bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrophobins fromAspergillusmediate fungal interactions with microplastics
Authors: Klauer Ross R. , Silvestri Rachel , White Hanna , Hayes Richard D. , Riley Robert , Lipzen Anna , Barry Kerrie , Grigoriev Igor V. , Talag Jayson , Bunting Victoria , Stevenson Zachary , Solomon Kevin V. , Blenner Mark
Published: November 2024

Microplastics present myriad ecological and human health risks including serving as a vector for pathogens in human and animal food chains. However, the specific mechanisms by which pathogenic fungi colonize these microplastics have yet to be explored. In this work, we examine the opportunistic fungal pathogen,Aspergillus fumigatus, and other common soil and marineAspergilli, which we found bind microplastics tightly. Up to 3.85+/-1.48 g microplastic plastic/g fungi were bound and flocculated for polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) powders and particles ranging in size from 0.05 – 5 mm. Gene knockouts revealed hydrophobins as a key biomolecule driving microplastic-fungi binding. Moreover, purified hydrophobins were still able to flocculate microplastics independent of the fungus. Our work elucidates a role for hydrophobins in fungal colonization of microplastics and highlights a potential target for mitigating the harm of microplastics through engineered fungal-microplastic interactions.

Abstract Figure

Significance Statement

Microplastics pose serious ecological and human health effects by introducing pathogens and toxins into animal and human food chains. Many pathogenic microorganisms preferentially form biofilms on microplastic particles that are then ingested. Here, we demonstrate that hydrophobins, highly hydrophobic, cell surface proteins, enable microplastic binding and colonization by the opportunistic pathogenAspergillus fumigatusand other fungi within theAspergillusgenus. Our work recognizes a novel role for hydrophobin proteins, identifying potential strategies for pathogen control and protein-based microplastics recovery.
Comparative RT-qPCR and qPCR reveals early infection, low-titer infection, and relative cell activity of the HLB bacterium,CandidatusLiberibacter asiaticus
Authors: Patterson Rachel , Zheng Desen , Luo Weiqi , Deng Zhanao , Bock Clive , Li Ruhui , Duan Yongping
Published: November 2024

CandidatusLiberibacter asiaticus (Las) is one of the causal agents of citrus huanglongbing (HLB) epidemics worldwide. Due to its fastidious nature, intracellular and systemic infection, detecting Las at early and/or low-titer infection, as well as differentiating between live or dead cells in the host psyllids and citrus plants is critical for effective HLB management. To achieve both sensitive Las detection and differentiation, we employed one-step reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) using total nucleic acids as template. This method allows use of both Las 16S rRNA and rDNA as template in the same reaction and increases detection sensitivity by up to 1000-fold in comparison with quantitative PCR (qPCR). The increased sensitivity significantly reduces false negative detection and detects the otherwise undetectable low-titer Las infections. Furthermore, the greater the abundance of 16S rRNA present in the samples, the bigger the Ct gap obtained between RT-qPCR and qPCR results. The numerical Ct gap can be used to deduce relative Las cellular activity and indirectly infer whether cells are alive or dead. In addition, this comparative detection method also can be used to select inoculum and monitor relative cell activity duringin vitroLas culture and evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments against Las bacteria.
Molecular impact of nicotine and smoking exposure on the developing and adult mouse brain
Authors: Gonzalez-Padilla Daianna , Eagles Nicholas J. , Cano Marisol , Pertea Geo , Jaffe Andrew E. , Maynard Kristen R. , Hancock Dana B. , Handa James T. , Martinowich Keri , Collado-Torres Leonardo
Published: November 2024

Maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) is associated with significant cognitive and behavioral effects on offspring. While neurodevelopmental outcomes have been studied for prenatal exposure to nicotine, the main psychoactive component of cigarette smoke, its contribution to MSDP effects has never been explored. Comparing the effects of these substances on molecular signaling in the prenatal and adult brain may provide insights into nicotinic and broader tobacco consequences that are developmental-stage specific or age-independent. Pregnant mice were administered nicotine or exposed to chronic cigarette smoke, and RNA-sequencing was performed on frontal cortices of postnatal day 0 pups born to these mice, as well as on frontal cortices and blood of the adult dams. We identified 1,010 and 4,165 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in nicotine and smoking-exposed pup brains, respectively (FDR<0.05, Ns = 19 nicotine-exposed vs 23 vehicle-exposed; 46 smoking-exposed vs 49 controls). Prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) alone was related to dopaminergic synapses and long-term synaptic depression, whereas MSDP was associated with the SNARE complex and vesicle transport. Both substances affected SMN-Sm protein complexes and postsynaptic endosomes. Analyses at the transcript, exon, and exon-exon junction levels supported gene level results and revealed additional smoking-affected processes. No DEGs at FDR<0.05 were found in adult mouse brain for any substance (12 nicotine-administered vs 11 vehicle-administered; 12 smoking-exposed vs 12 controls), nor in adult blood (12 smoking-exposed vs 12 controls), and only 3% and 6.41% of the DEGs in smoking-exposed pup brain replicated in smoking-exposed blood and human prenatal brain, respectively. Together, these results demonstrate variable but overlapping molecular effects of PNE and MSDP on the developing brain, and attenuated effects of both smoking and nicotine on adult versus fetal brain.
Direct observation of secondary nucleation in huntingtin amyloid formation by High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: van Ewijk C. , Jain G. , Knelissen Y. K. , Maity S. , van der Wel P.C.A. , Roos W.H.
Published: November 2024

Amyloid fibril formation is a hallmark of various neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s (HD), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The protein aggregation process involves slow nucleation events followed by rapid growth and elongation of formed fibrils. Understanding the pathways of amyloid formation is key to development of novel therapeutic agents that can interfere with the pathogenic protein misfolding events. Recent studies of aggregation by polypeptides from Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease have identified the importance of a poorly understood secondary nucleation process that may even be the dominant source of protein aggregate formation. Here we focus on the polyglutamine-expansion disorder HD and employ mechanistic and structural studies to study different aspects of secondary nucleation in the aggregation of huntingtin Exon 1 (HttEx1). Notably, we apply high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) to directly observe the process on the single-particle level and in real time. Our observations show unique features of the amyloid formation dynamics in real time, including secondary nucleation, elongation and the formation of large bundles of fibrils as a result of nucleated branching. We examine the role of HttEx1 flanking segments during the aggregation process, revealing that the N-terminal HttNTsegment exhibits a clear primary nucleation-aggregation-enhancing ability, however, that it does not seem to induce or affect the secondary nucleation process. The obtained results illuminate the complex aggregation process of HttEx1 and have implications for attempts to inhibit or modulate it for therapeutic purposes.
Flexible 3D kirigami probes for in vitro and in vivo neural applications
Authors: Jung Marie , Abu Shihada Jamal , Decke Simon , Koschinski Lina , Graff Peter Severin , Pazmino Sebastian Maruri , Hoellig Anke , Koch Henner , Musall Simon , Offenhaeusser Andreas , Montes Viviana Rincon
Published: November 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are gaining popularity as brain-machine interfaces and platforms for studying electrophysiological activity. Interactions with neural tissue depend on the electrochemical, mechanical, and spatial features of the recording platform. While planar or protruding two-dimensional MEAs are limited in their ability to capture neural activity across layers, existing 3D platforms still require advancements in manufacturing scalability, spatial resolution, and tissue integration. In this work, we present a customizable, scalable, and straightforward approach to fabricate flexible 3D kirigami MEAs containing both surface and penetrating electrodes, designed to interact with the 3D space of neural tissue. These novel probes feature up to 512 electrodes distributed across 128 shanks in a single flexible device, with shank heights reaching up to 1 mm. We successfully deployed our 3D kirigami MEAs in several neural applications, both in vitro and in vivo, and identified spatially dependent electrophysiological activity patterns. Flexible 3D kirigami MEAs are therefore a powerful tool for large-scale electrical sampling of complex neural tissues while improving tissue integration and offering enhanced capabilities for analyzing neural disorders and disease models where high spatial resolution is required.
Simultaneously induced slow and fast gamma waves travel independently in primate primary visual cortex
Authors: Gautham Bhargava , Ray Supratim
Published: November 2024

Travelling waves have been reported for multiple neuronal oscillations across the cortex. Within the primary visual cortex (V1), large visual stimuli (gratings) can induce two gamma oscillations – slow (20-35 Hz) and fast (40-60 Hz), potentially due to two different interneuronal classes. However, wave like behaviour of these rhythms and their relationship is unknown. We showed large gratings to monkeys that simultaneously induced slow and fast gamma while recording from V1 using microelectrode arrays. Both slow and fast gamma were organized as travelling waves that were not locked to stimulus onset. Direction of wave propagation was significantly different but showed no correlation, even in concurrent waves. Slow gamma waves lasted for longer durations than fast gamma. Wave direction varied with stimulus orientation and spatial frequency. Thus, slow and fast gamma oscillations in V1 show unique spatial and temporal wave dynamics signifying that these gamma rhythms are generated by distinct neural circuits.
Improved analysis of strong-interaction-stable doubly bottom tetraquarks on the lattice
Authors: Colquhoun B. , Francis A. , Hudspith R. J. , Lewis R. , Maltman K. , Parrott W. G.
Published: November 2024

We update earlier lattice results for the binding energies of the flavor antitriplet of strong-interaction-stable doubly bottom, JP=1+ tetraquarks, employing an extended sink construction which produces significantly improved ground-state effective-mass plateaus, as well as new, larger-volume ensembles which reduce possible finite-volume effects at lighter pion masses. The updated bindings are 115(17) MeV for the I=0 member of the antitriplet and 47(8) MeV for its I=1/2 partner. We also provide an update of our earlier study of the variable heavy mass dependence of binding in the 1+ channel and new results on this dependence for binding in the 0+ channel, accessible when the two heavy quarks have unequal masses. Implications of these results of potential relevance to experimental searches for signals of the production of doubly bottom tetraquarks and/or a possible bottom-charm partner of the Tcc are also discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Cosmological phase transitions at three loops: The final verdict on perturbation theory
Authors: Ekstedt Andreas , Schicho Philipp , Tenkanen Tuomas V. I.
Published: November 2024

We complete the perturbative program for equilibrium thermodynamics of cosmological first-order phase transitions of gauge-Higgs theories that map into the (three-dimensional) superrenormalizable SU(2)+doublet effective theory at high temperatures. To this end, we determine their finite-temperature effective potential at next-to-next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (N4LO). The computation of the three-loop effective potential required to reach this order is also presented for U(1) gauge theories and is readily extendable to generic models in dimensionally reduced effective theories. Our N4LO result is the last perturbative order before confinement renders electroweak gauge-Higgs theories nonperturbative at four loops. By contrasting our analysis with nonperturbative lattice results, we find a remarkable agreement. As a direct application for predictions of gravitational waves produced by a first-order transition, our computation provides the final fully perturbative results for the phase transition strength and speed of sound.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Cutkosky rules and 1-loop
κ
-deformed amplitudes
Authors: Bevilacqua Andrea
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we show that the Cutkosky cutting rules are still valid term by term in the expansion in powers of κ of the κ-deformed 1-loop correction to the propagator of the κ-deformed complex scalar field. We first present a general argument which relates each term in the expansion to a nondeformed amplitude containing additional propagators with mass M>κ. We then show the same thing more pragmatically, by reducing the singularity structure of the coefficients in the expansion of the κ-deformed amplitude, to the singularity structure of nondeformed loop amplitudes, by using algebraic and analytic identities. We will explicitly show this up to second order in 1/κ, but the technique can be generalized to higher orders in 1/κ. Both the abstract and the more direct approach easily generalize to different deformed theories. We will then compute the full imaginary part of the κ-deformed 1-loop correction to the propagator in a specific model, up to second order in the expansion in 1/κ, highlighting the usefulness of the approach for the phenomenology of deformed models. This explicitly confirms previous qualitative arguments concerning the behavior of the decay width of unstable particles in the considered model.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Noninvertible Symmetries Act Locally by Quantum Operations
Authors: Okada Masaki , Tachikawa Yuji
Published: November 2024

of quantum field theories and many-body systems generalize the concept of symmetries by allowing noninvertible operations in addition to more ordinary invertible ones described by groups. The aim of this Letter is to point out that these noninvertible symmetries act on local operators by , i.e., completely positive maps between density matrices, which form a natural class of operations containing both unitary evolutions and measurements and play an important role in quantum information theory. This observation will be illustrated by the Kramers-Wannier duality of the one-dimensional quantum Ising chain, which is a prototypical example of noninvertible symmetry operations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
High-Frequency Nongyrokinetic Turbulence at Tokamak Edge Parameters
Authors: Raeth M. , Hallatschek K.
Published: November 2024

First of a kind 6D-Vlasov computer simulations of high frequency ion Bernstein wave turbulence for parameters relevant to the tokamak edge show transport comparable to sub-Larmor-frequency gyrokinetic turbulence. The customary restriction of magnetized plasma turbulence studies to the gyrokinetic approximation may not be based on physics but only on a practical constraint due to computational cost. Deciphering turbulent transport is crucial since edge turbulence significantly influences the confinement properties of magnetically confined plasmas. Despite the high computational costs, performing 6D kinetic simulations is essential for understanding the limitations of our current models.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure of N-terminally hexahistidine-tagged Onchocerca volvulus macrophage migration inhibitory factor-1
Authors: Kimble Amber D. , Dawson Omolara C. O. , Liu Lijun , Subramanian Sandhya , Cooper Anne , Battaile Kevin , Craig Justin , Harmon Elizabeth , Myler Peter , Lovell Scott , Asojo Oluwatoyin A.
Published: November 2024

Onchocerca volvulus causes blindness, onchocerciasis, skin infections and devastating neurological diseases such as nodding syndrome. New treatments are needed because the currently used drug, ivermectin, is contraindicated in pregnant women and those co-infected with Loa loa. The Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID) produced, crystallized and determined the apo structure of N-terminally hexahistidine-tagged O. volvulus macrophage migration inhibitory factor-1 (His-OvMIF-1). OvMIF-1 is a possible drug target. His-OvMIF-1 has a unique jellyfish-like structure with a prototypical macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) trimer as the `head' and a unique C-terminal `tail'. Deleting the N-terminal tag reveals an OvMIF-1 structure with a larger cavity than that observed in human MIF that can be targeted for drug repurposing and discovery. Removal of the tag will be necessary to determine the actual biological oligomer of OvMIF-1 because size-exclusion chomatographic analysis of His-OvMIF-1 suggests a monomer, while PISA analysis suggests a hexamer stabilized by the unique C-terminal tails.
Supercritical CO2-driven intersections of multi-well fracturing fracture network and induced microseismic events in naturally fractured reservoir
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Duan Yifeng , Song Yanpei , Du Yumeng
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Supercritical CO2 (SC–CO2) fracturing is a potential technology that creates a complex fracturing fracture network to improve reservoir permeability. SC–CO2-driven intersections of the fracturing fracture network are influenced by some key factors, including the disturbances generated form natural fractures, adjacent multi-wells and adjacent fractures, which increase the challenges in evaluation, control and optimization of the SC–CO2 fracturing fracture networks. If the evaluation of the fracture network is not accurate and effective, the risk of oil and gas development will increase due to the microseismicity induced by multi-well SC–CO2 fracturing, which makes it challenging to control the on-site engineering practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical models considering the thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling effect in multi-well SC–CO2 fracturing were established, and the typical cases considering naturally fracture and multi-wells were proposed to investigate the intersections and connections of fracturing fracture network, shear stress shadows and induced microseismic events. The quantitative results from the typical cases, such as fracture length, volume, fluid rate, pore pressure and the maximum and accumulated magnitudes of induced microseismic events, were derived.

Findings

In naturally fractured reservoirs, SC–CO2 fracturing fractures will deflect and propagate along the natural fractures, eventually intersect and connect with fractures from other wells. The quantitative results indicate that SC–CO2 fracturing in naturally fractured reservoirs produces larger fractures than the slick water as fracturing fluid, due to the ability of SC–CO2 to connect macroscopic and microscopic fractures. Compared with slick water fracturing, SC–CO2 fracturing can increase the length of fractures, but it will not increase microseismic events; therefore, SC–CO2 fracturing can improve fracturing efficiency and increase productivity, but it may not simultaneously lead to additional microseismic events.

Originality/value

The results of this study on the multi-well SC–CO2 fracturing may provide references for the fracturing design of deep oil and gas resource extraction, and provide some beneficial supports for the induced microseismic event disasters, promoting the next step of engineering application of multi-well SC–CO2 fracturing.
Where there is a thriving, there is a green way: cultivating employee green creativity through green HRM and creative leadership
Authors: Liu Xiaoqin , Lin Zhibin , Sun Yanling
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate the mechanisms through which green HRM practices foster green creativity among employees. Specifically, it tests a conceptual model linking green HRM practices to green creativity, with employee thriving at work as a mediator and creative leadership as a moderator strengthening the links.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected survey data from 319 employees working in the financial, internet and IT sectors in the developed coastal regions of China. The conceptual model and hypotheses were tested using this sample focused on sustainability-oriented sectors based in regions with imperative ecological needs and priorities.

Findings

The findings indicate that thriving at work (characterized by vitality and learning) mediates between green HRM practices and green creativity. In addition, creative leadership was found to moderate the impact of green HRM on both thriving and green creativity, including the indirect effects through thriving.

Originality/value

The study breaks new ground by being the first to examine the mediation of thriving at work and the moderation of creative leadership in connecting green HRM to green creativity. It develops and tests an integrated theoretical framework that combines insights from self-determination theory and creative leadership theory, situates the research in the timely and relevant context of China’s developed coastal areas and key industries and offers new insights and practical implications for fostering green creativity and aligning organizational strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Prediction of provincial Digital Economy Development Index based on grey combination forecasting model
Authors: Xiong Pingping , Yang Jun , Wei Jinyi , Shu Hui
Published: November 2024

Purpose

In many instances, the data exhibits periodic and trend characteristics. However, indices like the Digital Economy Development Index (DEDI), which pertains to science, technology, policy and economy, may occasionally display erratic behaviors due to external influences. Thus, to address the unique attributes of the digital economy, this study integrates the principle of information prioritization with nonlinear processing techniques to accurately forecast rapid and anomalous data.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method utilizes the new information priority GM(1,1) model alongside an optimized BP neural network model achieved through the gradient descent technique (GD-BP). Initially, the provincial Digital Economic Development Index (DEDI) is derived using the entropy weight approach. Subsequently, the original GM(1,1) time response equation undergoes alteration of the initial value, and the time parameter is fine-tuned using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). Next, the GD-BP model addresses the residual error. Ultimately, the prediction outcome of the grey combination forecasting model (GCFM) is derived by merging the findings from both the NIPGM(1,1) model and the GD-BP approach.

Findings

Using the DEDI of Jiangsu Province as a case study, researchers demonstrate the effectiveness of the grey combination forecasting model. This model achieves a mean absolute percentage error of 0.33%, outperforming other forecasting methods.

Research limitations/implications

First of all, due to the limited data access, it is impossible to obtain a more comprehensive dataset related to the DEDI of Jiangsu Province. Secondly, according to the test results of the GCFM from 2011 to 2020 and the forecasting results from 2021 to 2023, it can be seen that the results of the GCFM are consistent with the actual development situation, but it cannot guarantee the correctness of the long-term forecasting, so the combination forecasting model is only suitable for short-term forecasting.

Originality/value

This article proposes a grey combination prediction model based on the principles of new information priority and nonlinear processing.
The impact of venture capital subscription on price deviation of private placement: evidence from China
Authors: Guan Jingyi , Wen Xueying , Wen Yunhui
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of venture capital (VC) in supporting corporate growth and innovation through participation in private placements. While VC provides essential financial support to companies, it remains unclear whether this involvement serves a strategic investment role or a purely financial one. This study seeks to elucidate the role of VC by analyzing changes in the price discount of private placements following VC participation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors take the private placement events of China A share listed companies from April 2005 to January 2023 as the sample, and examine the influence of VC subscriptions on price discount rate.

Findings

VC subscriptions to private placements increase information asymmetry, consequently raising the discount rate. This relationship is influenced by the transaction characteristics and information environment. Specifically, VC subscriptions further elevate the discount rate when VC are geographically dispersed from the issuers, possess industry expertise in the issuers’ sector, allocate raised funds for asset restructuring or non-digital investments and when the issuers are in their growth stages. Moreover, the positive correlation between VC subscriptions and the discount rate is more pronounced under conditions of lower internal control quality and weaker external media supervision. Higher discount rates in VC-subscribed private placements result in lower R&D investment and investment efficiency by the issuers, leading to larger-scale VC sell-offs and ultimately diminishing the market and financial performance of the issuers.

Practical implications

The issuers should diligently assess the behaviors and motives of VC and selectively choose issuance targets and methods to manage risks associated with price deviations in private placements. Additionally, this study recommends that regulatory authorities develop a more detailed regulatory framework that considers transaction characteristics and the information environment. This strategy should help optimize external regulatory measures like media coverage and protect the interests of small and medium-sized investors.

Originality/value

This study extends research on the “name chasing” motive and certification effect of VC in private placements, enriches the literature on the mechanisms forming discount rates and provides insights for refining regulatory policies on private placements.
Paramedics’ attitudes toward elderly patients’ self-determination in emergency assignments: a US context
Authors: Holmberg Mats , Presta Douglas , Bremer Anders , Devenish Scott , Svensson Anders
Published: November 2024

Purpose

With aging, the risk of requiring emergency care increases. Elderly patients who need Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are often vulnerable and dependent, especially when their decision-making ability is reduced, which may intensify the risk of important ethical values being violated. Studies about paramedics’ views on elderly people’s self-determination within EMS settings are scarce. The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes and perceptions of paramedics in a US context regarding self-determination in elderly patients who need emergency care provided by EMS.

Design/methodology/approach

The study had an exploratory design, and data were collected using a Delphi technique. A panel of experts consisting of US paramedics was recruited to answer a questionnaire sent out in three rounds. The questionnaire comprised 108 items, derived from a Swedish study on the same topic, rated with a five-point Likert scale ranging from agree to disagree with a predetermined consensus level of 70%.

Findings

In total 21 experts agreed to participate, 15 completed all three rounds, leaving a total response rate of 71%. Finally, 87 out of 108 items reached consensus, of which 60 were “agree” and 27 were “disagree.”

Originality/value

The paramedic–patient relationship is a core in assessing and handling ethical challenges within an advanced practice influenced by the paramedics’ educational level and/or the patient’s physical/mental status. Within a “find it fix it” modus operandi, there is a need to increase paramedics’ competence in understanding and handling advanced ethical challenges in relation to ethical values such as autonomy and self-determination in elderly patients.
Exploring encounters and prodigies of Islamic banks in non-Muslim states: towards enhancing regulatory frameworks of Islamic banking system
Authors: Amuda Yusuff Jelili , Al-Nasser Shahad Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The primary aim of this study is to explore challenges and prospects of Islamic banking system in non-Muslim states to foster regulatory frameworks of the system.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis as an integral part of qualitative research was used. Secondary data through the exploration of cursory literature was taken into consideration.

Findings

The findings identified three prime challenges, namely, regulatory, operational and institutional, which are impeding the smooth activities and performances of Islamic banks in using innovative Islamic products and services that can favourably compete with products and services of conventional banking system in non-Muslim states. In addition, strengthening the adoption and performance of Islamic banking in non-Muslim states can efficiently and effectively address the identified and multifarious regulatory, operational and institutional challenges to achieve financial inclusion and overall economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

Challenges encountered and prodigies or potentials of operating Islamic banking system by most of non-Muslim countries remains a pivotal aspect that needs research attention in the recent.

Practical implications

Nonetheless, the limitation of this study is that the study relies on the use of secondary data. However, it has provided a substantial direction for future studies in empirically exploring the variables of this study.

Social implications

Indeed, 19th century was a remarkable turning point in the development and expansion of Islamic banking system in the Muslim world. Many predominant Muslim countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, among others have been efficiently and effectively operating Islamic banking system within the framework of Islamic legal provisions. Many non-Muslim countries such as Australia, the UK, USA, etc., have also adopted Islamic banking system.

Originality/value

It is noted that policy directions of the study among others should address the regulatory frameworks that is Shari’ah-compliant in the operation of Islamic banking system in non-Muslim states. It is therefore suggested that the policymakers, Islamic financial experts and regulators should use the innovation that could bring competitiveness into the operation of Islamic banking system in non-Muslim states.
Local leadership in Kashmir: navigating the issues of diversity and compatibility
Authors: Bhat Mushtaq Ahmad , Ganayee Shameem Ahamad , Jahangir Mohmad Saleem
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study explores the diversity and compatibility of leadership in a local context. It aims to understand the interface between traditional and democratic leadership in local governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a qualitative approach, the researchers collected data through unstructured interviews and utilised thematic analysis for data interpretation.

Findings

The study demonstrated that the emergence of democratic local leadership has not supplanted traditional leaders but rather gained legitimacy and effectiveness by collaborating with them. This study illustrated how traditional and modern democratic leadership can coexist and effectively manage community affairs.

Practical implications

The study emphasises the potential for traditional leaders to take part in local governance activities, offering a practical tool to improve the effectiveness of local governance. Its findings also underscore the need for collaborative governance to deal with local issues.

Originality/value

This research study contributes to the literature on collaborative governance at the local level. It helps us understand the different types of leaders and their collective efforts in meeting local challenges. It is the first study of its kind in South Asia.
Impact of tool nose size on the performance and wear behavior of carbide tool when boring 1Cr17Ni2 martensitic stainless-steel parts
Authors: Ni Xuejie , Li Weijun , Xu Zhong , Liu Fusheng , Wang Qun , Wan Sinian , Li Maojun , He Hong
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the cutting performance of a coated carbide tool during the boring of 1Cr17Ni2 martensitic stainless steel, with a focus on how the tool’s structural parameters, particularly the nose radius, affect the wear patterns, wear volume and lifetime of the cutting tool, and related mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

A full factorial boring experiment with three factors at two levels was conducted to analyze systematically the impact of cutting parameters on the tool wear behavior. The evolution of tool wear over the machining time was recorded, and the influences of the cutting parameters and nose radius on wear behavior of the tool were examined.

Findings

The results show that higher cutting parameters lead to significant wear or plastic deformation at the tool nose. When the cutting depth is less than the nose radius, the tool wear tends to be minimized. Larger nose radius tools have weaker chip-breaking but greater strength and wear resistance. Higher cutting parameters reduce wear for the tools with larger nose radius, maintaining their integrity. Wear mechanisms are primarily abrasive, adhesive and diffusion wear. Furthermore, the full-factorial analysis of variance revealed that for the tool with rε = 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm, the factors contributing the most to tool wear were cutting speed (38.76%) and cutting depth (86.43%), respectively.

Originality/value

This study is of great significance for selection of cutting tools and cutting parameters for boring 1Cr17Ni2 martensitic stainless-steel parts.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2024-0266/
How effective is AI augmentation in human–AI collaboration? Evidence from a field experiment
Authors: Liao Chengcheng , Wen Xin , Li Shan , Du Peiyuan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Companies increasingly leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance human performance, particularly in e-commerce. However, the effectiveness of AI augmentation remains controversial. This study investigates whether, how and why AI enhances human agents’ sales through a randomized field experiment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a two-by-two factorial randomized field experiment (N = 1,090) to investigate the effects of AI augmentation on sales. The experiment compares sales outcomes handled solely by human agents with those augmented by AI, while also examining the moderating effect of agents’ experience levels and the underlying mechanisms behind agents’ responses.

Findings

The results reveal that AI augmentation leads to a significant 5.46% increase in sales. Notably, the impact of AI augmentation varies based on agents’ experience levels, with inexperienced agents benefiting nearly six times more than their experienced counterparts. Mediation analysis shows that AI augmentation improves response timeliness, accuracy and sentiment, thereby boosting sales.

Originality/value

This study highlights the role of AI augmentation in human–AI collaboration, demonstrates the varying impacts of AI augmentation based on agents’ experience levels and offers insights for organizations on how to regulate AI augmentation to enhance agent responses and drive sales.
Drivers of green innovation and green acquisition: empirical evidence from the food and beverage industry
Authors: Wei Yuyan , Pujari Devashish
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Green innovation and green acquisition are key green marketing strategies. This paper aims to explore and compare the drivers of green acquisition and green innovation strategies firms adopt. Moreover, the moderating role of top management team (TMT) sustainability commitment is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model used secondary data based on 1,565 firm-year observations in the beverage and food industry in the US. The two-stage control function approach was used for data analysis.

Findings

Media attention motivates firms to pursue both green innovation and green acquisition. The TMT sustainability commitment plays a pivotal moderating role. It strengthens the link between environmental regulation stringency and green innovation but weakens the impact of media attention on green acquisition.

Practical implications

Managers can leverage the study’s findings to guide sustainable marketing decisions in response to environmental regulations and media scrutiny. Policymakers and investors can encourage firms to adopt more sustainable practices, helping align corporate strategies with Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 12.

Originality/value

Though green innovation determinants are extensively studied, most studies rely on surveys or qualitative methods rather than secondary data. Also, as an alternative to developing in-house green technologies or products, the drivers of green acquisition remain unclear despite its growing prevalence. This study addresses both gaps in the sustainable marketing literature.
Technological adoption in building surveying: exploring the impacting factors and strategies for enhancing utilisation
Authors: Dauda Jamiu A. , Oladiran Olayiwola , Sutherby Chloe A. , Adebayo Adejimi
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Embracing digitisation within the building surveying profession will enhance its practices and, of course, improve productivity. However, the level of digitisation within the building surveying profession is very low. Thus, this study aims to identify factors impacting technology adoption within the building surveying professions and provide practical ways of improving the adoption of technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a convergent mixed-methods approach to identify digital technologies applicable to building surveying professions. The study also investigates factors influencing technological adoptions and provides ways of improving their adoption. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis and ordinary least squares regression.

Findings

The study found that business communication platforms and smartphone applications are frequently used, while digital survey equipment and in-house developed applications are less commonly utilised by building surveyors. The influencing factors identified are economy, technical knowledge, culture, efficiency and regulatory factors. The study recommends increased education and training for building surveyors, promotional opportunities from manufacturers and government intervention in the form of subsidies or tax breaks to promote further digitisation within the building surveying profession.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insight into strategies for the digitalisation of the building surveying profession. Application of the findings would promote further utilisation of digital technologies.
Green human resource management and corporate social responsibility as drivers of organizational performance: mediating effects of employee engagement and corporate reputation in Vietnam
Authors: Tiep Le Thanh , Vu Nguyen Thao Linh , Le Cat Gia Linh , Bui Hai Trieu
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between green human resource management (GHRM), corporate social responsibility (CSR) and organizational performance (OP) of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by examining corporate reputation (CR) and employee engagement (EE) as mediators in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the quantitative method with 458 valid responses from mid- to senior-level managers and chief executive officers (CEOs) were obtained and used for data analysis. To analyze and explore the relationships between constructs and mediators, SmartPLS version 4.0 structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data of the SMEs of Vietnam in 2023.

Findings

The results showed strong and positive relationships between GHRM, CSR and OP in SMEs, with CR and EE serving as significant mediators.

Originality/value

This research provides new insights into how GHRM and CSR enhance OP by using an integrated model that examines how CR and EE mediate this relationship. It demonstrates that businesses implementing GHRM and CSR can promote sustainable development among stakeholders, leading to improved OP in Vietnam’s dynamic economic environment. The findings have practical implications for executives and managers, emphasizing the need to balance stakeholder, environmental and social interests to optimize GHRM and CSR initiatives and foster sustainable growth. This study’s insights could significantly influence SMEs in the Vietnamese economy.
The anatomy of clinical decision-making: aligning AI design with ICU routines
Authors: Becker Bas , Hoyer Patrizia
Published: November 2024

Purpose

In the face of numerous explanations for why AI-driven decision support systems (DSS) have failed to deliver on their promise of improving organizational decision-making, this paper problematizes the under-theorized mismatch between the design of DSS and the actual decision-making processes that the technology is supposed to support. We examine this mismatch by studying the implementation of a DSS in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a large academic hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 27 months of ethnographic fieldwork, we contend that the studied DSS was designed on the assumption that individual intensivists are responsible for making life-critical discharge decisions at one particular moment in time.

Findings

However, our study of actual decision-making practices reveals that discharge decision-making is instead a protracted process, involving multiple actors fragmented across time and space. To account for these complexities, we advocate for a “dynamic routines” perspective, which highlights the actual patterns of action pursued throughout a clinical decision-making process.

Originality/value

Our application of this perspective contributes to a more granular understanding of discharge decision-making, which can help future DSS designers better grasp the peculiarities and complexities—or “anatomy”—of the decision-making process. We also suggest integrating an “anticipatory ethnographic approach” into the design and pre-implementation phases of future DSS to help bridge the current gap between design assumptions and actual decision-making practices.
Elevating the human experience through service standards: insights from the global refugee crisis
Authors: Gnusowski Marek , Fisk Raymond P.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This article proposes a set of three service standards for serving humanity; develops the Agency, Dignity and Diversity (ADD) Service Standards Framework; integrates these standards with human experience; and then applies this framework to refugee service experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on Transformative Service Research (TSR), we propose service standards for humanity and connect these standards to elevating the human experience. Subsequently, the ADD Service Standards Framework for serving humanity is presented and applied to the human experiences of refugees.

Findings

Three service standards for serving humanity are proposed: empowering human agency, respecting human dignity and honoring human diversity. Further, we apply these three standards to offer a set of standard-specific practical actions adapted to the plight of refugees.

Practical implications

The practical implications affect all aspects of humanity’s service systems. Service standards should be universal, responsive to various needs of individuals and groups and adaptable to changing needs.

Originality/value

This paper contributes service standards for guiding service systems of any kind in serving humanity and provides a comprehensive framework for designing and implementing service standards that can elevate the human experience.
Cost-of-living: the impact on emotional support for young Londoners
Authors: Acevedo Gregory , Ross Abigail Miller , Hamid Rushaa , Sweeney Oisin , Daly Helen , Hernandez-Farina Sumaty , Lin Xia , Mobey Bethan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the ways in which the cost-of-living crisis affected emotional support access and availability among multiply-marginalised UK-based youth.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reports findings from early stages of a multiphase youth participatory action research (YPAR) project. In all, 12 young residents of Tower Hamlets London (ages 16–22 years) employed as peer researchers conducted 14 focus groups with 44 residents of Tower Hamlets over a six-month period. Data were analysed using principles of reflective thematic analysis.

Findings

Analyses produced salient themes that identified barriers to obtaining emotional support from parents and carers, described the utility of diverse support networks and elucidated the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on emotional support and youth well-being.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations pertaining primarily to study design, sample size and sample composition that limit generalizability of findings. The findings indicate that the cost-of-living crisis markedly constrained the participants’ access to and availability of formal and informal support from others.

Practical implications

The findings from this research will influence the design and delivery of policy and services to better meet the needs and experiences of UK-based young people and their families.

Social implications

This project has the potential to increase understanding of how families can provide effective emotional support to young people and so improve the lives of Londoners now and in the future.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ study, this study is the first to use a YPAR approach to exploring the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on UK-based youth.