bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-efficient causal deep learning for Dynamic CSA-AKI Detection Using Minimal Variables
Authors: Zhong Qin , Cheng Yuxiao , Li Zongren , Wang Dongjin , Rao Chongyou , Jiang Yi , Li Lianglong , Wang Ziqian , Liu Pan , Zhao Yawei , Li Pei , Suo Jinli , Dai Qionghai , He Kunlun
Published: December 2023

Cardiac surgery-associated Acute Kidney Injury (CSA-AKI) is a significant complication that often leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Effective CSA-AKI management relies on timely diagnosis and interventions. However, many cases of CSA-AKI are detected too late. Despite the efforts of novel biomarkers and data-driven predictive models, their limited discriminative and generalization capabilities along with stringent application requirements pose challenges for clinical use. Here we incorporate a causal deep learning approach that combines the universal approximation abilities of neural networks with causal discovery to develop REACT, a reliable and generalizable model to predict a patient’s risk of developing CSA-AKI within the next 48 hours. REACT was developed using 21.5 billion time-stamped medical records from two large hospitals covering 23,933 patients and validated in three independent centers covering 30,963 patients. By analyzing the causal relationships buried in the time dimensions, REACT distilled the complex temporal dynamics among variables into six minimal causal inputs and achieved an average AUROC of 0.93 (ranging from 0.89 to 0.96 among different CSA-AKI stages), surpassing state-of-the-art models that depend on more complex variables. This approach accurately predicted 97% of CSA-AKI events within 48 hours for all prediction windows, maintaining a ratio of 2 false alerts for every true alert, improving practical feasibility. Compared to guideline-recommended pathways, REACT detected CSA-AKI on average 16.35 hours earlier in external tests. In addition, we have established a publicly accessible website and performed prospective validation on 754 patients across two centers, achieving high accuracy. Our study holds substantial promise in enhancing early detection and preserving critical intervention windows for clinicians.
Validation of remote collection and quantification of blood Neurofilament light in neurological diseases
Authors: Coleman Annabelle , Touzé Alexiane , Farag Mena , Pengo Marta , Murphy Michael J , Hassan Yara , Thackeray Olivia , Fayer Kate , Field Sophie , Nakajima Mitsuko , Broom Elizabeth L , Huxford Brook , Donkor Natalie , Camboe Ellen , Dey Kamalesh C , Zirra Alexandra , Ahmed Aisha , Costa Ana Rita Gameiro , Sorrell Harriet , Zampedri Luca , Lombardi Vittoria , Wade Charles , Mangion Sean , Fneich Batoul , Heslegrave Amanda , Zetterberg Henrik , Noyce Alastair , Malaspina Andrea , Chataway Jeremy , Tabrizi Sarah J , Byrne Lauren M
Published: December 2023

Promising blood-based biomarkers of neuropathology have emerged with potential for therapeutic development and disease monitoring. However, these tools will require specialist tertiary services for integration into clinical management. Remote sampling for biomarker assessment could ease the burden of in-person clinical visits for such tests and allow for frequent sampling. Here we evaluated a capillary finger-prick collection for remote quantification of blood neurofilament light (NfL), a common blood-based biomarker evident in various neurological disorders, and other exploratory markers of neuronal injury and neuroinflammation (GFAP, tau).

Matched samples from venepuncture and finger-prick were collected and processed into plasma and/or serum to directly compare NfL levels across four different neurological conditions (HD, MS, ALS, PD). Two delayed processing conditions were compared, three- and seven-day delay, simulating ambient shipment.

Capillary NfL and GFAP concentrations were equivalent to those in venous blood serum and plasma. Only NfL remained stable after seven-day processing delay. Capillary NfL replicated disease group differences displayed in venous blood.

This data supports our finger-prick method for remote collection and quantification of NfL. With the widespread applications for NfL across the spectrum of neurological disorders, this has the potential to transform disease monitoring, prognosis, and therapeutic development within clinical practice and research.

Graphical abstract: Figure 1
SLC25A48 is a human mitochondrial choline transporter
Authors: Patil Suraj , Borisov Oleg , Scherer Nora , Wirth Christophe , Schlosser Pascal , Wuttke Matthias , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Hunte Carola , Neubauer Björn , Köttgen Anna , Köttgen Michael
Published: December 2023

Choline has important physiological functions as a precursor for essential cell components and signaling molecules including phospholipids and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Choline is a water-soluble charged molecule and therefore requires transport proteins to cross biological membranes. Membrane transport of choline is incompletely understood. Here we show that SLC25A48 is a human mitochondrial choline transporter. Loss-of-function mutations inSLC25A48are associated with elevated urine and plasma choline levels resulting from impaired choline transport into mitochondria.
MIAMI-AD (Methylation in Aging and Methylation in AD): an integrative knowledgebase that facilitates explorations of DNA methylation across sex, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lukacsovich David , O’Shea Deirdre , Huang Hanchen , Zhang Wei , Young Juan I. , Chen X. Steven , Dietrich Sven-Thorsten , Kunkle Brian , Martin Eden R. , Wang Lily
Published: December 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with a significant impact on aging populations. DNA methylation (DNAm) alterations have been implicated in both the aging processes and the development of AD. Given that AD affects more women than men, it is also important to explore DNAm changes that occur specifically in each sex. We created MIAMI-AD, a comprehensive knowledge base containing manually curated summary statistics from 97 published tables in 37 studies, all of which included at least 100 participants. MIAMI-AD enables easy browsing, querying, and downloading DNAm associations at multiple levels – at individual CpG, gene, genomic regions, or genome-wide, in one or multiple studies. Moreover, it also offers tools to perform integrative analyses, such as comparing DNAm associations across different phenotypes or tissues, as well as interactive visualizations. Using several use case examples, we demonstrated that MIAMI-AD facilitates our understanding of age-associated CpGs in AD and the sex-specific roles of DNAm in AD. This open-access resource is freely available to the research community, and all the underlying data can be downloaded. MIAMI-AD (https://miami-ad.org/) facilitates integrative explorations to better understand the interplay between DNAm across aging, sex, and AD.
Effect of composting and storage on the microbiome and resistome of cattle manure from a commercial dairy farm in Poland
Authors: Zalewska Magdalena , Błażejewska Aleksandra , Szadziul Mateusz , Ciuchciński Karol , Popowska Magdalena
Published: December 2023

Manure from food-producing animals, rich in antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), poses significant environmental and healthcare risks. Despite global efforts, most manure is not adequately processed before use on fields, escalating the spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study examined how different cattle manure treatments, including composting and storage, affect its microbiome and resistome. The changes occurring in the microbiome and resistome of the treated manure samples were compared with those of raw samples by high-throughput qPCR for ARGs tracking and sequencing of the V3-V4 variable region of 16S rRNA gene to indicate bacterial community composition. We identified 203 ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in raw manure. Post-treatment reduced these to 76 in composted and 51 in stored samples. Notably, beta-lactam, cross-resistance to macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramin B (MLSB), and vancomycin-resistance genes decreased, while genes linked to MGEs, integrons, and sulfonamide resistance increased after composting. Overall, total resistance gene abundance significantly dropped with both treatments. During composting, the relative abundance of genes was lower midway than at the end. Moreover, higher biodiversity was observed in samples after composting than storage. Our current research shows that both composting and storage effectively reduce ARGs in cattle manure. However, it’s challenging to determine which method is superior, as different groups of resistance genes react differently to each treatment, even though a notable overall reduction in ARGs is observed.
Sequence length controls coil-to-globule transition in elastin-like polypeptides
Authors: Morozova Tatiana I. , García Nicolás A. , Barrat Jean-Louis
Published: December 2023

Phase separation of disordered proteins resulting in the formation of biocondensates has received significant attention due to its fundamental role in cellular organization and functioning and is sought after in many applications. For instance, the liquid-liquid phase separation of tropoelastin initiates the hierarchical assembly process of elastic fibers, which are key components of the extracellular matrix providing resilience and elasticity to biological tissues. Inspired by the hydrophobic domains of tropoelastin, elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) were derived which exhibit a similar phase behavior. Even though, it appeared almost certain that elastin condensates retain liquid-like properties, a recent experimental study questioned this viewpoint by demonstrating that the aggregate state of elastin-derived materials can depend on the length of hydrophobic domains. Here, we employ state-of-the-art atomistic modeling to resolve the conformational ensembles of a single ELP as a function of its sequence length in the temperature range relevant to possible applications. For the first time, we report the free energy profiles of ELPs in the vicinity of conformational transitions which show more compact polypeptide conformations at higher temperatures in accord with their thermoresponsive nature. We access the conformations visited by ELPs through descriptors from polymer physics. We find that short ELPs always remain in coil-like conformations, while the longer ones prefer globule states. The former engages in intrapeptide hydrogen bonds temporarily retaining their liquid-like properties while the latter forms long-lived (hundreds of nanoseconds) intra-peptide hydrogen bonds attributed to ordered secondary structure motifs such asβ-bridges and turns. Our work demonstrates the importance of the sequence length as a modulator of conformational properties at a single chain and possibly explains the change in aggregate state in elastin condensates.
Activation of intestinal immunity by pathogen effector-triggered aggregation of lysosomal TIR-1/SARM1
Authors: Tse-Kang Samantha , Wani Khursheed A. , Peterson Nicholas D. , Page Amanda , Pukkila-Worley Read
Published: December 2023

TIR-domain proteins with enzymatic activity are essential for immunity in plants, animals, and bacteria. However, it is not known how these proteins function in pathogen sensing in animals. We discovered that a TIR-domain protein (TIR-1/SARM1) is strategically expressed on the membranes of a lysosomal sub-compartment, which enables intestinal epithelial cells in the nematode C. elegans to survey for pathogen effector-triggered host damage. We showed that a redox active virulence effector secreted by the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa alkalinized and condensed a specific subset of lysosomes by inducing intracellular oxidative stress. Concentration of TIR-1/SARM1 on the surface of these organelles triggered its multimerization, which engages its intrinsic NADase activity, to activate the p38 innate immune pathway and protect the host against microbial intoxication. Thus, lysosomal TIR-1/SARM1 is a sensor for oxidative stress induced by pathogenic bacteria to activate metazoan intestinal immunity.
Targeting endothelial FOXO1 protects diabetic β-cells and improves wound healing
Authors: Wu Hao , Cui Kui , Zhu Bo , Lu Yao Wei , Sun Liang , Ma Qianyi , Jian Ashish , Hurtado Daniel Osorio , Gao Xinlei , Li Yanqian , Bhattacharjee Sudarshan , Fu Haojie , Birsner Amy E. , Malovichko Marina V. , Li Manna , Wang Beibei , Singh Bandana , Peng Qianman , Wong Scott , Norton Vikram , Li Kathryn , Eisa-Beygi Shahram , Wang Donghai , Cowan Douglas B. , Bielenberg Diane R. , Srivastava Sanjay , Rockowitz Shira , Xu Jian , D’Amato Robert J. , Chen Kaifu , Dong Min , Biddinger Sudha , Chen Hong
Published: December 2023

The forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) transcription factor plays critical roles in regulating not only metabolic activity but also angiogenesis in the vascular endothelium1–4. Our previous studies show that epsin endocytic adaptors can regulate both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis5–7. Endothelial cells (ECs) lining the inside of blood vessels are continuously exposed to circulating insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). Emerging evidences suggest that ECs can affect β-cell function8–11. Excessive IGF2, especially elevated local IGF2 levels in islets, may represent a risk factor for developing diabetes12–15; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which aberrant angiogenesis and endothelium-derived factors regulate pancreatic β-cell function in diabetes remain unclear. Here, we report that the pancreas of diabetic patients as well as the pancreas, skin, and plasma of streptozotocin/high fat diet (STZ/HFD)-induced diabetic mice anddb/dbmice contains excess IGF2, which can lead to β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis. Single-cell transcriptomics combined with mass spectrometry analysis reveal that endothelial-specific knockout of FOXO1 increases circulating soluble and cell-membrane or intracellular expression levels of IGF type 2 receptor (IGF2R) and CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), while decreasing IGF2 levels in diabetes. Both IGFR215–17and CTCF18–21can reduce IGF2 levels and may ameliorate β-cell decline associated with excess IGF2 in diabetes. Furthermore, depletion of FOXO1, epsins, or knockdown of ULK1 inhibits autophagy formation in ECs, preventing degradation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) to promote angiogenesis and improve wound healing in diabetes. Our findings reveal that endothelial FOXO1 regulates epsin-dependent angiogenesis and affects β-cell function and fate through CTCF and IGF2-IGF2R, providing a potential strategy for ameliorating diabetes and accelerating cutaneous wound healing.
E-cadherin-dependent phosphorylation of EGFR governs a homeostatic feedback loop controlling intercellular junction viscosity and collective migration modes
Authors: Fu Chaoyu , Dilasser Florian , Lin Shao-Zhen , Karnat Marc , Arora Aditya , Rajendiran Harini , Ong Hui Ting , Hoon Brenda Nai Mui , Phow Sound Wai , Hirashima Tsuyoshi , Sheetz Michael , Rupprecht Jean-François , Tlili Sham , Viasnoff Virgile
Published: December 2023

Actomyosin tension has been shown to be a ubiquitous driver of tissue morphogenesis1, 2. The Rho pathway, a prominent regulatory network influencing cortical tension, plays a central role in both tissue reorganisation and cell migration3–6. While viscous dissipation in the actin network is commonly regarded as a constant passive parameter in cell migration in both 2D and 3D contexts, there is limited knowledge concerning the regulation of dissipative forces arising from viscous drag between cells during collective rearrangement. Here, we found that the phosphorylation of Epithelial Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) downstream ofde novoE-cadherin adhesion7, 8orchestrates a feedback loop, thereby governing intercellular viscosity via the Rac pathway regulating actin dynamics. Our findings highlight how the E-cadherin-dependent EGFR activity controls the migration mode of collective cell movements independently of intercellular tension. Combining molecular cell biology, micropatterning, andin silicosimulation, our work suggests the existence of a regulatory loop by which cells can tune junctional actin viscosity, with implications for the phenomenology of morphogenetic movements.
Psychiatric Genome-wide Association Study Enrichment Shows Promise for Future Psychopharmaceutical Discoveries
Authors: Hatoum Alexander S. , Gorelik Aaron , Blaydon Lauren , Chi Tingying , Baranger David A.A. , Miller Alex P. , Johnson Emma C. , Agrawal Arpana , Bogdan Ryan
Published: December 2023

Innovation in psychiatric therapeutics has stagnated on a handful of known mechanisms. Psychiatric genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have begun to identify hundreds of genome-wide significant (GWS) loci and characterize complex polygenic architectures. These data have rapidly advanced our understanding of disease etiology but their ability to inform clinical treatment in psychiatry remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that large psychiatric GWASs (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and substance use disorders) are enriched (OR: 2.776-27.629) for drug targets of current therapeutics used to treat these disorders (e.g., SNRI’s for MDD; antipsychotics for schizophrenia and MDD). The effect sizes of individual loci and the number of variants identified in a study, but not functional annotations of SNPs, drove enrichment. Psychiatric GWAS results may assist in drug repurposing and novel treatment identification.
Replication stress response in fission yeast differentially depends on maintaining proper levels of Srs2 helicase and Rrp1, Rrp2 DNA translocases
Authors: Baranowska Gabriela , Misiorna Dorota , Białek Wojciech , Kramarz Karol , Dziadkowiec Dorota
Published: December 2023

Homologous recombination is a key process that governs the stability of eukaryotic genomes during DNA replication and repair. Multiple auxiliary factors regulate the choice of homologous recombination pathway in response to different types of replication stress. UsingSchizosaccharomyces pombewe have previously suggested the role of DNA translocases Rrp1 and Rrp2, together with Srs2 helicase, in the common synthesis dependent strand annealing sub-pathway of homologous recombination. Here we show that all three proteins are important for completion of replication after hydroxyurea exposure and provide data comparing the effect of overproduction of Srs2 with Rrp1 and Rrp2. Upregulation of Srs2 protein levels leads to enhanced replication stress, chromosome instability and viability loss, as previously reported for Rrp1 and Rrp2. Interestingly, our data suggests that dysregulation of Srs2, Rrp1 and Rrp2 protein levels differentially affects checkpoint response. Overproduction of Srs2 activates simultaneously DNA damage and replication stress response checkpoints, while cells overproducing Rrp1 mainly launch DNA damage checkpoint. Upregulation of Rrp2 primarily leads to replication stress response checkpoint activation. Overall, we propose that Srs2, Rrp1 and Rrp2 have important and independent functions for maintenance of distinct difficult to replicate regions of the genome.
Synthesis, crystal structure and hydrogenation properties of Mg
x
Li3 − x
B48 − y
(x = 1.11, y = 0.40)
Authors: Pavlyuk Nazar , Milashius Viktoria , Kordan Vasyl , Pavlyuk Volodymyr
Published: December 2023

The ternary magnesium/lithium boride, Mg
x
Li3 − x
B48 − y
(x = 1.11, y = 0.40, idealized formula MgLi2B48), crystallizes as its own structure type in P43212, which is closely related to the structural family comprising α-AlB12, Be0.7Al1.1B22 and tetragonal β-boron. The asymmetric unit of title structure contains two statistical mixtures Mg/Li in Wyckoff sites 8b with relative occupancies Mg:Li = 0.495 (9):0.505 (9) and 4a with Mg:Li = 0.097 (8):0.903 (8). The boron atoms occupy 23 8b sites and two 4a sites. One of the latter sites has a partial occupancy factor of 0.61 (2). Both unique Mg/Li atoms adopt a twelvefold coordination environment in the form of truncated tetrahedra (Laves polyhedra). These polyhedra are connected by triangular faces to four [B12] icosahedra. The boron atoms exhibit four kinds of polyhedra, namely pentagonal pyramid (coordination number CN = 6), distorted tetragonal pyramid (CN = 5), bicapped hexagon (CN = 8) and gyrobifastigium (CN = 8). At the gas hydrogenation of MgLi2B48 alloy, formation of the eutectic composite hydride LiBH4+Mg(BH4)2 and amorphous boron is observed. In the temperature range 543–623 K, the hydride eutectics decompose, forming MgH2, LiH, MgB4, B and H2.
Should Indian Railways Reform, Collaborate and Perform with Startups?
Authors: Maurya Divakar , Patil Anand , Singh Gurpreet , Jain Atishaya , Narayanaswami Sundaravalli
Published: December 2023

Indian Railways (IR) has been slow in innovation. The competition from other modes of transport has posed new challenges to IR. Railways worldwide have taken help from startups to develop innovative solutions to improve railway operations. Such collaborations have helped in leveraging the technical expertise of startups in domains which are non-conventional for railways to develop in-house. These collaborations have been made possible by funding startups through various investment channels.
A priori tests of turbulence models for compressible flows
Authors: Sciacovelli Luca , Cannici Aron , Passiatore Donatella , Cinnella Paola
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyse the performances of closures and compressibility corrections classically used in turbulence models when applied to highly-compressible turbulent boundary layers (TBLs) over flat plates.

Design/methodology/approach

A direct numerical simulation (DNS) database of TBLs, covering a wide range of thermodynamic conditions, is presented and exploited to perform a priori analyses of classical and recent closures for turbulent models. The results are systematically compared to the “exact” terms computed from DNS.

Findings

The few compressibility corrections available in the literature are not found to capture DNS data much better than the uncorrected original models, especially at the highest Mach numbers. Turbulent mass and heat fluxes are shown not to follow the classical gradient diffusion model, which was shown instead to provide acceptable results for modelling the vibrational turbulent heat flux.

Originality/value

The main originality of the present paper resides in the DNS database on which the a priori tests are conducted. The database contains some high-enthalpy simulations at large Mach numbers, allowing to test the performances of the turbulence models in the presence of both chemical dissociation and vibrational relaxation processes.
The effect of perceptions of justice in returns on satisfaction and attitudes toward the retailer
Authors: Jones Angela L. , Miller Jason W. , Whipple Judith M. , Griffis Stanley E. , Voorhees Clay M.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

In the competitive retailing environment, retailers who provide service experiences that stand out from the competition can gain a competitive advantage. Increasingly, an important aspect of the service experience involves product returns, in particular, the fairness of returns policies and procedures. Previous research studies support that interpersonal justice and informational justice relate positively to consumer attitudes and behaviors. In this paper, the authors examine the relative effects of interpersonal justice and informational justice on return satisfaction, positive word-of-mouth (PWOM) and trust. Additionally, the authors examine the moderating effects of returns process convenience and returns policy restrictiveness as indicators of procedural justice.

Design/methodology/approach

A scenario-based experiment methodology was used to test the relationships of interest.

Findings

Results support that the effects of interpersonal justice on the outcome variables are stronger than the effects of informational justice. There is also support for a moderating effect of returns process convenience on the relationships between interpersonal justice and each outcome variable, as well as partial support for the moderating effect of returns policy restrictiveness on the relationship between interpersonal justice and PWOM.

Originality/value

The research extends previous work on the effects of justice on customer outcomes. Results support the importance of retailers treating customers with fairness during the returns experience and further support the benefits of providing a convenient returns experience.
Teen-adult interactions during the co-design of data literacy activities for the public library: insights from a natural language processing analysis of linguistic patterns
Authors: Bowler Leanne , Lopatovska Irene , Rosin Mark S.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore teen-adult dialogic interactions during the co-design of data literacy activities in order to determine the nature of teen thinking, their emotions, level of engagement, and the power of relationships between teens and adults in the context of data literacy. This study conceives of co-design as a learning space for data literacy. It investigates the teen–adult dialogic interactions and what these interactions say about the nature of teen thinking, their emotions, level of engagement and the power relationships between teens and adults.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conceives of co-design as a learning space for teens. Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC-22), a natural language processing (NLP) software tool, was used to examine the linguistic measures of Analytic Thinking, Clout, Authenticity, and Emotional Tone using transcriptions of recorded Data Labs with teens and adults. Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC-22), a natural language processing (NLP) software tool, was used to examine the linguistic measures of Analytic Thinking, Clout, Authenticity and Emotional Tone using transcriptions of recorded Data Labs with teens and adults.

Findings

LIWC-22 scores on the linguistic measures Analytic Thinking, Clout, Authenticity and Emotional Tone indicate that teens had a high level of friendly engagement, a relatively low sense of power compared with the adult co-designers, medium levels of spontaneity and honesty and the prevalence of positive emotions during the co-design sessions.

Practical implications

This study provides a concrete example of how to apply NLP in the context of data literacy in the public library, mapping the LIWC-22 findings to STEM-focused informal learning. It adds to the understanding of assessment/measurement tools and methods for designing data literacy education, stimulating further research and discussion on the ways to empower youth to engage more actively in informal learning about data.

Originality/value

This study applies a novel approach for exploring teen engagement within a co-design project tasked with the creation of youth-oriented data literacy activities.
The influence of luxury brand personality on digital interaction evaluations: a focus on European and North American markets
Authors: Cowan Kirsten , Kostyk Alena
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Do luxury consumers negatively evaluate digital interactions (website and social media) by international luxury brands? The topic has received much debate. The authors argue that luxury brand personality (modern vs. traditional), which encompasses a more stable form of brand identity in global markets, affects evaluations of digital interactions. They further investigate the role of self-brand connection in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

Three experiments on Prolific use a European sample and manipulate a single factor between subjects (modernity: less vs. more; traditionality: less vs. more) of French luxury brands and measure evaluations as the dependent variable. Two studies assesses self-brand connection (continuous) as a moderator (studies 2a, 2b). Study 2b rules out some alternative explanations, with culture (independent vs. collectivist) as an independent variable. A fourth study, using a North American sample on CloudResearch, assesses the effect of personality manipulation (more modernity vs. more traditionality) on consumer evaluations of an Italian brand, and assesses ubiquity perceptions as a mediator.

Findings

Consumers evaluate digital interactions of international luxury brands less favorably when luxury brand personality exhibits more (vs. less) modernity or less (vs. more) traditionality. Perceptions of ubiquity mediate these relationships. When self-brand connection is high, this effect is attenuated.

Originality/value

The research sheds light on the debate on whether luxury brands should create digital interactions in international markets, given that these global brands operate in multiple channels. Findings show that luxury brands can develop strategies based on aspects of their brand identity, a less malleable feature of brand identity within global markets. Additionally, the research contributes to the conversation about a global luxury market. In short, the findings offer evidence in favor of brand identity (personality) influencing the digital channel strategy a brand should undertake in international markets, first, followed by consumer needs.
The importance of perceived fairness regarding tax burden in compliance behavior: a qualitative study using the Delphi method in Morocco
Authors: Belahouaoui Rida , Attak El Houssain
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to understand the interaction between tax fairness perceptions, equitable tax burden distribution and tax compliance within Morocco’s unique socio-economic context, with the goal of uncovering strategies to enhance tax compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Delphi method, this study engaged tax experts in the Moroccan context to explore the impact of taxpayers’ perception of fairness, tax rates and tax burden on compliance. Their responses were gathered and analyzed with the aid of IRaMuTeQ software, which helped the authors identify themes relevant to the research question.

Findings

The preliminary results indicate a positive correlation between perceptions of tax fairness and compliance behavior, corroborating earlier studies conducted in different contexts. Notably, a substantial majority of Moroccan taxpayers perceive the current tax system as inequitable, deeming tax rates too high and the tax burden unfairly distributed among various taxpayer categories. This perception potentially influences their voluntary tax compliance behavior.

Practical implications

The findings have significant policy implications for the Moroccan Government and stakeholders. They suggest that by improving tax fairness, particularly by aligning tax assessment and payment modalities for employees, civil servants and small to medium enterprises, policymakers can encourage higher voluntary tax compliance, thereby potentially enhancing the efficiency of the Moroccan tax system.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing body of knowledge by exploring the dynamics of tax fairness and compliance behavior in Morocco, a context which has been significantly understudied.
Exclusion or insult at the workplace: responses to ostracism through employee's efficacy and relational needs with psychological capital
Authors: Nasir Sobia , Nasir Nadia , Khan Shabnam , Khan Waqas , Akyürek Server Sevil
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The study aims to describe the impact of supervisor’s and co-worker’s ostracism on the employee's responses (emotional, psychological and behavioral) through the mediation of employees' efficacy needs and relational needs. Moreover, psychological capital is treated as a moderator to handle the adverse responses of ostracized employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a three-wave quantitative research design to gather data from employees and their respective supervisors who belonged to various healthcare units (N = 510) using self-administered close-ended questionnaires. After that, SmartPLS software was used to analyze the data through a structured equation modeling (SEM) technique.

Findings

The empirical results of the study endorsed that ostracism adversely (negatively) affects employees' responses (comprised of emotional, behavioral and psychological). Moreover, the results revealed that employees' needs (efficacy and relational) mediate the relationship between ostracism experienced by employees (supervisor’ and co-workers’ ostracism) and their emotional, behavioral and psychological responses. In addition, it is also evidenced that employees' psychological capital improves the negative association between employees' needs and responses.

Originality/value

The literature in this domain is scarce, and the theoretical stance is weak due to the traditional approaches that are more concerned with the outcomes rather than analyzing the employee's conditional what they are going through. The present study enhances the knowledge of the transactional mode of coping and its application to ostracism in the workplace. The results of the current study may also support the practitioners in formulating interventions to foster a favorable workplace environment.
Being at one with each other: leader–follower (in)congruence in transformational leadership and team performance
Authors: Zhao Xin , Fu Na , Freeney Yseult
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the (in)congruence between team leader self-evaluation and follower evaluation about the leader's transformation leadership (TL) on team performance, as well as the conditions under which the impact can be strengthened or weakened.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a survey method to collect data from matched sales team leaders and sales team members in 81 teams. A multi-level polynomial regression analysis was conducted.

Findings

Team performance was higher in teams with balanced or high TL than with balanced or low TL. Among the teams with incongruence, no difference was found between leader underestimation and leader overestimation. TL congruence plays a moderating role in the relationship between team follower evaluation of TL and team performance, such that the relationship is stronger when team leader self-evaluation and follower evaluation are congruent than incongruent.

Originality/value

This study extends the authors' current understanding of TL literature by combining and contrasting the different perceptions of TL from both the leaders themselves and the followers towards leaders. The findings highlight the importance of congruence versus incongruence rather than just the high or low levels of follower TL evaluation. It provides a more complete understanding of the TL and team performance relationship than the traditional view that promotes a linear relationship between TL and performance.
Understanding the role of meaningfulness of work: a moderated-mediation model of bullying during work from home
Authors: Maheshwari Sudhanshu , Kaur Ashneet , Varma Arup
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Drawing on conservation of resource (COR) theory, the authors investigated relationships between bullying during work from home, turnover intention and meaningfulness of work among home-based teleworkers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used three-wave data from 212 home-based teleworkers to investigate the authors' hypotheses.

Findings

Findings reveal that bullying during home-based teleworking exacerbates teleworkers' emotional exhaustion and intention to quit. Further, the authors also found that the interrelationship between bullying during work from home and the intention to leave was positively moderated by the meaningfulness of work.

Originality/value

The authors' research helps understand how bullying stimulates teleworkers' turnover intention. Further, the authors find a counterintuitive impact of the meaningfulness of work on the relationship between bullying during work and turnover intention. The findings will help managers better manage home-based teleworkers.
Experimental investigation on flexural behavior of textile-reinforced concrete: effect of reinforcement type and dune sand addition
Authors: Bouzeboudja Fatma , Si Salem Abdelmadjid
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To contribute to the identification of the parameters influencing the behavior of textile-reinforced concrete (TRC), the purpose of this paper is to investigate the flexural behavior of TRC-based plates under four-point bending notably designed in the context of sustainable development and the substitution of mortar components with natural and abundant materials.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive experimental campaign was focused about two main parameters. The first one emphases the textile reinforcements, such as the number of layers, the nature and the textile mesh size. In the second step, the composition of the mortar matrix was explored through the use of dune sand as a substitute of the river one.

Findings

Test results in terms of load-displacement response and failure patterns were highlighted, discussed and confronted to literature ones. As key findings, an increase of the load-bearing capacity and ductility, comparable to the use of an industrially produced second textile layer was recorded with the use of dune sand in the mortar mix design. The designed ecofriendly samples with economic concerns denote the significance of obtained outcomes in this research study.

Originality/value

The novelty of the present work was to valorize the use of natural dune sand to design new TRC samples to respond to the environmental and economical requirements. The obtained values provide an improved textiles–matrix interface performance compared to classical TRC samples issued from the literature.
A Review of Government Venture Capital in China: History, Drawbacks and Remedies
Authors: Sun Chongqi , Tian Geran
Published: December 2023

The past 40 years have witnessed the growth of government venture capital (GVC) in China. This work reviews the brief history of GVC in China, as an example of emerging markets, and puts forward several major drawbacks. First, it is unclear which bureau is exactly responsible for GVC, resulting in redundant, sometimes conflicting regulations. Second, a lack of integrated financial planning leads to a mismatch between the situation of local enterprises and actual investments. Moreover, due to the lack of a market‐oriented management system, GVC fund managers are not fully motivated. We propose corresponding remedies and discuss the implications.
Bringing back a forgotten legume—Sensory profiles of Australian native wattleseeds reveal potential for novel food applications
Authors: Jacob Sera Susan , Flanagan Bernadine M. , Williams Barbara A. , Brown Rayleen , Hickey Sarah , Gidley Michael J. , Smyth Heather E.
Published: December 2023

Documented as one of the oldest living civilizations, there is now evidence that Indigenous communities in Australia followed a sustainable lifestyle with well‐designed agricultural practices and adequate physical activity. Commonly known as wattleseeds in Australia, unique cultivars of Acacia have been consumed by Indigenous Australians for over 60,000 years. This research used descriptive sensory profiling to develop a lexicon for the aroma and flavor profiles of four wattleseed species before and after being subjected to different processing techniques. The processing methods selected were pressure cooking, dry roasting, wet roasting, and malting. The species included were Acacia kempeana, Acacia adsurgens, Acacia colei, and Acacia victoriae. Sensory differences were observed between the different cultivars as well as between the different food processing techniques. Results show that wattleseed species diversity is a key driver in determining the aroma profile, while taste profiles are modified by the type of processing method applied.

Practical Application

This study provides foundational knowledge on these culturally significant seeds, supporting practical opportunities to diversify the uses of wattleseeds in food products.
Process optimization of wheat flour crisp puffing by radio frequency and the accompanying property changes of starch
Authors: Wang Yequn , Dong Yuehan , Sun Yanan , Chen Xiangwei , Fu Hongfei , Wang Yunyang
Published: December 2023

This research performed the process optimization of wheat flour crisp puffing by radio frequency (RF) and investigated the accompanying property changes of starch. Experiments were performed in a 6 kW, 27.12 MHz pilot‐scale RF system. The results showed that the volume expansion was highest (220%) when the conditions were employed as follows: electrode gap (115 mm); height of the sample (55 mm); initial moisture content of the sample (30%). Under these conditions, the samples were puffed at 120 s by RF, and changes in the starch properties were further observed. The results showed that the structure of the starch was destroyed, changing from oval and spherical in shape to fragmented. The crystal type of the starch changed from A to A + V types. Its crystal order was reduced, and the Fourier‐infrared spectrum showed that the ratio of (1048/1022) cm−1 decreased from 1.142 to 1.047. The crystallinity decreased from 48.27% to 17.57%. These changes will help starch digestion and absorption in human body. These results indicated that RF puffing could become a potential development method for puffed snacks.

Practical Application

In this study, the processes of radio frequency puffing wheat flour chips were optimized, and the changes of starch properties during puffing were studied. Therefore, this research provided a theoretical basis for the industrial application of radio frequency puffing.
Pharmacokinetics of collagen dipeptides (Gly–Pro and Pro–Hyp) and tripeptides (Gly–Pro–Hyp) in rats
Authors: Won Jihyun , Kang Juhyung , Noh Keumhan , Chung Hee‐Chul , Kang Wonku
Published: December 2023

Although systemic exposure to peptides, such as Gly–Pro–Hyp, Pro–Hyp, and Gly–Pro, has been reported following administration of collagen hydrolysates from fish scale and porcine skin in vivo, the individual peptide pharmacokinetics remain unknown. We administered the three peptides individually to rats via the intravenous (5 mg/kg) and intragastric (100 mg/kg) routes and then monitored systemic exposure and urinary excretion. The peptides in biological samples were analyzed via liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Gly–Pro–Hyp tended to exhibit higher first‐pass metabolism than Pro–Hyp; the absolute oral bioavailabilities of Gly–Pro–Hyp and Pro–Hyp were 4.4% and 19.3%, respectively. Gly–Pro levels were very low in the systemic circulation. Pro–Hyp biotransformed from Gly–Pro–Hyp behaved similarly to Pro–Hyp alone when administered orally. Flip‐flop kinetics (elimination rate ≫ absorption rate) were evident, probably reflecting transporter‐mediated slow absorption. A double‐peak phenomenon was observed for Gly–Pro–Hyp and Pro–Hyp when administered orally, and 5.9% ± 2.6% and 1.9% ± 0.3% of each dose were excreted in urine after intravenous administration, respectively. Urinary recovery of Gly–Pro was limited to 0.4% ± 0.5% of the intravenous dose. This work represents the first individual pharmacokinetics of Gly–Pro–Hyp, Pro–Hyp, and Gly–Pro in vivo.
Management of fetuses with apparent normal growth and abnormal cerebroplacental ratio: A risk‐based approach near term
Authors: Morales‐Roselló José , Khalil Asma , Martínez‐Varea Alicia
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) has been shown to be an independent predictor of adverse perinatal outcome at term and a marker of failure to reach the growth potential (FRGP) regardless of fetal size, being abnormal in compromised fetuses with birthweight above the 10th centile. The main aim of this study was to propose a risk‐based approach for the management of pregnancies with normal estimated fetal weight (EFW) and abnormal CPR near term.

Material and methods

This was a retrospective study of 943 pregnancies, that underwent an ultrasound evaluation of EFW and CPR at or beyond 34 weeks. CPR values were converted into multiples of the median (MoM) and EFW into centiles according to local references. Pregnancies were then divided into four groups: normal fetuses (defined as EFW ≥10th centile and CPR ≥0.6765 MoM), small for gestational age (EFW <10th centile and CPR ≥0.6765 MoM), fetal growth restriction (EFW <10th centile and CPR <0.6765 MoM), and fetuses with apparent normal growth (EFW ≥10th centile) and abnormal CPR (<0.6765 MoM), that present FRGP. Intrapartum fetal compromise (IFC) was defined as an abnormal intrapartum cardiotocogram or pH requiring cesarean delivery. Risk comparisons were performed among the four groups, based on the different frequencies of IFC. The risks of IFC were subsequently extrapolated into a gestational age scale, defining the optimal gestation to plan the birth for each of the four groups.

Results

Fetal growth restriction was the group with the highest frequency of IFC followed by FRGP, small for gestational age, and normal groups. The “a priori” risks of the fetal growth restriction and normal groups were used to determine the limits of two scales. One defining the IFC risk and the other defining the appropriate gestational age for delivery. Extrapolation of the risk between both scales placed the optimal gestational age for delivery at 39 weeks of gestation in the case of FRGP and at 40 weeks in the case of small for gestational age.

Conclusions

Fetuses near term may be evaluated according to the CPR and EFW defining four groups that present a progressive risk of IFC. Fetuses in pregnancies complicated by FRGP are likely to benefit from being delivered at 39 weeks of gestation.
Rural livelihoods and caterpillar fungus collection: Diverse economies of surplus for dignified labour
Authors: Duojie Caihuan , Scobie Matthew
Published: December 2023

This study explores the appropriation and distribution of surplus in caterpillar fungus collection in Qinghai using a diverse economies of surplus approach. Ethnographic fieldwork included semi‐structured interviews, focus group discussions, oral histories and participant observations during collection. Findings suggest that one particular enterprise type, with more typically capitalist features has come to dominate caterpillar fungus collection in Qinghai. The surplus appropriation and distribution in this enterprise poses problems for rural farmer collectors in terms of insecure incomes and stringent working conditions that deprive them of their dignity of labour. This study suggests a rethink of surplus appropriation and distribution based on culturally valued dignity of labour to design more sustainable and equitable livelihood within and beyond the dominant model.