bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of sweet preference by neurosteroid-sensitive, δ-GABAAreceptors in adult mouse gustatory insular cortex
Authors: Yevoo Priscilla E , Fontanini Alfredo , Maffei Arianna
Published: October 2024

Taste preference is a fundamental driver of feeding behavior influencing dietary choices and eating patterns. Extensive experimental evidence indicates that the gustatory cortex (GC) is engaged in taste perception, palatability and preference. However, our knowledge of the neural and neurochemical signals regulating taste preference is rather limited. Neuromodulators can affect preferences, though their effects on neural circuits for taste are incompletely understood. Neurosteroids are of particular interest in view of reports that systemic administration of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone, a potent modulator of tonic GABAergic inhibition, induces hyperphagia and increases intake of energy rich food in human and animal subjects. Tonic inhibition is a powerful modulator of circuit excitability and is primarily mediated by extrasynaptic GABAAreceptors containing the delta subunit (δ-GABAARs). These receptors are widely distributed in the brain, but information regarding the expression of δ-GABAARs within gustatory circuits is lacking, and their role in taste preference has not been investigated. Here, we focused on GC to investigate whether activation of δ-GABAARs affects sweet taste preference in adult mice. Our data reveal that δ-GABAARs are expressed in multiple cell types within GC. These receptors mediate an allopregnanolone-sensitive tonic current and decrease sweet taste preference by altering the behavioral sensitivity to sucrose concentration in a cell type-specific manner. Our findings demonstrate that taste sensitivity and preference in the adult mammalian brain are modulated by tonic inhibition mediated by neurosteroid-activated δ-GABAARs in GC.
Female-germline specific protein Sakura interacts with Otu and is crucial for germline stem cell renewal and differentiation and oogenesis
Authors: Azlan Azali , Zhu Li , Fukunaga Ryuya
Published: October 2024

During oogenesis, self-renewal and differentiation of germline stem cells (GSCs) must be tightly regulated. TheDrosophilafemale germline serves as an excellent model for studying these regulatory mechanisms. Here, we report that a previously uncharacterized geneCG14545, which we namedsakura, is essential for oogenesis and female fertility inDrosophila. Sakura is predominantly expressed in the ovaries, particularly in the germline cells, including GSCs.sakuranull mutant female flies display rudimentary ovaries with germline-less and tumorous phenotypes, fail to produce eggs, and are completely sterile. The germline-specific depletion ofsakuraimpairs Dpp/BMP signaling, leading to aberrantbag-of-marbles(bam) expression, resulting in faulty differentiation and loss of GSCs. Additionally,sakurais necessary for normal piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) levels and for proper localization of Ool8 RNA-binding protein (Orb) in developing oocytes. We identified Ovarian Tumor (Otu) as protein binding partner of Sakura, and we found that loss ofotuphenocopies loss ofsakurain ovaries. Thus, we identified Sakura as a crucial factor for GSC renewal and differentiation and oogenesis, and propose that Sakura and Otu function together in these processes.
SATB2 and circ3915 RNA chromatin dysregulation driveKRAS-like oncogenic transformation
Authors: Eleazer Rebekah , George Smitha , Shoemaker Luke , Saintilnord Wesley N. , Lau Kin , Chandler Darrell P. , Fondufe-Mittendorf Yvonne
Published: October 2024

Even though epigenetic factors contribute to oncogenesis, most human cancer models still assume that disease originates from driver DNA mutations. Thus, it is still unclear if non-genetic mechanisms are sufficient to trigger malignant transformation. Special AT-rich binding protein 2 (SATB2) is a chromatin organizer that brings distal DNA elements into close proximity, thus remodeling chromatin structures to reprogram cell-specific and/or developmentally-sensitive gene networks. Here, we discover thatSATB2generates a co-expressedcirc3915RNA that is translated into a peptide and co-locates with SATB2 in the cell nucleus. Ectopic SATB2 or circ3915 over- expression rearranges global chromatin accessibility, generatesKRAS- andNFE2L2-like oncogenic gene expression patterns, and transforms lung epithelial cells independent of driver mutations. Thus, oncogenic pathways can be activated in mammalian cells without pre-disposing mutations in oncogenes or epigenetic regulators.

Graphical abstract:
Cholinergic regulation of sleep in the upside-down jellyfishCassiopea
Authors: Abrams Michael J. , Ohdera Aki , Francis Diana A. , Donayre Owen , Chen Henry , Lu Kevin , Harland Richard M.
Published: October 2024

Perhaps nothing is stronger evidence of the importance of sleep than its conservation across animals [1], but the extent of its regulatory conservation is unknown. The upside-down jelly-fishCassiopea xamachanasleeps [2], and this behavior is controlled by radially-spaced marginal ganglia. After defining a sleep-wake threshold, we compared gene expression profiles of ganglia from animals sleep-deprived for two nights and found differential expression in many sleep-related genes including GABAergic, melatonergic, and cholinergic receptors. We focused on a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha subunit-like (Chrnal-E), based on its differential expression, and selected animals for a second round of RNAseq that included both light-based and mechanically-based sleep-deprivation. Combining datasets revealed a short list of differentially expressed genes, of whichchrnal-Eis the most recognizable and well-supported, so we investigated its potential role in sleep regulation. First, we found that chemical cholinergic neuromodulators positively regulate pacemaker activity. Then, we showed byin situhybridization thatchrnal-Eis expressed primarily within the ganglia, and that the area of expression expands after sleep deprivation. Next, we developed RNAi for use inCassiopeaand determined that Chrnal-E promotes wakefulness. Finally, we sampled circadian timepoints in the field and found in control conditions,chrnal-Ehas lowest expression late at night, but in sleep deprived animals,chrnal-Epeaks at this time, supporting a link to wakefulness. Our finding thatCassiopeasleep is regulated by the cholinergic system underscores that mechanisms of sleep conservation are deeply conserved in animal evolution.
Investigation of cellular and molecular changes linked with neuropathic pain in healthy and injured human trigeminal nerves
Authors: Morchio Martina , Sankaranarayanan Ishwarya , Tavares-Ferreira Diana , Wong Natalie , Atkins Simon , Sher Emanuele , Price Theodore J , Lambert Daniel W , Boissonade Fiona M
Published: October 2024

Injuries to the trigeminal nerve, responsible for sensory innervation to the face, may occur during routine dental procedures, resulting in the formation of a neuroma accompanied by loss of sensation and/or symptoms of pain. In order to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underpinning the sensory changes, single nuclei RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics were employed to profile the transcriptional landscape at single cell resolution of human trigeminal nerves and neuromas. Cellular and transcriptional changes were identified that correlated with the presence of pain, including an expansion of endothelial cells with a pro-inflammatory phenotype and over-expression ofHLA-A,CXCL2andCXCL8. Interactome analysis highlighted signalling changes linked with the presence of pain. HLA-A protein expression was confirmed in neuromas and positively correlated with symptoms of pain. The atlas generated represents a valuable resource for pain research, highlighting the role of inflammation, endothelial cell dysfunction and chemokine signalling in neuropathic pain.
Development of a National Stroke Audit to Enhance the Quality of Acute Stroke Care in Ireland: A Scoping Review and Delphi Consensus Synthesis
Authors: Moran Catherine Nora , Jeffares Isabelle , McCormack Joan , Merriman Niamh A. , Bruen Carlos , Jonsson Agnes , Murphy Paul J. , Rabbi Khyber Afridi , Harbison Joseph , Williams David J , Kelly Peter J. , Collins Rónán , Sexton Eithne , Horgan Frances , Bheacáin Máirín Ní , Byrne Elaine , Thornton John , Tully Collette , Hickey Anne
Published: October 2024

Background

Population ageing, treatment advances, evolving models of care, and between-hospital heterogeneity in patient outcomes underscore the need for continual audit to ensure the delivery of high-quality, equitable, and evidence-based stroke care. This study aimed to develop a core minimum dataset for acute stroke care in Ireland, for integration into the Irish National Audit of Stroke (INAS), benchmarked against, and aligned with, international best practice.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Medline Ovid, Embase, CINAHL EBSCOhost, and pertinent grey literature were searched from 2010 to identify national and continuous stroke audits. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were assessed for eligibility. Audit documentation was retrieved from identified eligible audits and stroke care data items were extracted, translated, and charted. Data charting enabled comparison of existing Irish audit items with frequently collected international items to identify commonalities and/or gaps in coverage. Acute stroke care items were then reviewed by key stakeholders in a three-round Delphi consultation.

Results

Twenty-one eligible international stroke audits and registries were identified, containing ∼4,500 audit items. Key stakeholders were consulted for their expert perspectives on the existing Irish (n=103), frequently collected international (n=97), and additional expert-suggested (n=22) acute items regarding their potential inclusion in INAS. Following consensus, a core minimum dataset comprising 86 acute care and 35 thrombectomy items was finalised.

Conclusions

The findings of this scoping review represent the “ideal” core outcomes dataset for acute stroke care in Ireland, derived from international benchmarking and stakeholder consultation. This dataset serves as the “gold standard” for monitoring acute stroke care in Ireland, aimed at enhancing patient outcomes, and supporting local and national quality improvement initiatives.
Dental Composite Performance Prediction Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Rivera Karla Paniagua , Whang Kyumin , Joshi Krishna , Son Hyeonwi , Kim Yu Shin , Flores Mario
Published: October 2024

Objective

There is a need to increase the performance and longevity of dental composites and accelerate the translation of novel composites to the market. This study explores artificial intelligence (AI), specifically machine learning (ML), to predict the performance outcomes (POs) of dental composites from their composite attributes (CAs).

Methods

An extensive dataset from over 200 publications was built and refined to 233 samples with 17 CAs and 7 POs. Nine ML models were evaluated for PO prediction performance using classified data, and Five ML models were evaluated for PO regression analysis.

Results

The KNN model excelled in predicting flexural modulus (FlexMod), Decision Tree model in flexural strength (FlexStr) and volumetric shrinkage (ShrinkV), and Logistic Regression and SVM models in shrinkage stress (ShrinkStr). Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC AUC) analysis confirmed these results but found that Random Forest was more effective for FlexStr and ShrinkV, suggesting the possibility of Decision Tree overfitting the data. Regression analysis revealed that the Voting Regressor was superior for FlexMod and ShrinkV predictions, while Decision Tree Regression was optimal for FlexStr and ShrinkStr. Feature importance analysis indicated TEGDMA is a key contributor to FlexMod and ShrinkV, BisGMA and UDMA to FlexStr, and depth of cure, degree of monomer-to-polymer conversion, and filler loading to ShrinkStr.

Significance

There is a need to conduct a full analysis using multiple ML models because different models predict different POs better, and for a large, comprehensive dataset to train robust AI models to facilitate the prediction and optimization of composite properties and support the development of new dental materials.
Mental health patterns and associated social determinants among university and college students in Sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic era: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Muturiki Memory , Mapukata Nontsikelelo , Chauke Lawrence , Jewett Sara
Published: October 2024

Objective

The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map the literature that documents student mental health patterns and associated social determinants during the COVID-19 pandemic era in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) universities and colleges.

Introduction

The rationale for the scoping review is to identify gaps in existing literature. Most of the current data on student mental health and the prevalence of mental disorders in universities and colleges during the COVID-19 years is from the global north. There is limited data for Sub- Saharan African universities on student mental health and the extent to which social determinants contribute. The review will also provide areas for further research among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the SSA region.

Eligibility criteria

Only documents published during the years 2020 to 2023 from SSA will be included and documents from outside the period and outside the geographic region will not be considered. HEIs will be post-school education universities and colleges, and so school level reports will be excluded.

Methods

This scoping review will be conducted using various search engines on existing data for student mental health and social determinants in the era of COVID-19 (years 2020 to 2023). Search engines will include MEDLINE (PubMed), PsycInfo, EMBASE (Ovid), African Index Medicus, Open Access Journals, CINAHL, JBI Library, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library (Ovid), and Grey Literature (various relevant health related websites). Search limits will only consider documents written in English language. Search terms will be student mental health, university mental health services, social determinants of health, social determinants of mental health and Sub-Saharan Africa. Documents searched will be uploaded into EndNote 21 and will be coded, and themes will be generated using NVivo-12.

Results

Results will be reported using the Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines (Wits-JBI evidence synthesis procedure) and presented as tables and graphs. The key findings of the scoping review in together with the research question will be reported once completed.

Conclusions

A conclusion based on the scoping review findings along with the objectives will be provided when the review is completed. Main implications of the findings (if any) will also be conveyed.
Testing new versions of ChatGPT in terms of physiology and electrophysiology of hearing: improved accuracy but not consistency
Authors: Jędrzejczak W. Wiktor , Skarżyński Henryk , Kochanek Krzysztof
Published: October 2024

Introduction

ChatGPT has revolutionized many aspects of modern life, including scientific ones. Since its introduction, new versions have been introduced and advertised as having better performance. But is this true? This study aimed to assess the accuracy and consistency of six versions of ChatGPT (3.5, 4, 4o mini, 4o, 4o1 mini, and 4o1 preview). Of interest was the variability of responses given to asking the same question multiple times.

Methods

We evaluated 6 versions of ChatGPT based on their responses to 30 single-answer, multiple-choice exam questions from a 1-year course on objective methods of testing hearing. The questions were posed 10 times to each version of ChatGPT across two days (5 times each day). The accuracy of the responses was evaluated in terms of a response key. To evaluate consistency (repeatability) of the responses over time, percent agreement and Cohen’s Kappa were calculated.

Results

The overall accuracy of ChatGPT increased with each version, starting from around 53% for version 3.5 and rising to 86% for version 4o1 preview. The greatest improvement in accuracy and repeatability came with the introduction of version 4o. Repeatability progressively rose with newer releases with the exception of version 4o1 mini. While the current top version 4o1 preview has similar repeatability to 4o, the faster version, 4o1 mini, had significantly lower repeatability than the older 4o mini.

Conclusion

Newer versions of ChatGPT generally show improvement in terms of accuracy, but not in repeatability. The variability of responses is probably the current main limitation of ChatGPT for professional applications. Users must be especially careful with version 4o1 mini.
Validation of DoriVac (DNA origami vaccine) efficacy in a metastatic melanoma model
Authors: Rajwar Anjali , Dembele Hawa , Graveline Amanda R. , Vernet Andyna , Sanchez Melinda , Bardales Sarai , Kwon Ick Chan , Ryu Ju Hee , Shih William M. , Zeng Yang Claire
Published: October 2024

Metastatic cancer, particularly metastatic melanoma, poses a significant therapeutic challenge due to its resistance to standard treatments and low five-year survival rate of 20–27%. Current therapies show limited success, highlighting the urgent need for novel interventions. Recent advances in cancer vaccine research show great promise in reducing disease recurrence, but these approaches still face challenges pertaining to antigen selection, ease of production, and programmability. To address some of these challenges, we have adapted the DoriVac platform to serve as a cancer vaccine against metastatic melanoma. DoriVac is a DNA origami-based vaccine platform that allows for the codelivery of antigens of choice and the CpG immune adjuvant at an optimal nanospacing to promote Th1 immune polarization. In our study, we observed a significant reduction in lung tumor nodules for mice treated with DoriVac in both the B16OVA and B16F10 melanoma mouse models. DoriVac also appears to be a safe and effective treatment, with no anti-drug antibodies, as indicated by lower anti-dsDNA levels. Importantly, we observed an amplified effect when DoriVac was combined with αPD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade, leading to an even greater reduction in metastatic lung tumor nodules. Our results also indicate an increased activation of antigen presenting cells, NK cells, CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells. These findings suggest that DoriVac, particularly in combination with the αPD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade, can serve as a promising immunotherapy against metastatic cancer.
Cost-effectiveness of screening with transcriptional signatures for incipient TB among U.S. migrants
Authors: Hsieh Yuli Lily , Horsburgh C Robert , Cohen Ted , Miller Jeffrey W , Salomon Joshua A , Menzies Nicolas A
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Host-response-based transcriptional signatures (HrTS) have been developed to identify “incipient tuberculosis (TB)”. No study has reported the cost-effectiveness of HrTS for post-arrival migrant screening programs in low-incidence countries.

Objectives

To assess the potential health impact and cost-effectiveness of HrTS for post-arrival TB infection screening among new migrants in the United States.

Methods

We used a discrete-event simulation model to compare four strategies: (1) no screening for TB infection or incipient TB; (2) ‘IGRA-only’, screen all with interferon gamma release assay (IGRA), provide TB preventive treatment for IGRA-positives; (3) ‘IGRA-HrTS’, screen all with IGRA followed by HrTS for IGRA-positives, provide incipient TB treatment for individuals testing positive with both tests; and (4) ‘HrTS-only’, screen all with HrTS, provide incipient TB treatment for HrTS-positives. We assessed outcomes over the lifetime of migrants entering the U.S. in 2019, assuming HrTS met the WHO Target Product Profile (TPP) optimal criteria. We conducted sensitivity analyses to evaluate the robustness of results.

Results

The IGRA-only strategy dominated the HrTS-based strategies under both healthcare sector and societal perspectives, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $78,943 and $89,431 per quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) gained, respectively. This conclusion was robust to varying costs ($15–300) and characteristics of HrTS, and the willingness-to-pay threshold ($30,000–150,000/ QALY gained), but sensitive to the rate of decline in TB progression risk after U.S. entry.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that HrTS meeting the WHO TPP is unlikely to be a cost-effective component of post-arrival screening for migrants entering the U.S.
Ageing and Decision-making: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ee Nicole , Brady Brooke , Sinclair Craig , Anstey Kaarin J. , Peters Ruth
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to synthesise the evidence on potential differences in financial, social, health and safety-related decision-making between younger and older adults.

Methods

Trial, experimental, and prospective studies including older (60+) and younger adults that reported on quantitative decision-making outcome measures (i.e., performance in relation to achieving a specific prespecified goal) were included.

Results

Decision-making was significantly poorer (i.e., further from prespecified goals) in older compared to younger adults (k = 57,drandom= -0.17, 95% CI -0.29, -0.04,I2= 92.92%), with high heterogeneity between studies. Age differences were observed for financial and social but not health decision-making domains.

Discussion

Older adults performed more ‘poorly’ on financial and social decision-making than younger adults. Reasons for observed differences may vary (e.g., different motivation and values) and require exploration in future research. This has implications for how people of different ages are supported, especially at times of important decision-making.
Robust finite-temperature many-body scarring on a quantum computer
Authors: Desaules Jean-Yves , Gustafson Erik J. , Li Andy C. Y. , Papić Zlatko , Halimeh Jad C.
Published: October 2024

Mechanisms for suppressing thermalization in disorder-free many-body systems, such as Hilbert space fragmentation and quantum many-body scars, have recently attracted much interest in foundations of quantum statistical physics and potential quantum information processing applications. However, their sensitivity to realistic effects such as finite temperature remains largely unexplored. Here, we have utilized IBM's Kolkata quantum processor to demonstrate an unexpected robustness of quantum many-body scars at finite temperatures when the system is prepared in a thermal Gibbs ensemble. We identify such robustness in the PXP model, which describes quantum many-body scars in experimental systems of Rydberg atom arrays and ultracold atoms in tilted Bose-Hubbard optical lattices. By contrast, other theoretical models which host exact quantum many-body scars are found to lack such robustness and their scarring properties quickly decay with temperature. Our study sheds light on the important differences between scarred models in terms of their algebraic structures, which impacts their resilience to finite temperature.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Next-to-Next-to-Leading Order Global Analysis of Polarized Parton Distribution Functions
Authors: Borsa Ignacio , Stratmann Marco , Vogelsang Werner , de Florian Daniel , Sassot Rodolfo
Published: October 2024

We present a next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) global QCD analysis of the proton’s helicity parton distribution functions, the first of its kind. To obtain the distributions, we use data for longitudinal spin asymmetries in inclusive and semi-inclusive lepton-nucleon scattering as well as in weak-boson and hadron or jet production in proton-proton scattering. We analyze the data using QCD perturbation theory at NNLO accuracy, employing approximations provided by the threshold resummation formalism in cases where full NNLO results for partonic hard-scattering functions are not readily available. Our numerical results suggest a remarkable perturbative stability of the extracted helicity parton distribution functions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Thouless pumping and trapping of two-component gap solitons
Authors: Lyu Hao , Zhang Yongping , Busch Thomas
Published: October 2024

We study Thouless pumping and arresting of gap solitons in a two-component Bose gas loaded into an optical superlattice. We show that, depending on the atomic interactions and chemical potentials, the two solitons can be simultaneously pumped or trapped, but we also identify regimes where one soliton is pumped and the other arrested. These behaviors can be understood by considering an effective model of the system based on a variational approach, which reveals that the soliton width is a suitable qualifier for the observed behaviors: solitons with a larger width get transported, while solitons with a smaller width get trapped. Since these widths can be controlled by tuning interactions, it should be possible to observe all behaviors experimentally.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Organizational performance as dependent variable in strategic human resource management literature – a journey so far
Authors: Chourasia Anurag , Bahuguna P.C.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Organizational performance (OP) is one of the most important constructs in management research and all functions are evaluated by their contribution toward OP. This paper evaluates the current state of the research on OP in strategic human resource management (SHRM) literature. The study intends to generate new ideas for ongoing research in the field, facilitate the strategic alignment of HR operations and provide practical guidance on adopting OP measurement metrics for evidence-based decision-making at both organizational and individual levels. Consequently, a dual-method systematic review methodology was employed to achieve the stated objectives. This research underpins its theoretical argument on a resource-based view.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper follows a systematic review of 127 empirical studies conducted in the last three decades, in which, the selection of OP as a dependent variable is evaluated. This systematic review followed the integrated and systemic review of literature combining Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and bibliometric analysis. The tools used for bibliometric analysis are Biblioshiny package from R software and VOSviewer software.

Findings

Out of selected 127 empirical studies, none of the studies provide a comprehensive measuring framework. As a result, the current literature review provides an expanded list of OP indicators and a measurement framework with 10 different performance perspectives based on Business Process Measurement literature.

Research limitations/implications

Performance is a complex concept that requires understanding its relationships and the impact of context and measures. Objective measures alone may not capture this, so research is needed to determine the best combinations of subjective and objective measures. This systematic literature review identifies gaps in existing literature on performance measurement indicators in management and provides an exhaustive list of 161 indicators. These indicators can be used by practitioners and researchers to choose appropriate ones based on their needs. Future research should focus on case studies to validate results and enhance performance measurement systems in SHRM research.

Practical implications

The study emphasizes the importance of examining the multidimensionality of OP, which is linked to stakeholders affected by performance measures, the assessment environment, and the time frame when gauging performance.

Originality/value

This review analyzed the intellectual structure of SHRM and OP research field and identified various research fronts. This study added to the literature a measurement framework with 10 perspectives in which 161 performance indicators were categorized.
How does market competition affect the reporting of sustainability practices? Insights from the UK and Germany
Authors: Hassanein Ahmed , Elmaghrabi Mohamed
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study tests the proprietary cost of reporting sustainability practices. It explores how market competition impacts the reporting of corporate sustainability information. Further, it examines whether the influence of market competition on sustainability reporting is affected by firm size.

Design/methodology/approach

It uses two samples of the UK FTSE 350 and German Frankfurt CDAX nonfinancial firms from 2010 to 2023. The sustainability reporting scores for UK and German firms are their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosure scores based on the Bloomberg disclosure index. The Herfindahl–Hirschman index has been utilized to measure a firm’s degree of market competition.

Findings

The results reveal that reporting sustainability practices is a negative function of the degree of market competition. Specifically, companies in highly competitive industries disclose less information about their sustainability practices, suggesting that firms view sustainability reporting as a potential source of competitive disadvantage and, therefore, choose to limit such disclosures to maintain a strategic advantage over rivals. Further, the findings reveal a negative impact of market competition on sustainability reporting among small firms. However, this effect is weak or absent among medium and large firms. The results are more observable in the liberal market economy (i.e. the UK) than in the coordinated market economy (i.e. Germany).

Practical implications

It provides implications for policymakers and market participants to advocate for more significant policies that promote transparency and encourage companies to report their sustainability practices and performance, especially companies in highly competitive industries.

Originality/value

It provides the first evidence of how market competition influences corporate sustainability reporting, adding a deeper insight into another non-financial dimension of sustainability reporting. Likewise, it reflects the varying priorities of companies of different sizes in managing both competition and sustainability reporting. Besides, it is the first to explore this nexus in two distinct jurisdictions: the UK and Germany.
Service modularity in the digital era: integrating environmental sustainability and post-pandemic insights
Authors: Iman Nofie
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore service modularity in the context of digital technology and environmental sustainability, particularly considering the transformative impacts of the post-pandemic world. It aims to shed light on how service modularity can adapt to and thrive in these evolving circumstances.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a comprehensive analytical approach, this paper addresses the critical concerns and limitations inherent in traditional service modularity concepts. It proposes novel perspectives on service modularity, enriched by recent technological advancements and sustainability imperatives.

Findings

The research reveals new dimensions of service modularity, emphasising its significance in the era of digital transformation and heightened environmental awareness. It provides empirical insights into how service modularity can be effectively reimagined and implemented in response to the challenges and opportunities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical implications

The findings offer valuable guidance for organisations seeking to enhance their service delivery through modularity. The study underscores the importance of integrating digital innovation and sustainability principles into service design and execution in the post-pandemic era.

Originality/value

This paper makes a novel contribution to the field of service modularity by intertwining it with the realms of digital technology and environmental sustainability. It offers a unique perspective on adapting service modularity to contemporary challenges, thereby enriching the existing body of literature and providing a foundation for future research in this area.
Balancing customer and employee orientations: impact on financial distress and firm value
Authors: Modi Pratik , Sahi Gurjeet Kaur
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates the effect of balanced orientation (BO) toward customers and employees on financial distress and firm valuation. Rooted in stakeholder theory and the attention-based theory of firms, the study aims to understand how a balanced synthesis of employee orientation (EO) and customer orientation (CO) influences the long-term market performance and survivability of firms, particularly in the context of emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel dataset of the top 500 firms listed on the National Stock Exchange of India was analyzed using fixed-effect panel models with robust estimators. The Heckman procedure was employed to address selection bias. Financial data were sourced from the CMIE Prowess database and balanced orientation data were extracted from the annual letters to shareholders.

Findings

The study finds that a balanced approach to EO and CO significantly lowers bankruptcy risk and increases firm valuation. Contrary to the traditional dichotomy of EO and CO, BO emerges as a key driver in reducing financial distress and enhancing long-term market performance. Firms embracing multiple strategic orientations outperform those solely focused on customer orientation.

Practical implications

For emerging market firms facing resource constraints, developing BO is challenging but crucial. This study suggests adopting a sequential or alternating approach to developing EO and CO, which can alleviate bankruptcy risk and improve market valuation even in competitive environments.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing literature by empirically demonstrating the significance of BO in emerging markets. It offers a novel perspective on strategic management, highlighting the importance of balancing customer and employee needs, especially in resource-constrained environments.
Emerging challenges of SMEs for the post-COVID-19 era: implications for gresilience and sustainability
Authors: Jha Pradeep K. , Ghorai Suvadip , Jha Rakhi , Singh Surya Prakash
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The main aim of this paper is to investigate key challenges that hinder sustainable and resilient green supply chain (GSC) building in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with respect to how they interact after the COVID era.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a questionnaire, policymakers and industry managers from SMEs identify the main obstacles that will affect their resilience. These issues are then discussed with 50 experienced professionals from the top management field and further divided into sustainability and gresilience challenges. The Grey-DEMATEL (Grey sets and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) has been employed to assess the significance of challenges to SMEs' development of green resilience. Overall, the paper aims to build up a novel decision-making technology for the interconnectedness of green and resilience in the post-pandemic supply chain world.

Findings

The 12 sustainability and gresilience challenges highlighted by experts in the sector were analyzed. Insufficient government assistance and the handling of resources are the most significant challenges to developing a sustainable and gresilient value chain system, according to the study. The study highlights supply chain restructuring, waste reduction management, shortages of skilled manpower and insufficient knowledge of digitalization as key challenges for SMEs to prioritize.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this research are crucial for SMEs building resilient supply networks through the green concept. Policymakers may utilize the data to pinpoint shortcomings in the supply chain for tactical as well as strategic development and improvement.

Originality/value

When it comes to building green resilience and sustainability in an unpredictable business climate, the outcomes of this research will be significant for SMEs.
One‐dimensional deep learning inversion of marine controlled‐source electromagnetic data
Authors: Li Pan , Du Zhijun , Li Yuguo , Wang Jianhua
Published: October 2024

This paper explores the application of machine learning techniques, specifically deep learning, to the inverse problem of marine controlled‐source electromagnetic data. A novel approach is proposed that combines the convolutional neural network and recurrent neural network architectures to reconstruct layered electrical resistivity variation beneath the seafloor from marine controlled‐source electromagnetic data. The approach leverages the strengths of both convolutional neural network and recurrent neural network, where convolutional neural network is used for recognizing and classifying features in the data, and recurrent neural network is used to capture the contextual information in the sequential data. We have built a large synthetic dataset based on one‐dimensional forward modelling of a large number of resistivity models with different levels of electromagnetic structural complexity. The combined learning of convolutional neural network and recurrent neural network is used to construct the mapping relationship between the marine controlled‐source electromagnetic data and the resistivity model. The trained network is then used to predict the distribution of resistivity in the model by feeding it with marine controlled‐source electromagnetic responses. The accuracy of the proposed approach is examined using several synthetic scenarios and applied to a field dataset. We explore the sensitivity of deep learning inversion to different electromagnetic responses produced by resistive targets distributed at different depths and with varying levels of noise. Results from both numerical simulations and field data processing consistently demonstrate that deep learning inversions reliably reconstruct the subsurface resistivity structures. Moreover, the proposed method significantly improves the efficiency of electromagnetic inversion and offers significant performance advantages over traditional electromagnetic inversion methods.
Understanding the effects of pore pressure–induced crack deformation on the acoustic anisotropy of rocks with aligned cracks
Authors: Wang Han , Han Tongcheng , Fu Li‐Yun
Published: October 2024

Cracks are extensively existing in rocks and play a significant role in the acoustic anisotropy of cracked rocks. Rocks in nature are affected by pore pressure, whereas the crack deformation with pore pressure and the impacts of the crack deformation on the anisotropic acoustic properties remain little known. Combining the theoretical model with the laboratory measurements of the anisotropic velocities of artificial sandstone samples with and without aligned penny‐shaped cracks, we invert for the crack parameters that characterize the crack deformation as a function of pore pressure and theoretically simulate the impacts of pore pressure–induced variation in the crack parameters on the anisotropic velocities. The results show that with increasing pore pressure, the inverted crack porosity increases exponentially, whereas the inverted crack aspect ratio decreases exponentially and the two crack parameters are linearly correlated. Moreover, model calculation demonstrates that the anisotropic velocities exhibit distinct reductions with the variation in the crack parameters caused by increasing pore pressure. In particular, the reduction in the velocity of the shear wave travelling parallel to the crack plane with polarization perpendicular to the crack plane is the most pronounced. We also demonstrate that the effects of the pore pressure–induced increasing crack porosity on the anisotropic velocities are more pronounced than the impacts of the decreasing crack aspect ratio. The findings not only reveal the variation of the crack geometry with pore pressure and the effects of the crack deformation on the anisotropic velocities of the cracked rocks but also can provide theoretical support for improving the characterization of the cracks through seismic survey.
Personal reflections on inclusion
Authors: Glazzard Jonathan
Published: October 2024

The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) landscape in England is bleak. Since the COVID‐19 pandemic, the number of pupils with SEND has increased. There is a shortage of places available in specialist SEND provision, and many pupils with SEND are being educated in alternative provision settings which arguably do not meet their needs. Mainstream schools are struggling to meet the needs of pupils with increasingly complex needs and there has been a lack of financial investment in specialist support services, resulting in delays to assessments and interventions. Drawing on personal and lived experience, I argue that impairment can be painful and sometimes disabling. I argue that although social model has made a significant difference to the lives of disabled people, its ambition has not been fully realised. Disabled people still experience discrimination within education, housing, employment and in other areas. I argue that impairment is real, painful and disabling and can result in personal struggle. I therefore make the case that people with impairments require additional support as a ‘step up’ to guarantee equality of opportunity. Urgent investment is required in specialist SEND services to ensure that unnecessary struggle is avoided.
Investigating antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of liquid smoke and physical‐chemical stability of bacon subjected to liquid smoke and conventional smoking
Authors: Brustolin Adriane Pegoraro , Soares Juliana Marques , Muraro Karem , Schwert Rodrigo , Steffens Clarice , Cansian Rogério Luis , Valduga Eunice
Published: October 2024

Liquid smoke, an alternative to traditional wood burning smoking, enhances product value by imparting desirable characteristics such as aroma, flavor, and color. Furthermore, it contains components with inherent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study compares the effects of liquid smoke and conventional smoking methods in bacon processing. Over a 90‐day storage period at 22°C, physical‐chemical stability, sensory attributes, and microbiological characteristics of the bacon were evaluated. The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of liquid smoke were assessed. Liquid smoke exhibited antioxidant activity, with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.19 mg/mL, indicating the concentration of the extract needed to inhibit 50% of DPPH (2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radicals. Moreover, it demonstrated antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli, Salmonella choleraesius, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes, with a minimum bactericidal concentration ranging from 7.5% to 10%. Throughout the storage, bacon treated with liquid smoke showed no signs of rancid odor, supported by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values below 0.85 mg MDA/kg (where MDA is malondialdehyde). The utilization of liquid smoke yielded visually attractive bacon with enhanced color attributes, including a distinct yellow and red hue, as well as increased luminosity and brightness, surpassing the effects of traditional smoke. Remarkably, liquid smoke application significantly reduced processing time from 30 h to approximately 5 h, leading to substantial cost savings in the processing phase.
Quantitative detection of heavy metal Cd in vegetable oils: A nondestructive method based on Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics
Authors: Jiang Hui , Wang Ziyu , Deng Jihong , Ding Zhidong , Chen Quansheng
Published: October 2024

Heavy metal contaminants in vegetable oils can cause irreversible damage to human health. In this study, the quantitative detection of Cd in vegetable oils was investigated based on Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometric methods. The necessary preprocessing of the Raman signal was performed using baseline calibration and the Savitzky–Golay method. Three variable optimization methods were applied to the preprocessed Raman spectra. Namely, bootstrap soft shrinkage, multiple feature spaces ensemble strategy with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), respectively. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) modeling for the determination of Cd in vegetable oils. The results show that three variable optimization algorithms improved the predictive performance of the model. Among them, the CARS–PLSR model has strong generalization performance and robustness. Its prediction coefficient of determination () was 0.9995, the root mean square error of prediction was 0.3533 mg/kg, and the relative prediction deviation was 44.3748, respectively. In summary, rapid quantitative analysis of Cd contamination in vegetable oils can be realized based on Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics.
Evaluation of nurse practitioners' extended scope of practice in a regional hospital emergency department in tropical Australia
Authors: Jackson Angela , Hawkins Chris , Stone Theona , Anderson Petra , Wilesmith Frances , Little Mark
Published: October 2024

Objectives

There is very little literature examining the workload and impact of nurse practitioners (NPs) working in emergency departments (ED) in regional and rural Australia. The aim of this paper was to review the ED NPs scope of practice in the ED discharge stream and patient outcomes at Cairns Hospital over a 7‐month period.

Methods

This retrospective study examined the ED electronic medical record between 14 May 2019 and 31 December 2019. Cases managed by ED NPs, referrals, procedures performed, representations and disposition data were collected. Adverse events were sought from the Qld Health adverse events register (Riskman), the department complaints register and the ED M&M meeting minutes.

Results

A total of 1443 patients were treated by NPs, with ages ranging from 0 to 98 years (median 40 years). Australasian Triage Score (ATS) 3 cases made up 30% of the workload. Other than ATS 3 cases, time to being seen was better than the general department. There were very few unexpected representations, complaints or adverse events.

Conclusions

This study supports the view that NPs working in a regional emergency department can safely manage a variety of patients outside a fast‐track model, with a wide age range and a variety of triage categories and diagnoses. We believe this has important implications for the provision of emergency care, especially in regional and rural Australia.