bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploiting cooperative pathogen behaviour for enhanced antibiotic potency: A Trojan horse approach
Authors: Mutlu Alper , Vanderpool Emily J. , Rumbaugh Kendra P. , Diggle Stephen P. , Griffin Ashleigh S.
Published: April 2024

Antimicrobial resistance poses an escalating global threat, rendering traditional drug development approaches increasingly ineffective. Thus, novel alternatives to antibiotic-based therapies are needed. Exploiting pathogen cooperation as a strategy for combating resistant infections has been proposed but lacks experimental validation. Empirical findings demonstrate the successful invasion of cooperating populations by non-cooperating cheats, effectively reducing virulence in vitro and in vivo. The idea of harnessing cooperative behaviours for therapeutic benefit involves exploitation of the invasive capabilities of cheats to drive medically beneficial traits into infecting populations of cells. In this study, we employed Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing cheats to drive antibiotic sensitivity into both in vitro and in vivo resistant populations. We demonstrated the successful invasion of cheats, followed by increased antibiotic effectiveness against cheat-invaded populations, thereby establishing an experimental proof of principle for the potential application of the Trojan strategy in fighting resistant infections.
Screen Time and Musculoskeletal Neck Pain in Children: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Lifestyle Recommendations
Authors: Rampurawala Huzaifa T , Rampurawala Samir H
Published: April 2024

Musculoskeletal neck pain is one of the leading ailments in the world right now and affects everyone, from seniors to prepubescent kids. Neck pain also costs countries billions of dollars in healthcare and medical expenses. Research in this field is slim, and thus, a compilation of this information is necessary. This systematic review aims to collect articles worldwide, exploring the correlation between screen use and neck pain in children. This systematic review harnesses PubMed, JSTOR, and Google Scholar data to comprehensively analyze 6,804 articles on the subject, cutting it down to 13 papers. To do this, an independent reviewer first distinguished note-worthy articles from said databases and used articles that fit this study. Then, the articles with data that fit the variables were used. Preliminary results in all articles indicate a substantial positive correlation between reduced screen time and reduced instances of neck pain issues, signifying the potential for lifestyle changes in children and adolescents. This systematic review also highlights its recommendations for screen use at different points in a child’s life, allowing parents to determine their kids’ best screen use rate. By synthesizing these findings, this review offers valuable insights into the potential benefits of reducing screen time as a preventive measure against neck pain in adolescents, increasing support for this cause, and expanding informed parental guidance in managing children’s screen usage habits. These recommendations were determined based on data from articles in the systematic review. Additional work in this field focusing on screen use and neck pain in adolescence is needed, and a higher-quality recommendation chart must be manufactured.
An AI-designed adenine base editor
Authors: Yuan Ye , Chen Yang , Liu Rui , Que Gula , Yuan Yina , Li Guipeng
Published: April 2024

Adenine base editors (ABEs) allow the efficient programmable conversion of adenine to guanine without causing DNA double strand breaks. Previous ABEs were generated by multiple rounds of directed evolution or derived by rational design based on the evolved ones. Although powerful, these methods search the local space for ABEs optimizations. Artificial intelligence (AI) based methods have the ability to efficiently explore much larger protein space for protein design. But currently there is no AI-designed ABE with wet experimental validation. Here, we demonstrate the first successful AI-designed ABE, which is named ABE10. ABE10 includes an AI-designed adenine deaminase enzyme fused with SpCas9n. The sequence identity between AI-designed enzyme and other publicly accessible variants is as low as 65.3%. ABE10 shows improved editing efficiency compared to current state-of-the-art ABE8 at multiple human genome sites tested. ABE10 also shows low off-target editing rate and reduced cytosine bystander effect. Our work demonstrates new direction for optimization of gene editing tools.
rsfMRI-based Brain Entropy is negatively correlated with Gray Matter Volume and Surface Area
Authors: Del Mauro Gianpaolo , Wang Ze
Published: April 2024

In recent years, brain entropy (BEN) has been ossociated with a number of neurocognitive, biological, and sociodemographic variables. However, its link with brain morphology is still unknown. In this study, we use resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) data to estimate BEN maps and investigate their associations with three metrics of brain morphology: gray matter volume (GMV), surface area (SA), and cortical thickness (CT). Separate analyses will be performed on BEN maps derived from four distinct rsfMRI runs, and using both a voxelwise and a regions of interest (ROIs) approach. Our findings consistently showed that lower BEN (i.e., higher temporal coherence of brain activity) was related to increased GMV and SA in the lateral frontal and temporal lobes, inferior parietal lobules, and precuneus. We hypothesize that lower BEN and higher SA might both reflect higher brain reserve as well as increased information processing capacity.
An Amplification Mechanism for Weak ELF Magnetic Fields Quantum-Bio Effects in Cancer Cells
Authors: Zandieh Amirali , Shariatpanahi Seyed Peyman , Ravasipour AmirAbbas , Azadipour Javad , NezamTaheri Maryam , Habibi-Kelishomi Zahra , Ghanizadeh Mojtaba , Same Ali , Majidzadeh Keivan , Taheri Amir , Ansari Alireza Madjid , Javidi Mohammad Amin , Pirnia Adel , Goliaei Bahram
Published: April 2024

Observing quantum mechanical characteristics in biological processes is a surprising and important discovery. One example, which is gaining more experimental evidence and practical applications, is the effect of weak magnetic fields with extremely low frequencies on cells, especially cancerous ones. In this study, we use a mathematical model of ROS dynamics in cancer cells to show how ROS oscillatory patterns can act as a resonator to amplify the small effects of the magnetic fields on the radical pair dynamics in mitochondrial Complex III. We suggest such a resonator can act in two modes for distinct states in cancer cells: 1) cells at the edge of mitochondrial oscillation and 2) cells with local oscillatory patches. When exposed to magnetic fields, the first group exhibits high-amplitude oscillations, while the second group synchronizes to reach a whole-cell oscillation. Both types of amplification are frequency-dependent in the range of hertz and sub-hertz. We use UV radiation as a positive control to observe the two states of cells in DU and HELA cell lines. Application of magnetic fields shows frequency-dependent results on both the ROS and mitochondrial potential which agree with the model for both type of cells. We also observe the oscillatory behavior in the time-lapse fluorescence microscopy for 0.02 Hz magnetic fields. Finally, we investigate the dependence of the results on the field strength and propose a quantum spin-forbidden mechanism for the effect of magnetic fields on superoxide production in QOsite of mitochondrial Complex III.
CCR7+DC Define a Type 17 Module in Psoriasis
Authors: Sun Yang , Lou Fangzhou , Cai Xiaojie , Wang Zhikai , Yang Xiuli , Sun Libo , Wu Zhouwei , Liu Zhaoyuan , Shi Yu-Ling , Ginhoux Florent , Wang Honglin
Published: April 2024

Interleukin (IL)-23 is the master pathogenic cytokine in psoriasis and neutralization of IL-23 alleviates psoriasis. Psoriasis relapses after the withdrawal of IL-23 antibodies, and the persistence of IL-23-producing cells probably contributes to such recurrence. However, the cellular source of IL-23 was unclear, which hinders the development of targeted therapies focusing on modulating IL-23 expression aimed at resolving relapse. Here, we showed thatIL4I1+CD200+CCR7+dendritic cells (CCR7+DC) dominantly produced IL-23 by concomitantly expressing the IL-23A and IL-12B subunits in human psoriatic skin. Deletion of CCR7+DC completely abrogated IL-23 production in a mouse model of psoriasis and enforced expression of IL-23a in CCR7+DC elicited not only αβT cell-driven psoriasis-like skin disease, but also arthritis. CCR7+DC co-localized with CD161+IL-17-producing T cells and KRT17+keratinocytes, which were located in the outermost layers of psoriatic epidermis and strongly exhibited IL-17 downstream signatures. Based on these data, we identified CCR7+DC as the source of IL-23 in psoriasis, which paves the way for the design of therapies focused on manipulating IL-23 production that may resolve the relapse of chronic inflammatory disorders like psoriasis.

HIGHLIGHTS

IL4I1+CD200+CCR7+DC are dominant IL-23 producers in psoriasis and its mouse model.

Psoriatic CCR7+DC likely arise from cDC2.

CD161 marks all IL-17-producing T cells in psoriatic skin.

IL-23a overexpression in CCR7+DC elicits an αβT cell-driven mouse model of psoriasis and arthritis.

CCR7+DC spatially define a type 17 module in psoriatic epidermis.
Towards intelligent living facades: On electrical activity of ordinary mossBrachythecium rutabulum
Authors: Adamatzky Andrew
Published: April 2024

Mosses display resilience and ecological importance, significantly shaping their environments. With their strong attachment to challenging substrates, mosses can serve as viable options for green living facades. In our initial steps towards developing sensing and computing living facades using moss, we analysed the endogenous electrical activity of mosses to establish foun-dational knowledge for future information processing devices. Employing macro-electrode recording techniques, we identified three patterns of electrical activity in ordinary moss: high-frequency oscillations at 1.2 Hz, medium-frequency oscillations at 2 · 10−4Hz, and low-frequency oscillations at approximately 4 · 10−4. Additionally, we observed indications of coordinated electrical activity in moss cushions.
The alternative splicing ofZmHsf23regulates heat stress tolerance in maize
Authors: Wang Jing , Song Nan-Nan , Qin Qian-Qian , Su An-Qi , Si Wei-Na , Cheng Bei-Jiu , Jiang Hai-Yang
Published: April 2024

Heat stress is one of the major threats to maize (Zea mays) production globally. Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) play vital roles in plant heat stress responses. However, the molecular and genetic basis of HSFs in maize thermotolerance remain largely unknown.

In this study, we reveal that the alternative splicing ofHsf23in maize modulates heat stress tolerance.Hsf23produces two functional transcripts, the full-length transcriptHsf23band the heat-inducible transcriptHsf23a. The twoHsf23transcripts differ by the presence of a cryptic mini exon inHsf23a, which is spliced out inHsf23b. BothHsf23aandHsf23bwere intensely expressed in response to heat stress.

The overexpression ofHsf23b, notHsf23a, enhanced heat stress tolerance, while loss-of-function mutations ofHsf23aandHsf23bexhibited remarkably increased sensitivity to heat stress. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Hsf23b activates broader heat-responsive genes than Hsf23a, and Hsf23a and Hsf23b modulate heat stress response through different downstream targets. Furthermore, Hsf23a physically interacted with Hsf23b and promotes Hsf23b-regulated expression ofsHSPgenes.

Together, our finding provides new insights into the roles ofZmHsf23in the heat tolerance in maize, and presents an important candidate for the genetic improvement of heat-tolerant maize varieties.
Non-additive dosage-dependent effects ofTaGS3gene editing on grain size and weight in wheat
Authors: Wang Wei , Pan Qianli , Tian Bin , Davidson Dwight , Bai Guihua , Akhunova Alina , Trick Harold , Akhunov Eduard
Published: April 2024

The grain size in cereals is one of the main component traits contributing to yield. Previous studies showed that loss-of-function (LOF) mutations inGS3, encoding Gγ subunit of the multimeric G protein complex, increase grain size and weight in rice. While association between allelic variation inGS3homologs of wheat and grain weight/size was detected previusly, the effects of LOF alleles on these traits remain unknown. We used genome editing to create theTaGS3mutant lines with the LOF homeo-allele dosage variation. Contrary to results obtained for rice, editing of all threeTaGS3copies result in significant decrease in grain length, width, grain area and weight, without affecting number of grains per spike. Compared to wild type, the highest increase in grain weight and area was observed in mutants with the intermediate dosage of the LOF alleles, indicating that suppressive effects ofTaGS3on grain size and weight in wheat are dosage-dependent and non-additive. Our results suggest thatTaGS3likely represents a functionally diverged homolog ofGS3evolved in the wheat lineage. The newly developed LOF alleles ofTaGS3expand the set of CRISPR-Cas9-induced variants of yield component genes that could be used for increasing grain weight in wheat.
Diversity and ecological potentials of viral assemblages from the seamount sediments of the Northwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: Chen Ying , Gao Chen , Liu Qian , Liang Yantao , Lai Mingyan , Ge Fuyue , Yu Hao , Shao Hongbing , McMinn Andrew , Wang Min
Published: April 2024

Viruses are the most abundant life forms in the sea, influencing the community structure and metabolism of host cells as well as biogeochemical cycles. However, the diversity and ecological roles of viruses within seamount ecosystems, natural microbiota havens characterized by high biodiversity, remain unknown. Here, the first seamount viral genome (SMVG) dataset, based on a metagenomic analysis of twelve seamount sediment samples collected from the seamount regions of the Northwest Pacific Ocean, is established. A total of 78,069 viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) were found, spanning 18 viral classes and 63 viral families. The detection of sixteen viral auxiliary metabolic genes (vAMGs) suggests that viruses may participate in both the complex metabolic dynamics associated with sediment microbial communities and also biogeochemical cycles, including carbon, sulfur, metal, heme, and cobalamin cycling. vAMGs involved in the metabolism of heme, cobalamin and metals, in particular, are more often detected in seamount sediments than in trenches, cool seeps, and hydrothermal vents. This investigation of the viral communities in these seamount sediments provides new insights into the high diversity and ecological potential of the viruses and establishes a foundation for the future study of benthic viruses from deep-sea seamounts.
Viromes of Antarctic fish resembles the diversity found at lower latitudes
Authors: Grimwood Rebecca M. , Waller Stephanie J. , Wierenga Janelle R. , Lim Lauren , Dubrulle Jeremy , Holmes Edward C. , Geoghegan Jemma L.
Published: April 2024

Antarctica harbours some of the most isolated and extreme environments on Earth, concealing a largely unexplored and unique component of the global animal virosphere. To understand the diversity and evolutionary histories of viruses in these polar species we determined the viromes of 11 Antarctic fish species with 248 samples collected from the Ross Sea region spanning the Perciformes, Gadiformes, and Scorpaeniformes orders. The continent’s shift southward and cooling temperatures over 20 million years ago led to a reduction in biodiversity and subsequent radiation of some marine fauna, such as the notothenioid fishes. Despite decreased host species richness in polar regions, we revealed a surprisingly complex virome diversity in Ross Sea fish, with the types and numbers of viruses per host species and individuals sampled comparable to that of fish in warmer marine environments with higher host community diversity. We also observed a higher number of closely related viruses likely representing instances of recent and historic host-switching events among Perciformes (all notothenioids) than in the Gadiformes, suggesting that rapid speciation events within this order generated closely related host species with few genetic barriers to cross-species transmission. Additionally, we identified novel genomic variation in an arenavirus with a split nucleoprotein sequence containing a stable helical structure, indicating potential adaptation of viral proteins to extreme temperatures. These findings enhance our understanding of virus evolution and virus-host interactions in response to environmental shifts, especially in less diverse ecosystems more vulnerable to the impacts of anthropogenic and climate changes.
Absorption of Axion Dark Matter in a Magnetized Medium
Authors: Berlin Asher , Trickle Tanner
Published: April 2024

Detection of axion dark matter heavier than an meV is hindered by its small wavelength, which limits the useful volume of traditional experiments. This problem can be avoided by directly detecting in-medium excitations, whose ∼meV–eV energies are decoupled from the detector size. We show that for any target inside a magnetic field, the absorption rate of electromagnetically coupled axions into in-medium excitations is determined by the dielectric function. As a result, the plethora of candidate targets previously identified for sub-GeV dark matter searches can be repurposed as broadband axion detectors. We find that a kg yr exposure with noise levels comparable to recent measurements is sufficient to probe parameter space currently unexplored by laboratory tests. Noise reduction by only a few orders of magnitude can enable sensitivity to the QCD axion in the ∼10  meV–10  eV mass range.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Market power, human capital efficiency and bank performance in Kenya
Authors: Kariuki Peter Wang’ombe
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The study evaluates the influence of human capital efficiency (HCE) and market power on bank performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs two measures of bank performance: profitability and stability. Unbalanced panel data of 35 banks operating in Kenya for 2005–2020 collected from published financial statements is utilized. The study employs the feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) method in the analysis and the two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) for robustness check.

Findings

The study affirms an inverted U-shaped relationship between market power and bank performance. The effect of market power on bank profitability is enhanced when a bank has highly efficient human capital. Further, HCE significantly impacts bank stability for banks with low HCE. Interestingly, a further increase in HCE narrows the net interest margins for banks with high HCE, conferring welfare benefits to customers as interest rate spreads shrink.

Practical implications

This study provides important insights into the role of human capital in bank performance. First, banks ought to invest in promoting HCE through training and development. As regulators root for bank consolidation, attention to HCE is imperative for fostering profitability and stability.

Originality/value

The study fills an essential gap in the literature by evaluating the effect of firm-level market power on bank performance in an emerging market. We adopt a novel stochastic frontier estimator to generate the Lerner index. Further, this is the first study known to the authors to evaluate the effect of market power on bank performance in the context of human capital efficiency variations.
Determinants of corporate environmental performance and the moderating effect of economic crises
Authors: Arco-Castro María Lourdes , López-Pérez María Victoria , Alonso-Conde Ana Belén , Rojo Suárez Javier
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the effect of environmental management systems (EMSs), commitment to stakeholders and gender diversity on corporate environmental performance (CEP) and the extent to which an economic crisis moderates these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A regression analysis was conducted on a sample of 14,217 observations from 1,933 firms from 26 countries from 2002 to 2010. The estimator used is ordinary least squares with heteroscedastic panel-corrected standard errors (PCSEs), which allows us to obtain consistent results in the presence of heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation.

Findings

The results show that EMSs and stakeholder engagement are mechanisms that drive CEP but lose their effectiveness in times of crisis. However, the presence of women on boards has a positive effect on CEP that is not affected by an economic crisis.

Research limitations/implications

The study has some limitations that could be addressed in the future. We present board gender diversity as a governance mechanism because its role is strongly related to non-financial performance. Future studies could focus on other corporate governance mechanisms, such as the presence of institutional or long-term investors. In addition, other mechanisms could be found that can counteract poor environmental performance in times of crisis. Finally, it might be useful to contrast these results with the crisis generated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Practical implications

The results obtained have important practical implications at the corporate and institutional levels. At the corporate level, they highlight, as essential contributions, that environmental management systems and stakeholder orientation are not effective in times of economic crisis, except for with the presence of women on the board.

Social implications

Following the crisis, the European Commission has promoted gender diversity on boards as a mechanism to improve the governance of entities – improving, among other aspects, sustainability. In this sense, another one of the practical implications of the study is support for the policies that the European Union has implemented over the last two decades.

Originality/value

The paper analyses how a crisis affects the moral and cultural institutional mechanisms that promote CEP. Gender diversity on the board of directors not only promotes environmental performance but also appears to be a governance mechanism that ensures this performance in times of crisis when the other mechanisms lose their effectiveness. The study proposes specific policies that help maintain environmental performance in an economic crisis.
Soft computing machine learning applications for assessing regional-scale landslide susceptibility in the Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Manandhar Bikesh , Huynh Thanh-Canh , Bhattarai Pawan Kumar , Shrestha Suchita , Pradhan Ananta Man Singh
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This research is aimed at preparing landslide susceptibility using spatial analysis and soft computing machine learning techniques based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), artificial neural networks (ANNs) and logistic regression (LR) models.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Geographical Information System (GIS), a spatial database including topographic, hydrologic, geological and landuse data is created for the study area. The data are randomly divided between a training set (70%), a validation (10%) and a test set (20%).

Findings

The validation findings demonstrate that the CNN model (has an 89% success rate and an 84% prediction rate). The ANN model (with an 84% success rate and an 81% prediction rate) predicts landslides better than the LR model (with a success rate of 82% and a prediction rate of 79%). In comparison, the CNN proves to be more accurate than the logistic regression and is utilized for final susceptibility.

Research limitations/implications

Land cover data and geological data are limited in largescale, making it challenging to develop accurate and comprehensive susceptibility maps.

Practical implications

It helps to identify areas with a higher likelihood of experiencing landslides. This information is crucial for assessing the risk posed to human lives, infrastructure and properties in these areas. It allows authorities and stakeholders to prioritize risk management efforts and allocate resources more effectively.

Social implications

The social implications of a landslide susceptibility map are profound, as it provides vital information for disaster preparedness, risk mitigation and landuse planning. Communities can utilize these maps to identify vulnerable areas, implement zoning regulations and develop evacuation plans, ultimately safeguarding lives and property. Additionally, access to such information promotes public awareness and education about landslide risks, fostering a proactive approach to disaster management. However, reliance solely on these maps may also create a false sense of security, necessitating continuous updates and integration with other risk assessment measures to ensure effective disaster resilience strategies are in place.

Originality/value

Landslide susceptibility mapping provides a proactive approach to identifying areas at higher risk of landslides before any significant events occur. Researchers continually explore new data sources, modeling techniques and validation approaches, leading to a better understanding of landslide dynamics and susceptibility factors.
Construction of a competency evaluation index system for postgraduates of educational technology
Authors: Luo Ling , Ji Hong , Chen Shu-Ning , Chen Xin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the competency characteristics required for the employment of master’s degree students in educational technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A combined qualitative and quantitative method was used to consult multiple experts through a modified Delphi method. Competency characteristics were extracted from Chinese recruitment apps, national recruitment websites and university training programs. Ten senior teacher experts who teach educational technology master’s students were consulted through a questionnaire consultation to validate the proposed competency model. The weights of competency characteristics were determined through a combination of the analytic hierarchy process and entropy method.

Findings

The results show that when recruiting educational technology master’s students, more emphasis is placed on operational skills. The majority of companies tend to assess practical abilities rather than theoretical knowledge. Relevant knowledge of educational technology, psychology, computer science and education is considered to be the basic knowledge components of educational technology master’s students, while professional skills are the core skills required for their positions. Therefore, universities need to focus on training, educational technology graduate students in these areas of competence. The study also found that professional qualities (such as physical and mental fitness) and personality traits (interpersonal communication and interaction) receive more attention from companies and are essential competencies for educational technology master’s students.

Originality/value

A competence model for educational technology master’s students is proposed, which includes aspects such as knowledge, personal skills/abilities, professional qualities and personality traits. The competence elements included in this model can serve as reference indicators for universities to cultivate the competence of educational technology master’s students, as well as reference points for recruiting units to help them select talents. This represents a new dimension in research related to the employment of educational technology master’s students. The study enriches the research objects and competence dictionary in the field of competence research.
Unlocking sustainability: the dynamic nexus of organizational support, identification, and green HRM practices in cultivating pro-environmental excellence
Authors: Saeed Junaid , Mehmood Nasir , Aftab Saima , Irum Sobia , Muhammad Ashfaq
Published: April 2024

Purpose

There is a growing need to promote and practice sustainable HRM to foster greener organizations with trained employees who have an attitude and behavior to preserve depleting resources. The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance of sustainable green human resource management (Green HRM) practices along with organizational identification (OI) as a mediating factor and perceived organizational support (POS) as a moderating factor.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative methodology was used, and the data were collected from 311 employees working in telecommunication organizations located in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Results of the study are based on the structural equation modeling technique using Smart-PLS.

Findings

Findings revealed that OI proved to be a significant positive mediator between Green HRM and organizational citizenship behaviors for the environment. POS also proved to be a significant moderator on the relationship between Green HRM and OI.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the two cities of Pakistan; future studies can focus on more cities so that the results can be more generalized.

Practical implications

This study will especially be useful for HR practitioners to develop mechanisms to initiate and encourage sustainable HR practices.

Social implications

Organizations’ positive position is established through the inculcation of green activities among their employees. Thus, a sense of responsibility and attachment among employees toward green behavior makes them good citizens. It also works well for their organization as well as for the environment. Moreover, it preserves environmental resources and helps ensure sustainability.

Originality/value

The research paper was aimed at exploring the importance of sustainable Green HRM practices in a developing country like Pakistan.
From personal to corporate social responsibility: (de)individuation in luxury retailing
Authors: Li Jiarui , Kang Jiyun
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The New York Times has suggested replacing sustainable fashion with responsible fashion, emphasizing the need for joint efforts by both individual consumers and retailers to take responsibility for their own decisions and actions. This study seeks to investigate the mechanism that activates individuals' personal social responsibility (PSR) and its association with their perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) from a responsible luxury fashion retailer.

Design/methodology/approach

An online experiment was conducted with a nationwide US sample of luxury consumers who were randomly assigned to either individuation or deindividuation groups. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) and multi-group SEM were employed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Individuals' universalism positively affected PSR, which then enhanced their recognition of a responsible luxury retailer’s CSR and led to a greater willingness to pay a premium. More importantly, the positive effect of universalism on PSR was strengthened when consumers’ unique individuality, rather than their deindividuated state, was emphasized. Moreover, the moderating effect of individuation was indirectly transmitted through PSR to perceived CSR, hence reinforcing the relationship between PSR and CSR.

Originality/value

This study significantly advances existing scholarship on sustainable luxury retailing and adds rigor to deindividuation theory by demonstrating the central role of PSR and the moderating effect of individuation in enhancing recognition of a luxury fashion retailer’s CSR commitments. The findings provide luxury fashion retailers with communication and marketing strategies that highlight consumers' unique individuality to more effectively activate their sense of personal responsibility and thereby increase their recognition of the retailer’s CSR.
Why and when does digital business strategy help manufacturers generate value co-creation with different stakeholders?
Authors: Qiao Ruoting , Liu Longjun
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to clarify why and when digital business strategy (DBS) helps manufacturing firms generate value co-creation (VC) with different stakeholders in the digital context of China. This study considers external network capability (ENC) and internal network capability (INC) as mediation mechanism, and strategic flexibility (SF) as theoretical boundary.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were used and filled out by executives from manufacturing firms. The manufacturing samples from 289 different fields in China were used for hypothesis testing, and the structural equation model was the main analytical method.

Findings

This study found that DBS of manufacturing enterprises has a positive impact on VC. Specifically, DBS affects firm-partner VC and firm-consumer VC through the indirect positive effect of ENC, and affects firm-employee VC through INV. The positive effects of ENC on firm-partner VC and firm-consumer VC, as well as INC on firm-employee VC, are weak at high (or low) SF, and are strongest at moderate SF.

Practical implications

This study provides manufacturing firms with practical insights into why and when they can implement DBS to generate VC, with a particular emphasis on the weighted role of SF.

Originality/value

This study spotlights gaps in the literature on why and when manufacturing firms can reap the benefits of DBS, focusing on one important business outcome – VC. The authors clarify the mediating role of differences in ENC and INC, as well as the inverted U-shaped moderating role of SF.
When talk matters: the role of negative supervisor gossip and employee agreeableness in feedback seeking and job performance
Authors: Kumar P. Arun , Vilvanathan Lavanya
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand the impact of negative supervisor gossip on job performance among South Indian hotel employees. The focus is not just on the direct influence, but also on the mediating role of feedback-seeking behaviour (FSB) and the moderating effects of the agreeableness trait.

Design/methodology/approach

Through purposive sampling, data was garnered from South Indian hotel employees. Comprehensive analyses were performed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The analysis shows that FSB plays a mediating role in the positive relationship between negative supervisor gossip and job performance. In addition, the influence of gossip on FSB and subsequent job performance was more pronounced for employees with high agreeableness.

Research limitations/implications

This research underscores the complex interplay between negative supervisor gossip and job performance, revealing that such gossip can catalyze FSB process in employees. It suggests that under certain conditions, negative gossip can be transformed into a constructive force that enhances job performance, challenging traditional perceptions of gossip in the workplace.

Practical implications

The findings underscore the importance of understanding the effects of workplace dynamics, like supervisor gossip, on employee behaviour and performance. Recognizing the influence of individual personality traits, such as agreeableness, can guide management strategies for fostering a productive work environment.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on the intricate interplay between negative supervisor gossip, FSB and agreeableness, offering a novel perspective on their combined impact on job performance. It not only enriches the existing literature on workplace communication but also broadens the understanding of the role of personality traits in shaping employee responses and outcomes.
Doxycycline decelerates aging in progeria mice
Authors: Wang Ming , Zhang Jie , Qiu Jiangping , Ma Xuan , Xu Chenzhong , Wu Qiuhuan , Xing Shaojun , Chen Xinchun , Liu Baohua
Published: April 2024

Beyond the antimicrobial activity, doxycycline (DOX) exhibits longevity‐promoting effect in nematodes, while its effect on mammals is unclear. Here, we applied a mouse model of Hutchinson‐Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), Zmpste24 knockout (KO) mice, and analyzed the antiaging effect of DOX. We found that the DOX treatment prolongs lifespan and ameliorates progeroid features of Zmpste24 KO mice, including the decline of body and tissue weight, exercise capacity and cortical bone density, and the shortened colon length. DOX treatment alleviates the abnormal nuclear envelope in multiple tissues, and attenuates cellular senescence and cell death of Zmpste24 KO and HGPS fibroblasts. DOX downregulates the level of proinflammatory IL6 in both serum and tissues. Moreover, the elevated α‐tubulin (K40) acetylation mediated by NAT10 in progeria, is rescued by DOX treatment in the aorta tissues in Zmpste24 KO mice and fibroblasts. Collectively, our study uncovers that DOX can decelerate aging in progeria mice via counteracting IL6 expression and NAT10‐mediated acetylation of α‐tubulin.
Current and ideal living arrangements and supports for Canadian adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Part II—Perspectives from caregivers
Authors: Gault Siann , Gnat Lauren , Fletcher Paula C. , Kirst Maritt , O'Neill Lauren , MacDonald Robert , Ninomiya Melody E. Morton
Published: April 2024

Background

Caregivers supporting adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) report concerns regarding living arrangements and services for their adult children with FASD. Best practices for living support for adults with FASD are under‐researched, and few studies have explored the experiences of caregivers whose children are adults. This study examined the perspectives of caregivers who support adults (18+) with FASD regarding: (1) current ways adults with FASD are supported with daily life activities; and (2) ideal future living arrangements and supports.

Methods

This article presents findings from the perspective of caregivers who support adults with FASD, as part of a broader project involving both adults with FASD and caregivers. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 Canadian caregivers who live at home with an adult with FASD (aged 18+). Responses were examined using framework analysis, a structured approach to analyzing qualitative data.

Results

Caregivers described their experiences and perspectives regarding: (1) current ways adults with FASD are supported in their daily activities; (2) strategies for successful support; (3) ideal future living arrangements and supports; and (4) concerns for the future. Notably, almost every participant raised pressing concerns regarding the future living arrangements for the person they support once they are no longer able to provide care.

Conclusions

This study explores caregivers' perspectives regarding living support needed by adults with FASD, which can inform support programs and housing services. Findings demonstrate an urgent need for policy change directed toward developing available, affordable, and appropriate housing for adults with FASD.
Evaluating the impact of minimum unit pricing (MUP) on alcohol sales after 3 years of implementation in Scotland: A controlled interrupted time‐series study
Authors: Giles Lucie , Mackay Daniel , Richardson Elizabeth , Lewsey Jim , Robinson Mark , Beeston Clare
Published: April 2024

Background and aims

On 1 May 2018, Scotland introduced minimum unit pricing (MUP), a strength‐based floor price below which alcohol cannot be sold, throughout all alcoholic beverages. The legislation necessitates an evaluation of its impact across a range of outcomes that will inform whether MUP will continue beyond its sixth year. We measured the impact of MUP on per‐adult alcohol sales (as a proxy for consumption) after 3 years of implementation.

Design, setting and participants

Controlled interrupted time‐series regression was used to assess the impact of MUP on alcohol sales in Scotland after 3 years of implementation, with England and Wales (EW) being the control group. In adjusted analyses, we included household disposable income, on‐trade alcohol sales (in off‐trade analyses) and substitution between drink categories (in drink category analyses) as covariates.

Measurements

Weekly data were assessed on the volume of pure alcohol sold in Scotland and EW between January 2013 and May 2021, expressed as litres of pure alcohol per adult. The impact of MUP on total (on‐ and off‐trade combined), off‐trade and on‐trade alcohol sales was assessed separately.

Results

The introduction of MUP in Scotland was associated with a 3.0% (95% confidence interval = 1.8−4.2%) net reduction in total alcohol sales per adult after adjustment for the best available geographical control, disposable income and substitution. This reflects a 1.1% fall in Scotland in contrast to a 2.4% increase in EW. The reduction in total alcohol sales in Scotland was driven by reduced sales of beer, spirits, cider and perry. The reduction in total sales was due to reductions in sales of alcohol through the off‐trade. There was no evidence of any change in on‐trade alcohol sales.

Conclusion

Minimum unit pricing has been effective in reducing population‐level alcohol sales in Scotland in the 3 years since implementation.
Anthropology and education in a more‐than‐human world: Reflections on a study of infant retrievals and the acquisition of social rank in baboon “nursery school”
Authors: Gilmore Perry
Published: April 2024

Drawing on a more‐than‐human world perspective for anthropology and education, I (re)examine a study of juvenile baboon social learning conducted almost 50 years ago. Major scientific disciplinary twists and turns over the decades are examined in order to (re)interpret specific affiliative behaviors, communicative events and public performances. I identify and describe a “Baboon Nursery School” participation structure that provides the context for behavioral practices that reproduce and perpetuate the troop's social hierarchy.
Evaluating the development of endometriosis and adenomyosis lesions over time: An ultrasound study of symptomatic women
Authors: Orlov Sofie , Sladkevicius Povilas , Jokubkiene Ligita
Published: April 2024

Introduction

There is a gap in knowledge regarding development of endometriosis and adenomyosis lesions visible at transvaginal ultrasound. The objectives were to evaluate if women with symptoms suggestive of endometriosis or adenomyosis but normal ultrasound examination develop endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions visible at ultrasound over time and if alterations of symptoms over time are associated with ultrasound findings at follow‐up.

Material and Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 100 symptomatic women with normal initial ultrasound examination during 2014–2017 who underwent follow‐up ultrasound examination in 2022. Symptoms suggestive of endometriosis were assessed using visual analog scale at both examinations and minimal clinically important difference of 10 mm was considered as a significant alteration. An examiner with expertise in advanced ultrasound examination of endometriosis performed transvaginal ultrasound examinations in accordance with the consensus protocol by the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis group.

Results

At follow‐up ultrasound examination of 100 women, 13 (13% [95% CI 7.1–21.2]) had visible endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions, 8 (8% [95% CI 3.5–15.2]) had endometriosis lesions, and 6 (6% [95% CI 2.2–12.6]) had adenomyosis. At follow‐up, women with endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions reported lower intensity of dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain compared to women without lesions (48 mm [IQR 16–79] vs. 73 mm [IQR 46–85] and 45 mm [IQR 26–57] vs. 57 mm [IQR 36–75], p = 0.087 and p = 0.026, respectively). None of the women with endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions reported increased intensity of dysmenorrhea at follow‐up, compared to 32/86 women (37%) without lesions (p = 0.008). Increased intensity of chronic pelvic pain tended to be less common in women with lesions compared to those without (3/13 [23%] vs. 35/86 [41%], p = 0.223).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that in symptomatic women, endometriosis and adenomyosis lesions visible at ultrasound may develop over time. However, majority of women remain having normal ultrasound examinations despite symptoms. Exacerbation of dysmenorrhea or chronic pelvic pain during follow‐up was not associated with the development of endometriosis or adenomyosis lesions visible at ultrasound, suggesting that even women with less severe symptoms might benefit from a follow‐up ultrasound when indicated.
Liver steatosis in patients with transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia
Authors: Ricchi Paolo , Pistoia Laura , Positano Vincenzo , Spasiano Anna , Casini Tommaso , Putti Maria Caterina , Borsellino Zelia , Cossu Antonella , Messina Giuseppe , Keilberg Petra , Fatigati Carmina , Costantini Silvia , Renne Stefania , Peritore Giuseppe , Cademartiri Filippo , Meloni Antonella
Published: April 2024

We evaluated the prevalence and the clinical associations of liver steatosis (LS) in patients with transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia (TDT). We considered 301 TDT patients (177 females, median age = 40.61 years) enrolled in the Extension‐Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassaemia Network, and 25 healthy subjects. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify iron overload and hepatic fat fraction (FF) by T2* technique and cardiac function by cine images. The glucose metabolism was assessed by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Hepatic FF was significantly higher in TDT patients than in healthy subjects (median value: 1.48% vs. 0.55%; p = 0.013). In TDT, hepatic FF was not associated with age, gender, serum ferritin levels or liver function parameters, but showed a weak inverse correlation with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. The 36.4% of TDT patients showed LS (FF >3.7%). Active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, increased body mass index and hepatic iron were independent determinants of LS. A hepatic FF >3.53% predicted the presence of an abnormal OGTT. Hepatic FF was not correlated with cardiac iron, biventricular volumes or ejection fractions, but was correlated with left ventricular mass index. In TDT, LS is a frequent finding, associated with iron overload, increased weight and HCV, and conveying an increased risk for the alterations of glucose metabolism.
Interactive Visualization on Large High‐Resolution Displays: A Survey
Authors: Belkacem Ilyasse , Tominski Christian , Médoc Nicolas , Knudsen Søren , Dachselt Raimund , Ghoniem Mohammad
Published: April 2024

In the past few years, large high‐resolution displays (LHRDs) have attracted considerable attention from researchers, industries and application areas that increasingly rely on data‐driven decision‐making. An up‐to‐date survey on the use of LHRDs for interactive data visualization seems warranted to summarize how new solutions meet the characteristics and requirements of LHRDs and take advantage of their unique benefits. In this survey, we start by defining LHRDs and outlining the consequence of LHRD environments on interactive visualizations in terms of more pixels, space, users and devices. Then, we review related literature along the four axes of visualization, interaction, evaluation studies and applications. With these four axes, our survey provides a unique perspective and covers a broad range of aspects being relevant when developing interactive visual data analysis solutions for LHRDs. We conclude this survey by reflecting on a number of opportunities for future research to help the community take up the still‐open challenges of interactive visualization on LHRDs.