bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Ribosome Biogenesisin vivoCauses p53-Dependent Death and p53-Independent Dysfunction
Authors: Cho Charles J. , Nguyen Thanh , Rougeau Amala K. , Huang Yang-Zhe , To Sarah , Lin Xiaobo , Gamage Supuni Thalalla , Meier Jordan L. , Mills Jason C.
Published: September 2024

Ribosomes are critical for cell function; their synthesis (known as ribosome biogenesis; “RiBi”) is complex and energy-intensive. Surprisingly little is known about RiBi in differentiated cellsin vivoin adult tissue. Here, we generated mice with conditional deletion ofNat10, an essential gene for RiBi and translation, to investigate effects of RiBi blockadein vivo.We focused on RiBi in a long-lived, ribosome-rich cell population, pancreatic acinar cells, during homeostasis and tumorigenesis. We observed a surprising latency of several weeks betweenNat10deletion and onset of structural and functional abnormalities and p53-dependent acinar cell death, which was associated with translocation of ribosomal proteins RPL5 and RPL11 into acinar cell nucleoplasm. Indeed, deletion ofTrp53could rescue acinar cells from apoptotic cell death; however,Nat10Δ/Δ; Trp53Δ/Δacinar cells remained morphologically and functionally abnormal. Moreover, the deletion ofTrp53did not rescue the lethality of inducible, globally deletedNat10in adult mice nor did it rescue embryonic lethality of globalNat10deletion, emphasizing p53-independent consequences of RiBi inhibition. Deletion ofNat10in acinar cells blockedKras-oncogene-driven pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and subsequent pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, regardless ofTrp53mutation status. Together, our results provide initial insights into how cells respond to defects in RiBi and translationin vivo.
Directed evolution of an orthogonal transcription engine for programmable gene expression in eukaryotes
Authors: Kar Shaunak , Gardner Elizabeth C. , Javanmardi Kamyab , Boutz Daniel R. , Shroff Raghav , Horton Andrew P. , Segall-Shapiro Thomas H. , Ellington Andrew D. , Gollihar Jimmy
Published: September 2024

T7 RNA polymerase has enabled orthogonal control of gene expression and recombinant protein production across diverse prokaryotic host chassis organisms for decades. However, the absence of 5’ methyl guanosine caps on T7 RNAP derived transcripts has severely limited its utility and widespread adoption in eukaryotic systems. To address this shortcoming, we evolved a fusion enzyme combining T7 RNAP with the single subunit capping enzyme from African swine fever virus usingSaccharomyces cerevisiae. We isolated highly active variants of this fusion enzyme, which exhibited roughly two orders of magnitude higher protein expression compared to the wild-type enzyme. We demonstrate the programmable control of gene expression using T7 RNAP-based genetic circuits in yeast and validate enhanced performance of these engineered variants in mammalian cells. This study presents a robust, orthogonal gene regulatory system applicable across diverse eukaryotic hosts, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of synthetic biology applications.
Early Prediction of Ischaemic Stroke Outcomes: A Novel Computational Approach
Authors: Chen Xi , El-Bouri Wahbi , Payne Stephen , Lu Lei
Published: September 2024

Malignant stroke can lead to a death rate as high as 80%. Although early interventions can improve patient outcomes, they also lead to side effects. Therefore, the early prediction of stroke outcomes is crucial for clinical strategies. Imaging markers such as brain swelling volume and midline shift have been critical predictors in various stroke scoring systems. However, these markers can only become visible on brain images days after stroke onset, which delays clinical decisions. A primary challenge in predicting these markers is that brain swelling is a biomechanical process that relies on anatomical features, such as lesion size and location. To tackle this problem, we propose a novel computational pipeline to predict brain swelling after stroke. We first provide a mathematical model of the brain by using a five-compartment poroelastic theory. It allows us to generate high-quality stroke cases with varied 3D brain and lesion anatomy, which are then used to train and validate a deep neural network (DNN). Our in silico experimentation with 3,000 cases shows that anatomical features of stroke brains are well-learned by the DNN, with minimal errors in brain swelling prediction found in the hold-out testing cases. In addition, we used the DNN to process clinical imaging data of 60 stroke patients. The results show that the markers generated from the DNN can predict 3-month stroke outcomes with an AUC of around 0.7. It indicates that the proposed computational pipeline can potentially advance the time point for clinical decisions.

Significance Statement

Stroke is the second leading cause of death in the world, and malignant stroke can lead to a death rate of 80%. Early interventions can improve patient outcomes but can also cause side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to predict stroke outcomes at an early stage. Radiological markers such as brain swelling volume and midline shift have been used in various stroke scoring systems. However, these markers can only become visible after days to stroke onset, which delays clinical decisions. To tackle this issue, we propose a novel computational pipeline to predict brain swelling after stroke onset. The proposed pipeline is found to predict brain swelling accurately and can potentially assist early clinical decision-making.
Elucidation of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS based metabolic profiling of endophytic fungiAlternariasp. BRN05. isolated from seeds ofSwietenia macrophyllaKing
Authors: Kumar Piyush , Kannakazhi Kantari Sai Anand , Biswal Ranendra Pratap , Ghanta Prasanth , Dharanikota Malleswara
Published: September 2024

There is a growing demand for new diabetes drugs with fewer side effects to replace current medications known for their adverse effects. Inhibition of α-glucosidase responsible for postprandial hyperglycaemia among diabetes patients is a promising strategy for managing the disease. This study aims to explore and identify novel bioactive molecules with anti-diabetes potential fromAlternariasp. BRN05, an endophytic fungus isolated from a well-known medicinal plantSwietenia macrophyllaKing. Ethyl acetate extracts ofAlternariasp. BRN05 grown in full-strength (EFS) and quarter-strength (EQS) media respectively were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Based on IC50values, EQS exhibited significantly greater inhibitory activity (0.01482 ± 1.809 mg/mL) as compared to EFS (1.16 ± 0.173 mg/mL) as well as acarbose control (0.494 ± 0.009 mg/mL). EFS and EQS were subjected to metabolic profiling using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography - Electrospray Ionization - Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). A total of nineteen molecules from EFS and twenty from EQS were tentatively identified based on MS/MS fragmentation. Molecular docking analysis revealed that twelve among these exhibited greater binding energies than that of acarbose (-6.6 kcal/mol). Two molecules from EQS, 3’,4’,7-trihydroxyisoflavanone (-7.5 kcal/mol) and alternariol 9-methyl ether (-7 kcal/mol), were subjected to ensemble docking studies, which further strengthened their promise as good α-glucosidase inhibitors for treating diabetes.
SbcB facilitates natural transformation inVibrio choleraein an exonuclease-independent manner
Authors: Dalia Triana N. , Dalia Ankur B.
Published: September 2024

Natural transformation (NT) is a conserved mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacterial species. During this process, DNA is taken up into the cytoplasm where it can be integrated into the host genome by homologous recombination. We have previously shown that some cytoplasmic exonucleases inhibit NT by degrading ingested DNA prior to its successful recombination. However, one exonuclease, SbcB, counterintuitively promotes NT inVibrio cholerae. Here, through a systematic analysis of the distinct steps of NT, we show that SbcB acts downstream of DNA uptake into the cytoplasm, but upstream of recombinational branch migration. Through mutational analysis, we show that SbcB promotes NT in a manner that does not rely on its exonuclease activity. Finally, we provide genetic evidence that SbcB directly interacts with the primary bacterial recombinase, RecA. Together, these data advance our molecular understanding of horizontal gene transfer inV. cholerae, and reveal that SbcB promotes homologous recombination during NT in a manner that does not rely on its canonical exonuclease activity.

IMPORTANCE

Horizontal gene transfer by natural transformation contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance and virulence factors in bacterial species. Here, we study how one protein, SbcB, helps facilitate this process in the facultative bacterial pathogenVibrio cholerae. SbcB is a well-known for its exonuclease activity (i.e., the ability to degrade the ends of linear DNA). Through this study we uncover that while SbcB is important for natural transformation, it does not facilitate this process using its exonuclease activity. Thus, this work helps further our understanding of the molecular events required for this conserved evolutionary process, and uncovers a function for SbcB beyond its canonical exonuclease activity.
Pseudomonas aeruginosaLasR-deficient mutants have increased methylglyoxal and hydrogen peroxide sensitivity due to low intracellular glutathione
Authors: Ruzic Marina , Altamirano Hefferan Ana I. , Conaway Amy , Hogan Deborah A.
Published: September 2024

The electrophile methylglyoxal (MG) is produced by microorganisms and host cells through central metabolic pathways. MG is a highly reactive electrophile, so it must be rapidly detoxified to prevent damaging modifications to macromolecules.Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogen of concern due to its ability develop multidrug resistance, causes many types of infections that have been associated with elevated MG levels, including cystic fibrosis (CF).P. aeruginosaisolates commonly have mutations that lead to LasR loss-of-function (LasR-) and we found thatlasRmutations confer sensitivity to MG in multiple strain backgrounds. LasR-strains have increased activity of the CbrAB two-component system which represses Crc regulation of metabolism. Here, we show that higher CbrAB activity and low Crc activity renders cells sensitive to MG. We found thatP. aeruginosaLasR-strains are more sensitive to MG and have lower intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) compared to their LasR+ comparators. Consistent with published reports, mutants lackinggloA3, which encodes a MG-glyoxalase, and mutants lacking GSH biosynthesis enzymes (gshAorgshB) were sensitive to MG. Exogenous GSH rescued MG sensitivity in LasR-strains andgshAorgshBmutants, but not in agloA3mutant strain. We propose that low GSH levels in LasR-strains contribute to increased sensitivity to MG and H2O2.

Significance

Methylglyoxal is a highly reactive metabolite that is detected in various disease states, including those wherePseudomonas aeruginosais present and MG resistance requires the glutathione-dependent glyoxalase enzyme GloA3 enzyme. This study reveals thatP.aeruginosastrains with LasR mutations, which are commonly found in clinical isolates, are more sensitive to methylglyoxal (MG) and hydrogen peroxide due to lower intracellular glutathione levels and high activity of the CbrAB-Crc regulatory pathway. This could be significant for understanding the selective pressures that driveP. aeruginosaevolution in infection sites, as well as a better understanding of LasR-strain metabolism in infections such as those associated with cystic fibrosis.
Synthesis of NovelN-Substitutedβ-Amino Acid Derivatives Bearing 2-Hydroxyphenyl Moieties as Promising Antimicrobial Candidates Targeting Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Positive Pathogens
Authors: Kavaliauskas Povilas , Grybaitė Birutė , Sapijanskaite-Banevič Birute , Petraitienė Rūta , Grigalevičiūtė Ramunė , Garcia Andrew , Naing Ethan , Mickevičius Vytautas , Petraitis Vidmantas
Published: September 2024

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among ESKAPE group pathogens presents a significant challenge in the healthcare sector, contributing to higher morbidity and mortality rates globally. Thus, it is essential to develop novel antimicrobial agents effective against drug-resistant pathogens. In this study, we report the synthesis andin vitroantimicrobial activity characterization of novelN-substitutedβ-amino acid derivatives bearing 2-hydroxyphenyl core against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. The synthesized compounds (2–26) exhibited promising antimicrobial activity specifically against Gram-positive bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 4 to 128 µg/mL. None of the compounds demonstrated activity against Gram-negative pathogens or drug-resistant fungi. Compounds9(R = 4-nitrophenyl),17(R = 5-nitro-2-thienyl),18(R = 5-nitro-2-furyl), thiosemicarbazide16, and26exhibited the most promising activity againstStaphylococcus aureusMRSA USA300 lineage strain TCH-1516, with MIC values between 4 and 16 µg/mL. Compound26demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against bothS. aureusTCH-1516 andE. faecalisAR-0781, with the activity comparable to control antibiotics. These findings indicate thatN-substitutedβ-amino acid derivatives with a 2-hydroxyphenyl core warrant further investigation as a potential scaffold for the further development of antimicrobial agents based on compound26targeting Gram-positive pathogens.
Evolutionary dynamics of polyadenylation signals and their recognition strategies in protists
Authors: Sajek Marcin P. , Bilodeau Danielle Y. , Beer Michael A. , Horton Emma , Miyamoto Yukiko , Velle Katrina B. , Eckmann Lars , Fritz-Laylin Lillian , Rissland Olivia S. , Mukherjee Neelanjan
Published: September 2024

The poly(A) signal, together with auxiliary elements, directs cleavage of a pre-mRNA and thus determines the 3′ end of the mature transcript. In many species, including humans, the poly(A) signal is an AAUAAA hexamer, but we recently found that the deeply branching eukaryoteGiardia lambliauses a distinct hexamer (AGURAA) and lacks any known auxiliary elements. Our discovery prompted us to explore the evolutionary dynamics of poly(A) signals and auxiliary elements in the eukaryotic kingdom. We use direct RNA sequencing to determine poly(A) signals for four protists within the Metamonada clade (which also containsG. lamblia) and two outgroup protists. These experiments reveal that the AAUAAA hexamer serves as the poly(A) signal in at least four different eukaryotic clades, indicating that it is likely the ancestral signal, whereas the unusualGiardiaversion is derived. We find that the use and relative strengths of auxiliary elements are also plastic; in fact, within Metamonada, species likeG. lambliamake use of a previously unrecognized auxiliary element where nucleotides flanking the poly(A) signal itself specify genuine cleavage sites. Thus, despite the fundamental nature of pre-mRNA cleavage for the expression of all protein-coding genes, the motifs controlling this process are dynamic on evolutionary timescales, providing motivation for future biochemical and structural studies as well as new therapeutic angles to target eukaryotic pathogens.
Sex and the facilitation of cued fear by prior contextual fear conditioning in rats
Authors: Vazquez Katherine , Cole Kehinde E. , Parsons Ryan G.
Published: September 2024

Previous studies have shown that the formation of new memories can be influenced by prior experience. This includes work using Pavlovian fear conditioning in rodents that has shown that an initial fear conditioning experience can become associated with and facilitate the acquisition of new fear memories, especially when they occur close together in time. However, most of the prior studies used only males as subjects, resulting in questions about the generalizability of the findings from this work. Here we tested whether prior contextual fear conditioning would facilitate later learning of cued fear conditioning in both male and female rats, and if there were differences based on the interval between the two conditioning episodes. Our results showed that levels of cued fear were not influenced by prior contextual fear conditioning or by the interval between training; however, females showed lower levels of cued fear. Freezing behavior in the initial training context differed by sex, with females showing lower levels of contextual fear, and by the type of initial training, with rats given delayed shock showing higher levels of fear than rats given immediate shock during contextual fear conditioning. These results indicate that contextual fear conditioning does not prime subsequent cued fear conditioning and that female rats express lower levels of cued and contextual fear conditioning than males.
Decay study of
Be11
with an optical time-projection chamber
Authors: Sokołowska N. , Guadilla V. , Mazzocchi C. , Ahmed R. , Borge M. J. G. , Cardella G. , Ciemny A. A. , Cosentino L. G. , De Filippo E. , Fedosseev V. , Fijałkowska A. , Fraile L. M. , Geraci E. , Giska A. , Gnoffo B. , Granados C. , Janas Z. , Janiak Ł. , Johnston K. , Kamiński G. , Korgul A. , Kubiela A. , Maiolino C. , Marsh B. , Martorana N. S. , Miernik K. , Molkanov P. , Ovejas J. D. , Pagano E. V. , Pirrone S. , Pomorski M. , Quynh A. M. , Riisager K. , Russo A. , Russotto P. , Świercz A. , Viñals S. , Wilkins S. , Pfützner M. ,   ISOLDE Collaboration
Published: September 2024

The β decay of one-neutron halo nucleus Be11 was investigated using the Warsaw Optical Time Projection Chamber (OTPC) detector to measure β-delayed charged particles. The results of two experiments are reported. In the first one, carried out in LNS Catania, the absolute branching ratio for β-delayed α emission was measured by counting incoming Be11 ions stopped in the detector and the observed decays with the emission of α particle. The result of 3.27(46)% is in good agreement with the literature value. In the second experiment, performed at the HIE-ISOLDE facility at CERN, bunches containing several hundreds of Be11 ions were implanted into the OTPC detector followed by the detection of decays with the emission of charged particles. The energy spectrum of β-delayed α particles was determined in the full energy range. It was analyzed in the R-matrix framework and was found to be consistent with the literature. The best description of the spectrum was obtained assuming that the two 3/2+ and one 1/2+ states in B11 are involved in the transition. The search for β-delayed emission of protons was undertaken. Only the upper limit for the branching ratio for this process of

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could be determined. This value is in conflict with the result published by Ayyad [] but does agree with the limit reported by Riisager [].

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Sensitivity to kaon decays to ALPs at fixed target experiments
Authors: Berger Joshua , Putnam Gray
Published: September 2024

We study the sensitivity of fixed target experiments to hadronically coupled axionlike particles (ALPs) produced in kaon decays, with a particular emphasis on current and upcoming Short-Baseline Neutrino (SBN) experiments. We demonstrate that below the kaon decay mass threshold (ma<mK−mπ) kaon decay is the dominant production mechanism for ALPs at neutrino experiments, larger by many orders of magnitude than production in pseudoscalar mixing. Such axions can be probed principally by the diphoton and dimuon final states. In the latter case, even if the axion does not couple to muons at tree level, such a coupling is induced by the renormalization group flow from the UV scale. We reinterpret prior results by CHARM and MicroBooNE through these channels and show that they constrain new areas of heavy axion parameter space. We also show projections of the sensitivity of the SBN experiment and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) to axions through these channels, which reach up to a decade higher in the axion decay constant beyond existing constraints. DUNE projects to have a sensitivity competitive with other world-leading upcoming experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Detecting axion dark matter with chiral magnetic effects
Authors: Hong Deog Ki , Im Sang Hui , Jeong Kwang Sik , Yeom Dong-han
Published: September 2024

We show that dark matter axions or axionlike particles (ALP) induce spontaneously alternating electric currents in conductors along the external magnetic fields due to the (medium) axial anomaly, realizing the chiral magnetic effects (CME). We propose a new experiment to measure this current to detect the dark matter axions or ALP. These induced currents are the electron medium effects, directly proportional to the axion or ALP coupling to electrons, which depends on their microscopic physics. In the experimental setup, one measures the sum of the electric current due to CME and the vacuum current due to the anomalous axion-photon coupling. The CME current is, in general, subdominant by a factor of the Fermi velocity of electrons, compared to latter, unless the axion or ALP coupling to electrons is much bigger than its coupling to photons to compensate the Fermi velocity suppression. However, we find that repurposing the currently operating and planned axion haloscopes may have good sensitivity to probe the CME current.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Multiway junction conditions: Booklets and webs
Authors: Shen Jia-Yin , Peng Cheng , Li Li-Xin
Published: September 2024

Junction conditions play a crucial role in constructing new gravity solutions. In this paper, we derive the junction condition for gluing together an arbitrary number of spacetimes along a common interface. We develop a geometric technique of reverse extension and provide precise definitions of geometric quantities at the interface. This leads to a geometric derivation of the multiway junction condition. As a cross-check, we independently rederive the junction condition by varying the action of some specific gravitational models including both Einstein gravity and dilaton gravity. We demonstrate that the junction condition is invariant under a change of frames, and the form of the junction condition is the same for both space- and timelike interfaces.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Moments of parton distribution functions of any order from lattice QCD
Authors: Shindler Andrea
Published: September 2024

We describe a procedure to determine moments of parton distribution functions of any order in lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD). The procedure is based on the gradient flow for fermion and gauge fields. The flowed matrix elements of twist-2 operators renormalize multiplicatively, and the matching with the physical matrix elements can be obtained using continuum symmetries and the irreducible representations of Euclidean 4-dimensional rotations. We calculate the matching coefficients at one-loop in perturbation theory for moments of any order in the flavor nonsinglet case. We also give specific examples of operators that could be used in lattice QCD computations. It turns out that it is possible to choose operators with identical Lorentz indices and still have a multiplicative matching. One can thus use twist-2 operators exclusively with temporal indices, thus substantially improving the signal-to-noise ratio in the computation of the hadronic matrix elements.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Infinite Family of Integrable Sigma Models Using Auxiliary Fields
Authors: Ferko Christian , Smith Liam
Published: September 2024

We introduce a class of 2D sigma models which are parametrized by a function of one variable. In addition to the physical field g, these models include an auxiliary field vα which mediates interactions in a prescribed way. We prove that every theory in this family is classically integrable, in that it possesses an infinite set of conserved charges in involution, which can be constructed from a Lax representation for the equations of motion. This class includes the principal chiral model (PCM) and all deformations of the PCM by functions of the energy-momentum tensor.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Demonstration of Maxwell demon-assisted Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering via superconducting quantum processor
Authors: Wang Z. T. , Wang Ruixia , Zhao Peng , Yang Z. H. , Shi Yun-Hao , Huang Kaixuan , Xu Kai , Zhang Yong-Sheng , Fan Heng , Zhao S. P. , Hu Meng-Jun , Yu Haifeng
Published: September 2024

The concept of Maxwell demon plays an essential role in connecting thermodynamics and information theory, while entanglement and nonlocality are fundamental features of quantum theory. Given the rapid advancements in the field of quantum information science, there is a growing interest and significance in investigating the connection between Maxwell demon and quantum correlation. The majority of research endeavors thus far have been directed toward the extraction of work from quantum correlation through the utilization of Maxwell demon. Recently, a novel concept called Maxwell demon-assisted Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) steering has been proposed, which suggests that it is possible to simulate quantum correlation by doing work. This seemingly counterintuitive conclusion is attributed to the fact that Alice and Bob need classical communication during EPR steering task, a requirement that does not apply in the Bell test. In this study, we demonstrate Maxwell demon-assisted EPR steering with superconducting quantum circuits. By compiling and optimizing a quantum circuit to be implemented on a 2D superconducting chip, we were able to achieve a steering parameter of S2=0.770±0.005 in the case of two measurement settings, which surpasses the classical bound of 1/2 by 12.6 standard deviations. In addition, experimental observations have revealed a linear correlation between the nonlocality demonstrated in EPR steering and the work done by the demon. Considering the errors in practical operation, the experimental results are highly consistent with theoretical predictions. Our findings not only suggest the presence of a Maxwell demon loophole in the EPR steering, but also contribute to a deeper comprehension of the interplay between quantum correlation, information theory, and thermodynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Audit society, organisational response and (de-)coupling: an Italian story
Authors: Contrafatto Massimo , Moggi Sara , Gervasio Daniele , Montani Damiano
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper examines “how” an organisation, over time, responded, and “what strategies” were mobilised, to conform to a specific audit society-inspired model introduced in Italy by the Decree 231 (D231). D231 requires implementing an internal control and audit model and performance accounting to oversee business activities and prevent misconduct.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was adopted for in-depth analysis of the response strategies (i.e. avoidance and compromise) and related initiatives, which were mobilised in ITAGAS, a public organisation leader in the methane gas distribution sector in Italy. Participant observation, interviews and document analysis were the primary data sources. Theoretically, our analysis is informed by insights drawn from the institutional complexity perspective (Thornton et al., 2012; Pache and Santos, 2013a, b) and Oliver’s (1991) model concerning strategic responses to institutional pressures.

Findings

Adopting D231 generated institutional complexity in our case organisation. The analysis highlights two phases: the voluntary and compulsory adoption of the D231 model. The voluntary adoption occurred via a compromising strategy that involved forms of “selective coupling” (Pache and Santos, 2013a), which allowed the organisation to strategically adopt only those structures/practices that were seen as appropriate and consistent with its organisational logics. The compulsory phase was characterised by broader adoption of the D231 model through symbolic conformity. The case organisation adopted “avoidance” strategies (Oliver, 1991) and “co-habiting means-ends” decoupling initiatives to protect the basic organisational coherence from the regulative prescriptions.

Originality/value

The paper presents original insights into how the D231 model, an example of an audit society-inspired model, unfolded over time in a specific organisation to achieve the desired change towards more responsible and accountable practices. Our analysis suggests the compulsory phase was less effective than when the model was voluntarily adopted. The paper also reveals that, in contrast to the voluntary phase, decoupling strategies were mobilised in the compulsory phase to reach an organisational equilibrium, which facilitated corporate survival; decoupling was the only effective solution to the imbalance generated by the compulsoriness of the D231 model.
Resisting technological solutionism in open universities in the time of global digital convergence
Authors: Lim David C.L. , Mat Hamidah , Yusooff Fatimah
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to explore the future of open universities (OUs), particularly in developing Asia, focusing on the potential risks associated with technological solutionism, or the popular belief that educational problems can be readily solved through technological means. This exploration is pertinent as the initial advantages that OUs once held have significantly diminished and competing higher education institutions worldwide are converging on a digital future.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative method of empathy-based stories (MEBS) was employed as the primary research method for drawing data from sampled OU teachers. The obtained data were parsed via textual analysis and the lens of critical discourses on technology and higher education.

Findings

The study shows that, in the future envisioned by the sampled OU teachers, students’ lack of privileged access to frontier technologies is no barrier to learning success. It also emphasises that learning outcomes have causality beyond technological determinism, and that educational problems, which OUs may deem as requiring technological solutions, are often non-technological in nature and require no technological fixes.

Originality/value

Critiques of techno-solutionism, such as the present study, are virtually absent in the context of OUs in developing Asia. For this very reason, this study is vital and serves as a guardrail while these OUs seek to reformulate their respective value propositions in the time of global digital convergence.
Public interest in science or bots? Selective amplification of scientific articles on Twitter
Authors: Rahman Ashiqur , Mohammadi Ehsan , Alhoori Hamed
Published: September 2024

Purpose

With the remarkable capability to reach the public instantly, social media has become integral in sharing scholarly articles to measure public response. Since spamming by bots on social media can steer the conversation and present a false public interest in given research, affecting policies impacting the public’s lives in the real world, this topic warrants critical study and attention.

Design/methodology/approach

We used the Altmetric dataset in combination with data collected through the Twitter Application Programming Interface (API) and the Botometer API. We combined the data into an extensive dataset with academic articles, several features from the article and a label indicating whether the article had excessive bot activity on Twitter or not. We analyzed the data to see the possibility of bot activity based on different characteristics of the article. We also trained machine-learning models using this dataset to identify possible bot activity in any given article.

Findings

Our machine-learning models were capable of identifying possible bot activity in any academic article with an accuracy of 0.70. We also found that articles related to “Health and Human Science” are more prone to bot activity compared to other research areas. Without arguing the maliciousness of the bot activity, our work presents a tool to identify the presence of bot activity in the dissemination of an academic article and creates a baseline for future research in this direction.

Research limitations/implications

We considered the features available from the Altmetric dataset. It can be exciting research to extract additional features about the authors of the article, the location of the publication, international collaboration and other demographic features of the authors to see the relation of these features with bot activity.

Practical implications

Since public interest in scientific findings can shape the decisions of policymakers, it is essential to identify the possibility of bot activity in the dissemination of any given scholarly article. Without arguing whether the social bots are good or bad and without arguing about the validity of a scholarly article, our work proposes a tool to interpret the public interest in an article by identifying the possibility of bot activity toward an article. This work publishes the models and data generated through the study and provides a benchmark and guideline for future works in this direction.

Originality/value

While the majority of the existing research focuses on identifying and preventing bot activity on social media, our work is novel in predicting the possibility of bot activity in the dissemination of an academic article using Altmetric metadata for the article. Little work has been performed in this specific area, and the models developed from our research give policymakers and the public a tool to interpret and understand the public interest in a scientific publication with appropriate caution.
Examining the brand trust and willingness to subscribe to third-party add-on services in over-the-top platforms: a brand trust transfer perspective
Authors: Soren Anup Anurag , Chakraborty Shibashish
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Based on trust transfer theory, this study explores trust transfer between two brands in the over-the-top (OTT) context. Specifically, it examines the effect of (1) the hosting OTT platform brand trust and (2) users' trust disposition on the brand trust of add-on services. Further, the study investigates their impact on the willingness to subscribe to add-on services.

Design/methodology/approach

Using purposive sampling, data were collected using an online survey from OTT users (n = 322). The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) through the software SmartPLS.

Findings

The study exhibited that users' brand trust in the hosting OTT platform brand results in users trusting the brand of add-on services hosted on the platform. The study explains this finding of “brand trust transfer” with the help of the trust transfer theory. It also clarified that the brand trust transfer process is not moderated by trust disposition and is not influenced by gender, experience and income. Finally, the study showed that brand trust in the hosting platform does not directly affect users' willingness to subscribe to add-on services but indirectly through brand trust in add-on services.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the trust transfer between two brands. The context is two brands operating in the same competitive space (OTT services), with the established brand hosting the services of the other less-known brand. This study pioneers the investigation of the source-target entity pair operating in the same competitive space, contending that brand trust transfer may also occur between brands in other contexts (like financial services). The study is also unprecedented in elucidating the effect of brand trust in the hosting platform, users' trust disposition and brand trust in add-on services on users' willingness to subscribe to the add-on service.
Criteria for evaluation of modern architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina to support its preservation
Authors: Kahrovic Handzic Lejla , Dimitrijevic Branka
Published: September 2024

Purpose

As detailed criteria for evaluation of modern architecture do not yet exist in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), the aim of this paper is to assist in their development by providing an analysis of the scope of those criteria in the related international documents. The research objective is to identify what values of modern architecture were historically and are currently considered significant to merit its preservation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methods include a review of relevant literature, collecting data from the B&H and international organisations criteria for evaluation of architectural heritage; a comparative analysis of the collected data to propose criteria for evaluation of modern architecture in B&H that are aligned with the evaluation criteria of UNESCO’s World Heritage List and with Docomomo’s criteria.

Findings

The above comparative analysis showed that such criteria could be developed by selecting relevant criteria from a long list of criteria for evaluation of built heritage in B&H, which currently do not consider architecture built after 1960.

Practical implications

The proposed evaluation criteria will be tested on different typologies of modern architecture in B&H to enable wider discussion of stakeholders and relevant agencies on their applicability.

Social implications

The proposed evaluation criteria will contribute to the promotion of architectural heritage of the 20th century in B&H.

Originality/value

There has been no previous research on how to develop criteria for evaluation of architectural heritage of the 20th century in B&H.
Integration of building information modeling into building circularity assessment: a systematic review
Authors: Al-Qazzaz Ihab , Osorio-Sandoval Carlos Arturo , Tokbolat Serik , Thermou Georgia
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Despite several attempts to integrate building information modeling (BIM) with building circularity assessment (BCA), no systematic review has yet been carried out on this topic to the best knowledge of the authors. The objective of this review is to fill this gap by reviewing the current attempts, identifying the tools and exploring the state-of-the-art in BIM and BCA.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) methodology was employed. A total of 30 documents published between 2015 and 2023 were selected and analyzed across the concept, methodology and value dimensions.

Findings

There has been an increase in the development of BIM-based BCA tools in recent years, with the Netherlands taking the lead. Most tools developed were based on the material circularity indicator (MCI) and by using Autodesk Revit as BIM software. Three integration approaches for BIM with BCA were identified: (1) using an external platform; (2) linking an external database to BIM and (3) within the BIM environment. The review has revealed that still there is no standard for BCA, and interoperability and lack of circularity databases are the major challenges.

Research limitations/implications

Although the paper has made contributions, it is important to recognize certain limitations. One of these is the inability to explore all the tools in depth as some of them are not available or accessible. Another limitation is the relatively small number of studies that were reviewed, primarily because there is a lack of research in this area due to the BIM-based BCA is still in its infancy compared to the BIM-based LCA.

Originality/value

This study contributes to providing a comprehensive up-to-date overview of recent advancements in BIM–BCA integration, as well as a framework for understanding its concept, methodology and value dimensions. It also highlights significant areas where practitioners and researchers can identify knowledge gaps and future research directions.
The DRR early days interview: John Twigg
Authors: Twigg John
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The transcript was developed in the context of a United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) project on the history of disaster risk reduction (DRR).

Design/methodology/approach

The transcript provides an overview of the development of the field and changing paradigms in this regard.

Findings

The transcript contributes to documenting the history of disaster studies as a field of scholarship and disaster risk reduction as a field of policy and practice.

Originality/value

The interview highlights the importance of documenting the transitions, developments and paradigm changes in the field over time.
Nexus among green entrepreneurship orientation, green ambidexterity innovation, green technological turbulence and green performance: moderated-mediation evidence from Malaysian manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Imtiaz , Ong Tze San , Jamadar Yasmin , Teh Boon Heng , Islam Ariful
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Amidst the challenges of globalisation and rapid technological advancements, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector are increasingly adopting smart manufacturing practices. Manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia encounter difficulties ensuring sustainability performance and maintaining green ambidexterity innovation (GAI), constrained by limited resources and other barriers. However, academic exploration of these challenges remains limited, particularly within the context of Malaysian SMEs. Thus, based on the natural-resource-based view (NRBV), contingency theory (CT) and ambidexterity paradigm, the goal of this study is to examine the influence of green entrepreneurship orientation (GEO) on corporate green performance (CGP) with the mediation of GAI and moderation of green technological turbulence (GTT) in Malaysian manufacturing SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a quantitative method, positivism paradigm, cross-sectional time horizon and structured questionnaire survey. In total, 313 validated responses from Malaysian manufacturing SMEs are analysed using partial least squares—structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The empirical results reveal a positive relationship among GEO, GAI and CGP. Moreover, GAI partially mediates between GEO and CGP. However, GTT did not moderate the GEO-CGP and GEO-GAI associations in the Malaysian manufacturing SMEs context.

Originality/value

The findings of this research offer significant insights for academia, policymakers, entrepreneurs, manufacturing management and pertinent stakeholders in developing green manufacturing firms concerning the balance of exploitation and exploration endeavours within the context of an uncertain and volatile industry landscape while simultaneously promoting GEO, GTT and CGP.
Exploring the impact of logistics service quality on customer satisfaction, trust and loyalty in bus transport
Authors: Sann Raksmey , Pimpohnsakun Pipat , Booncharoen Panuwat
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Developing an optimal strategy for maintaining quality customer relationships in the logistics industry is critical for achieving long-term benefits. This study aims to examine the relationship between logistics service quality (LSQ), customer satisfaction, trust, and behavioral loyalty in the context of Khon-Kaen Bus Terminal 3 in Thailand. The purpose is to understand how service quality influences customer trust and loyalty in the context of bus transport.

Design/methodology/approach

Face-to-face questionnaires were administered to 338 experienced bus transport users at Khon-Kaen Terminal 3. A quantitative approach was utilized, employing partial least squares structural equation modeling to analyze the relationships between logistics operations, after-sales service quality, customer satisfaction, trust and loyalty.

Findings

The results reveal that both logistics operations service quality and after-sales service quality positively impact customer satisfaction and trust. Trust, in turn, significantly influences customer loyalty, and it is enhanced when customers receive satisfactory services. The study demonstrates that customer loyalty is strengthened by building trust and providing a high-quality logistics service, confirming the significant relationship between LSQ and loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

While this study acknowledges the challenge posed by Khon-Kaen Terminal 3’s strong monopoly, it also recognizes that users may have limited alternatives. Consequently, the research highlights the difficulty in accurately measuring customer loyalty.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by examining LSQ in a Thai context, offering new perspectives on customer loyalty in the bus transport sector. It provides practical recommendations for improving customer relationships and gaining a competitive advantage in the logistics industry.
Tribological behavior of carbon steel 45 and brass H90 in dry sliding on bearing steel GCr15 in the sand-dust environment
Authors: Tang Zhanqi , Mu Hongxiang , He Yanni , Gao Dawei , Liu Tianxia
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Machinery operating in a sand-dust environment is more susceptible to sand particles. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of sand particle deposition rate, surface hardness and normal load on the tribological performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A predictive model to approximate the number of sand particles within the pin-on-disc contact surface is proposed. The efficacy of the model is validated through experimental method, which replicates a sand environment with two distinct particle deposition rates. Dry sliding friction experiments are also conducted using 45 carbon steel and H90 brass pins against GCr15 bearing steel discs.

Findings

When at high particle deposition rate [6.89 × 10–5 g/(s·mm2)], the contact surfaces are separated by particles, resulting in an indirect metal contact. While at low deposition rate [6.08 × 10–8 g/(s·mm2)], there is an alternating occurrence of direct and indirect metal contacts. In sand environment, the specific wear rate of 45 and H90 decreases by 50% and 33%, respectively, compared to non-sand environment when the applied load is 2.45 N. However, it is only 0.18% for 45 but remains significant at 25% for H90 at load of 9.8 N.

Originality/value

The predictive model and experimental method used in this paper are helpful for understanding the interaction between particles and sliding surfaces, thereby providing a solid foundation for material selection and load optimization of friction pairs influenced by sand-dust environments.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2024-0155/
Workplace ostracism and counterproductive work behaviour: parallel mediation of felt accountability and emotional exhaustion
Authors: Shankar Ujwal , Kaul Vedant , Gupta Vikram , Mishra Neelesh Kumar
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The study aims to address the limited understanding on the role of cognitive mechanisms in workplace ostracism (WO) and negative workplace behaviours (such as counterproductive workplace behaviours (CWBs)) relation. Although the affective routes of this relationship have been extensively studied, the role of cognitive routes remains largely unexplored.

Design/methodology/approach

A parallel mediation model was developed to study the affective (emotional exhaustion) and the cognitive (felt accountability) mechanisms within the WO and CWBs relation. Regulatory focus theory was used to explain how these routes may influence CWB. Data for the study were gathered cross-sectionally, with common method bias checks. We analysed through Smart PLS for the measurement model and SPSS Hayes PROCESS macros for the structural model.

Findings

Study results corroborated the proposed model on the salience of the newly proposed cognitive pathway in relation to the affective route of the WO–CWB model.

Originality/value

This research underscores a novel cognitive pathway, felt accountability, in the WO–WB relation, expanding upon the predominantly affective-focused extant literature. Furthermore, the study outlines both theoretical and practical implications, along with highlighting limitations and potential directions for future inquiries.