bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blastocystisin the cervix of Polish women: a subtype found in a parenteral location is different to that found in the anus
Authors: Suchońska Barbara , Kaczmarek Adam , Wesołowska Maria , Młocicki Daniel , Sałamatin Rusłan
Published: July 2024

Objective

The presence ofBlastocystisspp. in a parenteral location—in the female genital tract—has been reported three times. The genetic material of the protozoan has been identified only once.

Methods

BlastocystisDNA was detected using real-time PCR.

Results

Thirty patients with so-called cervical erosions were examined. The presence ofBlastocystisgenetic material was confirmed in nine women. The authors are the first to confirm and identify the DNA ofBlastocystissubtype ST1, ST6, and ST7 in samples taken from the ectocervix and the distal part of the cervical canal of women with large, symptomatic glandular ectopies which were resistant to standard treatment. In one case, in material from the cervix we identified aBlastocystissubtype which was different to that found in the anus of the same woman.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the presence ofBlastocystisin the cervix is not, in any obvious way, associated with hygienic issues or neglect, but could be the result of women having vaginal intercourse with heterosexual men in whose semen this protozoan occurs. The possibility ofBlastocystisoccurrence in semen has been confirmed by recent publications as well as our own unpublished results. This discovery gives hope for the eradication of these organisms and thus to curing patients with chronic gynaecological problems.
The role of specific and non-specific factors in a brief group psychological intervention for psychological distress: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Keyan Dharani , Dawson Katie , Azevedo Suzanna , Yadav Srishti , Choi-Christou Jasmine , Maliakkal Deepthi J. , Pillai Mohan K. , Thomas Elizabeth , George Tony S. , Bryant Richard A.
Published: July 2024

Aims

Although brief psychological interventions in low-and-middle-income-countries have been shown to be effective, they have typically been tested against usual or enhanced usual care (EUC). This design has precluded delineation of the role of specific and non-specific factors in influencing symptom reduction outcomes. This study evaluates the impact of a group psychological intervention (adapted version of WHO’s Problem Management Plus; PM+; titledCoping with COVID) against non-directive group Supportive Counselling (SC) on psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

Methods

Between October 2020 and December 2022, this two-arm single-blind, controlled trial randomised 183 young adults in Bangalore, India who screened positive for psychological distress to eitherCoping with COVID(n = 91) or SC (n=92), on a 1:1 basis.Coping with COVIDcomprised six weekly small group sessions delivered by videoconferencing that taught stress coping strategies. SC also involved six weekly group sessions that were led by a facilitator and offered non-directive support. The primary outcomes were anxiety and depression as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS) assessed at baseline, post-intervention, 2-months, and 6-months after treatment. The primary outcome timepoint was the 2-month assessment. Secondary outcomes included generalised worry, positive wellbeing, pandemic-related stress, and suicidal ideation.

Results

One hundred and sixty-one participants (88%) were retained at the 2-month follow-up. Intent-to-treat analyses indicated that theCoping with COVIDcondition did not lead to significant reductions in in anxiety (mean difference 0.24 [95% CI, –1.01,1.48],p>0.05), or depression (mean difference .03 [95% CI, –1.19, 1.26],p>0.05) relative to SC. Similarly, there were no significant differences between conditions for all secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the benefits of strategies that comprise transdiagnostic scalable psychological interventions may not surpass non-specific factors in driving symptom reduction. There is a need to further evaluate the non-specific factors in scalable psychological programs because focusing on these may have implications for ease of training and implementation.
Protrudin acts at ER-endosome contacts to promote KIF5-mediated endosomal fission and endosome-to-Golgi transport
Authors: Kleniuk Julia , Nadadhur Aishwarya G. , Wolfenden Emily , Rodger Catherine , Zlamalova Eliska , Reid Evan
Published: July 2024

Fission of transport tubules from early endosomes is required for endosomal sorting, but mechanisms of endosomal tubule fission (ETF) are incompletely understood. We show protrudin acts at ER-endosome contacts to promote ETF and endosome-to-Golgi traffic. Protrudin-mediated ETF required its ability to interact with ER-localised VAP proteins, endosomal phosphoinositides and KIF5. These properties also regulated the distance between protrudin and endosomal tubules. The defective ETF phenotype of increased endosomal tubulation in cells lacking protrudin was phenocopied by depletion of KIF5, but not FYCO1, a motor protein adaptor implicated in protrudin-dependent late endosome motility. It also required intact microtubules and dynein, consistent with a model where protrudin facilitates a tug-of-war between KIF5 and dynein to fission tubules. In addition to its direct role, protrudin links many other machineries involved in ETF, thus our findings elucidate how ETF is co-ordinated. These machineries are enriched for proteins implicated in hereditary motor neuron disorders, and protrudin or KIF5 depletion caused defective ETF in human neurons.

Protrudin binds ER-localised VAPs and endosomal phosphoinositides to form ER-endosome contacts that promote endosomal tubule fission and endosome-to-Golgi traffic. Protrudin recruits KIF5 to provide a FYCO1-independent force to fission endosomal tubules in neurons and non-polarised cells.
The bacterial microbiome in Spider and Deathwatch beetles
Authors: Hendricks Austin , Philips T. Keith , Engl Tobias , Plarre Rüdiger (Rudy) , Martinson Vincent G.
Published: July 2024

The beetle family Ptinidae contains a number of economically important pests, such as the Cigarette beetleLasioderma serricorne, the Drugstore beetleStegobium paniceum, and the diverse Spider beetles. Many of these species are stored product pests which target a diverse range of food sources from dried tobacco to books made with organic materials. Despite the threat that the 2,200 species of Ptinidae beetles pose, fewer than 50 have been surveyed for microbial symbionts, and only a handful have been screened using contemporary genomic methods. In this study, we screen 116 individual specimens that cover most subfamilies of Ptinidae, with outgroup beetles from closely related families Dermestidae, Endecatomidae, and Bostrichidae. We used 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon data to characterize the bacterial microbiomes of these specimens. The majority of these species had never been screened for microbes. We found that, unlike in their sister family Bostrichidae that has two mutualistic bacteria seen in most species, there are no consistent bacterial members of ptinid microbiomes. For specimens which hadWolbachiainfections, we did additional screening using multilocus sequence typing, and showed that our populations have different strains ofWolbachiathan has been noted in previous publications.

Importance

Ptinid beetles are both household pests of pantry goods and economic pests of dried good warehouses and cultural archives such as libraries and museums. Currently, the most common pest control measures for ptinid beetles are phosphine and/or heat treatments. Many ptinid beetles have been observed to have increasing resistance to phosphine, and heat treatments are not appropriate for many of the goods commonly infested by ptinids. Pest control techniques focused on symbiotic bacteria have been shown to significantly decrease populations, and often have the beneficial side effect of being more specific than other pest control techniques. This survey provides foundational information about the bacteria associated with diverse ptinid species, which may be used for future control efforts.
Beyond Static Models: The Dynamic Interplay of Facial Emotions and Attentional Scope
Authors: Hu Kesong , He Shuchang , Li Qi , Li Chiang-Shan R.
Published: July 2024

The interplay between emotion and attention has long been intensely scrutinized, with competing theories proposing divergent mechanisms. Building on our previous work, here we present evidence that refines these perspectives, revealing a nuanced, temporally dynamic relationship between emotional stimuli and attentional focus. Using a modified Flanker task with facial emotion cues, we demonstrate that the effects of emotional stimuli on attention evolve over time, contrary to traditional fixed-effect assumptions. Our results show distinct temporal patterns: Neutral faces elicited typical flanker effects initially, but only interference persisted later. Early-stage happy faces amplified flanker facilitation but not interference, while threat faces augmented flanker interference but not facilitation. In the late stage, flanker facilitation disappeared across all emotion conditions, and interference patterns converged, mirroring the neutral face condition. These findings indicate emotion’s influence on attention is more complex and dynamic than previously recognized, potentially reflecting learning or habituation processes. We propose a new framework for understanding emotion-attention interactions that transcends traditional dichotomies of attention focus and approach-avoidance, offering a more nuanced perspective on this critical cognitive interface.
Comparative genomic analysis ofLatilactobacillus sakeistrains provides new insights into their association with different niche adaptations
Authors: Ito Kohei , Ito Yutaro
Published: July 2024

Latilactobacillus sakei, a lactic acid bacterium in diverse environments such as fermented foods, meat, and the human gastrointestinal tract, exhibits significant genetic diversity and niche-specific adaptations. This study conducts a comprehensive comparative genomic analysis of 30 completeL. sakeigenomes to uncover the genetic mechanisms underlying these adaptations. Phylogenetic analysis divided the species into three distinct clades that did not correlate with the source of isolation and did not suggest any niche-specific evolutionary direction. The pan-genome analysis revealed a substantial core genome alongside a diverse genetic repertoire, indicating both high genetic conservation and adaptability. Predicted growth rates based on codon use bias analysis suggest thatL. sakeistrains have an overall faster growth rate and may be able to efficiently dominant in competitive environments. Plasmid analysis revealed a variety of plasmids carrying genes essential for carbohydrate metabolism, enhancingL. sakei’s ability to thrive in various fermentation substrates. It was also found that the number of genes belonging to the GH1 family among sugar metabolism-related genes present on chromosomes and plasmids varies between strains, and that AA1, which is involved in alcohol oxidation, has been acquired from plasmids. BLAST analysis revealed that some strains have environmental adaptation gene clusters of cell surface polysaccharides that may mediate attachment to food and mucosa. These findings not only underscore the genetic and functional diversity ofL. sakeibut also highlight its potential as a potent starter culture in fermentation and as a probiotic. The knowledge gleaned from this study lays a solid foundation for future research aimed at harnessing the genetic traits ofL. sakeistrains for industrial and health-related applications.
Ancient tree-topologies and gene-flow processes among human lineages in Africa
Authors: Breton Gwenna , Sjödin Per , Zervakis Panagiotis I. , Laurent Romain , Froment Alain , Sjöstrand Agnès E. , Hewlett Barry S. , Barreiro Luis B. , Perry George H. , Soodyall Himla , Heyer Evelyne , Schlebusch Carina M. , Jakobsson Mattias , Verdu Paul
Published: July 2024

The deep history of humans in Africa and the complex divergences and migrations among ancient human genetic lineages remain poorly understood and are the subject of ongoing debate. We produced 73 high-quality whole genome sequences from 14 Central and Southern African populations with diverse, well-documented, languages, subsistence strategies, and socio-cultural practices, and jointly analyze this novel data with 104 African and non-African previously-released whole genomes. We find vast genome-wide diversity and individual pairwise differentiation within and among African populations at continental, regional, and even local geographical scales, often uncorrelated with linguistic affiliations and cultural practices. We combine populations in 54 different ways and, for each population combination separately, we conduct extensive machine-learning Approximate Bayesian Computation inferences relying on genome-wide simulations of 48 competing evolutionary scenarios. We thus reconstruct jointly the tree-topologies and migration processes among ancient and recent lineages best explaining the diversity of extant genomic patterns. Our results show the necessity to explicitly consider the genomic diversity of African populations at a local scale, without merging population samples indiscriminately into largera prioricategories based on geography, subsistence-strategy, and/or linguistics criteria, in order to reconstruct the diverse evolutionary histories of our species. We find that, for all different combinations of Central and Southern African populations, a tree-like evolution with long periods of drift between short periods of unidirectional gene-flow among pairs of ancient or recent lineages best explain observed genomic patterns compared to recurring gene-flow processes among lineages. Moreover, we find that, for 25 combinations of populations, the lineage ancestral to extant Southern African Khoe-San populations diverged around 300,000 years ago from a lineage ancestral to Rainforest Hunter-Gatherers and neighboring agriculturalist populations. We also find that short periods of ancient or recent asymmetrical gene-flow among lineages often coincided with epochs of major cultural and ecological changes previously identified by paleo-climatologists and archaeologists in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A distant TANGO1 family member promotes vitellogenin export from the ER inC. elegans
Authors: Mo Jimmy H. , Zhai Chao , Jung Kwangsek , Li Yan , Yan Yonghong , Dong Meng-Qiu , Mak Ho Yi
Published: July 2024

Vitellogenin belongs to the Large Lipid Transfer Protein superfamily and is thought to share a common ancestor with human Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) for systemic lipid transport1–5. Vitellogenin forms part of yolk granules (also known as yolk organelles), as maternal contribution of nutrients that support the embryonic development of oviparous animals6,7. InCaenorhabditis elegans, vitellogenin proteins (VIT-1 to VIT-6) are synthesized in the hermaphrodite intestine, secreted into the pseudocoelom and internalized by oocytes8–13. Although a general route for inter-tissue vitellogenin transport has been described, the full mechanism that underlies its intracellular trafficking within the intestine remains obscure9,12,13. In humans, transport and Golgi organization protein 1 (TANGO1) and TANGO1-like (TALI) proteins generate super-sized membrane carriers to accommodate bulky ApoB-containing lipoprotein particles for their export from ER exit sites14–17. Transport facilitated by TANGO1 family of proteins is considered as an alternative, COPII-independent ER exit pathway18–24. Thus far, TANGO1 orthologs have been discovered in most metazoans, except nematodes24,25. Here, we report theC. elegansprotein R148.3 (nowTransport andGolgi organization 1-like or TNGL-1) as a mediator of vitellogenin export from the ER. TNGL-1 depletion triggers VIT-2 accumulation in the intestinal ER lumen. TNGL-1 requires its C-terminal unstructured domain for its localization to ER exit sites. Like TANGO1, it utilizes a luminal globular domain for cargo engagement. Our findings support TNGL-1 as a distant TANGO1 family member.
A second wave of Notch signaling diversifies the intestinal secretory lineage
Authors: Zagoren Eleanor , Dias Nicolas , Smith Zachary D. , Ameen Nadia A. , Sumigray Kaelyn
Published: July 2024

The small intestine is well known for the function of its nutrient-absorbing enterocytes; yet equally critical for the maintenance of homeostasis is a diverse set of secretory cells, all of which are presumed to differentiate from the same intestinal stem cell. Despite major roles in intestinal function and health, understanding how the full spectrum of secretory cell types arises remains a longstanding challenge, largely due to their comparative rarity. Here, we investigate the fate specification of a rare and distinct population of small intestinal epithelial cells found in rats and humans but not mice:CFTRHighExpressers (CHEs). We use pseudotime trajectory analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data from rat intestinal jejunum to provide evidence that CHEs are specified along the secretory lineage and appear to employ a second wave of Notch-based signal transduction to distinguish these cells from other secretory cell types. We further validate the general order of transcription factors that direct these cells from unspecified progenitors within the crypt and experimentally demonstrate that Notch signaling is necessary to induce CHE fate bothin vivoandin vitro. Our results suggest a model in which Notch is reactivated along the secretory lineage to specify the CHE population: a rare secretory cell type with putative functions in localized coordination of luminal pH and direct relevance to cystic fibrosis pathophysiology.
Modelling interactions that determine core gut microbiome stability to predict microbiome perturbation by opportunistic pathogens
Authors: van Leeuwen P.T. , Brul S. , Seppen J. , Wortel M.T.
Published: July 2024

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in host homeostasis, with implications for nutrition, immune development, metabolism, and protection against pathogens. Changes in microbiome composition are associated with host health and after microbial shifts, opportunistic pathogens have a unique chance to invade and overgrow the microbiome However, the complexity of the microbiome inhibits understanding of cause and consequence. This study describes a species interaction model to predict gut microbiome stability. This method aids in understanding perturbation of the gut microbiome by opportunistic pathogensEscherichia coliandBacteroides ovatusand validate predictions in co-culture growth experiments. Despite their inherent differences in growth rates and interaction with gut commensals, bothE. coliandB. ovatuscan successfully invade an established consortium. However, the mechanisms of invasion differ;B. ovatusreplaces an original consortium bacterium, whereasE. coliintegrates into the established microbiome. This research enhances our understanding of microbial invasion processes and their implications for gut microbiome stability and host health.
Not All Is Lost: Resilience of Microbiome Samples to Freezer Failures and Long-term Storage
Authors: Pulido-Chavez M. Fabiola , Randolph James W. J. , Glassman Sydney I.
Published: July 2024

Advances in technology have facilitated extensive sample collection to explore microbiomes across diverse systems, leading to a growing reliance on ultracold freezers for storing both samples and extracted DNA. However, freezer malfunctions can jeopardize data integrity. In this study, we investigated the effects of an unforeseen short-term thaw event (∼1 week) resulting from a freezer malfunction on soil samples stored at -80°C and extracted uncompromised DNA stored long-term at -20°C. We compared these samples against previously sequenced Illumina MiSeq data to assess whether the process of thawing soil or multi-year extracted DNA storage affected the resilience of bacterial or fungal richness or community composition, thereby impacting our ability to accurately determine treatment effects. Our results reveal substantial resilience in fungal richness and both bacterial and fungal beta-diversity to soil sample thawing and extended frozen DNA storage. This resilience facilitated biological inferences that closely mirrored those observed in the original study. Notably, fungi exhibited greater resilience to short-term thawing compared to bacteria, which showed sensitivity to both thawing and long-term freezing. Moreover, taxonomic composition analysis revealed the persistence of dominant microbial taxa under thawing and prolonged freezing, suggesting that dominant microbes remain viable for tracking across temporal studies. In conclusion, our study highlights that beta-diversity is more robust than alpha-diversity and fungi are more resilient than bacteria. Furthermore, our findings underscore the effectiveness of soil storage at -80°C compared to storage of extracted DNA at -20°C, despite potential freezer failures, as the most robust method for long-term storage in microbiome studies.
Biofilm dispersal patterns revealed using far-red fluorogenic probes
Authors: Prentice Jojo A. , Kasivisweswaran Sandhya , van de Weerd Robert , Bridges Andrew A.
Published: July 2024

Bacteria frequently colonize niches by forming multicellular communities called biofilms. To explore new territories, cells exit biofilms through an active process called dispersal. Biofilm dispersal is essential for bacteria to spread between infection sites, yet how the process is executed at the single-cell level remains mysterious. Here, we characterize dispersal at unprecedented resolution for the global pathogenVibrio cholerae. To do so, we first developed a far-red cell-labeling strategy that overcomes pitfalls of fluorescent protein-based approaches. We reveal that dispersal initiates at the biofilm periphery and ∼25% of cells never disperse. We define novel micro-scale patterns that occur during dispersal, including biofilm compression and the formation of dynamic channels. These patterns are attenuated in mutants that reduce overall dispersal or that increase dispersal at the cost of homogenizing local mechanical properties. Collectively, our findings provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms of biofilm dispersal, advancing our understanding of how pathogens disseminate.
Senescent cells cluster CTCF on nuclear speckles to sustain their splicing program
Authors: Palikyras Spiros , Varamogiani-Mamatsi Vassiliki , Zhu Yajie , Ramasamy Shyam , Mizi Athanasia , Liebermann Isabel , Stavropoulou Athanasia , Papadionysiou Ioanna , Bartsch Deniz , Kargapolova Yulia , Sofiadis Konstantinos , Nikolaou Christoforos , Kurian Leo , Oudelaar A. Marieke , Barbieri Mariano , Papantonis Argyris
Published: July 2024

Senescence —the endpoint of replicative lifespan for normal cells— is established via a complex sequence of molecular events. One such event is the dramatic reorganization of CTCF into senescence-induced clusters (SICCs). However, the molecular determinants, genomic consequences, and functional purpose of SICCs remained unknown. Here, we combine functional assays, super-resolution imaging, and 3D genomics with computational modelling to dissect SICC emergence. We establish that the competition between CTCF-bound and non-bound loci dictates clustering propensity. Upon senescence entry, cells repurpose SRRM2 —a key component of nuclear speckles— and BANF1 —a ‘molecular glue’ for chromosomes— to cluster CTCF and rewire genome architecture. This CTCF-centric reorganization in reference to nuclear speckles functionally sustains the senescence splicing program, as SICC disruption fully reverts alternative splicing patterns. We therefore uncover a new paradigm, whereby cells translate changes in nuclear biochemistry into architectural changes directing splicing choices so as to commit to the fate of senescence.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

HMGB2-bound loci compete with CTCF-bound ones for nuclear speckle association

Senescent cells repurpose SRRM2 and BANF1 to cluster CTCF on speckles

BANF1 is essential, but not sufficient for CTCF clustering

The SRRM2 RNA-binding domain directs CTCF clustering

SICCs rewire chromatin positioning to sustain the senescence splicing program
Novel Imaging Tools to Study Mitochondrial Dynamics inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Valera-Alberni Miriam , Yao Pallas , Romero-Sanz Silvia , Lanjuin Anne , Mair William B.
Published: July 2024

Mitochondria exhibit a close interplay between their structure and function. Understanding this intricate relationship requires advanced imaging techniques that can capture the dynamic nature of mitochondria and their impact on cellular processes. However, much of the work on mitochondrial dynamics has been done in single celled organisms or in vitro cell culture. Here, we introduce novel genetic tools for live imaging of mitochondrial networks in the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans, addressing a pressing need for advanced techniques in studying organelle dynamics within live intact multicellular organisms. Through a comprehensive analysis, we directly compare our tools with existing methods, demonstrating their advantages for visualizing mitochondrial morphology and contrasting their impact on organismal physiology. We reveal limitations of conventional techniques, while showcasing the utility and versatility of our approaches, including endogenous CRISPR tags and ectopic labeling. By providing a guide for selecting the most suitable tools based on experimental goals, our work advances mitochondrial research inC. elegansand enhances the strategic integration of diverse imaging modalities for a holistic understanding of organelle dynamics in living organisms.
Dispersive interaction between two atoms in Proca quantum electrodynamics
Authors: Camacho de Pinho Gabriel , Zarro Carlos Augusto Domingues , Farina Carlos , Souza Reinaldo de Melo e , Hippert Maurício
Published: July 2024

We analyze the influence of a massive photon in the dispersive interaction between two atoms in their fundamental states. We work in the context of Proca quantum electrodynamics. The photon mass not only introduces a new length scale but also gives rise to a longitudinal polarization for the electromagnetic field. We obtain explicitly the interaction energy between the atoms for any distance regime and consider several particular cases. We show that, for a given interatomic distance, the greater the photon mass the better it is the nonretarded approximation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Algorithms for partial wave amplitudes in the covariant
L−S
scheme
Authors: Jing Hao-Jie , Wu Shu-Ming , Wu Jia-Jun
Published: July 2024

With the continuous accumulation of data from hadron collision experiments, efficient partial wave analysis tools are indispensable for constructing a clear hadron spectrum. Currently, automated computations of scattering amplitudes primarily use the helicity scheme and covariant effective Lagrangian method. The automated calculations under the covariant L−S scheme, which is one of the commonly used partial wave analysis schemes, have not been fully realized. In this work, we provide a general algorithm for computing partial wave amplitudes under the covariant L−S scheme. This will lay the foundation for automated computation of partial wave amplitudes under the covariant L−S scheme.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonperturbative anomalous thresholds
Authors: Correia Miguel
Published: July 2024

Feynman diagrams (notably the triangle diagram) involving heavy enough particles contain branch cuts on the physical sheet—anomalous thresholds—which, unlike normal thresholds and bound-state poles, do not correspond to any asymptotic n-particle state. “Who ordered that?” We show that anomalous thresholds arise as a consequence of established S-matrix principles and two reasonable assumptions: unitarity below the physical region and analyticity in the mass. We find explicit nonperturbative formulas for the anomalous threshold singularity and test them against the Coleman-Thun poles of the E8 integrable model.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dark photon constraints from a 7.139 GHz cavity haloscope experiment
Authors: He Dong , Fan Jie , Gao Xin , Gao Yu , Houston Nick , Ji Zhongqing , Jin Yirong , Li Chuang , Li Jinmian , Li Tianjun , Liu Shi-hang , Niu Jia-Shu , Peng Zhihui , Sun Liang , Sun Zheng , Wang Jia , Wei Puxian , Wu Lina , Xiang Zhongchen , Yang Qiaoli , Zhang Chi , Zhang Wenxing , Zhang Xin , Zheng Dongning , Zheng Ruifeng , Zhou Jian-yong ,   APEX Collaboration
Published: July 2024

The dark photon is a promising candidate for the dark matter which comprises most of the matter in our visible Universe. Via kinetic mixing with the Standard Model it can also be resonantly converted to photons in an electromagnetic cavity, offering novel experimental possibilities for the discovery and study of dark matter. We report the results of a pathfinder dark photon dark matter cavity search experiment performed at Hunan Normal University and the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, representing the first stage of the Axion and dark Photon EXperiment program. Finding no statistically significant excess, we place an upper limit on the kinetic mixing parameter |χ|<3.7×10−13 around mA≃29.5  μeV at 90% confidence level. This result exceeds other constraints on dark photon dark matter in this frequency range by roughly an order of magnitude.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Simple bacterial growth model for the formation of spontaneous and triggered dormant subpopulations
Authors: Svenningsen Mikkel Skjoldan , Mitarai Namiko
Published: July 2024

Bacterial persistence is a phenomenon where a subpopulation of cells can survive antibiotic treatment, and it is often linked to extremely slow growth or a dormant state. However, the mechanisms and factors that govern dormancy are not well understood. We propose a simplified growth model that treats the main cellular components as discrete variables and allocates resources among them according to different strategies. The model can reproduce some of the observed features of bacterial persistence, such as wide distribution in division times, long division times after a nutrient downshift, and the existence of different dormant phenotypes. We also show how the growth structure, i.e., whether cells grow in a lineage or a branch, affects the dormant cells' occurrence and distribution due to the growth states' mother-daughter correlation. Our model provides a framework to explore the complex interactions between cellular processes and environmental conditions that lead to bacterial persistence.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
New ion radii for oxides and oxysalts, fluorides, chlorides and nitrides
Authors: Hawthorne Frank C. , Gagné Olivier C.
Published: July 2024

Ion radii are derived here from the characteristic (grand mean) bond lengths for (i) 135 ions bonded to oxygen in 459 configurations (on the basis of coordination number) using 177 143 bond lengths extracted from 30 805 ordered coordination polyhedra from 9210 crystal structures; and (ii) 76 ions bonded to nitrogen in 137 configurations using 4048 bond lengths extracted from 875 ordered coordination polyhedra from 434 crystal structures. There are two broad categories of use for ion radii: (1) those methods which use the relative sizes of cation and anion radii to predict local atomic arrangements; (2) those methods which compare the radii of different cations (or the radii of different anions) to predict local atomic arrangements. There is much uncertainty with regard to the relative sizes of cations and anions, giving rise to the common failure of type (1) methods, e.g. Pauling's first rule which purports to relate the coordination adopted by cations to the radius ratio of the constituent cation and anion. Conversely, type (2) methods, which involve comparing the sizes of different cations with each other (or different anions with each other), can give very accurate predictions of site occupancies, physical properties etc. Methods belonging to type (2) can equally well use the characteristic bond lengths themselves (from which the radii are derived) in place of radii to develop correlations and predict crystal properties. Extensive quantum-mechanical calculations of electron density in crystals in the literature indicate that the radii of both cations and anions are quite variable with local arrangement, suggesting significant problems with any use of ion radii. However, the dichotomy between the experimentally derived ion radii and the quantum-mechanical calculations of electron density in crystals is removed by the recognition that ion radii are proxy variables for characteristic bond lengths in type (2) relations.
Determinants and impact of production planning and control accounting techniques on competitiveness of manufacturing companies: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Oyewo Babajide , Alta'any Mohammad , ALo Kolawole Adeyemi , Dube Negroes Tembo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate four internal (organisational structure, quality of information technology, business strategy and market orientation) and two external (competition intensity and perceived environmental uncertainty) contextual factors affecting the use of production planning and control accounting techniques (PPC), as well as the impact of PPC usage on organisational competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven major PPC techniques were investigated, namely: attribute costing, lifecycle costing, quality costing, target costing, value-chain costing, activity-based costing and activity-based management. By deploying a multi-informant strategy, a structured questionnaire was used to gather survey data from 129 senior accounting, finance and production personnel of publicly quoted manufacturing companies in Nigeria.

Findings

The results, using structural equation modelling, show that market orientation is the strongest determinant of PPC usage. The inability of competition intensity and perceived environmental uncertainty to notably affect PPC usage suggests that external environmental pressure to use PPC is weak. Although PPC can engender organisational competitiveness, their interactive usage yields optimal results.

Originality/value

The study contributes to knowledge by: (i) presenting evidence that although PPC techniques can engender organisational competitiveness, it is their interactive usage that yields optimal results; (ii) empirically demonstrating that contextual factors influence PPC usage in line with the contingency theory; and (iii) validating the diffusion of innovation theory that organisations will typically deploy PPC techniques because of their relative advantage of improving organisational competitiveness.
Intrinsic satisfaction and turnover intentions: the moderating roles of collegial and managerial values congruence
Authors: Rice Bridget , Raziq Muhammad Mustafa , Martin Nigel , Rice John Lewis , Memon Mumtaz , Fieger Peter
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates the moderating role of values congruence, an element of person–organisation (P–O) fit, on the relationship between intrinsic work satisfaction and anticipated employee turnover. The model uses data from employees of the Australian Public Service (APS).

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws upon data from the APS’s annual Employee Census for 2018. We first use principal component analysis (PCA) to derive measures of collegial values congruence, managerial values congruence, intrinsic satisfaction and extrinsic satisfaction. The study then uses ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis to examine the main effects of intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction, collegial and managerial values congruence as well as their interaction effects on anticipated future employee tenure.

Findings

Our results show the significant linear effects of intrinsic satisfaction, extrinsic satisfaction and managerial values congruence on anticipated tenure. Collegial values congruence, however, did not show a significant linear effect. Interaction effects were then tested, and both collegial and managerial values congruence were shown to moderate the relationship between intrinsic satisfaction and anticipated tenure. Higher levels of both forms of values congruence buffered the negative impact of lower intrinsic satisfaction on turnover intention.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by its reliance on cross-sectional self-reported data within a specific and atypical organisational context (the Australian Public Service, or APS). Additionally, the cross-sectional nature of the data limits the establishment of causal inferences. Future research could explore longitudinal data and examine other potential moderators of the turnover intention.

Practical implications

Understanding the moderating role of values congruence, and in particular P–O fit, can develop organisational strategies that aim to reduce turnover by emphasizing the alignment between employee values and organisational, collegial and supervisor culture and values.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the relevant literature by showing the importance of values congruence in partially offsetting the negative effects of low intrinsic satisfaction on anticipated turnover. This is particularly relevant in the public sector context. The examination of both collegial and managerial values congruence provides a more nuanced understanding of the mechanisms that drive turnover intention.
Empowering public relations for sustainability: examining the landscape in Turkey
Authors: Geysi Nilüfer
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the engagement of public relations (PR) in advancing sustainability within Turkey, exploring both current contributions and future potential. It analyzes how PR professionals and scholars conceptualize sustainability, revealing divergent perspectives within the industry. The study delves into the perceived roles and responsibilities of PR professionals in driving sustainable initiatives, highlighting the key challenges hindering their impact. Ultimately, the research identifies essential knowledge and skills needed to empower Turkish PR to effectively contribute to a more sustainable future.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a qualitative research approach using semi-structured in-depth interviews with two distinct groups: experienced PR professionals holding director positions in agencies and corporate communication departments, and PR professors with at least five years of teaching experience in Turkey.

Findings

The findings reveal a dynamic, yet complex, landscape of sustainability within the Turkish PR industry. While PR professionals are actively integrating sustainability into strategic initiatives and emphasizing measurable impact, they face barriers to full integration, and their conceptualization of sustainability often differs from that of PR scholars. The findings point to a critical need for targeted education and professional development to better equip Turkish PR practitioners to drive sustainable development.

Originality/value

Methodologically, the incorporation of representative groups, consisting of senior communication professionals and professors, offers valuable insights that can inform improvements in PR practices, enhance PR education, and advance the understanding of sustainability within the field of communication within the specific context of Turkey.
Board gender diversity, investment efficiency and sustainable growth: evidence from Gulf Cooperation Council
Authors: Ellili Nejla Ould Daoud
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of board gender diversity on sustainable growth by considering the mediating role of investment efficiency (INVEFF) in this relationship and the threshold effect between board gender diversity and INVEFF. This investigation focuses on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, which is characterized by rapid socio-economic transformations and a recent emphasis on gender diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data regressions are applied to estimate the impact of board gender diversity on INVEFF using companies listed in the GCC in 2013–2022 as a sample. The estimations consider subsamples of underinvestment and overinvestment, as well as the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic periods.

Findings

The empirical results show a nonlinear impact of board gender diversity on INVEFF, a relationship that is more pronounced in the underinvestment subsample. The results indicate that INVEFF mediates the relationship between board gender diversity and corporate sustainable growth, which helps companies optimize their board composition to enhance their sustainable growth strategies.

Research limitations/implications

These findings could inform GCC regulators in mandating further increases in women’s presence on boards of directors to improve INVEFF. This study examined only GCC-listed companies. Future research should investigate other factors influencing INVEFF and conduct comparative studies across Middle Eastern and North African countries to consider different regulatory and economic contexts and to examine compliance with international standards.

Social implications

This study reveals the significant nonlinear impact of board gender diversity on INVEFF and the mediation of INVEFF in the relationship between board gender diversity and sustainable growth. These findings will help companies optimize their board of directors’ composition by increasing the presence of women on boards to improve their INVEFF and sustainable growth. This study aims to develop knowledge that will not only benefit companies regarding the potential impact of board gender diversity but also help international communities create better gender equality within companies.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to explore the relationship between board gender diversity and INVEFF in the emerging economies of the GCC region. It is also the first to examine the nonlinear relationship between board gender diversity and INVEFF and the mediating role of INVEFF in the relationship between board diversity and sustainable growth. This study contributes to the understanding of the financial impact of board gender diversity in improving corporate INVEFF and sustainable growth.
Investigating environmental prioritization: role of financial resources and female entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean region
Authors: Harakati Racha , Ghazouani Ines , Hlioui Zaineb
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In this study, we aim to define a new ecological financial pecking order. We examine how SMEs' adherence to the environment in the Mediterranean region is impacted by their financial resources and how women Entrepreneurship could play a moderating role in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Our data are pooled cross-sectional firm level data across 14 Mediterranean countries, with a total of 5,949 observations over the period from 2018 to 2020. We look into the moderating influence of SMEs’ female ownership on the financial sources-environmental engagement link using GLS estimations. To reach our aim we focus on seven funding sources and develop a green engagement construct using JCA. Besides, we distinguish between the least and most environmentally engaged companies in the EU and its neighborhood and compare the different interactions and possible moderations.

Findings

Results show that government subsidies foster environmental engagement, followed by supplier credits with a less significant positive impact. The bank credits have the least significant beneficial influence, while non-bank financial institutions have a non-significant effect. We underline that environmental engagements are hindered by the other funds, issued bonds and internal funds.

Research limitations/implications

SMEs in the Mediterranean region, particularly the less environmentally conscious, require strong legal frameworks to enforce environmental responsibility and raise awareness. Integrating less environmentally committed EU SMEs into state subsidy strategies is a chance to improve environmental responsibility in the region.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, there are no prior studies that present a detailed financial structure and environmental management investigation for SMEs within the Mediterranean region while considering the moderating effect of women's entrepreneurship.
Forecast of sales of selected food products in retail using Fourier series analysis and non-linear regression
Authors: Kačmáry Peter , Bindzár Peter , Kovalčík Jakub , Ondov Marek
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply and verify Fourier series analysis in combination with non-linear regression as a tool of forecasting and planning of inputs in the logistics process of a retail chain store.

Design/methodology/approach

For many popular products, a significant effect of seasonality of sales is expected; therefore, the method of Fourier series was chosen as one of the main forecast calculation techniques. However, the use of this method directly for forecasting sales has a limitation in the form of a complete reconstruction of the shape of the curve from of the given monitored time. Thus, the forecast is based only on the significant harmonic components from the Fourier series analysis that will participate in forecast forming. In addition, to respect the trend of series, the results of Fourier series analysis are combined with the non-linear regression.

Findings

The results showed that the number of significant harmonic components from the Fourier series analysis is suitable to reflect the future behaviour of the sale in standard market conditions. Forecasting of the sale and accurate purchase planning of goods has a positive effect on reducing the waste of unsold products after their shelf and on increasing of a customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

This study has an application in a certain period of time (relatively calm behaviour of the food market) and only for a certain region. Therefore, it is not possible to generalize these results as the behaviour of consumers, e.g. within the state. It will also be interesting to monitor and forecast sales of other food items.

Practical implications

This provides a practical and relatively simple tool for implementing or improving the process of forecasting seasonally dependent products in the food industry.

Originality/value

This study shows the possibility of forecast that is based on adding the significant harmonic components from the Fourier series analysis to form forecast with the non-linear regression.