bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the organization and dynamics ofM. smegmatismorphology from Long-Term Time-Lapse Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Soubrier Clément , Madzvamuse Anotida , Eskandarian Haig Alexander , Dao Duc Khanh
Published: January 2025

The rod shapedMycobacterium smegmatisdisplays complex cell surface morphology, characterized by wave-form cell surface features and driven by asymmetric growth dynamics. To systematically analyze these morphological variations, we developed a comprehensive computational pipeline for automated processing of Long-Term Time-Lapse Atomic Force Microscopy (LTTL-AFM) images ofM. smegmatiscells cultured in axenic conditions of growth and stress. Upon running the pipeline to produce large enough datasets of single cell height profiles, we identify and statistically study key features that govern cell surface morphology: We confirm thatM. smegmatiscells undergo bi-phasic, asymmetric pole growth with constant elongation rate at the old pole and a shift in the rate of elongation after a lag phase at the new pole. Stable wave-form cell surface peaks and troughs propagate along the long axis of the cell, which emerge as a result of polar elongation. Backtracking in time from cell division, we detect that division-site selection occurs at the wave-trough nearest mid-cell. To reproduce the fundamental cell features observed, we introduced a reaction-diffusion mathematical model on an evolving one-dimensional surface. Our simulations indicate that the dynamic manifestation of wave-form cell surface morphology inM. smegmatiscan be explained by the interaction of as few as two “chemical species”, providing a plausible theoretical basis for how molecular determinants may functionally control wave-form morphology in pole-growing bacteria.
ATAC-seq as a versatile tool to portray genomes and epigenomes
Authors: Toumi Islem , Lecam Laurent , Roux Pierre-François
Published: January 2025

Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) is a cornerstone for epigenomic profiling, yet its potential for genomic characterization remains poorly explored. Here, we systematically benchmarked bulk ATAC-seq against whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to assess its capacity for detecting small variants, copy number variations (CNVs), telomeric content, and mitochondrial mutations. Using paired datasets from six melanoma cell lines, we demonstrated that ATAC-seq achieves reasonable precision in SNP detection, robustly profiles CNVs in the nuclear genome, and effectively quantifies mitochondrial genetic burden, with strong concordance to WGS at classical sequencing depths. Notably, we present the first systematic evaluation of telomeric length by ATAC-seq, revealing its untapped potential for studying cellular aging and genome stability. By bridging genomic and epigenomic insights into a single genome-wide approach, bulk ATAC-seq emerges as a cost-effective and versatile tool poised to transform cancer and aging research and advance clinical diagnostics through its integrative capabilities.
Ciliopathy-associated protein, CEP290, is required for ciliary necklace and outer segment membrane formation in retinal photoreceptors
Authors: Moye Abigail R. , Robichaux Michael A. , Agosto Melina A. , Rivolta Carlo , Moulin Alexandre P. , Wensel Theodore G.
Published: January 2025

The most common genetic cause of the childhood blinding disease Leber Congenital Amaurosis is mutation of the ciliopathy geneCEP290. Though studied extensively, the photoreceptor-specific roles of CEP290 remain unclear. Using advanced microscopy techniques, we investigated the sub-ciliary localization of CEP290 and its role in mouse photoreceptors during development. CEP290 was found throughout the connecting cilium between the microtubules and membrane, with nine-fold symmetry. In the absence of CEP290 ciliogenesis occurs, but the connecting cilium membrane is aberrant, and sub-structures, such as the ciliary necklace and Y-links, are defective or absent throughout the mid to distal connecting cilium. Transition zone proteins AHI1 and NPHP1 were abnormally restricted to the proximal connecting cilium in the absence of CEP290, while others like NPHP8 and CEP89 were unaffected. Although outer segment disc formation is inhibited in CEP290 mutant retina, we observed large numbers of extracellular vesicles. These results suggest roles for CEP290 in ciliary membrane structure, outer segment disc formation and photoreceptor-specific spatial distribution of a subset of transition zone proteins, which collectively lead to failure of outer segment formation and photoreceptor degeneration.
A putative ecocline inKlebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Liu Siqi , Svensson Sarah L. , Falush Daniel
Published: January 2025

Are quantitative traits important for bacteriology? The quantitative trait models used in animal and plant genetics assume that the trait takes continuous values and is influenced by many variants circulating in the population, each of which acts approximately independently. Amongst the many continuous-valued bacterial traits such as cell size or antibiotic minimum inhibitory concentration, we do not know of any for which these assumptions have been validated. We propose that such traits can be identified if they are the targets of selection and this selection structures overall genetic variation of the species. The phylogenetic trees of global strain collections ofKlebsiella pneumoniae(KP) have a “backbone”, which has not been explained. We propose that this backbone reflects a genome-wide component of variation, which is well-captured by Principal Components Analysis (PCA) applied to diverse KP genomes. We show that this structure can be recapitulated in simulations of diversifying selection on a quantitative trait and cannot be explained by neutral models. An implication is that variation in KP forms an ecocline – i.e. a cline generated by natural selection rather than geography but the trait underlying the cline, if it exists, remains to be determined.
H3K4 methylation-promoted transcriptional memory ensures faithful zygotic genome activation and embryonic development
Authors: Oak Meghana S. , Stock Marco , Mezes Matthias , Straub Tobias , Hynes-Allen Antony M. , van den Ameele Jelle , Forne Ignasi , Ettinger Andreas , Imhof Axel , Scialdone Antonio , Hörmanseder Eva
Published: January 2025

In the life of a vertebrate embryo, gene expression is initiated for the first time at zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Maternally expressed transcription factors present in the embryo are essential for this process. However, it is unknown if active chromatin modifications established in the gamete are propagated in the embryo as an epigenetic memory to support ZGA and embryonic development. Here, we provide evidence that inXenopus laevis, H3K4 methylation provides an epigenetic memory of active chromatin states. We show that this is required for faithful zygotic genome activation and successful embryonic development. Chromatin configurations of promoters displaying high H3K4me3 intensity and breadth, alongside DNA hypomethylation and increased GC content, are propagated from the gametes to the embryo across multiple cell divisions and a transcriptionally quiescent phase in early development. We show that this transmission of H3K4 methylation is essential for precise zygotic genome activation and expression of key pioneer ZGA transcription factors Pou5f3.2 and Sox3. Finally, we demonstrate that the H3K4 methyltransferases Kmt2b and Cxxc1 ensure transcription-independent propagation of H3K4me3 and proper zygotic gene expression. In summary, our study establishes the role of H3K4 methylation in maintaining memory of active chromatin states inXenopusembryos and reveals its importance for successful embryonic development.
Epigenetic priming of neural progenitors by Notch enhances Sonic hedgehog signaling and establishes gliogenic competence
Authors: Tran Luuli N. , Shinde Ashwini , Schuster Kristen H. , Sabaawy Aiman , Dale Emily , Welch Madalynn J. , Isner Trevor J. , Nunez Sylvia A. , García-Moreno Fernando , Sagerström Charles G. , Appel Bruce H. , Franco Santos J.
Published: January 2025

The remarkable cell diversity of multicellular organisms relies on the ability of multipotent progenitor cells to generate distinct cell types at the right times and locations during embryogenesis. A key question is how progenitors establish competence to respond to the different environmental signals required to produce specific cell types at critical developmental timepoints. We addressed this in the mouse developing forebrain, where neural progenitor cells must switch from producing neurons to making oligodendrocytes in response to increased Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling during late embryogenesis. We show that progenitor responses to SHH are regulated by Notch signaling, thus permitting proper timing of the neuron-oligodendrocyte switch. Notch activity epigenetically primes genes associated with the oligodendrocyte lineage and SHH pathway, enabling amplified transcriptional responses to endogenous SHH and robust oligodendrogenesis. These results reveal a critical role for Notch in facilitating progenitor competence states and influencing cell fate transitions at the epigenetic level.
Conformal duality of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation: Theory and applications to parameter estimation
Authors: Reinhardt David B. , Lee Dean , Schleich Wolfgang P. , Meister Matthias
Published: January 2025

The nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) in one spatial dimension has stationary solutions similar to those of the linear Schrödinger equation (LSE) as well as more exotic solutions such as solitary waves and quantum droplets. Here, we present a newly discovered conformal duality which unifies the stationary and time-dependent traveling-wave solutions of the one-dimensional cubic-quintic NLSE, the cubic NLSE and LSE. Any two systems that are classified by the same single number called the cross ratio are related by this symmetry. Notably, the conformal duality can also be adapted in Newtonian mechanics and serves as a powerful tool for investigating physical systems that otherwise cannot be directly accessed in experiments. Further, we show that the conformal symmetry is a valuable resource to substantially improve NLSE parameter estimation from noisy empirical data by introducing an optimization afterburner. The new method therefore has far reaching practical applications for nonlinear physical systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Nonreciprocal Synchronization of Active Quantum Spins
Authors: Nadolny Tobias , Bruder Christoph , Brunelli Matteo
Published: January 2025

Active agents are capable of exerting nonreciprocal forces upon one another. For instance, one agent, say A, may attract another agent B while B repels A. These antagonistic nonreciprocal interactions have been extensively studied in classical systems, revealing a wealth of exciting phenomena such as novel phase transitions and traveling-wave states. Whether these phenomena can originate in quantum many-body systems is an open issue, and proposals for their realization are lacking. In this work, we present a model of two species of quantum spins that interact in an antagonistic nonreciprocal way of the attraction-repulsion type. We propose an implementation based on two atomic ensembles coupled via chiral waveguides featuring both braided and nonbraided geometries. The spins are active due to the presence of local gain, which allows them to synchronize. In the thermodynamic limit, we show that nonreciprocal interactions result in a nonreciprocal phase transition to time-crystalline traveling-wave states, associated with spontaneous breaking of parity-time symmetry. We establish how this symmetry emerges from the microscopic quantum model. For a finite number of spins, signatures of the time-crystal phase can still be identified by inspecting equal-time or two-time correlation functions. Remarkably, continuous monitoring of the output field of the waveguides induces a quantum traveling-wave state: a time-crystalline state of a finite-size quantum system, in which parity-time symmetry is spontaneously broken. Our work lays the foundation to explore nonreciprocal interactions in active quantum matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Intrinsic Mixed-State Topological Order
Authors: Wang Zijian , Wu Zhengzhi , Wang Zhong
Published: January 2025

Decoherence is a major obstacle to the preparation of topological order in noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices. Here, we show that decoherence can also give rise to new types of topological order. Specifically, we construct concrete examples by proliferating fermionic anyons in the toric code via local quantum channels. The resulting mixed states retain long-range entanglement, which manifests in the nonzero topological entanglement negativity, though the topological quantum memory is destroyed by decoherence. By comparison with the gapless spin liquid in pure states, we show that the identified states represent a novel intrinsic mixed-state topological order, which has no counterpart in pure states. Through the lens of quantum anomalies of 1-form symmetries, we then provide general constructions of intrinsic mixed-state topological order and reveal the existence of nonbosonic deconfined anyons as another key feature of these novel phases. The extended meaning and characterization of deconfined excitations and their statistics in mixed states are clarified. Moreover, when these deconfined anyons have nontrivial braiding statistics, we prove that the mixed states cannot be prepared via finite-depth local quantum channels from any bipartite separable states. We further demonstrate our construction using the decohered Kitaev honeycomb model and the decohered double-semion model. In the latter case, a surprising scenario arises where decoherence gives rise to additional types of deconfined anyons.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Photoelasticity of crystals with the scheelite structure: quantum mechanical calculations
Authors: Demyanyshyn Nataliya M. , Mytsyk Bohdan G. , Andrushchak Anatoliy S. , Kityk Andriy V.
Published: January 2025

We report a complete set of elastic, piezooptic and photoelastic tensor constants of scheelite crystals CaMoO4, BaMoO4, BaWO4 and PbWO4 determined by density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the quantum chemical software package CRYSTAL17. The modulation parameter, i.e. the change in the crystal optical path normalized by thickness and mechanical stress, was calculated based on piezooptic and elastic compliance tensor constants. For the geometries of the most effective piezo-optic interactions, this parameter reaches rather large values (16–17) × 10−12 m2 N−1. Anisotropy of the photoelastic and acoustooptic effects is explored by means of indicative surfaces, considering the directions of light propagation and polarization, the direction of uniaxial compression or lattice distortion caused by the propagation of the acoustic wave. DFT calculations indicate BaWO4 and PbWO4 crystals as the most effective acousto-optic materials, predicting the figure of merit constant M
2 ∼ 20 × 10−15 s3 kg−1. The methodology proposed combines the DFT calculations and photoelasticity caused by uniaxial compression of the crystal lattice, with particular emphasis on its anisotropy. It can be considered as part of optical engineering aimed at preliminary assessment of the photoelastic properties of crystal materials, thus assisting in their selection for synthesis and relevant applications.
Predefined-time control for spacecraft rendezvous maneuver with quantized input
Authors: Deng Chengchen , Zhao Haihan , Huang Han , Shi Zhen , Li Jiamin , Liu Sheng
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem of adaptive predefined-time control for spacecraft rendezvous maneuver with input quantization and unknown parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

A significant error-shifting function is established to ensure that the limitation of the initial condition can be ignored. Then, a combination of neural networks method and minimum-learning-parameter method is used to mitigate the adverse effects caused by nonlinear system dynamics. An input quantization method is applied to improved efficiency of data communication between controller and actuator in rendezvous maneuver control system.

Findings

The simulation results verify the correctness and effectiveness of the designed control strategy which can effectively overcome the disadvantages caused by coupling nonlinear system dynamics.

Originality/value

This paper designs an adaptive predefined-time control method for spacecraft rendezvous maneuver control with input quantization based on backstepping control method.
Policy uncertainty and earnings quality in banks: the role of institutional quality in emerging markets
Authors: Biswas Sarit , Saikia Anuradha , Bhattacharya Mousumi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and earnings quality in banks in the context of Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) as an emerging economic bloc. The study further explores the role of institutional quality in moderating the impact of EPU on bank earnings quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has used earnings management (EM) as a proxy for earnings quality, measured using discretionary loan loss provisions. The higher the EM, the lower the quality of earnings. The study has collected data from 74 banks spanning the years 2014 to 2020 and used fixed effects (FE) and generalized methods of moments (GMM) estimators to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The study has found a positive impact of EPU on EM, suggesting that banks in the BRIC region react to EPU by increasing earnings opacity. However, the study found that better institutional quality can reduce the EM in the presence of EPU.

Originality/value

The study has made an early attempt to establish the relationship between bank EM and EPU in a cross-country setting. In addition, the study shows that the level of institutional quality in emerging markets moderates the impact of EPU on bank EM, which remains unexplored in prior research.
Retention of newcomers and factors influencing turnover intentions and behaviour: a review of the literature
Authors: van der Baan Niels Andreas , Meinke Giulia , Virolainen Maarit Hannele , Beausaert Simon , Gast Inken
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Recent graduates are an important source of talent among hired employees as they bring up-to-date knowledge into the organisation. Yet, organisations have difficulties retaining them and recognizing factors influencing their voluntary turnover, which may differ from those influencing voluntary turnover among tenured employees. For example, graduate employees need to adjust to a completely new context and develop their identity as professionals. Therefore, the current study presents a review of the factors influencing newcomers’ voluntary turnover and turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the factors influencing the turnover intentions and behaviour of recently hired employees, we conducted a literature review of 57 articles from several databases for different disciplines.

Findings

Our review identifies factors that influence turnover intentions and behaviour among recently hired employees and presents them in a model. The model identifies five categories of factors influencing turnover intentions and behaviour: pre-joining expectations, person-environment fit, the role of the supervisor, human resource (HR) practices and person-related factors.

Practical implications

The model enhances the understanding of why new employees leave an organisation and shows how supervisors and HR practices play an important role in reducing voluntary turnover among newly hired employees. The article concludes with practical suggestions on how to retain these employees.

Originality/value

While employee turnover has been studied extensively, this review focuses specifically on factors that influence the turnover intentions and behaviour of newcomers. We present these factors in a model that can be used to inform managerial practices to reduce turnover among newcomers.
Mapping the field of workplace deviant behavior: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis
Authors: Bagdi Deepa , Nimbrain Nitu
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to conduct a rigorous bibliometric analysis of workplace deviant behavior (WDB) to identify prevailing trends, patterns, and themes in the field. The analysis seeks to outline the domain’s intellectual and social structure and provide a research roadmap.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a systematic procedure to scrutinize research scenario. A search in the Scopus database produced 1,677 papers from reputable publications spanning 42 years (1976–2023). Science mapping techniques, including co-citation, co-authorship, and co-occurrence analysis, were used to obtain insights into the research landscape. By implementing these techniques, the authors comprehensively understood the interconnectedness and patterns within the research field.

Findings

This study demonstrates an apparent surge in the overall number and impact of studies conducted on WDB, most of which are published in prestigious publications. Furthermore, the findings support Bradford’s law, defying Lotka’s law in this field. Through co-citation analysis, four clusters were identified in this area. Subsequently, co-occurrence was used to pinpoint several strong themes. Finally, the authors of the USA and China demonstrated the most significant collaboration.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneering approach to applying bibliometric analysis to explore WDB research; it addresses a gap in the comprehensive review of earlier research and contributes to enriching the body of knowledge in this area. The results of this research are helpful for practitioners, scholars and future researchers in this subject, even if it has its roots in scientometrics.
Boundary and interior layer phenomena in coupled multiscale parabolic convection–diffusion interface problems: efficient numerical resolution and analysis
Authors: Jaiswal Aishwarya , Kumar Sunil , Ramos Higinio
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to study boundary and interior layer phenomena in coupled multiscale parabolic convection–diffusion interface problems and to present their efficient numerical resolution and analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study includes cases in which the diffusion parameters are small, distinct and can differ in order of magnitude. The source term is considered to be discontinuous. The asymptotic behavior of the solution is examined. The layer structure is analyzed, leading to the development of a variant of layer-resolving Shishkin mesh. For efficient numerical resolution, two methods are developed by combining additive schemes on a uniform mesh to discretize in time and an upwind difference scheme away from the line of discontinuity and a specific upwind difference scheme along the line of discontinuity, defined on a variant of layer resolving Shishkin mesh, to discretize in space. The analysis of the numerical resolution is discussed using the barrier function approach. Numerical simulations provide a verification of the theory and efficiency of the approach.

Findings

The discontinuity in the source term, along with the inclusion of small and distinct diffusion parameters, results in multiple overlapping and interacting boundary and interior layers. The work demonstrates that the present approach is robust in resolving boundary and interior layers. From a computational cost perspective, the numerical resolution presented in the paper is more efficient than conventional approaches.

Originality/value

Efficient numerical resolution and analysis of boundary and interior layer phenomena in coupled multiscale parabolic convection–diffusion interface problems are provided. The discretization of the coupled system in the approach incorporates a distinctive feature, wherein the components of the approximate solution are decoupled at each time level, resulting in tridiagonal linear systems to be solved, in contrast to large banded linear systems with conventional approaches.
An investigation into EFL mentors’ preferred mentoring approaches through feedback practices
Authors: Mutlu Gülbak Gizem , Kırmızı Özkan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This case study provides an account of eight mentor teachers’ mentoring approaches based on their reported feedback practices.

Design/methodology/approach

In an interpretative phenomenological design, the data were obtained through in-depth individual interviews with mentor teachers in different practicum schools in Istanbul, Türkiye. The study draws upon the mentoring approaches in the literature (Orland-Barak and Wang, 2020), and the mentor teachers’ reports on their feedback behaviors were analyzed accordingly.

Findings

During the interviews, the mentors’ emphasis on issues such as the use of positive language, encouraging reflection and the evaluative nature of feedback indicated that their feedback behaviors were mainly influenced by personal growth and situated learning mentoring approaches.

Practical implications

The results suggest that mentors’ awareness on mentoring approaches and how to give feedback should be enhanced. It also suggests that teacher education programs should pay more attention to providing accurate information about mentoring approaches. A more accurately structured evaluation process should be ensured, and mentors should be instructed on how to give constructive feedback through training.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by offering a nuanced exploration of mentoring approaches in relation to teachers’ feedback practices.
Does logistics performance foster sustainable development? A moderated mediation effect
Authors: Barakat Mahmoud , Gerged Ali Meftah
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This research investigates the moderating role of tariffs on the indirect relationship between the logistics performance index (LPI) and workers’ overall wages, specifically male and female wages through trade openness (TO). These wage metrics are proxies for assessing progress towards Sustainable Development Goal SDG-8.5.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising a global dataset encompassing 168 economies from 2007 to 2018, the analysis employs a mediation effect analysis methodology to scrutinise the interconnectedness among LPI, TO, SDG and tariffs.

Findings

The findings reveal that LPI indirectly influences SDG-8.5 commitments of countries through their degree of TO. Moreover, the moderated mediation analysis elucidates that tariffs play a moderating role in the relationship between LPI and TO. However, the investigation finds no significant link between LPI and the wages of female workers, indicating a sub-component of SDG-8.5.

Research limitations/implications

This study significantly contributes to the existing literature on international development by elucidating the mechanisms and conditional factors through which logistics services can address the gender pay gap, as male workers’ wages predominantly drive the nexus, thereby advancing the fulfilment of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

Originality/value

This study utilises transaction cost theory and resource-based view theory and combines them with Okun’s Law and the Law of the wage curve to test the role of LPI as a source of competitive advantage in enhancing SDG-8.5 while taking into consideration TO and tariffs. This will help in extending both theories and enhance the understanding of their applicability worldwide.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-05-2024-0392
Typology of trust in micro-health and fitness influencers
Authors: Schultz Carsten D.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Health and fitness influencers who directly affect one’s well-being through their messages create situations of vulnerability that require trust. To understand the various dimensions of trust, this study integrated a typology of trust into source credibility theory. The purpose of the study is to explore the typology’s four trust dimensions concomitant with the perceived attractiveness and expertise of such influencers to identify consumers’ attitudes toward micro-health and fitness influencers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a manipulated-stimuli online survey and gathered 414 micro-influencer evaluations. Variance-based structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results supported the four of trust building. However, a less complex trust formation process was revealed, thereby contrasting the original trust theory formulation. Specifically, the effect of disposition to trust on institution-based trust was higher for regular than for heavy social media users. Also, compared to regular social media users, trusting intentions had a greater impact on heavy social media users’ attitudes toward micro-influencers. In addition, the effect of institution-based trust on trusting beliefs was higher for older than for younger participants. Furthermore, placement of congruent compared to noncongruent products created differences in perceived attitudes toward micro-influencers. In particular, disposition to trust had a larger effect on institution-based trust for noncongruent than for congruent product placements.

Originality/value

This study extended source credibility theory by including alternative trust dimensions – notably, non-situation-specific disposition to trust and institution-based trust, as well as situation-specific trusting beliefs and trusting intentions – into source credibility.
A framework for aligning e-government initiatives with the sustainable development goals
Authors: Ishengoma Fredrick , Shao Deo
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper proposes a framework that aligns e-government initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study integrates a systematic literature review with case study analysis. The literature review involved an extensive search across multiple scholarly databases to identify relevant studies. Case studies were sourced used a number of criteria with a scoring rubric for selection and evaluation. The analysis of extracted themes and patterns from both the literature and case studies informed the development of the proposed e-government framework and illustrated the causal relationships among its components.

Findings

The framework serves as a roadmap for achieving sustainable development through e-government initiatives. It emphasizes critical themes, including inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, sustainability, partnerships and collaboration and innovation and digital transformation.

Research limitations/implications

Although efforts were made to include diverse case studies, some regions may be underrepresented, which could affect the generalizability of the framework across all global contexts.

Originality/value

This study provides a holistic approach, considering technological, social, economic and environmental factors, highlighting the importance of partnerships and collaborations in achieving sustainable development.
It takes a village: entrepreneurial bricolage in rural cooperative enterprise development
Authors: Batra Safal
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Cooperative enterprises are uniquely different from all other for-profit and not-for-profit enterprises in that the onus of success does not lie on any one team leader, promoter or founder but on all members of the team equally and collectively. This paper attempted to investigate the key enablers of success in the unique context of cooperative enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a combination of focus groups, in-depth interviews, observations and archival data, resulting in interactions with 744 members across 13 rural cooperative enterprises, we uncovered the enablers of team performance in a cooperative setting. The theory of entrepreneurial bricolage emerged as the most appropriate theoretical lens to interpret the findings.

Findings

We found empirical evidence to conclude that the emergence of an entrepreneurial bricolage mindset in rural cooperative enterprises acted as an enabler of collective success. On the other hand, the failed rural cooperatives exhibited the absence of the bricolage mindset.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the extent of data collected from a large number of individuals in each team, the number of teams studied is small. Further, most of the data comes from cooperative teams based in similar settings and with similar challenges. Extrapolating these findings in other organizational settings should be done only after replication.

Practical implications

A clear focus and commitment toward the collective accumulation and utilization of resources is imperative for the success of cooperative enterprise teams. Only those teams that actively confront resource scarcity and work toward addressing it are the ones that eventually perform well in cooperative structures.

Originality/value

Large-sized rural cooperative enterprises offer a unique setting to understand rural development. However, due to the challenges of first getting access to a cooperative enterprise context, then collecting data from a significant representation of the large team, and finally the inability to record the conversations due to issues pertaining to team psychological safety, limited attempts have been undertaken to understand team dynamics in such rural settings. The present study is among the first few to study large-sized cooperative teams and explore the enablers of their performance.
The impact of artificial intelligence on data privacy: a risk management perspective
Authors: Mooradian Norman , Franks Patricia C. , Srivastav Amitabh
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to increase the artificial intelligence (AI) ethical literacy of information governance professionals by explaining how AI intensifies familiar data privacy issues by virtue of its dependency on data and ability to create new personal information, to explicate emerging privacy enhancing methods and to show their continuity with existing privacy and information governance principles.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an interdisciplinary design research methodology that extends current governance frameworks by combining information science, information governance and applied ethics concepts. Three information sources were referenced: 1) academic papers; 2) standards and best practices published by governmental and nongovernmental organizations and professional associations; and 3) white papers, market research and vendor reports. The literature review was informed by real-world implementation knowledge and anecdotal evidence to identify privacy risks when using AI. Useful tools, techniques and governance approaches to manage and mitigate the risks associated with digital privacy and ethics when using AI are identified and discussed.

Findings

The paper analyzes the relationship between different approaches to AI (e.g. symbolic-deductive, machine learning and deep learning) and levels of privacy risks. It identifies risk reduction methods (e.g. differential privacy) and relates these to extant privacy principles such as data minimization. Finally, the paper shows the continuity between information governance practices and newly emerging AI governance and risk frameworks.

Originality/value

The authors present useful tools and techniques and discuss them from a business perspective, using the lens of information governance to mitigate AI-related privacy risks. The authors also discuss how design techniques and technologies can help minimize data collection of sensitive information and can be used to anonymize sensitive data when training AI models.
Assessing foodborne pathogen survival in bird faeces to co‐manage farms for bird conservation, production, and food safety
Authors: Spence Austin R. , McGarvey Jeffery A. , Lee SangIn , Smith Olivia M. , Olimpi Elissa M. , Yang Wentao , Zhang Meirun , Karp Daniel S.
Published: January 2025

Because birds can carry foodborne pathogens, widespread concern exists that birds impose food‐safety risks to farms. Growers are thus often encouraged to deter birds and forego harvesting crops near bird faeces (e.g., no‐harvest buffers). Developing a holistic understanding of the pathogen spillover process—from individual infection to pathogen persistence on crops—is essential to understand and manage food‐safety risks associated with birds.

Here, we coupled field and greenhouse experiments to understand the relative risks associated with different bird species on California farms. We first compared E. coli survival in bird faeces on lettuce, soil, and plastic mulch to identify where pathogens are likely to persist. Next, we quantified pathogen survival in faeces from 10 bird species to identify higher‐risk species. Finally, we combined pathogen survival data with bird surveys and faecal transects to assess food‐safety risks across 29 California lettuce farms.

E. coli abundance rapidly declined in bird faeces, but rates varied across substrates. E. coli survival was higher on lettuce compared to soil and plastic mulch, likely because of lettuce's cooler and wetter microclimate. E. coli persistence was also much higher in faeces from larger birds—which produce larger faeces—than small songbirds. Importantly, minimal differences in persistence among species were observed after all faeces were standardized to the same mass.

Though bird faeces were common on farms, most birds entering farms, contacting crops, and defecating on crops were small songbirds that defecate small faeces. Coupled with our finding that ~90% of faeces were deposited on soil, these results suggest that most birds on farms present relatively low food‐safety risks.

Synthesis and applications. Growers are often encouraged to deter all bird species and forego harvesting crops near all bird faeces, but our work suggests not all birds and faeces pose the same food‐safety risks. If growers ignored small bird faeces on soil, then we estimate that the area of California lettuce farms affected by no‐harvest buffers could decrease from ~10.3% to ~2.7%. More broadly, our results suggest farmers could promote small, insect‐eating birds by erecting nest boxes or preserving habitat without necessarily compromising food safety.
Forging New Voice Mechanisms From a Crisis—Employee Voice on Social Media During COVID‐19
Authors: Khan Maria , Mowbray Paula K. , Wilkinson Adrian
Published: January 2025

External crises, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, have increased job insecurity and overall uncertainty in the labour market. Crises like these can suppress employee voice; that is, employees may feel unable to express their ideas and opinions about their work, including dissatisfaction or criticism, because they may be worried about disagreeing with management and being seen as ‘rocking the boat’ in times of uncertainty. Nonetheless, this study finds that employees' desire to voice during the global pandemic led to them finding ways to speak up through social media (SM), with anonymity being a critical facilitator. Findings reveal that employees realised that SM affordances allowed them more agency over the agenda for voice regardless of prevailing voice norms. Despite open criticism not being well received by management, employees refashioned SM, which was primarily used for top‐down communication before the pandemic, into more of a bottom‐up voice mechanism. In doing so, we answer the call of researchers to explore the state of voice during a crisis and the potential of SM as a possible voice mechanism during such times.
Avoiding confusion: Modelling image identification surveys with classification errors
Authors: Spence Michael A. , Barry Jon , Bartos Thomas , Blackwell Robert , Scott James , Pitois Sophie
Published: January 2025

Automated systems driven by machine learning is becoming increasingly used as an environmental monitoring tool. A common approach is to use classification algorithms to identify counts of categories (e.g. species) from images. However, the classification algorithms can be biased in the presence of classification error. To draw valid conclusions, it is crucial to incorporate these errors into the analysis and interpretation of the classification algorithm results.

We introduce a general framework for describing counts with classification errors from classifiers, including data from both the classifier and a confusion matrix. The framework incorporates uncertainty in the classification matrix as well as uncertainty in the generating process. By treating the classification errors as latent variables, our framework allows a wide range of generating processes.

We illustrate our methods with three case studies based on simulated data from different generating processes, and data from a machine learning algorithm to identify zooplankton in the Celtic Seas and English Channel.

The framework is widely applicable in many subject areas where classification errors occur.
Kisspeptin as a test of hypothalamic dysfunction in pubertal and reproductive disorders
Authors: Pierret Aureliane C. S. , Patel Aaran H. , Daniels Elisabeth , Comninos Alexander N. , Dhillo Waljit S. , Abbara Ali
Published: January 2025

The hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis is regulated by the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone pulse generator in the hypothalamus. This is comprised of neurons that secrete kisspeptin in a pulsatile manner to stimulate the release of GnRH, and, in turn, downstream gonadotropins from the pituitary gland, and subsequently sex steroids and gametogenesis from the gonads. Many reproductive disorders in both males and females are characterized by hypothalamic dysfunction, including functional disorders (such as age‐related hypogonadism, obesity‐related secondary hypogonadism, hyperprolactinemia, functional hypothalamic amenorrhea and polycystic ovary syndrome), structural pathologies (such as craniopharyngiomas or radiation or surgery‐related hypothalamic dysfunction), and pubertal disorders (constitutional delay of growth and puberty and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism). However, in many of these conditions, the relative contribution of hypothalamic dysfunction to the observed hypogonadism is unclear; as to date, there is no direct method of evaluating hypothalamic reproductive function in humans. Indeed, it is not possible to directly measure gonadotropin‐releasing hormone levels in the hypothalamo‐pituitary portal vessels, such that secondary (i.e., pituitary dysfunction) and tertiary (i.e., hypothalamic dysfunction) hypogonadism are often conflated as one entity. In this review, we examine the evidence for the use of kisspeptin as a method of directly evaluating hypothalamic reproductive dysfunction, and deliberate its potential future role in the evaluation of pubertal and reproductive disorders.
Highly hypofractionated biaxially rotational dynamic radiation therapy (BROAD‐RT) for high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Aizawa Rihito , Ogata Takashi , Goto Takayuki , Nakamura Kiyonao , Takayama Kenji , Ashida Ryo , Kita Yuki , Sumiyoshi Takayuki , Murakami Kaoru , Mizuno Kei , Kobayashi Takashi , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: January 2025

To report clinical outcomes following highly hypofractionated biaxially rotational dynamic radiation therapy (BROAD‐RT), a unique radiation therapy method that facilitates non‐coplanar volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) without the need to rotate the couch or reposition the patient, for high‐risk prostate cancer (PCa) with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) for intra‐prostatic dominant lesions (IPDLs), we performed a single‐center prospective pilot study. In this study, patients with high‐risk PCa according to the D'Amico classification or those with cT3aN0M0 PCa were eligible. VMAT was performed using BROAD‐RT, and a dose of 54 Gy in 15 fractions was prescribed for the prostate in combination with SIB for IPDLs at a dose of 57 Gy in 15 fractions. Short‐term neoadjuvant androgen‐deprivation therapy (median: 6.9 months) was conducted. Neither adjuvant androgen‐deprivation therapy nor fiducial marker implantation to the prostate was applied for any patient. In total, 26 patients were registered in this study between August 2018 and November 2020. Their median age was 73 years at the initiation of RT. The median follow‐up period was 49.7 months. The 4‐year cumulative incidence rates of grade 2 late GU and GI toxicities were 15.4 and 3.8%, respectively. No grade 3 or higher acute or late toxicities were observed. The 4‐year biochemical failure‐free survival rates were 87.7%. In conclusion, highly hypofractionated RT using BROAD‐RT for high‐risk PCa with SIB for IPDLs was feasible and facilitated favorable oncological outcomes. Therefore, this approach is considered a promising method to achieve safe dose escalation and shorten the treatment duration.
Knowledgebase‐Driven Exploration and Experimental Verification of Simvastatin's Inhibitory Impact on P2X7/NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway
Authors: Wu Xinhai , Guo Chen‐Xin , Wang Sheng‐Feng , Gong Ting‐Ting , Yao Jing‐Wei , Hu Lin , Deng Zu‐Yue , Tang Lan , Xie Peng , Zhang Zan , Chen Yan
Published: January 2025

Depression is a mental health disorder and is the fourth most prevalent disease. Previous studies have suggested that statins are involved in the reduction of neuroinflammation. However, the potential mechanism for this relationship is unclear. The current study aimed to elucidate this by examining the effects of simvastatin on the P2X7/NLRP3 pathway in rats exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS). To achieve this goal, a depression database was first constructed, and simvastatin was used as an input to predict potential targets using machine/deep learning methods. Interestingly, the P2X7/NLRP3 pathway was predicted as a potential target for simvastatin. Subsequently, a depression rat model was established by inducing CMS for 4 weeks. Behavioral changes were detected via a sucrose preference test and forced swim test. The depression rats were then treated with simvastatin (10 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. Following treatment, changes in behavior and the activation of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase‐1 inflammasome pathway in the depression model rats were observed. The P2X7 agonist (ATP) and selective P2X7 antagonist brilliant blue G (BBG) were also used for in vivo intervention. Data from the experiment showed that treatment with simvastatin and BBG significantly reduced the depressive‐like behaviors in depression model rats, as well as the protein and mRNA expression levels of P2X7 and NLRP3 inflammasome. The protein and mRNA levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1β significantly increased. These results demonstrate that simvastatin exerted an antidepressant‐like effect in the CMS model of rats, and this effect was dependent on the inhibition of the P2X7/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.