bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac autonomic function during exercise and incident Parkinson’s disease
Authors: van Duijvenboden Stefan , Ramírez Julia , Scheurink Job , Darweesh Sirwan K.L. , Orini Michele , Tinker Andrew , Munroe Patricia B. , Thannhauser Jos , Evers Luc , IntHout Joanna , Lambiase Pier D. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Doherty Aiden , Brouwer Marc A.
Published: November 2024

Objective

To determine whether established parameters of cardiac autonomic function are associated with incident Parkinson’s disease, independent of clinical characteristics, and established autonomic prodromal features.

Methods Population-based cohort

study of UK Biobank participants who performed a standardized bicycle exercise test (2009-2013), followed until November 2022, and analyzed in January 2024. Heart rate increase from rest to exercise, and the decrease in heart rate from peak exercise to recovery were extracted and associated with incident Parkinson’s disease. Associations were adjusted using multivariable models consisting of clinical characteristics only and combined with prodromal autonomic features.

Results

69,288 eligible participants (male 48%, mean age 56.8 [SD 8.2]) were followed for 12.5 years (median; IQR 0.3): 319 (0.5%) developed Parkinson’s disease. Median lag time to diagnosis was 9.3 years (IQR 4.4). Both heart rate increase (37.5 [SD 11.5] vs 40.8 [SD 12.4] beats/min, p < 0.001) and recovery (23.4 [SD 8.8] vs. 27.8 [SD 10.3] beats/min, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in incident cases compared to controls. After adjusting for prodromal clinical and autonomic features, heart rate recovery was independently associated with incident Parkinson’s disease, while heart rate increase was not. Specifically, a blunted heart rate lowering during recovery was associated with a 30% higher risk of incident Parkinson’s disease (HR: 1.3; 95% CI 1.1-1.4; p < 0.001 per 10 beats less recovery)

Interpretation

These findings suggest that cardiac autonomic dysfunction precedes clinically manifest Parkinson’s disease, and that heart rate recovery might serve as a quantitative prodromal marker.
Epidermal loss of PRMT5 leads to the emergence of an atypical basal keratinocyte-like cell population and defective skin stratification
Authors: Recka Nicole , Simons Andrean , Cornell Robert A. , Van Otterloo Eric
Published: November 2024

During skin development, ectoderm-derived cells undergo precisely coordinated proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion to yield stratified epidermis. Disruptions in these processes can result in congenital anomalies including ectodermal dysplasia and harlequin ichthyosis. Protein Arginine Methyl Transferase 5 (PRMT5)—an enzyme responsible for methylating arginine residues in histones and other proteins—maintains progenitor status in germ and limb bud cells. Similarly,in vitroevidence suggests that PRMT5 prevents differentiation of basal keratinocytes, leading us to hypothesize that PRMT5 preserves the stem-cell phenotype of keratinocytesin vivo. To test this possibility, we generated conditional knockout (cKO) mice lackingPrmt5in early ectoderm (E7.5), impacting the entire epidermis.Prmt5cKOs exhibited gross skin defects, compromised skin barrier function, and reduced postnatal viability. Histological analyses revealed significant defects in epidermal stratification, without alterations in apoptosis or proliferation. Single-cell RNA and ATAC-seq analysis identified an atypical population of basal keratinocyte-like cells inPrmt5cKOs, that exhibited a senescence-like program, characterized by increasedCdkn1a(p21), elevated senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) molecules (Igfbp2), and decreased developmental transcription factor (Trp63) expression. Our findings suggest that PRMT5 prevents basal keratinocyte senescence by repressingCdkn1a, shedding light on the epigenetic regulation of basal keratinocyte maintenance and senescence in congenital skin disorders.
Paired and solitary ionocytes in the zebrafish olfactory epithelium
Authors: Peloggia Julia , Cheung King Yee , Whitfield Tanya T. , Petkova Mariela D. , Schalek Richard , Boulanger-Weill Jonathan , Wu Yuelong , Wang Shuohong , van Hateren Nicholas J. , Januszewski Michał , Jain Viren , Lichtman Jeff W. , Engert Florian , Piotrowski Tatjana , Jesuthasan Suresh
Published: November 2024

The sense of smell is generated by electrical currents that are influenced by the concentration of ions in olfactory sensory neurons and mucus. In contrast to the extensive morphological and molecular characterization of sensory neurons, there has been little description of the cells that control ion concentrations in the zebrafish olfactory system. Here, we report the molecular and ultrastructural characterization of zebrafish olfactory ionocytes. Transcriptome analysis suggests that the zebrafish olfactory epithelium contains at least three different ionocyte types, which resemble Na+/K+-ATPase-rich (NaR), Na+/Cl-cotransporter (NCC), and H+-ATPase-rich (HR) cells, responsible for calcium, chloride, and pH regulation, respectively, in the zebrafish skin. NaR-like and HR-like ionocytes are usually adjacent to one another, whereas NCC-like cells are usually solitary. The distinct subtypes are differentially distributed: NaR-like/HR-like cell pairs are found broadly within the olfactory epithelium, whereas NCC-like cells reside within the peripheral non-sensory multiciliated cell zone. Comparison of gene expression and serial-section electron microscopy analysis indicates that the NaR-like cells wrap around the HR-like cells and are connected to them by shallow tight junctions. The development of olfactory ionocyte subtypes is also differentially regulated, as pharmacological Notch inhibition leads to a loss of NaR-like and HR-like cells, but does not affect NCC-like ionocyte number. These results provide a molecular and anatomical characterization of olfactory ionocytes in a stenohaline freshwater teleost. The paired ionocytes suggest that both transcellular and paracellular transport regulate ion concentrations in the olfactory epithelium, while the solitary ionocytes may enable independent regulation of multiciliated cells.
Microbial Partner (MiPner) Analysis
Authors: Bennetzen Jeffrey L. , Canela Josue Fernandez , Elmgreen Vienna , McCann Shaugnessy R. , Norris Mary E. , Deng Xiangyu , Brailey-Jones Phillip
Published: November 2024

Although a few bacteria have been studied in great depth, relatively little is known about the characteristics of microbe-microbe interactions that occur within ecosystems on a daily basis. A simple, robust technique was developed to set up the foundation for investigating pairwise bacterial-bacterial interactions, using cell-cell binding as a self-selective mechanism to identify interesting bacterial species pairs. Using a Serratia marcescens strain (SMC43) isolated from Georgia soil as a “bait”, specific bacteria were purified by their specificity in binding SMC43 bacteria that were themselves attached to a wooden applicator stick. The isolated Microbial Partners (MiPners) were greatly enriched for members of the generaSphingobiumand Caulobacter. Two out of 24 streaked MiPners were unable to be separated from, and grow on the plate type tested without, SMC43. This suggests that the MiPner technology will be one strategy for purifying bacteria that were previously recalcitrant to culturing.
Prevalence and risk factors for avian influenza in backyard pigeons, ducks, and chickens in District Toba Tek Singh Pakistan
Authors: Shakeel Iram , Rashid Hamad Bin , Ain Quratul , Inayat Alijaan , Shakeel Umer , Awoniyi Adedayo Michael , Chaudhry Mamoona
Published: November 2024

Avian influenza virus (AIV) is a zoonotic disease that can be transferred from birds to humans. Various pandemics of AIV have drastically affected the poultry industry and backyard birds (ducks, chickens, and pigeons) worldwide, such as in Europe, the USA, Africa, and Asia. In Pakistan, numerous outbreaks of H7, H5, and H9 in poultry industries have been documented in commercial and rural areas, resulting in financial losses. The epidemiological status of different AIV subtypes in backyard birds in rural areas is largely unknown. Cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018-2019 with multistage clustering sampling. These tracheal and cloacal pooled swab samples were collected and tested for AIV. Positive AIV pooled swab samples were further evaluated at the individual level. RNA was extracted using the Trizol method followed by multiplex RT‒PCR with primers and probes to identify the M-gene and subtypes of the AI virus. Statistical analysis was performed by using the multivariate logistic regression model. Overall, the prevalence of AIV in backyard chickens, pigeons, and ducks was 13.0%, 7.7%, and 11.3%, respectively. Among AIV subtypes, H7, H9, and HA/Untyped commonly circulated within backyard birds. All cities had nonsignificant differences (p> 0.05) in the prevalence of AIV among pigeons, ducks, and chickens. According to univariate logistic regression analysis, 16 of the 32 risk factors were further selected for the multivariate logistic regression model. Two potential factors were identified to be significantly associated (p< or =0.05). Among the variables, species (pigeon OR 9.2, 95% CI: 1.92-44.2;p=0.006) and chicken (OR 16.2, 95% CI: 2.89-91.5;p=0.006) strongly associated with the incidence of AIV among cities. Another variable, fighting cock, had a moderate association (OR 2.25, 95% CI: 0.99-5.09;p=0.051) with AIV prevalence. Enhancing surveillance, biosecurity, educational intervention, and farm practices to prevent AIV and improve poultry production and public health in Pakistan.
Methanotrophic flexibility of ‘Ca. Methanoperedens’ and its interactions with sulfate-reducing bacteria in the sediment of meromictic Lake Cadagno
Authors: Echeveste Medrano Maider J. , Su Guangyi , Blattner Lucas A. , Leão Pedro , Sánchez-Andrea Irene , Jetten Mike S. M. , Welte Cornelia U. , Zopfi Jakob
Published: November 2024

The greenhouse gas methane is an important contributor to global warming, with freshwater sediments representing important potential methane sources. Anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea mitigate methane release into the atmosphere by coupling the oxidation of methane to the reduction of extracellular electron acceptors or through interspecies electron transfer with microbial partners. Understanding their metabolic flexibility and microbial interactions is crucial to assess their role in global methane cycling. Here, we investigated anoxic sediments of the meromictic freshwater Lake Cadagno (Switzerland), where ‘Ca. Methanoperedens’ and sulfate-reducing bacteria co-occur, with metagenomics and long-term incubations. Incubations were performed with different electron acceptors, revealing that manganese oxides supported highest CH4oxidation potential but enriched for ‘Ca. Methanoperedens’ phylotypes that were hardly present in the inoculum. Combining data from the inoculum and incubations, we obtained five ‘Ca.Methanoperedens’ genomes, each harboring different extracellular electron transfer pathways. In a reconstructedDesulfobacterota QYQD01genome we observed large multi-heme cytochromes, type IV pili, and a putative loss of hydrogenases, suggesting facultative syntrophic interactions with ‘Ca.Methanoperedens’. We also screened for putative extrachromosomal elements in the ‘Ca. Methanoperedens’ genomes, including BORGs. This research deepens our understanding of the metabolic flexibility and potential interspecific interactions of ‘Ca.Methanoperedens’ in freshwater lakes.
A multivalent adaptor mechanism drives the nuclear import of proteasomes
Authors: Brunner Hanna L. , Kalis Robert W. , Grundmann Lorenz , Hodáková Zuzana , Koskova Zuzana , Grishkovskaya Irina , de Almeida Melanie , Hinterndorfer Matthias , Höfflin Simon , Andersch Florian , Kotisch Harald , Dickmanns Achim , Cuylen-Häring Sara , Zuber Johannes , Haselbach David
Published: November 2024

Nuclear protein homeostasis, including the turnover of transcription factors, critically depends on nuclear proteasomes. After each cell division, proteasomes need to be re-imported into the newly formed nucleus in a highly dynamic process that requires the largely unstructured protein AKIRIN2. However, how AKIRIN2 orchestrates this process and, more generally, how large protein complexes are translocated into the nucleus remains poorly understood. Here, we have used an integrated approach combining protein-wide saturation mutagenesis screens, cryoEM, and biochemical reconstitution to characterize AKIRIN2 as a scaffold protein that coordinates the stepwise assembly of an importin cluster around the proteasome. Through surveying every possible single amino acid substitution in AKIRIN2 using FACS- and microscopy-based genetic screens, we establish a comprehensive map of functionally relevant residues and binding interfaces in structured and disordered protein regions. Integrating these results with cryoEM analysis reveals a wing helix in a disordered region of AKIRIN2 that plays a crucial role in stabilizing proteasome interactions. Upon primary binding, AKIRIN2 homodimers recruit the importin IPO9, which in turn facilitates the binding of a second AKIRIN2 homodimer that recruits additional importins. Together, this multivalent molecular assembly amplifies the number of nuclear localisation signals and, thereby, triggers efficient proteasome translocation into the nucleus. Inside the nucleus, RanGTP rapidly dissociates importins, and AKIRIN2 is degraded by the proteasome in a ubiquitin-independent manner. Beyond mechanistically resolving the nuclear import of proteasomes, we propose that multivalent adaptor proteins like AKIRIN2 orchestrate the import of other macromolecular complexes and thereby dynamically control the composition of the nuclear proteome.
Axonal spheroids are regulated by Schwann cells after peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Hunter-Chang Sarah , Kim-Aun Charlene , Karim Heeran , Jones Marieke , Vegiraju Tanvika , Stepanova Ekaterina , Manke Brynn , Kucenas Sarah , Deppmann Christopher
Published: November 2024

Axonal spheroids are hallmark features of neurodegeneration, forming along degenerating axons and contributing to disease progression. Despite their ubiquity across degenerative etiologies, the dynamics of spheroid disappearance, as well as their interactions with glial cells, remain poorly understood. Here, using anin vivozebrafish model of peripheral nerve injury, we identified several patterns of spheroid disappearance that are regulated by Schwann cells. These results describe spheroid dynamics across their lifetimes, establish a role for the extra-axonal environment in altering spheroid outcomes, and identify a cellular mechanism whereby spheroid fates are altered.

Axonal spheroids (also called “dystrophic neurites,” “axonal swellings,” and “axonal beading”) undergo three fates: shrinking, breakdown, and uniform disappearance

Schwann cells ensheath most axonal spheroids and internalize a subset of them

Schwann cells regulate axonal spheroid fates, identifying a role for axon-extrinsic processes in spheroid regulation

Abstract Figure

Graphical Abstract:

Following injury, spheroids are more likely to undergo shrinking and breakdown when Schwann cells (SCs) are present on degenerating axons. When Schwann cells are absent, spheroids are more likely to undergo uniform disappearance. Spheroids expose phosphatidylserine, which could facilitate interactions between spheroids and SCs.
Cortical contributions to attentional orienting and response cancellation in action stopping
Authors: Kemp Sarah A , Salomoni Sauro , Bazin Pierre-Louis , Pash Luke , St George Rebecca J , Hinder Mark R
Published: November 2024

Action cancellation involves the termination of planned or initiated movement. Contemporary models of action cancellation, such as the Pause-then-Cancel model, propose that this occurs via a two-stage process, initiated in the cortex by the pre-supplementary motor area (preSMA) and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Previous experimental work using electromyography (EMG) has identified that the cancellation of actions can involve the partial activation of the responding muscles, which does not result in an overt behavioural response. In this study, we used functional near-infrared spectroscropy (fNIRS) to investigate the neural correlates of these partial responses in a modified stopping task (a response- and stimulus-selective stop-signal task), controlling for the attentional effects that have long confounded action cancellation research by comparing responses to stop stimuli with those to ignore stimuli. We identified stopping-related activity in the preSMA but not the IFG, consistent with predictions of the Pause-then-Cancel model. Additionally, we observed increased preSMA activity in trials where no partial responses occurred, potentially due to the cumulative effect of different inhibitory processes in those trials. This study also highlights the utility of combining fNIRS and EMG in examining the cortical correlates and dynamic processes involved in action cancellation.
Optimizing Lipidomics Analysis Workflows for Biological Fluids and Extracellular Vesicles with Integrated Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Approaches
Authors: Vilela Adriana F. L. , Patrício Miguel R. , Defelippo-Felippe Thiago V. , Nardini Viviani , Pontes Nathan N. H. , Carvalho Jonatan C. , Nobre-Azevedo Pedro , Rodrigues Daniel L. , Oliveira Bianca T. M. , da Silva-Neto Pedro V. , Fernandes Ana P. M. , Almeida Fausto , Faccioli Lucia H. , Sorgi Carlos A.
Published: November 2024

Lipidomics, a subfield of metabolomics, involves the comprehensive analysis of lipids within biological systems and has become a cornerstone of biomedical research, driven by recent technological advancements. Lipids are crucial biomolecules in cellular functions and have been increasingly recognized for their roles in physiological and pathological processes. This study focuses on innovative strategies for developing, validating, and applying comprehensive analytical methods for untargeted lipidomics using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in human plasma and extracellular vesicles (EVs). We describe improvements based on analytical validation parameters, including inter-day repeatability, limit of quantification, precision, accuracy, recovery, and matrix effects. Plasma samples were used as a proof-of-concept study, and the method was ultimately applied to human macrophage-derived EVs. Samples preparations were achieved through four liquid-liquid extraction methods for lipids in order to achieve a broad coverage of lipid classes as well as high recovery and repeatability. Additionally, we demonstrated that a sonication-assisted homogenization step effectively facilitates lipid extraction from EVs. Through untargeted lipidomics, our study identifies and quantifies a diverse range of lipid species in human plasma (225 molecular lipids) and macrophage-derived EVs (124 molecular lipids) within different classes. Overall, we present an innovative methodology that combines pre-analytical lipid extraction techniques with high-resolution LC-MS/MS to enhance lipidomics research. This approach holds promise for personalized medicine and the discovery of novel lipid cargo associated with the various biological pathways involved with EVs biogenesis.
KDM5C is a sex-biased brake against germline gene expression programs in somatic lineages
Authors: Bonefas Katherine M. , Venkatachalam Ilakkiya , Iwase Shigeki
Published: November 2024

The division of labor among cellular lineages is a pivotal step in the evolution of multicellularity. In mammals, the soma-germline boundary is formed during early embryogenesis, when genes that drive germline identity are repressed in somatic lineages through DNA and histone modifications at promoter CpG islands (CGIs). Somatic misexpression of germline genes is a signature of cancer and observed in select neurodevelopmental disorders. However, it is currently unclear if all germline genes use the same repressive mechanisms and if factors like development and sex influence their dysregulation. Here, we examine how cellular context influences the formation of somatic tissue identity in mice lacking lysine demethylase 5c (KDM5C), an X chromosome eraser of histone 3 lysine 4 di and tri-methylation (H3K4me2/3). We found maleKdm5cknockout (-KO) mice aberrantly express many tissue-specific genes within the brain, the majority of which are unique to the germline. By developing a comprehensive list of mouse germline-enriched genes, we observedKdm5c-KO cells aberrantly express key drivers of germline fate during early embryogenesis but late-stage spermatogenesis genes within the mature brain. KDM5C binds CGIs within germline gene promoters to facilitate DNA CpG methylation as embryonic stem cells differentiate into epiblast-like cells (EpiLCs). However, the majority of late-stage spermatogenesis genes expressed within theKdm5c-KO brain did not harbor promoter CGIs. These CGI-free germline genes were not bound by KDM5C and instead expressed through ectopic activation by RFX transcription factors. Furthermore, germline gene repression is sexually dimorphic, as female EpiLCs require a higher dose of KDM5C to maintain germline silencing. Altogether, these data revealed distinct regulatory classes of germline genes and sex-biased silencing mechanisms in somatic cells.
Targeting Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Type 1 (CRHR1) Neurons: Validating the Specificity of a Novel Transgenic Crhr1-FlpO Mouse
Authors: Hardy Mason , Chen Yuncai , Baram Tallie Z , Justice Nicholas J
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) signaling through its cognate receptors, CRHR1 and CRHR2, contributes to diverse stress-related functions in the mammalian brain. Whereas CRHR2 is predominantly expressed in choroid plexus and blood vessels, CRHR1 is abundantly expressed in neurons in discrete brain regions, including the neocortex, hippocampus and nucleus accumbens. Activation of CRHR1 influences motivated behaviors, emotional states, and learning and memory. However, it is unknown whether alterations in CRHR1 signaling contribute to aberrant motivated behaviors observed, for example, in stressful contexts. These questions require tools to manipulate CRHR1 selectively. Here we describe and validate a novel Crhr1-FlpO mouse. Methods: Using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenesis, we engineered a transgenic mouse that expresses FlpO recombinase in CRHR1-expressing cells. We used two independent methods to assess the specificity of FlpO to CRHR1-expressing cells. First, we injected Crhr1-FlpO mice with Flp-dependent viruses expressing fluorescent reporter molecules. Additionally, we crossed the Crhr1-FlpO mouse with a transgenic Flp-dependent reporter mouse. CRHR1 and reporter molecules were identified using immunocytochemistry and visualized via confocal microscopy in several brain regions in which CRHR1 expression and function is established. Results: Expression of Flp-dependent viral constructs was highly specific to CRHR1-expressing cells in all regions examined (over 90% co-localization). In accord, robust and specific expression of the Flp-dependent transgenic reporter was observed in a reporter mouse, recapitulating endogenous CRHR1 expression. Conclusions: The Crhr1-FlpO mouse enables selective genetic access to CRHR1-expressing cells within the mouse brain. When combined with Cre-lox or site-specific recombinases, the mouse facilitates intersectional manipulations of CRHR1-expressing neurons.
Income convergence clubs in the Eurozone: a tale beyond the core/periphery divide
Authors: García Solanes José , Beyaert Arielle , Lopez-Gomez Laura
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine income convergence among the Euro members from 1995 to 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses Phillips and Sul’s test (2007, 2009) extended by Lyncker and Thoennessen’s (2017) algorithm jointly with

β and

σ  – convergence analysis and a traditional growth equation.

Findings

This analysis identifies three clubs of countries in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita with notable disparities between and within them, which implies that the theory of optimal currency areas has not been fulfilled.

Originality/value

These results rule out the core/periphery divide as presented in the literature to date. Finally, by estimating an endogenous economic growth model, this study finds the primary factors underpinning the differences between the three stationary states: labor productivity, physical and human capital, investment and international trade.
Contextual factors in selecting added versus naturally occurring sugars on fruit and vegetable beverages: emphasising the role of social context
Authors: Kim Kyounghee , Lee Hyeonjeong , Moon Junghoon
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study examines the consumption of fruit and vegetable (FV) beverages, distinguishing between sugar content, whether from added sugar (AS) or naturally occurring sugar (NOS). While FV beverages are widely perceived as a healthier alternative to other beverages, concerns about their sugar content persist, particularly for AS-sweetened beverages. This study examines the situational contexts (e.g. physical context, social context and temporal conditions) and food pairing contexts (vice versus virtue foods) that influence the selection of AS- over NOS-sweetened FV beverages. Furthermore, it also examines how situational factors and food pairing contexts interact to shape individuals’ FV beverage selection behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used food diary data from March 2019 to May 2022 in South Korea, concentrating on the consumption of ready-to-drink FV beverages with food.

Findings

The results reveal specific situational contexts that increase the likelihood of choosing AS-sweetened FV beverages. In addition, AS-sweetened ones are more likely to be paired with vice foods, whereas NOS-sweetened ones are more likely to be paired with virtue foods. Furthermore, the study shows a significant interaction effect of the social context with paired food menus on FV beverage selection behaviour.

Originality/value

The consumer-centred approach of the study provides valuable insights into the decision-making processes behind FV beverage consumption. It validates that AS- and NOS-sweetened FV beverages are consumed in different situational contexts and with distinct food menus, enabling individuals to make healthier choices in their own consumption context.
Examining the association of climate change worry and awareness of ecological footprint reduction behaviours with Mediterranean diet adherence and climate-friendly food choices
Authors: Kabasakal Cetin Arzu , Şen Gülşen , Aksaray Beyza
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Consumers’ preferences for more sustainable dietary patterns and more climate-friendly foods can play a significant role in mitigating the effects of climate change. Accordingly, the present cross-sectional study aimed to examine the role of climate change worry and awareness of ecological footprint reduction behaviours in undergraduate consumers’ adherence to the Mediterranean diet and climate-friendly food choices.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was carried out with 600 healthy undergraduate students, including 255 (42.5%) males and 345 (57.5%) females. They completed the climate change worry scale, the awareness scale for reducing ecological footprint and the Mediterranean diet adherence scale. In addition, participants’ climate-friendly diet scores (CFDS) were calculated to evaluate climate-friendly food choices. Data were analysed using SPSS software.

Findings

Linear regression models indicated that climate change worry was positively associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (β = 0.121, p = 0.003) and CFDS (β = 0.087, p < 0.001). Similarly, a positive association was observed between the awareness of ecological footprint reduction behaviours and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (β = 0.179, p < 0.001) and CFDS (β = 0.098, p < 0.001).

Research limitations/implications

The results may indicate that worry about climate change and awareness of ecological footprint reduction behaviours can promote higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and more climate-friendly food choices, but the observed associations do not imply causality, and further studies are required to determine whether causal links exist.

Originality/value

This study examined the relationships between climate change worry, awareness of ecological footprint reduction behaviours, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and climate-friendly food choices in a single study on undergraduate students.
Family successor CEO and innovation investment: a study based on the theoretical upper echelons and conflict theory
Authors: Chen Canjun , Lv Lelin , Xu Changxin
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Grounded in upper echelons theory (UET) and conflict theory, the purpose of this study is to analyzes the innovative behavior of family firms from the perspective of the cognitive differences between successors and senior managers.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed a sample listed family firms in China. The obtained results were subjected to hierarchical regression analysis, complemented by rigorous model robustness testing through propensity score matching and regression with substitution variables.

Findings

Successors engender task conflicts with family members in the top management team (TMT) due to cognitive differences, thereby stimulating corporate innovation. Conversely, successors engender relationship conflicts with non-family members in the TMT, impeding innovation. Furthermore, the performance expectations and the gender of the successor CEO also influence the relationship between cognitive differences and innovation between the successor and the TMT.

Originality/value

This study's originality and value lie in its innovative application of UET and conflict perspectives to dissect the intricate layers of intergenerational cognitive differences and their impact on the innovative behavior of family firms. It augments our comprehension of how the internal dynamics within family firms shape strategic innovation decisions.
Has digital infrastructure accelerated enterprises' specialization? Evidence from China
Authors: Jia Xiaofang , Li Xiangtao
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper intends to explore the impact and mechanism of digital infrastructure development on enterprises vertical specialization. The following questions are discussed: (1) What is the impact of digital infrastructure on enterprise vertical specialization? (2) If the digital infrastructure serves to raise the level of vertical specialization of enterprises, does the impact differ depending on the level of city, industry and enterprise?

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs the “Broadband China” strategy as a quasi-natural experiment for digital infrastructure development, with a multi-period difference-in-difference model constructed to test the research hypothesis. The study examined data from Chinese A-share enterprises listed between 2007 and 2019.

Findings

The study’s findings indicate that the construction of digital infrastructure significantly increases firms' vertical specialization. According to the mechanism analysis, digital infrastructure can increase vertical specialization by lowering market transaction costs. This study employs group regressions in terms of cities, industries and companies to gain a better understanding of the heterogeneity of this effect. The results indicate that digital infrastructure contributes more significantly to higher levels of vertical specialization among enterprises in areas with higher levels of innovation and entrepreneurship as well as in eastern and central cities, service industries, and mature firms.

Research limitations/implications

There are two shortcomings to this study that warrant investigating further. The first limitation is the mechanism. This study simply looked at the mechanism between variables in terms of transaction costs, using existing theories. As the level of technology continues to improve, the process of digital infrastructure’s impact on vertical specialization requires greater investigation. Another weakness of this study is its country-specific focus. The effect of digital infrastructure on vertical specialization differs by country, reflecting disparities in economic growth. Further discussion of cross-national comparative studies is required.

Originality/value

The study’s marginal contributions are largely represented in the two aspects listed below: (1) This paper includes a comprehensive theoretical study of the influence of digital infrastructure development on vertical specialization, focusing on transaction costs. This provides a theoretical foundation for the empirical study presented in this paper; (2) this study fills the gap in earlier research in this field, and the findings broaden research findings in areas such as digital infrastructure development and vertical specialization.
Ethical transgressions in the construction industry in Sarawak, Malaysia: perspectives of quantity surveyors
Authors: Yip Hui Lian , Wong Shi Yee , Ding Chu Sheng , Low Wai Wah
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The unethical practices of quantity surveyors (QSs) are affecting quality of construction projects, leading to projects’ time and cost overruns. However, the unethical practices of QSs specifically from contractor and consultant firms are currently understudied. Therefore, this research aims to investigate and categorize the unethical practices of QSs.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was employed and distributed to the QSs who work in the contractor and consultant firms. Ninety-five responses were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U-test, factor analysis and partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings unveiled disparity between the QSs who work in the consultant and contractor firms, as evidenced by 16 out of the 33 practices displaying statistical significance. The factor analysis results grouped 24 practices into seven components. The PLS-SEM analysis revealed that “contractors ‘collusion and consultants’ biased tender evaluation” had the most significant impact on the perceptions of ethical standards’ declination.

Practical implications

The findings could serve as guideline for the management of consultant and contractor firms with QSs for better management procedures to avoid any intentionally or unintentionally unethical practices that may impact negatively on projects’ time, cost and quality.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies investigating the perspectives of QSs from the contractors and consultancy firms’ perspective by employing factor analysis and PLS-SEM. The findings could contribute to the body of knowledge in tackling the ethical transgressions specifically related to contractors’ or consultants’ QSs.
Enablers of satisfaction with coworking spaces: assessing the influence of users’ personality and experience
Authors: Rodríguez-Ruiz Óscar , Labrado-Antolín Maribel , Fernández-Menéndez José , Delgado-Piña Isabel
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study analysed the extent to which differences in personality traits and coworking experiences affect coworkers’ satisfaction with coworking spaces (CWS).

Design/methodology/approach

The present study is based on employee-workplace alignment theory (Appel-Meulenbroek et al., 2021). This approach addresses people’s ability to do their jobs in a certain work environment and studies job satisfaction as an outcome variable. We used a dataset of 135 CWS members grouped in the Spanish Association of Flexible Office Spaces, Prowork Spaces. The regression models were fitted using satisfaction with coworking as the dependent variable.

Findings

The findings support the idea that some psychological traits of coworkers, such as extroversion and agreeableness, have a significant influence on their satisfaction with coworking. Our study also shows that the relationship between coworking experience and satisfaction is curvilinear.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the advancement of employee-workplace alignment theory by showing that some personality traits are relevant variables for person-organisation fit in CWS. While extroversion and agreeableness are traditionally associated with prosocial outcomes, we found that agreeable coworkers were not more satisfied with CWS. In addition, the study identified a nonlinear relationship between experience and satisfaction with CWS, which has not been detected in previous studies.
The economic and financial performance of biogas production: a retrospective analysis of the French case
Authors: Bourdin Sébastien , Condor Roland , Fournès Christine , Tessier Luc
Published: November 2024

Purpose

While numerous studies have focused on the economic impact of technical changes made to anaerobic digestion plants, there is limited understanding of the overall economic and financial performance of the biogas production units. This study aims to analyse the economic and financial performance of the biogas production sector over a 5-year period using various accounting indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on an examination of financial data of French biogas units over a five-year period (2015–2019). Following a research protocol detailed in the study, 334 units were studied: 192 projects run by farmers, 83 projects run by industrial companies and 59 run by a mixed partnership (farmers, local authorities, and industry).

Findings

This study reveals that biogas production is performing well both economically and financially, but the performance varies depending on the type of producer: farmers better perform from an economic point of view, while industrialists are looking for financial profitability. Farmers exploit their competitive advantage based on waste disposal. Industrialists offset this disadvantage by a better ability to raise funds to negotiate payment terms and interest rates.

Originality/value

The originality of the study lies in its business approach. It completes the energy efficiency one which is more usual in energy sector management publications. Additionally, the study spans a five-year period, providing a longitudinal perspective of companies’ economic and financial performance. Furthermore, the data is sourced from reliable government sources.
Machine learning­based approaches for enhancing human resource management using automated employee performance prediction systems
Authors: Uppal Aakanksha , Awasthi Yashmita , Srivastava Anubha
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study focuses on enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of employee performance prediction to enhance decision making and improve organisational productivity. By introducing advance machine learning (ML) techniques, this study aims to create a more reliable and data-driven approach to evaluate employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, nine machine learning (ML) models were used for forecasting employee performance: Random Forest, AdaBoost, CatBoost, LGB Classifier, SVM, KNN, XGBoost, Decision Tree and one Hybrid model (SVM + XGBoost). Each ML model is trained on an HR data set covering various features such as employee demographics, job-related factors and past performance records, ensuring reliable performance predictions. Feature scaling techniques, namely, min-max scaling, Standard Scaler and PCA, have been used to enhance the effectiveness of employee performance prediction. The models are trained to classify data, predicting whether an employee’s performance meets expectations or needs improvement.

Findings

All proposed models used in the study can correctly categorize data with an average accuracy of 94%. Notably, the Random Forest model demonstrates the highest accuracy across all three scaling techniques, achieving optimise accuracy, respectively. The results presented have significant implications for HR procedures, providing businesses with the opportunity to make data-driven decisions, improve personnel management and foster a more effective and productive workforce.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of the used data set limits the study, despite our models delivering high accuracy. Further research could extend to different data sets or more diverse organisational settings to validate the model’s effectiveness across various contexts.

Practical implications

The proposed ML models in the study provide essential tools for HR departments, enabling them to make more informed data driven decisions with regard to employee performance. This approach can enhance personnel management, improve workforce productivity and fostering a more effective organisational environment.

Social implications

Although AI models have shown promising outcomes, it is crucial to recognise the constraints and difficulties involved in their use. To ensure the fair and responsible use of AI in employee performance prediction, ethical considerations, privacy problems and any biases in the data should be properly addressed. Future work will be required to improve and broaden the capabilities of AI models in predicting employee performance.

Originality/value

This study introduces an exclusive combination of ML models for accurately predicting employee performance. By employing these advanced techniques, the study offers novel insight into how organisations might transition from a conventional evaluation method to a more advanced and objective, data-backed approach.
From the player to the sponsor: exploring the interplay of attitudes in MMA sports sponsorship
Authors: Szymkowiak Andrzej , Garczarek-Bąk Urszula , Frątczak Agnieszka , Metelski Adam
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the complex dynamics of sports sponsorship within the context of mixed martial arts (MMA). Specifically, it explores how audience attitudes toward MMA influence their perceptions of players and sponsors, and subsequently, how these attitudes affect brand perceptions and purchase intentions. Furthermore, this research examines the moderating effect of fans' attitudes toward MMA on the relationship between their attitudes toward sponsors and their purchase intentions. MMA was selected as the focus of this study due to its propensity to evoke more intense emotional responses than other sports, as evidenced by previous research.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 was conducted to systematically assess the emotional responses elicited by MMA. This preliminary study involved 277 participants. Building on the findings from Study 1, Study 2 employed an online survey to investigate the relationships among various constructs related to MMA. This survey was facilitated through an external portal and included a sample of 459 participants residing in the United States. The constructs measured in this survey were attitudes toward the player (ATP), attitudes toward the sponsor (ATS), perception of brand quality (PBQ), purchase intention (ITP) and attitudes toward mixed martial arts (ATM).

Findings

The study reveals that respondents rated MMA the most negatively among the analyzed sports, with the highest standard deviation, indicating that MMA evokes extreme emotional responses. The findings confirm that attitudes toward the player positively influence attitudes toward the sponsor, aligning with sponsorship-linked marketing theory. Moreover, positive attitudes toward the player were found to enhance perceptions of the sponsor’s brand quality. The research further demonstrated that attitudes toward the sponsor and perceptions of brand quality mediate the relationship between attitudes toward the player and purchase intentions, underscoring the complex nature of consumer decision-making in MMA sponsorship.

Originality/value

This research provides novel insights into the critical role of audience engagement and personal connection with sports in formulating effective sponsorship strategies. It emphasizes the need for marketers to tailor their approaches to align with the sport’s personal significance to the audience, employing narratives that resonate with their identities and values. Enhancing player-sponsor associations through co-branded campaigns and endorsements is essential. Furthermore, consistently maintaining high product quality and fostering emotional connections with the sport are key strategies to drive increased purchase intentions.
Study on influence of friction conditions on the friction and wear performance of high-speed rail brake materials under high humidity environment
Authors: Ding Siyuan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Using the multifunctional friction and wear testing machine independently developed by the research group, the friction and wear tests of different friction conditions (contact pressure and sliding speed) are conducted on the brake materials of high-speed trains with the ambient humidity of 95% and the initial temperature of the disk of 200°C.

Design/methodology/approach

Friction and wear.

Findings

The test results show that changing the friction conditions has a significant effect on the braking performance of high-speed trains.

Originality/value

YES.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2024-0171/
Enhanced tribological properties of sliding contacts through the synergistic effect of PTFE film and PSAIL 2280
Authors: Xia Yanqiu , Chen Wenhao , Zhang Yi , Yang Kuo , Yang Hongtao
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a composite lubrication system combining polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film and oil lubrication in steel–steel friction pairs.

Design/methodology/approach

A PTFE layer was sintered on the surface of a steel disk, and a lubricant with additives was applied to the surface of the steel disk. A friction and wear tester was used to evaluate the tribological properties and insulation capacity. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer was used to analyze the changes in the composition of the lubricant, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyze the chemical composition of the worn surface.

Findings

It was found that incorporating the PTFE film with PSAIL 2280 significantly enhanced both the friction reduction and insulation capabilities at the electrical contact interface during sliding. The system consistently achieved ultra-low friction coefficients (COF < 0.01) under loads of 2–4 N and elucidated the underlying lubrication mechanisms.

Originality/value

This work not only confirm the potential of PTFE films in insulating electrical contact lubrication but also offer a viable approach for maintaining efficient and stable low-friction wear conditions.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-06-2024-0222/
Bibliometric analysis of banking frauds and scams literature
Authors: Shukla Anurag , Kashni Tarun
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to undertake an evaluation of the research development and works associated with banking frauds and scams.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have conducted bibliometric analysis of 288 studies on issues of banking frauds and scams, published up to August 4, 2024 using Scopus and the VOS viewer software.

Findings

This study disseminates top influential authors, countries, journals, papers, funding institutions and affiliations relating to banking frauds and scams. Generally, although a great deal of work has been accomplished in this area, there are prominent gaps in such findings.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first comprehensive review of extant research relating to banking frauds and scams. It hence represents an original piece of work in applying bibliometric analysis to this topic area, offering valuable insights for practitioners and academics who seek to understand more about banking frauds and scams risks.