bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ISPpu9 insertion sequence ofPseudomonas putidaKT2440 generates various circular intermediates enabling modular transposition
Authors: Parés-Guillén Elena , Yuste Luis , Rojo Fernando , Moreno Renata
Published: January 2025

Pseudomonas putidaKT2440 contains seven copies of an insertion sequence (IS) belonging to the IS110family, designated ISPpu9, which are inserted into repetitive extragenic palindromic sequences. Five of these copies include a small RNA,ssr9, located downstream of the transposase gene. Additionally, three separate copies ofssr9are also present. When transferred to a differentP. putidastrain, ISPpu9 inserted at a specific target site highly similar to that of the KT2440 strain. Ssr9 was not needed for transposition. Circular intermediates were detected containing either the transposase, the transposase along withssr9, orssr9alone. This finding explains the presence of these distinct modules in KT2440 chromosome. Minicircle formation required the transposase and short sequences located within the IS ends, which were identified. Unlike other ISs of this family, minicircle formation in ISPpu9 did not produce a hybrid promoter to enhance transcription of the ISPpu9 transposase. Instead, transcription occurred efficiently from its native promoter. In contrast, minicircles formed by ISPpu10, another IS of the same family also present in KT2440, generated a hybrid promoter significantly stronger than its weak native transposase promoter. This suggests that hybrid promoters might only emerge when the native transposase promoter is inherently weak.
Microglial SIRT2 deficiency aggravates cognitive decline and amyloid pathology in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Sola-Sevilla Noemi , Garmendia-Berges Maider , Aleixo Mikel , Mera-Delgado MCarmen , Solas Maite , Tordera Rosa M , García-Carracedo Lucía , Expósito Sara , Anaya-Cubero Elena , Fernández-Irigoyen Joaquín , Guruceaga Elisabeth , Santamaria Enrique , Martin Eduardo D. , Puerta Elena
Published: January 2025

Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2), a NAD+-dependent deacetylase, has been implicated in aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). While global SIRT2 inhibition has shown promise in reducing amyloid-beta pathology and cognitive deficits in different mouse models of AD, peripheral SIRT2 inhibition has been associated with adverse effects, such as increased inflammation. This suggests that targeted inhibition of specific cellular populations within the brain may represent a more precise and effective approach for the treatment of AD. To explore this hypothesis, we generated a conditional microglial SIRT2 knockout mouse model in the context of AD. Our results reveal that microglial SIRT2 reduction does not confer protective effects in the APP/PS1 model; rather, it aggravates cognitive decline, accelerates amyloid plaque deposition, and increases levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines at early stages of AD pathology. Transcriptomic analysis further indicates that SIRT2-deficient microglia exhibit altered expression of genes associated with aging and synaptic dysfunction. This phenotype was accompanied by increased phagocytosis of synaptic elements and impaired long-term potentiation. These findings suggest that while SIRT2 inhibition in some contexts may be beneficial, targeted inhibition within microglia could accelerate AD progression, underscoring the need for cell-specific approaches when considering SIRT2 as a therapeutic target.
Biased replay of aversive and uncertain outcomes underlies irrational decision making
Authors: Seow Tricia XF , McFadyen Jessica , Dolan Raymond J , Hauser Tobias U
Published: January 2025

Humans often make irrational decisions when facing uncertain or aversive future events despite careful deliberation. How we make choices, including irrational ones, has been the object of extensive study both behaviourally and neurally and is the focus of influential behavioural economic theories. Yet, little is known about how these (irrational) decisions are carved out in the brain. Here, using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we show that the construction and outcome evaluation of irrational decisions involves rapid, sequential state reactivation, or "replay.". During deliberation, we show that forward replay is biased towards choice options with more negative and uncertain outcomes, with this bias further amplified immediately preceding irrational choice. Likewise, post-decision evaluation relates to replay in a choice-dependent manner. Following irrational choices, relief-like signals were evident as stronger backward replay of worse counterfactual options, while after rational decisions, regret-like signals appeared as stronger backward replay of better counterfactual options. Together, these findings suggest that neural replay shapes both the formation and reflection of irrational decisions, and poise replay as a candidate mechanism underlying pervasive decision biases in humans.
Post-movement beta rebound reflects strategic re-aiming during motor adaptation, but not re-aiming accuracy
Authors: Will Matthias , Korka Betina , Stenner Max-Philipp
Published: January 2025

Motor adaptation results from several interacting learning mechanisms, including learning via cognitive strategies and implicit adaptation. While strategy-based and implicit learning can be dissociated at a behavioural level, their underlying systems-level physiology is poorly understood. A neural signal that undergoes pronounced changes during motor adaptation is the post-movement beta-rebound (PMBR). However, it is unclear how these changes relate to the specific learning mechanisms that contribute to motor adaptation. We measured electroencephalography (EEG) while healthy participants (N=27) performed reaching movements towards a target. In most trials, a cursor showed the veridical position of the unseen hand, however, for some reaches, the direction of the cursor was rotated relative to the position of the hand. Participants were informed that, once a rotation occurred, it could persist for a single trial (1x condition), or for two consecutive trial (2x condition). In the 2x condition, participants could therefore redirect the rotated cursor through the target in the second rotated trial by re-aiming, while they had to continue aiming at the target in the 1x condition. We observed a stronger decrease of PMBR following the first rotated reach in the 2x condition, compared to the 1x condition, despite similar kinematics. This corroborates our previous results that PMBR reflects strategic re-aiming (Korkaet al., 2023). However, when we collapsed data from the two studies (total N=53), we found that the degree to which the PMBR decreases does not predict re-aiming accuracy. We discuss the role of PMBR in motor adaptation, including implications for clinical disorders.
The mycotoxin Beauvericin is an uncompetitive inhibitor of Cathepsin B
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , Cea-Medina Pablo , Gopalswamy Mohanraj , Vaidya Aparna , Schavier Sonja , Oltzen Shixin , Moßner Sofie , Huang Anfei , Qi Jing , Floss Doreen , Uhrberg Markus , Gohlke Holger , Scheu Stefanie
Published: January 2025

Beauvericin (BEA), a cyclic depsipeptide, is a mycotoxin of the enniatin family and the secondary metabolite of various toxigenic fungi. Multiple biological functions of BEA have been well investigated, such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and immune-activating functions. In a recent study, we showed that BEA can target Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to induce dendritic cell (DC) activation. In an in silico screen, we identified Cathepsin B (CTSB) as a potential additional interaction partner for BEA, which has been verified recently in a study showing inhibition of CTSB activity by BEA in cell-free assays. The underlying molecular mechanism of BEA-mediated CTSB inhibition remains unknown as do the cellular entities where this inhibition takes place. In this study, we determine the effects of BEA on CTSB within granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-cultured bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and human leukemia monocytic cell line THP-1 induced dendritic cells (iDCs). BEA significantly suppresses CTSB activity in both mouse BMDCs and human iDCs. NMR analyses indicate that BEA directly interacts with CTSB. Enzyme kinetics show that BEA can directly inhibit CTSB activity and acts as an uncompetitive inhibitor. Molecular docking analysis revealed a putative binding site for BEA in human CTSB. Collectively, we describe the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological activity of BEA against human CTSB, suggesting that CTSB may be a candidate target for tumor therapy.
Intestinal enteroendocrine cell subtype differentiation and hormone production in zebrafish
Authors: Morash Margaret , Kay Richard G. , Soderblom Erik J. , MacLean Grace H. , Wen Jia , Moore Peyton J. , Lickwar Colin R. , Gribble Fiona M. , Reimann Frank , Liddle Rodger A. , Rawls John F.
Published: January 2025

Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are rare sensory cells in the intestinal epithelium that coordinate digestive physiology by secreting a diverse repertoire of peptide hormones. These hormones are the main effectors of EEC function, and their characterization requires direct observation by mass spectrometry due to the specialized protein cleavage and posttranslational modifications that yield their mature forms. Based on the distinct subset of hormones they predominantly secrete, EECs can be categorized into subtypes. How each EEC subtype is specified, however, remains poorly understood. Here we describe EEC subtype differentiation and hormone production in the zebrafish. Using single-cell RNA sequencing data, we identified EEC progenitors and six EEC subtypes in zebrafish and revealed that their expression profiles are consistent across larval and adult stages. Mass spectrometry analysis of isolated zebrafish EECs identified highly processed peptides derived from 18 of 21 hormone coding genes expressed by EECs, yielding a catalog of >400 unique EEC hormone peptides. We assembled reporters for zebrafish EEC subtypes to test the lineage relationships between EEC subtypes and the EEC progenitor population, which expressesneurogenin3. Despite its essential role in mammalian EEC differentiation, we found that selective cytotoxic ablation ofneurogenin3+ cells in zebrafish only reduced a subset of EEC subtypes. Finally, we discovered that selective ablation ofghrelin+ EECs reduced a different subset of EEC subtypes, together suggesting thatneurogenin3+ andghrelin+ cells serve as distinct precursors for separate EEC subtypes. We anticipate these observations and resources will facilitate future studies in the zebrafish to discern the developmental biology, physiology, and endocrinology of EEC subtypes.
Lipid-protecting disulfide bridges are the missing molecular link between ApoE4 and sporadic Alzheimer’s disease in humans
Authors: Ramsden Christopher E. , Cutler Roy G. , Li Xiufeng , Keyes Gregory S.
Published: January 2025

As the principal lipid transporter in the human brain, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is tasked with the transport and protection of highly vulnerable lipids required to support and remodel neuronal membranes, in a process that is dependent on ApoE receptors. HumanAPOEallele variants that encode proteins differing only in the number of cysteine (Cys)-to-arginine (Arg) exchanges (ApoE2 [2 Cys], ApoE3 [1 Cys], ApoE4 [0 Cys]) comprise the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, thespecificmolecular feature(s) and resultant mechanisms that underlie these isoform-dependent effects are unknown. One signature feature of Cys is the capacity to form disulfide (Cys-Cys) bridges, which are required to form disulfide bridge-linked dimers and multimers. Here we propose the overarching hypothesis that the super-ability (for ApoE2), intermediate ability (for ApoE3) or inability (for ApoE4) to form lipid-protecting intermolecular disulfide bridges, is the central molecular determinant accounting for the disparate effects ofAPOEalleles on AD risk and amyloid-β and Tau pathologies in humans. We posit that presence and abundance of Cys in human ApoE3 and ApoE2 respectively, conceal and protect vulnerable lipids transported by ApoE from peroxidation by enabling formation of ApoE homo-dimers/multimers and heteromeric ApoE complexes such as ApoE-ApoJ and ApoE-ApoD. We thus propose that the inability to form intermolecular disulfide bridges makes ApoE4-containing lipoproteins uniquely vulnerable to peroxidation and its downstream consequences. Consistent with our model, we found that brain-enriched polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing phospholipids induce disulfide-dependent dimerization and multimerization of ApoE3 and ApoE2 (but not ApoE4). By contrast, incubation with the peroxidation-resistant lipid DMPC or cholesterol alone had minimal effects on dimerization. These novel concepts and findings are integrated into our unifying model implicating peroxidation of ApoE-containing lipoproteins, with consequent ApoE receptor-ligand disruption, as the initiating molecular events that ultimately lead to AD in humans.

Highlights

APOEalleles are the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD)

APOEalleles encode proteins that differ only in the number of Cys⟶Arg exchanges

Despite 30 years of inquiry, mechanisms linking Cys⟶Arg exchanges to AD remain unknown

PUFA-phospholipids induced disulfide bridge formation in ApoE3 and ApoE2 (but not ApoE4)

We hypothesize that disulfide bridges in ApoE protect vulnerable lipids from peroxidation

We propose that lipid-protecting disulfide bridges explainAPOEallele-dependent AD risks
H3K27me3 and the PRC1-H2AK119ub pathway cooperatively maintain heterochromatin and transcriptional silencing after the loss of H3K9 methylation
Authors: Fukuda Kei , Shimura Chikako , Shinkai Yoichi
Published: January 2025

Heterochromatin is a key architectural feature of eukaryotic chromosomes, essential for cell type-specific gene expression and genome stability. In the mammalian nucleus, heterochromatin is segregated from transcriptionally active euchromatic regions (A compartments), forming large, condensed, and inactive nuclear compartments (B compartments). However, the mechanisms underlying its spatial organization remain incompletely understood. Histone H3 lysine 9 and lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K9me3 and H3K27me3) are two major epigenetic modifications that enrich constitutive and facultative heterochromatin, respectively. Previously, we found that the redistribution of H3K27me3 following the loss of H3K9 methylation contributes to heterochromatin maintenance, while the simultaneous loss of both H3K27me3 and H3K9 methylation induces heterochromatin decondensation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. However, nearly all B compartments were preserved despite the loss of these repressive chromatin modifications. These findings suggest that other factors are responsible for maintaining B compartments under these conditions. In this study, we explored the role of another repressive chromatin modification, PRC1-mediated H2A K119 monoubiquitylation (H2AK119ub/uH2A), in maintaining heterochromatin structure following the loss of H3K9/K27 methylation. We found that uH2A and H3K27me3 independently accumulate in the B compartments after the loss of H3K9 methylation in iMEFs and cooperatively maintain heterochromatin. Our data indicates that the PRC1-uH2A pathway contributes to maintain heterochromatin organization following the loss of H3K9/K27 methylation in mammalian cells.
KIDINS220 and InsP8 safeguard the stepwise regulation of phosphate exporter XPR1
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Bai Zhongjian , Wallis Ciara , Wang Huanchen , Han Yaoyao , Jin Ruitao , Lei Mingguang , Yang Tian , Gu Chunfang , Jessen Henning , Shears Stephen , Sun Yadong , Corry Ben , Zhang Yixiao
Published: January 2025

XPR1 is emerging as the only known inorganic phosphate (Pi) exporter in humans, critical for Pi homeostasis, with its activity stimulated by inositol pyrophosphate InsP8 and regulated by neuronal scaffold protein KIDINS220. Our structural studies reveal InsP8 specifically activates XPR1 in a stepwise manner, involving profound SPX domain movements. Each XPR1 subunit functions with four gating states, in which Pi permeates a constriction site via a “knock-kiss-kick” process. In contrast, KIDINS220 delicately stabilizes XPR1 in a closed conformation through multiple mechanisms, one of which involves trapping the XPR1 α1 helix—critical for InsP8 binding—within an interaction hub. InsP8 serves as a key to release KIDINS220’s restraint, reinforcing a “key-to-locks” mechanism to safeguard the stepwise activation. Additionally, our study provides direct structural insights into XPR1-associated neuronal disorders and highlights the evolutionary conservation and divergence among XPR1 orthologues, offering a comprehensive understanding of Pi homeostasis across species.
The Cancer Burden in the Abu Dhabi Population: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: AlKetbi Latifa Baynouna , Ashoor Rawan , Saeed Ekram , AlShamsi Reem , Nagelkerke Nico , AlAlawi Noura , AlKetbi Rudina , Aleissaee Hamda , AlShamsi Noura , Humaid Ahmed , Abdulbaqi Hanan , Fahmawee Toqa , AlHashaikeh Basil , AlDobaee Muna , AlAhbabi Nayla , AlAzeezi AlYazia , Shuaib Fatima , Alnuaimi Jawaher , Mahmoud Esraa , AlMansoori Mohammed , AlKalbani Sanaa , AlDerie Wesayef , AlAhmadi Amira , Sahyouni Mohammad , AlAzeezi Maha
Published: January 2025

Background

Cancer is the third-leading cause of death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There are few studies on cancer epidemiology in the UAE.

Methods

This retrospective study, from 2011 to 2013 until 2023, aimed to estimate the prevalence of a history of cancer and lifetime risk and identify its risk factors.

Results

Among 8635 cancer-free participants at the time of screening, 209 were diagnosed with new cancer (2.5%) over the follow-up period, 129 (1.9%) females compared to 80 (0.9%) males. The most common type of cancer was Breast cancer, with an incidence of 18% (37 cases) out of the 209 total cases, all females. The second most common type was Thyroid Cancer, with 31 cases; 24 of them were females, and 7 were males. The third most common type was colon cancer, with 22 cases, 11 females and 11 males. Other types of cancer were found but had lower incidence, such as Adrenal, skin cancer, ovarian, bladder, and gastrointestinal GI cancers. The prevalence was comparable to the latest published report of the Abu Dhabi cancer registry in 2019.

Among the whole cohort, Cox regression analysis showed only age and higher levels of HDL as risk factors for any cancer after screening when including possible risk factors that were assessed at baseline. The risk increases by 4.8% for each year older and 52% for each unit increase in HDL. The area Under the ROC Curve of the developed model for predicting any cancer type is 0.739 (0.707-0.771).

Conclusion

This study calls for focused research on different types of cancer to identify significant predictors to aid early diagnosis and management, as well as research on prevention and survival. This study’s results provide critical input to the country’s decision-makers on cancer services and are informative internationally as the risk factors identified are prevalent worldwide and may be targeted with available interventions.
Characterisation of 3000 patient reported outcomes with predictive machine learning to develop a scientific platform to study fatigue in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Hall Rebecca , Whelan Robert J , Cartlidge Peter D , Brownson Emily F , Mowat Craig , Seenan John P , MacDonald Jonathan C , Campbell Iona AM , Chuah Cher S , Ho Gwo-Tzer
Published: January 2025

Background

Fatigue is commonly identified by IBD patients as major issue that affects their wellbeing. This presentation, however, is complex, multifactorial and mired in clinical heterogeneity.

Aims/Methods

We prospectively captured patient reported outcomes (PROs) from 2 current IBD biomarker studies in Scotland with ∼100 clinical metadata points; and an international dataset (that includes non-IBD healthy controls) using CUCQ32, a validated IBD questionnaire to generate a contemporaneous dataset of fatigue and overall wellbeing (2021-2024) and utilized 6 different machine learning (ML) approaches to predict IBD-associated fatigue and patterns that may aid future stratification to human mechanistic and clinical studies.

Results

In 2 970 responses from 2 290 participants, CUCQ32 were higher in active IBD vs. remission; and in remission, higher than in non-IBD controls (both p<0.0001). CUCQ32-specific fatigue score significantly correlated to all CUCQ32 components (p=2.9 x 10-28to 3.2 x 10-147). During active IBD, patients had significantly more fatigue days compared to those in remission and non-IBD controls (medians 14 vs. 7 vs. 4 [out of 14 days]; both p<0.0001). We determine a threshold of ≥10/14 days of fatigue as clinically relevant - Fatiguehigh. Overall, 72.8% (863/1185), 45.0% (408/906) and 13.7% (46/355) responses in active, remission and non-IBD controls were in Fatiguehigh. Using train-validate-test steps, we incorporated all available metadata to generate ML-models to predict Fatiguehigh. The 6 ML models performed similarly (all 6 models AUC of ∼0.70). SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis revealed that each algorithm places different importance on variables with seasonality, biologic drug levels, BMI and gender identified as factors. ML prediction of Fatiguehighin patients in biochemical remission (CRP<5 mg/l and calprotectin <250μg/g) was more challenging with AUC of 0.66-0.61.

Conclusion

We provide a comprehensive patient involvement-ML-pathway to predict IBD-associated fatigue. Our data suggests a large ‘hidden’ pathobiological component and current work is in progress to integrate deep molecular data and build a clinical-scientific ML model as a step towards better understanding of IBD-associated fatigue.
Nucleoplasmic Lamin A/C controls replication fork restart upon stress by modulating local H3K9me3 and ADP-ribosylation levels
Authors: Cherdyntseva Veronica , Paulson Joanna , Adakli Selin , Gagné Jean-Philippe , Aouami Moses , Ubieto-Capella Patricia , González-Acosta Daniel , Bakker Collin , Poirier Guy G. , Taneja Nitika , Lopes Massimo
Published: January 2025

Mild replication interference is a consolidated strategy for cancer chemotherapy. Tolerance to mild replication stress (RS) relies on active fork slowing, mediated by transient fork reversal and RECQ1-assisted restart, and modulated by PARP1 and nuclear architectural components via yet-elusive mechanisms. We combined acute protein inactivation with cell biology and single-molecule approaches to investigate the role of Lamin A/C upon mild RS. We found that Lamin A/C dynamically interacts with replication factories throughout the nucleus and, together with its nucleoplasmic partner LAP2α, is required to induce active fork slowing and maintain chromosome stability upon mild genotoxic treatments. Inactivating nucleoplasmic Lamin A/C reduces poly-ADP-ribosylation (PAR) levels at nascent DNA, triggering deregulated RECQ1-mediated restart of reversed forks. Moreover, we found that the heterochromatin mark H3K9me3, previously reported at stalled forks, also accumulates in response to mild RS. H3K9me3 accumulation requires Lamin A/C, which prevents its premature removal by the histone demethylase JMJD1A/KDM3A. H3K9me3 lossper sephenocopies Lamin A/C inactivation, reducing PAR levels and deregulating RECQ1 activity at forks. Hence, nucleoplasmic Lamin A/C, H3K9me3 and PARylation levels are crucial, mechanistically-linked modulators of fork slowing, remodelling and restart upon mild RS, with important implications for chemotherapy response and Lamin A/C deregulation in human disease.
What causes investors’ misevaluation of M&A performance? Survey evidence from Japan
Authors: Amano Yoshiaki
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Motivated by literature suggesting that investors often misevaluate the effects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), this study examines the relationship between investors' usage of information types/channels and their tendency to misevaluate M&A performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey methodology was employed to gather data from 1,000 individual investors in Japan. The survey focused on investors' evaluations of selected M&A transactions on announcement and response dates, grouping respondents into over-valuers, under-valuers and others based on changes in their evaluations.

Findings

First, over-valuers are more likely to rely on earnings forecasts and synergy estimates, while under-valuers prioritize methods of payment and cultural or geographic distance. Second, those relationships between over- and under-valuation and information type usage are strengthened or weakened by different usage of information channels. Third, over-valuers regard information from securities firms as crucial when subsequently correcting their evaluations.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on post-M&A underperformance by focusing on individual investor behaviors rather than aggregate stock market reactions. It also provides insights into how different types of information and channels influence investor evaluations, which has implications for M&A disclosure practices and standard setting.
Understanding the nexus between poverty and climate variability in Egypt
Authors: Abou-Ali Hala , Ramadan Racha , Elayouty Amira
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper investigates the relationship between climate conditions and money-metric poverty in Egypt at a sub-national level, aiming to understand the nuanced impacts of environmental factors on household well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a geographically weighted regression, the study analyzes data on climate conditions, socioeconomic indicators and poverty rates across different regions of Egypt.

Findings

The analysis reveals complex relationships between climate conditions, socioeconomic factors, and poverty rates in Egypt. Higher education, asset ownership and urban residence are associated with lower poverty rates, while larger household size correlates with increased poverty. Temperature and precipitation show varied impacts on poverty between extreme and average climate conditions and across different regions, highlighting the need for localized strategies.

Practical implications

The findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions to address the localized impacts of climate change on poverty. Policymakers can use the insights from this research to prioritize vulnerable areas and implement targeted measures to alleviate poverty and enhance climate resilience.

Social implications

By identifying areas most susceptible to climate change, this research informs policies aimed at protecting marginalized communities from its adverse effects. It contributes to broader efforts to promote social equity and environmental sustainability in Egypt.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the climate–poverty nexus in Egypt, offering insights into the localized impacts of climate change on household well-being. The findings contribute to both academic discourse and policy development, guiding efforts to address poverty and climate vulnerability at the regional level.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2024-0317
From purchase to regret: deterring counterfeit consumption through moral emotions and multicultural identity
Authors: Shi Linda Hui , Cui Annie Peng , Fitzsimmons Stacey
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This research examines whether conflicting multicultural identities may influence counterfeit consumption behavior by examining how monocultural and multicultural consumers process shame and guilt differently depending on their cultural identities. It explores how consumers’ moral emotions after buying counterfeit goods can lead to regret and reduce their likelihood of buying such goods in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs a multimethod, multi-sample approach with 1,694 respondents across multiple cultures to test our hypotheses. Study 1 is survey research with overseas Chinese consumers and monocultural Chinese consumers, and Study 2 is a randomized block experiment with a European multicultural sample. This design allowed us to test both mediation and moderation hypotheses, validating the effects of shame and guilt on post-purchase regret across diverse multicultural settings.

Findings

Study 1 shows that cultural identity conflict (CIC) weakens the main effects of shame and guilt on counterfeit post-purchase regret. Study 2 shows that under artificially high levels of shame and guilt, CIC no longer weakens the effects of either shame or guilt on post-purchase regret, further confirming these main effects on counterfeit post-purchase regret. Furthermore, Study 2 demonstrates that, in a natural setting without manipulation, CIC weakens the main effects of shame and guilt on post-purchase regret, further supporting CIC’s moderating effect.

Originality/value

This study develops a model to examine counterfeit purchasing, going beyond the point of purchase to also consider post-purchase regret and repurchase intentions. It also explores moral emotions and cultural identity factors that can discourage future counterfeit purchases by increasing post-purchase regret. Finally, it investigates how this process may vary between multicultural and monocultural consumers, given their different cultural identities.
The unfolding of geopolitical tensions on social networks: a social network analysis of Twitter and Reddit conversations
Authors: Vasist Pramukh Nanjundaswamy , Krishnan Satish , Agnihotri Prafulla
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Social networks can not only mobilize individuals for collective action but also pose risks, potentially leading to political challenges and societal unrest. Information consumption varies across platforms, with platform characteristics influencing user interactions and information sharing; yet this has received limited attention in scholarly literature. Acknowledging platform-specific differences, this paper seeks to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms driving information diffusion on social networks in the context of geopolitical tensions.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural communication features on Twitter and Reddit are explored using schema theory and the concept of social media platform schema. Comparisons are drawn with social network analysis and content analysis of communication dynamics surrounding geopolitical tensions in India–Qatar relations, followed by the context of geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.

Findings

The results illustrate how content-based connections on Reddit foster closer ties within subreddits but less connectivity between them, contrasting with Twitter’s profile-based connections. These distinct characteristics lead to varied information diffusion patterns and shape the diversity of opinions, influencing community structures and affecting the emotional tenor of discourse.

Originality/value

Social networks can potentially influence geopolitical events, but focusing on one platform overlooks differences in how information spreads and the influence each platform holds. Recognizing this, our comparative analysis of social networks’ structural attributes highlights their crucial roles in shaping user engagement and information diffusion. It lends theoretical support to the notion of social media platform schema with empirical insights into how users’ perceptions of these schemas impact thematic and emotional differences in platform discourse related to geopolitical tensions.
Design and implementation of a magnetic suction fan tower inspection robot
Authors: Tang Shufeng , Qi Ligen , Zhao Guoqing , Chang Hong , Guo Shijie , Zhang Xuewei
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a new type of magnetic suction wall-climbing robot suitable for the wall inspection of wind turbine towers to solve the problems in manual maintenance tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

By analyzing the shortcomings of existing wall-climbing robots, a magnetic suction integrated wheel structure is designed to effectively combine the adsorption structure and transmission structure. To enable the robot to adapt to the curvature of the wall surface of a wind turbine tower, a passive adaptive curvature structure is designed. The effects of the air gap, the thickness of the wheel plates on both sides, the size of permanent magnets and the size of aluminum rings on the adsorption force are studied. Through mechanical model analysis under different instability conditions, the magnetic circuit of the magnetic wheel is optimized and designed.

Findings

Applying the wall-climbing robot to engineering practice, experiments have shown that the developed wall-climbing robot can move safely and stably on the wall of the wind turbine tower. The robot can also carry a load of 20 kg, and the designed adaptive structure can cause the magnetic wheel to deflect up to 20° relative to the vehicle body, fully meeting the curvature requirements of the minimum diameter end of the wind turbine tower.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a magnetic suction integrated wheel structure through analysis of the working environment. And the parameters affecting the magnetic wheel adsorption performance were optimized. Meanwhile, a passive adaptive wind turbine tower curvature structure was proposed.
Translating social sustainability goals into performance measurement practices
Authors: Argento Daniela , Brorström Sara , Grossi Giuseppe
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the development and use of social sustainability performance measurement practices at the city level. This purpose is achieved by addressing the following research question: How do city actors translate social sustainability strategies into performance measurement practices?

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive ethnographic study was conducted with a focus on how social sustainability – as defined in the vision and related strategies of the Swedish city of Gothenburg – was translated into performance measurement practices and how performance indicators and assessment tools were transformed over time in the pursuit of social sustainability goals. Findings were interpreted through the lens of Actor Network Theory concept of translation.

Findings

Findings reveal how, through a chain of translations, social sustainability and related performance indicators and other assessment tools evolve over time. Social sustainability deviated from the original politically decided definition, as stated in the strategy, because it was transformed by the human and nonhuman actors engaged with it. Social sustainability performance measurement practices lost relevance as internal steering tools and became a means for gaining external legitimacy.

Practical implications

Performance measurement and assessment tools initially intended to monitor the achievement of social sustainability goals lose their meaningfulness when their main use becomes a formal accomplishment rather than an opportunity for improvement.

Originality/value

This paper highlights how translations which destabilize social sustainability can affect the city management and influence the overarching social sustainability aims of the whole city. The presence of many actors gives room to “theoretical” and “practical” translations which deviate the course of actions.
The role of SAI in the context of war: evidence from Ukraine
Authors: Lyutyy Igor , Vakulenko Veronika , Zaichykova Vitalina , Stefaniuk Ihor
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to enrich the knowledge of international practitioners and academics on the role of the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) under substantial crisis conditions. For this, we analyse the case of the Ukrainian SAI affected by the war.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a viewpoint of Ukrainian practitioners and academics that is built on official documentation and reports, as well as experiences of practitioners directly engaged in the activities of the SAI.

Findings

This study shows the role of the Ukrainian SAI before the war and discusses how it has changed during the war and what have been the main challenges. The multi-faceted challenges faced by the Ukrainian SAI (staff shortages, disrupted operations, limited access to documents, and increased focus on defence and humanitarian audits) caused a shift towards risk-based approaches, accelerated adoption of the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI) and strengthened international collaboration. We forecast that the role of the SAI will become even more prominent in the future reconstruction phase.

Practical implications

Using Ukrainian experience as a case, the paper exemplifies actions required to maintain public accountability and governance, even amidst significant disruption and uncertainty.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is the first practitioners’ paper written about the experience of SAIs operating under war conditions.
Mindful mindsets and rural community characteristics in promoting sustainable rural tourism and facilitating the tangible implementation of the circular economy
Authors: Siriwong Chukiat , Pongsakornrungsilp Siwarit , Pongsakornrungsilp Pimlapas , Kumar Vikas
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of mindful consumption in promoting rural sustainability, particularly in the context of tourism in Muang Kaen Community, Chiang Mai, Thailand, by establishing a robust circular economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through in-depth interviews with 28 informants who are tourism stakeholders regarding sustainable development, i.e. government officers, business owners, community leaders and community members in Muang Kaen, to achieve the data triangulation. A thematic analysis of the interview data was employed in this data set.

Findings

The findings demonstrate three key themes for driving sustainable community development: a sense of community, leadership and embodiment. At an individual level, local community members co-create a sense of community through Thainess, which gradually forms the social commitment to caring for neighbors, the community, and the environment. Carefulness also relates to another theme, “leadership” – social capital, which drives mindful behavior among the community members. Both situational and official leaders are key persons in forming a culture of sustainability within the community. Finally, the community can achieve sustainable goals by driving from the individual to the collective level through the embodiment.

Research limitations/implications

This single-case study warrants further examination across different communities to generalize the findings to broader circumstances.

Originality/value

This study has shed light on how rural tourism can drive sustainable development through a circular economy and mindful consumption.
Green inclusive leadership at the helm: pro-environmental behavior and environmental strategy in steering environmental performance
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad , Xiuqing Duan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This research aims to explore the effect of green inclusive leadership (GIL) on environmental performance (EP). It further investigates the mediating role of pro-environmental behavior (PEB) and the moderating role of environmental strategy (ES) in shaping this association.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 708 employees working in the Chinese manufacturing sector. We used SPSS macro-PROCESS (specifically Model 7) for the empirical analysis.

Findings

The findings exposed a significant positive effect of GIL on EP. PEB was found to mediate this relationship, and ES significantly moderated the relationship between GIL and PEB.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide a better understanding of how organizations can enhance their EP by fostering GIL and promoting PEB among employees. It also emphasizes the importance of incorporating an effective ES to strengthen the influence of green leadership on PEB.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the growing body of literature on green leadership and EP by revealing the mediating role of PEB and the moderating role of ES. This nuanced understanding could help organizations to implement more effective strategies for environmental sustainability.
Nurturing green employee behaviour: exploring the role of leadership, human resource management practices and individual values
Authors: Kaur Sukhpreet , Arora Meenal , Mittal Amit
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore two main objectives. Firstly, it examines the mediating roles of green human resource management practices (GHRMPs) and green employee creativity (GEC) between green transformational leadership (GTL) and green employee behaviour. Secondly, it investigates the moderating effect of green individual values (GIVs) on the indirect relationship between GTL and green employee behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved 326 employees from ECOTEL-certified hotels in India. Analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) AMOS and MACRO.

Findings

The results indicate a direct relationship between GTL and green employee behaviour. Additionally, GHRMPs and GEC partially mediate this relationship. Furthermore, GIVs positively moderate the indirect relationship between GTL and green employee behaviour, specifically moderating the path between GHRMPs and GEC.

Originality/value

This study fills a significant gap in the literature by investigating the combined effects of GTL, GHRMPs, GEC and GIVs on employee pro-environmental behaviour. Understanding these relationships is crucial for organizations aiming to implement effective green initiatives and cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility among employees. This study is ground-breaking in its approach, delving into the complex network of interconnected variables through both mediation and moderation analyses. By doing so, it aims to uncover the intricate mechanisms influencing employees' inclination towards pro-environmental behaviour.
Optimizing building performance through the integration of electrochromic glass technology in building facades: a simulation-based study of an office building in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Moraekip Eslam Mohamed
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The built environment enhances quality of life, prompting architects and engineers to explore innovative technologies for improving building performance. Electrochromic (EC) glass technology is one such solution that offers real-time control of building facade glazing properties. Conventional building materials often struggle to adapt to changing external conditions, increasing reliance on mechanical systems. EC glass technology addresses this by adjusting its tint in response to these conditions, potentially reducing energy consumption and improving comfort.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the advantages of integrating EC glass technology into building facades by evaluating its efficacy in enhancing thermal performance, energy efficiency, and operational expenses. The study uses building performance simulation software to model a proposed office building in Cairo, Egypt, comparing two scenarios: one with conventional glazing and the other with EC glass technology. The aim is to highlight the benefits of EC glass technology in building facades for improving thermal comfort, daylighting and energy efficiency. The analysis will compare cooling and heating designs and energy consumption, ultimately concluding the technology’s impact on enhancing energy efficiency.

Findings

Integrating EC glass technology significantly reduces solar heat gains and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) energy consumption. Solar heat gains dropped by 77.47%, resulting in a 50.95% decrease in HVAC energy use compared to conventional glazing. This technology also enhances thermal comfort and daylighting, improving the indoor environment.

Originality/value

Then, integrating EC glass technology improves building performance, resulting in energy savings, enhanced comfort and efficient daylight use. This technology is essential for sustainable building design, contributing to resilient and enjoyable environments.
Learning to be literate and the importance of fairness and equity: Touchstone 1
Authors: Ewing Robyn Ann , Padgham Jo
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The article serves to both introduce the special edition of Qualitative Research Journal (QRJ) and explain the purpose of the Foundation of Learning and Literacy (FFLL) Touchstones as principles that should inform language and literacy policy development, leadership in the field and classroom literacy practices. It particularly focuses on Touchstone 1 and the importance of fairness and equity for all literacy learners. It draws on a range of research that articulates ways that inequality of opportunity can be addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

This article both introduces the FFLL for the Special Edition of QRJ and examines the first Touchstone or guiding, overarching principle that led to the establishment of the FFLL and the 11 Touchstones that are discussed in subsequent articles. In essence, this article addresses the importance of fairness and equity for all children and young people as they develop deep literacy. The article begins with a brief contextual background explaining how and why FFLL was formed. It then highlights the first Touchstone.

Findings

The article demonstrates the need to support all learners as they strive to be deeply literate so they can become active and compassionate members of their communities. Based on a range of research evidence, it suggests ways to make sure that all children and young people can become successful literacy learners. These include homes with books that learners can self-select, sharing stories, substantive conversations, the provision of quality literary texts and rich pre-school experiences.

Practical implications

Practical classroom implications arising from the research are discussed.

Originality/value

The article is a brief introduction to the FFLL and a synthesis of some of the research that underpins the first Touchstone.
Unlocking financial inclusion: Indian banks' efficiency in Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana explored through DEA
Authors: Singh Ajay Pal , Deep Gagan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Financial inclusion is a prerequisite for inclusive development. In 2014, the Indian Government introduced the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) with a similar objective. The study aims to analyse the effectiveness of banks in the implementation of financial inclusion policy, i.e. PMJDY.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the effectiveness of Indian banks, the study used the data over a seven-year period, from 2014–2015 to 2020–2021. Data are analysed by using the data envelopment analysis technique.

Findings

The study discovered that public sector banks performed better than private sector banks (PVBs) in terms of boosting financial inclusion under the PMJDY scheme. In terms of implementing the PMJDY programme, the State Bank of India rated first.

Practical implications

Results recommended that policymakers set goals for banks. In order to encourage consumers to utilise their accounts, banks ought to introduce supplementary financial products and implement incentive programs.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind to measure the performance of Indian banks in the implementation of the PMJDY scheme.