bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High IL-1β and IL-18 Levels Associate with Gut Barrier Disruption and Monocyte Activation During Chronic SIV Infection with Long-Term Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Thirugnanam Siva , Wang Chenxiao , Zheng Chen , Grasperge Brooke F. , Datta Prasun K. , Rappaport Jay , Qin Xuebin , Rout Namita
Published: June 2024

HIV-induced persistent immune activation is a key mediator of inflammatory comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and neurocognitive disorders. While a preponderance of data indicate that gut barrier disruption and microbial translocation are drivers of chronic immune activation, the molecular mechanisms of this persistent inflammatory state remain poorly understood. Here, utilizing the nonhuman primate model of HIV infection with suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART), we investigated activation of inflammasome pathways and their association with intestinal epithelial barrier disruption and CVD pathogenesis. Longitudinal blood samples obtained from rhesus macaques with chronic SIV infection and long-term suppressive ART were evaluated for biomarkers of intestinal epithelial barrier disruption (IEBD), inflammasome activation (IL-1β and IL-18), inflammatory cytokines, and triglyceride (TG) levels. Activated monocyte subpopulations and glycolytic potential were investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Higher plasma levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were observed following the hallmark increase in IEBD biomarkers, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (IFABP) and LPS-binding protein (LBP), during the chronic phase of treated SIV infection. Further, significant correlations of plasma IFABP levels with IL-1β and IL-18 were observed between 10-12 months of ART. Higher levels of sCD14, IL-6, and GM-CSF, among other inflammatory mediators, were also observed only during the long-term SIV+ART phase along with a trend of increase in frequencies of activated CD14+CD16+intermediate monocyte subpopulations. Lastly, we found elevated levels of blood TG and higher glycolytic capacity in PBMCs of chronic SIV-infected macaques with long-term ART. The increase in circulating IL-18 and IL-1β following IEBD and their significant positive correlation with IFABP suggest a connection between gut barrier disruption and inflammasome activation during chronic SIV infection, despite viral suppression with ART. Additionally, the increase in markers of monocyte activation, along with elevated TG and enhanced glycolytic pathway activity, indicates metabolic remodeling that could accelerate CVD pathogenesis. Further research is needed to understand mechanisms by which gut dysfunction and inflammasome activation contribute to HIV-associated CVD and metabolic complications, enabling targeted interventions in people with HIV.
Long-term ketogenic diet causes hyperlipidemia, liver dysfunction, and glucose intolerance from impaired insulin trafficking and secretion in mice
Authors: Gallop Molly R. , Vieira Renan F.L. , Matsuzaki Elijah T. , Mower Peyton D. , Liou Willisa , Smart Faith E. , Roberts Seth , Evason Kimberley J. , Holland William L. , Chaix Amandine
Published: June 2024

A ketogenic diet (KD) is a very low-carbohydrate, very high-fat diet proposed to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. While KD grows in popularity, its effects on metabolic health are understudied. Here we show that, in male and female mice, while KD protects against weight gain and induces weight loss, over long-term, mice develop hyperlipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and severe glucose intolerance. Unlike high fat diet-fed mice, KD mice are not insulin resistant and have low levels of insulin. Hyperglycemic clamp andex vivoGSIS revealed cell-autonomous and whole-body impairments in insulin secretion. Major ER/Golgi stress and disrupted ER-Golgi protein trafficking was indicated by transcriptomic profiling of KD islets and confirmed by electron micrographs showing a dilated Golgi network likely responsible for impaired insulin granule trafficking and secretion. Overall, our results suggest long-term KD leads to multiple aberrations of metabolic parameters that caution its systematic use as a health promoting dietary intervention.
Molecular characterization of gustatory second-order neurons reveals integrative mechanisms of gustatory and metabolic information
Authors: Mollá-Albaladejo Rubén , Jiménez-Caballero Manuel , Sánchez-Alcañiz Juan A.
Published: June 2024

Animals must balance the urgent need to find food during starvation with the critical necessity to avoid toxic substances to ensure their survival. InDrosophila, specialized Gustatory Receptors (GRs) expressed in Gustatory Receptor Neurons (GRNs) are critical for distinguishing between nutritious and potentially toxic food. GRNs project their axons from taste organs to the Subesophageal Zone (SEZ) in the Central Brain (CB) ofDrosophila, where gustatory information is processed. Although the roles of GRs and GRNs are well- documented, the processing of gustatory information in the SEZ remains unclear. To better understand gustatory sensory processing and feeding decision-making, we molecularly characterized the first layer of gustatory interneurons, referred to as Gustatory Second Order Neurons (G2Ns), which receive direct input from GRNs. Using trans-synaptic tracing withtrans-Tango, cell sorting, and bulk RNAseq under fed and starved conditions, we discovered that G2Ns vary based on gustatory input and that their molecular profile changes with the fly’s metabolic state. Further data analysis has revealed that a pair of neurons in the SEZ, expressing the neuropeptide Leucokinin (SELK neurons), receive simultaneous input from GRNs sensing bitter (potentially toxic) and sweet (nutritious) information. Additionally, these neurons also receive inputs regarding the starvation levels of the fly. These results highlight a novel mechanism of feeding regulation and metabolic integration.
Correlated Coulomb-Volkov approach and its application to the angular distributions of two-photon double ionization of helium
Authors: Denabe Arnaud , Mengoue M. Silenou , Kwato Njock M. G.
Published: June 2024

We investigate the double-ionization process of helium in brief and intense laser fields of 10, 16, and 40 optical cycles, linearly polarized with an intensity of 5×1012Wcm−2. We calculate the total two-photon double-ionization cross section for photon energies ranging from 39.5 to 54 eV and the triple-differential cross sections at a photon energy of 42 eV, using the correlated Coulomb-Volkov approach, which takes into account the interaction of the laser field with each electron (Volkov phase) and interactions of Coulombian nature between electrons and between electrons and the nucleus. The proposed wave function has the advantage of being much less time consuming due to the fact that it does not require a numerical propagation of the wave packet. The results of our calculations obtained for the nonsequential double photoionization are compared with previously reported data and good agreement is found with approaches using projections onto uncorrelated continuum states. This indicates that the disagreements that remain between some theoretical models for the process studied cannot simply be attributed to the electronic correlation in the continuum states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Vortex-pair dynamics in three-dimensional homogeneous dipolar superfluids
Authors: Prasad Srivatsa B. , Parker Nick G. , Baggaley Andrew W.
Published: June 2024

The static and dynamic properties of vortices in dipolar Bose-Einstein condensates (dBECs) can be considerably modified relative to their nondipolar counterparts by the anisotropic and long-ranged nature of the dipole-dipole interaction. Working in a uniform dBEC, we analyze the structure of single vortices and the dynamics of vortex pairs, investigating the deviations from the nondipolar paradigm. For a straight vortex line, we find that the induced dipolar interaction potential is axially anisotropic when the dipole moments have a nonzero projection orthogonal to the vortex line. This results in a corresponding elongation of the vortex core along this projection as well as an anisotropic superfluid phase and enhanced compressibility in the vicinity of the vortex core. Consequently, the trajectories of like-signed vortex pairs are described by a family of elliptical and oval-like curves rather than the familiar circular orbits. Similarly for opposite-signed vortex pairs their translation speeds along the binormal are found to be dipole-interaction dependent. We expect that these findings will shed light on the underlying mechanisms of many-vortex phenomena in dBECs such as quantum turbulence, vortex reconnections, and vortex lattices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Flavor-spin symmetry of the
PψN/HΩcccN
and
PψsΛ/HΩcccsΛ
molecular states
Authors: Chen Kan , Wang Bo
Published: June 2024

Based on a contact Lagrangian that incorporates the SU(3) flavor and SU(2) spin symmetries, we discuss the symmetry properties of the interactions among the heavy flavor meson-baryon PψN, PψsΛ (with quark components [nc¯][nnc], [sc¯][nnc], or [nc¯][nsc]) systems and dibaryon HΩcccN, HΩcccsΛ (with quark components [nnc][ncc], [nnc][scc], or [nsc][ncc]) systems (n=u, d). The light quark components of the PψN (PψsΛ) and HΩcccN (HΩcccsΛ) systems have identical flavors, the interactions generated from the exchanges of light mesons in the PψN (PψsΛ) systems should be very similar to that of the HΩcccN (HΩcccsΛ) systems. We perform the single-channel and multichannel calculations on the PψN/PψsΛ/HΩcccN/HΩcccsΛ systems and introduce the SU(3) breaking effect to identify the different mass spectra among the PψN (HΩcccN) and PψsΛ (HΩcccsΛ) systems. We suggest two kinds of evidences for the existence of the flavor-spin symmetry among the heavy flavor PψN/HΩcccN/PψsΛ/HΩcccsΛ molecule community, i.e., the mass arrangements of the PψN/HΩcccN/PψsΛ/HΩcccsΛ mass spectra and the binding energies of the heavy flavor meson-baryon (dibaryon) systems attributed to the same contact potentials.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Impact of a local
CP
-odd domain in hot QCD on the axionic domain-wall interpretation of NANOGrav 15-year data
Authors: Huang Linlin , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhang He-Xu , Matsuzaki Shinya , Ishida Hiroyuki , Kawaguchi Mamiya , Tomiya Akio
Published: June 2024

We argue that the axionic domain-wall with a QCD bias may be incompatible with the NANOGrav 15-year data on a stochastic gravitational wave (GW) background, when the domain wall network collapses in the hot-quantum chromodynamics (QCD) induced local CP-odd domain. This is due to the drastic suppression of the QCD bias set by the QCD topological susceptibility in the presence of the CP-odd domain with nonzero θ parameter of order one which the QCD sphaleron could generate. We quantify the effect on the GW signals by working on a low-energy effective model of Nambu-Jona-Lasinio type in the mean field approximation. We find that only at θ=π, the QCD bias tends to get significantly large enough due to the criticality of the thermal CP restoration, which would, however, give too big signal strengths to be consistent with the NANOGrav 15-year data and would also be subject to the strength of the phase transition at the criticality.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Calibrating gravitational-wave search algorithms with conformal prediction
Authors: Ashton Gregory , Colombo Nicolo , Harry Ian , Sachdev Surabhi
Published: June 2024

In astronomy, we frequently face the decision problem: does this data contain a signal? Typically, a statistical approach is used, which requires a threshold. The choice of threshold presents a common challenge in settings where signals and noise must be delineated, but their distributions overlap. Gravitational-wave astronomy, which has gone from the first discovery to catalogs of hundreds of events in less than a decade, presents a fascinating case study. For signals from colliding compact objects, the field has evolved from a frequentist to a Bayesian methodology. However, the issue of choosing a threshold and validating noise contamination in a catalog persists. Confusion and debate often arise due to the misapplication of statistical concepts, the complicated nature of the detection statistics, and the inclusion of astrophysical background models. We introduce conformal prediction (CP), a framework developed in machine learning to provide distribution-free uncertainty quantification to point predictors. We show that CP can be viewed as an extension of the traditional statistical frameworks whereby thresholds are calibrated such that the uncertainty intervals are statistically rigorous and the error rate can be validated. Moreover, we discuss how CP offers a framework to optimally build a metapipeline combining the outputs from multiple independent searches. We introduce CP with a toy cosmic-ray detector, which captures the salient features of most astrophysical search problems and allows us to demonstrate the features of CP in a simple context. We then apply the approach to a recent gravitational-wave mock data challenge using multiple search algorithms for compact binary coalescence signals in interferometric gravitational-wave data. Finally, we conclude with a discussion on the future potential of the method for gravitational-wave astronomy.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Clonal dynamics of surface-driven growing tissues
Authors: Mukhamadiarov Ruslan I. , Ciarchi Matteo , Olmeda Fabrizio , Rulands Steffen
Published: June 2024

The self-organization of cells into complex tissues relies on a tight coordination of cell behavior. Identifying the cellular processes driving tissue growth is key to understanding the emergence of tissue forms and devising targeted therapies for aberrant growth, such as in cancer. Inferring the mode of tissue growth, whether it is driven by cells on the surface or by cells in the bulk, is possible in cell culture experiments but difficult in most tissues in living organisms (). Genetic tracing experiments, where a subset of cells is labeled with inheritable markers, have become important experimental tools to study cell fate . Here we show that the mode of tissue growth is reflected in the size distribution of the progeny of marked cells. To this end, we derive the clone size distributions using analytical calculations in the limit of negligible cell migration and cell death, and we test our predictions with an agent-based stochastic sampling technique. We show that for surface-driven growth the clone size distribution takes a characteristic power-law form with an exponent determined by fluctuations of the tissue surface. Our results propose a possible way of determining the mode of tissue growth from genetic tracing experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Early Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing
Authors: Katabarwa Amara , Gratsea Katerina , Caesura Athena , Johnson Peter D.
Published: June 2024

In recent years, research in quantum computing has largely focused on two approaches: near-term intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computing and future fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC). A growing body of research into early fault-tolerant quantum computing (EFTQC) is exploring how to utilize quantum computers during the transition between these two eras. However, without agreed-upon characterizations of this transition, it is unclear how best to utilize EFTQC architectures. We argue for the perspective that this transition period will be characterized by a law of diminishing returns in quantum error correction (QEC), where the ability of the architecture to maintain quality operations at scale determines the point of diminishing returns. Two challenges emerge from this picture: how to model this phenomenon of diminishing return of QEC as the performance of devices is continually improving and how to design algorithms to make the most use of these devices. To address these challenges, we present models for the performance of EFTQC architectures, capturing the diminishing returns of QEC. We then use these models to elucidate the regimes in which algorithms suited to such architectures are advantageous. As a concrete example, we show that for the canonical task of phase estimation, in a regime of moderate scalability and using just over one million physical qubits, the “reach” of the quantum computer can be extended (compared to the standard approach) from 90-qubit instances to over 130-qubit instances using a simple early fault-tolerant quantum algorithm, which reduces the number of operations per circuit by a factor of 100 and increases the number of circuit repetitions by a factor of 10 000. This clarifies the role that such algorithms might play in the era of limited-scalability quantum computing.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Towards a future-oriented accountability: accounting for the future through Earth Observation data
Authors: Granà Fabrizio , Achilli Giulia , Giovannoni Elena , Busco Cristiano
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper follows the call for more future-oriented practices within organisations, particularly in relation to how they respond to growing concerns about Earth’s sustainability and life on the Planet. This study aims to explore how the data produced by major scientific projects in the Space sector can support future-oriented accountability practices by enabling both a projection and an imagination of a more or less distant future, thereby feeding into accountability practices.

Design/methodology/approach

We rely upon a multiple interpretative case study analysis and interview-based data from three main organisations in the Earth observation (EO) value chain: an International Space Company, a Research Centre of Energy Transition and a European Private Equity Firm.

Findings

We find that future-oriented accountability practices can be fed by a creative assemblage of scientific data provided by Space sector’s programmes with different sources of knowledge and information. These data are embedded into a broader accountability system, connecting different actors through a “value chain”: from the data providers, gathering data from Space, to the primary users, working on data modelling and analysis, to the end users, such as local authorities, public and private organisations. The predictive data and expertise exchanged throughout the value chain feed into future-oriented accountability efforts across different time-space contexts, as a projected and imagined, more or less distant, future informs the actions and accounts in the present.

Originality/value

This research extends the literature on the time dimension of accountability. We show how a creative assemblage of scientific data with different sources of knowledge and information –such as those provided by Space sector’s programmes and EO data – enable organisations to both project the present into (a more or less distant) future and imagine this future differently while taking responsibility, and accounting for, what could be done and desired in response to it. We also contribute to the limited literature on accountability in the Space sector by examining the intricate accountability dynamics underpinning the relationships among the different actors in the EO data value chain.
Unlocking circular supply chain 4.0: identifying key barriers through bibliometrics and TISM-MICMAC
Authors: Siddiqui Areej Aftab , Lahmar Arij , Singh Parul , Arora Kashika , Samadhiya Ashutosh , Kumar Anil
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the dynamic interplay between Circular Economy (CE) and Supply Chain (SC). Further, this paper develops a framework indicating the transition from conventional SC to SC 4.0. As it addresses the separate bodies of literature on CE and SC 4.0, the study attempts to bridge the gap by examining barriers to SC 4.0 adoption in CE.

Design/methodology/approach

The article integrates bibliometric analysis with Total Interpretive Structural Modeling (TISM) and MICMAC analysis, thereby enriching the methodological rigour in investigating the barriers to SC 4.0 adoption within the CE context.

Findings

The paper provides insights into research trends, influential scholars, journals and prominent institutions through bibliometric analysis. Also, the findings identify four broad areas of driving, autonomous, linkage and dependent barriers to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of their impact and interdependencies.

Research limitations/implications

The findings imply that effective policy interventions, enhanced management practices, and the adoption of technological innovations are essential for overcoming barriers to SC 4.0. The research recommends that stakeholders focus on fostering collaborative networks, building competencies in line with CE requirements, and leveraging big data for strategic supply chain decision-making.

Originality/value

This work contributes to the advancement of the circular digital supply field by consolidating research streams, uncovering innovation prospects, and shaping a well-informed research agenda. The distinct contribution lies in its categorization of these barriers into driving, autonomous, linkage, and dependent barriers, offering a novel perspective on the structural dynamics impeding the integration of SC 4.0 in CE.
Career sustainability of digital micro-entrepreneurs: strategic insights from YouTubers in India
Authors: Mishra Abhyudaya Anand , Maheshwari Mridul , Donald William E.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Drawing on a framework of sustainable career theory, this paper aims to understand the interplay of agentic and contextual factors for digital micro-entrepreneurs to lead sustainable careers.

Design/methodology/approach

Eighteen YouTube content creators in India participated in semi-structured interviews, offering coverage of digital content creators across acting, cosmetics, finance, fitness, food, law, modelling, music, teaching, travel, and video games.

Findings

The findings showed three agentic and three contextual themes associated with the career sustainability of a digital micro-entrepreneur. Additionally, four paradoxes were identified, capturing the interplay between the agentic and contextual themes.

Practical implications

The career of a digital micro-entrepreneur is a dichotomy of promising hope, stardom, and flexibility while concealing challenges like precarity, hate comments, and financial instability. Knowing this can help individuals make better-informed career decisions.

Originality/value

The study advances sustainable career theory by capturing insights from digital micro-entrepreneurs in India to understand the interplay of agentic and contextual factors that create a series of paradoxes for such individuals to navigate over time.
A green project scheduling with material ordering problem considering cost constraints and quality of materials
Authors: Kebriyaii Omid , Heidari Ali , Khalilzadeh Mohammad , Pamucar Dragan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Integrating project scheduling and material ordering problems is vital in realistically estimating project cost and duration. Also, the quality level of materials is important as one of the key project success factors.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a three-objective mathematical model is presented for green project scheduling with materials ordering problems considering rental resources. The first objective is to minimize the total cost of the project site and logistics. The second objective is to minimize the environmental impacts of producing materials and the third objective is to maximize the total quality of materials. Since costs trigger several challenges in projects, cost constraints are considered in this model for the first time and also the cost of delay in supplying of materials by the suppliers has been deducted from the project costs. Subsequently, the model was implemented in a real case and solved by the Lagrangian Relaxation algorithm as an exact method on GAMS software for model validation.

Findings

Based on sensitivity analysis of some parameters, the findings indicate that the cost constraint and lead time have considerable effects on the project duration. Also, integrating project scheduling and material ordering improves the robustness of the project schedule.

Originality/value

The primary contributions of the present research can be stated as follows: considering the cost constraints in the project scheduling with material ordering problem, incorporating the rental resources and taking the quality levels of materials as well as the environmental impacts into account.
The influence of talent management practices on talents’ intention to stay: an empirical study from China
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Xiangqing , Zhu Jian , Chen Xueshuang
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Drawing on cognitive-affective personality system (CAPS) theory, this study proposes a chained multi-mediation model to examine the impact of talent management practices on talents’ intention to stay from the integration of cognitive perspective and affective perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Three-wave data collected from 268 talents of Chinese organizations supported the research model. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the direct effects and the Bootstrap method was used to test the chain multi-mediation effects.

Findings

(a) Talent management practices positively affect talents’ intention to stay. (b) Perceived overqualification and perceived no growth mediate the relationship between talent management practices and talents’ intention to stay from a cognitive perspective. (c) Affective commitment mediates the relationship between talent management practices and talents’ intention to stay from an affective perspective. (d) “Perceived overqualification-affective commitment” and “perceived no growth-affective commitment” act as chain mediators between talent management practices and talents’ intention to stay, with the latter showing a stronger effect.

Originality/value

This study provided a comprehensive framework that examines the relationship between talent management practices and talents’ intention to stay from cognitive and affective perspectives. It contributes to deepen the understanding of the effectiveness of talent management practices and offer valuable management instructions for organizations to retain talents.
Assessing the effects of logistics performance on export and competitiveness using SEM methodology: evidence from firm-level data
Authors: Bugarčić Filip Ž. , Stanišić Nenad , Marinković Veljko
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to determine the importance of trade logistics in export intensification and competitiveness on the level of individual companies. Within the framework of logistics performance, the influences of customs efficiency and physical trade infrastructure quality were tested on export while the contribution to improving competitiveness was analyzed through logistics services and the Logistics 4.0 component. In addition, the influence of competitiveness on companies’ exports was examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted based on a survey intended for the management of export-oriented companies which was distributed through the system of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. A total of 298 responses were collected and provided the basis for the application of structural equation modeling (SEM) approach.

Findings

The physical trade infrastructure was found to be a significant factor in stimulating exports, while the quality of logistics services has a statistically significant impact on the level of competitiveness. The results also indicate that improving the competitiveness of companies gives positive results in stimulating their exports.

Originality/value

Studies that analyze the impact of trade logistics using primary data from surveys are rare. In this paper, for the first time, the SEM methodology was applied in the assessment of logistics performance effects on export and competitiveness of individual companies. Also, the impact of the logistics 4.0 concept on selected companies’ performance was empirically tested for the first time.
Validation of the Wise Leadership Questionnaire (WLQ)
Authors: Hassi Abderrahman , Storti Giovanna , Touhs Kenza
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to validate the psychometric properties of the Wise Leadership Questionnaire (WLQ).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from three independent samples from Canada, China and Morocco (n = 616). Factor analysis, first- and second-order confirmatory factor analyses, structural equation modeling and Bayesian approach were used.

Findings

Study 1 confirmed that the WLQ higher-order factor structure is the most adequate theoretical model to capture the four-factor structure of the wise leadership scale, namely, intellectual shrewdness, spurring action, moral conduct and cultivating humility which are essential for a leader to qualify as wise. Study 2 assessed and supported the criterion-related validity by approving that the higher-order wise leadership construct constituted a predictor of work outcomes such as followers’ subordinates’ performance and job satisfaction. Confirmatory factor analysis results yielded a second-order factor of the wise leadership construct with four first-order factors, namely, the four wise leadership dimensions. The correlations between the four first-order factors (i.e. dimensions) and the second-order factor of the wise leadership are positive and statistically significant in both the China and Morocco samples. They are, respectively, as follows: intellectual shrewdness (β = 0.74; 0.62, p < 0.01), spurring action (β = 0.52; 0.76, p < 0.01), moral conduct (β = 0.76; 0.62, p < 0.01) and cultivating humility (β = 0.78; 0.69, p < 0.01).

Originality/value

Results suggest that the new wise leadership construct is positively associated with followers’ subordinates’ job performance and job satisfaction directly and indirectly through supervisory support, emphasizing the added value and relevance of the WLQ.
Entrepreneurial university support and entrepreneurial career: the directions for university policy to influence students’ entrepreneurial intention and behavior
Authors: Murad Muhammad , Othman Shahrina Binti , Kamarudin Muhamad Ali Imran Bin
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Academic scholars have tested students’ entrepreneurial intention (SEI) through the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Still, the link between entrepreneurial intention and career is missing in previous studies. An extensive literature review developed the rationale that existing theories in the entrepreneurial discipline have limitations in linking entrepreneurial intention with career. This research is conducted to develop a comprehensive model for the relationship between entrepreneurial university support, student entrepreneurial intention, behavior and career. Stimulus-Organism-Behavior-Consequence (SOBC) paradigm from organizational behavior research is borrowed to entrepreneurship literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The cross-sectional data was collected from Pakistani university students enrolled in business incubators. A sample of 100 responses was tested with a partial least square–structural equation modelling approach.

Findings

The study established that by the underpinning of SOBC, entrepreneurial university support influences students’ entrepreneurial intention. It is also found that the students’ entrepreneurial intention strongly influences their entrepreneurial behavior, leading them to entrepreneurship careers.

Research limitations/implications

The policies influencing students’ entrepreneurial intention and behavior can be developed using the SOBC paradigm. Higher education institutions can improve students’ entrepreneurial intentions and behavior to lead them to entrepreneurship careers.

Originality/value

This research introduced the SOBC paradigm in entrepreneurial intention and behavior literature. SOBC underpinning explored a new dimension of entrepreneurial intention and behavior literature.
Is the insurance industry sustainable?
Authors: Eling Martin
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework for discussing sustainability within the insurance industry, extending the traditional Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) dimensions to include economic and technological considerations. This inclusion is vital, recognizing that financial stability and the adoption of innovative technologies are fundamental to meeting other sustainability targets.

Design/methodology/approach

We base our findings on an extensive literature review, case studies, and interactive workshops with key stakeholders in the insurance industry. Our analytical framework employs Porter's (1985) insurance-specific value chain, complemented by Berliner's (1982) insurability criteria, to distinguish between insurable and non-insurable risks.

Findings

Our results show that the insurance industry is sustainable because it actively incorporates and contributes to sustainability goals across environmental, social, economic, and technological dimensions. This is illustrated through the identification of 50 distinct contributions across the insurance value chain, showcasing the sector’s unique position to significantly influence the sustainability discourse.

Practical implications

Addressing the pressing challenges of sustainability and insurability necessitates a strategic, collective response from the global insurance and risk management community. This paper proposes several policy recommendations, including enhancing risk assessment methodologies, diversifying insurance product offerings, encouraging cross-sectoral collaboration, and prioritizing investments in resilience and preventive measures.

Originality/value

By broadening the sustainability discussion to encompass economic and technological facets, this paper enriches the dialogue surrounding the insurance industry’s role in sustainability. It aims to inform decision-makers across the industry, political spheres, and broader society about the necessity of sustainability, fostering pertinent political discussions and highlighting avenues for future research.
The “Silent Firefighters”: an examination and evaluation of peer support sessions for medical laboratory professionals in Canada
Authors: Mete Rosina E. , Djukic Brandon , Nielsen Christine
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Peer Support Project was a formal and virtual peer support group pilot for medical laboratory professionals in Canada to determine its application for CSMLS members and obtain information regarding the current state of medical laboratory professionals’ mental health, well-being and burnout. CSMLS learned what is contributing to stress at work, coping strategies and barriers to accessing support or help for their mental health among medical laboratory professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative and exploratory pilot study examined medical laboratory professionals from Canada. Two peer support groups were facilitated in April and May 2022 by a trained mental health clinician. Peer support delivery was virtual and delivered via Zoom. The purposive sample featured medical laboratory technologists, Educators and Supervisors/Directors who were CSMLS members. The qualitative analysis was conducted via analytical memos and incorporated both manual and NVivo software analysis.

Findings

Overall themes were identified within the data analysis and included barriers to mental health care; increased stigma for mental health; mixed messaging regarding mental health; feeling invisible; medical laboratory professionals would like to manage stress better but their increasing workload demands and challenges with scheduling and staffing add to their stress. Participants also highlighted their role and its context using metaphors such as “the silent firefighters”, and “the Bass Guitar of the Hospital”. Based on the evaluations, the peer support sessions encouraged participants to address their own mental health, validate their experiences and increase their comfort level in discussing mental health.

Social implications

It identified a potential resource for medical laboratory professionals and determined that further mental health resources would be beneficial for their field. It also identified their strong commitment to patient care and their role as a medical laboratory professional.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to examine peer support as a mental health resource for medical laboratory professionals. Additionally, its focus was on a Canadian population with virtual delivery.
Effect of grain orientation distribution on the mechanical properties of Al-7.02Mg-1.78Zn alloys
Authors: Chen Xin , Zheng Xiaoyu , He Meiling , Liu Yuling , Mao Hong , Li Xiwu , Yan Hongwei , Kong Yi , Li Liya , Du Yong
Published: June 2024

Purpose

During the forming process, aluminum alloy sheets develop various types of textures and are subjected to cyclic loading as structural components, resulting in fatigue damage. This study aims to develop polycrystalline models with different orientation distributions and incorporate suitable fatigue indicator parameters to investigate the effect of orientation distribution on the mechanical properties of Al-7.02Mg-1.78Zn alloys under cyclic loading.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a two-dimensional polycrystalline model with 150 equiaxed grains was constructed based on optical microscope images. Subsequently, six different orientation distributions were assigned to this model. The fatigue indicator parameter of strain energy dissipation is utilized to analyze the stress response and fatigue crack driving force in polycrystalline models with different orientation distributions subjected to cyclic loading.

Findings

The study found that orientation distribution significantly influences fatigue crack initiation. Orientation distributions with a larger average Schmid factor exhibit reduced stress response and lower fatigue indicator parameters. Locations with a larger average Schmid factor experience greater plastic deformation and present a higher risk for fatigue crack initiation. RVE with a single orientation undergoes more rotation to reach cyclic steady state under cyclic loading due to the ease of deformation transfer.

Originality/value

Currently, there are no reports in the literature on the calculation of fatigue crack initiation for Al-Mg-Zn alloys using the crystal plasticity finite element method. This study presents a novel strategy for simulating the response of Al-7.02Mg-1.78Zn materials with different orientation distributions under symmetric strain cyclic loading, providing valuable references for future research.
Optimising international trade: the examination of Incoterms selection by exporters and importers
Authors: Sheikh Wahidul , Miah S. M. Abu Nahiyan , Hasan Md. Tanvir , Zitu Khadija Khatun , Hosain Jakir
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to gain a deep understanding of the process of international commercial terms (Incoterms) selection by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh and identify the key factors that influence their choices. The study also intends to explore the discrepancy between the literature and the actual industry practice so that policymakers and traders can make more informed decisions in this respect.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a mixed methodology. Initially, 20 factors under five principle components were identified by reviewing the literature. The semi-structured one-to-one interview method has been used to gather expert opinions on the factors and to identify the discrepancy between literature and actual industry practices. Finally, eight factors have been identified and surveyed using the best-worst method (BWM) to determine their relative significance or weights in Incoterm selection.

Findings

The study has found that government policies, the influence of banks and currency fluctuations are the top three influential factors in selecting Incoterms by SMEs in Bangladesh. As a result, the most commonly used Incoterms are free on board (FOB) for the exporters and cost and freight (CFR) for the importers. However, discrepancies have been identified between the selected and the actual application of the Incoterms.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to identify and analyse the factors that influence the selection of Incoterms by the SMEs in the context of a developing nation. The study has identified the factors from both importers’ and exporters’ perspectives that have not been done by any previous studies. Moreover, this study explores the discrepancies between the agreed Incoterm and the actual industry practices which is a unique contribution to the literature.
Numerical simulation of antibacterial and antiviral mechanisms using silver nanoparticles with the dynamics of Casson–Walters-B and variable thermophysical properties
Authors: Falodun Bidemi Olumide , Tijani Musa Oladipupo , Adenekan Ibrahim Oyeyemi , Abraham Olabode Amos , Ogunsanya Tolulope Idiat
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to consider the dynamics of Casson–Walters-B alongside gyrotactic microorganisms through the investigation of antibacterial and antiviral mechanisms using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The Casson fluid and Walters-B flow from the penetrable plate to the boundary layer (BL) in this analysis. The antiviral and antibacterial mechanisms of AgNPs were separately examined in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

The physical phenomenon of this problem was analyzed with partial differential equations (PDEs). These PDEs were changed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) to further explain the significance of pertinent control parameters. The set of equations is solved numerically by implementing the spectral relaxation method (SRM). SRM is a numerical technique that uses the basic techniques of Gauss-Seidel. The SRM first decouples and linearizes the coupled nonlinear set of ODEs.

Findings

In this finding, it is found that the thermal radiation parameter produces higher temperatures within the BL to cause blockage in viral replications. It is found in this study that the magnetic parameter assisted in disinfection by lowering the antiviral and antibacterial mechanisms within the momentum BL. This is evident from the reduction in the velocity and momentum BL as the Casson and Walters-B parameters increase.

Originality/value

This paper is unique because it examined the antiviral and antibacterial mechanisms by using AgNPs. Prior to the authors’ understanding, no study of this type was conducted in the past. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other study in the past has examined the mechanisms of antiviral and antibacterial separately within the BL. Also, the simultaneous flow of Casson (honey) and Walters-B fluids were considered flowing through the vertical porous plate to the BL.
Repairing the United Kingdom's Asylum System
Authors: Yeo Colin
Published: June 2024

The United Kingdom's asylum system for assessing and managing the processing of claims for international protection is widely perceived as fundamentally broken. For some its dysfunction lies in the numbers claiming asylum and the absence of control over their entry. For others the problems center on the danger that asylum seekers endure to reach the United Kingdom and the protracted and dehumanising nature of the process they endure. All can agree that the system is costing far too much at present due to the need to accommodate the very considerable number of asylum seekers awaiting a decision. The linked issues of delay and cost have now been substantially addressed. But there are new problems looming. These all revolve around dealing with the pathway to either integration or departure. Delays in the appeal system, lack of focus on voluntary and involuntary departures, misuse of detention spaces and improving the integration of refugees all need urgent attention.
Renewable energy transition and green productivity growth in sub‐Saharan African countries: A convergence analysis
Authors: Diallo Souleymane
Published: June 2024

Climate change is one of the main issues facing countries in sub‐Saharan Africa. Improving green productivity is essential for transitioning to low‐carbon economies and mitigating climate change in this region. The existing literature does not emphasise the role of the energy transition in green productivity growth. Yet this analysis is important given the essential role of energy in the production process and the high endowment of renewable energy sources in the area. Thus, this paper contributes to the literature by examining the effect of the renewable energy transition on green productivity growth through a convergence analysis for 35 sub‐Saharan African countries from 2000 to 2020. The results of the logt test reveal the existence of three main convergence clubs in terms of green productivity. The first club with low productivity is made up of 23 countries, the second club with average productivity contains 8 countries, and the third club with high productivity comprises 3 countries, while 1 country is divergent. The renewable energy transition is a determining factor in the formation of these convergence clubs. Indeed, the results of the ordered logit regression show that an increase in the level of the renewable energy transition has a positive impact on the probability of countries joining convergence clubs with higher green productivity. Further analysis with the Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) reveals that the critical threshold for renewable energy share in the energy mix that allows countries to converge globally toward the green productivity frontier in the long term is 32.63%. Regarding policy implications, the results highlight the need to encourage the renewable energy transition to increase green productivity in sub‐Saharan African countries. This could involve strengthening policies to promote investment in the sector (creation of green funds and/or tax incentives) and subsidies for renewable energy consumption.
Genome‐wide identification and phylogenetic analysis of the tetraspanin gene family in lepidopteran insects and expression profiling analysis in Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Wang Chenyang , Zhang Yinuo , Guan Fang , He Ya‐Zhou , Wu Yidong
Published: June 2024

The tetraspanin gene family encodes cell‐surface proteins that span the membrane 4 times and play critical roles in a wide range of biological processes across numerous organisms. Recent findings highlight the involvement of a tetraspanin of the lepidopteran pest Helicoverpa armigera in resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry insecticidal proteins, which are extensively used in transgenic crops. Thus, a better understanding of lepidopteran tetraspanins is urgently needed. In the current study, genome scanning in 10 lepidopteran species identified a total of 283 sequences encoding potential tetraspanins. Based on conserved cysteine patterns in the large extracellular loop and their phylogenetic relationships, these tetraspanins were classified into 8 subfamilies (TspA to TspH). Six ancestral introns were identified within lepidopteran tetraspanin genes. Tetraspanins in TspA, TspB, TspC, and TspD subfamilies exhibit highly similar gene organization, while tetraspanins in the remaining 4 subfamilies exhibited variation in intron loss and/or gain during evolution. Analysis of chromosomal distribution revealed a lepidopteran‐specific cluster of 10 to 11 tetraspanins, likely formed by tandem duplication events. Selective pressure analysis indicated negative selection across all orthologous groups, with ω values ranging between 0.004 and 0.362. However, positive selection was identified at 18 sites within TspB5, TspC5, TspE3, and TspF10. Furthermore, spatiotemporal expression analysis of H. armigera tetraspanins demonstrated variable expression levels across different developmental stages and tissues, suggesting diverse functions of tetraspanin members in this globally important insect pest. Our findings establish a solid foundation for subsequent functional investigations of tetraspanins in lepidopteran species.