bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probiotic Stirred Yogurt -Mediated the Prevention of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Rats
Authors: Sallam Mohamed S. , Ayad Eman H. , Darwish Saeid M. , Gomaa Mohamed A. , Allam Marwa G.
Published: November 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated Steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver diseases and it is greatly influenced by an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle. Studies have encouraged the use of probiotics as promising and safe therapeutic approach. This research examined the probiotic potential of eleven bacterial strains, withLactococcus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, andBifidobacterium lactisbeing selected for yogurt production, either as single strain or in combination. The probiotic-rich yogurt samples were then tested for their ability to prevent the development of MASLD invivousing a rat model fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Key biomarkers such as cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), glucose, insulin, alanine transaminase (ALT), and albumin levels were measured. Besides, liver histology and the microbial analysis of the small intestine were examined. The sensory revealed that yogurt containing the probiotic mixture (T5) had improved taste and flavor. The probiotic mixing revealed a potentiated effect in preventing MASLD. T5 significantly lowered cholesterol (85.1 mg/dl), triglycerides (122.3 mg/dl), LDL (25.8 mg/dl), glucose (28.6 mg/dl), insulin (0.84 μIU/ml), and ALT (36.9 U/L) levels in the rats to close values as in the control. Additionally, the treated rats showed restored albumin and HDL levels compared to those treated with yogurt containing a single probiotic strain. The ameliorating effects of T5 were also evident in the liver histology, with normal hepatocytes and minimal fat deposits. Furthermore, the probiotic mixture in T5 improved the liver-gut axis by reducing the coliform andstaphylococcuscount in the small intestine. Consequently, the probiotic mixture could be a promising therapeutic agent for MASLD and the ultimate goal of this project is to develop a functional food product that can provide an alternative cost-effective approach for the management of MASLD in Egyptian population.
Multimodal, multifaceted Imaging-based Human Brain White Matter Atlas
Authors: Zhou Junchen , Li Wenxia , Xu Shuo , Chen Huafu , Li Jiao , Liao Wei
Published: November 2024

Comparable to an atlas for navigating the Earth, a brain atlas outlines the brain's neuroanatomical and functional landmarks. The tract-based brain's white matter atlas (WMA) captures only tract boundaries, neglecting functionally relevant information, including emerging evidence on reliable neurodynamic detection in WM. Thus, a suitable WMA for functional investigations is needed. We delineated WM areas from coarse to fine-grained parcellations using local anatomical architecture and global functional dynamics using multimodal 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging in the Human Connectome Project. The multimodal WMA (MWMA) exhibited high between-subject consistency (69.1%) and test-retest reliability (93.1%), which aligned with the spatial pattern of chemoarchitectural homogeneity derived from open molecular imaging sources. Compared to a tract-based atlas, the MWMA better described the white matter's cerebellum-association gradient axis, and precisely identified unique functional connectivity profiles of the corpus callosum. This improved MWMA will facilitate studies of WM functional organization, supporting cognition research and ultimately neuropathological vulnerability studies from a whole brain perspective.
Priming Epigenetic Landscape at Gene Promoters through Transcriptional Activation in Mammalian Germ Cells
Authors: Li Peilin , Fujisawa Tatsuya , Narita Haruka , Uneme Yuta , Seki Masahide , Hu Mengwen , Narumi Ryohei , Namekawa Satoshi H. , Khan Shehroz S. , Davie James R. , Suzuki Yutaka , Adachi Jun , Ashraf Ahmed , Inoue Azusa , Siomi Mikiko C. , Yamanaka Soichiro
Published: November 2024

In mammalian germ cells, a cycle of erasing and resetting epigenetic information is crucial for sex-specific gametogenesis and early embryogenesis. Specific chromatin states at promoters allow genes to be expressed at the appropriate time during germ cell development, however, the mechanism that establishes such characteristic chromatin states remains unclear. Here, we show that, in mouse male embryonic germ cells, promoters of developmental and housekeeping genes are selectively protected fromde novoDNA methylation, coinciding with their transient upregulation and genome-wide erasure of H3K27me3. Importantly, a specific level of H3K4me3 density at the promoters serves as a potent probe that distinguishes between hypo- and hyper-DNA methylation states. Subsequent restoration of H3K27me3 contributes to establishing bivalent chromatin states that prime genes for activation at later developmental stages. These findings reveal a molecular framework shaping the epigenetic landscape at promoters with long-term effects beyond germ cell development.
Bacterial colony biopsies: spatial discrimination of heterogeneous cell types by cytometric fingerprinting
Authors: Abbaszade Gorkhmaz , Stückrath Kathrin , Müller Susann
Published: November 2024

Colonies of pure bacterial strains are highly dense cell structures that are organized in distinct and typical arrangements. The size, shape and variability of bacterial colonies are strongly dependent on the species and also influenced by environmental conditions. However, the spatial organization of individual cells is unknown for most strains. How specific heterogeneous cell types at different locations in a colony contribute to the overall structure and how they may influence the overall function of a colony is largely unknown. The study aims to investigate the local diversification of bacterial colony structures by introducing a local biopsy technique.

The biopsied cells were analyzed by microbial flow cytometry and cytometric fingerprinting, which diversified the biopsied samples into many heterogeneous cell states. This two-stage resolution insight into colony structure was performed on five bacterial strains:Bacillus subtilis, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Kocuria rhizophila, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila, andPseudomonas citronellolis. The effects of biopsy tool size (27G needle and 10 µL, 200 µL, 1000 µL pipette tips) and sampling location on the precision of the technique were tested by using both gates setting along Gaussian distributions of subpopulations and a grid gating tool as well as the t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) method.

The biopsy technique uncovered significant heterogeneity among the cells within bacterial colonies, identifying differences in cell cycle stages, the proportion of living and dead cells, and the abundance of spore types. Cells from different biopsy sites displayed distinct physiological states, revealing that colony structure is far more complex than previously understood. The technique’s precision depends on the biopsy tool size, dye equilibration, and cell handling, underscoring the importance of method calibration. The biopsy method, combined with cytometric fingerprinting, provided insights within only 15 to 45 minutes and is universally applicable.

The study provides a high-resolution biopsy technique that explores the spatial distribution of cell types and their heterogeneous physiological cell states, allowing conclusions to be drawn from biopsy composition at different locations to overarching functions of the entire bacterial colony. This method also facilitates downstream analysis through further cell sorting, offering a powerful approach for future functional investigations.
Structural ubiquitin contributes to K48 linkage-specificity of the HECT ligase Tom1
Authors: Warner Katrina , Hunkeler Moritz , Baek Kheewoong , Schmoker Anna , Roy Burman Shourya S. , Overwijn Daan , Jin Cyrus , Donovan Katherine A. , Fischer Eric S.
Published: November 2024

Homologous to E6AP C-Terminus (HECT) ubiquitin ligases play key roles in essential pathways such as DNA repair, cell cycle control or protein quality control. Tom1 is one of five HECT ubiquitin E3 ligases encoded in theS. cerevisiaegenome and prototypical for a ligase with pleiotropic functions such as ubiquitin chain amplification, orphan quality control and DNA damage response. Structures of full-length HECT ligases, including the Tom1 ortholog HUWE1, have been reported, but how domains beyond the conserved catalytic module contribute to catalysis remains largely elusive. Here, through cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of Tom1 during an active ubiquitylation cycle, we demonstrate that the extended domain architecture directly contributes to activity. We identify a Tom1–ubiquitin architecture during ubiquitylation involving a non-canonical ubiquitin binding site in the solenoid shape of Tom1. We demonstrate that this ubiquitin binding site coordinates a structural ubiquitin contributing to the fidelity of K48 poly-ubiquitin chain assembly.
Inhibition of the splitting of the chiral and deconfinement transition due to rotation in QCD: The phase diagram of the linear sigma model coupled to Polyakov loops
Authors: Singha Pracheta , Ambruş Victor E. , Chernodub Maxim N.
Published: November 2024

We discuss the effect of rigid rotation on the critical temperatures of deconfinement and chiral transitions in the linear sigma model coupled to quarks and the Polyakov loop. We point out the essential role of the causality condition, which requires that any point of the system should rotate slower than the velocity of light. We show that imposing this physical requirement leads to inhibition of the splitting between the chiral and confining transitions, which becomes negligibly small (ΔT∼1  MeV or less) for experimentally relevant, slow angular velocities Ω∼10  MeV of a (5–10) fm-sized systems. Moreover, the boundedness of the system has a much bigger effect on temperature splitting than the rotation itself: the splitting reaches 10 MeV in a small, one-fermi-sized nonrotating system. The temperature splitting may, however, become enhanced in an academic limit of ultrarelativistic regimes when the boundary of the system rotates at near-to-light velocities.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Consequences of minimal entanglement in bosonic field theories
Authors: Chang Spencer , Jacobo Gabriel
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we study a recently discovered connection between scattering that minimally entangles and emergent symmetries. In a perturbative expansion, we have generalized the constraints of minimal entanglement scattering, beyond qubits, to general qudits of dimension d. Interestingly, projecting on any qubit subspaces, the constraints factorize, so that it is consistent to analyze minimal entanglement by looking at all such subspaces. We start by looking at toy models with two scalar fields, finding that minimal entanglement only allows quartic couplings which have instabilities at large field values and no symmetries. For the two Higgs doublet model, by considering H+H−→H+H− scattering, we show that minimal entanglement in this channel does not allow an interacting parameter point with enhanced symmetries. These results show that the connection between minimal entanglement and symmetries depends strongly on the scattering channels analyzed and we speculate on the potential resolutions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Final multiplicity of a QED cascade in generalized Heitler model
Authors: Selivanov Y. V. , Fedotov A. M.
Published: November 2024

We consider a generalized Heitler model for a QED cascade. An exact formula for the final number of leptons is obtained by solving the kinetic equations. We demonstrate that in such a model the final number of leptons does not depend on photon and lepton mean free paths. We derive approximate formulas for the main characteristics of cascades at high energy, including the final number of leptons and the cascade depth. We show that in general the final number of leptons is asymptotically proportional to the energy of a seed particle. It is also demonstrated how the original Heitler model is reproduced as a special case.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Understanding fermionic generalized symmetries
Authors: Ambrosino Federico , Luo Ran , Wang Yi-Nan , Zhang Yi
Published: November 2024

We explore new aspects of internal fermionic shifting symmetries, present in physical systems such as free Dirac spinors and p-form tensor-spinor fields. We propose a novel procedure to gauge these global symmetries, which also introduces a new Stückelberg mechanism to give a mass to free fermionic fields. Furthermore, we find new magnetic fermionic symmetries in these physical systems whose charged objects are disorder operators. For the case of a 4D Dirac spinor, we discuss a dual description, where the magnetic symmetry acts on the holonomies of a dual 2-form tensor-spinor. Further generalizations such as higher-group-like structures are also discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
RAPID: an ImageJ macro for indexing electron diffraction zone axis spot patterns of cubic materials
Authors: Weirich Thomas E.
Published: November 2024

As an extension to previous work, the ImageJ macro script RAPID (ratio-method pattern indexing) has been developed to allow instant indexing of calibrated and uncalibrated zone axis aligned electron diffraction patterns of cubic lattices using the Rn
ratio principle. The program can be used to index zone axis aligned selected-area electron diffraction patterns, nanobeam electron diffraction patterns, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) Kikuchi patterns and even fast Fourier transforms of high-resolution (scanning) TEM images. The program allows the user to quickly assess whether the material under investigation belongs to the cubic crystal system, is pseudo-cubic or is not cubic at all by adjusting the boundary parameters and allowed errors for lattice indexing. The software also allows one to distinguish between the P, I and F Bravais lattices for certain zone axis directions. For calibrated diffraction patterns, the lattice parameters can be obtained, allowing verification of the material under investigation or phase identification in connection with a structural database. In addition, the program can be employed for determination or verification of the used instrument's camera constant when reference materials are used. Therefore, it is a convenient tool for on-site crystallographic analysis in TEM laboratories.
Multimodal reconstruction of TbCo thin-film structure with Bayesian analysis of polarized neutron reflectivity
Authors: Savchenkov P. S. , Nikolaev K. V. , Bodnarchuk V. I. , Pirogov A. N. , Belushkin A. V. , Yakunin S. N.
Published: November 2024

Bayesian analysis has been applied to polarized neutron reflectivity data. Reflectivity data from a magnetic TbCo thin-film structure were studied using a combination of a Monte Carlo Markov-chain algorithm, likelihood estimation and error modeling. By utilizing Bayesian analysis, it was possible to investigate the uniqueness of the solution beyond reconstructing the magnetic and structure parameters. The expedience of this approach has been demonstrated, as several probable reconstructions were found (the multimodality case) concerning the isotopic composition of the surface cover layer. Such multimodal reconstruction emphasizes the importance of rigorous data analysis instead of the direct data fitting approach, especially in the case of poor statistically conditioned data typical for neutron reflectivity experiments. This article presents details of the analysis and a discussion of multimodality.
Exploring dynamic duality between formal and non-formal accountability processes in a public services context
Authors: Cooper Stuart , Grubnic Suzana
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamic relationship between formal and non-formal processes of accountability in a public services context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a case study of the impact of the Health and Social Care Act (2012) on the practices of Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) members. It draws upon multiple data sources, including in-depth interviews with the members, comprehensive archival data published by the HWB (2011–2019), and observations of HWB public meetings. We utilise the concept of dynamic duality (Li, 2008) to further theorise the relationship between formal and non-formal processes of accountability and how they mutually transform one another.

Findings

The case illustrates the role of formal and non-formal processes of accountability at a HWB in England. Moreover, the case study reveals the relationship and interaction between the formal and non-formal accountability processes and how they change and transform each other over time. We find that whilst non-formal accountability processes were strengthened by a historical legacy of partnership working, over time the dynamics at play led to the development of formal accountability processes through more sophisticated performance systems, which in turn transformed non-formal accountability processes.

Originality/value

The paper presents a more holistic conceptualisation than articulated in prior accountability literature, dynamic duality, on the relationship between formal and non-formal accountability processes. Through application of this conceptualisation to a HWB in England, the paper spotlights the inter-relationship between formal and non-formal processes of accountability, and how they have the potential to transform each over an extended time-period.
Optimizing policy mixes for promoting prefabricated construction in developing countries: an fsQCA approach
Authors: Dou Yudan , Hou Wenjuan , Yan Xueya , Jin Xin , Li Pan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Prefabricated construction (PC) is increasingly recognized for its sustainability and is being vigorously promoted worldwide. However, its adoption in developing countries remains suboptimal, with existing studies predominantly focusing on policy frameworks or the impact of a single policy instrument. This study addresses this research gap by optimizing the path of PC promotion from the perspective of policy mixes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) in conjunction with necessary condition analysis, to explore effective policy configurations for PC promotion. A comprehensive collection of 171 PC-related policies issued by the Chinese government was analyzed using text mining to identify antecedent conditions of configuration. Data were further obtained through a questionnaire survey involving 263 valid responses, with fsQCA used to derive the optimal policy configurations.

Findings

The analysis identified six distinct combination paths for effective policy configurations. Land supply and governmental procurement were found to be core conditions, while fiscal and taxation financial measures emerged as marginal conditions prevalent across all paths. These findings suggest that land supply policies are particularly suitable for regions with limited land resources, such as Shanghai, while government procurement is more effective in regions like Xinjiang, where PC awareness is still developing.

Practical implications

In practice, the conclusions enable policymakers to clearly understand policy instruments, thereby finding differentiated pathways for promoting PC with comparable effects. The proposed recommendations help advance PC development effectively while reducing financial burden and minimizing resource waste. This provides important guidance for PC development across different regions or stages, helps address regional imbalances in PC development, and ultimately contributes to the broader goal of sustainable urban development.

Originality/value

This study significantly enriches the research on PC policy combinations by utilizing more comprehensive and robust data, thereby enhancing the universal applicability of the findings. The results provide valuable references for policymakers in different regions, helping to address regional imbalances in PC development and facilitating the construction industry’s transition towards greater intelligence and sustainability.
Comparison of four occupational health risk assessment methodologies in the application of noise hazards in PC component manufacturing
Authors: Zou Ping , Dong Zhiyu , Qin Ruize , Yao Xin , Cui Peng
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper discusses the applicability of different occupational health risk assessment (OHRA) methods in assessing noise hazards during the production phase of assembled precast concrete (PC) components and makes targeted recommendations based on the assessment results from multiple perspectives to reduce noise hazards in this phase.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the noise levels of various plant operations are measured on-site and the actual working conditions of plant workers are investigated. Then, four distinct occupational health risk assessment (HRA) models are used to estimate the risk of noise hazards during the production of PC components. Finally, the results obtained from the various models are analyzed and discussed, and then the most appropriate method for assessing noise hazards at this stage is chosen accordingly.

Findings

The noise exposure levels of workers in the four processes of steel processing, concrete mixing, concrete vibrating and mold removal exceeded occupational exposure limits. Similarly, the risk associated with these four processes is relatively elevated. For risk assessment (RA) of noise hazards in the production phase of assembled PC components, both the Australian RA model and the occupational hazard risk index method can be used, with the latter being more applicable.

Originality/value

The assessment results acquired in this paper can serve as a reference for the government and other relevant agencies when determining inspection priorities. In addition, the measures and recommendations outlined in this paper serve as a guide for businesses and government agencies to strengthen the noise management in the production stage of PC components, thereby reducing the noise hazards in the production stage of assembled PC components.
The effect of audit committee effectiveness on climate change disclosure commitment: international evidence
Authors: Dahmen Israa , Chouaibi Jamel
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Climate change is becoming one of the biggest and most pressing environmental challenges of the last century. As such, the board of directors and its sub-committees need to recognise and address climate change as a potential strategic risk for their companies, using a sustainable approach that prioritises this risk over other business-related risks. In this framework, this paper aims to examine the influence of audit committee characteristics and its effectiveness on the commitment to voluntary climate change disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

Our sample covers 403 non-financial companies from 48 countries. These companies belong to the largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting sectors, namely oil and gas, chemicals and coal. We have used data from company responses to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) survey for the years 2015–2021. The total number of observations for the seven-year periods is 2,821 firm years. Audit committee characteristics examined are size, independence, gender diversity and number of meetings. Regarding the effectiveness of the audit committee, it is measured using a composite index developed from its individual characteristics.

Findings

Our findings show that the number of meetings held by the audit committee affects positively the commitment to the CDP initiative. However, the effects of audit committee size, independence and the presence of women are statistically insignificant. Regarding the effectiveness of the audit committee, our results show that it has a positive and significant effect on the commitment to the CDP initiative. In addition, the results demonstrate that the audit committee diversity, measured using the Herfindahl index, had a positive and significant effect on climate change disclosure commitment.

Practical implications

This study offers new insights into the role of the audit committee in improving climate change disclosure. The findings indicate that companies can improve their sustainability and social responsibility by establishing an effective audit committee within their board of directors. Furthermore, investors and regulators must give great importance to the characteristics of the audit committee and its roles and duties in the fight against climate change.

Originality/value

In contrast to previous research, this study examines, simultaneously, the impact of individual characteristics and the effectiveness of the audit committee on the commitment to climate change disclosure.
Corporate social responsibility and employee retention: an impact assessment of innovative leadership
Authors: Aman-Ullah Attia , Saraih Ummi Naiemah , Mehmood Waqas , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Han Heesup
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on employee retention among banking employees in Pakistan, along with the moderating effect of innovative leadership on the relationship between CSR and employee retention.

Design/methodology/approach

The nature of this study is quantitative, where structured questionnaires were used to collect the data from 327 employees working in different banks. The sample size was calculated using the Krejice and Morgan model. Data was analysed through SPSS and smart-PLS 4.

Findings

Results of this study indicate that CSR has a significantly positive relationship with employee retention. Study results also suggest that innovative leadership has a significant positive relationship with employee retention and that innovative leadership moderates the relationship between CSR and employee retention.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to banking employees; therefore, future studies can be extended to other service sectors such as telecom and private educational institutions. This study model can also be tested in other industries as well. Furthermore, longitudinal studies can also be conducted in future.

Originality/value

This study is different from the previously available studies based on the following grounds. Firstly, this tests the relationship of CSR and employee retention through stakeholder and social exchange theories on a micro-level perspective of CSR. Secondly, the role of innovative readership as a moderator has not yet been explored in the existing studies, whereas this study is enriching the literature on this topic.
Sharia-supervisory board’s characteristics and green banking disclosure: exploring from Islamic banking in MENA countries
Authors: Ardianto Ardianto , Cahyono Suham , Noman Abu Hanifa , Sulaiman Noor Adwa
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the extent to which the characteristics of Sharia supervisory boards (SSB) in banking institutions impact the disclosure of information pertaining to green banking practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive dynamic panel data analysis approach was applied to a data set comprising Islamic banks from 15 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, covering the period from 2012 to 2022. In addition, a series of robustness and endogeneity analyses were conducted to ensure the consistency of the main findings.

Findings

This study shows that the characteristics of the SSB significantly impact the green banking disclosure practices of Islamic banks. Specifically, the proportion of board members who hold multiple SSB positions and the presence of foreign board members exhibit a negative and significant effect on green banking disclosure. Conversely, the size of the SSB is positively and significantly associated with green banking disclosure. Thus, the extent of green banking disclosure in Islamic banks is likely to increase with the size of the SSB. However, an increase in board members’ external commitments and a higher proportion of foreign board members are associated with a decline in green banking disclosure. Further analysis supports these findings, confirming their consistency across different contexts.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study highlight the critical role that the composition and characteristics of the SSB play in shaping the green banking practices of Islamic banks in MENA countries. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and Islamic financial institutions aiming to strengthen sustainability practices while adhering to Shariah principles. As green banking becomes increasingly crucial in the global financial landscape, optimizing the SSB’s composition could be a key driver in advancing the environmental goals of Islamic banking in the MENA region.

Practical implications

Islamic banks in the MENA region should focus on optimizing their SSB composition to enhance green banking disclosure. Increasing the size of the SSB can positively influence disclosure practices. However, banks should manage board members’ external engagements to ensure they have sufficient focus on green initiatives. Strategic recruitment of foreign members with a commitment to sustainability, coupled with targeted training programs, can further improve disclosure.

Originality/value

Specific SSB characteristics such as size and foreign board members influence disclosure of green banking, which previous studies did not conduct research on.
Driving circular transformation: evaluating and enhancing enablers of circular supply chains
Authors: Yadav Sonali , Singh Dinesh
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The present study identifies and analyses the circular supply chain (CSC) enablers concerned with industrial organizations to understand the interconnectedness of CSC enablers.

Design/methodology/approach

Conducting a thorough literature review and utilizing a hybrid approach involving Robust-Best-Worst-Method (RBWM) and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) methodologies, we assess the intensity and connectivity of Circular Supply Chain Enablers (CSCEs), incorporating expert opinions. Additionally, we employ fuzzy-MICMAC analysis to determine the driving-dependent power of the CSCEs.

Findings

The study identifies 30 CSCEs in a framework, excluding three low-impact enablers at the initial stage. An additional 30 CSCEs are introduced to enhance the framework for improved implementation. The Fuzzy MICMAC study underscores the high instability of four enablers in the linkage quadrant, signaling that minor adjustments negatively impact organizational performance.

Originality/value

This work holds practical significance for industry researchers and practitioners alike. The initial study introduces a structural hierarchy of CSCEs, aiming to provide a model for academics studying CSC and facilitate its practical implementation.
Examining the integration of SDGs in a first-year methodology course: a case study in social education by admission pathway
Authors: Vancea Mihaela , Contreras-Higuera Williams
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyse how Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are incorporated into a first-year Social Education methodology course at a Spanish public university. It assesses the impact on students’ understanding of sustainability and its relevance to socio-educational research and future careers, considering different admission pathways.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study on integrating the SDGs into a methodology course, which involved 110 students. Students’ knowledge and perceptions were measured before and after the teaching experience using an online questionnaire. Differences based on admission pathways [Advances Vocational Training Programs (CFGS) and University Entrance Exam (PAU)] were explored.

Findings

Initially, students had a low understanding of sustainability and SDGs, with those entering through PAU having an even lower understanding. However, both groups showed significant improvement after the teaching experience. Interestingly, the pattern of differentiation was inverse, with PAU students showing a higher level of SDG knowledge compared to CFGS students by the end of the course. While students recognised the importance of SDGs in their careers, their personal involvement with them in daily life appeared moderate.

Research limitations/implications

The assessment tool, based on validated surveys, aims for better accuracy in measuring university students’ knowledge and perceptions of sustainability. Future research may broaden its scope to assess effectiveness in different courses and among diverse student groups.

Practical implications

The variations in student knowledge and perception about sustainability and the SDGs, before and after the teaching experience, and across different admission pathways, highlight the important role of higher education institutions in achieving equity and shaping future change agents’ perspectives.

Originality/value

These findings reveal how innovative educational experiences promote sustainability and social responsibility among university students, emphasising the crucial role of ongoing assessment in ensuring effective sustainability and equity education.
Decentralising digital humanities: exploring blockchain technology and “web3” for the Sloane Lab and Towards a National Collection (TaNC)
Authors: Valeonti Foteini , Vlachidis Andreas , Nyhan Julianne , Bikakis Antonis , Kotarski Rachael , Jovanovic Philipp
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Advancements in Internet technologies greatly influence digital humanities, yet research investigating web3 (i.e. the blockchain-based, decentralised web) within that domain remains limited. The purpose of this paper is to address that gap, presenting a state-of-the-art synthesis of web3-related technologies for digital humanities infrastructures and exploring associated risks and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a review of the literature, the authors scope out ways blockchain technology, peer-to-peer decentralised storage and other web3 technologies could support digital humanities infrastructures, especially in the context of digital cultural heritage. In this discussion, particular cognisance is given to the needs and aims of the UK’s Arts and Humanities Research Council funded Towards a National Collection programme, which seeks to break down the barriers that exist between the UK’s cultural heritage collections.

Findings

Web3 introduces novel tools and processes that could benefit digital humanities infrastructures, enabling decentralisation and facilitating open access data storage. Yet, significant barriers to adoption remain, such as the requirement for highly specialised technical expertise. Risks and challenges must also be considered prior to any use, including legal, ethical and technical safeguards.

Research limitations/implications

This study explores opportunities and risks of web3 for digital humanities, through the lens of digital cultural heritage infrastructures and their requirements, including decentralised storage and persistent identification. It does not provide a holistic overview of all web3 technologies.

Practical implications

The authors identify practical uses of web3 technologies for digital humanities projects, outlining potential applications concerning decentralised storage and persistent identification.

Originality/value

The authors push forward current knowledge and literature on the intersection of web3 and digital humanities, outlining also practical recommendations for scholars, practitioners and funding organisations.
Interaction between equity futures and spot markets during COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-market analysis
Authors: Emenike Kalu O.
Published: November 2024

Using ABA research design and daily indices from South Africa, Eurozone, Japan and the United States of America, this study evaluates the interaction between equity index futures and spot markets before; during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show evidence of cointegration between the equity futures and spot markets before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, a unidirectional causal relationship from the equity spot to the futures markets before and after the COVID-19 era, and bidirectional causality between the equity spot and futures markets during the COVID-19 pandemic, except for the South African markets. The results also show evidence of more spikey volatility during the COVID-19 pandemic era than was the case before and after the pandemic and the existence of bidirectional volatility transmission between the markets. The magnitude of transmission was stronger from the spot to futures markets during the COVID-19 pandemic era. Overall, the results suggest that the interaction between equity futures and spot markets varies according to the prevailing economic condition and the level of development of the markets.
Keeping silent or playing good citizen? Differential mechanisms of negative workplace gossip on targets reactions
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Xia Bingnan , Bi Weilong
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Based on the Sociometer Theory, this study aims to develop a comprehensive framework explaining how and when negative workplace gossip triggers distinct responses, including employee silence and compulsory citizenship behavior (CCB).

Design/methodology/approach

Two scenario-based experiments and a field survey were conducted to examine hypotheses. Study 1 (N = 149) manipulated workplace negative gossip and assessed the mediating effects of state self-esteem. Study 2 (N = 217) manipulated workplace negative gossip and consideration of future consequences (CFC) to verify the stability of the mediating mechanism and test the moderating effect of CFC. Study 3 (N = 321) tested the whole research model.

Findings

The findings indicate that negative workplace gossip decreases state self-esteem, resulting in silence among employees with low levels of CFC, while inducing CCB through state self-esteem among employees with high levels of CFC.

Originality/value

This study not only extends the research of negative workplace gossip by exploring its multifaceted impact on employee responses but also highlights the role of personality traits in shaping individuals’ response strategies.
Instrumental variables in the cost of illness featuring type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kole Kyle , Zick Cathleen D. , Brown Barbara B. , Curtis David S. , Kowaleski‐Jones Lori , Meeks Huong D. , Smith Ken R.
Published: November 2024

Objective

To ascertain how an instrumental variables (IV) model can improve upon the estimates obtained from traditional cost‐of‐illness (COI) models that treat health conditions as predetermined.

Study Setting and Design

A simulation study based on observational data compares the coefficients and average marginal effects from an IV model to a traditional COI model when an unobservable confounder is introduced. The two approaches are then applied to real data, using a kinship‐weighted family history as an instrument, and differences are interpreted within the context of the findings from the simulation study.

Data Sources and Analytic Sample

The case study utilizes secondary data on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) status to examine healthcare costs attributable to the disease. The data come from Utah residents born between 1950 and 1970 with medical insurance coverage whose demographic information is contained in the Utah Population Database. Those data are linked to insurance claims from Utah's All‐Payer Claims Database for the analyses.

Principal Findings

The simulation confirms that estimated T2DM healthcare cost coefficients are biased when traditional COI models do not account for unobserved characteristics that influence both the risk of illness and healthcare costs. This bias can be corrected to a certain extent with instrumental variables. An IV model with a validated instrument estimates that 2014 costs for an individual age 45–64 with T2DM are 27% (95% CI: 2.9% to 51.9%) higher than those for an otherwise comparable individual who does not have T2DM.

Conclusions

Researchers studying the COI for chronic diseases should assess the possibility that traditional estimates may be subject to bias because of unobserved characteristics. Doing so may be especially important for prevention and intervention studies that turn to COI studies to assess the cost savings associated with such initiatives.
PhyloForge: Unifying Micro‐ and Macroevolution With Comprehensive Genomic Signals
Authors: Wang Ya , Dong Wei , Liang Yufan , Lin Weiwei , Chen Junhao , Henry Robert , Chen Fei
Published: November 2024

The dimensions of phylogenetic research have expanded to encompass the study of large‐scale populations at the microevolutionary level and comparisons between different species or taxonomic units at the macroevolutionary level. Traditional phylogenetic tools often struggle to handle the diverse and complex data required for these different evolutionary scales. In response to this challenge, we introduce PhyloForge, a robust tool designed to seamlessly integrate the demands of both micro‐ and macroevolution, comprehensively utilising diverse phylogenomic signals, such as genes, SNPs, and structural variations, as well as mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes. PhyloForge's innovation lies in its capability to seamlessly integrate multiple phylogenomic signals, enabling the unified analysis of multidimensional genomic data. This unique feature empowers researchers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of diverse aspects of biological evolution. PhyloForge not only provides highly customisable analysis tools for experienced researchers but also features an intuitively designed interface, facilitating effortless phylogenetic analysis for beginners. Extensive testing across various domains, including animals, plants and fungi, attests to its broad applicability in the field of phylogenetics. In summary, PhyloForge has significant potential in the era of large‐scale genomics, offering a new perspective and toolset for a deeper understanding of the evolution of life. PhyloForge codes could be found in GitHub (https://github.com/wangyayaya/PhyloForge/), and the program could be installed in Conda (https://anaconda.org/wangxiaobei/phyloforge).
A Case of Lung Cancer Exhibiting Pleoymorphic Carcinoma Transformation Resistance Following Treatment With Osimertinib That Was Successfully Treated Using Local Ablative Treatment
Authors: Nagai Yoshiaki , Ohta Hiromitsu , Amari Hikari , Tahara Hiroki , Masuda Kosuke , Maeda Yuki , Shiihara Jun , Okabe Naota , Yamaguchi Yasuhiro
Published: November 2024

Various studies have reported resistance mechanisms and treatment methods after epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment; however, treatment policies have not yet been established, and few cases have reported transformation to pleomorphic carcinoma (PC) as the resistance mechanism. Herein, we report the case of a 66‐year‐old woman who was diagnosed with Stage 4A lung adenocarcinoma (cT2bN0M1b) through bronchoscopic biopsy. Genetic profiling revealed an EGFR L858R mutation; therefore, osimertinib was administered as the first‐line therapy and achieved a partial response. After 46 months of osimertinib treatment, the metastases remained under control; however, the primary tumor enlarged and was therefore resected. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of PC. Genetic testing of the surgical pathology specimen showed that the EGFR mutation L858R was retained, and the patient was considered drug‐resistant owing to the histologic transformation to PC. The patient continued osimertinib therapy and had no recurrence at 9 months postoperatively. Transformation to PC following osimertinib administration is rare, and we report this unique case. This study was approved by the Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center Ethics Committee (S24‐073), and written informed consent was obtained from the patient.
Localization and expression analysis of sperm‐specific glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase in bull spermatozoa with contrasting sperm motility
Authors: Kumar K. Naresh , Veerappa Vedamurthy G. , Kumaresan Arumugam , Lavanya Maharajan , King J. Ebenezer Samuel , Sulochana M. , Patil Shivanagouda , Jeyakumar Sakthivel
Published: November 2024

Background

Poor sperm motility leading to male infertility has become a profound crisis to be addressed in this contemporary era. In many cases, the origin of poor sperm motility remains unexplained. Few studies reported the indispensable role of sperm‐specific glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDHS) in sperm motility, however, studies on GAPDHS are severely confined.

Objectives

The present study aimed to assess the localization patterns, expression levels, and enzyme activity of GAPDHS in normal and asthenozoospermic bulls and to examine their association with sperm functional parameters.

Materials and methods

The bull semen samples were classified into high‐motile and low‐motile groups (n = 7 per each group) based on the ejaculate rejection rate. Sperm kinetic parameters were assessed using computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and intracellular calcium levels were measured through flow cytometry. Subsequently, GAPDHS localization was observed via immunocytochemistry. The expression levels and enzyme activity of GAPDHS were estimated using western blotting and a GAPDHS activity assay kit.

Results and discussion

Sperm viability, MMP, ROS, and live sperm intracellular calcium levels did not differ significantly between high and low motile groups. A significant positive correlation was found between MMP and sperm viability, whereas no significant association was found between MMP and sperm progressive motility. The GAPDHS was localized in the principal piece, head‐midpiece junction, and at the acrosome region of bull sperm. GAPDHS localization intensity, expression levels, and enzyme activity were found significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the high motile group than in low motile group. Furthermore, we noticed a significant positive correlation between GAPDHS activity and sperm kinetic parameters.

Conclusions

The analysis of GAPDHS localization patterns, expression levels, and enzyme activity indicated its potential role in sperm motility, suggesting that GAPDHS could serve as a candidate biomarker for sperm motility and male fertility.