bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimisation of a multiplexed, high throughput assay to measure neutralising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Ashley Caroline L. , Bloul Malik , Alca Sibel , Smith Lachlan , Jin Wang , Khoury David , Counoupas Claudio , Davenport Miles , Triccas James A. , Steain Megan
Published: September 2024

A multiplexed, lentivirus-based pseudovirus neutralisation assay (pVNT) was developed for high-throughput measurement of neutralising antibodies (nAbs) against three distinct SARS-CoV-2 spike variants. Intra-assay variability was minimised by optimising the plate layout and determining an optimal percentage transduction for the pseudovirus inoculum. Comparison of monoclonal antibody EC50titres between single and multiplexed pVNT assays showed no significant differences, indicating reliability of the multiplexed assay. Evaluation of convalescent human sera confirmed assay validity, with consistent fold drops in EC50for variant pseudoviruses relative to the ancestral strain observed across single and multiplexed assays. This multiplexed pVNT provides a reliable tool for assessing nAb responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants and could be used to accelerate preclinical vaccine assessment in preparation for the next coronavirus pandemic.
Protective Effects of Psychiatric Medications against COVID-19 Mortality Before Vaccines
Authors: Machado-Vieira Rodrigo , Krause Trudy M. , Jones Gregory , Teixeira Antonio L. , Shahani Lokesh R. , Lane Scott D. , Soares Jair C. , Truong Chau
Published: September 2024

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between neuropsychiatric medication usage and COVID-19 outcomes before COVID-19 usage. Methods: This cross-sectional study used Optum’s de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database to identify patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2020 and their psychiatric medication prescriptions in the United States. Ordered logistic regression was used to predict the likelihood of a higher COVID-19 severity level for long-term and new users. Results were adjusted for demographic characteristics and medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Results: Individuals taking all psychiatric medications were less likely to have a high severity score. Overall, users of psychiatric medications were less likely to have a higher severity score than those not taking any medications. Within individual classes, the results varied across long-term and short-term users.  Conclusions: Results of the current study suggest that psychopharmacological agents are associated with reduced COVID-19 severity levels. Specifically, our results show that antidepressant medications may be associated with a protective role against COVID-19. Considering the heightened risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes associated with depression and psychoses, early treatment with antidepressants and benzodiazepines could potentially lower the incidence of severe cases and mortality rates.
Prevalence, awareness and factors associated with hypertension among adults in rural south-western Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kansiime Grace , Nuwagira Edwin , Obwoya Paul Stephen , Baluku Joseph Baruch , Kanyesigye Michael , Twesiime Christine , Ssebutinde Peter , Muhindo Rose , Muyingo Anthony , Kananura Keneth , Tusingwire Pliers Denis , Atukunda Esther C. , Kalyesubula Robert , Bajunirwe Francis , Muiru Anthony
Published: September 2024

Background

Hypertension is the leading cause of preventable deaths globally, yet there have been inconsistent reports on its burden and risk factors in rural Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, awareness, and risk factors associated with hypertension among adults in a rural community in southwestern Uganda.

Methods

A baseline survey was conducted as part of an ongoing implementation science cohort study in Ngango, a rural parish in the Mbarara district of southwestern Uganda. The study included adults aged 18-79 years from eleven villages. Research assistants and community health workers visited homes to enroll consenting adults. Data collection involved administering the WHO STEPS questionnaire, which gathered demographic information, behavioral characteristics, and lifestyle data, including tobacco and alcohol use, salt intake, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity. Participants were also asked about prior blood pressure (BP) measurements. BP readings were taken three times, two minutes apart, along with anthropometric measurements. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥140/90 mmHg, based on the average of the last two readings, or self-reported use of antihypertensive medication. The primary outcome was the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension, assessed using logistic regression. Secondary outcomes included hypertension awareness and the proportion of participants with controlled hypertension.

Results

A total of 953 adults were enrolled. The median age was 43 years, with most participants being female (61.5%). Hypertension prevalence was 27.3% (260/953). Among those with hypertension, 61.5% were unaware, 27.7% were on treatment, and 65.3% had controlled BP. Despite 66.8% of participants reporting physical activity, 63.7% were overweight. Factors associated with hypertension were age > 40 years (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.53-3.33; p <0.001), consuming <3 servings of fruit or vegetables per week (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.11-2.35, p = 0.012), overweight (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.05-2.34, p = 0.028), and obesity (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.80-4.15, p <0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of hypertension in rural southwestern Uganda is high, despite a relatively young and physically active population, indicating the need for targeted interventions.

Key Points

More than 1 in 4 adults in rural Uganda have hypertension, despite high levels of physical activity (67%)

Hypertension awareness and control rates remain below the global targets

Our data shows that interventions targeting modifiable risk factors are urgently needed to reduce rural hypertension burden.
USP37 prevents premature disassembly of stressed replisomes by TRAIP
Authors: Kochenova Olga V. , D’Alessandro Giuseppina , Pilger Domenic , Schmid Ernst , Richards Sean L. , Garcia Marcos Rios , Jhujh Satpal S. , Voigt Andrea , Gupta Vipul , Carnie Christopher J. , Wu R. Alex , Gueorguieva Nadia , Stewart Grant S. , Walter Johannes C. , Jackson Stephen P.
Published: September 2024

The E3 ubiquitin ligase TRAIP associates with the replisome and helps this molecular machine deal with replication stress. Thus, TRAIP promotes DNA inter-strand crosslink repair by triggering the disassembly of CDC45-MCM2-7-GINS (CMG) helicases that have converged on these lesions. However, disassembly of single CMGs that have stalled temporarily would be deleterious, suggesting that TRAIP must be carefully regulated. Here, we demonstrate that human cells lacking the de-ubiquitylating enzyme USP37 are hypersensitive to topoisomerase poisons and other replication stress-inducing agents. We further show that TRAIP loss rescues the hypersensitivity ofUSP37knockout cells to topoisomerase inhibitors. InXenopusegg extracts depleted of USP37, TRAIP promotes premature CMG ubiquitylation and disassembly when converging replisomes stall. Finally, guided by AlphaFold-Multimer, we discovered that binding to CDC45 mediates USP37’s response to topological stress. In conclusion, we propose that USP37 protects genome stability by preventing TRAIP-dependent CMG unloading when replication stress impedes timely termination.
Decoupling Coldness and Softness in Tactile Wetness Perception Using Tunable Hydrogels
Authors: Becerra Laura L. , Root Nicholas , Clark Ainsley , Rafeedi Tarek , Brown William , Chen Alexander X. , Qie Yi , Blau Rachel , Miller Juliana , Kapadia Kabir , Ng Tse Nga , Rouw Romke , Lipomi Darren J.
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the perception of tactile wetness, a complex sensation experienced by humans. Previous research has primarily focused on either thermal or mechanical cues separately, or has used textiles as stimuli whose parameters are difficult to control. Here, we employed polyacrylamide hydrogels with varying stiffness levels soaked in liquids of distinct thermal conductivities. By psychophysically evaluating participants’ perception of wetness, we showed that the wetness judgments for the samples exhibit a transitive relationship based on the mechanical and thermal cues from an intrinsically tunable organic material. We developed a prediction model of human wetness judgment with an accuracy of 90% and found that the best metrics for the most accurate model were those that were the most human-adjacent: change in temperature at the skin-sample interface (thermal) and compressive force from 2 mm indentation of the sample (mechanical). Given these parameters, we developed a perceptual space capable of recreating 7 distinct levels of wetness perception with the physical parameters used in this study. The results provide insights into the relative contributions of mechanical and thermal stimulus properties in wetness perception. Most notably, this work highlights that the physical characteristics of the skin-stimulus interface can provide ample information for creating a wetness perceptual space, as opposed to the chemical composition of the hydrogels.
Co-circulation of two lineages of Oropouche virus in the Amazon basin, Colombia, 2024
Authors: Usuga Jaime , Limonta Daniel , Perez-Restrepo Laura S. , Ciuoderis Karl A. , Moreno Isabel , Arevalo Angela , Vargas Vanessa , Berg Michael G. , Cloherty Gavin A. , Hernandez-Ortiz Juan P. , Osorio Jorge E.
Published: September 2024

In early 2024, explosive outbreaks of Oropouche virus (OROV) linked to a novel viral lineage were documented in the Brazilian Amazon. Here, we report the introduction of this emerging orthobunyavirus into Colombia and its co-circulation with another OROV lineage. This investigation highlights the complex arbovirus dynamics in South America.
Pharmacogenetic Study of Antipsychotic-Induced Lipid and BMI Changes in Chinese Schizophrenia Patients: A Genome-Wide Association Study
Authors: Wong Kenneth Chi-Yin , Leung Perry Bok-Man , Lee Benedict Ka-Wa , Zheng Zoe Zi-Yu , Tsang Emily Man-Wah , Liu Meng-Hui , Lee Kelly Wing-Kwan , Rao Shi-Tao , Sham Pak-Chung , Lui Simon Sai-Yu , So Hon-Cheong
Published: September 2024

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are widely used to treat schizophrenia (SCZ), but they often induce metabolic side effects, including dyslipidemia and obesity, posing significant clinical challenges. While genetic factors are believed to contribute to the variability of these side effects, pharmacogenetic studies remain limited. This study aimed to identify genetic variants associated with SGA-induced lipid and BMI changes in a Chinese SCZ cohort using genome-wide association studies (GWASs). A naturalistic longitudinal cohort of Chinese SCZ patients receiving SGAs was followed for up to 18.7 years. We analyzed the patients’ genotypes (N=669), lipid profiles and BMI, utilizing 19 316 prescription records and 3 917 to 7 596 metabolic measurements per outcome. Linear mixed models were used to estimate the random effects of SGAs on lipid profiles and BMI changes for each patient. GWAS and gene set analyses were conducted with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Two genome-wide significant SNPs were identified under an additive genetic model: rs6532055 inABCG2(olanzapine-induced LDL changes) and rs2644520 nearSORCS1(aripiprazole-induced triglyceride changes). Three additional SNPs achieved genome-wide significance under non-additive models: rs115843863 nearUPP2(clozapine-induced HDL changes), rs2514895 nearKIRREL3(paliperidone-induced LDL changes), and rs188405603 inSLC2A9(quetiapine-induced triglyceride changes). Gene-based analysis revealed six genome-wide significant (p<2.73e-06, Bonferroni correction) genes:ABCG2,APOA5,ZPR1,GCNT4,MAST2, andCRTAC1. Four gene sets were significantly associated with SGA-induced metabolic side effects. This pharmacogenetic GWAS identified several genetic variants associated with metabolic side effects of seven SGAs, potentially informing personalized treatment strategies to minimize metabolic risk in SCZ patients.
Short-term and Long-Term Healthcare Costs Attributable to diagnosed COVID-19 in Ontario; Canada: A Population-Based Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Sander Beate , Mishra Sharmistha , Swayze Sarah , Sahakyan Yeva , Duchen Raquel , Quinn Kieran , Janjua Naveed , Sbihi Hind , Kwong Jeffrey
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Estimates of health system costs due to COVID-19, especially for long-term disability (post COVID-19 condition [PCC]) are key to health system planning, but attributable cost data remain scarce. We characterized COVID-19-attributable costs from the health system perspective.

Methods

Population-based matched cohort study in Ontario, Canada, using health administrative data. To assign attribution to COVID-19, individuals, defined as exposed (positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, 01/2020-12/2020) were matched 1:1 to an unexposed individuals (01/2016-12/2018). Historical matching was used to reduce biases due to overall reductions in healthcare during the pandemic and contamination bias. The index date was defined as the first occurrence of positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. We used phase-of-care costing to calculate mean attributable per-person costs (2023 CAD), standardized to 10 days, during four phases of illness: pre-index date, acute care, post-acute care (suggestive of PCC), and terminal phase (stratified by early and late deaths). Finally, we estimated total costs at 360 days by combining costs with survival estimates.

Results

Of 165,838 exposed individuals, 159,817 were matched (mean age 40±20 years, 51% female). Mean (95%CI) attributable 10-day costs per person were $1 ($-4, $6) pre-index, $240 ($231, $249) during acute care, and $18 ($14, $21) during post-acute phases. During the terminal phase, mean attributable costs were $3,928 ($3,471, $4,384) for early deaths and $1,781 ($1,182, $2,380) for late deaths. Hospitalizations accounted for 42% to 100% of total costs. Compared to males, costs among females were lower during the acute care phase, but higher during the post-acute care phase. Mean cumulative per-person cost at 360 days was $2,553 ($2,348, $2,756); females had lower costs ($2,194 [$1,945, $2,446]) than males ($2,921 [$2,602, $3,241]).

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with substantial long-term healthcare costs, consistent with our understanding of the PCC. Understanding phase-specific costs can inform health sector budget planning, future economic evaluations, and pandemic planning.
Bacterial metabolic remodelling by convergent evolution in response to host niche-dependent nutrient availability
Authors: Pickering Amy C. , Gorzynski Jamie , Taylor-Joyce Grace , Fox Willow , Melo Pedro , Alves Joana , Schlauch Hannah , Sargison Fiona , Yebra Gonzalo , Fitzgerald J. Ross
Published: September 2024

New pathogens often arise after host jump events between species. However, our understanding of how bacterial pathogens pivot to distinct nutrient availabilities in a new host niche is limited.Staphylococcus aureusis a multi-host pathogen responsible for a global burden of disease in humans and farmed animals. Multiple human-to-bovine host switching events led to the emergence ofS. aureusas a leading cause of intramammary infection in dairy cattle. Here, we employedex vivomilk infections to investigate how bovineS. aureushas adapted to the dairy niche revealing metabolic remodelling including upregulation of genes for lactose utilisation and branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis in response to nutrient availability. Notably, infection of milk by bovineS. aureusresults in a milk clotting phenotype associated with enhanced bacterial growth that is dependent on the protease aureolysin. The same adaptive phenotype has evolved convergently in different bovineS. aureuslineages via mutations in distinct regulatory gene loci that promote enhanced aureolysin expression. Taken together, we have dissected a key adaptive trait for a bacterial pathogen after a host-switch event, involving metabolic remodelling in response to the availability of nutrients. These findings highlight the remarkable evolutionary plasticity ofS. aureusunderpinning its multi-host species tropism.
LevSeq: Rapid Generation of Sequence-Function Data for Directed Evolution and Machine Learning
Authors: Long Yueming , Mora Ariane , Gürsoy Emre , Johnston Kadina E. , Zhoufan-Li Francesca , Arnold Frances H.
Published: September 2024

Sequence-function data provides valuable information about the protein functional landscape, but is rarely obtained during directed evolution campaigns. Here, we present Long-read every variant Sequencing (LevSeq), a pipeline that combines a dual barcoding strategy with nanopore sequencing to rapidly generate sequence-function data for entire protein-coding genes. LevSeq integrates into existing protein engineering workflows and comes with open-source software for data analysis and visualization. The pipeline facilitates data-driven protein engineering by consolidating sequence-function data to inform directed evolution and provide the requisite data for machine learning-guided protein engineering (MLPE). LevSeq enables quality control of mutagenesis libraries prior to screening, which reduces time and resource costs. Simulation studies demonstrate LevSeq’s ability to accurately detect variants under various experimental conditions. Finally, we show LevSeq’s utility in engineering protoglobins for new-to-nature chemistry. Widespread adoption of LevSeq and sharing of the data will enhance our understanding of protein sequence-function landscapes and empower data-driven directed evolution.
Privacy-preserving biological age prediction over federated human methylation data using fully homomorphic encryption
Authors: Goldenberg Meir , Mualem Loay , Shahar Amit , Snir Sagi , Akavia Adi
Published: September 2024

DNA methylation data play a crucial role in estimating chronological age in mammals, offering real-time insights into an individual's aging process. The epigenetic pacemaker (EPM) model allows inference of the biological age as deviations from the population trend. Given the sensitivity of this data, it is essential to safeguard both inputs and outputs of the EPM model. A privacy-preserving approach for EPM computation utilizing fully homomorphic encryption was recently introduced. However, this method has limitations, including having high communication complexity and being impractical for large data sets. The current work presents a new privacy-preserving protocol for EPM computation, analytically improving both privacy and complexity. Notably, we employ a single server for the secure computation phase while ensuring privacy even in the event of server corruption (compared to requiring two noncolluding servers in prior work). Using techniques from symbolic algebra and number theory, the new protocol eliminates the need for communication during secure computation, significantly improves asymptotic runtime, and offers better compatibility to parallel computing for further time complexity reduction. We implemented our protocol, demonstrating its ability to produce results similar to the standard (insecure) EPM model with substantial performance improvement compared to prior work. These findings hold promise for enhancing data security in medical applications where personal privacy is paramount. The generality of both the new approach and the EPM suggests that this protocol may be useful in other applications employing similar expectation–maximization techniques.
Harnessing coherence generation for precision single- and two-qubit quantum thermometry
Authors: Aiache Y. , El Allati A. , El Anouz K.
Published: September 2024

Quantum probes, such as single- and two-qubit probes, can accurately measure the temperature of a bosonic bath. The current investigation assesses the precision of the temperature estimate by using quantum Fisher information and the accompanying quantum signal-to-noise ratio. Employing an ancilla as a mediator between the probe and the bath improves thermometric sensitivity by transmitting temperature information into the probe qubit's coherences. In addition, we analyze two interacting qubits that were initially entangled or separated as quantum probes for various environmental configurations. Our findings show that increased precision is gained when the probe approaches its steady state, which is determined by the coupling between the two qubits. Furthermore, we can obtain high-efficiency temperature estimation for any low temperature by changing the interaction between the two qubits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Angular momentum flow without anything carrying it
Authors: Aharonov Yakir , Collins Daniel , Popescu Sandu
Published: September 2024

Transfer of conserved quantities between two remote regions is generally assumed to be a rather trivial process: a flux of particles carrying the conserved quantities propagates from one region to another. However, we demonstrate a flow of angular momentum from one region to another across a region of space in which there is a vanishingly small probability of any particles (or fields) being present. This shows that the usual view of how conservation laws work needs to be revisited.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Investigations of the weak decays of
DB¯
molecules
Authors: Liu Ming-Zhu , Geng Li-Sheng
Published: September 2024

The decays of exotic states discovered experimentally always proceed via the strong and electromagnetic interactions. Recently, a tetraquark state with the quark content bcq¯q¯ was predicted by lattice QCD simulations. It is below the mass threshold of DB¯, which can only decay via the weak interaction. In this work, based on the decay mechanism of Tcc as a DD* molecule, we propose that the decays of the bcq¯q¯ tertaquark state as a DB¯ molecule proceed via the Cabibbo-favored weak decays of the B¯ or D meson, accompanied by the tree-level decay modes and the triangle decay modes. Our results indicate that the branching fraction of the DB¯ molecule decaying into π+K−B¯0 is sizable, which is a good channel to observe the DB¯ molecule in future experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Active particle motion in Poiseuille flow through rectangular channels
Authors: Valani Rahil N. , Harding Brendan , Stokes Yvonne M.
Published: September 2024

We investigate the dynamics of a pointlike active particle suspended in fluid flow through a straight channel. For this particle-fluid system, we derive a constant of motion for a general unidirectional fluid flow and apply it to an approximation of Poiseuille flow through channels with rectangular cross- sections. We obtain a 4D nonlinear conservative dynamical system with one constant of motion and a dimensionless parameter describing the ratio of maximum flow speed to intrinsic active particle speed. Applied to square channels, we observe a diverse set of active particle trajectories with variations in system parameters and initial conditions which we classify into different types of swinging, trapping, tumbling, and wandering motion. Regular (periodic and quasiperiodic) motion as well as chaotic active particle motion are observed for these trajectories and quantified using largest Lyapunov exponents. We explore the transition to chaotic motion using Poincaré maps and show “sticky” chaotic tumbling trajectories that have long transients near a periodic state. We briefly illustrate how these results extend to rectangular cross-sections with a width-to-height ratio larger than one. Outcomes of this paper may have implications for dynamics of natural and artificial microswimmers in experimental microfluidic channels that typically have rectangular cross sections.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Synthesis and characterization of an organic–inorganic hybrid crystal: 2[Co(en)3](V4O13)·4H2O
Authors: Vosegaard Emilie Skytte , Mamakhel Mohammad Aref Hasen , Parmar Vijay Singh , Bertelsen Andreas Dueholm , Iversen Bo Brummerstedt
Published: September 2024

Organic–inorganic hybrid crystals have diverse functionalities, for example in energy storage and luminescence, due to their versatile structures. The synthesis and structural characterization of a new cobalt–vanadium-containing compound, 2[Co(en)3]3+(V4O13)6−·4H2O (1) is presented. The crystal structure of 1, consisting of [Co(en)3]3+ complexes and chains of corner-sharing (VO4) tetrahedra, was solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction in the centrosymmetric space group P
1. Phase purity of the bulk material was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis and powder X-ray diffraction. The volume expansion of 1 was found to be close to 1% in the reported temperature range from 100 to 300 K, with a volume thermal expansion coefficient of 56 (2) × 10−6 K−1. The electronic band gap of 1 is 2.30 (1) eV, and magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that the compound exhibits a weak paramagnetic response down to 1.8 K, probably due to minor CoII impurities (<1%) on the CoIII site.
The role of the residential balcony in local context; perception of Cairene women
Authors: Al-Gebeily Rowida Magdy , Sherif Ahmed , Aly Ramy
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Since public and private spaces are generally considered to be the fundamental building blocks for residential settings, this study draws attention to the need to consider and detail threshold spaces as one of the key aspects for accomplishing sociocultural needs, restoration and well-being in the residential environment. Understanding the function and uses of these spaces allows us to appreciate their benefits which are often neglected. This research particularly focuses on the social dimension of one fundamental threshold pattern; the Cairene balcony.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative anthropological approach was adopted in this research where in-depth interviews with female residents (n = 46) were conducted in three local contexts in Cairo, Egypt in parallel with non-participatory observation. The present piece focuses on the results elicited from the female residents’ interviews.

Findings

Irrespective of the income group, sociocultural background and context, dominating factors influencing women’s perception of the role of the Cairene balcony were commonly present. These included issues of; well-being and restoration, the phenomenon of personalization and identity, functional and communicative purposes, safety and security and privacy and control. Overall, the majority of interviewees stressed the significance of the balcony as a prominent source of prospect and an impermissible part of the residential environment.

Originality/value

The fact that little research has been conducted to examine the everyday use of the balcony and the role it plays in Cairene homes makes this “dedicated” research piece a valuable addition.
Labour market feminization and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adejumo Oluwabunmi O. , Obisanya Joshua F. , Akinyemi Folashade O.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Women’s direct or subtle exclusion from the labour market is still evident, necessitating more rigorous inquiries into the subject matter. The study aims to assess the moderating factors that can boost the inclusion of women participation in the labour market by complementing and actualising the doctrine of the feminist U-shaped hypothesis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is situated within the feminist U-shaped hypothesis and employs the generalised method of moments (GMM) on 38 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Findings

This study validates the U-shaped labour hypothesis and expands on the moderating effects of the U-shaped curve in 38 SSA countries.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the influences of human capital development and technological access that can significantly improve the workings of the feminist U- hypothesis in SSA countries.
Cyber risk management strategies and integration: toward supply chain cyber resilience and robustness
Authors: Jazairy Amer , Brho Mazen , Manuj Ila , Goldsby Thomas J.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Despite the proliferation of cyberthreats upon the supply chain (SC) at large, knowledge on SC cybersecurity is scarce and predominantly conceptual or descriptive. Addressing this gap, this research examines the effect of SC cyber risk management strategies on integration decisions for cybersecurity (with suppliers, customers, and internally) to enhance the SC’s cyber resilience and robustness.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model grounded in the supply chain risk management (SCRM) literature, with roots in the Dynamic Capabilities View and the Relational View, was developed. Survey responses of 388 SC managers at US manufacturers were obtained to test the model.

Findings

An impact of SC cyber risk management strategies on internal cyber integration was detected, which in turn impacted external cyber integration with both suppliers and customers. Further, a positive effect of internal and customer cyber integration on both cyber resilience and robustness was found, while cyber integration with suppliers impacted neither.

Practical implications

Industry practitioners may adapt certain risk management and integration strategies to enhance the cybersecurity posture of their SCs.

Originality/value

This research bridges between the established domain of SCRM and the emergent field of SC cybersecurity by forming and testing novel relationships between SCRM-rooted constructs tailored to an SC cyber risks context.
The consequences of showrooming behaviour on customer satisfaction and loyalty
Authors: Carvalho de Mesquita Jose Marcos , Shin Hyunju , Longuinho João Paulo , Moura Luiz Rodrigo Cunha
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Research on showrooming has focused on investigating its antecedents, motivators and characteristics, leaving a gap regarding its consequences. Our study intends to build a comprehensive framework to examine the role of showrooming behaviour on showrooming satisfaction and customer loyalty while exploring its antecedents.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection took place in Brazil through an electronic form distributed on social media, reaching 393 people. After eliminating responses from those who had no showrooming experience, the final sample consisted of 310 respondents. The questions captured the costs and benefits of showrooming, internet savviness, showrooming behaviour, satisfaction with showrooming and customer loyalty (i.e. repurchase intention and positive word-of-mouth). We performed partial least squares data analysis by means of the statistical package Smart PLS 4.

Findings

The results show that showrooming behaviour is positively influenced by internet savviness and the perceived benefits of showrooming but not by the perceived costs of showrooming. In addition, showrooming behaviour positively influences satisfaction with showrooming and customer loyalty (i.e. repurchase intention and positive word-of-mouth). Finally, we identify satisfaction with showrooming as a mediator between showrooming behaviour and customer loyalty.

Originality/value

Given that the implications of showrooming behaviour on customer loyalty remain understudied, this work contributes to the marketing literature by demonstrating the influence of showrooming behaviour on satisfaction with showrooming and its consequential effect on customer loyalty. Moreover, we confirmed the mediating role of customer satisfaction in the relationship between showrooming behaviour and customer loyalty.
Patterns of design thinking in playfixing broken games: an exploratory study
Authors: Bernier Jeremy , Gee Elisabeth R. , Gao Yuchan (Blanche) , Pérez Cortés Luis E. , Kessner Taylor M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper reporting an exploratory pilot study is to examine how participant engagement in design thinking varies when playing and fixing (playfixing) three partially complete games (broken games).

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study consist of transcripts of five playfixing sessions with a total of 16 participants. Each session focused on one of three games. The authors used Winn’s (2009) design-play-experience framework to analyze features of each game that might relate to differences in design thinking. Next, the authors coded each playfixing session’s transcript to identify patterns of design thinking. Finally, these findings were used to make conjectures about how design features and flaws might encourage particular forms of design thinking.

Findings

The findings indicate how playfixing tabletop games with varied levels of complexity, playability and rule definition lead to different patterns of design thinking.

Originality/value

This is a first step toward understanding how the constraints associated with various elements of broken games might direct participants toward desired modes of design thinking and more broadly, contributes to the literature on the educational uses of game making.
Empowering sustainability: understanding the users’ perceptions on the adoption of renewable energy technologies (RETs) through a systematic literature review
Authors: Mishra Rahul , Naik B. Koteswara Rao , Raut Rakesh D.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Although the research promotes deploying renewable energy technologies (RETs) due to their inherently eco-friendly characteristics, consumer acceptance is relatively low, making RETs acceptance a subject of interest for most recent research. This systematic study aims to integrate and synthesize earlier research on the acceptance of RETs, assessing state-of-the-art and painting a complete picture of the consumer's adoption intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis on the topic of RETs acceptance have been conducted to understand the spectrum of theoretical and methodological methods used in the past, as well as how the users perceive and react to the adoption of it.

Findings

The study of selected 70 research articles showed the role of technology, consumer acceptance and decision-making process as factors influencing the acceptance of RET. The findings suggest that it is crucial to comprehend these factors since users' opinions significantly affect the acceptance and use of renewable technologies.

Practical implications

This paper reviews the research on adopting RETs and identifies factors influencing it. The study further endorses that technology like digitalization can promote the acceptability of renewable energy sources and, inadvertently, assist managers and policymakers in managing business models and making better decisions for sustainable investments.

Originality/value

Research on accepting RETs by integrating the social and technological components is still in its infancy. This study is a novel attempt to identify broad patterns of RETs that can improve communication between decision-makers, technologists and users and aid in the switch to a sustainable energy transition.
From sustainability to financial performance: the role of SDG disclosure
Authors: Beretta Valentina , Demartini Maria Chiara , Trucco Sara
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Despite the rising trend of sustainable developmental goals (SDGs) incorporation into sustainability reporting, there remains a gap in understanding the role of SDG disclosure (SDGD) in the relationship between sustainability and financial performance. Thus, this study aims to investigate the relationship between sustainability performance and the level of SDGD; the relationship between sustainability performance and financial performance; and the link between the level of SDGD and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Conducted in Italy, the analysis involves manual collection of sustainability reports from company websites for the fiscal years from 2019 to 2022, followed by textual analysis to identify SDG-related content disclosed in nonfinancial reports. Financial and nonfinancial data from Orbis and LSEG databases are used for regression analysis on panel data.

Findings

Findings align with existing literature, emphasizing the partial mediator role played by the level of SDGD in the relationship between sustainability performance and financial performance, measured by return on equity. In addition, the study suggests that there is a positive relationship between sustainability performance and the level of SDGD and a positive relationship between the level of SDGD and financial performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how SDG disclosures function within the broader nexus of sustainability performance and financial outcomes. Findings from this study provide empirical support for the argument that SDGD is not merely a regulatory compliance tool but also a strategic asset that can enhance a firm’s financial performance.
“Alexa, play today’s Flash Briefing”: utilizing conversational agents in educator preparation
Authors: Hunt Tiffany , Hudson Margaret
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This grant-funded research utilized conversational agents (CAs), specifically Alexa Flash Briefings, to deliver supplemental audio content across educational settings, expanding the online learning environment of graduate students, residency teachers and mentors. The study aimed to determine the perceived usability of Flash Briefings and explore participant experiences related to Flash Briefings.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore Flash Briefing usability and participant perceptions, a review of relevant literature and researcher experience feedback was conducted. Additionally, graduate student feedback was sought via a modified Children’s Usage Rating Profile (CURP) Assessment survey, which also included questions related to listening habits and provided space for participants to share open-ended qualitative feedback. Data were analyzed for themes and descriptive statistics were calculated.

Findings

Findings suggest an overall positive perception of the use of Flash Briefings. A mix of positive experiences and challenges are identified based on user population. The study provides valuable insights for refining the utilization of Flash Briefings in higher education settings.

Research limitations/implications

Variable levels of participation across a small sample size minimizes the generalizability of the results and fails to explore perceptions of student teachers and mentors.

Practical implications

The study offers an initial indication of benefits and challenges found in the implementation of an innovative technological intervention.

Originality/value

There is a continued need and demand for extending online instructional accessibility and communication across broad geographic areas. This study considers a unique approach and provides a step toward closing this gap by analyzing the effectiveness this content modality offers in higher education.
Revisiting democracy-growth nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa with macroeconomic variables modelling
Authors: Ajayi Temitope Abraham
Published: September 2024

Purpose

A popular convention in the political-economy literature is that causality runs from democracy to economic growth. That thinking has continued to evoke significant debates among scholars. This study aims to propose a new research experiment by investigating whether macroeconomic variables cause democratisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a panel data set of 48 carefully selected economies in Sub-Saharan Africa spanning 1991 to 2020 and uses the PVAR system generalised method of moment (GMM) approach.

Findings

With the application of three macroeconomic indicators: economic growth, full employment and balance of payment equilibrium, the study suggests that economic growth has a negative implication on the democratisation process and that the incentives that increase national income provide in the global South enable autocratic rulers to impede democratic growth. The Granger causality test demonstrates a unidirectional effect from economic growth to democracy. The eigenvalue stability condition, impulse response function and forecast-error variance decomposition all confirmed the validity of the findings with the PVAR system GMM. Finally, the study proposed policy and theoretical implications for the political stakeholders.

Social implications

Robust development of economic institutions (particularly the anti-corruption and rule of law) in the global South is required to tame the potential for the state actors to turn public resources into personal use to further their parochial political interest in the form of perpetuating themselves in office which negates the ideals of democracy and social norms. Strong institutions could prevent the misuse of national income and enhance a good quality of life for the citizenry, making them grow confidence in the democratisation process.

Originality/value

The research paper makes an insightful contributions from the methodological perspective and the sampling perspective. The author uses a new research method, the PVAR system GMM becoming the first attempt of such a method to be applied in determining the causal effects of macroeconomic variables on democracy in the literature. Another relevant contribution of the study relates to the sample technique of selecting economies from the Sub-Saharan Africa with notable weak or slow democratisation process.
Below‐ground traits, rare species and environmental stress regulate the biodiversity–ecosystem function relationship
Authors: La Bella Greta , Acosta Alicia T. R. , Jucker Tommaso , Bricca Alessandro , Ciccarelli Daniela , Stanisci Angela , Migliore Melania , Carboni Marta
Published: September 2024

Understanding the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) is crucial to predicting the consequences of ongoing global biodiversity loss. However, what drives BEF relationships in natural ecosystems under globally changing conditions remains poorly understood.

To address this knowledge gap, we applied a trait‐based approach to data from coastal dune plant communities distributed along a natural environmental stress gradient. Specifically, we compared the relative importance of below‐ground and above‐ground traits in predicting productivity, decomposition, water regulation, carbon stock and nutrient pools, and tested how these BEF relationships were modulated by environmental stress and the presence of rare species that are typically excluded from experimental systems.

Below‐ground traits were just as important as above‐ground traits in driving ecosystem functioning. Moreover, despite having low abundances, rare species positively influenced ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF). However, most biodiversity effects became weaker as environmental stress increased.

Our study shows that to understand variation in ecosystem functioning we must consider below‐ground traits as much as above‐ground ones. Moreover, it highlights the importance of conserving rare species for maintaining EMF. However, our findings also suggest that rapid global change could dampen the positive effects of diversity on ecosystem functioning.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Legally admissible amounts of antibiotics in milk affect the growth of lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Morandi Stefano , Silvetti Tiziana , Guerci Matteo , Tamburini Alberto , Brasca Milena
Published: September 2024

The antibiotic administration in dairy livestock is a current widespread practice. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether milk from antibiotic‐treated animals, following the application of the withdrawal time and fully complying with European requirements in relation to residue content, affected the development of lactic acid bacteria. Forty‐five raw milk samples were collected after the withdrawal period and analysed to verify their compliance with the European maximum limits using four commercial screening tests. Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus growth and acidifying activity were delayed from 5 to 8 h in milk from cow treated with β‐lactams and sulfonamides present in low concentration (cephalosporins < 15 μg/kg; penicillins < 8 μg/kg; sulfonamides < 10 μg/kg) and their effect persisted over time. No influences were detected in Streptococcus thermophilus and Lb. helveticus development. The use of antibiotics can hamper the starter performances, opening questions about the safety of dairy products and human health.
Fate of aflatoxin M1 in milk during various processing treatments
Authors: Harshitha C. G , Singh Richa , Sharma Rajan , Gandhi Kamal
Published: September 2024

The focus of this research was to investigate the fate of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in naturally contaminated milk samples during various processing treatments such as skimming, boiling, sterilisation, pasteurisation and fermentation. The raw milk samples were collected, and AFM1‐contaminated samples were subjected to different processing treatments and analysed using AFM1 quantitative rapid test strip. Processing treatments like skimming and pasteurisation did not change the AFM1 content in milk, whereas high temperature heat treatments like boiling and sterilisation reduced AFM1 content up to 20%. Fermentation of milk with Streptococcus thermophilus reduced AFM1 up to 8%.
A movement‐integration approach for the comprehension of punctuation marks in students with dyslexia
Authors: Topouzeli F. , Konstantinidou E. , Evaggelinou C. , Barkoukis V. , Fotiadou E.
Published: September 2024

Embodied cognition and movement‐integration (MI) in classroom settings attract the interest of researchers and practitioners. The purpose of this six‐week pilot study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a MI approach (PunMoves) focusing on the comprehension of punctuation marks in reading, which was implemented in 12 middle‐school literature classes for children with dyslexia. The perceptions and experiences of four literature teachers for special educational needs and their selected 12 middle‐school students with dyslexia were recorded through semi‐structured interviews after the implementation of PunMoves. A reflexive thematic analysis revealed that PunMoves was more than welcomed from teachers and students, as it stimulated the students' interest and motivation in the reading process and the comprehension of punctuation marks. The acceptability of the approach from teachers and students was also reflected through its multidimensional impact on children's behaviours. Game‐based elements detected as some significant points of the program.
Visual detection and enhancement of alterations in questioned documents by Mueller polarimetry
Authors: Chironi Emanuel , Iemmi Claudio
Published: September 2024

In this article, we have explored the use of Mueller polarimetry for the detection and enhancement of alterations in questioned documents. Erasures, obliterations (with liquid paper and by pasting an additional layer of paper), and insertions (made with several inks) were studied in both regular and glossy paper. Promising results were obtained, which depend on the type of paper and the relation between the color of the ink and that of the illuminating light source. Erasures are easier to detect in glossy paper than in regular paper. Obliterations with liquid paper produced successful results in both types of paper, while detection of obliterations made with an additional layer of paper led to higher contrast for regular paper. Regarding the insertions, the black ball‐point ink could be differentiated from roller‐ball and gel‐pen ink, which is often difficult to achieve visually. The contrast observed between the two inks was higher for regular paper than for glossy paper. Although the results shown in this article are promising, a wider variety of papers and pen types must be tested to further develop the procedure. It has the advantage of being non‐destructive and far more economic than other methods. In some cases, the results can be complementary to those obtained by other methods (e.g., fluorescence with UV excitation and illumination with transmitted and oblique light), while in other cases the method offers unique advantages.