bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A network optimisation condition uncovers the role of functional groups in the feasibility and dynamical stability of microbial model ecosystems
Authors: Buchenel Léo , Bonhoeffer Sebastian , Pascual-García Alberto
Published: January 2024

Investigating mechanisms favouring stable coexistence of complex microbial communities is central to understand their formation and maintenance in the natural environment and, eventually, controlling and designing synthetic communities. In this work, we studied microbial model ecosystems in which consumption and secretion of resources was explicit, determining ecological interactions (e.g. competition for resources, facilitation, mutualism). We found a sufficient condition for the dynamical stability of microbial model ecosystems. This condition allowed us to derive an objective function whose optimization selected specific configurations of consumption and secretion of resources. Optimized configurations stood out as a compromise between having a large parameter space in which species coexistence was feasible (dominated by systems in which microbes do not secrete any resources), and having a high rate of return to equilibrium after a perturbation (dominated by systems in which every microbe secrete all resources). We explained the behaviour observed for optimized configurations by noting that they host sets of species with differentiated niches -as defined by their consumption and secretion strategies-, termed functional groups. We speculated that, since increasing the number of functional groups increased the number of niches, competition between species should be reduced, favouring coexistence. Therefore, our results suggest that the formation of functional groups have an important role in microbial coexistence, which has ramifications for the design of complex microbial communities.
Photo-crosslinking hERG channels causes a U.V.-driven, state-dependent disruption of kinetics and voltage dependence of activation
Authors: Codding Sara J. , Trudeau Matthew C.
Published: January 2024

Human ether-à-go-go related gene (hERG) voltage-activated potassium channels are critical for cardiac excitability. Characteristic slow closing (deactivation) in hERG is regulated by direct interaction between the N-terminal Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain and the C-terminal cyclic nucleotide binding homology domain (CNBHD). We aim to understand how the PAS domain that is distal to the pore rearranges during gating to allosterically regulate the channel pore (and ion flux). To achieve this, we utilized the non-canonical amino acid 4-Benzoyl-L-phenylalanine (BZF) which is a photo-activatable cross-linkable probe, that when irradiated with ultraviolet (U.V.) light forms a double radical capable of forming covalent cross-links with C-H bond-containing groups, enabling selective and potent U.V.-driven photoinactivation of ion channel dynamics. Here we incorporate BZF directly into the hERG potassium channel PAS domain at three locations (G47, F48, and E50) using TAG codon suppression technology. hERG channels with BZF incorporated into the PAS domain (hERG-BZF) showed a significant change in the biophysical properties of the channel. hERG-G47BZF activated slowly when irradiated in the closed state (-100mV) but deactivated quickly when irradiated in both the open (0mV) and closed state. hERG-F48BZF channels showed a state independent and U.V. dose-dependent change in channel activation (slowing down) and channel deactivation (speeding up), as well as a marked change (right-shift) in the voltage-dependence of conductance. When irradiated at -100 mV hERG-E50BZF showed a state dependent and U.V. dose-dependent change in a channel activation (slowing down) and deactivation (speeding up) of channel deactivation, as well as a marked change (right-shift) in the voltage-dependence of conductance that occurred only when the channel was irradiated in the closed state (-100mV). This approach demonstrated that direct photo-crosslinking of the PAS domain in hERG channels causes a measurable change in biophysical parameters and more broadly stabilized the closed state of the channel. We propose that altered channel gating is as a direct result of reduced dynamic motions in the PAS domain of hERG due to photo-chemical crosslinking.
Supergene evolution via gain of autoregulation
Authors: VanKuren Nicholas W. , Sheikh Sofia I. , Fu Claire L. , Massardo Darli , Lu Wei , Kronforst Marcus R.
Published: January 2024

Development requires the coordinated action of many genes across space and time, yet numerous species have evolved the ability to develop multiple discrete, alternate phenotypes1–5. Such polymorphisms are often controlled by supergenes, sets of tightly-linked loci that function together to control development of a polymorphic phenotype6–10. Although theories of supergene evolution are well-established, the mutations that cause functional differences between supergene alleles have been difficult to identify. Thedoublesexgene is a master regulator of insect sexual differentiation but has been co-opted to function as a supergene in multiplePapilioswallowtail butterflies, where divergentdsxalleles control development of discrete non-mimetic or mimetic female wing shapes and color patterns11–15. Here we demonstrate that thePapilio alphenorsupergene evolved via recruitment of six newcis-regulatory elements (CREs) that control allele-specificdsxexpression. MostdsxCREs, including four of the six new CREs, are bound by the DSX transcription factor itself. Our findings provide experimental support to classic supergene theory and suggest that autoregulation may provide a simple route to supergene origination and to the co-option of pleiotropic genes into new developmental roles.
Traveling waves shape neural population dynamics enabling predictions and internal model updating
Authors: Mohanta S , Cleveland DM , Afrasiabi M , Rhone AE , Górska U , Cooper Borkenhagen M , Sanders RD , Boly M , Nourski KV , Saalmann YB
Published: January 2024

The brain generates predictions based on statistical regularities in our environment. However, it is unclear how predictions are optimized through iterative interactions with the environment. Because traveling waves (TWs) propagate across the cortex shaping neural excitability, they can carry information to serve predictive processing. Using human intracranial recordings, we show that anterior-to-posterior alpha TWs correlated with prediction strength. Learning about priors altered neural state space trajectories, and how much it altered correlated with trial-by-trial prediction strength. Learning involved mismatches between predictions and sensory evidence triggering alpha-phase resets in lateral temporal cortex, accompanied by stronger alpha phase-high gamma amplitude coupling and high-gamma power. The mismatch initiated posterior-to-anterior alpha TWs and change in the subsequent trial’s state space trajectory, facilitating model updating. Our findings suggest a vital role of alpha TWs carrying both predictions to sensory cortex and mismatch signals to frontal cortex for trial-by-trial fine-tuning of predictive models.
Broadly conserved FlgV controls flagellar assembly andBorrelia burgdorferidissemination in mice
Authors: Zamba-Campero Maxime , Soliman Daniel , Yu Huaxin , Lasseter Amanda G. , Chang Yuen-Yan , Liu Jun , Aravind L. , Jewett Mollie W. , Storz Gisela , Adams Philip P.
Published: January 2024

Flagella propel pathogens through their environments yet are expensive to synthesize and are immunogenic. Thus, complex hierarchical regulatory networks control flagellar gene expression. Spirochetes are highly motile bacteria, but peculiarly in the Lyme spirocheteBorrelia burgdorferi, the archetypal flagellar regulator σ28is absent. We rediscovered genebb0268inB. burgdorferiasflgV,a broadly-conserved gene in the flagellar superoperon alongside σ28in many Spirochaetes, Firmicutes and other phyla, with distant homologs in Epsilonproteobacteria. We found thatB. burgdorferiFlgV is localized within flagellar motors.B. burgdorferilackingflgVconstruct fewer and shorter flagellar filaments and are defective in cell division and motility. During the enzootic cycle,B. burgdorferilackingflgVsurvive and replicate inIxodesticks but are attenuated for dissemination and infection in mice. Our work defines infection timepoints when spirochete motility is most crucial and implicates FlgV as a broadly distributed structural flagellar component that modulates flagellar assembly.
Transposon fusion gave birth toFem,Bombyx morifemale determining gene
Authors: Lee Jung , Fujimoto Toshiaki , Yamaguchi Katsushi , Shigenobu Shuji , Sahara Ken , Toyoda Atsushi , Shimada Toru
Published: January 2024

Femis a W-linked piRNA precursor, andFempiRNA is a master gene of female determination inBombyx mori. SinceFemhas significantly low similarity to any known sequences and the origin ofFemremains unclear, two hypotheses have been proposed for the origin ofFem. The first one is thatFemis an allele ofMasc,while the second one is thatFemarose by transposition ofMasc. To draw a solid conclusion, we determined the W chromosome sequences ofB. moriand a closely relative bombycid species ofTrilocha varianswith aFem-independent sex determination system. Comprehensive genome comparison led us to the “third” hypothesis:Femis a chimeric sequence of transposons. Although we still cannot completely exclude the first hypothesis, at least a large portion of the parts other than the 44-bpMascsimilarity region is derived from transposons, and even the 44-bp region could correspond to the boundary of the two transposons, gypsy and satellite DNA.
Regulators H-NS and LeuO inversely control swarming motility and biofilm formation inVibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Bhide S.M. , Tague J.G. , Andrews J. A. , Lichty K.E. Boas , Boyd E.F.
Published: January 2024

Vibrio parahaemolyticusis a halophile present in marine environments worldwide and is a leading cause of bacterial seafood-borne gastroenteritis. Free livingVibrio parahaemolyticusplanktonic cells can either attach to surfaces to form swarming cells or develop into a sessile three-dimensional biofilm structure. Swarming motility requires lateral flagella (lafoperon) and the expression of the surface sensing operonscrABCto produce a spreading cauliflower colony morphology. Biofilms are formed from capsule polysaccharide (CPS) encoded by thecpsA-Koperon that is positively regulated by CpsR and CpsQ. In enteric bacteria, H-NS is a global gene silencer and LeuO is an antagonist of H-NS. In this work, we examined the role of these regulators in the decision between swarming and biofilm behaviors using deletion mutants ofleuO, hns,and a double deletionleuO/hns. The wild type and ΔleuOstrains produced swarming colonies whereas Δhnsproduced a hyper swarming whereas in ΔleuO/Δhns,the phenotype reverted to wild type. Transcriptional reporter assays of PlafB-gfpand PscrA-gfpshowed significantly increased fluorescence in Δhnscompared to wild type. In the ΔleuO/Δhnsmutant, PlafB-gfpfluorescence reverted to wild type levels and PscrA-gfpshowed increased fluorescence compared to wild type. In CPS assays, ΔleuOhad a less dense rugose morphology compared to wild type and Δhnsproduced a smooth colony, which also produced significantly less biofilm. ΔleuO/Δhnshad an opaque morphology and produced significantly more biofilm. Reporter expression assays of PcpsA-gfpand PcpsR-gfpconfirmed the roles of both H-NS and LeuO in CPS and biofilm formation.

Importance

This study determined the role of LeuO and H-NS in controlling the decision between two surface based behaviors, swarming motility and sessile biofilm formation inV. parahaemolyticus. The effects of deletions ofleuO,hns,and a double ΔleuO/Δhnsmutant showed that H-NS was a negative regulator of swarming, but a positive regulator of biofilm formation. The mechanism of this control was in part due to H-NS inhibition of LeuO at loci required for swarming and biofilm formation.
Designing Bt constructs for Brassicas, with minimal IP issues – A case study
Authors: Hassan Md Mahmudul , Tenazas Francis , Williams Adam , Chiu Jing-wen , Robin Charles , Russell Derek A. , Golz John F.
Published: January 2024

As part of a publicly funded initiative to develop genetically engineered Brassicas (cabbage, cauliflower, and canola) expressingBacillus thuringiensis Cry-encoded insecticidal (Bt) toxin for Indian and Australian farmers, we designed several constructs that drive high-level expression of modifiedCry1BandCry1Cgenes (referred to asCry1BMandCry1CM). The two main motivations for modifying the DNA sequences of these genes were to minimise any licencing cost associated with the commercial cultivation of transgenic crop plants expressingCryMgenes, and to remove or alter sequences that might affect gene activity in plants. To assess the insecticidal efficacy of theCry1BM/Cry1CMgenes, constructs were introduced into the model BrassicaArabidopsis thalianain whichCry1BM/Cry1CMexpression was directed from either single (S4/S7) or double (S4S4/S7S7) Subterranean Clover Stunt Virus promoters. The resulting transgenic plants displayed a high-level ofCry1BM/Cry1CMexpression. Protein accumulation forCry1CMranged from 0.81 to 17.69 μg Cry1CM/g fresh weight of leaves. Contrary to previous work on stunt promoters, we found no correlation between the use of either single or double stunt promoters and the expression levels ofCry1BM/Cry1CMgenes, with a similar range ofCry1CMtranscript abundance and protein content observed from both constructs. First instar Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae fed on transgenic Arabidopsis leaves expressing theCry1BM/Cry1CMgenes showed 100% mortality, with a mean leaf damage score on a scale of zero to five of 0.125 for transgenic leaves and 4.2 for wild-type leaves. Under laboratory conditions, even low-level expression ofCry1BMandCry1CMwas sufficient to cause insect mortality, suggesting that these modifiedCryMgenes are suitable for the development of insect resistant GM crops. Except for theCry1B/Cry1Cgenes themselves, which remain under patent until 2027 and thePATgene in the USA, our assessment of the intellectual property landscape of the constructs described here suggest that they can be used without the need for further licencing. This has the capacity to significantly reduce the cost of developing and using theseCry1Mgenes in GM crop plants in the future.
Small polymorphisms are a source of ancestral bias in structural variant breakpoint placement
Authors: Audano Peter A. , Beck Christine R.
Published: January 2024

High-quality genome assemblies and sophisticated algorithms have increased sensitivity for a wide range of variant types, and breakpoint accuracy for structural variants (SVs, ≥50 bp) has improved to near base pair precision. Despite these advances, many SV breakpoint locations are subject to systematic bias affecting variant representation. To understand why SV breakpoints are inconsistent across samples, we reanalyzed 64 phased haplotypes constructed from long-read assemblies released by the Human Genome Structural Variation Consortium (HGSVC). We identify 882 SV insertions and 180 SV deletions with variable breakpoints not anchored in tandem repeats (TRs) or segmental duplications (SDs). SVs called from aligned sequencing reads increase breakpoint disagreements by 2×–16×. Sequence accuracy had a minimal impact on breakpoints, but we observe a strong effect of ancestry. We confirm that SNP and indel polymorphisms are enriched at shifted breakpoints and are also absent from variant callsets. Breakpoint homology increases the likelihood of imprecise SV calls and the distance they are shifted, and tandem duplications are the most heavily affected SVs. Because graph genome methods normalize SV calls across samples, we investigated graphs generated by two different methods and find the resulting breakpoints are subject to other technical biases affecting breakpoint accuracy. The breakpoint inconsistencies we characterize affect ∼5% of the SVs called in a human genome and can impact variant interpretation and annotation. These limitations underscore a need for algorithm development to improve SV databases, mitigate the impact of ancestry on breakpoints, and increase the value of callsets for investigating breakpoint features.
A Bayesian framework to study tumor subclone–specific expression by combining bulk DNA and single-cell RNA sequencing data
Authors: Qiao Yi , Huang Xiaomeng , Moos Philip J. , Ahmann Jonathan M. , Pomicter Anthony D. , Deininger Michael W. , Byrd John C. , Woyach Jennifer A. , Stephens Deborah M. , Marth Gabor T.
Published: January 2024

Genetic and gene expression heterogeneity is an essential hallmark of many tumors, allowing the cancer to evolve and to develop resistance to treatment. Currently, the most commonly used data types for studying such heterogeneity are bulk tumor/normal whole-genome or whole-exome sequencing (WGS, WES); and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), respectively. However, tools are currently lacking to link genomic tumor subclonality with transcriptomic heterogeneity by integrating genomic and single-cell transcriptomic data collected from the same tumor. To address this gap, we developed scBayes, a Bayesian probabilistic framework that uses tumor subclonal structure inferred from bulk DNA sequencing data to determine the subclonal identity of cells from single-cell gene expression (scRNA-seq) measurements. Grouping together cells representing the same genetically defined tumor subclones allows comparison of gene expression across different subclones, or investigation of gene expression changes within the same subclone across time (i.e., progression, treatment response, or relapse) or space (i.e., at multiple metastatic sites and organs). We used simulated data sets, in silico synthetic data sets, as well as biological data sets generated from cancer samples to extensively characterize and validate the performance of our method, as well as to show improvements over existing methods. We show the validity and utility of our approach by applying it to published data sets and recapitulating the findings, as well as arriving at novel insights into cancer subclonal expression behavior in our own data sets. We further show that our method is applicable to a wide range of single-cell sequencing technologies including single-cell DNA sequencing as well as Smart-seq and 10x Genomics scRNA-seq protocols.
High-throughput and genome-scale targeted mutagenesis using CRISPR in a nonmodel multicellular organism,Bombyx mori
Authors: Ma Sanyuan , Zhang Tong , Wang Ruolin , Wang Pan , Liu Yue , Chang Jiasong , Wang Aoming , Lan Xinhui , Sun Le , Sun Hao , Shi Run , Lu Wei , Liu Dan , Zhang Na , Hu Wenbo , Wang Xiaogang , Xing Weiqing , Jia Ling , Xia Qingyou
Published: January 2024

Large-scale genetic mutant libraries are powerful approaches to interrogating genotype–phenotype correlations and identifying genes responsible for certain environmental stimuli, both of which are the central goal of life science study. We produced the first large-scale CRISPR-Cas9-induced library in a nonmodel multicellular organism,Bombyx mori. We developed apiggyBac-delivered binary genome editing strategy, which can simultaneously meet the requirements of mixed microinjection, efficient multipurpose genetic operation, and preservation of growth-defect lines. We constructed a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) plasmid library containing 92,917 sgRNAs targeting promoters and exons of 14,645 protein-coding genes, established 1726 transgenic sgRNA lines following microinjection of 66,650 embryos, and generated 300 mutant lines with diverse phenotypic changes. Phenomic characterization of mutant lines identified a large set of genes responsible for visual phenotypic or economically valuable trait changes. Next, we performed pooled context-specific positive screens for tolerance to environmental pollutant cadmium exposure, and identified KWMTBOMO12902 as a strong candidate gene for breeding applications in sericulture industry. Collectively, our results provide a novel and versatile approach for functionalB. morigenomics, as well as a powerful resource for identifying the potential of key candidate genes for improving various economic traits. This study also shows the effectiveness, practicality, and convenience of large-scale mutant libraries in other nonmodel organisms.
Looking for Carroll particles in two time spacetime
Authors: Kamenshchik Alexander , Muscolino Federica
Published: January 2024

We make an attempt to describe Carroll particles with a nonvanishing value of energy (i.e. the Carroll particles which always stay in rest) in the framework of two time physics, developed in the series of papers by I. Bars and his coauthors. In the spacetime with one additional time dimension and one additional space dimension one can localize the symmetry which exists between generalized coordinate and their conjugate momenta. Such a localization implies the introduction of the gauge fields, which in turn implies the appearance of some first-class constraints. Choosing different gauge-fixing conditions and solving the constraints one obtain different time parameters, Hamiltonians, and generally, physical systems in the standard one time spacetime. In this way such systems as nonrelativistic particle, relativistic particles, hydrogen atoms, and harmonic oscillators were described as dual systems in the framework of two time physics. Here, we find a set of gauge fixing conditions which provides as with such a parametrization of the phase-space variables in the two time world which gives the description of Carroll particle in the one time world. Besides, we construct the quantum theory of such a particle using an unexpected correspondence between our parametrization and that obtained by Bars for the hydrogen atom in 1999.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Operation model of a skew-symmetric split-crystal neutron interferometer
Authors: Sasso Carlo P. , Mana Giovanni , Massa Enrico
Published: January 2024

The observation of neutron interference using a triple Laue interferometer formed by two separate crystals opens the way to the construction and operation of skew-symmetric interferometers with extended arm separation and length. The specifications necessary for their successful operation are investigated here: most importantly, how the manufacturing tolerance and crystal alignments impact the interference visibility. In contrast with previous studies, both incoherent sources and the three-dimensional operation of the interferometer are considered. It is found that, with a Gaussian Schell model of an incoherent source, the integrated density of the particles leaving the interferometer is the same as that yielded by a coherent Gaussian source having a radius equal to the coherence length.
Dynamic analysis of Pine Flat dam–water–foundation rock system utilizing the H-W truncation boundary condition
Authors: Lotfi Vahid , Abdorazaghi Hesamedin
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The response of the Pine Flat dam–water–foundation rock system is studied by a new described approach (i.e. FE-(FE-TE)-FE). The initial part of study is focused on the time harmonic analysis. In this part, it is possible to compare the transfer functions against corresponding responses obtained by the FE-(FE-HE)-FE approach (referred to as exact method which employs a rigorous fluid hyper-element). Subsequently, the transient analysis is carried out. In that part, it is only possible to compare the results for low and high normalized reservoir length cases. Therefore, the sensitivity of results is controlled due to normalized reservoir length values.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, dynamic analysis of a typical concrete gravity dam–water–foundation rock system is formulated by the FE-(FE-TE)-FE approach. In this technique, dam and foundation rock are discretized by plane solid finite elements while, water domain near-field region is discretized by plane fluid finite elements. Moreover, the H-W (i.e. Hagstrom–Warburton) high-order condition is imposed at the reservoir truncation boundary. This task is formulated by employing a truncation element at that boundary. It is emphasized that reservoir far-field is excluded from the discretized model.

Findings

High orders of H-W condition, such as O5-5 considered herein, generate highly accurate responses for both possible excitations under both types of full reflective and absorptive reservoir bottom conditions. It is such that transfer functions are hardly distinguishable from corresponding exact responses obtained through the FE-(FE-HE)-FE approach in time harmonic analyses. This is controlled for both low and high normalized reservoir length cases (L/H = 1 and 3). Moreover, it can be claimed that transient analysis leads practically to exact results (in numerical sense) when one is employing high order H-W truncation element. In other words, the results are not sensitive to reservoir normalized length under these circumstances.

Originality/value

Dynamic analysis of concrete gravity dam–water–foundation rock systems is formulated by a new method. The salient aspect of the technique is that it utilizes H-W high-order condition at the truncation boundary. The method is discussed for all types of excitation and reservoir bottom conditions.
Detecting deception in computer-mediated communication: the role of popularity information across media types
Authors: Mirsadikov Akmal , Vedadi Ali , Marett Kent
Published: January 2024

Purpose

With the widespread use of online communications, users are extremely vulnerable to a myriad of deception attempts. This study aims to extend the literature on deception in computer-mediated communication by investigating whether the manner in which popularity information (PI) is presented and media richness affects users’ judgments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a randomized, within and 2 × 3 between-subject experimental design. This study analyzed the main effects of PI and media richness on the imitation magnitude of veracity judges and the effect of the interaction between PI and media richness on the imitation magnitude of veracity judges.

Findings

The manner in which PI is presented to people affects their tendency to imitate others. Media richness also has a main effect; text-only messages resulted in greater imitation magnitude than those viewed in full audiovisual format. The findings showed an interaction effect between PI and media richness.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the information systems literature by introducing the notion of herd behavior to judgments of truthfulness and deception. Also, the medium over which PI was presented significantly impacted the magnitude of imitation tendency: PI delivered through text-only medium led to a greater extent of imitation than when delivered in full audiovisual format. This suggests that media richness alters the degree of imitating others’ decisions such that the leaner the medium, the greater the expected extent of imitation.
Enablers of students' entrepreneurial intentions: findings from PLS-SEM and fsQCA
Authors: Sisu Julia Anamaria , Tirnovanu Andrei Constantin , Patriche Cristina-Claudia , Nastase Marian , Schin George Cristian
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study explores the enablers of students “entrepreneurial intentions by identifying the factors that raise students” interest in embracing an entrepreneurial career.

Design/methodology/approach

Entrepreneurship education is increasingly attracting attention as a means of fostering entrepreneurial activity and creating a culture of innovation. Developing students' entrepreneurial intentions is critical to promote entrepreneurship. This research is built on a mixed method approach of partial least squares structural equation modelling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.

Findings

The factors that influence students ‘entrepreneurial intentions are identified: business incubation programmes, non-reimbursable grants for entrepreneurial students, networking events to promote entrepreneurship, mentoring services, innovation labs for business idea validation and entrepreneurship courses. This knowledge can help develop effective entrepreneurship education programmes. The study also provides actionable insights for educational institutions and policymakers. It underscores the need for innovative educational platforms such as entrepreneurial bootcamps. It also highlights the value of advanced learning environments such as decision theatres to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the body of knowledge on entrepreneurship education. It highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understand the factors that shape students’ entrepreneurial intentions.
Perceptions of Australian paramedics following the introduction of professional regulation: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Reed Buck , Cowin Leanne , O'Meara Peter , Metusela Christine , Wilson Ian
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Paramedics became nationally registered in 2018 in Australia. Prior to this, there was no central regulation of the profession with reliance on organisational regulation through employers. As paramedics expanded their scope, role and range of employers, especially outside statutory agencies, there was increasing need to engage in professional regulation. Regulation is more than a legal and bureaucratic framework. The purpose of the paper states that the way paramedics interact with their new regulatory environment impacts and is influenced by the professionalisation of the discipline. Regulation also redefines their positionality within the profession.

Design/methodology/approach

Two mixed-method surveys were undertaken. A pre-registration survey occurred in the month prior to regulation commencing (N = 419) followed by the second survey 31 months later (N = 407). This paper reports the analysis of qualitative data from the post-registration survey and provides comparison to the pre-registration survey which has been previously reported. Analysis was undertaken using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Findings

Themes from the pre-registration survey continued however became more nuanced. Participants broadly supported registration and saw it as empowering to the profession. Some supported registration but were disappointed by its outcome, others rejected registration and saw it as divisive and oppressive.

Originality/value

Paramedics are beginning to come to terms with increasing professionalisation, of which regulation is one component. Changes can be seen in professional identity and engagement with professional practice; however, this is nascent and is deserving of additional research to track the profession as it continues to evolve.
Impact of memorable tourism experiences on tourists’ storytelling intentions: an empirical investigation
Authors: Guleria Ayush , Joshi Richa , Adil Mohd.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of the structural linkages between memorable tourism experiences, destination attachment, tourists’ satisfaction and customer-based destination brand-equity on tourists’ storytelling intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors proposed a conceptual model that examines how memorable experiences contribute to tourists’ sense of attachment to a destination, which can lead to their willingness to share their trip stories. Using partial least square estimation, the authors analysed the conceptual model through data generated by a survey of 448 Indian domestic tourists.

Findings

Study confirms the validity and usefulness of the conceptualized model, as it shows significant correlations between the key variables. Specifically, the authors found that positive and memorable tourism experiences significantly affect tourists’ attachment and their satisfaction with destinations. As a result, tourists who form a strong customer-based destination brand equity are more likely to develop storytelling intentions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, current study is the earliest to explore the association between memorable tourism experiences, tourist satisfaction, attachment, customer-based brand equity and how they impact storytelling intentions of tourists.
Factors influencing the adoption of renewable energy in India: supplementing technology-driven drivers and barriers with sustainable development goals
Authors: Kar Sanjay Kumar , Harichandan Sidhartha , Prakash Om
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This empirical research intends to examine factors influencing the adoption of renewable energy (RE) using a conceptual model of the consumer decision-making process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a primary response-based survey to collect data from 668 respondents interested in adopting RE for their daily usage. The sample respondents were chosen through a multi-stage random stratified technique. The responses were analyzed through structural equation-based modeling techniques to discuss the findings and suggest further implications.

Findings

The findings suggest that factors like knowledge, policy incentives, sustainable development goals (SDGs-7, 11 and 13), socio-economic benefits and risk perception significantly impact the adoption of RE. Besides, risk perception mediates between environmental concerns and the adoption of RE. Also, age has a significant role in RE adoption.

Social implications

The study finds the critical role of government in introducing financial incentives to reduce the initial cost of renewable adoption. Doing so will also promote clean and equitable energy access to society leading to further fulfillment of SDGs. Additionally, steps like knowledge enrichment, designing suitable policies for a manufacturer and public-friendly renewable market development will further facilitate renewable adoption in society.

Originality/value

With an objective to study the public perception and attitude towards renewable adoption, this empirical research is the first of its kind to carry out a real-time survey of the Indian population and suggest policy implications which would benefit all the concerned stakeholders.
A qualitative study of adult protection procedures: threshold screening of new referrals by designated adult safeguarding practitioners
Authors: Fleming Scott
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This qualitative study set within Northern Ireland aims to explore professional perspectives on the application of evidence-informed practice to the adult safeguarding threshold screening process.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered from seven social workers in one health and social care trust area, who perform the designated adult protection role, through individual semi-structured interviews in one region of Northern Ireland. The interview schedule comprised of a series of questions examining the role of the designated adult protection officer and included three vignettes (Appendix). A thematic analysis was undertaken using NVIVO software.

Findings

This paper reports main findings under the themes of: the role of the designated adult protection officer, threshold decision-making, evidence-informed practice and service improvement. One of the main findings was that professionals viewed the current process as too bureaucratic, and there was a desire to engage in more preventive safeguarding in collaboration with service users. There was a need to promote awareness of evidence-informed practice as it applies to the threshold screening process. Furthermore, the study raised the question of the need to consider the application of models or methods of assessment to the threshold screening process.

Originality/value

This in-depth exploration of the role of designated adult protection officers in Northern Ireland provides a valuable insight into the complexity involved in managing adult safeguarding referrals and investigations. This study adds to the existing knowledge base, identifies potential service improvements and highlights the gap in evidence-based practice as it applies to the threshold screening process. Threshold screening of adult safeguarding referrals remains a subjective process and is open to interpretation and differences in professional judgement. The study highlights the need to consider the application of quality improvement methodology to the threshold screening assessment and the need to promote the exchange of safeguarding knowledge.
Power in the supply chain: a state-of-the-art literature review and propositions from the perspective of gender differences
Authors: Zaher Heba F. , Marquez-Illescas Gilberto
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the existing literature on firms’ power through the lens of the supply chain and highlights some gaps that could be covered by future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a systematic framework-based review combining the insights of the antecedents, decisions and outcomes (ADO) and theories, contexts and methods (TCM) frameworks. The review was carried out using a sample of 108 articles published between 1984 and 2022 in 25 prestigious journals.

Findings

The ADO framework maps out the state of the art of the antecedents of power (i.e. sources and types of firm power), the decision to use power and the effect that exercising power over other firms may have on firm performance and the quality of inter-firm relationships. In addition, this framework highlights factors that mediate or moderate the decision to exercise power and the factors that mediate or moderate the outcomes of exercising power or power asymmetry. The TCM framework provides insights into the theories, contexts (i.e. countries, industries, level of analysis and sources of data) and methods used by the existing literature. The content analysis using the aforementioned frameworks provides the basis to elaborate propositions for future research on power in the supply chain from the perspective of gender differences.

Research limitations/implications

This systematic literature review offers a comprehensive guide for researchers to understand the antecedents, decisions and outcomes of firm power in the supply chain, as well as the TCM used in the literature. The content analysis using frameworks provides a road map to investigate the proposed factors that might moderate the decision to exercise power and the outcome of exercising power or power asymmetry from the perspective of gender differences. In addition, based on content analysis, the authors make propositions about TCM that could be applied in future research.

Practical implications

From a practical perspective, this systematic literature review may help managers to better understand the sources and consequences of their firm’s power. This would allow managers to make better decisions when negotiating with their supply chain parties, which could potentially lead to better performance for their firms and the whole supply chain.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to conduct a comprehensive systematic literature review of the different dimensions of firms’ power in the supply chain.
Sustainability and efficiency of rural accommodation business: an approach in the main tourist region of southern Europe
Authors: Mudarra-Fernández Ana Belén , García-Marti Elia , Ramendran Spr Charles , Durán-Román José Luis
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study is to determine the efficiency of tourist accommodation companies located in the main tourist area of southern Europe as one of the three elements of the local sustainable development triangle.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis, carried out using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology on 130 companies, has obtained that from the CCR perspective (results-oriented method when companies present constant returns on the input variables).

Findings

The companies involved are quite inefficient, while which from the BCC perspective (where the input and output variables used in the company respond to a variable and not constant scale) are quite efficient. The efficiency of these companies in the seven provinces of Andalusia has also been analysed to determine if there are patterns that differentiate them and thus be able to propose strategies that improve the sustainability of these territories. The conclusions of the study indicate the need to improve the operational efficiency of rural accommodation companies.

Originality/value

The analysis of efficiency in the hotel sector and even more so in the rural tourism sector is relatively scarce in the literature, especially in Spain. More specifically, Rubio and Román (2006) have demonstrated the existence of scale inefficiencies in hotels, but no evidence has been found in previous studies that this behaviour carries over to accommodation establishments located in the destinations under study.
Hyperautomation as a vital optimization tool in organizations: cognitive approach with the use of Euler circles
Authors: Niedzielski Bartosz , Buła Piotr , Yang Mengxi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Hyperautomation is a technological concept whose popularity has been growing continuously since the German manufacturing industry “initiated” the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), whereas, on the basis of theory, hyperautomation is a term still new and little recognized. This applies equally to scientific studies (articles, conference reports) and empirical studies (quantitative, qualitative). Therefore, this article attempts to fill definition gap that exists in the literature on management and quality sciences on the term hyperautomation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use literature review approach to identify the gaps in the existing literature on hyperautomation. They present a nominal definition of hyperautomation, discuss related issues and provide a comparative perspective between hyperautomation and automation.

Findings

The article’s findings include a precise definition of hyperautomation and the problems it raises. The authors point out that the term “hyperautomation” is still relatively new and underutilized in the management and quality sciences literature. It also compares hyperautomation to automation from several angles and emphasizes how it affects businesses, industries and other economic sectors.

Practical implications

Authors emphasize that in order to deploy hyperautomation successfully, enterprises must take a distributed and integrated approach.

Originality/value

This article addresses a gap in the management and quality sciences literature about the definition of hyperautomation. Authors give a thorough explanation of hyperautomation, along with relevant problems, useful implications and a comparison between hyperautomation versus automation.
A model of increasing performance in sustainable supply chain management
Authors: Bagherpasandi Masoud , Salehi Mahdi , Hajiha Zohreh , Hejazi Rezvan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Organizations experience various issues with the optimum use of data. This study is qualitative research to identify and provide a helpful pattern for increasing the performance of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM).

Design/methodology/approach

The statistical population in the qualitative section includes managers and experts in the supply chain (SC) and food production. The data were collected via semi-structured interviews, and data saturation happens after the tenth interview. Then, the data were coded using grounded theory and qualitative research analysis. 384 questionnaires were distributed among employees via random sampling. SmartPLS software is used to investigate and analyze the relationships in the mentioned model through 13 core categories.

Findings

The findings indicate that organizational productivity and SC deficiencies are among the effective factors in the SSCM primarily identified by this study. Moreover, the findings propose that industry SC, macro policies, organizational performance, social factors, economic factors, organizational factors, political factors, technological factors, production and customer are likely to positively impact the SSCM, which have previously been documented by studies.

Originality/value

The model and concepts extracted from the responses of research participants show well that there are reasons and motivations for increasing the performance of SSCM. Also, the designed model shows well that the motives and reasons for turning to this system are satisfied due to its implementation.
Low speed impact on sandwich beam with flexible core and face sheets reinforced with FG-CNTs
Authors: Jasim Manar Hamid , Al-Araji Ali Mohammed Ali
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to model the theory of the low-velocity impact (LVI) process on sandwich beams consisting of flexible cores and face sheets reinforced with functionally graded carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

Design/methodology/approach

A series of parameters derived from molecular dynamics are used to consider the size scale in the mixture rule for the combination of CNTs and resin. A procedure involving the use of the first-order shear deformation theory of the beam is used to provide the displacement field of the sandwich beam. The energy method and subsequently the generalized Lagrange method are used to derive the motion equations. Due to the use of Hertz’s nonlinear theory to calculate the contact force, the equations of motion are nonlinear. Validation of the problem is carried out by comparing natural frequencies with other papers.

Findings

The influence of a series of parameters such as CNTs distributions pattern in the face sheets, the influence of the CNTs volume fraction and the influence of the core thickness to the face sheets thickness ratio in the issue of LVI on sandwich beams with clamped-clamped boundary conditions is investigated. The result shows that the type of CNTs pattern in the face sheet and the CNTs volume fraction have a very important effect on the answer to the problem, which is caused by the change in the value of the Young’s modulus of the beam at the contact surface. Changes in the core thickness to the face sheets thickness ratio has little effect on the impact response.

Originality/value

Considering the important application of sandwich structures in vehicles, aviation and ships, in this research, sandwich beams consisting of flexible core and CNTs-reinforced face sheets are investigated under LVI.
Investigation of the effects from geopathic stress on the design thickness of flexible pavements
Authors: Salgude Rohit R. , Pailwan Prasad , Pimplikar Sunil , Kolekar Dipak
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Soil is an essential component of road construction and is used in the form of subgrade materials. It ensures the stability and durability of the road under adverse conditions; being one of the important parameters, poor judgment of the engineering properties of soil can lead to pavement failure. Geopathic stress (GS) is a subtle energy in the form of harmful electromagnetic radiation. This study aims to investigate the effect of GS on soil and concrete.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 23 soil samples from stress zones and nonstress zones were tested for different engineering properties like water content, liquid limit, plastic limit, specific gravity and California bearing ratio. Two concrete panels were placed on GS zones, and their quality was monitored through nondestructive testing for a period of one year.

Findings

The result shows that the engineering properties of soil and pavement thickness are increasing in stress zones as compared with nonstress zones. For concrete panels, as time passes, the quality of the concrete gets reduced, which hints toward the detrimental effect of GS.

Originality/value

This research is a systematic, scientific, reliable study which evaluated subgrade characteristics thus determining the detrimental impact of the GS on soil and pavement thickness. On a concluding note, this study provides a detailed insight into the performance of the road segment when subjected to GS. Through this investigation, it is recommended that GS should be considered in the design of roads.