bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sortilin inhibition in microglial cells cannot alleviate ischemia and hypoxia-induced neuronal injury in co-culture
Authors: Long Shuang , Liu Zhao , Wang Yan
Published: February 2024

Sortilin is a single-pass type I transmembrane protein which can bind to various cargo proteins, regulating their surface location, secretion, or degradation in lysosomes. In our previous study, we found that sortilin can regulate progranulin expression by transporting it to lysosomes and reduce neuronal cell injury in hypoxia-ischemia, but the expression and function of sortilin in microglial cells during hypoxia-ischemia are unknown. The purpose of this study was to further investigate the function of sortilin in microglial cells and its effect on neuron cells. In rat BV2 microglial cells, sortilin was knocked down by lentivirus. After oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R), expression of sortilin, progranulin (PGRN) and JNK pathway was detected by western blot, immunofluorescence was used to show the localization of PGRN, secretion of TNFα/IL-6 was measured by Elisa. Then co-culture microglial cells with neuron cells during hypoxia-ischemia and detected the neuron injury by CCK-8 and TUNEL. The expression of sortilin, mature and cleaved PGRN were all increased after OGD/R in microglial cells. Furthermore, sortilin inhibition accompany with less PGRN localization in lysosomes and more mature and less cleaved PGRN expression in microglial cells. Sortilin inhibition also can reduce the inflammatory response in microglial cells, but it does not alleviate neuronal injury in co-culture. This study demonstrated that sortilin can regulate the expression of PGRN and reduce the inflammatory response in microglial cells. However, only inhibiting sortilin in microglial cells did not have an impact on the survival of neurons during ischemia-hypoxia
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Filoviridae 2024
Authors: Biedenkopf Nadine , Bukreyev Alexander , Chandran Kartik , Di Paola Nicholas , Formenty Pierre B. H. , Griffiths Anthony , Hume Adam J. , Mühlberger Elke , Netesov Sergey V. , Palacios Gustavo , Pawęska Janusz T. , Smither Sophie , Takada Ayato , Wahl Victoria , Kuhn Jens H.
Published: February 2024

Filoviridae is a family of negative-sense RNA viruses with genomes of about 13.1–20.9 kb that infect fish, mammals and reptiles. The filovirid genome is a linear, non-segmented RNA with five canonical open reading frames (ORFs) that encode a nucleoprotein (NP), a polymerase cofactor (VP35), a glycoprotein (GP1,2), a transcriptional activator (VP30) and a large protein (L) containing an RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRP) domain. All filovirid genomes encode additional proteins that vary among genera. Several filovirids (e.g., Ebola virus, Marburg virus) are pathogenic for humans and highly virulent. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family Filoviridae, which is available at www.ictv.global/report/filoviridae.
Mapping Stress-Responsive Signaling Pathways Induced by Mitochondrial Proteostasis Perturbations
Authors: Madrazo Nicole , Khattar Zinia , Powers Evan T. , Rosarda Jessica D. , Wiseman R. Luke
Published: February 2024

Imbalances in mitochondrial proteostasis are associated with pathologic mitochondrial dysfunction implicated in etiologically-diverse diseases. This has led to considerable interest in defining the biological mechanisms responsible for regulating mitochondria in response to mitochondrial stress. Numerous stress responsive signaling pathways have been suggested to regulate mitochondria in response to proteotoxic stress, including the integrated stress response (ISR), the heat shock response (HSR), and the oxidative stress response (OSR). Here, we define the specific stress signaling pathways activated in response to mitochondrial proteostasis stress by monitoring the expression of sets of genes regulated downstream of each of these signaling pathways in published Perturb-seq datasets from K562 cells CRISPRi-depleted of individual mitochondrial proteostasis factors. Interestingly, we find that the ISR is preferentially activated in response to mitochondrial proteostasis stress, with no other pathway showing significant activation. Further expanding this study, we show that broad depletion of mitochondria-localized proteins similarly shows preferential activation of the ISR relative to other stress-responsive signaling pathways. These results both establish our gene set profiling approach as a viable strategy to probe stress responsive signaling pathways induced by perturbations to specific organelles and identify the ISR as the predominant stress-responsive signaling pathway activated in response to mitochondrial proteostasis disruption.
The kinematics and aerodynamics of hinged wing of honeybees during takeoff
Authors: Li Yizhe , Hao Zhanzhou , Yang Biao , Gong Weijie , Yin Bo , Wang Chao , Song Jialei , Yin Ling
Published: February 2024

In this study, we utilize a high-speed camera array to meticulously capture the intricate wing kinematics of honeybees during free voluntary takeoffs. This allows us to investigate the variation in kinematic parameters over time. According to the variation of Euler angles, the takeoff process can be categorized into three stages: initial, adjusting, and stable. Our analysis reveals that honeybees typically execute at least 15 wingbeats before taking off, with wing stroke amplitudes exceeding 100 degrees and wingbeat frequencies ranging from 180 to 260 Hz. Significantly, the hinged wing mechanism, connecting the forewing and hindwing via hamuli, undergoes considerable chordwise deformation during this process, with the angle between the fore- and hind-wings surpassing 50 degrees. Notably, the forewing and hindwing maintain a positive camber throughout the wingbeat cycle during takeoff, contributing to the enhanced thrust generation instead of lift, comparing to the flat wings. The positive camber can be passively formed at beginning and ending of each half stroke, but should be actively maintained around middle half-stroke.This study provides valuable insights for aeronautical engineers in the design of flapping wing micro air vehicles, specifically in the effective implementation of hinged wings inspired by the wing motion of honeybees.
Cytosolic bacterial pathogens activate TLR pathways in tumors that synergistically enhance STING agonist cancer therapies
Authors: Danielson Meggie , Nicolai Chris J. , Vo Thaomy T. , Wolf Natalie , Burke Thomas P.
Published: February 2024

Bacterial pathogens that invade the eukaryotic cytosol are distinctive tools for fighting cancer, as they preferentially target tumors and can deliver cancer antigens to MHC-I. Cytosolic bacterial pathogens have undergone extensive preclinical development and human clinical trials, yet the molecular mechanisms by which they are detected by innate immunity in tumors is unclear. We report that intratumoral delivery of phylogenetically distinct cytosolic pathogens, includingListeria, Rickettsia,andBurkholderiaspecies, elicited anti-tumor responses in established, poorly immunogenic melanoma and lymphoma in mice. We were surprised to observe that although the bacteria required entry to the cytosol, the anti-tumor responses were largely independent of the cytosolic sensors cGAS/STING and instead required TLR signaling. Combining pathogens with TLR agonists did not enhance anti-tumor efficacy, while combinations with STING agonists elicited profound, synergistic anti-tumor effects with complete responses in >80% of mice after a single dose. Small molecule TLR agonists also synergistically enhanced the anti-tumor activity of STING agonists. The anti-tumor effects were diminished inRag2-deficient mice and upon CD8 T cell depletion. Mice cured from combination therapy developed immunity to cancer rechallenge that was superior to STING agonist monotherapy. Together, these data provide a framework for enhancing the efficacy of microbial cancer therapies and small molecule innate immune agonists, via the co-activation of STING and TLRs.
Chromatin remodeling protein CHD4 regulates axon guidance of spiral ganglion neurons in developing cochlea
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Martinez Edward , Qiu Jingyun , Ni Julie Zhouli , Kwan Kelvin Y.
Published: February 2024

The chromodomain helicase binding protein 4 (CHD4) is an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler.De-novopathogenic variants ofCHD4cause Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome (SIHIWES). Patients with SIHIWES show delayed development, intellectual disability, facial dysmorphism, and hearing loss. Many cochlear cell types, including spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), express CHD4. SGNs are the primary afferent neurons that convey sound information from the cochlea, but the function of CHD4 in SGNs is unknown. We employed the Neurog1(Ngn1) CreERT2Chd4conditional knockout animals to deleteChd4in SGNs. SGNs are classified as type I and type II neurons. SGNs lacking CHD4 showed abnormal fasciculation of type I neurons along with improper pathfinding of type II fibers. CHD4 binding to chromatin from immortalized multipotent otic progenitor-derived neurons was used to identify candidate target genes in SGNs. Gene ontology analysis of CHD4 target genes revealed cellular processes involved in axon guidance, axonal fasciculation, and ephrin receptor signaling pathway. We validated increasedEpha4transcripts in SGNs fromChd4conditional knockout cochleae. The results suggest that CHD4 attenuates the transcription of axon guidance genes to form the stereotypic pattern of SGN peripheral projections. The results implicate epigenetic changes in circuit wiring by modulating axon guidance molecule expression and provide insights into neurodevelopmental diseases.
Comprehensive genome annotation of the model ciliateTetrahymena thermophilaby in-depth epigenetic and transcriptomic profiling
Authors: Ye Fei , Chen Xiao , Ju Aili , Sheng Yalan , Duan Lili , Al-Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Stover Naomi A. , Gao Shan
Published: February 2024

The ciliateTetrahymena thermophilais a well-established unicellular model eukaryote, contributing significantly to foundational biological discoveries. Despite its acknowledged importance, currentTetrahymenabiology studies face challenges due to gene annotation inaccuracy, particularly the notable absence of untranslated regions (UTRs). To comprehensively annotate theTetrahymenamacronuclear genome, we collected extensive transcriptomic data spanning various cell stages. To ascertain transcript orientation and transcription start/end sites, we incorporated data of epigenetic marks displaying enrichment towards the 5’ end of gene bodies, including H3 lysine 4 tri-methylation (H3K4me3), H2A.Z, nucleosomes, and N6-methyldeoxyadenine (6mA). Additionally, we integrated Nanopore direct sequencing (DRS), strand-specific RNA-seq, and ATAC-seq data. Using a newly-developed bioinformatic pipeline, coupled with manual curation and experimental validation, our work yielded substantial improvements to the current gene models, including the addition of 2,481 new genes, updates to 6,257 existing genes, and the incorporation of 5,917 alternatively spliced isoforms. Furthermore, novel UTR information was annotated for 26,223 high-confidence genes. Intriguingly, 16% of protein-coding genes were identified to have natural antisense transcripts (NATs) characterized by high diversity in alternative splicing, thus offering insights into understanding transcriptional regulation. Our work will enhance the utility ofTetrahymenaas a robust genetic toolkit for advancing biological research.
Er-driven incommensurate to commensurate magnetic phase transition of Fe in the spin-chain compound
BaErFeO4
Authors: Dönni Andreas , Pomjakushin Vladimir Y. , Belik Alexei A.
Published: February 2024

Magnetic phase transitions and structures of the spin-chain compound BaErFeO4 were investigated by measurements of magnetic properties (specific heat, magnetic susceptibility) and neutron diffraction. The lattice geometry of the orthorhombic crystal structure (space group ) of the BaRFeO4 compounds (R=Dy–Yb, Y) supports frustrations which lead to multiple magnetic phase transitions with complex magnetic structures. BaErFeO4 undergoes three successive magnetic phase transitions at TN1=49K, TN2=33.4K, and TN3=3.4K. In contrast with the previously investigated BaRFeO4 (R=Y, Tm, Yb) compounds, all with incommensurate magnetic propagation vectors k1=(0,0,kz), BaErFeO4 is the first member in this series that shows a phase transition from an incommensurate (k1 below TN1) to a commensurate magnetic structure with k2=(12,0,12) below TN2. In the crystal structure, all magnetic ions (Fe1, Fe2, Er1, and Er2) are part of chains propagating along the b axis. Below TN1, strong antiferromagnetic (AFM) Fe-Fe spin-exchange coupling between square pyramidal (Fe1) and octahedral (Fe2) centers generates a collinear AFM structure with a constant size of the ordered Fe moments and a constant magnetic phase inside each chain of Fe3+ cations. Exchange coupling between the Fe chains is much weaker. At TN2, 3d−4f exchange interactions induce an ordered moment at the Er3+ ions, which results in a change of the direction of the ordered Fe moments from the b direction (above TN2) to inside the ac plane (below TN2) and a change from an incommensurate (k1 above TN2) to a commensurate (k2 below TN2) AFM structure. Toward lower temperature, 4f−4f exchange interactions become stronger and create at TN3 a constant magnetic phase inside each chain of Er3+ cations. At TN2 and TN3, the magnetic susceptibility shows sharp decreases that coincide with large increases of the correlation length of the magnetic structure. The unique magnetic structures of BaErFeO4 are compared with those of other BaRFeO4 compounds by considering experimental and theoretical aspects.

©2024 American Physical Society
2024
American Physical Society
Useful strategy for assuming complex ordered phases possibly formed by ABC-type block copolymers
Authors: Dong Qingshu , Li Luyang , Xu Zhanwen , Li Weihua
Published: February 2024

Block copolymers (BCPs) provide a versatile platform for the formation of various nanostructures. Among them, ABC-type BCPs have great potential to form complex structures, which may have promising applications in nanotechnology. However, the self-assembly behavior of ABC-type BCPs is still not well understood because of its complexity, especially about the formation of complex structures that are difficult to be assumed from AB-type BCPs. In this paper, we propose a useful rule to systematically assume ordered structures possibly formed by ABC-type BCPs. We hypothetically change an AB-type BCP to an ABC-type architecture by replacing the ending portion of each free B block with a C block, to see how the C blocks separate from the ordered structure preformed by the AB-type BCP. We propose that the C domains firstly aggregate at the vertices of the Voronoi cell of the precursory AB-type structures to form spheres, then along the edges to form struts, and finally on the faces to form layers. Accordingly, we have obtained a large number of ABC-type structures, some of which are very complex and have not been reported before. The validity of the assumption rule is testified by using self-consistent field theory to determine the stability of some assumed structures. This rule can serve as a useful guide for the exploration of interesting novel structures in ABC-type BCPs.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Information content of note transitions in the music of J. S. Bach
Authors: Kulkarni Suman , David Sophia U. , Lynn Christopher W. , Bassett Dani S.
Published: February 2024

Music has a complex structure that expresses emotion and conveys information. Humans process that information through imperfect cognitive instruments that produce a gestalt, smeared version of reality. How can we quantify the information contained in a piece of music? Further, what is the information inferred by a human, and how does that relate to (and differ from) the true structure of a piece? To tackle these questions quantitatively, we present a framework to study the information conveyed in a musical piece by constructing and analyzing networks formed by notes (nodes) and their transitions (edges). Using this framework, we analyze music composed by J. S. Bach through the lens of network science, information theory, and statistical physics. Regarded as one of the greatest composers in the Western music tradition, Bach's work is highly mathematically structured and spans a wide range of compositional forms, such as fugues and choral pieces. Conceptualizing each composition as a network of note transitions, we quantify the information contained in each piece and find that different kinds of compositions can be grouped together according to their information content and network structure. Moreover, using a model for how humans infer networks of information, we find that the music networks communicate large amounts of information while maintaining small deviations of the inferred network from the true network, suggesting that they are structured for efficient communication of information. We probe the network structures that enable this rapid and efficient communication of information—namely, high heterogeneity and strong clustering. Taken together, our findings shed light on the information and network properties of Bach's compositions. More generally, our simple framework serves as a stepping stone for exploring further musical complexities, creativity, and questions therein.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Surface codes, quantum circuits, and entanglement phases
Authors: Behrends Jan , Venn Florian , Béri Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Surface codes—leading candidates for quantum error correction (QEC)—and entanglement phases—a key notion for many-body quantum dynamics—have heretofore been unrelated. Here we establish a link between the two. We map two-dimensional (2D) surface codes under a class of incoherent or coherent errors (bit flips or uniaxial rotations) to (1+1)D free-fermion quantum circuits via Ising models. We show that the error-correcting phase implies a topologically nontrivial area law for the circuit's 1D long-time state |Ψ∞〉. Above the error threshold, we find a topologically trivial area law for incoherent errors and logarithmic entanglement in the coherent case. In establishing our results, we formulate 1D parent Hamiltonians for |Ψ∞〉 via linking Ising models and 2D scattering networks, the latter displaying respective insulating and metallic phases and setting the 1D fermion gap and topology via their localization length and topological invariant. We expect our results to generalize to a duality between the error-correcting phase of (d+1)D topological codes and d-dimensional area laws; this can facilitate assessing code performance under various errors. The approach of combining Ising models, scattering networks, and parent Hamiltonians can be generalized to other fermionic circuits and may be of independent interest.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and DFT study ofN-(2-nitrophenyl)maleimide
Authors: Montoya-Garcia Maribel , Cortes-Hernandez Héctor , D'Vries Richard , Valencia-Sanchez Hoover
Published: February 2024

The title compound [systematic name: 1-(2-nitrophenyl)pyrrole-2,5-dione], C10H6N2O4, crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space groupP21/n) with two molecules in the asymmetric unit, which are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds. Hirshfeld surface analysis showed that the most significant contributions to the crystal packing are from H...O/O...H, H...C/C...H and H...H interactions, which contribute 54.7%, 15.2% and 15.6%, respectively. A DFT study was conducted using three different levels of theory [(B3LYP/6–311+G(d,p), wB97XD/Def2TZVPP and LC-wpbe/6–311(2 d,2p)] in order to determine the stability, structural and electronic properties of the title molecule with a view to its potential applications and photochemical and copolymer properties.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (Z)-N-{chloro[(4-ferrocenylphenyl)imino]methyl}-4-ferrocenylaniline N,N-dimethylformamide monosolvate
Authors: Sghyar Riham , Bentama Abdeslem , Haoudi Amal , Mazzah Ahmed , Mague Joel T. , Hökelek Tuncer , EL Hadrami El Mestafa , Sebbar Nada Kheira
Published: February 2024

The title molecule, [Fe2(C5H5)2(C23H17ClN2)]·C3H7NO, is twisted end to end and the central N/C/N unit is disordered. In the crystal, several C—H...π(ring) interactions lead to the formation of layers, which are connected by further C—H...π(ring) interactions. A Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structure indicates that the most important contributions for the crystal packing are from H...H (60.2%) and H...C/C...H (27.0%) interactions. Hydrogen bonding, C—H...π(ring) interactions and van der Waals interactions dominate the crystal packing.
Study on numerical calculation method of corrosion mechanism for Co-12 laser cladding layer
Authors: Deng Shuangjiu , Li Chang , Han Xing , Yu Menghui , Sun Han
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The restoration and strengthening of QT600 is an industry bottleneck challenge. The Co-12 cladding layer has great wear and corrosion resistance. The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively reveal the transient evolution law of the corrosion process of Co-12 cladding layer on QT600 surface.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a three-dimensional numerical model of the corrosion process of Co-12 cladding layer by QT600 laser cladding is established. The interaction between pitting pits and corrosion medium is considered to reveal the transient evolution of ion concentration, electrode potential, pH and corrosion rate at different locations.

Findings

The calculation shows that the ion concentration in pitting pit changes Cl−>Co2+>Na+, pH value decreases from top to bottom and corrosion rate at bottom is greater than that at top. The electrochemical corrosion test of Co-12 cladding layer was carried out. It is shown that the current density of QT600 increases by an order of magnitude compared to the Co-12 cladding layer, and the corrosion rate is 4.862 times higher than that of the cladding layer.

Originality/value

The results show that Co-12 cladding layer has great corrosion resistance, which provides an effective way for QT600 protection.
Quick-commerce: green initiatives on customer brand engagement
Authors: Lavuri Rambabu , Kokatnur Shilpa , Thaichon Park
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The study examines quick-commerce (Q-commerce) green initiatives' (GI') impact on consumer brand engagement by mediating [perceived value (PV) and environmental concern (EC)] and moderating (brand attitude).

Design/methodology/approach

The study gathered 458 surveys from recent Q-commerce shoppers, employing measurement and structural models alongside the PROCESS macro for data analysis.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate that (1) Q-commerce GI significantly affect PV, EC and directly impact customer brand engagement (CBE). The mediation analysis reveals that (2) PV positively influences EC and CBE; (3) EC has a favorable impact on CBE and (4) CBE positively affects brand attachment (Batta) and green-word of mouth (GWOM).

Originality/value

This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how Q-commerce's GI shape consumer brand engagement behavior. The insights provided can guide Q-commerce players and policymakers in the development and implementation of effective green practices.
Building meanings through annual reports
Authors: Oliveira Lídia , Caria Ana , Gomes Patrícia
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to understand why and how paratextual elements are included in annual reports, hence how meaning is made through the workings of language and imagery.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive framework of analysis, combining Genette’s paratextual elements with Barthes’ rhetoric and denotation and connotation concepts, is applied to the case study of the dstgroup, a Portuguese engineering and construction group.

Findings

The study demonstrates the potential of the annual report as a communication tool between an organisation and its stakeholders. The framework of analysis evidences that the paratextual elements highlight and supplement accounting information and that the denotative and connotative meanings associated with them make visible and enhance intangible features of the organisation.

Originality/value

The paper extends theories from other interdisciplinary fields to accounting communication and proposes a comprehensive framework that combines the writings of Genette and Barthes. By exploring the Portuguese under-researched context, it also adds to the literature by analysing the rationales and choices of the preparers on the inclusion of paratextual elements in annual reports.
Industry 5.0 and sustainable manufacturing: a systematic literature review
Authors: Narkhede Ganesh Bhoju , Pasi Bhavesh Nandanram , Rajhans Neela , Kulkarni Atul
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Industry 5.0 (I5.0) is eventually set to supersede Industry 4.0 (I4.0), despite the fact that I4.0 continues to gain ground in emerging nations like India. Now India is aspiring to be a global manufacturing hub, and I5.0 offers enormous potential to position India as a forerunner in intelligent and collaborative manufacturing systems. Therefore, this research article aims to understand the relationship between I5.0 and sustainable manufacturing (SM) thoroughly; pinpoint its impact and implementation challenges; analyze its impact on Triple-Bottom-Line (TBL) sustainability; and present an inclusive framework for I5.0 implementation for Indian manufacturing enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The coexistence of two industrial revolutions raises questions, which necessitates debates and explanations. Thus, the systematic literature review (SLR) approach is used to address this issue and this study used Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases. Following a critical SLR, 82 research papers have been cited in this article, and the majority of cited articles were published from 2010 to 2022, to ensure a focused analysis of pertinent and recent scholarly contributions.

Findings

I4.0 is considered to be technology-driven, however, I5.0 is perceived to be value-driven. I5.0 is not a replacement or a chronological continuation of the I4.0 paradigm. The notion of I5.0 offers a distinct perspective and emphasizes the necessity of research on SM within the TBL sustainability boundaries. I5.0 introduces a new TBL: resilience in value creation, human well-being and sustainable society. Indeed, I5.0 seems to be economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable while manufacturing products with high productivity.

Practical implications

Theoretical implications pertain to restructuring business models and workforce transformation, whereas practical implications underscore the significance for manufacturing enterprises to embrace I5.0 for their sustainable development. By understanding the nuanced relationship between I5.0 and SM, enterprises can navigate implementation challenges, maximize TBL sustainability and embrace an inclusive I5.0 framework for high productivity and resilience.

Originality/value

The existing literature presents the general notion of I5.0 but lacks in-depth TBL sustainability analysis. This research used a systematic and rigorous SLR approach that evaluates the existing literature, enables an in-depth understanding, identifies research gaps and provides evidence-based recommendations for the decision-making process. Furthermore, this research aims to stand on an unbiased assessment, exploring theoretical and practical implications of I5.0 implementation for manufacturing enterprises and suggesting future research avenues.
Quiet quitting: a comprehensive exploration of hidden problems
Authors: Kachhap Vincy , Singh Tripti
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study's objective is to give a thorough overview of the literature in the field of “quiet quitting.” This paper presents literature review on quiet quitting, analyzing its conceptual framework, antecedents, outcomes, and potential strategies for addressing this pervasive issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the keywords “quiet quitting” and “silent quitting” from the Scopus database, a systematic review of the literature was conducted, applying the Antecedents-Behaviour-Consequences (ABC) approach, popularized by B.F Skinner, to get a conceptual clarity of this topic. There were just twenty articles discovered in the search until October 15, 2023. This review was undertaken after full-text screening of relevant studies, which are duly cited. The literature review also revealed some themes that are discussed in the study.

Findings

The study identifies relevant “quiet quitting” definitions as well as potential individual and organizational-level causes using a descriptive and thematic review of the literature. Additionally, critical insights and research gaps that could be used for empirical studies are identified.

Practical implications

This study provides as a roadmap for organizations to proactively recognize and address concerns, resulting in enhanced workforce well-being and productivity.

Originality/value

The study could spur further research and serve as a resource for scholars interested in the concept of “quiet quitting,” as well as benefiting human resource managers who prefer evidence-based management.
Faculty competences development components: an integrated model for the development of educational leaders in technical education institutes
Authors: Sharma Payal
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study primarily aims at assessing Faculty Competences Development Components (FCDCs) that help in the development of educational leaders. The study further formulates a model using seven latent constructs that explain the development of the mechanism of development of educational leaders and extend the benefits of their development to different stakeholders including faculty, educational institutions and society at large.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify various FCDCs to construct a conceptual framework. Later, this conceptual framework was tested through empirical research using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique carried out with respect to technical institutions of Punjab (India).

Findings

The study identified that organizational roles are of the highest importance for the competences development of educational leaders followed by teachers’ attributes and teachers’ roles. The study’s findings also revealed that FCDCs significantly impact beneficiaries by developing competent educational leaders as mediators between the FCDCs and beneficiaries link. The biggest beneficiaries of development are faculty members of these institutes in terms of their performance enhancements.

Originality/value

The study is unique in terms of developing a model for the competences development of educational leaders and helpful in understanding various benefits of the educational leaders to various educational stakeholders.
An institutionalist political-economy perspective on social and environmental accounting
Authors: Castelo Branco Manuel Castelo , Gomes Delfina , Martins Adelaide
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the discussion surrounding the definition of accounting proposed by Carnegie et al. (2021a, 2021b) and further elaborated by Carnegie et al. (2023) from/under an institutionalist political-economy (IPE) based foundation and to specifically extend this approach to the arena of social and environmental accounting (SEA).

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting an IPE approach to SEA, this study offers a critique of the use of the notion of capital to refer to nature and people in SEA frameworks and standards.

Findings

A SEA framework based on the capabilities approach is proposed based on the concepts of human capabilities and global commons for the purpose of preserving the commons and enabling the flourishing of present and future generations.

Practical implications

The proposed framework allows the engagement of accounting community, in particular SEA researchers, with and contribution to such well-established initiatives as the Planetary Boundaries framework and the human development reports initiative of the United Nations Development Programme.

Originality/value

Based on the capability approach, this study applies Carnegie et al.’s (2023) framework to SEA. This new approach more attuned to the pursuit of sustainable human development and the sustainable development goals, may contribute to turning accounting into a major positive force through its impacts on the world, expressly upon organisations, people and nature.
Sustainable products and audit fees: empirical evidence from western European countries
Authors: Al Ani Mawih Kareem , ALshubiri Faris , Al-Shaer Habiba
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether firms that appear to exhibit high sustainable outputs are more likely to pay higher audit fees than firms without such outputs.

Design/methodology/approach

The sustainability outputs are measured using a sustainable product portfolio consisting of four products: clean energy products, eco-design products (EDP), environmental products (EP) and sustainable building projects (SBP). The audit fee variable is measured by the natural logarithm of the total amount of audit fees. The study tests two models of the association between these outputs and audit fees; Model 1 tests this association in the absence of the moderating variable (sustainability committee), and Model 2 tests the association in the presence of the moderating variable.

Findings

An analysis of data on 261 European firms from the Refinitiv Eikon database from 2010 to 2019 shows that high sustainability outputs are significantly and positively associated with audit fees. More importantly, this association is moderated by the presence of a board-level sustainability committee, suggesting that this type of committee reflects a factor considered by auditors in their audit risk assessment practices. The findings indicate that in Model 1, one (EP) out of four variables has a significant and positive association with audit fees, while in Model 2 and in the presence of sustainability committee, two variables (EP and EDP) have a significant and negative association with audit fees. However, the robust analysis shows that three variables (EP, EDP and SBP) have significant and negative associations with audit fees.

Practical implications

The study findings have important implications for policymakers, auditors and firms’ managers. For policymakers, the findings provide support for the argument that sustainable attitudes incentivise firms to manage sustainable product profiles more effectively. As such, policymakers should incentivise firms to establish a sustainability committee and regulate its role and responsibilities. Auditors should coordinate with the sustainability committee to facilitate audit efforts and reduce audit fees.

Social implications

Understanding the relationship between sustainable products and audit fees will allow firms to improve their portfolio of sustainable products. In addition, other social implications of this study relate to improving relationships with society by establishing a sustainability committee that is responsible to communicate with that society.

Originality/value

The results support the argument that firms should manage sustainable product portfolios more effectively. In addition, the results of the study highlight the importance of a new variable as a moderator, the sustainability committee, which has not been examined before.
Sustainability in tourism demands a mode shift: Appraisal of heritage tourism; a safe bet for developing regions
Authors: Jeelani Peer , Rashid Huma , Shah Shamim Ahmad , Ahad Farzana , Gulzar Shabana
Published: February 2024

The study aims to determine heritage tourism potential in the Kashmir valley, a developing region, to lower the impact of mass tourism on the natural environment. The potential was assessed using criterion‐based indicators. After a Delphi survey, Content Validation Ratio determined indicator retention. Field trips and secondary sources identified the sites. The sites with cultural significance were prioritized with other supporting factors. The Weighted Sum Method assessed the heritage site potential. It was calculated for each criterion: Cultural, Physical, and Natural. Then, total potential was classified into three groups on the basis of equal intervals depicting high, medium, and low, where high ranges from 0.628 to 0.756, medium from 0.502 to 0.628, and low from 0.375 to 0.502. Being the capital city and hub of different activities, Srinagar district of the study area has maximum of the sites with high heritage potential. Owing to its long history, the study region has many heritage sites; however, its tourism potential has yet to be tapped. The study emphasizes the significance of shifting surges in tourism forms in managing sustainable tourism development.
Alcohol consumption and the value of community
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Yunqi
Published: February 2024

This article investigates the value of access to alcohol consumption by examining housing price changes after a liquor ban that was catalyzed by an unexpected riot in Singapore. The ban restricts alcohol consumption in liquor control zones further than in areas outside such zones. We find that the housing price changes in the liquor control zones were weak, which implies that the utility and disutility of alcohol consumption almost cancel each other out. In contrast, housing prices increased for houses within 800 m of but outside the liquor control zones. We investigate potential explanations for these phenomena.
Sexual assault/rape and serial sexual homicide: Clinical and investigative considerations
Authors: Schlesinger Louis B. , Ben Ari Tirza Z.
Published: February 2024

The frequent absence of a documented history of sexual assault/rape in the prior research on serial sexual murderers is curious. In order to address several methodological problems in prior research, a closed‐case archival review of a nonrandom national sample of 53 serial sexual homicide cases was conducted which identified 14 offenders with a history of sexual assault/rape for an overall prevalence rate of 26.4%. Of the 14 offenders with a prior known history of sexual assault/rape, 11 (78.6%) sexually penetrated at least one of their homicide victims at the crime scene. Implications for investigation of serial sexual homicide as well as for further understanding of this exceptionally rare crime are presented.
A translational rodent model of individual differences in sensitivity to the aversive properties of ethanol
Authors: Przybysz Kathryn R. , Ramirez Lindsey A. , Pitock Joseph R. , Starr E. Margaret , Yang Hyerim , Glover Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2024

Background

A strong relationship exists between individual sensitivity to the aversive properties of ethanol and risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Despite this, our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the subjective response to ethanol is limited. A major contributor to this lack of knowledge is the absence of preclinical models that enable exploration of this individual variability such as is possible in studies of humans.

Methods

Adult male and female Long‐Evans rats were trained to associate a novel tastant (saccharin) with acute exposure to either saline or ethanol (1.5 g/kg or 2.0 g/kg i.p.) over three conditioning days using a standard conditioned taste aversion (CTA) procedure. Variability in sensitivity to ethanol‐induced CTA was phenotypically characterized using a median split across the populations studied.

Results

When examining group averages, both male and female rats exposed to saccharin paired with either dose of ethanol exhibited lower saccharin intake relative to saline controls indicative of ethanol‐induced CTA. Examination of individual data revealed a bimodal distribution of responses uncovering two distinct phenotypes present in both sexes. CTA‐sensitive rats exhibited a rapid and progressive reduction in saccharin intake with each successive ethanol pairing. In contrast, saccharin intake was unchanged or maintained after an initial decrease from baseline levels in CTA‐resistant rats. While CTA magnitude was similar between male and female CTA‐sensitive rats, among CTA‐resistant animals females were more resistant to the development of ethanol‐induced CTA than males. Phenotypic differences were not driven by differences in baseline saccharin intake.

Conclusions

These data parallel work in humans by revealing individual differences in sensitivity to the aversive properties of ethanol that emerge immediately after initial exposure to ethanol in both sexes. This model can be used in future studies to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms that confer risk for AUD.
Key psychosocial issues in medical care
Authors: Fava Giovanni A. , Patierno Chiara , Sonino Nicoletta , Cosci Fiammetta
Published: February 2024

Objective

The aim of this review is to illustrate an innovative framework for assessing the psychosocial aspects of medical disorders within the biopsychosocial model. It is based on clinimetrics, the science of clinical measurements. It may overcome the limitations of DSM‐5 in identifying highly individualized responses at the experiential, behavioral, and interpersonal levels.

Method

A critical review of the clinimetric formulations of the biopsychosocial model in the setting of medical disease was performed. References were identified through searches from PubMed for English articles on human subjects published from January 1982 to October 2023.

Results

Clinimetric methods of classification have been found to deserve special attention in four major areas: allostatic load (the cumulative cost of fluctuating and heightened neural or neuroendocrine responses to environmental stressors); health attitudes and behavior; persistent somatization; demoralization and irritable mood. This type of assessment, integrated with traditional psychiatric nosography, may disclose pathophysiological links and provide clinical characterizations that demarcate major prognostic and therapeutic differences among patients who otherwise seem deceptively similar because they have the same medical diagnosis. It may be of value in a number of medical situations, such as: high level of disability or compromised quality of life in relation to what is expected by disease status; delayed or partial recovery; insufficient participation in self‐management and/or rehabilitation; failure to resume healthy role after convalescence; unhealthy lifestyle; high attendance of medical facilities disproportionate to detectable disease; lack of treatment adherence; illness denial.

Conclusions

The clinimetric approach to the assessment of key psychosocial variables may lead to unique individual profiles, that take into account both biology and biography. It may offer new opportunities for integrating psychosocial and medical perspectives.
A retrospective study on the effects of dry period length on milk yield and postpartum health in Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Koyama Takeshi , Tanigawa Tamako , Sugimoto Masahito , Osaka Ikuo
Published: February 2024

We retrospectively analyzed the effects of dry period length (DPL) on milk yield and postpartum health using 152 commercial dairy farm data, including 46,228 dairy cows in Hokkaido, Japan, and examined the optimal DPL. The DPL was divided into eight categories: ≤25, 26–35, 36–45, 46–55, 56–65 (reference), 66–75, 76–85, and ≥86 d. The total milk yields (the sum of milk yield during the 55 d before and the 305 d milk yield after calving) of cows with DPL of ≤55 d did not differ from the reference group. Cows with DPL of ≤55 d had lower odds ratios (OR) of a displaced abomasum (DA), ketosis, milk fever (MF), and abnormal milk fat–to–protein ratio but had higher puerperal fever (PF) and stillbirth ORs than the reference group. Cows with a DPL of 46–55 d had the lowest PF and stillbirth ORs among the short DPL categories. The extremely short (≤25 d) and long (≥86 d) DPL increased the ORs of mastitis and abnormal liner score of somatic cell counts (SCCs) compared with the reference group. We conclude that shortening DPL can reduce postpartum health problems without reducing milk yield and that the optimal DPL is 46–55 d.
Is peripartum anhedonia a missing target?
Authors: Mazza Marianna , Marano Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

The perinatal period is an extremely delicate phase that can involve a high risk for onset of depressive disorders. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a widely validated instrument for assessing perinatal depressive symptoms, including the dimension of anhedonia. There are studies suggesting that the neural mechanism underlying the occurrence of anhedonia in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BD) might be distinct. Anhedonia seems to represent a more stable and frequent symptom in women with postpartum bipolar relative to unipolar depressive disorder and is associated with significantly higher depressive symptom severity. Perinatal medicine is an important component of women's health. Treatment of anhedonia can be challenging, and the most effective treatment can be a combination of psychotherapy and medication, but the screening of anhedonia in peripartum women can prevent the development of other psychiatric disorders and maladaptive behaviors.
Can't see the forest for the trees: Time poverty influences construal level and the moderating role of autonomous versus controlled motivation
Authors: Yuan Yue , Sun Xiaomin
Published: February 2024

In today's fast‐paced world, increasing numbers of individuals face time poverty, i.e., having too much to do and not enough time. The current research conducted six studies (total valid N = 1307) examining whether time poverty influences individuals' construal levels and the moderating role of individuals' motivations towards what they do. The results consistently suggest that time poverty leads individuals to adopt more concrete construal regardless of whether time poverty was measured (Study 1) or manipulated either by a scenario (Studies 2a, 3–5) or by a recall task (Study 2b). Concrete construal prioritizes the “how” over the “why” aspect of actions (Studies 1 and 2a) and emphasizes secondary rather than primary features of options (Studies 2b, 3–5). Meanwhile, the results supported the moderating role of motivations (Studies 3–5). Specifically, compared with those experiencing time poverty due to too many things they “have‐to” do (controlled motivation), those experiencing time poverty because of too many things they “want‐to” do (autonomous motivation) demonstrated weaker tendencies towards adopting concrete construal. Taken together, our findings contribute to the growing literature on how the chronic perception of time poverty shapes the way people feel, think and do.
Volatile organic compounds in preen oil and feathers – a review
Authors: Alves Soares Tatjana , Caspers Barbara A. , Loos Helene M.
Published: February 2024

For a long time birds were assumed to be anosmic or at best microsmatic, with olfaction a poorly understood and seldom investigated part of avian physiology. The full viability of avian olfaction was first discovered through its functions in navigation and foraging. Subsequently, researchers have investigated the role of olfaction in different social and non‐social contexts, including reproduction, kin recognition, predator avoidance, navigation and foraging. In parallel to the recognition of the importance of olfaction for avian social behaviour, there have been advances in the techniques and methods available for the sampling and analysis of trace volatiles and odourants, leading to insights into the chemistry underlying chemical communication in birds. This review provides (i) an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the volatile chemical composition of preen oil and feathers, its phylogenetic coverage, chemical signatures and their potential functions, and (ii) a discussion of current methods used for the isolation and detection of volatiles. Finally, lines for future research are proposed.