bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Droplet Sequencing Reveals Virulence Gene Clusters in Oral Biofilm Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Takano Sotaro , Divya Naradasu , Takenawa Satoshi , Kangmin Yan , Maehara Tomoko , Nomura Nobuhiko , Obana Nozomu , Toyofuku Masanori , Usui Michihiko , Ariyoshi Wataru , Okamoto Akihiro
Published: September 2024

Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs), produced by a broad spectrum of bacteria, play a crucial role in enhancing intercellular communication through DNA transfer. A vital determinant of their gene transfer efficiency is the gene content diversity within BEVs, an aspect that conventional metagenomics fails to capture. Our study bridges this gap with a novel microdroplet-based sequencing technique that precisely details DNA content within hundreds of individual BEVs. This technique revealed a unique DNA profile in BEVs from the oral pathogenPorphyromonas gingivalis, pinpointing specific genomic regions related to DNA integration (e.g., DNA transposition and CRISPR-Cas systems). These enriched genes, overlooked by standard analyses that aggregate total read counts, indicate that our method offers a more focused view into the genetic contents of BEVs. Applying our technique to dental plaque-derived BEVs, we discovered a hundredfold higher prevalence of DNA encapsulation than previously estimated, with over 30% of BEVs containing DNA. Specifically, we identified a substantial presence of O-antigen biosynthesis genes, prominent hotspots of frequent horizontal gene transfer, fromAlcaligenes faecalis. Given that O-antigens mediate host-bacterial interactions, this gene enrichment in the large fraction of BEVs suggests a potential novel pathway by which BEVs could influence pathogenicity within oral biofilms. Our research unveils critical insights into the potential functions of vesicular DNA in microbial communities, establishing a powerful platform for studying vesicular DNA in microbiomes. This technical breakthrough provides a foundational basis for future research in microbial communication and the development of potential therapeutic or diagnosis strategies.

Significance Statement

BEVs have been studied for decades, yet their roles in nature and disease are just beginning to be appreciated. Our study makes a significant leap in understanding the roles of BEVs as gene transfer vehicles. By developing a microdroplet-based sequencing technique, we have uncovered detailed DNA profiles within individual BEVs, a task beyond the capabilities of conventional metagenomic methods. This breakthrough highlights specific genomic regions enriched in BEVs from pure culture and human dental plaque. Furthermore, the high prevalence of biofilm BEVs enriched in O-antigen biosynthesis genes, suggests a potential impact on the pathogenicity of oral biofilms. This research establishes a new methodological platform for exploring the intricacies of BEV-mediated interactions in a complex microbial community.
SENP2-based N-terminal truncation of α-synuclein in Lewy pathology propagation
Authors: Taguchi Katsutoshi , Watanabe Yoshihisa , Tanaka Masaki
Published: September 2024

α-Synuclein (αSyn) is a major component of Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs) which are pathological features of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy bodies. In the PD brain, with disease progression, LB/LN formation is propagated from the lower brainstem to the cerebral cortex. Prion-like cell-to-cell seed-transmission has been implicated as an underlying mechanism for Lewy-pathology propagation. However, the biochemical properties and production mechanism of those pathogenic seeds are unelucidated. In this study, we ascertained that the seeds released from pathological neurons that harbour LB/LN-like aggregates have the N-terminally truncated form of αSyn. This N-terminal truncation is directly catalysed by SENP2, which is a well-known deSUMOylation enzyme. After SENP2 processing of recombinant αSyn, the SDS-resistant high-molecular oligomer formation was promotedin vitro. Inhibition of SENP2 activity suppressed aggregate formation and propagation in cultured neurons and mouse brains. Thus, SENP2 might be a novel therapeutic target in LB diseases.
Light-harvesting by antenna-containing rhodopsins in pelagic Asgard archaea
Authors: Tzlil Gali , del Carmen Marin Maria , Matsuzaki Yuma , Nag Probal , Itakura Shota , Mizuno Yosuke , Murakoshi Shunya , Tanaka Tatsuki , Larom Shirley , Konno Masae , Abe-Yoshizumi Rei , Molina-Marquez Ana , Barcenas-Perez Daniela , Cheel Jose , Koblizek Michal , Leon Rosa , Katayama Kota , Kandori Hideki , Schapiro Igor , Shihoya Wataru , Nureki Osamu , Inoue Keiichi , Rozenberg Andrey , Chazan Ariel , Beja Oded
Published: September 2024

Aquatic bacterial rhodopsin proton pumps have been recently reported to utilize hydroxylated carotenoids1,2. Here, by combining a marine chromophore extract with purified archaeal rhodopsins identified in marine metagenomes, we report on light energy transfer from diverse hydroxylated carotenoids (lutein, diatoxanthin, and fucoxanthin) to heimdallarchaeial rhodopsins (HeimdallRs)3,4 from uncultured marine planktonic members of the 'Ca. Kariarchaeaceae' ('Ca. Asgardarchaeota')5. These light-harvesting antennas absorb in the blue-light range and transfer energy to the green-light absorbing retinal chromophore within HeimdallRs. Furthermore, antenna enhancement of proton pumping by HeimdallRs is also observed under white-light illumination along with a carotenoid-binding induced structural change in the protein. Our results indicate that the use of light-harvesting antennas in microbial rhodopsins is observed not only in bacteria but also in marine archaea.
Joint operation of the CO2concentrating mechanism and photorespiration in green algae during acclimation to limiting CO2
Authors: Dao Ousmane , Bertrand Marie , Alseekh Saleh , Veillet Florian , Auroy Pascaline , Nguyen Phuong-Chi , Légeret Bertrand , Epting Virginie , Morin Amélie , Cuiné Stephan , Monteil Caroline , Mackinder Luke C.M. , Burlacot Adrien , Krieger-Liszkay Anja , Weber Andreas P.M. , Fernie Alisdair R. , Peltier Gilles , Li-Beisson Yonghua
Published: September 2024

Due to low availability of CO2in aquatic environment, microalgae have evolved a CO2concentrating mechanism (CCM). It has long been thought that operation of CCM would suppress photorespiration by increasing the CO2concentration at the Rubisco active site, but experimental evidence is scarce. To better explore the function of photorespiration in algae, we first characterized aChlamydomonas reinhardtiimutant defected in low-CO2inducible 20 (LCI20) and show that LCI20 is a chloroplast-envelope glutamate/malate transporter playing a role in photorespiration. By monitoring growth and glycolate excretion in mutants deficient in either CCM or photorespiration, we conclude that:i. CCM induction does not depend on photorespiration,ii. glycolate excretion protects algal cells from the toxicity of unmetabolized photorespiratory intermediates,iii. photorespiration is active at low CO2when the CCM is operational. This work provides a foundation for a better understanding of the carbon cycle in the ocean where significant glycolate concentrations have been found.
Genomic imprinting in an early-diverging angiosperm reveals ancient mechanisms for seed initiation in flowering plants
Authors: Florez-Rueda Ana M. , Scharmann Mathias , de Souza Leonardo P. , Fernie Alisdair R. , Bachelier Julien B. , Figueiredo Duarte D.
Published: September 2024

The evolution of the seed habit marks a pivotal innovation of the spermatophytes. Angiosperms further refined this trait by coupling the development of seed accessory structures to fertilization, optimizing resource allocation. Here, we demonstrate that post-fertilization auxin production is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for seed initiation in angiosperms. We also provide evidence that this pathway likely emerged from a switch from maternal to paternal control after the divergence of angiosperms from their gymnosperm ancestors. Our study thus brings new insights into the evolutionary origins of the endosperm, which was a determining feature for the rapid rise to dominance of flowering plants.
Deleting PTEN, but not SOCS3 or myelin inhibitors, robustly boosts BRAF-elicited intraspinal regeneration of peripheral sensory axons
Authors: Kim Hyukmin , Noristani Harun N. , Zhai Jinbin , Manire Meredith , Zhai Jinbin , Li Shuxin , Zhong Jian , Son Young-Jin
Published: September 2024

Primary sensory axons fail to regenerate into the spinal cord following dorsal root injury leading to permanent sensory deficits. Re-entry is prevented at the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ), the CNS-PNS interface. Current approaches for promoting DR regeneration across the DREZ have had some success, but sustained, long-distance regeneration, particularly of large-diameter myelinated axons, still remains a formidable challenge. We have previously shown that induced expression of constitutively active B-RAF (kaBRAF) enhanced the regenerative competence of injured DRG neurons in adult mice. In this study, we investigated whether robust intraspinal regeneration can be achieved after a cervical DR injury by selective expression of kaBRAF alone or in combination with deletion of the myelin-associated inhibitors or neuron-intrinsic growth suppressors (PTEN or SOCS3). We found that kaBRAF promoted some axon regeneration across the DREZ but did not produce significant functional recovery by two months. Supplementary deletion of Nogo, MAG, and OMgp only modestly improved kaBRAF-induced regeneration. Deletion of PTEN or SOCS3 individually or in combination failed to promote any growth across the DREZ. In marked contrast, simultaneous deletion of PTEN, but not SOCS3, dramatically enhanced kaBRAF-mediated regeneration enabling many more axons to penetrate the DREZ and grow deep into the spinal cord. This study shows that dual activation of BRAF-MEK-ERK and PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling is an effective strategy to stimulate robust intraspinal DR regeneration.
Non-cell-autonomous control of gastruloid development by the lncRNAT-UCstem1through DKK1-dependent modulation of WNT signalling
Authors: Coppola Arianna , Amoroso Filomena , Saracino Federica , Andolfi Gennaro , Sozzi Edoardo , Salerno Paolo , Zoppoli Pietro , Fiorenzano Alessandro , Merla Giuseppe , Patriarca Eduardo Jorge , Minchiotti Gabriella , Fico Annalisa
Published: September 2024

The role and the mechanisms of long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) in early mammalian embryogenesis remain unclear; this is mostly due to the complexity of the regulatory mechanism of lncRNAs and the limited availability of early embryo samples. The emergence of stem cell-based models of early mammalian embryogenesis offers new opportunities to address these challenging questions. Here we use mouse gastruloids to investigate the role of an ultraconserved lncRNA,T-UCstem1,in the formation of the mammalian body plan. Combining morphological and immunofluorescence analysis with bulk and single cells transcriptomics, we provide unprecedented evidence thatT-UCstem1is a key regulator of gastruloid development and is required for the extension of the anteroposterior axis. Specifically, knock down ofT-UCstem1results in aberrant gastruloid development, which is characterized by altered spatiotemporal expression of the differentiation markers and persistence of pluripotency genes. Single-cell analysis reveals higher cellular heterogeneity inT-UCstem1KD gastruloids. Notably, the presence of cell populations characterized by the co-expression of pluripotency and differentiation markers points to a key role ofT-UCstem1in establishment and maintenance of proper cellular identity. Mechanistically, we show thatT-UCstem1acts non-cell autonomously through Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1)-dependent modulation of WNT pathway. Our findings highlight a previously unexplored role for ultraconserved lncRNAs in gastruloid development and open the way for using gastruloids to dissect the functions of lncRNAs in early mammalian development.
Unsupervised alignment reveals structural commonalities and differences in neural representations of natural scenes across individuals and brain areas
Authors: Takeda Ken , Abe Kota , Kitazono Jun , Oizumi Masafumi
Published: September 2024

Neuroscience research has extensively explored the commonality of neural representations of sensory stimuli across individuals to uncover universal neural mechanisms in the encoding of sensory information. To compare neural representations across different brains, Representational Similarity Analysis (RSA) has been used, which focuses on the similarity structures of neural representations for different stimuli. Despite the broad applicability and utility of RSA, one limitation is that its conventional framework assumes that neural representations of particular stimuli correspond directly to those of the same stimuli in different brains. This assumption excludes the possibility that neural representations correspond differently and limits the exploration of finer structural similarities. To overcome this limitation, we propose to use an unsupervised alignment framework based on Gromov-Wasserstein Optimal Transport (GWOT) to compare similarity structures without presupposing stimulus correspondences. This method allows for the identification of optimal correspondence between neural representations of stimuli based solely on internal neural representation relationships, and thereby provides a more detailed comparison of neural similarity structures across individuals. We applied this unsupervised alignment to investigate the commonality of representational similarity structures of natural scenes, using large datasets of Neuropixels recordings in mice and fMRI recordings in humans. We found that the similarity structure of neural representations in the same visual cortical areas can be well aligned across individuals in an unsupervised manner in both mice and humans. In contrast, we found that the degree of alignment across different brain areas cannot be fully explained by proximity in the visual processing hierarchy alone, but also found some reasonable alignment results, such that the similarity structures of higher-order visual areas can be well aligned with each other but not with lower-order visual areas. We expect that our unsupervised approach will be useful for revealing more detailed structural commonalities or differences that may not be captured by the conventional supervised approach.
Key roles of microbial sulfur and ammonium oxidizers for the coastal seafloor ecological state
Authors: Nilsen Tonje , Pettersen Ragnhild , Keeley Nigel Brian , Ray Jessica Louise , Majaneva Sanna , Stokkan Morten , Hervik Anja , Angell Inga Leena , Snipen Lars Gustav , Sundt Maud Odegaard , Rudi Knut
Published: September 2024

Recent evidence suggests that there is a major switch in coastal seafloor microbial ecology already at a mildly deteriorated macrofauna state. This knowledge is of critical value in the management and conservation of the coastal seafloor. We therefore aimed to determine the relationships between seafloor microbiota and macrofauna on a lregional scale. We compared prokaryote, macrofauna, chemical, and geographical data from 1,546 seafloor samples which varied in their exposure to aquaculture activities along the Norwegian and Icelandic coasts. We found that the seafloor samples contained either a sulfur oxidizer network (42.4% of samples, n=656), or an ammonium oxidizer network of microbes (44.0% of samples, n=681). Very few samples contained neither network (9.8% of samples, n=151), or both (3.8% of samples, n=58). Samples with a sulfur oxidizer network had a tenfold higher risk of macrofauna loss (odds ratios, 95% CI: 9.5 to 15.6), while those with an ammonium oxidizer network had a tenfold lower risk (95% CI: 0.068 to 0.11). The sulfur oxidizer network was negatively correlated to distance from Norwegian aquaculture sites (Spearman rho = -0.42, p < 0.01), and was present in all Icelandic samples (n=274). The ammonium oxidizer network was absent from Icelandic samples, and positively correlated to distance from Norwegian aquaculture sites (Spearman rho = 0.67, p < 0.01). Based on 357 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), we found that the main metabolic process for the ammonium oxidizer network was cobalamin-dependent, while the sulfur oxidizer network was associated with both ammonium retention and sulfur metabolism. In conclusion, our findings highlight the critical roles of sulfur and ammonium oxidizers in mild macrofauna deterioration, which should be included as an essential part of seafloor management.
Non-specific effect of double-stranded RNAs on Egyptian broomrape (Phelipanche aegyptiaca) seed germination
Authors: Zainali Nariman , Alizadeh Houshang , Alizadeh Hassan , Delavault Philippe
Published: September 2024

Obligate root parasitic plants of the Orobanchaceae family exhibit an intricate germination behavior. The host-dependent germination process of these parasites has prompted extensive research into effective control methods. While the effect of biomaterials such as amino acids and microRNA-encoded peptides have been explored, the effect of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) has remained unexamined during the germination process. In this study, we asked whether an exogenously applied dsRNA can inhibit the germination of a root parasite, P. aegyptiaca. To this end, a dsRNA was designed to target theCYP707A1(dsCYP7), a marker gene of the chemically-dependent germination of broomrape seeds. Application of a concentrated dsCYP7 significantly reduced seed germination. However, two non-germination-specific dsRNAs designed to target mannose-6-phosphate reductase and green fluorescent protein brought about similar inhibitions. Moreover, applying rNTPs, which mimic RNA nitrogenous bases, also caused a similar reduction in the germination, suggesting that the non-specific inhibitory effect of the dsRNAs might arise from the nitrogenous moiety thereof. While, dsRNA application inhibited seed germination, their non-specific effects may pose a challenge for their application in studying root parasites germination, emphasizing on the need for further investigations.
A RapidAgrobacterium-Mediated Transformation Method Using Maize B104 Immature Embryos
Authors: Kang Minjeong , Azanu Mercy K. , Lee Keunsub , Wang Kan
Published: September 2024

Maize genetic transformation is a critical tool for functional genomics and crop improvement. Many laboratories, however, continue to face multiple challenges in attempting to achieve routine genetic transformation of maize inbred genotypes. Here, we describe a rapid and robust maize B104 transformation method using immature embryos as explants. This method uses anAgrobacteriumternary vector system, which includes a conventional T-DNA binary vector (pCBL101-RUBY) and a compatible ternary helper plasmid (pKL2299) that carries extra copies of essential virulence genes. The T-DNA binary vector carries theneomycin phosphotransferase II(NptII) gene for selection and a betalain biosynthesis marker,RUBY,for visual screening. We provide step-by-step instructions for immature embryo explant preparation,Agrobacteriuminfection, tissue culture procedures, and greenhouse care for acclimatization of regenerated plantlets.
Anomalous dimensions via on-shell methods: Operator mixing and leading mass effects
Authors: Bresciani L. C. , Levati G. , Mastrolia P. , Paradisi P.
Published: September 2024

We elaborate on the application of on shell and unitarity-based methods for evaluating renormalization group coefficients, and generalize this framework to account for the mixing of operators with different dimensions and leading mass effects. We derive a master formula for anomalous dimensions stemming from the general structure of operator mixings, up to two-loop order, and show how the Higgs low-energy theorem can be exploited to include leading mass effects. A few applications on the renormalization properties of popular effective field theories showcase the strength of the proposed approach, which drastically reduces the complexity of standard loop calculations. Our results provide a powerful tool to interpret experimental measurements of low-energy observables, such as flavor violating processes or electric and magnetic dipole moments, as induced by new physics emerging above the electroweak scale.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Counterdiabatic Driving for Periodically Driven Systems
Authors: Schindler Paul M. , Bukov Marin
Published: September 2024

Periodically driven systems have emerged as a useful technique to engineer the properties of quantum systems, and are in the process of being developed into a standard toolbox for quantum simulation. An outstanding challenge that leaves this toolbox incomplete is the manipulation of the states dressed by strong periodic drives. The state-of-the-art in Floquet control is the adiabatic change of parameters. Yet, this requires long protocols conflicting with the limited coherence times in experiments. To achieve fast control of nonequilibrium quantum matter, we generalize the notion of variational counterdiabatic driving away from equilibrium focusing on Floquet systems. We derive a nonperturbative variational principle to find local approximations to the adiabatic gauge potential for the effective Floquet Hamiltonian. It enables transitionless driving of Floquet eigenstates far away from the adiabatic regime. We discuss applications to two-level, Floquet band, and interacting periodically driven models. The developed technique allows us to capture nonperturbative photon resonances and obtain high-fidelity protocols that respect experimental limitations like the locality of the accessible control terms.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Introducing circularity in early architectural design education
Authors: Campbell Emma , Niblock Chantelle , Flood Nuala , Lappin Sarah
Published: September 2024

Purpose

With around 40% of global waste attributed to the built environment sector, architects play a significant role in how resources are consumed, produced and wasted. UK architectural educators have made good progress to embed climate emergency issues in design curricula but the challenges of resource use and waste, and the opportunities afforded by circular economy design principles are less well-considered. The purpose of this paper is to provide new insights on how to introduce circular design principles to early-stage architectural design students within university curricula.

Design/methodology/approach

The study described took an experimental approach to designing design project briefs across several interlinked studio design projects for 1st-year Architecture students. Structured as a case study, each section describes the project, learning objectives, teaching methods and project reflections informed by a qualitative assessment of student development, outputs and feedback gathered through a questionnaire and focus group.

Findings

Introducing circular design early is highly beneficial to the development of knowledge on sustainability issues, critical design thinking and creative solution generation. Examples of beneficial teaching approaches include building systems thinking, facilitating collaboration, supporting learning-through-making, using simple analogies and referencing best-practice examples.

Originality/value

This research builds on limited existing circular design literature for built environment fields and through practical insights fills a significant knowledge gap on ways to introduce a complex and dynamic topic such as the circular economy to early-stage architectural design students as they develop fundamental discipline-specific knowledge, skills and competences.
Can big data analytics capability promote firm innovation? A moderated mediation model of organizational learning and market orientation
Authors: Song Moxi , Liao Yuanhong
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The empirical results of the pivotal relationship between big data analytics capability (BDAC) and firm innovation remain inconclusive, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the mediator and moderator through which firms can realize the potential innovation benefits of BDAC. Invoking the indirect perspective of dynamic capability theory, we constructed a moderated mediation model in which organizational learning mediates the impact of BDAC on firm innovation; the mediation effect of organizational learning is contingent upon market orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

Our hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression and bootstrapping methods with a sample of 227 large- and medium-sized manufacturing firms in China.

Findings

The results reveal that both exploratory and exploitative learning fully mediate the link between BDAC and firm innovation. The mediation effect of exploitative learning is positively contingent upon market orientation; however, market orientation does not positively moderate the mediation effect of exploratory learning.

Originality/value

Our moderated mediation model is one of the first to provide a fine-grained understanding of the process through which BDAC is transformed into firm innovation as well as the conditions under which this mediating mechanism may work effectively, thereby further elucidating the theoretical black box regarding the BDAC-firm innovation link and resolving existing debates in the literature regarding why BDAC does not always yield positive outcomes.
Cultural heritage preservation in the digital age, harnessing artificial intelligence for the future: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Harisanty Dessy , Obille Kathleen Lourdes Ballesteros , Anna Nove E. Variant , Purwanti Endah , Retrialisca Fitri
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the performance analysis, science mapping and future direction of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, applications, tools and software used to preserve, curate and predict the historical value of cultural heritage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the bibliometric research method and utilizes the Scopus database to gather data. The keywords used are “artificial intelligence” and “cultural heritage,” resulting in 718 data sets spanning from 2001 to 2023. The data is restricted to the years 2001−2023, is in English language and encompasses all types of documents, including conference papers, articles, book chapters, lecture notes, reviews and editorials.

Findings

The performance analysis of research on the use of AI to aid in the preservation of cultural heritage has been ongoing since 2001, and research in this area continues to grow. The countries contributing to this research include Italy, China, Greece, Spain and the UK, with Italy being the most prolific in terms of authored works. The research primarily falls under the disciplines of computer science, mathematics, engineering, social sciences and arts and humanities, respectively. Document types mainly consist of articles and proceedings. In the science mapping process, five clusters have been identified. These clusters are labeled according to the contributions of AI tools, software, apps and technology to cultural heritage preservation. The clusters include “conservation assessment,” “exhibition and visualization,” “software solutions,” “virtual exhibition” and “metadata and database.” The future direction of research lies in extended reality, which integrates virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR); virtual restoration and preservation; 3D printing; as well as the utilization of robotics, drones and the Internet of Things (IoT) for mapping, conserving and monitoring historical sites and cultural heritage sites.

Practical implications

The cultural heritage institution can use this result as a source to develop AI-based strategic planning for curating, preservation, preventing and presenting cultural heritages. Researchers and academicians will get insight and deeper understanding on the research trend and use the interdisciplinary of AI and cultural heritage for expanding collaboration.

Social implications

This study will help to reveal the trend and evolution of AI and cultural heritage. The finding also will fill the knowledge gap on the research on AI and cultural heritage.

Originality/value

Some similar bibliometric studies have been conducted; however, there are still limited studies on contribution of AI to preserve cultural heritage in wider view. The value of this study is the cluster in which AI is used to preserve, curate, present and assess cultural heritages.
Exploring eco-friendly business practices and corporate innovation in Pakistan
Authors: Munir Tanya , Watts Sean
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The manufacturing industry in Pakistan, like any other industry, promotes sustainability in its supply chain operations. Yet, the scenario is different in the chemical manufacturing sector, which lags in the development and implementation of sustainable development practices and policies to safeguard its long-term viability. Embracing sustainable practices not only fulfills manufacturing needs but also stands out from other companies. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the eco-friendly business practices that impact corporate innovation. Organizational size is considered a moderator in the relationship between green practices and corporate innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative study was conducted to collect the data through convenience sampling techniques. In total, 138 responses were analyzed through the partial least squares method.

Findings

The findings reveal that the implementation of green practices increases corporate innovation. Thus, the impact varies based on different organizational sizes. The crux of the organizational strategy relies on the implementation of eco-friendly practices and holding the right size to survive.

Practical implications

The proposed study provides new grounds for the natural resource-based perspective theory and stakeholder theory. Chemical manufacturers can tailor their strategies that accommodate varying resources and capabilities, facilitating more effective implementation of green practices across different companies within the sector.

Originality/value

The paper provides new ground for the natural resource-based perspective theory. More specifically, this study was expected to help chemical manufacturers choose environmentally friendly practices that would help them meet corporate sustainability performance goals through innovation.
Environmental collaboration in construction projects: roles of CSR motivations, environmental commitment and team autonomy
Authors: Fang Shaoze , Qin Yanjun
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study identifies three main CSR motivations (i.e. strategic benefits, altruism and greenwashing) and explores the relationship between CSR motivations and environmental collaboration by considering the mediating role of environmental commitment and the moderating role of team autonomy.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collected from 336 respondents in the construction industry, structural equation modeling and bootstrapping were used to test hypotheses.

Findings

The findings show that altruistic CSR enhances environmental collaboration through enhancing environmental commitment, whereas greenwashing CSR damages environmental collaboration through reducing environmental commitment. Although there is no direct association between strategic CSR and environmental collaboration, environmental commitment mediates the effects of strategic CSR on environmental collaboration. Moreover, the positive effect of strategic CSR and altruistic CSR on environment commitment is stronger when team autonomy is stronger, whereas the negative effect of greenwashing CSR on environment commitment is weaker when team autonomy is stronger.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the understanding of how CSR motivations can act as catalysts for collaborative efforts in addressing environmental issues within construction projects and offer theoretical understanding of team autonomy by illustrating its role in shaping organizational responses to CSR motivations. The findings can provide insights into why and how participating teams can collaborate better on environmental management, enriching the knowledge of environmental management practices in construction projects.
Beyond terroir: a comparative analysis of Pinot Noir producers and business strategies in Burgundy, New Zealand and South Africa
Authors: Depetris Chauvin Nicolas , Pinède Antoine , Priilaid David
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the convergence and divergence of business and production practices in the global wine industry, particularly focusing on Pinot Noir producers in Burgundy, New Zealand and South Africa (SA). This study explores the interplay between firm-specific factors and regional contexts to identify competitive advantage drivers among Pinot Noir producers.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a comparative analysis approach, using data from a comprehensive winery level survey. This study applies methodologies akin to value chain analysis to unravel the configuration of productive and technology/knowledge creation activities within wineries across three regions.

Findings

This analysis reveals both convergence and divergence in business and production practices among Pinot Noir producers in Burgundy, New Zealand and South Africa. Although there is a degree of convergence in marketing, distribution and competition strategies, differences exist in production practices and firms’ capabilities. Burgundy emphasizes tradition and terroir expression, contrasting with the modernization and innovation focus observed in New Zealand and South Africa. However, all regions share a commitment to quality as a competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

This study acknowledges limitations such as the focus on a specific grape variety and regions, the absence of performance impact analysis and the need for additional variables like environmental, institutional and cultural factors and consumer preferences to provide a comprehensive understanding of industry dynamics.

Practical implications

The insights from this study offer practical implications for winemakers, industry stakeholders and policymakers. Producers can optimize production and marketing strategies based on regional contexts and market segments, whereas stakeholders can identify emerging trends and opportunities in the global wine market. Policymakers can develop targeted policies supporting innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique contribution by conducting a comparative firm-level analysis across distinct wine-producing regions, shedding light on the nuanced interplay of factors shaping competitive advantage among Pinot Noir producers. This study’s comprehensive data set and methodological approach enhance understanding and offer valuable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers.
COVID-19 as an advantage or a disaster? Crisis and change management strategies of Hong Kong social entrepreneurs during the pandemic
Authors: Müller Michal , Vaseková Veronika , Kročil Ondřej , Kosina David
Published: September 2024

Purpose

A qualitative approach based on grounded theory was utilized, with data collected through 26 semi-structured interviews with social entrepreneurs. Alas’s Triangular Model provided the framework for data analysis and interpretation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores how Hong Kong social enterprises approached crisis and change management during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining their resilience-building strategies.

Findings

The pandemic triggered an existential crisis for many social enterprises, causing severe revenue losses. However, strong leadership and cultures based on social mission enabled resilience. Enterprises demonstrated agility by rapidly transitioning operations online and establishing partnerships. Technology adaptation and social innovation were pivotal to sustaining impact.

Research limitations/implications

As the sample comprises enterprises that survived the pandemic, insights into failed enterprises are lacking. Comparative analysis could illuminate differences in crisis response between successful and unsuccessful cases.

Practical implications

The study’s practical implications suggest that social enterprises should focus on developing flexible crisis management plans, cultivating purposeful leadership, embracing digital transformation, strengthening collaborative networks and prioritizing organizational learning to effectively navigate crises while staying true to their social missions.

Social implications

Findings demonstrate how shared values and cultures grounded in purpose can anchor organizations amidst upheaval, fostering resilience. This underscores the role of social enterprises in modeling responsiveness to societal needs.

Originality/value

While research has examined social enterprises’ vulnerability in crises, investigation into their crisis management practices is limited. This study enriches understanding of how social enterprises effectively navigate turbulence.
Managing sustainability-oriented innovation in services: proposal of a scale for the future of hotel companies and travel agencies
Authors: Ruíz-Molina Maria Eugenia , Gil-Saura Irene , Berenguer-Contrí Gloria , Belda-Miquel Sergio
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The concept of Sustainability-Oriented Service Innovation (SOSI) has been recently suggested from a conceptual reflection approach in an attempt to integrate innovation and sustainability in services, being an emerging field of innovation in services. This study aims to propose a scale to measure Sustainability-Oriented Service Innovation from the perspective of the company. Because the whole is different from the sum of its different parts, we need to better understand the synergy between sustainability and innovation for the future of tourism companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Upon a literature review, we propose a scale and explore its dimensionality with data from 268 to 256 Spanish hotel and travel agency managers, respectively. The dimensionality of the scale for measuring Sustainability-Oriented Service Innovation is similar in hotels and travel agencies.

Findings

Five factors emerge from the principal component analyses carried out: two dimensions referred to technological and non-technological innovation, respectively, and three dimensions labelled as economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Practical implications

To guide managers towards their operations, the proposed scale is expected to inspire models to assess the impact of SOSI practices in such a highly competitive industry and to identify the most influencing dimensions on the future performance of the tourism company.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, no scale has been presented so far that brings together the dimensions of technological and non-technological innovation, as well as sustainability from a Triple Bottom Line approach.
Experimental study on the use of green antimicrobial and plasticized agents during the lining of oil paintings with gelatinous materials
Authors: Beskhyroun Souty Adel Nassef , Abdel-Aziz Mohamed
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the efficiency of emulsified essential oils in glycerol as eco-friendly antimicrobial and plasticized agents added to the biopolymer of gelatin for lining historical oil paintings on canvases.

Design/methodology/approach

Cedar oil, cinnamon oil and their mixtures were emulsified in glycerol and incorporated into gelatin adhesive as green biocides and plasticizers. Physical, biological, chemical and mechanical tests were conducted on experimental mock-ups to assess the gelatin-based adhesive formulations for the reinforcement of canvas supports. Scanning electron microscope, colorimetric measurements, antimicrobial activity test, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile strength and elongation tests were carried out on the mock-ups before and after the artificial aging.

Findings

The formulations of gelatin-based adhesive with cinnamon and cinnamon-cedar mixture emulsified in glycerol proved their efficiency on the antimicrobial activity test, chemically delaying the decomposition of gelatin and accordingly providing compatible mechanical properties. Gelatin-based adhesive with emulsified cinnamon oil showed a slight yellowing that was quite improved with the mixture of the cinnamon-cedar-based adhesive formulation.

Originality/value

This study promotes a green approach to lining historical oil paintings by developing green formulations from bio-based origins that minimize the shrinkage and microbial infection of gelatin for lining paintings.
The effect of natural disasters on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Tidiane Ndour Cheikh , Diop Waoundé , Asongu Simplice
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess the effects of natural disasters on food security in a sample of 40 sub-Saharan African countries. First, the authors assess the effects of natural disasters on the four dimensions of food security and second, the authors disaggregate natural disaster using the two dimensions that are most representative, namely, hydrological and biological disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

The regressions are based on the generalised method of moments on a data set covering the period 2005–2020. Natural disasters are measured by the total number of people affected and food security by its characteristics: access, availability, use and sustainability.

Findings

The results show that natural disasters increase the prevalence of undernourishment but reduce dependence on cereal imports. An increase in natural disasters by 1% increases the prevalence of undernourishment by the same proportion. As for import dependency, a 1% increase in natural disasters reduces dependency by 2.2%. The disaggregated effects show that hydrological disasters are more significant than biological disasters in impacting food security. Floods reduce the average energy supply adequacy but also dependence on cereal imports. Policy implications are discussed.

Originality/value

The study complements the extant literature by assessing the effects of natural disasters on food security in a region where food insecurity is one of the worst in the world.
Technological integration and energy‐efficiency innovation: The mediating effect of energy management evidence from Egypt
Authors: Farza Khouloud , Gabsi Mohamed , Moussa Sonia , Omri Abdelwahed
Published: September 2024

This study examines the mediating effect of energy management on corporate technological integration and energy‐efficiency innovation nexus. Using data from 1345 Egyptian Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) from 2018 to 2020, we employed Baron and Kenny's approach, SEM, and bootstrapping tests for robustness. Our findings reveal the following: (1) Energy management, at various managerial levels partially, mediates the communication technologies' effect on energy‐efficiency innovation. (2) Websites, as an information and communication technology tool, help to improve the stakeholders' reciprocity and enhance the corporate reputation. (3) Foreign technological licensing, as a source of external knowledge acquisition, shows a nonsignificant effect on innovation, indicating that imported technologies do not enhance knowledge sharing or green innovation. These insights underscore the importance of websites in driving energy management, which subsequently boosts energy‐efficiency innovation. Thus, it encourages Egyptian small and medium enterprises to leverage technological tools for environmental aims.
Study on visualization of impact damage characteristics of honey peaches based on finite element method
Authors: Li Bin , Wan Xia , Zou Ji‐Ping , Wan Yi‐Rong , Xiao Yi‐Hua , Chen Nan
Published: September 2024

The study of visualization of impact damage of fruit under different thicknesses of buffer materials can provide more efficient transportation and packaging solutions, and thus the economic losses caused by fruit damage can be reduced. Pearl cotton (EPE) is commonly used as a buffer material in the market, and the impact damage behavior of honey peaches under different thicknesses of EPE buffer material was studied by using the finite element method. Firstly, the damage area, maximum contact force and damage volume during the collision of honey peaches with EPE materials of different thicknesses (2, 4, and 6 mm) were obtained by the single pendulum device, and then the Modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio of peach flesh were obtained by compression test. Finally, the finite element model of honey peach was built and the collision simulations were performed. The results of the study showed that the values of mechanical parameters of honey peach decreased with the increase of the thickness of the buffer material. When the collision angle was below 60°, the honey peaches were not damaged in the collision with the EPE material with a thickness of 4 mm or more. By comparing the tested values with the simulated values, it was found that the errors of the damage area, damage volume and maximum contact force were less than 19.71%, 26.82%, and 25.88%, respectively. The study not only proves the possibility of the finite element method in the quantitative prediction of honey peaches damage but also provides rational support for the packaging design of honey peaches.
VenomCap: An exon‐capture probe set for the targeted sequencing of snake venom genes
Authors: Travers Scott L. , Hutter Carl R. , Austin Christopher C. , Donnellan Stephen C. , Buehler Matthew D. , Ellison Christopher E. , Ruane Sara
Published: September 2024

Snake venoms are complex mixtures of toxic proteins that hold significant medical, pharmacological and evolutionary interest. To better understand the genetic diversity underlying snake venoms, we developed VenomCap, a novel exon‐capture probe set targeting toxin‐coding genes from a wide range of elapid snakes, with a particular focus on the ecologically diverse and medically important subfamily Hydrophiinae. We tested the capture success of VenomCap across 24 species, representing all major elapid lineages. We included snake phylogenomic probes in the VenomCap capture set, allowing us to compare capture performance between venom and phylogenomic loci and to infer elapid phylogenetic relationships. We demonstrated VenomCap's ability to recover exons from ~1500 target markers, representing a total of 24 known venom gene families, which includes the dominant gene families found in elapid venoms. We find that VenomCap's capture results are robust across all elapids sampled, and especially among hydrophiines, with respect to measures of target capture success (target loci matched, sensitivity, specificity and missing data). As a cost‐effective and efficient alternative to full genome sequencing, VenomCap can dramatically accelerate the sequencing and analysis of venom gene families. Overall, our tool offers a model for genomic studies on snake venom gene diversity and evolution that can be expanded for comprehensive comparisons across the other families of venomous snakes.
Gender(ed) equity: The growth of female shareholding in Australia, 1857–1937
Authors: Fleming Grant , Liu Zhangxin (Frank) , Merrett David , Ville Simon
Published: September 2024

Little is known about the history of female investing in Australia. We develop a new dataset of company shareholders between 1857 and 1937, covering all major sectors of the economy. We calculate the female fraction of shareowners, their occupational and geographic backgrounds, and we analyse their investment patterns and behaviours including their risk profiles and portfolio construction decisions. Our findings suggest that ‘gender equity’—and more—had been reached, for some companies, by the interwar period. Women investors came from many walks of life, had various motives, and appear to have largely acted independently of other women and of men.