bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial profiles of the oral, vaginal, and rectal mucosa and colostrum of periparturient sows
Authors: Piirainen Virpi , König Emilia , Husso Aleksi , Heinonen Mari , Iivanainen Antti , Pessa-Morikawa Tiina , Niku Mikael
Published: March 2024

The commensal microbiota influences the health, feeding efficiency, and reproductive performance of sows. The microbiota composition in the alimentary and genitourinary tracts and in colostrum/milk during pregnancy and lactation also impacts the developing microbiota and immune system of the piglets and subsequently their growth and health. Knowledge of the microbial compositions is important for evaluation of these effects and for discovering ways to improve the health and productivity of the sows.

Oral, vaginal, and rectal mucosa were sampled from 32 sows of variable parity in late pregnancy on four commercial piglet-producing farms in Finland. Colostrum samples were taken within 6 hours of delivery of the first piglet. Microbial compositions were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Moderate differences in diversity and composition were observed between farms. The most abundant genera of the oral microbiota wereRothia,Moraxella, andStreptococcus.The rectal microbiota was dominated byClostridium sensu stricto 1. Streptococcuswas the most abundant genus in the vagina and colostrum. Differences in relative abundances of genera were detected between primiparous and multiparous sows. Some of these differences were detected across all the farms; in the multiparous sows, the relative abundances ofFusobacteriumandNeisseriawere lower in oral samples.Clostridium sensu stricto 1,Romboutsia, andLachnospiraceae_UCG_007were higher andPrevotellalower in rectal samples, andStreptococcushigher in colostrum samples. In vaginal samples, approximately half of the multiparous sows had significantly higher relative abundances of the generaFusobacteriumandStreptococcusthan the primiparous sows. Among the differentially abundant taxa,F. necrophorumandF. nucleatumwere identified in oral samples,Fusobacterium gastrosuisandFusobacterium necrophorumin vaginal samples, andStreptococcus dysgalactiaein colostrum samples. Most of the differences were due to unidentified species within the respective genus.

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the mucosal and colostrum microbiota of periparturient sows during normal production conditions on Finnish commercial farms, including potentially interesting differences in the relative abundances of several genera at different mucosal sites between sows of low and high parity.
(p)ppGpp buffers cell division when membrane fluidity decreases inEscherichia coli
Authors: Singh Vani , Harinarayanan Rajendran
Published: March 2024

Maintenance of fluidity an inherent property of biological membranes by homeoviscous adaptation is important for optimal functioning of membrane-associated processes. Homeoviscous adaptation inE. coliinvolves an increase in the concentration of unsaturated fatty acid, cis-vaccenic acid (18:1) with decrease in temperature andvice versa. Lowering unsaturated fatty acid synthesis by inactivation of FadR reduced the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in the membrane. In this study we show that when the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in the membrane was reduced, cell division was dependent on the guanine nucleotide analogous (p)ppGpp. Combined expression of cell division genesftsQ,ftsAandftsZfrom plasmid rescued the growth defect that was associated with cell filamentation followed by lysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of (p)ppGpp mediated regulation needed for the adaptation to membrane fluidity loss in bacteria.
A panel of phenotypically and genotypically diverse bioluminescent:fluorescentTrypanosoma cruzistrains as a resource for Chagas disease research
Authors: Olmo Francisco , Jayawardhana Shiromani , Khan Archie A. , Langston Harry C. , Francisco Amanda Fortes , Atherton Richard L. , Ward Alex I. , Taylor Martin C. , Kelly John M. , Lewis Michael D.
Published: March 2024

Chagas disease is caused byTrypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite that displays considerable genetic diversity. Infections result in a range of pathological outcomes, and different strains can exhibit a wide spectrum of anti-parasitic drug tolerance. The genetic determinants of infectivity, virulence and therapeutic susceptibility remain largely unknown. As experimental tools to address these issues, we have generated a panel of bioluminescent:fluorescent parasite strains that cover the diversity of theT. cruzispecies. These reporters allow spatio-temporal infection dynamics in murine models to be monitored in a non-invasive manner byin vivoimaging, provide a capability to detect rare infection foci at single-cell resolution, and represent a valuable resource for investigating virulence and host:parasite interactions at a mechanistic level. Importantly, these parasite reporter strains can also contribute to the Chagas disease drug screening cascade by ensuring that candidate compounds have pan-speciesin vivoactivity prior to being advanced into clinical testing. The parasite strains described in this paper are available on request.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Chagas disease results from infection with the protozoan parasiteTrypanosoma cruziand is a major public health problem throughout Latin America.T. cruziis a genetically diverse species and infection can result in a wide range of pathological outcomes, mainly associated with the heart and/or digestive tract. Research on Chagas disease, ranging from fundamental biology to drug development, has been greatly aided by the availability of genetically modified parasite reporter strains that express bioluminescent:fluorescent fusion proteins. In combination with mouse models and imaging technology, these strains allow infections to be monitored in real-time, with high sensitivity, and infection foci to be visualised at single-cell resolution. Here, we describe an extensive panel of bioluminescent and fluorescent strains that cover the diversity of theT. cruzispecies. These reporter strains, that are available on request, should have wide utility in many areas of Chagas disease research. In particular, as part of the drug development screening programme, they can be used to ensure that candidate compounds havein vivoactivity across the species prior to being advanced into clinical testing.
Multi-omics analysis reveals regime shifts in the gastrointestinal ecosystem in chickens following anticoccidial vaccination andEimeria tenellachallenge
Authors: Liu Po-Yu , Liaw Janie , Soutter Francesca , Ortiz José Jaramillo , Tomley Fiona M. , Werling Dirk , Gundogdu Ozan , Blake Damer P. , Xia Dong
Published: March 2024

Coccidiosis, caused byEimeriaparasites, poses significant economic and welfare challenges in poultry farming. Beyond its direct impact on health,Eimeriainfection disrupts enteric microbial populations leading to dysbiosis and increases vulnerability to secondary diseases such as necrotic enteritis, caused byClostridium perfringens. The impact ofEimeriainfection or anticoccidial vaccination on host gastrointestinal phenotypes and enteric microbiota remains understudied. In this study, the metabolomic profiles and microbiota composition of chicken caecal tissue and contents were evaluated concurrently during a controlled experimental vaccination and challenge trial. Cobb500 broilers were vaccinated with aSaccharomyces cerevisiae-vectored anticoccidial vaccine and challenged with 15,000Eimeria tenellaoocysts. Assessment of caecal pathology and quantification of parasite load revealed correlations with alterations to caecal microbiota and host metabolome linked to infection and vaccination status. Infection heightened microbiota richness with increases in potentially pathogenic species, while vaccination elevated beneficialBifidobacterium. Using a multi-omics factor analysis (MOFA) machine learning model, data on caecal microbiota and host metabolome were integrated and distinct profiles for healthy, infected, and recovering chickens were identified. Healthy and recovering chickens exhibited higher vitamin B metabolism linked to short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, whereas essential amino acid and cell membrane lipid metabolisms were prominent in infected and vaccinated chickens. Notably, vaccinated chickens showed distinct metabolites related to the enrichment of sphingolipids, important components of nerve cells and cell membranes. Our integrated multi-omics model revealed latent biomarkers indicative of vaccination and infection status, offering potential tools for diagnosing infection, monitoring vaccination efficacy, and guiding the development of novel treatments or controls.
New high-throughput screening assays for nitrification inhibitors identify an oxazolidine-thione as biological nitrification inhibitor
Authors: Beeckman Fabian , Drozdzecki Andrzej , De Knijf Alexa , Audenaert Dominique , Beeckman Tom , Motte Hans
Published: March 2024

Nitrification is a microbial two-step process whereby ammonia (NH3) is first oxidized into nitrite (NO2-), by ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms, and then into nitrate (NO3-) by nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) in a mutualistic symbiosis. Due to high nitrogen (N) input in agriculture, this process needs to be slowed down as NO2- and NO3- easily leach, becoming unavailable for plants and leading to eutrophication. Moreover, they may be further processed into the very strong greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). Nitrification thus results in inefficient use of fertilizer and leads to detrimental environmental impact. Inhibitors can be used to mitigate these negative effects and are shown to positively affect plant growth and crop yield and strongly reduce nitrogen (N) pollution. However, currently, only a limited portfolio of nitrification inhibitors is commonly available. These show a variable efficiency and come with logistic complexities. As such, there is a high demand for a broader portfolio of novel molecules. To contribute to the discovery phase of new inhibitors and enable the evaluation of a large number of molecules, we developed miniaturized high-throughput screening assays on the soil-borne ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) Nitrosomonas europaea and Nitrosospira multiformis. We give a detailed overview of the procedure and illustrate its use by testing structural variants of oxazolidine-thiones that were previously discovered as nitrification inhibitors. This led to the discovery of the natural compound goitrin as a new biological nitrification inhibitor (BNI). Overall, the presented assays are promising discovery tools, as demonstrated by the newly discovered BNI, and may contribute to the advancement of a more sustainable agriculture.
Coordinated regulation of osmotic imbalance by c-di-AMP shapes ß-lactam tolerance in Group BStreptococcus
Authors: Brissac Terry , Guyonnet Cécile , Sadouni Aymane , Hernandez Montoya Ariadna , Jacquemet Elise , Legendre Rachel , Sismeiro Odile , Trieu-Cuot Patrick , Lanotte Philippe , Tazi Asmaa , Firon Arnaud
Published: March 2024

Streptococcus agalactiaeis among the few pathogens that have not developed resistance to ß-lactam antibiotics despite decades of clinical use. The molecular basis of this long-lasting susceptibility has not been investigated, and it is not known whether specific mechanisms constrain the emergence of resistance. In this study, we report the conserved role of the signaling nucleotide cyclic-di-AMP in susceptibility to ß-lactams, demonstrating that inactivation of the phosphodiesterase GdpP inS. agalactiaeconfers ß-lactam tolerance. Characterization of the c-di-AMP signaling pathway reveals antagonistic regulation by the transcriptional factor BusR, which is activated by c-di-AMP and negatively regulates ß-lactam susceptibility through the BusAB transporter and AmaP/Asp23 cell envelope stress complex. Furthermore, we show that the simultaneous inhibition of osmolyte transporters activity and transcription by c-di-AMP has an additive effect, sustaining ß-lactam tolerance. Finally, we expanded the analysis of ß-lactam tolerance using random transposon mutagenesis, uncovering a convergent pattern of mutations involving the KhpAB small RNA chaperone and the S protein immunomodulator. Overall, our results demonstrate that c-di-AMP acts as a turgor pressure rheostat, coordinating an integrated response to cell wall weakening due to ß-lactam activity, and identify mechanisms that may foster antibiotic resistance inS. agalactiae.
Multiplicity scaling of fragmentation function
Authors: Kang Zhong-Bo , Kao Robert , Larkoski Andrew J.
Published: March 2024

The single-particle inclusive fragmentation function and the particle multiplicity are observables of fundamental importance in studying properties of quantum chromodynamics at colliders. It is well known that at high energies the multiplicity distribution satisfies Koba-Nielsen-Olesen (KNO) scaling in which all moments are proportional to powers of the mean multiplicity. We prove that, under weak assumptions, the leading dependence of the fragmentation function on multiplicity is itself a kind of KNO scaling in which all moments are inversely proportional to powers of the mean multiplicity. This scaling with multiplicity additionally accounts for the dominant dependence on collision energy in the fragmentation function. The proof relies crucially on properties of the fragmentation function conditioned on the total multiplicity and application of the Stieltjes moment problem. In the process, we construct a novel basis of the fragmentation function expressed as an overall exponential suppression times a series of Laguerre polynomials. We study this scaling of the fragmentation function in experimental electron-position collision data and observe that residual scale violations are significantly reduced.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonperturbative running of the tensor operator for
Nf=3
QCD from the chirally rotated Schrödinger functional
Authors: Campos Plasencia Isabel , Dalla Brida Mattia , de Divitiis Giulia Maria , Lytle Andrew , Papinutto Mauro , Pirelli Ludovica , Vladikas Anastassios ,   ALPHA Collaboration
Published: March 2024

We study the renormalization group (RG) running of the nonsinglet tensor operator, for Nf=3 QCD with Wilson fermions in a mixed action setup, with standard Schrödinger functional (SF) boundary conditions for sea quarks and chirally rotated Schrödinger functional (χSF) boundary conditions for valence quarks. Based on a recursive finite-size scaling technique we compute nonperturbatively the tensor step-scaling function for an energy range between a hadronic scale and an electroweak scale, above which perturbation theory may be safely applied. Our result is expressed as the RG-running factor TRGI/[T(μhad)]R, where the numerator is the scale independent (renormalization group invariant—RGI) tensor operator and the denominator is its renormalized counterpart at a hadronic scale μhad=233(8)  MeV in a given scheme. We determine the step-scaling function in four distinct renormalization schemes. We also compute the renormalization parameters of these schemes at μhad which, combined with the RG-running factor, gives the scheme-independent quantity ZTRGI(g02) in four schemes and for a range of bare gauge couplings in which large volume hadronic matrix element simulations are performed by the CLS consortium in Nf=2+1 QCD. All four results are compatible and also agree with a recent determination based on a unitary setup for Wilson quarks with Schrödinger functional boundary conditions [arXiv:2309.04314]. This provides a strong universality test.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Real-space blocking of qubit variables on parallel lattice gauge theory links for quantum simulation
Authors: Shir Judy , Zohar Erez
Published: March 2024

One of the methods proposed in recent years for studying nonperturbative gauge theory physics is quantum simulation, where lattice gauge theories are mapped onto quantum devices which can be built in the laboratory, or quantum computers. While being very promising and already showing some experimental results, these methods still face several challenges related to the interface between the technological capabilities and the demands of the simulated models; in particular, one such challenge is the need to simulate infinitely dimensional local Hilbert spaces, describing the gauge fields on the links in the case of compact Lie gauge groups, requiring some truncations and approximations which are not completely understood or controllable in the general case. This work proposes a way to obtain arbitrarily large such local Hilbert spaces by using coarse graining of simple, low-dimensional qubit systems, made of components available on most quantum simulation platforms, and thus opening the way to new types of lattice gauge theory quantum simulations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dark dimension and decaying dark matter gravitons
Authors: Obied Georges , Dvorkin Cora , Gonzalo Eduardo , Vafa Cumrun
Published: March 2024

We explore the cosmology of the dark-dimension scenario taking into account perturbations in the linear regime. In the context of the dark-dimension scenario, a natural candidate for dark matter in our Universe is the excitations of a tower of massive spin-2 Kaluza-Klein (KK) gravitons. These dark gravitons are produced in the early Universe and decay to lighter KK gravitons during the course of cosmological evolution. The decay causes the average dark matter mass to decrease as the Universe evolves. In addition, the kinetic energy liberated in each decay leads to a kick velocity for the dark matter particles, leading to a suppression of structure formation. Using current cosmic microwave background (), baryon acoustic oscillation, and cosmic shear (KiDS-1000) data, we put a bound on the dark matter kick velocity today vtoday≤2.2×10−4c at 95% CL. This leads to rather specific regions of parameter space for the dark-dimension scenario. The combination of the experimental bounds from cosmology, astrophysics, and table-top experiments leads to the range l5∼1–10  μm for the size of the dark dimension. The dark-dimension scenario is found to be remarkably consistent with current observations and provides signatures that are within reach of near-future experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Three-Dimensional Topological Field Theories and Nonunitary Minimal Models
Authors: Gang Dongmin , Kim Heeyeon , Stubbs Spencer
Published: March 2024

We find an intriguing relation between a class of three-dimensional nonunitary topological field theories (TFTs) and Virasoro minimal models M(2,2r+3) with r≥1. The TFTs are constructed by topologically twisting 3D N=4 superconformal field theories (SCFTs) of rank-0, i.e., having zero-dimensional Coulomb and Higgs branches. We present ultraviolet (UV) field theory descriptions of the SCFTs with manifest N=2 supersymmetry, which we argue is enhanced to N=4 in the infrared. From the UV description, we compute various partition functions of the TFTs and reproduce some basic properties of the minimal models, such as their characters and modular matrices. We expect more general correspondence between topologically twisted 3d

N

=

4

rank-0 SCFTs and 2D nonunitary rational conformal field theories.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Derivation of the Invariant Free-Energy Landscape Based on Langevin Dynamics
Authors: Nakamura Takenobu
Published: March 2024

A conventionally defined free-energy landscape (FEL) exhibits unphysical dependence on the choice of reaction coordinates and hence lacks universal predictive ability. We here show that three physically plausible requirements uniquely determine the FEL formula for a given reaction coordinate. Our FEL is expressed solely in terms of quantities obtained through time-series data analysis, namely, the probability distribution and the diffusion matrix. It is free from any unphysical coordinate dependence and coincides with the conventional FEL in special cases. The uniqueness and robustness of the formula strongly suggest that our FEL has universal predictive power.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Paradigm for approaching the forbidden spontaneous phase transition in the one-dimensional Ising model at a fixed finite temperature
Authors: Yin Weiguo
Published: March 2024

The Ising model describes collective behaviors such as phase transitions and critical phenomena in various physical, biological, economical, and social systems. It is well known that spontaneous phase transition at finite temperature does not exist in the Ising model with short-range interactions in one dimension. Yet, little is known about whether this forbidden phase transition can be approached arbitrarily closely—at fixed finite temperature. Here I use symmetry analysis of the transfer matrix to reveal the existence of spontaneous ultranarrow phase crossover (UNPC) at finite temperature in one class of one-dimensional Ising models on decorated two-leg ladders, in which the crossover temperature T0 is determined solely by on-rung interactions and decorations, while the crossover width 2δT is independently, exponentially reduced (δT=0 means a genuine phase transition) by on-leg interactions and decorations. These findings establish a simple ideal paradigm for realizing an infinite number of one-dimensional Ising systems with spontaneous UNPC at desirable T0, which would be characterized in routine laboratory measurements as a genuine first-order phase transition with large latent heat thanks to the ultranarrow δT (say less than one nanokelvin), paving a way to push the limit in our understanding of phase transitions and the dynamical actions of frustration arbitrarily close to the forbidden regime.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fragility of Surface States in Non-Wigner-Dyson Topological Insulators
Authors: Altland Alexander , Brouwer Piet W. , Dieplinger Johannes , Foster Matthew S. , Moreno-Gonzalez Mateo , Trifunovic Luka
Published: March 2024

Topological insulators and superconductors support extended surface states protected against the otherwise localizing effects of static disorder. Specifically, in the Wigner-Dyson insulators belonging to the symmetry classes A, AI, and AII, a band of extended surface states is continuously connected to a likewise extended set of bulk states forming a “bridge” between different surfaces via the mechanism of spectral flow. In this work we show that this mechanism is absent in the majority of non-Wigner-Dyson topological superconductors and chiral topological insulators. In these systems, there is precisely one point with granted extended states, the center of the band, E=0. Away from it, states are spatially localized, or can be made so by the addition of spatially local potentials. Considering the three-dimensional insulator in class AIII and winding number ν=1 as a paradigmatic case study, we discuss the physical principles behind this phenomenon, and its methodological and applied consequences. In particular, we show that low-energy Dirac approximations in the description of surface states can be treacherous in that they tend to conceal the localizability phenomenon. We also identify markers defined in terms of Berry curvature as measures for the degree of state localization in lattice models, and back our analytical predictions by extensive numerical simulations. A main conclusion of this work is that the surface phenomenology of non-Wigner-Dyson topological insulators is a lot richer than that of their Wigner-Dyson siblings, extreme limits being spectrumwide quantum critical delocalization of all states versus full localization except at the E=0 critical point. As part of our study we identify possible experimental signatures distinguishing between these different alternatives in transport or tunnel spectroscopy.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Faithfully Simulating Near-Term Quantum Repeaters
Authors: Wallnöfer Julius , Hahn Frederik , Wiesner Fabian , Walk Nathan , Eisert Jens
Published: March 2024

Quantum repeaters have long been established to be essential for distributing entanglement over long distances. Consequently, their experimental realization constitutes a core challenge of quantum communication. However, there are numerous open questions about implementation details for realistic near-term experimental setups. In order to assess the performance of realistic repeater protocols, here we present , a comprehensive Monte Carlo–based ulation platform for antum peaters that faithfully includes loss and models a wide range of imperfections such as memories with time-dependent noise. Our platform allows us to perform an analysis for quantum repeater setups and strategies that go far beyond known analytical results: This refers to being able to both capture more realistic noise models and analyze more complex repeater strategies. We present a number of findings centered around the combination of strategies for improving performance, such as entanglement purification and the use of multiple repeater stations, and demonstrate that there exist complex relationships between them. We stress that numerical tools such as ours are essential to model complex quantum communication protocols aimed at contributing to the quantum Internet.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Operator guidance systems in road construction: a technological mediation perspective
Authors: Voordijk Hans , Miller Seirgei , Vahdatikhaki Faridaddin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Using real-time support systems may help operators in road construction to improve paving and compaction operations. Nowadays, these systems transform from descriptive to prescriptive systems. Prescriptive or operator guidance systems propose operators actionable compaction strategies and guidance, based on the data collected. It is investigated how these systems mediate the perceptions and actions of operators in road pavement practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is conducted on the specific application of an operator guidance system in a road pavement project. In this case study, comprehensive information is presented regarding the process of converting input in the form of data from cameras and sensors into useful output. The ways in which the operator guidance systems translate data into actionable guidance for operators are analyzed from the technological mediation perspective.

Findings

Operator guidance systems mediate actions of operators physically, cognitively and contextually. These different types of action mediation are related to preconditions for successful implementation and use of these systems. Coercive interventions only succeed if there is widespread agreement among the operators. Persuasive interventions are most effective when collective and individual interests align. Contextual influence relates to designs of the operator guidance systems that determine human-technology interactions when using them.

Originality/value

This is the first study that analyzes the functioning of an operator guidance system using the technological mediation approach. It adds a new perspective on the interaction between this system and its users in road pavement practice.
Examining the adverse impact of social media: development of a theoretical model using conspiracy theory from socio-legal perspective
Authors: Chatterjee Sheshadri , Vrontis Demetris , Hussain Zahid , Basile Gianpaolo , Bianco Rosario
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a model for investigating the sharing of harmful messages by employees using social media using the conspiracy theory from a socio-legal perspective. This study also examines the moderating role of different demographic parameters such as age, gender and education toward sharing harmful messages using social media.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the conspiracy theory and social impact theory as the foundation of this study, the authors developed theoretical model and validated it using the structural equation modeling technique with 342 participants from various organizations across Europe and Asia. The study also used different statistical measures to understand the demographic impacts toward sharing harmful messages.

Findings

It was found that epistemic, existential and social motives significantly and positively influence employees’ inappropriate message-sharing and seeking behavior, which in turn influences them to share harmful messages on social media. The study also indicates that there are some moderating impacts of employee demography toward sharing harmful messages using social media platforms.

Research limitations/implications

This study investigates the antecedents of sharing harmful messages using social media by employees. The present study could be useful for the organizations leaders as well as policymakers and legal fraternity. The study uses a limited number of feedback to validate the model. Also, this is a cross-sectional study which is another limitation of this study.

Originality/value

This study has proposed and validated a theoretical model by using the conspiracy theory as well as the social impact theory which is unique. Moreover, this study adds value to the existing literature on the harmful impacts of social media and its societal impacts. Besides, the validated model of this study has a high explanatory power which is another uniqueness of this study.
Development of in-country logistics performance index for emerging economies: a case of Indian states
Authors: Nayak Nikesh , Pant Pushpesh , Sarmah Sarada Prasad , Tulshan Raj
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Logistics sector is recognized as one of the core enablers of the economic development of a nation. However, inefficiency in logistics operations impedes the achievement of intended targets by increasing the cost of doing business. Also, it is difficult to improve the efficiency of a country’s logistics operations without a metric for evaluating and understanding logistics capabilities and efficiency. Therefore, the present study has developed In-country Logistics Performance Index (ILP Index) to propose a benchmarking tool to measure the in-country logistics competitiveness, particularly in the setting of emerging economies, i.e. India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has developed a unified index using principal component analysis and quintile approach. In addition, the proposed index relies on several dimensions that are developed and illustrated using quantitative secondary panel data.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that the quality of infrastructure, economy, and telecommunications are the three most important dimensions that may significantly support the growth of the transportation and logistics sector. The results reveal that Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra are the top performers whereas, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Jammu and Kashmir scores the least due to the insufficient logistics infrastructure as compared to other Indian states.

Originality/value

Given the extensive focus on international-level logistics index (like World Bank’s LPI) in the existing literature, this study intends to develop in-country logistics index to evaluate the logistics capabilities at the regional and state level. In addition, unlike prior studies, this study utilizes quantitative secondary data to eliminate cognitive and opinion bias. Moreover, this benchmarking tool would assist decision-makers in idealizing standard practices toward sustainable logistics operations. Additionally, the ILP index could serve the international investors in crucial decision-making, as it provides valuable insights into a country’s logistics readiness, influencing their investment choices and trade preferences. Finally, the proposed approach is adaptable to measuring the overall performance of any other industry/economy.
Institutional view of corporate social responsibility in the Iranian context
Authors: Ghazinoori Amir , Sandhu Manjit Singh , Sarker Ashutosh
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how formal and informal institutions play a role in the Iranian context in shaping corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multiple case-study approach combining comparative and cross-sectional methods with semi-structured interviews, primary data was collected from eight corporations that actively participated in CSR activities in Iran. A microanalysis approach was used to examine the meanings and dynamics in the data. Through thematic analysis and pattern-matching techniques, the authors separately examined the roles of formal and informal institutions. Cross-case analysis was used to highlight the cases’ similarities and differences.

Findings

This study demonstrates that both formal and informal institutional structures exist in Iran and that both types influence CSR. This study also shows that informal institutions (such as personal values, culture, religion, traditions, charity and philanthropy) play a more explicit role than formal institutions (such as legal regulations and laws) in shaping CSR adoption policies and practices. The results indicate that, among institutions linked to CSR, formal and informal institutions are complementary and potentiate each other in Iran. Nevertheless, compared to formal ones, informal institutions play a more prominent role in shaping CSR policies and practices.

Research limitations/implications

The authors recognize that, although the eight corporations are large, and although they interviewed their key personnel, they do not claim that these findings are generalizable, owing to the qualitative nature of the study and the small number of selected corporations.

Originality/value

This study makes relevant theoretical and empirical contributions. First, it contributes to the growing body of CSR literature that highlights the necessity of linking informal and formal institutions. Although the CSR literature lacks research on informal institutions in developing economies, researchers have yet to push forward and explore how the CSR adoption process works in developing economies that have influential informal institutions.
A systematic review of evidence capturing efficacy of community and school-based approaches to knife crime intervention and prevention programs
Authors: Wilkinson Dean , Chopra Isha , Badger Sophie
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Knife crime and serious violent crime (SVC) among youth has been growing at an alarming rate in the UK (Harding and Allen, 2021). Community and school-based intervention and prevention services to tackle knife crime are being developed with some evaluation; however, these are independent and of varied quality and rigour. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to record the approaches being developed and synthesise existing evidence of the impact and effectiveness of programmes to reduce knife crime. In addition, the complex factors contributing to knife crime and SVC are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic approach was used to conduct this knife crime intervention evidence review using two search engines and four databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to ensure focus and relevance. The results of searches and decisions by the research team were recorded at each stage using Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA).

Findings

Some evidence underpins the development of services to reduce knife crime. Much of the evidence comes from government funded project reports, intervention and prevention services reports, with few studies evaluating the efficacy of intervention programmes at present. Some studies that measured immediate impact in line with the programme’s aims were found and demonstrated positive results.

Originality/value

This systematic review specifically synthesised the evidence and data derived from knife crime and weapon carrying interventions and preventions, integrating both grey and published literature, with a novel discussion that highlights the importance of outcome evaluations and issues with measuring the success of individual level interventions and their contributions to the overall reduction of violence.
Unleashing the power of manufacturing flexibility: enhancing performance in Bangladesh's ready-made garment industry
Authors: Moin Chowdhury Jony , Iqbal Mohammad , Abdul Malek A.B.M. , Khan Mohammad Muhshin Aziz , Haque Rezwanul
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This research aims to investigate how manufacturing flexibility can address the challenges of an ever-changing and unpredictable business environment in Bangladesh’s labor-intensive ready-made garment (RMG) industry, which is underserved and situated in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling, this study empirically evaluated the relationships between manufacturing flexibility, environmental uncertainty and firm performance. The analysis utilized 320 survey responses from potential RMG experts, representing 95 organizations.

Findings

The study achieved a decision-making model for implementing manufacturing flexibility in the RMG industry of Bangladesh with acceptable model fit criterion. The research pinpointed that workforce flexibility plays the maximum mediating among different types of manufacturing in coping with demand and supply uncertainty in the RMG sector.

Research limitations/implications

The study made valuable contributions to theoretical and practical knowledge in the context of manufacturing flexibility in Bangladesh’s RMG and other underserved labor-intensive sectors in developing economies. It suggests that managers should shift from defensive and risky business strategies to more aggressive and proactive approaches by utilizing workforce flexibility resources adaptively to enhance manufacturing capabilities and align with dynamic market demand. Additionally, the study offers recommendations for future research to build upon its findings.

Originality/value

This study is unique in its approach because it presents a decision model for implementing manufacturing flexibility in a labor-intensive industry in a developing economy, specifically the RMG industry in Bangladesh, whereas previous research has primarily focused on high-tech industries in developed economies.
(South) African perspectives on the prevention, monitoring and combating of hate victimisation
Authors: Nel Juan A. , Venter Zindi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of South African perspectives on preventing, monitoring and combating hate victimisation, towards informing international understandings.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a general review approach, this paper provides a historical examination of measures proposed by the South African Government and civil society since 1994, to prevent, monitor and combat hate crime, hate speech and intentional unfair discrimination.

Findings

Regardless of a constitutional commitment to social inclusion, diversity and minority rights, significant progress remains lacking after almost three decades of related advocacy, lobbying and limited government intervention. Findings of the South African Hate Crimes Working Group (HCWG) longitudinal Monitoring Project emphasise the need for decisive legal responses to hate victimisation.

Social implications

A Bill, recognising hate crime and hate speech as distinct criminal offences, has been in development for almost 15 years and will soon serve before Parliament. Enactment of this legislation will be ground-breaking in Africa.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the field of hate studies by providing an overview of the journey towards current conceptual understandings of hate in (South) Africa. It sets the stage for evaluating the potential of the redesigned HCWG monitoring tool, which holds promise for early identification and intervention in hate hotspots and targeted sectors. This instrument can establish trends not only in South Africa but also across the African continent.
Preserving large blocks of primary forest is critical to conserve forest‐dependent bird species in the Amazon
Authors: Marcacci Gabriel
Published: March 2024

Research Highlight: Birch, B. D. J., Mills, S. C., Socolar, J. B., Martínez‐Revelo, D. E., Haugaasen, T., & Edwards, D. P. (2024). Land sparing outperforms land sharing for Amazonian bird communities regardless of surrounding landscape context. Journal of Applied Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2664.14596.

Tropical forests are globally threatened by agricultural activities, including cattle farming. The land sharing versus land sparing debate has often been used as a means of addressing the trade‐off between agricultural production and biodiversity conservation, without finding a consensus within the scientific community. Moving forward, recent studies suggest combining both land allocation strategies, where wildlife‐friendly habitats within farmlands could allow movements of species within the agricultural matrix and connect natural habitats such as forest blocks, though this has rarely been demonstrated with empirical studies. In their study, Birch et al. tested how wildlife‐friendly habitats within and around cattle pastures could rescue the negative effects of converting forest to farmland on Amazon bird communities. To do so, they modelled bird species occupancies and simulated different land sharing versus land sparing scenarios with varying amount of landscape‐scale wildlife‐friendly habitat and levels of production. They found that the land sparing strategy outperformed land sharing in all scenarios, with limited benefits of landscape‐scale wildlife‐friendly habitat. This result was mostly driven by forest‐dependent species that cannot persist in farmlands. As these species are highly sensitive, preserving large blocks of primary forest is critical for their conservation.
Long‐run impacts of the conflict in Ukraine on grain imports and prices in Africa
Authors: Balma Lacina , Heidland Tobias , Jävervall Sebastian , Mahlkow Hendrik , Mukasa Adamon N. , Woldemichael Andinet
Published: March 2024

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has threatened global grain supplies as it reduces production and exports while increasing trade costs. While the overall share of Africa's trade with Ukraine and Russia is small, the concentration of imports in products such as wheat, other grains, and fertilizer is critical to food security. This paper investigates the long‐term impacts of the conflict on grain imports and prices in Africa. We use a long‐run general equilibrium trade model to study three scenarios that may evolve as a consequence of the conflict: (1) a heavily reduced Ukrainian production of wheat and other grains; (2) rising trade costs with Ukraine and Russia due to disrupted trade routes in the Black Sea and the sanctions against trading with Russia; and (3) an outright ban on Russian grain export. The model simulations show that the conflict severely affects grain imports, raising local prices for wheat and other grains, with especially strong effects in high import‐dependent countries. That creates risks for food security in some African countries.
Social Comparison on Multiple Tasks: Sacrificing Overall Performance for Local Excellence?
Authors: KOHLER MAXIMILIAN , MAHLENDORF MATTHIAS D. , SEITER MISCHA , VOGELSANG TIMO
Published: March 2024

This field experiment investigates how different levels of aggregation in relative performance information (RPI) impact employee performance in environments with multiple tasks. We randomly assign store employees of a retail chain to three groups: RPI on overall performance (control group), RPI on separate tasks, and RPI on both overall performance and separate tasks. We do not find evidence that providing separate task RPI instead of overall RPI affects performance or effort allocation. However, providing RPI on both overall performance and separate tasks seems to reduce performance, especially in the low‐return task. This suggests that detailed RPI directs employees’ attention to the smaller benefits of low‐return tasks. We further find that only 30.5% of the employees accessed their performance reports, highlighting a distinction between providing RPI in the field and the laboratory. This study is based on a registered report accepted by the Journal of Accounting Research.
Proteomic examination of polyester‐polyurethane degradation by Streptomyces sp. PU10: Diverting polyurethane intermediates to secondary metabolite production
Authors: Pantelic Brana , Siaperas Romanos , Budin Clémence , de Boer Tjalf , Topakas Evangelos , Nikodinovic‐Runic Jasmina
Published: March 2024

Global plastic waste accumulation has become omnipresent in public discourse and the focus of scientific research. Ranking as the sixth most produced polymer globally, polyurethanes (PU) significantly contribute to plastic waste and environmental pollution due to the toxicity of their building blocks, such as diisocyanates. In this study, the effects of PU on soil microbial communities over 18 months were monitored revealing that it had marginal effects on microbial diversity. However, Streptomyces sp. PU10, isolated from this PU‐contaminated soil, proved exceptional in the degradation of a soluble polyester‐PU (Impranil) across a range of temperatures with over 96% degradation of 10 g/L in 48 h. Proteins involved in PU degradation and metabolic changes occurring in this strain with Impranil as the sole carbon source were further investigated employing quantitative proteomics. The proposed degradation mechanism implicated the action of three enzymes: a polyester‐degrading esterase, a urethane bond‐degrading amidase and an oxidoreductase. Furthermore, proteome data revealed that PU degradation intermediates were incorporated into Streptomyces sp. PU10 metabolism via the fatty acid degradation pathway and subsequently channelled to polyketide biosynthesis. Most notably, the production of the tri‐pyrrole undecylprodigiosin was confirmed paving the way for establishing PU upcycling strategies to bioactive metabolites using Streptomyces strains.
SWAT‐GL: A new glacier routine for the hydrological model SWAT
Authors: Schaffhauser Timo , Tuo Ye , Hofmeister Florentin , Chiogna Gabriele , Huang Jingshui , Merk Fabian , Disse Markus
Published: March 2024

The hydrological model Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is widely used in water resources management worldwide. It is also used to simulate catchment hydrology in high‐mountainous regions where glaciers play an important role. However, SWAT considers glaciers in a simplistic way. Although some efforts were done to overcome this limitation, there is no official version available that considers glaciers adequately. This strongly impairs its applicability in glacierized catchments. In this technical note, we propose a novel version of the traditional SWAT, called SWAT‐GL, which introduces (1) a mass balance module and (2) a glacier evolution routine to represent dynamic glacier changes. Mass balance calculations are based on a conceptual degree‐day approach, similar to the snow routine implemented in SWAT. Glacier evolution is realized using the delta‐h (∆h) parameterization, which requires a minimum of data and is thus suitable in data‐scarce regions. The approach allows users to simulate spatially distributed glacier changes. Annual mass balance changes are translated to distributed ice thickness changes depending on the glacier elevation. We demonstrate how SWAT‐GL is technically integrated into SWAT and how glaciers are merged with the existing spatial units. Model code and test data are freely accessible to promote further model development efforts and a wide application. Ultimately, SWAT‐GL aims to make SWAT easily applicable in glacierized catchments without the need of additional tools.