bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hilbert space of dyons
Authors: Mouland Rishi , Tong David
Published: October 2024

We revisit the construction of the Hilbert space of nonrelativistic particles moving in three spatial dimensions. This is given by the space of sections of a line bundle that can in general be topologically nontrivial. Such bundles are classified by a set of integers—one for each pair of particles—and arise physically when we describe the interactions of dyons, particles which carry both electric and magnetic charges. The choice of bundle fixes the representation of the Euclidean group carried by the Hilbert space. These representations are shown to recover the “pairwise helicity” formalism recently discussed in the literature.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Relation between critical exponent of the conductivity and the morphological exponents of percolation theory
Authors: Berg Carl Fredrik , Sahimi Muhammad
Published: October 2024

A central unsolved problem in percolation theory over the past five decades has been whether there is a direct relationship between the critical exponents that characterize the power-law behavior of the transport properties near the percolation threshold, particularly the effective electrical conductivity σe, and the exponents that describe the morphology of percolation clusters. The problem is also relevant to the relation between the static exponents of percolation clusters and the critical dynamics of spin waves in dilute ferromagnets, the elasticity of gels and composite solids, hopping conductivity in semiconductors, solute transport in porous media, and many others. We propose an approach to address the problem by showing that the contributions to σe can be decomposed into several groups representing the structure of percolation networks, including their mass and tortuosity, as well as constrictivity that describes the fluctuations in the driving potential gradient along the transport paths. The decomposition leads to a relationship between the critical exponent t of σe and other percolation exponents in d dimensions, t/ν=(d−Dbb)+2(Dop−1)+dC, where ν, Dbb, Dop, and dC are, respectively, the correlation length exponent, the fractal dimensions of the backbones and the optimal paths, and the exponent that characterizes the constrictivity. Numerical simulations in two and three dimensions, as well as analytical results in d=1 and d=6, the upper critical dimension of percolation, validate the relationship. We, therefore, believe that the solution to the 50-year-old problem has been derived.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure of an acetonitrile solvate of 2-(3,4,5-triphenylphenyl)acetic acid
Authors: Seidel Pierre , Gottwald Franziska , Meier Eric , Mazik Monika
Published: October 2024

Crystal growth of 2-(3,4,5-triphenylphenyl)acetic acid (1) from acetonitrile yields a monosolvate, C26H20O2·CH3CN, of the space group P
1. In the crystal, the title molecule adopts a conformation in which the three phenyl rings are arranged in a paddlewheel-like fashion around the central arene ring and the carboxyl residue is oriented nearly perpendicular to the plane of this benzene ring. Inversion-symmetric dimers of O—H...O-bonded molecules of 1 represent the basic supramolecular entities of the crystal structure. These dimeric molecular units are further linked by C—H...O=C bonds to form one-dimensional supramolecular aggregates running along the crystallographic [111] direction. Weak Caryl—H...N interactions occur between the molecules of 1 and acetonitrile.
Unveiling the relationship between intellectual capital and corporate performance through earnings management practices
Authors: Mohapatra Swati , Pattanayak J.K.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to empirically investigate the relationship between intellectual capital (IC) and corporate performance (CP), including financial, market and sustainability performance. The research also investigates the mediating role of earnings management practices (EM) in the IC and CP relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical connection between IC and CP for 795 nonfinancial listed Indian firms is examined for 17 years using industry and year-fixed effect panel regression models. The research has also used Baron and Kenny’s four-step model to examine the role of EM as a mediator between IC and CP.

Findings

IC plays a crucial part in improving the financial, market and sustainability performance of Indian firms. The empirical findings further claim that EM practices partially mediate the connection between IC and CP. However, the mediation effect of EM depends on its magnitude and direction, i.e. income-increasing (decreasing) EM practices. The study also claims that sustainability performance-oriented firms practice less EM.

Research limitations/implications

Managers and policymakers can use the findings of this study to their advantage by focusing on the significance of IC in the Indian context and their efforts to improve financial, market and sustainability performance while limiting earnings management practices.

Originality/value

The research uncovers a novel facet of the IC–CP relationship where EM mediates between the two. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that analyzes the impact of IC on CP through the lens of mediation using both accrual and real earnings management.
The role of internships on engineering students’ expectations toward their first position after graduation
Authors: Vicente Sophia , Artiles Mayra , Matusovich Holly , Carrico Cheryl
Published: October 2024

Purpose

We used a complementary mixed methods approach, grounded in situated expectancy-value theory, to explore the relationship between completing an internship and engineering undergraduate students’ preparedness and expectancy of success in obtaining their preferred first position after graduation. We disseminated a survey to institutions in the United States and received 1,583 responses; from this sample, we interviewed 62 students.

Design/methodology/approach

Internship experiences are considered among “high impact practices” in higher education. Despite calls to increase the quality and quantity of internships, little is known about relationships between internship participation and how prepared students feel for future work, specifically their first position after graduation.

Findings

Our findings showed that the students who participated in internships had positive perceptions of preparedness and expectancy of success compared to their peers. We found that participating in multiple internships was beneficial to these outcomes until a student participated in five internships. After five internships, our data did not show a correlation between increasing numbers of internship experiences and increased preparedness or expectancy of success.

Practical implications

While there are benefits to internship participation, after six experiences, additional internships are unlikely to increase confidence in job success and preparation. If that still is lacking, a different approach or conversation on career choice may be warranted.

Originality/value

Our findings are unique in identifying (1) the aspects of internships that increase perceptions of success, including tying theoretical concepts learned in the classroom to engineering practice and (2) the point at which further internships do not seem to offer further benefits.
Mindfulness, adversity quotient and learner satisfaction in the virtual learning environment: perspectives from Indian higher education
Authors: Patwardhan Vidya , Bajaj Gita , Sen Sujoy , Kumawat Renuka
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between student perceived teacher mindfulness (STM), student mindfulness (SM), adversity quotient (ARP) and learner satisfaction (LS). This study likewise examined whether SM and ARP mediate the relationship between STM and LS.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire battery of STM, self-reported SM, ARP and LS was prepared and pilot-tested. A cross-sectional survey of 2,000 students from four universities, three in India and one in the UAE was administered. In total, 713 survey responses after data cleaning were used for analysis.

Findings

The results from three-stage hierarchical multiple regression predicted that STM was the strongest predictor of LS followed by SM and ARP. The parallel mediation Model 4 from PROCESS Macro by Hayes (2013) was used to test the mediation effects of SM and ARP profile on the relationship between STM and LS. It was found that SM has a larger effect than the ARP profile on the LS of a student.

Practical implications

The results of this study show that learner satisfaction in the virtual learning environment can improve through interventions at the institutional level by reviewing the recruitment process of faculty and students, and at the governance level by adopting processes that help address teacher challenges such as stress and anxiety.

Originality/value

In the extant literature, the studies on STM, teacher mindfulness, adversity quotient and learning satisfaction are an under-researched domain, especially in the context of virtual learning. Likewise, the adversity quotient though an established concept has not been adequately studied on students in the virtual environment.
Transformation of value in co-creation: modalities and thresholds
Authors: Chathoth Prakash K. , Ungson Gerardo R.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on how value is generated as part of co-creative modalities in service transactions. The progression of value creation ranges from utilitarian to hedonic and experiential value over repeated transactions that entail crossing specific thresholds that enhance deeper trust when the customer consumes the same product/service bundle over time.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors synthesize various theoretical narratives and advance propositions for understanding the modalities and processes underlying the repeated transformation of co-creation values in repeated transactions over time.

Findings

The propositions provide a basis to investigate how the firm is able to engage with the customers to move from basic forms of value creation to more advanced forms such that the firm is able to manage the value creation modalities leading to superior value generation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides a basis for firms to understand how value is co-created and transformed. Specifically, the evolution of customer values is assessed from value-in-exchange and value-in-use to value-in-experience. The role of thresholds in the evolution of value is integral in the progression from utilitarian, hedonic, to experiential value. Moreover, in repeated transactions, the role of trust underpins the processes underlying different thresholds. In practice, firms should seek to engage the customer at a higher level in the creation of co-creative modalities of value creation.

Originality/value

This paper provides a theoretical context of the evolution and transformation of such value in co-creation. Extant research has yet to delve into such value creation accounts from the perspective of the firm (service provider) and its customers.
Assessment of developmental coordination disorder in adulthood: a scoping review
Authors: Armstrong Dorothy
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a life-long condition, but the diagnostic process for adults has not been formally established. The purpose of this study was to ascertain which assessment tools are used to assign participants into the group with DCD in studies investigating this condition in adulthood.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Peer reviewed literature published between January 2008 and April 2024 was searched using five databases: AMED, CINAHL Ultimate, Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus. Data was extracted using the “Joanna Briggs Institute” scoping review guidelines.

Findings

In total, 36 articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria for this review. The Adult Developmental Co-ordination Disorders/Dyspraxia Checklist was the most frequent tool used to measure current and past impact on occupational performance. Level of motor skill was only measured in 51% of the studies, and none of these studies used tests with norms for an adult population. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children 2 was the most commonly used tool to measure level of motor skill.

Originality/value

Findings from this scoping review could be used in the creation of a pilot pathway for the assessment of adults for DCD.
Breaking the mold: the pursuit of decentralized trade and supply chain finance
Authors: Sangari Mohamad Sadegh , So Kar Wai , Mashatan Atefeh
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Blockchain technology (BT) presents a decentralized approach that has promising potentials to alleviate many of the long-lasting risks and inefficiencies in trade finance (TF) and supply chain finance (SCF) operations, providing international traders greater access to working capital. Despite this, the actual adoption of the technology and related issues in this space has remained under-researched. This paper examines the state of the practice to identify the main drivers and inhibitors faced by TF/SCF parties in their BT adoption efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study applies a multi-stakeholder perspective and a mixed-methods approach using semi-structured interviews with practitioners in various stages of BT implementation in TF/SCF initiatives across North America, Europe and Asia. The study then determines the priority of the identified factors using the Bayesian best-worst method (BWM).

Findings

The findings show that while the discussion has focused on the technological drivers of BT adoption for TF/SCF, practitioners rely more on non-technological factors such as peer adoption and fostering innovation. The findings also reveal how practitioners address common BT issues, including scalability and interoperability.

Originality/value

The study offers insights into important requirements for realizing the full benefits of BT in support of TF and SCF from an extended technology-organization-environment (TOE) perspective. On a more general level, it highlights what is required to transform this industry toward digitization.
Gender stereotypes in robotics in the field of tourism and hospitality. A conceptual paper
Authors: Otegui Carles Almudena , Fraiz Brea José Antonio , Araújo Vila Noelia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

It is imperative to develop studies on robotics through a gender lens, as gender equality is crucial for advancing innovations within the field of tourism and hospitality. This paper aims to open new research questions based on the concept of gender stereotypes in robotics in the field of tourism and hospitality, critically examining how gender and gender stereotypes are being addressed in the current state of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual papers focus on analysing concepts, approaching problems to address “what’s new” and highlighting directions for future thinking. They contribute fresh perspectives to traditional problems. Despite their potential to broaden our thinking, conceptual papers in tourism research are limited.

Findings

The importance of the concept of gender stereotypes in robotics in the field of tourism and hospitality presented in this conceptual paper is evident in recognising that robotics poses numerous ethical challenges aimed at preventing the replication and perpetuation of gendered norms, biases, prejudices and stereotypes prevalent in society. Overlooking these aspects during the design and utilisation of robots could inadvertently amplify discriminatory biases, enable abusive behaviours and contribute to the continued objectification of female workers within the tourism and hospitality sector.

Originality/value

While the concept of gender stereotypes in robotics is not novel, what is indeed novel is the untested relationship between gender stereotypes in robotics and the field of tourism and hospitality. Additionally, the context in which this relationship is presented is fresh, as it has typically been discussed in relation to customer acceptance, believability, perceived quality or satisfaction in interactions with robots. However, this paper’s distinctiveness lies in its exploration of the potential impact of robotics on either reducing or exacerbating gender stereotypes within society.
Determinants of halal food customer behaviour in the context of Indonesia and Malaysia: a systematic literature review
Authors: Alimusa La Ode , Ratnasari Ririn Tri , Hasib Fatin Fadhilah
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study presents a systematic literature review of halal food (HF) customer behaviour using the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases. This study aims to identify trends, methodologies, theoretical developments and determinants of HF customer behaviour in Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as potential future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study extends the bibliometric and systematic literature review covering all variables in customers purchasing HF by extracting the Scopus and WoS databases. We used the SLR method via the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) model. A total of 43 samples related to customer behaviour towards HF articles were identified and reviewed.

Findings

This study found 43 articles discussing variables or factors that influence consumers’ behaviour towards HF in Indonesia and Malaysia. Quantitative methods and extended TPB theory are most widely used to measure the determinants of customer behaviour towards HFs. Religiosity, attitude, halal awareness and trust are the most dominant factors that significantly influence customer behaviour towards HF. This study suggests several potential future research directions.

Research limitations/implications

The HF industry, marketers and governments in Indonesia and Malaysia must ensure that their products meet consumer expectations by implementing halalan thayyiban and strengthening HF marketing strategies based on halal-labelled food.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the factors determining customer behaviour towards HF in Indonesia and Malaysia using a systematic literature review method from Scopus and the WoS database.
Integrating social work into general practice in Australia: protocol of an intervention study
Authors: Zuchowski Ines , Kuruvila Albert , Lee Rebecca , McLennan Simoane
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study protocol provides an overview of research aimed to evidence social work contributions to general practitioner (GP) clinics and evaluating the value of social workers and students in such settings. The research will facilitate and evaluate 12 months service delivery by social workers and students who will be employed in North Queensland GP clinics.

Design/methodology/approach

The study will be conducted in three phases. The first phase will involve developing partnerships and contractual arrangements to co-fund social workers to be employed in GP clinics. In the second phase, social workers and social work students will be practicing in GP settings and systematically recording basic demographics about their patients, areas of health and interventions. This data will be collated and correlated. Patient feedback surveys and a pre- and post-well-being scale will be applied to evaluate the outcomes of interventions. In the final phase, feedback about the value and contribution of social work in a GP setting will be sought from key GP practice stakeholders via an online survey tool to evaluate the research.

Findings

Further data is needed to evidence the contribution and outcomes of social work practice in Australia and elsewhere. It is important that social work and GPs work together to evidence and evaluate the outcomes and contribution of social work to develop sustainable funding pathways for embedding social work in GP clinics.

Originality/value

This is an innovative study design that will use various data sources to identify, quantify and evaluate the contribution of social work in general practice. It allows for stakeholders feedback that can contribute to policy review and the development of funding pathways to advance the inclusion of social work in integrated team care.
How digital orientation promotes digital process innovation from the perspectives of knowledge and capability: evidence from China
Authors: Wang Xiangyang , Liu Zhiyi , Lei Xuefei
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how digital orientation affects digital process innovation from the dual perspectives of knowledge and capability. It also stresses the mediating effects of digital knowledge creation and strategic flexibility on this relationship, as well as the moderating effect of strategic flexibility on the relationship between digital knowledge creation and digital process innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopted knowledge- and capability-based views to develop the theoretical model. A total of 193 samples from China were collected to test the model and hypotheses by the partial least squares structural equation modeling method.

Findings

The results indicate that digital orientation promotes knowledge creation and strategic flexibility respectively, which in turn facilitates digital process innovation. Also, the effect of digital knowledge creation on digital process innovation is moderated by strategic flexibility.

Originality/value

This study adopts the dual perspectives of knowledge and capability to deepen the relationship between digital orientation and digital process innovation by introducing digital knowledge creation and strategic flexibility as the crucial links, which responds to the call for attaching importance to digital process innovation.
Measuring the time-invariant and time-varying technical efficiency of ports in Tunisia: a stochastic frontier analysis
Authors: Ben Mabrouk Mohsen , Hammami Sami , Ouertani Mohamed Nejib
Published: October 2024

Purpose

In Tunisia, foreign commercial exchanges are predominantly maintained via ocean freight and accomplished through eight major ports. The latter play a critical role in the Tunisian economy, whereby nearly 30.7 million tons of goods were transited in 2018. Maintaining their efficiency therefore remains a very important objective to achieve. In this context, the present study is designed to investigate the technical efficiency of respective Tunisian ports over the 16-year period (2005–2020).

Design/methodology/approach

The stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) method is applied to measure the associated time-invariant and time-varying technical efficiency. Moreover, through technical inefficiency modeling, effects of both rail connectivity and private sector participation in handling activities on technical efficiency have also been accounted for.

Findings

The reached results turn out to reveal well that the Tunisian ports appear to operate below their production frontier, noticeably marked by persistent technical inefficiency. Additionally, the relevant estimates tend to confirm the berth variable associated importance in highlighting production related to Tunisian ports. More particularly, our analysis reveals that the private sector’s participation proves to display a significantly negative association with technical efficiency, while the ports’ rail connectivity turns out to demonstrate a significantly positive correlation with technical efficiency.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can provide port authorities and policymakers with insights into the technical efficiency of Tunisian ports by identifying best practices, the main factors influencing their efficiency (such as rail connectivity and private sector’s participation) and areas for improvement in these ports.

Originality/value

The present study stands as a pioneering attempt to examine the efficiency dimension through the implementation of panel data estimation modeling frameworks, particularly the random-effects and the Battese and Coelli (1995) approaches, applied to measure the technical efficiency of the Tunisian port sector. Similarly, the present study also represents an effective attempt, whereby the effects of exogenous variables, notably the rail connectivity and private sector participation, are thoroughly considered in exploring the technical efficiency of Tunisian ports.
Trends in public procurement and innovation: a bibliometric analysis and future research agenda
Authors: Changalima Ismail Abdi , Mchopa Alban Dismas
Published: October 2024

Purpose

In recent years, there has been a growing academic interest in incorporating innovation into the public procurement practices. Nevertheless, a noticeable scarcity of current bibliometric studies in this particular field exists. To fill this gap, the study analyzes trends in public procurement and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducts a bibliometric analysis on data from 354 journal articles and reviews retrieved from the Scopus database. Specifically, performance analysis was conducted to gain an overview of the field in terms of research productivity, while science mapping was performed to analyze the relationship networks between concepts through co-word analysis.

Findings

The initial part of the analysis focused on publication trends and compiled a list of the most influential journals that delve into the field. Generally, the findings indicate an increase in research on public procurement and innovation since 2012, despite fluctuations in the number of publications over the years. The geographical distribution highlighted that countries from Europe have been the most prolific contributors to this field, with limited representation of developing countries especially from Africa. A co-word analysis through VOSviewer identified 11 key clusters that present relevant knowledge themes and future research agenda in the field. The themes revolve around aspects such as sustiainability, development strategies, efficiency in construction industry, societal and regional development, small and medium-sized enterprises' involvement, sustainable public procurement, and tendering.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge by uniquely presenting the trends on publications related to public procurement and innovation, considering recent developments in the field. It identifies key research themes and delves into the identified clusters, concluding with a discussion on potential avenues for future research.
Absolute emissions targets and voluntary carbon disclosure: an international empirical survey
Authors: Mateo-Márquez Antonio J. , González-González José M. , Zamora-Ramírez Constancio
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the influence of organizational and contextual factors on companies’ decisions to set absolute emissions targets and science-based targets (SBTs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of 23,166 observations across 69 countries from 2016 to 2020 to analyze the likelihood of firms to establish absolute emissions targets and SBTs.

Findings

The results show that firm size, governance, climate-related regulation and moral acceptance in the country in question positively influence companies’ decisions on these matters. Furthermore, while profitability has a positive influence on the participation of companies in the SBT initiative (SBTi), both the financial risk involved and sector emissions intensity can discourage companies from participating in the SBTi or from establishing absolute emissions targets.

Practical implications

This study may allow regulators and policymakers to encourage carbon information disclosure with a greater focus on aspects that specifically contribute to evaluating ways of promoting effective behavior on the part of companies in the fight against climate change.

Social implications

The results of this study serve to support the demands of civil society, as well as to guide regulators in the design of measures in the fight against climate change and steer the decision-making of investors in moving toward a low carbon economy.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine whether organizational and contextual factors affect companies’ propensity to set absolute emissions targets and SBTs.
Zooming in on the temporal dimensions of plant–soil feedback: Plant sensitivity and microbial dynamics
Authors: Liu Xiangyu , Steinauer Katja , van der Veen‐van Wijk Karin , Bezemer Thiemo Martijn
Published: October 2024

The magnitude of plant–soil feedback (PSF) can depend on the time of conditioning as well as the length of feedback. Understanding the temporal variation in PSF requires insight in the response of both soil characteristics and the plant.

We examined how conspecific PSF varies with the length of conditioning and the size of the response plant using Jacobaea vulgaris, a species known to experience negative conspecific PSF. Together with reanalysis of an existing microbial sequence dataset, we tested whether the temporal variation in PSF is due to size‐dependent plant sensitivity to conditioned soil or due to compositional changes in microbial communities of conditioned soil. Further, by reanalysing another existing dataset, we examined temporal dynamics of the relative growth rates (RGR) of J. vulgaris during the feedback phase.

Testing varying conditioning lengths, uncovered that J. vulgaris exhibited the strongest negative PSF at 5 weeks of conditioning, after which PSF gradually attenuated. Plant sensitivity to conditioned soil decreased with increasing plant age/size of the response plant. In the feedback phase, the RGR of J. vulgaris was first higher, then lower and at the end similar in ‘away’ soil compared to ‘home’ soil.

The dissimilarity in bacterial and fungal communities in ‘home’ and ‘away’ soil significantly decreased during the feedback phase. When J. vulgaris grew in ‘away’ soil, the relative abundance of 10 (out of 80) bacterial OTUs that positively correlated with plant growth decreased over time, while 5 (out of 86) OTUs that negatively correlated with plant growth the relative abundance increased over time. Additionally, only one (out of 10) fungal OTU that negatively associated with plant growth increased over time in ‘away’ soil.

Synthesis. Our findings illustrate that PSF varies with the duration of soil conditioning and of the feedback phase. During the feedback phase, changes in PSF can be attributed to both the size‐dependent plant sensitivity to conditioned soil and temporal changes in the microbial community of conditioned soil. This highlights the importance of considering the reconditioning of soil microbial communities by the test plants during the feedback phase for understanding temporal variation in PSF.
Emotions in the aisles: Unpacking the use of emotive language in the UK House of Commons
Authors: YILDIRIM TEVFIK MURAT
Published: October 2024

The use of emotive rhetoric in legislative debates has attracted increasing scholarly attention in political science research. Building on recent scholarship, I examine the conditions under which emotive rhetoric dominates legislative speeches in the UK House of Commons between 2001 and 2015. By coding nearly half a million legislative speeches according to Ekman's six basic emotions – anger, disgust, fear, joy, sadness and surprise – I argue that members of parliament (MPs) strategically use emotions in their speeches to maximize their influence and visibility. The findings reveal modest but discernible effects related to electoral safety, seniority and party status. Specifically, the results show that speeches by electorally vulnerable, junior and opposition MPs contain higher levels of emotive language compared to those by other MPs. Notably, despite considerable similarity in the correlates of individual emotion categories, there are also significant differences. For example, opposition MPs and electorally vulnerable MPs rely more heavily on negative emotions such as anger, disgust, fear and sadness than government MPs and electorally safer MPs. While junior MPs use fear, sadness and surprise at higher rates compared to their senior counterparts, they are statistically indistinguishable from senior MPs in their use of anger, disgust and joy. Overall, these results underscore the need for greater scholarly attention to the communication styles of representatives in legislatures and emphasize the importance of examining the nuanced strategies behind the use of different types of emotions.
Persistent tissue‐specific resident microbiota in oysters across a broad geographical range
Authors: Unzueta‐Martínez Andrea , Bowen Jennifer
Published: October 2024

Marine animals often harbour complex microbial communities that influence their physiology. However, strong evidence for resident microbiomes in marine bivalves is lacking, despite their contribution to estuarine habitats and coastal economies. We investigated whether marine bivalves harbour stable, resident microorganisms in specific tissues or if their microbiomes primarily consist of transient members reflecting the environmental microbial pool. Conducting a latitudinal study of wild eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) along the East Coast of the United States, we aimed to identify resident microorganisms that persist across a wide geographical range. Our results revealed that microbial communities in seawater and sediment samples followed latitudinal diversity patterns driven by geographic location. In contrast, oyster‐associated microbiomes were distinct from their surrounding environments and exhibited tissue‐specific compositions. Notably, oyster microbiomes showed greater similarity within the same tissue type across different geographic locations than among different tissue types within the same location. This indicates the presence of tissue‐specific resident microbes that persist across large geographical ranges. We identified a persistent set of resident microbiome members for each tissue type, with key microbial members consistent across all locations. These findings underscore the oyster host's role in selecting its microbiome and highlight the importance of tissue‐specific microbial communities in understanding bivalve‐associated microbiomes.
Plugging biologging into animal welfare: An opportunity for advancing wild animal welfare science
Authors: Beaulieu Michaël , Masilkova Michaela
Published: October 2024

Animal welfare science is currently expanding beyond its traditional boundaries, from captive animals to those living in the wild. This current development is conceptually and methodologically challenging, but it could benefit from adjacent and more established research fields. Among these fields, biologging appears to be a strong candidate, as most intrinsic, location and environmental variables collected through biologging approaches could be used to assess animal welfare in the wild.

To provide an objective view of the suitability of biologging to assess wild animal welfare, biologging was evaluated against the criteria that are currently recommended to assess animal welfare. This evaluation shows that biologging approaches could enhance animal welfare assessments in terms of completeness, informativeness and feasibility in the wild. However, their full implementation may be complicated by limitations in terms of validity, representativeness and disturbance, and by the different welfare perspectives taken by wildlife biologists using biologging approaches and animal welfare biologists.

To exploit the full potential that biologging approaches could offer to assess wild animal welfare, their current limitations need to be overcome. Towards this end, recommendations are explicitly provided to enhance the validity and the representativeness of biologging measurements as welfare indicators, while reducing disturbance. To increase the visibility and the impact of biologging studies examining wild animal welfare, we also encourage wildlife biologists using biologging approaches to adopt the same language and perspectives as those used by animal welfare biologists.

If current limitations are overcome, biologging is likely to be instrumental for the future study of animal welfare in the wild. Reciprocally, integrating animal welfare in biologging studies is expected to have a great impact on the whole biologging field by extending its current scope to a new and promising research area.
Time‐restricted feeding mediated modulation of microbiota leads to changes in muscle physiology in Drosophila obesity models
Authors: Livelo Christopher , Guo Yiming , Madhanagopal Jagathnarayan , Morrow Casey , Melkani Girish C.
Published: October 2024

Recent research has highlighted the essential role of the microbiome in maintaining skeletal muscle physiology. The microbiota influences muscle health by regulating lipid metabolism, protein synthesis, and insulin sensitivity. However, metabolic disturbances such as obesity can lead to dysbiosis, impairing muscle function. Time‐restricted feeding (TRF) has been shown to mitigate obesity‐related muscle dysfunction, but its effects on restoring healthy microbiomes remain poorly understood. This study utilizes 16S microbiome analysis and bacterial supplementation to investigate the bacterial communities influenced by TRF that may benefit skeletal muscle physiology. In wild‐type and obese Drosophila models (axenic models devoid of natural microbial communities), the absence of microbiota influence muscle performance and metabolism differently. Specifically, axenic wild‐type Drosophila exhibited reduced muscle performance, higher glucose levels, insulin resistance, ectopic lipid accumulation, and decreased ATP levels. Interestingly, in obese Drosophila (induced by a high‐fat diet or predisposed obesity mutant Sk2), the absence of microbiota improved muscle performance, lowered glucose levels, reduced insulin resistance, and increased ATP levels. TRF was found to modulate microbiota composition, notably increasing Acetobacter pasteurianus (AP) and decreasing Staphylococcus aureus (SA) in both obesity models. Supplementation with AP improved muscle performance and reduced glucose and insulin resistance, while SA supplementation had the opposite effect. This study provides novel insights into the complex interactions between TRF, microbiota, and skeletal muscle physiology in different Drosophila models.
CIC/ATXN1‐rearranged tumors in the central nervous system are mainly represented by sarcomas: A comprehensive clinicopathological and epigenetic series
Authors: Tauziède‐Espariat Arnault , Ebrahimi Azadeh , Boddaert Nathalie , Pietsch Torsten , Grajkowska Wieslawa , Blau Tobias , Koch Arend , Sievers Philipp , Guillemot Delphine , Pierron Gaëlle , Uro‐Coste Emmanuelle , Nicaise Yvan , Siegfried Aurore , Gilles Adam , Bielle Franck , Mokhtari Karima , Cazals‐Hatem Dominique , Iakovlev Gueorgui , Lhermitte Benoît , Entz‐Werle Natacha , Csanyi Marie , Maurage Claude‐Alain , Legrand Victor , Boutonnat Jean , Godfraind Catherine , McLeer Anne , Hasty Lauren , Métais Alice , Aboubakr Oumaima , Blauwblomme Thomas , Beccaria Kévin , Dangouloff‐Ros Volodia , Varlet Pascale ,   The RENOCLIP‐LOC
Published: October 2024

CIC fusions have been described in two different central nervous system (CNS) tumor entities. On one hand, fusions of CIC or ATXN1 genes belonging to the same complex of transcriptional repressors, were reported in the CIC‐rearranged, sarcoma (SARC‐CIC). The diagnosis of this tumor type, which was recently added to the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of CNS tumors, is difficult mainly because the data concerning its histopathology (as compared to its soft tissue counterpart), immunoprofile, and clinical as well as radiological characteristics are scarce in the literature. On the other hand, a recent study, based on DNA‐methylation profiling, has identified a novel high‐grade neuroepithelial tumor characterized by recurrent CIC fusions (HGNET‐CIC). The aim of this multicentric study was to characterize a cohort of 15 primary CNS tumors harboring a CIC or ATXN1 fusion in terms of clinical, radiological, histopathological, immunophenotypical, and epigenetic characteristics. According to the integrated diagnoses, 14/15 tumors corresponded to SARC‐CIC, and only one to HGNET‐CIC. The tumors showed similar clinical (mainly pediatric), radiological (mostly supratentorial, cystic, and contrast enhancing), immunophenotypical (common expression of glioneuronal markers), and genetic (similar spectrum of fusions) profiles but their histopathological appearance was clearly distinct. Moreover, we found a novel fusion transcript (CIC::EWSR1) in a SARC‐CIC. Most DNA methylation profiles using the Heidelberg Brain Tumor Classifier (v12.8) annotated the samples to the methylation class “SARC‐CIC” (9/14 tumors with available data). By using uniform manifold approximation and projection analysis, four other samples were classified as SARC‐CIC and another clustered within the methylation class of HGNET‐CIC. Our findings confirm that CNS CIC‐fused tumors do not represent a single molecular tumor entity. Further analyses are needed to characterize HGNET‐CIC in more detail. These results may help to refine the essential diagnostic criteria for SARC‐CIC and their terminology (with a suggested consensual name of sarcoma, CIC/ATXN1‐complex rearranged).
Tropisetron, an Antiemetic Drug, Exerts an Anti‐Epileptic Effect Through the Activation of α7nAChRs in a Rat Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Qian Xu , Sheng Xinwen , Ding Jiqiang , Yiming Zulipiya , Zheng Jingjun , Zhong Jiagui , Zhang Tengyue , Li Xuemei , He Shuqiao , Li Wei , Zhang Mei
Published: October 2024

Background

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), a prevalent chronic neurological disorder, affects millions of individuals and is often resistant to anti‐epileptic drugs. Increasing evidence has shown that acetylcholine (ACh) and cholinergic neurotransmission play a role in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Tropisetron, an antiemetic drug used for chemotherapy in clinic, has displayed potential in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, depression, and schizophrenia in animal models. However, as a partial agonist of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs), whether tropisetron possesses the therapeutic potential for TLE has not yet been determined.

Methods

In this study, tropisetron was intraperitoneally injected into pilocarpine‐induced epileptic rats for 3 weeks. Alpha‐bungarotoxin (α‐bgt), a specific α7nAChR antagonist, was applied to investigate the mechanism of tropisetron. Rats were assessed for spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) and cognitive function using video surveillance and Morris's water maze testing. Hippocampal impairment and synaptic structure were evaluated by Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry, and Golgi staining. Additionally, the levels of glutamate, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), ACh, α7nAChRs, neuroinflammatory cytokines, glucocorticoids and their receptors, as well as synapse‐associated protein (F‐actin, cofilin‐1) were quantified.

Results

The results showed that tropisetron significantly reduced SRS, improved cognitive function, alleviated hippocampal sclerosis, and concurrently suppressed synaptic remodeling and the m6A modification of cofilin‐1 in TLE rats. Furthermore, tropisetron lowered glutamate levels without affecting GABA levels, reduced neuroinflammation, and increased ACh levels and α7nAChR expression in the hippocampi of TLE rats. The effects of tropisetron treatment were counteracted by α‐bgt.

Conclusion

In summary, these findings indicate that tropisetron exhibits an anti‐epileptic effect and provides neuroprotection in TLE rats through the activation of α7nAChRs. The potential mechanism may involve the reduction of glutamate levels, enhancement of cholinergic transmission, and suppression of synaptic remodeling. Consequently, the present study not only highlights the potential of tropisetron as an anti‐epileptic drug but also identifies α7nAChRs as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of TLE.
Differential Nasal Recolonization and Microbial Profiles in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps Patients After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery or Dupilumab Treatment: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Maniaci Antonino , Vertillo Aluisio Gaia , Stefani Stefania , Cocuzza Salvatore , Lechien Jerome Rene , Radulesco Thomas , Michel Justin , Santagati Maria , La Mantia Ignazio
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The role of microbial profiles in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) pathogenesis is increasingly recognised, with microbial imbalances perpetuating inflammation. We performed this study to associate the different nasal microbiological profile changes with the response to surgical or monoclonal treatment.

Methods

This prospective observational study evaluated changes in the nasal microbial profiles of 44 patients (22 dupilumab, 22 surgery) over 6 months. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline and follow‐ups, including Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test‐22 (SNOT‐22) scores and Sniffin Sticks‐Identification (SS‐I) olfactory testing. Microbial profiling of nasal swabs was carried out by microbial culture and subsequent molecular identification by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing.

Results

Baseline characteristics of 44 patients (22 dupilumab, 22 surgery) enrolled in this study were similar between groups. In the dupilumab group, Staphylococcus epidermidis prevalence rose from 37.03% to 59.25%, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was eradicated. Moreover, dupilumab stabilised Staphylococcus aureus at 63.64%, while its prevalence increased in the surgery group (from 22.72% to 50%). When bacterial groups were associated with clinical scores, P. aeruginosa carriers had worse SNOT‐22 (21.00 ± 1.41) and SS‐I (5.50 ± 0.71) scores. Instead, S. epidermidis‐colonised patients exhibited significantly lower mean SNOT‐22 (15.39 ± 8.54) and greater SS‐I scores (8.39 ± 3.77). The best outcomes were found in the subgroup of S. epidermidis carriers undergoing the dupilumab treatment.

Conclusion

The two treatments modulated the microbial profiles differently, and, most importantly, clinical responses might depend on the association between treatment and the dominant bacterial species colonising the nasal cavity. Further investigation into microbial‐restorative strategies could enhance outcomes for better treatment of CRS.
Comprehensive analysis of feature‐algorithm interactions for fall detection across age groups via machine learning
Authors: Kavuncuoğlu Erhan
Published: October 2024

Fall detection in daily activities hinges on both feature selection and algorithm choice. This study delves into their intricate interplay using the Sisfall dataset, testing 10 machine learning algorithms on 26 features encompassing diverse falls and age groups. Individual feature analysis yields key insights. RFC with the autocorrelation feature outperformed the other classifiers, achieving 97.94% accuracy and 97.51% sensitivity (surpassing F3‐SVM at 96.18% and F17‐LightGBM at 95.79%). The F3‐SVM exhibited exceptional specificity (98.72%) for distinguishing daily activities. Time‐series features employed by SVM achieved a peak accuracy of 98.60% on unseen data, exceeding motion, basic statistical, and frequency domain features. Feature combinations further excel: the Quintuple approach, fusing top‐performing features, reaches 98.69% accuracy, 98.28% sensitivity, and 99.08% specificity with the ETC, demonstrating notable sensitivity owing to its adaptability. This study underscores the crucial interplay of features and algorithms, with the Quintuple‐ETC approach emerging as the most effective. Rigorous hyperparameter tuning strengthens its performance in real‐world fall‐detection applications. Furthermore, the study investigates algorithm transferability, training models on young participants' data and applying them to the elderly—a significant challenge in machine learning. This highlights the importance of understanding the data transfer between age groups in healthcare, aging management, and medical diagnostics.