bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demonstrating Soft X-Ray Tomography in the lab for correlative cryogenic biological imaging using X-rays and light microscopy
Authors: O’Connor Stephen , Rogers David , Kobylynska Maryna , Geraets James , Thaysen Katja , Egebjerg Jacob Marcus , Brink Madeleen C. , Herbsleb Louisa , Salakova Michaela , Fuchs Leon , Alves Frauke , Feldmann Claus , Ekman Axel , Sheridan Paul , Fyans William , McEnroe Tony , O’Reily Fergal , Fahy Kenneth , Fleck Roland A. , Wüstner Daniel , Simpson Jeremy C. , Walter Andreas , Kapishnikov Sergey
Published: December 2024

Soft X-ray tomography (SXT) enables native-contrast three-dimensional (3D) imaging of fully hydrated, cryogenically preserved biological samples, revealing ultrastructural details without the need for staining, embedding, or sectioning. Traditionally available only at synchrotron facilities, recent advances in laser-driven plasma sources have led to the development of compact soft X-ray microscopes, such as the SXT-100. The SXT-100 achieves imaging resolutions down to 54 nm full-pitch, with tomograms acquired in 30 minutes to two hours. Integrated with an epifluorescence microscope, the SXT-100 facilitates correlative workflows by bridging fluorescence and electron microscopy while preserving the structural integrity of vitrified samples. We demonstrate the capabilities of the SXT-100 through various use cases, including imagingEuglena gracilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiaeyeast cells, and nanoparticles in mammalian cells. The relatively short tomogram acquisition times, the virtually non-destructive nature of soft X-ray tomography, and its quantitative imaging capabilities underscore its potential as a powerful tool for advanced biological imaging. Future developments promise enhanced throughput and deeper integration with emerging correlative imaging modalities, and a wider variety of sample types including tissue.
Systematic Plasmid Engineering for Targeted Carotenoid Synthesis in Bacteria
Authors: Furubayashi Maiko
Published: December 2024

Carotenoids are natural pigments known for their vibrant colors and roles in various biological functions, such as antioxidant activity, photosynthesis, and radiation tolerance. The microbial production of carotenoids through heterologous expression of biosynthetic genes on engineered plasmid has facilitated the exploration of these functions. However, the complexity of creating carotenoid pathway plasmids has limited the number of available constructs, despite the vast diversity of carotenoids found in nature. This study aims to overcome these challenges by developing a platform for the systematic creation of plasmids that efficiently produce specific carotenoids in bacteria. A novel strategy, called Slot Assignment Cloning (SA-Clo), which applies the modular cloning (MoClo) method, was introduced. Using this strategy, plasmids for 17 carotenoids were constructed, including lycopene, β-carotene, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, astaxanthin, phytoene, δ-carotene, ε-carotene, α-carotene, violaxanthin, isorenieratene, several C30carotenoids, and non-natural C50-carotenoids. These plasmids enable the targeted and specific production of carotenoids, streamlining future studies on lesser-known carotenoids and their applications.
Gametocyte production and transmission fitness of African and AsianPlasmodium falciparumisolates with differential susceptibility to artemisinins
Authors: Proellochs Nicholas I. , Andolina Chiara , Ramjith Jordache , Stoter Rianne , van Gemert Geert-Jan , Graumans Wouter , Campino Susana , Vanheer Leen N. , Okitwi Martin , Tumwebaze Patrick K. , Conrad Melissa D. , Clark Taane G. , Fidock David A. , Menard Didier , Mok Sachel , Bousema Teun
Published: December 2024

The emergence ofPlasmodium falciparumparasites partially resistant to artemisinins (ART-R) poses a significant threat to recent gains in malaria control. ART-R has been associated with PfKelch13 (K13) mutations, which differ in fitness costs. This study investigates the gametocyte production and transmission fitness of African and AsianP. falciparumisolates with different K13 genotypes across multiple mosquito species. We tested three ART-sensitive (ART-S) isolates (NF54, NF135, NF180) and three ART-R isolates (ARN1G, 3815, PAT-023) for sexual conversion and transmission toAnopheles stephensi, An. gambiaeandAn. coluzzii. ART-R levels were quantifiedin vitrousing the Ring-stage Survival Assay (RSA), and the transmission-reducing effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on mature gametocytes were assessed. Results showed that ART-S parasite lines consistently produced gametocytes and transmitted effectively in all three mosquito species. ART-R isolates showed variability: ARN1G maintained high transmission levels, whereas 3815 showed limited transmission potential despite higher sporozoite loads inAn. coluzzii. The African ART-R isolate PAT-023 demonstrated low gametocyte commitment but was transmitted efficiently in bothAn. gambiaeandAn. coluzzii. DHA exposure reduced mosquito infectivity for all isolates, regardless of K13 genotype. These findings, based on a limited number of field isolates, suggest that ART-R parasites remain transmissible across differentAnophelesspecies. However, K13 mutations do not appear to confer a direct transmission advantage. This study highlights the complexity of ART-R dynamics and underscores the need for further research to inform malaria control strategies in regions where ART-R parasites are circulating.
Network Segregation During Episodic Memory Shows Age-Invariant Relations with Memory Performance From 7 to 82 Years
Authors: Grydeland Håkon , Sneve Markus H. , Roe James M. , Raud Liisa , Ness Hedda T. , Folvik Line , Amlien Inge , Geier Oliver M. , Sørensen Øystein , Vidal-Pineiro Didac , Walhovd Kristine B. , Fjell Anders M.
Published: December 2024

Lower episodic memory capability, as seen in development and aging compared with younger adulthood, may partly depend on lower brain network segregation. Here, our objective was twofold: (1) test this hypothesis using within- and between-network functional connectivity (FC) during episodic memory encoding and retrieval, in two independent samples (n=734, age 7-82 years). (2) Assess associations with age and the ability to predict memory comparing task-general FC and memory-modulated FC. In a multiverse-inspired approach, we performed tests across multiple analytic choices. Results showed that relationships differed based on these analytic choices, were often weak, and mainly present in the cohort with the most data. Significant relationships indicated that (i) memory-modulated FC predicted memory performance and associated with memory in an age-invariant manner. (ii) In line with the so- called neural dedifferentiation view, task-general FC showed lower segregation with higher age in adults which was associated with worse memory performance. In development, although there were only weak signs of a neural differentiation, that is, gradually higher segregation with higher age, we observed similar lower segregation-worse memory relationships. This age-invariant relationships between FC and episodic memory suggest that network segregation is pivotal for memory across the healthy lifespan.

Declarations of interest

none.

Highlights

Within- and between network functional connectivity predict memory performance.

Multiverse-inspired analyses showed varying results depending on analytic choices.

Memory associations particularly in the cohort with most data were age-invariant across the lifespan.

Dedifferentiation might be better characterized as degrees of differentiation.
Genetic basis for antimicrobial resistance inEscherichia coliisolated from household water in municipal Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Akintayo Ifeoluwa , Odeyemi Jesutofunmi S. , Alabi Olumuyiwa S. , Mohammed Halimat O. , Ikhimiukor Odion O. , Afolayan Ayorinde O. , Thomson Nicholas R. , Okeke Iruka N.
Published: December 2024

Escherichia coliserves as an indicator of recent faecal contamination in water, signaling the potential presence of enteric pathogens. The public health impact ofE. coliin water becomes more significant when strains harbor virulence genes, and may themselves be pathogenic, or antimicrobial resistance genes that can be transferred to pathogens. In this study, we used whole genome sequencing (WGS) to characterizeE. coliisolated from household water in municipal Ibadan, Nigeria across two seasons. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on 97E. coliisolates, and their genomes were assembled using SPAdes. Multi-Locus Sequence Types (MLST), virulence genes and plasmid replicons were determined using ABRicate. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were detected using AMRFinderplus. Phylogroups and serotypes were determined using ClermonTyper and ECTyper, respectively. A phylogenetic tree was built using RAxML. Of the 97 isolates, 39(40.2%) were multidrug resistant and 13(15.9%) possessed diarrheagenicE. coli(DEC) virulence genes. Resistance to individual antibiotics was higher and DEC characteristics more frequent among isolates recovered in the dry season compared to the wet season. Thirty-seven resistance genes belonging to nine antibiotic classes were detected. Majority of the isolates belonged to phylogroup A or B1, 35unique Sequence Types (STs) were detected and there were seven expanded clones of four or more isolates. This study determined that multidrug-resistantE. coli, including DEC, were recovered from household water sources in Ibadan. Some isolates were likely derived from point-sources, highlighting the importance of improved water quality management and sanitation in preventing waterborne disease and antimicrobial resistance transmission.

IMPORTANCE

Contamination of household drinking water sources by disease-causing microorganisms is a serious public health concern common in African settings.Escherichia coli, an indicator of faecal contamination, can also be a reservoir for resistance genes. We have previously reported high frequencies ofE. colicontamination of household water in municipal Ibadan. In this study we characterized antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes harboured by contaminating isolates. We found potential diarrhoea-causingE. coliin water which often carried antimicrobial resistance genes, irrespective of whether or not they were disease causing. Resistance gene carriage was more common among isolates recovered in the dry, as compared to the wet season. This was attributable to resistant lineages ofE. colibacteria spreading in the dry season. The work shows the importance of monitoring drinking water in urban African cities like Ibadan and that treating ground water sources may be necessary, particularly in the dry season.
Sporophyte Directed Gametogenesis via the Ubiquitin Proteasome System
Authors: Sivakumar Prakash , Pandey Saurabh , Ramesha A , Davda Jayeshkumar Narsibhai , Singh Aparna , Kumar Chandan , Gala Hardik , Subbiah Veeraputhiran , Adicherla Harikrishna , Dhawan Jyotsna , Aravind L. , Siddiqi Imran
Published: December 2024

Plants alternate between diploid sporophyte and haploid gametophyte generations. In mosses which retain features of ancestral land plants, the gametophyte is dominant and has an independent existence. However, in flowering plants the gametophyte has undergone evolutionary reduction to just a few cells enclosed within the sporophyte. The gametophyte is thought to retain genetic control of its development even after reduction. Here we demonstrate that male gametophyte development in Arabidopsis, long considered to be autonomous, is also under genetic control of the sporophyte via a repressive mechanism involving large-scale regulation of protein turnover. We identify an Arabidopsis geneSHUKRas an inhibitor of male gametogenesis. SHUKR is unrelated to proteins of known function and acts sporophytically in meiosis to control gametophyte development by negatively regulating expression of a large set of ubiquitination genes specific to post-meiotic gametogenesis. This control is late-emerging asSHUKRhomologs are found only in eudicots. We show thatSHUKRis rapidly evolving under positive selection suggesting that variation in control of protein turnover during male gametogenesis has played an important role in evolution within eudicots.
Type I interferons induced upon respiratory viral infection impair lung metastatic initiation
Authors: Farias Ana , Bridgeman Victoria , Rodrigues Felipe S. , Owen Amber , Ruhland Stefanie , Ferreira Rute , Mack Matthias , Malanchi Ilaria , Johansson Cecilia
Published: December 2024

Invasive breast cancer accounts for 7% of all cancer-related deaths, with the lungs being a common site of metastases. At the same time, lower respiratory tract infections are a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Acute viral respiratory infections induce transitional changes in the lung; however, the impact of these changes on metastasis initiation and cancer progression remains unclear. Using primary murine MMTV-PyMT breast cancer cells in an experimental lung metastasis model, we show that changes induced by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection impair tumor cell seeding and early establishment in the lung, resulting in lower number of metastatic nodules. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this reduction of metastases is due to alterations in the lung environment mediated by type I interferons (IFNs) that are produced in response to RSV infection. Consistent with that notion, intranasal administration of recombinant IFN-α recapitulates the anti-tumor effect of RSV infection. Type I IFNs change the lung cellular composition and induce an Interferon Stimulated Gene (ISG) driven response, creating an alveolar environment that is less supportive of tumor cell growth. Indeed, epithelial cells from mice infected with RSV or intranasally exposed to IFN-α, are less supportive of tumor cell growthex vivo. Altogether, our results suggest that type I IFNs induced by infection with some respiratory viruses perturb the lungs and consequently interfere with the ability of tumor cells to successfully initiate metastatic colonization.

Significance

Women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer have a low survival rate. The lungs are a common metastatic site and are constantly exposed to viral pathogens, such as coronavirus, RSV and influenza virus. Thus, breast cancer and respiratory virus infection are likely to co-occur, but their interplay remains unclear. We show that type I interferons (IFNs), induced upon viral infection impair metastatic cancer cell seeding of mouse lungs. This is potentially via an effect of IFNs on lung epithelial cells, which become less supportive of early tumor cell proliferation. These findings indicate that viral infections and type I IFNs can alter the lung environment and impair implantation of metastatic cells, which could be explored to improve future cancer treatments.
Assessing the impact of character evolution models on phylogenetic and macroevolutionary inferences from fossil data
Authors: Wright David F. , Hopkins Melanie J.
Published: December 2024

Understanding the evolution and phylogenetic distribution of morphologic traits is fundamental to macroevolutionary research. Despite decades of major advances and key insights from molecular systematics, organismal anatomical features remain a key source of biological data for both inferring phylogenies and investigating patterns of trait evolution among fossil and extant species. In paleobiology, morphologic characters are typically the only source of information available for reconstructing evolutionary trees. Systematists working with fossil data must make decisions regarding how morphological characters are modeled, whether they are continuous or categorical, and how to address biological sources of rate variation. To determine the impact of how different models of morphological evolution influence phylogenetic inferences and downstream comparative analyses of fossil data, we competed a series of increasingly complex model configurations of character evolution to a dataset of Cambrian-Ordovician trilobites containing both discrete morphological characters and continuous traits. Competed models vary in complexity, ranging from simple constant rate scenarios with only discrete categorical traits, to complex evolutionary models including both discrete and quantitative traits across multiple ecological partitions while accounting for multiple sources of rate variation. We compared topological distributions across competed models by visualizing their distances in multidimensional treespace. Results indicate the addition of continuous traits dramatically improves support for complex evolutionary scenarios. Remarkably, we find model complexity also has a major impact on which regions of treespace are explored, which suggests a critical need to carefully model morphologic evolution even when systematists are only interested in patterns of phylogenetic relationships alone.
Biomolecular condensates control and are defined by RNA-RNA interactions that arise in viral replication
Authors: Aierken Dilimulati , Zhang Vita , Sealfon Rachel , Marecki John C. , Raney Kevin D. , Gladfelter Amy S. , Joseph Jerelle A. , Roden Christine A.
Published: December 2024

Cells must limit RNA–RNA interactions to avoid irreversible RNA entanglement. Cells may prevent deleterious RNA-RNA interactions by genome organization to avoid complementarity however, RNA viruses generate long, perfectly complementary antisense RNA during replication. How do viral RNAs avoid irreversible entanglement? One possibility is RNA sequestration into biomolecular condensates. To test this, we reconstituted critical SARS-CoV-2 RNA–RNA interactions in Nucleocapsid condensates. We observed that RNAs with low propensity RNA–RNA interactions resulted in more round, liquid-like condensates while those with high sequence complementarity resulted in more heterogeneous networked morphology independent of RNA structure stability. Residue-resolution molecular simulations and direct sequencing-based detection of RNA–RNA interactions support that these properties arise from degree of trans RNA contacts. We propose that extensive RNA–RNA interactions in cell and viral replication are controlled via a combination of genome organization, timing, RNA sequence content, RNA production ratios, and emergent biomolecular condensate material properties.

Graphical Abstract: SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle employs weak and strong RNA-RNA interactions
The CoREST-complex regulates MYC stability and promotes post-transcriptional mRNA splicing in melanoma
Authors: Khan Abdul A , Aptekmann Ariel A , Byun Jaemin , Min Dongkook , Povelaitis Michael C , Shin JiYeon , Zakrzewski Johannes L , Ryu Byungwoo
Published: December 2024

The maturation of RNA is mediated by the coordinated actions of RNA-binding proteins through post-transcriptional pre-mRNA processing. This process is a central regulatory mechanism for gene expression and plays a crucial role in the development of complex biological systems. MYC directly upregulates transcription of genes encoding the core components of pre-mRNA splicing machinery. The perturbation of splicing processes is associated with various disease conditions, including cancer. Here, we report that the CoREST complex stabilizes MYC from proteolytic degradation via post-translational modification through site-specific deacetylation of lysine residues. Furthermore, the CoREST complex acts as a transcriptional coregulator of MYC-driven transcriptional activation of RNA processing genes. These genes include those encoding snRNPs and snoRNPs that are important players in pre-mRNA spliceosome fidelity. Genetic ablation and pharmacological inhibition of the CoREST complex in melanoma cells induce altered spliceosome activity. These alterations result in significant changes in genome-wide expression patterns of alternatively spliced mRNA isoforms and compromise cell survival. The ectopic expression of one of the RNA processing genes, NOLC1, partially restores cell viability in the CoREST complex-depleted cells. These findings identify the interaction of the CoREST-complex with MYC as a central regulator of cancer-specific expression profiles of mRNA splicing variants.

Significance

The pathogenic role of the CoREST complex in cancer is not well-defined. Our study reveals that the CoREST complex stabilizes MYC protein in melanoma cells and acts as a coregulator for activating RNA processing genes. Disrupting the CoREST-MYC axis alters genome-wide alternative splicing patterns, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for MYC-driven cancers, including melanoma.
Elastase mediated white matter damage in cerebral small vessel disease: Microglia - neutrophils pas de deux
Authors: Dong Cheng-Ya , Chen Weiqi , Li Qi , Fan Junwan , Lan Tian , Dong Wanlin , Sun Lina , Wang Yingjie , Shi Mingming , Huang Yongjin , Chang Yingying , Wang Ningning , Xue Jing , Jiang Lingling , Huang Yue , Pan Yuesong , He Wenyan , Shi Kaibin , Ma Xiaotong , Wang Yongjun , Shi Fu-Dong , Verkhratsky Alexei , Wang Yilong , Jin Wei-Na
Published: December 2024

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) leads to an extensive white matter damage associated with cognitive decline, yet the underlying damaging mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here we established a positive correlation between plasma levels of serine proteinase elastase ELANE and periventricular white matter hyperintensity (PV-WMH) in a cohort of CSVD patients. In a CSVD murine model induced by bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS), upregulated ELANE was detected both in microglia and peripheral blood neutrophils. Genetic ELANE deficiency significantly alleviated oligodendrocyte loss, thereby reducing white matter lesions (WMLs) as well as ameliorating sensorimotor and cognitive impairments in BCAS mice. In vitrostudies demonstrated that ELANE triggered time-dependent and dose-dependent oligodendrocyte lineage cell death. Bone marrow transplantation showed that ELANE from microglia and peripheral blood both contributed to WML development and BCAS-induced neurological deficits. Mechanistically, ELANE, accumulated by oligodendrocytes, cleaved the phosphodiesterase domain of 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNPase). Pharmacological inhibition of ELANE with Sivelestat reduced oligodendrocyte loss and WMLs leading to the restoration of white matter integrity and neurological improvements in BCAS mice. In post-mortem brain specimens of CSVD patients ELANE accumulated within WMLs being predominantly localized in microglia (and hence defined as microglial ELANE) rather than in the brain-infiltrating neutrophils. We therefore posit microglial ELANE as an instigator of whiter matter injury in CSVD and suggest its potential therapeutic relevance.
Canopy height model and NAIP imagery pairs across CONUS
Authors: Allred Brady W , McCord Sarah E. , Morford Scott L.
Published: December 2024

Canopy height models (CHM) provide detailed environmental vertical structure information and are an important indicator and input for ecological and geospatial applications. These models are often spatiotemporally inconsistent, necessitating additional modeling to scale them in space and time. Yet, such scaling is hindered by a lack of spatially diverse data. To address this, we use United States Geological Survey 3D Elevation Program lidar data to produce 22,796,764 one meter resolution CHM chips, stratified across the dominant land covers of the conterminous United States. For each CHM, we pair a matching time-aligned aerial image from the United States Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Imagery Program. This dataset can be used to train models for large scale CHM production.
Clustering and spatial distribution of mitochondria in dendritic trees
Authors: Hidalgo-Soria M. , Koslover E. F.
Published: December 2024

Neuronal dendrites form densely branched tree architectures through which mitochondria must be distributed to supply the cell's energetic needs. Dendritic mitochondria circulate across the tree, undergoing fusion and fission to form clusters of varying sizes. We present a mathematical model for the distribution of such actively driven interacting particles in a branched geometry, showing that the density and localization of particles is highly sensitive to the fusion/fission balance and to the tree architecture. Our model demonstrates that “balanced” trees (wherein cross-sectional area is conserved across junctions and thicker branches support more bushy subtrees) enable symmetric yet distally enriched particle distributions and promote dispersion into smaller clusters. These results highlight the importance of tree morphology and radius-dependent fusion in governing the distribution of neuronal mitochondria.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Family businesses and business families in cultural context: interdisciplinary updates for family business research
Authors: Koellner Tobias , Roth Steffen
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This article shows that business family and family business research is dominated by reductionist and biased concepts of culture that are in sharp contrast with recent advances in anthropology and the broader social sciences that would allow for more fine-grained analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an inbound theorizing approach, state-of-the-art anthropological and sociological concepts of culture are introduced to family business research.

Findings

The resulting interdisciplinary update unveils that prevailing concepts of culture in family business research confuse cultures with countries or nations and neglect the processual constitution of culture.

Originality/value

The article advocates a research agenda emphasizing the social construction and reproduction of culture as well as the need to systematically draw on findings from anthropology and sociology so as to allow for better cross-cultural comparisons in the field of family business research.
Barriers to effective higher and degree-level apprenticeships: a systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Chadwick Kieron , Dimungu Hewage Dilrukshi , Hazzam Joe
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The literature concerning higher- and degree-level apprenticeships (HDAs) in the post-levy era (2017–) is sparse and fragmented. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to the international landscape of higher education work-based learning by identifying barriers to effective HDA programmes and outlining a future research agenda to address these.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a systematic literature review methodology to explore barriers in HDAs. Adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the review follows a three-stage process to develop the sample. A meticulously designed search strategy uses targeted queries on the SCOPUS database, focusing on terms related to HDAs and their challenges. Inclusion criteria is set to papers from 2017 to 2024, covering book chapters and peer-reviewed journals in the English language. Articles were cross-checked with the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) database, which refines the total to 68 papers. Data from these sources is then extracted and tabulated for qualitative content analysis.

Findings

The systematic literature review of 68 manuscripts finds challenges are faced by apprentices, employers and training providers alike. This includes, but is not limited to, ethnically correlated performance, stigma, careers advice, job design, mentoring practices and the incorporation of technology. Two additional themes of pedagogy/andragogy and policy emerge.

Originality/value

Based on the analysis, the paper suggests an extensive portfolio of future research focused on collaborative practices. If addressed, this yields the power to influence future legislation and subsequent implementation.
Robotic companionship for solo diners: the role of robotic service type, need to belong and restaurant type
Authors: Huang Jingwen (Daisy) , Wong IpKin Anthony , Lian Qi Lilith , Huang Huiling
Published: December 2024

Purpose

What kind of robotic service do customers prefer when they dine out alone? This study aims to investigate how robotic service type affects solo diners’ attitude toward robotic service and restaurant revisit intention, through the mediation of rapport. It also examines the moderating effects of the need to belong and restaurant type.

Design/methodology/approach

Three experiments were conducted. Study 1 used a one-factor between-subjects design to test the effect of robotic service type on rapport and solo diners’ responses. Study 2 conducted a 2 (robotic service type: service-delivery vs entertainment) × need to belong quasi-experimental design to examine the moderation of need to belong. Study 3 used a 2 (robotic service type: service-delivery vs entertainment) × 2 (restaurant type: traditional restaurant vs solo-friendly restaurant) factorial between-subjects design to test the moderation of restaurant type. A qualitative study (Study 4) complements the experimental results based on semistructured interviews.

Findings

Entertainment (vs service-delivery) robotic service has a stronger effect on solo diners’ responses, with rapport serving as a mediator. Additionally, solo diners with a heightened need to belong demonstrate an intensified rapport effect when receiving entertainment-oriented robotic service. Furthermore, restaurant type plays a moderating role between robotic service type and consumer responses. For traditional restaurants, solo diners who receive entertainment (vs service-delivery) robotic service tend to form stronger rapport and favorable responses. The results of the qualitative study elucidate and support the hypothesized relationships of the experimental studies.

Practical implications

Restaurant operators could consider offering entertainment-based smart devices that allow solo diners to indulge themselves during the dining encounter. Restaurants could also design environmental cues that can signify a sense of comfort, such as redesigning tables with individual seats for solo diners to enhance their perceptions of shared characteristics among other solo diners in the same space.

Originality/value

This research advances the literature on solo dining and robotic service, by investigating how human–robot interaction can fulfill solo diners’ relatedness goals, as self-determination theory suggests. This inquiry also represents an early attempt in the hospitality literature to empirically examine the influence of robotic service type on consumer responses through the mediation of rapport.
Perceived value, service quality and service convenience on behavioral intentions in fitness centers: a comparison between customers with and without personal training
Authors: Ferreira-Barbosa Helena , Sabino Bebiana , Loureiro Vânia , Cepeda-Carrion Gabriel
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to propose and test a model that describes the different aspects and mechanisms that influence the behavioral intentions of fitness center customers by examining the relationship between service convenience, service quality and perceived value, comparing customers with and without PT service. This study is highlighted by the need for fitness centers to remain competitive and profitable and the fact that PT services are one of the top ten global fitness trends.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 412 fitness center customers. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test each proposed hypothesis.

Findings

Nine of the ten hypotheses tested, between service convenience, service quality, perceived value and behavioral intentions, were supported. The results from bootstrapping supported the indirect effects of service quality and perceived value in the relationship between service convenience, service quality and behavioral intentions. The presence of the PT service affects the majority of the relationships in the model.

Research limitations/implications

Customers with PT services may have different expectations and perceptions based on the cost associated with the service. Managers may consider adapting their service strategies to these distinct customer segments, offering differentiated service levels or targeted convenience improvements.

Originality/value

The variables under study integrate a comprehensive model for fitness centers while innovating by incorporating PT services as a moderating variable, providing a differentiated view of how customer segments perceive and respond to fitness center offerings.
Deploying Blockchain in mobile public bazaars’ food supply chain within the tourism and hospitality industry
Authors: Cifci Ibrahim , Cam Baris , Demirbas Oguzhan , Celikay Aleyna
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the strategies and challenges of deploying Blockchain within the context of mobile public bazaars’ (MPBs) food supply chains (FSCs) in the tourism and hospitality industry (T&H).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on qualitative data gathered from 20 semistructured interviews with stakeholders (e.g. producers, food service businesses and government agencies), the study uses theme analysis to identify patterns and insights.

Findings

Findings reveal four strategies (i.e. implementations, digital literacy and awareness, government incentives and interoperability) and four challenges (i.e. public perception, business logic, constraints, legislative and administrative) arising from the deployment of Blockchain in the FSCs of MPBs.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by offering a comprehensive examination of the strategies and challenges associated with deploying Blockchain in the FSCs of MPBs within the T&H industry. It extends beyond singular theoretical frameworks, using a multitheory approach and offers a novel smart contract model for practical implementation.
Selection of a representative decision recommendation using a set of value functions
Authors: Zhou Kun , Gong Zaiwu , Chen Xiaoqing , Wei Guo
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In multi-criteria ranking problems, the UTA-like methods can be used to infer the value functions that restore the decision-maker’s (DM’s) indirect preference information. These value functions represent all possible preference systems for the DM. In this paper, we aim to develop a method for determining the complete ranking of alternatives based on all such value functions.

Design/methodology/approach

We extend the DM’s inductive preference for value functions in the selection of a representative value function to rankings of alternatives and construct a novel measure referred as the representativeness index to evaluate the performance of rankings relative to the inductive preference. Subsequently, by exploring all value functions that are capable of generating a ranking, two robust representativeness indices are constructed and a simulation algorithm is proposed for calculating the robust representativeness index.

Findings

Determining the ranking based on the representative value function can be seen as selecting the ranking with the largest representativeness index. Additionally, we find through a case study that the ranking determined based on robust representativeness indices has good robustness in the sense of inductive preferences.

Originality/value

The inductive preference is a manifestation of the DM’s preference system. This paper proposes a method for measuring the performance of rankings relative to inductive preferences. The performance of a ranking is defined as the performance of all value functions that can produce that ranking relative to the inductive preference. In turn, it is possible to identify the ranking that best matches the DM’s preference system.
Social media use and loneliness among adolescents: the moderating role of media literacy
Authors: Kim Yesolran , Lee Mina
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the relationship between social media use and loneliness among adolescents and the moderating role of media literacy in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes secondary cross-sectional data from the Korea Media Panel Survey conducted in 2021 by the Korea Information Society Development Institute. The sample comprised 480 Korean adolescents aged 13–18 years who had experience using social media.

Findings

The results showed that social media use was positively associated with adolescents’ loneliness and that media literacy moderated this relationship. Adolescents with low media literacy felt lonelier with increased social media use, while those with high media literacy felt less lonely as social media use increased. For those with average media literacy, social media use had no effect on loneliness.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that media literacy can serve as a protective factor against the negative effects of social media use, in particular, adolescent loneliness. This study underscores the importance of media literacy education and interventions by parents, educators and policymakers for adolescents.
What are the facts that affect the green investment funds and green entrepreneurship?
Authors: Miraz Mahadi Hasan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Green investment funds are still imperative in clarifying the fundamental components of their relationship to sustainability. This study aims to investigate the impact of different factors, such as green product design and innovation, green product entry barriers and green environmental awareness, on the success of green investment funds projects to finance environmentally friendly products. The research also investigates how green investment funds facilitate these factors to encourage environmentally sustainable business.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a questionnaire to collect insights from 210 green entrepreneurs in Asia, Africa, Europe and America. The data were then investigated using statistical tools, such as quantitative analysis of green entrepreneur surveys collected from various industries. The relationship between green product design and innovation, barriers to entry, environmental awareness and green entrepreneurship performance was investigated using partial least squares structural equation modelling, with green investment funds as a mediator.

Findings

The results indicate that every construct/variable included in the study supported the success of the sustainable business. The observation was made that the development phase tends to diminish the positive relationship between the success of green investment funds and green product codesign strategies. Implementing green product design and innovation improves the success of a green firm. Also, the progress of such companies might be hindered by entry barriers, and corporate performance is improved by environmentalism. This study found the role of green investment funds in promoting product innovation and positive environmental outcomes while reducing barriers to entry.

Significance of the study

Given these results, this work provides a theoretical explanation. Also, it gives doable recommendations for more successful green investment funds of environmentally friendly goods. The analysis emphasises the need for green product innovation and investment funds to mitigate entry obstacles. Corporate entities, investors and lawmakers receive pragmatic guidance on sustainable business practices.

Originality/value

This research, unique because of its multidisciplinary methodology and theoretical advances, examines the relationship between business, finance and sustainability. It provides valuable insights for academics, professionals and decision-makers, enhancing the understanding of green investment and entrepreneurship and offering practical global sustainable economic growth strategies. This paper investigates the impact of green investment funds on product innovation, entry obstacles, environmental consciousness and the success of green entrepreneurs. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is one of the limited numbers that models these features, enhancing the precision of green project success information.
CSR and its impact on employees’ emotions: social information processing
Authors: Subba Deepak
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in reducing employees’ negative emotions. Based on social information processing, a new conceptual framework was developed and tested in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional design was used in the study. A total of 240 managers of financial institutions were surveyed through a self-administered questionnaire, and the responses were collected using a convenience sampling technique.

Findings

The findings indicated that CSR induces compassion and reduces employees’ negative emotions. Contrary to expectations, compassion did not emerge as a mediator in the relationship between CSR and negative emotions.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the literature by scrutinizing the persuading influence of CSR on employees’ negative emotions directly and indirectly through compassion. Furthermore, this study also tested the moderating effects of positive emotion in the relationship between CSR and negative emotions. The linkage between CSR and negative emotions was established by introducing the social information processing mechanism, adding another novelty to the literature.
English version of clinical practice guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis 2024
Authors: Saeki Hidehisa , Ohya Yukihiro , Arakawa Hirokazu , Ichiyama Susumu , Katsunuma Toshio , Katoh Norito , Tanaka Akio , Tanizaki Hideaki , Tsunemi Yuichiro , Nakahara Takeshi , Nagao Mizuho , Narita Masami , Hide Michihiro , Fujisawa Takao , Futamura Masaki , Masuda Koji , Matsubara Tomoyo , Murota Hiroyuki , Yamamoto‐Hanada Kiwako , Furuta Junichi
Published: December 2024

This is the English version of the 2024 clinical practice guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis (AD). AD is a disease characterized by relapsing eczema with pruritus as a primary lesion. A crucial aspect of AD treatment is the prompt induction of remission via the suppression of existing skin inflammation and pruritus. To achieve this, topical anti‐inflammatory drugs, such as topical corticosteroids, tacrolimus ointment, delgocitinib ointment, and difamilast ointment, have been used. However, the following treatments should be considered in addition to topical therapy for patients with refractory moderate‐to‐severe AD: oral cyclosporine, subcutaneous injections of biologics (dupilumab, nemolizumab, tralokinumab), oral Janus kinase inhibitors (baricitinib, upadacitinib, abrocitinib), and phototherapy. In these revised guidelines, descriptions of five new drugs, namely, difamilast, nemolizumab, tralokinumab, upadacitinib, and abrocitinib, have been added. The guidelines present recommendations to review clinical research articles, evaluate the balance between the advantages and disadvantages of medical activities, and optimize medical activity‐related patient outcomes with respect to several important points requiring decision‐making in clinical practice.
Cement and displacement
Authors: Rubaii Kali
Published: December 2024

Displaced people have not escaped war and do not live apart from it. This is evident in the material life of internally displaced Iraqi farmers seeking refuge in a concrete construction site, downstream from a cement‐processing plant in Iraqi Kurdistan. There, one family has repeatedly tried to build a traditional tannour (bread oven) out of unworkable, cement‐infused materials in their environment. As their experience shows, physical brushes with the cement industry, rather than kinetic violence like bombs and battles, lie at the heart of what war is. Through ambiguously embracing cement's contaminating qualities, displaced people open a space to reckon with their predicament.
A vicarious scar
Authors: Routon Erin
Published: December 2024

Difficult challenges are an unavoidable aspect of doing ethnographic fieldwork in sensitive spaces or on sensitive subjects. A less commonly discussed problem, however, is the impact that vicarious or secondary traumas can have on researchers. Here, I discuss my experience of secondary trauma in conducting research with legal advocates in family‐detention facilities in the US. Even in work in which trauma is centered, I show, the traumatic “wounds” of fieldwork can go unidentified, to the researcher's own detriment. I echo calls for our discipline to better recognize how ethnographers experience trauma, which results in part from continued disciplinary norms, and to reconsider our work as care. Additionally, I call for further attention to the more complex psycho/somatic traumas that can result from field research.
Brillouin assessment of the crystalline lens in patients with high myopia after long‐term implantable collamer lens V4c implantation
Authors: Ma Yong , Cao Jian , Yu Yanze , Fukuyama Teruko , Bao Yongle , Zhang Zhe , Niu Lingling , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Xingtao , Zhao Jing
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the long‐term effects of implantable collamer lens (ICL) V4c on the biomechanical and morphological properties of crystalline lenses in Chinese adults with high myopia using Brillouin microscopy (BM).

Methods

In this case–control study, 102 highly myopic eyes from 102 patients (18–48 years, preoperative spherical equivalent (SE): −6.00–−21.00 D) were categorised into ICL and control groups, matched by age, axial length (AL), lens thickness (LT) and preoperative SE. The biomechanical and morphological properties of the lenses were measured by BM. Ocular and anterior segment parameters, including AL, anterior chamber depth, volume, angle and LT, were assessed using Pentacam and IOL Master 700.

Results

No significant differences were observed in Brillouin morphological parameters between the ICL and control groups, including the width of top plateau (WTP), width of bottom plateau (WBP), bottom‐top (B‐T), slope of anterior cortex (SAC), and slope of posterior cortex (SPC) (all p > 0.05). A slight decrease in biomechanical metrics (height of plateau, Height) was observed in the ICL group, compared with the control group (p = 0.012). Linear regression analysis revealed age‐related changes in morphological metrics among all participants, including WTP (p = 0.0001), WBP (p = 0.0001), and SPC (p < 0.0001), while B‐T and SAC were age‐independent (both p > 0.05). No age‐related changes in Height were observed (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

ICL V4c did not significantly alter lens morphology as assessed using BM. A slight decrease in lenticular biomechanics was observed after ICL implantation.
An individualised mobile app was beneficial for the mothers of infants with severe congenital heart defects
Authors: Hjorth‐Johansen Elin , Børøsund Elin , Moen Anne , Østen Ingeborg Martinsen , Wik Gunnar , Solevåg Anne Lee , Eger Siw Helen Westby , Holmstrøm Henrik
Published: December 2024

Aim

This national study focused on the individualised Heart Observation (HOBS) mobile phone app, which helps the parents of infants with severe congenital heart disease (CHD) with discharge preparations and decision making at home.

Methods

We enrolled two groups of parents from 2021 to 2023, during their child's initial hospitalisation at Oslo University Hospital, Norway. Measurements were carried out at baseline and one and four months after discharge. The study examined 73 mothers, who assessed the usefulness and stress‐related impact of either printed materials or the HOBS app, as the fathers' responses were insufficient.

Results

The HOBS app was significantly more useful than the printed information, with regard to discharge preparations, follow up at home and ongoing decision making, particularly if the infants had sustained cardiac impairment. The average total usefulness scores were 23.9/35 (95% CI 21.6–26.1) versus 17.0/35 (95% CI 14.1–20.0), respectively. Initial stress significantly decreased from baseline in both groups and elevated awareness of deterioration did not increase stress in the HOBS group.

Conclusion

Mothers who used the HOBS app found it significantly more useful than the controls who received printed information, particularly if their infant had sustained cardiac impairment. Elevated awareness of deterioration did not increase stress.