bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative transcriptomics revealed parallel evolution and innovation of photosymbiosis molecular mechanisms in a marine bivalve
Authors: Li Ruiqi , Zarate Daniel , Avila-Magaña Viridiana , Li Jingchun
Published: May 2024

Photosymbioses between heterotrophic hosts and autotrophic symbionts are evolutionarily prevalent and ecologically significant. However, the molecular mechanisms behind such symbioses remain less elucidated, which hinders our understanding of their origin and adaptive evolution. This study compared gene expression patterns in a photosymbiotic bivalve (Fragum sueziense) and a closely related non-symbiotic species (Trigoniocardia granifera) under different light conditions to detect potential molecular pathways involved in mollusc photosymbiosis. We discovered that the presence of algal symbionts greatly impacted host gene expression in symbiont-containing tissues. We found that the host immune functions were suppressed under normal light compared with those in the dark. In addition, we found that cilia in the symbiont-containing tissues play important roles in symbiont regulation or photoreception. Interestingly, many potential photosymbiosis genes could not be annotated or do not exhibit orthologues inT. graniferatranscriptomes, indicating unique molecular functions in photosymbiotic bivalves. Overall, we found both novel and known molecular mechanisms involved in animal-algal photosymbiosis within bivalves. Given that many of the molecular pathways are shared among distantly related host lineages, such as molluscs and cnidarians, it indicates that parallel and/or convergent evolution is instrumental in shaping host–symbiont interactions and responses in these organisms.
Melanopsin-mediated amplification of cone signals in the human visual cortex
Authors: Adhikari Prakash , Uprety Samir , Feigl Beatrix , Zele Andrew J.
Published: May 2024

The ambient daylight variation is coded by melanopsin photoreceptors and their luxotonic activity increases towards midday when colour temperatures are cooler, and irradiances are higher. Although melanopsin and cone photoresponses can be mediated via separate pathways, the connectivity of melanopsin cells across all levels of the retina enables them to modify cone signals. The downstream effects of melanopsin-cone interactions on human vision are however, incompletely understood. Here, we determined how the change in daytime melanopsin activation affects the human cone pathway signals in the visual cortex. A 5-primary silent-substitution method was developed to evaluate the dependence of cone-mediated signals on melanopsin activation by spectrally tuning the lights and stabilizing the rhodopsin activation under a constant cone photometric luminance. The retinal (white noise electroretinogram) and cortical responses (visual evoked potential) were simultaneously recorded with the photoreceptor-directed lights in 10 observers. By increasing the melanopsin activation, a reverse response pattern was observed with cone signals being supressed in the retina by 27% (
p
= 0.03) and subsequently amplified by 16% (
p
= 0.01) as they reach the cortex. We infer that melanopsin activity can amplify cone signals at sites distal to retinal bipolar cells to cause a decrease in the psychophysical Weber fraction for cone vision.
Smarter foragers do not forage smarter: a test of the diet hypothesis for brain expansion
Authors: Hirsch Ben T. , Kays Roland , Alavi Shauhin , Caillaud Damien , Havmoller Rasmus , Mares Rafael , Crofoot Margaret
Published: May 2024

A leading hypothesis for the evolution of large brains in humans and other species is that a feedback loop exists whereby intelligent animals forage more efficiently, which results in increased energy intake that fuels the growth and maintenance of large brains. We test this hypothesis for the first time with high-resolution tracking data from four sympatric, frugivorous rainforest mammal species (42 individuals) and drone-based maps of their predominant feeding trees. We found no evidence that larger-brained primates had more efficient foraging paths than smaller brained procyonids. This refutes a key assumption of the fruit-diet hypothesis for brain evolution, suggesting that other factors such as temporal cognition, extractive foraging or sociality have been more important for brain evolution.
Functional differences between the extraordinary eyes of deep-sea hyperiid amphipods
Authors: Jessop Anna-Lee , Bagheri Zahra M. , Partridge Julian C. , Osborn Karen J. , Hemmi Jan M.
Published: May 2024

The ocean's midwater is a uniquely challenging yet predictable and simple visual environment. The need to see without being seen in this dim, open habitat has led to extraordinary visual adaptations. To understand these adaptations, we compared the morphological and functional differences between the eyes of three hyperiid amphipods—
Hyperia galba
,
Streetsia challengeri
and
Phronima sedentaria
. Combining micro-CT data with computational modelling, we mapped visual field topography and predicted detection distances for visual targets viewed in different directions through mesopelagic depths.
Hyperia
's eyes provide a wide visual field optimized for spatial vision over short distances, while
Phronima
's and
Streetsia
's eyes have the potential to achieve greater sensitivity and longer detection distances using spatial summation. These improvements come at the cost of smaller visual fields, but this loss is compensated for by a second pair of eyes in
Phronima
and by behaviour in
Streetsia
. The need to improve sensitivity while minimizing visible eye size to maintain crypsis has likely driven the evolution of hyperiid eye diversity. Our results provide an integrative look at how these elusive animals have adapted to the unique visual challenges of the mesopelagic.
Chemosensory behaviour of juvenile crown-of-thorns sea star (
Acanthaster
sp.), attraction to algal and coral food and avoidance of adult conspecifics
Authors: Webb M. , Clements M. , Selvakumaraswamy P. , McLaren E. , Byrne M.
Published: May 2024

Intraspecific and habitat-mediated responses to chemical cues play key roles in structuring populations of marine species. We investigated the behaviour of herbivorous-stage juvenile crown-of-thorns sea stars (COTS;
Acanthaster
sp.) in flow-through choice chambers to determine if chemical cues from their habitat influence movement and their transition to become coral predators. Juveniles at the diet transition stage were exposed to cues from their nursery habitat (coral rubble-crustose coralline algae (CCA)), live coral and adult COTS to determine if waterborne cues influence movement. In response to CCA and coral as sole cues, juveniles moved towards the cue source and when these cues were presented in combination, they exhibited a preference for coral. Juveniles moved away from adult COTS cues. Exposure to food cues (coral, CCA) in the presence of adult cues resulted in variable responses. Our results suggest a feedback mechanism whereby juvenile behaviour is mediated by adult chemical cues. Cues from the adult population may deter juveniles from the switch to corallivory. As outbreaks wane, juveniles released from competition may serve as a proximate source of outbreaks, supporting the juveniles-in-waiting hypothesis. The accumulation of juveniles within the reef infrastructure is an underappreciated potential source of COTS outbreaks that devastate coral reefs.
Twenty years of big plant genera
Authors: Moonlight Peter W. , Baldaszti Ludwig , Cardoso Domingos , Elliott Alan , Särkinen Tiina , Knapp Sandra
Published: May 2024

In 2004, David Frodin published a landmark review of the history and concepts of big plant genera. Two decades of taxonomic activity have taken place since, coinciding with a revolution in phylogenetics and taxonomic bioinformatics. Here we use data from the World Flora Online (WFO) to provide an updated list of big (more than 500 species) and megadiverse (more than 1000 species) flowering plant genera and highlight changes since 2004. The number of big genera has increased from 57 to 86; today one of every four plant species is classified as a member of a big genus, with 14% in just 28 megadiverse genera. Most (71%) of the growth in big genera since 2000 is the result of new species description, not generic re-circumscription. More than 15% of all currently accepted flowering plant species described in the last two decades are in big genera, suggesting that groups previously considered intractable are now being actively studied taxonomically. Despite this rapid growth in big genera, they remain a significant yet understudied proportion of plant diversity. They represent a significant proportion of global plant diversity and should remain a priority not only for taxonomy but for understanding global diversity patterns and plant evolution in general.
Dual-mode action of scalable, high-quality engineered stem cell-derived SIRPα-extracellular vesicles for treating acute liver failure
Authors: Kim Seohyun , Kim Yoon Kyoung , Kim Seonghyun , Choi Yong-Soon , Lee Inkyu , Joo Hyemin , Kim Jaehyun , Kwon Minjeong , Park Seryoung , Jo Min Kyoung , Choi Yoonjeong , D’Souza Theresa , Jung Jae Woong , Zakhem Elie , Lenzini Stephen , Woo Jiwan , Choi Hongyoon , Park Jeongbin , Park Seung-Yoon , Kim Gi Beom , Nam Gi-Hoon , Kim In-San
Published: May 2024

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a critical inflammatory condition characterized by rapid hepatocyte death, impaired liver regeneration due to the delayed removal of necroptotic cells, and high mortality rates. This study introduces a novel dual-mode action therapeutic approach using extracellular vesicles expressing Signal Regulatory Protein Alpha (SIRP-EVs) derived from genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These SIRP-EVs are designed to concurrently resolve necroptosis and promote liver regeneration. Our studies identified CD47 and SIRPα as promising therapeutic targets for ALF. We developed a scalable 3D bioreactor-based process that produces high-purity SIRP-EVs, which preserve MSC properties and achieve significant production levels. SIRP-EVs target both macrophages and necroptotic hepatocytes in ALF models, enhancing macrophage phagocytic activity against necroptotic cells via CD47 blockade and promoting liver regeneration by reprogramming macrophages with MSC-derived cargo. Comprehensivein vitroandin vivostudies demonstrate that SIRP-EVs decrease CD47+necroptotic cells and promote liver regeneration in ALF models, leading to reduced liver damage markers and enhanced survival rates. These findings highlight the potential of SIRP-EVs as a dual-mode action therapeutic for ALF, offering promising prospects for their application in other inflammatory diseases. Moreover, these results pave the way for advancing engineered EV-based therapies toward clinical implementation.
Perforin-mediated pore formation at the lytic synapse triggers the canonical pyroptotic cell death pathway
Authors: McKenzie Brienne , Puissegur Marie-Pierre , Demeersseman Lucie , Rodriguez Frecia , Cini Emma , Bernand Agathe , Müller Sabina , Valitutti Salvatore
Published: May 2024

Prokaryotic pore-forming toxins drive inflammasome activation and pyroptosis through K+- dependent activation of the canonical NLRP3/caspase-1/gasdermin D signaling axis. In this study, we hypothesized that perforin, a eukaryotic pore-forming protein released into the lytic synapse by antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs)upon cognate antigen recognition, mimics the pro-pyroptotic activity of ancestral pore-forming toxins, complementing its role as a conduit for granzymes. Utilizing imaging and molecular approaches, we demonstrate that perforation of target cells upon CTL attack elicits swift K+efflux followed by NLRP3-dependent activation of proinflammatory caspase-1 and its major substrate, the pyroptotic executioner gasdermin D (GSDMD). Acute target cell death upon CTL attack is gasdermin-dependent and demonstrates morphological and molecular features of pyroptosis, including pyroptotic body formation, cell bloating, plasma membrane rupture, and release of intracellular contents; by contrast, sustained interaction with CTLs unmasks a delayed apoptotic phenotype in the remaining target cells. Perforation of target cells by soluble perforin is sufficient to trigger rapid K+efflux, caspase-1 activation, and pyroptosis. Our results reveal a novel mechanism for engagement of pyroptotic machinery upon CTL attack, in which perforin itself can autonomously engage programmed cell death (PCD), highlighting the complexity and diversity of the CTL lytic arsenal.
Attachment-related anxiety and social anxiety: the mediating role of self-esteem
Authors: Lincoln Jacob , Tip Liesbeth Muriel , Garcia Sofia De La Fuente
Published: May 2024

Numerous studies have found an association between attachment-related anxiety and social anxiety. However, none have investigated the potential role of the internal working model of the self in explaining this relationship. The purposes of this study were to replicate the finding that attachment-related anxiety and social anxiety are associated, and to test whether the internal working model of the self mediated this relationship. The internal working model of the self was operationalised by measuring self-esteem. It was hypothesised that attachment-related anxiety, self-esteem, and social anxiety would be intercorrelated, and that self-esteem would mediate the relationship between attachment-related anxiety and social anxiety. A sample of 63 adults (79.4% female) was recruited through social media, University course groups, and snowball sampling. Participants completed an online survey that consisted of a reduced version of the anxiety subscale of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale. Ethical approval was given by the University of Edinburgh School of Health in Social Science Research Ethics Committee. Pearson correlation tests showed that attachment-related anxiety, self-esteem, and social anxiety were intercorrelated. A mediation analysis conducted using thePROCESSv4.0 macro for SPSS, found that the indirect effect of attachment-related anxiety on social anxiety through self-esteem was significant. This finding is congruent with a theoretical account linking attachment-related anxiety to social anxiety through the mediating role of the internal working model of the self.
A multilevel modeling of factors on Sulfadoine-Pyrimethanie uptake in Cameroon: Evidence from national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Baatiema Linus , Naawa Ambrose , Tampah-Naah Anthony M. , Ninnoni Jerry P. K , Alatinga Kennedy A. , Zankawah Mukaila Mumuni , Sufuyan Gladys , Koray Munawar Harun
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Pregnant women worldwide face significant risks from malaria, which can adversely affect both mother and baby. To combat malaria in Cameroon, the WHO, in 2004, recommended a strategy including intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp) using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and proper management for clinical malaria and anaemia. This study explores the prevalence and predictors of IPTp-SP uptake across individual, community, and regional levels in Cameroon.

Material and Method

We utilized data from the 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) to analyze IPTp-SP uptake employing three-level multi-level models to capture individual, community, and regional influences. Responses from 4,823 women were analyzed, with results presented in 95% credible intervals.

Results

Women aged 35-39 were more likely to receive at least 3 doses of IPTp-SP during their last pregnancies compared to those aged 45-49 (aOR=1.92, 95% Crl=1.08-3.41). Women without formal education were less likely to have optimal IPTp-SP uptake (aOR=0.81, 95% Crl=0.70-0.92) compared to those with higher education. The wealthiest women and those attending at least eight ANC visits had higher odds of optimal IPTp-SP uptake (aOR=1.47, 95% Crl=1.20-2.09 and aOR=1.97, 95% Crl=1.25-3.12, respectively). Additionally, those with health insurance, urban residents, and moderately disadvantaged communities showed increased uptake (aOR=1.70, 95% Crl=1.46-1.94, aOR=2.15, 95% Crl=1.89-3.08, and aOR=1.84, 95% Crl=1.63-2.13, respectively).

Conclusions

Community-level factors such as urban residence, female-headed households, and residence in the least disadvantaged communities were also linked to higher IPTp-SP uptake. Optimal uptake of IPTp-SP was more evident in the least disadvantaged regions. The findings of this study should guide the Cameroonian Ministry of Health and other stakeholders in developing targeted interventions to enhance the uptake of IPTp-SP in Cameroon.
Maternal and neonatal IgG againstKlebsiella pneumoniaeare associated with broad protection from neonatal sepsis: a case-control study of hospitalized neonates in Botswana
Authors: Zhang Siqi Linsey , McGann Carolyn M. , Duranova Tereza , Strysko Jonathan , Steenhoff Andrew P. , Gezmu Alemayehu , Nakstad Britt , Arscott-Mills Tonya , Bayani One , Moorad Banno , Tlhako Nametso , Richard-Greenblatt Melissa , Planet Paul J. , Coffin Susan E. , Silverman Michael A.
Published: May 2024

Sepsis is the leading postnatal cause of neonatal mortality worldwide. GloballyKlebsiella pneumoniaeis the leading cause of sepsis in hospitalized neonates. This study reports development and evaluation of ELISA for anti-KlebsiellaIgG using dried blood spot samples and evaluates the association of anti-KlebsiellaIgG (anti-Kleb IgG) antibodies in maternal and neonatal samples and the risk of neonatal sepsis. Neonates and their mothers were enrolled at 0-96 hours of life in the neonatal unit of a tertiary referral hospital in Gaborone, Botswana and followed until death or discharge to assess for episodes of blood culture-confirmed neonatal sepsis. Neonates with sepsis had significantly lower levels ofKleb-IgG compared to neonates who did not develop sepsis (Mann-Whitney U, p=0.012). Similarly, samples from mothers of neonates who developed sepsis tended to have lessKleb-IgG compared to mothers of controls (p=0.06). The inverse correlation betweenKleb-IgGlevels and all-cause bacteremia suggests that maternalKleb-IgG is broadly protective through cross-reactivity with common bacterial epitopes. These data support the continued use of immunoglobulin assays using DBS samples to explore the role of passive immunity on neonatal sepsis risk and reaffirm the critical need for research supporting the development of maternal vaccines for neonatal sepsis.
Developmental maturation of millimeter-scale functional networks across brain areas
Authors: Powell Nathaniel J. , Hein Bettina , Kong Deyue , Elpelt Jonas , Mulholland Haleigh N. , Kaschube Matthias , Smith Gordon B.
Published: May 2024

Interacting with the environment to process sensory information, generate perceptions, and shape behavior engages neural networks in brain areas with highly varied representations, ranging from unimodal sensory cortices to higher-order association areas. Recent work suggests a much greater degree of commonality across areas, with distributed and modular networks present in both sensory and non-sensory areas during early development. However, it is currently unknown whether this initially common modular structure undergoes an equally common developmental trajectory, or whether such a modular functional organization persists in some areas—such as primary visual cortex—but not others. Here we examine the development of network organization across diverse cortical regions in ferrets of both sexes usingin vivowidefield calcium imaging of spontaneous activity. We find that all regions examined, including both primary sensory cortices (visual, auditory, and somatosensory—V1, A1, and S1, respectively) and higher order association areas (prefrontal and posterior parietal cortices) exhibit a largely similar pattern of changes over an approximately 3 week developmental period spanning eye opening and the transition to predominantly externally-driven sensory activity. We find that both a modular functional organization and millimeter-scale correlated networks remain present across all cortical areas examined. These networks weakened over development in most cortical areas, but strengthened in V1. Overall, the conserved maintenance of modular organization across different cortical areas suggests a common pathway of network refinement, and suggests that a modular organization—known to encode functional representations in visual areas—may be similarly engaged in highly diverse brain areas.

Significance

Different areas of the mature brain encode vastly different representations of the world. This study shows that a modular functional organization where nearby neurons participate in similar functional networks is shared across different brain areas not only during early development, but also as the brain matures where it remains a shared feature that shapes neural activity. The largely conserved trajectory of developmental changes across brain areas suggests that similar circuit mechanisms may drive this maturation. This implies that the large literature on developing cortical circuits, which is largely focused on sensory areas, may also apply more broadly, and that perturbations during development that impinge on any such shared mechanisms may produce deficits that extend across multiple brain systems.
Mechanisms of USP18 deISGylation revealed by comparative analysis with its human paralog USP41
Authors: Bonacci Thomas , Bolhuis Derek L , Brown Nicholas G , Emanuele Michael J
Published: May 2024

The ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 (interferon-stimulatedgene15) regulates the host response to bacterial and viral infections through its conjugation to proteins (ISGylation) following interferon production. ISGylation is antagonized by the highly specific cysteine protease USP18, which is the major deISGylating enzyme. However, mechanisms underlying USP18’s extraordinary specificity towards ISG15 remains elusive. Here, we show that USP18 interacts with its paralog USP41, whose catalytic domain shares 97% identity with USP18. However, USP41 does not act as a deISGylase, which led us to perform a comparative analysis to decipher the basis for this difference, revealing molecular determinants of USP18’s specificity towards ISG15. We found that USP18 C-terminus, as well as a conserved Leucine at position 198, are essential for its enzymatic activity and likely act as functional surfaces based on AlphaFold predictions. Finally, we propose that USP41 antagonizes conjugation of the understudied ubiquitin-like protein FAT10 (HLA-Fadjacent transcript10) from substrates in a catalytic-independent manner. Altogether, our results offer new insights into USP18’s specificity towards ISG15, while identifying USP41 as a negative regulator of FAT10 conjugation.
Phoronids and their tubes harbor distinct microbiomes compared to surrounding sediment
Authors: Ettinger Cassandra L. , Eisen Jonathan A.
Published: May 2024

Phoronids are a phylum of animals with only ∼12 described species, all of which are marine filter feeders that build external tubes for shelter and produce chemical deterrents against predators. Many tube-building invertebrates host distinct microbial communities and even have obligate symbionts for survival in sulfur-rich marine sediments. However, the microbiome of phoronids has yet to be comprehensively described. To address this, we surveyed the composition of the microbiome of the phoronid,Phoronopsis harmeri, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon and metagenomic sequencing. We found that the phoronid microbiome was dominated by members of the orders Campylobacterales, Desulfobulbales, and Desulfobacterales. We also found that the microbiomes of tubes and phoronids were less diverse than that of surrounding sediment, and that the microbiomes of phoronids, tubes and surrounding sediment were all distinctly structured. Based on analysis of metagenomic data, and even though we were only able to recover low quality MAGs of abundant taxa, we found preliminary evidence that taxa associated with phoronids and their tubes likely participate in sulfur cycling pathways. Future work should perform more robust metagenomic sequencing and chemical analysis to assess if there is a link between known phoronid chemical defenses and microorganisms. Overall, this study provides foundational insight into the microbial communities associated with phoronids and these initial findings suggest that these communities may play an important role in sulfur cycling in marine sediments.
Dynamics of charge fluctuations from asymmetric initial states
Authors: Bertini Bruno , Klobas Katja , Collura Mario , Calabrese Pasquale , Rylands Colin
Published: May 2024

Conserved-charge densities are very special observables in quantum many-body systems as, by construction, they encode information about the dynamics. Therefore, their evolution is expected to be of much simpler interpretation than that of generic observables and to return universal information on the state of the system at any given time. Here, we study the dynamics of the fluctuations of conserved U(1) charges in systems that are prepared in charge-asymmetric initial states. We characterize the charge fluctuations in a given subsystem using the full-counting statistics of the truncated charge and the quantum entanglement between the subsystem and the rest resolved to the symmetry sectors of the charge. We show that, even though the initial states considered are homogeneous in space, the charge fluctuations generate an effective inhomogeneity due to the charge-asymmetric nature of the initial states. We use this observation to map the problem into that of charge fluctuations on inhomogeneous, charge-symmetric states and treat it using a recently developed space-time duality approach. Specializing the treatment to interacting integrable systems we combine the space-time duality approach with generalized hydrodynamics to find explicit predictions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Generalized gluon distribution for quarkonium dynamics in strongly coupled
N=4
Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Nijs Govert , Scheihing-Hitschfeld Bruno , Yao Xiaojun
Published: May 2024

We study the generalized gluon distribution that governs the dynamics of quarkonium inside a non-Abelian thermal plasma characterizing its dissociation and recombination rates. This gluon distribution can be written in terms of a correlation function of two chromoelectric fields connected by an adjoint Wilson line. We formulate and calculate this object in N=4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory at strong coupling using the AdS/CFT correspondence, allowing for a nonzero center-of-mass velocity v of the heavy quark pair relative to the medium. The effect of a moving medium on the dynamics of the heavy quark pair is described by the simple substitution T→γT in agreement with previous calculations of other observables at strong coupling, where T is the temperature of the plasma in its rest frame, and γ=(1−v2)−1/2 is the Lorentz boost factor. Such a velocity dependence can be important when the quarkonium momentum is larger than its mass. Contrary to general expectations for open quantum systems weakly coupled with large thermal environments, the contributions to the transition rates that are usually thought of as the leading ones in Markovian descriptions vanish in this strongly coupled plasma. This calls for new theoretical developments to assess the effects of strongly coupled non-Abelian plasmas on in-medium quarkonium dynamics. Finally, we compare our results with those from weakly coupled QCD, and find that the QCD result moves toward the N=4 strongly coupled result as the coupling constant is increased within the regime of applicability of perturbation theory. This behavior makes it even more pressing to develop a non-Markovian description of quarkonium in-medium dynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Spectrum of mesons in quenched
Sp(2N)
gauge theories
Authors: Bennett Ed , Holligan Jack , Hong Deog Ki , Lee Jong-Wan , Lin C.-J. David , Lucini Biagio , Piai Maurizio , Vadacchino Davide
Published: May 2024

We report the findings of our extensive study of the spectra of flavored mesons in lattice gauge theories with symplectic gauge group and fermion matter content treated in the quenched approximation. For the Sp(4), Sp(6), and Sp(8) gauge groups, the (Dirac) fermions transform in either the fundamental, or the 2-index, antisymmetric or symmetric, representations. This study sets the stage for future precision calculations with dynamical fermions in the low-mass region of lattice parameter space. Our results have potential phenomenological applications ranging from composite Higgs models, to top (partial) compositeness, to dark matter models with composite, strong-coupling dynamical origin. Having adopted the Wilson flow as a scale-setting procedure, we apply Wilson chiral perturbation theory to extract the continuum and massless limits for the observables of interest. The resulting measurements are used to perform a simplified extrapolation to the large-N limit, hence drawing a preliminary connection with gauge theories with unitary groups. We conclude with a brief discussion of the Weinberg sum rules.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dequantizing quantum machine learning models using tensor networks
Authors: Shin Seongwook , Teo Yong Siah , Jeong Hyunseok
Published: May 2024

Ascertaining whether a classical model can efficiently replace a given quantum model——is crucial in assessing the true potential of quantum algorithms. In this work, we introduced the dequantizability of the function class of variational quantum-machine-learning (VQML) models by employing the tensor network formalism, effectively identifying every VQML model as a subclass of matrix product state (MPS) model characterized by constrained coefficient MPS and tensor product-based feature maps. From this formalism, we identify the conditions for which a VQML model's function class is dequantizable or not. Furthermore, we introduce an efficient quantum kernel-induced classical kernel which is as expressive as given any quantum kernel, hinting at a possible way to dequantize quantum kernel methods. This presents a thorough analysis of VQML models and demonstrates the versatility of our tensor-network formalism to properly distinguish VQML models according to their genuine quantum characteristics, thereby unifying classical and quantum machine-learning models within a single framework.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Room-temperature serial synchrotron crystallography structure of Spinacia oleracea RuBisCO
Authors: Bjelčić Monika , Aurelius Oskar , Nan Jie , Neutze Richard , Ursby Thomas
Published: May 2024

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) is the enzyme responsible for the first step of carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation in plants, which proceeds via the carboxylation of ribulose 1,5-biphosphate. Because of the enormous importance of this reaction in agriculture and the environment, there is considerable interest in the mechanism of fixation of CO2 by RuBisCO. Here, a serial synchrotron crystallography structure of spinach RuBisCO is reported at 2.3 Å resolution. This structure is consistent with earlier single-crystal X-ray structures of this enzyme and the results are a good starting point for a further push towards time-resolved serial synchrotron crystallography in order to better understand the mechanism of the reaction.
Navigating organizational diversity: addressing transphobia among human resources professionals
Authors: Baptista José , Costa Dália , Gonçalves Sónia P.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the relationship between attitudes towards organizational diversity and towards trans people, correlating them with the levels of transphobia among HR professionals. Drawing upon the Intergroup Contact Theory, we also seek to understand whether the results may be influenced by the contact variable.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through the administration of a questionnaire to a sample of 184 HR professionals. The questionnaire was comprised of self-constructed questions and previously validated scales, including: Attitudes Toward Diversity Scale (ATDS) (Montei et al., 1996), Attitudes Toward Transgendered Individuals (ATTI) Scale (Walch et al., 2012) and Genderism and Transphobia Scale (GTS) (Hill and Willoughby, 2005).

Findings

The results do not show high levels of negative attitudes towards organizational diversity or intolerance towards trans people, being these variables correlated, with higher levels of intolerance in the portion of the sample without contact with trans people.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the increase of knowledge in the field of HR Development Policies focusing on the thematic of Diversity and Inclusion, which is a very current and important topic in organizations today. Also, the relevance and contribution of the study point to the need for Human Resources Management Practices that take on positive discrimination and/or encourage the adoption of affirmative actions by organizations.
Export manager profile in small and medium-sized enterprises: a gender issue?
Authors: Vidal-Suárez Marta M. , López-Duarte Cristina , González-Torre Pilar L.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose is to explore the existence of different export manager profiles in terms of managerial attributes and personal traits according to gender. The study aims to answer two research questions: (1) Do export manager profiles differ depending on gender? If so, (2) which are the traits or managerial attributes that differ by gender and which is the relationship among them?

Design/methodology/approach

The article relies on a quantitative empirical analysis of a sample of export managers of Spanish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Findings

Our results point to the existence of gendered export manager profiles that differ in terms of objective managerial attributes, personal traits, managerial styles and subjective perceptions relative to discriminatory practices and detrimental stereotypes. Two gender-specific substitution effects exist: one between managers’ experiential skills and their formal education and the other between managers' entrepreneurial orientation and the use of relational networks.

Research limitations/implications

Our data are limited in terms of geographical scope and firms size; therefore, our results are no generalizable without new studies on this issue.

Practical implications

Our findings can help firms to understand the relevance of export teams that encompass different gender managers and benefit from the combination of diverse managerial attributes, personal traits and relational processes in their international growth.

Originality/value

Gender is an scarcely studied issue in international business and management literature despite its relevance in the international institutional context. This article addresses the gender aspect of export management.
Practice challenge recommendations in online judge using implicit rating extraction and utility sequence patterns
Authors: P Natarajan Ramesh , S Kannimuthu , D Bhanu
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The existing traditional recommendations based on content-based filtering (CBF), collaborative filtering (CF) and hybrid approaches are inadequate for recommending practice challenges in programming online judge (POJ). These systems only consider the preferences of the target users or similar users to recommend items. In the learning environment, recommender systems should consider the learning path, knowledge level and ability of the learner. Another major problem in POJ is the learners don't give ratings to practice challenges like e-commerce and video streaming portals. This purpose of the proposed approach is to overcome the abovementioned shortcomings.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the context-aware practice challenge recommendation, the data preparation techniques including implicit rating extraction, data preprocessing to remove outliers, sequence-based learner clustering and utility sequence pattern mining approaches are used in the proposed approach. The approach ensures that the recommender system considers the knowledge level, learning path and learning goals of the learner to recommend practice challenges.

Findings

Experiments on practice challenge recommendations conducted using real-world POJ dataset show that the proposed system outperforms other traditional approaches. The experiment also demonstrates that the proposed system is recommending challenges based on the learner's current context. The implicit rating extracted using the proposed approach works accurately in the recommender system.

Originality/value

The proposed system contains the following novel approaches to address the lack of rating and context-aware recommendations. The mathematical model was used to extract ratings from learner submissions. The statistical approach was used in data preprocessing. The sequence similarity-based learner clustering was used in transition matrix. Utilizing the rating as a utility in the USPAN algorithm provides useful insights into learner–challenge relationships.
Evidence of the conditions affecting knowledge hiding among librarians in academic libraries
Authors: Kaffashan Kakhki Mojtaba , Zutshi Ambika , Refoua Shabnam , Maleksadati Iman , Behzadi Hassan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify and theorize the conditions affecting the formation of librarians’ knowledge-hiding behaviour in academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a qualitative research based on the grounded theory approach. The data collection method involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using the MAXQDA software in three stages: open, axial and selective coding. The study included 22 faculty members and experienced librarians from academic libraries. The participants were selected using a combination of targeted and snowball sampling techniques.

Findings

The study yielded 96 open codes, 24 axial codes and 18 selective general codes related to the axial category of knowledge hiding (KH). The librarians’ KH axial coding paradigm pattern was developed in an academic library setting. The study also highlighted some general consequences of KH in academic libraries, such as lobbying and creating knowledge rents, deterioration of organizational relationships and interactions, reducing the competitive advantage of academic libraries and hindering individual and organizational learning.

Originality/value

This study has made a valuable contribution to the identification and explanation of the factors that affect KH. In addition, it has filled a research gap within the library and information science (LIS) field. The findings of the study may offer managers new strategies for addressing the occurrence of KH in academic libraries, and they also add to the existing literature on knowledge management in LIS.
Impact of information accessibility and diagnosticity on eye movements of children searching for information
Authors: Sun Jia-Rui , Wu Ko-Chiu
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the eye movement behavior of preadolescent children accessing and diagnosing information.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers tracked the eye movements of 30 children with an eye-tracking apparatus. Using the kit of factor-referenced cognitive tests to measure perceptual speed and associative memory, they measured information-searching behavior with screen recordings, the data of which were analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics 26.

Findings

Regarding information accessibility, there was a correlation between the child’s age, associative memory and the number of round-trip choices, and there were differences in the total fixation area among children of different age groups. Regarding diagnosticity, perceptual speed was positively correlated with the total fixation area, and the number of round-trip choices was negatively correlated with fixation duration.

Originality/value

Empirical evidence suggests that during information encoding, perceptual speed is the most important influencing factor. Extensive research indicates that children predominantly rely on recall and familiarity when searching for new information, both of which play roles in associative memory. Through an examination of the psychological and behavioral indicators of children, the study elucidated the cognitive processes involved in information processing and how children engage with information at both visual and cognitive levels.
Financial globalization, governance and economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adjei Audrey Afua Foriwaa , Gatsi John Gartchie , Owusu Appiah Michael , Abeka Mac Junior , Owusu Junior Peterson
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The study aims to assess the interplay between financial globalization, effective governance and economic growth in sub-Saharan African (SSA) economies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the Generalized Method of Moment Estimation and the Panel Quantile Regression techniques to analyze how financial globalization and governance impact sub-Saharan African economies.

Findings

The results show that governance is vital to the region's economic development. In order to achieve significant growth, sub-Saharan African economies must prioritize actions that promote good governance.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to sub-Saharan African economies.

Practical implications

It is crucial for the sub-Saharan Africa economies to concentrate on strengthening governance frameworks in order to realize its full economic potential because improvements in governance quality would have a favorable effect on economic growth.

Social implications

The findings indicate that both capital inflows and governance dynamics are essential for fostering economic growth in SSA economies. Also, balancing globalization's benefits with effective governance is crucial for promoting sustainable growth in SSA.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in literature by using the KOF financial globalization index to assess the impact of financial globalization and governance on economic growth in sub-Saharan African economies.
Advancements and forecasts of digital taxation information systems usage and its impact on tax compliance: does trust and awareness make difference?
Authors: Al-Okaily Manaf
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of the current study was to develop a new research model in the hope of providing a further understanding of Digital Taxation Information Systems (DTIS) usage and its impact on tax compliance by investigating the mediating role of trust in e-government services (TIE) and the moderating role of awareness (AW) toward these systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research method approach with Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the data collected.

Findings

The results indicated that DTIS usage is influenced by perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), attitude (ATT), knowledge (KN), subjective norm (SN), AW and TIE. Contrary to what is expected, AW does not moderate the association between SN and DTIS usage. Eventually, the results also revealed that TIE has mediated the association between trust in government (TIG) and DTIS usage.

Originality/value

This study provides thought-provoking empirical pieces of evidence about understanding the situation of DTIS usage and its impact on tax compliance among academic professors in Jordan. Furthermore, the study outcomes and discussion presented will help the Jordanian government improve and comprehensively formulate strategies to increase the tax compliance procedure.
Mixed-methods approach to investigating the diffusion of FinTech services: enriching the applicability of TOE and UTAUT models
Authors: Bouteraa Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The rapid global use of Financial Technology (FinTech), an innovative and advanced technology, is leading to the replacement of traditional financial services. Despite this, consumers in the United Arab Emirates are still not accepting FinTech services as anticipated. This study aims to investigate the barriers preventing consumers from using FinTech services in the banking industry based on the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework and anchored by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT).

Design/methodology/approach

The current study used an exploratory sequential mixed-method design. A purposive sample was used to conduct preliminary semi-structured interviews with ten banking practitioners. These interviews aimed to explore the obstacles that hinder consumers from adopting FinTech services. To provide further empirical validation, the conceptual model has been systematically examined through a quantitative cross-sectional online survey encompassing a sample of 332 bank customers.

Findings

The qualitative investigation highlighted six new barriers to the usage of FinTech based on TOE’s model attributes. Through quantitative data analysis, the preliminary qualitative findings were primarily verified. It was discovered that self-efficacy, electronic word-of-mouth, system quality and bank image substantially influence consumers to use FinTech services, in addition to performance expectancy and facilitating conditions. Meanwhile, IT features and governmental support were found to have insignificant effects. Yet, government support was found to have a positive moderating role in strengthening social influence and system quality towards customer use of FinTech. Thus, the research supports the UTAUT and TOE models’ fitness for explaining FinTech usage with high predictive relevance.

Originality/value

This study is the authors’ pioneering effort to propose a comprehensive research framework that integrates the UTAUT and TOE models to tackle the limited adoption of FinTech services among consumers. Moreover, the study specifically examined the moderating influence of government support to propose an integrated model. Remarkably, this study is one of the initial attempts to investigate the adoption of FinTech using a mixed-methodology approach by incorporating quantitative and qualitative methods within a single inquiry to yield more comprehensive and insightful findings than research that relies on a single method.
Money laundering and terrorist financing risks and democratic governance: a global correlational analysis
Authors: Kalokoh Amidu
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the association between money laundering (ML)/terrorist financing (TF) risks (hereafter, money laundering risks) and democratic governance across 117 countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional design was used to examine the association between ML risks and democratic governance by a quantitative approach. The findings are based on annual ratings of 117 countries on ML/TF risks and democracy while controlling for criminality and peace. The data was compiled from the Basel Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financing Terrorism Risks Index, the Economic Intelligence Unit (Democracy Index), the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crimes (Criminality Index) and the Institute for Economics and Peace Index for 2020.

Findings

A multiple linear regression model found a statistically significant negative association between democratic governance and ML risks (B = −0.354, t = −7.454, p = <0.001) and a significant positive association between criminality and ML risks (B = 0.242, t = 2.692, p = 0.008).

Research limitations/implications

A cross-sectional design cannot determine causal inferences and generalization (Levin, 2006). The study only used a year to examine the hypothesis of a negative correlation between ML risks and democratic governance, thus making generalization difficult.

Originality/value

Extant literature examined ML, terrorism and AML diversely. There was a need to estimate the association between ML risks and democratic governance, especially globally, during a global crisis like COVID-19, when democratic principles, such as the rule of law, transparency and accountability, are challenged. Many personnel were laid off, thus limiting supervision for ML and TF. This study presents evidence of this association.