bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unbiased human genomic characterization of polyglutamine disorder genes to inform therapeutic strategies
Authors: Namuli Kevin Lucy , Drögemöller Britt I. , Wright Galen E.B.
Published: February 2025

Background

Polyglutamine (polyQ) disorders, such as Huntington disease (HD) and several spinocerebellar ataxias, are severe neurological disorders caused by repeat expansions of the glutamine codon. These conditions lack effective treatments, with therapeutic research focused on pathogenic gene knockdown. We aimed to profile these genes using diverse human genomic data to guide therapeutic strategies by identifying new biology and assessing off-target effects of knocking these genes down.

Methods

We conducted an unbiased phenome-wide study to identify human traits and diseases linked to polyQ disorder genes (Open Targets L2G>0.5). Network analyses explored shared trait associations and overlapping biological processes among these genes. Lastly, we assessed the theoretical druggability of polyQ disorder genes using recently identified features predictive of clinical trial success and compared them to repeat expansion (HD) modifier genes.

Results

We identified 215 human phenotype/polyQ disorder gene associations from 3,095 studies, indicating potential adverse effects from gene knockdown. Shared trait associations among polyQ disorder genes suggested overlapping biological processes despite distinct functions. Drug target profile analysis revealed an unfavorable risk profile for polyQ disorder genes, particularlyATN1,ATXN1,ATXN7, andHTT, due to genomic features such as constraint, molecular interactions, and tissue specificity. PolyQ disorder genes also showed significantly more safety-related risks than HD modifier genes (P=7.03×10−3).

Conclusion

Our analyses emphasize the pleiotropic nature of polyQ disorder genes, highlighting their potential risks as drug targets due to safety concerns. These findings reinforce the importance of exploring alternate therapeutic strategies, such as targeting genetic modifier genes, to mitigate these challenges.
Themis dominates T cell exhaustion by regulation of TCR and PD-1 signaling
Authors: Tang Jian , Jia Xian , Zeng Taoling , Bao Yuzhou , Hu Yanyan , Dong Junchen , Xu Xiaozheng , Chen Xiao Lei , Liu Yongchao , Wang Jiayu , Hou Bowen , Zhu Yuzhen , Fu Guo-Feng , Zheng Qifan , Chen Yongling , Li Wanyun , Ren Tong , Zhang Lei , Jiang Shan , Cong Yu , Quan Minxue , Yan Chaonan , Lin Shuo , Wang Ning , Liu Siyi , Huang Chenghao , Hou Lichao , Teijaro John , Brzostek Joanna , Gautam Namrata , Xiao Changchun , Wang Yan , Li Gang , Xu Bing , Hui Enfu , Wang Hong-Rui , Gascoigne Nicholas R. J. , Fu Guo
Published: February 2025

T cell exhaustion is important to protect the host from immunopathology during chronic viral infection, but it also impairs T cell anti-tumor immunity1–5. A fundamental unresolved question is whether and how T cell exhaustion is determined at the onset of TCR signaling6–8. Here we report an unexpected role of Themis, a TCR-proximal signaling molecule9, in T cell exhaustion. Chronic viral infection in mice usually leads to T cell exhaustion and survival of the host. Surprisingly, Themis T-cell conditional knockout mice died from severe CD8+-dependent lung immunopathology in chronic viral infection, showing Themis’ importance in establishing T cell exhaustion. We found that Themis-deficient CD8+T cells were hyperactivated at the single-cell level - producing more TNF and IFNγ compared to wild-type counterparts - but defective in population-level expansion. Moreover, TCF-1 and TOX expression were inhibited in Themis-deficient CD8+T cells, thereby impairing differentiation of exhausted T cell precursors (T-pex) and maintenance of terminally exhausted T cells (T-ex), respectively. Mechanistically, Themis initially promotes TCR signaling to induce PD-1 expression and subsequently mediates PD-1 signaling. In the latter, Themis binds to PD-1 and promotes PD-1 phosphorylation and its recruitment of SHP2, thereby acting as a negative regulator to inhibit T cell effector functions. Without Themis, the orderly regulation of TCR and PD-1 signaling, and therefore exhaustion, is disrupted. Thus, our results unequivocally demonstrate that Themis-mediated early TCR signaling plays a decisive role in T cell exhaustion and provide a novel mechanism of PD-1 signaling through Themis.
Tooth development in frogs: Implications for the re-evolution of lost mandibular teeth and the origin of a morphological innovation
Authors: Paluh Daniel J. , Brinkman Madeline , Gilliam-Beale Kyliah , Salcedo-Recio Daniela , Szafranski Jacob , Hanken James , Fraser Gareth J.
Published: February 2025

Teeth have been a prominent feature of most vertebrates for 400 million years, and the core regulatory network underlying embryonic tooth formation is deeply conserved from fishes to amniotes. In frogs, however, odontogenesis is delayed, occurring instead during the postembryonic metamorphosis. Nearly all adult frogs have teeth on the upper jaw and lack lower jaw dentition, but a single species re-evolved mandibular teeth. Developmental-genetic mechanisms that underlie tooth formation in frogs are poorly understood, including whether an ancestral program is partially retained in the lower jaw that could facilitate the evolutionary reappearance of lost mandibular teeth. Using a developmental series of an unconventional model species, we assessed 1) if the gene network underlying odontogenic competence is conserved in the late-forming teeth of frogs; 2) if unique keratinized mouthparts, which function as an alternative feeding tool in anuran larvae, impede tooth induction; and 3) if transient tooth rudiments form in the anuran mandible. The tooth development network is conserved in the frog upper jaw, which displays dental expression patterns comparable to those of other vertebrates. There is, however, no evidence of tooth development in the mandible. Teeth emerge before keratinized mouthparts degenerate, but their location may be spatially constrained by keratin, and gene expression patterns of keratinized mouthparts and teeth overlap. We hypothesize that the novel mouthparts of tadpoles did not arisede novobut instead originated by partially co-opting the developmental program that typically mediates true tooth development.
The impact of self-isolation due to COVID-19 on health care workers’ mental health and wellbeing: a systematic review with narrative synthesis
Authors: Stein Madeline V. , Brooks Samantha K. , Smith Louise E. , Rubin G. James , Amlôt Richard , Greeberg Neil , Martin Alex F.
Published: February 2025

Background

Self-isolation is a key public health strategy for infectious disease control. Globally implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains an essential strategy in ongoing mitigation efforts. Healthcare workers (HCWs) often face isolation due to occupational exposure to infectious diseases and may face unique psychological challenges.

Aims

This systematic review synthesized evidence on (1) the impact of isolation on HCWs’ psychological wellbeing, (2) factors associated with wellbeing, and (3) the effectiveness of interventions to improve wellbeing during or after isolation for COVID-19.

Methods

A pre-registered systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42024559971) was conducted in accordance with PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines. Searches in PsycInfo, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and grey literature included studies on HCWs’ psychological wellbeing during or after self-isolation. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-E or CASP tools.

Results

From 20,798 records screened, 19 studies (10 quantitative, 7 qualitative, 2 mixed methods) were included. Quantitative findings on anxiety, depressive, and stress symptoms were inconsistent. Qualitative studies consistently reported distress, loneliness, and stigma. Factors associated with wellbeing included socio-cultural influences and protective factors. No studies assessed interventions targeting wellbeing during self-isolation.

Conclusion

Self-isolation appears to have variable effects on HCWs’ wellbeing, including significant challenges and opportunities for resilience. Public health strategies should prioritize timely, clear communication, accessible evidence-based psychological support, and practical resources. Future research must prioritize evaluation of interventions to mitigate psychological harm and support HCWs during infectious disease outbreaks.

Teaser text

Self-isolation is vital for infectious disease control but poses psychological challenges for healthcare workers (HCWs). We synthesized findings on the impact of self-isolation on HCWs’ wellbeing, associated factors, and interventions to enhance wellbeing. Quantitative studies reported inconsistent wellbeing findings, while qualitative data highlighted distress, stigma, and resilience. Public health strategies must ensure psychological and practical support, clear communication, and intervention development to mitigate harm and enhance HCWs’ wellbeing during future infectious disease outbreaks.
Epigenetic changes, neuronal dysregulation and metabolomic abnormalities inZmym2mutant mice, a genetic model of schizophrenia and neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Huang Wei-Chao , Mandell Kira Perzel , Aryal Sameer , Song Bryan J. , Valle-Tojeiro Antia , Goble Nathaniel , Geng Chuhan , Asan Ahmet S. , Liu Xiao-Man , Dennis Courtney , Dailey Lucas , Deik Amy , Inunciaga Lucia , Mashin Eivgeni , Farsi Zohreh , Wang Yining , Pan Jen Q. , Clish Clary B. , Keshishian Hasmik , Carr Steven A. , Sheng Morgan
Published: February 2025

Loss-of-function mutations inZMYM2are associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia (SCZ) and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). ZMYM2 interacts with proteins involved in histone modification and gene regulation, including LSD1 and ADNP; however, its specific roles in the brain remain poorly understood. In this multi-omics study, we demonstrate that heterozygous knockout ofZmym2in mice results in widespread disturbances in gene expression affecting diverse molecular pathways, including those related to histone modifications and neuronal activity. Proteomic analysis of synapses reveals dysregulation of lipid metabolism and neurofilament-associated pathways, while metabolomic profiling identifies alterations in sphingomyelin and ceramide levels. Furthermore,Zmym2mutant mice exhibit abnormal brain oscillation patterns on EEG and locomotor hyperactivity in the open field test. Collectively, these findings underscore the critical role ofZMYM2in brain development and function and highlightZmym2mutant mice as a genetic animal model for SCZ and NDD.
Quantifying state-dependent control properties of brain dynamics from perturbation responses
Authors: Shikauchi Yumi , Takemi Mitsuaki , Tomasevic Leo , Kitazono Jun , Siebner Hartwig R , Oizumi Masafumi
Published: February 2025

The brain can be conceptualized as a control system facilitating transitions between states, such as from rest to motor activity. Applying network control theory to measurements of brain signals enables characterization of brain dynamics through control properties, including controllability. However, most prior studies that have applied network control theory have evaluated brain dynamics under unperturbed conditions, neglecting the critical role of external perturbations in accurate system identification, which is a fundamental principle in control theory. The incorporation of perturbation inputs is therefore essential for precise characterization of brain dynamics. In this study, we combine a perturbation input paradigm with a network control theory framework and propose a novel method for estimating the controllability Gramian matrix in a simple, theoretically grounded manner. This method provides insights into brain dynamics, including overall controllability (quantified by the Gramian's eigenvalues) and specific controllable directions (represented by its eigenvectors). As a proof of concept, we applied our method to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced electroencephalographic (EEG) responses across four motor-related states and two resting states. We found that states such as open-eye rest, closed-eye rest, and motor-related states were more effectively differentiated using controllable directions than overall controllability. However, certain states, like motor execution and motor imagery, remained indistinguishable using these measures. These findings indicate that some brain states differ in their intrinsic control properties as dynamical systems, while others share similarities that make them less distinguishable. This study underscores the value of control theory-based analyses in quantitatively how intrinsic brain states shape the brain's responses to stimulation, providing deeper insights into the dynamic properties of these states. This methodology holds promise for diverse applications, including characterizing individual response variability and identifying conditions for optimal stimulation efficacy.
Dynamic early recruitment of GAK-Hsc70 regulates coated pit maturation
Authors: He Zhangping , Zuo Peiyao , Xu Peiliu , Yuan Haozhi , Bhave Madhura , Wei Xiangying , Yang Ziyan , Han Lu , Schmid Sandra L. , Chen Zhiming
Published: February 2025

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is the process by which clathrin assembles on the plasma membrane to form clathrin-coated pits (CCPs), which then invaginate, accumulate cargo and are released by fission from the membrane to form clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs). A transition of nascent CCPs from flat-to-curved has been observed by various methods. However, what drives this transition remains unknown and controversial. GAK and its chaperone protein, Hsc70, are well-known to mediate clathrin release from CCVs and several studies have observed a late burst of GAK recruitment as CCVs form. Other studies have proposed that early recruitment of GAK-Hsc70 could function to provide the necessary energy source to remodel nascent flat clathrin lattices, replacing hexagons with pentagons and enabling a gain of curvature and invagination of the growing CCP; however, direct functional evidence is lacking. Here we show that GAK knockdown inhibits CCP formation and invagination. Furthermore, mutations in the J domain of GAK that abolish Hsc70 recruitment to and activation at CCPs, lead to the accumulation of GAK at CCPs, hinder CCP stabilization and invagination and result in a striking increase in the proportion of short-lived, abortive CCPs. These findings support the hypothesis that GAK-Hsc70 promotes the turnover and remodeling of nascent clathrin assemblies required for curvature development during CME.

Significance Statement

GAK and its chaperone protein, Hsc70, are known to be recruited to clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) to mediate clathrin uncoating. Previous studies have proposed that early recruitment of GAK-Hsc70 to CCPs could function to remodel nascent flat clathrin lattices, replacing hexagons with pentagons and enabling a gain of curvature of the assembling polymeric coat. However, there are conflicting views, and direct functional evidence is lacking. Here we show that GAK knockdown inhibits CCP formation and invagination. A detailed domain-specific mutational analysis of GAK pinpointed the importance of J domain-Hsc70 interactions in regulating crucial early steps of CME including CCP stabilization and invagination. These findings support a hypothesis that GAK-Hsc70 promotes turnover of clathrin at nascent CCPs required for curvature development.
Beyond the standard model electrodynamics in the time domain
Authors: Corelli Fabrizio , Cannizzaro Enrico , Caputo Andrea , Pani Paolo
Published: February 2025

Many motivated extensions of the standard model include new light bosons, such as axions and dark photons, which can mix with the ordinary photon. This latter, when in a dilute plasma, can be dressed by an effective plasma mass. If this is equal to the mass of the new degree of freedom, then a resonance takes place and the probability of transition between states is enhanced. This phenomenon of resonant conversion is at the very basis of multiple probes of dark matter, and it is typically studied within the so-called Landau-Zener approximation for level crossings. This latter is known to break down in a variety of scenarios, such as multiple level crossings or when the de Broglie wavelength of the new boson is comparable to the scale over which the background plasma varies. We develop a flexible code adopting a 3+1 formalism in flat spacetime to perform nonlinear simulations of systems with photons and new ultralight bosons in the presence of plasma. Our code currently allows to evolve one-dimensional systems, which are the ones of interest for this first study, but can be extended to treat three-dimensional spaces, and can be adapted to describe a plethora of realistic astrophysical and cosmological situations. Here we use it to study the breakdown of the Landau-Zener approximation in the case of multiple level crossings and when the slowly varying plasma approximation ceases to be valid. In this first paper we detail our code and use it to study nonturbulent plasma, where small-scale fluctuations can be neglected; their treatment will be considered in an upcoming publication.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Waveguide QED with dissipative light-matter couplings
Authors: Dong Xing-Liang , Li Peng-Bo , Gong Zongping , Nori Franco
Published: February 2025

Dissipative light-matter coupling plays a vital role in non-Hermitian physics, but it remains largely unexplored in waveguide QED systems. In this work, we find that by employing pseudo-Hermitian symmetry rather than anti-PT symmetry, the concept of dissipative coupling could be generalized and applied to the field of waveguide QED. This leads to a series of intriguing results, such as spontaneous breaking of pseudo-Hermitian symmetry across the exceptional points (EPs), level attraction between the bound states, and critical transition across the EPs for the population of quantum emitters in the bound state. Thanks to the tunability of photonic bands in crystal waveguides, we also demonstrate that dissipative light-matter coupling leads to the emergence of nonstandard third-order exceptional points with chiral spatial profiles in a topological waveguide QED system. This work provides a promising paradigm for studying non-Hermitian quantum phenomena in waveguide QED systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Threshold Displacement Energies in Lead Halide Perovskites from
Ab Initio
Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Martinez Duque Rosty B. , Kirmani Ahmad R. , Sellers Ian R. , Borunda Mario F.
Published: February 2025

Predicting radiation damage to materials requires estimating the threshold displacement energy (Ed). We calculate Ed using molecular dynamics for the lead halide perovskites MAPbI3, FAPbI3, and CsPbI3. The Ed values that we obtain, which are considerably lower than those commonly assumed in the literature for several species, hold significant implications for predicting radiation damage to materials. We perform Monte Carlo simulations with the molecular dynamics (AIMD) obtained Ed and compare them to simulations using the default Ed. Our results show an increase in specific vacancies in halide perovskites that is not captured in simulations using the default Ed values. This suggests that the default Ed values may not accurately predict the radiation damage in these materials, potentially leading to underestimation of the damage. These results are discussed in the context of the radiation hardness of the materials and suggest that they get damaged when exposed to radiation, but they are resilient due to processes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition for Energy and Electronic Devices
Authors: Hoye Robert L.Z. , Muñoz-Rojas David , Sun Zhuotong , Okcu Hayri , Asgarimoghaddam Hatameh , MacManus-Driscoll Judith L. , Musselman Kevin P.
Published: February 2025

Functional thin films play a critical role in efforts toward efficient devices for energy conversion and storage, as well as low-loss electronics. These films need to be manufactured at scale, cost-effectively, and with precision. Atmospheric pressure spatial atomic layer deposition (AP-SALD) has emerged as a promising technique for fulfilling these requirements. AP-SALD replicates the subnanometer control of thickness, uniformity, crystallinity, and conformality to the substrate featured in conventional atomic-layer-deposited films, but has the important advantage of depositing these films with growth rates that are orders of magnitude higher. This review discusses the opportunities and advantages that AP-SALD opens up in energy-conversion and storage devices, as well as low-loss electronics. In particular, the review features recent work on using AP-SALD-grown films for photovoltaics, light-emitting diodes, self-powered sensors, and photoelectrochemical cells and batteries, as well as in transparent conductive materials and the epitaxial growth of thin films. Perspectives on future unexplored opportunities for AP-SALD in energy and low-loss electronics are also discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Synthesis, crystal structure elucidation, theoretical characterization and thermochemistry analysis of the potential anticancer drug BFS
Authors: Hoelm Marta , Wzgarda-Raj Kinga , Kinart Zdzislaw , Kost Bartlomiej , Brzezinski Marek , Staniec Paulina
Published: February 2025

The potential anticancer drug for leukemia, butane-1,4-diyl bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethane-1-sulfonate) (BFS), C8H12F6O6S2, a fluorine analogue of busulfan, was synthesized and analyzed for the first time using various experimental and theoretical techniques, including NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, thermochemistry and computational methods. Crystallographic analysis revealed that BFS crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n, with its structure stabilized by covalent bonding, torsional flexibility and hydrogen bonding. Efficient packing and symmetry interactions balance density and stability. Theoretical calculations, using molecular mechanics, semi-empirical methods and density functional theory (DFT), with functionals such as M06-2X-D3, M08-HX-D3, CAM-B3LYP-D3 and B97D3, confirmed that BFS adopts a compact geometry stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds, consistent with spectroscopic measurements. Gravimetric analysis was used to estimate the solubility of BFS in water at room temperature.
Lies behind the green: can business strategy lead to greenwashing?
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Zhao Meilin , Cheng Lei
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) greenwashing is a form of social responsibility response that appears compliant but is substantively oppositional. As an abnormal social behavior, existing research has rarely focused on the deep-seated strategic logic behind ESG greenwashing. Business strategy emerges as the linchpin for companies undertaking a series of decision-making actions. Consequently, this research seeks to provide new insights into the strategic drivers behind corporate greenwashing and the role of institutional investors in mitigating these practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilizes empirical analysis based on data from Chinese A-share listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2010 to 2022. ESG performance data is sourced from the Bloomberg ESG Disclosure Ratings and Thomson Reuters’ Asset4 database. Business strategy is assessed using six key indicators. The study employs institutional theory as the analytical framework, examining the impact of business strategy on ESG greenwashing and investigating the internal mechanisms driving these behaviors.

Findings

The study finds that compared with defender strategies, prospector strategies are more likely to lead to ESG greenwashing behavior. Specifically, aggressive business strategies tend to facilitate corporate ESG greenwashing. Mechanism analysis indicates that, compared to defenders, prospectors induce ESG greenwashing by increasing information asymmetry (reputation effect) and being constrained by financing limitations (profit-seeking effect). From an external governance perspective, this study finds that institutional investor ownership can mitigate the impact of business strategy on ESG greenwashing. Furthermore, additional research confirms that in heavily polluting industries, the positive effect of business strategy on ESG greenwashing is more pronounced, whereas implementing the Environmental Protection Tax Law curtails the impact of business strategy on ESG greenwashing.

Originality/value

This study analyzes the role of business strategy in ESG greenwashing, particularly in the context of emerging economies such as China, contributing uniquely to the literature on corporate decision-making and green management. The research extends the application of institutional theory to the field of corporate environmental strategy and introduces the concepts of reputation and profit-seeking effects, offering fresh perspectives on understanding ESG greenwashing behavior. It also provides empirical evidence of the governance role of institutional investors in addressing managerial opportunism related to ESG greenwashing, enriching the existing theoretical framework. Finally, the study highlights the need to establish stronger institutional and managerial mechanisms to effectively tackle corporate greenwashing, offering valuable insights for future research and practice.
From growth to sustainable future: a case of Bangalore International Airport Limited
Authors: Mittal Ankur , Heggde Githa
Published: February 2025

Learning outcomes

This case study aims to provide a focused and specific understanding of the growth challenges faced by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) in its revenue streams, the strategies used to overcome them by adopting environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework and set global standards with universal norms and make BIAL a world-class airport by applying value, rarity, imitability and organization (VRIO) framework.

Case overview/synopsis

BIAL developed and has been operating the Kempegowda International Airport near Bengaluru in India since 2008. This city is the capital of Karnataka in India and a startup of new businesses and information technology hub. The COVID-19 pandemic had profoundly impacted aviation industry including BIAL, resulting in a significant decline in both passenger traffic and cargo handling resulting in weak profitability.

Mr Anant Sharma as chief strategist officer of the company was assigned to formulate strategies for various challenges that BIAL is facing in terms of the pending expiry of a concession agreement, decreasing non-aero revenues and making appropriate strategies to help BIAL not only to grow but also be sustainable in future.

This case study offers opportunities to students to delve into making strategic choices with developing an ESG business impact for sustainability, exploring factors which are affecting the future of airports which are followed internationally and finding key pillars for airport business to grow in its business portfolios. The case study also investigates into how BIAL would be able to accommodate demand in the next 30 years and provide readers the directions to innovate new strategies using VRIO framework to help airport to grow in right direction and become world-class airport.

Complexity academic level

This case study is suitable for basic courses in strategic management in emerging market both at postgraduate level and undergraduate level. In addition, it can be used in corporate training programs for aviation industry professionals.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
An analysis of primary school student’s holistic well-being using PhotoVoice
Authors: Cashman David , O’Brien Wesley , Chambers Fiona
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to capture children’s interpretation of holistic well-being within Irish primary schools and add to the development of a comprehensive systems-informed positive education model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized visual participatory research methods, including PhotoVoice and one-on-one interviews, to assess children’s (n = 16) well-being, guided by Von Unger’s comprehensive seven-step framework. Data analysis was anchored within grounded theory, beginning with data collection, initial coding, focused coding and culminating in identifying themes and subthemes. Data were interpreted using the mosaic approach by integrating visual and verbal data.

Findings

This analysis uncovered three primary themes that affect student well-being: relationships, space and physical environment and learning and curriculum, each with detailed subthemes. For instance, student–teacher relationships, peer relationships, safety, learning spaces, the creative curriculum including arts and music and the experiential richness of outdoor learning are crucial to students' educational growth and well-being. These aspects are seen as interconnected, shaping a holistic educational experience beyond academic learning to encompass students’ comprehensive well-being. The students' narratives demonstrated that learning is not merely an academic exercise but a vital component of their well-being.

Originality/value

This study significantly departs from traditional educational research by advocating for a dynamic, action-oriented understanding of “well-being.” It challenges the static, possessive interpretations of well-being and introduces the concept of well-being as a fluid and ever-evolving process. This reconceptualization positions well-being as a complex construct, influenced by an intricate web of relationships, spanning human and non-human interactions, organizational and environmental structures, personal desires, behavioral practices and broader societal and cultural frameworks.
Supervisor incivility, emotional exhaustion and nurses’ job neglect: the moderating role of resilience and professional calling
Authors: Rubaca Ume , Munir Malik Mamoon
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This research, grounded in the conservation of resources (COR) theory, investigates the impact of supervisor incivility on emotional exhaustion and nurses’ job neglect. It also examines the buffering roles of resilience and professional calling in shaping the relationship between supervisor incivility and emotional exhaustion, as well as between emotional exhaustion and nurses’ job neglect.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses multisource and time lag data from registered nurses (N = 426) using self-administered questionnaires. At time T1, nurses self-report about resilience, supervisor incivility, emotional exhaustion and professional calling. At time T2, they rate each other’s job neglect in pairs (N = 213).

Findings

The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between supervisor incivility and nurses’ job neglect partially mediated by emotional exhaustion. Additionally, resilience and professional calling function as strong buffers, mitigating the effects of supervisor incivility on emotional exhaustion and job neglect, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The contribution of the study lies in its exploration of the underlying COR, thus connecting supervisor incivility to job neglect among nurses, offering valuable insights into the mediating role of emotional exhaustion and the moderating effects of resilience and professional calling. These findings extend the theoretical understanding of workplace incivility and provide actionable implications for fostering supportive environments in healthcare settings. However, the reliance on convenience sampling and a relatively small sample size (N = 426) limits the generalizability of the results. Future research should address these limitations by employing larger, more diverse samples to validate and expand upon these findings.

Practical implications

The study offers practical implications for healthcare organizations by highlighting the need to address supervisor incivility through training programs, resilience-building initiatives and fostering a sense of professional calling among nurses. These interventions can mitigate emotional exhaustion, reduce job neglect and promote a supportive work environment, ultimately enhancing nurse well-being and patient care quality.

Originality/value

This study from the perspective of COR theory contributes uniquely to the literature by bridging gaps in understanding how supervisor incivility impacts nurses’ job neglect via emotional exhaustion which remained a relatively underexplored area. It also advances knowledge by introducing resilience and professional calling as moderators, providing a comprehensive framework for addressing the adverse effects of workplace incivility in the healthcare sector.
The effect of height variations sinusoidal against rigid flat on contact mechanics
Authors: Anwar Syaiful , Lamura M. Danny Pratama , Bayuseno Athanasius Priharyoto , Jamari Jamari
Published: February 2025

Purpose

In tribology, contact mechanics play a crucial role. Surface geometry is an important variable in the analysis of contact mechanics. Model height and load location can affect simulation results. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of variations in the height of deformable sinusoidal profiles on von Mises stress, contact area and deformation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using finite element method, this study examined four sinusoidal deformable models with 0.08 mm deep cavities under pressures ranging from 0.5 MPa to 640 MPa. The simulation used four-node bilinear elements with a meshing size of 0.005 and reduced integration with hourglass control (CAX4R elements in ABAQUS). The type of contact used is Static General with surface-to-surface interaction.

Findings

The results of this study align well with previous research, showing that von Mises stress, stress distribution, contact area and deformation increase with higher loads. The model height variations have an insignificant effect on the von Mises stress and contact area parameters. Model height variations have minimal impact on von Mises stress and contact area (less than 3% difference) but significantly affect deformation, with differences exceeding 100% across models.

Research limitations/implications

The conducted research contains several limitations. This study uses a simplified two-dimensional model instead of a more accurate three-dimensional model for complex contact behaviors; it assumes perfectly elastic materials rather than more complex material properties; and it models conditions without lubrication, which does not reflect real-world scenarios. In future studies, the variation of material properties, effects of lubrication and further loading conditions should be considered to improve the accuracy and applicability of the obtained results. These include repetitive loads, plastic contact and elastic–plastic contact.

Originality/value

This research is unique because it analyzes the effect of sinusoidal model height variations that have never been done before. This research deepens the understanding of the Saint-Venant principle which is important in designing contact mechanics models. By understanding how model height variations affect contact mechanics, researchers can choose an appropriate model height for analysis while maintaining the accuracy of simulation results in a faster computation.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2024-0285/
Effects of effective ERP system utilization on enterprise economic sustainability through product life cycle cost control
Authors: Jaradat Zaid , AL-Hawamleh Ahmad , Altarawneh Marwan , Al-Tahat Saqer , Akram Nazzal Muhannad
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of effective enterprise resource planning (ERP) system utilization on enterprise economic sustainability through product life cycle cost control.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from key stakeholders in Jordanian industrial firms. These stakeholders included company managers, production managers, accounting heads and cost accounting staff. A comprehensive questionnaire was developed to gather their insights, ensuring a thorough understanding of their perspectives on the relationship between ERP systems, cost management and sustainability.

Findings

The study revealed that the effective use of ERP systems positively impacted the control of product life cycle costing, which in turn positively influenced the economic sustainability of enterprises in the Jordanian industrial sector. The study’s outcomes underscore the significance of investing in employee training to optimize the use of ERP systems and improve overall organizational performance.

Practical implications

The study offers insights for managers and policymakers in the Jordanian industrial sector, highlighting the importance of effectively implementing and utilizing ERP systems to control product life cycle costs and enhance economic sustainability.

Originality/value

This study contributes significantly to the existing literature by delving into the effects of effective ERP system utilization on enterprise economic sustainability through product life cycle cost control – an area that has not been extensively studied.
Compliance control systems in financial institutions: a contingency approach
Authors: El Arif Fatima Zahra , Tahiri Amal
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between the structure of compliance control systems and their effectiveness in financial institutions, considering the moderating effects of organizational context.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the contingency theory, a model was developed and tested using structural equation modeling on data collected from 271 compliance professionals in Moroccan financial institutions.

Findings

The structure of compliance control systems directly impacts their effectiveness. This relationship is moderated by organizational size, structure and perceived environmental uncertainty. Larger institutions and those with mechanistic structures show weaker relationships between system structure and effectiveness, while organic structures and higher perceived uncertainty strengthen this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides a contingent framework for analyzing compliance control systems in financial institutions within their context.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that compliance managers should tailor control systems to their specific organizational context, considering factors such as size, organizational structure and environmental uncertainty.

Originality/value

This study extends the contingency theory to compliance control systems in financial institutions, an area previously underexplored in management control literature.
Revitalizing SMEs’ performance: unleashing the dynamics of Technology-Organization-Environment factors for M-Commerce adoption
Authors: Hanifah Haniruzila , Lee Yu Xing , Abdul Hasliza
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Strategic leveraging of Mobile Commerce (M-commerce) holds immense potential for augmenting firm performance within the realm of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. This study seeks to unravel the important role played by specific factors, namely, relative advantage, security, complexity, firm performance, organizational competence, M-commerce knowledge, competitive pressure, customer value and information intensity in influencing M-commerce adoption and its subsequent impact on SME performance. Drawing on the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the study posits that technological factors (relative advantage, security and complexity), organizational factors (organizational IT competence and M-commerce knowledge) and environmental factors (competitive pressure, customer value and information intensity) collectively shape M-commerce adoption, thereby influencing SME performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a quantitative approach, engaging SME owners in Malaysia as participants, with a sample size of 150 selected through an online survey. Analysis was conducted using Smart PLS, revealing crucial insights.

Findings

The investigation revealed a positive relationship between relative advantage, security, complexity, competitive pressure, customer value and information intensity, and the adoption of M-commerce within SMEs in Malaysia. Moreover, a positive relationship was identified between M-commerce adoption and firm performance among Malaysian SMEs. Intriguingly, there was no discernible relationship between Organizational IT competence, M-commerce knowledge and the adoption of M-commerce.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the scant literature exploring SMEs’ inclination toward M-commerce for performance enhancement. The proactive adoption of M-commerce stands poised to empower SMEs in Malaysia, enabling them to play a more substantial role in the national economic structure. Consequently, it emphasizes the need for effective communication of government policies pertaining to M-commerce adoption, particularly among SME stakeholders.
Linking social-related enterprise social media usage and thriving at work: the role of job autonomy and psychological detachment
Authors: Guo Shanshan , Wu Jinnan , Wan Paijie
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Limited empirical research has examined the impact of enterprise social media (ESM) use in the workplace on employees’ well-being and job satisfaction. Moreover, there remains a notable gap in effective management strategies to fully leverage the benefits of ESM while mitigating its potential drawbacks. This study employs the theories of self-depletion and resource conservation to investigate the mechanisms through which ESM use influences employees’ work flourishing, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of fatigue and the moderating roles of work autonomy and psychological detachment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from Chinese employees in two waves via an online survey platform. After two rounds of data collection, a total of 304 matched responses were obtained for analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using Mplus, and multi-level linear regression analysis was employed to examine the relationships between corporate enterprise media use, fatigue, job autonomy, psychological detachment and job prosperity.

Findings

Social ESM use in the workplace increases employee fatigue (β = 0.258, p < 0.001), with fatigue negatively impacting thriving at work (β = −0.362, p < 0.001). Job autonomy mitigates the adverse relationship between social ESM use and fatigue, whereas psychological detachment moderates the negative impact of fatigue on thriving at work. The mediating effect of fatigue is most pronounced when both job autonomy and psychological detachment are low.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study enhance our understanding of the psychological impacts of using ESM in the workplace and underscore the critical role of job autonomy and psychological detachment in mitigating the effects of social ESM use on employee well-being and performance.

Practical implications

This study provides guidance for the use of ESM in the workplace. Management should pay attention to improving the functionality of ESM, effectively managing employees’ social ESM use in the workplace, and clearly defining the boundaries between work and social activities. It is also beneficial for organizations to provide employees with autonomy and create opportunities for psychological detachment to mitigate the potential negative effects of social ESM use on employees.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by identifying fatigue as a key mediator and job autonomy and psychological detachment as important moderators in the relationship between social-related ESM use and thriving at work.
Indian adolescents’ customer relationship with food brands: exploring the role of brand love
Authors: Mandal Madhu , Dash Satyabhusan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper intends to contribute to the evolving understanding of Indian adolescents as consumers by examining their unique relationships with food brands, focusing specifically on brand love. It further investigates the key drivers that cultivate brand love among adolescents and explores the resulting outcomes of brand love.

Design/methodology/approach

About 37 in-depth interviews, including three exercises, were conducted with adolescents aged 11–16. The first and second exercises used projective techniques to explore respondents’ culture-bound love relationships with their favorite brands. Using the laddering technique, the third exercise investigated the critical drivers of respondents’ brand love.

Findings

The study reveals that adolescents derive value through attribute-benefit-value linkages from the consumption experience, leading to brand love. The customer value–brand love dynamics result in adolescents’ customer engagement behavior. Additionally, Indian adolescent customers seek brand consumption as a medium to instate their social identity and achieve hedonic pleasure from the experience. The study highlights the role of socialization and attitudinal autonomy in shaping adolescent–brand interactions.

Originality/value

The study could be relevant for both academicians and practitioners as they unveil the consumer psychology of contemporary adolescents in emerging countries like India and how similar or different they are from adult consumers. Also, there are very few adolescent–brand relationship studies in the past that have been deliberated in the context of food brands. Brand managers may design their product development and communication appeals around higher levels of abstraction in the attribute-benefit-value linkages discovered by this study.