bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation-induced SUMOylation promotes Ulk4 condensation at ciliary tip to transduce Hedgehog signal
Authors: Zhou Mengmeng , Han Yuhong , Jiang Jin
Published: September 2024

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling controls embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis through the Gli family of transcription factors. In vertebrates, Hh signal transduction depends on the primary cilium where Gli is thought to be activated at the ciliary tip, but the underlying mechanism has remained poorly understood. Here we provide evidence that twoUnc-51-likekinase (Ulk) family members Stk36 and Ulk4 regulate Gli2 ciliary tip localization and activation through phosphorylation and SUMOylation-mediated condensation in response to Shh. We find that Stk36-mediated phosphorylation of Ulk4 promotes its SUMOylation in response to Shh, and the subsequent interaction between SUMO and aSUMO-Interacting-Motif (SIM) in the C-terminal region of Ulk4 drives Ulk4 self-assembly to form biomolecular condensates that also recruit Stk36 and Gli2. SUMOylation or SIM-deficient Ulk4 failed to accumulate at ciliary tip to activate Gli2 whereas phospho-mimetic mutation of Ulk4 sufficed to drive Ulk4/Stk36/Gli2 condensation at ciliary tip, leading to constitutive Shh pathway activation in a manner dependent on Ulk4 SUMOylation. Taken together, our results suggest that phosphorylation-dependent SUMOylation of Ulk4 promotes kinase-substrate condensation at ciliary tip to transduce the Hh signal.
ArchMap: A web-based platform for reference-based analysis of single-cell datasets
Authors: Lotfollahi Mohammad , Bright Chelsea , Skorobogat Ronald , Dehkordi Mohammad , George Xavier , Richter Simon , Shitov Vladimir , Topalova Alexandra , Luecken Malte D. , Theis Fabian J.
Published: September 2024

Leveraging single cell reference atlases to analyse new data has brought about a paradigm shift in single cell data science akin to the first reference genome in genomics. However methods to perform this mapping require computational expertise as well as sometimes considerable compute power, and thus may exclude the researchers from this innovation who may benefit the most from it. ArchMap, a no-code query-to-reference mapping tool, removes this barrier by providing all-in-one automated mapping, cell type annotation, and collaborative features to analyse single-cell datasets from a wide range of integrated, often published, reference atlases and allows extension of atlases with the growing Human Cell Atlas and related efforts. This paves the way for a democratisation of reference mapping capabilities.
Similarities and distinctions in the activation of theCandida glabrataPdr1 regulatory pathway by azole and non-azole drugs
Authors: Conway Thomas P. , Vu Bao Gia , Beattie Sarah R. , Krysan Damian J. , Moye-Rowley W. Scott
Published: September 2024

Incidences of fluconazole (FLC) resistance amongCandida glabrataclinical isolates is a growing issue in clinics. The pleiotropic drug response (PDR) network inC.glabrataconfers azole resistance and is defined primarily by the Zn2Cys6zinc cluster-containing transcription factor Pdr1 and target genes such asCDR1, that encodes an ATP-binding cassette transporter protein thought to act as a FLC efflux pump. Mutations in thePDR1gene that render the transcription factor hyperactive are the most common cause of fluconazole resistance among clinical isolates. The phenothiazine class drug fluphenazine and a molecular derivative, CWHM-974, which both exhibit antifungal properties, have been shown to induce the expression of Cdr1 inCandidaspp. We have used a firefly luciferase reporter gene driven by theCDR1promoter to demonstrate two distinct patterns ofCDR1promoter activation kinetics: gradual promoter activation kinetics that occur in response to ergosterol limitations imposed by exposure to azole and polyene class antifungals and a robust and rapidCDR1induction occurring in response to the stress imposed by fluphenazines. We can attribute these different patterns ofCDR1induction as proceeding through the promoter region of this gene since this is the only segment of the gene included in the luciferase reporter construct. Genetic analysis indicates that the signaling pathways responsible for phenothiazine and azole induction ofCDR1overlap but are not identical. The short time course of phenothiazine induction suggests that these compounds may act more directly on the Pdr1 protein to stimulate its activity.

Importance

Candida glabratahas emerged as the second-leading cause of candidiasis due in part to its ability to acquire high level resistance to azole drugs, a major class of antifungal, that acts to block the biosynthesis of the fungal sterol ergosterol. The presence of azole drugs causes the induction of a variety of genes involved in controlling susceptibility to this drug class including drug transporters and ergosterol biosynthetic genes such asERG11. We found that the presence of azole drugs leads to an induction of genes encoding drug transporters andERG11, while exposure ofC. glabratacells to antifungals of the phenothiazine class of drugs caused a much faster and larger induction of drug transporters but notERG11. Coupled with further genetic analyses of the effects of azole and phenothiazine drugs, our data indicate that these compounds are sensed and responded to differentially in the yeast cell.
Altered development and network connectivity in a human neuronal model of 15q11.2 deletion-related neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Habela Christa W. , Liu Shiyu , Taga Arens , Dastgheyb Raha , Haughey Norman , Bergles Dwight , Song Hongjun , Ming Guo-Li , Maragakis Nicholas J.
Published: September 2024

The chromosome 15q11.2 locus is deleted in 1.5% of patients with genetic epilepsy and confers a risk for intellectual disability and schizophrenia. Individuals with this deletion demonstrate increased cortical thickness, decreased cortical surface area and white matter abnormalities. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells (NPC) from 15q11.2 deletion individuals exhibit early adhesion junction and migration abnormalities, but later neuronal development and function have not been fully assessed. Imaging studies indicating altered structure and network connectivity in the anterior brain regions and the cingulum suggest that in addition to alterations in progenitor dynamics, there may also be structural and functional changes within discrete networks of mature neurons. To explore this, we generated human forebrain cortical neurons from iPSCs derived from individuals with or without 15q11.2 deletion and used longitudinal imaging and multielectrode array analysis to evaluate neuronal development over time. 15q11.2 deleted neurons exhibited fewer connections and an increase in inhibitory neurons. Individual neurons had decreased neurite complexity and overall decreased neurite length. These structural changes were associated with a reduction in multiunit action potential generation, bursting and synchronization. The 15q11.2 deleted neurons also demonstrated specific functional deficits in glutamate and GABA mediated network activity and synchronization with a delay in the maturation of the inhibitory response to GABA. These data indicate that deletion of the 15q11.2 region is sufficient to impair the structural and functional maturation of cortical neuron networks which likely underlies the pathologic changes in humans with the 15q11.2 deletion.
Clustered macrophages cooperate to eliminate tumors via coordinated intrudopodia
Authors: Dooling Lawrence J. , Anlaş Alişya A. , Tobin Michael P. , Ontko Nicholas M. , Marchena Tristan , Wang Maximilian , Andrechak Jason C. , Discher Dennis E.
Published: September 2024

Macrophages often pervade solid tumors, but their nearest neighbor organization is understudied and potentially enables key functions such as phagocytosis. Here, we observe dynamic macrophage clusters in tumors under conditions that maximize cancer cell phagocytosis and use reductionist approaches to uncover pathways to cluster formation and roles for tumor-intrusive pseudopodia, which we term ‘intrudopodia’. Macrophage clusters form over hours on low- adhesion substrates after M1 polarization with interferons, including T cell-derived cytokines, and yet clusters prove fluid on timescales of minutes. Clusters also sort from M2 macrophages that disperse on the same substrates. M1 macrophages upregulate specific cell-cell adhesion receptors but suppress actomyosin contractility, and while both pathways contribute to cluster formation, decreased cortical tension was predicted to unleash pseudopodia. Macrophage neighbors in tumor spheroids indeed extend intrudopodia between adjacent cancer cell junctions – at least when phagocytosis conditions are maximized, and coordinated intrudopodia help detach and individualize cancer cells for rapid engulfment. Macrophage clusters thereby provide a cooperative advantage for phagocytosis to overcome solid tumor cohesion.
Structure-guided engineering of type I-F CASTs for targeted gene insertion in human cells
Authors: Lampe George D. , Liang Ashley R. , Zhang Dennis J. , Fernández Israel S. , Sternberg Samuel H.
Published: September 2024

Conventional genome editing tools rely on DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and host recombination proteins to achieve large insertions, resulting in a heterogeneous mixture of undesirable editing outcomes. We recently leveraged a type I-F CRISPR-associated transposase (CAST) from thePseudoalteromonasTn7016transposon (PseCAST) for DSB-free, RNA-guided DNA integration in human cells, taking advantage of its programmability and large payload capacity.PseCAST is the only characterized CAST system that has achieved human genomic DNA insertions, but multiple lines of evidence suggest that DNA binding may be a critical bottleneck that limits high-efficiency activity. Here we report structural determinants of target DNA recognition by thePseCAST QCascade complex using single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM), which revealed novel subtype-specific interactions and RNA-DNA heteroduplex features. By combining our structural data with target DNA library screens and rationally engineered protein mutations, we uncovered CAST variants that exhibit increased integration efficiency and modified PAM stringency. Structure predictions of key interfaces in the transpososome holoenzyme also revealed opportunities for the design of hybrid CASTs, which we leveraged to build chimeric systems that combine high-activity DNA binding and DNA integration modules. Collectively, our work provides unique structural insights into type I-F CAST systems while showcasing multiple diverse strategies to investigate and engineer new RNA-guided transposase architectures for human genome editing applications.
Higher resolution pooled genome-wide CRISPR knockout screening in Drosophila cells using Integration and Anti-CRISPR (IntAC)
Authors: Viswanatha Raghuvir , Entwisle Samuel , Hu Claire , Reap Kelly , Butnaru Matthew , Mohr Stephanie E. , Perrimon Norbert
Published: September 2024

CRISPR screens enable systematic, scalable genotype-to-phenotype mapping. We previously developed a pooled CRISPR screening method forDrosophila melanogasterand mosquito cell lines using plasmid transfection and site-specific integration to introduce single guide (sgRNA) libraries, followed by PCR and sequencing of integrated sgRNAs. While effective, the method relies on early constitutive Cas9 activity that potentially can lead to discrepancies between genome edits and sgRNAs detected by PCR, reducing screen accuracy. To address this issue, we introduce a new method to co-transfect a plasmid expressing the anti-CRISPR protein AcrIIa4 to suppress Cas9 activity during early sgRNA expression, which we term “IntAC” (integrase with anti-CRISPR). IntAC allowed us to construct a new CRISPR screening approach driven by the high strengthdU6:3promoter. This new library dramatically improved precision-recall of fitness genes across the genome, retrieving 90-95% of essential gene groups within 5% error, allowing us to generate the most comprehensive list of cell fitness genes yet assembled forDrosophila. Our analysis determined that elevated sgRNA levels, made permissible by the IntAC approach, drove much of the improvement. TheDrosophilafitness genes show strong correlation with human fitness genes and underscore the effects of paralogs on gene essentiality. We further demonstrate that IntAC combined with a targeted sgRNA sub-library enabled precise positive selection of a transporter under solute overload. IntAC represents a straightforward enhancement to existingDrosophilaCRISPR screening methods, dramatically increasing accuracy, and might also be broadly applicable to virus-free CRISPR screens in other cell types, including mosquito, lepidopteran, tick, and mammalian cells.
Use of a confocal optical device for centring a diamond anvil cell in single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments
Authors: Hu Chengdao , Wilson Cameron J. G. , Scully Daniel M. , Stuerzer Tobias , Parsons Simon
Published: September 2024

High-pressure crystallographic data can be measured using a diamond anvil cell (DAC), which allows the sample to be viewed only along a cell vector which runs perpendicular to the diamond anvils. Although centring a sample perpendicular to this direction is straightforward, methods for centring along this direction often rely on sample focusing, measurements of the direct beam or short data collections followed by refinement of the crystal offsets. These methods may be inaccurate, difficult to apply or slow. Described here is a method based on precise measurement of the offset in this direction using a confocal optical device, whereby the cell centre is located at the mid-point of two measurements of the distance between a light source and the external faces of the diamond anvils viewed along the forward and reverse directions of the cell vector. It is shown that the method enables a DAC to be centred to within a few micrometres reproducibly and quickly.
The Penrose effect in the internationalization of professional service firms: an analysis of Japanese patent firms
Authors: Nakamoto Ryuichi , Chen Hao-Cheng , Noguchi Hiroki , Funatsu Shohei
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The Penrose effect, or the limitation of the growth rate during expansion due to managerial constraints, has been examined in the context of business diversification, withdrawal and MNE’s foreign direct investment, primarily in the for-profit sector. However, insufficient attention has been paid to its impact on professional service firms, particularly in the context of their expansion through service exports. The main purpose of this study is to examine the Penrose effect in the internationalization of professional service firms through service exports.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on large Japanese patent firms as traditional professional service firms and constructs panel data for 48 large patent firms over the observation period from 2002 to 2010 to test our hypotheses.

Findings

Our results demonstrate a negative relationship between degree of internationalization and international business growth, thus confirming the Penrose effect. Furthermore, we found that the degree of internationalization has a curvilinear relationship with international business growth and that institutional distance does not have a negatively moderating effect on the relationship between the degree of internationalization and international business growth.

Originality/value

This study made a theoretical contribution to Penrose's growth theory and previous studies on international management and professional service firms and international management by showing that the Penrose effect can be observed in the international expansion of professional service firms through service exports. Moreover, this study identifies the factors that modify the Penrose effect, thereby making a significant theoretical contribution.
Circular economy strategies for minimising construction waste in Sri Lanka: focus on the preconstruction stage
Authors: Victar Hasith Chathuranga , Waidyasekara K.G.A.S.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The concept of Circular Economy (CE) has gained significant traction in addressing the issue of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, which is generated because of global urbanisation and urban renewal. Therefore, this research aims to explore the applicability of CE strategies to minimise the C&D Waste Management (WM) issues in Sri Lanka considering the preconstruction stage of the building project.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a qualitative approach, using three expert interview rounds with the Delphi technique. In each round, 17, 15 and 12 experts were involved. A manual content analysis method was used to analyse the collected data.

Findings

Findings uncovered effective strategies in CE to address the 14 issues within C&D WM and its effects on the project management iron triangle in Sri Lanka. Integrating CE strategies within the construction sector to tackle C&D WM issues can significantly contribute to establishing a more sustainable, robust and resource-conscious built environment. By adopting CE strategies such as design for adaptability of existing buildings and design for disassembly, construction projects can optimise the project's timeline, cost and quality factors.

Originality/value

This will help to minimise the demand for virgin materials and reduce the volume of waste generated. Using recycled materials also helps close the loop of the materials cycle, thereby contributing to the CE. Also, this research contributes uniquely by offering practical, context-driven solutions that align with Sri Lanka’s construction sector.
The risk transmission from the COVID-19 to MENA stock markets: what is the best safe haven asset during the pandemic?
Authors: Chkili Walid
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates potential safe haven assets for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) stock markets during the uncertainty period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the dynamic conditional correlation–generalized autoregressive conditionally heteroskedastic (DCC-GARCH) model and the Diebold–Yilmaz spillover index for ten MENA stock markets, three precious metals and Bitcoin for the period 2013–2021.

Findings

Empirical results show, on the one hand, that the COVID-19 crisis risk has been transmitted to MENA stock markets through volatility spillover across markets. This has increased the conditional volatility for all markets. On the other hand, findings point out that the dynamic correlation between the precious metals/Bitcoin and stock markets is not stable and switches between low positive and negative values during the period under studies. Extending analysis to portfolio management, results reveal that investors should include precious metals/Bitcoin in their portfolio of stocks in order to reduce the risk of the portfolio. Finally, for the period of COVID-19, the analysis concludes that gold preserves its traditional role as a safe haven for MENA stock markets during the pandemic, while Bitcoin fails to provide this property.

Practical implications

These results have several implications for international investors, risk managers and financial analysts in terms of portfolio diversifications and hedging strategies. Indeed, the exploration of the volatility connectedness between financial, commodity and cryptocurrency markets becomes an essential task for all market participants during the COVID-19 outbreak. Such analysis can help investors and portfolio managers to evaluate the risk of investments in the MENA stock markets during the crisis period and to achieve the optimal diversification strategy and hedging instruments.

Originality/value

The paper interests MENA stock markets that experienced the last decade a substantial development in terms of market capitalization and number of listed firms. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the dynamic correlation between MENA stock markets and four potential safe haven assets, including three precious metals and Bitcoin. In addition, the paper employs two types of models, namely the DCC-GARCH model and the Diebold-Yilmaz spillover index.
Thermally radiative nanofluid heat transfer analysis inside a closed chamber with gyrotactic microorganisms
Authors: Sreedevi Paluru , Reddy P. Sudarsana
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to numerically examine the impact of gyrotactic microorganisms and radiation on heat transport features of magnetic nanoliquid within a closed cavity. Thermophoresis, chemical reaction and Brownian motion are also considered in flow geometry for the moment of nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

Finite element method (FEM) was depleted to numerically approximate the temperature, momentum, concentration and microorganisms concentration of the nanoliquid. The present simulation was unsteady state, and the resulting transformed equations are simulated by FEM-based Mathematica algorithm.

Findings

It has been found that isotherm patterns get larger with increasing values of the magnetic field parameter. Additionally, numerical codes for rate of heat transport impedance inside the cavity with an increasing Brownian motion parameter values.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the research work carried out in this paper is new, and no part is copied from others’ works.
Effects of strategic value orientation on personal data privacy, value in use and organizational reputation
Authors: Durans Amilson de Araujo , Mainardes Emerson Wagner
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study assesses whether the strategic orientation of financial institutions to provide value to customers influences the dimensions of personal data privacy perceived by consumers of banking services. We also analysed whether these dimensions directly influence the value in use and, indirectly, the reputation of financial institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature, a model was developed to verify the proposed relationships. To test the model, we collected data via an online questionnaire from 2,422 banking customers, with analysis using structural equation modelling with partial least squares estimation.

Findings

The results suggest that strategic value orientation tends to have a direct positive influence on the constructs knowledge, control, willingness to value privacy and trust in sharing personal information and a direct negative influence on the personal data privacy experience. Three dimensions of personal data privacy (knowledge, willingness to value privacy and trust in sharing personal information) tend to have a direct positive influence on value in use. The results showed that the dimensions of personal data privacy experience and control had a significant and negative impact on the value in use construct. Another finding is the positive influence of value in use on organizational reputation. Investing in strategic value orientation can generate consumer perceptions of personal data privacy, which is reflected in the value in use and reputation of banks.

Originality/value

This study is theoretically original because it brings up the organizational reputation of financial institutions based on the strategic orientation to offer value to customers, personal data privacy and the value in use of banking services. The study of these relationships is unprecedented in the literature.
A mixed design study on challenges and experiences with gender diversity management in Ethiopian public higher education institutions
Authors: Assefa Easaw Alemayehu
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study explores the challenges and experiences associated with managing gender diversity in Ethiopian public higher education institutions (HEIs) to inform policies and practices for promoting gender equality and inclusivity. Therefore, examining and shedding light on the challenges and experiences of GDM in Ethiopian public HEIs is the main goal of the research, which also aims to make suggested improvements. It focuses on the perspectives of vice presidents, student deans, instructors, gender office deans and students from HEIs.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods approach was used, with 395 respondents providing quantitative data and 34 respondents contributing qualitative data. Data collection involved four instruments: a survey questionnaire, interviews, observation and document analysis.

Findings

The study reveals diverse challenges and experiences related to gender diversity at the selected five Ethiopian public HEIs. Positive and negative instances of gender diversity management (GDM) were documented, highlighting the complexity of the issue. Despite the challenges, the study identified insightful scenarios that offer potential solutions.

Originality/value

This study is pioneering in its examination of the challenges and experiences of GDM in Ethiopian public HEIs. It provides a comprehensive understanding of gender diversity within the unique context of the Ethiopian HEIs.
Entrepreneurial actions under uncertainty: the role of psychological variables and decision logics
Authors: Ratinho Tiago , Sarasvathy Saras D.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Entrepreneurial action under uncertainty has captured the interest of scholars and practitioners alike. However, this growing body of research has yet to connect entrepreneurial action with actual actions of entrepreneurs. We combine insights from effectuation theory and the psychology of entrepreneurship to investigate drivers of entrepreneurial actions involved in starting and running ventures, particularly optimism, self-efficacy and the use of causal and effectual logics.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a unique mixed-method approach combining a survey with experience sampling data. After measuring demographics, preference for effectual or causal logics and psychological variables, the 197 US entrepreneurs sampled entrepreneurs logged their daily actions in the form of asks during 60 consecutive days.

Findings

Results suggest that self-efficacy and causal logics are key drivers of entrepreneurial actions, while optimism serves as a deterrent. Interestingly, the impact of self-efficacy on actions is moderated by the entrepreneur’s experience level, measured both in years and past asking experience.

Originality/value

The potential of the ask as the basic mechanism for entrepreneurial actions is explored. Based on the findings, the authors offer new and fertile insights by linking psychological traits to entrepreneurial actions, causal and effectual logics and entrepreneurial expertise development.
Inclusive and sustainable economic growth for MSME firms: examining the impact of sustainable HRM practices on women’s well-being
Authors: Dutta Debolina , Srivastava Prashant , Zabin Memon Nazia , Vedak Chaitali
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The study explores inclusive and sustainable growth in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) by examining people-oriented practices that expand employment opportunities for women. It uses the Conservation of Resources Theory to explore sustainable HRM practices like telecommuting, managerial support and understanding generational preferences to enhance women's well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The study captures the impact of HRM practices on employee well-being using multi-source data that were collected through an online questionnaire administered to 2,856 female employees in 18 Indian MSMEs. We then use PLS-SEM (SmartPLS-4 and PLS-multi-group analysis (PLS-MGA)) to analyze predictors of employee well-being.

Findings

The data analysis revealed that satisfaction with HRM practices positively impacted employee well-being. Secondly, satisfaction with telecommuting mediated the relationship between satisfaction with HRM practices and employee well-being. Thirdly, managerial support positively moderated the relationship between satisfaction with telecommuting and well-being. Lastly, generational cohort membership moderated the satisfaction with HRM policies and well-being, with Generation Z having a stronger need than Generation Y.

Practical implications

This study emphasizes the significance of robust and gender-sensitive HRM practices in MSMEs in high-growth emerging markets. It emphasizes the need for telecommuting policies and the role of managers in creating a supportive work environment for women. By implementing these insights, MSMEs can develop effective strategies to attract, retain and promote the well-being of women employees, thereby fostering sustainable HRM practices.

Originality/value

This study explores sustainable MSME HRM practices supporting gender inclusions and women’s well-being in high-growth emerging markets. By focusing on gender inclusion and the impact of telecommuting, generational preferences and managerial support, we contribute to mechanisms for sustainable labor as an economic and social concept.
Systematic exploration of sustainability in higher education: a tertiary perspective
Authors: Aghajani Masoud , Memari Ashkan , Tumpa Roksana Jahan , Ruge Gesa
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to systematically examine 69 secondary studies to understand trends and implications in sustainability in higher education (SHE), addressing gaps in secondary studies, which often lack comprehensive thematic overviews that hinder future directions.

Design/methodology/approach

This tertiary study uses meticulous thematic coding to unveil overarching themes and future research directions across seven SHE areas: institutional frameworks, campus operations, education, research, outreach and collaborations, campus experiences and assessment and reporting.

Findings

The analysis reveals challenges higher education institutions (HEIs) face in integrating sustainability, highlighting the need for a holistic approach. Barriers such as awareness deficits and resistance to change emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary research. Emphasizing holistic integration and innovation is vital for seamlessly embedding sustainability within HEIs.

Practical implications

Key future research themes include holistic approaches to sustainability integration, leadership for sustainable change and innovative pedagogical approaches. Additionally, it is important to explore transdisciplinary approaches in sustainability research and the role of research centers and funding in addressing sustainability challenges.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive overview of SHE, offering insights for researchers and practitioners, and serves as a resource for advancing sustainable educational practices.
Residents’ perception of the meaning and importance of conserving cultural heritage assets in Saadani village, Tanzania
Authors: Bigambo Richard
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the local residents’ perception of the meaning and importance of conserving cultural heritage assets in Saadani village.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied an exploratory research approach to assess the local residents’ perception over the meaning and importance of conserving cultural heritage in Saadani village in Pwani region. The study used semi-structured interviews, observations and archaeological surveys to collect data from 134 respondents at the village.

Findings

The findings from the study revealed that the residents are aware of the meaning and importance of conserving cultural heritage assets in the village. Further, the respondents are also aware of the different strategies that can be used to improve the management and conservation of the cultural heritage assets in the area.

Practical implications

The research revealed that the residents have sufficient knowledge regarding importance and means to conserve culture heritage. Such information may be used to improve the overall process of designing and implementing cultural heritage management (CHM) initiatives.

Originality/value

No similar studies on this subject matter have been conducted in Saadani village. The information generated by this study will be essential for officials, policymakers, developers and local authorities on the importance of involving local community members in designing and implementing CHM and conservation projects.
Findings and practical guidelines for interim leaders
Authors: Arfken Deborah Elwell , Helms Marilyn M. , Tanner Mary Poston
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Interim leaders often have little advance notice of their new assignments. Yet, they must skillfully lead their organizations, provide stability for staff and continue the direction of the mission and vision in a time of change. In addition, temporary leaders – often termed interim executive directors or interim chief executive officers (CEOs) – are frequently asked to guide the transition for a new and permanent leader.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study presents the insights of 24 interim leaders, largely in the Chattanooga, Tennessee (TN) region, who participated in individual virtual interviews and a subsequent virtual focus group to address a protocol of questions concerned with all phases of carrying out the interim position.

Findings

The findings confirmed existing literature on how the interim was selected, the responsibilities of this leader and the costs and benefits for the organization of using an interim and extended findings with guidance for interim over their tenure.

Practical implications

The findings uncovered new insights into personal and career growth, along with unexpected personal and professional enrichment and satisfaction from the experience. The practical implications include providing detailed guidelines for interim leaders at each stage of their tenure, which can help them navigate the complexities of their roles more effectively. Additionally, the findings highlight the potential for significant personal and professional growth, offering interim leaders unexpected enrichment and satisfaction from their experiences.

Social implications

The exploratory research validated the existing literature on interim leadership and added additional detail in practical guidance for beginning an interim position, carrying out the interim position and even ending the position. This study delineates practical guidelines at each stage of the interim lifecycle for both the temporary leader and the organization and provides areas for future research. Qualitative findings also identified key characteristics of an interim leader. This study also includes discussion of the political implications of interim CEOs.

Originality/value

The study presents original insights into the role of interim leaders by combining qualitative data from 24 participants in the Chattanooga, TN region with existing literature, thereby enhancing understanding of the challenges and successes these leaders face. It confirms previous findings regarding interim leadership and provides practical guidelines for navigating the interim lifecycle, highlighting aspects of personal growth and satisfaction that have not been extensively explored in prior research.
What is “eczema”?
Authors: Tokura Yoshiki , Yunoki Marina , Kondo Shumpei , Otsuka Masaki
Published: September 2024

Eczema is the most common category of inflammatory skin disorders as dermatologists see many patients with eczematous diseases in daily practice. It is characterized by the three major morphological features: multiple‐pinpoint condition, polymorphism, and itch. To describe polymorphism, “eczema triangle” has been used in German/Japanese dermatology. The multiple pinpoints correspond to numerous tiny foci from which individual papules/vesicles arise. The polymorphism betrays composition of erythema, papule, seropapule, vesicle, pustule, scale, and crust, which are seen in acute eczema. Meanwhile, chronic eczema is represented by lichenification and hyperpigmentation, and possibly by hypopigmentation. In acute eczema, spongiosis is associated with overproduction of hyaluronic acid, secretion of self‐protective galectin‐7, and decreased expression of E‐cadherin. In the upper dermis, Th1/Tc1 or Th2/Tc2, and additional Th17, Th22, and/or Tc22 infiltrate, depending on each eczematous disease. Innate lymphoid cells are also involved in the formation of eczema. In chronic eczema, periostin contributes to remodeling of inflammatory skin with dermal fibrosis, and epidermal melanogenesis and dermal pigment deposition result in hyperpigmentation. Finally, eczematous diseases are potentially associated with increased risk of comorbidities, including not only other allergic diseases but also coronary heart disease and mental problems such as depression. Although the original word for eczema is derived from old Greek “ekzein,” eczema remains a major target of modern science and novel therapies.
Contemporary visualities of ill health: On the social (media) construction of disease regimes
Authors: Vicari Stefania , Ditchfield Hannah , Chuang Yuning
Published: September 2024

First‐person representations of illness have been studied as key to the cultural fabric disrupting dominant practices of ill health or disease regimes. However, the role that digital platforms play in shaping this fabric in contemporary societies has been mostly overlooked. We address this gap by investigating how mainstream social media, as mundane spaces modelled by corporate‐driven techno‐commercial structures, frame specific forms of visuality or ways to see ill health. We reflect on how these forms of visuality relate to existing disease regimes. The article presents an investigation of popular images of BReast CAncer (BRCA) hereditary cancer syndromes posted on Instagram, Twitter (now X) or Facebook over the course of 12 months. By combining cultural analytics, visual network analysis and interpretive techniques, we explore the emergence of platform‐specific visual vernaculars and the visual genres of ill health emerging from these vernaculars. Our analysis suggests that, in the context of BRCA hereditary cancer syndromes, popular social media images primarily exacerbate existing racialised and gendered practices. Where alternative views emerge, in their being shaped by platforms’ attention economies, they often operate in what we define as a ‘liminal space’ of imagination – one that hints at renewed, but not necessarily disruptive and certainly not radical ways to imagine ill health.
Serving students with special needs: Palpable lessons from University of Dar es Salaam's 40 years sustained experience
Authors: Matiba Fortunatha Mathias , Kisanga Sarah Ezekiel
Published: September 2024

This qualitative study investigated the support Students with Special Needs (SSN) receive and the challenges providers of such assistance face at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). The university has witnessed a significant increase in the number of SSN, and their effective learning depends heavily on the support available. This study was conducted at the UDSM—Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Mlimani campus through semi‐structured interviews with 15 participants, and the collected data were analysed thematically. This study established that the UDSM's efforts to support SSN include establishing a dedicated centre, procuring modern assistive devices, recruiting specialist staff and personal assistants (PAs) to provide individualised and tailored assistance. Additionally, the university has developed comprehensive policies and guidelines to regulate the services provided to SSN. However, several challenges were reported, including lecturers' reluctance to submit examinations and lecture notes to SSN, reluctance of some students to disclose their disabilities, scarcity of experts and some SSN turning support services into income generating project. Despite the UDSM efforts to support SSN, further initiatives are imperative to enhance inclusive education in higher education.
Cutting edge document examination: The physical fit of machine‐cut edges of paper
Authors: Musgrave Nicola R. , Thorne Oliver T. S. , Howells Alix J.
Published: September 2024

This technical note describes in detail a method for associating individual sheets of blank A4 white paper from the same ream by the physical fit of machine‐cut edges. A large‐scale laboratory trial involving ~700 sheets of paper from 24 different reams (plus one spoiled sample), and more than 20,000 potential physical fits, correctly associated and sequenced 219 pairs of sheets together with a 100% empirical success rate and no false associations. The edge profile of each short machine‐cut end of a sheet of A4 paper allows us to physically fit sheets of paper from the same ream to each other and use this to predict the sequence of sheets in a set of documents. In a real‐life scenario, it may now be possible to detect the substitution or addition of a sheet in a multipage document, link documents from different sources to each other or to a common source of paper (e.g. to paper from a seized printer or from an accused's address) or to date documents. The study provides data for the application of this method in forensic casework and supports the practitioner when forming conclusions in this type of case.
Effects of four kinds of improver on fermentation characteristics of gluten‐free rice dough
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang SongDi , Ma ChunMin , Bian Xin , Zhang Guang , Liu XiaoFei , Guo XiaoXue , Zhang Na
Published: September 2024

Rice is commonly utilized as a wheat bread substitute due to its low allergenicity. However, rice bread faces challenges in processing efficiency and the formation of a cohesive gel network structure, resulting in suboptimal taste Hence, this study compared four improvers—trypsin, whey protein (WPC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), and molecularly distilled monoglycerides (GMSs). The impacts of the four improvers on the processing attributes of rice dough were comprehensively assessed across fermentation, moisture content analysis, rheology, heat stability, and pasting characteristics. The findings indicated that the incorporation of trypsin, HPMC, and WPC resulted in 107%, 61%, and 1% increases in gas production of fermented rice dough, respectively, while reducing the regrowth values to 564.00 ± 7.21, 176.67 ± 0.58, and 611.00 ± 3.61 cP. Notably, the air‐holding capacity of HPMC‐fermented rice dough exhibited a 7% enhancement. All four types of improvers raised the enthalpy of melting (ΔH) and the difference in melting point (ΔT) of fermented rice doughs, with trypsin enhancing ΔH by 44% and ΔT by 40%. GMS, HPMC, and WPC increased the degree of water incorporation in fermented doughs. This study could serve as a benchmark for enhancing the fermentation attributes of rice dough and establish a groundwork for the future advancement of gluten‐free dietary options.

Practical Application

The thorough analysis conducted in this experiment provides a theoretical framework for rice dough preparation during the fermentation process, addressing the dietary needs of individuals with coeliac disease and those following a gluten‐free diet. This study also paves the way for the development of improved gluten‐free rice products in future research pursuits.
Earlier reporting misconducts by serial entrepreneurs as predictors of misconduct‐triggered forced firm closures
Authors: Lukason Oliver , Kantšukov Mark
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the factors determining the forced closures of firms, which occur when entrepreneurs fail to submit annual reports for their businesses. Drawing on various theoretical perspectives, including a novel focus on the past reporting misconducts of the same entrepreneurs, the study sheds light on this phenomenon. Analysis of Estonian micro‐firms run by serial entrepreneurs reveals that recent reporting misconducts, particularly those of a severe nature, significantly determine a firm's forced closure. Additionally, factors such as firm size, age, and certain aspects of corporate governance play significant roles in this regard. In turn, the financial performance of a firm largely fails to signal future forced closure, potentially indicating that when entrepreneurs submit annual reports showing normal performance, they might be hiding bad performance. The paper also delineates different types of violators based on the severity of their past misconducts, noting that a particular type characterized by a large number of severe violations is especially prone to forced closures. Finally, the paper develops high‐accuracy prediction models for forced closures, identifying the number of most severe violations and firm size as the most important variables.
Inferring ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) dietary responses to experimental drought in a tropical rainforest using stable isotopes
Authors: Gely Claire , Laurance Susan G. W. , Blüthgen Nico , Lach Lori , Vogado Nara O. , Burwell Chris J. , Liddell Michael J. , Stork Nigel E.
Published: September 2024

With higher frequency and intensity of droughts predicted for many tropical forests, understanding the responses of plants and animals to changed climatic conditions will be increasingly important. Ants are considered ecosystem engineers in tropical rainforests due to their abundance and the diversity of functional roles they perform. Function in animals is often dictated by diet, with diets of rainforest ants ranging from purely carnivorous to mostly plant based. Stable isotopes of nitrogen and carbon have been utilised to infer information on diets, and more broadly on changes in ecosystem dynamics and water‐use in plants. We used stable isotopes to investigate the potential effects of drought on the diets of two dominant ant species (Anonychomyrma gilberti and Oecophylla smaragdina) in an in‐situ through‐fall experiment in lowland rainforest. We observed a significant and sustained increase of δ15N in both ant species in the drought experiment and during the dry season in the control treatment. We also detected elevated although much smaller levels of δ15N values in leaves of some drought‐stressed plant species. There was no detectable difference of the experiment for ant or plant δ13C values. We conclude that the observed elevation in ants' δ15N in response to drought may be partly caused by a drought‐induced shift in δ15N in plants. Although, with average nitrogen enrichment values of 2.7‰ and 3.2‰, for A. gilberti and O. smaragdina, respectively, it is consistent with these ants deriving nitrogen largely from prey. Because ants are such dominant species in rainforests, even small trophic shifts in response to climate change if widespread could have broad implications for species interactions and food webs. Importantly, it is possible that such a change could potentially mediate the effects of drought on tropical forests if herbivory on drought‐stressed plants is diminished by ant predation.
Relevance, strategies, and added value of mouse models in androgenetics
Authors: Singh Vertika , Schimenti John C.
Published: September 2024

Background

Male Infertility is a prevalent condition worldwide, and a substantial fraction of cases are thought to have a genetic basis. Investigations into the responsible genes is limited experimentally, so mice have been used extensively to identify genes required for fertility and to understand their functions.

Objectives

To review the progress made in reproductive genetics based on experiments in mice, the impact upon clinical fertility genetics, and discuss how evolving technologies will continue to advance our understanding of human infertility genes.

Results and Discussion

Gene knockout studies in mice have shown that several hundreds of genes are required for normal fertility and that this number is much higher in males than in females. In addition to gene discovery, the mouse is a powerful platform for functionally dissecting genetic pathways, modeling putative human infertility variants, identifying contraceptive targets, and developing in vitro gametogenesis.

Conclusion

These ongoing studies in mice have made an enormous contribution to our understanding of the genetics of human reproduction in the sense that the “parts list” of genes for mammalian gametogenesis is being elucidated. This would have been impossible to do in humans, and in vitro systems are not yet adequate to associate genes with andrological phenotypes, especially in the germline.