bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetochore and ionomic adaptation to whole genome duplication
Authors: Bray Sian M. , Hämälä Tuomas , Zhou Min , Busoms Silvia , Fischer Sina , Desjardins Stuart D. , Mandáková Terezie , Moore Chris , Mathers Thomas C. , Cowan Laura , Monnahan Patrick , Koch Jordan , Wolf Eva M. , Lysak Martin A. , Kolar Filip , Higgins James D. , Koch Marcus A. , Yant Levi
Published: September 2023

Transforming genomic and cellular landscapes in a single generation, whole genome duplication (WGD) brings fundamental challenges, but is also associated with diversification. How is WGD tolerated, and what processes commonly evolve to stabilize the resulting polyploid? Here we study this inCochleariaspp., which have experienced multiple WGDs in the last 300,000 years. We first generate a chromosome-scale genome and sequence 113 individuals from 33 diploid, tetraploid, hexaploid, and outgroup populations. We detect the clearest post-WGD selection signatures in functionally interacting kinetochore components and ion transporters. We structurally model these derived selected alleles, identifying striking WGD-relevant functional variation, and then compare these results to independent recent post-WGD selection inArabidopsis arenosaandCardamine amara. Most prominent in these results is genetic evidence of at least four functionally interacting kinetochore complex subunits in adaptation to WGD at the centromere among our very top selective sweep outliers. In addition, some of the same biological processes evolve in all three WGDs, but specific genes recruited are flexible. This points to a polygenic basis for modifying systems that control the kinetochore, meiotic crossover number, DNA repair, ion homeostasis, and cell cycle. Given that DNA management (especially repair) is the most salient category with the strongest selection signal, we speculate that the generation rate of structural genomic variants may be altered by WGD in young polyploids, contributing to their occasionally spectacular adaptability observed across kingdoms.

Significance Statement

Whole-genome duplication (WGD) occurs in all kingdoms and is linked to adaptation, speciation, domestication, and even cancer outcome. But WGD is a shock to the system, and commonly disrupts cell division due to increased DNA management burden and transformed cell physiology. Nevertheless, the hopeful monster that survives WGD is special, occasionally experiencing runaway success. Why do some thrive but others die? Here we introduce a powerful new model, Cochlearia, which has benefitted from multiple WGDs, and we provide the first genetic evidence of rapid adaptation of functionally interacting components of the cell division machinery, the kinetochore. We also compare which processes and genes evolve to stabilize the new polyploid in three independent cases and highlight common mechanisms.
Movie-watching evokes ripple-like activity within events and at event boundaries
Authors: Silva Marta , Wu Xiongbo , Sabio Marc , Conde-Blanco Estefania , Roldan Pedro , Donaire Antonio , Carreno Mar , Axmacher Nikolai , Baldassano Christopher , Fuentemilla Lluis
Published: September 2023

Ripples are fast oscillatory events widely recognized as crucial markers for memory consolidation and neural plasticity. These transient bursts of activity are thought to coordinate information transfer between the hippocampus and neocortical areas, providing a temporal framework that supports the stabilization and integration of new memories. However, their role in human memory encoding during naturalistic scenarios remains unexplored. Here, we recorded intracranial electrophysiological data from ten epilepsy patients watching a movie. Ripples were analyzed in the hippocampus and in neocortical regions (i.e., temporal and frontal cortex). Our results revealed a differential dynamical pattern of ripple occurrence during encoding. Enhanced hippocampal ripple recruitment was observed at event boundaries, reflecting hippocampal involvement in event segmentation, whereas higher ripple rates were seen within an event for cortical electrodes with higher ripple occurrence at the temporal cortex reflecting weather an event was later recalled. These findings shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying memory encoding and provide insights into the potential role of ripples in the encoding of an event, suggesting an impact in the formation of long-term memories of distinct episodes.
Molecular and network disruptions in neurodevelopment uncovered by single cell transcriptomics analysis ofCHD8heterozygous cerebral organoids
Authors: Astorkia Maider , Liu Yang , Pedrosa Erika M. , Lachman Herbert M. , Zheng Deyou
Published: September 2023

About 100 genes have been associated with significantly increased risks of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with an estimate of ∼1000 genes that may be involved. The new challenge now is to investigate the molecular and cellular functions of these genes during neural and brain development, and then even more challenging, to link the altered molecular and cellular phenotypes to the ASD clinical manifestations. In this study, we use single cell RNA-seq analysis to study one of the top risk gene,CHD8, in cerebral organoids, which models early neural development. We identify 21 cell clusters in the organoid samples, representing non-neuronal cells, neural progenitors, and early differentiating neurons at the start of neural cell fate commitment. Comparisons of the cells with one copy of theCHD8knockout and their isogenic controls uncover thousands of differentially expressed genes, which are enriched with function related to neural and brain development, with genes and pathways previously implicated in ASD, but surprisingly not for Schizophrenia and intellectual disability risk genes. The comparisons also find cell composition changes, indicating potential altered neural differential trajectories uponCHD8reduction. Moreover, we find that cell-cell communications are affected in theCHD8knockout organoids, including the interactions between neural and glial cells. Taken together, our results provide new data for understanding CHD8 functions in the early stages of neural lineage development and interaction.
SeqVerify: An accessible analysis tool for cell line genomic integrity, contamination, and gene editing outcomes
Authors: Pierson Smela Merrick , Pepe Valerio , Church George M.
Published: September 2023

1.

Over the last decade, advances in genome editing and pluripotent stem cell (PSC) culture have let researchers generate edited PSC lines to study a wide variety of biological questions. However, abnormalities in cell lines such as aneuploidy, on-target and off-target editing errors, and microbial contamination can arise during PSC culture or due to undesired editing outcomes. Any of these abnormalities can invalidate experiments, so detecting them is crucial. The ongoing decline of next-generation sequencing prices has made whole genome sequencing (WGS) an effective quality control option, since WGS can detect any abnormality involving changes to DNA sequences or presence of unwanted sequences. However, this approach has suffered from a lack of easily usable data analysis software. Here, we present SeqVerify, a computational pipeline designed to take raw WGS data and a list of intended edits, and verify that the edits are present and that there are no abnormalities. We anticipate that SeqVerify will be a useful tool for researchers generating edited PSCs, and more broadly, for cell line quality control in general.
Diurnal cycles drive rhythmic physiology and promote survival in facultative phototrophic bacteria
Authors: Tinguely Camille , Paulméry Mélanie , Terrettaz Céline , Gonzalez Diego
Published: September 2023

Bacteria have evolved many strategies to spare energy when nutrients become scarce. One widespread such strategy is facultative phototrophy, which helps heterotrophs supplement their energy supply using light. Our knowledge on the impact that such behaviors have on bacterial fitness and physiology is, however, still limited. Here, we study how a representative of the genusPorphyrobacter,in which aerobic anoxygenic phototrophy is ancestral, responds to different light regimes under nutrient limitation. We show that bacterial survival in stationary phase relies on functional reaction centers and varies depending on the light regime. Under dark-light alternance, our bacterial model presents a diphasic life history dependent on phototrophy: during dark phases, the cells inhibit DNA replication and part of the population lyses and releases nutrients, while subsequent light phases allow for the recovery and renewed growth of the surviving cells. We correlate these cyclic variations with a pervasive pattern of rhythmic transcription which reflects global changes in diurnal metabolic activity. Finally, we demonstrate that, compared to either a phototrophy null mutant or a bacteriochlorophyllaoverproducer, the wild type strain is better adapted to natural environments, where regular dark-light cycles are interspersed with additional accidental dark episodes. Overall, our results highlight the importance of light-induced biological rhythms in a new model of aerobic anoxygenic phototroph representative of an ecologically important group of environmental bacteria.
An altered cell-specific subcellular distribution of translesion synthesis DNA polymerase kappa (POLK) in aging neurons
Authors: Abdelmageed Mofida , Palanisamy Premkumar , Vernail Victoria , Silberman Yuval , Paul Shilpi , Paul Anirban
Published: September 2023

Genomic stability is critical for cellular function, however, in the central nervous system highly metabolically active differentiated neurons are challenged to maintain their genome over the organismal lifespan without replication. DNA damage in neurons increases with chronological age and accelerates in neurodegenerative disorders, resulting in cellular and systemic dysregulation. Distinct DNA damage response strategies have evolved with a host of polymerases. The Y-family translesion synthesis (TLS) polymerases are well known for bypassing and repairing damaged DNA in dividing cells. However, their expression, dynamics, and role if any, in enduring postmitotic differentiated neurons of the brain are completely unknown. We show through systematic longitudinal studies for the first time that DNA polymerase kappa (POLK), a member of the Y-family polymerases, is highly expressed in neurons. With chronological age, there is a progressive and significant reduction of nuclear POLK with a concomitant accumulation in the cytoplasm that is predictive of brain tissue age. The reduction of nuclear POLK in old brains is congruent with an increase in DNA damage markers. The nuclear POLK colocalizes with damaged sites and DNA repair proteins. The cytoplasmic POLK accumulates with stress granules and endo/lysosomal markers. Nuclear POLK expression is significantly higher in GABAergic interneurons compared to excitatory pyramidal neurons and lowest in non-neurons, possibly reflective of the inherent biological differences such as firing rates and neuronal activity. Interneurons associated with microglia have significantly higher levels of cytoplasmic POLK in old age. Finally, we show that neuronal activity itself can lead to an increase in nuclear POLK levels and a reduction of the cytoplasmic fraction. Our findings open a new avenue in understanding how different classes of postmitotic neurons deploy TLS polymerase(s) to maintain their genomic integrity over time, which will help design strategies for longevity, healthspan, and prevention of neurodegeneration.
Flight power muscles have a coordinated, causal role in hawkmoth pitch turns
Authors: Wood Leo , Putney Joy , Sponberg Simon
Published: September 2023

Flying insects solve a daunting control problem of generating a patterned and precise motor program to stay airborne and generate agile maneuvers. In this motor program consisting of every action potential controlling wing musculature, each muscle encodes significant information about movement in precise spike timing down to the millisecond scale. While individual muscles share information about movement, we do not yet know if they have separable effects on an animal’s motion, or if muscles functionally interact such that the effects of any muscle’s timing depends heavily on the state of the entire musculature. To answer these questions, we performed spike-resolution electromyography and precise stimulation of individual spikes in the hawkmothManduca sextaduring tethered flapping. We specifically explored how the flight power muscles themselves may contribute to pitch control which is necessary to stabilize flight. Combining correlational study of visually-induced turns with causal manipulation of spike timing, we discovered likely coordination patterns for pitch turns, investigated if these correlational patterns can individually drive pitch control, and studied whether the precise spike timing of indirect power muscles can lead to pitch maneuvers. We observed significant timing change of the main downstroke muscles, the dorsolongitudinal muscles (DLMs), associated with whether a moth was pitching up or down. Causally inducing this timing change in the DLMs with electrical stimulation produced a consistent, mechanically relevant feature in pitch torque, establishing that indirect power muscles inManducahave a control role in pitch. Because changes were evoked in unconstrained flapping in only the DLMs, however, these pitch torque features left large unexplained variation. We find this unexplained variation indicates significant functional overlap in pitch control such that precise timing of one power muscle does not produce a precise turn, demonstrating the importance of coordination across the entire motor program for flight.

Summary Statement

We investigate how individual muscles contribute to flight by manipulating muscle timing in behaving hawkmoths. We find precise timing of single muscles does not produce precise turns, highlighting the importance of coordination across the entire motor program.
Syngap1Promotes Cognitive Function through Regulation of Cortical Sensorimotor Dynamics
Authors: Vaissiere Thomas , Michaelson Sheldon D. , Creson Thomas , Goins Jessie , Fürth Daniel , Balazsfi Diana , Rojas Camilo , Golovin Randall , Meletis Konstantinos , Miller Courtney A. , O’Connor Daniel , Fontolan Lorenzo , Rumbaugh Gavin
Published: September 2023

Perception, a cognitive construct, emerges through sensorimotor integration (SMI). The genetic mechanisms that shape SMI required for perception are unknown. Here, we demonstrate in mice that expression of the autism/intellectual disability gene,Syngap1, in cortical excitatory neurons is required for formation of somatomotor networks that promote SMI-mediated perception. CorticalSyngap1expression was necessary and sufficient for setting tactile sensitivity, sustaining tactile object exploration, and promoting tactile learning. Mice with deficientSyngap1expression exhibited impaired neural dynamics induced by exploratory touches within a cortical-thalamic network known to promote attention and perception. Disrupted neuronal dynamics were associated with circuit-specific long-range synaptic connectivity abnormalities. Our data support a model where autonomousSyngap1expression in cortical excitatory neurons promotes cognitive abilities through assembly of circuits that integrate temporally-overlapping sensory and motor signals, a process that promotes perception and attention. These data provide systems-level insights into the robust association betweenSyngap1expression and cognitive ability.
Identification of Host Restriction Factors Critical for Recombinant AAV Transduction of Polarized Human Airway Epithelium
Authors: Hao Siyuan , Zhang Xiujuan , Ning Kang , Feng Zehua , Park Soo Yeun , Kuz Cagla Aksu , McFarlin Shane , Richart Donovan , Cheng Fang , Zhang Elizabeth Yan , Zhang-Chen Aaron , Yan Ziying , Qiu Jianming
Published: September 2023

Recombinant (r)AAV2.5T was selected from the directed evolution of an AAV capsid library in human airway epithelium (HAE). The capsid gene of rAAV2.5T is a chimera of the N-terminal unique coding sequence of AAV2 VP1 unique (VP1u) and the VP2- and VP3-coding sequence of AAV5 with a single amino acid mutation of A581T. We conducted two rounds of genome wide CRISPR gRNA library screening for host factors limiting rAAV2.5T transduction in HeLa S3 cells. The screen identified several genes that are critical for rAAV2.5T transduction in HeLa S3 cells, including previously reported genesKIAA0319L,TM9SF2,VPS51, andVPS54, as well as a novel geneWDR63. We verified the role of KIAA0319L and WDR63 in rAAV2.5T transduction of polarized HAE by utilizing CRISPR gene knockouts. Although KIAA0319L, a proteinaceous receptor for multiple AAV serotypes, played an essential role in rAAV2.5T transduction of polarized HAE either from apical or basolateral side, our findings demonstrated that the internalization of rAAV2.5T was independent of KIAA0319L. Importantly, we confirmed WDR63 is an important player in rAAV2.5T transduction of HAE, while not being involved in vector internalization and nuclear entry. Furthermore, we identified that the basal stem cells of HAE can be significantly transduced by rAAV2.5T.

Significance

The essential steps of a successful gene delivery by rAAV include vector internalization, intracellular trafficking, nuclear import, uncoating, double-stranded (ds)DNA conversion, and transgene expression. rAAV2.5T has a chimeric capsid of AAV2 VP1u and AAV5 VP2 and VP3 with the mutation A581T. Our investigation revealed that KIAA0319L, the multiple AAV serotype receptor, is not essential for vector internalization but remains critical for efficient vector transduction to human airway epithelia. Additionally, we identified that a novel geneWDR63, whose cellular function is not well understood, plays an important role in vector transduction of human airway epithelia but not vector internalization and nuclear entry. Our study also discovered the substantial transduction potential of rAAV2.5T in basal stem cells of human airway epithelia, underscoring its utility in gene editing of human airways. Thus, the knowledge derived from this study holds promise for the advancement of gene therapy in the treatment of pulmonary genetic diseases.
Lipid constituents fromCissus trifoliatastems
Authors: Méndez-López Luis Fernando , González Llerena José Luis , Espinosa-Rodríguez Bryan Alejandro , Balderas-Rentería Isaías , Camacho-Corona María Del Rayo
Published: September 2023

Objective

The stems from plants of the genusCissusare used in traditional medicine worldwide. In MexicoCissus trifoliatais employed for the management of several diseases, however little is known about the active compounds. The present investigation focuses on the extraction, isolation, and characterization of the lipid contents from the stems ofC. trifoliataby chromatographic, spectroscopic, and spectrometric techniques.

Methods

The hexane extract was fractionated sequentially with hexane and ethanol and visualized by TLC. The compounds were isolated by column chromatography and structurally elucidated using NMR. In addition, the complete extract and solids obtained by fractionations were analyzed by GC-MS.

Results

According to NMR signals, solids present in the hexane extract correspond to hentriacontane, octatetracontane, octacosanoic acid, tricosyl tetracosanoate and sitosterol. Furthermore, the analysis by GC-MS found 33 compounds, and the most abundant were hentriacontane, squalene, palmitic acid, oleic acid, β-sitosterol, and nonacosane.

Conclusion

This report describes the major constituents in the hexane extract fromCissus trifoliatastems. Our analysis suggests an abundant composition of higher alkanes, fatty acids, and sterols, which are the major lipid components of cuticular waxes and plant cell membranes.
Broad intraspecies killing activity inPseudomonas syringaedue to the combinatorial action of LPS-interacting bacteriocins
Authors: Weaver Savannah L. , Casamassima Emma , Nguyen Anh Evy , Baltrus David A.
Published: September 2023

Bacteriocins are a diverse group of highly specific antimicrobials produced by bacteria, thought to mainly target and kill strains that are closely related to and which therefore potentially compete in the same niche space as producer cells. Single strains can produce more than one type of bacteriocin, with each usually having differing modes of action and receptors for binding, and with strain specificity for each independent bacteriocin due to the requirement for these molecules to bind to receptors in target cells prior to carrying out antibacterial functions. Here we show thatPseudomonas syringaepv. aptata DSM50252 (Ptt) displays broad intraspecific killing activity due to combinatorial and non-overlapping activities of phage derived bacteriocins (referred to as tailocins) as well as a prophage encoded lectin-like bacteriocin (aptatacin L1). These results highlight how single strains can maintain broad killing activity against a variety of potential competitors by targeting multiple conformations of a shared receptor, and provide additional evidence that tailocins and aptatacin L1 both utilize rhamnose moieties in the LPS as potential receptors for binding.
Light management by algal aggregates in living photosynthetic hydrogels
Authors: Chua Sing Teng , Smith Alyssa , Murthy Swathi , Murace Maria , Yang Han , Kühl Michael , Cicuta Pietro , Smith Alison G. , Wangpraseurt Daniel , Vignolini Silvia
Published: September 2023

Rapid progress in algal biotechnology has triggered a growing interest in hydrogel-encapsulated microalgal cultivation, especially for the engineering of functional photosynthetic materials and biomass production. An overlooked characteristic of gel-encapsulated cultures is the emergence of cell aggregates, which are the result of the mechanical confinement of the cells. Such aggregates have a dramatic effect on the light management of gel-encapsulated photobioreactors and hence strongly affect the photosynthetic outcome. In order to evaluate such an effect, we experimentally studied the optical response of hydrogels containing algal aggregates and developed optical simulations to study the resultant light intensity profiles. The simulations are validated experimentally via transmittance measurements using an integrating sphere and aggregate volume analysis with confocal microscopy. Specifically, the heterogeneous distribution of cell aggregates in a gel matrix can increase light penetration while alleviating photoinhibition compared to a flat biofilm. Finally, we demonstrate that light harvesting efficiency can be further enhanced with the introduction of scattering particles within the hydrogel matrix, leading to a four-fold increase in biomass growth. Our study, therefore, highlights a new strategy for the design of spatially efficient photosynthetic living materials that have important implications for the engineering of future algal cultivation systems.

Significance Statement

The ability to cultivate microalgae at scale efficiently would allow more sustainable production of food and food additives. However, efficient growth of microalgae requires optimised light conditions, which are usually challenging to obtain using biofilm cultivations mode: as the outer layer of cells are necessarily more exposed to incoming light than the inner layer, posing the problem of photoinhibition on the outer cells receiving too much light, and shading the ones below. Here we study both experimentally and numerically, how microalgae aggregates growing in the confinement of a hydrogel can provide an improved light distribution and therefore biomass growth is maximised. This study proposes new strategies on how to engineer future photobioreactors.
Unveiling the path to sustainability: two decades of knowledge management in sustainable supply chain – a scientometric analysis and visualization journey
Authors: Aboelmaged Mohamed , Alhashmi Saadat M. , Hashem Gharib , Battour Mohamed , Ahmad Ifzal , Ali Imran
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The literature on knowledge management in sustainable supply chain (KMSSC) has witnessed significant growth in the past two decades. However, a scientometric review that consolidates the primary trends and clusters within this topic has been notably absent. This paper aims to scrutinize recent advancements and identify the intellectual underpinnings of KMSSC research conducted between 2002 and 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

The present review employs a scientometric analysis approach via visualization maps of prolific contributions, co-citation, co-occurrence and thematic networks to examine a total of 114 articles and conference papers on KMSSC.

Findings

Emerging research frontiers and hotspots are revealed and a state-of-the-art framework of KMSSC research structure is developed.

Practical implications

The review provides significant implications that guide KMSSC research and better inform sustainability decisions in the supply chain context.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first review to thoroughly synthesize the intersected domain of KMSSC using scientometric analysis.
The effect of emotional intelligence, motivation and job burnout on safety behaviors of construction workers: a case study
Authors: Ghoddousi Parviz , Zamani Ali
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Given the cruciality of construction workers' safe behaviors, the possible influential factors on workers' behaviors should be studied, and one of these factors is characteristics. The authors identified emotional intelligence (EI), motivation and job burnout as characteristics that might affect a worker's safety behavior, and the aim of this study is to investigate these possible relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Workers' EI, motivation and job burnout status were assessed by a structured interview. Furthermore, workers' safety behaviors were assessed by a checklist derived from national codes, regulations and other research studies. Then, the researcher's observations took place, and the data were acquired.

Findings

EI and motivation of workers were able to predict safety behaviors, and the effect of job burnout on safety behaviors was not significant. In addition, motivation's influence on job burnout was not significant. Therefore, in order to promote safety behaviors, the EI and motivation of workers need to be taken into consideration.

Practical implications

The results indicate why construction managers should consider the workers' EI and motivation competencies and how this consideration could lead to safer and better performance in construction projects.

Originality/value

The possible effects of EI, motivation and job burnout on the safety behaviors of construction workers haven't been paid enough attention. Moreover, the authors couldn't find a study similar to the present one that was conducted in Iran. Also, an original model was presented, and safety behaviors were studied through fieldwork rather than using questionnaires.
What drives the attainment of goals of ethical education in higher institutions? The perception of professional accountants and accounting educators
Authors: Onumah Regina Mensah , Owusu Godfred Matthew Yaw
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study examines the impact of ethics education interventions (EEI) on attaining ethical education goals in higher institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes a survey method, with questionnaires distributed to accounting instructors from universities and professional accountants in Ghana. The empirical analysis is based on 417 valid responses, and the hypothesized relationships are tested using ordinary least square (OLS) regression.

Findings

The results indicate that ethics-related courses (ERC), methods of teaching ethics (MTE) and methods of ethics interventions (MEI) have a positive and significant impact on achieving the objective set for EEI in accounting programs.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides valuable insights for accounting educators and professional body managers in developing accounting ethics curricula in universities and professional accounting institutions.

Originality/value

This study involves accounting educators and professionals and applies ethical theories of egoism, deontology and utilitarianism to demonstrate the role of ethical interventions in accounting programs in achieving set objectives from a developing country context.
The smallholder coffee farmer's livelihood adaptation strategies in Bengkulu, Indonesia
Authors: Irawan Andi
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to reconstruct how smallholder farmers implement livelihood adaptation strategies to survive and escape poverty, thereby mitigating or eliminating potential livelihood risks by utilizing their available assets.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed a qualitative approach. For the collection of primary data, the researcher conducted observations and in-depth interviews and engaged with the lives of smallholder farmers during the data collection period.

Findings

Among the various livelihood adaptation strategies, only migration and profit-sharing strategies enable smallholder farmers to escape poverty. However, migration is an unsustainable adaptation strategy. When farmers move to new locations, they often resort to slash-and-burn methods for clearing land, which can lead to forest degradation and deforestation. Profit sharing is a sustainable livelihood adaptation strategy that falls into a different category. This approach can lift farmers out of poverty, increase their income and have no negative environmental impact. Other adaptation strategies include adjustments to traditional agriculture, both on and off-farm diversification, involving the family in income generation, reducing farming costs, practicing frugality in post-harvest processes, converting land from coffee cultivation to other crops and borrowing money and selling owned assets. Smallholder farmers implement these strategies to survive the existing economic conditions.

Originality/value

The profit-sharing strategy was a novel livelihood adaptation approach that previous studies had yet to uncover at the research site. In this strategy, farmers assume the roles of both managers and laborers simultaneously during farming, while toke (the capital owners) play the role of farming funders. The generated profit is then shared between farmers and toke based on the agreement established at the outset of their collaboration.
“I do believe in karma”: understanding consumers' pro-environmental consumption with an integrated framework of theory of planned behavior, norm activation model and self-determination theory
Authors: Duong Cong Doanh , Nguyen Bich Ngoc , Doan Xuan Hau , Nguyen Van Hau , Vu Anh Trong
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Little is known about how religious beliefs can motivate consumers to behave more pro-environmentally. Drawn on an integrated model of the theory of planned behavior, the norm activation model and the self-determination theory, this study aims to explore the effects of religious beliefs (especially, karmic beliefs (KB) and beliefs in a just world (BJW)) on consumers' pro-environmental behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 736 consumers recruited from the eight most populous cities in Vietnam using the mall-intercept survey approach and structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to test the hypothesized model and hypotheses.

Findings

The findings indicate that KB and BJW can increase consumers' green intrinsic motivation, which subsequently encourages them to engage in pro-environmental consumption. Moreover, awareness of consequences (AOC) and ascription of responsibility (AOR) serially indirectly inspire consumers' sustainable consumption through serial mediators, including personal norms (PN), attitudes toward green products and green purchase intention.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, some theoretical and managerial implications for pro-environmental consumption are provided.

Originality/value

The study offers fresh perspectives on the role of religious beliefs in pro-environmental research. Additionally, this study sheds new light on the marketing literature by integrating the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and norm activation model (NAM) with self-determination theory (SDT) to explore the underlying mechanisms and effects of psychological components on consumers' pro-environmental behaviors.
Selection methodology for additive manufacturing processes considering design, material, and manufacturability
Authors: Goala Suraj , Sarkar Prabir
Published: September 2023

Purpose

One of the critical reasons for the nonacceptance of additive manufacturing (AM) processes is the lack of understanding and structured knowledge of design for additive manufacturing (DfAM). This paper aims to assist designers to select the appropriate AM technology for product development or redesign. Using the suggestion provided by the design assist tool, the user’s design alterations depend on their ability to interpret the suggestion into the design without affecting the design’s primary objective.

Design/methodology/approach

This research reports the development of a tool that evaluates the efficacy values for all seven major standard AM processes by considering design parameters, benchmark standards within the processes and their material efficacies. In this research, the tool provides analytical and visual approaches to suggestion and assistance. Seventeen design parameters and seven benchmarking standards are used to evaluate the proposed product and design quality value. The full factorial design approach has been used to evaluate the DfAM aspects, design quality and design complexity.

Findings

The outcome is evaluated by the product and design quality value, material suit and material-product-design (MPD) value proposed in this work for a comparative assessment of the AM processes for a design. The higher the MPD value, the better the process. The visual aspect of the evaluation uses spider diagrams, which are evaluated analytically to confirm the results’ appropriateness with the proposed methodology.

Originality/value

The data used in the database is assumed to make the study comprehensive. The output aims to help opt for the best process out of the seven AM techniques for better and optimized manufacturing. This, as per the authors’ knowledge, is not available yet.
Compensating balance and loan bargaining power in China
Authors: Wu Long , Zhang Jing , Xu Lei
Published: September 2023

Chinese firms simultaneously have high levels of loans and cash holdings. Through listed firms on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, we establish a negative link between cash holdings and a firm's loan bargaining power, especially in regions with less bank competition, through a firm's passive response to bank requests rather than its voluntary excess cash reserves. Furthermore, state ownership, collateral, economic contribution, and reduced information asymmetry may effectively strengthen firm bargaining power and moderate the link. However, better marketisation strengthens the link. The banking sector may need to improve its efficiency through better credit rationing in future reforms.
No Dramas: Using applied theatre to explore youth health issues in regional Central Queensland
Authors: Lorenza Linda , Pascoe Vicki , Price Luke , McCartney Freiderike , McEwan Alexandra , Bloomfield Corey , Suzuki Masahiro , Power Deborah , Stanton Luz
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Young people in a regional Central Queensland community identified concerns related to their health and health behaviours, but have limited access to health information.

Objective

To explore the youth health perspectives and priorities of young people in regional Queensland and identify how young people prefer to access health information.

Design

A participatory action research approach, using applied theatre methods and technology.

Findings

The key challenges to youth health in regional Queensland identified by participants were substance use, in particular vaping, and bullying. Short‐form social media videos are an effective channel for communicating youth health information, but to do so must closely align with the predominant formats and trends on social media platforms.

Discussion

Young people are not likely to read health information in printed form. Effective communication is the key to empowering young people to make decisions regarding their health behaviours. Our research shows that young people tend to share with other young people, and they are less likely to listen to older people and those in positions of authority. Health concerns raised ranged from cyberbullying and peer pressure to vaping, alcohol and chroming.

Conclusion

Young people are more likely to engage with information that reflects their lived experience. The research concludes that we need to reconsider how information is provided for young people. Ways to empower young people and their voices via their preferred genre and format, not only to inform their health behaviours but also other aspects of their lives, is imperative.
Household laundry detergents disrupt barrier integrity and induce inflammation in mouse and human skin
Authors: Rinaldi Arturo O. , Li Manru , Barletta Elena , D'Avino Paolo , Yazici Duygu , Pat Yagiz , Ward Siobhan , Burla Daniel , Tan Ge , Askary Nima , Larsson Rasmus , Bost Jeremy , Babayev Huseyn , Dhir Raja , Gaudenzio Nicolas , Akdis Mubeccel , Nadeau Kari , Akdis Cezmi A. , Mitamura Yasutaka
Published: September 2023

Background

Epithelial barrier impairment is associated with many skin and mucosal inflammatory disorders. Laundry detergents have been demonstrated to affect epithelial barrier function in vitro using air–liquid interface cultures of human epithelial cells.

Methods

Back skin of C57BL/6 mice was treated with two household laundry detergents at several dilutions. Barrier function was assessed by electric impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements after the 4 h of treatments with detergents. RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and targeted multiplex proteomics analyses in skin biopsy samples were performed. The 6‐h treatment effect of laundry detergent and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was investigated on ex vivo human skin.

Results

Detergent‐treated skin showed a significant EIS reduction and TEWL increase compared to untreated skin, with a relatively higher sensitivity and dose–response in EIS. The RNA‐seq showed the reduction of the expression of several genes essential for skin barrier integrity, such as tight junctions and adherens junction proteins. In contrast, keratinization, lipid metabolic processes, and epidermal cell differentiation were upregulated. Proteomics analysis showed that the detergents treatment generally downregulated cell adhesion‐related proteins, such as epithelial cell adhesion molecule and contactin‐1, and upregulated proinflammatory proteins, such as interleukin 6 and interleukin 1 beta. Both detergent and SDS led to a significant decrease in EIS values in the ex vivo human skin model.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that laundry detergents and its main component, SDS impaired the epidermal barrier in vivo and ex vivo human skin. Daily detergent exposure may cause skin barrier disruption and may contribute to the development of atopic diseases.
Clinical enzymology of the dog and cat
Authors: Oikonomidis IL , Milne E
Published: September 2023

Clinical enzymology studies the enzyme activity in serum or other body fluids for the diagnosis, prognosis or monitoring of a variety of diseases. Clinical enzymology has greatly benefited from advances in technology and is now an integral part of laboratory analysis. However, to maximise the clinical benefits of serum enzyme measurement, clinicians and clinical pathologists must have a good understanding of the pathophysiology behind serum enzyme alterations. They must also be aware of the preanalytical and analytical factors that can affect the accuracy of serum enzyme activity measurement. This review article first covers the basic concepts of clinical enzymology and the general mechanisms related to serum enzyme alterations. Then, the review discusses the potential effects of various preanalytical and analytical factors on enzyme activity measurement. Lastly, it explores the pathophysiology and clinical use of various serum enzymes in canine and feline medicine. The present review article aims to be a comprehensive one‐stop source for clinical pathologists and small animal practitioners.
Developing oral chronotherapy for cortisol replacement in congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Whitaker Martin J. , Debono Miguel , Ross Richard J.
Published: September 2023

The sun imposes a 24‐h periodicity to life and circadian rhythms have evolved to maintain homoeostasis through the day/night cycle. In humans, there is a central clock that controls the sleep/wake cycle which is paralleled metabolically by a fast/feed cycle. The clock maintains homoeostasis by synchronising metabolism to the time of feeding. Loss of synchrony between the clock and hormonal rhythms results in loss of homoeostasis as evidenced by obesity, depression, and diabetes in people undertaking shift work. Cortisol has a distinct circadian rhythm; peaking on waking and low at sleep onset. Loss of this rhythm in adrenal insufficiency is associated with a poor quality of life and increased mortality. To replace the cortisol rhythm requires chronotherapy and for this you need to define the key parameters of the target rhythm, create a formulation to replicate that rhythm, and then prove clinical benefit. The physiology of hormones is more complex than that of nonnative drugs. Hormones are secreted with varied rhythms, bound to multiple cognate binding proteins, and actively transported and cleared through enzymatic pathways in multiple organs. We have examined the diurnal rhythm of cortisol in healthy volunteers, created physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic models, and tested various oral delayed and sustained formulations of hydrocortisone (development name, Chronocort) in clinical trials. The outcome from this work was the manufacture of modified‐release hydrocortisone hard capsules (tradename Efmody, Diurnal Ltd), that replicate the cortisol diurnal rhythm and improve the disease control of congenital adrenal hyperplasia the commonest hereditary form of adrenal insufficiency.
Identifying predictors of translocation success in rare plant species
Authors: Bellis Joe , Osazuwa‐Peters Oyomoare , Maschinski Joyce , Keir Matthew J. , Parsons Elliott W. , Kaye Thomas N. , Kunz Michael , Possley Jennifer , Menges Eric , Smith Stacy A. , Roth Daniela , Brewer Debbie , Brumback William , Lange James J. , Niederer Christal , Turner‐Skoff Jessica B. , Bontrager Megan , Braham Richard , Coppoletta Michelle , Holl Karen D. , Williamson Paula , Bell Timothy , Jonas Jayne L. , McEachern Kathryn , Robertson Kathy L. , Birnbaum Sandra J. , Dattilo Adam , Dollard John J. , Fant Jeremie , Kishida Wendy , Lesica Peter , Link Steven O. , Pavlovic Noel B. , Poole Jackie , Reemts Charlotte M. , Stiling Peter , Taylor David D. , Titus Jonathan H. , Titus Priscilla J. , Adkins Edith D. , Chambers Timothy , Paschke Mark W. , Heineman Katherine D. , Albrecht Matthew A.
Published: September 2023

The fundamental goal of a rare plant translocation is to create self‐sustaining populations with the evolutionary resilience to persist in the long term. Yet, most plant translocation syntheses focus on a few factors influencing short‐term benchmarks of success (e.g., survival and reproduction). Short‐term benchmarks can be misleading when trying to infer future growth and viability because the factors that promote establishment may differ from those required for long‐term persistence. We assembled a large (n = 275) and broadly representative data set of well‐documented and monitored (7.9 years on average) at‐risk plant translocations to identify the most important site attributes, management techniques, and species’ traits for six life‐cycle benchmarks and population metrics of translocation success. We used the random forest algorithm to quantify the relative importance of 29 predictor variables for each metric of success. Drivers of translocation outcomes varied across time frames and success metrics. Management techniques had the greatest relative influence on the attainment of life‐cycle benchmarks and short‐term population trends, whereas site attributes and species’ traits were more important for population persistence and long‐term trends. Specifically, large founder sizes increased the potential for reproduction and recruitment into the next generation, whereas declining habitat quality and the outplanting of species with low seed production led to increased extinction risks and a reduction in potential reproductive output in the long‐term, respectively. We also detected novel interactions between some of the most important drivers, such as an increased probability of next‐generation recruitment in species with greater seed production rates, but only when coupled with large founder sizes. Because most significant barriers to plant translocation success can be overcome by improving techniques or resolving site‐level issues through early intervention and management, we suggest that by combining long‐term monitoring with adaptive management, translocation programs can enhance the prospects of achieving long‐term success.
Acryloyl esters of emodin for waterless dyeing and toxicological studies
Authors: Magalhães Gabriel Rampazzo , Militão Gabriely Fernanda Groto , de Farias Natália Oliveira , de Albuquerque Anjaina Fernandes , Botelho Marina Tenório , Räisänen Riikka , Freeman Harold S. , de Aragão Umbuzeiro Gisela
Published: September 2023

Traditional textile dyeing processes usually require large quantities of water and energy and generate wastewater that can be harmful to the environment. Dyeing in supercritical carbon dioxide (sc‐CO2) media is promising in textile coloration due especially to it providing a waterless process and eliminating the need for an energy intensive drying step. The natural anthraquinone emodin showed promising results for dyeing different fibres through sc‐CO2 process. However, emodin is mutagenic. The aim of this study was to develop non‐mutagenic derivatives of emodin that can be applied to textiles using sc‐CO2. Emodin structure was modified incorporating acryloyl groups, which are considered suitable for decreasing potential for DNA intercalation, and thus mutagenicity. The presence of acryloyl groups would also enable atmospheric plasma induced bonding with fibres. Molecular modelling studies showed that emodin derivatives became less planar with increasing number of attached acryloyl groups, making intercalation unlikely. The derivatives produced were tested to assess mutagenicity in vitro (Salmonella/microsome assay, TA1537, 10% S9) and in vivo (micronucleus test in hemocytes of aquatic crustacean). We found that emodin can be derivatised using acryloyl chlorides to give mono‐ and di‐acrylate esters suitable for dyeing polyester fibres in sc‐CO2. However, the new dyes presented mutagenicity for both in vitro and in vivo. Although the derivatives provided greenish‐yellow alternatives to emodin for dyeing synthetic fibres, they do not appear to be viable alternatives from the point of view of preserving human and environmental health. Plasma bonding studies are underway.