bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data rescue in high-motion youth cohorts for robust and reproducible brain-behavior relationships
Authors: Ramduny Jivesh , Vanderwal Tamara , Kelly Clare
Published: June 2024

Recognition of the detrimental impact of participant motion on functional connectivity measures has led to the adoption of increasingly stringent quality control standards to minimize potential motion artifacts. These stringent standards can lead to the exclusion of many participants, creating a tension with a countervailing requirement for large sample sizes that can provide adequate statistical power, particularly for brain-behavior association studies. Here, we test and validate two techniques aimed at mitigating the impact of head motion on functional connectivity estimates, and show that these techniques enable the retention of a substantial proportion of participants who would otherwise be excluded based on motion criteria, such as a minimum mean framewise displacement (FD) threshold. Specifically, we first show that functional connectomes computed using time series data that have been ordered according to motion (i.e., framewise displacement — FD) and (1) subsetted to include the lowest-motion time points (“motion ordered”) or (2) subsetted and resampled (“bagged”) are reproducible, in that they enable the successful identification of an individual from a group using functional connectome fingerprinting. Second, we demonstrate that motion-ordered and bagged functional connectomes yield robust brain-behavior associations, which, when examined as a function of sample size, are comparable to those obtained using the standard full time series. Finally, we show that the utility of both approaches lies in maximizing participant inclusivity by allowing for the retention of high-motion participants that would otherwise be discarded. Given equivalent performance of the two approaches across these tests of reproducibility, validity, and utility, we conclude by recommending motion-ordering to enable data rescue, maximize inclusivity, and address the need for adequately powered samples in functional connectivity research, while maintaining stringent data quality standards. While our findings were reproducible across different head motion thresholds and edges in the functional connectome, we outline possibilities for further validation and assessment of generalization using other behavioral phenotypes and consortia datasets.
Preclinical study of the human recombinant Erythropoietin (GBPD002) compared with Eprex®
Authors: Nag Kakon , Mohiuddin Mohammad , Khan Maksudur Rahman , Kumar Samir , Sarker Enamul Haq , Roy Rony , Biswas Bipul Kumar , Barman Uttam , Haq Sheik Rejaul , Bachar Sitesh Chandra , Sultana Naznin
Published: June 2024

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein that an essential growth factor for erythroid progenitors at the bone marrow, which appears in blood as a response to hypoxia. It is produced mainly by the kidneys; and its biosynthesis and release are stimulated by the reduction of tissue oxygenation and/or the reduction of the mass of erythrocytes. Here, we report the results of the preclinical evaluation of the safety of ‘GBPD002’ a recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) developed by the Globe Biotech Limited, Bangladesh, through a comparative study of acute toxicity with Eprex®, a commercial homologue from Janssen, UK. The product was administered subcutaneously into Wistar rats, at 500 lU/kg of therapeutic dose (TD) and 3 times of TD for the single dose toxicity study on 14 consecutive days and 125 UL/kg, 250 UL/kg, 500 UL/kg, 750 UL/kg, 1000 UL/kg, 1250 UL/kg and 1500 UL/kg of GBPD002 and Eprex®on 7 consecutive days respectively for the repeated dose toxicity study. Hematological and biochemical parameters were measured for all test subjects before first dose injection and the day after last dose injection of the both studies. Necropsy and histopathology of representative subjects from each group were also observed to find any pathological significance like degeneration or cellular necrosis in internal organs such as kidney, liver, lung and spleen of any rat under experiment. Both GBPD002 and Eprex®comparative toxicology studies revealed similar pharmacologically driven mechanisms of toxicity, which is statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Though hematology parameter values stayed within the normal range during the assay period but the high count of hemoglobin and high hematocrit (P<0.05), together with the decrease in white blood cell, confirm the therapeutic effect of Erythropoietin in both studies. Moreover, in both studies, the initial and final values of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen were also found similar (p>0.05) for both GBPD002 and Eprex®in the study. The study clearly established that the toxicological profile of “GBPD002” and Eprex®, administered subcutaneously, were similar and related to the known pharmacology of erythropoietin alfa; hereby, demonstrating the proof of ‘totality’ and ‘no residual uncertainty’ between “GBPD002” and Eprex®. Therefore, “GBPD002” and Eprex®shall be administered interchangeably in relevant indications.
Antiviral Drug Discovery with an Optimized Biochemical Dengue Protease Assay: Improved Predictive Power for Antiviral Efficacy
Authors: Lang Johannes , Dutta Sudip Kumar , Reichert Lisa , Kühl Nikos , Martina Byron , Klein Christian D.
Published: June 2024

The viral NS2B-NS3 protease is a promising drug target to combat dengue virus (DENV) and other emerging flaviviruses. The discovery of novel DENV protease inhibitors with antiviral efficacy is hampered by the low predictive power of biochemical assays. We herein present a comparative evaluation of biochemical DENV protease assay conditions and their benchmarking against antiviral efficacy and a protease-specific reporter gene assay. Variations were performed with respect to pH, type of detergent, buffer, and substrate. The revised assay conditions were applied in a medicinal chemistry effort aimed at phenylglycine protease inhibitors. This validation study demonstrated a considerably improved predictive power for antiviral efficacy in comparison to previous approaches. An extensive evaluation of phenylglycine-based DENV protease inhibitors with highly diverseN-terminal caps indicates further development potential in this structural region. Furthermore, the phenylglycine moiety may be less essential than previously assumed, providing a development option towards reduced lipophilicity and thereby an improved pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile.

Graphical Abstract
A New Halogenated Solvent For Ex Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Honnorat Nicolas , Mojtabai Mariam , Li Jinqi , Smith Morgan , Seshadri Sudha , Bieniek Kevin , Habes Mohamad
Published: June 2024

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a prominent non-invasive imaging technique. Structural MRI, the most common MRI modality, interacts with the hydrogen nuclei in samples, also called protons. When using structural MRI to scan ex vivo tissues, the biological samples are often placed in proton-free liquids containing no hydrogen atoms to obtain clean images that do not require background removal. Several proton-free liquids have been used during the last two decades, but they are all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and PFAS have recently been recognized as a significant environmental concern. To find replacement solutions, new families of proton-free liquids without fluorine atoms will need to be investigated for stability and safety and to check potential effects on subsequent tissue staining. The present work is a preliminary step in that direction. We validate the MRI properties of a broadly used, affordable, non-PFAS, proton-free solvent that has, as far as we know, never been considered for ex vivo MRI scanning.
How the Tulip Breaking Virus Creates Striped Tulips
Authors: Wong Aidan , Carrero Gustavo , Hillen Thomas
Published: June 2024

The beauty of tulips has enchanted mankind for centuries. The striped variety has attracted particular attention for its intricate and unpredictable patterns. A good understanding of the mechanism that drives the striped pattern formation of thebroken tulipshas been missing since the 17th century. It is known since 1928 that these patterned tulips suffer from a viral infection by thetulip breaking virus. Here, we present a mathematical model to understand how a virus infection of the petals can lead to stripes, thereby solving a 350 year old mystery. The model, which describes the viral inhibition of pigment expression (anthocyanins) and their interaction with viral reproduction, incorporates a pattern formation mechanism identified as anactivator-substratemechanism, similar to the well-known Turing instability, working together with a Wolpert’s positional information mechanism. The model is solved on a growing tulip petal shaped domain, whereby we introduce a new method to describe the tulip petal growth explicitly. This work contributes to the theory of pattern formation of reaction-diffusion systems on growing domains applied to the fields of virology and botany.
Joint estimation of the effective reproduction number and daily incidence in the presence of aggregated and missing data
Authors: Conway Eamon , Mueller Ivo
Published: June 2024

Disease surveillance is an integral component of government policy, allowing public health professionals to monitor transmission of infectious diseases and appropriately apply interventions. To aid with surveillance efforts, there has been extensive development of mathematical models to help inform policy decisions, However, these mathematical models rely upon data streams that are expensive and often only practical for high income countries. With a growing focus on equitable public health tools there is a dire need for development of mathematical models that are equipped to handle the data stream challenges prevalent in low and middle income countries, where data is often incomplete and subject to aggregation. To address this need, we develop a mathematical model for the joint estimation of the effective reproduction number and daily incidence of an infectious disease using incomplete and aggregated data. Our investigation demonstrates that this novel mathematical model is robust across a variety of reduced data streams, making it suitable for application in diverse regions.

Author summary

Monitoring the transmission of infectious diseases is an important part of government policy that is often hindered by limitations in data streams. This is especially true in low and middle income countries where health sectors have less funding. In this work we develop a mathematical model to enhance disease surveillance by overcoming these data limitations, providing accurate inferences of relevant epidemiological parameters.
Immunoglobulin A Carries SulfatedN-glycans Primarily at the Tailpiece Site – An Oxonium-Ion-Guided Approach for Site-SpecificN-glycan Identification
Authors: Zuniga-Banuelos Frania J. , Lemke Greta , Hoffmann Marcus , Reichl Udo , Rapp Erdmann
Published: June 2024

SulfatedN-glycans from human immunoglobulin A (IgA) were recently discovered via glycomic approaches. However, their site-specific description is still pending. CertainN-glycan structures at specificN-glycosylation sites in IgA are crucial for microbial neutralization and effector functions. For instance, sialylatedN-glycans on the C-terminal tailpiece mediate anti-viral activity by interfering with sialic-acid-binding viruses. SulfatedN-glycan epitopes can be ligands for viral proteins and thus play a role in the immune response. In this study, we performed a site-specific screening for sulfatedN-glycans in two commercially available human serum IgA samples employing an in-depthN-glycoproteomic approach, previously developed by us. We found evidence of complex-type and hybrid-typeN-glycans containing sulfatedN-acetylhexosamine (sulfated HexNAc) attached to theN-glycosylation sites in the tailpiece and the CH2 domain of both IgA subclasses. A detailed comparison of theN-glycosylation profiles of human serum IgA samples from two suppliers showed suchN-glycans with sulfated HexNAc consistently in higher abundance in the tailpiece region. Surprisingly, also complex-typeN-glycan compositions bearingO-acetylated sialic acid were identified in the tailpiece. These findings have not been described before for a site-specific glycopeptide analysis. Overall, our work provides a methodology for performing a dedicated site-specific search for sulfated andO-acetylatedN-glycans that can be easily transferred, e.g. to human IgA derived from mucosal tissues, milk, or saliva. Our future aim is to include sulfatedN-glycans into longitudinal studies of IgAN-glycosylation and to investigate their role as a biomarker and a treatment option.

Abstract Figure
Analyses of trait evolution and diversification reveal multiple adaptive periods in the fungal orderHymenochaetales
Authors: Wang Xue-Wei , Varga Torda , Li Qiu-Shi , Nagy László G. , Zhou Li-Wei
Published: June 2024

Mushroom-forming fungi (Agaricomycetes) represent one of the most speciose and morphologically diverse life forms, which radiated into most niches on Earth and evolved diverse morphologies and life histories. The orderHymenochaetalescomprises a species-rich group of important wood decayers and tree parasites, however, patterns of macroevolution across the order and thus the origins of key traits, such as pathogenicity are currently unknown. Here, using a novel, nearly comprehensive phylogeny of theHymenochaetales, we show that its evolution has been shaped by an early adaptive period, followed by a general rate slowdown interrupted by local rapid radiations in the Cretaceous. We inferred that the ancestor of the order has undergone rapid phenotypic diversification into a range of morphologies and lifestyles, of which crust-like morphologies and ‘pileate-sessile’ forms typical of bracket-fungi became dominant among extant taxa. Net diversification rate showed significant correlations with paleoclimate, morphological and ecological traits, however, teasing apart the contributions of individual clades revealed that these were mostly driven by the Mid-late Cretaceous rapid radiation of the genusPhylloporia, a diverse group of plant parasites. Together, this study unraveled a complex evolutionary history of theHymenochaetalesand uncovered novel patterns of phenotype evolution and diversification in mushroom-forming fungi.
A Pluripotent Stem Cell Platform for in Vitro Systems Genetics Studies of Mouse Development
Authors: Glenn Rachel A. , Do Stephanie C. , Guruvayurappan Karthik , Corrigan Emily K. , Santini Laura , Medina-Cano Daniel , Singer Sarah , Cho Hyein , Liu Jing , Broman Karl , Czechanski Anne , Reinholdt Laura , Koche Richard , Furuta Yasuhide , Kunz Meik , Vierbuchen Thomas
Published: June 2024

The directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) from panels of genetically diverse individuals is emerging as a powerful experimental system for characterizing the impact of natural genetic variation on developing cell types and tissues. Here, we establish new PSC lines and experimental approaches for modeling embryonic development in a genetically diverse, outbred mouse stock (Diversity Outbred mice). We show that a range of inbred and outbred PSC lines can be stably maintained in the primed pluripotent state (epiblast stem cells -- EpiSCs) and establish the contribution of genetic variation to phenotypic differences in gene regulation and directed differentiation. Using pooledin vitrofertilization, we generate and characterize a genetic reference panel of Diversity Outbred PSCs (n = 230). Finally, we demonstrate the feasibility of pooled culture of Diversity Outbred EpiSCs as “cell villages”, which can facilitate the differentiation of large numbers of EpiSC lines for forward genetic screens. These data can complement and inform similar efforts within the stem cell biology and human genetics communities to model the impact of natural genetic variation on phenotypic variation and disease-risk.
Multiple distinct timescales of rapid sensory adaptation in the thalamocortical circuit
Authors: Liew Yi Juin , Dimwamwa Elaida D , Wright Nathaniel C , Zhang Yong , Stanley Garrett B
Published: June 2024

Numerous studies have shown that neuronal representations in sensory pathways are far from static but are instead strongly shaped by the complex properties of the sensory inputs they receive. Adaptation dynamically shapes the neural signaling that underlies our perception of the world yet remains poorly understood. We investigated rapid adaptation across timescales from hundreds of milliseconds to seconds through simultaneous multi-electrode recordings from the ventro-posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus (VPm) and layer 4 of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in male and female anesthetized mice in response to controlled, persistent whisker stimulation. Observations in VPm and S1 reveal a degree of adaptation that progresses through the pathway. Signatures of two distinct timescales of rapid adaptation in the firing rates of both thalamic and cortical neuronal populations were revealed, also reflected in the synchrony of the thalamic population and in the thalamocortical synaptic efficacy that was measured in putatively monosynaptically connected thalamocortical pairs. Controlled optogenetic activation of VPm further demonstrated that the longer timescale adaptation observed in S1 is likely inherited from slow decreases in thalamic firing rate and synchrony. Despite the degraded sensory responses, adaptation resulted in a shift in coding strategy that favors theoretical discrimination over detection across the observed timescales of adaptation. Overall, although multiple mechanisms contribute to rapid adaptation at distinct timescales, they support a unifying framework on the role of adaptation in sensory processing.
Signal transduction pathways controllingIns2gene activity and beta cell state transitions
Authors: Chu Chieh Min Jamie , Sabbineni Bhavya , Cen Haoning Howard , Hu Xiaoke , Sun WenQing Grace , Brownrigg George P. , Xia Yi Han , Rogalski Jason , Johnson James D.
Published: June 2024

Pancreatic β cells exist in low and high insulin gene activity states that are dynamic on a scale of hours to days. Here, we used live 3D imaging, mass spectrometry proteomics, and targeted perturbations of β cell signaling to comprehensively investigateIns2(GFP)HIGHandIns2(GFP)LOWβ cell states. We identified the twoIns2gene activity states in intact isolated islets and showed that cells in the same state were more likely to be nearer to each other. We report the proteomes of pure β cells to a depth of 5555 proteins and show that β cells with highIns2gene activity had reduced β cell immaturity factors, as well as increased translation. We identified activators of cAMP signaling (GLP1, IBMX) as powerful drivers of transitions fromIns2(GFP)LOWto theIns2(GFP)HIGHstates. Okadaic acid and cyclosporine A had the opposite effects. This study provides new insight into the proteomic profiles and regulation of β cell states.
Single nucleus transcriptomics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of combined CDK4/6 and mTOR inhibition in a phase 0/1 trial of recurrent high-grade glioma
Authors: Johnson Kevin C. , Tien An-Chi , Jiang Jun , McNamara James , Chang Yu-Wei , Montgomery Chelsea , DeSantis Anita , Elena-Sanchez Leonel , Fujita Yoko , Kim Seongho , Spitzer Avishay , Gabriel Paul , Flynn William F. , Courtois Elise T. , Hong Amy , Harmon Jocelyn , Umemura Yoshie , Tovmasyan Artak , Li Jing , Mehta Shwetal , Verhaak Roel , Sanai Nader
Published: June 2024

Outcomes for adult patients with a high-grade glioma continue to be dismal and new treatment paradigms are urgently needed. To optimize the opportunity for discovery, we performed a phase 0/1 dose-escalation clinical trial that investigated tumor pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and single nucleus transcriptomics following combined ribociclib (CDK4/6 inhibitor) and everolimus (mTOR inhibitor) treatment in recurrent high-grade glioma. Patients with a recurrent high-grade glioma (n = 24) harboring 1)CDKN2A/Bdeletion orCDK4/6amplification, 2)PTENloss orPIK3CAmutations, and 3) wild-type retinoblastoma protein (Rb) were enrolled. Patients received neoadjuvant ribociclib and everolimus treatment and no dose-limiting toxicities were observed. The median unbound ribociclib concentrations in Gadolinium non-enhancing tumor regions were 170 nM (range, 65 – 1770 nM) and 634 nM (range, 68 – 2345 nM) in patients receiving 5 days treatment at the daily dose of 400 and 600 mg, respectively. Unbound everolimus concentrations were below the limit of detection (< 0.1 nM) in both enhancing and non-enhancing tumor regions at all dose levels. We identified a significant decrease in MIB1 positive cells suggesting ribociclib-associated cell cycle inhibition. Single nuclei RNAseq (snRNA) based comparisons of 17 IDH-wild-type on-trial recurrences to 31 IDH-wild-type standard of care treated recurrences data demonstrated a significantly lower fraction of cycling and neural progenitor-like (NPC-like) malignant cell populations. We validated the CDK4/6 inhibitor-directed malignant cell state shifts using three patient-derived cell lines. The presented clinical trial highlights the value of integrating pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and single nucleus transcriptomics to assess treatment effects in phase 0/1 surgical tissues, including malignant cell state shifts.ClinicalTrials.govidentifier:NCT03834740.
γ-secretase facilitates retromer-mediated retrograde transport
Authors: Takeo Yuka , Crite Mac , DiMaio Daniel
Published: June 2024

The retromer complex mediates retrograde transport of protein cargos from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN). γ-secretase is a multisubunit protease that cleaves the transmembrane domain of its target proteins. Mutations in genes encoding subunits of retromer or γ-secretase can cause familial Alzheimer disease (AD) and other degenerative neurological diseases. It has been reported that retromer interacts with γ-secretase, but the consequences of this interaction are not known. Here, we report that retromer-mediated retrograde protein trafficking in cultured human epithelial cells is impaired by inhibition of γ-secretase activity or by genetic elimination of γ-secretase. γ-secretase inhibitor XXI and knockout of PS1, the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase, inhibit endosome to TGN trafficking of retromer-dependent retrograde cargos, divalent metal transporter 1 isoform II (DMT1-II), cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (CIMPR), and shiga toxin. Trafficking of retromer-independent cargos, such as cholera toxin and a CIMPR mutant that does not bind to retromer was not affected by γ-secretase inhibition. XXI treatment and PS1 KO inhibit interaction of γ-secretase with retromer but do not inhibit the association of cargo with retromer or with γ-secretase in intact cells. Similarly, these treatments do not affect the level of Rab7-GTP, which regulates retromer-cargo interaction. These results suggest that the γ-secretase-retromer interaction facilitates retromer-mediated retrograde trafficking.
Turbulence Transition in Magnetically Confined Hydrogen and Deuterium Plasmas
Authors: Kinoshita T. , Tanaka K. , Ishizawa A. , Sakai H. , Nunami M. , Ohtani Y. , Yamada H. , Sato M. , Nakata M. , Tokuzawa T. , Yasuhara R. , Takemura Y. , Yamada I. , Funaba H. , Ida K. , Yoshinuma M. , Tsujimura T. , Seki R. , Ichiguchi K. , Michael C. A.
Published: June 2024

In this study, we discovered a turbulence transition in a large helical device. The turbulence level and turbulence-driven energy transport decrease to a specific transition density and increase above it. The ruling turbulences below and above the transition density were ion-temperature gradient (ITG) and resistive-interchange (RI) turbulences, consistent with the predictions of gyrokinetic theory and two-fluid MHD model, respectively. Isotope experiments on hydrogen (H) and deuterium (D) clarified the role of transitions. In the ITG regime, turbulence levels and energy transport were comparable in the H and D plasmas. In contrast, in the RI regime, they were clearly suppressed in the D plasma. The results provide crucial knowledge for understanding isotope effects and future optimization of stellarator and heliotron devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Interaction-enhanced many-body localization in a generalized Aubry-André model
Authors: Huang Ke , Vu DinhDuy , Das Sarma Sankar , Li Xiao
Published: June 2024

We study the many-body localization (MBL) transition in a generalized Aubry-André model (also known as the GPD model) introduced by Ganeshan, Pixley, and Das Sarma []. In contrast to MBL in other disordered or quasiperiodic models, the interaction seems to unexpectedly enhance MBL in the GPD model in some parameter range. To understand this counterintuitive result, we demonstrate that the highest-energy single-particle band in the GPD model is unstable against weak disorder, which leads to this surprising MBL phenomenon in the interacting model. We develop a mean-field theory description to understand the coupling between extended and localized states, which we validate using extensive exact diagonalization and modified density matrix renormalization group (DMRG-X) numerical results.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Long-Range Entanglement from Measuring Symmetry-Protected Topological Phases
Authors: Tantivasadakarn Nathanan , Thorngren Ryan , Vishwanath Ashvin , Verresen Ruben
Published: June 2024

A fundamental distinction between many-body quantum states are those with short- and long-range entanglement (SRE and LRE). The latter cannot be created by finite-depth circuits, underscoring the nonlocal nature of Schrödinger cat states, topological order, and quantum criticality. Remarkably, examples are known where LRE is obtained by performing single-site measurements on SRE, such as the toric code from measuring a sublattice of a 2D cluster state. However, a systematic understanding of when and how measurements of SRE give rise to LRE is still lacking. Here, we establish that LRE appears upon performing measurements on symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases—of which the cluster state is one example. For instance, we show how to implement the Kramers-Wannier transformation by adding a cluster SPT to an input state followed by measurement. This transformation naturally relates states with SRE and LRE. An application is the realization of double-semion order when the input state is the Z2 Levin-Gu SPT. Similarly, the addition of fermionic SPTs and measurement leads to an implementation of the Jordan-Wigner transformation of a general state. More generally, we argue that a large class of SPT phases protected by G×H symmetry gives rise to anomalous LRE upon measuring G-charges, and we prove that this persists for generic points in the SPT phase under certain conditions. Our work introduces a new practical tool for using SPT phases as resources for creating LRE, and we uncover the classification result that all states related by sequentially gauging Abelian groups or by Jordan-Wigner transformation are in the same equivalence class, once we augment finite-depth circuits with single-site measurements. In particular, any topological or fracton order with a solvable finite gauge group can be obtained from a product state in this way.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Universal simulation of absorption effects for X-ray diffraction in reflection geometry
Authors: Dallmann Johannes , Graetz Jonas , Hock Rainer
Published: June 2024

Analytical calculations of absorption corrections for X-ray powder diffraction experiments on non-ideal samples with surface roughness, porosity or absorption contrasts from multiple phases require complex mathematical models to represent their material distribution. In a computational approach to this problem, a practicable ray-tracing algorithm is formulated which is capable of simulating angle-dependent absorption corrections in reflection geometry for any given rasterized sample model. Single or multiphase systems with arbitrary surface roughness, porosity and spatial distribution of the phases in any combination can be modeled on a voxel grid by assigning respective values to each voxel. The absorption corrections are calculated by tracing the attenuation of X-rays along their individual paths via a modified shear-warp algorithm. The algorithm is presented in detail and the results of simulated absorption corrections on samples with various surface modulations are discussed in the context of published experimental results.
Moral distress and moral injury in the context of autism
Authors: Al-Attar Zainab , Worthington Rachel
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Clinically, it is often observed that autistic people may have a heightened need for rules and may find rule violations very distressing. It is clinically plausible that autistic individuals may be prone to hyper-morality and greater reactivity and adverse experiences arising from moral threats and violations. Such adverse experiences may, in some instances, lead to moral distress (MD) or in more extreme cases moral injury. Thus, this study aims to examine how MD can operate in the context of autism.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explore clinical hypotheses on how MD can intersect with different features of autism by drawing on clinical and research knowledge of autism spectrum disorder and how it contextualises experiences of morality.

Findings

Based on a review of the literature and theory, the authors hypothesise that autistic individuals may be more prone to MD where they have a lower threshold for MD. As a result of this lower threshold, they may have more frequent exposure to MD, experience more immediate and intense subjective reactions to moral transgressions, for more protracted periods. Also, they may find it more difficult to over-ride and neutralise moral outrage. As a result, they may be more susceptible to mental health sequelae and impaired social and occupational functioning. Practical recommendations are made for clinicians supporting people with autism with a propensity for MD or moral injury, to improve their quality of life.

Practical implications

Practical recommendations are made for clinicians supporting people with autism with a propensity for MD or moral injury, to improve their quality of life.

Originality/value

Understanding MD in an autistic context is important for detecting and treating the adverse impacts of MD on autistic individuals. Importantly, erroneous preconceptions about moral reasoning in autism need to be mitigated to fully understand the moral experiences and harness the many strengths of people with autism.
Circularity: a workflow for reusing waste wind turbine blades
Authors: Kio Patricia Njideka , Anumba Chimay
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Wind energy has developed rapidly becoming a promising source of renewable energy. Although wind energy is described as clean energy, the problem of blade disposal has emerged from decommissioned wind turbines in the renewable energy sector, these blades manufactured from composite materials are almost impossible to recycle.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposed a methodological workflow for an educational approach toward accelerating the transition to a circular economy (CE) through a case study reusing wind turbine blade waste. The participants were undergraduate students. In the quantitative case study approach of students’ coursework, innovative architectural reuse was the basis of the methodology for creatively reusing blade waste. Students reused the blades as building elements.

Findings

The workflow could be beneficial to the renewable energy sector and the architecture, engineering and construction industry. The results show that the impact of creative reuse is positive as it reduces the energy consumed by conventional recycling processes, reduces carbon dioxide-equivalents and preserves the structural properties of the blades.

Research limitations/implications

The research reported in this study is exploratory and findings may not be generalizable due to the location and limited number of participants in the design process. Also, the empirical data collected were limited to the views and opinions of the students and instructor.

Originality/value

The novel workflow provided evidence at the end of the course that participating students became more interested in CE and were able to think more independently about CE. Creative reuse promotes circularity, reducing virgin material extraction and carbon emissions.
Requirement engineering and project performance: mediating effect of communication effectiveness, change readiness, stakeholder engagement and moderating effect of team cohesion
Authors: Turi Janshid Ali , Al Kharusi Sami , Khwaja Muddasar Ghani , Razzak Mohammad Rezaur , Bashir Shahid
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of requirement engineering (RE) on project performance (PP) in the context of NEOM* in Saudi Arabia. The study also aims to examine the relationship between three components of RE, evolving market needs (ECN), market changes (MC) and technological advancements (TA), on PP, through the mediating influence of effective communication (EC), change readiness (CR) and stakeholder engagement (SE). Further, the study aims to examine the moderating effect of team cohesion (TC) on the RE–PP relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A research framework is developed by drawing on the resource-based theory and with the support of empirical evidence and rational arguments to propose a set of hypotheses relating to the constructs in the framework. The hypotheses are tested through survey data collected from individual employees working on different projects across NEOM. A total of 336 useable responses were collected that were analyzed through covariance-based structural equation modeling using AMOS v.28.

Findings

The results show although ECN and TA both have a positive impact on PP, MC had no significant relationship with PP. In terms of the mediation hypotheses, EC, CR and SE all partially mediate the relationships between ECN and TA with PP. However, there was no mediating effect in the relationship between MC and PP. Moreover, EC, CR and SE themselves have a significant positive influence on PP. Finally, TC proved to be a significant moderator between ECN and PP and TA and PP, but not in the case of MC and PP.

Originality/value

This study makes three novel contributions. First, most prior empirical studies examined the overall impact of RE on PP; however, the current study provides a more nuanced insight into the relationships between the three components of RE (i.e. ECN, MC and TA) and PP. Second, the mediating roles of EC, CR and SE between components of RE and PP present a finer-grained understanding of how project resources are linked to project success goals through features of the project team. Third, moderating influence of TC with regard to a higher possibility of success for projects are highlighted through this discovery.
The institutional logics of job localization programs in emerging markets: evidence from GCC countries
Authors: Diab Ahmed
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study objective is twofold. This study aims to present an institutional analysis of the implications of job localization programs in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Further, it highlights the impacts of these programs on the accounting profession.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based primarily on the desktop research method, where data is collected from the review of previous studies, published data on Internet Websites and reports released by International organizations such as the United Nations. In addition, the study benefitted from conducting six interviews with government officials from GCC countries. Theoretically, this study draws upon insights from the institutional logics theory to discern higher-order institutions deriving job localization decisions in the GCC region.

Findings

This paper explained how job localization policies in the GCC region are informed by three central logics: economic, socio-political and professional. Despite contributing to achieving some socio-political goals for policymakers, these policies could have serious consequences for the practice of the professions and, hence, the local business environment. Besides, this paper highlighted the serious localization policies' impacts on the accounting profession, especially the quality of the workforce (accountants) and their job readiness.

Practical implications

This study highlights the various implications of job localization policies for locals, foreigners, public and private sector entities and governments. Besides, it has recommended some actions to mitigate the negative influences of such policies on the surrounding society.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by following an interpretative approach in explaining the localization of the accounting profession from an institutional perspective by bringing new evidence from GCC emerging markets.
Diverse usage behaviors in massively multiplayer online games: a mixed-methods investigation
Authors: Xun Yijing , Zheng Xiabing , Lee Matthew K.O. , Yang Feng
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The health and survival of massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) are of paramount concern to stakeholders. It is essential to understand the usage behaviors of exploitative and exploratory strategies. By combining the typical user experience with psychological mechanisms in MMOGs, this study is devoted to clarifying how technology affordance and digital perfectionistic intention influence reinforcement and variety-seeking orientations of MMOGs use.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a sequential triangulation mixed-methods design to explore how diverse usage behaviors of reinforced and varied use in MMOGs are formed. After proposing the theoretical framework from MMOGs affordance, perfectionistic intentions, and diverse use, empirical evidence was initially collected from representative samples through a survey. Qualitative interviews from players in MMOGs and game industry practitioners are conducted to confirm the results, supplement understanding, and gather insights from diverse backgrounds. The quantitative and qualitative inferences are discussed to validate the research focus.

Findings

Findings from various perspectives suggest that perfectionistic intentions are critical antecedents of different usage behaviors influenced by affordances provided in MMOGs. Goal-driven affordance with reward and competition, interaction affordance, and identity affordance are key MMOGs affordances and could affect perfectionistic intentions differently. People with different perfectionistic intentions, which are the psychological outcome of MMOGs affordances, possess diverse usage behaviors.

Originality/value

This study is the first to consider diverse usage behaviors in virtual worlds such as MMOGs by combining lenses of perfectionistic intentions and technology affordance. Findings from mixed-methods analysis significantly enrich the research on online game usage behavior, offering valuable theoretical and practical implications for studying usage behaviors within the virtual world.
Asymmetric responses of foreign investors to fiscal stress
Authors: Raouf Engy
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The objective of the study is to investigate the dynamic relationship between fiscal stress (FS) shocks and foreign direct investment (FDI) in moderate FS developing countries spanning from 2000 to 2021. The paper seeks to identify dual-regime effects, exploring how FS shocks impact FDI differently in low-stress and high-stress environments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs advanced econometric techniques to investigate the dynamic relationship between FS shocks and FDI in a sample of moderate FS developing countries spanning from 2000 to 2021. The analysis utilizes variance decomposition, impulse response functions, and a regime-switching vector autoregressive model to explore the nuanced interactions between FS and FDI attraction. These techniques allow for the identification of dual-regime effects, wherein FS shocks exhibit differing impacts on FDI depending on the prevailing stress environment.

Findings

The analysis reveals a dual-regime effect of FS shocks on FDI in the sample of moderate FS developing countries studied from 2000 to 2021. In low-stress regimes, FS shocks initially have a positive impact on FDI, suggesting potential investment opportunities. However, in high-stress regimes, the effect reverses, resulting in a negative impact on FDI attraction. Moreover, the study highlights the asymmetric nature of this relationship, with the adverse effects of FS on FDI intensifying over time in high-stress environments.

Originality/value

Previous studies focused mainly on a country's fiscal position and its impact on FDI or capital inflows. This is the first study to assess how FS or fiscal pressure affects FDI.
Determinants for the uptake of takaful insurance in Uganda: an exploratory mixed approach
Authors: Wofuma Gorden , Namono Rehema , Munobe Williams , Isiagi Emmanuel
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Takaful insurance is gaining increasing popularity worldwide. However, the takaful industry is relatively new in Uganda and its research is still in embryonic stages. This study aimed at exploring the contextual determinants for the uptake of takaful insurance in Uganda, a minority Muslim country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a sequential exploratory mixed research design using qualitative and quantitative approaches and drawing data from the managers of insurance companies and a section of potential customers of takaful products in Uganda. The qualitative data were analysed using content analysis to determine the emerging themes, whereas quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics.

Findings

The findings revealed that informational, individual personality and demographic factors influences the customer’s choice to select takaful products in Uganda. The authors concluded that focusing on informational besides, individual personality and demographic factors would enhance the uptake of takaful insurance in a minority Muslim country like Uganda.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to establishing and classifying the contextual determinants of takaful insurance without establishing the degree by which each of the determinants especially informational, demographic and individual personality explains the penetration of takaful insurance. Hence, future studies can examine the causal relationship between each of the three highlighted determinants on the penetration of takaful insurance in the context of minority Muslim countries.

Practical implications

The study contributes to the insurance industry players and the insurance regulator in understanding the respective customers needs for them to subscribe to takaful products.

Originality/value

This study presents an opportunity to understand the takaful or Islamic insurance market in Uganda by exploring the factors that can determine the subscription of takaful products in the country.
Cultivating teacher innovativeness through transformational leadership and teacher agency in schools: the moderating role of teacher trust
Authors: Polatcan Mahmut , Özkan Pınar , Bellibaş Mehmet Şükrü
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper explores the relationship between transformational principal leadership and individual teacher innovativeness, considering the mediating role of teacher agency (TA) and the moderating role of teacher trust (TT).

Design/methodology/approach

We employed structural equation modeling (SEM) using survey data collected from 676 teachers at 25 schools in Turkey.

Findings

The results indicated no direct correlation between transformational leadership (TL) and teacher innovativeness but revealed a significant and positive association between TL and teachers' agency, as well as between teachers' agency and innovativeness, suggesting that TA fully mediates the association between TL and teacher innovativeness. Additionally, teachers' trust positively influenced the link between principal leadership and teachers' innovativeness, with the impact of TL on teachers' innovativeness being stronger when trust levels were higher.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature, providing an understanding of the mechanisms through which leadership can exert an influence on teacher innovativeness.

Practical implications

This study also suggests that the strength of the influence is likely to vary under different circumstances. Trust among teachers appears to play a key role in the effect of school leadership on teachers, particularly when aiming to support and sustain innovativeness.

Social implications

Trust-based relationships within a school are essential for school principals to influence innovative practices. We conclude that, in the absence of trust as a key component of school climate, achieving a comprehensive understanding of the role of school leadership in fostering teacher innovativeness seems unattainable.

Originality/value

This paper expands existing knowledge regarding the effect of TL in leading teacher innovativeness by indicating the indispensable role of TA and trust.
Determinants of disengagement and negative customer engagement behaviour: expectancy disconfirmation and justice perspectives
Authors: Do Diem Khac Xuan , Bowden Jana Lay-Hwa
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the determinants of customer disengagement (CD) and negative customer engagement (NCE) behaviours following service failure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study distributed a survey on negative service experiences to 404 customers in Vietnam and analysed the data using structural equation modelling.

Findings

Based on the findings, this paper developed a comprehensive model of the determinants of CD and NCE behaviours. CD manifests as “neglect”, while NCE manifests as vindictive, third-party and online complaints and negative word of mouth. The key drivers of CD and NCE are negative expectancy disconfirmation and perceived injustice, mediated by customer outrage. A novel finding is that self-efficacy and risk-taking traits enhance NCE behaviours. Vietnamese customers tend to adopt less confrontational NCE behaviours.

Practical implications

The findings provide brand managers with insights into unfavourable customer responses to service failure, including CD and NCE behaviours. Customers in Vietnam were predominantly found to disengage. Fulfilling the firm’s promises and treating customers fairly are paramount for preventing customer outrage, CD and NCE.

Originality/value

This study identifies the determinants of CD and NCE, namely, disconfirmation of service quality expectations and perceived injustice, in the context of an emerging market.