bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionarily new genes in humans with disease phenotypes reveal functional enrichment patterns shaped by adaptive innovation and sexual selection
Authors: Chen Jian-Hai , Landback Patrick , Arsala Deanna , Guzzetta Alexander , Xia Shengqian , Atlas Jared , Sosa Dylan , Zhang Yong , Cheng Jingqiu , Shen Bairong , Long Manyuan
Published: February 2025

New genes (or young genes) are genetic novelties pivotal in mammalian evolution. However, their phenotypic impacts and evolutionary patterns over time remain elusive in humans due to the technical and ethical complexities of functional studies. Integrating gene age dating with Mendelian disease phenotyping, we reveal a gradual rise in disease gene proportion as gene age increases. Logistic regression modeling indicates that this increase in older genes may be related to their longer sequence lengths and higher burdens of deleterious de novo germline variants (DNVs). We also find a steady integration of new genes with biomedical phenotypes into the human genome over macroevolutionary timescales (~0.07% per million years). Despite this stable pace, we observe distinct patterns in phenotypic enrichment, pleiotropy, and selective pressures across gene ages. Young genes show significant enrichment in diseases related to the male reproductive system, indicating strong sexual selection. Young genes also exhibit disease-related functions potentially linked to human phenotypic innovations, such as increased brain size, musculoskeletal phenotypes, and color vision. We further reveal a logistic growth pattern of pleiotropy over evolutionary time, indicating a diminishing marginal growth of new functions for older genes due to intensifying selective constraints over time. We propose a "pleiotropy-barrier" model that delineates higher potentials for phenotypic in-novation in young genes compared to older genes, a process under natural selection. Our study demonstrates that evolutionarily new genes are critical in influencing human reproductive evolution and adaptive phenotypic innovations driven by sexual and natural selection, with low pleiotropy as a selective advantage.
Microscopic approach to the problem of enhancement and suppression of superconductivity on twinning planes
Authors: Talkachov Anton , Kaushik Sahal , Babaev Egor
Published: February 2025

Using a microscopic approach, we revisit the problem of superconducting critical temperature change in the presence of twin boundaries. We show that both critical temperature enhancement and suppression can come purely from single-electron geometric effects. These include aspects of scattering of electrons on these crystalline defects even when the coupling constant is unchanged. We consider two-dimensional rectangular and three-dimensional body-centered-cubic lattices with on-site s-wave superconducting pairing, nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor hoppings. In the considered two-dimensional lattice with twin boundaries, the superconducting critical temperature associated with twinning planes is suppressed for moderate band filling and enhanced for an almost empty or filled band. The superconducting phase diagram is more diverse for the three-dimensional lattice, which is caused by the interplay of van Hove singularity, changing coordination number, and modification of distances to nearest and next-nearest neighbors.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Holographic analysis of the pion
Authors: Forshaw Jeffrey , Sandapen Ruben
Published: February 2025

Inspired by light-front holography, we compute the pion mass, charge radius, decay constant, electromagnetic form factor and electromagnetic transition form factor. To do so, we model the longitudinal quark dynamics using potentials due to ’t Hooft and to Li and Vary. We find a longitudinal wave function that is rather more peaked about x∼1/2 than in previous studies. We also explore the strong degeneracy between these two potentials and conclude by noting that one scenario that accords well with the data also maps onto an equation previously noted by Vegh that describes the dynamics of a four-segmented string in three-dimensional anti–de Sitter spacetime.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Top quark electroweak dipole moment at a high energy muon collider
Authors: Han Tao , Liu Da , Wang Si
Published: February 2025

We study the sensitivity reach to probe the electroweak dipole operators associated with a top quark at a multi-TeV lepton collider. Studying the electroweak dipole operators is strongly motivated by precision physics. The operators exhibit unique chiral structure and can be enhanced with respect to others in theories beyond the Standard Model. We illustrate this point in a strongly coupled composite Higgs model. We find that a high energy μ+μ− collider may offer a unique opportunity to probe the electroweak dipole operators beyond the coverage by the LHC and future hadron colliders. The significant sensitivity is achieved by the leading channel μ+μ−→tt¯ near the threshold, and substantially improved by the novel channel μ+μ−→tt¯h at high energies. We may be able to reach a new physics scale well above the collider energy for moderate couplings of the Wilson coefficients. Our main conclusions are applicable to future e+e− colliders.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Absorptive effects in black hole scattering
Authors: Bautista Yilber Fabian , Huang Yu-Tin , Kim Jung-Wook
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we define absorptive Compton amplitudes, which capture the absorption factor for waves of spin-weight-s scattering in black hole perturbation theory. At the leading order, in the GMω expansion, such amplitudes are purely imaginary and expressible as contact terms. Equipped with these amplitudes we compute the mass change in black hole scattering events via the Kosower-Maybee-O’Connell formalism, where the rest mass of a Schwarzschild/Kerr black hole is modified due to absorption of gravitational, electromagnetic, or scalar fields sourced by other compact object. We reproduced the power loss previously computed in the post-Newtonian expansion. The results presented here hold for similar mass ratios and generic spin orientation, while keeping the Kerr spin parameter to lie in the physical region χ≤1.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Photon-Counting Interferometry to Detect Geontropic Space-Time Fluctuations with GQuEST
Authors: Vermeulen Sander M. , Cullen Torrey , Grass Daniel , MacMillan Ian A. O. , Ramirez Alexander J. , Wack Jeffrey , Korzh Boris , Lee Vincent S. H. , Zurek Kathryn M. , Stoughton Chris , McCuller Lee
Published: February 2025

The gravity from the quantum entanglement of space-time (GQuEST) experiment uses tabletop-scale Michelson laser interferometers to probe for fluctuations in space-time. We present a practicable interferometer design featuring a novel photon-counting readout method that provides unprecedented sensitivity, as it is not subject to the interferometric standard quantum limit. We evaluate the potential of this design to measure space-time fluctuations motivated by recent “geontropic” quantum gravity models. The accelerated accrual of Fisher information offered by the photon-counting readout enables GQuEST to detect the predicted quantum gravity phenomena within measurement times at least 100 times shorter than equivalent conventional interferometers. The GQuEST design, thus, enables a fast and sensitive search for signatures of quantum gravity in a laboratory-scale experiment.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
How to promote the technological innovation cooperation in mega construction projects at the project level?
Authors: Guo Zhenxu , Wang Qing’e , Jing Haofei , Gao Qixin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Mega construction projects (megaprojects) require technological innovation cooperation (TIC) to address complex construction demands and the interests of multiple stakeholders. Although TIC has been extensively discussed at the firm level, a significant gap remains in understanding megaprojects at the project level. This paper aims to identify TIC’s influencing factors and transmission paths and discuss stakeholders’ TIC mechanisms at the project level.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on case analysis, expert interviews, literature analysis and the Delphi method, this paper identifies the influencing factors of TIC in megaprojects at the project level. A structural system of these influencing factors is constructed by interpretive structural modeling (ISM), developing various mechanisms for TIC from bottom to top. The Matriced’ Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement (MICMAC) method validates the driving forces and dependencies of the influencing factors, clarifying their roles and positions within the system. Additionally, the TIC mechanism is constructed.

Findings

The research findings identify 26 influencing factors categorized into four hierarchical levels: cooperative relationships, cooperative behavior, cooperative performance and technological innovation risks. Regarding direct factors, resource sharing affects goal congruence and communication effectiveness in megaprojects, affecting TIC’s satisfaction and trust. Most factors exist in the middle layer, and bridging the upper and lower levels depends on stakeholder collaboration. The root factors in the independent group significantly impact TIC, including policy circumstances, high technical requirements and limited site conditions. Addressing these issues influences improvements in other factors. The development of a digital resource-sharing platform, the enhancement of innovation incentives, the optimization of benefit distribution mechanisms and the improvement of risk-sharing mechanisms are essential for the effective operation of the TIC mechanism.

Originality/value

This study contributes to identifying and classifying challenges and opportunities in TIC. It explores transmission paths for enhancing TIC and presents strategies for successfully implementing and delivering megaprojects.
Human resources analytics performance measurement: a novel hybrid approach based on cumulative belief degree and PLS-SEM
Authors: Budak Muhammed Cagri , Soyer Ayberk
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Human resources analytics (HRA) applications are of theoretical and practical interest to both researchers and practitioners. While organizations have begun to implement HRA applications, there is currently no established approach for measuring their performance. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by proposing a new approach for measuring the performance of HRA applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a hybrid approach that combines the cumulative belief degree (CBD) and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to measure organizational HRA performance.

Findings

The performance measurement approach proposed in this study has the capacity to reveal the total HRA performance level of an organization, while also providing the opportunity to measure the performance of the subdimensions that make up HRA. These subdimensions include data sufficiency, technological capability, workforce capability, application level of HRA and organizational climate. This approach has the potential to assist organizations that do not currently utilize HRA in their operations to make an informed decision regarding the implementation of HRA and enables organizations to assess their potential performance if they were to implement HRA.

Practical implications

The proposed approach allows organizations to assess the performance of analytical applications in the human resources (HR) field. This assessment can be carried out at both the pre-implementation and post-implementation stages of HRA applications. Therefore, the approach provides a valuable contribution to organizations, enabling them to enhance their capabilities in this domain. Consequently, the study addresses a significant gap in practical research. Furthermore, in terms of the applicability of the developed HRA performance measurement model to diverse analytical domains, it paves the way for the advancement of other performance measurement studies.

Originality/value

The HRA performance assessment process encompasses multiple interrelated HRA subdimensions and performance indicators that can be measured using different scales. It is therefore essential to implement a flexible methodology that can convert diverse forms of evaluation into a unified scale and integrate them in order to effectively manage the inherent complexities and uncertainties associated with the assessment process. In this regard, the CBD approach proves particularly effective. In the CBD approach, a fuzzy set of linguistic terms is used to convert the performance indicator scores into a common scale and therefore takes into account the uncertainty inherent in the assessment process. In addition, it is also proposed to use the PLS-SEM method to combine CBDs.
Comparative analysis of innovation management between ANZ (Australia, New Zealand) and TMSV (Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam) regions
Authors: Lobo Stanislaus Roque , Samaranayake Premaratne
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The main aim of this study was to determine the scope of application for an innovation management assessment framework (IMAF) within innovation management. Two distinct geographical regions: ANZ (Australia and New Zealand) and TMSV (Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam) were chosen to identify and analyse significant comparative differences.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was used using empirical data collected through an online questionnaire-based survey. Statistical data analysis, including descriptive statistics, univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Hsu’s MCB (multiple comparisons with/to the best) post-hoc test results, was carried out to identify significant differences and similarities in innovation management capabilities within the two regions.

Findings

The descriptive statistics analysis reveals areas for potential enhancement in all the model constructs within both regions under investigation. Significant differences in innovation management capabilities between the two regions are identified, specifically in the design for lean six sigma (DFLSS) and the operation function commercial (COMM). However, when considering the remaining constructs of the IMAF, no significant differences in innovation management capabilities are observed between the regions.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by the relatively small size of survey questionnaire responses from the targeted population. Future studies could be conducted on a global scale to increase responses.

Practical implications

The research findings serve as valuable insights into the development of important and useful guidelines for managers and innovation practitioners engaged in innovation planning and management.

Originality/value

The critical analysis conducted in this research, focusing on innovation management capabilities by region, represents a significant advancement in the existing body of work that utilises the IMAF model.
Issues and challenges of frozen assets in Islamic financial markets
Authors: Shirkhani Behrooz , Abdoli Mohammadreza , Valiyan Hasan , Shahri Maryam
Published: February 2025

Purpose

One of the problems of Islamic financial markets is the emergence of frozen assets whose market value is lower than the nominal and recorded value in financial propositions due to the lack of trading attractiveness. Valuation of these assets is usually complex, and companies operating in these markets are reluctant to divest or sell at below market prices. This study aims to evaluate the issues and challenges of frozen assets in Islamic financial markets through the convergence of experience and knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, following the process of Colaizzi (1978), an attempt was made to understand the nature of frozen assets, using phenomenological steps to base this concept in Islamic financial markets. Therefore, based on this process, first, through interviews with experts and open coding, an attempt was made to determine the propositional themes of the phenomenon under investigation. Then, for the purpose of credibility, through critical evaluation, the propositional themes identified were matched with similar researches. It is possible to enter the propositions in the stage of forming a focal group for discussion and exchange of opinions for the cognitive separation of each proposition in the form of a component. In the following, through the Q evaluation checklist, each proposition was scored in the range of +6 to −6 to determine the conceptual clusters of frozen assets generation in the context of the study.

Findings

The results in the qualitative part during 16 interviews revealed the number of 388 open codes, after removing the excesses and repeating similar open codes, 51 propositional themes were determined based on the compatibility of the content with similar studies, it is possible to generalize it to the second step of the study. The results in the quantitative part, relying on the steps of Colaizzi’s process (1978), indicate the identification of ten conceptual clusters in the framework of paradigmatic phenomenology.

Originality/value

The theoretical contribution of this study can cover the weakness of prior researches regarding the knowledge of the nature of frozen assets generation in the financial markets, because most of the researches have been done either descriptively or focusing on the study platform of banks. On the other hand, the results of this study will help both theorists and standard setters in the financial and accounting fields to better understand the nature of frozen assets to adopt more appropriate policies in the shadow of these assets in Islamic financial markets.
Impacts of self-efficacy and herd behavior on farmers’ intention to adopt digital payment in the mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam
Authors: Linh Truong Tuan , Huyen Nguyen Thi Thanh , Quynh Nguyen Ngoc , Doanh Nguyen Khanh
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study examines farmers’ intention to adopt digital payment (DP) in the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam, employing the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), self-efficacy theory and herd behavior theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used partial least square-SEM (PLS-SEM) with orthogonalizing approach to examine farmers’ adoption intention to adopt DP.

Findings

This research found that factors such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions emerge as significant drivers of farmers’ intention to adopt DP. Moreover, our findings highlight the substantial impact of herd behavior and imitation self-efficacy on farmers’ adoption intentions, illustrating their tendency to emulate the actions of others. Notably, DP self-efficacy emerges as a critical determinant, influencing farmers’ adoption intentions both directly and indirectly through performance and effort expectancies.

Research limitations/implications

Performance expectancy was used to represent DP benefits, which should be divided into economic and non-economic aspects. Imitation behavior and imitation self-efficacy were self-reported, potentially leading to overestimation due to self-image concerns. Hence, future research may consider using performance-based tests to measure herding behavior and imitation self-efficacy.

Originality/value

This study makes a distinct contribution to existing literature by incorporating imitation self-efficacy, thereby expanding the framework of self-efficacy theory in the context of DP adoption.
We are sleep-deprived – does your hotel offer a restorative experience?
Authors: Abraham Villy , Solomovich Lior , Barnea-Levy Noa , Cohen Josef
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The present study explores the possible ramifications of insomnia and sleep quality on attitudes and expectations from a hotel accommodating guests suffering from insonia and poor sleep quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study adopts a quantitative dominant (QUAN + qual) concurrent mixed methods design. 20 participants (11 women and nine men) aged 22 to 80 participated in the qualitative research. Purposeful sampling (n = 369) was employed to solicit participants for the quantitative phase of the study.

Findings

Findings suggest that subjective norm influence is significantly associated with service quality expectations and intentions to visit a hotel accommodating sleep-deprived individuals. Hotels accommodating such guests possess a substantial competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

While our study provides valuable insights, it is essential to note that the data was collected from a single country. Therefore, caution should be exercised when generalizing the findings to hotel guests from other countries. This highlights the need for future research to explore cross-cultural aspects of sleep disorders and their impact on the interaction between hotel service providers and guests.

Practical implications

The study results underscore the importance of understanding and addressing the unique needs of travelers’ with sleep disorders. They also emphasize the added benefit of better accommodating other guests who do not necessarily suffer from the disorder to enjoy substantially more sleep.

Originality/value

The extant tourism literature focuses on neurological disorders. However, the possible ramifications of insomnia and poor hotel sleep quality on travel, guest preferences, expectations and choices were mostly overlooked.
Resource-constrained multi-project scheduling problems considering time-dependent reliability of resources: a new immune genetic local search algorithm
Authors: Farahmand-Mehr Mohammad , Mousavi Seyed Meysam
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate resource-constrained multi-project scheduling problems (RCMPSP) involving uncertainty in the form of time-dependent renewable resource reliability. A key focus is to minimize the makespan (completion time) of projects when resources can become unavailable or fail over time at non-constant rates. Accounting for realistic resource reliability seeks to provide scheduling solutions that better reflect potential delays in practical multi-project environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A new discrete-time binary integer programming formulation of RCMPSP is expanded to include time-dependent resource reliability and simultaneously evaluate the time-dependent failure rate and constant repair rate of a resource. A new hybrid immune genetic algorithm with local search (HIGALS) is developed to solve this NP-hard problem. HIGALS incorporates a new coding mechanism, initialization method and local search operator.

Findings

A case study tests the proposed HIGALS approach. The validity of the mathematical model is confirmed by solving small-sized problems with GAMS software. The proposed HIGALS algorithm is validated by solving small-sized problems and comparing its solutions with GAMS. The superiority of HIGALS is demonstrated by comparing its solutions with six basic algorithms on medium- and large-sized problems. Results show that HIGALS outperforms existing algorithms, achieving an average reduction in makespan of over 11.79%, while maintaining the advantages of genetic, immune and local search algorithms and avoiding their disadvantages.

Practical implications

Considering time-dependent resource reliability can help project managers plan for disruptions and delays in resource-critical projects. HIGALS provides decision support for robust multi-project scheduling.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field by investigating RCMPSP with time-dependent renewable resource reliability, which reflects real-world uncertainty more accurately. HIGALS presents a novel approach to balance intensification and diversification for this challenging problem.
Public spending in the Brazilian Ministry of Education: an action research approach
Authors: Dias Sant'Ana Tomás , De Souza Bermejo Paulo Henrique , Ali Maged
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The innovation ecosystem makes it possible to build a network strategy that allows organizations to collaborate and evolve together, especially in public organizations in which the population’s expectation for better services is growing and resources are scarce. Thus, the theory of the innovation ecosystem is analyzed in this study to structure mechanisms for spending efficiency within the institutions of the Brazilian federal education network. This choice is justified by the need to explore the coordination of the innovation ecosystem applied in the university context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was carried out using a qualitative approach. An action research methodology was used on the Ministry of Education of Brazil (MEC), focusing on 110 institutions of the federal education network (federal universities and institutes). Action research was applied in this study because of its capacity to generate knowledge and address practical problems, specifically those concerning the efficiency of public spending in the examined educational institutions.

Findings

A model called the Innovation Ecosystem for Efficiency of Public Spending in Institutions of the Brazilian Federal Network of Education was developed. The model is composed of three layers: a core layer consisting of the MEC as a supervisory body that exerts influence over institutions, a platform layer consisting of four platforms and a development and application layer consisting of actors that interact with ecosystem activities.

Originality/value

As its main contribution, this study presents how public institutions, especially those linked to the area of federal education, can organize and articulate partnership designs to promote innovation and efficiency in public spending.
Evaluating the key factors affecting productivity in the manufacturing sector: a hybrid decision-making framework with evidence from north of Iran
Authors: Zarepour Mahdi , Hojat Shemami Niloufar , Avakh Darestani Soroush
Published: February 2025

Purpose

In today’s world, one of the most important factors of the country’s economic development is improving the productivity of manufacturing industries. Identifying factors affecting the productivity of manufacturing industries and prioritizing them is effective in promoting productivity and can promise to achieve organizational and national productivity. The purpose of this research is to identify the effective factors in improving the productivity of manufacturing industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research method is a descriptive-survey and the data collection tool is a questionnaire. In the first step, according to the studies conducted by reviewing the research literature using a comparative method, library studies and asking opinions from experts, potential factors affecting the productivity of industries were identified and analyzed. Then the factors were divided into four main categories, and the selected factors were determined by using a questionnaire and combining the opinions of experts. Then, the importance of the selected factors was determined using the Fuzzy SWARA decision-making method, and the final ranking of the selected industries of the province was done using the MOORA method.

Findings

The results of this research showed that the factors “profit margin,” “The ratio of sales on current assets” and “The ratio of exports to sales,” respectively, have the highest importance, among the pharmaceutical and household appliances industries of the province that are present in the stock exchange, Caspian Tamin Company has the highest productivity with a productivity score of 0.437.

Originality/value

Looking at the background of the research, no comprehensive research has been conducted to identify indicators that affect productivity in the manufacturing industry, and only a few studies have evaluated productivity indicators for small, specialized industries. Therefore, in the current research, considering the uncertainty in experts' opinions, a hybrid model is presented to identify and comprehensively evaluate the productivity indicators of manufacturing industries using the decision-making method of Fuzzy SWARA and MOORA, which is unique in its turn.
Differential effects of digital transformation on the profitability and marketability of manufacturing firms
Authors: Zhang Xueting , Yin Longsheng , Wang Feng
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Despite the growing importance of digital transformation, few studies have investigated its precise effects on firm efficiency. This research explores the differential effects of digital transformation on the profitability and marketability of manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

We analyze the relationship between digital transformation and firm efficiency using a dataset of Chinese-listed manufacturing firms from 2011 to 2023.

Findings

The results indicate that digital transformation improves marketability and has a U-shaped relationship with profitability. Moreover, industry competition amplifies the positive effect of digital transformation on marketability but attenuates its U-shaped effect on profitability. In contrast, media coverage attenuates the positive effect of digital transformation on marketability and amplifies its U-shaped effect on profitability.

Originality/value

While the existing conclusion about the efficiency of digital transformation is inconsistent, this research enriches the literature on digital transformation and provides insights for improving firm efficiency in terms of both profitability and marketability.
Staying put in a world of resignations, layoffs and moonlighting: unraveling the paradoxical puzzle
Authors: Patrick Warren Stanley , Jha Jatinder Kumar , Thakur Munish , Biswas Soumendu
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to focuses on the paradox of the great resignation (GR), great layoff (GL) and moonlighting (ML) phenomena triggered by the unprecedented complexity, extreme emotional distress and uncertainty caused by the pandemic to explore ways for mitigating their impact on the intention to stay (ITS).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted to explore the impact of the paradoxical GR, layoffs and ML on the ITS by the text analysis of a pool of 111 published articles across 57 journals between 2012 and 2024 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach. The factors impacting the ITS, and the underlying interlinkages of the paradoxical GR, GL and ML phenomena were subsequently inductively deduced using Nvivo software.

Findings

The new theoretical framework explains the evolving dynamics of the ITS and prompts toward a concurrent approach of viewing the paradoxical GR, layoffs and ML through a “common lens” revealing novel insights.

Practical implications

Employees have reprioritized work-life balance, mental health, multiple jobs for varied income streams, flexible work schedules and job satisfaction. Human resource managers should prioritize these aspects and adapt to the evolving workforce dynamics to create a resilient, employee-centric organizational environment where employees choose to stay.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to concurrently examine the current paradox of the GR, layoffs and ML for enhancing the ITS, necessitating a re-evaluation of traditional perceptions of unemployment and job seeking.
Entrepreneurial intention: the role of psychological factors and cognitive process in entrepreneurship
Authors: Mia Md. Mamun , Rahman Mohammad Abdur , Ahmed Sayed Farrukh , Iqbal Mohammed Masum , Khan Md. Sabur
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study pioneers examining the relationships between psychological factors, cognitive processes and entrepreneurial mindset to enhance an understanding of the underlying mechanisms contributing to successful entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

Amos software applied a quantitative approach to analyze the fit indices for the hypothesized model, while SPSS conducted descriptive and factor analysis. Eventually, the primary survey technique was performed with quantitative research, collecting 413 numerical data through a structured, closed-ended Likert scale questionnaire delivered to the target respondents.

Findings

Results have shown that data analysis verifies the positive relationships between psychological factors and the entrepreneurial mindset (hypothesis H1) and cognitive processes and the entrepreneurial mindset (hypothesis H2). These findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms underpinning the entrepreneurial mindset and have implications for entrepreneurship development and support initiatives. The study findings also underscore the importance of understanding the covariance between psychology and cognition in the context of the entrepreneurial mindset – a complex and engaging aspect of the research that is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications

It is important to note that the measuring tools used to evaluate these characteristics may have issues with common technique biases, self-report biases or limitations in fully reflecting their complexity. Awareness of these potential challenges is crucial for future research in this area.

Originality/value

This study's findings have significant practical implications for entrepreneurship training, education and policy-making initiatives. Their practicality will equip the reader with the necessary knowledge to succeed in entrepreneurship.
Trouble follows the needy: More severe leaf herbivory in the resource‐poor temperate oak forest than in the birch forest
Authors: Zhao Changti , Tian Di , Mo Yien , Yu Guo , Ji Chengjun , Fan Dayong , Wang Xiangping , Fang Jingyun
Published: February 2025

Plant–insect herbivore interactions are essential in shaping forest ecosystem health. The resource availability hypothesis (RAH) and the leaf economics spectrum (LES) theory predict that species in high‐resource environments tend to adopt a ‘fast’ strategy but are more susceptible to herbivory. However, this contradicts the reports of increased insect herbivory in the context of global drought intensification and hinders accurate prediction about how different plant species respond to herbivorous insect feeding.

To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted an observational study in two temperate forests dominated by Quercus mongolica and Betula platyphylla in eastern China to compare their leaf herbivory patterns and explore possible mechanisms. We measured three leaf herbivory proxies (consumed leaf area, percent consumed and herbivory frequency), some leaf traits (leaf area [LA], specific leaf area [SLA], leaf water content [LWC], leaf nitrogen, phosphorus and non‐structural carbohydrate contents) and soil properties (pH, soil water content [SWC], soil organic carbon content, soil nitrogen and phosphorus contents).

We found that Q. mongolica, growing in poorer soil environments with lower water and nutrient contents, experienced higher leaf herbivory than B. platyphylla. Regarding leaf traits, Q. mongolica had a higher LA and non‐structural carbohydrate content, but lower SLA, leaf nutrient and water contents, than B. platyphylla. At the leaf level, LA, rather than SLA, of both tree species was positively correlated with leaf herbivory. At the tree level, species‐specific patterns emerged, that is, leaf herbivory of B. platyphylla was positively related to LA and negatively related to leaf nitrogen and water contents and soil phosphorus content, whereas that of Q. mongolica was only positively affected by soil phosphorus content.

These findings challenge the predictions of RAH and LES theory, as Q. mongolica that grows in resource‐poor soil environments with a conservative strategy suffers higher leaf herbivory than B. platyphylla, shedding some light on the proverb that trouble follows the needy. Moreover, water‐related factors (i.e. LWC and SWC) and LA showed an important effect on driving interspecific and intraspecific leaf herbivory variations here, implying that climate‐induced droughts may exacerbate herbivore pressure in temperate forests.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
High soil moisture triggers negative plant–soil feedbacks in a tropical forest
Authors: Milici Valerie R. , Ballesteros Javier , Bagchi Robert
Published: February 2025

Plant‐microbial interactions help stabilize coexistence and shape ecological communities. These interactions are sensitive to abiotic conditions, but how they may be affected by environmental change is unknown. Variation in water availability may be particularly important as it impacts both plant and microbial physiology. Local water availability naturally fluctuates in terrestrial ecosystems, and climate change is predicted to accentuate this variation. For example, environments that experience seasonal rainfall, such as Central American tropical forests, are expected to experience drier dry seasons and wetter wet seasons.

To explore the consequences of altered moisture regimes for plant‐microbial interactions, we conducted a plant–soil feedback experiment in central Panama in which we inoculated seedlings from six shade‐tolerant tree species with the soil microbial communities associated with either conspecific or heterospecific adults or with sterilized soil and grew them under two different soil moisture regimes: 50% or 100% of total soil water holding capacity (WHC).

At 50% WHC, seedling survival and growth were unaffected by the source of soil inoculum. At 100% WHC, seedling survival was reduced in the sterile soil treatment and total biomass was highest for seedlings grown in heterospecific soil.

Soil moisture modified the strength of plant–soil feedbacks. Plant–soil feedbacks were negative at high soil moisture (100% WHC) but disappeared at low soil moisture (50% WHC).

Our work extends a growing body of research on moisture effects on plant–soil feedbacks in the North American prairie to the American tropics, and shows that plant–soil feedbacks and their implications for stabilizing coexistence are context dependent and sensitive to soil moisture in tropical seedlings. As a result, phenomena that reduce soil moisture, such as climate change or forest fragmentation, could reduce diversity in seedling assemblages by weakening negative plant–soil feedbacks.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Local adaptation is highly dependent on common garden conditions where seeds were propagated: Evidence from a 7‐year study on a dominant alpine meadow species
Authors: Chen Dali , Jia Cunzhi , Zhao Xiaohua , Yuan Zhen , Luo Xinping , Bao Jinglong , Zhang Hang , Zhang Zhuo , Hu Xiaowen
Published: February 2025

Combining common garden experiments with reciprocal transplant or sowing experiments is widely used to assess local adaptation in plants. This approach effectively minimizes the potential influence of maternal environments derived from seed origin. However, the impact of divergent common garden environments on local adaptation assessment has received limited attention in previous studies.

To investigate the effects of diverse common garden conditions on the assessment of local adaptation, we conducted a 2‐year common garden experiment followed by a 5‐year reciprocal sowing experiment, both carried out at two different elevations. Seeds from low‐ and high‐elevation populations of Elymus nutans were directly sown in the common garden experiment to propagate seeds for the subsequent reciprocal sowing experiment. Multiple traits, including seedling emergence, survival, plant height, above‐ground biomass, number of reproductive branches, and the number of seeds per individual, were measured in both experiments. This comprehensive method allowed us to examine variations in local adaptation across different growth age and life cycle stages.

The original low‐elevation population consistently outperformed the foreign population at the low‐elevation site, regardless of whether seeds were propagated in low or high‐elevation common gardens, indicating clear local adaptation. In contrast, the original high‐elevation population showed local adaptation only when seeds were propagated in the low‐elevation common garden. Long‐term experiments revealed a gradual decline in the strength of local adaptation in E. nutans over the years. Local adaptation was most evident in the number of seeds, with smaller advantages observed in seedling survival and a number of reproductive branches. No evidence of local adaptation was detected in other traits.

Synthesis. The local adaptation of Elymus nutans was primarily observed during early growth age since seeding and was highly dependent on the common garden conditions in which the seeds were propagated. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider common garden conditions when evaluating plant local adaptation through common garden and reciprocal transplant experiments.
Food contamination and the emerging application of nanobiosensors in food safety
Authors: Rafi Zeeshan , Khan Hamda , Husain Arbab , Khanam Afreen , Alafnan Ahmed , Alobaida Ahmed , Shahab Uzma , Ahmad Irfan , Ahmad Saheem
Published: February 2025

This review article focuses on efficient strategies for detecting food contamination, particularly through the use of nanobiosensors. It begins with an overview of biosensors, highlighting their basic components and underlying mechanisms. The article then explores the advancements driven by nanotechnology, specifically examining key nanomaterials—such as nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanotubes—that play a crucial role in sensor development. A comprehensive analysis of the diverse applications of nanobiosensors in the food industry follows, including their use in detecting foodborne pathogens, toxins, and other harmful contaminants. The integration of nanobiosensors with Internet of Things technologies is also discussed, emphasizing the potential of smart packaging solutions for real‐time monitoring and data analysis. The article critically assesses the challenges and prospects of nanobiosensor applications, addressing issues such as sensor sensitivity, specificity, cost‐effectiveness, and regulatory concerns. Furthermore, emerging trends and future directions are explored, particularly the shift toward more sustainable and eco‐friendly sensor technologies. The review concludes by emphasizing the transformative impact of nanobiosensors in enhancing food safety, quality control, and innovation across the food industry. By offering a thorough examination of current technologies and potential future developments, this article aims to contribute to the continued evolution of nanobiosensor applications in food safety.
Healthy Aging Metabolomic and Proteomic Signatures Across Multiple Physiological Compartments
Authors: Moaddel R. , Candia J. , Ubaida‐Mohien C. , Tanaka T. , Moore A. Z. , Zhu M. , Fantoni G. , Church S. , D'Agostino J. , Fan J. , Shehadeh N. , De S. , Lehrmann E. , Kaileh M. , Simonsick E. , Sen R. , Egan J. M. , Ferrucci L.
Published: February 2025

The study of biomarkers in biofluids and tissues expanded our understanding of the biological processes that drive physiological and functional manifestations of aging. However, most of these studies were limited to examining one biological compartment, an approach that fails to recognize that aging pervasively affects the whole body. The simultaneous modeling of hundreds of metabolites and proteins across multiple compartments may provide a more detailed picture of healthy aging and point to differences between chronological and biological aging. Herein, we report proteomic analyses of plasma and urine collected in healthy men and women, age 22–92 years. Using these data, we developed a series of metabolomic and proteomic predictors of chronological age for plasma, urine, and skeletal muscle. We then defined a biological aging score, which measures the departure between an individual's predicted age and the expected predicted age for that individual based on the full cohort. We show that these predictors are significantly and independently related to clinical phenotypes important for aging, such as inflammation, iron deficiency anemia, muscle mass, and renal and hepatic functions. Despite a different set of selected biomarkers in each compartment, the different scores reflect a similar degree of deviation from healthy aging in single individuals, thus allowing identification of subjects with significant accelerated or decelerated biological aging.
Feathered Frontiers: How Land‐Use Changes Shape Diversity of Bird Communities in an East African Global Biodiversity Hotspot
Authors: John Jasson , Mgimwa Emmanuel , Kamugisha Edwin , Rabdiya Akshita
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the impact of land‐use changes on avian diversity in an agricultural landscape ecosystem in the Usambara Mountains, northeastern Tanzania. The East Usambara Mountains have lost a significant part of their original natural forests. On its southern part, the main forest block is found in Amani Nature Forest Reserve, while the rest of the landscape is fragmented into agricultural mosaics. The study, conducted from 2020 to 2023 using point count observations, documents the avian diversity in different habitats within agricultural landscapes, considering rainy seasons' effects. A total of 4107 individual birds representing 121 species from 39 families were recorded, with notable variations in species diversity across different habitats. Agroforestry systems demonstrated higher avian diversity than forest remnants, agriculture, tea plantations and shrubland. Proximity to forest positively influenced bird diversity, with a significant proportion of true forest species highlighting the importance of intact forest ecosystems. Seasonal variations were evident, with the short rainy season exhibiting higher species richness in certain habitats. The findings of this study underscore the need for conservation strategies that prioritise forest protection and restoration while promoting sustainable agroforestry practices.
Epidemiology of injured e‐scooter riders at a major trauma service – the who, what, where and when?
Authors: Read David J. , Gumm Kellie , Santos Roselyn
Published: February 2025

Background

E‐scooter associated injury patterns are well described, but less is known about the riders. This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of injured riders with the aim of providing information for preventative strategies.

Methods

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data on admissions (2021) and all hospital presentations (2022–2023) to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, due to injury in a rider of an e‐scooter. Data collected were demographics (age, gender, postcode), drug and alcohol usage, helmet usage, circumstances of injury (how, where and when), reported speed, and insurance status. Data was analysed with multiple cross tabulations using two‐sided Fischer's exact test.

Results

Over the 3 years 562 cases were identified, with a median age 29 years (IQR 23–40), 383 (68.5%) were male. Alcohol (29.5%) and drug (10.9%) usage were prevalent. The majority (70.4%) “fell off” without collision, 274 were admitted, and 9.6% were major trauma. Alcohol usage was more likely seen in men (P = 0.006), in major trauma (P = 0.02) but showed no association with age. Speed over 20 km/h was seen in 38.5% when recorded and associated with drug usage and major trauma status but not alcohol. Medicare ineligibility patients (12.1%) were younger, more likely to be female (P = 0.012) and less likely to use drugs (P = 0.001) and alcohol (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This hospital level data of injured e‐scooter riders has shown high prevalence of alcohol and drug usage and speeding, all of which were associated with more severe injury, and are hence prime targets for injury prevention.