bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Omega-3 fatty acid normalizes postsynaptic density proteins via miRNAs regulation in hippocampus and prevents DEHP-induced impairment of learning and memory in mice
Authors: Ding Muyao , Ma Hongyu , Du Hui , Yang Yinglong , Yu Min , Zhang Cong
Published: October 2024

Abstracts

DEHP is the most widely used plasticizer in many products. However, growing evidence has indicated that DEHP may induce neurotoxicity. DEHP exposure affects mircoRNAs (miRNAs) expression in brain. A growing body of evidence suggests that nutrients and other bioactive food components prevent neurotoxicity through regulation of miRNA expression. Due to the increasing concern about the risks of DEHP to human health, we explored the neuroprotective effect of Omega-3 fatty acid (Omega-3FA) on subchronic DEHP-induced neurotoxicity in mice, and the potential involved miRNAs and their targets in the protective action of Omega-3FA against DEHP-induced neurotoxicity. Omega-3FA protected against the DEHP-induced impairment of learning and memory and alleviated the thinning of postsynaptic density (PSD) thickness in hippocampal synapses. We observed that there are fourteen up or down regulated miRNAs associated PSD in DEHP exposure which were normalized by Omega-3FA treatment. Protein targets in PSD of these differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted. Furthermore, the expression levels of protein mGluR5, Homer1, and NMDAR2B were carried out via Western blot, for further verifying PSD associated miRNAs’ targets are involved in neuroprotection of Omega-3FA against DEHP. These findings suggested that Omega-3FA protected DEHP-induced impairment of learning and memory as well as synaptic structure alteration in the hippocampus by regulating the expression of PSD associated miRNAs and their targets. Thus, Omega-3FA should be included in diet to prevent or suppress neurotoxicity caused by continuous exposure to DEHP.
Simulated larvae dispersion of the invasive sun-coral (Tubastreaspp.) along Rio de Janeiro’s coast: the role of submesoscale filaments on offshore transport and connectivity
Authors: Calado Leandro , Cosenza Bernardo , Moraes Francisco , Luko Caique Dias , Mizrahi Damián , Xavier Fabio C. , Batista Daniela , Domingos Roberto , Calazans Sávio , Araújo Fernanda , Coutinho Ricardo
Published: October 2024

The spread of invasive species in marine ecosystems is a growing global concern, particularly in regions with high economic and ecological importance. sun corals (Tubastraeaspp.) are scleractinians native to the Pacific Ocean that have spread along most of the Brazilian coast. This exotic species initially established populations in Rio de Janeiro, reaching high levels of abundance. Although the ecological aspects and impacts caused by this organism have been studied in detail, the natural mechanisms that drive its dispersal have attracted little attention. In this research, we focus on the offshore transport of sun coral larvae between Cabo de São Tomé and Ilha Grande Bay, RJ, investigating how submesoscale oceanographic features such as filaments, eddies and upwelling influence connectivity among different population. High-resolution numerical simulations were used to model the coastal dynamics, incorporating the influence of the Brazil Current, wind-driven circulation, and submesoscale structures. Larval dispersal was examined under different wind scenarios, including northeasterly winds that drive southward currents which enhance offshore transport via submesoscale filaments. Results show that submesoscale features, particularly filaments emerged from upwelling regions, play a significant role on sun coral larvae dispersion. These features act as pathways that connect larvae from coastal to offshore oil exploration areas, highlighting the importance of both natural and anthropogenic processes for the dissemination of this invasive species. This research provides critical insights into the ecological mechanisms governing the spread of invasive marine species, emphasizing the need for integrated coastal management strategies. Understanding how physical processes drive larval transport is essential for developing targeted control measures to mitigate the impact of invasive species like sun coral on native ecosystems and local economies. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of monitoring both natural and anthropogenic influences on marine bioinvasions, particularly in regions with significant offshore industrial activities.
Larval surveys reveal breeding site preferences of malaria vectorAnophelesspp. in Zanzibar City
Authors: Hill Kaeden K. , Kobe Dickson , Kreppel Katharina
Published: October 2024

Malaria is a serious illness that causes over 500,000 deaths annually worldwide, mainly affecting children under five years of age. Tanzania, in Africa, contributes to approximately 4% of those deaths. Malaria is caused byPlasmodiumspp. parasites, and it is vectored by mosquitoes in theAnophelesgenus. In Zanzibar City, the capital of the Zanzibar archipelago in Tanzania, the incidence of malaria has decreased over the past few decades due to standardized treatment protocols in hospitals and dispensaries and public health interventions targeting adult mosquitoes. However, the incidence remains between 1-2%, with an increasing trend observed over the past few years likely stemming from continued exchange ofPlasmodiumspp. from other malaria-endemic areas (including mainland Tanzania). While larvicides are a powerful tool to reduce vector populations, this control strategy relies on information on breeding sites and their productivity. In Zanzibar City, no larval surveys have been done in the last few years. Our aim was to characterizeAnophelesspp. breeding sites in Zanzibar City during the rainy season. We first conducted systematic larval surveys across 16 semipermanent/permanent water bodies and 30 temporary water bodies. Then, we used Principal Component Analysis and logistic regression to model the effect of physical and chemical parameters, and rainfall onAnophelespresence. We found thatAnophelesspp. utilize mostly concrete, semipermanent breeding sites with high levels of dissolved oxygen concentrations but can utilize natural sites after heavy rains. The logistic regression model incorporating rainfall was able to predict the presence of Anopheles larvae with a positive predictive power of 65.7% and a negative predictive power of 88.8%. The data from our study suggest thatAnophelesspp. have not yet expanded to using more polluted breeding sites in Zanzibar City (as they have in some mainland locations). These results can inform targeted larvicidal strategies in Zanzibar City.
The impact of tropodithietic acid on microbial physiology under varying culture complexities
Authors: Shlakhter Olesia , Segev Einat
Published: October 2024

Research has increasingly focused on understanding marine bacterial physiology under environmentally relevant conditions. Biotic interactions have a key influence on microbial physiology and are often modeled in the lab by manipulating the complexity of microbial cultures. Notably, findings from low-complexity cultures that have been re-evaluated in more complex systems, occasionally lead to different outcomes. Here, we assess how the genomic capability of bacteria to produce secondary metabolites, specifically the antibiotic tropodithietic acid (TDA), influences microbial physiology and interactions, under varying microbial complexity.

We investigate the impact of TDA production on microbial physiology across systems with increasing complexity: from bacterial mono-cultures, to bacterial co-cultures ofPhaeobacter inhibenswithDinoroseobacter shibae, and a more complex tri-culture that includes both bacteria and their algal hostEmiliania huxleyi. In these systems, we examine both wild-type (WT)P. inhibensbacteria and mutant bacteria with atdaBdeletion (ΔtdaB) that are not capable of producing TDA. This systematic approach allowed us to explore the relationship between thetdaBgene, microbial physiology, and system complexity.

Our findings show that deleting thetdaBgene affected bacteria-bacteria interactions in co-cultures but not in tri-cultures with the algal host. Additionally, our data revealed that algal death was delayed in cultures containingP. inhibensΔtdaBmutants compared to those with WT bacteria.

Results of our study highlight the importance of microbial complexity in the study of bacterial physiology and point to the understudied role of TDA in algal-bacterial interactions.

Importance

This study advances our understanding of marine bacterial physiology under varying levels of microbial complexity. We uncover how the production of secondary metabolites, specifically the antibiotic tropodithietic acid (TDA), influences microbial interactions. Our systematic approach, which includes bacterial mono-cultures, co-cultures, and tri-cultures involving algal hosts, allows us to evaluate the impact of thetdaBgene on microbial interactions. Notably, our findings reveal that the deletion of this gene affects bacteria-bacteria interactions in co-culture but does not have the same effect in more complex systems that include algae. Additionally, the observation that algal death is delayed in cultures with TDA-deficient bacteria underscores the significance of TDA in these interactions. Overall, our research highlights the influence of the microbial culture complexity on bacterial physiology and emphasizes the overlooked role of TDA in algal-bacterial dynamics.
Repulsion of CA3 / dentate gyrus representations is driven by distinct internal beliefs in the face of ambiguous sensory input
Authors: Wanjia Guo , Han Subin , Kuhl Brice A.
Published: October 2024

Recent human neuroimaging studies of episodic memory have revealed a counterintuitive phenomenon in the hippocampus: when events are highly similar, corresponding hippocampal activity patterns are sometimes less correlated than activity patterns associated with unrelated events. This phenomenon—repulsion—is not accounted for by most theories of the hippocampus, and the conditions that trigger repulsion remain poorly understood. Here, we used a spatial route-learning task and high-resolution fMRI in humans to test whether hippocampal repulsion is fundamentally driven by internal beliefs about the environment. By precisely measuring participants’ internal beliefs and actively manipulating them, we show that repulsion selectively occurred in hippocampal subfields CA3 and dentate gyrus when visual input was ambiguous—or evenidentical—but internal beliefs were distinct. These findings firmly establish conditions that elicit repulsion and have broad relevance to theories of hippocampal function and to the fields of human episodic memory and rodent spatial navigation.
Recent Endemic Coronavirus Infection Associates With Higher SARS-CoV-2 Cross-Reactive Fc Receptor Binding Antibodies
Authors: Bean David J. , Liang Yan Mei , Sagar Manish
Published: October 2024

Recent documented infection with an endemic coronavirus (eCoV) associates with less severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), yet the immune mechanism behind this protection has not been fully explored. We measured both antibody and T cell responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in SARS-CoV-2 naïve individuals classified into two groups, either with or without presumed recent eCoV infections. There was no difference in neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 antigens between the two groups. SARS-CoV-2 naïve individuals with recent presumed eCoV infection, however, had higher levels of Fc receptor (FcR) binding antibodies against eCoV spikes (S) and SARS-CoV-2 S2. There was also a significant correlation between eCoV and SARS-CoV-2 FcR binding antibodies. Recent eCoV infection boosts cross-reactive antibodies that can mediate Fc effector functions, and this may play a role in the observed heterotypic immune protection against severe COVID-19.
Comparative study on the virulence of mycobacteriophages
Authors: Rubino Ilaria , Guerrero-Bustamante Carlos A. , Harrison Melissa , Co Sheila , Tetreau Isobel , Ordoubadi Mani , Larsen Sasha E. , Coler Rhea N. , Vehring Reinhard , Hatfull Graham F. , Sauvageau Dominic
Published: October 2024

The global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic affected 10 million people and caused 1.3 million deaths in 2022 alone. Multidrug-resistant TB is successfully treated in less than 60% of cases by long, expensive and aggressive treatments. Mycobacteriophages, viruses that can infect bacteria such asMycobacterium tuberculosis—the species responsible for TB, have the potential to redefine TB prevention and treatments. However, the development of phage-based products necessitates the assessment of numerous parameters, including virulence and adsorption, to ensure their performance and quality. In this work, we characterized the virulence of three different mycobacteriophages (Fionnbharth, Muddy and D29), alone and as cocktails, against a TB model host (Mycobacterium smegmatis) under planktonic and early-stage biofilm growth conditions. Phage D29 and cocktails containing D29 had the highest virulence under all conditions. Interestingly, phages Fionnbharth and Muddy and their combination showed higher virulence against early-stage biofilm than against the planktonic phenotype. Adsorption assays indicated that all three phages had lower adsorption efficiencies on the early-stage biofilm phenotype than on the planktonic one, suggesting a reduced availability of receptors in the former. Given that, despite these lower adsorption efficiencies, the virulence of the phages and phage cocktails was either unchanged or higher against the early-stage biofilm, this phenotype must display properties that are favorable to other steps of the infection process. These results inform us on the dynamics of mycobacteriophage infections, alone and in cocktail formulations, under different host growth conditions, and serve as a basis for the development of phage products targeting mycobacteria biofilms.
Mechanistic genotype-phenotype translation using hierarchical transformers
Authors: Lee Ingoo , Wallace Zach , Park Sungjoon , Nam Hojung , Majithia Amit R. , Ideker Trey
Published: October 2024

Genome-wide association studies have linked millions of genetic variants to biomedical phenotypes, but their utility has been limited by a lack of mechanistic understanding and widespread epistatic interactions. Recently, Transformer models have emerged as a powerful general-purpose architecture in machine learning, with potential to address these and other challenges. Accordingly, here we introduce the Genotype-to-Phenotype Transformer (G2PT), a framework for modeling hierarchical information flow among variants, genes, multigenic functions, and phenotypes. As proof-of-concept, we use G2PT to model the genetics of TG/HDL (triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), an indicator of metabolic health. G2PT learns to predict this trait via high attention to genetic variants underlying 24 functions, including immune response and cholesterol transport, with accuracy exceeding state-of-the-art. It implicates unexpected epistatic interactions, including those among APOC1 and CETP. This work positions Hierarchical Transformers as a general approach to functionally interpret polygenic risk. The source code is available athttps://github.com/idekerlab/G2PT.
Identification of Cyclin L1 as a host factor regulating Hepatitis B Virus replication
Authors: Owino Collins Oduor , Narmada Balakrishnan Chakrapani , Lin Gian Yi , Kim Aw Pauline Poh , Ganesh Nivrithi , Siying Jovi Tan , Plissonnier Marie-Laure , Matan Thangavelu Thangavelu , Shirgaonkar Niranjan , Bifani Juan Pablo , Levrero Massimo , Periyasamy Giridharan , Lim Seng Gee , DasGupta Ramanuj
Published: October 2024

Background & Aims

Understanding the regulatory interactions between Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human host factors is key to the development of next-generation host-directed antiviral therapies and achieving a functional HBV cure. In this study, we aimed to investigate HBV-induced alterations in host gene expression in primary human hepatocytes (PHH) to identify host-specific factors that are regulated and exploited by the virus for replication and survival.

Methods

We performed whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS) of HBV-infected PHH to identify host pathways that could potentially influence the HBV life cycle. RNA-interference-based validation of putative targets to evaluate the function of dysregulated candidate genes resulted in the identification of Cyclin L1 (CCNL1) as a key host factor.

Results

RNAi-knockdown ofCCNL1revealed that it is essential for HBV gene expression, including HBV-surface antigen (HBsAg). Mechanistically, we found that CCNL1 can phosphorylate the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) at serine 2 (S2), likely to regulate HBV transcription. Furthermore, the knockdown of CCNL1 inhibited the binding of total and phospho- (Ser2-Ser5) RNAPII, pan-acetylated H3ac, and H3K27ac to HBV cccDNA, implicating its function in the regulation of cccDNA-dependent viral transcription. Finally, enhanced CCNL1 expression in chronic hepatitis B patients, as compared to those with resolved infection, underscores a functional link between this host factor and CHB.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrates that CCNL1 regulates HBV RNA transcription and replication by modulating RNAPII phosphorylation and activity, making it a potential host susceptibility factor for HBV.

LAY SUMMARY

Hepatitis B requires human host cell factors and biological processes to establish an efficient infection. Identifying host factors that support and/or restrict HBV infection is essential for understanding the molecular basis of chronic HBV infection and for developing host-targeting anti-HBV drugs. Here, we report thatCCNL1can serve as a potential host susceptibility factor for HBV, as reduced CCNL1 function results in reduced viral replication and gene expression.

Graphical Summary

Graphical summary, highlighting the approach and validation experiments. From whole transcriptomics analysis, we identified known HBV-host factors such as SRPK1, CDK1, NXF1 among others as well as new factors such as CCNL1. Employing various RNAi approaches and different cell models including primary human hepatocytes, we validated the role of CCNL1 during HBV infection cycle. Pull-down experiments followed by ChIP-PCR further showed a reduction in cccDNA-based transcription upon knockdown of CCNL1.

Graphical abstract
Evolutionary rescue during extreme drought
Authors: Anstett Daniel N. , Anstett Julia , Sheth Seema N. , Moxley Dylan R. , Jahani Mojtaba , Huang Kaichi , Todesco Marco , Jordan Rebecca , Lazaro-Guevara Jose Miguel , Rieseberg Loren H. , Angert Amy L.
Published: October 2024

Populations declining due to climate change may need to evolve to persist. While evolutionary rescue has been demonstrated in theory and the lab, its relevance to natural populations facing climate change remains unknown. Here we link rapid evolution and population dynamics in scarlet monkeyflower,Mimulus cardinalis, during an exceptional drought. We leverage whole-genome sequencing across 55 populations to identify climate-associated loci. Simultaneously we track demography and allele frequency change throughout the drought. We establish range-wide population decline during the drought, geographically variable rapid evolution, and variable population recovery that is predictable by both standing genetic variation and rapid evolution at climate-associated loci. These findings demonstrate evolutionary rescue in the wild, showing that genomic variability at adaptive, but not neutral loci, predicts population recovery.
Enriched environment requires remodeling of hippocampal perineuronal nets to trigger memory improvement in Alzheimer’s mouse model
Authors: Bouisset Guillaume , Tixier Fanny J. , Dupak Tatiana , Lejards Camille , Verret Laure
Published: October 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major neurodegenerative disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities is believed to reduce cognitive decline by establishing a cognitive reserve, though the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we explore the role of parvalbumin-expressing inhibitory neurons (PV) and their associated perineuronal nets (PNN) in cognitive deficits observed in AD. Using the Tg2576 mouse model, we demonstrate that 10 days of exposure to an enriched environment (EE) significantly restores spatial and social memory, accompanied by an increase in PV and PV/PNN cell populations in the hippocampus. Notably, preventing PV/PNN remodeling in the CA1 region during EE abolishes the spatial memory improvements, whereas localized neuregulin-1 (NRG1) injections induce PV/PNN remodeling and restore memory function. These findings suggest that hippocampal PV/PNN remodeling is essential for the cognitive benefits of EE in AD, highlighting this neuronal population as a critical substrate for cognitive reserve. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms by which environmental factors may mitigate cognitive decline in AD, offering potential avenues for therapeutic interventions.

Highlights:

10-day environmental enrichment increases PV+ and PV+/PNN+ in the hippocampus of Tg2576 mouse model of AD

Blocking PV/PNN remodeling during EE prevents memory recovery in Tg2576 mice

Enhancing PV/PNN remodeling with NRG1 leads to restored memory in Tg2576 mice

PV/PNN remodeling in area CA1 affects spatial memory, while in CA2, it impacts social memory
Measurements of radioxenon activities during periods of gaseous release from an advanced gas-cooled reactor
Authors: Petts Andrew , Bowyer Ted , Friese Judah , Goodwin Matthew , Milbrath Brian
Published: October 2024

Activities of radioxenon isotopes are reported from an Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) during periods of gaseous release. Xenon isotopes are relevant to the monitoring regime of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). These releases may affect detections from the International Monitoring System (IMS) by influencing the radioxenon background. Time series activity plots have been produced from both in-core monitoring and direct measurement at the point of release using a stack monitor system. Ratio plots using both data sets have been produced with results compared with a commonly chosen nuclear explosion “discrimination line.” The reported results improve the understanding of radionuclide emissions from civil nuclear power plants. This work is being performed as part of the Xenon Environmental Nuclide Analysis at Hartlepool (XENAH) collaboration between the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE, UK), EDF Energy (UK), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL, USA), and the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI).

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Analyzing barriers for organic food consumption in India: a DEMATEL-based approach
Authors: Thanki Shashank , Guru Sunita , Shah Bhavin
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Popularity of organic food and food products is growing across the globe due to rising awareness towards health and environment, leading to quality life. However, the multitude of challenges associated with the purchase and consumption of organic food remain insufficiently addressed within the context of developing nations, such as India. This study attempts to fill this gap by identifying the crucial barriers and analyzing them further to establish contextual relationships among them.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 18 barriers identified with a literature review are classified into 6 major barriers (constructs) using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Further, fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach is employed to relegate these barriers and sub-barriers into the cause-and-effect group. Moreover, causal relationships among these barriers are also established to assist organic food producers and food processing industries in developing the strategies to overcome these barriers.

Findings

The study results indicate that “acceptability,” “preferability” and “reachability” are the most prominent barriers. Moreover, “reachability’ is the leading cause group barrier, while “acceptability” is the major effect group barrier. “Usualness,” “visibility” and “readiness” of the organic food exhibit significant challenges in the organic food consumption.

Practical implications

The findings of this study act as a roadmap and guiding principle for various stakeholders, such as organic food manufacturers, organic food processing industries, government policymaking bodies and food certification agencies, in organizations and government regulatory agencies for devising and implementing targeted strategies to enhance the accessibility, appeal and, in turn, adoption and consumption of organic foods. This successively contributes to broader efforts in improving public health and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is two-fold. First, it investigates the interdependences among the organic food consumption barriers. Second, it provides policy-related recommendations to enhance the consumption of organic food, especially in India.
Framework for implementing an Agile-BIM in Brazilian public organizations based on the value-focused thinking method
Authors: Menezes-Firmino Maria Júlia , Alencar Luciana Hazin , Olbina Svetlana
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This research purpose was to develop a Value-Focused Thinking (VFT)-based framework for implementing an Agile-BIM in public institutions in Brazil. The framework is used for structuring an action plan for implementing the Agile-BIM.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used to structure the Agile-BIM implementation framework is based on the VFT method, which enables a decision-maker’s strategic, fundamental and means-end objectives for the context analyzed to be more easily identified and better understood. The network developed shapes the decision context, shows possible paths toward achieving the fundamental objectives and guides the institution under study on the implementation process. Based on the networks of two decision-makers and the implementation factors identified, the Agile-BIM implementation framework is proposed.

Findings

The study developed an Agile-BIM implementation framework that provides guidance for creating an Agile-BIM implementation plan in a public sector construction project and supports decision-making, in addition to clarifying the decision context for decision-makers and other actors involved. The framework consists of three main dimensions: “Project Stakeholder,” “Technology Infrastructure” and “Standardization and Procedures.” Each dimension comprises several factors that contribute to the Agile-BIM implementation process. The findings show that a structured approach to Agile-BIM implementation can support institutions in achieving a smooth and structured transition to BIM usage, thereby ensuring enhanced performance and compliance with legal requirements.

Practical implications

The proposed framework can support the assessment of organizational needs and serves as a basis for guiding the implementation of Agile-BIM in public institutions. This framework for Agile-BIM implementation can guide other public institutions in formulating their action plans for implementing Agile-BIM. The framework demonstrates potential for being applicable in different contexts and being able to adapt to these. It can be transferred to other emerging and/or developing countries that are seeking to embrace Agile-BIM while considering the requisite adjustments inherent to each organization.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in addressing the implementation of BIM in the public sector as a decision problem and using the values of the manager who is in charge in the institution to structure the Agile-BIM implementation, based on the VFT method. Furthermore, it proposes an implementation framework that integrates agile methodologies and BIM, known as Agile-BIM.
How family businesses transfer their values across generation: a conceptual framework
Authors: Agnihotri Arpita , Bhattacharya Saurabh
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Recognising the value of sustaining virtuous values in family business across generations, this paper aims to provide a conceptual framework and propose a mediated-moderated mechanism through which family members’ traits, such as family size and parenting style, influence the extent to which family business’s virtuous values transfer across generations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on systematic literature that was conducted using specific keyword searches in the business source databases of Emerald, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost and SpringerLink.

Findings

This paper leads to a conceptual framework proposing a mediating relationship between family members’ traits and the transfer of virtuous values to the next generation. Further, two parallel mediators are proposed, moderated by traits of family members’ offspring, such as the age gap and gender of offspring.

Research limitations/implications

This paper proposes a conceptual framework focusing on transferring virtuous values across generations in the family business. It investigates family members’ traits, such as the size of the family and parenting style, to comprehend the family members’ traits and the transfer of virtuous values relationship.

Practical implications

The proposed conceptual framework should form the basis of interventions adopted by family business members to enhance the transfer to virtuous values across generations by positively impacting their moral self-efficacy and affective commitment to virtuous values.

Originality/value

Prior research on family businesses has primarily explored transgenerational succession. However, sustaining virtuous values across generations is equally important to retain a business’s legacy. Very limited scholarly attention has focused on these virtuous values in family business.
Caught in the deglobalisation crosswind? De-risking by “China+1” or “In-China-For-China”
Authors: Day Steven James , Godsell Janet , Shou Yongyi
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Foreign firms in China, particularly those from the Global West, are in a difficult position as deglobalisation and strained international relations create risk. This paper offers research avenues on how operations and supply chain management scholars can analyse the risk factors, de-risking practices, and de-risking outcomes of foreign firms in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is primarily based on interviews with managers of foreign firms’ subsidiaries and joint ventures in China between late 2019 and early 2024 and employs institutional theory to develop a conceptual framework.

Findings

Six risk factors motivating foreign firms to consider “China+1” (diversification and multi-sourcing) or “In-China-For-China” (localisation with potential bifurcation) are identified. Four pathways focusing on politics, locations, technologies, and people enable further investigation of these de-risking strategies.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to take a deeper look at perceptions, worries, and considerations of foreign firms in China and offers specific recommendations for impactful research.
How green HRM practices foster green competitive advantage through big data analytics capability and are amplified by managerial environmental concern
Authors: Shaikh Sonia Najam , Zhen Li , Sohu Jan Muhammad , Soomro Sanam , Akhtar Sadaf , Kherazi Fatima Zahra , Najam Suman
Published: October 2024

Purpose

In today’s business landscape, drawing upon the critical role of environmental sustainability, this study investigates the intricate relationship between green human resource management practices (GHRMP), big data analytics capability (BDAC), green competitive advantage (GCA) and environmental performance (EP), further moderated by managerial environmental concern (MEC).

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a quantitative approach using the latest version of SmartPLS 4 version 4.0.9.6 on a data sample of 467 participants representing a diverse range of manufacturing SMEs. Data were collected from managers and directors using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). This study contributes to the existing knowledge by integrating GHRMP and BDAC within the GCA framework, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these practices enhance SME`s sustainability.

Findings

The findings provide valuable insights into the manufacturing sector, aiming to enhance SMEs' green competitive advantage. Implementing GHRMP fosters environmental awareness within the workforce, and building BDAC allows for effectively translating that GHRMP into actionable insights, maximizing the potential for achieving GCA. Furthermore, recognizing MEC’s moderating role strengthens positive environmental outcomes associated with GCA. The findings confirm that GHRMP and BDAC are valuable resources and key drivers contributing to competitive advantage in sustainability of enterprises.

Practical implications

For SMEs, our findings suggest that strategically integrating GHRMP with BDAC not only boosts environmental stewardship but also improves operational efficiency and market positioning. This research outlines actionable steps for SMEs aiming to achieve sustainability targets while enhancing profitability. This research provides actionable insights for SMEs in strategic decision-making and policy formulation, aiding SMEs in navigating the complexities of sustainable development effectively.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing knowledge by integrating GHRMP and BDAC within the GCA framework, providing a robust theoretical explanation of how HRM practices and BDAC help SMEs gain green competitiveness. The implication of this study reveals that SMEs implementing and integrating green HRM practices with advanced data analytics are more likely to gain competitive advantage. This study draws theoretical support from the resource-based view (RBV) theory, positing that a firm’s sustainable competitive advantage stems from its unique and valuable resources and capabilities that are difficult for competitors to imitate or substitute.
Portfolio location-related decisions: do proximities matter?
Authors: Iturrioz-Landart Cristina , Aragón-Amonarriz Cristina , Garmendia-Lazcano Aitor
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationships between how family owners perceive different aspects of proximity to their territory of origin and the location-related decisions of family business portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the data collected from 112 family business portfolios (FBP), the authors carry out an empirical analysis to test the proposed hypotheses. The results are robust across a battery of robustness analyses performed by the authors.

Findings

The analysis reveals a heterogeneous relationship between the different dimensions of proximity and the maintenance and location of portfolio business units. Specifically, we reveal that entrepreneurial families’ social and institutional proximities to their founding territory have a positive influence on their decisions related to investing and maintaining their business portfolio.

Originality/value

These findings open the black box of how business decisions are affected by how business owners perceive their contexts, providing new insights into how corporate decisions in understudied business organisations, business groups, are shaped by the ownership’s proximity to territories.
Assessing practice-based research in the visual arts: a proposed new criterion
Authors: Riley Howard
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to offer an original criterion of assessment for examiners of practice-based doctorates in contemporary arts practices, based upon the degree of intrigue, perceptual and conceptual, afforded by the research outputs. It is argued that intrigue is the necessary stimulus for the states of attention required for the recognition of fresh understanding and the acquisition of new knowledge from such outputs. The paper is intended to support doctoral students structuring theses for such research, those responsible for assessing proposals in university cross-disciplinary research committees with limited experience of practice-based research and the examiners of such research.

Design/methodology/approach

Acknowledging the several decades of work already published on practice-based research, this study adopts an aesthetic cognitivist position from which the visual arts are construed as powerful means of deepening our understanding, a source of non-propositional knowledge on a par with, although qualitatively different from, the way that the sciences are accepted as the means to propositional knowledge.

Findings

A case study demonstrates the efficacy of applying the proposed criterion in the assessment of practice-based doctoral research.

Social implications

Within the social context of academic research, the article strengthens the validation of practice-based research.

Originality/value

The terms perceptual intrigue and conceptual intrigue are coined as values implicit in aesthetic cognitivism; they are construed as the initial stimuli for the state of attentiveness required for fresh understanding, and the degree of balance between them is proposed as an original criterion for the assessment of practice-based research.
Value cocreation and codestruction in artificial intelligence-enabled service interactions: literature review and research agenda
Authors: Coelho Elainy Cristina da Silva , Farias Josivania Silva
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in frontline service encounters is a growing phenomenon in service marketing, which can lead to positive and negative results. In this context, this paper aims to review the literature on value cocreation and codestruction in AI-enabled service interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was carried out using the PRISMA protocol. Data were retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, from which 48 articles were selected for review. Data analysis, presentation of results and the research agenda followed the theory, context, characteristics and methodology (TCCM) framework.

Findings

The review especially revealed that: publications on AI-enabled value cocreation and codestruction are in the early stages of development; few articles have addressed value codestruction, and the main research emphasis is on value cocreation; interactions between human actors and AI-enabled autonomous nonhuman actors are resulting in value cocreation or value codestruction, or both, and these phenomena are also likely to occur when AI replaces more than one human actor in the service encounter; and AI is considered an increasingly independent nonhuman actor that integrates resources and interacts with other actors, yet prudence is necessary for its adoption.

Originality/value

This review fills a gap by jointly exploring the value cocreation and codestruction in the context of AI, presents an overview of the issues discussed and provides a research agenda with directions for future studies.
Unexpected suppressive fungal diversity and stimulative soil carbon loss under soil acidification in an alkaline grassland
Authors: Bai Tongshuo , He Shicheng , Li Yitian , Deng Jun , Sang Fan , Zhao Yunfeng , Wang Hao , He Tangqing , Zhang Kangcheng , Qiu Yunpeng , Wang Peng , Ye Chenglong , Zhang Yi , Wang Yi
Published: October 2024

Soil acidification caused by acid deposition and N fertilization can significantly affect the composition and activity of microbial communities in acidic soils. However, whether and how acidification affects soil microorganisms and microbial‐mediated carbon (C) dynamics in alkaline soils are less known.

Based on a 7‐year (2016–2023) acid addition experiment in an alkaline grassland (pH > 8) on the Loess Plateau in Northwest China, we examined the effects of soil acidification on soil fungal and bacterial communities and their C metabolism.

Unexpectedly, our results showed that soil acidification mainly reduced fungal diversity, rather than bacterial diversity, possibly because acidification led to soil NH4+ accumulation and decreased plant diversity. Also, soil acidification reduced forb but increased grass biomass, and enhanced root production and turnover rate. Laboratory incubation experiments showed that changes in the microbial community and soil properties jointly promoted microbial decomposition of soil organic C (SOC), with more promotion for the decomposition of labile C (i.e. glucose) (+68.4%) than recalcitrant C (i.e. tannin) (+29.1%).

Synthesis. Soil acidification reduced fungal diversity and stimulated SOC decomposition in an alkaline grassland. Given that pH decline can also accelerate soil inorganic C dissolution and carbonate‐derived CO2 release, these results highlight that soil acidification can exacerbate C loss in the alkaline soils over the long term.

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Assessing the understandability and actionability of online resources for patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Furukawa Emi , Okuhara Tsuyoshi , Okada Hiroko , Fujitomo Yumiko , Kiuchi Takahiro
Published: October 2024

Introduction

This study quantitatively evaluated the understandability and actionability of webpages for patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD).

Methods

In June 2022, we searched on Google and Yahoo Japan using the top five keywords associated with end‐stage kidney disease and HD to identify relevant materials. Subsequently, we used the Japanese version of the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool to assess the understandability and actionability of these materials, rating them on a scale from 0% to 100%. The threshold was set at 70%.

Results

Among the included 194 materials, the overall understandability was 66.7%, and the actionability was 33.3%. Only 38.7% and 16.5% of the materials were deemed understandable and actionable, respectively. Challenges included the need for plain language and concise summaries to improve understandability, along with the use of effective visual aids for actionability.

Conclusion

This study suggests that existing webpages on HD are not presented in a manner that patients can utilize.
The promise and perils of the sharing economy: The impact of Airbnb lettings on crime
Authors: Lanfear Charles C. , Kirk David S.
Published: October 2024

Private short‐term letting via Airbnb has exploded in the last decade, yet little is known about how this affects neighborhood crime rates. We estimate the association between Airbnb short‐term letting activity and six types of police‐reported crime in London, as well as an intervening mechanism, collective efficacy. We estimate these associations with maximum likelihood dynamic panel models with fixed effects (ML‐SEM) using data on Airbnb lettings in 4,835 London neighborhoods observed for 13 calendar quarters. We explore mechanisms for the observed effects using multiple lag specifications and by disaggregating lettings into entire properties and spare rooms. We find that Airbnb activity is positively related to robbery, burglary, theft, and violence. These associations are attributable to lettings for entire properties rather than for rooms. Furthermore, associations are contemporaneous, as is consistent with an opportunity mechanism, rather than delayed, as would be consistent with a social control mechanism. Similarly, we find that the association between Airbnb activity and crime is not mediated by collective efficacy. Overall, these results suggest short‐term letting contributes to neighborhood crime and these effects are more likely to be attributable to changes in criminal opportunity than erosion of neighborhood social control.
Senescence landscape in the liver following sepsis and senolytics as potential therapeutics
Authors: Lavarti Rupa , Cai Lun , Alvarez‐Diaz Tatiana , Medina‐Rodriguez Thalia , Bombin Sergei , Raju Raghavan Pillai
Published: October 2024

Senescence, caused by cell‐cycle arrest, is a hallmark of aging. Senescence has also been described in embryogenesis, wound healing, and acute injuries. Sepsis is characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection, leading to organ dysfunction and mortality. Most of the pathophysiology of human sepsis is recapitulated in the mouse model of polymicrobial sepsis, developed by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). In this report, we demonstrate a rapid onset of cellular senescence in the liver of mice subjected to CLP‐induced sepsis, characterized by the upregulation of p21, p53, and other senescence markers, including SA‐βgal. Using RNAscope, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry, we further confirm the emergence of p21‐expressing senescence phenotype in the liver 24 h after sepsis induction. Senescence was observed in several cell types in the liver, including hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and macrophages. We determined the landscape of senescence phenotype in murine sepsis by single‐cell sequencing, which further ascertained that this cell fate is not confined to any particular cell type but displays a heterogeneous distribution. Furthermore, we observed a significant reduction in mortality following sepsis when mice were treated with senolytics, a combination of dasatinib and quercetin, before the CLP surgery. Our experiments unequivocally demonstrated a rapid development of cellular senescence with sepsis and, for the first time, described the senescence landscape in the sepsis liver and the possible role of senescent cells in the worsening outcome following sepsis.
Improved quality control of allergen products: Assessing the molecular allergen composition by mass spectrometry
Authors: Augustin Steffen , Eichhorn Thomas , Wald Martin , Fischer Frank , Jutel Marek , Pfaar Oliver , Willers Christoph
Published: October 2024

Background

Natural allergen sources contain a variety of allergens, against which allergic subjects have developed individual sensitization profiles. Ideal allergen products for skin prick testing (SPT) and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) should contain the complete set of allergens of the respective allergen sources to cover all sensitization profiles. However, commercially available allergen products were shown to vary regarding their allergen composition.

Methods

The qualitative allergen composition of different SPT and AIT products produced from pollen of grasses, birch, mugwort and from house dust mites was assessed by a consistent high‐resolution liquid chromatography‐coupled tandem mass spectrometry method (LC–MS/MS).

Results

All major, mid‐tier and most minor allergens were detected in each of the investigated three batches of SPT and AIT products, demonstrating the completeness of the allergen composition and a high degree of batch‐to‐batch consistency.

Conclusion

This is the first study using a single consistent high‐resolution LC–MS/MS method to provide solid data on the qualitative allergen composition of SPT and AIT products manufactured from various common allergen sources. The applied method showed high reliability in qualitative batch‐to‐batch consistency testing and can be performed fast and with high throughput. High‐resolution LC–MS/MS is applicable for process development and quality control to ensure market availability of allergen products corresponding to the composition of the respective natural allergen sources.