bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide absolute quantification of chromatin looping
Authors: Jusuf James M. , Grosse-Holz Simon , Gabriele Michele , Mach Pia , Flyamer Ilya M. , Zechner Christoph , Giorgetti Luca , Mirny Leonid A. , Hansen Anders S.
Published: January 2025

3D genomics methods such as Hi-C and Micro-C have uncovered chromatin loops across the genome and linked these loops to gene regulation. However, these methods only measure 3D interaction probabilities on a relative scale. Here, we overcome this limitation by using live imaging data to calibrate Micro-C in mouse embryonic stem cells, thus obtaining absolute looping probabilities for 36,804 chromatin loops across the genome. We find that the looped state is generally rare, with a mean probability of 2.3% and a maximum of 26% across the quantified loops. On average, CTCF-CTCF loops are stronger than loops between cis-regulatory elements (3.2% vs. 1.1%). Our findings can be extended to human stem cells and differentiated cells under certain assumptions. Overall, we establish an approach for genome-wide absolute loop quantification and report that loops generally occur with low probabilities, generalizing recent live imaging results to the whole genome.
Multi-tissue proteomic signatures of Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic investigation in brain, CSF, blood and an exploratory study in tears
Authors: Shen Jie , Huang Yuhui , Wu Minyu , Yan Minqing , Sun Jing , Chen Hui , Xu Xin , Song Peige , Yao Pang , Qian Xu , Yu Jintai , Li Xue , Guo Tiannan , Yuan Changzheng
Published: January 2025

Proteomic studies have the potential to identify etiological biomarker and interventional targets for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, limited studies have systematically investigated and compared the proteomic profiling related to AD across multiple tissues. First, we systematically reviewed 112 proteomic studies of AD (comprising 107 case-control studies of 16,997 individuals and 5 prospective cohort studies of 60,782 individuals) and synthesized a map of 902 brain bulk, 315 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and 9 blood markers that were consistently altered in AD individuals across at least 5 studies. In particular, a total of 55 common proteins altered in the same direction in brain bulk and CSF, whereas 33 proteins altered in the opposite direction. Next, we applied proteome-wide Mendelian randomization and identified 28 brain, 32 CSF, and 59 plasma genetically predicted proteomic markers associated with AD (all FDR < 0.05). The comparison across multiple tissues uncovered a panel of 20 AD-related proteins altered in at least two human tissues. Overall, a pool of 1,219 multi-tissue high confidence proteins were identified in the two-phase investigation. In the exploratory analysis utilizing a matched case-control study among 79 community-dwelling older adults, we detected a total of 845 high confidence protein markers in tears, of which 312 markers altered in a severity-dependent manner across normal cognition controls, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia stages. Among these, levels of STXBP1, UBE2V1, PALM, PYGB, ST13, and GPD1 were significantly different in dementia or MCI individuals compared to controls (all P < 0.05). Overall, our study provides a comprehensive roadmap of multi-tissue proteomic biomarkers associated with AD to help enhance the exploration of underlying mechanisms, facilitate the development of minimally invasive screening methods, and identify potential targets for novel interventions.
Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic Neurotransmission and Resilience to Peripheral Systemic Risk Factors for Gait Slowing upon Transition to Uneven Surfaces in Older Adult
Authors: Chahine Lana M , Rosso Andrea , Troidl Ian , Ganguli Mary , Newman Anne , Cummings Steven , Studenski Stephanie , Lopresti Brian , Royse Sarah , Huppert Theodore , Redfern Mark , Sparto Patrick J , Bohnen Nico , Rosano Caterina
Published: January 2025

Identifying mechanisms that compensate for slow gait speed in older adults is crucial. Dopaminergic neurotransmission curbs deleterious associations of cerebrovascular disease with gait, but whether it compensates for peripheral systemic risk factors (PSRF) for gait slowing has not been studied. In this cross-sectional study of community-dwelling older adults, we examined the relationship between nigrostriatal dopaminergic terminal integrity and gait speed in individuals with and without ≥1 PSRF for gait slowing: obesity, joint pain, or reduced muscle strength. The primary outcome was percent difference in gait speed (%DGS) on transition from even to uneven surface. Participants underwent dopaminergic imaging with dihydrotetrabenazine [11C]DTBZ positron emission tomography. Among 197 individuals, (mean (SD) age 74.92 (4.53) years; 61.93% female; 90.86% White), 130 (65.99%) had ≥1 PSRF. Relationship between posterior putamen [11C]DTBZ binding and %DGS was modified by PSRF; in those with ≥1 PSRF (but not in those with no PSRF), posterior putamen [11C]DTBZ binding was associated with %DGS (β=0.198, p=0.03) independent of potential confounders. This cross-sectional study indicates that striatal dopaminergic neurotransmission may offer resilience to effects of PSRF on gait slowing.
Seroprevalence of RSV Antibodies in a Contemporary Cohort of Adults in Southeast Minnesota
Authors: Teodoro Lara I. , Ovsyannikova Inna G. , Grill Diane E. , Poland Gregory A. , Kennedy Richard B.
Published: January 2025

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection may cause serious illness and lead to death in older adults (≥ 65 years), causing over 60,000 hospitalizations and 6,000 deaths each year in the United States. Seroprevalence rates vary by age and geographic location but are typically high due to the repeated nature of RSV infections. This study investigated the seroprevalence of antibodies against human RSV in a convenience sample of adults from Olmsted County, Minnesota. Of the 480 subjects studied, 83.8% tested RSV IgG positive, 8.1% tested RSV IgG negative, and 8.1% had equivocal results. Additional cohorts from recently vaccinated individuals or those with a recent diagnosis of RSV infection were tested for comparison, yielding antibody positivity rates of 95.8% and 97.5% respectively.
Next-generation sequencing reveals the presence of a rich bacterial microbiome in atherosclerotic coronary artery plaques. The Tampere Sudden Death Study
Authors: Sundström K , Mishra PP , Tuomisto S , Ceder T , Goebeler S , Martiskainen M , Lampinen V , Ojanen MJT , Hytönen V , Lehtimäki T , Karhunen PJ
Published: January 2025

Background

Molecular microbial techniques have identified several DNA sequences from oral and gut bacteria in atherosclerotic plaques. The composition of the plaque microbiome has shown great heterogeneity due to varying DNA extraction and amplification methods, small size sample cohorts, and a low abundance of bacteria in plaques, leading to interference by contaminating bacterial sequences from laboratory chemicals. We used a novel next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach to analyze the entirety of bacterial DNAs found in coronary artery plaques in a unique prospective autopsy series of out-of-hospital deaths representing a cross-section of the general population.

Methods

DNA was extracted from aseptically collected and frozen (−80°C) atherosclerotic coronary plaque samples taken from the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary arteries of 202 victims of sudden out-of-hospital death included in the Tampere Sudden Death Study. Bacterial DNA was amplified using nested 16S rRNA PCR and sequenced. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were inferred using the DADA2 approach. Taxonomy assignment of the sequences was accomplished using the Silva database (version 138).The presence of bacteria in coronary artery atherosclerotic plaques was confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

ASVs from 230 bacteria at the genus level occurring in humans were detected in the coronary plaques. The most common ASVs detected in almost all plaques belonged to the oral biofilm-producing bacteriaVeillonellaandStreptococcus, which, along withPrevotella, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, andFusobacteriumwere the genera with the most ASV reads following nested PCR. The immunopositivity of oral streptococci andVeillonellaoccurred mainly as biofilm-like structures around calcific plaque areas and associated with the severity of atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

Coronary plaques harbor DNA sequences from dozens of mainly oral bacteria. However, only a few bacteria are so common that they likely have a role in the buildup of the microbiome inside a coronary artery atheroma.
IFT20 regulates lymphatic endothelial cell-cell junctions via endocytic trafficking of VE-cadherin
Authors: Paulson Delayna , Majumder Ahana , Lehmann Zachary , Knutson Luke , Paulson Jacob , Lasey Shannon , Fink Darci M.
Published: January 2025

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) proteins are required for the assembly and function of primary cilia. They also regulate non-ciliary polarized vesicular traffic, such as T cell receptor recycling. We recently reported that lymphatic endothelial cells assemble primary cilia and express IFT proteins. Here, we report that IFT20 regulates vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) localization at adherens junctions. IFT20 deletion caused discontinuous, button-like interendothelial junctions. This resulted in excessive lymphangiogenesis and impaired lymph drainage in mice. In vitro, VEGF-C treatment of IFT20 KD primary human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells caused accumulation of VE-cadherin in RAB5+ endosomes and enhanced and sustained VEGFR-3 signaling. Our findings are consistent with a model in which IFT20 promotes recycling of VE-cadherin to the adherens junction where it sequesters VEGFR-3 at the cell surface, thereby limiting pro-lymphangiogenic signaling. In the absence of IFT20, intercellular junctions are destabilized, pro-lymphangiogenic VEGFR-3 signaling is enhanced, and lymph transport is impaired by intracellular sequestration of VE-cadherin. This study elucidates the function of an IFT protein in lymphatic endothelial cells and provides mechanistic insight into the processes that regulate lymphatic endothelial cell-cell junctions and lymphangiogenic signaling.
Assessing toxicity and competitive fitness of vibrios isolated from coastal waters in Israel
Authors: Kanarek Katarzyna , Keppel Kinga , Cohen Hadar , Fridman Chaya Mushka , Gerlic Motti , Salomon Dor
Published: January 2025

Several species of aquatic bacteria belonging to the genusVibrioare emerging pathogens of humans and marine animals.Vibrio-associated infections have been shown to correlate with the increase in the oceans’ surface water temperatures. A slow yet steady increase in vibrios isolated from clinical settings in Israel over the past decade led us to investigate the pathogenic potential of vibrios in Israel’s coastal waters. We isolated and sequenced the genomes of 23 vibrios from the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Analysis of these genomes revealed the presence of diverse toxin secretion systems and toxins, as well as mobile genetic elements known to facilitate the dissemination of fitness-enhancing determinants. Moreover, we showed that at least 10 of these isolates can induce cell death in bone marrow-derived macrophages and that at least 12 isolates can intoxicate a rivalVibriostrain in interbacterial competition. Lastly, we determined the susceptibility profiles of these isolates to common antibiotics used to treatVibrioinfections and found widespread resistance to azithromycin. Taken together, our results reveal pathogenic potential within theVibriopopulation of Israel’s coastal waters and underline the need for continued environmental monitoring of emerging pathogens.

Importance

The oceans’ surface water temperatures have increased in past decades due to climate change. This increase correlates with the spread of vibrios, a genus of aquatic bacteria, many of which are pathogens of humans and marine animals. SinceVibrio-associated illnesses are rising in Israel, we set out to investigate theVibriopopulation in Israel’s coastal environments and monitor their pathogenic potential. We found diverse repertoires of predicted toxins, the ability to kill mammalian immune cells, and traits that enhance bacterial fitness, such as antibacterial toxicity and resistance to antibiotics commonly used to treatVibrioinfections. These findings indicate that pathogenic traits are circulating within the environmentalVibriopopulation in Israel’s coastal waters and suggest that continued monitoring is essential to identify emerging pathogenic strains.
The central clock drives metabolic rhythms in muscle stem cells
Authors: Sica Valentina , Smith Jacob G , Deryagin Oleg , Andres Eva , Lukesova Vera , Egg Mirijam , Cabezas-Wallscheid Nina , Benitah Salvador Aznar , Serrano Antonio L. , Perdiguero Eusebio , Muñoz-Cánoves Pura
Published: January 2025

Circadian rhythms are essential for organismal health. Satellite cells (SCs), the muscle resident stem cells, maintain a state of quiescence yet exhibit robust circadian oscillations at the transcriptional level. Although peripheral clocks have been extensively studied in various tissues, how the intrinsic clock of stem cells interacts with the central, distal clock is largely unknown. We used SC-specific reconstitution of the essential clock geneBmal1to elucidate the role of the local SC clock and its interplay with the central clock in the mouse brain and found that daily transcriptional control of metabolic processes in SCs depend on central clock input, independent of the SC clock. Central clock-driven genes were involved in lipid metabolism, functionally important for SC-mediated muscle repair, and autophagy was required for their oscillation. In summary, we provide the first evidence of circadian coordination of central and local clocks for control of rhythmic gene expression in quiescent stem cells.

Highlights

Brain:satellite cell clock communication restores rhythms of core clock machinery in quiescent satellite cells

Brain inputs are the dominant regulator of transcript rhythms in SCs, driving the oscillation of lipid metabolic genes.

Autophagy in satellite cells is required for the oscillation of lipid metabolic genes.

Early phases of muscle regeneration depend on brain-driven circadian signals.
Lattice QCD study of color correlations between static quarks with gluonic excitations
Authors: Takahashi Toru T. , Kanada-En’yo Yoshiko
Published: January 2025

We study the color correlation between static quark and antiquark (qq¯) that is accompanied by gluonic excitations in the confined phase at T=0 by constructing reduced density matrices ρ in color space. We perform quenched lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) calculations with the Coulomb gauge adopting the standard Wilson gauge action, and the spatial volume is L3=323 at β=5.8, which corresponds to the lattice spacing a=0.14  fm and the system volume L3=4.53  fm3. We evaluate the color density matrix ρ of static qq¯ pairs in 6 channels (Σg+, Σg+′, Πu, Πu′, Δg, Δg′), and investigate the interquark-distance dependence of color correlations. We find that as the interquark distance increases, the color correlation quenches because of color leak into the gluon field and finally approaches the random color configuration in the qq¯ systems with and without gluonic excitations. For this color screening effect, we evaluate the “screening mass” to discuss its dependence on channels, the quantum number of the gluonic excitations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Information divergences to parametrize astrophysical uncertainties in dark matter direct detection
Authors: Herrera Gonzalo , Rappelt Andreas
Published: January 2025

Astrophysical uncertainties in dark matter direct detection experiments are typically addressed by parametrizing the velocity distribution in terms of a few uncertain parameters that vary around some central values. Here we propose a method to optimize over all velocity distributions lying within a given distance measure from a central distribution. We discretize the dark matter velocity distribution as a superposition of streams and use a variety of information divergences to parametrize its uncertainties. With this, we bracket the limits on the dark matter–nucleon and dark matter–electron scattering cross sections, when the true dark matter velocity distribution deviates from the commonly assumed Maxwell-Boltzmann form. The methodology pursued is general and could be applied to other physics scenarios where a given physical observable depends on a function that is uncertain.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Quantum mechanics curriculum in the U.S.: Quantifying the instructional time, content taught, and paradigms used
Authors: Buzzell Alexis , Atherton Timothy J. , Barthelemy Ramón
Published: January 2025

Quantum mechanics is an integral course for physics students. An understanding of quantum concepts is imperative for enrollment in physics graduate programs, participating in research within physics fields, and employment with companies developing quantum technologies. This study analyzes 188 U.S. research-intensive institutions’ course catalogs to determine the role and extent of quantum mechanics in their undergraduate physics programs. All of the institutions required one course on quantum concepts, 92% required two courses, and half required three. Among institutions with complete class data (n=56), the quantum curriculum was analyzed using course syllabi. The mean number of classroom hours spent on quantum concepts was 63.5 h with a standard deviation of 28.1 h. The most commonly taught themes in the quantum curriculum were the equation and three-dimensional quantum mechanics. However, the Stern-Gerlach experiment was only included in 28% of the course outlines. Despite current efforts to promote a spin-first approach, this study found the traditional position-first approaches were still more common as they were used by 73.7% of instructors.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Approaching the Quantum Limit of Energy Resolution in Animal Magnetoreception
Authors: Kominis I. K. , Gkoudinakis E.
Published: January 2025

A large number of magnetic sensors, like superconducting quantum interference devices, optical pumping, and nitrogen vacancy magnetometers, were shown to satisfy the energy resolution limit. This limit states that the magnetic sensitivity of the sensor, when translated into a product of energy with time, is bounded below by Planck's constant, ℏ. This bound implies a fundamental limitation as to what can be achieved in magnetic sensing. Here we explore biological magnetometers, in particular three magnetoreception mechanisms thought to underly animals' geomagnetic field sensing: the radical-pair, the magnetite, and the MagR mechanism. We address the question of how close these mechanisms approach the energy resolution limit. At the quantitative level, the utility of the energy resolution limit is that it informs the workings of magnetic sensing in model-independent ways and thus can provide subtle consistency checks for theoretical models and estimated or measured parameter values, particularly needed in complex biological systems. At the qualitative level, the closer the energy resolution is to ℏ, the more “quantum” is the sensor. This offers an alternative route towards understanding the quantum biology of magnetoreception. It also quantifies the room for improvement, illuminating what nature has achieved, and stimulating the engineering of biomimetic sensors exceeding nature's magnetic sensing performance.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Can monetary and fiscal policy reduce CO2 emissions? Analysis of regional country groups
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study examines the impact of monetary and fiscal policy on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel energy consumption. The study extends the literature by linking monetary and fiscal policy to climate action for achieving the net zero emissions goal.

Design/methodology/approach

In the empirical analysis, the monetary policy indicator is the lending interest rate, the fiscal policy indicator is the tax revenue to GDP ratio while CO2 emissions from fossil fuel energy consumption is the CO2 emissions indicator.

Findings

Contractionary monetary and fiscal policy jointly reduce CO2 emissions in the regions of the Americas and Africa. Contractionary monetary and fiscal policy combined with higher renewable energy consumption jointly reduce CO2 emissions in the regions of the Americas, Asia and Europe. Also, contractionary monetary and fiscal policy combined with higher institutional quality jointly reduce CO2 emissions in African countries. Higher renewable energy consumption reduces CO2 emissions in Africa, Asia, Europe and Americas regions while strong institutional quality consistently reduce CO2 emissions in Europe and the Americas.

Practical implications

Monetary and fiscal authorities should strengthen existing institutions, increase renewable energy consumption, and increase interest rate and taxes on the fossil fuel economy in a coordinated manner to reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuel energy consumption.

Originality/value

There are calls for monetary and fiscal authorities to use policy tools to support ongoing efforts to achieve the net zero emissions goal. However, limited attention has been paid to the regional differences in the relationship between monetary-fiscal policy and CO2 emissions.
Universal design: renewing an “old” paradigm to realise Australia’s SDG commitments to equality and decent work for all
Authors: Castles Calista
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Australia is failing to meet its sustainable development commitments in areas linked to social and economic equality and decent work for all. Decent work for all, not some, by 2030 requires rethinking current approaches if Australia is to meet this aspirational target. This discursive paper aims to reinvigorate discussion about how Australia can progress its sustainable development goal (SDG) commitments to reducing inequality and creating decent work for all.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying a critical lens to current approaches to reducing workforce inequality through diversity management [diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)] in Australia, this article argues that current approaches alone will not progress Australia’s SDG commitments and proposes universal design (UD) as a human rights-based approach for realising these SDG commitments. An entry point for critical scholarship is to interrogate concepts and categories. Thus, this paper interrogates the concepts of “diversity” within the context of workplace DEI.

Findings

UD can support and uphold the SDG commitments if embedded as an underpinning paradigm within a human rights-based best-practice framework. This is in keeping with growing calls for Australia’s national policies and legislations to be grounded in human rights legislation and policy that leaves no one behind. UD is proposed as an opportunity to do just that.

Practical implications

Given Australia renewed its SDG commitments now is an ideal time to reinvigorate discussion about how best to reduce inequality and create decent work for all as there is a receptive political-economic context to enable such reform.

Social implications

This paper considers the inherent limitations of current DEI approaches for reducing inequality, raises awareness of potential harms associated with ‘othering’ and shows that current practices can unintentionally hinder progress towards decent work and equality.

Originality/value

This paper extends current thinking about UD by considering its application beyond “disability inclusion” to explicitly explore the UD paradigm as a means to realise Australia’s SDG commitments and ensure no one is left behind.
Executive functions: a fresh perspective for entrepreneurship education
Authors: Jalbert Sophie , Pepin Matthias , Bolduc Jonathan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper introduces executive functions (EFs)–i.e. high-level cognitive processes that are elicited in novel and non-routinised situations–into discussions within entrepreneurship education (EE). By reviewing the existing literature, it highlights how EFs are important for the entrepreneur, their role in the entrepreneurial process and implications for improving EE.

Design/methodology/approach

We conduct a literature review bridging cognitive psychology, EE and entrepreneurship fields to clarify the role of EFs in the entrepreneurial process. To do so, we define EFs and then propose a model of the entrepreneurial process to frame our review and identify knowledge and gaps in current research.

Findings

This review shows why EFs are valuable for EE and calls for more focus on them to better prepare students for entrepreneurship and general life challenges. The findings underscore the importance of EFs in understanding key aspects of the entrepreneurial process. Although EFs are studied in the entrepreneurship and EE fields, they are rarely conceptualised from a cognitive psychology perspective, with research often focusing on isolated EF components instead of examining them as a whole.

Originality/value

This review is the first to highlight the role of EFs in the entrepreneurial process in a structured way. Integrating cognitive psychology insights on EFs can enrich EE for both venture creation and value creation approaches while also supporting the development of more effective programs. This focus on EFs also provides a fresh perspective and a valuable lens for understanding complex phenomena such as cognition, learning and the factors behind success and failure in entrepreneurship.
The impact of the 2023 housing law on rental prices in Catalonia: an empirical analysis using differences-in-differences
Authors: Pinto Hernández Fernando , Rodríguez Iglesias Isabel , Moreno Adalid Ana María
Published: January 2025

="abstract-subheading">Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess whether Catalonia’s 2023 Housing Law, aimed at controlling rental prices in high-demand areas like Barcelona, successfully reduced rental prices. By comparing pre- and post-policy trends in Catalonia with those of other Spanish regions, the study seeks to determine the effectiveness of the policy in achieving its stated objectives while accounting for external economic factors.

="abstract-subheading">Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a Differences-in-Differences methodology to evaluate the impact of Catalonia’s 2023 Housing Law on rental prices. Catalonia is treated as the experimental group, while other Spanish regions serve as the control. The model accounts for macroeconomic variables such as gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation and uses administrative data on actual rental prices to ensure precision. The approach allows for a robust analysis of whether the rent control policy effectively influenced rental price trends compared to the control regions.

="abstract-subheading">Findings

The findings suggest that while rental prices in Catalonia experienced a slight decline following the implementation of the 2023 Housing Law, the reduction was not statistically significant compared to other regions. Macroeconomic factors, particularly GDP growth and housing supply, played a more substantial role in shaping rental price trends than the rent control measure itself.

="abstract-subheading">Research limitations/implications

The analysis is limited by the short post-treatment period (2023 to 2024), which may not fully capture the law’s long-term effects. Future research should extend the timeframe and investigate additional outcomes, such as housing quality, tenant mobility and broader socioeconomic impacts.

="abstract-subheading">Practical implications

The study highlights that rent control measures alone may not be sufficient to reduce rental prices in high-demand areas. Policymakers should integrate rent control with strategies to increase housing supply, such as incentives for new construction and urban planning improvements, to ensure sustained affordability.

="abstract-subheading">Social implications

Rent control policies may provide short-term relief for tenants but risk being ineffective in the absence of a sufficient housing supply. A comprehensive policy approach is necessary to achieve long-term affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income households in high-demand urban areas.

="abstract-subheading">Originality/value

This paper offers empirical evidence on the limited impact of Catalonia’s 2023 Housing Law, emphasizing the importance of addressing structural issues like housing supply in conjunction with rent control policies. The study contributes to the ongoing debate on housing affordability and provides valuable insights for urban policymakers.
Unveiling social disparities in employment and wages: a labour market segmentation analysis of India’s IT industry
Authors: Bairwa Arun Kumar , Sofi Irfan Ahmad
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study investigates the caste-based disparities in employment probabilities and wage earnings within India’s rapidly growing IT industry, using insights from the labour market segmentation theory. Our theoretical conceptualization attempts to pin down the inaccessibility of marginalised sections of the population to the high productivity job market.

Design/methodology/approach

We rely on the National Sample Survey rounds of 2011–2012 and 2020–2021 to estimate employment probabilities and wage differentials using linear and logic regression models, controlling for educational attainments and other important determinants of individual’s job market outcomes.

Findings

The results indicate a significant −1.24 odds differential, even after considering education and other control variables. Notably, this disparity has increased since 2011–2012, with lower caste graduate pass-outs facing a mere 13% probability of IT sector employment compared to their upper caste counterparts at 41%. Further, our findings expose gender and rural-urban differentials, highlighting the vulnerability faced by females and individuals from rural areas. The wage analysis shows a 24% and a 22% earning gap for SCs and OBCs, respectively, which remain statistically significant even after controlling for educational attainments and employment arrangements.

Originality/value

This is first micro-level study that counters Indian IT sector’s claim of “castelessness” and “pro-merit”, identifying significant presence of labour market segmentation in the sector. The caste-based labour market segmentation has far-reaching consequences as it can perpetuate income inequalities and hurt industrial efficiency, stifling economic growth in the long-run. Concerted policy responses are imperative to eliminate structural barriers, ensuring equitable access to quality education and employment opportunities for marginalized sections of the society.
Service employees’ flirting type and customers’ outcomes in luxury and non-luxury restaurants
Authors: Medler-Liraz Hana , Seger-Guttmann Tali
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether authentic flirting behavior contributes to positive service outcomes (i.e. rapport and tip size) in luxury vs non-luxury restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 261 participants was randomly assigned to reading scenarios depicting four conditions in a 2 × 2 between-subjects design: restaurant status (luxury vs non-luxury) and flirting type: authentic vs fake.

Findings

The results showed that rapport mediated the relationship between flirting type and tip size. Moderated mediation analyses further revealed that the mediated relationship was stronger for non-luxury restaurants alone. Whereas authentic flirting amplified rapport and tip size in non-luxury restaurants, it had no effect in luxury restaurants.

Originality/value

Flirtatious behavior has not been examined in the context of luxury restaurants. This study provided an opportunity to explore whether flirting would be perceived as unprofessional and as exceeding personal boundaries as in other settings, damaging to the meticulous service experience, or whether interpersonal friendly gestures can take place without undermining the service interaction.
Epistemic justice in teaching co-production: a perspective from clinical psychology training
Authors: Lukic Goran , Galliford Sharon
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Service-User and Carer (SUC) involvement in health care education is becoming the norm. Simultaneously, voices highlighting the risks of tokenism continue. The authors critique dominant frameworks for SUC involvement and present a case study of teaching collaboration between a lecturer and SUC Advisory Group in Clinical Psychology training. The authors argue that epistemic justice gives a constructive lens for making SUC participation meaningful.

Design/methodology/approach

Members of the University of Surrey SUC Advisory Group and a lecturer delivered a learning session, themed around barriers to accessing mental health services. In the first academic cycle, SUC members remotely facilitated group discussion around a core barrier, e.g. social class. Following feedback, the same session in the next cycle consisted of Trainee debate stimulated by SUC videos that foregrounded intersectionality in considering barriers and solutions.

Findings

In critically evaluating our collaboration, processes fostering epistemic justice included ring-fenced time for planning, leadership by SUC members, creating governance mechanisms on use of videos and SUC receiving payment. To deepen epistemically just practice, SUC teaching input should be invited routinely and SUC identity explicitly contrasted to academic staff.

Originality/value

The authors provide a framework for evaluating the richness of SUC involvement on a post-graduate training programme. This focus on epistemic justice allowed more nuanced reflections on equitability than current SUC involvement models allow for.
How ephemeral content marketing fosters brand love and customer engagement
Authors: Nguyen Khoi Minh , Nguyen Ngan Thanh , Pham Thao Thi Xuan , Tran Nhi Huynh Man , Cap Ngoc Chung Bao , Nguyen Vy Khanh
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore how ephemeral content marketing enhances brand love and customer engagement, with a focus on the mediating role of brand authenticity, self-brand connection and advertising value.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted using a quantitative method through an online questionnaire with a sample of 728 in Vietnam, analyzing data by using the partial least squares structural equation modeling model.

Findings

This study evaluates ephemeral content marketing through six dimensions: entertainment, trendiness, informativeness, interactivity, aesthetic quality and perceived relevance. The findings indicate positive mediating roles of advertising value, self-brand connection and brand authenticity on the impact of ephemeral content marketing on brand love and customer engagement.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides a comprehensive model of factors affecting consumer perceptions of ephemeral content marketing, which can help businesses to proactively formulate strategic responses for consumers on social media platforms with ephemeral content features. This also allows them to precisely target their audience, avoiding ineffective and costly advertising efforts on social media when content quality is lacking.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on the six essential dimensions of effective ephemeral content that adds value to customers, ultimately leading to their love and active engagement. This substantial addition to the field of social media marketing opens up possibilities for further investigation of the dynamics across different forms of social media marketing, such as short-form videos or in various contexts such as tourism, fashion, food products and education, particularly in the context of ephemeral content in emerging markets such as Vietnam.
The Still Point and the Liminal Character of Transformation
Authors: Zemmelman Steven Eliezer
Published: January 2025

This paper explores the moment of change in analysis I call “the still point” through consideration of the phenomenology of when that which is known is sacrificed and the new has not yet appeared. The change process is understood as inherently relational where transformation comes about when the analyst is as vulnerable and open as the patient. Ghent's work on surrender, Stern's on moments of meeting, Jung's on transformation in the I Ching, and Strachey's work on the mutative interpretation are each considered. The still point is rooted in the collective unconscious, which provides the underlying energy for the interpersonal dimension of change in analysis. The image of the pendulum swinging to an undetectable stillness in the instant before it changes direction is used to illustrate the still point.
A new regime divide? Democratic backsliding, attitudes towards democracy and affective polarization
Authors: GESSLER THERESA , WUNSCH NATASHA
Published: January 2025

Partisan‐based affective polarization has been posited as a key explanation for citizens' tolerance towards democratic backsliding, with voters more likely to overlook democratic violations conducted by in‐party candidates. Our study theorizes and empirically explores the reverse perspective on this relationship: focusing on the role of the opposition, we submit that backsliding may crystallize an affective dislike among opposition supporters towards the governing party and its supporters that stems from a regime divide over democracy itself. To probe the plausibility of this argument, we leverage original survey data collected in Hungary, where democratic backsliding under the Fidesz government has resulted in an extensive remodelling of the political system since 2010. Our results point to a government–opposition divide in partisan affect and show how liberal democratic attitudes, especially among opposition party supporters, play into this dynamic. We suggest that where backsliding persists over a longer period, this process can shift even multi‐party systems towards increasing bipolarity along what we term a ‘democratic divide’. Ultimately, our study proposes a novel lens on the dynamics of democratic backsliding by suggesting that affective polarization may play a positive role in backsliding contexts by uniting the opposition around the defence of democracy. Our findings point to a number of future research avenues to further analyse the interactive relationship between democratic backsliding and affective polarization.
Remote Sensing That Makes Sense in Ecological Research—From Pixels to Conservation
Authors: Luiselli Luca , Pacini Nic
Published: January 2025

Advances in analytical techniques and the development of innovative remote sensing tools have greatly broadened the scope of ecological research. These advancements have led to notable progress in understanding the geography of study areas, with ground‐truthing capabilities enabled by GPS technologies revolutionising the generation of precise spatial data, such as organism locations. By linking spatial data with modelling, researchers can now gain insights into species‐environment relationships. This informs conservation strategies and resource management. Recent technological innovations, including as high‐resolution satellites provide detailed spatial and temporal information. The rapid growth of these technologies presents transformative opportunities for ecological research and biodiversity conservation anywhere in the world. Moreover, calibration via field‐based spectral data, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and handheld global positioning systems (GPS) ensures signal accuracy and integrative platforms, like Google Earth Engine, streamline data interpretation. However, integrating evidence from these diverse systems presents ongoing challenges, requiring methodological precision and a clear focus on their ecological relevance. The African Journal of Ecology (AJE) has increasingly featured studies using remote sensing, with applications spanning studies focusing on land‐use change detection, habitat surveys, vegetation biomass assessment, water resource monitoring, and species distribution. Combining remote sensing with field methods and ecological objectives fosters robust analysis, enabling researchers to move beyond simple land cover assessments to tackle functional ecological questions. Integrative platforms like Google Earth Engine simplify multi‐source data interpretation, streamlining workflows and increasing accessibility. The Latin phrase ‘Memento mori’ should serve as a reminder that technology, while a powerful aid in ecological research, is not everything—it should serve to support and enhance ecological inquiry, not define or overshadow it. The AJE aspires to promote such reflective thinking, fostering a balance between innovation and ecological relevance.
Camera Trapping to Assess Diversity, Habitat Use and Activity Patterns of Mammals in a Tropical Hotspot Area
Authors: Fotsing Ernest D. B. , Kamkeng Meigang M. F. , Salah Senge M.
Published: January 2025

Tropical forest mammal communities, especially those in ecological transition zones, are under constant threat from human activities, but in most cases there is a lack of knowledge about their status, and baseline information on their diversity is lacking in many parts of the world. The Mpem and Djim National Park in central Cameroon is a degraded forest savannah mosaic known to host several globally threatened species. As little is known about the diversity and ecology of the species there, we undertook a rapid assessment using line transects, opportunistic surveys (recce), and camera trapping from September 2021 to December 2021. Our aim was to collect information on species diversity, population status, relative abundance, activity patterns and potential threats to inform conservation priorities for park managers. After 1700 trapping days, we obtained 915 camera events (mean per location = 29.5). The species richness was 32 large, medium‐sized and small mammals. The mammal species monitored belonged to 18 families and 10 orders. The family Antilopinae obtained the highest relative abundance index (RAI, 26.24) and relative frequency (RF, 0.49), and the members of this family were the most active (6392 individuals). The Blue Duiker (Philantomba monticola, Thunberg, 1789) had the highest relative abundance index (RAI, 16.47) and relative frequency (RF, 0.31). No significant difference was found between RAI, RF, and the number of events between habitat classes. Human tracks and snares were the most abundant human activity recorded (ER, 0.42 and 0.22 signs per km). The alpha diversity suggests a high diversity within the community with an almost even distribution of species and no dominance of one species over another. We estimated a lower richness but a very low probability of recording new taxa (Q = 0.99). Our results also suggest a spatio‐temporal niche partitioning and niche overlap between some duikers, with the highest overlap coefficient obtained between Cephalophus callipygus, Peters, 1876, and Cephalophus dorsalis, Grey, 1846 (Δ = 0.81) and Genetta maculata, Grey, 930 vs. Genetta servalina, Pucheran, 1855 (Δ = 0.82). Our observations provide a baseline for long‐term monitoring of terrestrial vertebrates in MDNP.
A Graphical Method for Analysing Species Assemblages Combining Habitat Preference and Abundance
Authors: Dakki Mohamed , Ennakri Meryem , El Farouki Mohamed , Ziti Soumia , Zoglat Abdelhak
Published: January 2025

In ecological investigations, the characterisation of plant and animal assemblages is carried out by implementing different numerical methods, based on the species abundances and richness. This paper provides a detailed description of a method for characterising assemblages, which uses both abundances and ‘preference degree’ of species. This latter ecological parameter is measured for each species for a sample of habitats by using its abundance profile in this sample; this ecological preference is calculated using an index derived from the Shannon formula, largely used to estimate the entropy. The analysis of an assemblage consists then of classifying the assemblage species in a diagram, depending on their abundance and their ‘preference degree’. The preference degree is described through its theoretical foundations and a series of arguments in its favour as well as its variability and application domains. The relevance of this index is illustrated through real datasets collected on two kinds of assemblages (water insects and waterbirds) that differ by their demographic strategies and their ecology. This method revealed a practical robustness that is justified here, but also some weaknesses, on which will be focused our research prospects for generalising its use.
Rating of overall childbirth experience: A qualitative study of a quantitative measurement
Authors: Viirman Frida , Jidrot Reidun , Lundström Linn , Ljungman Lisa
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Overall childbirth experience scores are used both in research and in clinical settings. Since it is still not fully understood what assessment of childbirth experience on a single‐item numeric rating scale or visual analog scale represents, the aim of this study was to explore women's reasoning and thoughts when rating overall childbirth experience numerically.

Material and Methods

A qualitative interview study of 26 women was conducted using a think‐aloud technique at a university referral hospital in Sweden. A manifest qualitative content analysis was performed to generate categories and sub‐categories representing how women decided which single value should represent their experience of giving birth.

Results

Two main categories emerged from the analysis. The first, Strategies for choosing a number, reflects variations in how the women approached the rating scale itself and includes five sub‐categories, each relating to a different strategy: (1) Comparison, (2) Start from the maximum value, (3) Start from the middle, (4) Weigh certain experiences more heavily, and (5) A means to an end. The second category, Specific factors considered in the rating, includes four sub‐categories, representing groups of factors contributing to the final childbirth experience score: (1) The time period, (2) Events linked to strong emotions, (3) Perceived support, and (4) Previous expectations. What the women included in their overall childbirth experience was hence translated into a number, using strategies from the first category and factors from the second category.

Conclusions

The considerable variations in how women approach the rating scale, and what they include in the assessment of overall childbirth experience, suggest that not only the childbirth experience itself but also the reasoning when evaluating it, is multifaceted. A standardized phrasing of the question and a clear purpose for the evaluation is warranted to strengthen the validity of the measurement. When used clinically for identifying women in need of support after childbirth, the rating should be followed by a conversation about the experience of giving birth, independent of the value chosen.