bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ERGA-BGE genome of Noah’s Ark shell (Arca noaeLinnaeus, 1758), a Mediterranean bivalve species
Authors: Vasileiadou Katerina , Manousaki Tereza , Dailianis Thanos , Skouradakis Grigorios , Vernadou Emmanouela , Karakasi Danae , Böhne Astrid , Monteiro Rita , Fernández Rosa , Escudero Nuria , Team Genoscope Sequencing , Moussy Alice , Cruaud Corinne , Labadie Karine , Demirdjian Lola , Téodori Emilie , Duprat Simone , Wincker Patrick , Oliveira Pedro H. , Aury Jean-Marc , Haggerty Leanne , Martin Fergal , Bortoluzzi Chiara
Published: February 2025

Arca noae, also known as the Noah’s Ark clam, is a bivalve mollusk found in the shallow coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. This species plays a crucial ecological role by filtering plankton and organic particles from the water, helping maintain water quality and supporting nutrient cycling in marine ecosystems. It is also an important food source for various marine predators, including fish and crustaceans, thereby contributing to the coastal food web.Arca noaeis notably resilient to environmental stressors, such as temperature fluctuations, changes in salinity, and pollution, making it a valuable model species for studying how bivalves adapt and respond to stress. While it is not commonly harvested commercially,Arca noaeis of great interest to marine researchers due to its ability to thrive in diverse coastal habitats. The reference genome ofArca noaewill thus provide important evolutionary insights. The entirety of the genome sequence was assembled into 19 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules. This chromosome-level assembly encompasses 1.5 Gb, composed of 257 contigs and 119 scaffolds, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 20.5 Mb and 84.7 Mb, respectively.
Leveraging next-generation phenotyping for ACMG classification from VUS to likely pathogenic in Mowat-Wilson syndrome
Authors: Hsieh Tzung-Chien , Todd Dylan , Warner Taylor , Blankenship Kayla , Saade Dimah , Weiland Hannah , Bhasin Meghna Ahuja , Klinkhammer Hannah , Li Jing-Mei , Krawitz Peter M. , Chen Wei-Liang , Luk Ho-Ming , Tung Moon Ley , Chandra Bharatendu
Published: February 2025

Background

Next-generation phenotyping (NGP) tools, such as GestaltMatcher, have revolutionized the diagnosis of rare genetic disorders through computational facial analysis. While NGP has been widely integrated into differential diagnosis workflows, its application in variant reclassification within the ACMG framework remains underexplored.

Methods

We applied GestaltMatcher to a pediatrics patient with a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, suspected Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS), and a de novoZEB2variant initially classified as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS). In addition to facial image analysis, we utilized the PEDIA framework, integrating Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) terms and simulated exome data to refine variant prioritization. Bayesian likelihood modeling was used to establish Gestalt score thresholds for PP4 evidence levels (supporting, moderate, strong, and very strong). Brain MRI analysis was also performed to assess structural abnormalities characteristic of MWS.

Results

GestaltMatcher ranked MWS as the top differential diagnosis, and PEDIA integration further confirmedZEB2as the most likely disease-causing gene. Three of the patient’s four facial images met the PP4 moderate threshold, while one met PP4 supporting. Based on these findings, theZEB2variant was reclassified as Likely Pathogenic. MRI analysis revealed subtle corpus callosum thinning, consistent with MWS. Additionally, a validation case of an infant with molecularly confirmed MWS demonstrated the capability of GestaltMatcher to prioritize the diagnosis solely based on infant facial features.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential of NGP-driven facial phenotyping and multimodal integration in variant reclassification. The results support the broader application of AI-assisted phenotyping to improve diagnostic accuracy and ACMG-based variant interpretation, particularly in neurodevelopmental disorders with distinct facial features.
Human Metapneumovirus seroprevalence and PCR trends - Findings from a Tertiary Care Hospital in India
Authors: Yelamanchili Sadhana , Gujjarlapudi Deepika , Mittal Ankit , Chella Nagamani , Yadav Sushma , Dulla Venkata Rajesh , Duvvur Nageshwar reddy
Published: February 2025

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a paramyxovirus that was detected in India first in 2004. It causes a mild common cold in most cases but serious illness has been reported in some young children, adults >65 years and the immunocompromised.

AIM

To study the age related prevalence of IgG antibodies in the population and also to determine the percent positivity and seasonal variation of hMPV infection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study assessed seroprevalence by testing 820 serum samples collected between January 25th– 31st2025 for hMPV IgG antibodies by ELISA and stratified according to age and sex. hMPV PCR trends: Retrospective data from the 1276 tests for Respiratory Viruses done at our centre during 2023 and 2024 were analysed and comprised of age groups 0-18, 19-30 ,31-45, 45-60 and > 60 years. The relationship between gender (M/F) and outcome (positive/negative) across various age groups was analysed using the chi-square test for independence in Graph Pad Prism 8.0.

RESULTS: Seroprevalence study

Overall hMPV IgG Antibody Positivity was 53.4%. Antibody positivity was higher in above 60 years when compared to other groups and was statistically significant (P=0.0001) and female predominance is seen.

In hMPV PCR trends

A higher percentage of positivity were observed in > 60years individuals who had hospitalisation when compared to the other groups which was statistically significant(P=0.0001). Overall Percent positivity was 7.8% in 2023 and 3.8% in 2024. Seasonal peaks occurred in Feb-Mar and Oct. 92.6% of patients were discharged and doing well on follow-up and only 7.4% deaths were seen.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight around 53.4% of the total study population had hMPV IgG antibodies. PCR positivity and antibody positivity was higher in individuals over 60 who had other comorbidities. Hospitalization and mortality rates are significantly high in this high risk groups. Vaccine development for high-risk individuals is recommended.
Shaping of developmental gradients through selection on multiple loci inAntirrhinum
Authors: Bradley Desmond , Boell Louis , Richardson Daniel , Copsey Lucy , Whibley Annabel , Xu Ting , Zhang Yue , Xue Yongbiao , Field David , Coen Enrico
Published: February 2025

Development depends on precise shaping of molecular gradients, but how natural selection acts to establish precision is unknown. Here we analyse genes that control differences in the gradient of yellow flower colour between two varieties of snapdragon (Antirrhinum). We show that these differences depend, in part, oncisregulatory variation in the pigment biosynthetic gene,FLAVIA(FLA).FLAinteracts multiplicatively with three other loci, one of which is atrans-acting regulator ofFLA, to further shape the yellow gradient. All the loci exhibit clines at a hybrid zone, with widths that correlate with phenotypic effect, showing how selection can hone gradient shape with remarkable precision by acting oncisandtransvariation at multiple loci.
Programming alphavirus with IFN-γ overrides the adverse effects of macrophages on oncolytic virotherapy
Authors: Horvathova Laura , Janzen Thijs , Hoogeboom Baukje Nynke , Weissing Franz J. , Daemen Toos , Bhatt Darshak K.
Published: February 2025

Virus uptake by tumor-associated macrophages may significantly reduce the availability of oncolytic viruses for cancer cell infection and limit therapeutic efficacy. Through a computational model, we hypothesized that oncolytic viruses encoding a T cell-stimulating signal like IFN-γ can enhance efficacy regardless of macrophages. To test this, we engineered an alphavirus-based replicon expressing IFN-γ and studied its effect in various tumor-immune coculture systems. While alphavirus replicons do not replicate in macrophages, macrophages readily take up the virus, limiting tumor infection in a frequency-dependent but phenotype-independent manner. However, virus uptake activates the pro-inflammatory responses, further enhanced by neighboring cancer cells expressing virus-encoded IFN-γ. Consequently, T-cell activation was ensured even when a fraction of infected tumor cells expressed IFN-γ, regardless of macrophage presence, frequency, or phenotype. These findings suggest a strategy for optimizing oncolytic virotherapy in tumors with high macrophage infiltration by designing viruses that can stimulate T-cell activation, ensuring therapeutic efficacy.
Cooperativity in septin polymerization is tunable by ionic strength and membrane adsorption
Authors: Vogt Ellysa , Seim Ian , Snead Wilton , Gladfelter Amy
Published: February 2025

Cells employ cytoskeletal polymers to move, divide, and pass information inside and outside of the cell. Previous work on eukaryotic cytoskeletal elements such as actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments investigating the mechanisms of polymerization have been critical to understand how cells control the assembly of the cytoskeleton. Most biophysical analyses have considered cooperative versus isodesmic modes of polymerization; this framework is useful for specifying functions of regulatory proteins that control nucleation and understanding how cells regulate elongation in time and space. The septins are considered a fourth component of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton, but they are poorly understood in many ways despite their conserved roles in membrane dynamics, cytokinesis, and cell shape, and in their links to a myriad of human diseases. Because septin function is intimately linked to their assembled state, we set out to investigate the mechanisms by which septin polymers elongate under different conditions. We used simulations, in vitro reconstitution of purified septin complexes, and quantitative microscopy to directly interrogate septin polymerization behaviors in solution and on synthetic lipid bilayers of different geometries. We first used reactive Brownian dynamics simulations to determine if the presence of a membrane induces cooperativity to septin polymerization. We then used fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to assess septins ability to form filaments in solution at different salt conditions. Finally, we investigated septin membrane adsorption and polymerization on planar and curved supported lipid bilayers. Septins clearly show signs of salt-dependent cooperative assembly in solution, but cooperativity is limited by binding a membrane. Thus, septin assembly is dramatically influenced by extrinsic conditions and substrate properties and can show properties of both isodesmic and cooperative polymers. This versatility in assembly modes may explain the extensive array of assembly types, functions, and subcellular locations in which septins act.
The MicroMap is a network visualisation resource for microbiome metabolism
Authors: Thinnes Cyrille C , Waschkowitz Renee , Courtney Eoghan , Culligan Eoghan , Fahy Katie , Ferrazza Ruby A M , Ferris Ciara , Lagali Angeline , Lane Rebecca , Maye Colm , Murphy Olivia , Noone David , Ryan Saoirse , Bet Mihaela , Corr Maria C , Cummins Hannah , Hackett David , Healy Ellen , Kulczycka Nina , Lang Niall , Madden Luke , McHugh Lynne , Pyne Ivana , Varley Ciara , Harkin Niamh , Meade Ronan , O'Donnell Grace , Nap Bram , Martinelli Filippo , Heinken Almut , Thiele Ines
Published: February 2025

The human microbiome plays a crucial role in metabolism and thereby influences health and disease. Constraint-based reconstruction and analysis (COBRA) has proven an attractive framework to generate mechanism-derived hypotheses along the nutrition-host-microbiome-disease axis within the computational systems biology community. Unlike for human, no large-scale visualisation resource for microbiome metabolism has been available to date. To address this gap, we created the MicroMap, a manually curated microbiome metabolic network visualisation, which captures the metabolic content of over a quarter million microbial genome-scale metabolic reconstructions. The MicroMap contains 5,064 unique reactions and 3,499 unique metabolites, including for 98 drugs. The MicroMap allows users to intuitively explore microbiome metabolism, inspect microbial metabolic capabilities, and visualise computational modelling results. Further, the MicroMap shall serve as an educational tool to make microbiome metabolism accessible to broader audiences beyond computational modellers. For example, we utilised the MicroMap to generate a comprehensive collection of 257,429 visualisations, corresponding to the entire scope of our current microbiome reconstruction resources, to enable users to visually compare and contrast the metabolic capabilities for different microbes. The MicroMap seamlessly integrates with the Virtual Metabolic Human (VMH, www.vmh.life) and the COBRA Toolbox (opencobra.github.io), and is freely accessible at the MicroMap dataverse (https://dataverse.harvard.edu/dataverse/micromap), in addition to all the generated reconstruction visualisations.
Targeted genomic surveillance of insecticide resistance in African malaria vectors
Authors: Nagi Sanjay C , Lucas Eric R , Ashraf Faisal , Mugoya Trevor , Lukyamuzi Edward , Summers Shannan , Yee Calvin , Jacob Christopher G , Njoroge Harun , Pemberton Thomas , Essandoh John , Lukindu Martin , Kaboré Honorine , Sawadogo Grégoire , Williams Jessica , Van‘t Hof Arjen E. , Hernandez-Koutoucheva Anastasia , Hubbart Christina , Rowlands Kate , Jeffreys Anna , Goodwin Scott , Park Naomi , Ariani Cristina , Egyir-Yawson Alexander , Goncalves Sonia , Rajatileka Shavanthi , Rockett Kirk , Simpson Victoria J. , Miles Alistair , Weetman David , Kayondo Jonathan , Nolan Tony , Donnelly Martin J
Published: February 2025

The emergence of insecticide resistance is threatening the efforts of malaria control programmes, which rely heavily on a limited arsenal of insecticidal tools, such as insecticide-treated bed nets. Importantly, genomic surveillance of malaria vectors can provide critical, policy-relevant insights into the presence and evolution of insecticide resistance, allowing us to maintain and extend the shelf life of these interventions. Yet the complex genetic architecture of resistance, combined with resource constraints in malaria-endemic settings, have thus far precluded the widespread use of genomics in routine surveillance. Meanwhile, stakeholders in sub-Saharan Africa are moving towards locally driven, decentralised generation of genomic data, underscoring the need for standardised and robust genomics workflows. To address this need, we demonstrate an approach to targeted genomic surveillance inAnopheles gambiae s.lwith Illumina sequencing. We target 90 genomic loci in theAnopheles gambiae s.lgenome, including 55 resistance-associated mutations and 35 ancestry informative markers. This protocol is coupled with advanced, automated software for accurate and reproducible variant analysis. We are able to elucidate population structure and ancestry in our cohorts and accurately identify most species in theAn. gambiaespecies complex. We report frequencies of variants at insecticide-resistance loci and explore the continued evolution of the pyrethroid target site, theVoltage-gated sodium channel.Applying the platform to a recently established colony of field-caught resistant mosquitoes (Siaya, Kenya), we identified seven independent resistance-associated variants contributing to reduced efficacy of insecticide-treated nets in East Africa. Additionally, we leverage a machine learning algorithm (XGBoost) to demonstrate the possibility of predicting bioassay mortality using genotypes alone. This achieved very high accuracy (73%), demonstrating the potential of targeted genomics to predictively monitor insecticide resistance. Together these tools provide a practical, scalable solution for resistance monitoring while advancing the goal of building local genomic surveillance capacity in sub-Saharan Africa.
Keratins coordinate tissue spreading by balancing spreading forces with tissue material properties
Authors: Naik Suyash , Keta Yann-Edwin , Pranjic-Ferscha Kornelija , Hannezo Édouard , Henkes Silke , Heisenberg Carl-Philipp
Published: February 2025

For tissues to spread, they must be deformable while maintaining their structural integrity. How these opposing requirements are balanced within spreading tissues is not yet well understood. Here, we show that keratin intermediate filaments function in epithelial spreading by adapting tissue mechanical resilience to the stresses arising in the tissue during the spreading process. By analysing the expansion of the enveloping cell layer (EVL) over the large yolk cell in early zebrafish embryosin vivo, we found that keratin network maturation in EVL cells is promoted by stresses building up within the spreading tissue. Through genetic interference and tissue rheology experiments, complemented by a vertex model with mechanochemical feedback, we demonstrate that stress-induced keratin network maturation in the EVL increases tissue viscosity, which is essential for preventing tissue rupture. Interestingly, keratins are also required in the yolk cell for mechanosensitive actomyosin network contraction and flow, the force-generating processes pulling the EVL. These dual mechanosensitive functions of keratins enable a balance between pulling force production in the yolk cell and the mechanical resilience of the EVL against stresses generated by these pulling forces, thereby ensuring uniform and robust tissue spreading.
DNA-PAINT imaging with hydrogel imprinting and clearing
Authors: Stein Johannes , Magni Lorenzo , Church George M.
Published: February 2025

Hydrogel-embedding is a versatile technique in fluorescence microscopy, offering stabilization, optical clearing, and the physical expansion of biological specimens. DNA-PAINT is a super-resolution microscopy approach based on the diffusion and transient binding of fluorescently labeled oligos, but its feasibility in hydrogels has not yet been explored. In this study, we demonstrate that polyacrylamide hydrogels support sufficient diffusion for effective DNA-PAINT imaging. Using acrydite-anchored oligonucleotides imprinted from patterned DNA origami nanostructures and microtubule filaments in fixed cells, we find that hydrogel embedding preserves docking strand positioning at the nanoscale. Sample clearing via protease treatment had minor structural effects on the microtubule structure, and enhanced diffusion and accessibility to hydrogel-imprinted docking strands. Our work demonstrates promising potential for diffusion and binding-based fluorescence imaging applications in hydrogel-embedded samples.

Graphical abstract
Microglia Adopt Temporally Specific Subtypes after Irradiation, Correlating with Neuronal Asynchrony
Authors: Romero Alejandro Lastra , Preka Efthalia , Pizzirusso Giusy , Arroyo-García Luis Enrique , Zisiadis Georgios Alkis , Oliva-Vilarnau Nuria , Seitz Thea , Zhou Kai , Isla Arturo Gonzalez , Friess Lara , Sun Ying , Shamikh Alia , Xu Yiran , Zhu Changlian , Rodrigues Carlos F. D. , Fisahn André , Joseph Bertrand , Carlson Lena-Maria , Fragkopoulou Adamantia , Lauschke Volker M , Betsholtz Christer , Osman Ahmed M , Blomgren Klas
Published: February 2025

Cranial radiotherapy causes progressive neurocognitive impairments in cancer survivors. Neuroinflammation is believed to be a key contributor, but its dynamics and consequences for brain function remain poorly understood. Here, we performed comprehensive longitudinal profiling, from 6 hours to 1 year after irradiation (IR) of the mouse hippocampus, using transcriptomic, protein and histological analyses. We identified a delayed microglial response coupling interferon signaling to mitotic progression, and a subsequent induction of temporally regulated subtypes. IR rewired the parenchymal phagocyte profiles due to progressive microglial loss, failure of repopulation through self-renewal and compensatory generation of microglia-like cells derived from peripheral monocytes. These findings were confirmed in autopsied human brain. Finally, we demonstrate two phases of neuronal asynchrony, an early one associated with inflammation and a late one associated with synaptic aberrant regulation. These results provide comprehensive, longitudinal insights into microglia responses that can aid tailoring therapies to preserve cognition in cancer survivors.
Pericyte-tumor crosstalk facilitates metastatic tumor cell latency through PIEZO1-activated lysophospholipid transfer
Authors: McErlain Tamara , Glass Morgan J , McCulla Elizabeth C , Madden Caitlin A , Ziemer Lauren E , Overdahl Kirsten E , Jarmusch Alan K , Kruhlak Michael J , Chesler Alexander T , Yang Howard H , Lee Maxwell P , Branco Cristina M , Murgai Meera
Published: February 2025

Tumor dissemination is increasingly recognized to begin early in tumor development. Although most of these early disseminated cells are cleared, some survive and persist below clinical detection, acting as reservoirs for metastatic relapse. Metastatic tumor cells often rely on interactions with local stromal cells to support their colonization. In this study, we propose that pericyte-tumor cell interactions promote dormancy induction in the early metastatic lung, enhancing disseminated tumor cell (DTC) persistence. Extravital imaging demonstrated that DTCs interact with pericytes upon extravasation into the lung. Co-culture experiments were used to assess DTC fate after pericyte contact and revealed that transient contact with pericytes reduced the proliferation of metastatic 4T1 breast cancer cells but had no effect on non-metastatic 67NR cells.In vivo, transient pericyte contact resulted in higher lung metastatic burden, driven by small, non-proliferative lesions (<6 cells), 10 days after intracardiac injection. These lesions exhibited reduced KI67 staining and EdU incorporation compared to those from monocultured cells. We further observed that primary lung pericytes transferred lyso-phospholipids (lyso-PLs) specifically to metastatic 4T1 cells through direct contact. Gene expression analysis indicated that transient pericyte contact activated pathways related to syncytium formation in metastatic cells. In normal physiology, pericytes act in a syncytium to regulate blood flow via mechanosensitive channels in response to blood pressure changes. We hypothesize that tumor cells exploit these mechanosensitive responses to trigger lyso-PL transfer from pericytes. Supporting this, calcium imaging showed higher calcium activity in pericytes co-cultured with 4T1 cells, and calcium channel inhibitors significantly reduced lyso-PL transfer. Pharmacological activation of pericyte calcium channels induced lyso-PL release, which was subsequently taken up by tumor cells. Conditioned medium from activated pericytes, containing free lyso-PLs, recapitulated the reduced proliferation observed in transient co-culture. Finally, we found our pericyte-induced dormancy signature to be associated with tumor dormancy and distant metastasis free survival latency in breast cancer patients. Together, these findings suggest that early DTCs may exploit pericyte signaling mechanisms to enter dormancy, facilitating their persistence at metastatic sites and contributing to future relapse.
Glutamatergic heterogeneity in the neuropeptide projections from the lateral hypothalamus to the mouse olfactory bulb
Authors: Qi Meizhu , Won Julia , Rodriguez Catherine , Storace Douglas A.
Published: February 2025

The direct pathway from the lateral hypothalamus to the mouse olfactory bulb (OB) includes neurons that express the neuropeptide orexin-A, and others that do not. The OB-projecting neurons that do not express orexin-A are present in an area of the lateral hypothalamus known to contain neurons that express the neuropeptide melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH). We used virally mediated anterograde tract tracing and immunohistochemistry for orexin-A and MCH to demonstrate that the OB is broadly innervated by axon projections from both populations of neurons. Orexin-A and MCH were expressed in each OB layer across its anterior to posterior axis. Both orexin-A and MCH neurons are genetically heterogeneous, with subsets that co-express an isoform of vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT). We used high-resolution confocal imaging to test whether the projections from orexin-A and MCH neurons to the OB reflect this glutamatergic heterogeneity. The majority (∼57%) of putative orexin-A axon terminals overlapped with VGLUT2, with smaller proportions that co-expressed VGLUT1, or that did not overlap with either VGLUT1 or VGLUT2. In contrast, only ∼26% of putative MCH axon terminals overlapped with VGLUT2, with the majority not overlapping with either VGLUT. Therefore, the projections from the lateral hypothalamus to the OB are genetically heterogeneous and include neurons that can release two different neuropeptides. The projections from both populations are themselves genetically heterogeneous with distinct ratios of glutamatergic and non-glutamatergic axon terminals.

Three Key Points

A direct anterograde projection from orexin-A-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus to the mouse olfactory bulb (OB) was confirmed using virally mediated tract tracing.

Orexin-A and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), two neuropeptides primarily produced in the lateral hypothalamus are broadly expressed throughout the mouse OB.

Approximately 64% of putative orexin-A axon terminals overlapped with vesicular glutamate transporter type 1 (VGLUT1) or type 2 (VGLUT2). In contrast, only 25% of putative MCH axon terminals overlapped with VGLUT2.
Microsporidia infection altersC. eleganslipid levels
Authors: El Jarkass Hala Tamim , Jeon JiHae , Burton Nick O. , Reinke Aaron W.
Published: February 2025

Microsporidia are fungal-related obligate intracellular parasites that infect many types of animals. Microsporidia have exceptionally reduced genomes resulting in limited metabolic capabilities and are thought to be reliant on host metabolism to fuel their own growth. Here, we investigate the impact of microsporidia infection on host lipid metabolism using the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansalong with its natural microsporidian pathogenNematocida parisii. We show that infection causes an increase in the level ofC. eleganslipid droplet associated lipase, ATGL-1, and a decrease in host fat levels. A mutation that decreases ATGL-1 activity and overexpression of ATGL-1 did not significantly changeN. parisiiinfection levels. Using lipidomics we show thatN. parisiiinfection decreasesC. eleganstriglyceride levels and results in increased ceramides that we speculate are synthesized byN. parisii. Mutations in host genes involved in ceramide synthesis did not significantly change the levels ofN. parisiiinfection. Together these results show that microsporidia can cause changes to lipid metabolism of their hosts, but some individual mutations ofC. eleganslipid enzymes do not alter microsporidian growth.
XRDplayground: a Python-based educational tool for interactive learning of powder X-ray diffraction crystallography
Authors: Estrada Flávia Regina , Malfatti-Gasperini Antonio
Published: February 2025

One of the barriers to learning crystallography through the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) technique is the understanding and visualization of the crystal structure and its effects on the diffraction pattern. To enhance learning through visualization, we present XRDplayground, an open-source software developed in Python that can simultaneously simulate the unit cell and its PXRD pattern. It features a graphical user interface where all the structural parameters of the crystal, such as lattice parameters and atomic positions inside the unit cell, are adjustable via sliders. The PXRD pattern is simulated by taking into consideration the X-ray energy and the crystallite size using Scherer's equation. XRDplayground is an educational tool to make PXRD crystallography more engaging and enhance learning and understanding of the concepts rather than mathematical treatment and/or superficial memorization.
Rb2Ca2Si2O7: a new alkali alkaline-earth silicate based on [Si2O7]6− anions
Authors: Kahlenberg Volker
Published: February 2025

Synthesis experiments were conducted in the ternary Rb2O–CaO–SiO2 system, resulting in the formation of a hitherto unknown compound with the composition Rb2Ca2Si2O7, i.e. dirubidium dicalcium pyrosilicate. Single crystals of sufficient size and quality were recovered from a starting mixture with an Rb2O:CaO:SiO2 molar ratio of 2:1:3. The educts were confined in a lid-covered platinum crucible and gradually cooled from 1050 °C at a rate of 0.3 °C min−1 to 800 °C before being finally quenched in air to ambient conditions. The crystal structure was investigated at −80 and 15 °C from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, with structure determination performed using direct methods. The compound was found to be of orthorhombic symmetry, belonging to the space group Pmmn (No. 59), with a = 5.7363 (6), b = 13.8532 (12), c = 9.9330 (10) Å, V = 789.34 (13) Å3 and Z = 4 (at 15 °C). The final refinement calculations at ambient temperature converged at R1 = 0.030 and wR2 = 0.076 for 773 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). The silicate anion is based on pyrosilicate units of composition [Si2O7]6− with point-group symmetry m (Cs
). Charge compensation is achieved by the incorporation of rubidium and calcium cations distributed among a total of five independent sites within the asymmetric unit. Two of the nontetrahedrally coordinated cation sites (M4 and M5) are exclusively occupied by calcium cations, which are surrounded by six O atoms in the form of octahedra or trigonal prisms, respectively. The rubidium cations on the M1–M3 sites show more complex coordination environments. The M2 site, for example, is characterized by a tricapped trigonal prism polyhedron. Notably, the M3 site exhibits a 50% population of Ca2+ and Rb+, respectively. The compound shows closer structural resemblances with K2Ca2Si2O7 and can be derived from a hexagonal aristotype with space-group symmetry P63/mmc by displacements of the atoms. The corresponding distortion modes can be classified by certain irreducible representations of the high-symmetry parent phase. Structural investigations were completed by determining the thermal expansion tensor for the temperature interval between −80 and 15 °C.
Study on the model of factors influencing users’ willingness to participate in misinformation purification on the Weibo platform
Authors: Zhao Yueming , Li Gaohui , Mo Zuying
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To explore the influence factors and pathways of users’ willingness to participate in the misinformation purification process on the Weibo platform. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights that can enhance the self-purification mechanisms for misinformation on Weibo, thereby contributing to the effective misinformation control.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework of the quantitative study is a conceptual model integrated with the theory of planned behavior (TPB), social exchange theory (SET) and co-dependency theory. This model was developed to elucidate the influence factors of users’ willingness to participate in the purification of misinformation on the Weibo platform, the conceptual model was tested and refined through questionnaire surveys, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess its validity and reliability.

Findings

The findings reveal that the attitude toward misinformation purification on the Weibo platform exerts the most significant positive influence on the willingness to engage in such activities. Within the context of this research, community involvement and reciprocity are identified as the factors that have the most substantial positive impact on users’ attitude toward misinformation purification. Conversely, risk perception does not demonstrate a significant influence on users’ attitude toward misinformation purification.

Originality/value

Taking the Weibo platform as an example, this is a pioneering study on the investigation and mechanism of social media self-purification on misinformation and proposes a new perspective to improve the effectiveness of the social media self-purification mechanism from the perspective of focusing on user intention and motivation.
Workplace adversity and the dual impact of gender on employee intentions to leave and pursue social entrepreneurship
Authors: Rivas Mendoza Milagros Isabel , Afshar Jahanshahi Asghar , Pulido Joo Luis Alexander , Polas Mohammad Rashed Hasan , Paredes Izaguirre Luis Antonio , Espejo-Chacón Luis Fernando
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study explores social entrepreneurship as a viable career path for employees facing hostile workplace conditions in Peru. It examines the gender-specific effects of workplace challenges such as hostility, discrimination and sexual harassment on individuals’ aspirations for career transitions and entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 450 Peruvian workers experiencing adverse workplace conditions. Quantitative data analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between perceived workplace challenges, intentions to leave current jobs and the propensity to pursue social entrepreneurship. Gender differences were analyzed to uncover unique patterns in these relationships.

Findings

Results reveal significant gender differences: females report higher levels of discrimination, while males report higher perceptions of workplace harassment. Females intending to leave their jobs demonstrated a stronger inclination toward social entrepreneurship compared to their male counterparts. These findings underline the detrimental impact of hostile work environments on employee aspirations and highlight social entrepreneurship as a meaningful career option for individuals seeking to address societal issues.

Practical implications

This research offers valuable insights for organizations and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of creating equitable work environments. It also underscores the potential of social entrepreneurship to empower individuals disillusioned by conventional workplace structures to drive positive social change.

Originality/value

By elucidating the role of social entrepreneurship as an alternative career path, our study contributes to the growing body of literature on entrepreneurship and social impact, offering valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners aiming to foster more equitable and empowering work environments.
Developing a scale to measure epistemic trust in open educational resources (OERs)
Authors: Pandey Chandra Shekhar , Pandey Shri Ram , Mishra Patanjali , Pandey Shweta
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to develop and validate a scale for measuring epistemic trust in open educational resources (OERs).

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods approach was employed, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The scale development involved several stages, including various iterations of exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Findings

The study resulted in a valid and reliable nine-factor scale for measuring epistemic trust in OERs. These factors are reliability and credibility of information, source competence and expertise, goodwill and intentions of the source, transparency and openness, consistency and stability, accessibility and usability, peer and social validation, engagement and interaction and ethical and moral integrity. The CFA confirmed the nine-factor structure and showed good model fit. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the dimensions ranged from 0.668 to 0.823, indicating acceptable to excellent internal consistency. Extracted (AVE) value for each factor indicates the strong convergent validity of the scale.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s focus is on measuring epistemic trust of university students in OERs.

Practical implications

By providing a reliable and valid instrument to measure epistemic trust in OERs, the study provides a practical approach for OER creation, curation and use.

Social implications

The study proposes a framework for combating misinformation by providing a scale to assess the epistemic trust in OERs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to develop a comprehensive scale specifically designed to measure epistemic trust in OERs.
Motivating factors for professional women in construction career progression
Authors: Muthambi Langanani , Agumba Justus Ngala , Adebowale Oluseyi Julius
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Women in Construction (WiC) professionally registered with the engineering and built environment councils in South Africa work in a male-dominated industry. Many of these women end their construction careers in less than five years. This study aims to establish the core motivating factors contributing to sustainable careers for professional WiC, drawing on self-determination theory (SDT) as a theoretical framework. The study contributes to sustainable development goal (SDG) 10, which seeks to reduce inequalities by addressing barriers to gender diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was conducted utilising a questionnaire survey distributed to professional WiC. The South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) facilitated the distribution of the questionnaire. A total of 110 responses were received and analysed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis to interpret the research data and assess the dimensionality and reliability of the constructs.

Findings

The study revealed that family support, job satisfaction and job promotion are the primary motivating factors for professional WiC to benefit from sustainable careers. These factors are consistent with the psychological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness as identified by SDT, forming the basis of the study’s theoretical framework.

Originality/value

The study provides an understanding of motivating factors crucial for retaining professional WiC in South Africa’s construction industry. The study leverages SDT to offer strategies for fostering long-term career perseverance among professional WiC. This could inform policies and practices focused on promoting gender diversity, in line with SDG 10’s goal to reduce inequalities and support sustainability in different sectors.
The Workplace Hazards of Stress Bragging: Restoring Organizational Culture Through Positive Psychology
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Sen Sujoy
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore the phenomenon of stress bragging and its effects on individual well-being, group dynamics and organisational culture. The authors extend the viewpoint to consider how stress bragging goes beyond the individual, affecting colleagues and the overall work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a multi-theory framework, integrating crossover theory (CT), responsibility exchange theory (RET) and positive psychology theory (PST). A concise and focused review of extant literature is conducted, supported by our arguments to discuss the phenomenon. This paper follows the Emerald Viewpoint writing guidelines, which “Covers any paper where content is dependent on the author’s opinion and interpretation. This includes journalistic and magazine-style pieces”, as also mentioned in “Author Guidelines” under “Article classification”.

Findings

While bragging may have some positive effects on performance in organisational settings, stress bragging often leads to increased stress, reduced well-being and a toxic organisational culture, and can be explained under the auspices of CT and RET. The authors highlight the potential of PST-based interventions in mitigating these adverse effects by promoting a supportive work environment.

Practical implications

This study provides directions for strategic and managerial actions on dealing with stress bragging at all levels of the organisation.

Originality/value

This research extends the understanding of stress bragging by exploring its broader implications on organisational culture and well-being. This study also offers fresh insights and mitigating strategies against the adverse effects of stress bragging.
Entrepreneurial leadership for project success through big data capabilities, sustainable resilience and knowledge sabotage behaviour
Authors: Tariq Rabail , Wang Yifan , Latif Khawaja Fawad
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper is drawn on resource-based theory (RBV), dynamic capability theory (DCV) and situational strength theory (SST). It aims to investigate the relationship of entrepreneurial leadership (EL) on project success (PS) through the mediating role of dynamic capabilities (DCs), big data analytic capability (BDAC) and sustainable resilience (SR). It also explores the moderating effect of knowledge sabotage behaviour (KSB) on the relationship of BDAC and SR with PS.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected via Questionnaire survey through convenience sampling from the sample of 550 employees working on project in software companies. Of these, 467 response was deemed valid for analysis. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) with SMART-PLS tool.

Findings

The study revealed a significant impact of EL on PS (p < 0.05). It also confirmed the significant mediating role of BDAC and SR (p < 0.05) in EL and PS relationship. These findings emphasize that adapting an entrepreneurial leadership style provides an environment conducive to achieving project success. Moreover, the presence of DCs like BDAC and SR enhances the organization adaptability, efficiency and firms’ endurance to disruption and strengthens their ability to navigate challenges and drive firm outcomes.

Originality/value

The research provides valuable insight into the role of EL as a contemporary leadership style in project-based firms that are marked by high risk and uncertainty. Also, this research is the first to examine the role of DCs, i.e. BDAC and SR as essential support in the execution of a project. Moreover, the research also highlights the importance of the effective role of DCs in achieving PS by mitigating the moderating influence of KSB. Thus, these DCs are empirically proven to facilitate EL in-driving project success in volatile environment while avoiding counterproductive work behaviour.
Entrepreneurial orientation and SME growth: the mediating effect of product, process, and business model innovations
Authors: Gameti Daniel , Morrish Sussie
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of different types of innovation on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and small to medium enterprise (SME) growth.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative approach to collect data from 480 SMEs in Australia and New Zealand through convenience sampling.

Findings

Based on partial least square structural equation modelling, this study found a direct positive relationship between EO and SME growth and an indirect positive relationship between EO and SME growth through business model innovation (BMI). This study emphasised that while SMEs use different types of innovation, they will achieve significant growth by innovating their business models.

Research limitations/implications

The work has some limitations as the focus was on two countries (Australia and New Zealand) considered as developed countries. The result may differ when the study is conducted in developing countries. Also, EO was measured as a unidimensional construct without looking at the individual contributions of the EO dimensions to growth.

Practical implications

SME owner managers seeking growth of their firms must focus their effort on innovating their business models to achieve competitive advantage. Also, SMEs can integrate their product and process innovations in their BMIs to minimise imitation and increase growth.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper is that while there are existing studies on EO and SME growth, this paper explores the mediating effect of different types of innovation on the relationship between EO and SME growth.
WHO speaks for autism?: Nonprofit organizations, stakeholder activists and the ethics of representation
Authors: Stones Emily
Published: February 2025

Research methodology

This case analyzed a mix of publicly accessible primary and secondary sources ranging from blog posts to academic articles. Taken together, the case study shows the reoccurring arguments made by self-advocates.

Most of the videos and speeches mentioned in this case study are available online, and students can read/watch them in addition to reading the details presented here.

Case overview/synopsis

Autism Speaks entered the nonprofit scene in 2005 and rapidly became a powerful organization that raised substantial funds, collaborated with influential people and shaped public discourse on autism. However, from the beginning, the organization faced considerable criticism from self-advocates within the autism community who argued that the organization’s negative, medicalized narratives of autism undermined the neurodiversity movement’s goals of acceptance and inclusion. Tensions intensified over the next decade, with grassroots activists and disability rights organizations like the Autistic Self Advocacy Network demanding the inclusion of more autistic perspectives in the organization’s leadership and decision-making processes. The Autism Speaks controversy represents a powerful case study on how nonprofits should ethically represent their beneficiaries, collaborate with the community and engage with activist stakeholders.

Complexity academic level

This case study was designed for graduate or undergraduate students studying organizational ethics, nonprofit management or nonprofit funding and development.