bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal environmental testing frequency for outbreak surveillance
Authors: Olejarz Jason W. , Roster Kirstin I. Oliveira , Kissler Stephen M. , Lipsitch Marc , Grad Yonatan H.
Published: September 2023

Public health surveillance for pathogens presents an optimization problem: we require enough sampling to identify intervention-triggering shifts in pathogen epidemiology, such as new introductions or sudden increases in prevalence, but not so much that costs due to surveillance itself outweigh those from pathogen-associated illness. To determine this optimal sampling frequency, we developed a general mathematical model for the introduction of a new pathogen that, once introduced, increases in prevalence exponentially. Given the relative cost of infectionvs. sampling, we derived equations for the expected combined cost of disease burden and surveillance given a sampling frequency and thus the sampling frequency for which the expected total cost is lowest.
Relationships Among Knee Injuries, Q-angles, and Competition Levels in Female Ski Racers
Authors: Taylor Danielle , Bevier Catherine
Published: September 2023

Prior research has focused solely on the prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in male and female alpine ski racers and on the Q-angle, the angle created between the quadriceps muscles and the patella tendon, in ways unrelated to alpine ski racing. A survey was sent to female alpine ski racers who represent the academy U16 level through World Cup professionals that included questions regarding the athlete’s racing level, Q- angle, and past knee injuries. A total of 124 responses were collected. Just under half (45.16%) of the survey participants reported a history of at least one knee injury. A great majority, 83.33%, of the Professional athletes reported tearing their knee at least once, which is 3.04 and 1.90 times more than athletes of the Pre Professional and U16 levels respectively. Athletes with a Q-angle of 15° or 20° had torn 85.26% of the total ligaments with the ACL, MCL, and meniscus being the most frequently torn ligaments. From this self-reported data, it is clear that Q-angles and racing level both influence the frequency of ligament tears in female alpine ski racers. An athlete competing at a higher level of competitive ski racing is more likely to tear a knee ligament than those at lower levels, and larger Q- angles influence the risk of injury as well as injury to specific ligaments within the knee.
Analyzing the Spatial Distribution and Language Abilities of Physicians in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Belanger Christopher , Bjerre Lise M.
Published: September 2023

This study combined public data and geospatial analysis to examine physicians’ language abilities and locations in Alberta, Canada, and produced an interactive map to allow patients and policymakers to view the data. We identified n=11,370 active physicians in the province of Alberta, of whom we further identified n=194 (1.7%) as University of Ottawa (uOttawa) graduates, n=955 (8.4%) as French-speaking, and n=4,965 (43.7%) as community-based family physicians. French-speaking physicians were concentrated in Census Division 6 (n=464, 48.6%) surrounding Calgary and Census Division 11 (n=356, 37.3%) surrounding Edmonton. Overall reported French-language ability was low, with just 955 (8.4%) of all active physicians reporting competency in French. uOttawa graduates (n=70, 36.1%) were much more likely to report French ability than graduates of other schools (n=885, 7.9%), women (n=457, 9.6%) were slightly more likely than men (n=497, 7.6%), and specialists (n=666, 10.4%) were more likely than family physicians (n=289, 5.8%).
Dendrite intercalation between epidermal cells tunes nociceptor sensitivity to mechanical stimuli inDrosophilalarvae
Authors: Luedke Kory P. , Yoshino Jiro , Yin Chang , Jiang Nan , Huang Jessica M. , Huynh Kevin , Parrish Jay Z.
Published: September 2023

An animal’s skin provides a first point of contact with the sensory environment, including noxious cues that elicit protective behavioral responses. Nociceptive somatosensory neurons densely innervate and intimately interact with epidermal cells to receive these cues, however the mechanisms by which epidermal interactions shape processing of noxious inputs is still poorly understood. Here, we identify a role for dendrite intercalation between epidermal cells in tuning sensitivity ofDrosophilalarvae to noxious mechanical stimuli. In wild-type larvae, dendrites of nociceptive class IV da neurons intercalate between epidermal cells at apodemes, which function as body wall muscle attachment sites, but not at other sites in the epidermis. From a genetic screen we identifiedmiR-14as a regulator of dendrite positioning in the epidermis:miR-14is expressed broadly in the epidermis but not in apodemes, andmiR-14inactivation leads to excessive apical dendrite intercalation between epidermal cells. We found thatmiR- 14regulates expression and distribution of the epidermal Innexins ogre and Inx2 and that these epidermal gap junction proteins restrict epidermal dendrite intercalation. Finally, we found that altering the extent of epidermal dendrite intercalation had corresponding effects on nociception: increasing epidermal intercalation sensitized larvae to noxious mechanical inputs and increased mechanically evoked calcium responses in nociceptive neurons, whereas reducing epidermal dendrite intercalation had the opposite effects. Altogether, these studies identify epidermal dendrite intercalation as a mechanism for mechanical coupling of nociceptive neurons to the epidermis, with nociceptive sensitivity tuned by the extent of intercalation.

Author Summary

Our skin provides a first point of contact for a variety of sensory inputs, including noxious cues that elicit pain. Although specialized interactions between skin cells and sensory neurons are known to shape responses to a variety of mechanosensory stimuli including gentle touch and vibration, interactions with skin cells that shape responses to painful mechanical inputs are less well defined. Using the fruit flyDrosophila melanogasteras a model system, we demonstrate that the pattern of epidermal innervation, specifically the extent of dendrite intercalation between epidermal cells, tunes the animal’s sensitivity to noxious mechanical stimuli. Similar mechanisms may regulate sensitivity to painful mechanical inputs in both pathological and physiological states in vertebrates.
A fourth locus in thePlasmodium falciparumgenome associated with sickle haemoglobin
Authors: Hamilton William L. , Band Gavin , Aniweh Yaw , Asoala Victor , Drury Eleanor , Rockett Kirk A. , Awandare Gordon A. , Kwiatkowski Dominic P. , Amenga-Etego Lucas N.
Published: September 2023

Heterozygosity for sickle haemoglobin (HbS) confers protection against severe malaria caused by the parasitePlasmodium falciparum. Recent work suggests that this protective effect can depend on the parasite genotype. Here, we performed a genome-wide association analysis ofP. falciparumagainst human β-globin genotypes in a sample of 1,368 people with mild malaria in northern Ghana. We replicated the previously identified associations with HbS at two parasite loci. However, a newly identified locus within the serine/threonine kinaseFIKK4.2, which we termPfsa4, was also associated with HbS; this finding replicated in a published sample from Mali. ThePfsa1-4mutations vary widely in frequencies across Africa, are absent from Asia, and are highly correlated with each-other across multiple populations. We found no strong associations with haemoglobin C. These findings add new complexity to the emerging picture of association between human and co-evolving malaria parasite genomes, suggesting new avenues for functional exploration.
A novel, tissue-associated and vertically transmitted bacterial symbiont in the coralPocillopora acuta
Authors: Maire Justin , Tsang Min Ching Sarah Jane , Damjanovic Katarina , Epstein Hannah E. , Judd Louise M. , Blackall Linda L. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H.
Published: September 2023

Coral microhabitats are colonized by a myriad of microorganisms, including diverse bacteria which are essential for host functioning and survival. However, the location, transmission, and functions of individual bacterial species living inside the coral tissues remain poorly studied. Here, we show that a previously undescribed bacterial symbiont of the coralPocillopora acutaforms cell-associated microbial aggregates (CAMAs) within the mesenterial filaments. CAMAs were found in both adults and larval offspring, providing evidence of vertical transmission.In situlaser capture microdissection of CAMAs followed by 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding and shotgun metagenomics produced a near complete metagenome-assembled genome. We subsequently cultured the CAMA bacteria fromP. acutacolonies, and sequenced and assembled their genomes. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the CAMA bacteria belong to an undescribed Endozoicomonadaceae genus and species, which we propose to nameSororendozoicomonas aggregatagen. nov sp. nov. Metabolic pathway reconstruction from its genome sequence suggests this species can synthesize most amino acids, several B vitamins, and antioxidants, which may be beneficial to its coral hosts. This study provides detailed insights into a new member of the widespread Endozoicomonadaceae family, thereby improving our understanding of coral holobiont functioning. Vertically transmitted, tissue-associated bacteria, such asS. aggregatamay be key candidates for the development of microbiome manipulation approaches with long-term positive effects on the coral host.
Sodium chloride in the tumor microenvironment enhances T-cell metabolic fitness and cytotoxicity
Authors: Soll Dominik , Arunkumar Mahima , Alissa-Alkhalaf Maha , Sun Shan , Nguyen Trang , Chu Chang-Feng , Lutz Veronika , Schäuble Sascha , Garcia-Ribelles Ignacio , Mueller Michael , Michalke Bernhard , Panagiotou Gianni , Schatzlmaier Philipp , Stockinger Hannes , Schamel Wolfgang W. , Huber Magdalena , Zielinski Christina E.
Published: September 2023

Adoptive T-cell therapy has become a powerful weapon for cancer treatment. The efficacy of antitumor immunity is associated with the metabolic state of cytotoxic T cells, which is highly sensitive to the tumor microenvironment. It is therefore of considerable interest to bypass immunosuppressive signals in the tumor microenvironment and to identify factors that augment cytotoxic effector functions and ultimately tumor killing. Whether ionic signals serve as aberrant immune signals and influence the adaptive human antitumor immune response is still largely unexplored. We therefore investigated the effect of sodium on the phenotype, function and metabolic regulation of human CD8+T cells using transcriptomic, metabolomic, high-dimensional flow cytometric and functional assays. We demonstrate a significant enrichment of sodium in solid tumors from patients with breast cancer, which leaves a transcriptomic imprint on intratumoral immune cells. Sodium chloride (NaCl) enhanced the activation state and effector functions of human CD8+memory T cells. These functional alterations were associated with enhanced metabolic fitness, particularly increases in glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation and overall nutrient uptake. These NaCl-induced effects translated into increased tumor cell killingin vitroand in a tumor mouse modelin vivo.We therefore propose NaCl as a positive regulator of acute antitumor immunity that could be harnessed forex vivoconditioning of adoptively transferred T cells, such as CAR T-cells.
Photoswitchable binders enable temporal dissection of endogenous protein function
Authors: Westberg Michael , Song Daesun , Duong Vandon , Fernandez Daniel , Huang Po-Ssu , Lin Michael Z.
Published: September 2023

General methods for spatiotemporal control of specific endogenous proteins would be broadly useful for probing protein function in living cells. Synthetic protein binders that bind and inhibit endogenous protein targets can be obtained from nanobodies, designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins), and other small protein scaffolds, but generalizable methods to control their binding activity are lacking. Here, we report robust single-chain photoswitchable DARPins (psDARPins) for bidirectional optical control of endogenous proteins. We created topological variants of the DARPin scaffold by computer-aided design so fusion of photodissociable dimeric Dronpa (pdDronpa) results in occlusion of target binding at baseline. Cyan light induces pdDronpa dissociation to expose the binding surface (paratope), while violet light restores pdDronpa dimerization and paratope caging. Since the DARPin redesign leaves the paratope intact, the approach was easily applied to existing DARPins for GFP, ERK, and Ras, as demonstrated by relocalizing GFP-family proteins and inhibiting endogenous ERK and Ras with optical control. Finally, a Ras-targeted psDARPin was used to determine that, following EGF-activation of EGFR, Ras is required for sustained EGFR to ERK signaling. In summary, psDARPins provide a generalizable strategy for precise spatiotemporal dissection of endogenous protein function.
Nature-Inspired Peptide of MtDef4 C-terminus Tail Enables Protein Delivery in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Lifshits Lucia Adriana , Breuer Yoav , Sova Marina , Gupta Sumit , Kadosh Dar , Weinberg Evgeny , Hayouka Zvi , Bar Daniel Z. , Gal Maayan
Published: September 2023

Cell-penetrating peptides hold great promise as versatile tools for the intracellular delivery of therapeutic agents. Various peptides have originated from natural proteins with antimicrobial activity. In this study, we investigated the mammalian cell-penetrating properties of a 16-residue peptide derived from the C-terminus tail of theMedicago truncatuladefensin protein, with the sequence GRCRHGFRRRCFCTTHC. We evaluated the ability of this peptide to penetrate multiple types of cells. Our results demonstrate that the peptide efficiently penetrates mammalian cells within minutes and at a sub-micromolar concentration. Moreover, upon N-terminal fusion to the fluorescent protein GFP, the peptide efficiently delivers the GFP into the cells. Despite its remarkable cellular penetration, the peptide has only a minor effect on cellular viability, making it a promising candidate for the development of a cell-penetrating peptide, with potential therapeutic applications.
PI3Kα inhibition blocks osteochondroprogenitor specification and the hyper-inflammatory response to prevent heterotopic ossification
Authors: Valer José Antonio , Deber Alexandre , Wits Marius , Pimenta-Lopes Carolina , Goumans Marie-José , Rosa José Luis , Sánchez-Duffhues Gonzalo , Ventura Francesc
Published: September 2023

Heterotopic ossification (HO) occurs following mechanical trauma and burns, or congenitally in patients suffering from fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Recently, we demonstrated that inhibitors of phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase alpha (PI3Kα) may be a useful therapy for patients undergoing HO. In this study, using the already marketed BYL719/Alpelisib/Piqray drug, we have further confirmed these results, detailed the underlying mechanisms of action, and optimized the timing of the administration of BYL719. We found that BYL719 effectively prevents HO even when administered up to three to seven days after injury. We demonstrate in cell cultures and in a mouse model of HO that the major actions of BYL719 are on-target effects through the inhibition of PI3Kα, without directly affecting ACVR1 or FOP-inducing ACVR1R206Hkinase activities.In vivo, we found that a lack of PI3Kα in progenitors at injury sites is sufficient to prevent HO. Moreover, time course assays in HO lesions demonstrate that BYL719 not only blocks osteochondroprogenitor specification, but also reduces the inflammatory response. BYL719 inhibits the migration, proliferation and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes and mast cells, suggesting that BYL719 hampers the hyper-inflammatory status of HO lesions. Altogether, these results highlight the potential of PI3Kα inhibition as a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for HO.
AntiviralWolbachiastrains associate withAedes aegyptiendoplasmic reticulum membranes and disturb host cell lipid distribution to restrict dengue virus replication
Authors: Loterio Robson K. , Monson Ebony A. , Templin Rachel , Bruyne Jyotika T. , Flores Heather A. , Mackenzie Jason M. , Ramm Georg , Helbig Karla J. , Simmons Cameron P. , Fraser Johanna E.
Published: September 2023

The insect endosymbiotic bacteriumWolbachia pipientisis being utilised as a biocontrol tool to reduce the incidence ofAedes aegypti-transmitted viral diseases like dengue. However, the precise mechanisms underpinningWolbachia’s antiviral activity are not well defined. Here we generated a panel ofAe. aegypti-derived cell lines infected with antiviral strainswMel andwAlbB or the non-antiviral strainwPip to understand host cell morphological changes specifically induced by antiviral strains. Antiviral strains were frequently found to be entirely wrapped by the host endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, whilewPip bacteria clustered separately in the host cell cytoplasm. ER-derived lipid droplets (LDs) increased in volume inwMel-andwAlbB-infected cell lines and mosquito tissues compared to cells infected withwPip orWolbachia-free controls. Inhibition of fatty acid synthase (required for triacylglycerol biosynthesis) reduced LD formation and significantly restored ER-associated dengue virus replication in cells occupied bywMel. Together, this suggests that antiviralWolbachiastrains may specifically alter the lipid composition of the ER to preclude the establishment of DENV replication complexes. DefiningWolbachia’s antiviral mechanisms will support the application and longevity of this effective biocontrol tool that is already being used at scale.

Importance

Aedes aegyptitransmits a range of important human pathogenic viruses like dengue. However, infection ofAe. aegyptiwith the insect endosymbiotic bacterium,Wolbachia, reduces the risk of mosquito to human viral transmission.Wolbachiais being utilized at field sites across more than 13 countries to reduce the incidence of viruses like dengue, but it is not well understood howWolbachiainduces its antiviral effects. To examine this at the subcellular level, we compared how different strains ofWolbachiawith varying antiviral strengths, associate with and modify host cell structures. Strongly antiviral strains were found to specifically associate with the host endoplasmic reticulum and induce striking impacts on host cell lipid distribution. InhibitingWolbachia-induced lipid redistribution partially restored dengue virus replication demonstrating this is a contributing role forWolbachia’s antiviral activity. These findings provide new insights into how antiviralWolbachiastrains associate with and modifyAe. aegyptihost cells.
The autonomic effects of transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulation at different sites on the external auricle of the ear
Authors: Bretherton Beatrice , Murray Aaron , Deuchars Susan , Deuchars Jim
Published: September 2023

Transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulation (tANS) applied to specific parts of the external ear has positive health effects in both healthy volunteers and patient groups. However, due to differences between studies in ear stimulation sites and extent of effect on autonomic variables, it is challenging to determine what part of the external ear is the optimum site for electrode placement. This study investigated the autonomic effects of bilateral tANS at four different sites on the external auricle of the ear: tragus, cymba concha, helix and earlobe. tANS was performed using modified surface electrodes connected to a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine. Participants (n = 24) each underwent four sessions where a 15 minute period of stimulation (pulse width: 200 μs; pulse frequency: 30 Hz; current: adjusted to sensory threshold) was applied bilaterally to either the tragus, cymba concha, helix or earlobe. Heart rate and blood pressure were continuously recorded during 10-minute baseline, 15-minute stimulation and 10-minute recovery periods. Heart rate variability (HRV) was derived. Results showed that regardless of site, stimulation significantly influenced measures of HRV. Baseline LF/HF ratio predicted change in LF/HF ratio during stimulation for each site and for all sites combined. Response (i.e. change in LF/HF ratio between baseline and stimulation) was closely linked with measures reflecting starting autonomic function. This demonstrates the importance of evaluating how autonomic function is modulated by tANS in individual participants (as well as the whole group). These findings have key implications for adopting a tailored approach when considering the therapeutic/clinical applications of tANS.
Lysosomal TMEM106B interacts with galactosylceramidase to regulate myelin lipid metabolism
Authors: Takahashi Hideyuki , Perez-Canamas Azucena , Ye Hongping , Han Xianlin , Strittmatter Stephen M.
Published: September 2023

TMEM106B is an endolysosomal transmembrane protein not only associated with multiple neurological disorders including frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and hypomyelinating leukodystrophy but also potentially involved in COVID-19. Additionally, recent studies have identified amyloid fibrils of C-terminal TMEM106B in both aged healthy and neurodegenerative brains. However, so far little is known about physiological functions of TMEM106B in the endolysosome and how TMEM106B is involved in a wide range of human conditions at molecular levels. Here, we performed lipidomic analysis of the brain of TMEM106B-deficient mice. We found that TMEM106B deficiency significantly decreases levels of two major classes of myelin lipids, galactosylceramide and its sulfated derivative sulfatide. Subsequent co-immunoprecipitation assay showed that TMEM106B physically interacts with galactosylceramidase. We also found that galactosyceramidase activity was significantly increased in TMEM106B-deficient brains. Thus, our results reveal a novel function of TMEM106B interacting with galactosyceramidase to regulate myelin lipid metabolism and have implications for TMEM106B-associated diseases.
Centrosome age breaks spindle size symmetry even in “symmetrically” dividing cells
Authors: Thomas Alexandre , Meraldi Patrick
Published: September 2023

Centrosomes are the main microtubule organizing center in animal cells. Due to the semi-conservative nature of centrosome duplication, the two centrosomes differ in age. In asymmetric stem cell divisions, centrosome age can induce an asymmetry in half-spindle lengths. However, whether centrosome age affects the symmetry of the two half-spindles in tissue culture cells thought to divide symmetrically, is unknown. Here, we show that in human epithelial and fibroblastic cell lines centrosome age imposes a subtle spindle asymmetry that leads to asymmetric cell daughter sizes. At the mechanistic level, we show that this asymmetry depends on the preferential accumulation on old centrosomes of the microtubule nucleation-organizing proteins pericentrin, γ-tubulin, Cdk5Rap2, and TPX2, under the control of a cenexin-bound pool of the mitotic kinase Plk1. Moreover, we find that old centrosomes have a higher microtubule nucleation capacity. We therefore postulate that centrosome age breaks spindle size symmetry via microtubule nucleation even in cells thought to divide symmetrically.
A robust twin support vector machine based on fuzzy systems
Authors: Qiu Jianxiang , Xie Jialiang , Zhang Dongxiao , Zhang Ruping
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Twin support vector machine (TSVM) is an effective machine learning technique. However, the TSVM model does not consider the influence of different data samples on the optimal hyperplane, which results in its sensitivity to noise. To solve this problem, this study proposes a twin support vector machine model based on fuzzy systems (FSTSVM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study designs an effective fuzzy membership assignment strategy based on fuzzy systems. It describes the relationship between the three inputs and the fuzzy membership of the sample by defining fuzzy inference rules and then exports the fuzzy membership of the sample. Combining this strategy with TSVM, the FSTSVM is proposed. Moreover, to speed up the model training, this study employs a coordinate descent strategy with shrinking by active set. To evaluate the performance of FSTSVM, this study conducts experiments designed on artificial data sets and UCI data sets.

Findings

The experimental results affirm the effectiveness of FSTSVM in addressing binary classification problems with noise, demonstrating its superior robustness and generalization performance compared to existing learning models. This can be attributed to the proposed fuzzy membership assignment strategy based on fuzzy systems, which effectively mitigates the adverse effects of noise.

Originality/value

This study designs a fuzzy membership assignment strategy based on fuzzy systems that effectively reduces the negative impact caused by noise and then proposes the noise-robust FSTSVM model. Moreover, the model employs a coordinate descent strategy with shrinking by active set to accelerate the training speed of the model.
Experimental study on the effect of solid lubricants on wheel rail contact wear and surface hardness evolution
Authors: Sun Peiwen , Yang Jianwei , Zhu AiHua , Hu Zhongshuo , Wang Jinhai , Liu Fu , Wang Xiaohui
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The CL60 steel wheels of subway vehicles operating on specific lines require frequent refurbishment due to rapid wear and tear. Considering this issue, MoS2-based and graphite-based solid lubricants are used to reduce the wear rate of subway wheels and extend their service life.

Design/methodology/approach

Under laboratory conditions, the effect of MoS2-based and graphite-based solid lubricants on the friction and wear performance of subway wheels and rails was evaluated using a modified GPM-60 wear testing machine.

Findings

Under laboratory conditions, MoS2-based solid lubricants have the best effect in reducing wheel/rail wear, compared to the control group without lubrication, at 2 × 105 revolutions, the total wheel-rail wear decreased by 95.07%. However, when three types of solid lubricants are used separately, the hardness evolution of the wheel-rail contact surface exhibits different characteristics.

Practical implications

The research results provide important support for improving the lifespan of wheel and rail, extending the service cycle of wheel and rail, reducing the operating costs of subway systems, improving the safety of subway systems and providing wear reduction maintenance for other high wear mechanical components.

Originality/value

The experiment was conducted through the design and modification of a GPM-60 testing machine for wear testing. The experiment simulated the wheel-rail contact situation under actual subway operation and evaluated the effects of three different solid lubricants, MoS2-based and graphite-based, on the wear performance and surface hardening evolution of subway wheel-rail.
Supporting learners self-management for self-directed language learning: a study within Duolingo
Authors: Li Zixi , Bonk Curtis J. , Zhou Chen
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate a unique approach to learning languages through self-directed online learning. Specifically, it explores the self-management abilities and skills learners need while learning a language outside traditional classroom settings when using mobile-assisted learning technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach was used in this study, including an online survey of 84 people and 10 semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Findings reveal the significant role of specific and well-defined learning goals in enhancing learners’ performance. These goals can be either self-initiated by the learners themselves or defined by the technological features of the learning platform. However, the presence of distractions in learners’ daily lives presents challenges to effective time management, affecting learners both physically and psychologically. A key aspect of self-directed language learning lies in the learners’ ability to seek out relevant human and material resources beyond the confines of a single mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) tool. The authenticity of these resources is crucial in ensuring meaningful and effective learning experiences.

Research limitations/implications

Understanding how learners navigate and discover valuable resources is a central focus of this study. This research offers valuable insights into the field of self-directed language learning, revealing the pivotal role of self-management skills with mobile-assisted learning technology. The findings contribute to the broader field of language education and offer practical implications for educators and developers seeking to optimize self-directed language learning experiences through innovative and technologically driven approaches.

Originality/value

MALL is often ideal for individualized informal learning, but the existing literature focuses heavily on formal learning situations, underestimating the importance of MALL practices in various informal settings. Most research reports on MALL-based self-directed learning primarily sample traditional English-learning university students. Therefore, there is a need for research on how nontraditional older adult learners self-direct their language learning with mobile technology outside the classroom.
Does training content matter? Differences between soft- and hard-skill trainings in transfer motivation
Authors: Boere Nienke A. , de Jong Bastian , Jansen in de Wal Joost , Cornelissen Frank
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Transfer motivation has been identified as a pivotal factor influencing transfer of training. However, the role of training content has often been overlooked as explanatory variable for the rate of transfer motivation. This study aims to examine to what extent experiences in transfer motivation and its personal and contextual antecedents depend on whether the training content is soft or hard skill. To this end, this study used the perspective of the unified model of task-specific motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,122 trainees (462 soft skill and 660 hard skill) filled out a questionnaire representing the components of transfer motivation and its personal- and contextual antecedents. Data were analyzed by means of multi group structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results showed mean differences between soft- and hard-skill trainings in personal- and contextual antecedents of transfer motivation and for different types of transfer motivation. However, no differences in transfer intention were found.

Practical implications

The outcomes provide insight as to what practitioners and trainers could do in training design and work environments to raise personal and contextual antecedents and to what extent a differentiation should be made between soft- and hard-skill trainings. This can eventually help them in raising transfer motivation among trainees.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first that examines whether experiences in personal and contextual antecedents of transfer motivation, transfer motivation and transfer intention differ for trainings consisting of different characteristics.
Exploring theoretical lineages on collaborative consumption: trends and future research paths
Authors: Ferreira João J.M. , Fernandes Ana Joana C.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study reviews the literature on collaborative consumption (CC), depicting the main theoretical lineages of the CC approach while leveraging the findings to suggest promising paths for advancing the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This review is based on a bibliometric approach. The strict research protocol employed led to the inclusion of 249 articles in the descriptive and bibliometric analyses. The co-citation analysis led to the inclusion of 50 co-cited articles in the content analysis.

Findings

The descriptive analysis depicts the research profile on CC in terms of main features, yearly evolution of publications and citations, most influential articles and most influential journals. The systematization of the co-citation analysis led to the identification of three complementary theoretical lineages of research on CC: (1) theoretical roots of CC, (2) drivers of CC and (3) the sharing economy: consequences/outcomes. An integrative framework of research on CC schematizing the main theoretical lineages identified is proposed. Based on the critical gaps identified in the literature in CC, an agenda for future research is suggested.

Originality/value

Despite the burgeoning interest in the CC approach, the literature has yet to fully grasp the CC concept's real implications. This study portrays a comprehensive review of the literature on CC; an integrative framework of the main theoretical lineages of research on CC is proposed, and an agenda for future research is suggested based on the critical gaps identified and implications for literature, policy and practice are stated.
Is ESG disclosure associated with bank performance? Evidence from the Visegrad Four countries
Authors: Lamanda Gabriella , Tamásné Vőneki Zsuzsanna
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between ESG disclosure and banks performance and to discuss how banks are committed to the implementation of sustainability issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined the annual, risk and sustainability reports published by 26 banks located in four Central European countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia) in the period of 2017–2021. The authors applied the methodology of content analysis and developed indexes. Panel regression was performed to improve and ensure the robustness of this study.

Findings

The results show that social and governance aspects dominate the ESG preparedness; however, after 2019, there was a significant improvement in the integration of environmental issues. This study confirms a strong association between bank size (total assets) and ESG reporting, and between capital adequacy and ESG reporting. The results demonstrate that there is no connection between banks' operational and financial performance and ESG disclosure. Finally, this study concludes that the integration of ESG risks into the risk management framework is at an early stage.

Practical implications

This study also adds to the existing research in the field of sustainability reporting. For regulators, this research proves their essential role in the facilitation of sustainable development. For practitioners, the ESG disclosure index could serve as a “detection tool” in the sustainability self-assessment process.

Originality/value

The authors examined – through a self-developed multidimensional ESG disclosure index – the sustainability reporting of the banking sector in four countries from the Central European region.
How does fear spread across asset classes? Evidence from quantile connectedness
Authors: Fousekis Panos
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the connectivity among four principal implied volatility (“fear”) markets in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis relies on daily data (“fear gauge indices”) for the period 2017–2023 and the quantile vector autoregressive (QVAR) approach that allows connectivity (that is, the network topology of interrelated markets) to be quantile-dependent and time-varying.

Findings

Extreme increases in fear are transmitted with higher intensity relative to extreme decreases in it. The implied volatility markets for gold and for stocks are the main risk connectors in the network and also net transmitters of shocks to the implied volatility markets for crude oil and for the euro-dollar exchange rate. Major events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine increase connectivity; this increase, however, is likely to be more pronounced at the median than the extremes of the joint distribution of the four fear indices.

Originality/value

This is the first work that uses the QVAR approach to implied volatility markets. The empirical results provide useful insights into how fear spreads across stock and commodities markets, something that is important for risk management, option pricing and forecasting.
Leveling up employee engagement: uncovering the new pillars of an employee retention blueprint
Authors: Hassan Kaz
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Quiet quitting trends spurred by the pandemic have sent shockwaves through the world of work. It has woken business leaders up to the importance of improving employee engagement among a disparate, demotivated workforce. Previous insights from global research firms like Gallup and Gartner highlight that labor turnover is higher than ever as organizations are struggling to retain their staff. However, leaders are yet to enact meaningful strategies reflective of technological advancements to tackle the problem at its core.

Design/methodology/approach

At Unily, the author conducted extensive research to uncover the new pillars of an employee retention blueprint and unpick the intersection of digital communication, engagement and retention. The survey was completed by 218 Heads of Internal Communications, Heads of HR, IT Leaders and Intranet Managers at international businesses with over 10,000 employees.

Findings

The findings indicate that a high-quality digital experience is key to employee engagement with over half (53%) of those surveyed stating the two are linked. As the consumer world moves in the direction of superapps, such as TikTok, X and Instagram Threads, the digital age has heightened expectations of communication, blurring the lines between personal and work spheres. The author also found that employees now expect a smooth, multichannel, digital experience with WhatsApp (31%) text (47%), emojis (41%) and memes and GIFs (33%) as cited as common new modes of communication.

Originality/value

This study enriches existing research on employee retention and engagement by offering solutions on how to leverage digital communication to re-engage a dissatisfied, dispersed workforce.
Freshwater mussels promote functional redundancy in sediment microbial communities under different nutrient regimes
Authors: Higgins Edward , Parr Thomas B. , Vaughn Caryn C.
Published: September 2023

Animals are a critical component of biogeochemical cycles. While animal mediated fluxes of nutrients and energy have received considerable attention, the impacts of these fluxes on microbial community structure and function are comparatively understudied. Here, we investigated if freshwater mussel influences on biogeochemical cycling in stream sediment are accompanied by changes in sediment microbial community composition and ecoenzymatic activity, and if these relationships change under different nutrient regimes.

We predicted that mussel effects on ecosystem function are reflected by modified sediment microbial communities. We hypothesized that if changes in either sediment ecoenzymatic function or microbial community composition are driven by mussel‐derived nutrient amendments, we should see muted changes in microbial community assemblages or function when a given nutrient is abundant. However, if microbial communities and function are influenced by other mussel functions, then we should see uniform changes regardless of nutrient availability.

We transplanted freshwater mussels and natural river sediment to flow‐through mesocosms and monitored changes in microbial community composition over 1 week. Our results indicate that mussels always changed sediment microbial community composition, but the way communities changed was dependent on ambient nutrient concentrations.

On the final day we measured the activity of ecoenzymes known to correlate to microbial function and nutrient availability. Mussels homogenized the stoichiometric ratios of ecoenzyme activities, indicating a consistent function of sediment microbes associated with freshwater mussels. Our results suggest that mussels may promote functional redundancy in sediment microbial communities and highlight the importance of animals in controlling biogeochemical transformations under changing nutrient conditions.

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Race in clinical trials in Sweden: How regulatory and medical standards in clinical research trump the post‐racial discourse
Authors: Mulinari Shai , Bredström Anna
Published: September 2023

The post‐racial discourse that permeates many Western European countries depicts society as having moved beyond race concepts and classifications. This article focuses on Sweden, a country that, in line with the post‐racial thinking, declares race to be an offensive and unscientific concept. The article investigates what happens when this post‐racial discourse meets clinical research standards that encourage, if not demand, the collection of data on patient race. Through an analysis of the reporting of patient race in 76 multinational trials with at least one study site in Sweden, and a review of the regulatory and medical standards and trial documents that direct the collection of patient race in trials, we show how race classification is kept intact in trials despite conflicting with post‐racial norms and conventions. Notably, our findings diverge from the way racialisation is typically assumed to work in Sweden and related countries. We argue this is possible because the two incompatible understandings of race are ‘distributed’ (Mol, 2002, The body multiple: Ontology in medical practice, Duke University Press) among different social worlds. The distribution, we propose, is upheld through the paucity of major debate on why and how race classification should be carried out in clinical trials in Europe as this allows contradictions to remain unspoken.
The Bishop, ‘Magic’ and Women: Episcopal Visitation of the Diocese, Laywomen and the Supernatural, and Clerical Authority in the Central Middle Ages
Authors: Austin Greta
Published: September 2023

Texts that prohibit laywomen from accessing the supernatural appear in the Libri duo of Regino of Prüm (c.906 CE) and the Decretum of Burchard of Worms (c.1020 CE). Regino and Burchard designed their handbooks for bishops to use as they visited their diocese. The handbooks forbade laywomen from accessing the supernatural through informal practices, which the texts contrasted to the male clergy's ritual access to supernatural authority. This article highlights that Regino's and Burchard's texts created a gendered hierarchy, one which associated women with illicit access to the supernatural and emphasised male clerical authority.
Microbiological aspects and challenges of whey powders – I thermoduric, thermophilic and spore‐forming bacteria
Authors: Hebishy Essam , Yerlikaya Oktay , Mahony Jennifer , Akpinar Asli , Saygili Derya
Published: September 2023

For dairy processors, spoilage and pathogenic spore‐forming bacteria are key sources of concern, not only due to their ability to remain dormant in a desiccated state in powders and to survive heat treatments, but also their ability to form biofilms in the vegetative state that lead to contamination of foods. These include members of the genera Bacillus, Geobacillus, Anoxybacillus, Brevibacillus, Paenibacillus and Clostridium, many of which are associated with food poisoning and spoilage. Here, we review the common bacterial species that form spores in whey powders and their sources and provide insights into their risks and strategies to control them.
Three‐dimensional morphometry of the testis in dog using design‐unbiased stereology
Authors: Bojarzadeh Hadis , Lazzarini Giulia , Gatta Alessandra , Sadeghinezhad Javad , Samieeroudy Leila , Pirone Andrea , Miragliotta Vincenzo
Published: September 2023

Testis is considered the main organ of the male reproductive system. Dogs are used as a suitable experimental model of testicular diseases in humans. From the veterinary aspect, several disorders have been reported to affect the testis in dogs. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the morphometrical features of the dog testis using design‐based stereology. The testes of six male dogs were used. Isotropic, uniform random sections were obtained and processed for light microscopy. Testicular total volume and the fractional volume of the seminiferous tubules, interstitial tissue and germinal epithelium were measured using the Cavalieri's estimator and the point counting system. Germinal epithelial surface area was estimated using test lines, and total length of seminiferous tubules was analysed using the counting frames. The total volume of testis was calculated 13.64 ± 1.94 cm3. The relative volume fractions of the seminiferous tubules, interstitial tissue and germinal layer expressed as a percentage of total testicular volume were found to be 75.87 ± 6.11%, 23.68 ± 5.15% and 64.15 ± 4.82%, respectively. The surface area of the germinal layer was 915.25 ± 150.48 cm2. The thickness of germinal layer was estimated to be 96.18 ± 10.72 μm. The total length of seminiferous tubules measured 290.8 ± 35.86 m. No statistical difference in investigated parameters was found between the left and right testes (p > 0.05). Our data might contribute to the male reproductive knowledge, help develop experimental studies in this field and possibly lead to advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular diseases in the dog.
The quantification of surface abrasion on flint stone tools
Authors: Bustos‐Pérez Guillermo , Ollé Andreu
Published: September 2023

Lithic artifacts are some of the most common and numerous remains recovered from paleolithic archaeological sites. However, these materials can undergo multiple post‐depositional alterations after their introduction into the archaeological record. Due to the high quantity of lithic remains recovered, a quick, flexible, and effective method for identifying degrees of alteration on the surface of lithic implements is highly desirable. The present study examines the use of gray level images to obtain quantitative data from the surface of flint artifacts and determine whether these images can detect the presence of post‐depositional alterations. An experimental collection of flints was subjected to sequential episodes of rounding in a tumbling machine. After each episode, photographs were taken with a microscope, resulting in quantitative surface values using gray level values. The quantitative surface values were used as variables in machine learning models to determine time of exposure and the most salient variables for discrimination. Our results indicate that the extraction of metrics from gray level images successfully capture changes in the surface of flint artifacts caused by post‐depositional processes. Additional results provide insight into which areas to sample when seeking post‐depositional alterations and underscore the importance of particle size in the generation of alterations.
New results of obsidian artifact analysis from the middle and lower basin of the Salado stream, Río Negro province, Argentina
Authors: Alberti Jimena , Cardillo Marcelo , Stern Charles
Published: September 2023

The Salado and Verde streams constitute the two main seasonally available freshwater courses that flow into the Atlantic coast of the Río Negro province (continental Patagonia, Argentina, 42° South). This would have favored their use in the past as corridors for human circulation between the coast and the interior. This paper presents the results of the technomorphological and geochemical analyses of the obsidian artifacts recovered in the area to constrain mobility. The results allow us to propose the existence of toolkit reconditioning or replacement activities, and the identification of different sources of provenance of the obsidians (Sacanana, Telsen, and Portada Covunco, distant up to 800 km from the study area), reinforcing the hypothesis of a coast–inland circulation, with the possible existence of circuits of exchange of this raw material.