bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cluster of RNA Polymerase II molecules is stably associated with an active gene
Authors: Mukherjee Apratim , Kapoor Manya , Shankta Kareena , Fallacaro Samantha , Carter Raymond D. , Ratchasanmuang Puttachai , Haloush Yara I. , Mir Mustafa
Published: February 2025

In eukaryotic nuclei, transcription is associated with discrete foci of RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) molecules. How these clusters interact with genes and their impact on transcriptional activity remain heavily debated. Here we take advantage of the naturally occurring increase in transcriptional activity during Zygotic Genome Activation (ZGA) inDrosophila melanogasterembryos to characterize the functional roles of RNAPII clusters in a developmental context. Using single-molecule tracking and lattice light-sheet microscopy, we find that RNAPII cluster formation depends on transcription initiation and that cluster lifetimes are reduced upon transcription elongation. We show that single clusters are stably associated with active gene loci during transcription and that cluster intensities are strongly correlated with transcriptional output. Our data suggest that prior to ZGA, RNAPII clusters prime genes for activation, whereas after ZGA, clusters are composed mostly of elongating molecules at individual genes.
Duplications in the Chlorophyllaoxygenase (CAO) gene across the Viridiplantae
Authors: Poirier Mackenzie C. , Wright Roberta , Cvetkovska Marina
Published: February 2025

Viridiplantae, a diverse group of green plants and alga that have evolved from a common ancestor, are unified in their ability to produce and use two types of chlorophyll (chlorophyllaand chlorophyllb) to capture light energy. In addition to its role in light harvesting, appropriate levels of chlorophyllbare required for accumulation, assembly, and stability of light harvesting complexes within the photosynthetic apparatus. Chlorophyllbis synthesized from chlorophyllaby the enzyme chlorophyllideaoxygenase (CAO), a Rieske-type mononuclear non-heme iron oxygenase. A regulatory degron sequence, described in detail only in land plants, has been demonstrated to regulate the stability of CAO proteins based on the availability of chlorophyllb. Recent identification of CAO gene duplication in bryophyte and green algal species, combined with expanded availability of sequenced genomes within the Viridiplantae, prompted further investigation into the role of gene duplication in the evolution of chlorophyllbbiosynthesis. Examination of genomes from 246 plant and algae species revealed independently occurring CAO duplications throughout the Viridiplantae, with a higher prevalence of duplication in land plants compared to their algal relatives. Additionally, we demonstrate that the degron sequence is absent in in chlorophytes, but first appears as a conserved sequence in charophytes, and is very highly conserved among the embryophytes. The evolutionary history of CAO throughout the Viridiplantae lineage is discussed based on these key observations, adding to our understanding of chlorophyllbbiosynthesis and the role of CAO in photosynthetic species.
TRPV4 Dominates High Shear-Induced Initial Traction Response and Long-Term Relaxation Over Piezo1
Authors: Chandurkar Mohanish K. , Yang Manli , Rostami Majid , Han Sangyoon J.
Published: February 2025

Modulation of endothelial traction is critical for the responses of endothelial cells to fluid shear stress (FSS), which has profound implications for vascular health and atherosclerosis. Previously, we demonstrated that under high FSS, endothelial cells rapidly increase traction forces, followed by relaxation, with traction aligning in the flow direction. In contrast, low shear preconditioning induces a modest short-term increase in traction (<30 min), followed by a secondary long-term (>14 hr) rise, with traction/cells aligning perpendicular to the flow. The upstream mechanosensors driving these responses, however, remain unknown. Here, we sought the roles of Piezo1 and TRPV4 ion channels in shear-induced traction modulation. We report that HUVECs with Piezo1 silencing reduced the initial traction rise in half under high FSS compared to those by WT cells, while not affecting the traction modulation in response to low FSS or traction/cell alignment to the flow direction. Conversely, cells with siTRPV4 fully abrogated the initial traction rise, as well as alignment of traction and cells, in response to both high and low FSS conditions. Dual inhibition of Piezo1 and TRPV4 further impaired both initial and long-term traction under high FSS. Interestingly, dual-inhibited cells displayed larger initial traction responses to low FSS compared to control cells, suggesting the involvement of alternative calcium-independent pathways that become dominant when both ion channels are nonfunctional. Additionally, either ion channel inhibition led to secondary long-term traction increase even under high FSS condition. These findings suggest that while both Piezo1 and TRPV4 channels contribute to shear mechanotransduction, TRPV4 plays more dominant role than Piezo1 in mediating the initial traction rise and sustaining long-term relaxation under high or low shear stress, highlighting their critical and distinct contributions to endothelial mechanotransduction and remodeling.
Seeing what you hear: sound intensity alters rat visual perception in a temporal frequency classification task
Authors: Zanzi Mattia , Rinaldi Francesco Guido , Fornasaro Silene , Piasini Eugenio , Zoccolan Davide
Published: February 2025

While integration of multimodal sensory stimuli in cortical hierarchies is well studied, the functional impact of hetero-modal inputs on visual perception is less explored. Here we use a visual classification task in rats to investigate how task-irrelevant sounds modify visual processing. Sound intensity, but not temporal congruency with visual stimuli, effectively compresses the task’s visual perceptual space, suggesting inhibition as a mediator of auditory-visual interactions in neural representations.
Platsafeguards maternally aged oocytes against programmed cell death through activating the Erk1/2 pathway
Authors: He Xingsi , Zhang Hanwen , Wang Ya , Yan Huanyu , Chen Qiuzhen , Su Min , Shi Qiaozhen , Zeng Xiao , Sheng Wei , Wang Yangmin , Wang Chikun , Hou Shuyue , Hu Zhibin , He Yuanlin , Wang Xi
Published: February 2025

The decline in oocytes quality and developmental potential with female reproductive aging is well recognized, yet the underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently investigated. In this study, through an integrative analysis of transcriptomes and morphologies of individual oocytes from young and aged mice, morphologically defective aged oocytes are identified with distinct transcriptomic features. Further analysis demonstrates that both apoptotic and ferroptotic pathways are activated in the defective aged oocytes, and simultaneously blocking both pathways reverses the defective morphology to the largest extent. ThePlatgene, which encodes tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), is downregulated with oocyte aging, andPlatknockdown increases oocytes susceptibility to both apoptosis and ferroptosis. Mechanistically, tPA functions as an upstream signaling molecule for Erk1/2 activation by interacting with particular phosphorylation kinases such as Alk. Consequently,Platloss downregulates Erk1/2 pathway activity in oocytes, leading to degeneration through programmed cell death. Supplementing exogenous tPA inin vitrooocyte maturation cultures reduces defect rate of aged oocytes, thereby improving oocyte quality and developmental potential. Collectively,Platplays a pivotal role in protecting aged mouse oocytes from programmed cell death, and tPA supplementation may serve as a potential clinical strategy to enhance oocyte quality in females of advanced maternal age.
Symmetry-informed transferability of optimal parameters in the quantum approximate optimization algorithm
Authors: Lyngfelt Isak , García-Álvarez Laura
Published: February 2025

One of the main limitations of variational quantum algorithms is the classical optimization of the highly dimensional nonconvex variational parameter landscape. To simplify this optimization, we can reduce the search space using problem symmetries and typical optimal parameters as initial points if they concentrate. In this article, we consider typical values of optimal parameters of the quantum approximate optimization algorithm for the MAXCUT problem with d-regular tree subgraphs and reuse them in different graph instances. We prove symmetries in the optimization landscape of several kinds of weighted and unweighted graphs, which explains the existence of multiple sets of optimal parameters. However, we observe that not all optimal sets can be successfully transferred between problem instances. We find specific transferable domains in the search space and show how to translate an arbitrary set of optimal parameters into the adequate domain using the studied symmetries. Finally, we extend these results to general classical optimization problems described by Ising Hamiltonians, the Hamiltonian variational ansatz for relevant physical models, and the recursive and multiangle quantum approximate optimization algorithms.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Modified coherent synchrotron radiation point-kick model with self-consistent consideration of bunch length varying
Authors: Liu Weihang , Zeng Fancong , Jiao Yi
Published: February 2025

Coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) in dipoles can degrade beam quality by increasing energy spread and transverse emittance. A simple one-dimensional CSR-kick model was developed to analyze CSR effects in dipoles and derive conditions for CSR suppression [Jiao ]. However, this model assumes a constant bunch length within the dipole, limiting its accuracy in scenarios involving bunch compression, where the bunch length typically varies. This limitation requires numerical corrections, which may reduce the general applicability of the model. We present a modified CSR-kick model that accounts for bunch length variations within dipoles. The modified model is validated through simulations and consistently reproduces CSR suppression conditions for double-bend achromat (DBA) compressors, showing excellent agreement with previously numerically corrected results. Further analysis of the DBA compressor under CSR suppression conditions is also provided.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Aspects of the chiral crossover transition in (
2+1
)-flavor QCD with Möbius domain-wall fermions
Authors: Gavai Rajiv V. , Jaensch Mischa E. , Kaczmarek Olaf , Karsch Frithjof , Sarkar Mugdha , Shanker Ravi , Sharma Sayantan , Sharma Sipaz , Ueding Tristan
Published: February 2025

The nonsinglet part of the chiral symmetry in quantum chromodynamics (QCD) with two light flavors is known to be restored through a crossover transition at a pseudocritical temperature. However, the temperature dependence of the singlet part of the chiral symmetry and whether it is effectively restored at the same temperature is not well understood. Using (2+1)-flavor QCD configurations generated using the Möbius domain-wall discretization on an Nτ=8 lattice, we construct suitable observables where the singlet and nonsinglet chiral symmetries are disentangled in order to study their temperature dependence across the crossover transition. From the peak of the disconnected part of the chiral susceptibility, we obtain a pseudocritical temperature Tpc=158.7−2.3+2.6  MeV where the nonsinglet part of the chiral symmetry is effectively restored. From a calculation of the topological susceptibility and its temperature dependence we find that the singlet UA(1) part of the chiral symmetry is not effectively restored at T≲186  MeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Electromagnetic responses of a nonextensive quark-gluon plasma
Authors: Jiang Bing-feng , Chen Jun , Hou De-fu
Published: February 2025

Based on the nonextensive statistical mechanics and the gluon polarization tensor obtained from kinetic theory, we derive the longitudinal and transverse gluon self-energies for the quark-gluon plasma. The electric permittivity ϵ and the magnetic permeability μM are evaluated from the gluon self-energies through which the real part of the square of the refraction index Re n2 and the Depine-Lakhtakia index nDL are investigated. The real part of ϵ displays a frequency pole ωd=p, which is just the position of the frequency inflexion of the imaginary part of ϵ. The nonextensive parameter q significantly affects the real and imaginary parts of ϵ in the spacelike region ω<p, while the frequency pole ωd=p remains unchanged as q increases. The magnetic permeability, Re n2 and the Depine-Lakhtakia index nDL diverge at frequency ωm. As q increases, the pole frequency ωm shifts to large frequency region. The Depine-Lakhtakia index nDL becomes negative in a quite large frequency region ω∈[ωc,ωm]. When q increases, the frequency range for nDL<0 becomes wider. Nevertheless, there are no propagating modes for the negative refraction. In addition, as momentum p increases, the electric permittivity, the magnetic permeability, Ren2 and nDL are sensitive to the change of p, which indicates the importance of the spatial dispersion in the electromagnetic responses of the quark-gluon plasma.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Self-consistent constraints on the collision terms in quantum kinetic theory
Authors: Wu Shi-Yuan , Gao Jian-Hua
Published: February 2025

We derive self-consistent constraint conditions for collision terms in quantum kinetic theory using the Wigner function formalism. We present specific solutions for these collision terms that align with the constraints. We develop quantum kinetic theory at relaxation-time approximation. With this framework, we discuss spin polarization and electric charge separation effects in relativistic heavy-ion collisions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Non-Gaussian statistics of nanohertz stochastic gravitational waves
Authors: Xue Xiao , Pan Zhen , Dai Liang
Published: February 2025

Multiple pulsar timing arrays (PTAs) have recently reported evidence for nHz stochastic gravitational wave background (SGWB), stimulating intensive discussions about its physical origin. In principle, the sources may be either supermassive black hole binaries (SMBHBs) or processes in the early Universe. One key difference between the two lies in the statistics of the SGWB frequency power spectrum. In particular, the often assumed Gaussian random SGWB does not accurately describe the distribution of the collective SMBHB emission. This work presents a semianalytical framework for calculating the non-Gaussian statistics of SGWB power expected from SMBHBs. We find that (a) wave interference between individual SMBHBs with indistinguishable observed frequencies and (b) the Poisson fluctuation of the source numbers, together shape the non-Gaussian statistics. Implementing the non-Gaussian statistics developed in this work, we investigate the sensitivity of current and future PTA datasets in distinguishing the origin of the SGWB through non-Gaussian information. Additionally, we find an interesting approximation of the non-Gaussian statistics, which has implications for accurately and practically treating non-Gaussianity in PTA Bayesian analyses.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Conformal cores of quantum black holes in quadratic gravity
Authors: Liu Ruolin , Quintin Jerome , Afshordi Niayesh
Published: February 2025

We explore the possibility that quadratic gravity, as a renormalizable theory, describes the interior of quantum black holes. We find new exact power-law solutions to pure quadratic gravity under spherical symmetry, which are complex valued. The resulting solutions, dubbed powerballs, are horizonless compact objects that become Schwarzschild-like a small distance (of the order of the Planck length) outside the would-be Schwarzschild horizon. We present a description of the global eternal geometry, whose right and left exteriors are Lorentzian and Euclidean Schwarzschild-like regions, respectively, while the complex interior is a form of spiraling spacetime. We compute the total on-shell action integral as a saddle point to a gravitational path integral and discuss the Lorentzian and Euclidean interpretations thereof.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Mode-sum prescription for renormalized expectation values for a charged quantum scalar field on a charged black hole
Authors: Breen Cormac , Montagnon George , Taylor Peter , Winstanley Elizabeth
Published: February 2025

We present a new mode-sum prescription for the efficient computation of renormalized expectation values for a massive, charged, quantum scalar field propagating on a curved space-time background. Our method is applicable to any static, spherically symmetric, four-dimensional space-time with a time-independent, background electrostatic potential and can be used to find the renormalized scalar condensate, current and stress-energy tensor. As an explicit example, we present a calculation of these quantities for a charged scalar field in the Hartle-Hawking state on a Reissner-Nordström black hole background.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Observation of Collapse and Revival in a Superconducting Atomic Frequency Comb
Authors: Redchenko E. S. , Zens M. , Žemlička M. , Peruzzo M. , Hassani F. , Sett R. , Zieliński P. , Dhar H. S. , Krimer D. O. , Rotter S. , Fink J. M.
Published: February 2025

Recent advancements in superconducting circuits have enabled the experimental study of collective behavior of precisely controlled intermediate-scale ensembles of qubits. In this work, we demonstrate an atomic frequency comb formed by individual artificial atoms strongly coupled to a single resonator mode. We observe periodic microwave pulses that originate from a single coherent excitation dynamically interacting with the multiqubit ensemble. We show that this revival dynamics emerges as a consequence of the constructive and periodic rephasing of the five superconducting qubits forming the vacuum Rabi split comb. In the future, similar devices could be used as a memory with tunable storage time or as an on-chip periodic pulse generator with nonclassical photon statistics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Examining the impact of corporate social advocacy (CSA) issue ownership and message content on authenticity perceptions and behavioral intentions
Authors: Overton Holly , Vafeiadis Michail , Diddi Pratiti , Buckley Christen , Dardis Frank E.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

As companies continue to engage in CSA, they continue to struggle with determining what issues they should speak out about and how they can create compelling messages that inspire action. Guided by arguments from issue ownership theory, this study examines CSA message content effects related to two different social-political issues on advocacy behavioral intentions, megaphoning, brand preference and purchase intention. Specifically, the level of advocacy in a CSA message is examined, as well as the manner in which the message is written (narrative vs informational). Furthermore, this study examines the role of perceived authenticity and its impact on an individual’s supportive intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a 2 (issue: abortion rights vs gun violence) × 2 (level of advocacy: call-to-action (CTA) vs no call-to-action) × 2 (message type: narrative vs informational) between-subjects online experiment using a Qualtrics panel (N = 529) to examine the impact of CSA message features on individuals’ supportive intentions toward the brand.

Findings

Results indicate a significant interaction effect of issue by advocacy level on advocating behavioral intentions, megaphoning, brand preference and purchase intention, highlighting that companies should advocate more explicitly about some issues than others. The interaction effects of issue type × level of advocacy were completely and significantly mediated by perceived authenticity. Mediation paths revealed that a CTA with the gun violence issue had a significant positive effect on perceived authenticity, whereas a CTA with the abortion rights issue produced a significant negative effect on perceived authenticity.

Originality/value

This study makes a contribution to a growing body of CSA literature through its examination of CSA message content, which has been understudied in this context. The study findings reveal new insights regarding the interplay between issue type and level of advocacy, highlighting the importance of companies selecting issues carefully and tailoring message content appropriately to have the most impact on message receivers.
The impact of capital intensity on construction firms’ labor productivity in a developing economy: the effect of market regulation
Authors: Juhari Farah Nazira , Azman Mohd Azrai , Muhamad Halil Faridah , Chuweni Nor Nazihah , Ku Azir Ku Mohammad Asyraf , Let Halimahton Saadiah , Abdul Malek Safura , Lee Boon L. , Skitmore Martin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The construction industry plays a significant economic role but has struggled with improving labor productivity. Understanding the reasons behind this slow growth is valuable for the industry’s sustainability and improving wages. This study aims to explore the impact of capital intensity and the interaction effect of market regulations on construction labor productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Using two-stage least squares panel data modeling, financial data from 55 Malaysian construction firms and economic data from 2009 to 2020 are analyzed.

Findings

The findings reveal that higher capital intensity associated with mechanization and innovation generally boosts labor productivity. However, certain market regulations, such as economic and capital freedom (ECF) and foreign debt rules (FDR), can counteract this positive effect. This suggests that poorly developed financial regulations may lead to inefficient capital allocation, reducing labor productivity in the long run.

Originality/value

The study highlights the importance of policymakers understanding these dynamics to develop effective strategies for enhancing labor productivity in the construction industry by considering the impact of capital intensity and the moderating effect of market regulation.
Reinforced concrete cantilever retaining wall design consisting of two stage stem using Rao1 algorithm
Authors: Ertosun Karabulut Zehra , Kurt Zafer , Kalemci Elifnur , Dede Tayfun , Ikizler Sabriye Banu
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to optimize the design of reinforced concrete retaining walls to achieve the lowest possible cost while maintaining structural stability and compliance with standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The Rao1 algorithm was employed to optimize the design, considering seven independent variables related to geometry and four variables related to the reinforcement ratio. Geotechnical and structural analyses were performed using the Coulomb theory for static loads and the Mononobe–Okabe theory for dynamic loads. Cost calculations included concrete volume and reinforcement quantities across varying horizontal and vertical acceleration coefficients in four scenarios.

Findings

The optimization process revealed that the Rao1 algorithm consistently identified design variables near the lower regulatory limits, achieving the same cost across all scenarios. The results demonstrate that the Rao1 algorithm is an effective tool for optimizing the design of self-supporting reinforced concrete retaining walls, ensuring both cost efficiency and compliance with structural requirements.

Originality/value

In this study, the aim was to achieve an optimal, cost-effective design for retaining walls composed of a two-stage stem structure. Unlike conventional designs that utilize single-tier retaining walls, this study emphasizes the use of a two-stage stem configuration. It was noted that the Rao1 algorithm has not been previously applied to two-stage stem retaining walls in the literature. By applying the Rao1 algorithm, it was observed that a design meeting both minimum cost and required criteria was successfully achieved. Therefore, it was concluded that the Rao1 algorithm could be a valuable tool for retaining wall design. This study differs from other works in the literature both in terms of the two-stage stem-retaining wall design and the algorithm used.
Is construction my industry of choice? Examining the factors affecting career choice decision-making of young workers
Authors: Lingard Helen , Turner Michelle , Pirzadeh Payam
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Work factors affecting the career intentions of young construction workers in structured traineeship programs are not well understood despite the increasing use of such programs as pathways to career entry. To address this gap, work factors affecting the career intentions of participants in a construction-related traineeship program were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire comprising measures of organisational fairness, organisation inclusion, time for life, job characteristics, and intention to pursue a career in construction was administered to 136 Australian trainees. Bivariate and logistic regression analysis explored the relationships and combined effects of work factors on career intention.

Findings

Trainees’ perceptions of the needs-supplies component of person-job (P-J) fit were a strong and significant predictor of their intention to pursue a career in construction on completion of the traineeship program. Specifically, the greater the extent to which trainees perceived a job in construction would satisfy their needs, desires or preferences, the more likely they were to indicate they would pursue a career in construction.

Practical implications

Findings provide new insights that can help to improve the industry’s ability to attract and retain school leavers in employment which is especially critical in light of the skills shortage facing the Australian construction sector.

Originality/value

The instrument used to measure subjective needs-supplies (P-J) fit enabled a fine-grained analysis of job characteristics considered important by trainees and their perceived availability in construction. Job characteristics relating to having work-life balance and health and wellbeing were of high importance but were perceived to be low in availability in construction jobs.
Lean implementation in service sector: a case study of waste elimination in Malaysian customs administration
Authors: Lee Pei Fang , Azhar Khan Nur Aina , Muhammad Nur Amalina , Hasnida Ab-Samat , Chin Jeng Feng Jeng , Prakash Joshua , Eh Di Sutam , Ghazali Badrol
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to use Lean principles, including the traditional seven types of waste and four additional service-specific waste types, to identify and eliminate wasteful activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study integrates existing literature to identify different types of waste and conducts a case study within the Malaysian Customs Administration. The application process flow for License Manufacturing Warehouse is examined, and waste is identified and eliminated using the principles of waste elimination in Lean.

Findings

The study identifies eight prevalent types of waste in service processes, with motion being the most common and duplication the least. The case study in the Malaysian Customs Administration reveals no instances of waste in communication and error categories, indicating commendable efficiency in these areas. These insights offer valuable benchmarks for organizations seeking to optimize processes and address specific types of waste.

Originality/value

This paper is crucial for showcasing the practical implementation of waste elimination theory in Lean across the service sector, focusing on the Malaysian Customs Administration. It offers targeted insights into tailoring these principles for real-world efficiency gains, contributing valuable strategies for waste reduction in a specific organizational context.
Life in the fast lane: sophistication among individual investors
Authors: Chen Gary , Roulstone Darren , Zhou Jie
Published: February 2025

Purpose

We examine the role of internet speed in sophistication among individual investors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes archival data and regression-based analyses in examining the research question.

Findings

We first show that higher individual investor internet speed (IIIS) is associated with geographic measures of education, job type and income of users accessing EDGAR filings. We then show that higher IIIS is positively related to the market reaction to newly released 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filings and that the relation is stronger for companies and filings where greater sophistication is needed. Higher IIIS is also associated with a lower price drift after the release of a 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filing on EDGAR.

Originality/value

Overall, our findings suggest that greater internet access speeds can aid in the sophistication and price discovery process for individual investors.
The impact of stigmatisation on people with child sex offences living in the community
Authors: Woodward Darren
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Living in the community as a person with child sex offences can be difficult. The stigma of such offences can impact upon a person’s ability to gain employment or housing, maintain or establish relationships and live an “ordinary” life. The fear of being “outed” as a “child sex offender” can cause anxiety, isolation and increase the potential to withhold truth. The purpose of this paper is therefore to highlight what the impact of stigma can be on a small cohort of men living in the community, post-sexual conviction.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten men living in the community with child sex offences were interviewed on a semi-structured basis as part of a wider project exploring their community experiences. Thematic data analysis was used.

Findings

It was established that the label of “child sex offender” limited the participants life in the community. They often tried to live a “normal” life by managing the stigma in specific ways: calling themselves “ex-sex offenders”; accepting the label; isolating themselves; and passing off their identity. It was found that time was a significant healer when it came to the “potency” of the label.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this project is one of only a few similar studies that have drawn qualitative data from an English cohort of people with child sex offences. It adds new information to the literature surrounding the impact of stigma.
Navigating green innovation via absorptive capacity and the path to sustainable performance in hotels
Authors: Salem Islam Elbayoumi , Fathy Eslam Ahmed , Fouad Amr Mohamed , Elbaz Ahmed Mohamed , Abdien Mohamed Kamal
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The study scrutinizes the direct and indirect association between absorptive capacity as the independent variable and green innovation adoption and sustainable performance as the dependent variables. Similarly, the study assessed the mediating role of green innovation adoption between absorptive capacity and sustainable performance. The research also evaluates green organizational culture and environmental regulation as moderators.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study applied partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and administered a questionnaire to general managers and department directors in 4- and 5-star hotels. Quantitative research was employed as the chosen method.

Findings

The PLS-SEM analysis revealed that absorptive capacity has a positive impact on the adoption of green innovation. Furthermore, each sub-dimension of sustainable performance acts as a partial mediator in this relationship. Also, our study showed that environmental regulations and green organizational culture moderate the link between absorptive capacity and the adoption of green innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The research primarily emphasizes that Oman’s hotel business may limit its applicability to other nations with distinct cultures, economies, legal frameworks for the environment and cultural norms.

Originality/value

To build an integrative and a comprehensive framework, the present work combines resource-based view (RBV) theory, dynamic capabilities (DC) theory and triple bottom line (TBL) theory. This method aims to improve understanding by combining several points of view on resource management, skills, and environmental sustainability.
A critical study of tabarrù (donation)-based takaful models: determining tàawun (mutual assistance) as the underlying notion of takaful
Authors: Rahman Md. Habibur , Binti Aziz Nur Suhailah Zakiyyah
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Takaful has substantial prospects to obtain mutual protection, financial inclusion and sustainability of life and wealth. Structuring takaful with tabarrù triggers controversies and impedes achieving desired takaful outcomes. This study aims to investigate tabarrù-based takaful models and determine tàawun as the underlying notion of takaful.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews to obtain primary data. Nineteen one-to-one interviews have been conducted with Sharìah and operational experts in the takaful industry. A thematic analysis method is utilised to investigate qualitative data.

Findings

The study finds that tabarrù contradicts the spirit of takaful. Donations cannot be subject to any form of refund, and receiving benefits from donations turns the arrangement into an exchange contract. Takaful participants never intend to make a pure donation while paying contributions. Moreover, tabarrù is not feasible for practicing any form of surplus sharing with participants. The study identifies that tàawun helps to overcome these issues and attain the potential of takaful. Tàawun facilitates benefit and surplus sharing with participants and others, eventually contributing to financial inclusion, solidarity and sustainability of the financial system.

Practical implications

Reflecting tàawun as the underlying notion, benefits of takaful can be shared with participants. Also, as a broader application of tàawun, subsidising different takaful operators by underwriting surplus can be practiced. Besides, tàawun allows surplus sharing with any charitable purpose, contributing to financial inclusion and public welfare.

Originality/value

The study contributes to Islamic insurance knowledge. It helps formulate policies and develop takaful products by integrating tàawun into takaful. Additionally, the study supports the idea of cross-subsidisation of underwriting surplus among diverse takaful operators.
When symptoms shape social ties: mental health as a predictor of online and in-person network evolution among gamers
Authors: Prochnow Tyler , Patterson Megan S.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine how mental health symptoms and social support predict changes in online and in-person social networks among gamers over time. Although research has explored how social networks influence mental health, less is known about how mental health shapes the evolution of social connections in gaming contexts where relationships can form and dissolve fluidly.

Design/methodology/approach

Adult gamers (n = 236) completed surveys at two time points approximately six months apart measuring mental health symptoms (depressive symptoms, anxiety), perceived social support and characteristics of both their in-person and gaming-based social networks. Partial least squares regression models examined how Time 1 mental health and support measures predicted changes in network characteristics while controlling for baseline network measures.

Findings

Results revealed distinct patterns of network evolution across contexts. Higher initial depressive symptoms predicted strengthening of in-person relationships but decreases in online relationship quality over time. Anxiety emerged as a particularly influential predictor of online network development, with higher baseline anxiety associated with decreased closeness, confiding behavior and positive interactions in gaming relationships. Strong initial gaming community integration predicted decreased quality of in-person relationships, suggesting potential competition between virtual and physical social spheres.

Originality/value

This study provides longitudinal examination of how mental health symptoms distinctly influence the evolution of social networks across online and offline contexts among gamers. The findings demonstrate that different symptoms show unique patterns of association with network development over time, challenging assumptions about gaming spaces serving as universally accessible social environments.
An overview of current technological developments in apparel fit customization
Authors: Huang Zhenzhen , Sahari Faridah
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study reviews the literature that discusses the technologies that will influence fit customization (FC). The purpose of this study is to clearly understand the current progress of such technology and the potential future development path.

Design/methodology/approach

Research papers, publications and websites of well-known apparel companies using FC are reviewed to explore the latest technological advancements in apparel FC.

Findings

Given the advances in body measurement, pattern and fit assessment technologies, FC represents a sustainable production approach for the apparel industry.

Originality/value

This review examines the state of the field, looks at possible trends in the study and highlights future directions.
Specific strength of additively manufactured below-knee prosthetic sockets with ventilation designed through topology optimization
Authors: Kavuri Karthik Rajashekar , Regalla Srinivasa Prakash , Kurra Suresh , Shrivastava Prakash Narayan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to enhance hygiene and structural performance in additively manufactured (AM) below-knee prosthetic sockets by optimizing ventilation and structural integrity through advanced design methodologies, including topology optimization (TO) and design for additive manufacturing (DfAM).

Design/methodology/approach

A transtibial prosthetic socket was digitally modeled from image data of the residual limb of an amputee and fabricated using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material using fused deposition modeling. TO and DfAM rules were applied to achieve the multi-objective design of ventilation, weight reduction and structural integrity by introducing geometric discontinuities. The level of this achievement was evaluated through finite element analysis (FEA) and mechanical testing using a novel lobe bending test.

Findings

This study found that TO significantly reduced stress concentrations and improved the strength-to-weight ratio of the socket. Mechanical testing revealed a critical failure load of 918.5 N, validated by FEA, which indicated peak stresses of 37.91 MPa. A 5 mm thick socket with circular discontinuities demonstrated enhanced ventilation and mechanical resilience.

Research limitations/implications

The focus on ABS material and specific socket designs may limit the generalizability of findings to other materials and designs.

Practical implications

The optimized socket design provides a cost-effective, high-performance solution for improving comfort and durability in below-knee prosthetic sockets within AM applications.

Originality/value

This research introduces innovative testing methods, including the lobe bending test and uses advanced optimization techniques, addressing challenges in ventilation and mechanical performance. The insights gained are valuable for future prosthetic socket design advancements.
Integrating sustainability and economic perspectives in reshoring: insights from the German automotive industry
Authors: McIvor Ronan , Bals Lydia , Dereymaeker Tim , Foerstl Kai
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to integrate sustainability and economic factors into a framework for understanding the reshoring decision.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper integrates sustainability and economic factors into a reshoring framework through using the theoretical perspectives of the natural resource-based view (NRBV) and transaction cost economics (TCE), and carrying out case study research with a number of firms involved in reshoring in the German automotive industry.

Findings

Through adopting a multi-theory approach, the framework captures the complexities of the reshoring decision and illustrates that reshoring is not a location decision alone, but encompasses a range of sourcing options such as local production in-house, using a local supplier or addressing sustainability problems with the offshore operation. The importance of sustainability capability development as a basis of extending the range of reshoring sourcing options available is highlighted.

Research limitations/implications

Using the NRBV has allowed to develop value creating drivers in the context of reshoring. Integrating the logic of TCE with this analysis provided an understanding of how cost reducing drivers were present alongside the value creating drivers for reshoring at the case companies. Beyond previous frameworks integrating the RBV and TCE, bringing in the NRBV allowed us to highlight the importance of sustainability capability development as a basis of extending the range of reshoring sourcing options available. While this study’s cases were in the automotive industry in Germany, future research could sample for further geographies and industries to cover varying regulatory pressures for sustainability as well as sustainability-related industry initiatives.

Practical implications

The framework can provide guidance to managers on the conditions that favour the selection of each sourcing option when making the reshoring decision.

Originality/value

Although there are frameworks in the literature that explain the reshoring decision, limited attention has been given to integrating sustainability issues into the analysis. The findings here contribute important insights into the complementary and contradictory prescriptions of the NRBV and TCE in reshoring decisions, and several propositions are offered outlining these relationships. The resulting framework provides an integrated approach for managerial decision-making beyond economic factors alone.
Managing Gen Z anxiety and digital perfectionism on LinkedIn
Authors: Bilderback Stephanie
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how LinkedIn’s structure and features contribute to anxiety among Generation Z professionals. It explores how social comparison, fear of rejection and perfectionism shape their engagement on LinkedIn, leading to diminished workforce readiness. The study addresses these anxieties to improve Gen Z’s career confidence and professional development.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a literature-based approach, using Self-Determination Theory and Social Comparison Theory to analyze LinkedIn’s psychological impact on Gen Z users. Key themes include autonomy, competence, relatedness and the effects of upward social comparison. Practical strategies for human resource professionals and educators are also explored to reduce anxiety and promote healthier LinkedIn engagement.

Findings

LinkedIn’s public metrics and profile-building process intensify Gen Z’s anxiety by reinforcing perfectionism and comparison behaviors. These pressures lead to imposter syndrome, reduced self-esteem and disengagement from the platform. Addressing these challenges through workshops, mentorship programs and digital well-being strategies can reduce LinkedIn-related anxiety and improve workforce readiness.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the growing discourse on digital professionalism by focusing specifically on LinkedIn’s unique challenges. It offers culturally relevant and practical solutions for human resource professionals, educators and organizations to support Gen Z in managing digital anxiety. By addressing LinkedIn-related anxieties, the paper highlights how organizations can foster healthier digital engagement and enhance career confidence for younger professionals.
Combining in vivo and in vitro approaches to better understand host‐pathogen nutritional interactions
Authors: Holdbrook Robert , Reavey Catherine E. , Randall Joanna L. , Andongma Awawing A. , Tummala Yamini , Rice Annabel , Simpson Stephen J. , Smith Judith A. , Cotter Sheena C. , Wilson Kenneth
Published: February 2025

Nutrition often shapes the outcome of host–parasite interactions, however understanding the mechanisms by which this occurs is often confounded by the intimate nature of the association and by the fact that the host and parasite may compete for the same limiting nutrients. One way of disentangling this interaction is to combine in vivo and in vitro approaches.

Here, we explore the role of host nutrition in determining the outcome of infections using a model insect‐bacterium system: the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis and the blood‐borne bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila.

Spodoptera littoralis larvae were reared on one of a series of 20 chemically‐defined diets ranging in their protein: carbohydrate (P:C) ratio and caloric density. They were then challenged with either a fixed dose of X. nematophila cells (live or dead) or were sham‐injected. Survivorship of larvae challenged with live bacterial cells was strongly dependent on the protein levels of the diet, with mortality being highest on low‐protein diets. This trend was reflected in the bacterial growth rate in vivo, which peaked in larvae fed low‐protein diets.

To determine whether in vivo bacterial growth rates were driven by the direct effects of blood nutrients or by the indirect effects of the host immune response, we used 20 synthetic haemolymphs (‘nutribloods’) that mimicked the nutritional content of host blood. In vitro bacterial growth rate was negatively impacted by the protein content of the nutribloods, replicating the patterns seen in vivo and suggesting that nutrient availability and not host immunity was driving the interaction.

By comparing standardized bacterial growth rates in vivo and in vitro, we conclude that the outcome of this host–parasite interaction is largely driven by the ‘bottom‐up’ effects of nutrients on bacterial growth, rather than by the ‘top‐down’ effects of nutrients on host‐mediated immune responses. The outcome of host–parasite interactions is typically assumed to be strongly determined by the host immune response. The direct effects of nutrition have been underexplored and may have broad consequences for host–parasite interactions across taxa.