bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silicone Wire Embolization-induced Acute Retinal Artery Ischemia and Reperfusion Model in Mouse: Gene Expression Provides Insight into Pathological Processes
Authors: Wang Yuedan , Li Ying , Feng Jiaqing , Wang Chuansen , Wan Yuwei , Lv Bingyang , Li Yinming , Xie Hao , Chen Ting , Wang Faxi , Li Ziyue , Yang Anhuai , Xiao Xuan
Published: May 2024

Acute retinal ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion injury are the primary causes of retinal neural cell death and vision loss in retinal artery occlusion (RAO). The absence of an accurate mouse model for simulating the retinal ischemic process has hindered progress in developing neuroprotective agents for RAO. We developed a unilateral pterygopalatine ophthalmic artery occlusion (UPOAO) mouse model using silicone wire embolization combined with carotid artery ligation. The survival of retinal ganglion cells and visual function were evaluated to determine the duration of ischemia. Immunofluorescence staining, optical coherence tomography, and haematoxylin and eosin staining were utilized to assess changes in major neural cell classes and retinal structure degeneration at two reperfusion durations. Transcriptomics was employed to investigate alterations in the pathological process of UPOAO following ischemia and reperfusion, highlighting transcriptomic differences between UPOAO and other retinal ischemia-reperfusion models. The UPOAO model successfully replicated the acute interruption of retinal blood supply observed in RAO. 60-minutes of Ischemia led to significant loss of major retinal neural cells and visual function impairment. Notable thinning of the inner retinal layer, especially the ganglion cell layer, was evident post-UPOAO. Temporal transcriptome analysis revealed various pathophysiological processes related to immune cell migration, oxidative stress, and immune inflammation during the non-reperfusion and reperfusion periods. A pronounced increase in microglia within the retina and peripheral leukocytes accessing the retina was observed during reperfusion periods. Comparison of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the UPOAO and high intraocular pressure models revealed specific enrichments in lipid and steroid metabolism-related genes in the UPOAO model. The UPOAO model emerges as a novel tool for screening pathogenic genes and promoting further therapeutic research in RAO.
miRNA-29-CLIP uncovers new targets and functions to improve skin repair
Authors: Thiagarajan Lalitha , Sanchez-Alvarez Rosa , Kambara Chiho , Rajasekar Poojitha , Wang Yuluang , Halloy Francois , Hall Jonathan , Stark Hans-Juergen , Martin Iris , Boukamp Petra , Kurinna Svitlana
Published: May 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) control organogenesis in mammals but their role in specific cell types is not fully explored. miRNAs exert their function by binding mRNAs and inhibiting translation. Skin is an excellent model to study the role of miRNAs in primary cells of epidermal (keratinocytes) and mesodermal (fibroblasts) origin, because the growth of these cells is tightly controlled at translation. Previous research demonstrated that miRNA-29 family functions during skin repair, however, the exact mRNA targets and the downstream mechanisms of miRNA-29-mediated regulation of cell growth is missing. Here, we use miRNA crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (miRNA-CLIP) method to find the direct targets of miRNA-29 in keratinocytes and fibroblasts from human skin. We uncover previously unrecognized roles of miRNA-29 in protein folding and RNA processing, common to all cell types tested, and determine the cell-specific role of miRNA-29. Using modified anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASO) in 2D and 3D cultures of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, we enhanced cell-to-matrix adhesion and found an autocrine and paracrine mechanism of miRNA-29-dependent cell growth. Our results include a comprehensive list and functional analyses of mRNAs directly bound by miRNA-29 keratinocytes and fibroblasts, determined by miRNA-CLIP and ASO-mediated inhibition of miRNA-29 followed by RNA-seq. We reveal a full transcriptome of human keratinocytes with enhanced adhesion to the wound matrix, which supports regeneration of the epidermis and is regulated by miRNA-29. The functions of miRNA-29 identified in this study can provide a new approach to improve cutaneous repair by restoring and enhancing the endogenous mechanisms through the stage-specific delivery of miRNA-29 ASO.
Endoplasmic Reticulum contact sites facilitate the coordinated division ofSalmonella-containing vacuole
Authors: Chopra Umesh , Bhansali Priyanka , Gangi Setty Subba Rao , Chakravortty Dipshikha
Published: May 2024

SalmonellaTyphimurium (STM) resides in a membrane-bound compartment calledSalmonellacontaining vacuole (SCV) in several infected cell types. Within host cells, the division of bacteria and SCV are synchronous to maintain the single bacterium per vacuole. However, the mechanism regulating the synchronous fission and the machinery is not well understood. The fission of several intracellular organelles is regulated by the dynamic nature of the tubular endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this study, we have evaluated the role of ER in controlling SCV fission. Interestingly,Salmonella-infected cells show the activation of unfolded protein response (UPR) with expanded ER tubules compared to the uninfected cells. Further, changing the expression of ER morphology regulators, such as reticulon-4a (Rtn4a) and CLIMP63, affected bacterial proliferation significantly, suggesting a potential role for tubular ER in facilitating the SCV division. Live-cell imaging analysis shows the marking of tubular ER precisely at the center of the majority of SCV division (78%) sites. We have investigated the role of SteA (a knownSalmonellaeffector in modulating the membrane dynamics) in coordinating the SCV division. We observed that SteA resides on the SCV membranes and helps in making membrane contact sites between SCV and ER. Accordingly, the colocalization of ER with SCV enclosing SteA mutantSalmonellawas significantly reduced compared to SCV-formed by wild-typeSalmonella. Depletion ofsteAinSalmonellaresulted in profound defects in SCV division, resulting in multiple bacteria residing in a single vacuole with defects in proliferation compared to the wild-type strain in epithelial cells. Also, duringin vivoinfection, the STMΔsteAmutant shows a defect in colonization in the spleen and liver and affects the initial survival rate of mice. Overall, this study suggests a coordinated role of bacterial effector SteA in promoting the ER contact sites with SCVs and thus regulating the successful division of SCV.

Abstract Figure

Graphical Abstract
Optimal experimental designs for characterising ion channel gating by filling the phase-voltage space of model dynamics
Authors: Mirams Gary R. , Clerx Michael , Whittaker Dominic G. , Lei Chon Lok
Published: May 2024

Voltage-clamp waveforms are imposed in the patch-clamp electrophysiology technique to provoke ion currents, the particular waveform that is used is known as the ‘voltage-clamp protocol’. Designing protocols to probe and quantify how gating for a particular ion channel occurs has typically been done manually and results in a suite of long protocols. It is desirable to gain the same, or even more, information in a shorter time, and also to automate the process of designing these protocols. In this paper we introduce a new optimal experimental design objective for ion channel characterisation, which involves considering a 3-dimensional phase space for the channel states combined with the voltage, using room-temperature hERG/Kv11.1 currents as an example. A range of designs are proposed, the best of which visits 82% of the discretised phase-voltage space in a 9 second protocol. This new protocol design strategy results in a simulated current visiting a wide range of channel gating states, at a wide variety of voltages, and we therefore expect these designs to be very useful in characterising ion currents, parameterising models, as well as being a challenging test of assumptions made about ion channel gating.
Transient lagging chromosomes cause primary microcephaly
Authors: Doria Elena , Ivanova Daria , Thomas Alexandre , Meraldi Patrick
Published: May 2024

Primary microcephaly is caused by the depletion of neuronal progenitor cells during brain development, resulting in reduced brain size and impaired cognitive abilities. It arises due to recessive loss-of-function mutations of cell division genes, that are thought to cause neuronal progenitor loss either because of aneuploidy-driven apoptosis, spindle orientation defects, or prolonged mitotic timing. Loss of the two most frequently impaired microcephaly genes,WDR62andASPM, elicits, however, none of these phenotypes in human cells. Instead, their loss slows down poleward microtubule flux and results in transient lagging chromosomes in anaphase. Whether these defects cause primary microcephaly is, however, unknown. Here we show that slower poleward microtubule flux rates lead to transient lagging anaphase chromosomes that elicit an Aurora-B dependent activation of 53BP1 and the p53-target p21, impairing cell proliferation. Co-depletion of CAMSAP1, an inhibitor of microtubule depolymerization at spindle poles, restores normal poleward flux rates, suppresses the lagging chromosomes, silences 53BP1 and p21 activation, and allows normal cell proliferation in WDR62-depleted cells. InDrosophila melanogasterlarvae knock-down of the CAMSAP1 ortholog Patronin suppresses the small brain, the neuroblast depletion, and the impaired cognitive phenotype associated with WDR62 loss. We thus postulate that poleward microtubule flux defects in neuronal progenitor cells drive primary microcephaly due to the activation of 53BP1 and p21 in response to transient lagging chromosomes in anaphase. Since loss of most cell division genes associated with primary microcephaly can lead to such transient lagging chromosomes, we speculate that they might represent a common cause of this disease.
Proton PDFs with nonlinear corrections from gluon recombination
Authors: Duwentäster P. , Guzey V. , Helenius I. , Paukkunen H.
Published: May 2024

We present numerical studies of the leading nonlinear corrections to the Dokshitzer-Gribov-Lipatov-Altarelli-Parisi evolution equations of parton distribution functions (PDFs) resulting from gluon recombination. The effect of these corrections is to reduce the pace of evolution at small momentum fractions x while slightly increasing it at intermediate x. By implementing the nonlinear evolution in the framework, we have carried out fits of proton PDFs using data on lepton-proton deep inelastic scattering from HERA, BCDMS, and NMC. While we find no evidence for the presence of nonlinearities, they cannot be entirely excluded either, and we are able to set limits for their strength. In terms of the recombination scale Qr, which plays a similar role as the saturation scale in the dipole picture of the proton, we find that Qr≲2.5  GeV. We also quantify the impact of the nonlinear terms for the longitudinal structure function at the Electron-Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Electron Collider and find that these measurements could provide stronger constraints on the projected effects.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fuzzy onionlike space as a matrix model
Authors: Kováčik Samuel , Tekel Juraj
Published: May 2024

We propose a matrix model realization of a three-dimensional quantum space. It has an onionlike structure composed of concentric fuzzy spheres of increasing radius. The angular part of the Laplace operator is inherited from that of the fuzzy sphere. The radial part is constructed using operators that relate matrices of various sizes using the matrix harmonic expansion. As an example of this approach, we produce a numerical simulation of a scalar quantum field theory, the classical heat transfer, study the quantum-mechanical hydrogen atom, and consider some analytical aspects of the scalar field theory on this space.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Universal Pattern in Quantum Gravity at Infinite Distance
Authors: Castellano Alberto , Ruiz Ignacio , Valenzuela Irene
Published: May 2024

Quantum gravitational effects become significant at a cutoff that can be much lower than the Planck scale whenever there is a large number of light fields. This is expected to occur at any perturbative limit of an effective field theory coupled to gravity, or equivalently, at infinite distance in the field space of the UV completion. In this note, we present a universal pattern that links the asymptotic variation in field space of the quantum gravity cutoff Λsp and the characteristic mass of the lightest tower of states m: (∇→m/m)·(∇→Λsp/Λsp)=[1/(d−2)], with d the spacetime dimension. This restriction can be used to make more precise several Swampland criteria that constrain any effective field theory which can be consistently coupled to quantum gravity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Asteroid mining vs the carbon bubble: ethical considerations for space resource extraction
Authors: Kendal Evie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the ethical and environmental implications of allowing space resource extraction to disrupt existing fuel economies, including how companies can be held accountable for ensuring the responsible use of their space assets. It will also briefly consider how such assets should be taxed, and the cost/benefit analyses required to justify the considerable expense of supporting this emerging space industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts theoretical bioethics methodologies to explore issues of normative ethics and the formulation of moral rules to govern individual, collective and institutional behaviour. Specifically, it considers social justice and social contract theory, consequentialist and deontological accounts of ethical evaluation. It also draws on sociological and organisational literature to discuss Dowling and Pfeffer’s (1975) and Suchman’s (1995) theories of pragmatic, cognitive and moral legitimacy as they may be applied to off-world mining regulations and the handling of space assets.

Findings

The findings of this conceptual paper indicate there is both a growing appetite for tighter resource extraction regulations to address climate change and wealth concentration globally, and an opportunity to establish and legitimise new ethical norms for commercial activity in space that can avoid some of the challenges currently facing fossil fuel divestment movements on Earth.

Originality/value

By adopting methodologies from theoretical bioethics, sociology and business studies, including applying a legitimacy lens to the issue of off-world mining, this paper synthesises existing knowledges from these fields and brings them to the new context of the future space resource economy.
Comparison of a quasi Newton method using Broyden’s update formula and an adjoint method for determining local magnetic material properties of electrical steel sheets
Authors: Gschwentner Andreas , Kaltenbacher Manfred , Kaltenbacher Barbara , Roppert Klaus
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Performing accurate numerical simulations of electrical drives, the precise knowledge of the local magnetic material properties is of utmost importance. Due to the various manufacturing steps, e.g. heat treatment or cutting techniques, the magnetic material properties can strongly vary locally, and the assumption of homogenized global material parameters is no longer feasible. This paper aims to present the general methodology and two different solution strategies for determining the local magnetic material properties using reference and simulation data.

Design/methodology/approach

The general methodology combines methods based on measurement, numerical simulation and solving an inverse problem. Therefore, a sensor-actuator system is used to characterize electrical steel sheets locally. Based on the measurement data and results from the finite element simulation, the inverse problem is solved with two different solution strategies. The first one is a quasi Newton method (QNM) using Broyden's update formula to approximate the Jacobian and the second is an adjoint method. For comparison of both methods regarding convergence and efficiency, an artificial example with a linear material model is considered.

Findings

The QNM and the adjoint method show similar convergence behavior for two different cutting-edge effects. Furthermore, considering a priori information improved the convergence rate. However, no impact on the stability and the remaining error is observed.

Originality/value

The presented methodology enables a fast and simple determination of the local magnetic material properties of electrical steel sheets without the need for a large number of samples or special preparation procedures.
Nexus between climate change and mitigation approaches for sustainable development: a bibliometric review
Authors: Kaur Arvinder , Sharma Vikas
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Today’s world is struggling with the hardship of climate change that has drastically disturbed human life, wildlife and the earth’s biological system. This study aims to show how implementing climate change mitigation strategies and environmental protection measures can ensure sustainable development through collaborative efforts between governmental authorities and the nation’s populace.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review of studies is conducted from across the world concentrating on holistic, sustainable development, enabling a showcase of various conferences, action plans initiated and resolutions passed. VOSviewer software is used to quantify the results of bibliometric analysis and cluster analysis. A total of 260 research studies released between 1993 and 2022 on the Scopus platform are quantified in terms of topmost publications, collaborations among authors, citations index and year-wise publication. The search string has keywords including “climate change,” “sustainable development” and “environment protection.”

Findings

The study results revealed a steep increase in research publications in the last three years, from 2017 to 2021, which serves as the basis of the emergence of high-impact articles. The most cited document in this context throws light on assessing vulnerability to climatic risk and building adaptive capacity. It also draws attention to voluntary carbon markets’ rationale while condemning emission trading systems for climate change due to structural flaws, negative consequences and questionable emission-cutting effectiveness. Low energy demand, zero energy buildings and shared socioeconomic pathways should be implemented as strategies for sustainable development.

Practical implications

This study provides a significant opportunity to construct a valuable addition to mitigate climate change. Also, it shows a positive and significant correlation between mitigation and adaptation policies by analyzing publication efforts worldwide considering local climate risks and national adaptation mandates.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive approach, combining literature review, bibliometric analysis and cluster analysis to provide insights into current research trends, challenges and potential strategies for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The study’s emphasis on the correlation between mitigation and adaptation policies adds practical significance to its findings.
Preparation and tribological properties of porous polyimide modified by graphene
Authors: Li Ting , Wu Junmiao , Wang Junhai , Yu Yunwu , Li Xinran , Wei Xiaoyi , Zhang Lixiu
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to prepare graphene/polyimide composite materials for use as bearing cage materials, improving the friction and wear performance of bearing cages.

Design/methodology/approach

The oil absorption and discharge tests were conducted to evaluate the oil content properties of the materials, while the mechanical properties were analyzed through cross-sectional morphology examination. Investigation into the tribological behavior and wear mechanisms encompassed characterization and analysis of wear trace morphology in PPI-based materials. Consequently, the influence of varied graphene nanoplatelets (GN) concentrations on the oil content, mechanical and tribological properties of PPI-based materials was elucidated.

Findings

The composites exhibit excellent oil-containing properties due to the increased porosity of PPI-GN composites. The robust formation of covalent bonds between GN and PPI amplifies the adhesive potency of the PPI-GN composites, thereby inducing a substantial enhancement in impact strength. Notably, the PPI-GN composites showed enhanced lubrication properties compared to PPI, which was particularly evident at a GN content of 0.5 Wt.%, as evidenced by the minimization of the average coefficient of friction and the width of the abrasion marks.

Practical implications

This paper includes implications for elucidating the wear mechanism of the polyimide composites under frictional wear conditions and then to guide the optimization of oil content and tribological properties of polyimide bearing cage materials.

Originality/value

In this paper, homogeneously dispersed PPI-GN composites were effectively synthesized by introducing GN into a polyimide matrix through in situ polymerization, and the lubrication mechanism of the PPI composites was compared with that of the PPI-GN composites to illustrate the composites’ superiority.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2023-0415
School leadership and teaching practice: a systematic review of studies of the indirect effects
Authors: Ninković Stefan , Knežević Florić Olivera
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Since teaching practice is the most important within-school determinant of student learning outcomes, a deepened understanding of how and why school leadership contributes to effective teaching is needed. This article aimed to systematically review the knowledge that has been accumulated about the indirect relations between school leadership and instructional practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guided the selection of relevant articles from the databases Scopus and Google Scholar. Twenty-six published works met the eligibility criteria and were included in the narrative synthesis and content analysis.

Findings

The most frequently measured mediators of the effects of school leadership on teaching practice were teacher collaboration, professional learning and teacher self-efficacy. Most studies simultaneously modeled multiple mediated pathways from school leadership to teaching practice. However, only a few analyzed studies used time lags when examining relationships between constructs.

Originality/value

This is the first study to systematically review knowledge on pathways through which school leadership is related to classroom instruction. Thus, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of processes through which school leadership achieves its effects on instructional practices.
Ethical decision-making: an interactive model of organizations’ ethics systems and decision-makers’ financial situation
Authors: Kportorgbi Holy Kwabla , Aboagye-Otchere Francis , Kwakye Teddy Ossei
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of two perceived organizational ethics systems (perceived ethics training quality and integrity-based climate) on the ethical decision-making (EDM) of tax accountants in Ghana. The study also examines the moderating role of the decision-makers’ financial situation on the quality ethics training–EDM relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 356 tax accountants were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The results show that the two ethics systems influence EDM, but their extent of influence varies across the stages of EDM. Specifically, quality ethics training is a better predictor of EDM at the ethical issue recognition stage, whereas integrity-based climate is a better predictor of EDM at the ethical intention stage. The study also found that decision-makers’ financial situation predicts the ethical recognition stage of EDM but does not moderate the quality ethics training–EDM relationship.

Practical implications

This study recommends the concurrent deployment of quality ethics training and an integrity-based work climate to improve ethical behavior. Policymakers should also emphasize a work climate that promotes honesty, conscientiousness and ethical principles (integrity-based climate) to improve ethical intentions.

Originality/value

This study applied the interactionist theory by capturing the relative effects of two organizational ethics systems and an individual-level situational factor in a single model. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that tests the moderation effect of decision-makers’ financial situation on the ethics training–EDM relationship in a developing country context.
A globalized symbolic environment ward by the States and dominated by organizations: enticing the nobility and influencing the class habitus
Authors: Borim-de-Souza Rafael , Travis Eric Ford , Zanoni Beatriz Lima , Capucho Pablo Henrique Paschoal , Jan-Chiba Jacques Haruo Fukushigue
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Through Bourdieusian sociology, this study aims to interpret a globalized symbolic environment ward by the States and dominated by organizations through the States’ Nobilities enticing and the Euro-American influences disseminated by the cultural circuit of capitalism in the inculcation and incorporation of a class habitus conniving with this logic of domination.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has developed a theoretical essay based on the contributions of Bourdieusian sociology to discuss and understand the following concepts and their respective relationships: symbolic environment, globalization, organizations, State, State Nobility, Euro-American influences, cultural circuit of capitalism and class habitus.

Findings

The arguments built throughout this theoretical essay recognized how class habitus on environment contributes to organizations establishing themselves as a space that consolidates and replicates the domination logic. As indicated, the State Nobility is an intermediary element between dominant organizations and the State, as dominated.

Practical implications

This theoretical essay signals that less harmful alliances between organizations, the State Nobility and the State could culminate in social, environmental and economic scenarios provided with more inclusion, diversity and preservation.

Social implications

This study presents an in-depth conceptual analysis to hold power structures responsible as direct and indirect drivers of environmental problems, with their different proportions and severity levels, affecting the planet.

Originality/value

This study proposes an alternative lens to debate and question how much the results presented by the contemporary world order compensate (if in any way) the damage that invades and deteriorate environmental assets.
Privacy or trust: understanding the privacy paradox in users intentions towards e-pharmacy adoption through the lens of privacy-calculus model
Authors: Ashrafi Dewan Mehrab , Ahmed Selim , Shahid Tazrian Shainam
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to present a comprehensive investigation into users’ behavioural intentions to use e-pharmacies through the lens of the privacy calculus model. The present study also investigates the effects of perceived benefit, perceived privacy risk, timeliness and perceived app quality on e-pharmacy usage through the mediating role of trustworthiness.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a deductive approach and collected data from 338 respondents using the purposive sampling technique. partial least squares structural equation modelling was applied to analyse the data.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate that perceived benefit, perceived privacy risk, timeliness and perceived app quality do not directly impact users’ behavioural intentions towards e-pharmacy adoption. Instead, it demonstrated that perceived benefit, perceived privacy risk, timeliness and perceived app quality influenced behavioural intention indirectly through the mediating role of trustworthiness

Originality/value

This study offers valuable insights to entrepreneurs, marketers and policymakers, enabling them to develop regulations, guidelines and policies that cultivate trust, safeguard privacy, ensure prompt services and create an enabling environment for the adoption of e-pharmacies. The present study also contributes to the existing literature by extending the privacy calculus model with the integration of timeliness and perceived app quality to explain users’ adoption behaviour towards e-pharmacy.
Chemical treatment in 3D dental model production for clear aligners via additive manufacturing: a comprehensive evaluation
Authors: Ehteshamfar Mohammad Vahid , Kiadarbandsari Amir , Ataee Ali , Ghozati Katayoun , Bagherkhani Mohammad Ali
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Stereolithography (SLA) additive manufacturing (AM) technique has enabled the production of inconspicuous and aesthetically pleasing orthodontics that are also hygienic. However, the staircase effect poses a challenge to the application of invisible orthodontics in the dental industry. The purpose of this study is to implement chemical postprocessing technique by using isopropyl alcohol as a solvent to overcome this challenge.

Design/methodology/approach

Fifteen experiments were conducted using a D-optimal design to investigate the effect of different concentrations and postprocessing times on the surface roughness, material removal rate (MRR), hardness and cost of SLA dental parts required for creating a clear customized aligner, and a container was constructed for chemical treatment of these parts made from photocurable resin.

Findings

The study revealed that the chemical postprocessing technique can significantly improve the surface roughness of dental SLA parts, but improper selection of concentration and time can lead to poor surface roughness. The optimal surface roughness was achieved with a concentration of 90 and a time of 37.5. Moreover, the dental part with the lowest concentration and time (60% and 15 min, respectively) had the lowest MRR and the highest hardness. The part with the highest concentration and time required the greatest budget allocation. Finally, the results of the multiobjective optimization analysis aligned with the experimental data.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on a previously underestimated aspect, which is the pivotal role of chemical postprocessing in mitigating the adverse impact of stair case effect. This nuanced perspective contributes to the broader discourse on AM methodologies, establishing a novel pathway for advancing the capabilities of SLA in dental application.
Design of a metal additive manufactured aircraft seat leg using topology optimization and part decomposition
Authors: Kim Hansu , Crispo Luke , Patel Anuj , Galley Nicholas , Yeon Si Mo , Son Yong , Kim Il Yong
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The lightweight design of aircraft seats can significantly improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Metal additive manufacturing (MAM) can produce lightweight topology-optimized designs with improved performance, but limited build volume restricts the printing of large components. The purpose of this paper is to design a lightweight aircraft seat leg structure using topology optimization (TO) and MAM with build volume restrictions, while satisfying structural airworthiness certification requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

TO was used to determine a lightweight conceptual design for the seat leg structure. The conceptual design was decomposed to meet the machine build volume, a detailed CAD assembly was designed and print orientation was selected for each component. Static and dynamic verification was performed, the design was updated to meet the structural requirements and a prototype was manufactured.

Findings

The final topology-optimized seat leg structure was decomposed into three parts, yielding a 57% reduction in the number of parts compared to a reference design. In addition, the design achieved an 8.5% mass reduction while satisfying structural requirements for airworthiness certification.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first paper to design an aircraft seat leg structure manufactured with MAM using a rigorous TO approach. The resultant design reduces mass and part count compared to a reference design and is verified with respect to real-world aircraft certification requirements.
Field diagnosis of the criteria for selecting affordable housing in less developed countries: evidence from homeowners and renters in Ghana
Authors: Simpeh Eric Kwame , Akoto Matilda , Mensah Henry , Ahadzie Divine Kwaku , Duah Daniel Yaw Addai , Reney Nonic Akwasi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In the Global North, affordable housing has evolved and thrived, and it is now gaining traction in the Global South, where governments have been vocal supporters of the concept. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the important criteria for selecting affordable housing units in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was used, and a survey was administered to the residents. The data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The relative importance index technique was used to rank the important criteria, and the EFA technique was used to create a taxonomy system for the criteria.

Findings

The hierarchical ranking of the most significant criteria for selecting affordable housing includes community safety, waste management and access to good-quality education. Furthermore, the important criteria for selecting affordable housing are classified into two groups, namely, “sustainability criteria” and “housing demand and supply and social service provision”.

Research limitations/implications

This study has implications for the real estate industry and construction stakeholders, as this will inform decision-making in terms of the design of affordable housing and the suitability of the location for the development.

Originality/value

These findings provide a baseline to support potential homeowners and tenants in their quest to select affordable housing. Furthermore, these findings will aid future longitudinal research into the indicators or criteria for selecting suitable locations for the development of low- and middle-income housing.
Phenological mismatch between trees and wildflowers: Reconciling divergent findings in two recent analyses
Authors: Lee Benjamin R. , Alecrim Evelyn F. , Miller Tara K. , Forrest Jessica R. K. , Heberling J. Mason , Primack Richard B. , Sargent Risa D.
Published: May 2024

Recent evidence suggests that community science and herbarium datasets yield similar estimates of species' phenological sensitivities to temperature. Despite this, two recent studies by Alecrim et al. (2023) and Miller et al. (2022) found very different results when using different data sources (community science and herbarium specimens, respectively) to investigate whether warming threatens wildflowers with phenological mismatch in relation to shading by deciduous trees.

Here, we investigated whether differences between the two studies' results could be reconciled by testing four hypotheses related to model design, species, spatiotemporal data extent and phenophase.

Hybrid model structures brought results from the two datasets closer together but did not fully reconcile the differences between the studies. Neither the species nor the phenophase selected for analysis seemed to be responsible for differences in results. Cropping the datasets to match spatial and temporal extents appeared to reconcile most differences but only at the cost of much higher uncertainty associated with reduced sample size.

Synthesis: Our analysis suggests that although species‐level estimates of phenological sensitivity may be similar between community science and herbarium datasets, inherent differences in the types and extent of data may lead to contradictory inference about complex biotic interactions. We conclude that, until community science data repositories expand to match the range of climate conditions present in herbarium collections or until herbarium collections match the spatial extent and temporal frequency of community science repositories, ecological studies should ideally be evaluated using both datasets to test the possibility of biased results from either.
Establishing a Recovery Menu to Increase the Resilience of Entrepreneurs
Authors: Battisti Martina , Gish J. Jeffrey , Hatak Isabella , Zhou Haibo
Published: May 2024

Building on the Effort Recovery Model and Conservation of Resources Theory, this study provides new theoretical and empirical insights into how entrepreneurs increase their resilience by engaging in recovery experiences. Employing a longitudinal repeated survey design applied to 346 entrepreneurs, our findings reveal that control is the only recovery experience that directly influences resilience. We also uncover more complex indirect pathways through positive reappraisal and sleep. Overall, the study demonstrates that each recovery experience has a unique relationship with resilience, allowing us to theorize potential underlying mechanisms for how recovery translates into resilience. We offer practical suggestions for effective interventions addressing the recovery paradox in entrepreneurship during times of change and uncertainty.
Customary ‘child selling’ and the ‘untouched mother’ in Western Odisha, India: understanding the legitimatization of caste hierarchy
Authors: Bag Minaketan , Podh Kishor K.
Published: May 2024

The place of mothers is respected in all societies irrespective of their social, cultural, and geographical differences. The mother‐child relationship is considered one of the most sacred in the world. This article explores the age‐old customary ‘child selling’ prevalent in Western Odisha, a voluntary and non‐remunerative practice of childcare during infancy to save children from illness and Yama, the Hindu god of death, where the ‘caring mother’ belongs to the bottom of the social hierarchy, mainly from the (ex‐)untouchable castes. According to popular belief, Yama does not visit the untouchables because of their ‘filthy’ environment and their gods. Hence, it is considered a safer place for children, especially weak ones or those with the chronic illnesses of the upper castes, to conceal themselves from the evil eyes of Yama. The epistemology of this article aims to explore the hegemonic nature of the caste systems, which overwhelms the revered mother‐child relationship. Further, it tries to understand the (re)production of caste and legitimization of sociopsychological conditions for the marginalization and backwardness of ‘caring mothers’. Despite the sacred and intimate relationship between the ‘caring mother’ and child, the institution of ‘ritual selling’ reproduces caste inequalities, and again the former becomes an ‘untouchable’.
Morphophonemic analysis boosts orthographic and semantic learning of academic words for Spanish–English bilinguals
Authors: Zhang Jie , Hou Zhenjie , Kharabi‐Yamato Lana , Winton Stephen , Iluore Azizah Curry , Lee Grace , Zhang Huan , Nam Rosa
Published: May 2024

Background

Upper elementary grade students encounter increasingly complex texts with abundant morphologically complex words. Despite the positive effects of morphology‐based vocabulary instruction, emergent bilinguals with limited word reading skills may need additional support.

Methods

This study investigated the effects of morphological analysis and morphophonemic analysis instruction on the orthographic and semantic learning of morphologically complex academic words. Fourth‐ and fifth‐grade Spanish–English bilingual students (N = 30) in the United States participated in two learning tasks. In learning task one, participants learned two sets of carefully matched derivational words under morphological and whole‐word learning conditions. In learning task two, the same participants learned two other sets of words under morphophonemic and whole‐word learning conditions. Each learning task included two learning sessions interweaved by meaning recall and spelling production assessments. Cross‐classified multilevel regression was used to assess the effects of intervention conditions, child and item predictors, as well as cross‐level interactions.

Results

Findings showed no significant difference in meaning recall and spelling measures between morphological and whole‐word conditions. Students performed significantly better in the morphophonemic condition than in the whole‐word condition for both meaning and affix spelling outcomes. The effect of morphophonemic intervention over whole word condition was stronger for younger students and words of lower base frequencies. Student meaning and spelling performance was significantly predicted by their word reading skills.

Conclusions

Morphophonemic analysis instruction enhances word meaning recall and spelling of complex derivative words.
Relative Performance Evaluation and Strategic Peer‐Harming Disclosures
Authors: BLOOMFIELD MATTHEW J. , HEINLE MIRKO S. , TIMMERMANS OSCAR
Published: May 2024

Many firms use relative stock performance to evaluate and incentivize their CEOs. We document that such firms routinely disclose information that harms their peers' stock prices, and sometimes explicitly mention the harmed peers, by name, in these disclosures. Consistent with deliberate sabotage, peer‐harming disclosures appear to be aimed at peers whose stock price depressions are most likely to benefit the disclosing firms' CEOs. The pricing effect of these disclosures does not reverse, suggesting that the disclosures contain legitimate information regarding peers' prospects. In sum, our results suggest that relative performance evaluation in CEO pay motivates CEOs to internalize the externalities of their disclosures, and strategically disclose information that harms peers' stock prices, in order to improve their firms' relative standing within their peer group.
Multi‐omics reveal the gut microbiota‐mediated severe foraging environment adaption of small wild ruminants in the Three‐River‐Source National Park, China
Authors: LIU Hongjin , ZHAO Xinquan , XU Shixiao , ZHAO Liang , HAN Xueping , XU Xianli , ZHAO Na , HU Linyong , LUO Chongliang , WANG Xungang , ZHANG Qian , GUO Tongqing
Published: May 2024

The Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii), blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), and Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) are the dominant small ruminants in the Three‐River‐Source National Park (TRSNP). However, knowledge about the association between gut microbiota and host adaptability remains poorly understood. Herein, multi‐omics sequencing approaches were employed to investigate the gut microbiota‐mediated forage adaption in these ruminants. The results revealed that although wild ruminants (WR) of P. hodgsoni and P. nayaur were faced with severe foraging environments with significantly low vegetation coverage and nutrition, the apparent forage digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber was significantly higher than that of O. aries. The 16s rRNA sequencing showed that the gut microbiota in WR underwent convergent evolution, and alpha diversity in these two groups was significantly higher than that in O. aries. Moreover, indicator species, including Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, exhibited positive relationships with apparent forage digestibility, and their relative abundances were enriched in the gut of WR. Enterotype analysis further revealed that enterotype 1 belonged to WR, and the abundance of fatty acid synthesis metabolic pathway‐related enzyme genes was significantly higher than enterotype 2, represented by O. aries. Besides, the metagenomic analysis identified 14 pathogenic bacterial species, among which 10 potentially pathogenic bacteria were significantly enriched in the gut microbiota of O. aries. Furthermore, the cellulolytic strains and genes encoding cellulase and hemicellulase were significantly enriched in WR. In conclusion, our results provide new evidence of gut microbiota to facilitate wildlife adaption in severe foraging environments of the TRSNP, China.
Knockdown of vitamin D receptor affects early stages of pectoral fin development in zebrafish
Authors: Kwon Hye‐Joo
Published: May 2024

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) signalling has been implicated in vertebrate limb or fin formation. However, the involvement of VDR signalling in the early stages of limb/fin development remains to be elucidated. In this study, the role of VDR signalling in pectoral fin development was investigated in zebrafish embryos. Knockdown of vdr induced the severe impairment of pectoral fin development. The zebrafish larvae lacking vdr exhibited reduced pectoral fins with no skeletal elements. In situ hybridization revealed depletion of vdr downregulated fibroblast growth factor 24 (fgf24), a marker of early pectoral fin bud mesenchyme, in the presumptive fin field even before fin buds were visible. Moreover, a perturbed expression pattern of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (bmp4), a marker of the pectoral fin fold, was observed in the developing fin buds of zebrafish embryos that lost the vdr function. These findings suggest that VDR signalling is crucial in the early stages of fin development, potentially influencing the process by regulating other signalling molecules such as Fgf24 and Bmp4.
Prescription retinoid and contraception use in women in Australia: A population‐based study
Authors: Gerhardy Laura , Nassar Natasha , Litchfield Melisa , Kennedy Debra , Smith Annika , Gillies Malcolm B. , Pearson Sallie‐Anne , Zoega Helga , Shand Antonia
Published: May 2024

Background/Obectives

Oral retinoids are teratogenic, and pregnancy avoidance is an important part of retinoid prescribing. Australia does not have a standardised pregnancy prevention programme for women using oral retinoids, and the contraception strategies for women who use oral retinoids are not well understood.

The objectives were to determine trends in the use of prescription retinoids among Australian reproductive‐aged women and whether women dispensed oral retinoids used contraception concomitantly.

Methods

This was a population‐based study using Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits (PBS) dispensing claims for a random 10% sample of 15‐44‐year‐old Australian women, 2013 ‐ 2021. We described rates and annual trends in dispensing claims for PBS‐listed retinoids and contraceptives. We also estimated concomitant oral retinoid and contraceptive use on the day of each retinoid dispensing and determined if there was a period of contraceptive treatment that overlapped. Estimates were then extrapolated to the national level.

Results

There were 1,545,800 retinoid dispensings to reproductive‐aged women; 57.1% were oral retinoids. The rate of retinoid dispensing to reproductive‐aged women increased annually, from 28 dispensings per 1000 population in 2013 to 41 per 1000 in 2021. The rate of oral retinoid dispensing doubled over the study period, from 14 dispensings per 1000 population in 2013 to 28 per 1000 in 2021, while topical retinoid dispensing did not change. Only 25% of oral retinoid dispensings had evidence of concomitant contraceptive use in 2021.

Conclusions

Rates of oral retinoid dispensing have doubled among reproductive‐aged women over the past decade. A large percentage of oral retinoid use does not appear to have concomitant contraception use, posing a risk of teratogenic effects in pregnancies.