bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogel injection molded complex macroencapsulation device geometry improves long-term cell therapy viability and function in the rat omentum transplant site
Authors: Emerson Amy E. , Lyons Quincy , Becker Matthew W. , Sepulveda Keven , Hiremath Shivani , Brady Sarah R. , Weaver Jessica D.
Published: August 2024

Insulin-secreting allogeneic cell therapies are a promising treatment for type 1 diabetes, with the potential to eliminate hypoglycemia and long-term complications of the disease. However, chronic systemic immunosuppression is necessary to prevent graft rejection, and the acute risks associated with immunosuppression limit the number of patients who can be treated with allogeneic cell therapies. Islet macroencapsulation in a hydrogel biomaterial is one proposed method to reduce or eliminate immune suppression; however, macroencapsulation devices suffer from poor oxygen transport and limited efficacy as they scale to large animal model preclinical studies and clinical trials. Hydrogel geometric device designs that optimize nutrient transport combined with methods to promote localized vasculogenesis may improve in vivo macroencapsulated cell viability and function. Here, we demonstrate with finite element modeling that a high surface area-to-volume ratio spiral geometry can increase macroencapsulated islet viability and function relative to a traditional cylindrical design, and we validate these observationsin vitrounder normoxic and physiological oxygen conditions. Finally, we evaluate macroencapsulated syngeneic islet survival and function in vivo in a diabetic rat omentum transplant model, and demonstrate that high surface area-to-volume hydrogel device designs improved macroencapsulated syngeneic islet function relative to traditional device designs.
A Human Brain-Chip for modelling brain pathologies and screening of BBB crossing therapeutic strategies
Authors: Chim Shek Man , Howell Kristen , Kokkosis Alexandros , Zambrowicz Brian , Karalis Katia , Pavlopoulos Elias
Published: August 2024

The limited translatability of preclinical experimental findings to human patients remains an obstacle for successful treatment of brain diseases. Relevant models to elucidate mechanisms behind brain pathogenesis, such as human cell-based systems, and support successful targeting and prediction of drug responses in humans are in urgent need given the species differences in brain and blood-brain barrier (BBB) functions. Here, we examined and advanced a Brain-Chip which recapitulates aspects of the human cortical parenchyma and the BBB in one model. We utilized human primary astrocytes and pericytes, hiPSC-derived cortical neurons, hiPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial-like cells, and included for the first time on chip hiPSC-derived microglia. Using TNFα to emulate neuroinflammation, we demonstrate that our model recapitulatesin vivo-relevant responses. Importantly, we show microglia-derived responses, highlighting the ability of the model to capture cell-specific contributions in human disease associated pathology. We next tested BBB crossing of human transferrin receptor antibodies and conjugated adeno-associated viruses, and demonstrate successfulin vitro/in vivocorrelation in identifying crossing differences. These findings highlight the potential of the Brain-Chip as a time-saving and reliable model to support therapeutic development for brain diseases.
Synthetic cannabinoids consumed via e-cigarettes in English schools
Authors: Cozier Gyles E. , Gardner Matthew , Craft Sam , Skumlien Martine , Spicer Jack , Andrews Rachael , Power Alexander , Haines Tom , Bowman Richard , Manley Amy E. , Sunderland Peter , Sutcliffe Oliver B. , Husbands Stephen M. , Hines Lindsey , Taylor Gillian , Freeman Tom P. , Scott Jennifer , Pudney Christopher R.
Published: August 2024

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), colloquially spice or K2, are the most common drug to be found in prisons in the UK, where they are associated with nearly half of non-natural deaths. In the community, SCs are associated with poly-drug users who are also likely to be homeless. People who use SCs report debilitating side effects and withdrawal symptoms, coupled with dependence. Until now, SC use was believed to be largely restricted to prison and homeless populations. However, media reporting in the UK has increasingly identified cases of children collapsing in schools, which are claimed to be associated with vaping and putatively the vaping of a drug, variously reported as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ‘synthetic cannabis’ or ‘spice’. We therefore conducted the first study to identify and quantity SCs in e-cigarettes routinely collected from schools. We sampled 27 schools from geographically distinct regions of England, representing a very broad range of social metrics (free school meals, persistent absenteeism, and SEN). The material was sampled by self-submission by individual schools of e-cigarettes seized during normal school operation and transferred to us for analysis via local police forces. We found a remarkably consistent picture where SCs were detected in 17.5 % of all e-cigarettes sampled, and in 21 of 27 (78 %) of all sampled schools. Moreover, the percentage of SC e-cigarettes positively correlated with a metric of social deprivation, the fraction of pupils eligible for free school meals. The SC positive e-cigarettes were almost entirely found in e-cigarette liquid bottles and refillable e-cigarette devices, with very few identified in single use e-cigarette products. Within the positive samples we found an average SC concentration of 1.03 mg mL-1with a maximum of 3.6 mg mL-1. In contrast to the high prevalence of SCs, few samples contained THC (1.6 %). We suggest that pupils are being sold SC e-cigarettes as ‘cannabis’ and may be unaware they are consuming (and sometimes supplying) considerably more harmful drugs. Our findings are immediately crucial to policy policing and healthcare in the UK as well as to educational bodies and schools.
The role of TRPV4 in acute sleep deprivation-induced fear memory impairment
Authors: Guo Meimei , Zhang Feiyang , Liu Sha , Zhang Yi , Wang Lesheng , Song Jian , Wei Wei , Li Xiang
Published: August 2024

Acute sleep deprivation (ASD) negatively impacts fear memory, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a cation channel which is closely correlated with the concentration of Ca2+, and neuronal Ca2+overloading is a crucial inducement of learning and memory impairment. This study utilized an acute sleep-deprived mouse model combined with fear conditioning to investigate these mechanisms. mRNA sequencing revealed increased expression of TRPV4 in mice with ASD-induced fear memory impairment. Notably, knockdown of TRPV4 reversed ASD-induced fear memory impairment. ASD leads to the increased concentration of Ca2+. Additionally, we observed a reduction in spine density and a significant decrease in postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), which is associated with synaptic plasticity, in sleep-deprived fear memory impairment mice. This indicates that ASD may cause overloaded Ca2+, disrupting synaptic plasticity and impairing fear memory. Moreover, TRPV4 knockdown significantly decreased Ca2+concentration, mitigated the loss of dendritic spines and reduction of PSD95, contributing to the restoration of fear memory. These findings indicate a potential protective role of TRPV4 knockdown in counteracting ASD-induced fear memory deficits. Collectively, our results highlight that TRPV4 may be a potential therapeutic target in mediating fear memory impairment due to ASD and underscore the importance of sleep management for conditions like PTSD.
Grape ripening speed slowed down using natural variation
Authors: Falginella Luigi , Magris Gabriele , Castellarin Simone Diego , Gambetta Gregory A. , Matthews Mark A. , Morgante Michele , Di Gaspero Gabriele
Published: August 2024

Understanding ripening patterns and governing ripening speed are central aspects of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) berry biology owing to the importance of grape ripeness in winemaking. Despite this, the genetic control of ripening is largely unknown. Here, we report a major quantitative trait locus that controls ripening speed, expressed as speed of sugar accumulation. A haplotype originating from the speciesVitis ripariahalves maximum speed regardless of crop levels and berry sizes. The sequence of events that are normally completed at the onset of ripening in a two-week period known in viticulture as veraison are taking place at a slower speed, thereby attaining ripeness under milder weather conditions in late summer.V. viniferacultivars show limited phenotypic variation for ripening speed and no selective sweep in the causal genomic region that could derive from domestication or improvement. Closely related species make up for the lack of standing variation, supplying major effect alleles for adapting grape cultivars to climate change.

HIGHLIGHT / SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Reducing the speed of fruit ripening genetically is a means for adapting the grape berry developmental program to the changing needs of the wine industry and in response to global warming. We identified a haplotype in a wild grape species that slows down the speed of ripening in progenies ofVitis viniferaby limiting the speed of sugar accumulation throughout the duration of ripening, a condition of great importance for winemakers to harvest their grapes at the desired level of technological ripeness.
Mnemonic brain state engagement is diminished in healthy aging
Authors: Moore Isabelle L. , Smith Devyn E. , Long Nicole M.
Published: August 2024

Healthy older adults typically show impaired episodic memory – memory for when and where an event oc-curred – but intact semantic memory – knowledge for general information and facts. As older adults also have difficulty inhibiting the retrieval of prior knowledge from memory, their selective decline in episodic memory may be due to a tendency to over engage the retrieval state, a brain state in which attention is focused internally in an attempt to access prior knowledge. The retrieval state trades off with the encoding state, a brain state which supports the formation of new memories. Therefore, episodic memory declines in older adults may be the result of differential engagement in mnemonic brain states. Our hypothesis is that older adults are biased toward a retrieval state. We recorded scalp electroencephalography while young, middle-aged and older adults performed a memory task in which they were explicitly directed to either encode the currently presented object stimulus or retrieve a previously presented, categorically-related object stimulus. We used multivariate pattern analysis of spectral activity to decode engagement in the retrieval vs. encoding state. We find that all three age groups can follow top-down instructions to selectively engage in encoding or retrieval and that we can decode mnemonic states for all age groups. However, we find that mnemonic brain state engagement is diminished for older adults relative to middle-aged adults. Our interpretation is that a combination of executive control deficits and a modest bias to retrieve modulates older adults’ mnemonic state engagement. Together, these findings suggest that dif-ferential mnemonic state engagement may underlie age-related memory changes.
RIOT - Rapid Immunoglobulin Overview Tool - annotation of nucleotide and amino acid immunoglobulin sequences using an open germline database.
Authors: Dudzic Pawel , Janusz Bartosz , Satlawa Tadeusz , Chomicz Dawid , Gawlowski Tomasz , Grabowski Rafal , Jozwiak Przemyslaw , Tarkowski Mateusz , Mycielski Maciej , Wrobel Sonia , Krawczyk Konrad
Published: August 2024

Antibodies are a cornerstone of the immune system, playing a pivotal role in identifying and neutralizing infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Understanding their structure, and function, can provide insights into both the body's natural defenses and the principles behind many therapeutic interventions, including vaccines and antibody-based drugs. The analysis and annotation of antibody sequences, including the identification of variable, diversity, joining, and constant genes, as well as the delineation of framework regions and complementarity-determining regions, is essential for understanding their structure and function. Currently analyzing large volumes of antibody sequences is routine in antibody discovery, requiring fast and accurate tools. While there are existing tools designed for the annotation and numbering of antibody sequences, they often have limitations such as being restricted to either nucleotide or amino acid sequences, reliance on non-uniform germline databases, or slow execution times. Here we present Rapid Immunoglobulin Overview Tool (RIOT), a novel open-source solution for antibody numbering that addresses these shortcomings. RIOT handles nucleotide and amino acid sequence processing, comes with a free germline database, and is computationally efficient. We hope the tool will facilitate rapid annotation of antibody sequencing outputs for the benefit of understanding antibody biology and discovering novel therapeutics.
Leveraging remote sensing to distinguish closely related beech species in assisted gene flow scenarios
Authors: Kaplan Gordana , Mora Ariane , Csillery Katalin , Schuman Meredith C
Published: August 2024

European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests are suffering under increasingly severe and frequent drought. Three closely related, hybridizing beech species, ranging from Bulgaria through Asia Minor and the Caucasus to Iran, offer potential resources for assisted gene flow (AGF) with the aim of increasing the adaptive capacity of European beech forests. However, due to similar morphology and leaf color, as well as hybridization, it is challenging to track the fate of introduced beech genotypes from these related species. Traditional identification methods relying on detailed morphological characterization and genetic testing are labor-intensive and costly, making them impractical for large-scale applications. Using multispectral data from PlanetScope SuperDove, we developed a classification approach that captures phenological differences between the European beech F. sylvatica and co-planted Caucasian beech (Fagus hohenackeriana Palibin). The approach focuses on key temporal windows and spectral features to optimize classification performance. We evaluated various machine learning algorithms with stratified spatial and temporal cross-validation on data from more than 200 genetically classified individuals in two well-studied sites in France and Switzerland, where Caucasian beech was introduced over a century ago. Our approach was then tested on three different study areas in Germany, where Caucasian beech was also planted, but without specific tree coordinates. Our results reveal consistent temporal and spectral differences during spring and autumn, aligning with budbreak and senescence periods. Most algorithms achieved classification accuracies of 90% and above. The algorithms effectively identified candidate zones for Caucasian beech within or near areas indicated by local foresters. This study demonstrates the potential of high-resolution multispectral satellite imagery and machine learning for scalable classification of closely related and hybridizing species, thereby facilitating forest management in the face of global change.
Exploring Transcriptional Regulation of Soybean Tissue Development with Machine Learning Method
Authors: Yang Yong
Published: August 2024

Soybean is one of the most important crops that is widely demanded by people in daily lives. Measuring the transcriptome of a tissue or condition is a powerful way to detect changes in genetic adaptation. However, it remains difficult to identify the key genes in transcriptional regulation most likely to explain specific traits. Here, we outline a machine learning method that utilizes publicly available soybean RNA-seq data by uncovering conserved expression patterns of genes controlled by transcription factor (TF) / transcription regulator (TR) genes in soybean tissues across time and space under various conditions. In addition to its function in gene expression homeostasis, we can also identify important TF/TR genes related to soybean leaf, stem and root tissue development. Combining with co-expression modules highly expression in the tissue, we also highlight the impact of candidate TF/TR genes in the module in different tissues that may shape the dynamics of soybean development. Together, our results revealed the importance of transcriptional regulatory module analysis in unraveling key traits in the soybean development, in particular those TFs/TRs and their target genes.
DNA polymerase Lambda is anchored within the NHEJ synaptic complex via Ku70/80
Authors: Frit Philippe , Amin Himani , Zahid Sayma , Barboule Nadia , Hall Chloe , Matharu Gurdip , Hardwick Steven W. , Chauvat Jeanne , Britton Sébastien , Chirgadze Dima Y. , Ropars Virginie , Charbonnier Jean-Baptiste , Calsou Patrick , Chaplin Amanda K.
Published: August 2024

Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is the predominant pathway by which double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) are repaired in mammals. To enable final break closure, various NHEJ end-processing factors respond to the chemistry of the damaged DNA ends. Amongst these factors is DNA polymerase lambda (Pol λ), a member of the Pol X family. How members of the Pol X family engage with the NHEJ complex is unknown. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of Pol λ in complex with the Ku70/80 DSB sensor whilst engaged with the DNA-PK holoenzyme in a long-range synaptic complex. These structures reveal a specific interaction site between Ku70/80 and the Pol λ BRCT domain. The functionality of this interaction is assessed by generating point mutations on either side of the Pol λ BRCT:Ku70/80 interface. Using these mutants in two orthogonal assays in cells (live protein recruitment at biphoton laser-damaged nuclear sites and transfection with an original gap-filling reporter plasmid) defines the molecular basis and essentiality of the BRCT domain for the recruitment and activity of the Pol λ within the NHEJ complex. Ultimately, these data explain the role of this interaction in cell survival to DSBs. Finally, we propose a unified model for the interaction of the three Pol X family members bearing BRCT domains with the same site of Ku70/80.
Golgi compaction facilitates microtubule nucleation to drive adult vertebrate peripheral neuron regeneration
Authors: Mortimer Alice E , Reid Adam J , Das Raman M
Published: August 2024

Peripheral neurons regenerate in response to injury, but their cell intrinsic processes are poorly understood and seldom sufficient to effect clinical restoration. Using a novel assay for high-resolution live imaging of regenerating adult vertebrate neurons, we identify acute fragmentation and rapid recompaction of the somatic Golgi as a key driver of peripheral neuron regeneration, implicating this organelle as a therapeutic target in an area of clinical unmet need. Compaction of the fragmented Golgi facilitates stepwise recruitment of the microtubule nucleation factors AKAP9 and γ-tubulin within a discrete period that corresponds with acentrosomal Golgi-mediated microtubule nucleation. Furthermore, disruption of AKAP9 or γ-tubulin recruitment compromises microtubule nucleation leading to impaired regeneration. Crucially, these mechanisms are conserved in the contexts ofin vivorat sciatic nerve transection and in primary human peripheral neurons. This work transforms our understanding of the cell intrinsic mechanisms that render injured peripheral neurons competent to initiate axon regeneration.
“Superiority of Rhythmic Auditory Signals over Electrical Stimulation to Entrain Behavior”
Authors: Cabral-Calderin Yuranny , Henry Molly J.
Published: August 2024

Neural tracking (entrainment) of auditory rhythms enhances perception. We previously demonstrated that transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can enhance or suppress entrainment to rhythmic auditory stimuli, depending on the timing between the electrical and auditory signals, although tACS effects are primarily modulatory. This study further investigated entrainment to tACS and auditory rhythms when the electrical and auditory signals were presented together (Experiment 1, N = 34) or independently (Experiment 2, N = 24; Experiment 3, N = 12). We hypothesized that tACS effects would be more pronounced when the auditory rhythm was made less perceptually salient to reduce the competition with the electrical rhythm. Participants detected silent gaps in modulated or unmodulated noise stimuli. In Experiment 1, auditory stimuli predominated in entraining behavior. While behavioral entrainment to sound rhythms was affected by the modulation depth of the auditory stimulus, entrainment to tACS was not. In Experiment 2, with no rhythmic information from the sound, 16 of 24 participants showed significant behavioral entrainment to tACS, although the most effective tACS frequency varied across participants. An oscillator model with a free parameter for the individual resonance frequency produced profiles similar to those we observed behaviorally. In Experiment 3, both neural and behavioral entrainment to rhythmic sounds were affected by the auditory stimulus frequency, but again the most effective entraining frequency varied across participants. Our findings suggest that tACS effects depend on the individual’s preferred frequency when there is no competition with sensory stimuli, emphasizing the importance of targeting individual frequencies in tACS experiments. When both sensory and electrical stimuli are rhythmic and compete, sensory stimuli prevail, indicating the superiority of sensory stimulation in modulating behavior.
Phase quantification using deep neural network processing of XRD patterns
Authors: Simonnet Titouan , Grangeon Sylvain , Claret Francis , Maubec Nicolas , Fall Mame Diarra , Harba Rachid , Galerne Bruno
Published: August 2024

Mineral identification and quantification are key to the understanding and, hence, the capacity to predict material properties. The method of choice for mineral quantification is powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), generally using a Rietveld refinement approach. However, a successful Rietveld refinement requires preliminary identification of the phases that make up the sample. This is generally carried out manually, and this task becomes extremely long or virtually impossible in the case of very large datasets such as those from synchrotron X-ray diffraction computed tomography. To circumvent this issue, this article proposes a novel neural network (NN) method for automating phase identification and quantification. An XRD pattern calculation code was used to generate large datasets of synthetic data that are used to train the NN. This approach offers significant advantages, including the ability to construct databases with a substantial number of XRD patterns and the introduction of extensive variability into these patterns. To enhance the performance of the NN, a specifically designed loss function for proportion inference was employed during the training process, offering improved efficiency and stability compared with traditional functions. The NN, trained exclusively with synthetic data, proved its ability to identify and quantify mineral phases on synthetic and real XRD patterns. Trained NN errors were equal to 0.5% for phase quantification on the synthetic test set, and 6% on the experimental data, in a system containing four phases of contrasting crystal structures (calcite, gibbsite, dolomite and hematite). The proposed method is freely available on GitHub and allows for major advances since it can be applied to any dataset, regardless of the mineral phases present.
The mediating role of risk management in the relationship between audit committee effectiveness and firm sustainability performance
Authors: Mahsina Mahsina , Agustia Dian , Nasution Damai , Dianawati Wiwiek
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the direct relationship between audit committee effectiveness and sustainability performance and the mediating role of risk management in the relationship between audit committee effectiveness and firm sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The Hayes Process regression mediation model was used in this study. The data included 2,590 firm-year observations from 518 publicly non-banking and finance companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2017 to 2021.

Findings

This study proves the important role of risk management in mediating the effect of audit committee effectiveness on firm sustainability performance. Audit committee effectiveness was found to positively and significantly affect risk management. However, the effect of audit committee effectiveness on firm sustainability performance was statistically insignificant. The robustness checks and additional tests support all the main regression results.

Research limitations/implications

Sample firms from Indonesia were used as representatives of developing countries. Further research may use more sample firms from multiple countries or provide a comparative study between firms in different countries.

Practical implications

The authority must enhance the audit committee’s role in risk management quality due to the indirect effect between the audit committee and sustainability disclosure. It should also expand the audit committee’s role to include sustainability disclosure.

Social implications

This study could increase community awareness of firm sustainability. Where a company is required to provide more eco-products, stakeholders are, therefore, expected to have more equal concerns.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine risk management as a mediator of the effect of audit committee effectiveness on firm sustainability performance.
Community intervention delivered by frontline healthcare professionals to promote eating self-efficacy
Authors: Levesque Annabel , Roy-Wsiaki Genevieve N.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The goal of this study was to assess changes in eating self-efficacy after participating in a brief psychoeducational group intervention, grounded in the cognitive-behavioral model, delivered by dieticians in community-based health facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental, pre-post design. A total of 110 program participants took part in the study. They were asked to complete the Eating Self-Efficacy Scale before the start of the intervention, at the end of the intervention, and three months after the intervention ended. Data were analyzed using the Linear Mixed Model.

Findings

Participants’ personal sense of control over their eating behaviors significantly increased after they completed the program and continued to increase up to the three-month follow-up. The effect of the intervention remained significant after controlling for differences in age and whether participants had access to other forms of individual support or completed the follow-up during the COVID-19 general lockdown.

Practical implications

By promoting participants’ sense of eating self-efficacy, this intervention could lead to positive dietary changes, which in turn could promote better health and healthy aging.

Social implications

This community intervention is readily accessible and represents a cost-effective approach to promote healthy eating, reducing the risk of chronic disease and the need for medical care, thereby cutting costs for the healthcare system.

Originality/value

(1) This study addresses a gap in the scientific literature as there was limited published research to date that investigated this intervention. (2) The three-month follow-up made it possible to evaluate whether changes in eating self-efficacy were maintained over time. (3) Potential confounding variables, including age, having access to other forms of individual support and the COVID-19 general lockdown, were taken into account.
The historical origins of earnings management: a geographical discontinuity design based on the Great Wall
Authors: Gao Ming , Gu Qiankun , He Shijun , Kong Dongmin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Does the history of the bureaucratic system, along with the establishment of the Great Wall during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911), affect firm behavior across the borderlands of the Great Wall?

Design/methodology/approach

The Ming and Qing dynasties built a centralized administrative system in the borderlands on the south side of the Great Wall, in contrast to the “feudal lordship” system on the north side. Employing a regression discontinuity analysis framework with the Great Wall as a geographical discontinuity, we examine the long-run effects of the Great Wall on firms’ earnings management.

Findings

Using a large sample of nonlisted firms in the central core frontier region, we show that the earnings management of firms in the region south of the Great Wall is significantly curtailed compared with firms in the north of it, and this effect is more pronounced for non-SOEs. Our findings are robust to a battery of tests to account for alternative explanations.

Practical implications

Overall, by emphasizing the role of institutions, like legal system, shaped in history on firms’ earnings management, this study sheds new light on institutional determinants of firms’ behaviors in earnings information disclosure.

Originality/value

First, we enrich our understanding of the institutional determinants of firms’ financial reporting outcomes. Second, our findings shed new light on the long-term effects of historical ruling styles on modern corporate behavior.
Exploring intrinsic and extrinsic sources of academic well-being among university teachers through Q methodology research
Authors: Chaaban Youmen , Qadhi Saba , Du Xiangyun
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper investigated the intrinsic and extrinsic sources of academic well-being among university teachers at one university in Qatar, to understand how different factors influence their well-being within academia.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on systems theory, this study employs Q methodology research. Data were collected and analyzed using 35 statements (Q-items) related to academic well-being. Twenty-one university teachers participated in the study, providing a range of perspectives on the factors that influenced their academic well-being.

Findings

The analysis revealed two distinct perspectives among the participants concerning the sources of academic well-being. Factor 1 (F-1) emphasized workplace conditions as the primary source of well-being, whereas Factor 2 (F-2) highlighted individual conditions. Additionally, a significant portion of participants did not align strongly with either factor, indicating diverse and individualized sources of well-being that suggest a complex interplay of various elements affecting academic well-being.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s sample size is limited to twenty-one university teachers at a single institution, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Future research should consider a larger, more diverse sample to explore the universality of the findings across different academic contexts.

Practical implications

The implications for university teachers, researchers, leaders and policymakers include a better understanding of the sources that contribute to academic well-being and the need for adopting systems thinking in addressing these sources.

Originality/value

This study employs a unique application of Q methodology within a systems theory framework to explore the sources of academic well-being among university teachers. Unlike previous research that has primarily focused on anxiety, stress and burnout, this study provides a holistic perspective by capturing the complex interplay between organizational structures and individual identities.
Beating around the bush over knowledge sabotage: the fatal flaw in increasing digital innovation ecosystem performance through innovation capability under technological turbulence
Authors: Arias-Pérez José , Santos Carlos Alberto Frantz dos , Velez-Ocampo Juan , Zen Aurora Carneiro
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The objective of this article is to analyze the mediating role of innovation capability—both radical and incremental—between technological turbulence and digital innovation ecosystem performance, considering the impact of cross-organizational knowledge sabotage. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding digitization, the high failure rate (80%) of digital transformation projects has received limited attention. This alarming statistic indicates a potential rise in opportunistic behaviors within organizations. We hypothesize that employees seeking to reduce the risk of being displaced by digital technologies, may not only hide knowledge, as previously observed, but also engage in knowledge sabotage by disseminating inaccurate information during the co-creation of digital innovations within the digital innovation ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed structural equation modeling to examine moderated mediation using survey data collected from 148 firms, mainly from sectors of high to medium levels of digital intensity.

Findings

The most significant finding indicates that cross-organizational knowledge sabotage considerably reduces the only mediating effect, namely that of incremental innovation capability.

Originality/value

Our study presents a novel perspective by investigating the phenomenon of cross-organizational knowledge sabotage. Unlike prior research, which primarily identified the existence of knowledge hiding, our findings suggest that employees are not only willing to withhold information but also to disseminate inaccurate information to external partners. Consequently, our research extends the boundaries of the existing knowledge field by demonstrating that cross-organizational knowledge sabotage has repercussions that extend beyond intra-organizational impacts, as previously recognized. It also adversely affects the outcomes of collaborative work within the digital innovation ecosystem.
Delayed retirement, pension insurance and income inequality
Authors: Zhang Qingjie , Cao Xinbang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To investigate the potential of raising the retirement age and reforming pension insurance in mitigating intra- and inter-generational income inequality, thereby offering empirical support for governmental policy formulation.

Design/methodology/approach

A dynamic general equilibrium model with intertemporal iteration is developed to comprehensively assess the impact of policies raising the retirement age on income inequality, taking into account delayed retirement, survival probability, and pension insurance. The theoretical hypotheses are validated through simulation using MATLAB.

Findings

Through theoretical analysis, it is determined that, given certain assumptions are satisfied, raising the retirement age can effectively mitigate intra-generational income inequality, inter-generational income inequality under both the pay-as-you-go and fund accumulation systems. Simulation results indicate that, under current parameter settings, raising the retirement age can reduce the Gini coefficient. Furthermore, this study reveals that regardless of the pay-as-you-go or fund accumulation system, pension insurance serves as a mechanism for income redistribution and alleviating income inequality.

Originality/value

It offers a theoretical foundation for the government's policy on delayed retirement and endowment insurance.
Probation fear in new starters: understanding and alleviating concerns
Authors: Carnegie Pia
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This “viewpoint” paper aims to explore the root causes of probation fear, including worries about job security, performance expectations, cultural fit and feedback. It seeks to examine the impact of these fears on employees’ mental health, job performance, work relationships and career progression, as well as the broader implications for employers, such as increased turnover and training costs. Leadership’s role in creating a supportive environment and encouraging feedback is emphasised.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a combination of author observations and literature to explore the intricacies of probation fears faced by employees during the probation process.

Findings

Author observations and literature show that the impact of probation fear is not strictly limited to the employee who is going through the probation process. It is suggested that by addressing probation fear, a more inclusive, supportive and productive workplace can be created. In a collective effort, Employers can implement transparent communication, structured onboarding, supportive feedback, mentorship programs and foster psychological safety and employees can seek clarity, build relationships, prioritise self-care, focus on learning and engage in professional development.

Research limitations/implications

As this paper includes observations from the author the paper could suffer from the writer’s biases even though this is unintended.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, as this paper includes observations by the author, this study is original. This paper also provides value to both HR and front-line managers involved in the employee probation journey where the exploration of probation fear is under-researched.
Birds, bees and CSR managers: why is biodiversity conservation challenging for companies?
Authors: Bedarkar Madhura , Nulkar Gurudas , Chaubey Akriti , Mishra Mahima , Dhiwar Komal
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to learn what kinds of obstacles Indian businesses face when trying to make biodiversity protection a top priority as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. Interventions are proposed to elevate biodiversity protection to the ranks of CSR priorities among Indian businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies an interpretive phenomenological analysis strategy to glean information from in-depth interviews with leaders and professionals in CSR.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that the main factors influencing Indian companies’ CSR area choices are existing processes and stakeholder pressures. Companies prioritise engaging with local communities and employees when selecting CSR activities. The major challenge is integrating biodiversity into business plans, with CSR heads struggling to secure investment due to long gestation periods and limited media coverage. Implementing agencies face issues with project deliverables, mainly due to land ownership and lack of local government support. Companies can also encourage employee involvement in pro-environmental behaviours. The study also provides practical solutions for Indian companies to enhance their CSR engagement in biodiversity conservation.

Research limitations/implications

The research only focuses on the opinions of CSR specialists and leaders, so it may only consider part of the situation’s complexity inside the organisation. The results may only apply to the business climate in India; hence, extra care is warranted when extrapolating them to other countries. Nonetheless, the study provides valuable insights into the interplay between CSR and biodiversity protection that might inform future studies and policy initiatives.

Originality/value

This research fills a gap in the literature by investigating an uncharted territory: the role of CSR in protecting biodiversity in India. Examining obstacles and variables affecting CSR objectives illuminates business involvement in biodiversity conservation. The recommended treatments have real-world consequences for improving CSR involvement in this critical area.
A heuristic method to evaluate consequences for flight control and stability induced by attachment of biologging devices to birds and bats
Authors: Katzner Todd E. , Young George S.
Published: August 2024

Biologging is central to the study of wildlife, but questions remain about the minimization of effects of biologging devices. Rarely considered are changes biologging devices induce on an animal's centre of mass (COM) and resulting losses of flight control and stability.

We applied established aeronautical principles to estimate how the COM of a flying bird or bat may be affected by the typical positioning of a biologging device on the neck, back, hips or tail. We then adopted modified thresholds from aerospace engineering to estimate limits beyond which changes to COM result in fitness‐relevant alterations to flight control and stability.

Generic models illustrate a trade‐off between the placement and mass of a biologging device that influences flight control and stability. Seven species‐specific examples show the substantial differences in consequences of changes to COM for animals of different sizes and body types. Placement of a device on the tail always resulted in the greatest shift in COM and placement in the centre of the back resulted in the smallest shift. The 5% weight threshold some use for a biologging device provides little room for error in terms of stability and can easily cause dangerous changes to COM. The 3% weight threshold others use causes considerably smaller changes in the COM, but when placed away from the natural COM, still can affect flight control and stability.

Researchers interested in minimizing the effects to fitness of wildlife should consider weight, balance and COM when affixing biologging devices. The farther a device is from the natural COM, the smaller it should be relative to the mass of the animal.
Tail risk spillover of commodity futures markets
Authors: Ren Xiaohang , Xiao Shitong , Zhang Wenxin , Sun Xianming
Published: August 2024

This paper examines the tail risk spillover in commodity futures markets, with a particular focus on the dynamics related to the Chinese markets. To overcome the limitations of conventional network methods in terms of dimensionality, we employ a bootstrap‐based probabilistic analysis to extend the Diebold–Yilmaz network model for measuring spillover effects. Our empirical results demonstrate both intra‐ and inter‐group tail risk connectedness among commodity futures, highlighting variations in such connectedness during crisis periods. Additionally, we find the tail risk spillover between commodity spot and futures markets and identify dominant sources of risk transmission through our probabilistic analysis.
Toward a semiotics of midwifery: Multimodal communication's effects on accessibility, equity, and power dynamics
Authors: Celeste Jane
Published: August 2024

According to semiotics, we live in a world of signs, where almost anything can act as a signifier and convey meaning. But what of the semiotic landscape of midwifery? What signs are present within a client's multi‐sensory experience of their midwifery care? How are these signs functioning to increase equity and accessibility? Or worse, how might certain aspects of the client's experience communicate unjust power dynamics? Semiotics allows us to examine a wide communicative and educational environment. By paying particular attention to the multivalent meanings of different signs—be they written, visual, oral, or even physical—we can start to see how multimodal communication plays a vital role in a client's perception of equity and power. One way to improve client experience is by approaching education and semiotic experience from the same place as trauma‐informed care. A more health‐literate sensitive approach viewed through the lens of semiotics assumes all clients have little previous knowledge or comfort within a care setting. This hyperawareness and criticality of the semiotic environment would allow midwives to acknowledge various sensory and communicative biases and intentionally redesign the entire client experience. The semiotic landscape is then curated to meet the needs of the most important audience—those marginalized and discriminated against whether that is because of education, finances, race, gender, or any other intersectional identity. We must acknowledge the fact that all sign systems can either reinforce abusive power relations or work to improve them. For what is at stake here is not just a client's overall comfort, but their full understanding of the care they are receiving, the options they have, and their autonomy within their entire perinatal experience.
The impact of relationship factors on antenatal depression in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Pekarsky Chloe , Skiffington Janice , Chaput Kathleen , Slater Donna , Leijser Lara M. , Metcalfe Amy
Published: August 2024

Background

Antenatal depression is the most prevalent pregnancy‐associated mental health disorder. Previous studies have identified several risk factors for antenatal depression, including partner support. However, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, many relationship dynamics changed. This study examined the extent to which relationship factors had an impact on antenatal depression in comparison with other well‐researched factors in the context of the pandemic.

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the P3 Cohort in Calgary, a longitudinal cohort study based in Alberta, Canada. Pregnant people (n = 872) completed self‐report questionnaires and validated scales about sociodemographic, psychological, and relationship characteristics. Antenatal depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of reported characteristics on antenatal depression. Tests of model fit were used to examine whether the inclusion of variables related to relationship quality improved model fit after accounting for other known risk factors.

Results

Overall, 18.23% of participants experienced antenatal depression. Relationship factors including relationship unhappiness (OR = 1.98 [95% CI: 1.06–3.69]), having an upsetting partner (OR = 2.00 [95% CI: 1.17–3.40]), and having a lower quality of relationships with close friends and family (OR = 1.76 [95% CI: 1.14–2.73]) were associated with antenatal depression; however, inclusion of these relationship factors did not improve model fit after accounting for other known predictors.

Conclusion

Overall, relationship factors were not associated with antenatal depression during the pandemic after accounting for other known risk factors. Stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic may have overshadowed the impact of relationship factors, or relationship factors may have contributed to higher levels of stress and anxiety more generally within our sample.