bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
βA3/A1-crystallin is an epigenetic regulator of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) in the retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells
Authors: Chatterjee Sujan , Ghosh Sayan , Sin Zachary , Davis Emily , Preval Loretta Viera , Tran Nguyen , Bammidi Sridhar , Gautam Pooja , Hose Stacey , Sergeev Yuri , Flores-Bellver Miguel , Aldiri Issam , Sinha Debasish , Guha Prasun
Published: August 2024

Introductory paragraph

The retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells maintain retinal homeostasis, and alterations in their function contribute to non-exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD)1,2. Here, we explore the intricate relationship between RPE cells, epigenetic modifications, and the development of AMD. Importantly, the study reveals a substantial decrease in histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) activity and elevated histone acetylation in the RPE of human AMD donor eyes. To investigate epigenetic mechanisms in AMD development, we used a mouse model with RPE-specificCryba1knockout3–5, revealing that the loss of βA3/A1-crystallin selectively reduces HDAC3 activity, resulting in increased histone acetylation. βA3/A1-crystallin activates HDAC3 by facilitating its interaction with the casein kinase II (CK2) and phosphorylating HDAC3, as well as by regulating intracellular InsP6 (phytic acid) levels, required for activating HDAC3. These findings highlight a novel function of βA3/A1-crystallin as an epigenetic regulator of HDAC3 in the RPE cells and provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies in non-exudative AMD.
Novel If1 mechanism preventing ATP hydrolysis by the ATP synthase subcomplex inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lerouley Orane , Larrieu Isabelle , Ducrocq Tom Louis , Pinson Benoît , Giraud Marie-France , Mourier Arnaud
Published: August 2024

The mitochondrial F1F0-ATP synthase is crucial for maintaining the ATP/ADP balance which is critical for cell metabolism, ion homeostasis, cell division, proliferation and motility. This enzyme, conserved across evolution, is found in the mitochondria or chloroplasts of eukaryotic cells and the plasma membrane of bacteria.In vitrostudies have shown that the mitochondrial F1F0-ATP synthase is reversible, capable of hydrolyzing instead of synthesizing ATP.In vivo, its reversibility is inhibited by the endogenous peptide If1 (Inhibitory Factor 1), which specifically prevents ATP hydrolysis in a pH-dependent manner. Despite its presumed importance, the loss of If1 in various model organisms does not cause severe phenotypes, suggesting its role may be confined to specific stress or metabolic conditions yet to be discovered. In this study, we explored the structural and physiological importances of If1 inhibitory peptides inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Our analyses indicate that inhibitory peptides are crucial in mitigating metabolic adverse outcomes caused by mitochondrial depolarizing stress under glyco-oxidative metabolic conditions. Under glyco-oxidative metabolic state, the energy maintenance relies both on glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, we found that the absence of If1 destabilizes the nuclear-encoded free F1subcomplex. This novel mechanism of action highlights the role of If1 in preventing harmful ATP wastage, offering new insights into its function under physiological and pathological conditions.
A new class of receptors: Lipids regulate mammalian Gsα-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activities via their membrane anchors
Authors: Landau Marius , Elsabbagh Sherif , Gross Harald , Fuchs Adrian , Schultz Anita C.F. , Schultz Joachim E.
Published: August 2024

The biosynthesis of cAMP by mammalian membrane-bound adenylyl cyclases (mACs) is predominantly regulated by G-protein-coupled-receptors (GPCRs). Up to now the two hexahelical transmembrane domains of mACs were considered to fix the enzyme to membranes. Here we show that the transmembrane domains serve in addition as signal receptors and transmitters of lipid signals that control Gsα-stimulated mAC activities. We identify aliphatic fatty acids and anandamide as receptor ligands of mAC isoforms 1 to 7 and 9. The ligands enhance (mAC isoforms 2, 3, 7, and 9) or attenuate (isoforms 1, 4, 5, and 6) Gsα-stimulated mAC activitiesin vitroandin vivo. Substitution of the stimulatory membrane receptor of mAC3 by the inhibitory receptor of mAC5 results in a ligand inhibited mAC5-mAC3 chimera. Thus, we discovered a new class of membrane receptors in which two signaling modalities are at a crossing, direct tonic lipid and indirect phasic GPCR-Gsα signaling regulating the biosynthesis of cAMP.
mTORC1 Signaling Inhibition Modulates Mitochondrial Function in Frataxin Deficiency
Authors: Lehmer Madison , Zoncu Roberto
Published: August 2024

Lysosomes regulate mitochondrial function through multiple mechanisms including the master regulator, mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) protein kinase, which is activated at the lysosomal membrane by nutrient, growth factor and energy signals. mTORC1 promotes mitochondrial protein composition changes, respiratory capacity, and dynamics, though the full range of mitochondrial-regulating functions of this protein kinase remain undetermined. We find that acute chemical modulation of mTORC1 signaling decreased mitochondrial oxygen consumption, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced susceptibility to stress-induced mitophagy. In cellular models of Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), where loss of the Frataxin (FXN) protein suppresses Fe-S cluster synthesis and mitochondrial respiration, the changes induced by mTORC1 inhibitors lead to improved cell survival. Proteomic-based profiling uncover compositional changes that could underlie mTORC1-dependent modulation of FXN-deficient mitochondria. These studies highlight mTORC1 signaling as a regulator of mitochondrial composition and function, prompting further evaluation of this pathway in the context of mitochondrial disease.
Mindstep Mood and Cause Examination (MMCE): The Preferred Tool for Remote Digital Depression Screening
Authors: Mahmud M. , Kuleindiren N. , Suddell S. , Rifkin-Zybutz R. , Sharma P. , Osunronbi T. , Pounds O. , Selim H. , Patchava A. , Lin A. , Alim-Marvasti A.
Published: August 2024

Background

Digital health technologies are increasingly being used to monitor, assess, and treat depressive symptoms in the community. However, many such technologies rely on screening tools which were originally designed for use in primary care clinics, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). These scales are symptom-focused and do not capture the wider experiences of the patient. We developed a new screen for assessing depressive symptoms in a digital setting. Named the Mindstep Mood and Cause Examination (MMCE), it was designed to replicate the predictive capabilities of the PHQ-9, while improving user experience and capturing broader determinants of mental health.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study, conducted fully remotely on Prolific. Participants (n=367) completed both the PHQ-9 and the MMCE, in a randomised order. Responses on the MMCE were examined for a range of psychometric properties, including: internal consistency, item selectivity, and convergence with PHQ-9 scores. User experience was assessed with a theory-led acceptability scale and compared across both mental health measures. Thematic analysis was used to analyse participants’ free text responses, describing their experience of completing the scales.

Results

The MMCE displayed good internal consistency and strong convergence with the PHQ-9 (r= 0.70), accounting for 49% of the variance in PHQ-9 scores. The MMCE also demonstrated robust predictive capability for the PHQ-9 using a moderate depression symptom cut-off of 10, with an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0.84. In direct comparisons between the scales, 259 of 367 users (70.1%) preferred the MMCE and the MMCE outperformed the PHQ-9 in 8 out of 12 user experience categories.

Conclusions

The MMCE has demonstrated validity in predicting PHQ-9 scores and offers an improved user experience, while additionally encouraging the user to examine the underlying causes of their depressive symptoms. However, additional research is necessary to evaluate the MMCE in terms of repeated assessments for effective depression monitoring.
Machine learning for comprehensive interaction modelling improves disease risk prediction in the UK Biobank
Authors: Julkunen Heli , Rousu Juho
Published: August 2024

Understanding how risk factors interact to jointly influence disease risk can provide insights into disease development and improve risk prediction. We introducesurvivalFM, a machine learning extension to the widely used Cox proportional hazards model that incorporates estimation of all potential pairwise interaction effects on time-to-event outcomes. The method relies on learning a low-rank factorized approximation of the interaction effects, hence overcoming the computational and statistical limitations of fitting these terms in models involving many predictor variables. The resulting model is fully interpretable, providing access to the estimates of both individual effects and the approximated interactions. Comprehensive evaluation ofsurvivalFMusing the UK Biobank dataset across ten disease examples and a variety of clinical risk factors and omics data modalities shows improved discrimination and reclassification performance (65% and 97.5% of the scenarios tested, respectively). Considering a clinical scenario of cardiovascular risk prediction using predictors from the established QRISK3 model, we further show that the comprehensive interaction modelling adds predictive value beyond the individual and age interaction effects currently included. These results demonstrate that comprehensive modelling of interactions can facilitate advanced insights into disease development and improve risk predictions.
Virtual dynamic contrast enhanced breast MRI using 2D U-Net Architectures.
Authors: Schreiter Hannes , Eberle Jessica , Kapsner Lorenz A. , Hadler Dominique , Ohlmeyer Sabine , Erber Ramona , Emons Julius , Laun Frederik B. , Uder Michael , Wenkel Evelyn , Bickelhaupt Sebastian , Liebert Andrzej
Published: August 2024

Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examinations routinely include contrast-agent based dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) acquisitions. Expanding the accessibility and personalization of breast MRI might be supported amongst others by advancing non-contrast-enhanced MRI, such as virtual dynamic contrast-enhanced techniques (vDCE) utilizing neural networks. This IRB-approved retrospective study includes n=540 breast MRI examinations acquired on a single 3T MRI scanner. Two 2D U-Net architectures were trained using non-contrast-enhanced MRI acquisitions including T1w, T2w and multi-b-value diffusion weighted imaging acquisitions as inputs and either a single (SCO-Net) or multiple (MCO-Net) time points of a DCE series as ground truth. The neural networks predicted a vDCE series corresponding to five consecutive DCE time points. Across all time points, no significant differences in structural similarity index (SSIM) could be found between the SCO-Net and MCO-Net, both achieving a mean SSIM of 0.86. For peak-signal-to-noise-ratio and normalized root-mean-square error, significantly better results could be observed for the MCO-Net reaching scores of 24.42dB and 0.087 respectively. Comparison of manual segmentations of findings on DCE and vDCE images reached a DICE score of 0.61 and an intersection over union (IoU) of 0.47 without significant differences between SCO-Net and MCO-Net. These findings suggest a technical feasibility of generating vDCE image series from unenhanced input acquisitions using neural networks. However, the analysis does not allow drawing any conclusion on the clinical assessment of lesion specific curve kinetics, which need to be assessed prior determining on the feasibility of deriving diagnostically meaningful enhancement characteristics in individual lesions.
Professional grief in cancer care – A scoping review
Authors: Wandke Svenja , Führes Hannah , Thomas Mareike , Lang Klaus , Härter Martin , Oechsle Karin , Scholl Isabelle
Published: August 2024

Objective

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) in cancer care often face patient deaths, yet there is a notable absence of comprehensive evidence regarding their grief. This scoping review seeks to identify key aspects of professional grief in cancer care and give an overview pertaining its’ conceptualization and frequency and intensity.

Methods

The primary search covered three databases (PUBMED, PSYNDEX, and PsycINFO). Two independent reviewers assessed 2,248 records, selecting 34 eligible articles.

Results

Most studies originated from North America and Israel, with limited evidence from the global south, East Asia and Europe, as well as few quantitative studies. HCPs exhibit classic grief symptoms (such as sadness) and distinct features (e.g., feelings of guilt) in response to patient deaths, though a clear definition and measures of professional grief are lacking. Grief frequency varies highly (from 23% to 100%).

Conclusions

Future research should refine definitions and measures to better support HCPs in effectively managing professional grief in cancer care.
Magnetization dynamics driven by displacement currents across a magnetic tunnel junction
Authors: Safeer C.K. , Keatley Paul S. , Skowroński Witold , Mojsiejuk Jakub , Yakushiji Kay , Fukushima Akio , Yuasa Shinji , Bedau Daniel , Casanova Fèlix , Hueso Luis E. , Hicken Robert J. , Pinna Daniele , van der Laan Gerrit , Hesjedal Thorsten
Published: August 2024

Understanding the high-frequency transport characteristics of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) is crucial for the development of fast-operating spintronics memories and radio frequency devices. Here, we present the study of a frequency-dependent capacitive current effect in CoFeB/MgO-based MTJs and its influence on magnetization dynamics using a time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect technique. In our device, operating at gigahertz frequencies, we find a large displacement current of the order of mA, which does not break the tunnel barrier of the MTJ. Importantly, this current generates an Oersted field and spin-orbit torque, inducing magnetization dynamics. Our discovery holds promise for building robust MTJ devices operating under high current conditions, also highlighting the significance of capacitive impedance in high-frequency magnetotransport techniques.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Single-ancilla ground state preparation via Lindbladians
Authors: Ding Zhiyan , Chen Chi-Fang , Lin Lin
Published: August 2024

We design a quantum algorithm for ground state preparation in the early fault tolerant regime. As a Monte Carlo style quantum algorithm, our method features a Lindbladian where the target state is stationary. The construction of this Lindbladian is algorithmic and should not be seen as a specific approximation to some weakly coupled system-bath dynamics in nature. Our algorithm can be implemented using just one ancilla qubit and efficiently simulated on a quantum computer. It can prepare the ground state even when the initial state has zero overlap with the ground state, bypassing the most significant limitation of methods like quantum phase estimation. As a variant, we also propose a discrete-time algorithm, demonstrating even better efficiency and providing a near-optimal simulation cost depending on the desired evolution time and precision. Numerical simulations using Ising and Hubbard models demonstrate the efficacy and applicability of our method.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Demonstration of Fault-Tolerant Steane Quantum Error Correction
Authors: Postler Lukas , Butt Friederike , Pogorelov Ivan , Marciniak Christian D. , Heußen Sascha , Blatt Rainer , Schindler Philipp , Rispler Manuel , Müller Markus , Monz Thomas
Published: August 2024

Encoding information redundantly using quantum error-correcting (QEC) codes allows one to overcome the inherent sensitivity to noise in quantum computers to ultimately achieve large-scale quantum computation. The Steane QEC method involves preparing an auxiliary logical qubit of the same QEC code as used for the data register. The data and auxiliary registers are then coupled with a logical controlled- () gate, enabling a measurement of the auxiliary register to reveal the error syndrome. This study presents the implementation of multiple rounds of fault-tolerant (FT) Steane QEC on a trapped-ion quantum computer. Various QEC codes are employed and the results are compared to a previous experimental approach utilizing flag qubits. Our experimental findings show improved logical fidelities for Steane QEC and accompanying numerical simulations indicate an even larger performance advantage for quantum processors limited by entangling-gate errors. This establishes experimental Steane QEC as a competitive paradigm for FT quantum computing.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effects of consumers’ engagement in pro-environment activities on social media on green consumption behaviour
Authors: Li Fenghua
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Based on the stimuli-organism-response (SOR) theory, the purpose of this study is to demonstrate the impact of consumers’ engagement in pro-environment activities on social media on consumer green consumption behaviour, and explore the explicatory mechanism and boundary conditions for the relationship between them.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from 312 Chinese consumers by using the research platform Credamo, a Chinese online survey platform. A structural equation model and hierarchical regression modelling were used to analyse the data.

Findings

Consumers’ engagement in pro-environmental activities on social media has a positive influence on environmental awareness that positively affects green consumption behaviour. Environmental awareness plays a mediating role in the relationship between consumers’ engagement in pro-environmental activities on social media and green consumption behaviour. Furthermore, green intrinsic motivation and green extrinsic motivation play positive and negative regulating roles respectively in the relationship between environmental awareness and green consumption behaviour.

Originality/value

This study enriches the research on the antecedent variables of green consumption behaviour. At the same time, it also expands the research on the outcome variables of the impact of engagement in environmental protection activities on people’s subsequent behaviour, deepens and expands the research on green consumption behaviour and its applicable boundaries, offering both theoretical insights and practical implications for enterprise marketing strategies and government management.
The impact of innovative leadership and total quality management in 21st-century banking: an empirical insight and foresight
Authors: Koomson Samuel
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how innovative leadership (INL) drives innovation performance (INP) in banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops and investigates a research model by assessing the viewpoints of 260 chief executive officers (CEOs) from the branches of 21 quality-certified banks, leveraging the Smart partial least squares technique.

Findings

INL had a positive and significant impact on INP. Total quality management (TQM) partially and significantly mediated the association between INL and INP. Technological turbulence, government regulation (GOV), market dynamism (MKD) and industry competitiveness (CMP) positively and significantly moderated the INL–TQM association.

Research limitations/implications

INP causal linkages and variations may be better understood with longitudinal investigations, hence the need for further studies in this area. External influences may affect industries or contexts differently, requiring further research into various industries.

Practical implications

In an industry with fast-paced and ever-changing industrial technology, strict government laws, a higher level of MKD and increased competition, firms must hire or groom innovative CEOs to promote the adoption of new and creative quality enhancement strategies that meet clients’ short- and long-term needs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to show how TQM can serve as a pathway for innovative leaders to follow. It is an inaugural attempt to explain the specific environmental dynamics that are necessary for the INL–TQM association to thrive.
Foresight of environmental communication literatures: bibliometric versus ChatGPT
Authors: Norhayati Rafida Abdul Rahim , Norailis Ab Wahab
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Environmental communication has been a profession and a subject of study for decades. Communication currently revolves around the anthropogenic ecological catastrophe, which makes the field’s early self-description as a crisis discipline even more pertinent. How communication is used and perceived significantly impacts how human-caused climate disasters and other environmental and social problems develop and how solutions are offered. The phenomenon of technology has shown significant impacts on how people refer to environmental communication. While bibliometric analysis (BA) helps understand the trends, ChatGPT can generate information related to environmental communication. How are they different from each other? What are the limitations? This study aims to identify the trends and limitations of BA and ChatGPT that are associated with environmental communication.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach is used, which refers to BA using the Biblioshiny software (n = 867) and content analysis on ChatGPT 3.5. It uses a systematic technique for keyword search, namely, environmental and communication, from 2000 to 2022.

Findings

There has been a decrease in the scientific production of studies starting in 2021 and 2022, which is believed to be due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ChatGPT provides valuable information but is rather complimentary to BA. ChatGPT is unable to provide statistical information related to environmental communication among Scopus-indexed publications.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on the literature published in Scopus from 2000 to 2022. The keyword is limited to “environmental” and “communication.” Besides, the choice of keywords made it specific to the studies involved in the BA, which may not include some other studies if the keywords are not listed.

Originality/value

The originality of the research focuses on the field of environmental communication, its evolution within previous literature and the comparison between BA and the use of ChatGPT for understanding trends and limitations within this field. The text touches upon various aspects, such as the historical context of environmental communication, the impact of technology, the trends in scientific production among Scopus journal papers and the limitations of using ChatGPT compared to BA.
Recovering sustainability in the Brazilian Amazon: an analysis of engineering courses from the perspective of innovation and sustainability
Authors: Cavalcante Diego Marques , Veiga Ávila Lucas , Anholon Rosley , Júnior Álvaro Luiz Neuenfeldt , Martins Vitor W.B.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims, from the perspective of the recovery of sustainability, to develop a framework on sustainability and innovation in the formation of engineers in the courses of Engineering in the Brazilian Amazon.

Design/methodology/approach

For this work, a quantitative approach was adopted in the research process. A survey instrument was developed from the main evidence in the literature, the electronic instrument in Google Forms, was sent in the period from November 2022 to February 2023 to engineering students from public institutions in the Brazilian eastern Amazon, who had 80% of the course completed and graduates.

Findings

Of the students and graduates who responded to the survey, 58% are male and 42% female, with an average age of 24 years, 72% who have the 8th semester, 28% graduates. As for the practices, they stand out with the highest average degree of agreement in the innovation aspect formation of partnerships and fostering creativity and innovation; in the sustainability aspect the study of sustainability helps to understand the environmental, social and economic challenges and importance of training for sustainability and innovation; in the sustainable recovery aspect, the interaction between university and local community and new research can contribute to the recovery of sustainability and in the SDGs 6 and 8.

Originality/value

This paper presents the perceptions of engineering students and graduates from the Brazilian Amazon, which is considered one of the most strategic regions for the country and internationally in terms of environmental challenges. The main evidence shows that there is a need to adapt academic curricula, seeking to focus on projects that promote participation and the creation of trends aimed at social problems and the current demands of the society in which they are inserted.
High-speed machining simulation of Ti6Al4V using a thermo-mechanical coupling model and velocity-dependent friction model
Authors: Zhou Zeyuan , Wang Ying , Xia Zhijie
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to establish a thermally coupled two-dimensional orthogonal cutting model to further improve the modeling process for systematic evaluation of material damage, stiffness degradation, equivalent plastic strain and other material properties, along with cutting temperature distribution and cutting forces. This enhances modeling efficiency and accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-dimensional orthogonal cutting thermo-mechanical coupled finite element model is established in this study. The tanh material constitutive model is used to simulate the mechanical properties of the material. Velocity-dependent friction model between the workpiece and the tool is considered. Material characteristics such as material damage, stiffness degradation, equivalent plastic strain and temperature field during cutting are evaluated through computation. Contact pressure and shear stress on the tool surface are extracted for friction analysis.

Findings

Speed-dependent friction models predict cutting force errors as low as 8.6%. The prediction errors of various friction models increase with increasing cutting forces and depths of cut, and simulation results tend to be higher than experimental data.

Social implications

The current research results provide insights into understanding and controlling tool-chip friction in metal cutting, offering practical recommendations for friction modeling and machining simulation work.

Originality/value

The originality of this research is guaranteed, as it has not been previously published in any journal or publication.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2024-0162/
The influence of social media content on attitude, destination image and intention of female Muslim travelers to visit halal destinations: comparison between UGC and FGC
Authors: Wijaya Caroline Octavia , Wijaya Serli , Jaolis Ferry
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how user-generated content (UGC) and firm-generated content (FGC) in social media affect attitudes toward halal tourism destinations, destination image and visit intentions among female Muslim (Muslimah) travelers. It also examines the role of travel habits as the moderating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the Theory of Interpersonal Behavior (TIB) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore the motivation of Muslimah travelers to visit halal destinations. The survey was completed by 284 Indonesian Muslimah respondents who had visited halal tourism destinations in Indonesia. The SEM-PLS statistical technique was used to verify the associations between variables.

Findings

This study’s findings offer valuable insights for both theoretical understanding and practical applications. They suggest that both UGC and FGC significantly predict attitudes toward halal tourism and destination image, thereby influencing the visiting intentions of Muslimah travelers. Although UGC does not directly influence visiting intentions, it does play a significant role in shaping visiting intentions through its mediating effect on attitudes toward halal tourism destinations. In addition, the results indicate that habit positively moderates the relationship between attitudes toward halal tourism and visiting intentions.

Originality/value

This research contributes uniquely and significantly in two aspects. First, it merges the TIB with the TPB to elucidate the decision-making process of Muslimah travelers when selecting halal destinations. This integration illuminates new insights into the intentions of Muslimah tourists. Second, this study examines the respective influences of UGC and FGC on the visiting intentions of Muslimah travelers to halal tourism destinations. By comparing UGC and FGC, the research provides valuable insights into the decision-making processes of Muslimah tourists. Given Indonesia’s status as home to the largest Muslim population globally, this study offers a novel perspective on the traveling behavior of Muslimahs and practical recommendations for the Indonesian tourism sector in the establishment and promotion of Muslim-friendly destinations within the country.
Knowledge arbitrage: what are the risks, and do they matter?
Authors: Sithipolvanichgul Juthamon , Dhir Amandeep , Talwar Shalini , Srivastava Pallavi , Kaur Puneet
Published: August 2024

Purpose

It is largely acknowledged that arbitrating the flow of knowledge can help firms strategically leverage tacit and explicit internal knowledge. However, despite the apparent scholarly and managerial acceptance of the criticality of the flow of knowledge between various stakeholders, the academic understanding of knowledge arbitrage remains coarse-grained. There are practically no empirical insights available to unravel the consequences of firms’ knowledge arbitrage choices regarding rewards and risks. This study aims to identify the risks that emerge as firms channel the flow of knowledge from surplus to deficit areas within organizational boundaries. To this end, the authors investigate several subsumed subprocesses in knowledge arbitrage to map the associated risks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an exploratory qualitative approach to examine the risks that emerge as firms attempt to support knowledge flows within their organizational boundaries. The data were collected through open-ended essays via an online research platform from 45 full-time employees of firms operating in different sectors. The collected data were analyzed inductively through open, axial and selective coding.

Findings

The research findings identified three key subprocesses of knowledge arbitrage: knowledge diffusion, knowledge brokering and knowledge absorption. These subprocesses are susceptible to various risks arising the form of channels, champions, sharers and receivers of knowledge flows. In general, the study showed that a firm’s decision regarding knowledge flows, such as structured or random flows, or the presence or absence of designated coordinators to broker the flow carries specific risks for both sharers and receivers. In particular, while the risks of knowledge hiding, misinformation and disinformation manifest in all three subprocesses, low employee engagement, loss of knowledge and information overload also emerged as key risks in any two of the three subprocesses.

Originality/value

This study offers valuable insights by uncovering the hitherto unexplored risks in intrafirm knowledge arbitrage. Given that knowledge is a crucial organizational tool for driving performance, innovation and competitive advantage, understanding the risks associated with intrafirm arbitrated knowledge flows can help firms anticipate and mitigate the associated adverse consequences. The findings make a novel contribution by offering (a) a comprehensive categorization of the risks associated with knowledge arbitrage rooted in processes, people and structures and (b) a macro overview of knowledge arbitrage risks associated with the processes of knowledge diffusion, knowledge brokering and knowledge absorption.
E-governance under the framework of open governance in Georgia: current situation, problems and opportunities
Authors: Jibladze Malvina , Manvelidze Irakli , Zoidze Ineza , Phartenadze Giga
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The paper explores how local authorities, particularly under the Open Government Partnership (OGP), respond to e-governance challenges in Georgia.

Design/methodology/approach

A weighted scoring system is adopted to assess e-governance in six OGP local authorities (Akhaltsikhe, Khoni, Kutaisi, Ozurgeti, Rustavi, and Tbilisi) in four areas, including access to information, digital service delivery, data management, and citizen engagement. Moreover, website analysis with a focus on transparency and citizen engagement supplements the evaluation.

Findings

The findings illustrate that the six local authorities have made certain accomplishments in e-governance and taken steps towards open government; however, these efforts lack coordination and systematic planning. Tbilisi embraces open governance principles with comprehensive action plans, strong transparency commitment, and engaging digital platforms. Kutaisi demonstrates notable progress with user-friendly digital platforms and a streamlined open data portal, emphasizing transparency. Rustavi shows significant development in digital service delivery and citizen engagement and a reputation as a transparent local government. Akhaltsikhe faces challenges in electronic service delivery and citizen engagement. Ozurgeti also encounters obstacles in information disclosure and electronic service delivery, while Khoni lags in information accessibility and citizen engagement.

Originality/value

This research is novel in studying the level of e-government among OGP local members in Georgia by a scoring system. The analysis will empower the government to proactively modify and adjust the situation on a regional scale, aligning with the challenges inherent in the country’s unique experiences.
Motivating small and medium-sized listed companies for better Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting in Hong Kong
Authors: Yip Angus W.H. , Yu William Y.P. , Ip Queenelle W.T.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

It is a challenge for Small-Cap companies, i.e., Small and Medium-sized listed companies in Hong Kong (“SMEs”) in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting as they may lack knowledge, skills and motivation. This paper investigates a spectrum of the drivers and barriers that these SMEs faced for better ESG reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 22 persons responsible for ESG reporting in their SMEs were interviewed. The results were analysed by using grounded theory with the assistance of concept mapping.

Findings

Regulations and management support are the first two critical drivers, whereas lack of management support and lack of expertise are the first two significant barriers. To overcome the obstacles, various stakeholders including regulators, bankers, investors, customers, competitors, NGOs and employees have their roles to play. Stakeholder theory is most relevant in explaining the results as stakeholders can exert effective pulling forces by creating tangible benefits for SMEs, resulting in more substantial management support.

Originality/value

This is amongst the first comprehensive investigation on the motivational factors in SMEs’ ESG reporting. Policy makers should not only focus on the effort to upgrade the reporting standards but also contemplate more effective ways to balance the short-term and the long-term benefits of ESG reporting by mobilising various stakeholders to exert more influences.
Remote teaching and learning for teacher candidates: mentor teacher perspectives
Authors: Wolfe Amy D. , Hartman Sara L.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study offers implications for remote mentoring within school university partnerships based on a qualitative study focused on how three experienced mentor teachers within a long-standing Professional Development School (PDS) partnership adapted to remote mentoring during emergency remote teaching in the 2020–2021 school year.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through interviews with three teachers and analyzed following qualitative methods to identify themes. Data is presented in case studies describing their remote mentoring practices.

Findings

Findings indicate that in the context of strong school–university partnerships, these mentor teachers were successful in adapting their mentoring of teacher candidates to a remote modality and that the benefits to collaborators within the partnership were like those documented in traditional, in-person mentorship. The challenges these teachers overcame include establishing relationships and providing adequate supervision.

Research limitations/implications

The results offer rich insights into the experiences of mentor teachers when conditions necessitate a change in instructional modality and create implications for innovation in mentorship of teacher candidates, particularly in remote mentorship settings.

Practical implications

School–university partnerships should be maintained during emergencies because of the benefits to all partners, most notably to prek-5 students. We recommend that articulated agreements be revisited and modified to address potential future emergencies. The value of establishing and maintaining strong PDS partnerships should not be undervalued during times of emergency.

Social implications

Teacher preparation programs can sustain the important work of educating teachers through challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic most effectively when they work in partnership with prek-12 schools. Use of technology in innovative ways, such as remote mentoring, can support teacher preparation when in-person clinical experiences are limited.

Originality/value

This study offers initial data on remote mentoring, an innovative mentoring approach which has, to this point, been the subject of limited empirical investigation. Additionally, as remote educational opportunities for prek-5 learners increase, teacher preparation programs may choose to utilize remote mentoring in PDS programming, making this data of particular value.
Nurturing futures through the maternal microbiome
Authors: Pala Roberta , Kenny Katherine
Published: August 2024

Recently there has been growing recognition of the productive and protective features of our microbial kin and the crucial role of 'commensal' microbes in supporting and sustaining health. Current microbiological and pharmacological literature is increasingly highlighting the role of maternal gut microbiomes in the long‐term health of both mothers and children. Drawing on the information and advice directed towards Australian parents from conception through the first years of a child's life, we consider its messaging about the need to secure for the foetus/future‐child an enduring, optimal state of health by managing the maternal microbiome. We argue that this post‐Pasteurian trend gives rise to relations of care that are, at once, newly collective and more‐than‐human—but also disciplinary in ways that position the maternal microbiome as a new site of scrutiny that disproportionately responsibilises and burdens mothers. We notice how microbiome research is used both to reframe motherhood as a form of micro(bial)‐management and to maintain motherhood as a medicalised process. The feminist and more‐than‐human potential that this research can provide is missing in the way these resources are presented to parents.
Shared decision‐making in selecting modality of renal replacement therapy confers better patient prognosis after the initiation of dialysis
Authors: Kohatsu Kaori , Kojima Shigeki , Shibagaki Yugo , Sakurada Tsutomu
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The effect of shared decision‐making (SDM) regarding the choice of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on their mortality after the induction of dialysis therapy has not been adequately investigated.

Methods

Patients who initiated dialysis at our hospital were divided into two groups according to whether they participated in SDM in the outpatient clinic, and survival analysis was performed. We also examined the effect of SDM in the outpatient clinic on mortality.

Results

Of the 554 patients, 123 (22.2%) were in the SDM group. The survival rate was significantly higher in the SDM group (p = 0.001, log‐rank test). Multivariate analysis excluding ADL, which competed with SDM, showed that SDM was significantly associated with mortality (HR 0.593, 95% CI: 0.353–0.997, p = 0.049).

Conclusion

SDM regarding RRT selection in the outpatient clinic may be associated with a better patient prognosis after dialysis induction.
The Nabataean monumental rock‐cut tombs of Mughāyir Shuʿayb and al‐Aṣīfir in the oasis of al‐Badʿ (Saudi Arabia): Preliminary architectural study and spatial organisation of the necropolis
Authors: Bigot‐Démereau Louise , Charloux Guillaume , Badaiwi Waleed , Guadagnini Kévin , Larché François , Naggiar Laurence , Sahlah Samer A.
Published: August 2024

The Nabataean monumental rock‐cut tombs in the oasis of al‐Badʿ are the main heritage and tourist attraction of the Madyan peninsula, in the heart of the Neom region in Saudi Arabia. Through an analysis of their architectural and decorative features, this study provides, for the first time, a thorough overview of the 35 tombs in the necropolises of Mughāyir Shuʿayb and al‐Aṣīfir. A multiscalar examination sheds light on the processes used in their realisation, assesses the investments required for their execution and the status of the sponsors, and thus reveals a social and spatial ranking of the Nabataean necropolis. The study also reveals a ‘cultural’ standardisation of the tombs in terms of the techniques used to cut and decorate them, as well as a local particularity dependent on topography, geomorphology, culture and personal choices. The presence of these impressive funerary monuments at al‐Badʿ confirms the siteʼs major economic, political and cultural role within the Nabataean world, as well as the importance of the caravan route leading from the Red Sea ports to the major urban centres of the southern Levant, including Petra.
Opioids and personalized analgesia in the perioperative setting: A protocol for five systematic reviews
Authors: Karlsen Anders Peder Højer , Sunde Pernille Bjersand , Olsen Markus Harboe , Laigaard Jens , Folkersen Caroline , Tran Trang Xuan Minh , Rasmussen Ida Houtved , Kjartansdóttir Selma , Saito Atena , Andersen Michael Asger , Maagaard Mathias , Papadomanolakis‐Pakis Nicholas , Dalhoff Kim , Nikolajsen Lone , Lunn Troels Haxholdt , Meyhoff Christian Sylvest , Jakobsen Janus Christian , Mathiesen Ole
Published: August 2024

Background

Treatment with opioids is a mainstay in perioperative pain management. While the leading treatment paradigm has been procedure‐specific pain management, efforts regarding personalized pain treatment are increasing. The OPI•AID project aims to develop personalized algorithms for perioperative pain management, taking demographic, surgical, and anaesthesiologic factors into account. We will undertake five parallel reviews to illuminate current evidence on different aspects of individual responses to perioperative opioid treatment.

Methods

Inclusion of adult populations in English‐written studies. Review‐specific searches are developed for the following databases: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, clinicaltrials.gov, and clinicaltrial.eu. Two authors will independently screen citations, extract data, and assess the risks of bias in each review (QUIPS, PROBAST and RoB2, as relevant).

Conclusion

These reviews will evaluate various aspects of perioperative opioid treatment, including individualized treatment strategies, selection of specific opioids, and individual patient responses. These will guide future development of a personalized perioperative opioid treatment algorithm (OPI•AID) that will be validated and tested clinically against standard of care.
The effects of food affordability on life expectancy in emerging countries
Authors: Barkat Karim , Alsamara Mouyad , Mimouni Karim , Jarallah Shaif
Published: August 2024

The relationship between food prices and life expectancy in emerging countries has significant implications for public health and socioeconomic development in these regions. This study examines this relationship using a dataset of 120 emerging economies over the period 2000–2021, employing the dynamic panel threshold and system generalized method of moments (GMM) models. Our findings reveal a nonlinear inverted U‐shaped relationship where beyond a specific threshold, higher food prices tend to shorten life expectancy. We also reveal the disproportionate burden placed on low‐income countries when food prices rise, in comparison to middle‐income countries and highlight the profound impact of economic disparities on public health. Moreover, we identify several channels through which food prices affect life expectancy. Specifically, we reveal that income, undernutrition, and mental health disorders represent potential mediating factors affecting food prices–life expectancy nexus. We also shed light on the severe implications of economic crises on public health, emphasizing the close connection between economic events and indicators of human health. These insights have direct implications for policymakers, offering valuable guidance in the context of fluctuating food prices.
State‐level racial and ethnic disparities in buprenorphine treatment duration in the United States
Authors: Dong Huiru , Stringfellow Erin J. , Jalali Mohammad S.
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

National trends reveal a concerning escalation in racial and ethnic disparities in buprenorphine treatment duration for opioid use disorder. However, the extent of such disparities at the state level remains largely unexplored. This study aims to examine such disparities at the state level.

Methods

We analyzed 9,040,620 buprenorphine prescriptions dispensed between January 2011 and December 2020 from IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription data. The primary outcome was the difference in median treatment duration between White people and racial and ethnic minorities. We also included a second outcome measurement to quantify the difference in median treatment duration among episodes lasting ≥180 days. Using quantile regressions, we examined racial and ethnic disparities in treatment duration, adjusting for the patient's age, sex, payment type, and calendar year of the treatment episode. All analyses were conducted at the state level.

Results

Our study revealed substantial statewide variations in racial and ethnic disparities. Specifically, 21 states showed longer treatment durations for White people across all episodes, and eight states displayed similar trends among episodes lasting ≥180 days. Five states exhibited longer treatment durations for White people in both overall and long‐term episodes. Fifteen states showed no racial and ethnic disparities.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

These results are among the first to indicate substantial statewide variations in racial and ethnic disparities in buprenorphine treatment episode duration, providing a critical foundation for targeted interventions to enhance buprenorphine treatment, especially in states confronting such pronounced racial and ethnic disparities.