bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large effect life-history genomic regions are associated with functional morphological traits in Atlantic salmon
Authors: Aykanat Tutku , Debes Paul V. , Jansouz Shadi , Gueguen Lison , House Andrew H. , Ruokolainen Annukka , Erkinaro Jaakko , Pritchard Victoria L. , Primmer Craig R. , Bolstad Geir H.
Published: December 2024

Understanding pleiotropic architectures of phenotypes is instrumental for identifying the functional basis of adaptive genetic variation in the wild. Life-history variation may have a morphological basis that mediates resource acquisition and allocation pathways, but identifying the underlying genetic basis of such traits is challenging. In this study, using Atlantic salmon juveniles reared in common garden conditions, we test if two life-history associated loci in Atlantic salmon, six6andvgll3,are also associated with functional morphological traits. These loci had previously shown to exhibit strong signals of adaptation and are highly correlated with age at maturity. Here, we show that genetic variation at thevgll3locus is linked to variation in morphological traits that underlie swimming performance, along a trade-off axis between efficient cruising and maneuvering, while the genetic variation at thesix6locus was linked to variation in body-head proportions suggesting the potential functional importance of these traits for resource acquisition efficiency. However, the direction of changes in morphological traits associated with late-vs. early-maturing alleles was not always consistent with the expected direction of an effect to maturation timing. Our results reveal a complex morphological landscape associated with the genetic variation in these loci, possibly as a result of pleiotropy or linkage across these genomic regions.
Single–molecule biodosimetry
Authors: Lamontagne Michael , Newell Shannon M. , Pazos Ileana , Tosh Ronald , Polf Jerimy , Zwolak Michael , Robertson Joseph W. F.
Published: December 2024

Inferring characteristics of radiation exposure using biological molecules is extremely challenging. Current methods, in particular, lack a clear connection between dose and molecular response. Here, we demonstrate that resistive–pulse nanopore sensors enable single–molecule biodosimetry by quantifying the frequency of double–strand DNA scissions versus gamma radiation dose. The resulting response curve shows an elongated Gaussian behavior, reminiscent of cell survival rates versus dose. We demonstrate that the competition of radical damage of DNA—i.e., single–strand lesions that lead to breakage—with bimolecular radical loss captures the form of the response. Our sensors and protocol provide a foundation for numerous technological advances. These include rapid dosimetry for triage in emergency situations andex vivomonitoring of radiotherapy effectiveness in order to tailor treatment to patient– and tumor–specific response.
Localized Delivery of Growth Factors from Microparticles Modulate Osteogenic and Chondrogenic Gene Expression in Growth Factor-dependent Manner in anex vivoChick Embryonic Bone Model
Authors: Rashidi Hassan , Cox Helen C. , Qutachi Omar , Moulding Dale , White Lisa J. , Smith Emma L. , Kanczler Janos M. , Rojo Luis , Rotherham Michael , Henstock James R. , Stevens Molly M. , El Haj Alicia J. , Oreffo Richard O.C. , Shakesheff Kevin M. , Rose Felicity R.A.J.
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Growth factors play a crucial role in regulating various cellular functions, including proliferation and differentiation. Consequently, the biomaterial-based delivery of exogenous growth factors presents a promising strategy in regenerative medicine to manage the healing process and restore tissue function. For effective therapeutic applications, it is essential that these active compounds are precisely targeted to the site of regeneration, with release kinetics that align with the slow pace of tissue growth. We have developed an ex vivo model utilizing a developing embryonic chick bone, and using PLGA based microparticles as controlled-release systems, allowing for the investigation of spatiotemporal effects of growth factor delivery on cell differentiation and tissue formation. Our findings demonstrate that BMP2 and FGF2 can significantly alter cell morphology and zonally pattern collagen deposition within the model, but only when the growth factor presentation rate is carefully regulated. Furthermore, the growth factor-dependent responses observed underscore the potential of this model to explore the interactions between cells and the growth factors released from biomaterials in an approach which can be applied for bone tissue engineering.
Ancient sedimentary DNA shows more than 5000 years of continuous beaver occupancy in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Baker D. Nevé , Larsen Darren J. , Fairfax Emily , Muscott Amelia P. , Shapiro Beth , Crump Sarah E.
Published: December 2024

Beaver-based restoration is emerging as a cost-effective conservation and climate adaptation strategy, but efforts are constrained by limited knowledge of pre-colonial beaver distribution and their long-term ecosystem impacts. Here, we apply sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) techniques to investigate the history of beaver occupancy at three lakes in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming over the last ∼10 ka, as well as interactions with the local plant community. We documented a dynamic history of beaver presence in two sub-alpine lakes (Taggart and Jenny Lakes) and demonstrate no history of beaver occupancy at the higher-elevation alpine lake (Lake Solitude). Beavers were first detected at Jenny Lake around 7.2 ka and intermittently thereafter. At nearby Taggart Lake, beavers were first detected at ∼5.9 ka and continuously from 5.2 ka onwards. Vegetation metabarcoding revealed a shift in plant community coinciding with beaver establishment in these two sub-alpine lakes, as well as an increase in taxonomic diversity. These changes coincide with regional trends towards wetter conditions. Notably, beavers persist at Taggart Lake during inferred droughts, indicating a potential role in maintaining wetlands through extended periods of climatic stress. Our results demonstrate sedaDNA as a powerful, novel technique for reconstructing past beaver occupancy dynamics.
Constant-pH MD Simulations of Lipids
Authors: Trollmann Marius F.W. , Rossetti Paolo , Böckmann Rainer A.
Published: December 2024

Constant pH Molecular Dynamics (CpHMD) simulations represent a cutting-edge computational approach for studying biological systems with remarkable realism. Recent advancements have enhanced the accessibility and efficiency of CpHMD, significantly reducing the performance overhead compared to traditional constant-protonation MD simulations. This chapter guides the reader through the application of CpHMD to investigate the pH-dependent behavior of Cationic Ionizable Lipids (CILs) — a critical component of Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs), which are among the most promising platforms for drug delivery. LNPs, including those employed in mRNA-based vaccines, played a pivotal role in the global response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, underscoring their potential in modern medicine. The chapter begins with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of LNPs and provides a step-by-step protocol for setting up simulations of membranes containing CILs to calculate their apparent pKa. This parameter is crucial for governing thein vivobehavior of LNPs, where precise control is essential to optimize delivery efficiency while minimizing toxicity. By showcasing the ability of CpHMD simulations to unravel the intricate relationship between pH-dependent protonation, membrane structure, and lipid distribution, this chapter highlights their potential to inform the rational design of novel LNP formulations.
Multiple within species comparisons show Tanganyikan cichlid fish have larger brains in less structurally complex habitats
Authors: Ma Bin , Li Weiwei , Song Zitan , Fischer Stefan , Lein Etienne , Jungwirth Arne , Jordan Alex
Published: December 2024

Many studies have found a link between higher habitat structural complexity and increased relative brain size in vertebrates. Here we explore this relationship in a multi-species comparison, comparing ten species of wild cichlids that differ in their social and territorial behaviour, but which occur across four ecologically similar but structurally diverse rocky habitats. This design allows us to perform repeated intra-specific comparisons, avoiding confounds associated with comparisons across species boundaries. We sampled 147 fish, analysing brain size and architecture while controlling for body mass and species-specific variability and compared this with habitat complexity, quantified using underwater video and three-dimensional reconstructions. Our results challenge the Clever Foraging Hypothesis (CFH), which posits that greater habitat complexity correlates with larger brain sizes. Contrary to CFH, fish from the least complex habitat had significantly larger brains. Additionally, brain architecture analysis indicated a significant enlargement of the cerebellum in fish from less complex habitats, whereas the hypothalamus showed a non-significant negative trend. Taken together, these results indicate that lower habitat complexity may impose higher cognitive demands on spatial memory and navigation due to limited refuges and increased predation risk. This study highlights the need to reconsider the assumed linear positive relationship between environmental complexity and brain development, suggesting that simpler environments might also impose significant cognitive and ecological challenges that drive brain evolution. Our findings underscore the importance of considering intra-species variability and the specific ecological and cognitive demands of different habitats in studies of brain evolution.
Plipastatin is a shared good byBacillus subtilisduring combatingFusariumspp
Authors: Stannius Rune Overlund , Kovács Ákos T.
Published: December 2024

Bacillus subtilisa Gram-positive soil dwelling bacterium known for its wide range of bioactive secondary metabolites. The lipopeptide plipastatin produced by mostB. subtilisisolates have been shown to exhibit potent anti-fungal activity against plant pathogenic fungi. While the effect of these anti-fungal compounds are well studied in the context of biocontrol, much less is known of their role in the environment, which also harbor non-producing strains of these compounds.Fusariumspecies produce multiple antibacterial compounds resulting in dysbiosis of the plant-associated microbiome and inhibiting plant beneficial bacteria likeB. subtilis. While plipastatin is expected to be important for survival ofB. subtilis, not all isolates carry the biosynthetic gene cluster for plipastatin suggesting that the protective effect of plipastatin might be shared. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of plipastatin againstFusarium oxysporumin a co-culture using a producer and a non-producer isolate of plipastatin. We tested the survival of single and co-cultured strains underFusariumchallenge in liquid media and solid agar plates to dissect the influence of spatial structure. Our results highlights that plipastatin protects the non-producer strain in a density dependent manner.
Loss-of-function coding variants in the Ras of Complex Proteins/GTPase domain of Leucine Rich Repeat Kinase 2
Authors: Butterfield Sarah , Herbst Susanne , Lewis Patrick Alfryn
Published: December 2024

TheLRRK2gene is a key contributor to genetic risk of Parkinson’s disease, and a priority drug target for the disorder. Leucine Rich Repeat Kinase 2, the protein product ofLRRK2, is a multidomain enzyme implicated in a range of cellular processes – including endolysosomal trafficking and damage response. Based on the report that truncation and structural variants resulting in loss of LRRK2 protein are observed in human populations, genomic sequence repositories were queried for coding variants affecting key catalytic residues in LRRK2 – resulting in the identification of three variants (K1374E, K1374R, and T1348P) predicted to ablate the capacity of LRRK2 to bind GTP. Biochemical and cellular characterization of these variants confirmed loss of GTP binding, as well as reduced or loss of kinase activity. These data demonstrate the presence of rare coding enzymatic loss-of-function variants in humans, with implications for our understanding of LRRK2 as a driver of disease and as a drug target.
One-Size-Fits-Many: Antisense oligonucleotides for rescuing splicing mutations in hotspot exons
Authors: Duan Chaorui , Rong Stephen , Buerer Luke , Neil Christopher R. , Savatt Juliann M. , Strande Natasha T. , Fairbrother William G.
Published: December 2024

Mutations that impact splicing play a significant role in disease etiology but are not fully understood. To characterize the impact of exonic variants on splicing in 71 clinically-actionable disease genes in asymptomatic people, we analyzed 32,112 exonic mutations from ClinVar and Geisinger MyCode using a minigene reporter assay. We identify 1,733 splice-disrupting mutations, of which the most extreme 1-2% of variants are likely to be deleterious. We report that these variants are not distributed evenly across exons but are mostly concentrated in the ∼8% of exons that are most susceptible to splicing mutations (i.e. hotspot exons). We demonstrate that splicing defects in these exons can be reverted by ASOs targeting the splice sites of either their upstream or downstream flanking exons. This finding supports the feasibility of developing single therapeutic ASOs that could revert all splice-altering variants localized to a particular exon.
Structural MRI Differences Between Parkinson’s Disease Motor Subtypes in Early-Stage: A Multicontrast Imaging Study
Authors: Bispo Diógenes Diego de Carvalho , Neto Edinaldo Gomes de Oliveira , Brandão Pedro Renato de Paula , Pereira Danilo Assis , Grippe Talyta Cortez , Maluf Fernando Bisinoto , Regattieri Neysa Aparecida Tinoco , Faria Andreia , Li Xu , Tavares Maria Clotilde Henriques , Cardoso Francisco Eduardo Costa
Published: December 2024

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by dopaminergic neuron degeneration, leading to motor and neuropsychological symptoms. PD is clinically divided into tremor-dominant (TD) and postural instability-gait disorder (PIGD) subtypes, which may differ in neuroanatomical changes. Neuroimaging explores these differences, enhancing understanding of PD heterogeneity.

Objectives

This study examines neuroanatomical differences between subtypes using MRI, focusing on subcortical volumes, cortical thickness, iron deposition, and white matter changes.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 51 PD patients and controls. Participants underwent clinical assessments and MRI. Cortical and subcortical segmentation was automated using FreeSurfer, and quantitative susceptibility mapping was used to assess brain iron content. Diffusion-weighted MRI data were processed using Tractseg for tractometry analysis.

Results

The PD-TD group exhibited higher iron levels in the substantia nigra compared to healthy controls. Iron deposition in the thalamus correlated with MDS-UPDRS-part-III and PIGD scores. Tractometry showed differences in fractional anisotropy (FA) between PD-TD and PD-PIGD in the bilateral fronto-pontine tract (FPT). The PD-PIGD group had decreased FA in the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) compared to controls. FA in the left FPT correlated with tremor scores, while FA in the MCP correlated with PIGD scores.

Conclusions

This study highlights distinct neuroimaging signatures between PD motor subtypes. Elevated iron deposition in the substantia nigra is a shared feature, particularly in the TD subtype. Subtype-specific white matter changes, including reduced FA in the FPT and MCP, correlate with tremor and PIGD scores. These findings underscore the potential of neuroimaging biomarkers in unraveling PD heterogeneity and guiding tailored approaches.
Degron-modified Cas12a enhances single-cell CRISPR screening
Authors: Snetkova Valentina , Galan Carolina , Lopez Romain , Rios Antonio R. , Kudo Takamasa , Dorighi Kristel , Warming Søren , Haley Benjamin J.
Published: December 2024

Single-cell CRISPR (Perturb-seq) screens have primarily relied on Cas9 whereas Cas12a, despite its unique effectiveness for multiplex guide expression, remains underexplored. This may be due to Cas12a’s guide RNA array (pre-crRNA) self-processing activity and the subsequent challenges associated with pre-crRNA sequence recovery. By developing modified pre-crRNA expression vectors and a degron-based Cas12a system, we overcome the self-processing constraint, allowing for accurate detection of pre-crRNAs at the single-cell level, thus greatly expanding possibilities for future Perturb-seq efforts.
Degradation of LMO2 in T cell leukaemia causes collateral breakdown of transcription complex partners and LMO2-dependent apoptosis
Authors: Sereesongsaeng Naphannop , Bataille Carole J.R. , Russell Angela J. , Bery Nicolas , Sialana Fernando , Choudhary Jyoti , Miller Ami , Rabbitts Terry H.
Published: December 2024

LMO2 is a transcription factor activated by chromosomal translocations or promoter mutations in T cell leukaemia. It forms part of a multiprotein complex that has bipartite DNA binding through heterodimeric TAL1/SCL-E47 bHLH and GATA proteins. LMO2 is an intrinsically disordered protein and difficult to study in its cellular environment. A chimaeric intracellular antibody has been developed fusing an anti-LMO2 single domain variable region with one of three E3 ligases to create biodegrader tools. The intracellular binary interaction of these biodegraders with LMO2 leads to its proteosomal degradation but, in addition, we observe concomitant loss of TAL1/SCL and E47 bHLH proteins that associate with LMO2 in the DNA-binding complex. Chemical compound surrogates of the intracellular antibody paratope (called Abd compounds) have been modified to create proteolysis targeting chimaeras (PROTACs). These form a ternary complex with LMO2 and E3 ligase in leukaemia cells that induces degradation of LMO2, accompanied by loss of TAL1/SCL and E47, T-ALL growth inhibition and instigation of apoptosis. The compounds have potential for LMO2 dependent drug development and our Abd technology is a potential approach for the drug development for targeting transcription factors and intrinsically disordered proteins.
Heavy-quark diffusion in
2+1D
and glasmalike plasmas: Evidence of a transport peak
Authors: Backfried Liane , Boguslavski Kirill , Hotzy Paul
Published: December 2024

We examine how plasma excitations affect the heavy-quark diffusion coefficient in 2+1-dimensional and glasmalike plasmas, akin to the preequilibrium matter describing relativistic heavy-ion collisions at early times. We find that the transport coefficient 2κ transverse to and κz along the beam direction display a qualitatively different evolution. We attribute this to the underlying excitation spectra of these systems, thus providing evidence for the existence of nonperturbative properties in the spectrum. This is accomplished by first reconstructing the diffusion coefficients using gauge-fixed correlation functions, which accurately reproduces the time evolution of 2κ and κz. We then modify these excitation spectra to study the impact of their nonperturbative features on the transport coefficients. In particular, we find evidence for a novel transport peak in the low-frequency spectrum that is crucial for heavy-quark diffusion. We also demonstrate that gluonic excitations are broad while scalar excitations associated with κz are narrow and strongly enhanced at low momenta. Our findings indicate that the large values and dynamical properties of transport coefficients in the glasma could originate from genuinely nonperturbative features in the spectrum.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Novel probe of graviton dispersion relations at nanohertz frequencies
Authors: Atkins Bill , Malhotra Ameek , Tasinato Gianmassimo
Published: December 2024

We generalize Phinney’s “practical theorem” to account for modified graviton dispersion relations motivated by certain cosmological scenarios. Focusing on specific examples, we show how such modifications can induce characteristic localized distortions—bumps—in the frequency profile of the stochastic gravitational wave background emitted from distant binary sources. We concentrate on gravitational waves at nanohertz frequencies probed by pulsar timing arrays, and we forecast the capabilities of future experiments to accurately probe parameters controlling modified dispersion relations. Our predictions are based on properties of gravitational waves emitted in the first inspiral phase of the binary process and do not rely on assumptions of nonlinear effects occurring during the binary merging phase.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Hydrodynamic density-functional theory for the moving contact-line problem reveals fluid structure and emergence of a spatially distinct pattern
Authors: Nold Andreas , Goddard Benjamin D. , Sibley David N. , Kalliadasis Serafim
Published: December 2024

Understanding the nanoscale effects controlling the dynamics of a contact line—defined as the line formed at the junction of two fluid phases and a solid—has been a longstanding problem in fluid mechanics pushing experimental and numerical methods to their limits. A major challenge is the multiscale nature of the problem, whereby nanoscale phenomena manifest themselves at the macroscale. To probe the nanoscale, not easily accessible to other methods, we propose a reductionist model that employs elements from statistical mechanics, namely, dynamic-density-functional theory (DDFT), in a Navier-Stokes-like equation—an approach we name hydrodynamic DDFT. The model is applied to an isothermal Lennard-Jones fluid with no slip on a flat solid substrate. Our computations reveal fluid stratification with an oscillatory density structure close to the wall and the emergence of two distinct regions as the temperature increases: a region of compression on the vapor side of the liquid-vapor interface and an effective slip region of large shear on the liquid side. The compressive region spreads along the fluid interface at a lengthscale that increases faster than the width of the fluid interface with temperature, while the width of the slip region is bound by the oscillatory fluid density structure and is constrained to a few particle diameters from the wall. Both compressive and shear effects may offset contact line friction, while compression in particular has a disproportionately high effect on the speed of advancing contact lines at low temperatures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Initial State Preparation for Quantum Chemistry on Quantum Computers
Authors: Fomichev Stepan , Hejazi Kasra , Zini Modjtaba Shokrian , Kiser Matthew , Fraxanet Joana , Casares Pablo Antonio Moreno , Delgado Alain , Huh Joonsuk , Voigt Arne-Christian , Mueller Jonathan E. , Arrazola Juan Miguel
Published: December 2024

Quantum algorithms for ground-state energy estimation of chemical systems require a high-quality initial state. However, initial state preparation is commonly either neglected entirely, or assumed to be solved by a simple product state like Hartree-Fock. Even if a nontrivial state is prepared, strong correlations render ground-state overlap inadequate for quality assessment. In this work, we address the initial state preparation problem with an end-to-end algorithm that and the quality of initial states, accomplishing the latter with a new metric—the energy distribution. To be able to prepare more complicated initial states, we introduce an implementation technique for states in the form of a sum of Slater determinants that exhibits significantly better scaling than all prior approaches. We also propose low-precision quantum phase estimation (QPE) for further state quality refinement. The complete algorithm is capable of generating high-quality states for energy estimation, and is shown in select cases to lower the overall estimation cost by several orders of magnitude when compared with the best single product state ansatz. More broadly, the energy distribution picture suggests that the goal of QPE should be reinterpreted as generating improvements compared to the energy of the initial state and other classical estimates: such an improvement can still be achieved even if QPE does not project directly onto the ground state. Finally, we show how the energy distribution can help in identifying potential quantum advantage.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The incubation revolution: transforming entrepreneurial education with artificial intelligence
Authors: Thottoli Mohammed Muneerali , Cruz Maria Elisa , Al Abri Salem Said Salem
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Universities face challenges due to the absence of artificial intelligence (AI) integration in entrepreneurship education (EE) and its incubation centers for young startups. Making a business plan for their innovative enterprises, which includes market analysis, financial projections, marketing strategy and an operations plan, are a few of the toughest tasks they may face. Aspiring students can make it simple to launch their dream business by integrating AI tools. Hence, this study aims to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) to examine the global trend of the transformation of EE with AI and determine the necessity of integrating AI in university incubation centers as a potential future research direction.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors conducted an SLR method to investigate the transformation of EE with AI. This review employed a bibliometric analysis covering the period of 1993–2023 and utilized articles published in scientific journals available in the SCOPUS database as our data source.

Findings

There is an enormous potential for research on EE using cutting-edge AI in developed and developing nations. There is a lack of studies exploring AI integration into university incubation centers. Hence, there are possible future directions for research into integrating AI into university incubation centers using cutting-edge tools like chatbots, ChatGPT, ChatGen and other AI that will help to develop a comprehensive business plan for students aspiring entrepreneurial venture startups.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s research was limited using the Scopus database’s core collection, which may ignore other significant research articles. Therefore, the study’s scope can be constrained due to the narrow search parameters. The study, however, tries to establish the importance of its research by offering a thorough review and evaluation of AI in EE.

Practical implications

There is significance of incorporating AI into EE to foster an EE culture and realize its potential benefits. To transform incubation centers and promote aspirant entrepreneurs in the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), higher education institutions (HEIs) should strategically adopt AI.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel viewpoint by investigating the distinction in AI perception and usage among educators, advocating the incorporation of AI in university incubation centers to help entrepreneurial students. It contributes uniqueness and innovative approaches to early startup issues in EE.
ESG strategies and corporate financial performance: a comparison of the US energy and renewable energy industries
Authors: Hyusein Ayshe , Cek Kemal
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies and corporate financial performance in energy and renewable energy industries in the USA between 2013 and 2023.

Design/methodology/approach

The system generalised method of moments technique analyses the annual panel data at the given period. LSEG Asset 4 Database (formerly Thompson and Reuters) scores were used to measure ESG and corporate financial performance scores via accounting and market-based performance.

Findings

The results show that energy and renewable energy companies cannot be categorised as individual industries and that there is no difference between the two. Energy industry findings reveal that ESG strategies were positively associated with accounting performance and negatively related to market performance. Both environmental and governance pillars had insignificant and social pillar had positive effects on accounting performance, whereas only the environmental pillar negatively affected market performance.

Originality/value

The findings have unique implications for companies investing in ESG strategies in the US energy industry. They also suggest a direction for formulating compulsory regulations in the US energy industry, which can be valuable for policymakers, governments and financial regulators in shaping the industry’s future and potentially influencing its trajectory.
National innovation system for resilience, transformation and sustainable development in Uganda: contextual analysis of the factors, actors and associated linkages
Authors: Jjagwe Ronald , Kirabira John Baptist , Mukasa Norbert , Okure Mackay
Published: December 2024

Purpose

While the role of the National Innovation System (NIS) in promoting economic growth is well recognized, there remains a significant knowledge gap concerning how interactions among actors and learning processes within these systems facilitate innovation commercialization in Uganda. This gap hinders the effective design and implementation of policies aimed at boosting innovation-driven development in emerging economies. This study aims to explore the linkages and interrelationships among NIS actors in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used systematic document reviews and case-study techniques. A systematic review based on the SPAR-4-SLR protocol evaluated the literature on Uganda’s NIS, including policy and strategy documents, development frameworks, journal articles and working papers. This dual approach allowed for an in-depth analysis of policy documents and empirical examples, revealing complex mechanisms within Uganda’s NIS. A content analysis tool facilitated the reduction of qualitative data through codification, theme development and the reporting of results.

Findings

This study explored the relationships among NIS actors, offering insights into using Uganda’s unique institutional and economic landscape for sustainable growth. It identifies key drivers, such as improved collaboration between the government, industry and academia and strategic policy measures in technology transfer and innovation funding, which are essential for revitalizing Uganda’s innovation ecosystem.

Research limitations/implications

This study presents a preliminary analysis of Uganda’s NIS. Future studies should adopt a longitudinal approach to examine the evolution of NIS over time, including the impact of global technological advancements and policy changes on Uganda’s innovation ecosystem. To elucidate the complex interrelationships within an NIS, subsequent research could employ network analysis or systems thinking methodology. These approaches would facilitate a more nuanced understanding of the interconnections and reciprocal influences among various NIS stakeholders.

Practical implications

The inclusion of the innovation, technology development and transfer (ITDT) program in National Development Plan III demonstrates that National Innovation System (NIS) incorporation into the country’s development process is possible through a combination of policy/regulatory, market/economic and technical/technological factors.

Originality/value

This study significantly advances the understanding of innovation systems by detailing the intricate network of relationships within Uganda’s NIS. This highlights the unexplored dimensions of learning and cooperation and offers a thorough analysis of the factors that enable innovation, which are crucial for promoting innovation in a developing country.
Achieving resilient supply chains: managing temporary healthcare supply chains during a geopolitical disruption
Authors: Duong Linh , Sanderson Helen S. , Phillips Wendy , Roehrich Jens K. , Uwalaka Victor
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Geopolitical disruptions significantly impact the management of temporary healthcare supply chains (HSCs). Common across geopolitical disruptions is the interruption to the flow of supplies, calling for organizations to reconfigure their existing supply chains or set up temporary ones. We theoretically and empirically investigate how temporary HSCs are designed to ensure a resilient flow of vital healthcare products during a geopolitical disruption.

Design/methodology/approach

We investigated two different temporary HSCs – potable water and blood products – that experienced geopolitical disruptions. We purposefully sampled HSCs in deployed medical care where healthcare providers operate in resource-austere, politically volatile environments and timing and access to specialist expertise, medical equipment and medicines are critical. We built on rich datasets, including archival data, 12 expert workshops and 41 interviews.

Findings

The nature of temporary HSCs (e.g. urgency of demand and time-limited need) and product characteristics (e.g. perishability and strict storage conditions) lead to complexity in designing resilience for temporary HSCs. In contrast to permanent supply chains, temporary HSCs have limited flexibility and redundancy. Collaboration and agility are predominant strategies for enhancing resilience for temporary HSCs.

Practical implications

The study uncovers an urgent need for radical changes in how managers and policymakers responsible for HSC address resilience. During geopolitical disruptions, managers and policymakers need to review healthcare regulations across nations and prioritize by activating high levels of information- and knowledge-sharing between nations.

Originality/value

This study addresses an underresearched area of investigation by theoretically combining and empirically investigating the supply chain strategies employed by organizations to build up resilience in temporary HSCs.
Fiscal support and the impacts of tumbling oil prices from COVID-19 on MENA’s economy, energy consumption and environment
Authors: Khalilnezhad Zahra , Eslamloueyan Karim
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of the oil crash during the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, energy and the environment in MENA countries, with and without fiscal policy, in a global context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a Global Vector Autoregressive (GVAR) model for 47 countries from 2006Q1 to 2021Q3. The sign restriction method is used to identify the oil shocks originating from the COVID-19 crisis.

Findings

Empirical evidence shows that without fiscal interventions, MENA countries experienced a decline in output growth, energy consumption and CO2 emissions due to lower oil prices caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the oil price shock on inflation varied across the region. Economic growth and inflation rates in MENA countries turn positive when the member states implement expansionary fiscal measures to stimulate economic activities during the pandemic. Hence, fiscal policy played a crucial role in supporting the economy and preventing a severe recession during COVID-19 in the MENA region. However, expansionary fiscal measures increased energy consumption and air pollution.

Practical implications

The findings help policymakers better cope with the outbreak of deadly pandemics in the coming years. It improves our understanding of the role of fiscal policy in boosting economic efforts and reducing the adverse environmental impact of increased government spending.

Originality/value

This paper enhances the current body of literature by investigating how fiscal policies implemented by the MENA countries help mitigate the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis. Moreover, it enables us to analyze the impact of fiscal support on energy consumption and the environment during an oil shock influenced by global uncertainty, lockdowns, and supply chain disruptions.
Modelling the mass adoption potentials of fashion-augmented reality among the young consumers: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Akther Mohima , Reza Mohammad Nurul Hassan , Al Mamun Abdullah , Aziz Norzalita Abd , Yang Marvello
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The increasing demand for fashion-augmented reality (FAR) in online fast fashion shopping has the potential to reduce soil and water pollution. Hence, it is vital to understand the success factors that influence consumers’ intention to use FAR (IAR) and actual usage of FAR (UAR) to enhance its adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

By incorporating the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, this study examined the influence of success factors on IAR, the effect of IAR on UAR and the mediating role of IAR in the relationship between success factors and UAR. In total, 803 responses were collected from Indonesia using a cross-sectional approach. Data were examined using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

Their findings revealed that perceived enjoyment, perceived service value and facilitating conditions significantly influenced IAR and UAR. However, the impacts of perceived functional benefits, lifestyle compatibility and perceived trust were insignificant. Nevertheless, the IAR has a significant influence on UAR. Finally, the IAR mediates the relationships among perceived enjoyment, perceived service value, facilitating conditions and UAR.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides valuable insights for practitioners to develop marketing strategies and improve consumer perceptions of FAR, particularly in emerging economies. One limitation of this study is that it exclusively examined young consumers and restricted the examination to specific aspects of consumer behaviour.

Originality/value

Integrating the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and partial least squares structural equation modelling provides a comprehensive understanding of the underlying dynamics and sheds light on the success factors that drive consumer IAR into UAR and contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 12 by reducing soil and water pollution.
Lean healthcare: a science mapping of current progress and future research avenues
Authors: Nawanir Gusman , Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study intends to reveal the existing research stream and predict future research avenues for lean healthcare (LH). This paper analyzes the progress of LH research and identifies key trends, research gaps and future directions. By mapping the knowledge structure, the study offers insights into the effects of LH on healthcare efficiency, patient care and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The review used the bibliometric approach, involving 319 journal articles retrieved from the Web of Science database. Two science mapping approaches (i.e. bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis) were performed to investigate the current knowledge structure and future research direction in LH.

Findings

The current research trend in LH focuses on developing frameworks and strategic implementation by considering critical determinants and decision-making strategies. In the future, the research on LH will emphasize the holistic frameworks and efficient strategies for healthcare excellence, along with strategies to overcome barriers to its implementation.

Research limitations/implications

This study will benefit researchers and practitioners by advancing their understanding and applying LH principles.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable practical implications for healthcare managers to navigate the complexities of lean implementation, optimize processes and drive sustainable improvements in the healthcare context.
Dissecting the sustainable tourist experience: sustainable consumption theory and co-creation theory approach
Authors: Fu Xiaoxiao
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Tourists are increasingly co-creating meaningful experiences and demonstrating a growing preference for sustainable travel choices. In response, this study investigates the co-created sustainable tourist experience in the Bahamas.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on sustainable consumption theory and co-creation theory, it aimed to develop a more comprehensive framework that encompasses the entire spectrum of the sustainable tourist experience. Data from 25 in-depth interviews and participant observation were analyzed using an inductive-deductive method.

Findings

The analysis revealed multiple aspects of sustainable tourist experience, including sustainable consumption dimensions (environmental, social/individual, social/interactive, economic and institutional) and co-creation phases (co-production, value-in-use and co-creation), along with travel stages (pre-trip, on-site and post-trip). Based on these insights, this study developed a framework that delineates the mechanism of sustainable tourist experience.

Practical implications

This study outlines managerial implications for the tourism and hospitality industry, highlighting sustainability as central to the tourist experience. Destination planners are encouraged to promote sustainable initiatives that align with tourists’ desires to co-create experiences, enhancing satisfaction, supporting destination sustainability and contributing to long-term industry viability.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to existing research on co-created, across-stage sustainable tourist experiences by presenting a holistic framework that elucidates the underlying mechanisms. This study extends existing conceptual studies by offering a deeper understanding of how tourists interact and co-create with destinations, emphasizing the need to integrate sustainability more effectively into the tourist experience across all stages of travel.
Beyond a buzzword: the agile mindset as a new research construct in organizational psychology
Authors: Augner Tabea , Schermuly Carsten C.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Previous research on agility has focused on investigating agile practices as external structures (e.g. Scrum, Kanban) that make people do agile. A new line of research is increasingly examining internal structures (e.g. mindsets, attitudes) that cause people to be agile. The purpose of this study is to critically evaluate the agile mindset as a new construct in psychological research.

Design/methodology/approach

This two-wave study (N = 411) examined the agile mindset’s factorial, discriminant, and incremental validity. The authors tested whether the agile mindset adds predictive value for occupational behavior (performance and innovative work behavior) and well-being at work (vigor and emotional exhaustion), above well-established internal dispositions, namely core self-evaluation, proactive personality, and prevention vs promotion focus.

Findings

The results indicate that the agile mindset positively predicts performance and innovative work behavior beyond core self-evaluation, proactive personality, and prevention vs promotion focus. Concerning well-being, only positive effects for vigor were found in comparison with prevention vs promotion focus.

Practical implications

The findings are useful for organizations looking to improve their agility to increase competitiveness in complex environments.

Originality/value

This study underscores the importance of further exploration into the agile mindset, emphasizing its significance in organizational psychology.
Oroxin B Resembles Bisoprolol in Attenuating Beta1‐Adrenergic Receptor Autoantibody‐Induced Atrial Remodelling via the PTEN/AKT/mTOR Signalling Pathway
Authors: Yang Na , Sun Huaxin , Xi Linqiang , Zhang Ling , Lu Yanmei , Wang Qianhui , Cao Jiaru , Song Jie , Tang Baopeng , Shang Luxiang , Zhou Xianhui
Published: December 2024

Beta1‐adrenergic receptor autoantibodies (β1‐AAbs) promote atrial remodelling and ultimately lead to the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Oroxin B is a natural flavonoid glycoside with a variety of biological activities, including anti‐inflammatory and autophagy‐promoting effects, and has therapeutic benefits for a variety of diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic role of Oroxin B in the development of β1‐AAb‐induced atrial fibrillation and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved. We established a rat model of β1‐AAb‐induced atrial fibrillation via active immunisation. The first stage was divided into three groups: the control group, the β1‐AAb group and the β1‐AAb + bisoprolol group. The second stage was divided into three groups: the control group, the β1‐AAb group and the β1‐AAb + Oroxin B group. Serum levels of β1‐AAbs, atrial tissue levels of cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), atrial electrophysiological parameters, cardiac structure and function, mitochondrial structure, autophagy levels, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis were examined. The results showed that bisoprolol, a β1‐blocker, improved β1‐AAb‐induced atrial electrical remodelling, reduced atrial collagen deposition, ameliorated the increase in LAD and regulated the balance of autophagy and apoptosis in atrial myocytes through the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. Oroxin B, a PTEN agonist, can improve the impairment of autophagy homeostasis and apoptosis in atrial tissue by activating the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, thereby improving atrial structure and electrical remodelling. Moreover, Oroxin B may play a therapeutic role in β1AAb‐induced atrial fibrillation. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the potential therapeutic role of Oroxin B in β1AAb‐induced atrial fibrillation and the underlying mechanisms, suggesting that Oroxin B may be an effective antiarrhythmic medication.
An Improved Transformation‐Associated Recombination Cloning Approach for Direct Capturing of Natural Product Biosynthetic Gene Clusters
Authors: Kurylenko Olena , Palusczak Anja , Luzhetskyy Andriy , Rebets Yuriy
Published: December 2024

The phylum Actinomycetota and genus Streptomyces in particular are the major source for discovery of natural products with diverse chemical structures and a variety of biological activities. Genes encoding biosynthetic pathways for bacterial natural products are grouped together into biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). The size of a typical actinobacterial BGC may range from 10 kb to 200 kb, which makes their cloning for heterologous expression a challenging task. Various DNA cloning and assembly methods have been established for capturing BGCs. Among them, the transformation‐associated recombination (TAR) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae remains one of the most cost‐effective, accessible, customisable and precise approaches. However, the drawback of TAR cloning is a need for intensive screening of clones in order to identify one carrying the BGC. In this study, we report a further development of the TAR cloning approach by introducing the direct selection of colonies with BGC of interest based on the yeast killer phenomenon. For this, a new TAR cloning vector system was constructed and the strategy was validated by successful cloning of chelocardin (35 kb) BGC from Amycolatopsis sulphurea and daptomycin BGC (67 kb) from Streptomyces filamentosus. Both BGCs were functionally expressed in a heterologous host, resulting in the production of the corresponding antibiotics. The proposed approach could be widely applied for precise direct cloning of BGCs from the representatives of phylum Actinomycetota and easily adopted for other bacteria.