bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondria-targeted hydrogen sulfide donor reduces fatty liver and obesity in mice fed a high fat diet by inhibitingde novolipogenesis and inflammationviamTOR/SREBP-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways
Authors: Stachowicz Aneta , Czepiel Klaudia , Wiśniewska Anna , Stachyra Kamila , Ulatowska-Białas Magdalena , Kuśnierz-Cabala Beata , Surmiak Marcin , Majka Grzegorz , Kuś Katarzyna , Wood Mark E. , Torregrossa Roberta , Whiteman Matthew , Olszanecki Rafał
Published: April 2024

Background

Metabolic diseases that include obesity and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) are a rapidly growing worldwide public health problem with unmet clinical need. The pathogenesis of MAFLD is very complex including abnormally increased lipogenesis, chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. A growing body of evidence suggests that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important player in the liver, impacting lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function. However, direct delivery of H2S to mitochondria has not been investigated as a therapeutic strategy in obesity-related metabolic disorders. Therefore, the aim of our study was to comprehensively evaluate the influence of prolonged treatment with a mitochondria sulfide delivery molecule (AP39) on the development of fatty liver and obesity in a high fat diet (HFD) fed mice.

Results

Our results demonstrated that AP39 reduced fatty liver in HFD-fed mice, which was corresponded with decreased triglyceride content in the liver and plasma as well as increased GSH/GSSG ratio in the plasma. Furthermore, treatment with AP39 downregulated pathways related to biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, lipoprotein assembly and PPAR signaling in the liver of HFD-fed mice. It also led to a decrease inde novolipogenesis in the liver by downregulating mTOR/SREBP-1/SCD1 signaling pathway. Moreover, AP39 administration alleviated obesity in HFD-fed mice, which was reflected by reduced weight of mice and adipose tissue, decreased leptin levels in the plasma and upregulated expression of ATGL, a lipolysis enzyme in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). Finally, AP39 reduced inflammation in the liver and eWAT measured as the expression of pro inflammatory markers (Il1b, Il6, Tnf,Mcp1), which was due to the downregulation of mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Taken together, mitochondria-targeted sulfide delivery molecules could potentially provide a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment/prevention of obesity-related metabolic disorders.
PtWAVE: A High-Sensitive deconvolution software of sequencing trace for the Detection of Large Indels in Genome Editing
Authors: Nakamae Kazuki , Ide Saya , Ohnuki Nagaki , Nakagawa Yoshiko , Okuhara Keisuke , Bono Hidemasa
Published: April 2024

Background

Tracking of Insertions and DEletions (TIDE) analysis, which computationally deconvolves capillary sequencing data derived from the DNA of bulk or clonal cell populations to estimate the efficiency of targeted mutagenesis by programmable nucleases, has played a significant role in the field of genome editing. However, the detection range covered by conventional TIDE analysis is limited. Range extension for deconvolution is required to detect larger deletions and insertions (indels) derived from genome editing in TIDE analysis. However, extending the deconvolution range introduces uncertainty into the deconvolution process. Moreover, the accuracy and sensitivity of TIDE analysis tools for large deletions (>50 bp) remain poorly understood.

Results

In this study, we introduced a new software called PtWAVE that can detect a wide range of indel sizes, up to 200 bp. PtWAVE also offers options for variable selection and fitting algorithms to prevent uncertainties in the model. We evaluated the performance of PtWAVE by using in vitro capillary sequencing data that mimicked DNA sequencing, including large deletions. Furthermore, we confirmed that PtWAVE can stably analyze trace sequencing data derived from actual genome-edited samples.

Conclusions

PtWAVE demonstrated superior accuracy and sensitivity compared to the existing TIDE analysis tools for DNA samples, including large deletions. PtWAVE can accelerate genome editing applications in organisms and cell types in which large deletions often occur when programmable nucleases are applied.
Lifestyle-specific responses ofTrichodermaspp. in mycoparasitic confrontations and implications for biocontrol ofPopulusxcanescens
Authors: Stange Pia , Kersting Johannes , Sivaprakasam Padmanaban Prasath Balaji , Schnitzler Jörg-Peter , Rosenkranz Maaria , Karl Tanja , Benz J. Philipp
Published: April 2024

Trichodermaspp. are gaining popularity in agriculture and forestry due to their multifaceted roles in promoting plant growth through e.g. nutrient translocation, hormone production, induction of plant systemic resistance, but also direct antagonism of other fungi. However, the mycotrophic nature of the genus bears the risk of possible interference with other native plant-beneficial fungi, such as ectomycorrhiza, in the rhizosphere. Such interference could yield unpredictable consequences for the host plants of these ecosystems.

We investigated whetherTrichodermaspp. can differentiate between beneficial ectomycorrhizal fungi (represented byLaccaria bicolorandHebeloma cylindrosporum) and pathogenic fungi (represented byFusarium graminearumandAlternaria alternata) in different confrontation scenarios, including a newly developed olfactometer “race tube”-like system.

Using two independent species,T. harzianum,andT. atrobrunneum, with plant-growth-promoting and immune-stimulating properties towardsPopulusxcanescens, our study revealed robustly accelerated growth towards phytopathogens, while showing a contrary response to ectomycorrhizal fungi. Transcriptomic analyses identified distinct genetic programs during interaction corresponding to the lifestyles, emphasizing the expression of mycoparasitism-related genes only in the presence of phytopathogens.

The findings reveal a critical mode of fungal community interactions belowground and suggest thatTrichodermaspp. can distinguish between fungal partners of different lifestyles already at a distance.
Prophage-encoded methyltransferase drives adaptation of community-acquired methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ulrich Robert J. , Podkowik Magdalena , Tierce Rebecca , Irnov Irnov , Putzel Gregory , Samhadaneh Nora , Lacey Keenan A. , Boff Daiane , Morales Sabrina M. , Makita Sohei , Karagounis Theodora K. , Zwack Erin E. , Zhou Chunyi , Kim Randie , Drlica Karl , Pironti Alejandro , van Bakel Harm , Torres Victor J. , Shopsin Bo
Published: April 2024

We recently described the evolution of a community-acquired methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(CA-MRSA) USA300 variant responsible for an outbreak of skin and soft tissue infections. Acquisition of a mosaic version of the Φ11 prophage (mΦ11) that increases skin abscess size was an early step in CA-MRSA adaptation that primed the successful spread of the clone. The present report shows how prophage mΦ11 exerts its effect on virulence for skin infection without encoding a known toxin or fitness genes. Abscess size and skin inflammation were associated with DNA methylase activity of an mΦ11-encoded adenine methyltransferase (designatedpamA).pamAincreased expression of fibronectin-binding protein A (fnbA; FnBPA), and inactivation offnbAeliminated the effect ofpamAon abscess virulence without affecting strains lackingpamA. Thus,fnbAis apamA-specific virulence factor. Mechanistically,pamAwas shown to promote biofilm formation in vivo in skin abscesses, a phenotype linked to FnBPA’s role in biofilm formation. Collectively, these data reveal a novel mechanism—epigenetic regulation of staphylococcal gene expression—by which phage can regulate virulence to drive adaptive leaps byS. aureus.

Graphical Abstract
Context-dependent structure formation of hairpin motifs in bacteriophage MS2 genomic RNA
Authors: Bukina Veronika , Božič Anže
Published: April 2024

Many functions of ribonucleic acid (RNA) rely on its ability to assume specific sequence-structure motifs. Packaging signals found in certain RNA viruses are one such prominent example of functional RNA motifs. These signals are short hairpin loops that interact with coat proteins and drive viral self-assembly. As they are found in different positions along the much longer genomic RNA, the formation of their correct structure occurs as a part of a larger context. Any changes to this context can consequently lead to changes in the structure of the motifs themselves. In fact, previous studies have shown that structure and function of RNA motifs can be highly context-sensitive to the flanking sequence surrounding them. However, in what ways different flanking sequences influence the structure of an RNA motif they surround has yet to be studied in detail. We focus on a hairpin-rich region of the RNA genome of bacteriophage MS2—a well-studied RNA virus with a wide potential for use in biotechnology—and systematically examine context-dependent structural stability of 14 previously identified hairpin motifs, which include putative and confirmed packaging signals. Combining secondary and tertiary RNA structure prediction of the hairpin motifs placed in different contexts, ranging from the native genomic sequence to random RNA sequences and unstructured poly-U sequences, we determine different measures of motif structural stability. In this way, we show that while some motif structures can be stable in any context, others require specific context provided by the genome. Our results demonstrate the importance of context in RNA structure formation and how changes in the flanking sequence of an RNA motif sometimes lead to drastic changes in its structure. Structural stability of a motif in different contexts could provide additional insights into its functionality as well as assist in determining whether it remains functional when intentionally placed in other contexts.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

RNA motifs are groups of related RNAs that possess similar sequence and/or structure and consequently assume similar functions. Despite their similarities, these motifs are often only a small part of larger RNA molecules, situated in various contexts provided by the surrounding (flanking) sequences. How the nature of the flanking sequence influences the structure of a motif it surrounds is a fundamental yet underexplored question. We systematically study context dependence of severalhairpin motifsin the genomic RNA of bacteriophage MS2 which act as packaging signals, indispensable for virus assembly. We show that while some motifs fold into the correct structure no matter the nature of their context, others require the specific context provided by the genomic RNA.
Coenzyme A biosynthesis inBacillus subtilis: Discovery of a novel precursor metabolite for salvage and its uptake system
Authors: Warneke Robert , Herzberg Christina , Klein Moritz , Elfmann Christoph , Dittmann Josi , Feussner Kirstin , Feussner Ivo , Stülke Jörg
Published: April 2024

The Gram-positive model bacteriumBacillus subtilisis used for many biotechnological applications, including the large-scale production of vitamins. For vitamin B5, a precursor for coenzyme A synthesis, there is so far no established fermentation process available, partly due to the incomplete knowledge on the metabolic pathways that involve this vitamin. In this study, we have elucidated the complete pathways for the biosynthesis pantothenate and coenzyme A inB. subtilis. We have identified the enzymes involved in the pathway and have identified a salvage pathway for coenzyme A acquisition that acts on complex medium even in the absence of pantothenate synthesis. This pathway requires rewiring of sulfur metabolism resulting in the expression of a cysteine transporter. In the salvage pathway, the bacteria import cysteinopantetheine, a novel naturally occurring metabolite, using the cystine transport system TcyJKLMN. This work lays the foundation for the development of effective processes for vitamin B5 production.
Elevated body mass index in youth is associated with dysregulated surrogate markers of neural inhibition & excitation, and internetwork functional dysconnectivity
Authors: Reichelt AC , Daskalakis E , Cohen J , Solar KG , Saberi M , Ventresca M , Ali M , Zamyadi R , Scratch SE , Hamilton J , Dunkley BT
Published: April 2024

The developing child and adolescent brain is thought to have an increased vulnerability to the negative impact of obesity and excessive consumption of hyperpalatable and energy-rich foods. In this study, we investigated the neurophysiological effects of overweight and obesity in 30 participants spanning childhood and adolescence (8-19 years), using a naturalistic viewing paradigm withInscapes,in a pseudo-resting-state protocol scan with magnetoencephalography (MEG). Subjects were median split on body mass indices (BMI), categorised into two groups comprising: lower <25 kg/m2(n=15) and higher ≥25 kg/m2(n=15). We assessed spontaneous, regional neural function indexed by oscillatory activity, and functional connectivity within and between intrinsic resting brain networks, including the default mode network, dorsal and ventral attention, somatomotor, visual, language, central executive and salience networks. Elevated BMI was associated with significant reductions in activity of the posterior dominant rhythm, and gamma hyperactivity across widespread cortical areas, suggesting intrinsic neuronal hyperexcitability and disinhibition in children and adolescents. Additionally, we observed low-frequency theta hypoconnectivity between resting state networks including the salience, visual, and default mode networks, and overall reduced global efficiency in brain network structure, suggesting reduced effectiveness in neural communication. These findings underscore the neural impact of body composition on the developing brain, suggesting deleterious alterations in excitation and inhibition from surrogate neural markers associated with neurochemistry and brain networks linked with cognitive and behavioural functioning. These alterations may contribute to the persistent behavioural rigidity and difficulties in adopting healthier eating behaviours into adulthood.
Optimization of muonium yield in perforated silica aerogel
Authors: Zhao Shihan , Tang Jian
Published: April 2024

A muonium consists of a positive muon associated with an orbital electron, and the spontaneous conversion to antimuonium serves as a clear indication of new physics beyond the Standard Model in particle physics. One of the most important aspects in muonium-to-antimuonium conversion experiment is to increase the muonium yield in vacuum to challenge the latest limit obtained in 1999. This study focuses on a simulation of the muonium formation and diffusion in the perforated silica aerogel. The independent simulation results can be well-validated by experimental data. By optimizing the target geometry, we find a maximum muonium emission efficiency of 7.92(2)% and a maximum vacuum yield of 1.134(2)% with a typical surface muon beam, indicating a 2.6 times and a 2.1 times enhancement, respectively. Our results will pave the way for muonium experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Gravitational wave imprints of the doublet left-right symmetric model
Authors: Karmakar Siddhartha , Ringe Dhruv
Published: April 2024

We study the stochastic gravitational wave (GW) background resulting from the strong first-order phase transition (SFOPT) associated with SU(2)R×U(1)B−L-breaking in the doublet left-right symmetric model (DLRSM). For different values of the symmetry-breaking scale vR=20, 30, and 50 TeV, we construct the one-loop finite temperature effective potential to explore the parameter space for regions showing SFOPT. We identify the region where the associated GW background is strong enough to be detected at planned GW observatories. A strong GW signature favors a relatively light CP-even neutral scalar H3, arising from the SU(2)R doublet. The SU(2)L subgroup of DLRSM is broken by three vacuum expectation values: κ1, κ2, and vL. We observe a preference for O(1) values of the ratio w=vL/κ1, but no clear preference for the ratio r=κ2/κ1. A large number of points with strong GW signal can be ruled out from precise measurement of the trilinear Higgs coupling and searches for H3 at the future colliders.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Regularized Weyl double copy
Authors: Alkaç Gökhan , Gümüş Mehmet Kemal , Kaşıkçı Oğuzhan , Olpak Mehmet Ali , Tek Mustafa
Published: April 2024

We propose a regularization procedure in the sourced Weyl double copy, a spinorial version of the classical double copy, such that it matches much more general results in the Kerr-Schild version. In the regularized Weyl double copy, the anti–de Sitter (AdS) and the Lifshitz black holes, which form the basis of the study of strongly coupled gauge theories at finite temperature through the AdS/CFT correspondence and its nonrelativistic generalization, become treatable. We believe that this might pave the way for finding a relation between the classical double copy and holography.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Photon quantization in cosmological spaces
Authors: Glavan Dražen
Published: April 2024

Canonical quantization of the photon—a free massless vector field—is considered in cosmological spacetimes in a two-parameter family of linear gauges that treat all the vector potential components on equal footing. The goal is setting up a framework for computing photon two-point functions appropriate for loop computations in realistic inflationary spacetimes. The quantization is implemented without relying on spacetime symmetries, but rather it is based on the classical canonical structure. Special attention is paid to the quantization of the canonical first-class constraint structure that is implemented as the condition on the physical states. This condition gives rise to subsidiary conditions that the photon two-point functions must satisfy. Some of the de Sitter space photon propagators from the literature are found not to satisfy these subsidiary conditions, bringing into question their consistency.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Ethidium benzoate methanol monosolvate
Authors: Shimazaki Runa , Sadakiyo Masaaki
Published: April 2024

In the title salt solvate (systematic name: 8-amino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridin-5-ium benzoate methanol monosolvate), C21H20N3
+·C6H5CO2
−·CH3OH, two ethidium cations, C21H20N3
+, dimerize about a twofold axis through π–π interactions [inter-centroid separation = 3.6137 (4) Å]. The benzoate anions are connected through hydrogen bonding with the –NH2 groups of the ethidium cations and the –OH group of the MeOH molecule. The MeOH molecule also accepts a hydrogen bond from the –NH2 group of the ethidium cation. The result is a one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded chain along the b-axis direction.
Alan Fox in the shadow of the labour process
Authors: Cullinane Niall
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The 50th anniversary of Fox'sBeyond ContractandMan Mismanagementcoincides with another vital contribution to the sociology of work from 1974: Braverman'sLabor and Monopoly Capital. This article analyses these two scholars' complementary approaches to job design and the extent to which Fox's ideas influenced subsequent labour process thought.

Design/methodology/approach

The article's methodological approach is a historiographical reading of Fox and Braverman's thought in the context of their times and later scholarship.

Findings

The article demonstrates that despite some noteworthy overlap with Braverman concerning scientific management, Fox's insights were marginal to later iterations of labour process analysis. It delves into the reasons for this relative neglect, providing an understanding of the dynamics at play.

Originality/value

This paper's value lies in its combined industrial relations and labour process historiography. It offers a fresh perspective on Alan Fox's relationship to the latter field of study.
Barriers to collaboration among female technical university administrators
Authors: Addy Elizabeth , Ayitey Isaac , Adabor Emmanuel S.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to identify barriers to collaboration among female administrators at a Ghanaian technical university (TU), based on the social identity theory (SIT).

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was adopted, integrating qualitative interviews of 15 female administrators and completing structured questionnaires from 117 randomly sampled female administrators. The SIT, as the analytical framework, identified themes emerging from the data on barriers to collaboration among female administrators. While exploratory factor analysis identified measures of factors hindering collaborations, the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) enabled the confirmation of relationships among the barriers to collaboration with female administrators.

Findings

There existed statistically significant relationships between four of the barriers: intergroup relations conflict, trust with stakeholders and among females and structural barriers (SBs). For the quantitative analysis, it was found that SBs, intergroup relations, conflict and trust were statistically significant except for weak cultures. For the qualitative, results showed that SBs, lack of trust with stakeholders and among females and intergroup conflict hinder collaboration.

Research limitations/implications

The study has a limited scope in using only one TU and focusing on a particular gender. The implications of this research will enrich the literature on barriers to female administrative collaboration in technical education based on the SIT.

Practical implications

Promoting administrative collaborations in the TU will ensure sustainability and efficient administrative systems.

Social implications

Institutional policies should include gender inclusivity and equality on networking opportunities and provide mentorship programs for efficient administrative systems.

Originality/value

We used the SIT to determine barriers to collaboration among female administrators in a technical education institution, and the mixed methodology added a unique dimension to the study.
Impact of digital transformation misalignment on supplier financial risk
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Shi Qi , Zhou Zhifang , Cheng Xu
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Digital transformation misalignment refers to disparities in digital transformation levels between suppliers and buyers across the production and operation process. It has negatively affected supply chain stability. However, the existing research concerning the economic consequences has not been adequately addressed. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate whether such digital transformation misalignment increases supplier financial risk and to identify the factors influencing this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines binary combinations of suppliers and buyers listed on China’s A-share market between 2011 and 2021. This group constitutes a sample to empirically test the influence of digital transformation misalignment on the supplier’s financial risk, as well as the moderating effect of the geographical and organizational distances.

Findings

The paper’s findings demonstrate that digital transformation misalignment has indeed a significant increase in the supplier’s financial risk. Moreover, the impact is more intense when the geographical or organizational distance between the supplier and the buyer is relatively large.

Originality/value

The existing literature rarely explores the potential risks arising from digital transformation misalignment between supply chain partners. Therefore, this paper fills a notable gap as it is the first to study the impact of digital transformation misalignment on the supplier’s financial risk and the specific applied mechanisms. The contribution significantly improves the field of corporate digital transformation, particularly, within the context of supply chain management.
The uneven impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic tourist flows: what does mobile phone data tell us?
Authors: Condeço-Melhorado Ana , García-Palomares Juan Carlos , Gutiérrez Javier
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global tourism, with international travel bearing the burden of restrictions. Domestic tourism has also faced substantial challenges. This paper aims to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic tourism in Spain, focusing on travel from Madrid (the country’s capital) to other tourist destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

Mobile phone data has been used to study the evolution of tourist trips over the summers of 2019, 2020 and 2021. Regression models are used to explain the number of visitors at destinations.

Findings

The pandemic not only caused a drastic drop in tourist flows but also disrupted the overall pattern of the domestic flow system. Winning destinations were typically areas in proximity to Madrid and less densely populated destinations, while urban destinations were major losers. The preferences of domestic tourists varied notably by income group, but the decrease in trip volumes showed only marginal differences.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the potential of mobile phone data analysis to study the uneven impact of external shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on tourist destinations. This approach considers spatial resilience heterogeneity within regions or provinces. By incorporating income information, the analysis introduces a social dimension to highly detailed spatial data, surpassing traditional studies conducted at the regional or national levels.
AI-driven technology and privacy: the value of social media responsibility
Authors: Walker Kristen L. , Milne George R.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The authors argue that privacy is integral to the well-being of consumers and an essential component in not only corporate social responsibility (CSR) but what they term uniquely as social media responsibility (SMR). A conceptual framework is proposed that delineates the privacy issues companies should pay attention to in artificial intelligence (AI)-fueled social media environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review literature on privacy issues in social media and AI in the academic and practitioner literatures. Based on the review, arguments focus on the need for an SMR framework, proposing responsible use of consumer data that is attentive to consumers' privacy concerns.

Findings

Implications from the framework are a path forward for social media companies to treat consumer data more fairly in this new environment. The framework has implications for companies to reduce potential harms to consumers and consider addressing their power and responsibility. With social media and AI transforming consumer behavior so profoundly, there are a variety of short- and long-term social implications.

Originality

Since AI tools are becoming integral to social media company activities, this research addresses the changing responsibilities social media companies have in securing consumers' data and enabling consumers the agency to protect their privacy effectively. The authors propose an SMR framework based on CSR research and AI tools employed by social media companies.
Untangling the perception of value in value-based healthcare – an interview study
Authors: Wolf Axel , Erichsen Andersson Annette , Wikström Ewa , Bååthe Fredrik
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Value-based health care (VBHC) argues that health-care needs to re-focus to maximise value creation, defining value as the quota when dividing the outcomes important for the patient, by the cost for health care to deliver such outcomes. This study aims to explore the perception of value among different stakeholders involved in the process of implementing VBHC at a Swedish hospital to support leaders to be more efficient and effective when developing health care.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants comprised 19 clinicians and non-clinicians involved in the implementation of VBHC. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and content analysis was performed.

Findings

The clinicians described value as a dynamic concept, dependent on the patient and the clinical setting, stating that improving outcomes was more important than containing costs. The value for non-clinicians appeared more driven by the interplay between the outcome and the cost. Non-clinicians related VBHC to a strategic framework for governance or for monitoring different continuous improvement processes, while clinicians appreciated VBHC, as they perceived its introduction as an opportunity to focus more on outcomes for patients and less on cost containment.

Originality/value

There is variation in how clinicians and non-clinicians perceive the key concept of value when implementing VBHC. Clinicians focus on increasing treatment efficacy and improving medical outcomes but have a limited focus on cost and what patients consider most valuable. If the concept of value is defined primarily by clinicians’ own assumptions, there is a clear risk that the foundational premise of VBHC, to understand what outcomes patients value in their specific situation in relation to the cost to produce such outcome, will fail. Health-care leaders need to ensure that patients and the non-clinicians’ perception of value, is integrated with the clinical perception, if VBHC is to deliver on its promise.
Using augmented reality games to support sustainable development goal learning among young students: a true-experimental study
Authors: Ai-Jou Pan , Cheng Bo-Yuan , Chou Pao-Nan , Geng Ying
Published: April 2024

Purpose

We applied a true-experimental randomized control posttest design to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to compare the effects of the AR and traditional board games on students’ SDG learning achievements.

Design/methodology/approach

We applied a true-experimental randomized control posttest design to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to compare the effects of AR and traditional board games on students' SDG learning achievements.

Findings

Our analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data revealed that the effects of AR and traditional board games on the students' cognitive outcomes differed significantly, indicating the importance of providing a situated learning environment in SDG education. Moreover, the students perceived that the incorporation of the AR game into SDG learning improved their learning effectiveness – including both cognitive and affective dimensions – thus confirming its educational value and potential in SDG learning.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the effectiveness of different learning tools (AR and traditional board games) and to evaluate the importance of providing a situated learning environment through a true-experimental randomized control posttest design.
Deciphering the role of cryptocurrencies in global remittances: a comprehensive literature review
Authors: Jegerson Devid , Mertzanis Charilaos
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In the evolving landscape of global remittances, this study systematically explores cryptocurrency's transformative impact on remittance services through a comprehensive literature review and bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Through meticulous PRISMA-guided analysis, the research identifies cryptocurrency technology as a pivotal force in enhancing remittance efficiency, reducing costs and broadening access contributing significantly to financial inclusion.

Findings

Findings revealed that cryptocurrency technology could significantly enhance remittance services, offering improved efficiency, reduced costs and increased accessibility. This suggests a transformative potential for financial inclusion, presenting a compelling case for broader adoption and regulatory support to leverage these benefits effectively.

Research limitations/implications

By integrating recent research, this work underlines the urgent need for broader adoption and regulatory support to leverage these benefits effectively. It offers novel insights for institutions and policymakers, highlighting the potential for technology adoption in remittances to enhance financial inclusivity.

Originality/value

More cryptocurrency studies are needed to concentrate on remittance markets. Thus, this investigation constitutes a unique addition to the field. Additional investigation in this domain presents significant possibilities for future exploration and progress.
Digitalisation as a driver of transformation for management control of small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Fähndrich Jochen , Pedell Burkhard
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the influence of digitalisation on the management control function of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In particular, it aims to illuminate how digitalisation influences management control elements, organisation and roles/competencies and to identify obstacles to digitalisation of management control in SMEs and measures taken to overcome them.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on guideline-supported expert interviews conducted with 14 financial managers from SMEs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Findings

This study reveals the influence of digitalisation on management control elements, organisation, and roles/competencies. The automation and standardisation of management control processes result in new elements for management control, such as strategic support for management. In addition, the increased availability and transparency of data enable the use of instruments within a company that allow for quick analyses of the company's development. Digitalisation leads to the integration of management control into the corporate network and, thus, a change in the organisation of management control. It also triggers the expansion of management control competencies, especially IT competencies. A shortage of internal digitalisation resources, unclear corporate roadmaps, and a lack of managerial experience loom as central challenges for digitalising the management control function. Measures derived from the interviews can help SMEs overcome the obstacles to the digitalisation of management control.

Originality/value

This research is the first interview-based study of the impact of digitalisation on management control in SMEs, potential obstacles to that digitalisation, and measures to overcome those obstacles. Thus, it contributes to the emerging debate on factors that may explain why SMEs lag in terms of the digitalisation of their internal processes.
Digitalization and digital transformation in the tourism industry: a bibliometric review and research agenda
Authors: Bekele Henok , Raj Sahil
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In recent decades, a significant number of research contributions have been made to the intersection of digital technologies and the tourism industry. However, a thorough examination of digitalization and digital transformation in the tourism industry has not been given sufficient consideration. This study aims to provide a bibliometric review of digitalization and digital transformation research in the tourism industry and devise future research agendas to advance the research field.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) protocol and a bibliometric analysis to examine the research progress and scientifically map the research domain of digitalization and digital transformation in the tourism industry from 2002 to 2023 using bibliographic data retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science.

Findings

This study presents the trends in publications and citations within the digitalization and digital transformation research domain in tourism. The findings also provide insights into the four primary clusters of the research field: digital innovation, smart tourism ecosystem, eTourism and smart destination experience. To further augment the application of digital transformation, this study offers several recommendations for future research on digitalization and digital transformation of the tourism industry.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable implications to researchers, managers and policymakers seeking to understand the current state and future research directions in tourism’s digitalization and digital transformation research field.

Originality/value

This study advances the research field of digitalization and digital transformation in the tourism industry by thoroughly examining the primary research clusters in the research corpus of the past two decades. Furthermore, it guides future research, thereby setting the stage for further progress in this domain.
Elevating the significance of legume intake: A novel strategy to counter aging‐related mitochondrial dysfunction and physical decline
Authors: Zheng Qingwei , Wang Feijie , Nie Chenzhipeng , Zhang Kuiliang , Sun Yujie , AL‐Ansi Waleed , Wu Qiming , Wang Li , Du Jun , Li Yan
Published: April 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunction increasingly becomes a target for promoting healthy aging and longevity. The dysfunction of mitochondria with age ultimately leads to a decline in physical functions. Among them, biogenesis dysfunction and the imbalances in the metabolism of reactive oxygen species and mitochondria as signaling organelles in the aging process have aroused our attention. Dietary intervention in mitochondrial dysfunction and physical decline during aging processes is essential, and greater attention should be directed toward healthful legume intake. Legumes are constantly under investigation for their nutritional and bioactive properties, and their consumption may yield antiaging and mitochondria‐protecting benefits. This review summarizes mitochondrial dysfunction with age, discusses the benefits of legumes on mitochondrial function, and introduces the potential role of legumes in managing aging‐related physical decline. Additionally, it reveals the benefits of legume intake for the elderly and offers a viable approach to developing legume‐based functional food.
‘No safe haven’: Why theGATT‘regional exception’ does not apply to technical barriers to trade
Authors: Nuzzo Silvia
Published: April 2024

During the last two decades, Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) have increased in quantity and broadened in scope. Far from merely reducing tariffs, they now set out a detailed discipline also on behind‐the‐border measures. Due to their trade‐restrictive potential, technical barriers to trade (TBTs) are now systematically regulated in PTAs. Since PTAs discriminate by definition, it is pivotal to understand whether their regulation of TBTs may be reconciled with the multilateral non‐discrimination obligation. Against this backdrop, this article aims to assess whether WTO‐incompatible TBT provisions in PTAs may benefit from the GATT 1994 ‘Regional Exception’, that is, Article XXIV. I will argue that, by virtue of thelex specialisprinciple, Article XXIV may not shield violations of the TBT Agreement. The impact of this study is two‐fold. First, it shows that Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) must respect the Most‐Favoured Nation (MFN) clause when integrating their domestic policies. Second, using TBTs as a case study, it proposes some crucial adjustments to WTO case law, that should be considered also when deciding on the interplay between the GATT 1994 and WTO Agreements other than the TBT Agreement.
The social status of women in China: Analysis based on age, period, and cohort effects
Authors: Wang Dian , Lyu Xiaokang , Chen Lijun
Published: April 2024

The present study examined the social status of women in China by reviewing the levels and trends of objective and subjective socioeconomic status and gender role attitudes. We employed a hierarchical age–period–cohort analysis and used repeated cross‐sectional data from the 2010 to 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (N = 52,927), a nationwide probability survey. The study found that for both males and females, differences in age effects were more pronounced than period and cohort effects. Specifically, there were no significant gender differences in levels of education. However, women start at a lower level of occupational prestige and income than men. Particularly in late adulthood, the rate of decline in income is significantly faster for women than for adult men. Chinese women's gender role attitudes interact with their objective socioeconomic status. Subjectively, China's awareness and recognition of gender equality and women's rights and interests are increasing, but objective gender inequality still exists, and there are many challenges to be addressed.
Evaluation of critical parameters in the hollow‐fibre system for tuberculosis: A case study of moxifloxacin
Authors: Aguilar‐Ayala Diana A. , Sanz‐García Fernando , Rabodoarivelo Marie Sylvianne , Susanto Budi O. , Bailo Rebeca , Eveque‐Mourroux Maxime R. , Willand Nicolas , Simonsson Ulrika S. H. , Ramón‐García Santiago , Lucía Ainhoa ,   the ERA4TB consortium
Published: April 2024

Aims

The hollow‐fibre system for tuberculosis (HFS‐TB) is a preclinical model qualified by the European Medicines Agency to underpin the anti‐TB drug development process. It can mimic in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK)–pharmacodynamic (PD) attributes of selected antimicrobials, which could feed into in silico models to inform the design of clinical trials. However, historical data and published protocols are insufficient and omit key information to allow experiments to be reproducible. Therefore, in this work, we aim to optimize and standardize various HFS‐TB operational procedures.

Methods

First, we characterized bacterial growth dynamics with different types of hollow‐fibre cartridges, Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains and media. Second, we mimicked a moxifloxacin PK profile within hollow‐fibre cartridges, in order to check drug–fibres compatibility. Lastly, we mimicked the moxifloxacin total plasma PK profile in human after once daily oral dose of 400 mg to assess PK–PD after different sampling methods, strains, cartridge size and bacterial adaptation periods before drug infusion into the system.

Results

We found that final bacterial load inside the HFS‐TB was contingent on the studied variables. Besides, we demonstrated that drug–fibres compatibility tests are critical preliminary HFS‐TB assays, which need to be properly reported. Lastly, we uncovered that the sampling method and bacterial adaptation period before drug infusion significantly impact actual experimental conclusions.

Conclusion

Our data contribute to the necessary standardization of HFS‐TB experiments, draw attention to multiple aspects of this preclinical model that should be considered when reporting novel results and warn about critical parameters in the HFS‐TB currently overlooked.
The micro‐foundations of employment systems: An empirical case study of Britain and France
Authors: Amossé Thomas , Bryson Alex , Forth John , Petit Héloïse
Published: April 2024

Building on existing studies of national employment systems, we undertake a comparative analysis of the micro‐foundations of employment relations in Britain and France. Our analysis utilizes harmonized, linked employer‐employee survey data for the two countries and takes a multi‐dimensional approach in which the national level remains meaningful but within‐country variance is also emphasized. Our analysis contrasts the British model characterized by variability and heterogeneity with a French model characterized by stability and uniformity. We discuss ways in which these systems are shaped by differences in employer and employee networks, the financial and organizational links between firms and macro‐institutions.
Three new corrections for standardized person‐fit statistics for tests with polytomous items
Authors: Gorney Kylie
Published: April 2024

Recent years have seen a growing interest in the development of person‐fit statistics for tests with polytomous items. Some of the most popular person‐fit statistics for such tests belong to the class of standardized person‐fit statistics, , that is assumed to have a standard normal null distribution. However, this distribution only holds when (a) the true ability parameter is known and (b) an infinite number of items are available. In practice, both conditions are violated, and the quality of person‐fit results is expected to deteriorate. In this paper, we propose three new corrections for that simultaneously account for the use of an estimated ability parameter and the use of a finite number of items. The three new corrections are direct extensions of those that were developed by Gorney et al. (Psychometrika, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11336‐024‐09960‐x) for tests with only dichotomous items. Our simulation study reveals that the three new corrections tend to outperform not only the original statistic but also an existing correction for proposed by Sinharay (Psychometrika, 2016, 81, 992). Therefore, the new corrections appear to be promising tools for assessing person fit in tests with polytomous items.
Postnatal hypofunction of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors alters perforant path synaptic plasticity and filtering and impairs dentate gyrus‐mediated spatial discrimination
Authors: Márquez Luis A. , López Rubalcava Carolina , Galván Emilio J.
Published: April 2024

Background and Purpose

Transient hypofunction of the NMDA receptor represents a convergence point for the onset and further development of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Although the cumulative evidence indicates dysregulation of the hippocampal formation in schizophrenia, the integrity of the synaptic transmission and plasticity conveyed by the somatosensorial inputs to the dentate gyrus, the perforant pathway synapses, have barely been explored in this pathological condition.

Experimental Approach

We identified a series of synaptic alterations of the lateral and medial perforant paths in animals postnatally treated with the NMDA antagonist MK‐801. This dysregulation suggests decreased cognitive performance, for which the dentate gyrus is critical.

Key Results

We identified alterations in the synaptic properties of the lateral and medial perforant paths to the dentate gyrus synapses in slices from MK‐801‐treated animals. Altered glutamate release and decreased synaptic strength precede an impairment in the induction and expression of long‐term potentiation (LTP) and CB1 receptor‐mediated long‐term depression (LTD). Remarkably, by inhibiting the degradation of 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG), an endogenous ligand of the CB1 receptor, we restored the LTD in animals treated with MK‐801. Additionally, we showed for the first time, that spatial discrimination, a cognitive task that requires dentate gyrus integrity, is impaired in animals exposed to transient hypofunction of NMDA receptors.

Conclusion and Implications

Dysregulation of glutamatergic transmission and synaptic plasticity from the entorhinal cortex to the dentate gyrus has been demonstrated, which may explain the cellular dysregulations underlying the altered cognitive processing in the dentate gyrus associated with schizophrenia.