bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Down syndrome with Alzheimers disease brains have increased iron and associated lipid peroxidation consistent with ferroptosis
Authors: Thorwald Max A. , Godoy-Lugo Jose A. , Kerstiens Elizabeth , Garcia Gilberto , Kim Minhoo , Shemtov Sarah J. , Silva Justine , Durra Salma , O'Day Peggy , Mack Wendy J. , Hiniker Annie , Vermulst Marc , Benayoun Bérénice Anath , Higuchi-Sanabria Ryo , Forman Henry Jay , Head Elizabeth , Finch Caleb E.
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral microbleeds (MB) are associated with sporadic Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Down Syndrome with AD (DSAD). Higher MB iron may cause iron mediated lipid peroxidation. We hypothesize that amyloid deposition is linked to MB iron and that amyloid precursor protein (APP) triplication increases iron load and lipid peroxidation. METHODS: Prefrontal cortex and cerebellum of cognitively normal (CTL), AD and DSAD ApoE3,3 carriers were examined for proteins that mediated iron metabolism, antioxidant response, and amyloid processing in lipid rafts. RESULTS: Iron was 2-fold higher in DSAD than CTL and AD. Iron storage proteins and lipid peroxidation were increased in prefrontal cortex, but not in the cerebellum. The glutathione synthesis protein GCLM was decreased by 50% in both AD and DSAD. Activity of lipid raft GPx4, responsible for membrane repair, was decreased by at least 30% in AD and DSAD. DISCUSSION: DSAD shows greater lipid peroxidation than AD consistent with greater MBs and iron load.
Cell-type Specific Ribosomal Tagging Allows for Simultaneous Multi-Tissue Translatomic Sequencing
Authors: Eng Jason , Youn Seock-won , Kitajewski Jan
Published: February 2025

In vivotranscriptomic analysis has advanced significantly with the development of single cell technologies. However, bulk RNA sequencing also continues to provide information on critical signaling pathways and cellular responses. The isolation of mRNA by polysome immunoprecipitation can identify genes undergoing active translation. Unfortunately, the inability to profile multiple cell types from the same sample remains a major downfall of the technique and limits broader analysis of the tissue microenvironment. In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of immunoprecipitating polysome-associated mRNA from different cell types by strategically expressing differently tagged Rpl22 subunits. Using this technique, we isolated two distinct sets of high quality transcripts from intact B16F10 melanomas, endothelial cells and B16F10 tumors cells, for further molecular analysis.
Spatiotemporal Patterns Differentiate Hippocampal Sharp-Wave Ripples from Interictal Epileptiform Discharges in Mice and Humans
Authors: Maslarova Anna , Shin Jiyun , Navas-Olive Andrea , Vöröslakos Mihály , Hamer Hajo , Doerfler Arnd , Henin Simon , Buzsáki György , Liu Anli
Published: February 2025

Hippocampal sharp-wave ripples (SPW-Rs) are high-frequency oscillations critical for memory consolidation in mammals. Despite extensive characterization in rodents, their application as biomarkers to track and treat memory dysfunction in humans is limited by coarse spatial sampling, interference from interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs), and lack of consensus on human SPW-R localization and morphology. We demonstrate that mouse and human hippocampal ripples share spatial, spectral and temporal features, which are clearly distinct from IEDs. In 1024-channel hippocampal recordings from APP/PS1 mice, SPW-Rs were distinguishable from IEDs by their narrow localization to the CA1 pyramidal layer, narrowband frequency peaks, and multiple ripple cycles on the unfiltered local field potential. In epilepsy patients, ripples showed similar narrowband frequency peaks and visible ripple cycles in CA1 and the subiculum but were absent in the dentate gyrus. Conversely, IEDs showed a broad spatial extent and wide-band frequency power. We introduce a semi-automated, human ripple detection toolbox (“ripmap”) selecting optimal detection channels and separating event waveforms by low-dimensional embedding. Our approach improves ripple detection accuracy, providing a firm foundation for future human memory research.
Moderating effects of cortical thickness, volume, and memory performance on age differences in neural reinstatement of scene information
Authors: Olivier Joshua M. , Srokova Sabina , Hill Paul F. , Rugg Michael D.
Published: February 2025

The strength of neural reinstatement, a correlate of episodic memory retrieval, reportedly reflects the amount and fidelity of mnemonic content and is weaker in older than younger adults, especially for scene memoranda. Given evidence that age-related declines in cortical thickness and volume contribute to age-related cognitive decline, we analyzed fMRI data acquired from healthy young and older adults to examine relationships between cortical thickness, cortical volume, age, and scene- related reinstatement in the parahippocampal place area (PPA) and medial place area (MPA), two cortical regions implicated in scene processing. A ‘reinstatement index’ was estimated from fMRI data collected during tests of source memory for scene images, and multiple regression analyses were employed to examine the effects of the variables of interest on scene reinstatement. There were robust age differences in reinstatement, cortical thickness, and cortical volume. In both regions of interest, cortical volume fully mediated the effects of age on reinstatement. Additionally, PPA reinstatement strength predicted source memory performance independently of cortical volume or age. These findings suggest that age differences in scene reinstatement are mediated by cortical volume and that memory performance and cortical volume are associated with unique components of variance in reinstatement strength.
The novel compound AS1 abolishes second phase formalin nocifensive behavior
Authors: Brandao Arthur F. , Condon Logan , Esancy Kali , Land Benjamin , Dhaka Ajay
Published: February 2025

In larval zebrafish Analgesic Screen One (AS1), is a small molecule analgesic that reverses the valence of noxious stimuli rendering these aversive stimuli attractive. In this study, we evaluated the analgesic potential of AS1 in mice by measuring the effects of this compound on behavioral models of pain, locomotion and valence. We found that AS1 selectively abolished second phase nocifensive behavior elicited by the chemical irritant formalin, while having no effect on acute or inflammatory withdrawal thresholds evoked by thermal or mechanical stimuli. Unlike in larval zebrafish, AS1 did not induce attraction to aversive thermal stimuli. Neuronal activity profiling with the immediate-early gene c-Fos revealed that AS1 did not alter formalin evoked activity in the dorsal horn of spinal cord, but instead elevated activity in numerous brain regions associated with pain processing, analogous to findings in zebrafish. Further behavioral testing suggested that AS1 is not intrinsically aversive or appetitive but does promote reduced spontaneous locomotion and anxiogenic behavior. Collectively, these data suggest that AS1 may have select analgesic properties in mice.
Random auditory stimulation disturbs traveling slow waves and declarative memory
Authors: Roüast Nora M. , Kumral Deniz , Gais Steffen , Schönauer Monika
Published: February 2025

Sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, and various methods have attempted to enhance this process by using auditory stimulation to modulate slow waves or trigger memory reactivation. However, the broader impact of auditory stimulation on sleep physiology and memory retention is not fully understood. Here, we apply random or sham auditory stimulation during an afternoon nap in a within-subject design to investigate its effects on declarative and procedural memory consolidation and electrical brain activity during sleep. Stimulation led to a specific reduction in slow-wave sleep, a decreased slow-wave count, and impaired declarative recall that correlated with the diminished sleep depth. Furthermore, we observed altered slow-wave traveling dynamics, with stimulation resulting in shorter traveling trajectories with less reach and reduced spatial spread, particularly impacting frontal regions. Disruptions in these features correlated with memory deficits. Our findings highlight the role of dynamic slow-wave properties in declarative memory consolidation and reveal some methodological limitations for using auditory cues during sleep, given their potential to disrupt complex processing patterns.
Regulatory Network Inference of Induced Senescent Midbrain Cell Types Reveals Cell Type-Specific Senescence-Associated Transcriptional Regulators
Authors: Russo Taylor , Plessis-Belair Jonathan , Sher Roger , Riessland Markus
Published: February 2025

Cellular senescence of brain cell types has become an increasingly important perspective for both aging and neurodegeneration, specifically in the context of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The characterization of classical hallmarks of senescence is a widely debated topic, whereby the context in which a senescence phenotype is being investigated, such as the cell type, the inducing stressor, and/or the model system, is an extremely important aspect to consider when defining a senescent cell. Here, we describe a cell type-specific profile of senescence through the investigation of various canonical senescence markers in five human midbrain cell lines using chronic 5-Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) treatment as a model of DNA damage-induced senescence. We used principal component analysis (PCA) and subsequent regulatory network inference to define both unique and common senescence profiles in the cell types investigated, as well as revealed senescence-associated transcriptional regulators (SATRs). Functional characterization of one of the identified regulators, transcription factor AP4 (TFAP4), further highlights the cell type-specificity of the expression of the various senescence hallmarks. Our data indicates that SATRs modulate cell type-specific profiles of induced senescence in key midbrain cell types that play an important role in the context of aging and PD.
Population-level morphological analysis of paired CO2- and odor-sensing olfactory neurons inD. melanogastervia volume electron microscopy
Authors: Choy Jonathan , Charara Shadi , Cauwenberghs Kalyani , McKaughan Quintyn , Kim Keun-Young , Ellisman Mark H. , Su Chih-Ying
Published: February 2025

Dendritic morphology is a defining characteristic of neuronal subtypes. InDrosophila, heterotypic olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) expressing different receptors display diverse dendritic morphologies, but whether such diversity exists among homotypic ORNs remains unclear. Using serial block-face scanning electron microscopy on cryofixed tissues, we analyzed the majority of CO2-sensing neurons (ab1C) and their odor-sensing neighbors (ab1D) in theD. melanogasterantenna. Surprisingly, ab1C neurons featured flattened, sheet-like dendrites—distinct from the cylindrical branches typical of odor-sensing neurons—and displayed remarkable diversity, ranging from plain sheets to tube-like structures that enclose several neighboring dendrites, forming “dendrite-within-dendrite” structures. Similarly, ab1D dendrites varied from simple, unbranched forms to numerously branched morphologies. These findings suggest that morphological heterogeneity is common even among homotypic ORNs, potentially expanding their functional adaptability and ranges of sensory physiological properties.
Alignment-induced self-organization of autonomously steering microswimmers: Turbulence, clusters, vortices, and jets
Authors: Goh Segun , Westphal Elmar , Winkler Roland G. , Gompper Gerhard
Published: February 2025

Microorganisms can sense their environment and adapt their movement accordingly, which gives rise to a multitude of collective phenomena, including active turbulence and bioconvection. In fluid environments, collective self-organization is governed by hydrodynamic interactions. By large-scale mesoscale hydrodynamics simulations, we study the collective motion of polar microswimmers, which align their propulsion direction by hydrodynamic steering with that of their neighbors. The simulations of the employed squirmer model reveal a distinct dependence on the type of microswimmer—puller or pusher—flow field. No global polar alignment emerges in both cases. Instead, the collective motion of pushers is characterized by active turbulence, with nearly homogeneous density and a Gaussian velocity distribution; strong self-steering enhances the local coherent movement of microswimmers and leads to local fluid-flow speeds much larger than the individual swim speed. Pullers exhibit a strong tendency for clustering and display velocity and vorticity distributions with fat exponential tails; their dynamics is chaotic, with a temporal appearance of vortex rings and fluid jets. Our results show that the collective behavior of autonomously steering microswimmers displays a rich variety of dynamic self-organized structures. Our results imply guidelines for the design of microrobotic systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Exploring Hilbert-Space Fragmentation on a Superconducting Processor
Authors: Wang Yong-Yi , Shi Yun-Hao , Sun Zheng-Hang , Chen Chi-Tong , Wang Zheng-An , Zhao Kui , Liu Hao-Tian , Ma Wei-Guo , Wang Ziting , Li Hao , Zhang Jia-Chi , Liu Yu , Deng Cheng-Lin , Li Tian-Ming , He Yang , Liu Zheng-He , Peng Zhen-Yu , Song Xiaohui , Xue Guangming , Yu Haifeng , Huang Kaixuan , Xiang Zhongcheng , Zheng Dongning , Xu Kai , Fan Heng
Published: February 2025

Isolated interacting quantum systems generally thermalize, yet there are several examples for the breakdown of ergodicity, such as many-body localization and quantum scars. Recently, ergodicity breaking has been observed in systems subjected to linear potentials, termed Stark many-body localization. This phenomenon is closely associated with Hilbert-space fragmentation, characterized by a strong dependence of dynamics on initial conditions. Here, we explore initial-state-dependent dynamics using a ladder-type superconducting processor with up to 24 qubits, which enables precise control of the qubit frequency and initial-state preparation. In systems with linear potentials, we experimentally observe distinct nonequilibrium dynamics for initial states with the same quantum numbers and energy, but with varying domain-wall numbers. Accompanied by the numerical simulation for systems with larger sizes, we reveal that this distinction becomes increasingly pronounced as the system size grows, in contrast with weakly disordered interacting systems. Our results provide convincing experimental evidence of the fragmentation in Stark systems, enriching our understanding of the weak breakdown of ergodicity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Small differences still matter: survivability of ventures owned and operated by transnational migrants through the lens of cultural arbitrage
Authors: Abd Hamid Hamizah , Teng Huei-Chun
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore the entrepreneur–venture nexus in transnational entrepreneurial ventures conducting operations in culturally similar countries. Theoretically, smaller cultural differences imply fewer challenges inherent to the liability of outsidership, thus facilitating cultural arbitrage activities. However, these minor differences can also hinder learning and increase competition with local firms, threatening the survival of ventures in the host country. To clarify this perspective, the research looks at how entrepreneurs’ resources affect venture survival, focusing on transnational entrepreneurs operating in countries that have relatively small cultural differences from their own.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is outlined by the capital approach in entrepreneurial opportunity development through a qualitative configurational design.

Findings

The results indicate that there are four strategies for achieving venture survivability for transnational entrepreneurship operations in culturally similar countries. This is reflected in both the core configurations associated with long-term venture survivability and in the model of venture survivability for cultural arbitrage opportunity development.

Originality/value

This study’s findings, which include the configurations and the model, speak to the burgeoning conversation of cultural arbitrage by illuminating venture survival strategies for international entrepreneurs operating in countries similar to their home countries. They are relevant for the international entrepreneurship discourse and the larger conversation in entrepreneurship, focusing on the entrepreneur–venture nexus.
Exploring key factors influencing food truck businesses success: a case of the UAE
Authors: Alkaabi Khaula , Mehmood Kashif
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine success factors for food truck businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), focusing on customer convenience, government support, cultural infrastructure and location decisions. Given the unique cultural and economic context of the UAE, this research aims to fill a notable gap in the existing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Using SmartPLS and partial least squares structural equation modeling, data from 250 food truck owners are analyzed to identify significant relationships between success factors and business performance.

Findings

The findings reveal significant relationships (p < 0.05) between success factors and the performance of food truck businesses. Customer convenience indirectly affects success through location suitability. Additionally, cultural infrastructure, government support and strategic location decisions have a direct impact on business performance. However, some indirect effects, such as customer convenience through location selection, were found to be statistically insignificant (p = 0.061).

Practical implications

The study offers practical guidance for policymakers and entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of strategic location selection, cultural infrastructure and customer convenience for business success. Establishing designated food truck zones based on suitability will ensure optimal operational environments, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas.

Originality/value

This study contributes new insights into the food truck industry in the UAE, using advanced statistical techniques to identify specific success factors relevant to the region’s unique dynamics.
Influential factors for online food delivery platform drivers’ order acceptance
Authors: Chen Angela H.L. , Lee Jason Z.-H. , Ho Yun-Lun
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The delivery drivers this paper surveyed generally intend to accept all orders to avoid missing out on potential earnings. However, uncertainty about the timing of future orders and variability in their potential earnings raises a crucial question: Would it be more beneficial for drivers to decline orders that are likely to involve low earnings or a long idle time after delivery? If so, how can they make informed choices when selecting orders? This paper aims to explore the key factors that can support drivers in making these decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The role of order cancelation in Taiwan’s Uber Eats delivery process was first highlighted. This paper followed the grounded theory methodology and collected the data of completed orders from delivery drivers and authors’ participation in deliveries. The data included variables representing order characteristics, such as departure neighborhood, destination and duration for completing the order. Regression methods were then used to identify the variables that affect the driver’s evaluation of a received order in terms of the order’s earnings and idle time after completing the order and determine whether the order is desirable to the driver.

Findings

Upon receiving an order, drivers can decide whether to accept it by evaluating the earnings they will make for completing the order. The earnings are likely higher if the pay rate multiplier is higher that day or the order departure neighborhood is in a hot zone. After arriving at the restaurant, drivers can again make this decision by estimating the idle time they will spend waiting for their next order after delivering the current order. This idle time is likely longer if the driver is expected to spend greater time fulfilling the order since receipt, or if the earnings for completing the order are greater. This idle time is likely shorter if there are more restaurants in the order destination neighborhood, or if the order departure neighborhood or the order destination neighborhood is in a hot zone. Orders can be categorized as good or poor and the key factors for this categorization are whether the order departure and destination neighborhoods are in a hot zone, and the waiting time at the restaurant.

Originality/value

While food delivery research has commonly focused on customer satisfaction and platform efficiency, less attention has been paid to the strategic decision-making of delivery drivers – a relatively underrepresented group in the gig economy. This study aims to help these drivers become more adept participants in the competitive landscape of food delivery platforms. By examining how Taiwanese drivers navigate platform structures to maximize profitability and improve their work experience, this research contributes valuable insights to discussions on the sustainability of gig work.
Development of functional jackets for reducing workload and boosting muscle strength
Authors: Park Sunhee , Lee Yejin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study evaluated the effect of functional jackets designed to reduce the workload on the upper extremities and boost the muscle strength of workers from prolonged repetitive work.

Design/methodology/approach

The functional jacket designs for the upper limb incorporated a dynamic taping line with an elastic band, three-dimensional support for the abdomen and posterior waist (S2) and an X-shaped line on the scapular region combined with abdominal and posterior waist support (S3). Clothing pressure was adjusted ergonomically for different areas. A standard jacket served as the control (S1). The designs were evaluated based on work posture, electromyography and subjective sensation.

Findings

S2 and S3 effectively reduced the workload on the upper extremities by decreasing the trapezius muscle, shoulders and waist movement. S3 showed a low muscle-activation level on electromyogram analysis and was excellent in subjective sensation.

Originality/value

A functional jacket with optimal compression applied differentially to the upper extremities, with three-dimensional abdominal and posterior waist support and an X-shaped line on the scapula region, can reduce the workload on the upper extremities and boost the core muscle strength to improve work performance.
Mapping ESG and CSR literature: a bibliometric study of research trends and emerging themes
Authors: Rani Ritu , Vasishta Prihana , Singla Anju , Tanwar Nidhi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

With growing global emphasis on sustainability, environmental, social and governance (ESG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a key focus for businesses striving to balance profit with social and environmental responsibility. The purpose of this study is to analyze the publication trends, influential sources, authors and countries on ESG literature as well as highlighting future research themes and directions in ESG and CSR domain.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examined 783 documents published between 2008 and 2024 from two major databases including Scopus and Web of Science by using Biblioshiny (R Studio) and VOSviewer for thematic analysis and network cluster analysis, respectively.

Findings

The findings demonstrate significant growth in ESG and CSR research, with an upward publication metrics and citation rates. The highest numbers of publications are from developed countries such as USA, China and UK and key journals include Finance Research Letters and Journal of Sustainable Finance and Investment. The cluster analyses identified five key clusters: Transforming Responsible Investing into ESG Investment, Nexus of ESG Practices, Financial Outcomes and Stakeholder Engagement, Aligning ESG Practices with Technological Innovation, Governance and Ethics in Sustainability: CSR-Driven Reporting Practices and ESG Integration and Financial Sustainability.

Originality/value

This study delineates a comprehensive bibliometric analysis by using a unique diverse keyword search strategy to encompass various aspects of ESG literature and filling gaps in previous studies that relied on limited databases and search query.
Networks with a social purpose: how social enterprises manage paradoxical tensions
Authors: Meqdadi Osama , Pagell Mark
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study explores how companies’ operations and supply networks can induce social impacts such as enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The study focuses on social enterprises’ supply networks and examines the effects of supply network characteristics on the creation and resolution of social–commercial objectives tension.

Design/methodology/approach

A supply network that is divided into five embedded cases, where each case is the supply network of a social enterprise, was studied. Forty-eight interviews at social enterprises, corporate customers, distributors, suppliers, non-governmental organizations and charities were conducted.

Findings

The study highlights how social enterprises use their supply networks to help disadvantaged people gain employment, truly balance DEI and efficiency objectives and manage paradoxical tensions. The results reveal three types of social purpose supply networks, dichotomized, paired and blended, that hybrid and for-profit organizations can adopt to jointly pursue multiple, potentially competing, objectives and resolve the paradoxical tensions in their supply networks. The creation and resolution of tension are also clarified by considering dyadic, triadic and tetradic tie structures.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by extending the analysis of paradoxical tension between commercial and social welfare objectives such as DEI to the supply network level and revealing three social purpose supply network structures that depict social enterprises’ different ways to resolve paradoxical tensions. The study contributes to social network theory by describing the dynamic interaction between strong and weak ties in multi-tie structures.
Driving corporate social responsibility, organizational learning and financial performance on sustainable corporate performance in family enterprises
Authors: Le Thanh Tiep , Nguyen Ngoc Bich , Tran Ho Phuong Khanh , Luong Hoang My , Phan Kim Ngan , Le Thi Cam Ly
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the relationships between organizational learning (OL), corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate financial performance (CFP) and sustainable corporate performance (SCP) within the context of food-manufacturing family enterprises in Vietnam. Specifically, the study strengthens the combination of these three factors that collectively contribute to enhancing SCP. Furthermore, the research explores the role of service quality (SQ) and green brand innovativeness (GBI) as strategic levers for achieving a competitive edge in SCP within family enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was used the quantitative method to evaluate the influence of CSR, OL, CFP, SQ and GBI on the SCP of family enterprises. The study sample comprised 456 responses from top and middle management of organizations and used the smart partial least squares SEM (version 3.3.2) to analyze the data in the year 2024.

Findings

The study provides significant positive relationships between OL, CSR and CFP in contributing to enhancing SCP within family enterprises. Results suggest that firms with strong OL, CSR and CFP collectively could improve SCP. Furthermore, SQ and GBI emerged as integral factors in differentiating family enterprises in terms of SCP. While SQ plays a significant role in building customer loyalty and trust, GBI is crucial for positioning family enterprises as a sustainable one in the market. Thus, this study contributes to the existing academic knowledge by providing insights into how family enterprises can effectively balance economic, social and environmental objectives for long-term sustainability.

Originality/value

While previous studies have explored these factors independently, this study offers a novel perspective by examining their performances correlatively. The outcomes of this study provide valuable guidance for family enterprises’ managers, CEOs and business leaders to make strategic sustainability plans and create competitive edge when it comes to SCP.
Carer harm: a challenge for practitioners, services and research
Authors: Donnelly Sarah , Isham Louise , Mackay Kathryn , Milne Alisoun , Montgomery Lorna , Sherwood-Johnson Fiona , Wydall Sarah
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to consider how carer harm is understood, surfaced and responded to in contemporary policy, practice and research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper offers a reflective commentary on the current “state of play” relating to carer harm drawing on existing research and related literature. This study focuses on how we define carer harm and what we know about its impact; lessons from, and for, practice and service provision; and (some) considerations for policy development and future research.

Findings

The authors highlight the importance of engaging with the gendered dimensions (and inequalities) that lie at the intersection of experience of care and violence and the need to move beyond binary conceptions of power (lessness) in family and intimate relationships over the life course. They suggest that changing how we think and talk about carer harm may support practitioners to better recognise the impact of direct and indirect forms of carer harm on carers without stigmatising or blaming people with care needs. The findings of this study also consider how carer harm is “hidden in plain sight” on two accounts. The issue falls through the gaps between, broadly, domestic abuse and adult and child safeguarding services; similarly, the nature and impact of harm is often kept private by carers who are fearful of the moral and practical consequences of sharing their experiences.

Originality/value

This study sets out recommendations to this effect and invites an ongoing conversation about how change for carers and families can be realised.
Made-to-measure: defining the consumption values of 3D body scanning technology and its impact on consumer experience
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Chang Hyo Jung (Julie)
Published: February 2025

Purpose

3D body scanning technology, when applied using smartphone applications, enhances interactions between consumers and companies using this technology by offering accurate measurements, personalized recommendations, virtual fitting and social interactions. Despite the worldwide 3D scanning technology market continuing to grow through these advantages, many consumers remain unaware of or do not use this technology. Thus, this study aims to examine how consumers perceive the consumption values of smartphone-based 3D body scanning technology and analyze their impact on usage intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Nettelo, a smartphone-based 3D body scanning application, was selected as the experimental platform. An online survey of US females aged 18 and above yielded 390 valid responses for the final analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that users perceive the functional value as high, thereby influencing usage intention through trust and satisfaction. Social and epistemic values directly impact usage intention, while emotional and conditional values significantly affect trust and satisfaction.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the application of the theory of consumption values to smartphone-based 3D body scanning technology in the decision-making process and suggests ways for fashion companies to bridge the gap with consumers and innovatively enhance their experiences.
Flooding lagoons, melting mountains: exploring diffractive analysis for a communicative engagement with extra/linguistic materializations
Authors: Nadegger Monica , Porzionato Monica
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This article proposes diffractive vignettes as a new analytical approach that can sensitize organizational communication research to extra/linguistic forces in the communicative constitution of major societal challenges such as the climate crisis. The critical feminist concept of diffraction examines how diverse forces interact, interfere and produce new patterns of meaning and difference through entangled, performative relations.

Design/methodology/approach

Diffraction as an analytical tool is illustrated based on fieldwork on organizing the climate crisis in the tourist destinations in the Tyrolean Alps and Venice. We analytically attune to how extra/linguistic forces move and resonate with us, how we read them through each other in a diffractive experiment and how they allow us to attend to materialization differently through crafting diffractive vignettes.

Findings

We account for how the analytical work required us to experiment with juxtaposing, weaving, dividing and melting data and theories together through non-representational, post-qualitative ways of analyzing. Through a diffractive vignette, we then unfold how the extra/linguistic forces became agentic for the constitution of the climate crisis.

Originality/value

Through diffractive vignettes, we extend a fast-developing body of work on materialization within organizational communication to analytically exploit communication’s performativity, including its extra/linguistic forces in a post-qualitative, non-representational sense. With diffraction, we expand the analytical potential of organizational communication scholarship with a sensitivity to difference in materialization.
Assessing the ethical, social and psychological risks of active and passive exoskeletons in the construction industry: trust, productivity and stress levels
Authors: Ofori Joshua Nsiah Addo , Tomori Mariam , Ogunseiju Omobolanle
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Exoskeletons have the potential to alleviate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), increase productivity and ultimately reduce construction project costs, but the concerns about their ethical, social and psychological risks for the construction industry are unknown. This paper investigates these risks and their implications for exoskeleton acceptance.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants performed masonry tasks without an exoskeleton and with an active and passive exoskeleton. Using descriptive and inferential statistics, ethical, social and psychological risks associated with exoskeletons, as well as their trust levels, were assessed. Objective data were procured to determine stress and productivity levels with and without these exoskeletons, while subjective data included trust and the ethical and social risks of the exoskeletons.

Findings

The findings show that lack of informed consent and procuring sensitive health data is an important ethical consideration when using active and passive exoskeletons. Regarding social risks, unequal access to exoskeletons, exoskeleton sharing and exoskeleton costs as major concerns. Furthermore, the findings revealed statistical differences between active and passive exoskeletons in terms of certain social risks. The findings show that participants believed in passive exoskeletons more than active exoskeletons. The results also revealed a strong positive relationship between ethical and social risks, and trust levels. The results also indicated that both exoskeletons induce relatively moderate stress levels and enhance productivity, compared to the no exoskeleton condition.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few empirical investigations in the construction industry on the ethical and social risks associated with exoskeletons, which can facilitate the adoption of exoskeletons for mitigating MSDs in the construction industry.
Gaining legitimation during environmental crises: an inquiry into the relationship between corporate social responsibility, reputation, and blame attribution
Authors: Vigolo Vania , Mion Giorgio , Moura e Sá Patrícia
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Responsible management of water resources is critical owing to its effects on the environment and society. This study aims to address customer perceptions of a water utility during a severe environmental crisis that affected northern Italy and aims to deepen the understanding of the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR), perceived crisis response and corporate reputation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on legitimacy theory and attribution theory, adopting a quantitative design. In detail, a moderated mediation model is used to investigate the direct effect of CSR on reputation, the mediating effect of perceived crisis response on the relationship between CSR and reputation and the moderating effect of blame attribution on the relationship between CSR and perceived crisis response. In addition, the evolution of the crisis event and its management is traced through the analysis of the water utilities’ sustainability reports published since the beginning of the crisis.

Findings

The findings show that CSR affects corporate reputation directly and via perceived crisis response. In addition, CSR improves perceived crisis response, especially when an organization is held responsible for a crisis. The analysis of the CSR report allows for understanding the evolution of CSR policies of water utilities, shifting attention from a merely informative role of sustainability disclosure to a more comprehensive approach to perfluoroalkyl substances risks in the struggle of contributing to sustainable development. Theoretical and managerial implications are also discussed.

Practical implications

The findings suggest some managerial implications about the usefulness of adopting CSR for crisis management and, furthermore, the importance of communicating CSR policies to all stakeholders overall – the customers of public utilities.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the relationship between CSR, reputation and blame attribution. Literature on this topic is still scarce overall in the field of public utilities. Furthermore, this study is relevant because it faces one of the major European environmental crises that affected the water sector and provides helpful insights for all public utility sectors and, more generally, for environmental crisis management.
A comprehensive structural framework for smart stadiums as essential components of smart tourism destinations
Authors: Panagopoulos Alkiviadis , Matika Vasiliki , Nikas Ioannis A. , Paraschi Elen Paraskevi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to establish a comprehensive structural framework for smart stadiums, examining their integration as key elements of smart tourism destinations and investigating their impact on visitors' intention to visit.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reviews existing literature and corporate sources to identify emerging smart tools and determine key dimensions of smart stadiums. A research model was developed, and partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships between these dimensions and their impact on visit intention.

Findings

The proposed framework identifies key components such as sustainability, commercial opportunities, safety and security, customer service, entertainment and engagement and operational efficiency. The analysis indicates that sustainability has the highest impact on visit intention, followed by commercial opportunities and safety and security. Customer service and entertainment significantly enhance the visitor experience, while operational efficiency, though important, has a lower direct impact on visit intention.

Practical implications

Implementing this framework can improve fan engagement, resource management and sustainability in stadium operations, thereby enhancing the overall tourism appeal of host cities.

Originality/value

This study offers a structured approach to incorporating smart technologies in stadiums, emphasizing their role in advancing smart tourism destinations and providing empirical insights into the factors influencing visit intention.
Prognostic value of the CONUT score with immune checkpoint inhibitors as first‐line therapy for metastatic malignant melanoma
Authors: Horisaki Ken , Yoshikawa Shusuke , Mori Shoichiro , Omata Wataru , Tsutsumida Arata , Kiyohara Yoshio
Published: February 2025

The recent availability of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the treatment of advanced malignant melanoma (MM). However, many patients with MM do not benefit from ICI treatment. As immunotherapy is associated with significant toxicity and high treatment costs despite its excellent efficacy, it is pertinent to select patients who are likely to respond to ICIs. In this single‐center, retrospective study we investigated whether the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score is a useful prognostic marker in Japanese patients with advanced‐stage cancer. We analyzed 123 patients with stage IV MM treated with ICIs as first‐line systemic treatment at our hospital between February 2012 and July 2024. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to calculate the CONUT cut‐off value and CONUT into two groups of ≥3 and ≤2. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined using the Kaplan–Meier method, and differences in survival were assessed using the log‐rank test. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to evaluate independent prognostic factors. Objective response rate (ORR), PFS, and OS were significantly low in the CONUT ≥3 group, characterized by low nutritional status and high inflammation. Multivariate analysis identified the CONUT score as an independent prognostic factor for both PFS and OS. The CONUT score was not significantly associated with the development of serious immune‐related adverse events. The simplicity of the CONUT score may aid in identifying patients with MM who are suitable candidates for ICI treatment.
Correlation of BP180, BP230, and type VII collagen antibody titers in serum, blister fluid, erosion, and saliva in pemphigoid diseases
Authors: Koga Hiroshi , Ishii Norito , Tsutsumi Masahiro , Teye Kwesi , Kosaka Mieko , Nakama Takekuni
Published: February 2025

Autoantibodies, including anti‐BP180 and anti‐BP230 antibodies in bullous pemphigoid (BP) and mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), and anti‐type VII collagen (COL7) antibodies in epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), are well characterized. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of these antibodies in the serum are valuable for diagnosis. Previous studies have indicated that anti‐BP180 and anti‐BP230 antibodies in blister fluid and saliva can be detected using ELISA. The aim of this study was to detect anti‐BP180, anti‐BP230, and anti‐COL7 antibodies in several types of samples, including blister fluid, an erosive surface swab, and saliva, by ELISAs and to compare the titers of these antibodies between different types of samples. Thirty‐three patients with BP/MMP, two patients with EBA, and 13 patients with non‐pemphigoid diseases were included in this study. Samples were collected from each patient and analyzed using commercial ELISA kits. In the cases of BP/MMP, the mean ± standard deviation indices of BP180 ELISA were 411.9 ± 538.3, 253.5 ± 333.3, 2.360 ± 1.714, and 1.599 ± 1.262, and those of BP230 ELISA were 27.73 ± 37.65, 20.52 ± 30.04, 0.486 ± 0.7915, and 0.346 ± 0.4373, from sera, blister fluids, erosive surface swabs, and saliva, respectively. The indices of BP180 and BP230 ELISAs using serum were significantly correlated with those of BP180 and BP230 ELISAs using blister fluid (r = 0.9342 and r = 0.9882), an erosive surface swab (r = 0.7586 and r = 0.9332), and saliva (r = 0.5731 and r = 0.6147), respectively. This study revealed that autoantibodies were detectable in blister fluids, erosive surfaces, and saliva, and their correlation with serum titers in pemphigoid diseases was highest in blister fluid. In summary, blister fluid can be a minimally invasive sample alternative to serum for the detection of pemphigoid‐related antibodies.
King's Lynn and the Low Countries in the Early Seventeenth Century: Maritime Trade and Sexual Scandal
Authors: METTERS G. ALAN
Published: February 2025

This article analyses the general pattern of King's Lynn's overseas trade as it is recorded in the port books during the early years of the reign of James I and the place of trade with the Low Countries within that overall pattern. It shows how Lynn's merchants adapted to the emergence of the new Dutch Republic and in particular to the growth of the entrepot of Amsterdam. Dutch shipmaster‐merchants played a major part in the trade with their home ports, but a group of Lynn merchants were also highly significant in the wider picture, with two in particular being dominant. An angry official complaint made by one Dutch shipmaster triggered another less happy relationship between Lynn and the Low Countries and exposed a case of sexual assault by a senior member of the borough's political elite. As this scandal unfolded, it became clear that some members of the borough corporation were not just aware of what the scurrilous alderman had been doing but had previously been his victims. The attempts to remove him from his place on the corporation ultimately failed and, without a criminal prosecution, he seems to have got away more or less scot‐free.
Caught Between Ideology and Self‐Interest: Subjective Social Status and Meritocratic Beliefs Shape Whether People Perceive, Feel Anger About, and Want to Change Economic Conflict
Authors: van Noord Jochem , Spruyt Bram , Van Droogenbroeck Filip , Kuppens Toon
Published: February 2025

Belief in meritocracy and social status are central to understanding how people think and behave in relation to economic conflict. In this paper, we investigate how belief in meritocracy is moderated by (subjective) social status for three different aspects of citizens' attitudes towards economic inequality and conflict, namely (1) perceived conflict, (2) anger about economic inequality and (3) intentions to change economic conflict (egalitarianism). Data from the International Social Survey Programme on 29 countries reveal that the effect of meritocracy depends on social status and differs meaningfully across the three attitudes. For people high in social status, belief in meritocracy relates to lower perceptions of conflict, anger, and egalitarianism. For people with a low subjective social status there is no or a weak relation of belief in meritocracy with the outcomes. In addition, when belief in meritocracy was low, those with a high subjective social status appeared to be concerned about inequality as they perceived more economic conflict and felt more anger than those with a low subjective social status. However, this was not the case for intentions to reduce inequality. Hence, these effects of meritocracy and social status should be understood in light of self‐interest concerns of social groups, rather than solely ideological domination.