bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of bacteria colonizing the mucosal layer of the gastrointestinal tract of Atlantic salmon farmed in a warm water region
Authors: Hall Kate , Reid Chantelle E , Hamlett Josephine , Kaur Damanpreet , Tan Qi Zhi , Taylor Richard S , Bissett Andrew , Nowak Barbara F , Bowman John P
Published: November 2024

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farmed in seawater in Tasmania (lutruwita) can experience temperatures close to their thermotolerance limit during summer. Gut microbiome data from eight successive annual surveys and a specific survey of GI tract mucosa and digesta bacterial cross-sectional distributions indicated members of the genusAliivibrio,Vibrio, and an unclassified Mycoplasmoidaceae are the main colonizers of the gut mucosal layer in Tasmanian farmed salmon. Peak abundance levels are reached after 7-8 months, corresponding to the late summer, following the transfer of hatchery smolt to seawater farms. SalmonAliivibrioisolates comprise three novel non-bioluminescent species distinct from species found in the northern hemisphere growing regions. Along with otherAliivibriospecies these species share many genes required for host colonization and biofilm formation and also include species and strain-level dependent features. Two of the novelAliivibriospecies surprisingly possessed genes for cytolethal distending toxin while the more predominant species lacked any known virulence genes. The overall observations suggest a small number of species actively colonize the mucosal layer of Atlantic salmon farmed in Tasmania and that this process is strongly influenced by the environmental temperature.
Yanomami skin microbiome complexity challenges prevailing concepts of healthy skin.
Authors: Durack Juliana , Piceno Yvette , Vuong Hoang , Fanelli Brian , Good David A , Hasan Nur A , Dadlani Manoj , Weiss Larry , Oh Julia , Kostic Aleksandar D , Dawson Thomas L , Caballero-Arias Hortensia , Colwell Rita R
Published: November 2024

The adult skin microbiome contributes to skin homeostasis and generally comprises relatively low microbial complexity, especially sebaceous sites, where lipophilic Cutibacterium and Malassezia spp. predominate. Current understanding of the healthy skin microbiome derives predominantly from studies of western, industrialized populations, with limited representation of diverse cultures and lifestyles. In this study, the skin microbiome of a remote indigenous Yanomami community was investigated, revealing a complex microbial community comprised of 115 novel bacterial genomes. The bacterial community composition included genera common to western skin microbiota and additional diverse taxa, which formed multiplex interactions with a dominant eukaryote, Malassezia globosa. Metatranscriptome-derived functional attributes of the microbial communities contributed to skin homeostasis, fortifying barrier integrity via lipid metabolism and acid production and protecting against oxidative stress. The Yanomami skin microbiome comprised a suite of microbial taxa co-detected within their various surroundings. Longitudinal monitoring of Western expeditioner microbiome revealed acquisition of the Yanomami skin microbiome following immersion into the Amazon and subsequent loss upon return to an industrialized setting. These findings challenge the prevailing Western-centric view of what comprises a healthy adult skin microbiome, suggesting a diverse community that includes bacteria of environmental origin confers benefits not recognized in the current model of healthy skin. Importantly, we highlight the malleability of adult skin microbiome composition, which includes changes sustained by lifestyle modification.
Assessing RNA velocity stability across synthetic replicates using count splitting
Authors: Li Yuhong , Wei Zeyu Jerry , Chen Yen-Chi , Lin Kevin Z.
Published: November 2024

RNA velocity is a computational framework that enables predicting future cell states based on single-cell RNA sequencing data and offers valuable insights into dynamic biological processes. However, there is a lack of general methods to quantify the uncertainty and stability of these predictions from various RNA velocity methods. In this paper, we present a novel framework for evaluating the stability of RNA velocity estimates by generating two independent splits of the original data using negative binomial count splitting. We apply our workflow to five RNA velocity methods and two well-characterized datasets about mouse erythroid development and pancreatic endocrinogenesis. Our results highlight key differences between methods, identify inconsistencies such as reversed velocity flow between different RNA velocity methods, and demonstrate robustness when certain intermediary cell states are missing. Our framework is broadly applicable across RNA velocity methods and provides a robust way to assess and compare method performance. This generalizability makes our approach an important tool for selecting reliable RNA velocity methods in diverse biological contexts.
Fisetin extends lifespan in a murine model of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Miller William C. , Strege Chloe L. , Popp Courtney M. , Tito Simone M. Intriago , Eide Cindy , Ebens Christine L. , Riddle Megan , Lees Chris , Seelig Davis , Bui Kacey , Yousefzadeh Matthew J , McGrath John , Tolar Jakub
Published: November 2024

Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB) is a rare genodermatosis characterized clinically by extensive inflammation, cutaneous destruction, and fibrosis that demonstrates properties similar to rapid skin aging. As tissue ages, it accumulates cellular damage and exhaustion leading to a state of senescence. Cellular senescence is an aging or disease-related phenomenon of stable exit from the cell cycle that leads to an increased inflammatory phenotype. RDEB and other EB subsets of patients need an adjunct to or alternate therapy that addresses the issues of inflammation, pain, and pruritus. Fisetin is a safe, naturally occurring compound proven to be effective at sensitizing senescent cells to cell death and ameliorating senescence-associated inflammation. In this paper, we demonstrate fisetin’s ability to increase survival and reduce senescent cell burden in a hypomorphic mouse model of RDEB.
The conserved ComP structure with two distinct DNA binding modes - systematic modeling with AlphaFold3, RoseTTAFold2NA, Chai-1 and re-docking in HADDOCK
Authors: Helsem Stian Aleksander , Alfsnes Kristian , Frye Stephan A. , Hesselberg Løvestad Alexander , Ambur Ole Herman
Published: November 2024

The competence protein ComP is the extracellular DNA binding protein involved in the uptake of DNA inNeisseria gonorrhoeaeand related Neisserieaceae bacteria. Details of the DNA binding mode of ComP remains enigmatic. Here we identify the ComP orthologs in a set of Neisseriaceae family members, model their common structural domains and their interaction with different preferred binding motifs, DNA Uptake Sequences (DUS). Through systematic in-silico modeling and comparisons using AlphaFold 3, RoseTTAFold2NA, and Chai-1, we bring a new understanding of the interactions between DNA and ComP, and particularly between DUS and ComP. We report six distinct binding modes of which two, here named Epsilon and Gamma, were repeatedly top-scoring models across platforms and different ComPs. The characteristics and robustness of the predicted models from each tool are assessed and discussed. This work may further expand the knowledge on the ComP-DUS interaction and guide further systematic and experimental characterization of these complexes which form extracellularly.
Horizontal transfer of a LINE-RTE retrotransposon among parasite, host, prey and environment
Authors: Brann T. , de Oliveira F. S. , Protasio A. V.
Published: November 2024

Background

Horizontal transfer of transposable elements is both impactful, owing to the subsequent transposition burst, and insightful, providing information on organisms’ evolutionary history. In eukaryotes, horizontal gene transfer (HGT) often involves transposable elements (TEs), host-parasite relationships, aquatic environments or any of them combined. The flatwormSchistosoma mansoniis a human parasite with two free-living aquatic stages (intercalated between a definitive human host and intermediate snail host) and has a sizable TE content. We aimed to identify and characterise potential instances of HGT leveraging new genomic resources available.

Results

Using the latest chromosome-scale genome assembly and available TE sequences we identify two putatively horizontally transferred elements, named Perere-3 and Sr3, in theS. mansonigenome. We demonstrate the presence of these TEs in the genomes ofSchistosomaspp. intermediate hosts, most likely explained by HGT. Perere-3 / Sr3 were also found across a wide range of additional organisms not susceptible to schistosome infection, including turtles, fish and other molluscs.

Conclusions

We propose that the patchy distribution of Perere-3/Sr3 across the phylogenetic tree is best explained by HGT. This phenomenon is likely linked to the parasitic nature of schistosomes, as several snail species sharing the elements are susceptible to infection. However, presence of Perere-3/Sr3 in species beyond this relationship may suggest wider ancestralSchistosomatidaehost ranges and/or undescribed schistosomes.
Flexible Learning and Re-ordering of Context-dependent Object Sequences in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Wen Xuan , Neumann Adam , Dhungana Seema , Womelsdorf Thilo
Published: November 2024

Intelligent behavior involves mentally arranging learned information in novel ways and is particularly well developed in humans. While nonhuman primates (NHP) will learn to arrange new items in complex serial order and re-arrange neighboring items within that order, it has remained contentious whether they are capable to re-assign items more flexibly to non-adjacent positions. Such mental re-indexing is facilitated by inferring the latent temporal structure of experiences as opposed to learning serial chains of item-item associations. Here, we tested the ability for flexible mental re-indexing in rhesus macaques. Subjects learned to serially order five objects. A change of the background context indicated when the object order changed, probing the subjects to mentally re-arrange objects to non-adjacent positions of the learned serial structure. Subjects successfully used the context cue to pro-actively re-index items to new, non-adjacent positions. Mental re-indexing was more likely when the initial order had been learned at a higher level, improved with more experience of the re-indexing rule and correlated with working memory performance in a delayed match-to-sample task. These findings suggest that NHPs inferred the latent serial structure of experiences beyond a chaining of item-item associations and mentally re-arrange items within that structure. The pattern of results indicates that NHPs form non-spatial cognitive maps of their experiences, which is a hallmark for flexible mental operations in many serially ordered behaviors including communication, counting or foraging.
Antibiotic treatment and microbiome depletion slow cnidarian regeneration
Authors: Da-Anoy Jeric , Toyama Kyle , Jasnos Oliwia , Wong Audrey , Gilmore Thomas D. , Davies Sarah W.
Published: November 2024

Cnidarian microbiomes play an essential role in physiology and development, but how these communities influence tissue regeneration is poorly understood. Here, we examined the effects of antibiotic exposure on regeneration and microbial communities in two cnidarian models, the sea anemonesNematostella vectensis(non-symbiotic, hereafter,Nematostella) andExaiptasia pallida(symbiotic, hereafter,Aiptasia). Bisected animals were incubated in either sterile or antibiotic-containing artificial seawater for seven days and regeneration was monitored daily. After seven days, tentacle number and length were measured, and microbial communities were profiled using metabarcoding of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA. Microbiome disruption was observed under antibiotic treatment in both species, resulting in decreased microbial load and shifts in relative abundances of some microbial taxa. However,Nematostellaexhibited a greater reduction in microbial diversity and community shifts under antibiotic exposure, whereasAiptasiashowed only moderate changes in diversity. In both species, microbiome disruption was associated with slower regeneration rates and reduced tentacle number and length, suggesting a functional role for the microbiome in cnidarian regeneration. Our findings suggest that host-microbiome interactions in both symbiotic and aposymbiotic anemones are important for the maintenance of regenerative processes. These findings provide insight into how cnidarians and their microbiomes respond to environmental stressors, with implications for predicting cnidarian resilience in the context of emerging threats to the marine environment.
Controlling Reciprocity in Binary and Weighted Networks: A Novel Density-Conserving Approach
Authors: Hadaeghi Fatemeh , Fakhar Kayson , Hilgetag Claus C.
Published: November 2024

We introduce efficient Network Reciprocity Control (NRC) algorithms for steering the degree of asymmetry and reciprocity in binary and weighted networks while preserving fundamental network properties. Our methods maintain edge density in binary networks and cumulative edge weight in weighted graphs. We test these algorithms on synthetic benchmark networks—including random, small-world, and modular structures— as well as brain connectivity maps (connectomes) from various species. We demonstrate how adjusting the asymmetry-reciprocity balance under edge density and total weight constraints influences key network features, including spectral properties, degree distributions, community structure, clustering, and path lengths. Additionally, we present a case study on the computational implications of graded reciprocity by solving a memory task within the reservoir computing framework. Furthermore, we establish the scalability of the NRC algorithms by applying them to networks of increasing size. These approaches enable systematic investigation of the relationship between directional asymmetry and network topology, with potential applications in computational and network sciences, social network analysis, and other fields studying complex network systems where the directionality of connections is essential.
Clonal Variant Analysis of Antibody Engineering Libraries
Authors: Fahad Ahmed S. , Gutiérrez-Gonzalez Matías F. , Madan Bharat , DeKosky Brandon J.
Published: November 2024

In vitro antibody evolution is a powerful technique for improving monoclonal antibodies. This can be achieved by generating artificial diversity on an antibody template, which can be done using different in vitro diversification techniques. The resulting libraries consist of single- or multimutant variants of a defined antibody template that are screened for improved function using antibody display. Here, we describe a bioinformatic protocol for tracking synthetic antibody variants using high-throughput sequencing across screening rounds, enabling efficient high-throughput interpretation of the function of individual mutations in sorted antibody display libraries. The protocol enables a user to achieve precision analysis and interpretation of clonal antibody variant data for discovery purposes, especially for high-throughput antibody engineering or optimization against target antigens.
Beyond Single Clones: High-Throughput Sequencing in Antibody Discovery
Authors: Fahad Ahmed S. , Gutiérrez-Gonzalez Matías F. , Madan Bharat , DeKosky Brandon J.
Published: November 2024

Antibody repertoire sequencing and display library screening are powerful approaches for antibody discovery and engineering that can connect DNA sequence with antibody function. Antibody display and screening studies have made a tremendous impact on immunology and biotechnology over the last decade, accelerated by technological advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing techniques. Indeed, bioinformatic analysis of antibody DNA library data has now taken a central role in modern antibody drug discovery, and is also critical for many ongoing studies of human immune development. Here, we describe current trends in antibody DNA library screening and analysis, and introduce a selection of protocols describing fundamental bioinformatic techniques to enable scientists to efficiently study antibody DNA libraries.
Theory of bunched beam transverse Schottky signals with stationary rf system and high-order chromaticity
Authors: Lasocha Kacper , Lannoy Christophe , Mounet Nicolas , Alves Diogo
Published: November 2024

The observation of transverse Schottky spectra provides insight into intrabunch particle dynamics and serves in numerous facilities to derive important beam and machine parameters, such as the betatron tune, first-order chromaticity, and transverse emittance. The original theory confirming the validity of these observations has been, however, developed by taking strong assumptions on the particle motion in both the longitudinal and transverse planes. In this work, we loosen these assumptions, by proving that the relationships linking the spectra with transverse emittance and betatron tune remain universally unchanged regardless of the shape of the rf waveform and chromaticity up to any order, while for the first-order chromaticity, we derive compact formulas for error estimates. The derived theory is supported by macroparticle simulations and applied to typical beam and machine parameters in the Large Hadron Collider.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Simulation of the impact of an additional corrugated structure impedance on the bursting dynamics in an electron storage ring
Authors: Maier S. , Brosi M. , Mochihashi A. , Nasse M. J. , Schwarz M. , Müller A.-S.
Published: November 2024

In the case of a single-digit picosecond bunch length, synchrotron light sources produce intense coherent radiation up to the THz range. The reduction of the bunch length by lowering the momentum compaction factor (low-α) gives rise to the microbunching instability, which is on the one hand a crucial roadblock in the x-ray range during to the resulting effective bunch lengthening, but on the other hand also an opportunity for the generation of intense THz radiation if it can be controlled appropriately. In the KIT storage ring KARA (Karlsruhe Research Accelerator), two parallel plates with periodic rectangular corrugations are planned to be installed as a proof of principle in an electron storage ring. These plates create an additional longitudinal impedance based on their geometry, which can affect the beam dynamics. The resulting impedance manipulation will be used to study and control the longitudinal electron beam dynamics and the emitted coherent synchrotron radiation. This paper presents the results of systematic studies in simulation of the impact of additional corrugated plate impedances on the longitudinal beam dynamics using the example of the KARA storage ring. If the periodicity of the wake function of the corrugated plates matches the size of the substructures in the longitudinal bunch profile, the instability threshold can be effectively manipulated. This extends intense THz radiation to different beam current regimes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Magnetization-current-induced
E1
transition in the
d+t→α+n+γ
reaction
Authors: Timofeyuk N. K.
Published: November 2024

The d−t collisions have a minor reaction branch, of the order of 10−5, involving γ emission from the incident state with the spin of 3/2+ to the final 3/2− and 1/2− states of the α−n system. Standard E1 treatment of such a transition results in zero cross sections because of the spin conservation rule. For this reason, the first theoretical work on d+t→α+n+γ [], described the E1 transition as coming from the high-energy d-wave spin-1/2 state of the α−n partition of He5, coupled to the d−t component by tensor interaction. However, the exact E1 operator contains a contribution from the usually neglected magnetization current, represented by the nucleon spin operators, which can allow the

E

1

 

d

+

t

→

α

+

n

+

γ

transition to occur without passing via the d-wave spin-1/2 α−n channel. The present paper studies the magnetization-current-induced E1 transition using several potential models of the d−t interaction. It was found that the strength of this transition depends strongly on the choice of the d−t interaction model. With the optical folding potential, correctly capturing the deuteron extended structure, this contribution is suppressed by three orders of magnitude, thus validating its neglect in the previous work.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Hybrid approach to perfect and dissipative spin hydrodynamics
Authors: Drogosz Zbigniew , Florkowski Wojciech , Hontarenko Mykhailo
Published: November 2024

A hybrid framework of spin hydrodynamics is proposed that combines the results of kinetic theory for particles with spin 1/2 with the Israel-Stewart method of introducing nonequilibrium dynamics. The framework of kinetic theory is used to define the perfect-fluid description that conserves baryon number, energy, linear momentum and spin part of angular momentum. This leads to the entropy conservation although, in the presence of spin degrees of freedom, the perfect-fluid formalism includes extra terms whose structure is usually attributed to dissipation. The genuine dissipative terms appear from the condition of positive entropy production in nonequilibrium processes. They are responsible for the transfer between the spin and orbital parts of angular momentum, with the total angular momentum being conserved.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Reinforcement learning for rotation sensing with ultracold atoms in an optical lattice
Authors: Chih Liang-Ying , Holland Murray
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we investigate a design approach of reinforcement learning to engineer a gyroscope in an optical lattice for the inertial sensing of rotations. Our methodology is not based on traditional atom interferometry, that is, splitting, reflecting, and recombining wavefunction components. Instead, the learning agent is assigned the task of generating lattice shaking sequences that optimize the sensitivity of the gyroscope to rotational signals in an end-to-end design philosophy. What results is an interference device that is completely distinct from the familiar Mach-Zehnder-type interferometer. For the same total interrogation time, the end-to-end design leads to a twentyfold improvement in sensitivity over traditional Bragg interferometry.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Theoretical framework for serial femtosecond crystallography in the presence of non-Born-Oppenheimer effects
Authors: Vashistha Mayank , Breckwoldt Niels , Casadei Cecilia M. , Hannemann Torben , Schertler Gebhard F. X. , Santra Robin
Published: November 2024

Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) is a powerful technique for studying ultrafast structural dynamics in matter. However, the analysis of SFX data is challenging and would benefit from a systematic theoretical framework. By employing a quantum-electrodynamics approach, we demonstrate that conventional SFX practices are not only intuitively plausible but also firmly grounded in well-established principles. We show that standard SFX assumptions remain valid even when non-Born-Oppenheimer effects near conical intersections are significant. Through a modal decomposition of diffraction signals in reciprocal space, we derive a corresponding decomposition of the electron density in real space, valid in the limit of small pump excitation probability. This result justifies a key assumption made in a recent study [A. Hosseinizadeh , ]. Remarkably, we find that the number of structural modes contributing to the SFX signal near conical intersections depends solely on the number of electronic states involved, regardless of the number of nuclear degrees of freedom. Our work establishes a foundation for accelerating the structural inversion of time-resolved SFX data and provides a rigorous theoretical basis for interpreting ultrafast structural dynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Linking through time: Memory-enhanced community discovery in temporal networks
Authors: Clemente Giulio Virginio , Garlaschelli Diego
Published: November 2024

Temporal networks present a unique challenge regarding the community discovery task. The inherent dynamism of these systems requires an intricate understanding of memory effects and structural heterogeneity, which are often key drivers of network evolution. This study focuses on Markovian temporal networks and addresses these challenges with an innovative community detection method that introduces a modularity function. We specifically demonstrate how our approach enhances the detectability threshold, thereby improving the effectiveness of community detection in such a dynamic setting. We show that by associating memory directly with nodes' memberships and including it into the modularity expression, we can enhance the detectability threshold compared to scenarios where memory is ignored, thus extending the conditions under which communities can be accurately identified. We validate our approach through extensive numerical simulations, confirming its efficacy in a controlled environment. Additionally, by applying our method to real-world data, we not only demonstrate its practicality and robustness but also reveal its capacity to indirectly tackle additional challenges, such as determining the optimal time window for aggregating data in dynamic graphs.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Symmetry groups of the Batak basketweave patterns
Authors: De Las Peñas Ma. Louise Antonette , Garciano Agnes , Verzosa Debbie Marie , Tomenes Mark
Published: November 2024

Layer groups are three-dimensional crystallographic groups that have translational symmetries in two dimensions. This paper discusses the layer group symmetries of the patterns arising from two-way twofold weaves found in the baskets, trays and mats of the Batak, an indigenous community in the Philippines. This study reports 44 distinct Batak weave patterns, culled from existing studies on Batak basketry; from museums, exhibits and social enterprises focusing on Batak products in the Philippines; and from a two-day visit to a Batak community in Palawan. The method used in this study to determine the symmetry group of a two-way twofold weave was to first codify the weave by means of a design, which is a 2-coloring of a regular tiling by squares where a tile is colored one of two colors, depending on whether a weft is over a warp or vice versa in the corresponding weave. Next, the side-preserving and side-reversing symmetries of the weave were derived from the color symmetry group structure of its corresponding design. The symmetry groups found are of 15 layer group types, out of the 80 layer groups known in crystallography.
How coaching project manager influence construction project team members’ job burnout: a conservation of resources perspective
Authors: Lu Yongqiang , Ma Li
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Construction project team members’ job burnout damages the physical health of members and also have a negative effect on project performance. This study primarily aims to empirically examine the relationship between coaching project managers (CPMs) and team members’ job burnout. Moreover, this research examines the cross-level mediating effect of team caring ethical climate and team members’ team-based self-esteem (TBSE) on the relationship between the two aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses conservation of resources theory as basis to construct a cross-level research model of the effect of CPMs on team members’ job burnout. Thereafter, regression analysis was performed on a sample of 431 team members from 83 teams.

Findings

According to the empirical results, the authors found that, in construction project teams, first, CPMs were negatively correlated with team members’ job burnout and positively correlated with caring ethical climate and team members’ TBSE. Second, caring ethical climate and team members’ TBSE played a cross-level mediating role between CPMs and team members’ job burnout. In addition, caring ethical climate played a cross-level moderating role in the negative relationship between team members’ TBSE and job burnout.

Originality/value

This study introduces coaching leadership, an important leadership type, into the research background of construction project teams, thereby theoretically enriching the research on construction project team leadership. Moreover, by further expanding the research on the consequences of coaching leadership to the field of job burnout, this study also enriches the theoretical results of the research on the consequences of coaching leadership.
All is not well: value co­destruction and consumer ill­being in service systems
Authors: Gummerus Johanna Katariina , O’Loughlin Deirdre Mary , Kelleher Carol , von Koskull Catharina
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Following an interpretivist approach, the authors draw on semi-structured interviews with parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Design/methodology/approach

Responding to limited academic advancement, particularly in the context of consumers experiencing vulnerability, the aim is to deepen marketing scholars’ understanding of value co-destruction (VCD) and its under-explored relationship with consumer ill-being.

Findings

Three forms of systemic VCD mechanisms emerged: obscuring, gaslighting and siloing. Ill-being comprised material, physical, psychological and social harms, which consumers experienced individually, relationally and collectively due to VCD. Family members’ experiences of ill-being and vulnerability were deepened by service systems’ inability to recognise the individuality of their needs and provide appropriate support.

Research limitations/implications

In line with the interpretivist paradigm, the focus on families of children with ASD, while illuminating, delimits the generalisability of the findings. The authors call for further research on consumer ill-being, VCD and vulnerability in other service and marketing contexts.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the need for service system adaptability to recognise and address unstandardised needs.

Social implications

Several systemic failures of (public) service systems which manifested as VCD mechanisms are identified.

Originality/value

The overall contribution is the development of a contextually driven characterisation of both VCD and ill-being and a deeper understanding of how these are interrelated. First, VCD revealed itself as a systemic failure to access, provide or integrate resources to meet actors’ needs as manifested by the three mechanisms. Second, the authors characterise ill-being as comprising material, physical, psychological and social harms due to VCD, which are experienced individually, relationally and collectively. Finally, the authors illuminate the nature of vulnerability and delineate the entanglements between vulnerability and ill-being in a collective (e.g. family) context.
Journey into meta-commerce: unveiling the driving forces of consumer adoption
Authors: Balhareth Hamad , Al-Adwan Ahmad Samed , Alsoud Anas Ratib , Abd-Aljaber Omar , Al-Rahmi Waleed Mugahed , Urbaníková Marta
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the determinants of meta-commerce (metaverse commerce) adoption intention from the consumer perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This research conducted a quantitative cross-sectional field survey to gather primary data from consumers in Jordan. The study aimed to analyze the adoption of meta-commerce from the consumer perspective. The survey collected responses from 574 participants, and the obtained data set was subjected to rigorous analysis using SmartPLS4 to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

While perceived herd behavior, consumer innovativeness, perceived ease of use, hedonic motivation and perceived usefulness positively influence consumers’ meta-commerce adoption intention, perceived cyber risks negatively influence it. Furthermore, perceived herd behavior and consumer innovativeness positively affect ease of use and usefulness perceptions.

Originality/value

This study presents a significant theoretical contribution by examining meta-commerce adoption from the consumer’s perspective, addressing a gap in the literature. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first empirical investigations to explore meta-commerce adoption intentions from the consumer standpoint. Furthermore, it provides a novel extension of the “Technology Acceptance Model” for understanding meta-commerce adoption intention that captures the interplay between enablers (perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness), barriers (perceived cyber risks), intrinsic motivation (hedonic motivation), social factors (perceived herd behavior) and personal characteristics (consumer innovativeness), thereby extending previous research on the effects of these factors on the adoption of meta-commerce.
Financial anxiety of university students in Poland and Czechia: fsQCA analysis
Authors: Ahamed A.F.M. Jalal , Jakubowska Dominika , Sadílek Tomáš
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to formulate propositions based on combinations of causal conditions that lead to high or low financial anxiety among European students, particularly in Poland and Czechia.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study were collected in September 2023 from 265 undergraduate and graduate students with their income at one university in Poland and three in Czechia. Students’ views on financial anxiety were explored using a seven-item Likert scale. This study uses fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), an emerging marketing research technique.

Findings

There are specific factors that may cause increased financial anxiety among young adults in Poland and Czechia, leading to the following key findings: (1) A mix of factors such as perceived lack of financial knowledge, being female, living with parents, having a low monthly income, single status and working a few hours or not at all is linked to higher financial anxiety. (2) Experiencing financial anxiety is also likely when there is low financial knowledge, female gender, living away from parents, single status and a high number of work hours. (3) The combination of low financial literacy, female gender, living with parents, being single and working more hours can elevate financial anxiety.

Originality/value

This study expands the scope of personal financial research by examining how cultural, socioeconomic and psychological factors affect students’ financial anxiety in two European countries that were infrequently studied in this context. It contributes to identifying the drivers of increased and diminished financial anxiety among young adults in Poland and Czechia.
Surgical robots: history, applications and future prospects
Authors: Bogue Rob
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide details of the development and applications of surgical robots.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this first provides a historical background to surgical robot developments. The following sections discuss applications, specialised systems and their uses, remote telesurgery and a short consideration of future prospects. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn.

Findings

Catalysed by the needs of NASA and the US Department of Defence, robotic surgery was first conducted in the 1980s with modified industrial robots and the first dedicated surgical robots emerged commercially in the 1990s. These allow surgeons to conduct minimally invasive procedures which lead to significant patient benefits. Advances in communications have enabled long-range telesurgery based on commercial networks. In 2024, a telesurgical technique was conducted on simulated tissue on the International Space Station. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality and virtual reality will enhance the capabilities of future systems as well as contributing to improved surgeon training. In the longer term, AI-assisted surgery may be conducted with limited human intervention and full automation of certain procedures may ultimately arise.

Originality/value

This provides a detailed account of surgical robot developments and applications from their inception in the 1980s to the present day.
The digital transformation of the construction industry: a review
Authors: Vararean-Cochisa Daniela , Crisan Emil-Lucian
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Although the recent increased efforts to implement digital transformation (DT), the construction sector field lags behind other sectors, and the academic research on the DT process remains rather fragmented. This study is an integrative review of the construction related literature concerning the context, interventions and outcomes of the DT process.

Design/methodology/approach

We have reviewed 15 cases presenting the DT process of construction companies, by employing the context-intervention-mechanism-output (CIMO) framework.

Findings

Regarding the context (C), the major drivers of DT are top management support, organizational culture pro DT and customer requirements. Concerning the intervention (I), BIM technology dominates construction firms' approaches to DT, followed by cloud computing and Internet of Things (IoT). The outcomes (O) of DT include direct and indirect benefits related to accurate cost calculations, cost reduction, improved work efficiency, high quality, as there are more complex results related to new business models and increased long-term competitiveness. DT in this field can be described considering three mechanisms (M), similar to a maturity model: traditional DT, niche DT and advanced DT.

Originality/value

This review contributes to the literature by integrating existing studies on the context, interventions and outcomes of the DT process of the construction industry.
Structural and functional model of the entrepreneurial university
Authors: Noori Farzaneh , Delangizan Sohrab
Published: November 2024

Purpose

In the past 30 years, the subject of “Entrepreneurial University” has been very popular in scientific publications, according to the effects of the entrepreneurial university on the urban economy. Researchers have conducted several studies to create an appropriate structure due to the new missions universities had after the introduction of this subject, but these efforts have sometimes led to the parallel work of the established units or the lack of responsible units for some goals within the university.

Design/methodology/approach

The main goal of this study is to achieve the structural and functional model of an entrepreneurial university. For this purpose, 54 articles that specifically dealt with the creation and activities of the entrepreneurial university were studied using the thematic analysis method. Two groups of themes were categorized, one related to the structure of the entrepreneur university and the other related to the functions of the entrepreneur university.

Findings

In the structural dimension; this study proposes to introduce the vice-chancellor of technology and entrepreneurship within the university, which has units such as the university incubator, the technology transfer office and other units related to entrepreneurship in its sub-category, and the government–industry relations office in charge of establishing government and industry relations within the university. In addition, to avoid the parallel work of the entrepreneurial units this study suggests using the level of technological readiness as an index for promoting to another unit.

Originality/value

The findings can be used by policymakers in higher education and the national and local governments.
Lean Six Sigma practices supported by Industry 4.0 technologies: evidence from heavy vehicle manufacturers
Authors: Sordan Juliano Endrigo , Oprime Pedro Carlos , Pimenta Marcio Lopes , Andersson Roy , Antony Jiju , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Luz Tortorella Guilherme
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to provide empirical evidence regarding Lean Six Sigma (LSS) practices supported by Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in heavy vehicle manufacturing processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-case study was performed involving LSS specialists, leaders and managers of two heavy vehicle manufacturers in Brazil. The data analysis procedure combined content analysis techniques, conceptual maps and network analysis.

Findings

The results provide consistent evidence of synergies between LSS and I4.0, including digital mistake-proofing, digital andon, e-kanban, statistical monitoring as well as process mapping aided by cyber-physical systems (CPS) and big data analytics (BDA). To enable such interactions, companies need to invest in automation architectures, system integration, human–machine interfaces and analytical skills.

Research limitations/implications

This study relies on data from a two-case study carried out in two companies from a single manufacturing sector in Brazil. For this reason, the findings cannot be generalized to the entire automotive industry.

Originality/value

There is still a lack of comprehensive research on the application of digital technologies in LSS practices. This is the first study which provides empirical evidence regarding the LSS practices supported by I4.0 technologies used by heavy vehicle manufacturers.
Assessing the vitality of Amman’s urban stairways: a comparative study
Authors: Al Shomali Maisa , Al-Betawi Yamen N.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This research paper aims to shed light on Amman’s stairways and explore the potential of being successful urban spaces. It tries to identify critical design factors that contribute to making these stairs livable urban spaces to help further develop this type of urban space.

Design/methodology/approach

Three popular stairs were identified, for which a series of exploratory visits were conducted to document the morphological characteristics and essential activities around each stairway. This was followed by administering a questionnaire to measure users’ satisfaction with four criteria, including protection, comfort, attractiveness and functionality, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each stair.

Findings

Results confirmed the presence of essential design aspects that encourage users to come and practice certain activities that enhance urban social life. Aspects of concern include security and protection, aesthetic quality, uniqueness, variety of activities, room to walk, sit and socialize and good management of space.

Research limitations/implications

Results can be taken as a departure frame for future research to conduct deeper analysis to comprehend the stairways’ physical, contextual and social characteristics. Understanding the settings of such vital urban spaces will help revive their roles and bring back their brilliance to restore the city’s liveliness and maintain a better life quality for its residents.

Originality/value

Research interests almost lack studies addressing urban stairways aiming to understand the qualities that enable them to attract people and activities. The manuscript presents beneficial research that tackles the vitality of urban stairways, as an example of linear public spaces. Enhancing the quality of these spaces will help stimulate pedestrian movement and activate walking as an essential sustainable means of commuting at the city level.
Navigating job demands and resources in policing: the role of self-efficacy in work burnout and engagement
Authors: Lim Chang-Ho , Ra Kwang Hyun , Kim Seung Hyun
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study examined the effects of job demands and resources specific to policing on work burnout and engagement, including self-efficacy’s role in expanding the job demands-resources model (JD-R model).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used survey data from 1,591 South Korean police by nationwide sampling officers in 2023. A moderation analysis was used to examine the relationships between each variable.

Findings

Self-efficacy moderates the effects of job demands and job resources on work burnout but not on work engagement. The high self-efficacy group generally exhibits lower levels of work burnout than the low self-efficacy group. The high self-efficacy group is associated with higher levels of work burnout as job demands increase and lower levels of work burnout as job resources increase. The low self-efficacy group experiences higher levels of work burnout independent of job demands and job resources than the high self-efficacy group. In the low self-efficacy group, the reduction in job burnout is very gentle as job resources increase. Also, the increase in job burnout is steep as job demands increase.

Originality/value

Job resources are generally considered helpful in reducing work burnout. However, the current study highlights the necessity for delicate interventions considering self-efficacy levels.
When families overload careers: the critical role of family-interferes-with-work and boundary management
Authors: Halinski Michael , Gover Laura , Duxbury Linda
Published: November 2024

Purpose

While there has been growing interest in how personal and work-related factors shape employees’ careers, we know little about how family demands affect career intentions. Drawing from role theory and boundary theory, we examine the indirect effect of family-role overload on career intentions via family-interferes-with-work (FIW), as well as the conditional indirect effect of boundary management on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing two waves of panel data that were collected in the third and fourth waves of the pandemic in Canada (n = 433), we conducted a structural equation model to test our hypotheses.

Findings

Our analysis reveals that FIW mediates the relationship between family-role overload and (1) career change intention and (2) job turnover intention. The results also indicate that the effect of family-role overload on career intentions via FIW strengthens for employees with a low ability to enact preferred boundaries.

Originality/value

This research shows the indirect effect of family-role overload on career intentions via FIW. This research also highlights how boundary management can buffer the effects of family-role overload on career intentions.