bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytomegalovirus Matching in Deceased Donor Kidney Allocation: Results From a U.S. National Simulation Model
Authors: Sandikçi Burhaneddin , Ulukuş M. Yasin , Ergün Mehmet Ali , Tanriöver Bekir
Published: May 2024

Background.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infects >60% of adults and can pose an independent risk factor for allograft loss and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a nationwide implementation of CMV seromatching (donor/recipient: D−/R− and D+/R+) in the U.S. deceased donor kidney allocation system (KAS).

Methods.

Adult candidates on the U.S. kidney-only transplant waiting list and deceased donor kidneys offered to the U.S. transplant centers were considered. A discrete-event simulation model, simulating the pre-COVID-19 period from January 1, 2015, to January 1, 2018, was used to compare the performances of currently employed KAS-250 policy (without CMV matching) to various simulated CMV matching policies parameterized by calculated panel reactive antibody exception threshold. Outcomes included CMV serodistribution, waiting time, access to transplantation among various groups, transplant rate, graft survival, kidney discard rate, and antigen-mismatch distribution, stratified by CMV serostatus.

Results.

CMV matching policy with a calculated panel reactive antibody exception threshold of 50% (namely, theCMV“>50%”policy) strikes a better balance between benefits and drawbacks of CMV matching. Compared with KAS-250,CMV“>50%”reduced CMV high-risk (D+/R−) transplants (6.1% versus 18.1%) and increased CMV low-risk (D−/R−) transplants (27.2% versus 13.1%); increased transplant rate for CMV R− patients (11.54 versus 12.57) but decreased for R+ patients (10.68 versus 10.48), yielding an increase in aggregate (11.09 versus 10.94); and reduced mean time to transplantation (by 6 wk); and reduced kidney discard rate (25.7% versus 26.2%).

Conclusions.

Our findings underscore the feasibility and potential advantages of a nationwide CMV seromatching policy in kidney transplantation.
Increasing Eligibility to Transplant Through the Selective Cytopheretic Device: A Review of Case Reports Across Multiple Clinical Conditions
Authors: Iyer Sai Prasad N. , Pino Christopher J. , Yessayan Lenar T. , Goldstein Stuart L. , Weir Matthew R. , Westover Angela J. , Catanzaro David A. , Chung Kevin K. , Humes H. David
Published: May 2024

A stable, minimum physiological health status is required for patients to qualify for transplant or artificial organ support eligibility to ensure the recipient has enough reserve to survive the perioperative transplant period. Herein, we present a novel strategy to stabilize and improve patient clinical status through extracorporeal immunomodulation of systemic hyperinflammation with impact on multiple organ systems to increase eligibility and feasibility for transplant/device implantation. This involves treatment with the selective cytopheretic device (SCD), a cell-directed extracorporeal therapy shown to adhere and immunomodulate activated neutrophils and monocytes toward resolution of systemic inflammation. In this overview, we describe a case series of successful transition of pediatric and adult patients with multiorgan failure to successful transplant/device implantation procedures by treatment with the SCD in the following clinical situations: pediatric hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and adult hepatorenal and cardiorenal syndromes. Application of the SCD in these cases may represent a novel paradigm in increasing clinical eligibility of patients to successful transplant outcomes.
“No-Touch” Left Approach for Recipient Hepatectomy: A Promising Strategy to Minimize Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Yang Shiwei , Rong Guanghua , Tan Haidong , Liu Xiaolei , Si Shuang , Zhou Ruiquan , Wang Haotong , Zhu Jiqiao , Li Xianliang , He Qiang , Han Dongdong
Published: May 2024

Background.

Managing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents significant clinical challenges, often necessitating orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). To mitigate the risk of iatrogenic metastasis during OLT and reduce posttransplantation recurrence (PTR), we introduced the “no-touch” left (NTL) approach for recipient hepatectomy in OLT.

Methods.

In this retrospective cohort study, our aim was to compare the safety and PTR rates in patients undergoing OLT via either the NTL technique or the conventional approach for recipient hepatectomy. We included 106 patients who met the Hangzhou criteria and exhibited a high tumor burden in the right lobe, with 50 patients assigned to the NTL group and 56 to the conventional group. The primary endpoint was the 1-y PTR rate, whereas secondary endpoints encompassed the safety of the NTL approach, PTR rates at 2 and 5 y, and overall survival.

Results.

Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics showed no significant differences between the groups. The NTL approach exhibited major surgical outcomes similar to those of the conventional approach. The cumulative PTR rates at 1, 2, and 5 y were 14.0% in the NTL group, compared with 24.5%, 35.8%, and 35.8% in the conventional group (P = 0.013). Cumulative overall survival rates at 1, 2, and 5 y were 94.0%, 91.9%, and 89.7% in the NTL group and 88.7%, 75.5%, and 72.5% in the conventional group (P = 0.03).

Conclusions.

This innovative surgical technique enhances safety and significantly reduces the risk of PTR, leading to improved long-term survival. Further prospective studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods are needed to validate our findings and establish the NTL approach as a standard practice in OLT.
Identifying Novel Therapeutic Targets for Overcoming TNBC Chemo Resistance Through Comprehensive CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Screening
Authors: Shao Shuai , Li Shangjia , Tang Shan , Fan Kunjie , Li Lang
Published: May 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents 15-20% of cases but disproportionately contributes to 35% of breast cancer deaths. Chemotherapy resistance remains a significant challenge in TNBC treatment. In this study, we identified the MDA-MB-231 cell line as the most representative model for TNBC chemotherapy-poor responders by comparing genomic profiles from TNBC cell lines and patient samples. We performed a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen and RNAseq analysis in MDA-MB-231 cells to uncover potential synthetic lethal targets for cisplatin/doxorubicin treatment.

Our analysis confirmed the involvement of known essential genes in DNA damage repair and regulation of DNA replication pathways, such as BCL2L1, ATM, CDC25B, and NBN, in sensitizing cells to cisplatin/doxorubicin. Additionally, We identified hundreds of previously unrecognized genes and pathways related to DNA repair, G2/M DNA damage checkpoint, AMPK signaling, and mTOR signaling. The observed differences between transcriptomic responses and essential pathways from the CRISPR screen suggest a complex regulatory system in cellular response to DNA damage drugs. By combining various data analysis methods and biological experimental approaches, we have pinpointed several promising genes, such as MCM9 and NEPPS, which could serve as potential drug targets to overcome chemoresistance.

Overall, our approach efficiently identified essential genes with potential synthetic lethal interactions with cisplatin/doxorubicin, offering new possibilities for combination therapies in chemo resistant TNBC patients.
Recombinant inbred line panels inform the genetic architecture and interactions of adaptive traits inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Ribeiro Tiago da Silva , Lollar Matthew J. , Sprengelmeyer Quentin D. , Huang Yuheng , Benson Derek M. , Orr Megan S. , Johnson Zachary C. , Corbett-Detig Russell B. , Pool John E.
Published: May 2024

The distribution of allelic effects on traits, along with their gene-by-gene and gene-by-environment interactions, contributes to the phenotypes available for selection and the trajectories of adaptive variants. Nonetheless, uncertainty persists regarding the effect sizes underlying adaptations and the importance of genetic interactions. Herein, we aimed to investigate the genetic architecture and the epistatic and environmental interactions involving loci that contribute to multiple adaptive traits using two new panels ofDrosophila melanogasterrecombinant inbred lines (RILs). To better fit our data, we re-implemented functions from R/qtl (Bromanet al. 2003) using additive genetic models. We found 14 quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying melanism, wing size, song pattern, and ethanol resistance. By combining our mapping results with population genetic statistics, we identified potential new genes related to these traits. None of the detected QTLs showed clear evidence of epistasis, and our power analysis indicated that we should have seen at least one significant interaction if sign epistasis or strong positive epistasis played a pervasive role in trait evolution. In contrast, we did find roles for gene-by-environment interactions involving pigmentation traits. Overall, our data suggest that the genetic architecture of adaptive traits often involves alleles of detectable effect, that strong epistasis does not always play a role in adaptation, and that environmental interactions can modulate the effect size of adaptive alleles.
The landscape of gene loss and missense variation across the mammalian tree informs on gene essentiality
Authors: Liao Calwing , Ye Robert , Ivankovic Franjo , Fu Jack M. , Walters Raymond , Lowther Chelsea , Walkanas Elise , Churchhouse Claire , Samocha Kaitlin E. , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin , Karlsson Elinor , Hiller Michael , Talkowski Michael E. , Neale Benjamin M.
Published: May 2024

Background

The degree of gene and sequence preservation across species provides valuable insights into the relative necessity of genes from the perspective of natural selection. Here, we developed novel interspecies metrics across 462 mammalian species, GISMO (Gene identity score of mammalian orthologs) and GISMO-mis (GISMO-missense), to quantify gene loss traversing millions of years of evolution. GISMO is a measure of gene loss across mammals weighed by evolutionary distance relative to humans, whereas GISMO-mis quantifies the ratio of missense to synonymous variants across mammalian species for a given gene.

Rationale

Despite large sample sizes, current human constraint metrics are still not well calibrated for short genes. Traversing over 100 million years of evolution across hundreds of mammals can identify the most essential genes and improve gene-disease association. Beyond human genetics, these metrics provide measures of gene constraint to further enable mammalian genetics research.

Results

Our analyses showed that both metrics are strongly correlated with measures of human gene constraint for loss-of-function, missense, and copy number dosage derived from upwards of a million human samples, which highlight the power of interspecies constraint. Importantly, neither GISMO nor GISMO-mis are strongly correlated with coding sequence length. Therefore both metrics can identify novel constrained genes that were too small for existing human constraint metrics to capture. We also found that GISMO scores capture rare variant association signals across a range of phenotypes associated with decreased fecundity, such as schizophrenia, autism, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Moreover, common variant heritability of disease traits are highly enriched in the most constrained deciles of both metrics, further underscoring the biological relevance of these metrics in identifying functionally important genes. We further showed that both scores have the lowest duplication and deletion rate in the most constrained deciles for copy number variants in the UK Biobank, suggesting that it may be an important metric for dosage sensitivity. We additionally demonstrate that GISMO can improve prioritization of recessive disorder genes and captures homozygous selection.

Conclusions

Overall, we demonstrate that the most constrained genes for gene loss and missense variation capture the largest fraction of heritability, GISMO can help prioritize recessive disorder genes, and identify the most conserved genes across the mammalian tree.
Combined physical and pharmaceutical anabolic osteoporosis therapies synergistically increase bone response and local mechanoregulation
Authors: Schulte Friederike A , Griesbach Julia K , Weigt Claudia , von Salis-Soglio Marcella , Lambers Floor M. , Marques Francisco Correia , Kneissel Michaela , Richards Peter J , Kuhn Gisela A , Mueller Ralph
Published: May 2024

Despite bone's natural adaptation to mechanical demands, the role of physical therapy alongside osteoporosis drug treatments remains unclear, leaving patients questioning its interaction with medications. Emerging research aims to clarify whether combining physical with drug therapies offers better outcomes for bone strength than either approach alone. Here, we use in vivo micro-computed tomography and computational mechanics to investigate the effect of combined physical and drug treatment in a mouse model of osteoporosis. We show that combining mechanical loading with drugs led to synergistically enhanced bone volume, strength, and mechanoregulation in anabolic (parathyroid hormones and sclerostin antibodies) but not in anti-catabolic (bisphosphonate) treatments. At the cellular level, combining drug treatment with mechanical loading shifted (re)modeling thresholds towards higher mechanosensitivity of the cells as described in Frost's mechanostat theory more than 30 years ago. Mechanical loading combined with anabolic treatments shifts formation and resorption saturation levels towards higher, with bisphosphonates towards lower response to mechanical signals. These results underline the potential of combining anabolic drug therapies with physical activity to optimize osteoporosis treatment.
Crosstalk of growth factor receptors at plasma membrane clathrin-coated sites
Authors: Alfonzo-Méndez Marco A. , Strub Marie-Paule , Taraska Justin W.
Published: May 2024

Cellular communication is regulated at the plasma membrane by the interactions of receptor, adhesion, signaling, exocytic, and endocytic proteins. Yet, the composition and control of these nanoscale complexes in response to external cues remain unclear. Here, we use high-resolution and high-throughput fluorescence imaging to map the localization of growth factor receptors and related proteins at single clathrin-coated structures across the plasma membrane of human squamous HSC3 cells. We find distinct protein signatures between control cells and cells stimulated with ligands. Clathrin sites at the plasma membrane are preloaded with some receptors but not others. Stimulation with epidermal growth factor induces a capture and concentration of epidermal growth factor-, fibroblast growth factor-, and low-density lipoprotein-receptors (EGFR, FGFR, and LDLR). Regulatory proteins including ubiquitin ligase Cbl, the scaffold Grb2, and the mechanoenzyme dynamin2 are also recruited. Disrupting FGFR or EGFR individually with drugs prevents the recruitment of both EGFR and FGFR. Our data reveals novel crosstalk between multiple unrelated receptors and regulatory factors at clathrin-coated sites in response to stimulation by a single growth factor, EGF. This behavior integrates growth factor signaling and allows for complex responses to extracellular cues and drugs at the plasma membrane of human cells.

Significance

Classically, receptor pathways including epidermal growth factor receptor and fibroblast growth factor receptor were thought of as independent systems. Yet, the plasma membrane is a complex environment where proteins interact, cluster, signal, and associate with organelles. For example, after EGF activation, EGFR is captured at sites on the inner plasma membrane coated with the protein clathrin. This causes clathrin to grow flat across the adherent membrane. Here, we observe co-capture along with EGFR of the related receptor FGFR and unrelated LDLR by clathrin after EGF stimulation. This is specific as other receptors are unaffected. Thus, separate but specific receptor systems co-assemble and signal to each other at nanoscale zones on the plasma membrane organized by clathrin. This provides new avenues for treating diseases like cancer.
Network-based biomarkers in background electroencephalography in childhood epilepsies – A scoping review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Meiklejohn Kay , Junges Leandro , Terry John R. , Whight Alison , Shankar Rohit , Woldman Wessel
Published: May 2024

Background

Brain network analysis is an emerging field of research that could lead to the development, testing and validation of novel biomarkers for epilepsy. This could shorten the diagnostic uncertainty period, improve treatment, decrease seizure risk and lead to better management. This scoping review summarises the current state of electroencephalogram (EEG)-based network abnormalities for childhood epilepsies. The review assesses the overall robustness, potential generalizability, strengths, and limitations of the methodological frameworks of the identified research studies.

Methods

PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews and the PICO framework was used to guide this review. Studies that evaluated candidate network-based features from EEG in children were retrieved from four international indexing databases (Cochrane Central / Embase / Medline / PsycINFO). Each selected study design, intervention characteristics, methodological design, potential limitations, and key findings were analysed.

Results

Of 2,959 studies retrieved nine were included. Studies used a group-level based comparison (e.g. based on a statistical test) or a classification-based method (e.g. based on a statistical model, such as a decision tree). A common limitation was the small sample-sizes (limiting further subgroup or confounder analysis) and the overall heterogeneity in epilepsy syndromes and age groups.

Conclusion

The heterogeneity of included studies (e.g. study design, statistical framework, outcome metrics) highlights the need for future studies to adhere to standardized frameworks (e.g. STARD) in order to develop standardized and robust methodologies. This would enable rigorous comparisons between studies, which is critical in assessing the potential of network-based approaches in developing novel biomarkers for childhood epilepsies.
The contribution of silencer variants to human diseases.
Authors: Huang Di , Ovcharenko Ivan
Published: May 2024

Although disease-causal genetic variants have been found within silencer sequences, we still lack a comprehensive analysis of the association of silencers with diseases. Here, we profiled GWAS variants in 2.8 million candidate silencers across 97 human samples derived from a diverse panel of tissues and developmental time points, using deep learning models. We show that candidate silencers exhibit strong enrichment in disease-associated variants, and several diseases display a much stronger association with silencer variants than enhancer variants. Close to 52% of candidate silencers cluster, forming silencer-rich loci, and, in the loci of Parkinson's-disease-hallmark genes TRIM31 and MAL, the associated SNPs densely populate clustered candidate silencers rather than enhancers displaying an overall 2-fold enrichment in silencers versus enhancers. The disruption of apoptosis in neuronal cells is associated with both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and can largely be attributed to variants within candidate silencers. Our model permits a mechanistic explanation of causative SNP effects by identifying altered binding of tissue-specific repressors and activators, validated with a 70% of directional concordance using SNP-SELEX. Narrowing the focus of the analysis to individual silencer variants, experimental data confirms the role of the rs62055708 SNP in Parkinson's disease, rs2535629 in schizophrenia, and rs6207121 in Type 1 diabetes. In summary, our results indicate that advances in deep learning models for discovery of disease-causal variants within candidate silencers effectively 'double' the number of functionally characterized GWAS variants. This provides a basis for explaining mechanisms of action and designing novel diagnostics and therapeutics.
Ecosystem’s Oxygen Deficiency and Selection of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in a One Health Perspective
Authors: Ortiz-Miravalles Laura , Prieto Amalia , Kieffer Nicolas , Vergara Ester , Cantón Rafael , Millán Álvaro San , Baquero Fernando , Hipólito Alberto , Escudero José Antonio
Published: May 2024

Bacteria must face and adapt to a variety of physicochemical conditions in the environment and during infection. A key condition is the concentration of dissolved oxygen, proportional to the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), which is extremely variable among environmental biogeographical areas and also compartments of the human and animal body. Here, we sought to understand if the phenotype of resistance determinants commonly found in Enterobacterales can be influenced by oxygen pressure. To do so, we have compared the MIC in aerobic and anaerobic conditions of isogenicEscherichia colistrains containing 136 different resistance genes against 9 antibiotic families. Our results show a complex landscape of changes in the performance of resistance genes in anaerobiosis. Certain changes are especially relevant for their intensity and the importance of the antibiotic family, like the large decreases in resistance observed against ertapenem and fosfomycin amongblaVIMß-lactamases and certainfosgenes, respectively; however, theblaOXA-48ß-lactamase from the clinically relevant pOXA-48 plasmid conferred 4-fold higher ertapenem resistance in anaerobiosis. Strong changes in resistance patterns in anaerobiosis were also conserved inKlebsiella pneumoniae. Our results suggest that anaerobiosis is a relevant aspect that can affect the action and selective power of antibiotics for specific AMRs in different environments.
Astrocytes adopt a progenitor-like migratory strategy for regeneration in adult brain
Authors: Herwerth Marina , Wyss Matthias T. , Schmid Nicola B. , Condrau Jacqueline , Ravotto Luca , Mateos Melero José María , Kaech Andres , Bredell Gustav , Thomas Carolina , Stadelmann Christine , Misgeld Thomas , Bennett Jeffrey L. , Saab Aiman S. , Jessberger Sebastian , Weber Bruno
Published: May 2024

Mature astrocytes become activated upon non-specific tissue damage and contribute to glial scar formation. Proliferation and migration of adult reactive astrocytes after injury is considered very limited. However, the regenerative behavior of individual astrocytes following selective astroglial loss, as seen in astrocytopathies, such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, remains unexplored. Here, we performed longitudinalin vivoimaging of cortical astrocytes after focal astrocyte ablation in mice. We discovered that perilesional astrocytes develop a remarkable plasticity for efficient lesion repopulation. A subset of mature astrocytes transforms into reactive progenitor-like (REPL) astrocytes that not only undergo multiple asymmetric divisions but also remain in a multinucleated interstage. This regenerative response facilitates efficient migration of newly formed daughter cell nuclei towards unoccupied astrocyte territories. Our findings define the cellular principles of astrocyte plasticity upon focal lesion, unravelling the REPL phenotype as a fundamental regenerative strategy of mature astrocytes to restore astrocytic networks in the adult mammalian brain. Promoting this regenerative phenotype bears therapeutic potential for neurological conditions involving glial dysfunction.
A multi-year longitudinal harmonization of quality controls in mass spectrometry proteomics core facilities
Authors: Chiva Cristina , Olivella Roger , Staes An , Maia Teresa Mendes , Panse Christian , Stejskal Karel , Douché Thibaut , Lombard Bérangère , Schuhmann Andrea , Loew Damarys , Mechtler Karl , Matondo Mariette , Rettel Mandy , Helm Dominic , Impens Francis , Devos Simon , Shevchenko Anna , Nanni Paolo , Sabidó Eduard
Published: May 2024

Quality control procedures play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and consistency of data generated in mass spectrometry-based proteomics laboratories. However, the lack of standardized quality control practices across laboratories poses challenges for data comparability and reproducibility. In response, we conducted a harmonization study within proteomics laboratories of the Core for Life alliance with the aim to establish a common quality control framework, which facilitates comprehensive quality assessment and identification of potential sources of performance drift. Through collaborative efforts, we developed a consensus quality control standard for longitudinal assessment and we adopted a common processing software. We generated a 4-year longitudinal dataset from multiple instruments and laboratories, which enabled us to assess intra- and inter-laboratory variability, to identify causes of performance drift, and to establish community reference values for several quality control parameters. Our study enhances data comparability and reliability and fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the proteomics community to ensure the integrity of proteomics data.
Streptococcusabundance and oral site tropism in humans and non-human primates reflects host and lifestyle differences
Authors: Velsko Irina M. , Warinner Christina
Published: May 2024

The genusStreptococcusis highly diverse and a core member of the primate oral microbiome.Streptococcusspecies are grouped into at least eight phylogenetically-supported clades, five of which are found almost exclusively in the oral cavity. We explored the dominantStreptococcusphylogenetic clades in samples from multiple oral sites and from ancient and modern-day humans and non-human primates and found that clade dominance is conserved across human oral sites, with most species falling in the Sanguinis or Mitis clades. However, minor differences in the presence and abundance of individual species within each clade differentiated human lifestyles, with loss ofS. sinensisappearing to correlate with toothbrushing. Of the non-human primates, only baboons show clade abundance patterns similar to humans, suggesting that a habitat and diet similar to that of early humans may favor the growth of Sanguinis and Mitis clade species.
Longitudinal ion-clearing mechanism in space-charge neutralization of low energy beams
Authors: Valerio-Lizarraga C. A.
Published: May 2024

In electron guns, generating high-intensity beams comes with the cost of increasing the number of secondary ions produced by the residual gas ionization which can be a limiting factor in the cathode lifetime. However, it is often overlooked that the longitudinal potential generated by the beam can be the main factor influencing secondary ions to drift back toward the source and limit the maximum beam intensity. Using 3D simulations, this paper shows how the flux of trapped ions depends on the beam parameters. The results provide a practical framework that can be used as a guide in the design of the electron gun focal point to mitigate the ion back bombardment.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exact Results for a Boundary-Driven Double Spin Chain and Resource-Efficient Remote Entanglement Stabilization
Authors: Lingenfelter Andrew , Yao Mingxing , Pocklington Andrew , Wang Yu-Xin , Irfan Abdullah , Pfaff Wolfgang , Clerk Aashish A.
Published: May 2024

We derive an exact solution for the steady state of a setup where two XX-coupled N-qubit spin chains (with possibly nonuniform couplings) are subject to boundary Rabi drives and common boundary loss generated by a waveguide (either bidirectional or unidirectional). For a wide range of parameters, this system has a pure entangled steady state, providing a means for stabilizing remote multiqubit entanglement without the use of squeezed light. Our solution also provides insights into a single boundary-driven dissipative XX spin chain that maps to an interacting fermionic model. The nonequilibrium steady state exhibits surprising correlation effects, including an emergent pairing of hole excitations that arises from dynamically constrained hopping. Our system could be implemented in a number of experimental platforms, including circuit QED.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Sustainable water resource management by business organisations: empirical investigation applying stimulus-organism-response theoretical perspective
Authors: Ellsworth Chad , Arghode Vishal , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar , Barker David , Schuhmann Richard
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to study sustainable water resource management using a stimulus-organism-response (SOR) perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This research study was an exploratory qualitative study. Thematic content analysis was used based on semi-structured interviews with 30 experts operating in the USA, representing 26 water-intensive organisations across different industries. The study was anchored in the theoretical foundations of SOR perspectives.

Findings

The results of this study revealed several fundamental factors, processes and forces that were considered by organisations for sustainable water resource management. Managers evaluated risks relative to water resources and developed strategic initiatives regarding water management. The authors found that often organisations considered water resources management aspects while deciding business operations. This was especially true for substantive water resource-consuming organisations with wide geographical operations.

Research limitations/implications

Through this study, the authors explained how the interrelationship between organisations and water resources presented risks and challenges. The authors applied SOR theoretical perspective in this research study. This was while factoring in an organisation’s present considerations and future plans regarding sustainable water resource management. Thus, the study findings were expected to further interdisciplinary research at the intersection of organisational and environmental studies.

Practical implications

The finding that water sustainability challenges and efforts could act as strong motivating forces for innovation and technology was significant. Water sustainability challenges could also be a catalyst for synergistic collaborations amongst organisations and diverse groups of institutions. The study insights were relevant to organisational scholars, the water management industry regulators and managers involved with organisational sustainability programmes.

Originality/value

Organisational challenges regarding sustainable water resource management have been influenced by growing populations and climate change. Furthermore, the increasing context of scarcity was compounded by increased pressures from numerous stakeholders. Although critical water management issues were recognised by organisations, relatively little was known about how organisational managers were planning for and responding to these issues. This research study contributed towards addressing the mentioned research gap.
Radical pluralism, high inflation, and trust in historical context: the continued relevance of Fox in understanding UK public sector strikes
Authors: Simms Melanie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The paper uses key themes from Fox’s writing to reflect on the wave of public sector industrial action that developed in the UK since the early 2020s: specifically the relevance of (1) radical pluralism, (2) historical context, (3) understanding the effects of high inflation and (4) (a breakdown of) trust relations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws primarily on evidence from broad public debate but is informed by discussions held with senior union leaders both for a research project and in delivering development training.

Findings

Radical pluralism is used as a lens through which to understand declining trust in institutions of pluralist collective industrial relations in the UK public sector, arguing that current developments need to be understood in historical context. An analysis of the industrial action in the early 2020s highlights the ways that a period of high inflation can stress institutions of collective employment regulation, rendering visible the limits of conventional, pluralist industrial relations.

Research limitations/implications

The paper could be extended by more detailed empirical data collection, both in the UK and other national institutional contexts.

Practical implications

Unions need to more consistently focus on issues of power. A stronger focus on power might identify the limitations of pluralist institutions of collective regulation and embed a commitment to building union influence to challenge those existing structures in favour of mechanisms to build workers' power more broadly.

Social implications

Understanding these disputes as, at least in part, being about the limits to and undermining of trust in collective institutions that regulate work and employment allows us to better understand the forces at play and potential outcomes of these disputes.

Originality/value

The paper makes three key contributions: first, applying Fox’s work in a practical way to contemporary UK industrial relations; second, extending his analyses to public sector industrial relations and third, arguing that power needs to be more centrally located within union objectives in order to reshape industrial relations to radical pluralist ends.
The motivation of employees and their intention to work in the Greek tourism sector
Authors: Kafetzopoulos Dimitrios
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the motives that drive individuals' intentions to work within firms operating in the Greek tourism sector and to examine the impact of these motives on the intention to work.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this objective, we conducted an empirical survey among 2,104 individuals with professional experience in the tourism business. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression analysis were employed, with motives as independent variables and the intention to work as the dependent construct, to answer the research question.

Findings

This study presents job motivation as a hierarchical set of criteria that need to be fulfilled or satisfied. It also identifies the significant motives impacting employees' intention to work in both the accommodation sector and food and beverage services.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected at a single point in time from Greece, which may limit the generalizability of our results. Future research could consider the psychological and physiological characteristics of employees.

Practical implications

Managers who provide social security, create a positive work environment, and promote collaboration among their employees can enhance the quality of work-life and positively influence their intention to work.

Originality/value

The proposed model offers valuable guidelines that advance research on employee motivation in the tourism industry.
Optimal new product design using reverse quality function deployment with nonlinear regression modeling
Authors: Wang Jian , Tan Yi , Zhang Jingzhi , Han Yajuan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Quality function deployment (QFD) has been widely applied in new product development, but existing research on QFD has some limitations. Primarily, QFD lacks the capability to provide feedback on the satisfaction degree of customer requirements (CRs) according to the actual values of engineering characteristics (ECs). In addition, QFD does not quantitatively consider the interrelationships among ECs. Reverse QFD (R-QFD) was introduced to implement the feedback process. On this basis, this paper quantitatively considers the interrelationships among ECs in the R-QFD model and extends these relationships to encompass combinations of multiple ECs, aiming to improve the inference accuracy of the model.

Design/methodology/approach

A nonlinear regression model was established between CRs and ECs, aiming to infer the satisfaction degree of CRs based on the implementation status of ECs. This model considers the interdependencies among ECs and extends the consideration of pairwise EC correlations from every two to every fifteen. Lingo Software is utilized to seek solutions for this program. To facilitate the implementation of the program, a directive to simplify the solution has been proposed.

Findings

The experimental results indicate that the interrelationships among ECs significantly affect the inference accuracy of the R-QFD model, thereby verifying the necessity of considering higher-order interrelationships among ECs within the R-QFD framework. Based on the results from data experiments, this paper also proposes research recommendations pertaining to ECs hierarchy for varying quantities of ECs.

Originality/value

The outcomes of this study have further refined the R-QFD model, addressing its limitations of ignoring the interrelationships among ECs. This transformation elevates the R-QFD model from a relatively simple linear model to a nonlinear model formed through modeling, thereby enhancing its accuracy and applicability. In practical terms, this study provides case support for the application of the R-QFD model in manufacturing industry.
Nudge theory on intrapreneurship: a conceptual view
Authors: Öztürk Alperen , Arun Korhan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to discuss appropriate individual, organizational and macroleveled conditions when it is desired to foster intrapreneurship with nudge techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual paper.

Findings

This paper aims to provide theoretical framework on the relationship between nudges approach and intrapreneurship and offer measurable propositions at different level of analysis for future research.

Originality/value

At the individual level it is theorized that nudges techniques on intrapreneurship will work when: “agents are aware of being nudged”, “choice architect is a well-recognized leader”, “perception of meaningful work is high” and “agents had former experience about being nudged”. At the organizational level it is claimed that the “number”, “type” and “frequency” of nudges plays the prominent role. Lastly, at the macrolevel it is postulated that “cultural adjustments”, “providing education” and “forming networks” sets the ground for pushing masses to intrapreneurial activities via nudges.
The perceived effect of digital transformation and resultant empowerment on job performance of employees in the fitness family business
Authors: Yildiz Kadir , Akoğlu Halil Erdem , Emir Esra , Angosto Salvador , García-Fernández Jerónimo
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The impact of technological transformations in all sectors is undeniably significant, especially in fitness family business. The aim is to examine the digital transformation perceptions of fitness centre employees and the effects of perceived empowerment on their job performance in family business in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was 334 fitness centre employees. Four variables were evaluated (digital transformation, meaning competence, self-determination and job performance), and PLS-SEM was used.

Findings

The digital transformation process in the fitness sector can be considered as an important factor in terms of creating new business ventures. Our results showed that digital transformation perceived by family business employees had a significantly influence on the meaning competence of the employees. Also, the meaning competence of employees was a mediator between the digital transformation and job performance.

Practical implications

Managers of family businesses must take into account that an appropriate digital transformation of their products and/or services has an impact on the meaning competence of their employees. Thus, through increased competence in employee performance, the digitization of family business fitness will lead to higher employee performance and productivity.

Originality/value

This study innovates by linking digital transformation as a factor influencing the coach's own motivation and self-perceived competence in the use of technology to their job performance.
UNRAVELLING THE ROLES OF ACTIVE RESIDENTS IN A POLITICALLY CHALLENGING CONTEXT: An Exploration in Cairo
Authors: Elwageeh Aya , Van Ham Maarten , Kleinhans Reinout
Published: May 2024

Capital cities struggle with population growth that challenges existing infrastructure and affects the quality of urban life. The failure of local governments to manage urban deterioration motivates active resident groups to improve their neighborhoods, but they struggle to play a role in neighborhood governance in contexts where citizens’ engagement in public affairs is restricted. In this article we aim to understand active residents’ roles in the neighborhood governance process and how these roles unfold in a context that challenges citizen engagement in public life. We adopted a case study methodology and interviewed active residents and local officials from selected districts in Cairo, which revealed that active residents’ influence is limited mostly to neighborhood management and implementation activities. In this limited space, the role of active residents is confined to either that of the ‘fixer’ who restores existing services, or that of the struggling and intermittent ‘self‐provider’, neither of whom can influence policy formulation. This study provides a structured and zoomed‐out view of local activism in Cairo, offering a starting point for scholars and decision makers seeking to enhance active residents’ roles in Cairo.
Editorial: Another brick in the CDST wall
Authors: Amiot Aurelien , Antoine Meyer , Carbonnel Franck
Published: May 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kim et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17989 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18045.
Stakeholder engagement in managing systemic risk management
Authors: Iandolo Francesca , La Sala Antonio , Turriziani Lorenzo , Caputo Francesco
Published: May 2024

This paper employs the interpretative lens provided by stakeholder theory to garner novel insights for research and managerial practices within the framework of high‐reliable organizations (HROs). It proposes an interpretative matrix for analyzing and explaining how stakeholders’ behaviors and interactions can transition from a “strategic” to a “responsibility” approach in the context of risk management. The paper adopts a qualitative methodology based on a case study of the Italian Civil Protection—an HRO—during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Through the analysis of institutional sources and reports, we apply two theoretical frameworks to examine how the organization's engagement strategy changed in response to an unexpected event. This case serves to illuminate the main implications and practical applications of shared conceptual reflections. The principal implications are traced in terms of theory, practice, and policy, focusing on the joint examination of organizational reliability and stakeholder engagement theory, the potential utility of the proposed case study, and the feasible policy actions. The main limitations of this study lie in the purely qualitative methodology employed, the nature of the organization analyzed, and the territorial scope of the study. Future works will address an empirical investigation of the theoretical relations uncovered herein, as well as the expansion of the spectrum of analysis (e.g., private organizations) and a cross‐country widening of the level of analysis.
When facts become feelings
Authors: Abernathy Alice M.
Published: May 2024

I have long maintained that equipoise between empathy and the rational, decisive nature of obstetric care is central to good doctoring. I had exacting standards for how to communicate facts with feeling while shielding my own. Then, after experiencing my own obstetric emergency and preterm birth, this changed. In this reflection, I explore how recognizing the intersections between facts and feelings has made me a better physician.
Children's attitudes about transgender identity disclosure and concealment
Authors: Alonso Daniel J. , Jordan Ashley E. , Gülgöz Selin
Published: May 2024

Supportive peers are crucial for transgender children's well‐being. Transgender children who live in their affirmed gender face decisions surrounding concealment and disclosure of their transgender identity. We sought to understand how cisgender (N = 115) and gender‐diverse children (N = 127), and siblings of gender‐diverse children (N = 63) think about transition disclosure and concealment. All groups viewed transition disclosure and concealment positively. However, gender‐diverse children showed greater acceptance of transition concealment and had stronger liking of transition concealers (relative to non‐transition concealers). Additionally, children generally expected transgender peers to be selective about who they disclose to, valuing trustworthiness and diverse friend groups in such decisions. Our findings suggest that regardless of gender identity, children are sensitive to the potential costs of disclosure and may support trans children however they choose to navigate these decisions.
Child‐led goal setting and evaluation tools for children with a disability: A scoping review
Authors: Ryan Aisling K. , Miller Laura , Rose Tanya A. , Johnston Leanne M.
Published: May 2024

Aim

To examine child‐led goal setting and evaluation tools and approaches for children with a disability or developmental delay.

Method

Six databases were searched for studies that included population (children aged less than 18 years with disability or developmental delay); construct (child‐led goal setting tool or approach); and context (developmental therapy or rehabilitation). The utility of tools and approaches across the goal setting and evaluation process was investigated using abductive content analysis.

Results

Fifty articles met the inclusion criteria. Three approaches and four tools for child‐led goal setting and evaluation were identified. No studies reported the clinimetric properties of tools specifically for child self‐respondents. Qualitative analysis revealed six distinct goal phases in which tools and approaches were used, which were synthesized into a new framework for child‐led goal setting and evaluation titled DECIDE: Direct children to goal setting; Elicit goal topics and priorities; Construct a goal statement; Indicate baseline goal performance; Develop an action plan to address the goal; and Evaluate goal progress after the intervention.

Interpretation

Children actively participated in goal setting and evaluation across six DECIDE goal phases. Further clinimetric information is required to support use of goal setting and evaluation tools with child self‐respondents. Future research should emphasize the development of multi‐phase goal setting tools and approaches for diverse populations of children.