bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypermigration of macrophages through the concerted action of GRA effectors on NF-κB/p38 signaling and host chromatin accessibility potentiatesToxoplasmadissemination
Authors: ten Hoeve Arne L. , Rodriguez Matias E. , Säflund Martin , Michel Valentine , Magimel Lucas , Ripoll Albert , Yu Tianxiong , Hakimi Mohamed-Ali , Saeij Jeroen P. J. , Ozata Deniz M. , Barragan Antonio
Published: February 2024

Mononuclear phagocytes facilitate the dissemination of the obligate intracellular parasiteToxoplasma gondii. Here, we report how a set of secreted parasite effector proteins from dense granule organelles (GRA) orchestrates dendritic cell-like chemotactic and pro-inflammatory activation of parasitized macrophages. These effects enabled efficient dissemination of the type IIT. gondiilineage, a highly prevalent genotype in humans. We identify novel functions for effectors GRA15 and GRA24 in promoting CCR7-mediated macrophage chemotaxis by acting on NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, respectively, with contributions of GRA16/18 and counter-regulation by effector TEEGR. Further, GRA28 boosted chromatin accessibility and GRA15/24/NF-κB-dependent transcription at theCcr7gene locus in primary macrophages.In vivo, adoptively transferred macrophages infected with wild-typeT. gondiioutcompeted macrophages infected with a GRA15/24 double mutant in migrating to secondary organs in mice. The data show thatT. gondii, rather than being passively shuttled, actively promotes its dissemination by inducing a finely regulated pro-migratory state in parasitized human and murine phagocytes via co-operating polymorphic GRA effectors.

Importance

Intracellular pathogens can hijack cellular functions of infected host cells to their advantage, for example, for intracellular survival and for dissemination. However, how microbes orchestrate the hijacking of complex cellular processes, such as host cell migration, remains poorly understood. As such, the common parasiteToxoplasma gondiiactively invades immune cells of humans and other vertebrates and modifies their migratory properties. Here, we show that the concerted action of a number of secreted effector proteins from the parasite, principally GRA15 and GRA24, act on host cell signaling pathways to activate chemotaxis. Further, the protein effector GRA28 selectively acted on chromatin accessibility in the host cell nucleus to selectively boost host gene expression. The joint activities of effectors culminated in pro-migratory signaling within the infected phagocyte. We provide a molecular framework delineating howT. gondiican orchestrate a complex biological phenotype, such as the migratory activation of phagocytes to boost dissemination.
DNA density is a better indicator of a nuclear bleb than lamin B loss
Authors: Bunner Samantha , Prince Kelsey , Srikrishna Karan , Pujadas Emily Marie , McCarthy Antonia Amonu , Kuklinski Anna , Jackson Olivia , Pellegrino Pedro , Jagtap Shrushti , Eweka Imuetiyan , Lawlor Colman , Eastin Emma , Yas Griffin , Aiello Julianna , LaPointe Nathan , Schramm von Blucher Isabelle , Hardy Jillian , Chen Jason , Backman Vadim , Janssen Anne , Packard Mary , Dorfman Katherine , Almassalha Luay , Bahiru Michael Seifu , Stephens A. D.
Published: February 2024

Nuclear blebs are herniations of the nucleus that occur in diseased nuclei that cause nuclear rupture leading to cellular dysfunction. Chromatin and lamins are two of the major structural components of the nucleus that maintain its shape and function, but their relative roles in nuclear blebbing remain elusive. Lamin B is reported to be lost in blebs by qualitative data while quantitative studies reveal a spectrum of lamin B levels in nuclear blebs dependent on perturbation and cell type. Chromatin has been reported to be decreased or de-compacted in nuclear blebs, but again the data are not conclusive. To determine the composition of nuclear blebs, we compared the immunofluorescence intensity of lamin B and DNA in the main nucleus body and nuclear bleb across cell types and perturbations. Lamin B nuclear bleb levels varied drastically across MEF wild type and chromatin or lamins perturbations, HCT116 lamin B1-GFP imaging, and human disease model cells of progeria and prostate cancer. However, DNA concentration was consistently decreased to about half that of the main nucleus body across all measured conditions. Using Partial Wave Spectroscopic (PWS) microscopy to measure chromatin density in the nuclear bleb vs body we find similar results that DNA is consistently less dense in nuclear blebs. Thus, our data spanning many different cell types and perturbations supports that decreased DNA is a better marker of a nuclear bleb than lamin B levels that vary widely.
Tree Species as Biomonitors of Air Pollution around a Scrap Metal Recycling Factory in Southwest Nigeria: Implications for Greenbelt Development
Authors: Olanipon D. G. , Ayandeyi F. K. , Enochoghene A. E. , Eludoyin O. A. , Adanikin B. A. , Awotoye O. O.
Published: February 2024

Trees are biomonitors and sinks for air pollutants but better sinking ability comes from trees with high tolerance for air pollution. Consequently, this study investigated the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API) of six dominant tree species around a scrap metal recycling factory in Ile-Ife, Southwest Nigeria. Biochemical and physiological parameters such as the relative water content, total chlorophyll, leaf extract pH and ascorbic acid content of the leaves of the selected tree species were determined and used to compute the APTI. The biological and socio-economic characters of each tree species were equally examined to determine the API. The APTI of the selected tree species during the dry season was in the N.laevis(11.8) >A.boonei(11.2) >S. siamea(11.0) >B. micrantha(10.8)> T. orientalis(10.6)> T. grandis(9.6). According to the API grading,N.laevisandA.booneiwere classified as “good” (62.5% each) tree species for greenbelt development for both dry and wet seasons, whileT.orientaliswas also classified as a “good” (62.5% each) tree species for greenbelt development for the wet season only. Native tree species such asN.laevis,A.booneiandT.orientalisexhibited better tolerance to gaseous pollutants and are recommended for biomonitoring environmental health and greenbelt establishment.
Whole genome sequencing of a family with autosomal dominant features within the oculoauriculovertebral spectrum
Authors: Petrin AL , Machado-Paula LA , Hinkle A , Hovey L , Awotoye W , Chimenti M , Darbro B , Ribeiro-Bicudo LA , Dabdoub SM , Peter T , Breheny P , Murray J , Van Otterloo E , Rengasamy Venugopalan S , Moreno-Uribe LM
Published: February 2024

Background

Oculoauriculovertebral Spectrum (OAVS) encompasses abnormalities on derivatives from the first and second pharyngeal arches including macrostomia, hemifacial microsomia, micrognathia, preauricular tags, ocular and vertebral anomalies. We present genetic findings on a three-generation family affected with macrostomia, preauricular tags and uni- or bilateral ptosis following an autosomal dominant pattern.

Methods

We generated whole genome sequencing data for the proband, affected parent and unaffected paternal grandparent followed by Sanger sequencing on 23 family members for the top 10 candidate genes:KCND2, PDGFRA, CASP9, NCOA3, WNT10A, SIX1, MTF1, KDR/VEGFR2, LRRK1,andTRIM2We performed parent and sibling-based transmission disequilibrium tests and burden analysis via a penalized linear mixed model, for segregation and mutation burden respectively. Next, via bioinformatic tools we predicted protein function, mutation pathogenicity and pathway enrichment to investigate the biological relevance of mutations identified.

Results

Rare missense mutations inSIX1, KDR/VEGFR2,andPDGFRAshowed the best segregation with the OAV phenotypes in this family. When considering any of the 3 OAVS phenotypes as an outcome,SIX1had the strongest associations in parent-TDTs and sib-TDTs (p=0.025, p=0.052) (unadjusted p-values). Burden analysis identifiedSIX1(RC=0.87) andPDGFRA(RC=0.98) strongly associated with OAVS severity. Using phenotype-specific outcomes, sib-TDTs identifiedSIX1with uni- or bilateral ptosis (p=0.049) and ear tags (p=0.01), andPDGFRAandKDR/VEGFR2with ear tags (both p<0.01).

Conclusion

SIX1,PDGFRA, andKDR/VEGFR2are strongly associated to OAVS phenotypes.SIX1has been previously associated with OAVS ear malformations and is co-expressed withEYA1during ear development. Efforts to strengthen the genotype-phenotype co-relation underlying the OAVS are key to discover etiology, family counseling and prevention.
Melting of the two-dimensional solid phase in the Gaussian core model
Authors: Mendoza-Coto Alejandro , Mattiello Valéria , Cenci Rômulo , Defenu Nicoló , Nicolao Lucas
Published: February 2024

A general theory for the melting of two-dimensional (2D) solids that explains the universal and nonuniversal properties remains an open problem. Although the celebrated Kosterlitz-Thouless-Halperin-Nelson-Young theory was able to predict the critical properties of the melting transition in a variety of cases, it is already known that it could not capture the occurrence of first-order transitions observed in certain systems, nor does it provide a clear way to calculate the melting temperature for a specific model. In the present work, we have developed an analytical method that combines the self-consistent variational approximation with the renormalization group in order to deal simultaneously with the phonon fluctuations and the topological defects that are present in the melting process of 2D crystals. The method was applied with impressive success to a study of the phase diagram of the Gaussian core model, capturing not only the reentrant feature of its 2D solid phase, but also the related critical temperatures as a function of the density in quantitative detail. The developed method can be directly applied to study the melting of any hexagonal simple crystal formed by particles interacting through any finite pairwise interaction potential. Additionally, it has the potential to explain the occurrence of first-order transitions in the melting process of 2D crystals.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Constraints between entropy production and its fluctuations in nonthermal engines
Authors: Acciai Matteo , Tesser Ludovico , Eriksson Jakob , Sánchez Rafael , Whitney Robert S. , Splettstoesser Janine
Published: February 2024

We analyze a mesoscopic conductor autonomously performing a thermodynamically useful task, such as cooling or producing electrical power, in a part of the system—the working substance—by exploiting another terminal or set of terminals—the resource—that contains a stationary nonthermal (nonequilibrium) distribution. Thanks to the nonthermal properties of the resource, no exchange of particles or energy with the working substance is required to fulfill the task. This resembles the action of a , as long as only average quantities are considered. Here, we go beyond a description based on average currents and investigate the role of fluctuations in such a system. We show that a minimum level of entropy fluctuations in the system is necessary, whenever one is exploiting a certain entropy production in the resource terminal to perform a useful task in the working substance. For concrete implementations of the demonic nonthermal engine in three- and four-terminal electronic conductors in the quantum Hall regime, we compare the resource fluctuations to the entropy production in the resource and to the useful engine output (produced power or cooling power).

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Modeling Low- and High-Frequency Noise in Transmon Qubits with Resource-Efficient Measurement
Authors: Tripathi Vinay , Chen Huo , Levenson-Falk Eli , Lidar Daniel A.
Published: February 2024

Transmon qubits experience open-system effects that manifest as noise at a broad range of frequencies. We present a model of these effects using the Redfield master equation with a hybrid bath consisting of low- and high-frequency components. We use two-level fluctuators to simulate 1/f-like noise behavior, which is a dominant source of decoherence for superconducting qubits. By measuring quantum state fidelity under free evolution with and without dynamical decoupling (DD), we can fit the low- and high-frequency noise parameters in our model. We train and test our model using experiments on quantum devices available through IBM quantum experience. Our model accurately predicts the fidelity decay of random initial states, including the effect of DD pulse sequences. We compare our model with two simpler models and confirm the importance of including both high frequency and 1/f noise in order to accurately predict transmon behavior.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
What is the link between internal communication, organizational culture and environmental strategy? The context of company size and employee perception
Authors: Piwowar-Sulej Katarzyna , Popowicz Ewa , Sulich Adam
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The article explores the linkages between the type of environmental strategy (ES), the use of internal communication (IC), and the greening of organizational culture (OC). Moreover, the article empirically examines whether company size matters in the use of environmental IC practices in the green context. Additionally, the article considers differences between people employed at different organizational hierarchy levels. The basis for such a comparison is their opinions about the effectiveness of communication practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research employed a survey method done on 199 organizations in 2020. Statistical analyses used the chi-squared test, Kendall’s Tau-b correlation coefficient, and the Mann–Whitney U test.

Findings

The research showed that companies with a proactive green strategy more often use different communication practices related to ES and have a greener culture. The study proved that larger companies more often use the analyzed communication practices. However, we found no significant difference in opinion between middle managers and line employees about the effectiveness of these practices.

Practical implications

The main contribution to business practice is the exploratory model based on the empirical study, which allows organizations to successfully implement the ES.

Originality/value

Studies rarely combine the three organizational elements: IC, OC, and ES. This article provides new empirical evidence on relationships between features of OC, green strategy types, and communication practices.
Innovation in higher education institutions towards sustainability using LED technology
Authors: Pereira de Morais José Carlos , Neves Nelson Castro , Soveral Luís Abranches , Lima João
Published: February 2024

Purpose

There is a growing urgent concern in involving higher education institutions (HEIs) towards an international effort in implementing a more suitable role as conductors of sustainable development. This paper/study aims to present the application of light emiting diode (LED) technology in an HEI assuming technology innovation as part of a larger institutional innovation management strategy addressing multiple dimensions in sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Investments in LED technology are analyzed for their impact on consumption results and quantitative comparisons between 2008 and 2022 are impaired with detailed information on the types of luminaires and the amount of installed energy.

Findings

The collected data shows a clear economic advantage of using LED technology, and the results subsidize institutional planning, considering not only ongoing technological innovation, but also educational components and community involvement in the organization sustainability strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to a specific HEI and further comparative research should be carried out.

Practical implications

A holistic approach on sustainability objectives encourages further investment in environmental-friendly technology, example to other HEIs.

Social implications

The strategic vision of innovation is confirmed with the involvement of the community, at various levels, such as the academic community, local community, scientific international community.

Originality/value

This study addresses the lack of examples in the literature of structural planning and management systems that see sustainability as a strategy built in HEIs. The elaboration of an environmental sustainability plan places environmental sustainability at the confluence of themes such as education, investigation, use of natural resources, waste separation. For each topic are listed measures, actions, environment improvements, institution improvements and their results.
Effectiveness of oral health education on oral hygiene status among adult male inmates in central jail, Kolkata – an interventional study
Authors: Mitra Radhika
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Oral health is an integral part of general health. Different population groups have been assessed for oral health status in India, but still, many have been neglected; one such group is the prisoners. The prison population is a unique and challenging one with many health problems, including poor oral health, which may be due to lack of knowledge about good oral health practices. This study aims to assess effectiveness of oral health education on oral health knowledge, attitude and practices and oral hygiene status among the male prison inmates of central jail in Kolkata, India.

Design/methodology/approach

An interventional study was done among 240 male convicts. The data was elicited using a structured proforma; oral health status was assessed by recording OHI-S index, and the severity of gingivitis was assessed by recording the gingival index. Oral health education was delivered by using audio-visual aid. Oral health knowledge, attitude, practices and oral hygiene and gingival status were reassessed among the inmates before and after dental education at the end of three and six months.

Findings

A significant change in oral health knowledge, attitude and practices was seen, which in turn resulted in an appreciable decrease in the mean gingival index score (1.73 ± 0.382 to 1.20 ± 0.321) and OHI-S (3.31 ± 0.815 to 2.57 ± 0.551) in all the inmates after oral health education program over the period of time.

Originality/value

The oral health education with reinforcement proved to be an effective tool to instil good oral hygiene practices in the inmates.
Non-monotonicity of risk-expected return trade-off in pricing of equity securities: the case of premium board of Nigerian Stock Exchange
Authors: Amah Peter Ngozi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

A stylized fact in finance literature is the belief in positive relationship between ex ante return and risk. Hence, a rational investor, by utility preference axiom can only consider committing fund in asset which promises commensurate higher return for higher risk. Questions have been asked as to whether this holds true across securities, sectors and markets. Empirical evidence appears less convincing, especially in developing markets. Accordingly, the author investigates the nature of reward for taking risk in the Nigerian Capital Market within the context of individual assets and markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The author employed ex post design to collect weekly stock prices of firms listed on the Premium Board of Nigerian Stock Exchange for period 2014–2022 to attempt to answer research questions. Data were analyzed using a unique M Vec TGarch-in-Mean model considered to be robust in handling many assets, and hence portfolio management.

Findings

The study found that idea of risk-expected return trade-off is perhaps more general than as depicted by traditional finance literature. The regression revealed that conditional variance and covariance risks reveal minimal or no differences in sign and sizes of coefficients. However, standard errors were also found to be large suggesting somewhat inconclusive evidence of existence of defined incentive structure for taking additional risk in the market.

Originality/value

In terms of choice of methodology and outcomes, this research adds substantial value to body of knowledge. The adapted multivariate model used in this paper is a rare approach especially for management of portfolios in developing markets. Remarkably, the research found empirical evidence that positive risk-expected return trade-off, as known in mainstream literature, is not supported especially using a typical developing country data.
What are the main determinants of social expenditure? A panel data approach for EU and OECD countries
Authors: Karaalp-Orhan Hacer Simay , Evcim Nurgül , Deyneli Fatih
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to analyze which socioeconomic factors (economic, demographic, and political) most commonly affect the social expenditure of the European Union (EU) and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel data fixed-effects model is employed for 34 OECD and 23 EU countries between 2000 and 2020.

Findings

Results indicate that, in all country groups, economic factors have the most significant influence on social expenditures, with income being the primary determinant, particularly in EU countries. The negative impacts of unemployment and inflation underscore the importance of counter-cyclical measures adopted by countries to maintain stability in their social expenditures. The most influential demographic factor is found as the old-age-dependency ratio. While the rule of law affects social expenditure positively, government effectiveness and female labor force participation affect it negatively. The positive effect of Konjunkturforschungsstelle (KOF) indexes shows the globalization effect, which can be attributable to the compensation hypothesis.

Practical implications

Governments enforce inclusive and sustainable policies to boost economic activities and GDP, thus combating inflation and unemployment and regulating the labor market and socioeconomic problems about aging populations and women’s economic participation to control social expenditures. The rule of law and institutional quality will also boost economic growth.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the effects of social expenditures in a broader view within the framework of the three main factors (economic, demographic, political) and attempts to determine the key factors that account for the differences in social expenditure between the OECD and EU countries.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-05-2023-0384
Synthesizing qualitative insights: a meta-ethnography of tourism disaster management literature
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Fazel Hesham
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Disasters can affect the important sector of tourism across the world. This study aims to combine qualitative findings from 13 publications to enhance disaster management plans for the security and resilience of the tourist industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used Noblit and Hare’s seven-step meta-ethnography method, identifying 13 qualitative studies on tourism disaster management through extensive searches in key databases (WoS, Scopus and Google Scholar), meeting inclusion criteria. NVivo 12 aided in coding, translation and comprehension of related ideas.

Findings

Five interrelated and third-ordered conceptual categories were identified: extreme natural and malevolent events, lack of risk management and emerg+ency response, sustainable tourism, tourism resilience factors, disaster awareness and preparedness. Effective strategies demand collaboration, resource allocation and local engagement.

Originality/value

This study offers a novel synthesis of qualitative research in tourism disaster management, enhancing understanding of resilience in the industry. It provides unique insights on cross-cultural dynamics, stakeholder engagement and integrated strategies while showcasing the utility of meta-ethnography in business and management research.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on rural migrants of Bihar: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kumar Sandeep
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper presents a cross-sectional study that assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural migrants in Bihar. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the overall impact of the pandemic on migrants and examine their livelihoods, with a focus on identifying measures that can mitigate the economic consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a telephonic survey to collect primary data from 419 respondents. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and three indices were constructed: fear and worries, trust and prevention.

Findings

The findings provide insights into the psychological well-being of migrant workers and highlight the challenges they face in sustaining their livelihoods amidst the pandemic. This study concludes by suggesting potential measures to alleviate the economic impact and enhance the resilience of this vulnerable population.

Research limitations/implications

This study may be limited by the representativeness of the sample as well as the potential for social desirability bias. The study may also be limited by the reliability and validity of the measures used to capture the fear and worries, trust and prevention indices.

Originality/value

Numerous studies have examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural migrants. However, there are limited studies that estimate the impact of the proposed study based on the challenges faced by rural migrants in Bihar during the pandemic.
Understanding and overcoming the obstacles in Muslim female athlete branding
Authors: Hasaan Ali , Berndt Adele , Fişne Mücahit
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The increased importance of sports and athlete brands highlights the need for athletes to pay attention to branding as it has positive impacts. As athletes, Muslim women have not succeeded in building their brands. This study aims to understand the branding challenges facing Muslim female athletes and how to overcome them.

Design/methodology/approach

These branding obstacles and guidelines were explored using qualitative methods – specifically semi-structured interviews with Muslim female athletes and focus groups with experts. Data were analysed using open and axial coding to identify the codes.

Findings

The study identifies three major obstacles to branding by Muslim female athletes. Self-related obstacles, such as knowledge of brand building, social media, personal pressure and a lack of role models, impact the brand-building decision. Social-related (family and society) and sport-related obstacles (participation as women and as Muslims) further complicate this task. Experts provide additional insights regarding these obstacles, suggesting strategies to overcome them.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses on athletes from one geographical area and has limitations associated with using qualitative methods.

Practical implications

The study suggests how self-, social- and sport-related obstacles are faced by athletes. It provides suggestions for federations, sports codes and other stakeholders to support athletes to overcome these barriers.

Originality/value

This study expands the understanding of the struggles Muslim women face in building their brands as part of an under-represented group.
Evaluation of management soundness of Takaful industry in selected countries
Authors: Salami Monsurat Ayojimi , Tanrivermis Harun , Tanrivermis Yesim
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Management soundness is essential for the effectiveness of any industry, most especially in any Islamic financial sector, whereby fairness and justice are the key factors to be observed. This paper aims to examine the management soundness of the takaful industry regarding their asset quality, re-takaful and actuarial and earning and profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study obtained quarterly data from 2019Q1 to 2021Q4 from the Islamic Financial Services Board across Malaysia, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. The panel data modelling with random-effect and fixed-effect estimators were used for the analysis.

Findings

The finding revealed a strong relationship between re-takaful and earnings with management soundness and a weak relationship between asset quality and management soundness. In addition, the result established a significant and strong association between management soundness and earnings and profitability. Therefore, re-takaful and profitability contributed more to the management soundness of the takaful industry than asset quality during the study. An increase in earnings and profitability to enable the takaful industry to pay the claims, especially in calamity, and more focus on the quality of the asset they invested in could enable the smooth running of their day-to-day business affairs.

Practical implications

More attention is required on the quality of assets in their portfolio for the sustainability of the takaful industry to fulfil their underlying objectives. Management soundness in the takaful industry should address the challenges of managerial lathery, which some studies linked with operational inefficiency because of unskilled personnel in the takaful industry. This could benefit takaful clients, irrespective of religion, to attain their associated share of benefits from the Islamic insurance industry.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study that examined the effectiveness of takaful management across Malaysia, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Capital flight, institutional quality and real sector in sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Akinlo Taiwo , Aderounmu Busayo Olubunmi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to provide an empirical investigation into rising capital flight and the role of institutional quality to mitigate its effect on the real sector in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the system generalized method of moments and uses data spanning from 1989 to 2020 from 26 SSA countries.

Findings

The findings show that capital flight has no direct impact on the real sector while institutional quality adversely impacted the agricultural and industrial sectors. The study also found that institutional quality is unable to mitigate the effect of capital flight on the industrial sector.

Originality/value

This study investigates if institutional quality mitigates the impact of capital flight on the real sector proxied by industrial value-added and agriculture value-added.
Political sensitivity and autoethnography: a case on negotiating the personal political front
Authors: Zhang Yunzi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The paper introduces the autoethnography as a healing and everyday resistance strategy for marginalized voices. The focus is to deliver the author’s own reflections on some key moments and experiences to stimulate the discussion on autoethnography as a critical instrument channeling one’s reflexivity in the higher education context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a case study of Chinese academic professionals to inspire the discussion on the research and practical values of autoethnography. It also provides conceptual reflections on the political meaning and functions of autoethnography.

Findings

The paper highlights two key aspects of autoethnography in the higher education context. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of autoethnography in navigating the personal political front. Secondly, it promotes the integration of autoethnography into the ordinary lives of overseas Chinese academic professionals for daily healing and resistance.

Originality/value

The paper explores political sensitivity as an important dimension of workplace ethnography. Recognizing political sensitivity avows autoethnography a political act and a research framework, through which the (auto)ethnographer examines his or her own principles for negotiating justice and interpreting the ownership of personal identity against the influx of politically-charged opinions from the surrounding.
Joy and excitement in the purchase process: the role of materialism and brand engagement
Authors: Razmus Wiktor , Razmus Magdalena , Grabner-Kräuter Sonja
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to use the cognitive appraisal theory to investigate the effects of brand engagement and materialism on the positive emotions of joy and excitement evoked by a product at different stages of the purchase process.

Design/methodology/approach

Two complementary studies were conducted to achieve the research objectives. Study 1 used a longitudinal design, examining the pre-purchase stage and a moment shortly after the purchase. Study 2 adopted a cross-sectional approach, focusing on the post-purchase stage. Relationships among variables were analyzed through hierarchical regression and moderation analyses.

Findings

The findings indicate that materialism is not significantly associated with consumers’ positive product-evoked emotions (joy and excitement) before and shortly after purchase. At these two stages, brand engagement predicts positive emotions. In the post-purchase stage, where materialism is weakly related to joy and excitement, a robust positive link exists between brand engagement and positive product-evoked emotions. Moreover, higher levels of materialism reduce the experience of joy and excitement among participants with high levels of brand engagement.

Originality/value

Experiencing joy and excitement is crucial in consumer behavior. However, little is known about the determinants of these emotions in the consumption context, especially concerning internal consumption-related factors and different stages of the purchase process. This paper contributes to the field by shedding light on the role of brand engagement and materialism in the experience of positive product-evoked emotions. The findings provide evidence that brand engagement significantly enhances consumers’ positive product-evoked emotions, highlighting its importance in consumer behavior research.
Examining the benefits and drawbacks of social media usage on academic performance: a study among university students in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Emon Kalyan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This research aims to explore how social media influences the academic performance of university students in Bangladesh and examines the benefits and drawbacks of its usage.

Design/methodology/approach

We distributed a well-structured questionnaire among students enrolled in various programs at different universities in Bangladesh to collect data. We analyzed the data using factor analysis and regression models to uncover the impact of social media on academic performance.

Findings

Our research findings demonstrate that social media plays a crucial role in facilitating communication, information sharing and content development among university students in Bangladesh. Excessive reliance on social media can lead to dependence and hinder innovation, as students tend to excessively rely on readily available resources.

Research limitations/implications

We relied on self-reported data from a limited sample size, which may affect the generalizability of our findings.

Social implications

This study highlights the need to promote responsible use of social media among university students in Bangladesh to enhance their academic performance. We recommend implementing effective policy measures to control and manage undesired usage patterns, foster an intellectually equipped student body and contribute to the development of a knowledgeable and successful Bangladesh.

Originality/value

This research makes a significant contribution by examining the influence of social media on academic performance among university students in Bangladesh. It proposes practical policy measures to address the drawbacks associated with excessive reliance on social media, thereby contributing to decision-making and intervention strategies for promoting responsible usage.
Advice from the editor’s desk: an introductory guide to success in education publishing
Authors: Alstete Jeffrey W. , Flavian Heidi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate basic/core principles and practical tools behind successful manuscript writing for education journals. Drawing on the insights of journal editors and related literature, this paper seeks to clarify the craft of preparing quality manuscripts to meet the expectations of academic journals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an interpretivist framework by incorporating a qualitative analysis of the literature with the authors’ experiences to identify key principles and issues in academic publishing. These narratives provide an empirical basis for understanding the mechanics and essence of effective manuscript crafting. The study integrates theoretical knowledge with actionable strategies, focusing on identifying the objectives and processes of writing, determining common challenges and directing readers toward comprehensive resources for guidance in article writing.

Findings

This study reveals that manuscript rejections often transcend technical shortcomings. Issues that are central to nonacceptance include misalignment with a journal’s thematic focus, absence of a coherent and persuasive argument, methodological weaknesses and insufficient evidence underpinning the assertions. Successful publication depends not just on data presentation and adherence to submission norms but also on developing a narrative that enriches the prevailing scholarly discourse. Our findings advocate for manuscripts that strike an appropriate balance between lucidity and analytical rigor, avoid superfluous technical language and express a mix of assertiveness and scholarly modesty.

Originality/value

Although there is literature on academic writing, very few recent articles have been uncovered that probe the intricacies of crafting education manuscripts and point to resources.
Discourse analysis on sustaining the maieutic role “when management accounting goes digital”
Authors: Tiitola Vesa , Jalonen Tuomas , Rantanen-Flores Mirva , Korhonen Tuomas , Ruusuvuori Johanna , Laine Teemu
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how the maieutic role of management accounting (MA) can be sustained in the context of MA digitalization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with practitioners’ descriptions of the context that makes the MA support of non-routine decisions maieutic. To understand how the maieutic characteristics can be sustained in future MA digitalization, the authors then analyze the discourses these practitioners have about artificial intelligence (AI) in providing MA support.

Findings

As a basis, the authors’ data show various maieutic characteristics within the use of MA answers in decision-making as well as within the MA process of generating such answers. The paper then identifies three MA digitalization discourses, namely, “computation,” “judgment” and human-AI “interaction” discourse, each with their unique agendas on how AI should be used.

Originality/value

The paper is based on the premises that AI and digitalization are often discussed without sufficient understanding about the context being digitalized. The authors’ data suggest that MA support in non-routine decision-making is fundamentally maieutic, and AI – as it currently stands – is not expected to change this by providing perfect answers. The authors provide novel insights about maieutic MA support and the current discourses on using AI in MA support, and how digitalization does not necessarily compromise maieutic MA support but instead has the potential to sustain or even enhance it.
Trajectory optimization with hybrid probabilistic roadmap approach to achieve time efficient navigation of unmanned vehicles in unstructured environment
Authors: Singh Ravinder
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on solving the path optimization problem by modifying the probabilistic roadmap (PRM) technique as it suffers from the selection of the optimal number of nodes and deploy in free space for reliable trajectory planning.

Design/methodology/approach

Traditional PRM is modified by developing a decision-making strategy for the selection of optimal nodes w.r.t. the complexity of the environment and deploying the optimal number of nodes outside the closed segment. Subsequently, the generated trajectory is made smoother by implementing the modified Bezier curve technique, which selects an optimal number of control points near the sharp turns for the reliable convergence of the trajectory that reduces the sum of the robot’s turning angles.

Findings

The proposed technique is compared with state-of-the-art techniques that show the reduction of computational load by 12.46%, the number of sharp turns by 100%, the number of collisions by 100% and increase the velocity parameter by 19.91%.

Originality/value

The proposed adaptive technique provides a better solution for autonomous navigation of unmanned ground vehicles, transportation, warehouse applications, etc.
Structural, thermal and mechanical properties of rapidly solidified Bi-0.5Ag lead-free solder reinforced Tb rare-earth element for high performance applications
Authors: Shalaby Rizk Mostafa , Saad Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the present work is to study the impacts of rapid cooling and Tb rare-earth additions on the structural, thermal and mechanical behavior of Bi–0.5Ag lead-free solder for high-temperature applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Effect of rapid solidification processing on structural, thermal and mechanical properties of Bi-Ag lead-free solder reinforced Tb rare-earth element.

Findings

The obtained results indicated that the microstructure consists of rhombohedral Bi-rich phase and Ag99.5Bi0.5 intermetallic compound (IMC). The addition of Tb could effectively reduce the onset and melting point. The elastic modulus of Tb-containing solders was enhanced to about 90% at 0.5 Tb. The higher elastic modulus may be attributed to solid solution strengthening effect, solubility extension, microstructure refinement and precipitation hardening of uniform distribution Ag99.5Bi0.5 IMC particles which can reasonably modify the microstructure, as well as inhibit the segregation and hinder the motion of dislocations.

Originality/value

It is recommended that the lead-free Bi-0.5Ag-0.5Tb solder be a candidate instead of common solder alloy (Sn-37Pb) for high temperature and high performance applications.
Concentrated growth factor therapy as cosmetic treatment in discoid lupus erythematosus
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Shuang , Wang Ting‐Ting , Ding Yu‐Xin , Chen Yu‐Hong , Lv Zhong‐Fa
Published: February 2024

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a disfigurement disease. The atrophic scar and hair loss of this disease are followed by cosmetic defects and profoundly impact psychological health. Concentrated growth factor (CGF) has been widely adopted in medical cosmetology. Here we report a 36‐year‐old female systemic lupus erythematosus patient with a 5‐year history of alopecia in DLE, who was recommended for CGF therapy and experienced hair regrowth. We suggest that CGF may be an effective cosmetic treatment for DLE.
Lipoprotein signal peptidase‐deficient Streptococcus pneumoniae exhibits impaired Toll‐like receptor 2‐stimulatory activity
Authors: Domon Hisanori , Hirayama Satoru , Isono Toshihito , Saito Rui , Yanagihara Katsunori , Terao Yutaka
Published: February 2024

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a causative agent of community‐acquired pneumonia. Upon pneumococcal infection, innate immune cells recognize pneumococcal lipoproteins via Toll‐like receptor 2 and induce inflammation. Here, we generated a strain of S. pneumoniae deficient in lipoprotein signal peptidase (LspA), a transmembrane type II signal peptidase required for lipoprotein maturation, to investigate the host immune response against this strain. Triton X‐114 phase separation revealed that lipoprotein expression was lower in the LspA‐deficient strain than in the wild‐type strain. Additionally, the LspA‐deficient strain decreased nuclear factor‐κB activation and cytokine production in THP‐1 cells, indicating impaired innate immune response against the strain.
‘Sea‐glass survivors’: Autistic testimonies about education experiences
Authors: Shepherd Jacqui , Sutton Beth , Smith Simon , Szlenkier Marysia
Published: February 2024

This article is different. Original testimonies are reproduced, in full, from three autistic adults who reflect on their education experiences. These accounts evolved from a webinar which explored autistic ‘voice’ through research presentations and lived experiences, and this co‐authored article seeks to communicate these reflections to a wider audience. The testimonies are brought together, interpreted and analysed through the lens of the social model of disability exposing the ableist systems in which these adults had to operate. All share the challenge of trying to fit in to a socially, neuronormatively constructed education system, experiencing marginalisation, lack of understanding and lack of appropriate support. However, all three writers emerge as more than ‘sea‐glass survivors’, weathered and worn, having developed survival strategies, but demonstrate their determination to improve lives for those who follow in their wake. This article draws attention to the need to listen to autistic people more frequently, but more importantly to involve them as architects of change for the future. The article was co‐created by three autistic people, who identify as neurodivergent, in discussion and collaboration with the lead author who is an autism ally, autism and education researcher, and parent to an autistic son.
In Memory of Anthony Stevens: A Career Retrospective with Emphasis on His Formative Role in the Archetype Debate
Authors: Swogger Benjamin J.
Published: February 2024

This paper celebrates the life and legacy of psychiatrist and Jungian author Anthony Stevens, who passed away at age 90 on July 13, 2023. It outlines Stevens's origins as a research fellow in Greece, where his work on infant attachment led to a lifelong dedication to establishing the biological and evolutionary foundation of psychiatry. It details his instrumental role in the debate about the theory of archetypes and describes the current state of the literature including the responses and reactions to Stevens's biological innatist position. The paper concludes with a career retrospective in which Stevens's major works are introduced and briefly described.