleen , Killilea David W.
Published: November 2024

Circulating mineral concentrations are used to assess nutritional status or as markers for clinical conditions, but the quality of these measurements depends on the methods used for blood processing. Since the procedures for measuring mineral levels in blood are not standardized, discrepancies in sampling may influence the analytical results. We previously reported that zinc content in blood samples showed significant variation depending on several pre-analytical variables selected during blood collection and processing. In this study, we extend our analysis to determine how other mineral levels might be affected by different blood draw sites (capillary or venous) or sample matrices (plasma or serum). Sequential capillary and venous blood samples were collected from a diverse cohort of sixty healthy adults and analyzed for multiple minerals using inductively coupled plasma– optical emission spectrometry. Calcium, copper, iron, and magnesium were the only minerals that were detected in all samples and were free from contamination in the blood collection tubes used for the study. When assessing different blood draw sites, the concentrations of calcium, copper, iron, and magnesium were 2-11% higher from capillary compared to the venous plasma. When assessing different blood sample matrices, the concentrations of calcium, copper, and magnesium were 2-5% higher in serum compared to plasma samples, whereas the concentration of iron was 7% higher in plasma compared to serum samples. The differences observed in these four essential minerals from discrepant draw sites and blood matrices demonstrate the importance of controlling key pre-analytic variables when assessing mineral levels in blood.
Mdxmice dosed with antisense to CD49d and dystrophin exon skip morpholino; reduced force loss and affected gene expression pathways support ATL1102 combination therapy in DMD patients
Authors: Padhye A. S. , Kiriaev L. , Tiong C. , Gearing L.J , Wilson T , Houweling P. J. , Tachas G.
Published: November 2024

Background

VLA-4 is a disease progression biomarker in patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) including those treated with corticosteroids. ATL1102 an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) inhibitor of human CD49d chain of adhesion molecule VLA-4 shows promising phase-2 results in non-ambulant DMD stabilizing upper limb function (PUL2.0), grip strength, and MRI muscle fat fraction, compared to worsening with corticosteroids.

Methods

ASO to mouse CD49d (ISIS348574) was used in combination with a known mdx dystrophin morpholino exon-23 skipping restoration drug (PMO), dose-time chosen for low dystrophin restoration.Mdxmice were treated once weekly for 8 weeks with ASO, control mismatch oligonucleotide, saline, or PMO alone for 4 weeks, and PMO in combination with ASO or mismatch.

Results

ASO+PMO demonstrated increased specific maximum force and eccentric muscle force retention in the exterior digitorum longus (EDL) muscle after 1-7 muscle eccentric contractions relative to saline. Area-under-curve force remaining after 8-10 contractions was higher for ASO+PMO versus PMO monotherapy and ASO monotherapy, PMO monotherapy versus saline, and the ASO monotherapy versus saline and mismatch.

RNA-sequencing of quadriceps muscle evaluated gene expression changes, with false discovery rate (FDR) adjusted p-values up to <0.1. ASO monotherapy at FDR<0.05 showed 2 unique genes,Gm2ain immune neutrophil function andTrdnwithRyr2muscle calcium channel function, versusmdxsaline and none with MM. The lowest FDR PMO gene was another calcium channelCacna1s, with PMO+MM FDR<0.05. ASO+PMO treatment at FDR<0.05 modulated 55 genes, 53 unique to the combination and 2* also in ASO FDR<0.06. Affected genes were involved in immune response (Btla*,Ppml1,Tnfsm13), lipolysis (Fabp4*,G0s2), fibrosis (Igfbp-7, Calu), muscle cell (Asb15) and muscle stem cell function (Adam10, Mt-Tp, Myom1).

Conclusion

ASO+PMO EDL muscle function protection inmdxmice, and gene expression pathways affected, support the development of ATL1102 in combination therapy with conditionally approved morpholino dystrophin restoration drugs in DMD patients.
The resilience ofSalmonellato bile stress is impaired due to the reduced efflux pump activity mediated by the antioxidant enzyme YqhD
Authors: Parmar Kirti , Kumari Yogyta , Rajmani Raju S , Chakravortty Dipshikha
Published: November 2024

Bile salts play a critical role in modulating the host gut. They have antimicrobial properties wherein they disrupt the bacterial membrane and produce reactive oxygen species, causing DNA damage. Bile-resistant pathogen likeSalmonellaregulates their metabolic activity to counteract the effects of bile. This study explores the role of YqhD, a putative alcohol dehydrogenase, inSalmonella’s bile salt susceptibility. We observed increased survival ofyqhDmutant in the in vitro studies in LB media with bile, liver cell line HepG2 and C57BL/6 mice on treatment with 8% sodium cholate in the intestine. Bile salts are produced for the digestion of fat. Replacing the chow diet with a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice increased organ burden in C57BL/6 mice of theyqhDmutant.

Mutation ofyqhDon bile salt exposure leads to increased reactive oxygen species and modulation of antioxidant genes in the bacteria. The oxidative stress of theyqhDmutant is indispensable for improved survival when exposed to bile salt. The addition of antioxidant glutathionein vitroreduced the enhanced growth of theyqhDmutant. Similarly, in the gp91−/−phox mice, there was a reduced organ burden ofyqhDmutant on exposure to HFD compared to chow-fed mice. Furthermore, theyqhDmutant increases AcrAB efflux pump activity regulated by RamA/R regulon.

Teaser

Redox geneyqhDregulates bile salt susceptibility by modulatingSalmonella’sROS and efflux pump activity.

Graphical abstract

A.STM ΔyqhDhas less organ burden in the C57BL/6 mice than STM WT, and there was a similar organ burden ingp91phox−/−. On HFD exposure, the organ burden of STM ΔyqhDbecame similar to STM WT in C57BL/6 mice, and there was reduced organ of STM ΔyqhDburden whengp91phox−/−were exposed to HFD.

B.On bile salt exposure, YqhD inSalmonellareduces ROS in bacteria and expression of RamA, decreasing the AcrAB efflux pump activity and reducing survival.
Dopamine alters motor learning performance in the presence and absence of feedback
Authors: Leow Li-Ann , Tan Ashley Huey-Ryu , Carroll Timothy J , Adam Rob , Dux Paul E , Filmer Hannah L
Published: November 2024

Skilled motor performance is essential for survival. Indeed, we often not only choose to learn motor skills because of some external reward, but also because skilled movement, in and of itself, is satisfying. While dopamine is known to drive reward-based motor learning, it remains unclear whether dopamine is implicated in motor learning under conditions ostensibly driven by intrinsic rewards/motivation (i.e., in the absence of extrinsic feedback or reward). Here, we investigated the role of dopamine in motor skill learning guided by internally determined signals of performance success, using a task where learning occurred either in the absence or presence of feedback. We found that dopamine altered performance both in the presence and in the absence of information on task success. This provides direct causal evidence for a role of dopamine in motor learning driven by internal task goals.
GRNIX: A Graph Neural Network Framework for Explainable Gene Regulatory Network Inference in Autoimmune Diseases Using XAI
Authors: Mortadha Manai Mohamed
Published: November 2024

Autoimmune diseases result from dysregulated immune mechanisms influenced by complex gene regulatory net-works (GRNs). Deciphering these networks has significant implications for understanding disease mechanisms, predicting disease progression, and identifying novel therapeutic targets.

Traditional GRN inference techniques rely on statistical correlations or deterministic models, which are limited in capturing nonlinear interactions and often fail to provide interpretable outputs. Machine learning (ML)-based approaches, while more powerful, typically function as black-box systems, impeding their adoption in clinical settings.

To bridge this gap, we introduce GRNIX, a GRN inference framework designed to balance predictive accuracy with explainability. The framework integrates multi-omics data, incorporates biological and structural priors, and applies explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques to enhance interpretability..
Brain Feature Maps Reveal Progressive Animal-Feature Representations in the Ventral Stream
Authors: Zhang Z. , Hartmann T.S. , Born R.T. , Livingstone M.S. , Ponce C.R.
Published: November 2024

What are the fundamental units of representation in the primate visual brain? Whileobjectshave become an intuitive framework for studying neurons in many parts of cortex, it is possible that neurons follow a more expressive organizational principle, such as encoding generic features present across textures, places, and objects. In this study, we used multi-electrode arrays to record from neurons in early (V1/V2), middle (V4), and late (posterior inferotemporal cortex (PIT)) areas across the visual hierarchy, estimating the local operation of each neuron over the entire visual scene. These estimates, called “heatmaps,” approximate theweight sharingoperation of convolutional neural networks. We found that while populations of neurons across V1, V4, and PIT responded over the full scene, they focused on salient sub-regions within object outlines. The best captured object feature class belonged toanimals, not general objects, as a trend that increased over the visual hierarchy. These results show that the monkey ventral stream is partially organized to encode local animal features over objects, even as early as primary visual cortex.
mTOR inhibition alleviated tau phosphorylation-induced mitochondrial impairment, oxidative stress, and cognitive impairment
Authors: Tang Zhi , Guo Min , Ding Yuanting , Wang Li , Chen Huilin , Li Bo , Xiao Yan , Ni Ruiqing , Qi Xiaolan , Guan Zhizhong
Published: November 2024

Aim

Hyperphosphorylated tau plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Whether mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) directly interacts with the Tau protein at Ser214, Ser356 and Thr231 is not clear. This study aimed to investigate whether mTOR-regulated tau phosphorylation disrupts mitochondrial dynamics and function and whether rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, can modulate tau phosphorylation levels and attenuate AD-related alterations.

Methods

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors were used to intracranially deliver the TauS214E/T231E/S356E (Tau3E) variant into 2-month-old C57BL/6 mice. The mice were intraperitoneally administered the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin for one week, followed by assessment via the Morris water maze test. Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry were employed to measure the expression levels of mTOR, p70S6K, and tau; mitochondrial dynamics; and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HT22 cells and a mouse model overexpressing Tau3E, as well as in postmortem brain tissues from AD patients.

Results

p-mTORS2448 colocalized with p-TauSer214, p-TauSer356, and p-TauThr231 in the hippocampal CA3 region of AD patients. HT22 cells and C57BL/6 mice overexpressing Tau3Epresented elevated levels of p-mTOR, downstream target p-p70S6K, and ROS production; mitochondrial fragmentation; and p-TauSer214, p-TauSer356, and p-TauThr231. Rapamycin treatment partially mitigated the cognitive and molecular alterations in Tau3Emice.

Conclusion

This study revealed a causal link between Tau phosphorylation at Ser214, Ser356, and p-Thr231 and mTOR upregulation and downstream impairments in ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive function. Treatment using mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (i.p.) can alleviate impairment, reduce p-Tau and restore mitochondrial homeostasis, neuronal loss and cognitive impairment in mice.
Streamlined and efficient genome editing inCupriavidus necatorH16 using an optimised SIBR-Cas system
Authors: Della Valle Simona , Orsi Enrico , Creutzburg Sjoerd C. A. , Jansen Luc F. M. , Pentari Evangelia-Niki , Beisel Chase L. , Steel Harrison , Nikel Pablo I. , Staals Raymond H. J. , Claassens Nico J. , van der Oost John , Huang Wei E. , Patinios Constantinos
Published: November 2024

Cupriavidus necatorH16 is a promising microbial platform strain for CO2valorisation. WhileC. necatoris amenable to genome editing, existing tools are often inefficient or rely on lengthy protocols, hindering its rapid transition to industrial applications. In this study, we simplified and accelerated the genome editing pipeline forC. necatorby harnessing the Self-splicing Intron-Based Riboswitch (SIBR) system. We used SIBR to tightly control and delay Cas9-based counterselection, achieving >80% editing efficiency at two genomic loci within 48 hours after electroporation. To further increase the versatility of the genome editing toolbox, we upgraded SIBR to SIBR2.0 and used it to regulate the expression of Cas12a. SIBR2.0-Cas12a could mediate gene deletion inC. necatorwith ∼70% editing efficiency. Overall, we streamlined the genome editing pipeline forC. necator, facilitating its potential role in the transition to a bio-based economy.
Tomographic constraints on the production rate of gravitational waves from astrophysical sources
Authors: Alonso David , Nikjoo Mehraveh , Renzini Arianna I. , Bellini Emilio , Ferreira Pedro G.
Published: November 2024

Using an optimal quadratic estimator, we measure the large-scale cross-correlation between maps of the stochastic gravitational-wave intensity, constructed from the first three LIGO-Virgo observing runs, and a suite of tomographic samples of galaxies covering the redshift range z≲2. We do not detect any statistically significant cross-correlation, but the tomographic nature of the data allows us to place constraints on the (bias-weighted) production rate density of gravitational waves by astrophysical sources as a function of cosmic time. Our constraints range from ⟨bΩ˙GW⟩<3.0×10−9  Gyr−1 at z∼0.06 to ⟨bΩ˙GW⟩<2.7×10−7  Gyr−1 at z∼1.5 (95% confidence level), assuming a frequency spectrum of the form f2/3 (corresponding to an astrophysical background of binary mergers), and a reference frequency fref=25  Hz. Although these constraints are ∼2 orders of magnitude higher than the expected signal, we show that a detection may be possible with future experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Superselection rules, bosonization duality in
1+1
dimensions, and momentum-space entanglement
Authors: Martins Costa Matheus H. , Nogueira Flavio S. , van den Brink Jeroen
Published: November 2024

We investigate the effects of the presence of conserved charges on the momentum-space entanglement of quantum field theories. We show that if a given model has superselection sectors, then it allows for different notions of momentum modes, each associated with a complete set of commuting observables. Applying this idea to investigate the entanglement of momentum degrees of freedom on both sides of the Abelian bosonization duality, we find that different tensor product partitions are mapped into each other and give explicit examples to sustain our findings. The conditions on which our conclusions may be generalized to other duality transformations, which require the introduction of a notion stricter than the most general possible, are laid and directions for further work are given.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Adsorbate Configurations in Ni Single-Atom Catalysts during
CO2
Electrocatalytic Reduction Unveiled by
Operando
XAS, XES, and Machine Learning
Authors: Martini Andrea , Timoshenko Janis , Grosse Philipp , Rettenmaier Clara , Hursán Dorottya , Deplano Gabriele , Jeon Hyo Sang , Bergmann Arno , Roldan Cuenya Beatriz
Published: November 2024

Nickel and nitrogen co-doped carbon (Ni-N-C) catalysts are attracting attention due to their exceptionally high performance in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2(CO2RR) to CO. However, the direct experimental insight into the working mechanism of these catalysts is missing, hindering our fundamental understanding and their further improvement. This work sheds light on the nature of adsorbates forming under CO2RR at singly dispersed Ni sites. In particular, high energy resolution fluorescence detected x-ray absorption near edge structure (HERFD-XANES) at the Ni K-edge together with valence-to-core x-ray emission spectroscopy (vtc-XES) and x-ray absorption (XAS) at the Ni L3-edge were employed to unveil the structure and electronic properties of the reaction intermediates. These techniques, coupled with unsupervised and supervised machine learning methodologies and density functional theory, enabled a comprehensive characterization of the local atomistic and electronic structure of the working Ni-N-C catalysts. Specifically, we were able to distinguish between the structural and electronic changes of the Ni sites associated with the CO2RR functionality from the effect of radiation-induced damage, providing direct insight into the bond formation between the Ni centers and CO2RR intermediates such as CO adsorbates.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Optimists, moderates and sceptics – identifying consumer groups and their willingness to consume cultured proteins in Finland
Authors: Heiskanen Aino , Ryynänen Toni
Published: November 2024

Purpose

It is suggested that the detrimental externalities of intensive livestock production can be reduced by manufacturing animal proteins with cellular agriculture technologies. This study explores consumer attitudes towards cultured proteins based on representative Finnish survey data (n = 1,452).

Design/methodology/approach

Sum variables from the principal component analysis were utilized in the cluster analysis to identify potential consumer groups of cultured proteins in Finland. A regression analysis was used to find out the explanatory factors of positive first reaction, willingness to taste, willingness to use and support for the establishment of a national cultured meat sector.

Findings

Most of the respondents (72%) would taste cultured products, but attitudes of optimists (n = 516), moderates (n = 479) and sceptics (n = 457) differ in terms of the environment, livestock farming and cultured proteins. Most optimists (77%), almost quarter (23%) of moderates and less than a fifth (18%) of sceptics support cultured proteins. The environmental concerns are shared by optimists and moderates, whereas moderates and sceptics tend to be more suspicious. Positive attitudes are significantly influenced by social norms and respondents' beliefs regarding their global and national benefits. Major concerns pertain to anticipated dictation force of big companies, negative effects on Finnish agriculture, product attributes, use of genetically modified organisms and experienced (un)naturalness of cultured foods.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of Finnish consumers' attitudes towards cultured proteins. The identification of potential consumer segments and the elucidation of their attitudes are relevant, given the anticipated acceleration in the development of cultured foods.
How do push and pull factors affect non-vegetarians’ intention to buy plant-based meat products?
Authors: Liao Ying-Kai , Gungor Huseyin Fadullah , Girish V.G. , Lee Jinyoung , Wu Wann-Yih
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the push and pull factors and its relationship with the theory of planned behavior about non-vegetarians’ intentions to buy plant-based meat products. Previous studies seldom explored the intention of non-vegetarians’ intention to buy plant-based meat products.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted among 447 non-vegetarians to investigate these relationships. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to scrutinize the data.

Findings

Among the push factors product safety and flavor positively influence consumers’ attitude, whereas environmental protection and flavor positively influence subjective norms. Animal welfare, environmental protection and flavor positively influence perceived behavioral control. Among the pull factors, curiosity, product nutrition and price positively influence consumer attitudes toward plant-based meat products. Curiosity and price also positively influence subjective norms, but only product nutrition positively influences perceived behavioral control. On the other hand, the results also confirm that non-vegetarian customers' intentions to buy plant-based meat products is primarily influenced by attitude and perceived behavioral control, whereas subjective norms do not influence the intention to buy plant-based meat products. This study also reveals that there exists a moderating influence from perceived behavioral control between attitude and intention to buy plant-based meat products, whereas the moderating effect of perceived behavioral control on subjective norms and intention is insignificant.

Originality/value

The findings of this study offer practical recommendations for persuasive marketing strategies associated with plant-based meat substitutes.
The relationship between organizational justice and job outcomes: examining the mediation of quality of work-life and psychological capital
Authors: Totawar Abhishek Kumar , Lanke Parijat , Nambudiri Ranjeet
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the indirect effect of organizational justice on key job outcomes, namely, job satisfaction (JS) and organizational commitment (OC) through employees’ quality of work-life (QWL) and psychological capital (PsyCap) by invoking the social exchange and conservation of resources theories.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used survey method. The data were collected from 440 respondents across two points in time.

Findings

We found support for a direct effect of organizational justice on employees’ satisfaction and commitment and found that QWL and PsyCap mediated the relationship between organizational justice and its outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers insight into underlying mechanisms governing this relationship by positioning QWL and PsyCap as mediators. The findings contribute to the extant literature, including ratifying that justice perceptions strengthen positive job attitudes of employees.

Practical implications

The study discusses the implications for practice and makes a case for organizations to conduct audits to assess employee fairness perceptions.

Originality/value

This paper explores the underlying relationship between organizational justice and job outcome, and empirically examines the mediation QWL and PsyCap.
The effects of the change to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic on job security and job quality in Portugal
Authors: Pereira Arianne Soares do Nascimento , Morais José , Lucas Catarina , Paulo Joana , Santos José Duarte , Almeida Fernando
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study, grounded in social cognitive career theory, aims to investigate the effects of the change to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic on job security and job quality in Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

It adopts a quantitative methodology by conducting a nationwide geographical study. The sample consists of 2,001 employees working in companies registered in Portugal. It explores the impact of the change to remote work on job quality and job security. In addition, it explores the relevance of demographic, organizational and social factors to explain this relationship.

Findings

The findings reveal that the change to remote work has influenced the perception of job quality but not job security. Furthermore, demographic, organizational and social variables are factors that influence this perception.

Research limitations/implications

Implications that digitalization can have on job security and quality, especially among the population with lower levels of education and more precarious working conditions, should be explored. It is also important to replicate this study in other countries, especially in emerging economies.

Practical implications

By investigating job security, the study offers insights into the stability and predictability of employment during crises and disruptive events. By examining job quality, it delves into the multifaceted nature of work satisfaction, including factors like work-life balance, autonomy and fulfilment. Practically, the study provides valuable guidance for policymakers, organizations and individuals navigating remote work environments.

Social implications

Understanding the implications for job security allows policymakers to design supportive policies and interventions to mitigate potential negative impacts on employment stability.

Originality/value

This study uses a sufficiently comprehensive national sample to determine the impact of COVID-19 on employment. It offers both theoretical and practical contributions to increase knowledge about the phenomenon and provides a relevant guide for policymakers to adopt measures to mitigate the effects of the transition to remote work.
In the arena of debate: a systematic literature review on sports sponsorship by controversial industries
Authors: Jacobs Katho , De Jans Steffi , Evens Tom , Constandt Bram
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This systematic literature review examines the domain of sports sponsorship involving controversial industries. We delve into the shared patterns, differences and overarching themes prevalent across various dark consumption industries (i.e. alcohol, food and beverages high in fat, salt and sugar, gambling and tobacco).

Design/methodology/approach

This study systematically reviews research on controversial sports sponsorships (CSS). Literature searches in Web of Science and Scopus, and additional searches in reference lists resulted in a total of 90 publications meeting the inclusion criteria, which can be grouped into three research clusters: prevalence, impact and (in)appropriateness of CSS.

Findings

This review revealed a high prevalence of so-called controversial sponsors in sports, particularly in – but certainly not limited to – soccer. Especially gambling sponsorships have become more prominent in recent years. Ethical concerns surfaced since CSS are positively related to attitudes, preferences, purchase intention and consumption, potentially causing health-harming consequences for children and adults.

Practical implications

This study provides scholars and practitioners with insights to advocate for policy measures curbing CSS.

Originality/value

In light of the identified research gaps, we propose a research agenda to particularly investigate causal relationships between exposure to CSS and its impact by conducting longitudinal and experimental research. Additionally, we propose to establish a consumer-centered framework for processing CSS.
Banks approved fraudulent loans to capture origination fees: evidence from the Paycheck Protection Program
Authors: Landini Austin , Spears Russell
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has estimated that a significant proportion of loans issued during the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) were fraudulent. This paper aims to make strides to understand incentives that may have led to the approval of fraudulent loans.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors study the publicly available PPP loans data set, focusing on nonemployer businesses which make up about 51% of all loans. Because of the way businesses of this type were instructed to apply for loans, it is possible to deduce the monthly/annual profit each loan was claiming.

Findings

The authors find irregularities in the pattern of claimed profit by nonemployer businesses on PPP loans. There is a significant buildup of claimed profit just slightly under the threshold for the maximum loan claim, which does not align with estimates of average nonemployer business profitability.

Research limitations/implications

As it is not possible to verify individual business profits with publicly available data, the authors cannot identify or count loans, which are likely to be fraudulent. The focus on nonemployer businesses allows for the identification of reported profit, at the cost of eliminating most of the highest value loans from consideration.

Practical implications

Especially in areas with a high density of small banks, large numbers of potentially fraudulent loans were issued. In planning future disaster relief programs, the SBA must consider incentives, which led to fraudulent behavior during the PPP.

Social implications

Proponents of the PPP argue that it is impossible to completely eliminate fraudulent behavior due to the rapid nature by which the funds had to be distributed to avoid job loss. Nonetheless, the SBA estimates that up to 1/6 of the funding issued may have gone to fraudulent loans. Responsibility was placed on the banking system as regulators of the loans. However, the origination fee structure of the program, combined with limited liability to banks, may have produced adverse incentives.

Originality/value

Previous research on PPP fraud primarily identifies businesses and business owners as bad actors during the program. The authors argue that misuse of funds was not the only source of fraud during the program. Misrepresentation of business profits may have been widespread. Therefore, banks must have approved loans with misrepresented profit figures.
Social media engagement and luxury fashion purchase intention in Hong Kong: the role of motivation regulation and consumers’ materialistic values
Authors: Cheung Cherry T. Y. , Ng Peggy M. L. , Lo On-Ting , Keung Sammi
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This research aims to examine the interplay between social media engagement, motivation and materialistic values on purchase intention towards luxury fashion brands among young Chinese consumers in Hong Kong. The study explores three key areas: the correlation between social media engagement and luxury purchase intention, the motivational factors that influence this relationship and the role of materialistic values within this context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a moderated mediation analysis approach to explore these relationships. A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 226 young Chinese respondents (aged 18–35) in Hong Kong. The survey aimed to measure the participants’ engagement with luxury fashion brands’ social media (predictor), materialistic values (moderator), intention to purchase luxury items (outcome) and their motivation regulation (mediator).

Findings

The study reveals a moderated mediation model. It indicates that consumers’ autonomous motivation, specifically intrinsic and identified regulation, acts as a mediator between social media engagement and luxury purchase intention. Interestingly, social media engagement has a more profound influence on the intrinsic motivation to purchase luxury items among consumers with less materialistic values.

Originality/value

This study pioneers in explaining luxury purchase intention in relation to social media engagement, autonomous motivation and materialism among young Chinese consumers in Hong Kong. Further, it highlights that by engaging in social media, non-materialistic consumers’ intrinsic motivation toward purchasing luxury goods can mirror that of their materialistic counterparts.
Collaboration between stakeholders in the design of a context-based curriculum in Ghana
Authors: Edjah Hannah , Adu Henaku Eugene , Okrah Abraham Kwadwo , Sakata Nozomi , Yates Chris
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study examines the nature and forms of collaboration among stakeholders that led to and existed during the design of the B.Ed. curriculum for the Colleges of Education (CoE) in Ghana. It aims to highlight the views of local stakeholders about the processes in an educational project that were likely to have enhanced the importance of contextualisation in the curriculum change process. The paper also prioritises the voices and views of local stakeholders, which have often been stifled in the process of curriculum change in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews, was used to collect data from 17 local stakeholders. Thematic analysis and social constructivism framed the interpretation of findings.

Findings

The study found that the CoE reform prioritised local stakeholders’ input throughout a highly collaborative process. This collaboration unexpectedly led to the development of a curriculum reflective of the Ghanaian context. However, ideological conflicts emerged at both the international and local levels, particularly regarding approaches to change and the decision to extend CoE management to four public universities. The conflicts underscore the power dynamics inherent in educational reforms funded by foreign aid.

Originality/value

The research offers crucial insights for policymakers and curriculum developers regarding the importance of local stakeholder engagement in collaborative reforms involving foreign aid. The study underscores the need for active involvement from all stakeholders to create contextually relevant curricula. While conflicts may arise, the research highlights that a social constructivist approach, combined with continuous communication, negotiation and compromise, can lead to meaningful and sustainable curriculum reform outcomes.
Impact of stress, job satisfaction, work–life balance and telework on auditors’ job performance: a PLS-SEM and fsQCA approach
Authors: Henriques Catarina Santos , Samagaio António
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The present study aims to analyze the influence of stress, job satisfaction and work–life balance on auditors’ job performance and examine the moderating effect of telework on previous relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The research data are collected through an electronic questionnaire with 322 Portuguese auditors. We used a partial least squares–structural equation model and fuzzy set quality comparative analysis to test our hypotheses.

Findings

There is a positive relationship between job satisfaction and job performance. Conflict, positively, and ambiguity, negatively (components of stress), influence job performance. Work–family conflict was shown to be equally impactful in decreasing auditors’ technical knowledge and ability, and this effect was amplified in the presence of telework. The results show the existence of a complex structure of configurational arrangements that are sufficient to achieve high job performance.

Practical implications

Audit firms need to pay attention to employees’ feelings related to their work since their well-being affects their job performance. In general, the teleworking context did not affect the relationships studied, which means that audit firms can enjoy its advantages without compromising audit quality.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the growing literature on the determinants of auditor performance. The inclusion of teleworking as a contingent factor is a theoretical innovation in auditing studies. The results emphasize the importance of researchers including the multi-method approach for a better understanding of the complex structure of configurations that are sufficient for job performance.