bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recombinant and synthetic affibodies function comparably for modulating protein release
Authors: Dorogin Jonathan , Benz Morrhyssey A. , Moore Cameron J. , Benoit Danielle S. W. , Hettiaratchi Marian H.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Affibodies are a class of versatile affinity proteins with a wide variety of therapeutic applications, ranging from guided contrast agents for imaging to cell-targeting therapeutics. We have identified several affibodies specific to bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) with a range of binding affinities and demonstrated the ability to tune release rate of BMP-2 from affibody-conjugated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels based on affibody affinity strength. In this work, we compare the purity, structure, and activity of recombinant, bacterially-expressed BMP-2-specific affibodies with affibodies synthesized via solid-phase peptide synthesis.

Methods

High- and low-affinity BMP-2-specific affibodies were recombinantly expressed using BL21(DE3)E. coliand chemically synthesized using microwave-assisted solid-phase peptide synthesis with Fmoc-Gly-Wang resin. The secondary structures of the affibodies and dissociation constants of affibody-BMP-2 binding were characterized by circular dichroism and biolayer interferometry, respectively. Endotoxin levels were measured using chromogenic limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assays. Affibody-conjugated PEG-mal hydrogels were fabricated and loaded with BMP-2 to evaluate hydrogel capacity for controlled release, quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).

Results

Synthetic and recombinant affibodies were determined to be α-helical by circular dichroism. The synthetic high- and low-affinity BMP-2-specific affibodies demonstrated comparable BMP-2-binding dissociation constants to their recombinant counterparts. Recombinant affibodies retained some endotoxins after purification, while endotoxins were not detected in the synthetic affibodies. High-affinity affibody-conjugated hydrogels reduced cumulative BMP-2 release compared to the low-affinity affibody-conjugated hydrogels and hydrogels without affibodies.

Conclusions

Synthetic affibodies demonstrate comparable structure and function to recombinant affibodies, while reducing endotoxin contamination and increasing product yield, indicating that solid-phase peptide synthesis is a viable method of producing affibodies for controlled protein release and other applications.
A novel perspective on equal and cross-frequency neural coupling: integration and segregation of the brain networks’ function
Authors: Mateos Diego M. , Perez Velazquez Jose Luis
Published: May 2024

We introduce a novel perspective in equal and multifrequency coupling derived from considering neuronal synchrony as a possible equivalence relation. The experimental results agree with the theoretical prediction that cross-frequency coupling results in a partition of the brain synchrony state space. We place these results in the framework of the integration and segregation of information in the processing of sensorimotor transformations by the brain cell circuits and propose that equal frequency (1:1) connectivity favours integration of information in the brain whereas cross-frequency coupling (n:m) favours segregation. These observations may provide an outlook about how to reconcile the need for stability in the brain’s operations with the requirement for diversity of activity in order to process many sensorimotor transformations simultaneously.
Endogenous OptoRhoGEFs reveal biophysical principles of epithelial tissue furrowing
Authors: Countryman Andrew D. , Doherty Caroline A. , Herrera-Perez R. Marisol , Kasza Karen E.
Published: May 2024

During development, epithelia function as malleable substrates that undergo extensive remodeling to shape developing embryos. Optogenetic control of Rho signaling provides an avenue to investigate the mechanisms of epithelial morphogenesis, but transgenic optogenetic tools can be limited by variability in tool expression levels and deleterious effects of transgenic overexpression on development. Here, we use CRISPR/Cas9 to tagDrosophilaRhoGEF2 and Cysts/Dp114RhoGEF with components of the iLID/SspB optogenetic heterodimer, permitting light-dependent control over endogenous protein activities. Using quantitative optogenetic perturbations, we uncover a dose-dependence of tissue furrow depth and bending behavior on RhoGEF recruitment, revealing mechanisms by which developing embryos can shape tissues into particular morphologies. We show that at the onset of gastrulation, furrows formed by cell lateral contraction are oriented and size-constrained by a stiff basal actomyosin layer. Our findings demonstrate the use of quantitative, 3D-patterned perturbations of cell contractility to precisely shape tissue structures and interrogate developmental mechanics.
Distinct molecular and functional properties of human induced-proprioceptor and low-threshold mechanoreceptor neurons
Authors: Hulme Amy J. , Finol-Urdaneta Rocio K. , McArthur Jeffrey R. , Marzano Nicholas R. , Maksour Simon , Thind Amarinder , Guo Yang , Kaul Dominic , Maddock Marnie , Friedrich Oliver , Martinac Boris , Adams David J. , Dottori Mirella
Published: May 2024

Sensing mechanical stimuli is crucial for the function of internal and external tissues, such as the skin and muscles. Much of our understanding of mechanosensory physiology relies on rodent studies, which may not directly translate to humans. To address the knowledge gap in human mechanosensation, we developed distinct populations of human mechanosensory neuronal subtypes from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC). By inducing co-expression of NGN2/RUNX3 or NGN2/SHOX2 in hPSC-derived migrating neural crest cells we directed their specification to proprioceptor and low-threshold mechanoreceptor neuronal subtypes, respectively. The induced neurons exhibited transcriptional profiles consistent with mechanosensory neurons and displayed functional responses to mechanical stimuli, such as stretch and submicrometer probe indentation to the soma. Notably, each subtype displayed unique mechanical thresholds and desensitization properties akin to proprioceptors and low-threshold mechanoreceptors and both induced neuronal subtypes fired action potentials in response to minute mechanical stimuli, predominantly relying on PIEZO2 for mechanosensory function. Collectively, this study provides a foundational model for exploring human neuronal mechanosensory biology.
Non-canonical function of ADAM10 in presynaptic plasticity
Authors: Bär Julia , Fanutza Tomas , Reimann Christopher C. , Seipold Lisa , Grohe Maja , Bolter Janike Rabea , Delfs Flemming , Bucher Michael , Gee Christine E , Schweizer Michaela , Saftig Paul , Mikhaylova Marina
Published: May 2024

A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) plays a pivotal role in shaping neuronal networks by orchestrating the activity of numerous membrane proteins through the shedding of their extracellular domains. Despite its significance in the brain, the specific cellular localization of ADAM10 remains not well understood due to a lack of appropriate tools. Here, using a specific ADAM10 antibody suitable for immunostainings, we discover that ADAM10 is localized to presynapses and especially enriched at presynaptic vesicles of mossy fiber (MF)-CA3 synapses in the hippocampus. These synapses undergo pronounced frequency facilitation of neurotransmitter release, a process that play critical roles in information transfer and neural computation. We demonstrate, that in conditional ADAM10 knockout mice the ability of MF synapses to undergo this type of synaptic plasticity is greatly reduced. The loss of facilitation depends on the cytosolic domain of ADAM10 and association with the calcium sensor synaptotagmin 7 rather than its proteolytic activity. Our findings unveil a new pathway contributing to the regulation of synaptic vesicle exocytosis.
PTPRS is a novel marker for early tau pathology and synaptic integrity in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Poirier Alexandre , Picard Cynthia , Labonté Anne , Aubry Isabelle , Auld Daniel , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj ,   the PREVENT-AD research group, Tremblay Michel L. , Poirier Judes
Published: May 2024

We examined the role of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor sigma (PTPRS) in the context of Alzheimer’s disease and synaptic integrity. Publicly available datasets (BRAINEAC, ROSMAP, ADC1) and a cohort of asymptomatic but “at risk” individuals (PREVENT-AD) were used to explore the relationship between PTPRS and various Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers. We identified that PTPRS rs10415488 variant C shows features of neuroprotection against early tau pathology and synaptic degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease. This single nucleotide polymorphism correlated with higher PTPRS transcript abundance and lower P-tau181 and GAP-43 levels in the CSF. In the brain, PTPRS protein abundance was significantly correlated with the quantity of two markers of synaptic integrity: SNAP25 and SYT-1. We also found the presence of sexual dimorphism for PTPRS, with higher CSF concentrations in males than females. Male carriers for variant C were found to have a 10-month delay in the onset of AD. We thus conclude that PTPRS acts as a neuroprotective receptor in Alzheimer’s disease. Its protective effect is most important in males, in whom it postpones the age of onset of the disease.
Jamming Memory into Acoustically Trained Dense Suspensions under Shear
Authors: Ong Edward Y. X. , Barth Anna R. , Singh Navneet , Ramaswamy Meera , Shetty Abhishek , Chakraborty Bulbul , Sethna James P. , Cohen Itai
Published: May 2024

Systems driven far from equilibrium often retain structural memories of their processing history. This memory has, in some cases, been shown to dramatically alter the material response. For example, work hardening in crystalline metals can alter the hardness, yield strength, and tensile strength to prevent catastrophic failure. Whether memory of processing history can be similarly exploited in flowing systems, where significantly larger changes in structure should be possible, remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate a promising route to embedding such useful memories. We build on work showing that exposing a sheared dense suspension to acoustic perturbations of different power allows for dramatically tuning the sheared suspension viscosity and underlying structure. We find that, for sufficiently dense suspensions, upon removing the acoustic perturbations, the suspension shear jams with shear stress contributions from the maximum compressive and maximum extensive axes that reflect or “remember” the acoustic training. Because the contributions from these two orthogonal axes to the total shear stress are antagonistic, it is possible to tune the resulting suspension response in surprising ways. For example, we show that differently trained sheared suspensions exhibit (1) different susceptibility to the same acoustic perturbation, (2) orders of magnitude changes in their instantaneous viscosities upon shear reversal, and (3) even a shear stress that increases in magnitude upon shear cessation. We work through these examples to explain the underlying mechanisms governing each behavior. Then, to illustrate the power of this approach for controlling suspension properties, we demonstrate that flowing states well below the shear jamming threshold can be shear jammed via acoustic training. Collectively, our work paves the way for using acoustically induced memory in dense suspensions to generate rapidly and widely tunable materials.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Drought risk and audit pricing: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Sarlak Amin , Khodakarami Mehdi , Hesarzadeh Reza , Nazari Jamal A. , Taghimolla Fatemeh
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Climate change has led to a rise in the frequency, intensity and scope of droughts, posing significant implications for businesses. This study examines the impact of local community drought levels on audit pricing. Additionally, it explores the moderating effects of high-tech industries, auditor busyness and the level of local community concern regarding the drought crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a mixed-methods approach to rigorously test the research hypotheses. The quantitative phase of the study utilizes a sample of 1,278 firm-year observations from Iran’s capital market. For the analysis of the quantitative data, ordinary least squares regression with clustered robust standard errors is used. Additionally, this research supplements its quantitative findings with qualitative evidence obtained through semi-structured interviews with 19 Iranian audit partners.

Findings

The results suggest that firms operating in provinces facing severe droughts experience notably higher audit fees. Furthermore, the positive relationship between drought and audit fees is weakened when auditors are busy, local community concern regarding the drought crisis is high or the firm operates within high-tech industries. These findings are supported by a range of robustness checks and qualitative evidence gathered from the field.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the growing literature on climate change by examining the influence of local community drought levels on audit pricing within an Iranian context. Additionally, our study sheds light on how high-tech industries, auditor workload and the level of local community concern regarding the drought crisis moderate the relationship between drought and audit fees. Importantly, our study pioneers in providing mixed-methods evidence of the association between drought severity and audit fees.
Strategies for digital entrepreneurship success: the role of digital implementation and dynamic capabilities
Authors: Berman Tal , Schallmo Daniel , Kraus Sascha
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To augment sales revenue, B2B digital start-ups aim to create and sustain commercial relationships with industry incumbents. However, since these incumbents have traditionally struggled with implementing disruptive digital artifacts, most studies have almost exclusively concentrated on their challenges, leaving the digital start-ups' side underexplored. Therefore, this study seeks to understand how digital start-ups navigate digital implementation (DI) hardships to ultimately achieve digital entrepreneurship success.

Design/methodology/approach

An abductive explanatory multi-case study of four industries that pose a variety of implementation challenges for B2B digital start-ups (agriculture, insurance, real estate and construction, and healthcare) was conducted using data collected from 40 interviews with Israeli experts and relevant digital data observations.

Findings

This study articulates two main observations. (1) Throughout their journeys, digital start-ups have utilized newly created and/or refined dynamic capabilities (DC) to successfully implement their digital artifacts. Simultaneously, successful DI has enabled digital start-ups to create new DC or sustain and evolve current DC. (2) We provide empirical evidence outlining how digital start-ups using continuous learning have combined causation and effectuation logic throughout their DI journeys.

Originality/value

This study answers a call to explore more explicit digital-related drivers (i.e. DI) for digital entrepreneurship success by studying a highly-ranked country on the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI) to achieve this. Moreover, it illustrates how digital start-ups evolve throughout their commercial relationships with industry incumbents, thereby enabling an effective approach for successful DI. Such an approach can be considered very valuable for both practitioners and policymakers. Consequently, it advances digital entrepreneurship as an independent research topic.
Boosting firms’ absorptive capacity: the digital technologies edge
Authors: Tallarico Salvatore , Pellegrini Luisa , Lazzarotti Valentina , Lazzini Simone
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how firms can enhance their innovation processes by effectively utilizing external knowledge and employing digital technologies. Specifically, it emphasizes the role of absorptive capacity (ACAP) in external knowledge acquisition and assimilation (potential ACAP), as well as transformation and exploitation (realized ACAP), highlighting the necessity of equipping firms with digital technologies to support ACAP activities.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the research purpose, we conducted a structured literature review of academic papers sourced from Scopus-Elsevier.

Findings

The key findings encompass the identification of common digital technologies supporting ACAP and explore how these technologies contribute to knowledge acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation. The main results show that social media and online communities are the most studied technologies in relation to ACAP activities. Research predominantly centres on potential ACAP – with acquisition activity more studied than assimilation – rather than realized ACAP – with only social media and online communities demonstrating full support for transformation and exploitation activities.

Research limitations/implications

This research represents a pioneering joint study of ACAP and digital technologies, advancing understanding beyond organizational perspectives and expanding open innovation literature by integrating ACAP role in technology collaborations. A call for qualitative investigations into the relationship between digital technologies and ACAP emerged.

Practical implications

The findings offer valuable guidance to innovation managers, aiding them in selecting appropriate digital technologies to strengthen ACAP activities.

Originality/value

This work’s uniqueness lies in bridging the gaps between open innovation, ACAP and digital technologies, which are often studied in isolation.
Technographic segmentation of smartphone usage at the Rainforest World Music Festival
Authors: Hassan Nur Balqish , Hashim Noor Hazarina
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This is amongst the first works to develop a technographic segmentation of smartphone users attending music festivals based on attitudes, motivations and usage patterns. We also aim to describe festivalgoers’ characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 522 festivalgoers who attended the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) in Malaysia. A two-stage cluster analysis of Ward’s method and k-means was applied to develop technographic segmentation during the festival. Using discriminant analysis, we confirmed that each festivalgoer’s characteristics differ amongst groups.

Findings

Four technographic segments were developed: alarm hitters, technological tickers, plug pullers and fuse blowers. The results confirmed that festivalgoers had distinct characteristics and preferences based on smartphone use.

Research limitations/implications

We extend previous research on the technographic segmentation of smartphones and festivalgoers. We highlighted the limitations of cluster analysis in terms of stability to produce a suitable number of segments and to include other festivals. The generalisability of the results may be constrained by the time gap between data collection and publication.

Practical implications

Our results can help marketing managers understand the needs of segments by selecting appropriate advertisements and promotional tools that appeal directly to the desired target segments.

Social implications

This study will help local communities increase their revenue and job opportunities. The culture of music festivals for the next generation can be sustained and promoted by local and international festival lovers.

Originality/value

This study is the first to present festivalgoers' use of the technographic segmentation term in music festivals.
Systematic literature review on the nexus of food waste, food loss and cultural background
Authors: Morkunas Mangirdas , Wang Yufei , Wei Jinzhao , Galati Antonino
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The present paper aims to reveal how different cultures, as reflected by cultural norms, traditions, and social expectations, influence food waste behaviour in different regions of the world.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic multifaceted literature review was employed as a main research tool.

Findings

The focal role of education and awareness campaigns in reducing household food waste and promoting responsible food consumption behaviours is revealed. The importance of guilt, behavioural control, negative attitudes towards leftovers, and social norms are among the most important factors predicting intentions to reduce food waste. Cultural beliefs significantly shape food attitudes and waste. Tailoring sustainable practices to traditions helps to ensure food security. Embracing cultural diversity can lead to the development of effective and sustainable food consumption patterns across different parts of the world.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper fully devoted to revealing how different cultural backgrounds shape food consumption habits and which marketing strategies aiming to nudge positive changes in responsible food consumption are preferred in different cultural contexts.
How do NPOs’ topics and moral foundations in gun-related issues influence public engagement on Twitter?
Authors: Zhang Yafei , Chen Li , Xie Ming
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Drawing on the moral foundations theory (MFT), we examine what nonprofit organizations (NPOs) discuss and how NPOs engage in gun-related issues on Twitter. Specifically, we explore latent topics and embedded moral values (i.e. care, fairness, loyalty, authority, and sanctity) in NPOs’ tweets and investigate the effects of the latent topics and moral values on invoking public engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were retrieved by the Twint Python and the rtweet R packages. Finally, 5,041 tweets posted by 679 NPOs were analyzed via unsupervised topic modeling and the extended moral foundations dictionary (eMFD). Negative binomial regression analysis was employed for statistical analysis.

Findings

NPOs’ engagement in gun-related issues mainly focuses on laws and policies, calling for action and collaborations, and school safety. All five moral foundations are more salient in the cluster of laws and policies. When NPOs discuss the above-mentioned three topics, the public is less likely to like or retweet NPOs’ messages. In contrast, NPOs’ messages with the sanctity foundation are most likely to receive likes and retweets from the public. The fairness foundation interacts with Cluster 3 of school safety on the number of likes.

Originality/value

This study enhances the understanding of gun-related social media discussions by identifying the crucial involvement of NPOs as major stakeholders. In addition, our study enriches the existing literature on NPOs’ social media communication by including moral values and their moral-emotional effects on public engagement. Finally, our study validates the eMFD dictionary and broadens its applicability to gun-related topics.
A novel framework for analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on entrepreneurial financial firms in Jordan
Authors: Abaddi Samer
Published: May 2024

Purpose

COVID-19 has rendered many firms' business models, strategies and performance vulnerable, including entrepreneurial financials. Some managed to survive, while others drowned in the epidemic swamp. This study offers an exceptional model to fill the gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a rigorous qualitative design, the study utilizes a novel framework that integrates institutional theory (IT) and corporate entrepreneurial strategy (CES). Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis identified key themes: external environment, institutional environment and organizational response, CES and performance and survival.

Findings

The study reveals the dual nature of the external and institutional environment, acting as both facilitators and barriers for entrepreneurial financial firms (EFFs). It highlights the robust CES exhibited by these firms during the pandemic, demonstrating their adept balancing and integration of different CES components in their organizational response. The EFFs employ a mix of financial and nonfinancial indicators for performance assessment, yielding varied outcomes based on contextual factors.

Practical implications

EFFs and stakeholders are guided to adapt their business models, balance institutional pressures, implement CES and evaluate performance. It advocates collaboration within the entrepreneurial finance ecosystem and leveraging opportunities emerging from the pandemic, including new market segments, technologies, innovations and regulatory changes.

Originality/value

This topic is underexplored in many emerging economies. Fresh perspectives and rigor frameworks are developed on how EFFs navigate and capitalize on the pandemic under uncertainties.
Cultivating employee obligation for constructive change: the roles of supervisor consultation and managerial openness
Authors: Ning Xianhui , Mao Jih-Yu , Wang Liting
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Supervisor consultation is conducive to promoting employee voice. This research examines an underlying mediating mechanism and a boundary condition that strengthens the influence of supervisor consultation.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-wave survey data were collected from 302 full-time employees. Path analysis was adopted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Supervisor consultation is positively related to employee voice. Employee felt obligation for constructive change (FOCC) serves as a mediating mechanism. Supervisor consultation is more positively related to employee FOCC and subsequent voice when managerial openness is higher than lower.

Originality/value

This study highlights the incremental mediating effect of FOCC beyond that of two alternative mediators between supervisor consultation and employee voice and the moderating role of managerial openness in affecting the influence of supervisor consultation.
Research and application of a novel grey multivariable model in port scale prediction under the impact of Free Trade Zone
Authors: Sun Yuyu , Zhang Yuchen , Zhao Zhiguo
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Considering the impact of the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) policy on forecasting the port cargo throughput, this paper constructs a fractional grey multivariate forecasting model to improve the prediction accuracy of port cargo throughput and realize the coordinated development of FTZ policymaking and port construction.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the effects of data randomization, this paper proposes a novel self-adaptive grey multivariate prediction model, namely FDCGM(1,N). First, fractional-order accumulative generation operation (AGO) is introduced, which integrates the policy impact effect. Second, the heuristic grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm is used to determine the optimal nonlinear parameters. Finally, the novel model is then applied to port scale simulation and forecasting in Tianjin and Fujian where FTZs are situated and compared with three other grey models and two machine learning models.

Findings

In the Tianjin and Fujian cases, the new model outperforms the other comparison models, with the least mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) values of 6.07% and 4.16% in the simulation phase, and 6.70% and 1.63% in the forecasting phase, respectively. The results of the comparative analysis find that after the constitution of the FTZs, Tianjin’s port cargo throughput has shown a slow growth trend, and Fujian’s port cargo throughput has exhibited rapid growth. Further, the port cargo throughput of Tianjin and Fujian will maintain a growing trend in the next four years.

Practical implications

The new multivariable grey model can effectively reduce the impact of data randomness on forecasting. Meanwhile, FTZ policy has regional heterogeneity in port development, and the government can take different measures to improve the development of ports.

Originality/value

Under the background of FTZ policy, the new multivariable model can be used to achieve accurate prediction, which is conducive to determining the direction of port development and planning the port layout.
On the benefit of developing customer profile analysis to implement personalized pricing in a supply chain
Authors: Gan Yanhong , Gao Xingyu , Zhou Wenhui , Ke Siyuan , Lu Yangguang , Zhang Song
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The advanced technology enables retailers to develop customer profile analysis (CPA) to implement personalized pricing. However, considering the efficiency of developing CPA, the benefit to different retailers of implementing more precise personalized pricing remains unclear. Thus, this essay aimed to investigate the impact of efficiency on participants’ strategies and profits in the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage game model was introduced in the presence of a manufacturer who sets his wholesale price and a retailer that decides her CPA strategy. The equilibrium results were generated by backward induction.

Findings

Most retailers are willing to develop the highest CPA to implement perfect personalized pricing, but those inefficient retailers with high production costs would like to determine a middle CPA to implement bounded personalized pricing. The retailers’ profits may decrease with the efficiency of developing CPA when the efficiency is middle. In this case, as the efficiency improves, the manufacturer increases the wholesale price, resulting in lower demand and thus lower profits. Moreover, define a Pareto Improvement (PI) strategy as one that benefits both manufacturers and retailers. Therefore, uniform pricing is a PI when the unit cost is high and the efficiency is low; personalized pricing is a PI when the unit cost is low and the efficiency is low or high; otherwise, there is no PI.

Originality/value

This study is the first that investigates how the retailer develops CPA to implement personalized pricing on a comprehensive spectrum, which can provide practical insights for retailers with different efficiencies.
The optimization of school-university resources in an effort to recruit teachers of mathematics
Authors: Guillaume Jean A. , Hands Robin E.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to debut a novel initiative that could potentially optimize resources that are currently constrained but, if unleashed, could help ameliorate the science, technology, engineering and mathematics teacher shortage. The initiative involves the reconceptualization of the National Network for Educational Renewal (NNER) tripartite model, which evolved from the work of Goodlad (1994a) and promotes cooperation and partnerships between the three important players responsible for preparing succeeding generations of competent teachers: PK-12 schools, university colleges of education and university colleges of arts and sciences (Roselle, Hands, Marino, Kilgallen, & Howard, 2021; Goodlad, 1994a).

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used in writing the article was narrative, offering a brief review of the various challenges that have had an impact on the national teacher shortage, particularly in the field of mathematics.

Findings

The study suggests that a reconceptualized NNER tripartite model can be implemented to assuage the devastating effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on learning, offer support to an overworked teacher workforce and provide a possible math teacher recruitment pipeline by forming a life-giving partnership between a college of education, a college of arts and sciences, a local elementary school and undergraduate math club members.

Originality/value

This is an original application of the NNER tripartite model, particularly with math teacher recruitment in mind, and it is hoped that the model will be considered transferable to a variety of school-university contexts. However, additional study is required to explore the validity and replicability of this model.
Fabrication and characterization of microemulsion of some insecticides and evaluating their efficacy against cotton leaf worm on cotton crop under laboratory and field conditions
Authors: Derbalah Aly , Morsy Saad , El‐Zahi El‐Zahi S. , Zidan Mohmmed , Alfuhaid Nawal Abdulaziz , Hamza Amany , Abdeldayem Sherif
Published: May 2024

Traditional pesticide formulations have some shortcomings, including limited efficacy and the usage of huge amounts of insecticide, which has a negative impact on the environment. Using nano‐pesticide formulations reduces the amount of pesticide applied, minimizing pest control expenses and environmental contamination. As a result, this study was conducted to develop a microemulsion formulation containing emamectin benzoate or beta‐cyfluthrin with improved morphology, droplet size, emulsion stability, and persistence of foam. Moreover to assess the efficacy of the developed microemulsion in comparison to the convention alone against the Egyptian cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) under both laboratory and field conditions. The results showed that the optimum conditions for emamectin benzoate microemulsion was 2% active ingredient, 5% (w/w) ethyl acetate, and DMF (3:2), 3.5% (w/w) Geronol ff4 and Etocas 35 (6:1), 5% (w/w) ethanol, and 86.5% (w/w) water, while for beta‐cyfluthrin, a 5.0% active ingredient, 15% (w/w) Solvesso 100 and ethyl acetate (2:1), 7.0% (w/w) Geronol ff4 and Etocas 35 (6:1), 10% (w/w) ethanol, and 68% (w/w) water. Under laboratory conditions, emamectin benzoate was more toxic than beta‐cyfluthrin to Spodoptera littoralis second and fourth instar larvae. Emamectin benzoate was more effective that beta‐cyfluthrin against Spodoptera littoralis in the field, whether as a microemulsion or a commercial product. Thus, microemulsions of tested insecticides with better formulation qualities may be more effective than traditional ones in controlling cotton leaf worm.
RETRACTED: Comparative study of the ciliary body and iris morphology in the anterior eye chamber of five different vertebrate classes
Authors: Seleem Amin A. , Badr Amira H.
Published: May 2024

One crucial component of the optical system is the ciliary body (CB). This body secretes the aqueous humour, which is essential to maintain the internal eye pressure as well as the clearness of the lens and cornea. The histological study was designed to provide the morphological differences of CB and iris in the anterior eye chambers of the following vertebrate classes: fish (grass carp), amphibians (Arabian toad), reptiles (semiaquatic turtle, fan‐footed gecko, ocellated skink, Egyptian spiny‐tailed lizard, Arabian horned viper), birds (common pigeon, common quail, common kestrel), and mammals (BALB/c mouse, rabbit, golden hamster, desert hedgehog, lesser Egyptian jerboa, Egyptian fruit bat). The results showed distinct morphological appearances of the CB and iris in each species, ranging from fish to mammals. The present comparative study concluded that the morphological structure of the CB and iris is the adaptation of species to either their lifestyle or survival in specific habitats.
Evaluation and 3D imaging of mineral structure changes of the rabbit (New Zealand) skull during developmental periods
Authors: Kanmaz Yeşim Aslan , Baygeldi Saime Betül , Güzel Barış Can , Yılmaz Yücehan , Karan Meryem , Hark Betül Dağoğlu , Yılmaz Sadık
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to determine the morphometric measurements anatomically and CT images of skulls of healthy male and female rabbits during postnatal development, to analyse the data statistically and to demonstrate the structural changes in bone. A total of 40 rabbits (20 females and 20 males) were divided into four groups including prepubertal period (group I (0–1 month)), period between adolescence and adulthood (group II (3‐5 month)) and later (young adult period as group III (1–3 years) and old adult period as group IV (3–5 years)), with five animals in each group. After the morphometric measurements, the surface area and volume values of the skull were calculated. The skulls were reconstructed using a 3D Slicer (5.0.2), which is used for 3D modelling. The cranial bones in each group were then crushed using a grinder so that the powdered samples were obtained for XRF (X‐ray fluorescence technique). The p‐value was statistically highly significant between group and gender (p < 0.001). In morphometric measurements, males were generally higher than females. Only PL, GBOC and GNB measurements were higher in females. The p‐value between groups (in all measurements), between genders (in TL, GLN, FL, VL, OZB and GBN parameters) and between groups and genders (in TL, DL and VL parameters) was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). The p‐value between the groups, p‐value between sexes and p‐value between group and sex in Si, P, K, Ca, Ni, Zn, Sr, Sr and Ca/P elements were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Consequently, metric, volume and surface area measurements were taken through 3D modelling of skull bone in prepubertal period (group I), period between adolescence and adulthood (group II) and later (young adult period as group III and old adult period as group IV) of rabbits and the change in the mineral structure during postnatal development and effect of sex on this change were investigated. This might be the first study to assess both metric and mineral changes at four age intervals taken during the life span of rabbits.
Light microscopic morphology of blood cells of non‐descript indigenous Zoar chicken of Mizoram, India
Authors: Doley Probal Jyoti , Sarma Kabita , Kalita Pranab Chandra , Talukdar Manmath , Kalita Arup , Sarkar Rupan , Choudhary Priyanka
Published: May 2024

Identifying and analysing distinct blood cells is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the field of biomedicine. The present study was undertaken to study the cytomorphological and cytochemical characteristics of the blood cells of Zoar, a non‐descript indigenous breed of chicken extensively reared under backyard poultry farming in Mizoram, India. For this study, 2 mL of blood samples were aseptically collected from the wings veins of 12 chickens and were processed for light microscopic study under standard protocols. The matured erythrocytes were elliptical, while the immature erythrocytes appeared oval. The heterophils were positive for SBB (SBB), Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS), acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and Arylsulphatase while the eosinophils were positive for SBB, PAS, alkaline phosphatase, cytochrome oxidase and peroxidase. The basophils of were positive for toluidine blue while the thrombocytes were positive for PAS. These cytochemical and cytoenzymatic staining properties plays a very important role in diagnosis, differentiation, and classification of leukaemias.
Does a lack of emotions make chatbots unfit to be psychotherapists?
Authors: Rahsepar Meadi Mehrdad , Bernstein Justin S. , Batelaan Neeltje , van Balkom Anton J. L. M. , Metselaar Suzanne
Published: May 2024

Mental health chatbots (MHCBs) designed to support individuals in coping with mental health issues are rapidly advancing. Currently, these MHCBs are predominantly used in commercial rather than clinical contexts, but this might change soon. The question is whether this use is ethically desirable. This paper addresses a critical yet understudied concern: assuming that MHCBs cannot have genuine emotions, how this assumption may affect psychotherapy, and consequently the quality of treatment outcomes. We argue that if MHCBs lack emotions, they cannot have genuine (affective) empathy or utilise countertransference. Consequently, this gives reason to worry that MHCBs are (a) more liable to harm and (b) less likely to benefit patients than human therapists. We discuss some responses to this worry and conclude that further empirical research is necessary to determine whether these worries are valid. We conclude that, even if these worries are valid, it does not mean that we should never use MHCBs. By discussing the broader ethical debate on the clinical use of chatbots, we point towards how further research can help us establish ethical boundaries for how we should use mental health chatbots.
Creating wildlife habitat using artificial structures: a review of their efficacy and potential use in solar farms
Authors: Boscarino‐Gaetano Remo , Vernes Karl , Nordberg Eric J.
Published: May 2024

The biodiversity crisis is exacerbated by a growing human population modifying nearly three‐quarters of the Earth's land surface area for anthropogenic uses. Habitat loss and modification represent the largest threat to biodiversity and finding ways to offset species decline has been a significant undertaking for conservation. Landscape planning and conservation strategies can enhance habitat suitability for biodiversity in human‐modified landscapes. Artificial habitat structures such as artificial reefs, nest boxes, chainsaw hollows, artificial burrows, and artificial hibernacula have all been successfully implemented to improve species survival in human‐modified and fragmented landscapes. As the global shift towards renewable energy sources continues to rise, the development of photovoltaic systems is growing exponentially. Large‐scale renewable projects, such as photovoltaic solar farms have large space requirements and thus have the potential to displace local wildlife. We discuss the feasibility of ‘conservoltaic systems’ – photovoltaic systems that incorporate elements tailored specifically to enhance wildlife habitat suitability and species conservation. Artificial habitat structures can potentially lessen the impacts of industrial development (e.g., photovoltaic solar farms) through strategic landscape planning and an understanding of local biodiversity requirements to facilitate recolonization.
Meeting the Religious Other
Authors: La Mela Vera
Published: May 2024

Dialogue and engaging with the religious Other are essential questions that warrant even greater attention in the Christian communities at large. In 2020, the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue jointly published a document on interreligious solidarity titled Serving a Wounded World in Interreligious Solidarity: A Christian Call to Reflection and Action During COVID‐19 and Beyond. This document serves as an exhortation for Christians and all people of goodwill to collaborate and cultivate a world where fraternity and the unwavering dignity of every human being motivate our actions. Meanwhile, the document offers a comprehensive account of a Christian approach to religious diversity, which can prove very valuable for the faith communities. This article discusses the document through the lens of the philosophies of dialogue presented by David Bohm and Martin Buber. It analyzes how the document portrays the approach to the religious Other and the principles that underpin encounters and dialogue with them.
Nuclear patterns of phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐ and 3,4‐bisphosphate revealed by super‐resolution microscopy differ between the consecutive stages of RNA polymerase II transcription
Authors: Hoboth Peter , Sztacho Martin , Hozák Pavel
Published: May 2024

Phosphatidylinositol phosphates are powerful signaling molecules that orchestrate signaling and direct membrane trafficking in the cytosol. Interestingly, phosphatidylinositol phosphates also localize within the membrane‐less compartments of the cell nucleus, where they participate in the regulation of gene expression. Nevertheless, current models of gene expression, which include condensates of proteins and nucleic acids, do not include nuclear phosphatidylinositol phosphates. This gap is partly a result of the missing detailed analysis of the subnuclear distribution of phosphatidylinositol phosphates and their relationships with gene expression. Here, we used quantitative dual‐color direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy to analyze the nanoscale co‐patterning between RNA polymerase II transcription initiation and elongation markers with respect to phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐ or 3,4‐bisphosphate in the nucleoplasm and nuclear speckles and compared it with randomized data and cells with inhibited transcription. We found specific co‐patterning of the transcription initiation marker P‐S5 with phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate in the nucleoplasm and with phosphatidylinositol 3,4‐bisphosphate at the periphery of nuclear speckles. We showed the specific accumulation of the transcription elongation marker PS‐2 and of nascent RNA in the proximity of phosphatidylinositol 3,4‐bisphosphate associated with nuclear speckles. Taken together, this shows that the distinct spatial associations between the consecutive stages of RNA polymerase II transcription and nuclear phosphatidylinositol phosphates exhibit specificity within the gene expression compartments. Thus, in analogy to the cellular membranes, where phospholipid composition orchestrates signaling pathways and directs membrane trafficking, we propose a model in which the phospholipid identity of gene expression compartments orchestrates RNA polymerase II transcription.
Shareholder litigation risk and stock returns
Authors: Luo Di
Published: May 2024

Examining the staggered adoption of universal demand (UD) laws as an exogenous shock to shareholder litigation risk, we show that firms have lower stock returns following that adoption in a difference‐in‐differences (DID) design and Fama and MacBeth (1973) regression. Sorting stocks into UD laws portfolios, we show that firms adopting UD laws earn lower risk‐adjusted returns than those who do not. Further, the relation between UD laws and returns is more pronounced when firms face financial constraints, CEOs engage in high risk taking, or takeover protection is low.
Early career mobility and health and wellbeing of female doctorate holders: A narrative review of the international literature
Authors: Álvarez Inma , Horáčková Clare , Vseteckova Jitka
Published: May 2024

While in the last decade gender research has shown great interest in problems around work–life balance for women and the implications for their career mobility, the links between these and women's health and wellbeing have not been fully examined. This article reviews international research undertaken between 1980 and 2020 on the early career period of female doctorate holders. The focus is on the early career mobility (career progression as well as international, disciplinary, and sectorial mobility) of women with doctorates and the connections between their mobility and their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Guided by feminist theories on recurrent institutionalized and legitimized gender inequalities, our review identifies the establishment of inequity during the early career period for female doctoral graduates inside and outside academia and associates this with imbalances in mobility patterns, which are directly connected with their personal lives. The evidence found also suggests that women's health and wellbeing is mostly negatively impacted by these circumstances which may be contributing to women leaving academia or employment. Some improvements at institutional level are recommended as well as the need to continue challenging perceptions of gender roles and responsibilities.