bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AMH protects the ovary from doxorubicin by regulating cell fate and the response to DNA damage
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Minh Phuong , Chang Eun Mi , Chauvin Maeva , Sicher Natalie , Kashiwagi Aki , Nagykery Nicholas , Chow Christina , May Phoebe , Mermin-Bunnel Alana , Cleverdon Josephine , Duong Thy , Meinsohn Marie-Charlotte , Gao Dadi , Donahoe Patricia K. , Pepin David
Published: May 2024

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) protects the ovarian reserve from chemotherapy, and this effect is most pronounced with Doxorubicin (DOX). However, the mechanisms of DOX toxicity and AMH rescue in the ovary remain unclear. Herein, we characterize these mechanisms in various ovarian cell types using scRNAseq. In the mesenchyme, DOX activates the intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway through p53 class mediators, particularly affecting theca progenitors, while co-treament with AMH halts theca differentiation and reduces apoptotic gene expression. In preantral granulosa cells, DOX upregulates the cell cycle inhibitorCdkn1aand dysregulates Wnt signaling, which are ameliorated by AMH co-treatment. Finally, in follicles, AMH inducesId3, a protein involved in DNA repair, which is necessary to prevent the accumulation of DNA lesions marked by γ-H2AX in granulosa cells. Altogether this study characterizes cell, and follicle stage-specific mechanisms of AMH protection of the ovary, offering promising new avenues for fertility preservation in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Highlights

Doxorubicin treatment induces DNA damage that activates the p53 pathway in stromal and follicular cells of the ovary.

AMH inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of theca and granulosa cells and promotes follicle survival following Doxorubicin insult.

AMH treatment mitigates Doxorubicin-induced DNA damage in the ovary by preventing the accumulation of γ-H2AX-positive unresolved foci, through increased expression of ID3, a protein involved in DNA repair.

Graphical Abstract
Mapping Large-scale Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Synaptic Plasticity and LTP for Memory Encoding in the Hippocampal Network
Authors: Khanzada Shahrukh , Hu Xin , Emery Brett Addison , Średniawa Władysław , Wójcik Daniel K , Kempermann Gerd , Amin Hayder
Published: May 2024

Understanding memory formation requires elucidating the intricate dynamics of neuronal networks in the hippocampus, where information is encoded and processed through specific activity patterns and synaptic plasticity. Here, we introduce “EVOX,” an advanced network electrophysiology platform equipped with high-density microelectrode arrays to capture critical network-level synaptic dynamics integral to learning and memory. This platform surpasses traditional methods by enabling label-free, high-order mapping of neural interactions, providing unprecedented insights into network Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) and evoked synaptic transmission within the hippocampal network. Utilizing EVOX, we demonstrate that high-frequency stimulation induces network-wide LTP, revealing enhanced synaptic efficacy in previously inactive cell assemblies in hippocampal layers. Our platform enables the real-time observation of network synaptic transmission, capturing the intricate patterns of connectivity and plasticity that underpin memory encoding. Advanced computational techniques further elucidate the mesoscale transmembrane generators and the dynamic processes that govern network-level memory encoding mechanisms. These findings uncover the complex dynamics that underlie learning and memory, showcasing EVOX’s potential to explore synaptic and cellular phenomena in aging circuits. EVOX not only advances our understanding of hippocampal memory mechanisms but also serves as a powerful tool to investigate the broader scope of neural plasticity and network interactions in healthy and diseased states.
A dorsal versus ventral network for understanding others in the developing brain
Authors: Schüler Clara , Berger Philipp , Wiesmann Charlotte Grosse
Published: May 2024

Young children strongly depend on others, and learning to understand their mental states (referred to as Theory of Mind, ToM) is a key challenge of early cognitive development. Traditionally, ToM is thought to emerge around the age of 4 years. Yet, in non-verbal tasks, preverbal infants already seem to consider others’ mental states when predicting their actions. These early non-verbal capacities, however, seem fragile and distinct from later-developing verbal ToM. So far, little is known about the nature of these early capacities and the neural networks supporting them. To identify these networks, we investigated the maturation of nerve fiber connections associated with children’s correct non-verbal action prediction and compared them with connections supporting verbal ToM reasoning in 3- to 4-year-old children, that is, before and after their breakthrough in verbal ToM. This revealed a ventral network for non-verbal action prediction versus a dorsal network for verbal ToM. Non-verbal capacities were associated with maturational indices in ventral fiber tracts connecting regions of the salience network, involved in bottom-up social attention processes. In contrast, verbal ToM performance correlated with maturational indices of the arcuate fascicle and cingulum, which dorsally connect regions of the default network, involved in higher-order social cognitive processes including ToM in adults. As non-verbal tasks were linked to connections of the salience network, young children may make use of salient perceptual social cues to predict others’ actions, questioning theories of mature ToM before 4 years.

Significance

As highly social beings, humans frequently reason about other people’s thoughts, termed Theory of Mind (ToM). While ToM is traditionally assumed not to emerge before 4 years, preverbal infants already seem to consider others’ thoughts when predicting their actions non-verbally. This raises the question of when ToM develops and what explains this discrepancy. We show that young children’s success in non-verbal tasks is related to different neural networks than those involved in mature verbal ToM. While verbal ToM was linked to ToM network connections, younger children’s non-verbal capacities were associated with the maturation of connections of the salience network. This indicates that, instead of mature ToM, young children might utilize salient social cues to predict others’ actions.
TRIM46 is not required for axon specification or axon initial segment formationin vivo
Authors: Melton Allison J. , Palfini Victoria L. , Ogawa Yuki , Rasband Matthew N.
Published: May 2024

Vertebrate nervous systems use the axon initial segment (AIS) to initiate action potentials and maintain neuronal polarity. The microtubule-associated protein tripartite motif containing 46 (TRIM46) was reported to regulate axon specification, AIS assembly, and neuronal polarity through the bundling of microtubules in the proximal axon. However, these claims are based on TRIM46 knockdown in cultured neurons. To investigate TRIM46 functionin vivo, we examined TRIM46 knockout mice. Contrary to previous reports, we find that TRIM46 is dispensable for AIS formation and maintenance, and axon specification. TRIM46 knockout mice are viable, have normal behavior, and have normal brain structure. Thus, TRIM46 is not required for AIS formation, axon specification, or nervous system function. We also show TRIM46 enrichment in the first ∼100 μm of axon occurs independently of ankyrinG (AnkG), although AnkG is required to restrict TRIM46 only to the AIS. Our results suggest an unidentified protein may compensate for loss of TRIM46in vivoand highlight the need for further investigation of the mechanisms by which the AIS and microtubules interact to shape neuronal structure and function.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

A healthy nervous system requires the polarization of neurons into structurally and functionally distinct compartments, which depends on both the axon initial segment (AIS) and the microtubule cytoskeleton. In contrast to previous reports, we show that the microtubule-associated protein TRIM46 is not required for axon specification or AIS formation in mice. Our results emphasize the need for further investigation of the mechanisms by which the AIS and microtubules interact to shape neuronal structure and function.
Proteomic analysis of the TDP-43-associated insoluble fraction from NEFH-TDP-43 mouse brain suggests sustained stress granule formation, CLUH granule recruitment and impaired mitochondrial metabolism
Authors: Dunlop Felicity , Mason Shaun , Tsitkanou Stavroula , Russell Aaron P.
Published: May 2024

Cytoplasmic accumulation and aggregation of TDP-43 is a hallmark of ∼97% of ALS cases. Formation of TDP-43 insoluble aggregates is suggested to either directly or indirectly cause motor neuron loss and progressive neuromuscular degeneration, although how this occurs is not precisely understood. Cytoplasmic TDP-43 is observed in stress granules (SG). SGs are ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes formed during stress conditions, consisting of mRNAs and RNA-binding proteins (RNPs). Chronic TDP-43/SG formation may play a role in neuromuscular degeneration in ALS. The composition ofin vivoTDP-43-asscociated SGs in ALS not known. This knowledge may provide insights into the molecular pathways impaired by TDP-43-associated SGs and suggest disease modifying mechanisms. The aim of this study was to isolate and analyse the proteome of the insoluble TDP-43-associated SG fraction from brain tissue of end-stage TDP-43ΔNLS mice. Proteomic analysis identified 134 enriched and 17 depleted proteins in the TDP-43ΔNLS mice, when compared to the control mice. Bioinformatics analyses of the impacted proteins from the SG preparation suggested that brain tissue from end-stage NEFH-TDP-43ΔNLS mice have sustained SG formation, CLUH granule recruitment and impaired mitochondrial metabolism. This is the first time that CLUH granule recruitment has been demonstrated in ALS and the known role of CLUH suggests that cell starvation is a potential mechanism of motor neuron loss that could be targeted in ALS.

Highlights

We present a detailed a protocol for the extraction of cross-linked TDP containing stress granules from brain tissue.

We present proteomics data from the insoluble fraction from brain tissue of an ALS mouse model.

We identify the mitochondrial mRNA transport protein CLUH and CLUH targets trapped in insoluble SG fraction of brain.

Reanalysing proteomics data from axonal soluble fraction supports a link between proteins trapped in the brain and depleted from the axons.

Propose a model where metabolic mitochondrial enzymes trapped in the insoluble fraction from the brain via a CLUH dependent mechanism results in motor neuron death by starvation in ALS.
2D Label-free Prediction of Multiple Organelles Across Different Transmitted-light Microscopy Images with Bag-of-Experts
Authors: Zhou Yu , Zhao Shuo , Sonneck Justin , Chen Jianxu
Published: May 2024

Label-free prediction has emerged as a significant application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of bioimaging, which aims to predict the localization of specific organelles directly from readily-accessible transmitted-light images, thereby alleviating the need for acquiring fluorescent images. Despite the existence of numerous research, in practice, the high variability in imaging conditions, modalities, and resolutions poses a challenge to the final prediction. In this study, we propose a “Bag-of-Experts” strategy, targeting at different organelles, with self-supervised pre-training. The comprehensive experimentation showcases that our model is agnostic to the transmitted-light image modalities and the imaging conditions, to certain extent, indicating considerable generalizability. The code is released at:https://github.com/MMV-Lab/LightMyCells
Exciton spin Hall effect in arc-shaped strained
WSe2
Authors: Shubnic A. , Shahnazaryan V. , Shelykh I. A. , Rostami H.
Published: May 2024

Generating a pure spin current using electrons, which have degrees of freedom beyond spin, such as electric charge and valley index, presents challenges. In response, we propose a mechanism based on intervalley exciton dynamics in strained transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) to achieve the in an electrically insulating regime, without the need for an external electric field. The interplay between strain gradients and strain-induced pseudomagnetic fields results in a net Lorentz force on long-lived intervalley excitons in WSe2, carrying nonzero spin angular momentum. This process generates an exciton-mediated pure spin Hall current, resulting in opposite-sign spin accumulations and local magnetization on the two sides of the single-layer arc-shaped TMD. We demonstrate that the magnetic field induced by spin accumulation, at approximately ∼mT, can be detected using techniques such as superconducting quantum interference magnetometry or spatially resolved magneto-optical Faraday and Kerr rotations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Correlator webs of massive multiparton amplitudes at four loops: A study of boomerang webs
Authors: Agarwal Neelima , Pal Sourav , Srivastav Aditya , Tripathi Anurag
Published: May 2024

The logarithm of the soft function can be organised into sets of Feynman diagrams known as correlator webs(cwebs). We introduced a new formalism in Agarwal [] that allows one to determine several of the building blocks of cweb mixing matrices without explicit computations. In Agarwal [], we used this formalism to obtain the diagonal blocks of four general classes of cwebs to all orders in perturbation theory which also covered all the four-loop boomerang cwebs connecting four Wilson lines. In this work, we present complete mixing matrices and exponentiated color factors for boomerang cwebs at four loops that connect three and four Wilson lines. Also, we present a more efficient version of the algorithm of generating cwebs that was presented in Agarwal []. This new algorithm has been used to generate the cwebs in the present work.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Applications of flow models to the generation of correlated lattice QCD ensembles
Authors: Abbott Ryan , Botev Aleksandar , Boyda Denis , Hackett Daniel C. , Kanwar Gurtej , Racanière Sébastien , Rezende Danilo J. , Romero-López Fernando , Shanahan Phiala E. , Urban Julian M.
Published: May 2024

Machine-learned normalizing flows can be used in the context of lattice quantum field theory to generate statistically correlated ensembles of lattice gauge fields at different action parameters. This work demonstrates how these correlations can be exploited for variance reduction in the computation of observables. Three different proof-of-concept applications are demonstrated using a novel residual flow architecture: continuum limits of gauge theories, the mass dependence of QCD observables, and hadronic matrix elements based on the Feynman–Hellmann approach. In all three cases, it is shown that statistical uncertainties are significantly reduced when machine-learned flows are incorporated as compared with the same calculations performed with uncorrelated ensembles or direct reweighting.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Heterotic integrable deformation of the principal chiral model
Authors: Osten David
Published: May 2024

A novel classically integrable model is proposed. It is a deformation of the two-dimensional principal chiral model, embedded into a heterotic σ model by a particular heterotic gauge field. This is inspired by the bosonic part of the heterotic σ model and its recent Hamiltonian formulation in terms of O(d,d+n)-generalized geometry in Hatsuda [Gauged double field theory, current algebras and heterotic sigma models, ]. Classical integrability is shown by the construction of a Lax pair and a classical R matrix. The latter is almost of the canonical form with a twist function and solves the classical Yang-Baxter equation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Denoising an X-ray image by exploring the power of its physical symmetry
Authors: Zhou Zhongzheng , Li Chun , Fan Longlong , Dong Zheng , Wang Wenhui , Liu Chen , Zhang Bingbing , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhang Kai , Wang Ling , Zhang Yi , Dong Yuhui
Published: May 2024

Next-generation light source facilities offer extreme spatial and temporal resolving power, enabling multiscale, ultra-fast and dynamic characterizations. However, a trade-off between acquisition efficiency and data quality needs to be made to fully unleash the resolving potential, for which purpose powerful denoising algorithms to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the acquired X-ray images are desirable. Yet, existing models based on machine learning mostly require massive and diverse labeled training data. Here we introduce a self-supervised pre-training algorithm with blind denoising capability by exploring the intrinsic physical symmetry of X-ray patterns without requiring high signal-to-noise ratio reference data. The algorithm is more efficient and effective than algorithms without symmetry involved, including an supervised algorithm. It allows us to recover physical information from spatially and temporally resolved data acquired in X-ray diffraction/scattering and pair distribution function experiments, where pattern symmetry is often well preserved. This study facilitates photon-hungry experiments as well as in situ experiments with dynamic loading.
Effects of polyvinylpyrrolidone on the crystallization of amorphous griseofulvin: fracture and molecular mobility
Authors: Wang Yanan , Chin Chai-Yee , Shivashekaregowda Naveen Kumar Hawala , Shi Qin
Published: May 2024

This study aims to investigate the fracture, molecular mobility and crystallization behaviors of amorphous griseofulvin (GSF) in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). In the presence of 10%(w/w) PVP K90, the fracture resistance of griseofulvin was greatly improved. Compared with the pure GSF system, the average fracture temperature of the griseofulvin–PVP K90 system was decreased to approximately −6.1°C. More importantly, a statistical study revealed that the direct connection between fracture and nucleation of griseofulvin was weakened in the presence of PVP K90. This study also explored the effects of PVP K90 on the molecular dynamics and crystallization behaviors of amorphous GSF. In the presence of PVP K90, the crystal growth kinetics and molecular dynamics were both slowed down. Interestingly, needle-like crystal growth was observed, exhibiting approximately the same rates as the bubble-induced process. These findings are important for understanding the complex mechanisms of physical stability of polymer-based amorphous solid dispersions.
Transfer pricing, earnings management and corporate governance among listed firms: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Duho King Carl Tornam , Asare Emmanuel Tetteh , Glover Abraham , Duho Divine Mensah
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the prevalence of transfer pricing and earnings management activities, and how they are impacted by corporate governance mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the political cost theory, the study provides insights into how opportunistic managerial behaviours which have a strong link to profit shifting and tax evasion are driven by corporate governance using data from 16 listed firms for the period 2008–2020.

Findings

The results reveal that the transaction-based transfer pricing model is better than the index-based model and the accrual-based earnings management model suits the political cost theory more than the real earnings management metric. Board size and female CEO increase transfer pricing aggressiveness but board independence, CEO tenure, CEO nationality and female Board Chairwomanship reduce transfer pricing aggressiveness. The findings also reveal the role of multinational enterprise status, private ownership, industry type, firm size, financial leverage, asset tangibility and firm age. For accrual-based earnings management, board independence, CEO tenure, and female Board Chairwomanship significantly decrease earnings management. Other factors include private ownership, firm size, and firm age.

Practical implications

The findings of the study are relevant for shaping industry-level policies on earning management, transfer pricing and related-party transactions. Since these opportunistic managerial behaviours are the foremost drivers of tax avoidance and profit shifting, the findings of this study provide relevant insights for practitioners, tax and other regulatory authorities, policymakers and the academic community alike.

Originality/value

This is among the premier studies on the transfer pricing and earnings management nexus with corporate governance factors using the political cost theory, especially in the developing country context. It also reveals the significant impact of gender and suggests the need for gender diversity in corporate management.
Leadership development through self-upskilling: role of generative artificial intelligence
Authors: Rukadikar Aaradhana , Khandelwal Komal
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This viewpoint paper investigates the changing role of leadership in a dynamic, technologically driven society, and the vital requirement for leaders to engage in continuous self-upskilling to remain effective. It emphasizes the importance of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in transforming personalized learning experiences for leaders and allowing them to adapt to an ever-changing world.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of current research papers, articles, and case studies is conducted to evaluate the integration of generative AI in leadership self-upskilling. It examines the possibilities and possible benefits of generative AI, and the issues it offers regarding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and learning requirements.

Findings

The findings highlight the transformational potential of GAI in self-upskilling for leaders. It demonstrates how GAI can build personalized learning materials, provide real-time feedback, and adapt content to individual learning styles. It identifies notable executives who have effectively embraced GAI for their self-upskilling journeys, resulting in increased productivity and competitiveness.

Practical implications

The paper investigates the application of GAI for self-improvement, addressing challenges such as data privacy and algorithmic bias while suggesting responsible AI use tactics.

Originality/value

This study investigates the relationship between leadership and AI, emphasizing the importance of leaders in self-improvement as well as the possibility of AI-powered self-upskilling to democratize leadership development while also promoting ethical use.
Having less or saving more: the role of social responsibility perception in reducing guilt over luxury purchases
Authors: Khan Sameeullah , Fazili Asif Iqbal , Thaichon Park , Quach Sara , Parry Mohd Ashraf , Bashir Irfan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to challenge the notion that “having-less” – limiting consumption of scarce resources to a select few – represents a social responsibility route toward guilt reduction. It rather argues that “saving-more” – the purposeful pursuit of conscious and collaborative consumption – captures consumers’ true representations of responsible luxury which in turn reduces anticipated guilt.

Design/methodology/approach

Six experiments using different operationalizations of saving-more (vs. having-less) and a mix of fictitious and real luxury brands were conducted on real luxury buyers.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that saving-more (vs. having-less) leads to a stronger purchase intention; an effect explained by a higher responsible luxury perception and lower anticipated guilt associated with saving-more (vs. having-less). Furthermore, the ability of saving-more (vs. having-less) in building responsible luxury perception and reducing anticipated guilt is stronger (vs. weaker) when luxury is distributed based on deservingness (vs. entitlement).

Research limitations/implications

This research proposes a novel distinction between two responsible luxury approaches: promoting limited consumption for business goals, that is, having-less and promoting conscious consumption for societal goals, that is, saving-more.

Practical implications

Brand managers can enhance responsible luxury perception and reduce consumer guilt through corporate communication, product communication and collaborative product accessibility modes. Managers must also convince consumers that their access to luxury is based on real achievements.

Originality/value

This study empirically invalidates the notion that merely invoking scarcity and rarity tactics is an expression of social responsibility. It integrates social responsibility and fairness accounts of guilt into a coherent theory of guilt over luxury consumption.
Nourish resilience in digital food supply chain in post COVID landscape: literature swill for past insights and future roadmap
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Samadhiya Ashutosh , Kumar Anil , Luthra Sunil , Pandey Krishan Kumar , El jaouhari Asmae
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to enhance the understanding of robust food supply chains (FSC) by exploring the capabilities of various digital technologies and examining their interactions.

Findings

This study finding shows that digital technology enhances the resilience of the FSC by improving visibility, traceability and adaptability. This resilience provides a competitive advantage, ultimately enhancing the overall business performance.

Research limitations/implications

In developing countries, inadequate infrastructure, poor Internet connectivity and diverse stakeholder systems pose challenges to implementing advanced digital solutions in the FSC.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to investigate the impact of digital technology on FSC resilience, exploring visibility, flexibility and collaboration.
How can child assistance policy supporting familisation be supported?
Authors: Asmorowati Sulikah , Yuda Tauchid Komara
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study examines the public’s perception of cash transfers for children in societies where children's welfare is often viewed as a private affair.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 12 semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted in urban Jakarta, Indonesia, we explore mothers' perspectives on cash transfer programmes for children within low-income families during fieldwork in October 2023 and January 2024. In addition to the semi-structured interview, a FGD involving parents and other related stakeholders was conducted to increase data accuracy.

Findings

Our findings reveal that cash transfers function as a “caregiving allowance” in Jakarta, allowing mothers to prioritize familial obligations while maintaining a reasonable standard of living. Contrary to the “de-familisation” focus observed in advanced welfare countries, these cash transfers for children reinforce traditional family labour division (familisation). Interestingly, despite reinforcing the familisation function, the initiative receives significant support. These results clearly highlight the influence of familisation-oriented welfare production, demonstrating a focus on enhancing family resilience in the design of child-related policies in Indonesia. Overall, these results make clear the visibility of traditional division of labour influences on welfare production, revealing a focus on the familialisation effect in the design of child-related policies in Indonesia. These findings reinforce the suitability of the term “familistic welfare regime” as an appropriate descriptor for Jakarta in particular and Indonesia in general.

Originality/value

This study enriches our understanding of the evolution of child-related assistance in the Global South through a defamilisation lens, shedding light on the complex interplay between gender inequalities and social policy formulation in these regions. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights into the ongoing discourse on welfare regime studies in Indonesia, suggesting that mainstream narratives of productivist transition are only partially validated. The insights garnered from this research open avenues for future studies across diverse contexts.
Examining the effects of cognitive load on information systems security policy compliance
Authors: Ganye Derrick , Smith Kane
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Enforcing employee compliance with information systems security policies (ISSP) is a herculean task for organizations as security breaches due to non-compliance continue to soar. To improve this situation, researchers have employed fear appeals that are based on protection motivation theory (PMT) to induce compliance behavior. However, extant research on fear appeals has yielded mixed findings. To help explain these mixed findings, the authors contend that efficacy formation is a cognitive process that is impacted by the cognitive load exerted by the design of fear appeal messages.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on cognitive load theory (CLT) to examine the effects of intrinsic cognitive load, extraneous cognitive load and germane cognitive load on stimulating an individual’s efficacy and coping appraisals. The authors designed a survey to collect data from 359 respondents and tested the model using partial least squares.

Findings

The analysis showed significant relationships between cognitive load (intrinsic, extraneous, and germane) and fear, maladaptive rewards, response costs, self-efficacy and response efficacy.

Originality/value

This provides support for the assertion that fear appeals impact the cognitive processes of individuals that then in turn can potentially affect the efficacy of fear and coping appraisals. These findings demonstrate the need to further investigate how individual cognition is impacted by fear appeal design and the resulting effects on compliance intention and behavior.
Traditional, dialogical and complex scholarly communication: towards a renewed trust in science
Authors: Foderaro Antonella , Gunnarsson Lorentzen David
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The credibility crisis of science is a growing topic of investigation. This study approaches the problem from the sustainability of the scholarly communication system by merging argumentation with information science.

Design/methodology/approach

Coding and content analysis drawing from a well-established textual argumentative tradition; a novel non-textual approach to complex communication and, an overlooked definition of sustainable information, were applied to 34 research works. The retrieval was carried out using Inciteful, a tool exploring literature networks. Additional information, such as keywords, mapping to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and citations were acquired through the OpenAlex API. Operationalisation of concepts from the theoretical framework underpinned the selection and analysis of documents.

Findings

Scholars virtually involve peers, funding agencies, research councils, policymakers, experts, practitioners and representatives of the public in their formal written production. The described coalitions are occasional, while the needed ones are deep. Three forms of scholarly communication were found: traditional, dialogical and complex depending on the involved audiences. The sample tells us about the sustainability of the scientific communication system and the impact it may have on the public construction of imaginaries of science.

Originality/value

This investigation frames scholars, their products and societies as intertwined dialogical entities constantly communicating and impacting each other. Direct and indirect forms of scholarly communications are addressed too, showing how poor sustainability in these processes may entail a failure to reach different layers of societies.
Promoters’ equity pledging, policy uncertainty and firm-level cash holding: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Rajhans Rajni Kant
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and promoters’ share pledging activity for real estate and construction firms in India. The author further divides the sample into financially sound and financially constrained firms and re-examines the relationship between EPU and promoters’ share pledging activity for them. Additionally, the author investigates the moderating effect of EPU on firm-level cash holding for pledged firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducts multiple regression to examine the effect of EPU on the share-pledging activity of a firm on sample data of Indian construction and real estate firms. The financial and pledging data was collected for all listed firms from March 2009 to March 2020 from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy. The EPU data was re-estimated using the three-period moving average method. All data used in the study was collected from secondary sources.

Findings

The author finds that EPU influences pledging activity, and the association between them is opposite for financially constrained and financially sound firms. Also, the author reports that an increase in EPU increases firm-level cash holding for pledged firms, and the interaction between EPU and share pledging is significantly associated with firm-level cash holding.

Practical implications

The managerial implications of this study are manifold. Managers of financially constrained firms should pay attention to the promoters pledging activity so that in a rising EPU environment, issues of managerial entrenchment can be avoided. Moreover, any further promoters’ share pledging activity under rising EPU conditions may force managers to hoard higher cash and thus reducing investment and profitability.

Originality/value

This paper presents evidence of relationship between EPU, share pledging activity and firm-level cash holding in an emerging economy. The study also compares the response of financially constrained and financially sound firms for EPU on equity pledging activity and that of equity pledging on firm-level cash holdings.
Putting the pieces together: towards an integrative framework for healthcare performance
Authors: Hajdini Johana , Hajdini Ursina , Cankja Klejdi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In the past few decades, performance measuring systems have become important managerial tools for healthcare organizations. Healthcare performance metrics are a useful tool in understanding how healthcare organizations achieve their goals while satisfying the needs of their patients and conforming to national and international standards. Various efforts have been made to assess healthcare performance. Most of these measures are focused on a single perspective or developed by a single source to meet management and strategic objectives on time.

Design/methodology/approach

We develop a review of the literature to shed light on the measures used to assess performance in the healthcare sector at various points in time, as well as to establish a thorough understanding of healthcare performance measurement.

Findings

Developing real-time digital traceability of metrics and an integrative perspective that increases the actionability of information acquired is an attractive potential made possible by the introduction of new technologies and the digitization of data.

Originality/value

We conclude that a proper measurement system should be one to combine patient, physician, non-medical staff and system perspective, which will further facilitate the assessment of healthcare performance and the comparative function.
3D composite printing: study of carbon fiber incorporation to different construction thermoplastic matrices in regard to dilatation characteristics
Authors: Dvorak Karel , Zarybnicka Lucie , Ševčík Radek , Vopalensky Michal , Adamkova Irena
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between the use of different polymer matrices for the preparation of composite materials, namely, polyethylene terephthalate-glycol (PET-G) and polyamide (PA), using Composite Fiber Co-Extrusion technology with the application of two types of carbon fibers, short and continuous. The aim of the study is also to extend the knowledge of the production of composite materials with a defined structure from the point of view of their influence on the microstructure and their physical-mechanical properties.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of the experiment, four types of samples were prepared, namely, two types of samples with PA polymer matrix and two types with PET-G polymer matrix. All types contained short carbon fibers and always one set from each polymer matrix in addition to continuous carbon fibers. All types were prepared using the same 3D printing parameters to avoid any further influence. The samples were then tested for microstructure using microCT, mechanical properties using a tensile test and dilatation characteristics from the point of view of aerospace applications. Finally, the raw materials themselves were tested.

Findings

The paper provides insight into the influence of polymer matrix types on the physico-mechanical properties of 3D printed composites. The analysis confirmed that the physico-mechanical results varied with respect to the interface between the polymer matrix and the carbon fiber. The implications of the conclusions can be extended to the development of products in the aerospace and automotive sectors.

Originality/value

This study provides information for composite applications in the aerospace industry, focusing on evaluating dilatation characteristics within very low temperatures (−60 °C) when using carbon fibers (continuous carbon fibers, short carbon fibers and a combination of both) in two types of thermoplastic matrices. This perspective on materials characterisation for aerospace applications is a very important and unpublished approach within the 3D printing of composites. These characteristics are important parameters in the design of prototypes and functional samples with regard to the resulting behaviour in real conditions.
Surface material analysis for human papillomavirus detection in nail Bowen's disease caused by HPV type 58
Authors: Ochiai Sawako , Anzawa Kazushi , Yamaguchi Reimon , Takamiya Yuko , Ono Hiroto , Ohara Kuniaki , Shimizu Akira
Published: May 2024

Over the past few years, cases of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in nail Bowen's disease have been reported. This disease presents diagnostic challenges due to its similarity to nail malignant melanoma, particularly with respect to the clinical manifestation of black nail streaks. While skin biopsy is usually employed for diagnosis, it is an invasive procedure. We report the case of a 52‐year‐old healthy Japanese male with a pigmented streak on the nail of the fourth finger of his right hand, which had extended from the central to the lateral nail fold within 4 months. Dermoscopic examination revealed a dark‐brown pigmented band with splinter microhemorrhage. Clinically, nail Bowen's disease was suspected. The lesion was excised in strips under local anesthesia. Histopathological examination revealed hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, papillomatosis, and dyskeratotic cells with atypical nuclei irregularly arranged. Immunohistochemistry using anti‐HPV L1 antibody detected HPV‐positive cells in the upper epidermis and stratum corneum of the nail matrix. Mucosal high‐risk HPV type 58 DNA was detected from brush cytology of the keratotic surface prior to surgery, which was confirmed in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded excised samples using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequent direct DNA sequencing. Our case highlights HPV type 58 as a potential causative agent of nail Bowen's disease and shows that brush cytology of the surface material prior to excision may be a useful and less invasive way for mucosal high‐risk HPV detection. PCR analysis of the nail surface could serve as a supplementary diagnostic tool for nail Bowen's disease.
Parenting a child with ‘Diabulimia’: A systemic interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Kennon Fiona , Robinson Gary
Published: May 2024

The aim of this paper is to examine the experiences and views of parents whose child lived with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and eating disorder (ED), specifically ‘diabulimia’ and the professional support offered to them. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was employed as a methodology to explore the experience of three parents (mothers) living in the United Kingdom, regarding their chronically ill children. Four themes emerged from the analysis: battling, blaming, surviving and loss. These were interpreted through the lens of systemic theory. Within the framework of the results and the discussion, further research and the provision of systemic family therapy for children, parents and families in both paediatric and adolescent‐to‐adult transition diabetes clinics is recommended.
Labour market outcomes of the China shock in Australia
Authors: Xiao Ying Ying Ida
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the effect of the rise in Chinese import competition on the Australian labour market from 1991 to 2007. Using the data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Survey, I find three main results. First, the Chinese import competition generates net job gains for the economy at both aggregate and sectoral levels. The manufacturing and service sectors both experience a growth in employment due to the movements of workers between and within industries. Second, the job losses in manufacturing industries are accompanied by expansions in services industries. The Chinese import exposure reorganises the job allocations from manufacturing to services. Third, the industrial shifts and skill‐biased technical change caused by the Chinese imports bring about job polarisation. Estimates show evidence of job concentration on low‐skilled and high‐skilled workers while also a weakening focus on middle‐skilled occupations.
Investigating heterogeneity in the price elasticity of traffic flow in Melbourne: Evidence from traffic volume data
Authors: Spasojevic Paul
Published: May 2024

This paper leverages a rich dataset of 1.24 billion traffic flow observations across 36,666 vehicle detectors to estimate the price elasticity of traffic flow with respect to fuel prices in Melbourne, Australia. I find that a 1% increase in fuel prices leads to a 0.0556% decrease in traffic flow across Melbourne, where traffic flow is defined as the number of vehicles passing a vehicle counter per hour. I find significant regional heterogeneity across Melbourne, with evidence of positive own‐price elasticities in regions in the centre of the city, and in peak commute times on both weekdays and weekends, which I argue is evidence of a congestion‐speed effect. Moreover, regions near the CBD with high incomes tend to be less elastic than regions further away with reduced access to public transport. These findings can be used to determine the optimal tax or charge to internalise the externalities produced by motor vehicles.
A conceptual analysis of inclusive education in terms of participation and agency
Authors: Lakkala Suvi , Beaton Mhairi C. , Kokko Kirsi
Published: May 2024

Despite ongoing development of the international understanding of the values and goals of inclusive education, attempts to implement it remain incomplete. This study's aim was to clarify how participation and agency are defined in research on inclusive education and how participation and agency might be more effectively promoted to enhance inclusive education. The research was conducted as a conceptual analysis with the concepts of student participation and agency as the main focus of the analysis. The conceptual analysis process surfaced five emergent themes: recognition of societal barriers at school; appreciation of student diversity and cultural competence; community and collaboration with various stakeholders; promoting students' engagement; and enabling learning for all students. These themes include academic, social, and emotional and collective dimensions. Inclusive education appears as an institution whose everyday modes of interaction, pedagogical solutions and power dynamics can be difficult to recognise, let alone change towards a participative direction. Promoting student participation and agency requires professionals in schools to have the ability to primarily renew their own agency so that they can enable students to foster future orientation and active adulthood.
Do you like school? Social class, gender, ethnicity and pupils' educational enjoyment
Authors: Stopforth Sarah , Connelly Roxanne , Gayle Vernon
Published: May 2024

This study investigates structural inequalities in educational enjoyment in a contemporary cohort of United Kingdom (UK) primary school children. Foundational studies in the sociology of education consistently indicate that the enjoyment of education is stratified by social class, gender, and ethnicity. Analysing data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study, which is a major cohort study that tracks children born at the start of the 21st century, we examine children's enjoyment of both school and individual academic subject areas. The overarching message is that at age 11 most children enjoy their education. The detailed empirical analyses indicate that educational enjoyment is stratified by gender, and there are small differences between ethnic groups. However, there is no convincing evidence of a social class gradient. These results challenge orthodox sociological views on the relationship between structural inequalities and educational enjoyment, and therefore question the existing theoretical understanding of the wider role of enjoyment in education.
Tolerance to environmental pollution in the freshwater crustacean Asellus aquaticus: A role for the microbiome
Authors: Horváthová Terézia , Lafuente Elvira , Bartels Jo‐Anne , Wallisch Jesper , Vorburger Christoph
Published: May 2024

Freshwater habitats are frequently contaminated by diverse chemicals of anthropogenic origin, collectively referred to as micropollutants, that can have detrimental effects on aquatic life. The animals' tolerance to micropollutants may be mediated by their microbiome. If polluted aquatic environments select for contaminant‐degrading microbes, the acquisition of such microbes by the host may increase its tolerance to pollution. Here we tested for the potential effects of the host microbiome on the growth and survival of juvenile Asellus aquaticus, a widespread freshwater crustacean. Using faecal microbiome transplants, we provided newly hatched juveniles with the microbiome isolated from donor adults reared in either clean or micropollutant‐contaminated water and, after transplantation, recipient juveniles were reared in water with and without micropollutants. The experiment revealed a significant negative effect of the micropollutants on the survival of juvenile isopods regardless of the received faecal microbiome. The micropollutants had altered the composition of the bacterial component of the donors' microbiome, which in turn influenced the microbiome of juvenile recipients. Hence, we show that relatively high environmental concentrations of micropollutants reduce survival and alter the microbiome composition of juvenile A. aquaticus, but we have no evidence that tolerance to micropollutants is modulated by their microbiome.