bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landmark-based estimates of genomic disparity
Authors: Mohan Ashwini V. , Goswami Anjali , Streicher Jeffrey W.
Published: November 2024

Genomic architecture has played a key role in the evolution of biodiversity. Structural comparisons of genome sequences have informed the study of supergenes, sex chromosomes, and some of the earliest divergences in the tree of life. However, multi-species comparisons of whole genome sequences still have many computational and analytical limitations. Here we present a computationally non-intensive approach, based on geometric morphometrics, that generates disparity scores using conserved sequences as landmarks. This ‘geno-metric’ method captures structural differences in homologous chromosomal regions and can be applied at micro- and macroevolutionary scales. Using ultraconserved elements (UCEs) as landmarks, we provide empirical demonstrations with chromosome 5 from theDrosophila virilisgroup and 40 placental mammal genomes. These examples identify chromosomal rearrangements while also confirming that UCE landmark placement has strong parallels with morphometrics regarding chromosome size, landmark orientation, phylogenetic signal of landmarks, and landmark availability. Using simulations, we show that UCE-inferred disparity is correlated with overall levels of chromosome evolution which can be further studied using macroevolutionary models of continuous trait evolution. Landmark-based estimates of disparity are a valuable addition to the comparative genomic toolkit in that they offer an intuitive, rapid mechanism for detecting chromosomal expansions, contractions, and rearrangements. We also highlight the potential for this approach to identify translocations and genome duplications.

Significance Statement

The increased throughput of genome sequencing has outpaced the development of analytical tools to extract information from these big data, creating an urgent need for novel methodological perspectives in genomics. We describe and validate a morphometric approach based on conserved genomic landmarks that effectively captures multi-species variation of chromosome structure. Using the principles of morphological disparity, the throughput of comparative genomics can be greatly increased, and the syntenic organization of chromosomes placed in quantitative and macroevolutionary contexts.
The influence of trait intolerance of uncertainty on behavioural flexibility
Authors: Williams Brendan , Rodriguez-Sobstel Claudia , FitzGibbon Lily , Morriss Jayne , Christakou Anastasia
Published: November 2024

Identifying and responding adaptively to a change in our environment is an essential skill. However, differences in our ability to detect and our disposition to react to these changes mean that some individuals are better equipped to deal with change than others. Here, we investigate whether intolerance of uncertainty, a transdiagnostic dimension of psychopathology, is associated with performance during a reversal learning task. We assessed task performance of 145 subjects using behavioural measures and computational modelling across two time points (approximately 12 days apart). Intolerance of uncertainty and its prospective and inhibitory subscales were associated with task performance, irrespective of self-reported levels of trait anxiety. Intolerance of uncertainty and its inhibitory subscale were positively associated with increased sensitivity to reinforcement from positive, but not negative, feedback. Furthermore, the inhibitory subscale was positively associated with better performance, both overall (as indexed by accuracy) and immediately following a change in reward contingencies (as indexed by perseveration). Lastly, the prospective subscale interacted with the extent to which choice was driven by expected value across time points. These findings provide novel evidence for how trait intolerance of uncertainty may modulate behavioural flexibility in changeable environments. The study points towards exciting avenues for further research into the development of IU-related behaviours across the lifespan and their implications for mental health.
Chitosan nanocapsules withAlstonia booneiextract modulate the immune system in Wistar rats
Authors: Gildas Fonye Nyuyfoni , Francois Eya’ane Meva , Chris Rosaire Ninpa Kuissi , Hans-Denis Bamal , Veronique Fannang Simone , Hai Yen Beglau Thi , Fetzer Marcus N. A. , Antoinette Ntoumba Agnes , Laure Nguemfo Edwige , Jean Batiste Hzounda Fokou , Guilaine Djuidje Annie , Augustine Kuinze Kojap , Alex Kevin Tako Djimefo , Armel Florian Tchangou Njiemou , Ines Madeleine Evouna Danielle , Bertrand Dongmo Alain , Awawou Paboudam Gbambie , Christoph Janiak
Published: November 2024

The development of biosynthetic methods for nanoparticles using plants presents an exciting opportunity to better utilize our rich and diverse medicinal flora. We are particularly interested in creating nanocapsules usingAlstonia boonei, a Cameroonian plant known for its immunomodulatory properties.

Chitosan nanocapsules were synthesized from the methanol/dichloromethane extract of the powdered stem bark ofA. booneiafter harvest and drying. The encapsulation of the secondary metabolites was achieved using the ionic gelation method, which involved the agitation of a chitosan solution, extract, and tripolyphosphate. Subsequently, the encapsulation efficiency was calculated. Infrared spectroscopy identified the various functional groups present in the nanocapsules. The acute toxicological profile of these chitosan nanocapsules at a limit dose of 2000 mg/kg, along with their immunomodulatory activities, was evaluated in Wistar rats. The immunomodulatory potential was assessed in dexamethasone-induced immunosuppressed rats by measuring total blood count, delayed-type hypersensitivity response, and hemagglutinating antibody titre between groups of animals after 14 days of treatment.

The data collected on the synthesis and characterization confirmed the formation of nanocapsules. This was evidenced by infrared spectroscopy and an entrapment efficiency of 69%. Powder X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of chitosan in the polymer material. SEM imaging further confirmed the formation of nanocapsules. The toxicological profile of these nanocapsules was found to be satisfactory. Administration of chitosan nanocapsules containingAl. booneimethanol/dichloromethane extracts at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg body weight significantly prevented dexamethasone-induced immunosuppression in rats. This was achieved by increasing the parameters of total blood count (hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, platelets, lymphocytes, and granulocyte counts), hemagglutinating antibody titre values, and delayed type hypersensitivity response induced by chicken red blood cells. However, doses of 500 mg/kg of crudeA. booneiextract and 500 mg/kg body weight of empty chitosan nanocapsules did not show this effect.

The nanocapsules generated from the extracts of chitosan andA. booneiare responsible for immunostimulatory activity and possess therapeutic potentials for the prevention of depressed immune depressed conditions with satisfactory safety at acute dose.
Inosculation as a tool for living architecture: Methods and early results
Authors: Faucon P. , Fertet A. , Bombail A. , Gouguec C. , Montil C. , de la Sayette A.
Published: November 2024

Among the ways to introduce more plants within the city, living architecture could lower material required for building a house. However, trees are not supposed to have a house-like shape, so it is needed to give them this shape. That is why, we choose to investigate the assembly of living trees through inosculation. To do so, we initiated this work in March 2021, in our greenhouse, on five species:Acer platanoides, Celtis australis, Cornus Mas, Corylus colurnaandPyrus communis. We tested two types of contact (parallel or perpendicular) between two trees from the same species with scraped bark, or not, maintained by diverse tools (screw, fishing line, buddy tape and flexible stretch tie). From this, we get interesting anastomosis results with half of the trees showing signs of inosculation by spring 2022.
mcRigor: a statistical method to enhance the rigor of metacell partitioning in single-cell data analysis
Authors: Liu Pan , Li Jingyi Jessica
Published: November 2024

In single-cell data analysis, addressing sparsity often involves aggregating the profiles of homogeneous single cells into metacells. However, existing metacell partitioning methods lack checks on the homogeneity assumption and may aggregate heterogeneous single cells, potentially biasing downstream analysis and leading to spurious discoveries. To fill this gap, we introduce mcRigor, a statistical method to detect dubious metacells, which are composed of heterogeneous single cells, and optimize the hyperparameter of a metacell partitioning method. The core of mcRigor is a feature-correlation-based statistic that measures the heterogeneity of a metacell, with its null distribution derived from a double permutation scheme. As an optimizer for existing metacell partitioning methods, mcRigor has been shown to improve the reliability of discoveries in single-cell RNA-seq and multiome (RNA+ATAC) data analyses, such as uncovering differential gene co-expression modules, enhancer-gene associations, and gene temporal expression. Moreover, mcRigor enables benchmarking and selection of the most suitable metacell partitioning method with optimized hyperparameters tailored to specific datasets, ensuring reliable downstream analysis. Our results indicate that among existing metacell partitioning methods, MetaCell and SEACells consistently outperform MetaCell2 and SuperCell, albeit with the trade-off of longer runtimes.
New Record of Four Thrips Species Infesting Flower Buds ofMagnolia champacain India
Authors: Rachana R.R. , Firake D.M. , Tyagi Kaomud , Prasad K.V. , Amarendra B.
Published: November 2024

The golden-flowered, highly fragrant local variety ofMagnolia champaca, known as ‘Sonchafa,’ is very popular loose flower crop in Maharashtra and adjoining states of India. In response to the rising thrips problems in Sonchafa (M. champaca) fields leading to significant economic losses, we looked into the thrips’ species composition infesting the plant in the Western Maharashtra region of India. Four thrips species were newly recorded as pests, includingPsephenothrips machili(Moulton),Thrips florumSchmutz,Thrips hawaiiensis(Morgan) andThrips orientalis(Bagnall). Among these,P. machiliwas identified as the dominant species, responsible for 63% to 71% of bud damage across various fields. This study also marks the first report of an anthophilous host association ofP. machiliwithM. champaca, causing significant economic damage. The observed damage symptoms include, the typical distortion of flower tissues and buds, black spots on buds were ascribed toP. machili. The other three species were found in groups and caused silvery streaks on early-stage buds. The diagnostic characteristics of all the reported species are provided here, accompanied by photomicrographs.
Microbial succession, community assembly and adaptation over five years in a newly discovered deep-sea cold seep
Authors: Liang Qianyong , Liu Xinyue , Wang Jieni , Chen Tengkai , Han Yingchun , Zhang Lu , Li Shuzhen , Zhao Jing , Dong Yifei , Guo Binbin , Xiao Xi , Dong Xiyang
Published: November 2024

Deep-sea cold seeps, characterized by the release of hydrocarbon-rich fluids such as methane from the seafloor, create unique ecosystems. Microorganisms serve as pioneers, initially colonizing early-stage cold seeps and providing matter and energy for subsequent colonizers. However, microbial succession, community assembly, and adaptation in these environments remain largely unexplored. Here, we collected sediment samples from a newly discovered early-stage cold seep site, QDN-W07, in the South China Sea at varying depths over five years, and two previously reported cold seep sites, QDN-S18 and HM-ROV01, for comparative analysis. Amplicon sequencing revealed a high relative abundance of ANME-3 and Methylomonadaceae in surface sediments, and indicated changes in microbial community structures over time. Dispersal limitation and homogeneous selection dominated community assembly, while decreased intensity of microbial association influencing assembly mechanism over time. Metagenomic analysis of core microbiome, comprising 172 metagenomic-assembled genomes at QDN-W07, revealed tolerance to low temperatures and oxygen. Core microbiome genomes were enriched with genes related to the oxidation of multiple inorganic compounds, especially aerobic methane oxidation. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of deep biosphere life, biogeochemical cycling, and the ecological management of cold seep environments.
Development of a CRISPR activation system for targeted gene upregulation inSynechocystissp. PCC 6803
Authors: Bourgade Barbara , Xie Hao , Lindblad Peter , Stensjö Karin
Published: November 2024

The photosynthetic cyanobacteriumSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 offers a promising sustainable solution for simultaneous CO2fixation and compound bioproduction. While various heterologous products have now been synthesised inSynechocystis, limited genetic tools hinder further strain engineering for efficient production. Here, we present a versatile CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) system forSynechocystis, enabling robust multiplexed activation of both heterologous and endogenous targets. Following tool characterisation, we applied CRISPRa to explore targets influencing biofuel production, specifically isobutanol (IB) and 3-methyl-1-butanol (3M1B), demonstrating a proof-of-concept approach to identify key reactions constraining compound biosynthesis. Notably, individual upregulation of target genes, such aspyk1, resulted in up to 4-fold increase in IB/3M1B formation while synergetic effects from multiplexed targeting further enhanced compound production, highlighting the value of this tool for rapid metabolic mapping. Interestingly, activation efficacy did not consistently predict increases in compound formation, suggesting complex regulatory interactions influencing bioproduction. This work establishes the first CRISPRa system in cyanobacteria, providing an adaptable platform for high-throughput screening, metabolic pathway optimisation and functional genomics. Our CRISPRa system provides a crucial advance in the genetic toolbox available forSynechocystisand will facilitate innovative applications in both fundamental research and metabolic engineering in cyanobacteria.
cryoMDM; Molecular simulation Driven structural Matching Approach to Estimate Variety of Atomic Three-dimensional Model Based on Noisy cryoEM Single Particle Images.
Authors: Tokuhisa Atsushi , Akinaga Yoshinobu , Sasakura Yoko , Terayama Kei , Matsumoto Shigeyuki , Kato Takayuki , Okuno Yasushi
Published: November 2024

Understanding the structure of biomolecules is essential for comprehending life phenomena. In recent years, cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) single-particle structure analysis has made remarkable advancements. The single-particle images obtained from cryoEM measurements have a poor signal-to-noise ratio, and existing methods rely on multi-image analysis, which averages multiple measurement data to achieve high-resolution structures. However, this multi-image approach statistically processes several measurement images, causing the unique structural features of individual data to be lost. To overcome this inherent challenge, we developed a molecular simulation-driven structural matching method, cryoMDM, which identifies the plausible structure for cryoEM two-dimensional images from a vast number of three-dimensional (3D) structural model candidates generated through molecular simulations. The innovative aspect of this method is that it enables the estimation of 3D atomic models from a single-particle image, going beyond merely generating a 3D electron density map. By linking each cryoEM particle image to a 3D structure in the simulation space, we can directly connect cryoEM measurement data to continuous structural changes in biomolecules. Applying this method to the spike protein derived from SARS-CoV-2, we successfully captured various intermediate structures of the spike protein, revealing critical information about the early stages of viral entry.
Cell polarity control by an unconventional G-protein complex in bacteria
Authors: Dinet Céline , Sebban-Kreuzer Corinne , Byrne-Kodjabachian Deborah , Lhospice Sébastien , Herrou Julien , Durbesson Fabien , Vincentelli Renaud , Michelot Alphée , Mignot Tâm
Published: November 2024

InMyxococcus xanthus, cell polarity and motility are regulated by the small GTPase MglA and its associated regulators, MglB, a potential GTPase Activating Protein and the RomRX complex, a potential Guanine nucleotide Exchange Factor. However, recent results have questioned the exact function of these regulators. Using a new type of fluorescent nucleotides for fluorescence-based anisotropy, we first demonstrate that RomRX does not function as a GEF but as an effector that binds strictly to MglAGTP. Secondly, based on an enzymology model, we found that MglB functions as a weak catalyst, unlike typical GAPs, and requires additional factors to dissociate from MglA. We demonstrate that RomRX, and specifically RomR, effectively competes with MglA by sequestering MglB. This low affinity interaction is still permissive for GAP activity but sufficient to partition these proteinsin vivoas indicated by a biomimetic assay in oil emulsion droplets reconstituting these interactions in a cell-sized environment. These results suggest a new model for cell polarity where RomRX exerts a dual function, targeting MglAGTPto the pole via its effector function and preventing its accumulation at the lagging pole by destabilizing the MglA-MglB complex.
A lipid transport Mla Pqi Chimeric system is essential forBrucella abortussurvival in macrophages
Authors: Lannoy Adélie , Ronneau Alexi , García Miguel Fernández , Dieu Marc , Renard Patricia , Fernández Antonia García , Condez-Alvarez Raquel , De Bolle Xavier
Published: November 2024

The envelope of diderm bacteria comprises of an inner membrane (IM) and an outer membrane (OM). Several pathways have been recently identified that facilitate the transport of phospholipids between the two membranes inEscherichia coli, including maintaining OM lipid asymmetry (Mla) and paraquat inducible (Pqi) systems. In this study, we report the identification and the characterization of a complex named Mpc in the intracellular pathogenBrucella abortus. Mpc is conserved in numerous species of Hyphomicrobiales and exhibits homology to both the Mla and Pqi systems. Mpc is essential for bacterial growth under conditions of envelope stress and for survival within macrophages during the early stages of infection. Analyses of protein-protein interactions and structural predictions indicate that the Mpc complex bridges IM to OM. The absence of this system results in an altered lipid composition of the OM vesicles, supporting the fact that Mpc plays a role in the transport of lipids between membranes. The discovery of a novel lipid trafficking system enhances the diversity and complexity of known lipid trafficking systems within diderm bacteria.
Novel environment exposure drives temporally defined and region-specific chromatin accessibility and gene expression changes in the hippocampus
Authors: Duffy Erin E. , Traunmüller Lisa , Liu Hanqing , Sanalidou Stella , Assad Elena G. , Sun Senmiao , Pajarillo Naeem S. , Niu Nancy , Griffith Eric C. , Greenberg Michael E.
Published: November 2024

Curiosity-driven interactions with novel cues in our environment represent a common behavioral trait across the animal kingdom. Exposure to a novel environment (NE) reshapes the brain by promoting structural and functional changes in multiple brain areas, including the hippocampus. This experience-dependent circuit reorganization is thought to be driven in part by changes in gene expression. While NE exposure has been shown to rapidly induce the expression of FOS and other immediate-early gene transcription factors (IEG TFs), the downstream IEG-driven genes (e.g. late response genes) that serve to mediate NE-dependent circuit remodeling, as well as the DNA regulatory elements that drive the expression of these genes, remain largely unexplored. We employed a combination of hippocampal single-nucleus multiomics and bulk RNA sequencing of the DG, CA3, and CA1 regions to characterize over time the NE-driven gene expression and chromatin accessibility changes downstream of IEG induction. We observe strong hippocampal region-specificity in excitatory neuron late-response gene programs as well as diversity in the inhibitory neuron and non-neuronal gene responses. In addition, compared to a short exposure, prolonged exposure to NE caused more robust induction of late-response genes, suggesting that sustained environmental stimulation is more effective at triggering the long-lasting molecular changes that support memory formation. Notably, chromatin-level analyses revealed thousands of cell-type-specific changes in chromatin accessibility in response to NE exposure. Coordinated analysis of both chromatin accessibility and gene expression within individual cells revealed the Fos binding site referred to as the AP-1 motif as a major predictor of neuronal cell-type-specific late-response gene expression. Together, these data provide a rich resource of hippocampal chromatin accessibility and gene expression changes in response to novel experience, a physiological stimulus that affects learning and memory.
Negative longitudinal magnetoresistance in the Dirac semimetal
PtSe2
: Kondo effect and surface spin dynamics
Authors: Salchegger Julian Max , Adhikari Rajdeep , Faina Bogdan , Pešić Jelena , Bonanni Alberta
Published: November 2024

The emergence of negative longitudinal magnetoresistance in the topologically nontrivial transition-metal dichalcogenide PtSe2is studied. Low-T, high-μ0H transport is performed for arbitrary field directions, and an analytical framework is established. The source of the negative longitudinal magnetoresistance is identified as the Kondo effect stemming from Pt vacancies contributing an uncompensated spin exclusively at the sample surface. The concentration of vacancies and the sample thickness are identified as tuning parameters. The findings are substantiated by density functional theory, which corroborates the proposed Pt-vacancy model.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Scalable Multispecies Ion Transport in a Grid-Based Surface-Electrode Trap
Authors: Delaney Robert D. , Sletten Lucas R. , Cich Matthew J. , Estey Brian , Fabrikant Maya I. , Hayes David , Hoffman Ian M. , Hostetter James , Langer Christopher , Moses Steven A. , Perry Abigail R. , Peterson Timothy A. , Schaffer Andrew , Volin Curtis , Vittorini Grahame , Burton William Cody
Published: November 2024

Quantum processors based on linear arrays of trapped ions have achieved exceptional performance, but scaling to large qubit numbers requires realizing two-dimensional ion arrays as envisioned in the quantum charge-coupled device (QCCD) architecture. Here, we present a scalable method for the control of ion crystals in a grid-based surface-electrode Paul trap and characterize it in the context of transport operations that sort and reorder multispecies crystals. By combining cowiring of control electrodes at translationally symmetric locations in each grid site with the sitewise ability to exchange the voltages applied to two special electrodes gated by a binary input, site-dependent operations can be achieved using only a fixed number of analog voltage signals and a single digital input per site. In two separate experimental systems containing nominally identical grid traps, one using Yb+171−Ba+138 crystals and the other Ba+137−Sr+88, we demonstrate this method by characterizing the conditional intrasite crystal reorder and the conditional exchange of ions between adjacent sites on the grid. Averaged across a multisite region of interest, we measure subquanta motional excitation in the axial in-phase and out-of-phase modes of the crystals following these operations at exchange rates of 2.5 kHz. In this initial demonstration, the logic controlling the voltage exchange occurs in software, but the applied signals mimic a proposed hardware implementation using crossover switches. These techniques can be further extended to implement other conditional operations in the QCCD architecture such as gates, initialization, and measurement.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Sustainable UAM operations in integrated transport system
Authors: Dziugiel Bartosz , Liberacki Adam , Di Vito Vittorio , Menichino Aniello , Duca Gabriella
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Today all domains of life are affected by development of digital technologies. They are seen as shaping the future of transportation as well. This paper aims to identify the development directions of urban air mobility (UAM) applications as driven by sustainability criteria as well as resulting from development of digitalisation, information and communication technologies as well as smart-city related trends.

Design/methodology/approach

Sustainability was assumed as key indicator standing behind perceived attractiveness of UAM. For defined sustainability – consisting of economic, environmental and social components, the base sustainability level of UAM was analysed. Then the potential for increase of sustainability was examined as resulted from UAM applications taking advantage from smart-city concept.

Findings

Development of digital technologies can support development of UAM as driving its integration within external systems especially transport systems. Deployment of information and communication technologies creates new opportunities for UAM in terms of multitask applications, shared platforms solutions leading to significant increase level of sustainability of UAM.

Practical implications

Results of this paper can be directly used by researchers as well as industry. They indicate both the trends related to development of UAM as integrated component of transport system as well as directly describe new, more sustainable UAM applications contributing to the successful implementation of UAM in urban conditions as well as efficient development of smart-city concepts consolidating UAM valuable functionalities.

Originality/value

Research results cover UAM sustainability definition, description of new, more sustainable UAM applications as well as revolutionary meaning of digital technologies especially in the context of climate neutrality and operational efficiency improvement in four-dimensional urban transport ecosystems.
Can an OTT platform develop brand advocates via customer engagement? An integration of platform and message-based factors
Authors: Singh Sonali , Misra Richa , Bhatnagr Puneett , Aggarwal Ekta
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The study follows platform theory (PT) and information processing theory (IPT) to understand the determinants of customer engagement (CE) on an over-the-top (OTT) platform. Platform-based factors include superior streaming infrastructure (SSI), multilayer analytics (MA), secure monetisation (SM) and convenient navigability (CN), while message-based factors include content diversification (CD), interactive elements (IE) and content localisation (CL). The study further investigates the impact of CE on brand advocacy (BA).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed the quantitative method using the cross-sectional survey to collect the data using judgemental sampling. Data were collected from 650 users of OTT services. Partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypothesised relationship.

Findings

The impact of platform and message-based factors on CE is significant, except for the IE. As per the results, SSI is the most significant platform-based factor of CE, followed by MA, CN and SM. The study also found that CL followed by CD has a substantial influence as a message-based factor for OTT providers. The significant impact of CE is also established on BA, as per the findings of the study.

Practical implications

The outcome of the study is relevant to managers and practitioners in the highly competitive OTT industry. The new research framework emphasises the increasing importance of platform- and message-based factors for CE and BA. The study will also assist OTT providers in guiding strategic and operational decisions in the context of the OTT industry to increase customer loyalty in emerging economies.

Originality/value

The study introduces a novel approach to assessing OTT subscriber engagement by integrating PT and IPT. The final outcome of the research model is BA, which is highly relevant for an OTT operator as it helps retain existing subscribers and attract new ones through BA.
Environmental analysis in UK modern methods of construction (MMC) housing: insights from early-stage architectural design process
Authors: Shibeika Amna , Oliveira Sonja
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) have been promoted as a solution to address housing shortages and meet sustainability goals in the UK. However, the practical functioning of MMC, particularly in relation to early-stage environmental analyses, remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by providing empirical insights into how architects engage in environmental analysis in early-stage MMC housing designs.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative pilot study is based on a detailed case study of a UK architectural firm specializing in modular housing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight architects with varying MMC experience. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data allowed for the exploration of key themes influencing early-stage environmental analysis, offering a narrative account of architects’ experiences in MMC practices.

Findings

The study reveals that environmental analysis in MMC is shaped by social, organisational and project-based factors. Three key themes emerged: uncertainty in environmental assumptions, dependencies on external consultants and the dominance of Passivhaus principles in design decisions. These factors challenge the integration of environmental considerations during the early design stages of MMC projects.

Research limitations/implications

As this is a single case study, the findings might not be generalizable. Future research should expand on multiple firms and project settings to validate and broaden these findings.

Originality/value

This study provides an in-depth understanding of the challenges architects face when integrating environmental analysis into MMC. This reveals the relational and interdependent nature of environmental analysis in MMC projects, where decisions are shaped by multiple social, organisational and project-specific factors. By emphasizing these interdependencies, this study provides original insights into how environmental considerations can be integrated more effectively into the early design stages of MMC projects.
Do fear-of-COVID-19 and regional identity matter for the linkage between perceived CSR and brand evangelism? A comparative analysis in South Asia
Authors: Maduranga Arachchi H.A.Dimuthu , Samarasinghe G. D.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

There is a dearth of evidence on how and when perceived corporate social responsibility (PCSR) contributes to brand evangelism in the consumer behavioural literature, especially during a pandemic situation. In an attempt to examine this phenomenon, this study investigates the effect of fear-of-COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) and regional identity on PCSR and brand evangelism effect in the South Asian retail context. It theorises linkages mainly from behavioural inhabitation system theory and social identity theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to a representative sample of 2,242 retail consumers representing Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India.

Findings

The results revealed a positive impact of PCSR on brand evangelism, but interestingly varying levels of strength of the key relationships based on country-wise fear-of-COVID-19 and regional identity during the pandemic.

Practical implications

For the first time, the results of this research shed light on incorporating consumers’ regional identity as well as consumer fear as cultural predictors for better explaining the PCSR and brand evangelism link of nations within a region. This has implications for both theory and practice in the domain of consumer behaviour.

Originality/value

The study reflects its originality by revealing the relevance of country level social identity and negative emotions of nations that can manipulate the business results of corporate ethical responsiveness from a consumer culture theory perspective, especially during and just after a crisis. These results underlie what is active inside consumer black box by explaining as to what external stimuli drive consumer collective and moral mind set in a given culture. This adds to the body of knowledge on ethical consumption behaviour more specific to consumer–brand interaction in market crises.
Perceived personal benefits from study as determinants of student satisfaction in Australian vocational education and training
Authors: Fieger Peter , Foley Annette
Published: November 2024

Purpose

In the wake of a skills shortage in Australia and its impact on the economy, the need for students to complete their vocational education and training (VET) programmes and enter the workforce is critical. This study aims to identify to what degree student programme choice and perceived personal benefits as well as various confounders act as determinants of student satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from the Australian Student Outcome Survey to quantify the gain or loss in satisfaction conditional on whether a specific personal benefit was received from the training.

Findings

The results show that when students acquire personal benefits through their VET training, overall student satisfaction has a relationship with the nature of the personal benefit received. This may be a determinant of future enrolments and should thus be important to VET providers and policymakers for their planning and institutional priority setting.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this paper is the first that quantifies the relationship between the satisfaction of graduates from VET and a variety of personal benefits received from vocational training.
Health promotion in the school context: a scientific mapping of the literature
Authors: Hernández-Torrano Daniel , Bessems Kathelijne , Buijs Goof , Lassalle Camille , Datema William , Jourdan Didier
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study presents an overview of research literature on health promotion in schools, utilizing metadata extracted from 4,328 publications indexed in the Scopus database over the past 35 years.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric approach was used to analyze the development and current state of using publication and citation data. A structured keyword search was conducted in the Scopus database to retrieve relevant publications in the field. Frequency counts, rank-ordered tables and time series charts were used to illustrate the dynamic growth of publication and citation data, the core journals, the leading countries and the most frequently used keywords in research on health promotion in school contexts. A series of social network analyses was conducted to explore and visualize the social, intellectual and conceptual structure of the field.

Findings

Findings demonstrate that health promotion in the school context is a growing research field that has gained significant momentum in recent years. The research in this field is widely distributed internationally, but the research output is dominated by the US and other English-speaking countries. The study reveals a trend toward increased collaboration among research groups. The level of international collaboration varies. The research field is highly interdisciplinary, and the main research themes addressed in the literature include mental health, well-being and quality of life; health behaviors; oral health education; sexual and reproductive education and general health promotion and health education in schools.

Originality/value

This is the first study to map the development of a research field with growing recognition. It provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging field of health promotion in the school context and its progress over time, contributing to the organization of the research domain. The study demonstrates the need for a new framework for health promotion research that supports the sustainability of health promotion research in schools.
The multiple affordances of micro-credentials – turning potential into possibility
Authors: Hanshaw Jeremy
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The study aims to consider the multiple affordances of micro-credentials as a means of creating agency and making a positive contribution to the human experience, through the voices of practitioners and stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple case study, narrative inquiry, using Reflexive Thematic Analysis to identify themes was the approach used. Qualitative Descriptive Research is employed to present and analyse the re-told tales.

Findings

Micro-credentials possess numerous characteristics which coalesce to create multiple affordances, which are identified as follows: Micro-credentials as: Urgent and Emergent, Critical and Transformative, Promoting Equity, Access and Participation, and Servicing Traditional Qualifications. These concomitant multiple affordances possess the core affordance of micro-credentials making a difference to the lives of learners. The more powerful affordances a micro-credential has, the more powerful it is and the greater the difference it can make to the human experience.

Research limitations/implications

Practitioners will arguably do well to consider these multiple affordances in the future development of micro-credentials. Equally, those working in urgent or emergent spaces, in critical or transformative areas of practice, those engaged in a social justice environment or in the re-development of curricula, would do well to consider micro-credentials as a means of creating agency in the development and recognition of knowledge and skills. This study has focused on the voices of practitioners and their storied professional lives. However, the learner voice is limited to one and the employer voice is absent. Future research will benefit from a consideration of the employer voice in the development of micro-credentials as well as the voice of the end user, the learner.

Practical implications

It is hoped the study will assist practitioners in the judicious development of micro-credentials that possess agency and make a positive contribution to the human experience.

Social implications

It is hoped the study will shed light on how micro-credentials can afford equity, access and participation to priority learners, and to all learners, in the development of cognitively manageable, affordable, time-achievable micro-credentials, that enable learners to see success quickly, whereby encouraging them to further their life-long and life-wide learning journeys.

Originality/value

This study unusually gives voice to practitioners and other stakeholders in the micro-credentials arena. Most studies to date have focused on the potential of micro-credentials. This study considers their actuality and new ways of ‘doing' micro-credentialing based on the voices of experience.
Thermal reflectance of fabric in color temperature spectral domain
Authors: Chen Yisong , Bian Zhe , Bian Yuyao
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the thermal reflectance of fabrics under sunlight or other thermal radiation sources at various color temperatures.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzed the spectral distribution of sunlight at different solar altitude angles as well as the spectral distribution characteristics of other light and thermal radiation sources, pointing out that their color temperatures can be used to identify their spectral distribution domains. Reflectance, transmittance, absorptance and color temperature domain reflectance of 35 different fibers and color fabrics were tested in a wide spectral range. The different behavior of these optical parameters in the segmented spectrum is discussed. The temperature rise tests demonstrate that the reflectance corresponding to the color temperature of the radiation sources is highly correlated with the temperature rise results.

Findings

The reflectance in the color temperature domain shows a strong correlation with the radiation source at same color temperature. The correlation coefficients for the 6,000 K xenon lamp test are −0.96 and −0.90 in two groups, and for the 3,200 K tungsten iodine lamp test are −0.87 and −0.90 as well.

Originality/value

The concept of fabric thermal reflectance in the color temperature domain was first introduced to match different thermal radiation sources. Validation of temperature rise is conducted through a self-constructed tester with unidirectional adiabatic heating. This new discovery could serve as a basis for developing functional fabric or clothing, such as sun-proof clothing, fire protection clothing, etc.
Meandering pathways to success: a careers perspective on self-employment
Authors: Nair Vivek G. , Chatterjee Leena , Bagga Navya
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to provide a career perspective on self-employment (SE) by focusing on how engaging in SE shapes the career experiences of MBA graduates in a distinct cultural and institutional context.

Design/methodology/approach

We thematically analyse interviews with 29 Indian MBA graduates (including 10 women) who have engaged in both SE and salaried employment, using the conservation of resources (COR) theory as the theoretical framework.

Findings

Participants took up SE in a challenging institutional and cultural environment. Resources such as financial stability, social networks and family support enabled participants to pursue SE. Participants noted that the SE experience boosted their psychological resources, providing them with greater confidence, perseverance and self-awareness. Participants observed that SE had a negative impact on subjective career success (SCS) dimensions of financial success and positive work relationships but positively impacted other SCS dimensions such as entrepreneurship, learning and development, positive (social) impact and work–life balance (particularly for women).

Research limitations/implications

Participants were highly educated with strong social networks from past work experience in a developing economy, so the transferability of the findings to other contexts may be limited.

Practical implications

Individuals could benefit from considering a broader career canvas that includes SE as a career option. Policymakers should work towards removing institutional barriers and changing cultural perceptions towards SE.

Originality/value

Our study is distinct in that it comprises participants who had engaged in both SE and salaried employment during their careers. Few studies have looked at the impact of one employment episode on another. We show that SE episodes can contribute to career sustainability by developing psychological resources.
Cyber resilience in organisations and supply chains: from perceptions to actions
Authors: Gaudenzi Barbara , Baldi Benedetta
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This empirical study investigates the direct and indirect effects on managers’ perceptions of cyber risks, the implementation of cyber resilience strategies and the perceived effectiveness of these strategies for supply chains. Cyber risks pose significant threats to organisations and supply chains. Yet they remain insufficiently addressed and managed.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected from a sample of Italian organisations using a survey. The structural equation modelling methodology was employed to empirically investigate cyber resilience strategies in supply chains.

Findings

Results indicate that effective cyber resilience is linked to awareness of the negative impacts of cyber risks, particularly supply chain disruptions. This awareness leads to the adoption of various cyber resilience strategies. According to managers' perceptions, several strategies are identified in the study as the most effective in enhancing the cyber resilience supply chains. The findings offer insights for managers regarding the relationship between cyber risk perceptions, supply chain cyber resilience strategies and their effectiveness. These relationships are studied using the theory of perceived risk and the dynamic capabilities theory.

Originality/value

This study advances knowledge for academics and practitioners in the fields of supply chain resilience and supply chain risk management. It contributes to the development of a risk-based thinking model in organisations and supply chains by drawing upon a dual theoretical perspective.
Drivers and predictors of carbon emissions disclosure: insights with H2O AutoML
Authors: Jarboui Anis , Mnif Emna , Akrout Zied , Chakroun Salma
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the key determinants of carbon emissions disclosure from an environmental, social and governance (ESG) perspective, offering insights into how these factors influence corporate transparency and sustainability practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses H2O Automated machine learning (AutoML), a sophisticated machine learning framework, to analyze CO2 emissions disclosure among 77 French nonfinancial companies listed on the SBF 120 index between 2017 and 2021. This investigation robustly evaluates CO2 emission disclosures based on the Carbon Disclosure Project Index criteria. This approach enhances the accuracy of the findings and pioneers a new path in ESG research, blending sophisticated computational tools with traditional environmental reporting metrics.

Findings

The study shows an optimal balance between model complexity and accuracy, with social factors and the book market being more influential in CO2 disclosure than direct environmental factors. The heatmap analysis revealed the significance of these variables in predicting CO2 disclosures.

Practical implications

This research provides insights for firms and policymakers to improve environmental transparency and reporting, emphasizing the importance of considering ESG aspects. Carbon emissions disclosure is crucial for sustainability, ensuring regulatory compliance, attracting investors and improving risk management.

Originality/value

This research introduces a cutting-edge methodology for analyzing CO2 emissions disclosure, applying the H2O AutoML framework specifically to French nonfinancial companies listed on the SBF 120 index. This unique application within the French regulatory context, combined with a focus on ESG factors, sets this study apart from previous research. By emphasizing model diversity and the integration of multiple advanced algorithms, the approach provides a more nuanced understanding of environmental disclosure, offering novel insights that can guide policymakers and businesses in enhancing transparency and sustainability practices.