bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjunctive Intra-arterial Urokinase after Successful Endovascular Thrombectomy in Patients with Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke (POST-UK): Study protocol of a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint trial
Authors: Liu Chang , Li Fengli , Song Jiaxing , Xu Xu , Huang Jiacheng , Guo Changwei , Kong Weilin , Yang Jie , Shi Xiaolei , Ma Jinfu , Yang Shihai , Wang Zhixi , Fan Shitao , Liu Xiang , Sun Wenzhe , Yu Nizhen , Yue Chengsong , Peng Zhouzhou , Li Linyu , Huang Cheng , Yang Dahong , Wang Duolao , Saver Jeffrey , Nguyen Thanh N. , Nogueira Raul G. , Chen Yangmei , Zi Wenjie
Published: August 2024

Background

Intra-arterial infusion of an adjunctive thrombolytic agent after macrovascular recanalization by endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) was regarded as a promising strategy to promote outcomes of stroke patients. Given the characteristics of urokinase (UK) as an affordable, available, and widely applied medication, especially in eastern countries, this trial aims to assess the safety and efficacy of intra-arterial UK as adjunct to EVT in improving outcomes among patients with anterior large vessel occlusion stroke after excellent to complete reperfusion.

Methods

The Adjunctive Intra-arterial Urokinase after Successful Endovascular Thrombectomy in Patients with Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke (POST-UK) trial is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint trial conducted in China. The planned sample size is 498. Those eligible patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke and achieving excellent to complete reperfusion by EVT are planned to be consecutively randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the experimental group (a single dose of intra-arterial urokinase) or to standard of care.

Results

The primary outcome is a freedom from disability (modified Rankin Scale, mRS, of 0-1) at 90±7 days. The safety outcomes are mortality within 90±7 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 48 hours.

Conclusions

The POST-UK trial will provide valuable insight of efficacy and safety of intra-arterial UK in patients with large vessel occlusion stroke after achieving excellent to complete reperfusion by EVT.

Trial registry number

ChiCTR2200065617 (www.chictr.org.cn).
ECT2 peptide sequences outside the YTH domain regulate its m6A-RNA binding
Authors: Seigneurin-Berny Daphné , Karczewski Claire , Delaforge Elise , Yaacoub Karen , Litholdo Celso Gaspar , Favory Jean-Jacques , Jensen Malene Ringkjøbing , Bousquet-Antonelli Cécile , Verdel André
Published: August 2024

The m6A epitranscriptomic mark is the most abundant and widespread internal RNA chemical modification, which through the control of RNA acts as an important actor of eukaryote reproduction, growth, morphogenesis and stress response. The main m6A readers constitute a super family of proteins with hundreds of members that share a so-called YTH RNA binding domain. The majority of YTH proteins carry no obvious additional domain except for an Intrinsically Disordered Region (IDR). InArabidopsis thalianaIDRs are important for the functional specialization among the different YTH proteins, known as Evolutionarily ConservedC-Terminal region, ECT 1 to 12. Here by studying the ECT2 protein and using anin vitrobiochemical characterization, we show that full length ECT2 and its YTH domain alone have a distinct ability to bind m6A, conversely to previously characterized YTH readers. We identify peptide regions outside of ECT2 YTH domain, in the N-terminal IDR, that regulate its binding to m6A-methylated RNA. Furthermore, we show that the selectivity of ECT2 binding for m6A is enhanced by a high uridine content within its neighboring sequence, where ECT2 N-terminal IDR is believed to contact the target RNAin vivo. Finally, we also identify small structural elements, located next to ECT2 YTH domain and conserved in a large set of YTH proteins, that enhance its binding to m6A-methylated RNA. We propose from these findings that some of these regulatory regions are not limited to ECT2 or YTH readers of the flowering plants but may be widespread among the eukaryotic YTH readers.
Structural and mechanistic diversity in p53-mediated regulation of organismal longevity across taxonomical orders
Authors: Osbourne Romani , Thayer Kelly M.
Published: August 2024

The accumulation of senescent cells induces several aging phenotypes, and the p53 tumor suppressor protein regulates one of the two known cellular senescence pathways. p53’s regulation of senescence is however not clear. For example, p53 deficiency in some mice has been shown to rescue premature aging while others display significant aging phenotype when p53-deficient. This study seeks to elucidate, structurally and mechanistically, p53’s roles in longevity. Through a relative evolutionary scoring (RES) algorithm, we quantify the level of evolutionary change in the residues of p53 across organisms of varying average lifespans in six taxonomic orders. Secondly, we used PEPPI to assess the likelihood of interaction between p53–or p53-linked proteins–and known senescence-regulating proteins across organisms in the orders Primates and Perciformes. Our RES algorithm found variations in the alignments within and across orders, suggesting that mechanisms of p53-mediated regulation of longevity may vary. PEPPI results suggest that longer-lived species may have evolved to regulate induction and inhibition of cellular senescence better than their shorter-lived counterparts. With experimental verification, these predictions could help elucidate the mechanisms of p53-mediated cellular senescence, ultimately clarifying our understanding of p53’s connection to aging in a multiple-species context.

Author summary

The p53 tumor suppressor protein protects our genome from cancers by repairing DNA damage, regulating cell death and/or pushing cells to a state where they become permanently unable to divide (known as cellular senescence). An accumulation of senescent cells produces various molecular features of aging in both mouse and human cellular models–thus linking p53 to the aging process. However, the molecular mechanism by which p53 regulates aging and its structural implications on this regulation are not clear. In this study, we assessed quantitatively the evolutionary differences in p53 sequences of organisms across several taxonomical orders to determine if there is a relationship between average lifespan and sequence evolution. In addition, we used a protein-protein interaction tool to assess the likelihood of interaction between p53, or p53-associated protein, and various senescence-associated proteins across organisms of various lifespans in two taxonomic orders: Primates and Perciformes. An elucidation of p53 structural difference and mechanistic proteomic network linked to p53 regulation of cellular senescence could advance therapeutics targeting abnormal aging.
Context effects on repair of 5’-overhang DSB induced by Cas12a in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lageix Sébastien , Sanchez-Rebato Miguel Hernandez , Gallego Maria E. , Verbeke Jérémy , Bidet Yannick , Viala Sandrine , White Charles I.
Published: August 2024

Sequence-specific endonucleases have been key to the study of the mechanisms and control of DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair and recombination and the availability of CRISPR-Cas nucleases over the last decade has driven rapid progress in understanding and application of targeted recombination in many organisms, including plants. We present here an analysis of recombination at targeted chromosomal 5’overhang DSB generated by the FnCas12a endonuclease in the plant,Arabidopsis thaliana. The much-studied Cas9 nuclease cleaves DNA to generate blunt-ended, double-strand breaks (DSB), but relatively less is known about the repair of other types of breaks, such as those with 5’-overhanging ends. Sequencing the repaired breaks clearly shows that the majority of repaired DSB carry small deletions and are thus repaired locally by End-Joining recombination, confirmed by Nanopore sequencing of larger amplicons. Paired DSB generate deletions at one or both cut-sites, as well as deletions and reinsertions of the deleted segment between the two cuts, visible as inversions. While differences are seen in the details, overall the deletion patterns are similar between repair at single-cut and double-cut events, notwithstanding the fact that only the former involve cohesive DNA overhangs. A strikingly different repair pattern is however observed at breaks flanked by direct repeats. This change in sequence context results in the presence of an alternative class of repair events, corresponding to highly efficient repair by Single-strand Annealing recombination.
Rational design paving the way for improving glucose tolerance and catalytic properties of a β-glucosidase fromAcetivibrio thermocellus
Authors: Kamale Chinmay , Rauniyar Abhishek , Bhaumik Prasenjit
Published: August 2024

Cellulases are an ensemble of enzymes that hydrolyse cellulose chains to fermentable glucose, hence, are widely used in bioethanol production. The last enzyme of the cellulose degradation pathway - β-glucosidase, is inhibited by its product – glucose. The product inhibition by glucose hinders cellulose hydrolysis limiting the saccharification during bioethanol production. Therefore, engineered β-glucosidases with improved glucose tolerance along with the catalytic efficiency are the need of the hour. This study focuses on the rational engineering of β-glucosidase fromAcetivibrio thermocellus(WT-AtGH1). Recombinant WT-AtGH1 exhibited activity on cellobiose and p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucosidase as substrates and retained around 80% of its activity over 48 hours at 55°C, pH 5.5. However, WT-AtGH1 showed low glucose tolerance of 380 mM as compared to the requiredIC50value of > 800 mM for industrial use. Therefore, the rational design approach was applied for improving the glucose tolerance of this enzyme. We determined 3 Å resolution crystal structure of WT-AtGH1. The structure-based engineered G168W-AtGH1 and S242W-AtGH1 mutants exhibited improved glucose tolerance of 840 mM and 612 mM, respectively. Surprisingly, S242L-AtGH1 mutant showed ∼ 2.5-fold increase in the catalytic efficiency as compared to WT-AtGH1. A combinatorial effect of improved glucose tolerance, as well as enhanced catalytic efficiency, was observed for the G168W-S242L-AtGH1 mutant. All the mutants with enhanced properties showed considerable stability at industrial operating conditions of 55°C and pH 5.5. Thus, we present the next-generation mutants of WT-AtGH1 with improved glucose tolerance and kinetic properties that have the potential to increase the efficiency of the saccharification process for second generation bioethanol production.
The influence of the head model on magnetoencephalography-derived functional connectivity fingerprinting
Authors: Schelfhout Matthias , Hinault Thomas , Lago Sara , Arcara Giorgio , Amico Enrico , Fraschini Matteo , Marinazzo Daniele
Published: August 2024

Functional connectivity (FC)-based neural fingerprinting is an approach that promises to distinguish subjects within a cohort on the basis of the patterns of statistical dependencies between time series recorded mostly if not always noninvasively, with electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The message is that brain activity is what differentiates subjects, or in other words, what makes a neural fingerprint “unique”. In EEG- and MEG-derived FC fingerprinting, the activity recorded at the sensors is projected back into cortical sources by means of an inverse model containing the shape of the head and its conductivity, and further averaged to obtain time series of regional activity, used to compute FC. In this study we investigated the role of the head model in fingerprinting. Through a set of experiments aimed to decouple recorded activity and head model for each subject, we found that the head model has a strong influence on the fingerprinting performance, according to two different sets of metrics.
C-COMPASS: A Neural Network Tool for Multi-Omic Classification of Cell Compartments
Authors: Haas Daniel Thomas , Trautmann Eva-Maria , Mao Xia , Gerl Mathias J. , Klose Christian , Cheng Xiping , Hasenauer Jan , Krahmer Natalie
Published: August 2024

Functional compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells is essential for maintaining physiological processes. The development of systematic organelle proteomic techniques, such as Protein Correlation Profiling (PCP) and Localization of Organelle Proteins by Isotope Tagging (LOPIT), has enhanced our understanding of organelle dynamics and protein localization. However, the complexity of the data and the need for advanced computational skills limit their accessibility. To address this, we introduce C-COMPASS, an open-source software featuring a user-friendly interface that utilizes a neural network-based regression model to predict the spatial distribution of proteins across cellular compartments. C-COMPASS manages complex multilocalization patterns and integrates protein abundance information to model organelle composition changes under various biological conditions. Using C-COMPASS, we mapped the organelle proteomic landscapes of humanized liver mice in different metabolic states and modeled changes in organelle composition to provide insights into cellular adaptations. Additionally, we extended cellular maps to the lipid level by co-generating protein and lipid profiles. C-COMPASS trains neural networks with marker protein profiles to predict lipid localizations, enabling parallel mapping of lipid and protein localization. This approach overcomes the lack of knowledge of organelle-specific lipid markers and identifies previously unknown organelle-specific lipid species. C-COMPASS offers a comprehensive solution for studying organelle dynamics at the multi-omics level, designed to be accessible without requiring extensive computational expertise or specialized high-performance computing equipment.
DNA spontaneously wrapping around a histone core prefers negative supercoiling: A Brownian dynamics study
Authors: Long Chunhong , Liang Hongqiong , Wan Biao
Published: August 2024

In eukaryotes, DNA achieves a highly compact structure primarily due to its winding around the histone cores. The nature wrapping of DNA around histone core form a 1.7 left-handed superhelical turns, contributing to negative supercoiling in chromatin. On the contrary, negative supercoils generated behind the polymerase during transcription may play a role in triggering nucleosome reassembly. To elucidate how supercoils influence the dynamics of wrapping of DNA around the histone cores, we developed a novel model to simulate the intricate interplay between DNA and histone. Our simulations revealed that both positively and negatively supercoiled DNAs are capable of wrapping around histone cores to adopt the nucleosome conformation. Most of all, our findings confirmed a preference for negative supercoiled DNA during nucleosome wrapping, and revealed that the both of the negative writhe and twist are comparatively beneficial to the formation of the DNA wrapping around histone. This advancement in the understanding of spontaneously nucleosome formation may provide insights into the intricate dynamics of chromatin assembly and its diverse functions. Our model thus can be further utilized to simulate the formations of multi-nucleosomes during re-assembling of the chromatin fiber, which will significantly enhance the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms governing the structure and function of chromatin.

Author summary

The compacted organization of DNA within chromatin is primarily attributed to its intricate winding around histone cores. This winding process involves 1.7 left-handed superhelical turns around the histone core, contributing to the negative supercoiling within chromatin fibers. To gain deeper insights into how DNA supercoiling impacts the dynamics of DNA wrapping around histone cores, we devised a novel computational model that simulates the intricate interplay between DNA and histone cores. Additionally, our simulations revealed that both of the positively and negatively supercoiled DNA can spontaneously adopt the nucleosome conformation upon wrapping around the histone core, and demonstrated a preferential tendency for negative supercoiling during nucleosome wrapping. Finally, we examined that both the negative writhe and twist components are comparatively advantageous for the formation of the nucleosome. The studies shed light on the intricate dynamics underlying chromatin assembly and its functional implications.
The challenges of replication: a worked example of methods reproducibility using electronic health record data
Authors: Williams Richard , Bolton Thomas , Jenkins David , Mizani Mehrdad A , Sperrin Matthew , FMedSci Cathie Sudlow , Wood Angela , Heald Adrian , Peek Niels
Published: August 2024

Objective

The ability to reproduce the work of others is an essential part of the scientific disciplines. Replicating observational studies using electronic health record (EHR) data can be challenging due to complexities in data access, variations in EHR systems across institutions, and the potential for unaccounted confounding variables. Our aim is to identify the barriers to methods reproducibility for replication studies using EHR data.

Methods

We replicated a study that examined the risk of hospitalisation following a positive COVID-19 test in individuals with diabetes. Using EHR data from the NHS England’s Secure Data Environment (SDE) covering the whole of England, UK (population 57m), we sought to replicate findings from the original study, which used data from Greater Manchester (a large urban region in the UK, population 2.9m). Both analyses were conducted in Trusted Research Environments (TREs) or SDEs, containing linked primary and secondary care data, however methods reproducibility was not straightforward. Differences between the environments that contributed to the difficulties were documented, categorized into themes, and converted into a list of recommendations for TRE/SDEs.

Results

Small differences between the environments and the data sources led to several challenges in methods reproducibility. Our recommendations of TRE/SDEs should facilitate future replication studies. The recommendations include: a need for improved machine-readable metadata for EHR data; standardization of governance processes to facilitate federated analysis; mandating of code sharing; and for environments to have a support structure for data engineers and analysts. We also propose a new theme for research, “data reproducibility”, as the ability to prepare, extract and clean data from a different database for a replication study.

Conclusion

Even with perfect code sharing, data reproducibility remains a challenge. Our recommendations have the potential to reduce the barriers to replication studies and therefore enhance the potential of observational studies using EHR data.
Distinguishing carrier transport and interfacial recombination at perovskite/transport-layer interfaces using ultrafast spectroscopy and numerical simulation
Authors: Butler-Caddle Edward , Jayawardena K.D.G. Imalka , Wijesekara Anjana , Milot Rebecca L. , Lloyd-Hughes James
Published: August 2024

In perovskite solar cells, photovoltaic action is created by charge transport layers (CTLs) either side of the light-absorbing metal halide perovskite semiconductor. Hence, the rates for desirable charge extraction and unwanted interfacial recombination at the perovskite-CTL interfaces play a critical role for device efficiency. Here, the electrical properties of perovskite-CTL bilayer heterostructures are obtained using ultrafast terahertz and optical studies of the charge carrier dynamics after pulsed photoexcitation, combined with a physical model of charge carrier transport that includes the prominent Coulombic forces that arise after selective charge extraction into a CTL, and cross-interfacial recombination. The charge extraction velocity at the interface and the ambipolar diffusion coefficient within the perovskite are determined from the experimental decay profiles for heterostructures with three of the highest-performing CTLs, namely C60, PCBM and Spiro-OMeTAD. Definitive targets for the further improvement of devices are deduced: fullerenes deliver fast electron extraction, but suffer from a large rate constant for cross-interface recombination or hole extraction. Conversely, Spiro-OMeTAD exhibits slow hole extraction but does not increase the perovskite’s surface recombination rate, likely contributing to its success in solar cell devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
On the holographic dual of a topological symmetry operator
Authors: Heckman Jonathan J. , Hübner Max , Murdia Chitraang
Published: August 2024

We study the holographic dual of a topological symmetry operator in the context of the AdS/CFT correspondence. Symmetry operators arise from topological field theories localized on a subspace of the boundary conformal field theory spacetime. We use bottom up considerations to construct the topological sector associated with their bulk counterparts. In particular, by exploiting the structure of entanglement wedge reconstruction we argue that the bulk counterpart has a nontopological world volume action, i.e., it describes a dynamical object. As a consequence, we find that there are no global p-form symmetries for p≥0 in asymptotically anti–de Sitter spacetimes, which includes the case of noninvertible symmetries. Provided one has a suitable notion of subregion-subregion duality, our argument for the absence of bulk global symmetries applies to more general spacetimes. These considerations also motivate us to consider for general QFTs (holographic or not) the notion of lower-form symmetries, namely, (−m)-form symmetries for m≥2.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Coulomb Interaction-Driven Entanglement of Electrons on Helium
Authors: Beysengulov Niyaz R. , Schøyen Øyvind S. , Bilek Stian D. , Flaten Jonas B. , Leinonen Oskar , Hjorth-Jensen Morten , Pollanen Johannes , Kristiansen Håkon Emil , Stewart Zachary J. , Weidman Jared D. , Wilson Angela K.
Published: August 2024

The generation and evolution of entanglement in many-body systems is an active area of research that spans multiple fields, from quantum information science to the simulation of quantum many-body systems encountered in condensed matter, subatomic physics, and quantum chemistry. Motivated by recent experiments exploring quantum information processing systems with electrons trapped above the surface of cryogenic noble gas substrates, we theoretically investigate the generation of entanglement between two electrons via their unscreened Coulomb interaction. The model system consists of two electrons confined in separate electrostatic traps that establish microwave-frequency quantized states of their motion. We compute the motional energy spectra of the electrons, as well as their entanglement, by diagonalizing the model Hamiltonian with respect to a single-particle Hartree product basis. We also compare our results with the predictions of an effective Hamiltonian. The computational procedure outlined here can be employed for device design and guidance of experimental implementations. In particular, the theoretical tools developed here can be used for fine-tuning and optimization of control parameters in future experiments with electrons trapped above the surface of superfluid helium or solid neon.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonequilibrium Transition between Dissipative Time Crystals
Authors: Cabot Albert , Giorgi Gian Luca , Zambrini Roberta
Published: August 2024

We show a dissipative phase transition in a driven nonlinear quantum oscillator in which a discrete time-translation symmetry is spontaneously broken in two different ways. The corresponding regimes display either discrete or incommensurate time-crystal order, which we analyze numerically and analytically beyond the classical limit, addressing observable dynamics, phenomenology in different (laboratory and rotating) frames, Liouvillian spectral features, and quantum fluctuations. Via an effective semiclassical description, we show that phase diffusion dominates in the incommensurate time crystal (or continuous time crystal in the rotating frame), which manifests as a band of eigenmodes with a lifetime growing linearly with the mean-field excitation number. Instead, in the discrete time-crystal phase, the leading fluctuation process corresponds to quantum activation with a single mode that has an exponentially growing lifetime. Interestingly, the transition between these two regimes manifests itself already in the quantum regime as a spectral singularity, namely, as an exceptional point mediating between phase diffusion and quantum activation. Finally, we discuss this transition between different time-crystal orders in the context of synchronization phenomena.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The diamond–silicon carbide composite Skeleton® as a promising material for substrates of intense X-ray beam optics
Authors: Pestov Alexey E. , Lopatin Aleksei Ya. , Volkov Petr V. , Zorina Maria V. , Lukyanov Andrei Yu. , Malyshev Ilya V. , Mikhailenko Mikhail S. , Toropov Mikhail N. , Semikov Daniil A. , Chernyshev Aleksei K. , Chkhalo Nikolay I. , Yunin Pavel A. , Glushkov Egor I. , Gordeev Sergey K. , Korchagina Svetlana B.
Published: August 2024

The paper considers the possibility of using the diamond-silicon carbide composite Skeleton® with a technological coating of polycrystalline silicon as a substrate for X-ray mirrors used with powerful synchrotron radiation sources (third+ and fourth generation). Samples were studied after polishing to provide the following surface parameters: root-mean-square flatness ≃ 50 nm, micro-roughness on the frame 2 µm × 2 µm σ ≃ 0.15 nm. The heat capacity, thermal conductivity and coefficient of linear thermal expansion were investigated. For comparison, a monocrystalline silicon sample was studied under the same conditions using the same methods. The value of the coefficient of linear thermal expansion turned out to be higher than that of monocrystalline silicon and amounted to 4.3 × 10−6 K−1, and the values of thermal conductivity (5.0 W cm−1 K−1) and heat capacity (1.2 J K−1 g−1) also exceeded the values for Si. Thermally induced deformations of both Skeleton® and monocrystalline silicon samples under irradiation with a CO2 laser beam have also been experimentally studied. Taking into account the obtained thermophysical constants, the calculation of thermally induced deformation under irradiation with hard (20 keV) X-rays showed almost three times less deformation of the Skeleton® sample than of the monocrystalline silicon sample.
Synthesis and crystal structure of (2E)-1-[3,5-bis(benzyloxy)phenyl]-3-(4-ethoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Jeyashri K. R. , Logeshwari G. , Rajapandiyan U. , Sivakumar K. , Selvanayagam S. , Manikandan H. , Kaviyarasu K.
Published: August 2024

In the title compound, C31H28O4, the phenyl rings of the chalcone unit subtend a dihedral angle of 26.43 (10)°. The phenyl rings of the pendant benzyloxy groups are orientated at 75.57 (13) and 75.70 (10)° with respect to their attached ring. In the crystal, weak C—H...O and C—H...π interactions link the molecules. The intermolecular interactions were quantified and analysed using Hirshfeld surface analysis, which showed a breakdown into H...H (49.8%), H...C/C...H (33.8%) and H...O/O...H (13.6%) interactions with other types making negligible contributions.
Generative artificial intelligence: opportunities, challenges and future avenues for organizational learning
Authors: Rahman Hanfia , Singh Tripti
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study provides a comprehensive investigation of the opportunities and challenges associated with generative artificial intelligence (GAI) use in development and learning in organizations. Additionally, it highlights the future avenues in GAI research and provides practical recommendations for policymakers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the review was collected from the Web of Science database using the search criteria (“Generative artificial intelligence” OR “artificial intelligence”) AND (“human resource management” OR “human resource development” OR “workplace learning” OR “organizational learning” OR “organizational development” OR “learning organization”) on March 6th, 2024. Filtering results to Management and Business categories yielded 71 articles. After abstract review, 6 unrelated articles were excluded, leaving 65 articles for final analysis.

Findings

The study presents several opportunities of GAI such as applications in personal learning and content generation. Moreover, it unravels several potential challenges of GAI such as quality and accuracy issues and elucidates several future research directions.

Originality/value

Our study is the first literature review that provides and a comprehensive overview of generative artificial intelligence in the context of organizational learning.
ESG performance, corporate innovation and downside risk: empirical evidence from China
Authors: Lin Binghong , Li Bingxiang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study mainly explores how ESG performance (ESG stands for Environment, Social, and Governance) affects corporate downside risk through innovation input and innovation output, thereby promoting sustainable development of enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Chinese A-share listed companies from 2014 to 2022 as research samples, a stepwise regression method is used to empirically test the impact of ESG performance on corporate innovation and downside risk by constructing multiple multivariate primary regression models.

Findings

ESG performance is beneficial for obtaining external resources and alleviating principal-agent problems. It can promote enterprises to increase innovation input and improve innovation output, thereby enhancing their core competitiveness, and suppressing their downside risk. This inhibitory effect is more significant in non-state-owned enterprises, non-high-tech enterprises, and enterprises where the chairman and the general manager are not combined in one. Further additional analysis has found that equity concentration weakens the inhibitory effect of ESG performance on corporate downside risk, equity balance strengthens the inhibitory effect of ESG performance on corporate downside risk, indicating that a mutually restrictive equity structure is conducive to promoting enterprises to actively fulfill ESG responsibility, thereby improving corporate innovation level and resolving their downside risk.

Practical implications

Enterprise managers, policy makers, and other practitioners can clearly see the benefits of implementing ESG measures, further strengthen their confidence in sustainable development, actively apply ESG concepts to the entire production and operation process of enterprises, increase attention and implementation of ESG elements, and promote the healthy and vigorous development of enterprises and macroeconomics.

Originality/value

The research conclusions reveal the inherent mechanism by which ESG performance empowers enterprises to improve their innovation level and reverse their performance decline, effectively expanding the theoretical achievements of ESG performance in enterprise innovation and risk management.
Blockchain for the circular economy, implications for public governance
Authors: Acosta Llano Eduardo , Hurmelinna-Laukkanen Pia , Haapanen Lauri
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study examines the intricate interplay of blockchain, public governance and the circular economy (CE), aiming to assess the potential of blockchain technology (BT) in addressing challenges associated with the adoption of CE principles, particularly in the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Focused on public governance, the research employs in-depth interviews with Finnish policymakers actively engaged in CE initiatives. Qualitative analysis is applied to derive insights and patterns from the gathered data, providing a nuanced understanding of blockchain’s transformative role.

Findings

The study uncovers key dimensions for leveraging blockchain in the CE within the public sector. Notable findings include the significance of contextual transparency, the use of incentivization as a regulatory tool, the role of standardization through strategic autonomy and the importance of public engagement and participation.

Originality/value

This research contributes a unique framework that illuminates the transformative potential of blockchain within the CE, emphasizing its relevance to public governance. The identified dimensions offer practical insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to navigate the complexities of circular transitions in the public sector.
Constructing Sukuk-linked Awqaf (endowment) model
Authors: Ismal Rifki
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Islamic endowment (awqaf), particularly awqaf land, is one of the potential Islamic social assets to serve the public interest, particularly to provide public infrastructures such as business centers, public hospitals and airports. However, unfortunately, most of them are still unproductive lands, especially in the form of idle lands. One problem to use such unproductive awqaf lands is the lack of awqaf land model as the platform to use such awqaf lands. This paper aims to construct and propose a model called Sukuk-linked Awqaf (SLA) to use awqaf lands as an underlying for Sukuk issuance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper constructs mechanisms and formulas of SLA by involving Sukuk issuer, awqaf management (Nadzhir), Sukuk investors and tenants of the infrastructure. In particular, the SLA model is proposed based on the unique characteristics of both awqaf asset and Ijarah (leasing) Sukuk, considers the intention of state-owned enterprise (SOE) to construct buildings to be rented to the tenant and to be owned by the awqaf manager and formulates equations and uses net present value theory to determine Nadzhir and Sukuk investors’ investment decisions.

Findings

Engaging awqaf land with SLA model can ease its benefit for the society. The model addresses the strategic roles of Nadzhir, SOE, investors and contractor in using awqaf land.

Research limitations/implications

The SLA model could ease related parties to use the awqaf land for the sake of public benefits.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first assessment on the potential implementation of Islamic hedging with a commodity as an alternative hedging in Indonesia.
The impact of Basel III regulations on solvency and credit risk-taking behavior of Islamic banks
Authors: Addou Khadija Ichrak , Boulanouar Zakaria , Anwer Zaheer , Bensghir Afaf , Ramadilli Mohammad Shamsher Mohamad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the simultaneous effect of variations in the Capital Adequacy Ratio and Credit Risk of Islamic banks of the Gulf Cooperation Council under the influence of the Basel III regulations using an innovative approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This approach highlights the critical importance of the Basel III reform in preserving the stability of the regional and international financial sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council and globally by examining the complex dynamics between Capital Adequacy Ratio and Credit Risk and their interaction under regulatory constraints. The annual reports and financial performance of 26 Islamic banks were analyzed over the period 2013–2021.

Findings

The findings highlight the critical importance of the Basel III reform in preserving the stability of the regional and international financial sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council and globally by examining the complex dynamics between Capital Adequacy Ratio and Credit Risk and their interaction under regulatory constraints. The annual reports and financial performance of 26 Islamic banks were analyzed over the period 2013–2021.

Originality/value

The insights from findings help define effective strategies to manage and mitigate Credit Risk while strengthening solvency under Basel III prudential supervision. Policymakers, regulatory authorities and banking institutions can optimize the management of Credit Risk and create a robust and stable financial environment for Islamic banks.
The green generation: a survey of environmental attitudes among university students in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: AL-Tkhayneh Khawlah M. , Ashour Sanaa
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In this study, we evaluated university students’ attitudes towards environmental issues, with a particular focus on the cohort’s understanding of climate change and knowledge of environmental issues. We also explored whether students’ gender or university major (natural sciences vs humanities and social sciences) impact attitudes to environmental issues.

Design/methodology/approach

We surveyed undergraduate students (n = 1,310) using an online questionnaire comprising 17 statements that reflect attitudes towards environmental concerns. This questionnaire was constructed using a 5-point Likert Scale and was tested for reliability and validity to ensure its precision and consistency in assessing the targeted constructs.

Findings

The results revealed that the surveyed students had a medium level of positive attitudes towards the environment. While no significant differences based on gender were observed, students from different university majors significantly differed in the degree to which they endorsed positive attitudes towards the environment, with those majoring in natural sciences reporting stronger attitudes to environmental issues. These findings warrant the implementation of mandatory courses on the environment at UAE universities so as to enhance students’ awareness and foster positive attitudes towards the environment.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies that may have focused narrowly on specific environmental attitudes or behaviors, this research offers a broad yet detailed assessment by incorporating factors such as students' academic majors and gender. By comparing attitudes across different fields of study—natural sciences versus humanities and social sciences, the study provides new insights into how educational background and demographic variables shape environmental perceptions. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of the factors that influence environmental attitudes among young adults, potentially guiding more targeted educational interventions.
Vegetative stage and soil horizon respectively determine direction and magnitude of rhizosphere priming effects in contrasting tree line soils
Authors: Michel Jennifer , Fontaine Sébastien , Revaillot Sandrine , Piccon‐Cochard Catherine , Whitaker Jeanette
Published: August 2024

Tree lines in high latitudes and high altitudes are considered sentinels of global change. This manifests in accelerated encroachment of trees and shrubs and enhanced plant productivity, with currently unknown implications for the carbon balance of these biomes. Given the large soil organic carbon stocks in many tree line soils, we here wondered whether introducing highly productive plants would accelerate carbon cycling through rhizosphere priming effects and if certain soils would be more vulnerable to carbon loss from positive priming than others.

To test this, organic and mineral soils were sampled above and below tree lines in the Swedish sub‐arctic and the Peruvian Andes. A greenhouse experiment was then performed to quantify plant‐induced changes in soil mineralisation rates (rhizosphere priming effect) and new C formation using natural abundance labelling and the C4‐species Cynodon dactylon. Several environmental, plant, soil and microbial parameter were monitored during the experiment to complement the observations on soil C cycling.

Priming was predominantly positive at the beginning of the experiment, then systematically decreased in all soils during the plant growth season to be mostly negative at the end of the experiment at plant senescence. Independent of direction of priming, the magnitude of priming was always greater in organic than in corresponding mineral soils, which was best explained by the higher C contents of these soils. Integrated over the entire study period, the overall impact of priming (positive and negative) on the soil C balance was mostly negligible. Though net soil C loss was observed in organic soils from the sub‐arctic tundra in Sweden.

Most notably, positive and negative priming effects were not mutually exclusive, rather omnipresent across ecosystems, depending on sampling time. The direction of priming seems to be fluctuating with plant productivity, rhizosphere carbon inputs and nutrient uptake. This highlights the need for integrative long‐term studies if we aim to understand priming effects at ecosystem scale and greenhouse and laboratory studies must be validated in situ to enable reliable ecological upscaling.

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Dietary fibre optimisation in support of global health
Authors: Ramsteijn Anouschka S. , Louis Petra
Published: August 2024

The human gut microbiota influences its host via multiple molecular pathways, including immune system interactions, the provision of nutrients and regulation of host physiology. Dietary fibre plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy microbiota as its primary nutrient and energy source. Industrialisation has led to a massive decrease of habitual fibre intake in recent times, and fibre intakes across the world are below the national recommendations. This goes hand in hand with other factors in industrialised societies that may negatively affect the gut microbiota, such as medication and increased hygiene. Non‐communicable diseases are on the rise in urbanised societies and the optimisation of dietary fibre intake can help to improve global health and prevent disease. Early life interventions shape the developing microbiota to counteract malnutrition, both in the context of industrialised nations with an overabundance of cheap, highly processed foods, as well as in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries (LMICs). Adequate fibre intake should, however, be maintained across the life course to promote health. Here we will discuss the current state of dietary fibre research in the global context and consider different intervention approaches.
Age and gender differences in motives for z‐drug misuse: Findings from the 2015 to 2019 NSDUH survey
Authors: Ellis Robyn A. , Trapani Emma , McHugh R. Kathryn
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

Approximately 9% of people who are exposed to a nonbenzodiazepine sedative‐hypnotic medication (“z‐drug”) misuse this medication, yet, the reasons why people misuse z‐drugs are not well‐characterized.

Methods

Using population survey data, we examined gender and age differences in motives for z‐drug misuse.

Results

Results suggested women and older adults have higher odds of misusing z‐drugs for sleep, and young adults have higher odds of misusing for recreation.

Discussion and Conclusions

Although the majority of people who misuse z‐drugs report misusing to manage sleep, this is particularly common in women and older adults.

Scientific Significance

Addressing inadequately treated sleep concerns may help mitigate z‐drug misuse.
Peri‐operative Replacement of Exogenous Steroids (PREdS): a national audit of current peri‐operative prescribing for patients taking therapeutic steroids
Authors: Barker Oliver J. H. , Ramesh Aravind V. , Kangesan Inthu , Barnes Jonathan , Harrogate Suzanne , Gupta Swati , Reeves Barnaby C. , Gibbison Ben ,   the PREdS Trainee Research Network Collaborators
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Approximately 1% of the UK population take oral corticosteroids for ≥ 28 days each year, for broadly two reasons: deficiency in corticosteroid requiring replacement; or therapeutic corticosteroid for inflammatory conditions. Acute deficiency can occur at times of physiological stress (e.g. surgery), potentially leading to major complications. The Association of Anaesthetists' 2020 consensus guideline provides detailed advice for the management of glucocorticoids during the peri‐operative period for patients with adrenal insufficiency. This national audit aimed to assess compliance with this guideline.

Methods

Data were collected from 59 Trusts over 14 consecutive days for all eligible patients undergoing procedures under the care of an anaesthetist. Patients who were prescribed ≥ 5 mg oral prednisolone equivalents pre‐operatively, in whom supplementary corticosteroid would be indicated, were compared with those prescribed < 5 mg oral prednisolone equivalents.

Results

Operations for 21,731 patients were audited: 277 (1.3%) patients were taking therapeutic corticosteroids. Detailed peri‐operative data were collected for all patients receiving therapeutic corticosteroids: 201/277 (73%) were ASA physical status ≥ 3; 184/277 (66%) underwent elective procedures; and 252/277 (91%) were prescribed prednisolone pre‐operatively, of whom 219/277 (79%) were prescribed ≥ 5 mg oral prednisolone equivalents. In the patients who were prescribed ≥ 5 mg oral prednisolone equivalents, 186/219 (85%) received pre‐operative glucocorticoid supplementation and 97/219 (42%) received it postoperatively; however, only 67/219 (31%) and 43/219 (20%) respectively received glucocorticoid supplementation according to the guidelines. Overall, peri‐operative prescribing was compliant in 19/219 (9%) patients. A similar proportion, 30/219 (14%), received no supplementation. In the patients taking < 5 mg oral prednisolone equivalents pre‐operatively, 28/58 (48%) received inappropriate supplementation.

Conclusions

Despite 125/277 (45%) of anaesthetists reporting Association of Anaesthetists' guidelines use, compliance remained low, with adherence in only 27/125 (22%) patients. Further research is required to identify the correct peri‐operative strategy for patients taking therapeutic corticosteroids.