bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multiscale approach reveals the molecular architecture of the autoinhibited kinesin KIF5A
Authors: Carrington Glenn , Fatima Uzrama , Caramujo Ines , Lewis Tarek , Casas-Mao David , Peckham Michelle
Published: January 2024

Kinesin-1 is a microtubule motor that transports cellular cargo along microtubules. KIF5A is one of three kinesin-1 isoforms in humans, all of which are autoinhibited by an interaction between the motor and an IAK motif in the proximal region of the C-terminal tail. The C-terminal tail of KIF5A is ∼80 residues longer than the other two kinesin-1 isoforms (KIF5B and KIF5C) and it is unclear if it contributes to autoinhibition. Mutations in KIF5A cause neuronal diseases and could affect autoinhibition, as reported for a mutation that skips exon 27, altering its C-terminal sequence. Here, we combined negative-stain electron microscopy, crosslinking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) and AlphaFold2 structure prediction to determine the molecular architecture of the full-length autoinhibited KIF5A homodimer, in the absence of light chains. We show that KIF5A forms a compact, bent conformation, through a bend between coiled coils 2 and 3, around P687. XL-MS of WT KIF5A revealed extensive interactions between residues in the motor, between coiled-coil 1 and the motor, between coiled-coils 1 and 2, with coiled coils 3 and 4, and the proximal region of the C-terminal tail and the motor in the autoinhibited state, but not between the distal C-terminal region and the rest of the molecule. While negative stain electron microscopy of exon-27 KIF5A splice mutant showed the presence of autoinhibited molecules, XL-MS analysis suggested that its autoinhibited state is more labile. Our model offers a conceptual framework for understanding how mutations within the motor and stalk domain may affect motor activity.
SpoVAF and FigP assemble into oligomeric ion channels that enhance spore germination
Authors: Gao Yongqiang , Amon Jeremy D. , Brogan Anna P. , Artzi Lior , Ramírez-Guadiana Fernando H. , Cofsky Joshua C. , Kruse Andrew C. , Rudner David Z.
Published: January 2024

Bacterial spores can remain dormant for decades yet rapidly germinate and resume growth in response to nutrients. GerA family receptors that sense and respond to these signals have recently been shown to oligomerize into nutrient-gated ion channels. Ion release initiates exit from dormancy. Here, we report that a distinct ion channel, composed of SpoVAF (5AF) and its newly discovered partner protein, YqhR (FigP), amplifies the response. At high germinant concentrations, 5AF/FigP accelerate germination; at low concentrations, this complex becomes critical for exit from dormancy. 5AF is homologous to the channel-forming subunit of GerA family receptors and is predicted to oligomerize around a central pore.5AFmutations predicted to widen the channel cause constitutive germination during spore formation and membrane depolarization in vegetative cells. Narrow-channel mutants are impaired in germination. A screen for suppressors of a constitutively germinating 5AF mutant identified FigP as an essential cofactor of 5AF activity. We demonstrate that 5AF and FigP interact and colocalize with GerA family receptors in spores. Finally, we show that 5AF/FigP accelerate germination inB. subtilisspores that have nutrient receptors from another species. Our data support a model in which nutrient-triggered ion release by GerA family receptors activates 5AF/FigP ion release, amplifying the response to germinant signals.
N
-cutoff regularization for fields on hyperbolic space
Authors: Banerjee Rudrajit , Becker Maximilian , Ferrero Renata
Published: January 2024

We apply a novel background independent regularization scheme, the N-cutoffs, to self-consistently quantize scalar and metric fluctuations on the maximally symmetric but noncompact hyperbolic space. For quantum matter fields on a classical background or full quantum Einstein gravity (regarded here as an effective field theory) treated in the background field formalism, the N-cutoff is an ultraviolet regularization of the fields’ mode content that is independent of the background hyperbolic space metric. For each N>0, the regularized system backreacts on the geometry to dynamically determine the self-consistent background metric. The limit in which the regularization is removed then automatically yields the “physically correct” spacetime on which the resulting quantum field theory lives. When self-consistently quantized with the N-cutoff, we find that without any fine-tuning of parameters, the vacuum fluctuations of scalar and (linearized) graviton fields do not lead to the usual cosmological constant problem of a curvature singularity. Instead, the presence of increasingly many field modes tends to reduce the negative curvature of hyperbolic space, leading to vanishing values in the limit of removing the cutoff.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Explaining Dark Matter Halo Density Profiles with Neural Networks
Authors: Lucie-Smith Luisa , Peiris Hiranya V. , Pontzen Andrew
Published: January 2024

We use explainable neural networks to connect the evolutionary history of dark matter halos with their density profiles. The network captures independent factors of variation in the density profiles within a low-dimensional representation, which we physically interpret using mutual information. Without any prior knowledge of the halos’ evolution, the network recovers the known relation between the early time assembly and the inner profile and discovers that the profile beyond the virial radius is described by a single parameter capturing the most recent mass accretion rate. The results illustrate the potential for machine-assisted scientific discovery in complicated astrophysical datasets.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Inertia Induces Strong Orientation Fluctuations of Nonspherical Atmospheric Particles
Authors: Bhowmick T. , Seesing J. , Gustavsson K. , Guettler J. , Wang Y. , Pumir A. , Mehlig B. , Bagheri G.
Published: January 2024

The orientation of nonspherical particles in the atmosphere, such as volcanic ash and ice crystals, influences their residence times and the radiative properties of the atmosphere. Here, we demonstrate experimentally that the orientation of heavy submillimeter spheroids settling in still air exhibits decaying oscillations, whereas it relaxes monotonically in liquids. Theoretical analysis shows that these oscillations are due to particle inertia, caused by the large particle-fluid mass-density ratio. This effect must be accounted for to model solid particles in the atmosphere.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Characterization and Control of the Run-and-Tumble Dynamics of
Escherichia Coli
Authors: Kurzthaler Christina , Zhao Yongfeng , Zhou Nan , Schwarz-Linek Jana , Devailly Clemence , Arlt Jochen , Huang Jian-Dong , Poon Wilson C. K. , Franosch Thomas , Tailleur Julien , Martinez Vincent A.
Published: January 2024

We characterize the full spatiotemporal gait of populations of swimming using renewal processes to analyze the measurements of intermediate scattering functions. This allows us to demonstrate quantitatively how the persistence length of an engineered strain can be controlled by a chemical inducer and to report a controlled transition from perpetual tumbling to smooth swimming. For wild-type , we measure simultaneously the microscopic motility parameters and the large-scale effective diffusivity, hence quantitatively bridging for the first time small-scale directed swimming and macroscopic diffusion.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Shock-wave-induced variation in structural, optical and third-order nonlinear properties of an L-ascorbic acid single crystal
Authors: Vinod  , Krishna Anuj , Vijayan N. , Yadav Sachin , Kiran  , Kaphi  , Saini Saurabh K. , Yadav Rimjhim , Varshney Urvashi , Satapathy Subhashree , Gupta Govind
Published: January 2024

The utilization of shock waves plays a pivotal role in the advancement of multiple scientific domains like aerospace, defense, geology, environment, medicine and many more. They serve as essential tools in scientific investigations, enabling the exploration of material behavior under extreme conditions, viz. elevated pressure and temperature. The present study is specifically dedicated to scrutinizing the repercussions of shock waves on an L-ascorbic acid single crystal, to which they were intentionally applied to assess their influence on structural, optical and third-order nonlinearity properties. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis unveiled a discernible overall enhancement in the crystalline quality of the grown crystal following exposure to shock waves. This observation was consistently corroborated by high-resolution X-ray diffraction data, particularly on the (200) crystallographic planes. Furthermore, the optical transmittance of the crystal exhibited a notable increase upon the application of shock waves, while the material's band gap remained unaffected. In parallel, the third-order nonlinearity of the crystal was found to undergo a significant augmentation as a consequence of the shock treatment, as confirmed through Z-scan measurements. These empirical findings unequivocally demonstrate the substantial enhancement in the structural, optical and nonlinear properties of the grown crystal when subjected to shock waves, rendering it well suited for nonlinear optical applications.
Finback: a web-based data collection system at SSRF biological macromolecular crystallography beamlines
Authors: Yu Feng , Liu Ke , Zhou Huan , Li Minjun , Kong Huating , Zhang Kunhao , Wang Xingya , Wang Weiwei , Xu Qin , Pan Qiangyan , Wang Zhijun , Wang Qisheng
Published: January 2024

An integrated computer software system for macromolecular crystallography (MX) data collection at the BL02U1 and BL10U2 beamlines of the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility is described. The system, Finback, implements a set of features designed for the automated MX beamlines, and is marked with a user-friendly web-based graphical user interface (GUI) for interactive data collection. The Finback client GUI can run on modern browsers and has been developed using several modern web technologies including WebSocket, WebGL, WebWorker and WebAssembly. Finback supports multiple concurrent sessions, so on-site and remote users can access the beamline simultaneously. Finback also cooperates with the deployed experimental data and information management system, the relevant experimental parameters and results are automatically deposited to a database.
A novel corrosion inhibitor based on a Schiff base for mild steel in 1M HCl: synthesis and anticorrosion study
Authors: Baran Aydın Evrim , Başaran Eyüp , Ateş Sevgi , Çakmak Reşit
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the activity of 4-((4-((2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino)benzylidene) amino)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one (HEMAP), a Schiff base synthesized and characterized for the first time, to the authors’ knowledge, as a novel inhibitor against corrosion of mild steel (MS) in hydrochloric acid solution.

Design/methodology/approach

HEMAP was characterized by some spectroscopic methods including High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), Carbon-13 (C13) nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Then, the inhibition efficiency of HEMAP on MS in a hydrochloric acid solution was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). To explain the inhibition mechanism, the surface charge, adsorption isotherms and thermodynamic parameters of MS in the inhibitor solution were studied.

Findings

EIS tests displayed that the highest inhibition efficiency was calculated approximately as 99.5% for 5 × 10−2 M HEMAP in 1 M HCl solution. The adsorption of HEMAP on the MS surface was found to be compatible with the Langmuir model isotherm. The thermodynamic parameter results showed that the standard free energy of adsorption of HEMAP on the MS surface was found to be more chemical than physical.

Originality/value

This study is important in terms of demonstrating the performance of the first synthesized HEMAP molecule as an inhibitor against the corrosion of MS in acidic media. EIS tests displayed that the highest inhibition efficiency was calculated approximately as 99.5% for 5 × 10−2 M HEMAP in 1 M HCl solution.
How does sports e-commerce influence consumer behavior through short video live broadcast platforms? Attachment theory perspective
Authors: Jiao Shoukai , Wang Xianliang , Ma Chao , Deng Yiran
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Based on the “S-O-R” and attachment theories, this paper constructs a research model of the platform attribute factors of sports short video live e-commerce on consumers' psychological conditions, and explores how platform attributes affect consumer behavior through consumer attachment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study carried out questionnaire survey through the “snowball” method, and a total of 422 valid questionnaires were collected. The paper uses SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 26.0 to adapt the data and model, and adopts the method of structural equation modeling for analysis.

Findings

The research results show that the interactivity, identity, personalization and entertainment of live sports e-commerce platforms can actively stimulate consumer attachment, and directly drive their consumption behavior through their attachment.

Practical implications

Examining the platform attributes and system functions of short video live broadcast e-commerce from the perspective of consumer attachment can help sports e-commerce understand consumers' needs and satisfaction with the functions provided by the platform. Through timely optimization and improvement of system functions, the platform will make the connection between consumers and e-commerce closer, thereby increasing consumer stickiness and promoting the vigorous development of sports e-commerce.

Originality/value

This study identified and defined the platform attributes contained in the sports live broadcast e-commerce platform, combined the S-O-R model with the attachment theory, expanded the analytical framework of the S-O-R theory and made contributions to the extension of the attachment theory.
How optimal trust–dependence nexus facilitates relational behavior in contractor–subcontractor collaboration: a configurational analysis
Authors: Wu Shaoyan , Liu Mengxiao , Zhao Duo , Cao Tingting
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Although trust is generally taken as a fundamental factor in influencing relational behavior in contractor–subcontractor collaboration, the determination of an optimal level of trust is still lacking. Trust with an optimal tipping point that matches dependence best is considered the optimal trust to improve relational behavior between general contractors and subcontractors. To fill the knowledge gap, this study explores how combinations of trust and dependence trigger relational behavior between general contractors and subcontractors through a configurational approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were administered to 228 middle management and technical staff members of the general contractor. The data were analyzed using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), and the inductive analytic method allowed researchers to explore configurations of different dimensions and levels of dependence and trust.

Findings

Necessity analysis results indicated that neither dependence nor trust was a necessary condition for facilitating relational behavior. Through sufficiency analysis, four configurations of optimal trust matched with dependence were identified in contractor–subcontractor collaboration. Even if contractors rely only on subcontractors for resources, the optimal trust between contractors and subcontractors should include both institution- and cognition-based trust. In the event that contractor–subcontractor collaboration involves relational dependence, both affect- and cognition-based trust are necessary for the optimal trust.

Originality/value

This study enhances existing research by delving deeper into a nuanced understanding of optimal trust in dependence scenarios, and enriches project governance theory by uncovering the internal transmission of relational governance. Practically, this study offers general contractors guidance on how to establish optimal trust strategies based on the dual dependence level with subcontractors, which can facilitate subcontractors' relational behavior, and ultimately improve contractor–subcontractor collaboration performance.
Increasing physical activity among Indonesian adolescents: a social marketing intervention reflection
Authors: Schmidtke David James , Nguyen Mai , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of a social marketing intervention that aimed to increase physical activity (aligned to UN SDG 3) among adolescents in Bali, Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

Three sequential phases were followed to deliver the social marketing intervention. Phrase 1 (formative research) gained insights that guided a subsequent social marketing intervention. Phase 2 (pilot intervention) gathered preliminary results, to support the development of the final intervention. Phase 3 (intervention) evaluated the effectiveness of the two-month social marketing intervention.

Findings

The results from the intervention tested in this paper identified significant behaviour change in physical activity, demonstrating the effectiveness of the intervention. Furthermore, the paper identifies which intervention inputs contribute to behaviour change and which do not.

Research limitations/implications

This paper describes the outcomes from an eight-week pilot programme that aimed to increase rates of physical activity for Indonesian adolescents and provides early evidence of impact.

Practical implications

This study found that providing adolescents with the opportunity to play team sports increases physical activity behaviour.

Originality/value

There is a lot of ground that needs to be made in terms of designing programs capable of achieving impact in the Global South. The approach reported in this paper can serve as a best-practice model for researchers wanting to drive lasting behaviour change to overcome known inequities in the Global South.
Examining the relationships between instructional leadership, teacher self-efficacy and job satisfaction: a study of primary schools in India
Authors: Khan Furkan , Preeti  , Gupta Vishal
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Building on the social cognitive theory, a mediation model was examined to understand the role of teacher self-efficacy as the underlying mechanism for the relationship between instructional leadership and teacher job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study tests a mediation model between instructional leadership, teacher self-efficacy and job satisfaction. The data were collected via online survey from primary school teachers (N = 320) working for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MDC) in India. The mediation model was tested using the AMOS 22.0 after establishing the reliability and validity of measures.

Findings

Regression analyses using the bootstrapping method indicated that teacher self-efficacy mediates the relationship between instructional leadership and teacher job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

This is a cross-sectional study. The scope for causal inferences is, thus, limited.

Practical implications

In the Indian setting, the study examines the association between instructional leadership and job satisfaction. The results show that the instructional leadership of the school principal is strongly related to teachers' self-efficacy, which, in turn is positively associated with teacher’s job satisfaction. Further, the findings confirm that instructional leadership, emphasizing instructional improvement, improves teachers' self-efficacy and job satisfaction.

Originality/value

The study explains the underlying process through which a school principal’s instructional leadership is related to teacher job satisfaction. This study is perhaps the first to focus on an Indian or a non-Western context.
The added value of environmental certification in the Dutch office market
Authors: van Overbeek Rens , Ishaak Farley , Geurts Ellen , Remøy Hilde
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between environmental building certification Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM-NL) and office rents in the Dutch office market.

Design/methodology/approach

A hedonic price model was used to assess the impact of BREEAM certification on office rents. The study is based on 4,355 rent transactions in the period 2015 to mid-2022, in which 331 transactions took place in certified office buildings and 4,024 transactions in non-certified office buildings.

Findings

The results provide empirical evidence on quantitative economic benefits of BREEAM-certified offices in the Netherlands. After controlling for all important office rent determinants, the results show a rental premium for certified office buildings of 10.3% on average. The green premiums highly differ across submarkets and vary between 5.1 and 12.6% in the five largest Dutch cities. Additionally, the results show significant positive correlation between BREEAM-NL label score and rents, whereby better performing buildings generally command higher rents.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the current literature on green building economics by providing, as one of the first, empirical evidence on the existence of financial benefits for BREEAM-certified office buildings in the Dutch office market.
“The modesty guard” reflected in online comments in mainstream news sites
Authors: Druker Shitrit Shirley , Ben-Asher Smadar , Ben-Atar Ella
Published: January 2024

Purpose

At times, a traditional minority group that opposes a change in the patriarchal structure is violent toward women who wish to adopt modern lifestyles. This study aims to examine online comments regarding a shooting at a café in an Arab-Bedouin city in Israel, where women were employed as servers. The event was framed in Israeli media as an act of backlash by young men, who call themselves “The Modesty Guard.”

Design/methodology/approach

In this qualitative study, the authors collected 916 online comments that were published on five main online news sites. A thematic and rhetorical analysis of online comments was conducted.

Findings

The findings uncovered five main themes: the expression of support for Bedouin women; ideas for dealing with the Modesty Guard; blaming Bedouin tradition for the shooting; comparison of the violent behavior to a parallel phenomenon among Charedim; and criticism of the lack of treatment by Israeli security forces. The responses reflected a supportive stance toward Arab-Bedouin women, who were open to progress. Conflict discourse, however, expressed alienation and increased social-national schism between the Jewish majority and Arab-Bedouin minority groups in Israel.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the backlash phenomenon in Negev Bedouin society. Moreover, it exposes the lack of significant supportive actions and a lack of understanding of the deep processes unfolding in this traditional society.
Is South Asia the missing bloc in world trade? An analysis of South Asian FTAs’ compatibility with WTO rules
Authors: de Silva Edirimuni Nadeesh Rangana
Published: January 2024

Purpose

South Asia is a region urgently seeking development, although it has failed in regional integration. It is the second least integrated region regarding the number of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and can thus be recognised as a missing bloc in the global multilateral system. This study aims to focus on South Asian FTAs and explores the problems of the inter-relations and compatibility between the systemic and regional trade systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes a framework to benchmark the compatibility of South Asian FTAs with WTO rules. Primary data from 2000 to 2020, including descriptive analyses of reports, legal text of the FTAs, official documents and factual presentations, have been collected and analysed through thematic analysis using the proposed framework.

Findings

The study finds that, although South Asian FTAs meet most of the WTO requirements, they are not progressing toward facilitating and promoting trade. Data from 2000 to 2020 show us that South Asian FTAs have not significantly impacted trade between themselves. The study argues that, although South Asian FTAs fulfil some benchmarks, they show only a lukewarm interest in contributing to the international trading system as building blocs. It is therefore recommended that the case of South Asian trade liberalisation must be understood contextually and be given careful and exclusive attention by the WTO.

Originality/value

As such, this study is the first to claim that South Asian FTAs are not fully compatible with the WTO rules. They remain a missing regional bloc in the multilateral system, rather than a building bloc or a stumbling bloc, delaying the region’s opportunity to develop as a region and within the larger system.
Why do firms adopt employee ownership? An industry perspective
Authors: Townsend Phela , Kruse Douglas , Blasi Joseph
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper offers a new perspective on the potential motivation for the adoption of employee ownership based on market power. Employee ownership may be linked to market power, either through contributing to firm growth that leads to market power or through industry leaders adopting employee ownership as part of rent sharing or a broader consolidation of market position. Both employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) coverage and product market concentration (PMC) have been increasing in the past two decades, providing a good opportunity to see if and how these are related.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors predict ESOP adoption and termination using multilevel regressions based on 2002–2012 firm- and industry-level data from the Census Bureau, Compustat and Form 5500 pension datasets.

Findings

The authors find that the top four firms in concentrated industries are more likely to adopt Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), while having an ESOP does not predict entering the top four, apart from firm-level predictors. Tests indicate the first result does not reflect simple rent sharing with employees but instead appears to reflect an effort by firms to consolidate market power through the attraction and retention (or “locking in”) of industry talent. Other positive predictors of ESOPs include company size, being in a high-wage industry and having a defined benefit (DB) pension.

Research limitations/implications

To better distinguish among hypotheses, it would be helpful to have firm-level data on managerial attitudes, strategies, networks and monopsony measures. Therefore, future research using such data would be highly useful and encouraged.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the potential usefulness of ESOPs in attracting and retaining talent and for the design of nuanced policy to encourage more broadly based sharing of economic rewards.

Originality/value

While prior research focuses on firm-level predictors of employee ownership, this study uses market concentration and other industry-level variables to predict the use of ESOPs. This study makes a unique contribution, broadening the current thinking on firm motives and environmental conditions predictive of firm ESOP adoption.
Exploring the Metaverse as the next frontier for a living library experience
Authors: Liu Yunze , Tinmaz Hasan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an alternative platform, namely the Metaverse, to enhance and revolutionize the concept of living library experiences. The fourth industrial revolution has disseminated many innovative human experiences since the rapid development of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, virtual/augmented realities, blockchain, cloud computing and so on. Various combinations of these technologies have triggered newer tools and platforms for human beings. One of these combinations, perhaps the most unique and holistic case, is the Metaverse, which promises to offer immersive experiences for users. Many stakeholders have been discussing alternative applications of Metaverse platforms, and many developers have attempted to optimize this new technology. Libraries, as the central hub of human intellectuality, will not be an exception to Metaverse integration.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors undertook a meticulous examination of an extensive array of scholarly works across various databases to construct a comprehensive literature review. This exhaustive exploration encompassed databases spanning disciplines such as education, psychology, sociology, economics, ICT and so on, and included renowned platforms like PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore, among others.

Findings

In this paper, the authors concentrate on an alternative form of libraries: “living libraries,” where people share their experiences, knowledge and wisdom with others like a living book. Moreover, the authors discuss how the Metaverse and living libraries intersect and create an alternative sharing platform. The paper presents several illustrative scenarios for diffusing living libraries into Metaverse platforms. Finally, the paper articulates the possible challenges that this intersection may present to the current condition.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first papers combining two innovative concepts: Metaverse and living library and suggests alternative scenarios for real-life experiences.
Addressing the impacts of climate change on agricultural adaptation strategies: a case study in Nepal
Authors: Charoenratana Sayamol , Kharel Samridhi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

As climate change increasingly affects rural food production, there is an urgent need to adopt agricultural adaptation strategies. Because the agricultural sector in Nepal is one of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, the adaptation strategies of household farmers in rural areas are crucial. This study aims to address the impacts of agricultural climate change adaptation strategies in Nepal. The research empirically analyzed climate hazards, adaptation strategies and local adaptation plans in Mangalsen Municipality, Achham District, Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a purposive sampling of household lists, categorized as resource-rich, resource-poor and intermediate households. The analysis used primary data from 110 household surveys conducted among six focus groups and 30 informants were selected for interviews through purposive random sampling.

Findings

Climate change significantly impacts rainfall patterns and temperature, decreasing agriculture productivity and increasing household vulnerability. To overcome these negative impacts, it is crucial to implement measures such as efficient management of farms and livestock. A comprehensive analysis of Nepalese farmers' adaptation strategies to climate change has been conducted, revealing important insights into their coping mechanisms. By examining the correlation between farmers' strategies and the role of the local government, practical policies can be developed for farmers at the local level.

Originality/value

This study represents a significant breakthrough in the authors' understanding of this issue within the context of Nepal. It has been conclusively demonstrated that securing land tenure or land security and adopting appropriate agricultural methods, such as agroforestry, can be instrumental in enabling Nepalese households to cope with the effects of climate change effectively.
The evolution of corporate parenting styles of multinational corporations under anticipated trajectories of development in global industries
Authors: Gurkov Igor , Morley Michael J.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to present the impact of several likely trajectories of development for global industries, namely, re-shoring, regionalization, diversification and replication, recently identified by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, on the evolution of the corporate parenting styles (CPSs) of multinational corporations (MNCs).

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint presents a novel view of CPSs as a set of relationships between the corporate centers of MNCs and their subsidiaries, including domestic ones, identifies the most likely connections between anticipated trajectories of development in global industries and the evolution of CPSs of MNCs and outlines directions for further research.

Findings

The anticipated trajectories of the development of global industries may result in changes in prevailing CPSs and lead to the proliferation of previously less common parenting styles. Although many of the anticipated changes in CPSs may be pursued by corporate headquarters (CHQs), a combination of powerful subsidiaries putting bottom-up pressure on CHQs and powerful owners capable of imposing requirements on top management teams and generating top-down pressure may affect the CPSs used by corporations.

Originality/value

The authors connect possible trajectories of development for global industries with the evolution of CPSs of MNCs.
Innovation for zero-deforestation sustainable supply chain management services: a performance measurement and management approach
Authors: Alexander Anthony , Kumar Maneesh , Walker Helen , Gosling Jon
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Food sector supply chains have significant negative environmental impacts, including the expansion of global food commodity production, which is driving tropical deforestation – a major climate and biodiversity problem. Innovative supply chain monitoring services promise to address such impacts. Legislation also designates “forest-risk commodities”, demanding supply chain due diligence of their provenance. But such data alone does not produce change. This study investigates how theory in performance measurement and management (PMM) can combine with sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and decision theory (DT) via case study research that addresses paradoxes of simplicity and complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

Given existing relevant theory but the nascent nature of the topic, theory elaboration via abductive case study research is conducted. Data collection involves interviews and participatory design workshops with supply chain actors across two supply chains (coffee and soy), exploring the potential opportunities and challenges of new deforestation monitoring services for food supply chains.

Findings

Two archetypal food supply chain structures (short food supply chains with high transparency and direct links between farmer and consumer and complex food supply chains with highly disaggregated and opaque links) provide a dichotomy akin to the known/unknown, structured/unstructured contexts in DT, enabling novel theoretical elaboration of the performance alignment matrix model in PMM, resulting in implications for practice and a future research agenda.

Originality/value

The novel conceptual synthesis of PMM, SSCM and DT highlights the importance of context specificity in developing PMM tools for SSCM and the challenge of achieving the general solutions needed to ensure that PMM, paradoxically, is both flexible to client needs and capable of replicable application to deliver economies of scale. To advance understanding of these paradoxes to develop network-level PMM systems to address deforestation impacts of food supply chains and respond to legislation, a future research agenda is presented.
Distributions of alcohol use and alcohol‐caused death and disability in Canada: Defining alcohol harm density functions and new perspectives on the prevention paradox
Authors: Sherk Adam , Churchill Samuel , Cukier Samantha , Grant Sierra C. , Shield Kevin , Stockwell Tim
Published: January 2024

Aims

The aims of this study were to examine the distribution of alcohol use and to define ‘harm density functions’ representing distributions of alcohol‐caused health harm in Canada, by sex, towards better understanding which groups of drinkers experience the highest aggregate harms.

Design

This was an epidemiological modeling study using survey and administrative data on alcohol exposure, death and disability and risk relationships from epidemiological meta‐analyses.

Setting

This work took place in Canada, 2019.

Participants

Canadians aged 15 years or older participated.

Measurements

Measures included modeled life‐time mean daily alcohol use in grams of pure alcohol (ethanol) per day, alcohol‐caused deaths and alcohol‐caused disability‐adjusted life‐years.

Findings

As a life‐time average, more than half of Canadians aged 15+ (62.8% females, 46.9% males) use fewer than 10 g of pure alcohol per day (g/day). By volume, the top 10% of the population consume 45.9% of the total ethanol among males and 47.1% of the total ethanol among females. The remaining 90% of the population experience a slim majority of alcohol‐caused deaths (males 55.3%, females 46.9%). Alcohol harm density functions compose the size of the using population and the risk experienced at each volume level to show that the population‐level harm experienced is highest for males at 25 g/day and females at 13 g/day.

Conclusions

Almost 50% of alcohol use in Canada is concentrated among the highest 10% of drinkers, but more than half of the alcohol‐caused deaths in Canada in 2019 were experienced by the bottom 90% of the population by average volume, providing evidence for the prevention paradox. New alcohol harm density functions provide insight into the aggregate health harm experienced across the mean alcohol use spectrum and may therefore be used to help determine where alcohol policies should be targeted for highest efficacy.
Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in New Zealand: peri‐operative outcomes and service development over a decade
Authors: Lim Jia Hui , Qin Rennie Xinrui , Ly Jasen , Fischer Jesse , Smith Nicholas , Karalus Mosese , Wu Linus , van Dalen Roelof , Lolohea Simione
Published: January 2024

Background

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the standard of care for selected cases of peritoneal surface malignancy. However, due to its morbidity and learning curve, it is only delivered in six centres in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ). In this study, we report peri‐operative morbidity and mortality following CRS/HIPEC at Waikato and Braemar Hospitals, which have treated patients from all regions of AoNZ since 2008.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a database of all patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC from 01/01/2008 to 01/11/2020 at Waikato and Braemar Hospitals.

Results

Two‐hundred and forty procedures were performed for 221 patients with a mean age of 55, including 22 (9.2%) re‐do procedures. One hundred and eighty‐six cases were European, 32 were Māori, and 16 were Pasifika. There were 152 pseudomyxoma peritonei, 39 colorectal adenocarcinomas, 29 appendiceal cancers, 8 ovarian cancers, 6 peritoneal mesothelioma, and 6 other tumour types. The median PCI was 16. HIPEC was administered to 196 out of 196 CC0/1 cases (100%) and 3 out of 44 CC2/3 cases (6.8%). Fifty‐six cases (23.3%) had at least one major complication. There were two mortalities (0.8%) within 30 days. The median length of stay was 11 days. Operative duration was identified as an independent risk factor for major complications. There was considerable variation in the number of referrals from different regions of AoNZ. Over time, a decline in major complication rate is seen with increased case volume.

Conclusion

The Waikato region has achieved favourable short‐term outcomes following CRS/HIPEC.
Maternal cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy in obese pregnant women
Authors: Patel Deesha , Avesani Martina , Johnson Mark R. , Di Salvo Giovanni , Savvidou Makrina D.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Obesity is known to be associated with cardiovascular compromise and a major risk factor for the development of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. However, little is known about the effect of obesity on maternal cardiac function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of obesity on the maternal cardiovascular system.

Material and methods

This was a prospective, observational, longitudinal study. Pregnant women with booking body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 were compared with pregnant women with normal booking BMI 20–24.9 kg/m2. Participants were seen at three time points during pregnancy; 12–14, 20–24 and 30–32 weeks. At all visits, maternal blood pressure (BP) was measured, and cardiac geometry and function were assessed using two‐dimensional trans‐thoracic echocardiography. Multilevel linear mixed‐effects models were used for all the comparisons.

Results

Fifty‐nine pregnant women with obesity were compared with 14 pregnant women with normal BMI. In women with obesity, the maternal BP, heart rate and cardiac output were higher and peripheral vascular resistance was lower (p < 0.01 for all comparisons) compared with normal BMI women. Women with obesity had altered cardiac geometry with higher left ventricular end diastolic diameter, intraventricular septal thickness, posterior wall diameter, relative wall thickness and left ventricular mass (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). There was also evidence of impaired diastolic indices in the obese group with a lower E/A ratio, tissue Doppler imaging E′ lateral and medial and higher left atrial volume (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). Finally, women with obesity had reduced longitudinal function, as assessed by mitral plane annular systolic excursion, between the second and third trimester of pregnancy, indicating possible early cardiac dysfunction in this group.

Conclusions

Obesity is associated with maternal hyperdynamic circulation, altered cardiac geometry and suboptimal diastolic function, compared with normal BMI pregnant women, and these factors may contribute to the increased risk of complications in obese pregnant women.
Individualised screening for diabetic retinopathy with proliferative retinopathy and macular oedema as separate end points
Authors: Bek Toke , Andersen Nis , Andresen Jens , Grauslund Jakob , Hajari Javad , Schmidt Laugesen Caroline , Schielke Katja , Petersen Line
Published: January 2024

Purpose

A number of algorithms have been developed to calculate screening intervals for diabetic retinopathy on the basis of individual risk factors. However, these approaches have not considered proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and diabetic macular oedema (DME) as separate end points and death as competing risk.

Methods

A multi‐state survival model with death as competing risk was used to predict the screening interval for diabetic retinopathy based on information about all 2446 patients from a well‐defined population who had started treatment for either PDR or DME during 25 years. The performance of the model was tested on the existing database and at seven screening sites on patients who had not developed a treatment requiring condition.

Results

Testing on the existing database showed that at a risk level of 2% the algorithm could predict a screening interval with a success rate higher than 90% and a 1.75 times average prolongation of the screening interval without failing to detect the development of verified PDR og DME. The model was limited to a diabetes duration shorter than 40 years and depended on knowledge of relevant risk factors. At the other participating screening sites the algorithm predicted shorter intervals than the screener.

Conclusions

Algorithms for individualised screening for diabetic retinopathy can prolong screening intervals without losing patients who develop a vision threatening condition. The calculation of screening intervals requires access to relevant risk factors and should be developed on large data sets that reflect the population in which the algorithm should be used.
Exercise influence on monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and 4 (MCT4) in the skeletal muscle: A systematic review
Authors: Benítez‐Muñoz José Antonio , Cupeiro Rocío , Rubio‐Arias Jacobo Á. , Amigo Teresa , González‐Lamuño Domingo
Published: January 2024

This review aims to systematically analyze the effect of exercise on muscle MCT protein levels and mRNA expression of their respective genes, considering exercise intensity, and duration (single‐exercise session and training program) in humans and rodents, to observe whether both models offer aligned results. The review also aims to report methodological aspects that need to be improved in future studies. A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed and Web of Science databases, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) checklist was followed. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 41 studies were included and evaluated using the Cochrane collaboration tool for risk of bias assessment. The main findings indicate that exercise is a powerful stimulus to increase MCT1 protein content in human muscle. MCT4 protein level increases can also be observed after a training program, although its responsiveness is lower compared to MCT1. Both transporters seem to change independently of exercise intensity, but the responses that occur with each intensity and each duration need to be better defined. The effect of exercise on muscle mRNA results is less defined, and more research is needed especially in humans. Moreover, results in rodents only agree with human results on the effect of a training program on MCT1 protein levels, indicating increases in both. Finally, we addressed important and feasible methodological aspects to improve the design of future studies.
IP3RPEP6, a novel peptide inhibitor of IP3 receptor channels that does not affect connexin‐43 hemichannels
Authors: Tao Siyu , Hulpiau Paco , Wagner Larry E. , Witschas Katja , Yule David I. , Bultynck Geert , Leybaert Luc
Published: January 2024

Aim

Inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) are intracellular Ca2+‐release channels with crucial roles in cell function. Current IP3R inhibitors suffer from off‐target effects and poor selectivity towards the three distinct IP3R subtypes. We developed a novel peptide inhibitor of IP3Rs and determined its effect on connexin‐43 (Cx43) hemichannels, which are co‐activated by IP3R stimulation.

Methods

IP3RPEP6 was developed by in silico molecular docking studies and characterized by on‐nucleus patch‐clamp experiments of IP3R2 channels and carbachol‐induced IP3‐mediated Ca2+ responses in IP3R1, 2 or 3 expressing cells, triple IP3R KO cells and astrocytes. Cx43 hemichannels were studied by patch‐clamp and ATP‐release approaches, and by inhibition with Gap19 peptide. IP3RPEP6 interactions with IP3Rs were verified by co‐immunoprecipitation and affinity pull‐down assays.

Results

IP3RPEP6 concentration‐dependently reduced the open probability of IP3R2 channels and competitively inhibited IP3Rs in an IC50 order of IP3R2 (~3.9 μM) < IP3R3 (~4.3 μM) < IP3R1 (~9.0 μM), without affecting Cx43 hemichannels or ryanodine receptors. IP3RPEP6 co‐immunoprecipitated with IP3R2 but not with IP3R1; interaction with IP3R3 varied between cell types. The IC50 of IP3RPEP6 inhibition of carbachol‐induced Ca2+ responses decreased with increasing cellular Cx43 expression. Moreover, Gap19‐inhibition of Cx43 hemichannels significantly reduced the amplitude of the IP3‐Ca2+ responses and strongly increased the EC50 of these responses. Finally, we identified palmitoyl‐8G‐IP3RPEP6 as a membrane‐permeable IP3RPEP6 version allowing extracellular application of the IP3R‐inhibiting peptide.

Conclusion

IP3RPEP6 inhibits IP3R2/R3 at concentrations that have limited effects on IP3R1. IP3R activation triggers hemichannel opening, which strongly affects the amplitude and concentration‐dependence of IP3‐triggered Ca2+ responses.