bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogenesis of mtDNA point mutation m.10191T>C affecting complex I function is a multifactorial process leading to metabolic remodeling of mitochondria
Authors: Ahmadi Zeinab Alsadat , Cabrera-Orefice Alfredo , Zaninello Marta , Barth Esther , Rodenburg Richard , Rugarli Elena I. , Brodesser Susanne , Arnold Susanne , Brandt Ulrich
Published: December 2024

Inherited mitochondrial disorders are of multiple genetic origins and may lead to a broad range of frequently severe disease phenotypes. Yet, the correlation between molecular causes and clinical presentations is poorly understood. To address this conundrum, we thoroughly investigated the consequences of the well-known pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutation m.10191T>C. The mutation changes serine-45 in subunit ND3 of respiratory chain complex I to proline and causes Leigh syndrome, which is one of the most devastating mitochondrial diseases. Human mitochondria carrying the mutation ND3S45Pretained 30-40% of complex I activity and oxidative phosphorylation capacity. In stark contrast, intact mutant cells exhibited only minimal oxygen consumption and a massively increased NADH/NAD+ratio. Since the energy barrier for the Active/Deactive transition of complex I was reduced by ∼20 kJ·mol-1in mutant cells, we concluded that complex I was shut-off by malfunctioning of an as yet unknown regulatory pathway. Comprehensive analysis of the mitochondrial complexome of cybrids, patient fibroblasts and muscle biopsies rendered other causes for the accumulation of NADH unlikely. The complexome datasets provide a rich resource for further studies to discover possible additional factors involved in regulating complex I. We propose that the derailed regulation of complex I is the main culprit leading to NADH accumulation and eventually the severity of the disease phenotype caused by mutation ND3S45P.
G-quadruplex topologies determine the functional outcome of guanine-rich bioactive oligonucleotides
Authors: Kharel Prakash , Bhatter Nupur , Zubair Safiyah , Lyons Shawn , Anderson Paul J. , Ivanov Pavel
Published: December 2024

Guanine-rich nucleic acid sequences can exert sequence and/or structure specific activities to influence biological and pathobiological cellular processes. As such, it has been reported that different G-rich oligonucleotides (both DNA and RNA) can have cytotoxic as well as cytoprotective effects to the cells. However, the mechanisms of such a biological outcome are unclear. In this report, we report that G-rich DNA oligonucleotides (ODNs) that can form four stranded secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) can have topology-dependent biological outcome. Using different biochemical, biophysical, and cellular approaches, we demonstrate that only the parallel topology G4-forming ODNs can repress eukaryotic translation by directly interacting with eukaryotic translation initiation protein 1 (EIF4G1), while the antiparallel topology G4s do not have inhibitory effect on mRNA translation To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to directly connect the G4 topological differences with differential functional biological impacts. Our study provides the foundation for the rational design of G-rich oligonucleotides for a desired therapeutic outcome.
The interplay between Zfh1 and Nau orchestrates the myogenic stage-dependent expression ofRbfox1and its targetStat92Evia amir-9a-mediated negative feedback loop inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Mukherjee Amartya , Nongthomba Upendra
Published: December 2024

RNA-binding Fox protein 1 (Rbfox1) controls gene expression at various levels: as a transcription co-factor, a splicing factor, and a regulator of mRNA stability and translation. Rbfox1 and its vertebrate orthologues have critical functions during development.Rbfox1mRNA, during adult myogenesis inDrosophila,exhibits bimodal expression, suggestive of the presence of a negative feedback loop. However, there are no known negative regulators ofRbfox1expression for this context. In this study, we show that the microRNAmir-9afunctions as a repressor ofRbfox1expression. Furthermore, the expression ofmir-9ais regulated by the expression of the identity transcription factor Nau. Nau and its targetmir-9aare expressed at mid myogenesis stage, and serve to restrict the expression ofRbfox1, and its targetsStat92Eandzfh1, to the early and the late myogenesis stages, as their ectopic expression is detrimental to early myofibrillogenesis. Zfh1, in turn, repressesmir-9aexpression, completing the feedback loop. Therefore, our findings identify the mechanism by which the temporal expression of the developmental geneRbfox1and its targets are tightly regulated, essential for their functions during myogenesis.

Summary statement

UsingDrosophila, we show that a microRNA-mediated negative feedback loop controls the expression of genes critical for skeletal muscle development.
Energy-energy correlation in the back-to-back region at
N3LL+NNLO
in QCD
Authors: Aglietti Ugo Giuseppe , Ferrera Giancarlo
Published: December 2024

We consider the energy-energy correlation (EEC) function in high-energy electron-positron annihilation to hadrons. In the back-to-back (two-jet) region, we perform the all-order resummation of the logarithmically enhanced contributions in QCD perturbation theory up to next-to-next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic (N3LL) accuracy. Away from the back-to-back region, we consistently combine resummed predictions with the known fixed-order results up to next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO), and we are able to obtain an accurate fit of the O(αS3) remainder function from the numerical QCD computation of the full spectrum. All perturbative terms up to order αS3 are included in our calculation, and a nontrivial cross-check in the back-to-back region is obtained by comparing the soft collinear effective theory analytic calculation against the corresponding numerical QCD computation. In particular, the values of the O(αS3) resummation coefficients have been numerically verified. We regularize the Landau singularity of the QCD coupling within the so-called minimal prescription, and we discuss the reduction of the perturbative scale dependence of distributions at higher orders, as a means to estimate the corresponding residual perturbative uncertainty. Finally, after introducing within a dispersive approach nonperturbative power corrections, we are able to obtain an accurate description of experimental data at the LEP and SLC accelerators.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Strong decay widths and mass spectra of the
1D
,
2P
and
2S
singly bottom baryons
Authors: García-Tecocoatzi H. , Giachino A. , Ramirez-Morales A. , Rivero-Acosta Ailier , Santopinto E. , Vaquera-Araujo Carlos Alberto
Published: December 2024

We calculate the 1D, 2P, and 2S mass spectra of the singly bottom baryons and their strong decay widths. The calculations are performed within a harmonic oscillator quark model that incorporates the spin, spin-orbit, isospin, and flavor interactions. To obtain the model parameters, we conducted a fit using only 13 of the 22 experimentally observed states. Our predictions align well with the observed states, showing a root-mean-square deviation of 9.6 MeV. We calculate the three-quark strong decay widths within the P03 model, which has only one free parameter, the pair creation strength γ0; this is the first time that the Λbη, Σbρ, Σb*ρ, Λbη′, Λbω, ΞbK, Ξb′K, Ξb*K, ΞbK*, Ξb′K*, and Ξb*K* channels have been considered in the calculation of the strong decay widths of the excited Λb states; the Σbη, ΞbK, Σbρ, Σb*ρ, Λbρ, Σb*η, Σbη′, Σb*η′, Ξb′K,Ξb*K, ΞbK*, Ξb′K*, Ξb*K*, Σbω, Σb*ω, Σ8Bs, ΔB, N(1520)B, N(1535)B, N(1680)B, and N(1720)B channels in the calculation of the strong decay widths of the excited Σb states; the ΛbK*, Ξbρ, Ξb′ρ, Ξb*ρ, ΣbK*, Σb*K*, Ξbη′, Ξb′η′, Ξb*η′, Ξbω, Ξb′ω, Ξb*ω, Ξbϕ, Ξb′ϕ, Ξb*ϕ, Ξ8Bs, Σ8B*, and Σ10B channels in the calculation of the strong decay widths of the excited Ξb and Ξb′ states; the ΞbK*, Ξb′K*, Ξb*K*, Ωbη, Ωb*η, Ωbϕ, Ωb*ϕ, Ωbη′, Ωb*η′, Ξ8B, and Ξ10B channels in the calculation of the strong decay widths of the Ωb states. Moreover, in Appendix D, we give the flavor couplings that can be useful for other articles. In Appendix E, our partial decay widths are reported for each open flavor channel; these may be useful to the LHCb, ATLAS, and CMS experimentalists in order to plan in which particular channels to look for missing bottom baryons. The experimental masses and widths of the discovered Λb(6146)0 and Λb(6152)0 states are consistent with our mass and width predictions for the Dλ excitations with quantum numbers JP=32+ and JP=52+, respectively. Moreover, the masses and widths of the new Ξb(6327)0 and Ξb(6333)0 states agree with our calculations for the Dλ excitations with quantum numbers JP=32+ and JP=52+, respectively. Finally, we calculate the electromagnetic decay widths from P-wave states to ground states. We give the exact analytical expressions of the spin-flip and orbit-flip transition amplitudes, both of which are functions of the photon-transferred momentum. The electromagnetic decays are dominant when the strong decays are suppressed. A relevant case is the Ωb− missing spin excitation, with JP=32+, which cannot decay strongly, but has a nonvanishing predicted electromagnetic decay width in the Ωb−γ channel. Therefore, we suggest the Ωb−γ electromagnetic decay channel as a golden channel in which to search for this state. In all of our calculations, we report the uncertainties related to the experimental and model errors by means of the Monte Carlo bootstrap method.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Energy-momentum correlators of fermions at finite temperature and density
Authors: Dey Sourav , Bhadury Samapan , Florkowski Wojciech , Ryblewski Radoslaw , Jaiswal Amaresh
Published: December 2024

Equal-time commutators of different components of the energy-momentum tensor at spatially separated points are calculated for a relativistic quantum Fermi gas at finite temperature and density. Different definitions of such components, also known as different pseudogauges, are used and smeared with a Gaussian profile characterized by the width σ. In this way, we introduce observables that may represent measurements of energy and momentum in a spatial region of size σ. We find that the obtained commutators are sensitive to the pseudogauge chosen if the probed systems or the spatial separation are small. The pseudogauge dependence is expected as different quantum operators are analyzed in this case. On the other hand, we find that for sufficiently large probed systems or with large separation, the studied commutators are pseudogauge independent.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Domain wall networks from first-order phase transitions and gravitational waves
Authors: Wei Dongdong , Jiang Yun
Published: December 2024

In the first-order phase transitions (PTs) colliding bubble is an important gravitational wave (GW) source. Following bubble collision, domain walls can be formed when degenerate vacua occur as a result of the spontaneous breaking of a discrete symmetry relevant to new physics at electroweak or higher scales. Using lattice simulations, we study the dynamical evolution of domain walls and find that the networks of the domain wall are formed around the completion of PTs and quickly collapse before entering into the scaling regime provide that the degeneracy of true vacua is broken. Our numerical results indicate that domain wall networks continue to produce GWs in the aftermath of PTs, leading to dramatically changing the spectral shape and enhancing the magnitude by about one order. The resulting GW power spectra are peaked at kR*≃π as predicted by the envelop approximation model, above the peak wave number it has a decaying power law close to k−1.2 followed by a slowly decreasing plateau with the UV cutoff at kR*∼O(102).

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Correlations in microbial abundance data reveal host-bacteria and bacteria-bacteria interactions jointly shaping the
C. elegans
microbiome
Authors: Martini K. Michael , Boddu Satya Spandana , Taylor Megan N. , Nemenman Ilya , Vega Nic M.
Published: December 2024

Compositional structure of host-associated microbiomes is potentially affected by interactions among the microbes and between the microbes and the host. To quantify the relative importance of these contributions to the microbiome composition and variation, here we analyze absolute abundance (count) data for a minimal eight-species native microbiome in the intestine. We find that a simple neutral model only considering migration, birth, death, and competition for space among the bacteria can capture the means and variances of bacterial abundance, but not the experimental bacteria-bacteria covariances. We find that either bacteria-bacteria interactions or correlations among bacterial population dynamics parameters induced by the host can qualitatively recapitulate the observed correlations among bacterial taxa. However, both models are underdetermined and not unique, and the combination of both mechanisms likely contributes. This highlights that single time-point measurements on their own are not sufficient to distinguish between two distinct biological mechanisms. Further, we observe that different interactions are required to explain (co)variance data in microbiota associated with different host genotypes, suggesting different community dynamics associated with these host types. Finally, we find that many of these signals are obscured when data are converted to proportions from counts, consistent with a growing literature on the limitations of compositional data for inference of population dynamics. We end with a discussion of the limitations of Lotka-Volterra type assumptions for microbial community data analysis revealed by our results.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Improved decoy-state and flag-state squashing methods
Authors: Kamin Lars , Lütkenhaus Norbert
Published: December 2024

In this work we present an improved analysis for decoy-state methods, enhancing both achievable key rates and recovering analytical results for the single intensity scenario. Our primary focus is improving the shortcomings observed in current decoy-state methods, in particular recovering results when employing no decoy intensities. Our methods enable the continuous interpolation across varying numbers of intensity settings. Additionally, we extend decoy-state techniques to encompass scenarios where intensities vary depending on the signal state, thereby relaxing the constraints on experimental implementations. Our findings demonstrate that a minimum of one decoy intensity is sufficient for high asymptotic secret key rates, thereby further softening experimental requirements. We also address inherent imperfections within detection setups like imperfect beamsplitters. We derive provable secure lower bounds on the subspace population estimation, which is required for certain squashing methods such as the flag-state squasher. These analytical bounds allow us to encompass arbitrary passive linear optical setups and, together with intensities varying with each signal state, let us include a broad class of experimental setups.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonlinear transformation of complex amplitudes via quantum singular value transformation
Authors: Guo Naixu , Mitarai Kosuke , Fujii Keisuke
Published: December 2024

Due to the linearity of quantum operations, it is not straightforward to implement nonlinear transformations on a quantum computer, making some practical tasks like a neural network hard to achieve. In this paper, we define a task called and provide an algorithm to achieve this task. Specifically, we construct a block encoding of complex amplitudes from a state preparation unitary. This allows us to transform the complex amplitudes by using quantum singular value transformation. We evaluate the required overhead in terms of input dimension and precision, which reveals that the algorithm depends on the roughly square root of input dimension and achieves an exponential speedup on precision compared with previous work. We also discuss its possible applications to quantum machine learning, where complex amplitudes encoding classical or quantum data are processed by the proposed method. In this paper, we provide a promising way to introduce the highly complex nonlinearity of the quantum states, which is essentially missing in quantum mechanics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Laser-Painted Cavity-Mediated Interactions in a Quantum Gas
Authors: Bonifacio Mariano , Piazza Francesco , Donner Tobias
Published: December 2024

Experimental platforms based on ultracold atomic gases have significantly advanced the quantum simulation of complex systems, yet the exploration of phenomena driven by long-range interactions remains a formidable challenge. Currently available methods utilizing dipolar quantum gases or multimode cavities allow us to implement long-range interactions with a 1/r3 character or with a spatial profile fixed by the mode structure of the vacuum electromagnetic field surrounding the atoms, respectively. Here, we propose an experimental scheme employing laser-painted cavity-mediated interactions, which enables the realization of atom-atom interactions that are fully tunable in range, shape, and sign. Our approach combines the versatility of cavity quantum electrodynamics with the precision of laser manipulation, thus providing a highly flexible platform for simulating and understanding long-range interactions in quantum many-body systems. Our analytical predictions are supported by numerical simulations describing the full dynamics of the atoms, the laser, and the cavity. These reveal the self-organization of domains in the density of the atomic cloud, confirming the finite-range nature of the induced interactions. We demonstrate that there is a wide and experimentally accessible parameter regime in which our protocol works robustly, with negligible heating of the quantum gas. The methodology not only paves the way for exploring new territories in quantum simulation but also enhances the understanding of fundamental physics, potentially leading to the discovery of novel quantum states and phases.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Symmetry, magnetic transitions and multiferroic properties of B-site-ordered A
2MnB′O6 perovskites (B′ = [Co, Ni])
Authors: Garcia-Muñoz Jose Luis , Zhang Xiaodong , Subías Gloria , Blasco Javier
Published: December 2024

The presence of magnetic atoms at the A and B sites and the coupling between these two spin subsystems in perovskites gives rise to a variety of exciting effects. In particular this coupling attracts interest from the field of novel multiferroic and magnetoelectric oxides. Moreover, magnetic double perovskites presenting cationic order at the B sites incorporate an additional modulation that can favor symmetry breaking, multiferroic, magnetoelectric and polar phases. Here, we describe the magnetic structures obtained from neutron diffraction and analyze the symmetry properties of well ordered A
2MnB′O6 double perovskites with A = Lu, Yb, Tm, Er, Ho, Y, Tb, La0.5Tb0.5, La and B′ = Co or Ni. A rich variety of magnetic orders is formed that have been identified and described, and their symmetry properties are discussed in relation to the multiferroic and magnetoelectric properties of the different compounds.
Effects of entrepreneurial networking on sustainable growth of small enterprises – the mediating role of innovation
Authors: Mensah Isaac , Boohene Rosemond , Mensah Mavis Serwah Benneh
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This research examined the effects of entrepreneurial networking, operationalised as network isomorphism and network social capital, on the sustainable growth of small enterprises and the role of innovation in the hypothesised relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a survey design and the questionnaire method to collect data from 319 small enterprises which were selected via quota sampling from the membership lists of the Association of Ghana Industries and the Ghana Enterprises Agency. Data were analysed using the covariance-based structural equation modelling (CV SEM-Amos) technique.

Findings

The study found that most small enterprises participate in business networks, followed by social and political networks. Entrepreneurial networking has a significant positive influence on the sustainable growth of small enterprises, and the influence is strongly mediated by innovation. Compared with network isomorphism, the value derived from social networks has a higher significant effect on sustainable enterprise growth.

Practical implications

Small enterprises that tap into valuable network resources to drive internal innovation should experience sustainable growth, whereas those that do not leverage the power of entrepreneurial networking miss the opportunity to access critical resources for innovation and sustainable enterprise growth.

Originality/value

The paper extends beyond the resource-based view by integrating institutional and network-based theories to offer a unique “entrepreneurial network model.” By testing the model, the empirical findings provide unique comprehensive insights into network isomorphism and network social capital as entrepreneurial mechanisms which facilitate access to network resources for innovations and sustainable growth of small enterprises.
Energy development and industrialization: evidence from Africa
Authors: Maruta Admasu Asfaw
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of energy development on industrialization in African economies from 1990 to 2017. It aims to assess how access to electricity, energy use and overall energy development contribute to industrial growth. By using panel data analysis and advanced econometric techniques such as fixed effects, two-stage least squares (2SLS) and system-GMM estimation, this study seeks to provide empirical evidence and insights into the complex dynamics between energy policies and industrialization outcomes. The findings are intended to inform policymakers and stakeholders on effective strategies to promote sustainable industrial development in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative approach using panel data analysis spanning 1990–2017 from various sources. It uses fixed effects, 2SLS and system-GMM estimation methods to investigate the nuanced relationship between energy development and industrialization in African economies. This comprehensive methodology facilitates a robust examination of how different dimensions of energy development influence industrialization outcomes, aiming to fill gaps in existing literature and provide insights for policy formulation and implementation.

Findings

The findings reveal that energy development significantly enhances industrialization in African economies. Access to electricity and energy use both positively impact industrial growth, with access to electricity showing a stronger influence. This study underscores the critical role of energy infrastructure in fostering industrial expansion and economic development. Moreover, robust econometric methods confirm these relationships across various specifications, highlighting the importance of tailored energy policies to sustain industrialization efforts in Africa. These findings contribute empirical insights to the literature and provide actionable recommendations for policymakers aiming to enhance energy access and promote sustainable industrial development in the region.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by offering new insights into the relationship between energy development and industrialization in African economies. By using advanced econometric techniques and focusing on nuanced dimensions of energy access and use, it addresses gaps in previous research. The findings underscore the significance of energy infrastructure for industrial growth, highlighting policy implications for sustainable development in Africa. This research adds value by providing empirical evidence that informs strategies to enhance energy efficiency, expand access to electricity and promote industrialization, thus contributing to broader discussions on economic development and energy policy in the region.
Agility in supply chains and operational performance outcomes: investigating the contingent influence of supply uncertainty and product complexity
Authors: Srivastava Prashant , Iyer Karthik N.S. , Chu Yu (Jade) , Rawwas Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Borrowing from the dynamic capabilities theory and augmented by the relational view, the study investigates the criticality of supply chain agility in delivering operational performance while understanding the determinant role of key cross-firm resources. Additionally, based on the contingency theory, the interactive influence of two critical context factors, supply uncertainty and product complexity, is examined to enrich the understanding of the contingent nature of the operational performance implications.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws its conclusions from the survey data collected from a 152-respondent sample of executives from US manufacturing firms. The empirical data analyses using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) relate agility to operational performance enhancements while incorporating the moderating effects of contextual factors.

Findings

The study relates agility capability to operational performance enhancements, while resource specificity and resource complementarity emerge as significant determinants of the capability. Results on the contingent impact of contextual factors suggest differential influences of supply uncertainty and product complexity on the agility–performance relationship: while the former enhances, the latter detracts from the relationship.

Originality/value

The study’s contributions suggest theory extensions into supply chains as contexts, reinforcing the importance of market-responsive capabilities and the foundational nature of supply chains as repositories of vital cross-firm resources. The contingent nature of the agility–performance relationship accents the importance of market context factors.
Does social capital, financial inclusion and risk behaviour influence trust in Takaful?
Authors: Ishak Nor Syahidah , Aliyu Sirajo , Musthafa Mohd Azam
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of demographics, social capital, financial inclusion and risk behaviour on trust in Takaful using a household survey of 526 respondents.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a quantitative approach using an ordered logit model to explore the relationship between demographics, social capital, financial inclusion and risk behaviour on trust in Takaful in Malaysia.

Findings

The findings show that gender, marital and income status and employment influence trust in Takaful. Similarly, social capital and financial inclusion positively influence trust in Takaful. At the same time, individuals have more confidence in Takaful when they use their funds rather than borrowing from friends, relatives or informal associations (such as ROSCA).

Research limitations/implications

The findings have several implications for policymakers in strengthening the recent policy document on “professionalism in insurance and Takaful agents” in Malaysia. Meanwhile, other implications relating to Takaful operators and future studies have been identified.

Originality/value

The study provides new evidence on trust in Takaful related to social capital, risk behaviour, inclusiveness and demographic status in Malaysia.
Maximum and set covering problem considering the internal structure of production units
Authors: Azodi Azam , Fathali Jafar , Ghiyasi Mojtaba , Sayar Tahere
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In many real-world problems, this paper faces some production processes that have internal structures that should be taken into account to have a comprehensive analysis. This situation is settled in the network data envelopment analysis (DEA) literature. Therefore, in this article, this paper aims to develop two types of covering location problems joint with network data envelopment analysis. This paper propose biobjective mixed integer programming models associated with the aforementioned development. In the first model, the goal is to select locations of facilities such that the total efficiency score is maximized and the total establishing cost for covering all demands is minimized. In the second model, this paper considers the location of facilities for maximizing the total efficiency score and covering the demands.

Design/methodology/approach

Covering location problems is considered a very important issue in the decision-making of organizations and companies. The purpose of these problems is to assign a set of demand points to a set of candidate locations so that optimal covering is provided for the demand points. Considering the efficiency of facility location with the help of DEA helps the decision-maker to reach more effective information and better analysis of the problem.

Findings

This paper applied the proposed models in the health centers of Shahrood City, so that each of the centers is considered a decision-making unit, and each of the decision-making units consists of three subunits that are connected in a series network. The primary results highlight the importance of the internal units beside the overall performance of healthcare centers.

Originality/value

Therefore, in this article, this paper develops two novel types of covering location problems joint with network data envelopment analysis. This paper proposes biobjective mixed integer programming models associated with the aforementioned development.
Enhancing research insights: the impact of phenomenographic analysis in educational studies
Authors: Le Ha Van
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to articulate the pivotal function of phenomenographic analysis in advancing the depth and breadth of insights into doctoral research in educational studies. By examining the distinctive contributions and advantages afforded by phenomenographic analysis, the paper aims to highlight its profound capability to reveal the intricacies and variegated dimensions of human experiences and perceptions. It advocates for the integration of phenomenographic analysis into social science research methodologies to foster a deeper, more nuanced appreciation of its utility and impact.

Design/methodology/approach

This article leverages empirical evidence from a specific educational research project to provide an in-depth examination of phenomenographic analysis. It meticulously outlines the procedural application of this methodological approach, showcasing how it enriches research outcomes by offering a profound exploration of the complex layers and subtle variations present within social phenomena. The study employs phenomenographic analysis to amplify the nuanced understanding and inherent value of research findings in educational studies.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that phenomenographic analysis significantly enriches research outcomes by offering a comprehensive exploration of complex social phenomena. The method’s capability to uncover the intricacies and variegated dimensions of human experiences and perceptions enhances the quality and relevance of research conducted within the domain. By providing empirical evidence and detailed procedural application, the paper illustrates how phenomenographic analysis contributes to the enrichment of academic discourse and elevates the caliber of research in the social sciences.

Originality/value

This article offers invaluable perspectives to both researchers and practitioners by providing a comprehensive analysis of phenomenographic methodology. It underscores the indispensable contribution of phenomenographic analysis in fostering a deeper understanding of educational research findings. The work advocates for its integration into social science research methodologies, highlighting its unique value in enhancing the quality and relevance of research. By illuminating the method’s profound capability to reveal complex human experiences, the paper significantly contributes to the enrichment of academic discourse in the social sciences.
Customer adoption of smartwatches – a privacy calculus perspective
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Ahmad Parvez , Kumar Daruri Venkata Srinivas , Gupta Megha
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study tries to explain the customer adoption of smartwatches by considering the perceived benefits and perceived costs. Through this study, the authors aim to determine the factors affecting behavioural intentions towards smartwatches.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors applied the survey method to collect data to validate the conceptual model related to the research objectives. The authors collected 310 responses using a structured questionnaire; after data cleaning, 270 responses were used for data analysis. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was performed using Smart PLS to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results established creepiness, privacy concerns, perceived expectancy and performance effort expectancy as factors affecting behavioural intentions related to customer adoption of smartwatches.

Originality/value

This study has incorporated the concept of creepiness into the factors inhibiting factors affecting behavioural intentions in the context of smartwatches.
Construction and digestive characterization of emulsions stabilized with octenyl succinic anhydride–modified curdlan
Authors: Zhang Yanmin , Yu Tingting , Han Hongyu , Zhang Yonggang , Wang Wei , Liu Yang , Zhou Siduo , Dong Xueqian
Published: December 2024

To expand the scope of application of the insoluble polysaccharide curdlan (CUR), this study modified CUR with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) and evaluated the performance of the emulsion formed from the modified CUR derivative. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that properties such as the molecular structure, crystallinity, and hydrophobicity of the OSA‐modified CUR (COSA) changed significantly compared with those of the original CUR, indicating that the hydroxyl group of CUR was successfully replaced by OSA. Subsequently, a stable oil‐in‐water emulsion system of COSA loaded with curcumin was established. The stability of the emulsions was evaluated by analyzing their microstructure, rheological properties, and curcumin retention. The digestion characteristics of the emulsions were evaluated by in vitro simulated digestion experiments, and the COSA emulsion had higher stability and was better able to improve the chemical stability of curcumin compared to CUR. The OSA grafting resulted in emulsions with higher curcumin release rates and antioxidant capacities. These results indicate that COSA has the potential to be used as an encapsulating material for lipophilic nutrient emulsions and provides theoretical support for expanding the applications of chemically modified CUR derivatives.
Mood, Activity, and Instability in Bipolar Disorder and Unipolar Disorder—An Exploratory Post Hoc Study Using Digital Data
Authors: Faurholt‐Jepsen Maria , Busk Jonas , Tønning Morten Lindberg , Rohani Darius , Bardram Jakob Eyvind , Kessing Lars Vedel
Published: December 2024

Background

Mood, activity, and instability in symptomatology hold significant roles in bipolar disorder (BD) and unipolar disorder (UD). The objectives were to examine disparities in these symptoms among patients with BD and UD.

Methods

Data from two studies including patients with BD and UD, respectively, were combined for exploratory analyses. Patients provided daily smartphone‐based evaluations of mood and activity/energy for a 6‐month period. A total of 47 patients with BD and 59 patients with UD were included in the analyses. The dataset contains more than 13,000 patient‐reported evaluations of mood and activity. Daily mood and activity instability measures were calculated using the root squared successive difference method.

Results

In linear mixed effect regression models adjusted for age, sex, and work status, there were statistically significant lower levels of activity in patients with BD as compared with patients with UD overall, during euthymic states and during depressive states (B: −0.61, 95% CI: −0.98; −0.24, p = 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in mood instability and activity instability between patients with BD and patients with UD overall, during euthymic states and during depressive states, when accounting for multiple testing (p > 0.012).

Limitations

Analyses were exploratory and post hoc. Findings should be interpreted with caution. The sample size was modest.

Conclusion

Patients with BD presented with lower level of activity as compared with patients with UD. There were no differences in mood and activity instability between these groups. Future studies including larger sample sizes should investigate differences between BD and UD.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03033420
The geopower of kaolin clay: Toward a political geology of archaeological ceramics
Authors: Grávalos M. Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

Emergent scholarship in political geology highlights multiple ways of knowing the earth and its materials. By examining the politics of Western knowledge production within the earth sciences, political geology queries who has the power to define geomaterials and the sociopolitical impacts of such categorizations. Simultaneously, political geology demonstrates how earthly formations cocreate politics alongside humans through their vibrancy, with societies and geomaterials transforming each other. Here, I develop a political geology of archaeological ceramics to move beyond Western categories that can sometimes hinder interpretations of politics due to their rigidity. I use the concept of geopower—how earthly forces engender new collectivities and political possibilities—to overcome the interpretative challenges archaeologists face when describing Recuay sociopolitical organization (Ancash, Peru, ca. 100–700 CE). Specifically, I show how so‐called “impure” kaolin helped to temporarily organize otherwise insular villages through their emergence and meaningful position on the landscape. To recognize geopower in the deep past, I present a layered narrative framework that blends interpretations of earthly materials, thereby making space for the existence of many worlds. In this sense, political geology can learn from archaeology, particularly Indigenous archaeologies, which advocate for the integration of myriad knowledges of the earth and its histories.
Prevalence and timing of prenatal ultrasound findings in cytomegalovirus‐infected pregnancies
Authors: Van den Eede Emma , De Keersmaecker Bart , Lagrou Katrien , Van der Veeken Lennart , Vanwinkel Sanne , Vangoitsenhoven Maja , Aertsen Michael , De Catte Luc
Published: December 2024

Introduction

To investigate the prevalence and timing of prenatal neurosonographic abnormalities after primary cytomegalovirus seroconversion by the first trimester of pregnancy. The additional value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the correlation between cytomegalovirus viral load in amniotic fluid and adverse neonatal outcomes were evaluated.

Material and Methods

A retrospective study between 2006 and 2022 examined data from 440 women with amniocentesis for periconceptional and first‐trimester cytomegalovirus seroconversion. Cases with positive amniocentesis and subsequent follow‐up were included. Prenatal neurosonography, MRI, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Out of 190 women included, 37% (n = 70) presented with a normal neurosonography. Patients exhibiting abnormal neurosonography findings showed higher viral loads in amniotic fluid compared to those with a normal neurosonography (p = 0.002). In 26% (n = 49) the first abnormal ultrasound sign was already picked up at amniocentesis, and the most common ones were echogenic bowels (49%) and periventricular echogenicity (43%). With increasing gestational age, the likelihood of a new abnormal neurosonography finding decreases. MRI discovered additional abnormalities in 14% (n = 10).

Conclusions

The results highlight the importance of combining diagnostic modalities, from amniocentesis to biweekly ultrasound monitoring and subsequent MRI evaluation, to capture the chronological progression and subsequent outcome of congenital cytomegalovirus.
Cultural practices impact adherence to complementary feeding guidelines in a multicultural community in Lisbon, Portugal
Authors: Sousa A. , Virella D.
Published: December 2024

Aim

To evaluate agreement with the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) complementary feeding guidelines in a multiethnic community in Lisbon and to identify factors influencing complementary feeding practices among immigrant families.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2022 among caretakers of children aged 6 to 36 months at a primary healthcare facility in Lisbon, Portugal. A questionnaire collected data on demographics, socioeconomic status, complementary feeding practices, and sources of complementary feeding information. Agreement with ESPGHAN guidelines was assessed, and statistical analyses identified associations between complementary feeding inadequacies and socio‐demographic variables.

Results

Among 136 participants, 69% were immigrants. The prevalence of complementary feeding inadequacies was 53%, with early introduction of salt (28%) and tea (19%), and delayed introduction of gluten (15%) being the most frequent. Immigrant families exhibited higher rates of inadequacies. Healthcare professionals (71%) and family advice (13%) were the primary sources of complementary feeding information.

Conclusion

Adherence to ESPGHAN complementary feeding guidelines was suboptimal, particularly among immigrant families. Tailored healthcare interventions that consider cultural and socioeconomic factors are necessary to enhance the complementary feeding practices. Further research is needed to monitor these practices and evaluate the effectiveness of culturally sensitive healthcare policies.
Advances and challenges in chimeric antigen receptor‐natural killer cell immunotherapy for cancer
Authors: Rafei Hind , Rezvani Katayoun
Published: December 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐natural killer (NK)‐cell therapy has emerged as a promising strategy in the treatment of haematological malignancies and solid cancers. Leveraging the innate immune properties of NK cells, CAR‐NK‐cell therapies offer potential advantages for cell therapy, including safety of use in the allogeneic setting and reduced risk of toxicity. This Nutshell provides an overview of the latest advancements in CAR‐NK‐cell therapy and the challenges that remain.
Spatiotemporal patterns of trophic niche variation within and among species of tropical coastal fishes
Authors: Galindo Esteban , Costa‐Pereira Raul , Cruz‐Escalona Víctor Hugo , López‐García Juliana , Morales‐Zárate María Verónica , Tavera José , Salinas‐Zavala César Augusto , Navia Andrés F.
Published: December 2024

Intraspecific niche variation shapes the structure and function of food webs, but we still know little about the magnitude and drivers of trophic variation within species in species‐rich communities. Here, we examined how intrinsic (sex and life stage) and extrinsic (locality and season) factors affect the diet composition and trophic niche width of tropical fish species. Specifically, we studied co‐occurring species with benthopelagic (Stellifer ericymba, S. melanocheir, S. zestocarus, and Larimus argenteus) and benthic feeding habits (S. strabo, Cathorops manglarensis, Notarius troschelii, and Urotrygon rogersi) on the central Pacific coast of Colombia. Overall, we observed strong spatial and seasonal effects driving variation in the consumption of (i) amphipods, copepods, and decapods for benthopelagic species and (ii) mollusks and polychaetes for benthic species. As expected, we observed little sexual diet variation; however, surprisingly, most species showed little ontogenetic diet variation. Seasonality strongly shaped the trophic niche width for most species, but effects were species‐specific, suggesting no general pattern of seasonal niche expansion across species. In turn, spatial effects on the trophic niche width were congruent across species, which might be related to differences in the diversity of available resources between bays. Our results reveal the complex interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic factors in shaping resource exploitation by coastal fish. This high level of trophic plasticity may be a critical component for both the persistence of marine populations and the stability of local food webs.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Variation in biodiversity and abundance of functional groups of arthropods along a tropical elevational gradient in Puerto Rico
Authors: Schowalter T. D. , Presley S. J. , Willig M. R.
Published: December 2024

Elevational gradients represent platforms for exploring the effects of environmental variation on biodiversity. The environmental correlates of these spatial gradients are likely to be modified during the Anthropocene, as species respond to global change drivers including warming and increased frequency of extreme events. We quantified variation in the abundance of four functional groups of canopy arthropods (i.e., folivores, sap‐suckers, detritivores, and predators), as well as in aspects of biodiversity on each of six host‐plant species along two elevational transects in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico: a mixed forest transect, traversing tabonuco, palo colorado, and elfin forests, and a palm forest transect, comprising only patches dominated by sierra palm (Prestoea acuminata). We expected gradients in arthropod abundance and biodiversity to be host‐tree specific, and for gradients on palm to differ between transects due to a combination of mechanisms associated with host selection, rescue effects, habitat structure, and source pool dynamics. In general, abundance and biodiversity declined with elevation. The ways in which abundance declined with increasing elevation was contingent on host tree identity and on arthropod functional group, whereas all aspects of biodiversity declined with elevation in consistent manners regardless of host tree identity or transect. Similarly, turnover (beta components of biodiversity between sequential elevational strata) did not differ between transects. Decreases in productivity with increasing elevation may be responsible for gradients in abundance or biodiversity. However, host‐specific and functional group‐specific gradients suggest that elevational effects manifest differently depending on tree species identity and resource bases that are consumer specific.