bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An arachnoid bleb and weeping dura—a persistent low flow CSF-leak after lumbar puncture
Authors: El Rahal Amir , Wolf Katharina , Volz Florian , Beck Jürgen
Published: February 2025

Background and Importance: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a well-recognized and frequently encountered complaint of Lumbar puncture. It usually resolves spontaneously over two weeks or with an epidural blood patch. Although known for a long time, PPDH could be linked to an arachnoidal bleb as a cause of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. We report on surgical findings and impressive findings with low-flow CSF leakage in the context of an arachnoidal bleb.

Clinical presentation: We report a 42-year-old Neuroscientist with a 23-month history of positional headaches after a lumbar puncture (LP). Multiple Sclerosis was ruled out, but chronic orthostatic headache and tinnitus developed. Bed rest, caffeine tablets, IV hydration, and five high-volume epidural blood patches did not lead to improvement. However, brain fog and reduced ability to work ensued. A dynamic myelography did not reveal a CSF leak or a CSF-venous fistula, but a high-resolution T2Space Fat-saturated MRI detected an arachnoidal bleb at the alleged L3-L4 level.

Microsurgical exploration identified the arachnoid bleb as a low-flow CSF leak. The video depicts Neomenbranes overlaying the dura mater appearing as a web and CSF oozing, washing a layer of blood away. CSF was leaking like a tear, and we had the impression of a weeping dura. Treatment involved bipolar shrinking, reinforcement of the dura and fibrin glue. The patient’s symptoms improved slowly post-surgery.

Conclusion: This case emphasises the importance of considering atypical causes of post-lumbar puncture complications, such as arachnoid blebs, and the role of surgery in identifying and treating these rare conditions.
An elderly patient with dementia presenting euglycaemic ketoacidosis due to oesophageal stricture-associated eating habits
Authors: Iwasaki Hiroaki , Morita Seie
Published: February 2025

An 85-year-old man with dementia was referred to our department because of problematic eating habits, which made it difficult to manage his diabetes mellitus. The patient exhibited euglycaemic ketoacidosis, with a clinical course and biochemical parameters more indicative of starvation ketoacidosis rather than diabetic ketoacidosis. After correcting the acid–base imbalance with dextrose-containing fluids, he attempted to resume oral intake; however, throat noises consistent with reflux were noted during food ingestion. Imaging and pathological studies revealed a stricture with wall thickening in the mid-oesophagus attributed to non-specific chronic oesophagitis. After receiving hypercaloric fluids to calm oesophageal inflammation, an endoscopic bougienage was performed, enabling oral intake and achieving appropriate glycaemic control with oral glucose-lowering agents. This case illustrates the importance of closely monitoring eating behaviours, which is crucial for identifying comorbid organic abnormalities, without being limited by cognitive bias in clinical reasoning that problematic dietary changes are highly prevalent in dementia patients.
Efficacy of Upadacitinib in refractory Polyarteritis Nodosa: a case report
Authors: Nakabayashi Akihiko , Iguchi Erika , Kim Dong Seop , Siripongvutikorn Yanakawee , Nishigaichi Akira , Yoshimura Maiko , Takamatsu Hyota , Ohshima Shiro
Published: February 2025

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is systemic vasculitis, typically treated with a combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. Changing the immunosuppressant is recommended if remission cannot be achieved with these treatments. However, there is a lack of further treatment options for patients who are unresponsive to all immunosuppressants. We report a 44-year-old Japanese man with refractory PAN who was unresponsive to various immunosuppressants (including tocilizumab). Upadacitinib treatment led to relatively rapid symptom improvement, allowing for tapering and eventual discontinuation of immunosuppressants, including prednisolone. During his 1-year follow-up, no relapse or side effects were noted. This case suggests that Janus kinase inhibitors may provide a breakthrough for patients with refractory PAN.
Measurement of natural radioactivity and radiation hazards in bricks produced in Babylon brick factories, Iraq
Authors: Dawal Abd A L aal H , Oudah Osamah Nawfal
Published: February 2025

Due to the increasing cases of cancer in Babylon and the neighboring Governorates according to the annual reports of the Iraqi Cancer Registry, this study was conducted on thirteen brick factories south of Babylon Governorate, by using a NaI (Tl) gamma-ray detector (3″ × 3″). Brick samples (S) taken from surface soil production line (5–50 cm) and (D) taken from deep soil production line (50–300 cm) were collected from those factories. The average values of the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K for the brick samples obtained from the surface soil are (19.9 ± 1.5), (47 ± 2.8), and (365.8 ± 6.7) Bq/kg respectively, while the average values of the deep soil reached 18 ± 1.5, 41.7 ± 2.7, and 352.4 ± 6.61 respectively. Also, radiological hazards including Radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rate (DR), indoor and outdoor annual effective dose (AEDEindoor and AEDEoutdoor), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCRindoor) were calculated. The results of activity concentrations were within the permissible limits, except for the concentrations of 232Th, also there was a variation in the measurements between the brick production lines using surface and deep soil. The results of radiological hazards were within the limits allowed by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the effects of atomic radiation, except for the DR and ELCRindoor, for some samples, which pose a risk to users because high concentrations of 232Th in certain samples lead to elevated corresponding radiological indices, further research is needed to link these levels to cancer incidence conclusively. Therefore, it is recommended to adopt precautionary measures in factories with increased values to mitigate potential risks.
Postbiotic potential of Lactococcus lactisCNCM I‐5388 in alleviating visceral pain in female rat through GABA production: The innovative concept of the “active‐GAD bag”
Authors: Gomes Pedro , Laroute Valérie , Beaufrand Catherine , Bézirard Valérie , Aubry Nathalie , Liebgott Chloé , Koper Jonna E. B. , Parent Elyse , Bosco Nabil , Ballet Nathalie , Legrain‐Raspaud Sophie , Daveran‐Mingot Marie‐Line , Theodorou Vassilia , Cocaign‐Bousquet Muriel , Eutamene Hélène , Mercier‐Bonin Muriel
Published: February 2025

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a multifactorial disorder of the gut‐brain axis, characterized by visceral hypersensitivity (VH). Psychobiotics, through GABA synthesis, are good candidates to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. Here, we analyzed the GABA‐producer Lactococcus lactis CNCM I‐5388 as an active‐enzyme postbiotic to relieve VH mediated by psychological stress. L. lactis CNCM I‐5388 was inactivated by ethanol while maintaining its glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity. This EtOH‐treated nonviable form was given daily orally for 1, 5, or 10 days to female Wistar rats in comparison with viable L. lactis CNCM I‐5388 or vehicle. Visceral sensitivity was measured by electromyography before and after partial restraint stress (PRS). GABA was quantified in the stomach collected from rats and in the gastric compartment of TIM‐1 human gut model in fed state. A daily treatment for 5 and 10 days by L. lactis CNCM I‐5388 both in its viable and nonviable forms counteracted VH promoted by PRS. However, only viable L. lactis CNCM I‐5388 tended to reduce VH after a single administration. After 5‐day treatment, only under PRS conditions, the production of GABA within the stomach was enhanced in rats treated with viable or nonviable L. lactis CNCM I‐5388. This increase was confirmed by using the TIM‐1 human gut model. We found that a postbiotic with an active‐GAD enzyme of L. lactis CNCM I‐5388, similarly to its viable psychobiotic form, exerts anti‐VH properties in an IBS‐like rat model. These effects are associated with GABA production in the stomach where the low pH promotes GAD activity.
Environmentally Relevant Lead Exposure Alters Cell Morphology and Expression of Neural Hallmarks During SH-SY5Y Neuronal Differentiation
Authors: Morgan Rachel K. , Tapaswi Anagha , Polemi Katelyn M. , Miller Jenna L. , Sexton Jonathan , Bakulski Kelly M. , Svoboda Laurie K. , Dolinoy Dana C. , Colacino Justin A.
Published: February 2025

Lead (Pb) continues to be a public health burden, in the US and around the world, and yet the effects of historical and current exposure levels on neurogenesis are not fully understood. Here we examine the effects of a range of environmentally relevant Pb concentrations (0.16μM, 1.26μM, and 10μM Pb) relative to control on neural differentiation in the SH-SY5Y cell model. Pb exposure began on Day 5 and continued throughout differentiation at Day 18. We assessed morphological measures related to neurogenesis at several time points during this process, including the expression of proteins key in neural differentiation (β-tubulin III and GAP43), cell number and size, as well as the development of neurites. The bulk of detectable changes occurred with 10μM Pb exposure, most notably that of β-tubulin III and GAP43 expression. Effects with the 0.16μM and 1.26μM Pb exposure conditions increased as differentiation progressed, with significant reductions in cell and nuclear size as well as the number and length of neural projections by Day 18. Best benchmark concentration (BMC) analysis revealed many of these metrics to be susceptible to levels of Pb at or below historically relevant levels. This work highlights the disruption of neurite formation and protein expression as potential new mechanisms by which environmentally relevant Pb exposure impacts neurogenesis and morphology and perturb cognitive health throughout the life course.
AlphaFold as a Prior: Experimental Structure Determination Conditioned on a Pretrained Neural Network
Authors: Fadini Alisia , Li Minhuan , McCoy Airlie J. , Terwilliger Thomas C. , Read Randy J. , Hekstra Doeke , AlQuraishi Mohammed
Published: February 2025

Advances in machine learning have transformed structural biology, enabling swift and accurate prediction of protein structure from sequence. However, challenges persist in capturing sidechain packing, condition-dependent conformational dynamics, and biomolecular interactions, primarily due to scarcity of high-quality training data. Emerging techniques, including cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and high-throughput crystallography, promise vast new sources of structural data, but translating raw experimental observations into mechanistically interpretable atomic models remains a key bottleneck. Here, we aim to address these challenges by improving the efficiency of structural analysis through combining experimental measurements with a landmark protein structure prediction method – AlphaFold2. We present an augmentation of AlphaFold2, ROCKET, that refines its predictions using cryo-EM, cryo-ET, and X-ray crystallography data, and demonstrate that this approach captures biologically important structural variation that AlphaFold2 does not. By performing structure optimization in the space of coevolutionary embeddings, rather than Cartesian coordinates, ROCKET automates difficult modeling tasks, such as flips of functional loops and domain rearrangements, that are beyond the scope of current state-of-the-art methods and, in some instances, even manual human modeling. The ability to efficiently sample these barrier-crossing rearrangements unlocks a new horizon for scalable and automated model building. Crucially, ROCKET does not require retraining of AlphaFold2 and is readily adaptable to multimers, ligand-cofolding, and other data modalities. Conversely, our differentiable crystallographic and cryo-EM target functions are capable of augmenting other structure prediction methods. ROCKET thus provides an extensible framework for the integration of experimental observables with biomolecular machine learning.
DMC-BrainMap - an open-source, end-to-end tool for multi-feature brain mapping across species
Authors: Jung Felix , Cao Xiao , Heymans Loran , Carlen Marie
Published: February 2025

A central goal of current neuroscience research is to understand how behavior emerges from neuronal circuit activity. For this, cellular and circuit components in intact brains need to be identified and studied using e.g. viral tracing, electrophysiology, imaging, activity perturbations, and behavior. A commonality of these approaches is the need to establish the anatomical locations of both experimental parameters (e.g. recording/injection sites) and circuit components (e.g. cell bodies/projections). The development of standardized coordinate systems, i.e. reference brain atlases, has proven essential for reproducible, cross-laboratory mapping of anatomical data. However, the process of mapping, analyzing, and visualizing anatomical data remains challenging, especially for users lacking programming expertise. Here, we introduce DMC-BrainMap, an open-source napari plugin designed as a user-friendly tool for streamlined processing and whole-brain analysis of anatomical data. The working principle and core functionalities include all steps after image acquisition, i.e., preprocessing of images, registration of images to a reference atlas, segmentation of different anatomical features, and data analysis/visualization. DMC-BrainMap can be applied to histological data obtained from a variety of model organisms at different developmental stages, including mouse, rat, and zebrafish. We demonstrate the utility of DMC-BrainMap by mapping and quantifying cell bodies, axonal densities, injection sites as well as placement of optical fibers and Neuropixels probes. Further, we show how spatial transcriptomics data can be integrated into the DMC-BrainMap workflow. By eliminating the need for programming by the user, DMC-BrainMap provides an easy-to-use tool for increased rigor, reproducibility, and data sharing in neuroscientific research involving animal models.
Disentangling value, arousal and valence systems in approach-avoidance behaviors in humans using functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Murty Dinavahi V P S , Pessoa Luiz
Published: February 2025

Appetitive and aversive stimuli evoke approach and avoidance behaviors essential for survival and well-being. While affective processing has been extensively examined in terms of arousal and valence, the extent to which value processing is independent from arousal and valence processing in naturalistic contexts remains unclear. We addressed this gap using a naturalistic approach-avoidance task. Ninety-one human participants underwent functional MRI scanning while engaging in approach-avoidance tasks involving two levels of threat (mild or aversive electrical stimulation) and reward (monetary gains). We estimated effect sizes (Cohen's D) across subjects for increasing levels of threat, reward and arousal; for valence (negative vs positive); and for valence-arousal interactions. Effect sizes for threat and reward were strongly positively correlated across brain voxels (r = 0.82), suggesting a strong influence of a shared factor. Spatial independent component analysis decomposed these effect sizes into two independent latent factors, one that represented arousal processing and another that exhibited characteristics of value processing. Importantly, we predicted that valence-arousal interaction effects would increase with latent value effects across voxels, since both valence and arousal contribute to our overall valuation process. We indeed found this to be true. Furthermore, sizable latent value effects were observed in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, fusiform gyrus and middle temporal gyrus, areas also involved in attention and executive control. Thus, our findings revealed a value system in the human brain that could operate independently of arousal and valence systems during naturalistic approach-avoidance behaviors, providing new insights into the neural mechanisms of affective processing.
Knocking out histidine ammonia-lyase by using CRISPR-Cas9 abolishes histidine role in the bioenergetics and the life cycle ofTrypanosoma cruzi
Authors: de Freitas Nascimento Janaína , Barisón María Julia , Montanaro Gabriela Torres , Marchese Letícia , Oliveira Souza Rodolpho Ornitz , Silva Letícia Sophia , Guarnieri Alessandra Aparecida , Silber Ariel Mariano
Published: February 2025

Trypanosoma cruzi,the causing agent of Chagas disease, is the only known trypanosomatid pathogenic to humans having a complete histidine to glutamate pathway, which involves a series of four enzymatic reactions that convert histidine into downstream metabolites, including urocanate, 4-imidazolone-5-propionate, N-formimino-L-glutamate and L-glutamate. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of this pathway in ATP production, redox balance, and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis inT. cruzi. In this work, we focus on the first step of the histidine degradation pathway, which is performed by the enzyme histidine ammonia lyase. Here we determined the kinetic and biochemical parameters of theT. cruzihistidine ammonia-lyase. By generating null mutants of this enzyme using CRISPR-Cas9 we observed that disruption of the first step of the histidine degradation pathway completely abolishes the capability of this parasite to metabolise histidine, compromising the use of this amino acid as an energy and carbon source. Additionally, we showed that the knockout of the histidine ammonia lyase affects metacyclogenesis when histidine is the only metabolizable source and diminishes trypomastigote infectionin vitro.
Mycobiome ofPinus pinastertrees naturally infected by the pinewood nematodeBursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Vicente Cláudia S. L. , Varela Ana Rita , Vetrainno Anna , Espada Margarida , de Lurdes Inácio Maria
Published: February 2025

Fungi are important biological elements in the Pine wilt disease (PWD) complex. In the late stages of the disease, the pinewood nematode (PWN)Bursaphelenchus xylophilusfeeds on the fungal flora available in the pine tree for survival and multiplication. Previous studies have confirmed a close relation between the PWN and blue-stain fungi (Ophiostomatales), which are necrotrophic pathogens associated with bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae). The PWN is able to grow densely in the presence of these fungi, which results in a higher number of nematodes transferred to the insect-vectorMonochamusspp. To understand the spatial diversity and structure ofPinus pinastermycobiome, wood samples from PWN-infected and non-infected pine trees were collected in three locations of Continental mainland Portugal with different PWD records, during the maturation phase of the insect-vectorM. galloprovincialis(winter 2019-spring 2020). The PWN-mycobiome from the PWN-infectedP. pinasterwas also characterized. A total of 27 samples ofP. pinasterand 13 samples of PWN from PWN-infected trees were characterized using ITS2 amplicon sequencing. The diversity and structure of the fungal communities inP. pinastervaried with disease status suggesting that the PWN presence affects the endophytic fungal communities. For bothP. pinasterand PWN fungal communities, differences were also associated with locations (recent PWD loci Seia, and long-term PWN locus Companhia das Lezírias and Tróia). Ophiostomatales were mainly detected in PWN-infectedP. pinaster. This research contributes to increase the knowledge on the ecology of the fungal communities in PWD complex.
Engineering Plasmids with Synthetic Origins of Replication
Authors: Liu Baiyang , Peng Xiao , Bennett Matthew R. , Lakin Matthew R. , Chappell James
Published: February 2025

Plasmids remain by far the most common medium for delivering engineered DNA to microorganisms. However, the reliance on natural plasmid replication mechanisms limits their tunability, compatibility, and modularity. Here we refactor the natural pMB1 origin and create plasmids with customizable copy numbers by tuning refactored components. We then create compatible origins that use synthetic RNA regulators to implement independent copy control. We further demonstrate that the synthetic origin of replication (SynORI) can be engineered modularly to respond to various signals, allowing for multiplexed copy-based reporting of environmental signals. Lastly, a library of 6 orthogonal SynORI plasmids is created and co-maintained in E. coli for a week. This work establishes the feasibility of creating plasmids with SynORI that can serve as a new biotechnology for synthetic biology.
FMRP Regulates Neuronal RNA Granules Containing Stalled Ribosomes, Not Where Ribosomes Stall
Authors: Li Jewel T-Y , Amiri Mehdi , Kailasam Senthilkumar , Sun Jingyu , Sonenberg Nahum , Ortega Joaquin , Sossin Wayne S
Published: February 2025

Local protein synthesis is a crucial process that maintains synaptic proteostasis. A large percentage of mRNAs translated in developing neurons are associated with stalled ribosomes. FMRP, the protein lost in Fragile X syndrome, is highly enriched in RNA granules that contain stalled ribosomes. Previous examination of ribosome protected fragments (RPFs) from stalled neuronal ribosomes has identified motifs that match those found in mRNAs associated with FMRP, as recognized by FMRP cross-linking immunoprecipitation (CLIP) (Anadolu et al, 2023, Journal of Neuroscience doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1002-22.2023). To investigate whether FMRP recognition of these sequences is important for determining where ribosomes are stalled on mRNAs, we examined stalled ribosomes RPFs isolated from P5 mice of both sexes lacking the FMRP protein. We found that the loss of FMRP had no effect on the proteins associated with neuronal stalled ribosomes, the structure of the ribosomes, or the stalling sites (locations where RPFs accumulated). However, we observed a significant decrease in the amount of mRNAs previously shown to be associated with FMRP by CLIP in stalled ribosomes. Additionally, the number of neuronal RNA granules containing stalled ribosomes, as assayed by ribopuromycylation in distal neurites, decreased. Unlike neuronal RNA granules in WT neurons, the remaining distal neuronal RNA granules were resistant to reactivation by stimuli that induce mGLuR-LTD. These results highlight important roles of FMRP in regulating neuronal RNA granules that contain stalled ribosomes, though it does not influence where ribosomes are stalled and is not directly involved in stalled ribosome formation.
Collaborative governance based on Triple Helix strategy for disaster risk reduction digitalization: experience from China
Authors: Gong Yixuan , Singh Ravi , Mi Jianing
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Collaborative effort plays an important role in urban disaster risk reduction. The paper aims to explore how Shenzhen, China, has applied the Triple Helix strategy, integrating the efforts of government, industry and academia, to promote disaster risk reduction digitalization.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 18 key informants (5–7 interviews per stakeholder group), specifically focusing on developing the Smart Emergency Management System. One of the co-authors conducted participatory observation in Shenzhen to gain valuable insights into the origins of the disaster risk reduction digitalization efforts in Shenzhen.

Findings

The disaster risk reduction digitalization in Shenzhen was initiated based on the Triple Helix model. Specifically, collaborative efforts among policy-driven government, profit-driven industry and research interest-driven academia were taken to establish a digital system. As the project was implemented, citizens became increasingly involved through a new platform established by the government. The participation of citizens feeds back into the development of the disaster risk reduction system. The most important functions of digital projects are data sharing and sector connecting.

Research limitations/implications

In a country like China with a large land area, discussions at the local level involve different geographical environments, population characteristics and even local cultures. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to discuss more cases in different cultural backgrounds further.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills a case to establish disaster risk reduction digitalization based on the Triple Helix strategy, serving as a practical example for other cities aiming to improve their digital management capacities, not limited to disaster, but other developments.
Capital raising at Tata Motors: what to choose?
Authors: Ghalke Avinash , Mathews Sajit M.
Published: February 2025

Learning outcomes

After completion of the case study, students will be able to understand various capital raising instruments and their impact on different stakeholders; analyse the financials of a company to select a fitting instrument; and communicate the company’s decision effectively, paying attention to language and style.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study describes the funding choices available to Tata Motors Limited (TML), a major global automobile manufacturer based in India. Owing to a very high debt-to-equity ratio and very low debt service coverage ratio, the company urgently requires a fresh inflow of funds to bring its debt levels down and sustain growth. This financial state does not benefit the company in the short or the long run. TML has various options: Rights Issue, Qualified Institutional Placement, Preferential Allotment, Global Depository Shares and Follow-on Public Offering. Each mode has implications for individual stakeholders like the management, promoters, institutions with significant and minor stakes, and retail investors. The dilemma before TML is to choose the best capital-raising mode that suits the current requirements. This case study requires participants to choose an equity-raising mode that satisfies the stakeholders and communicate their decision tactfully to the general public.

Complexity/academic level

This case study is suitable for participants in a regular or executive MBA programme. It is designed to introduce the concepts of capital raising, the different instruments available for capital raising and the fundamentals of financial communication. This case study can be used in MBA courses like corporate finance, financial markets and business communication.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS1: Accounting and Finance.
Transition from emergency ICT-enabled education to blended education for future emergency preparedness and sustainability: a cross-sectional survey in Malaysia
Authors: Looi Kim Hoe
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly disrupted teaching and learning in higher education globally. The purposes of this study are to identify the demographics and contextual challenges of emergency ICT-enabled education related to the future preferred mode of education of instructors and suggest a transition from emergency ICT-enabled education to blended education for future emergency preparedness and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative, cross-sectional and correlational study administered an online survey using a structured questionnaire to collect data from 162 respondents during the closure of Malaysian higher education institutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.

Findings

This study found that 56% of the respondents preferred blended education in the future. Multiple discriminant analysis generated characteristic profiles of respondents who preferred conventional face-to-face education, online education and blended education in the future in terms of their demographic characteristics and salient contextual challenges.

Research limitations/implications

This study is exploratory. The findings are not generalisable and the contextual challenges of emergency ICT-enabled education may evolve over time.

Originality/value

This study extends the existing literature by highlighting future preferred modes of education of instructors and suggests a resilience pedagogy of blended education for future emergency preparedness and sustainability.
Using a community of practice perspective to analyze MTE learning during lesson study
Authors: Appelgate Mollie , Dick Lara , Gupta Dittika , Soto Melissa Marie , Broderick Shawn
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This research investigated how lesson study (LS) served as mathematics teacher educators’ (MTEs’) professional development. Using Wenger’s (1998) social theory of learning (STL) framework based on communities of practice (CoP), the authors demonstrate how MTEs’ learning evolved throughout the LS process.

Design/methodology/approach

The four dimensions of Wenger’s (1998) STL (learning as belonging, learning as experience, learning as doing and learning as becoming) were used to systematically code MTEs’ written reflections across the phases of LS. A Pearson chi-squared test for association was run to determine significant relationships between phases of LS and the dimensions of MTE learning.

Findings

MTEs’ learning varied across the phases of LS. Learning as belonging was significant in the initial planning and implementation cycle phases. Learning as experience was significant during the initial planning and final reflection phases. Learning as becoming was significant in the implementation cycle phase.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to a group of five early-career MTEs who engaged in a modified LS process, which limits the scope of the findings.

Practical implications

Understanding how teachers learn through engagement in LS can provide insight into how to impact teacher learning.

Originality/value

It has been posited that one means of participant learning from LS is through the development of CoP. This paper explicitly considers the role of the evolving CoP by adopting Wenger’s (1998) STL as both theoretical grounding and an analytical approach to studying learning as members of a CoP engage in LS.
Coaching for secondary school adolescents: a systematic literature review
Authors: Celaya Iñaki , Cueto José Alejandro , Balaguer Alvaro , Ugarte Carolina
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Recent research suggests that coaching in educational contexts plays a significant role in positive youth development. However, there is a scarcity of reviews investigating the impact of coaching on adolescents. Therefore, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify the coaching interventions developed in secondary schools, analyze how they propose the intervention process and what dimensions of positive youth development they improve.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review method was applied to a sample of publications indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, with no date restrictions, in English or Spanish, and applied to secondary school students.

Findings

About 28 publications were included with precise information on the uses, areas of application and effects of coaching on students. About 45 dimensions were found, which were classified into five areas of positive youth development: personal, social, emotional, cognitive and moral. In all areas, there were dimensions with significant results due to the intervention, but this depended on the duration and type of application: individual, group or mixed. The dimensions most developed in the interventions were well-being, interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, perceived competence and motivation.

Originality/value

A positive youth development model was used to gain a better understanding of the coaching intervention improvements. Some recommendations are provided to improve the implementation of educational coaching interventions targeting coaches and educational professionals as well as for future systematic literature reviews.
Empowerment of women and its determinants in India: a state level analysis with NFHS-5 data
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Debabrata
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study examines the status of women’s empowerment and its socio-economic determinants based on living conditions across 22 Indian states and Union Territories by constructing a composite women empowerment index of six components including women participation in three household decisions(%) based on data from the National Family Health Survey(NFHS)-5, Phase I.

Design/methodology/approach

We carry out a principal component analysis (PCA) for constructing a women empowerment index based on the above six indicators using a correlation matrix. Then we apply a static panel data approach to find out the role of socio-economic determinants such as per capita income (State level per capita GDP), years of schooling, the underage marriage of girls, the standard of living conditions such as access to safe drinking water, sanitization facility, use of iodized salt, etc.

Findings

The constructed composite index based on PCA determines one composite index for each time period, that is 2015–2016 and 2019–2020. The static panel regression is run for the composite index and six components of the index. The regression results considering eight socioeconomic and living conditions parameters demonstrate that the variables like the use of clean fuel cooking, the underage marriage of women, access to improved sanitation facility have an important impact in explaining variations in women empowerment over the years.

Originality/value

The major observations of this study in understanding the status and determinants of women empowerment across Indian states clearly show that women education is the key to improving women empowerment apart from several living condition variables.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-01-2023-0015
How do LGBTQ+ library catalog users talk about subject searching?
Authors: Moulaison-Sandy Heather , Dobreski Brian , Snow Karen
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Subject searching in the library catalog is a challenge for any user, but may be especially so for members of marginalized groups whose language diverges even further from established systems of subject headings. In this study, researchers employed the concept of code-switching to better understand the linguistic divide that members of the LGBTQ+ community face when formulating subject searches in the library catalog.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a set of 15 interviews with adult library users identifying as LGBTQ+, researchers examined the difference between participants’ natural language when discussing books and their suggested search terms for these same items. Analysis of language switching was guided by a linguistic framework of semantic, syntactic and lexical elements.

Findings

Results show that LGBTQ+ catalog users employ linguistic shifts when approaching the library catalog, particularly semantic shifts around terminology for genres and LGBTQ+ identities. Almost all participants were aware of their language switching to some extent, with many purposely employing it in an anticipatory attempt to match their perceptions of the catalog’s language.

Social implications

For libraries looking to better support marginalized communities, this study offers insight into the linguistic perceptions and practices of these users and the disconnect they may face when searching for resources related to their identities. Pluralistic approaches to subject representation may offer one means of addressing this.

Originality/value

This study takes the novel approach of applying the concept of code-switching to better understand the needs and perceptions of library catalog users.
Adaptive practices as scaffolding in knowledge workers’ personal information management
Authors: Alon Lilach
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine how knowledge workers navigate affective challenges in Personal Information Management (PIM), specifically anxiety, frustration, dependence and loss of control while managing complex, high-volume information. It explores the adaptive PIM practices they employ to mitigate these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted with knowledge workers. Thematic analysis was used to identify affective challenges and corresponding adaptive PIM practices.

Findings

Findings of this study describe four key affective challenges: anxiety about information loss and system failure, frustration with information overload and inadequacies in PIM practices, dependence on digital systems and loss of control over fragmented information. To address these, participants adopted adaptive PIM practices, including backup routines, prioritization, decluttering, structured organization and redundant storage solutions. These practices functioned as scaffolding, reducing emotional strain and enhancing control over personal information spaces.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers insights for designing PIM systems that address affective challenges, including automated backup prompts and decluttering tools and for workplace initiatives promoting PIM skill development to enhance productivity and well-being.

Originality/value

This study positions adaptive PIM practices as essential scaffolding that supports knowledge workers in managing the dual demands of functionality and emotional regulation within their information landscapes. By framing adaptive practices as scaffolding, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how PIM skills and mastery address both the organizational and affective complexities faced by knowledge workers.
Profit over principles: unveiling the motivating factors behind dark patterns in e-commerce through the lens of agency theory
Authors: Singh Vibhav , Vishvakarma Niraj Kumar , Kumar Vinod
Published: February 2025

Purpose

E-commerce companies use manipulative user interface (UI) designs known as dark patterns to influence customer decisions over internet platforms. Although dark patterns are known to annoy users and erode customer trust, e-commerce companies continue to use them heavily. Therefore, this study identifies and ranks the factors that motivate e-commerce companies to use dark patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

Feedback from 17 industry experts was collected, and a novel causal modelling technique known as the Grey Influence Analysis (GINA) was applied to discover the most important motivating factors in the system.

Findings

Meeting long-term economic goals, leveraging data from the existing users and meeting short-term marketing goals emerged as the most crucial reasons behind dark pattern usage. These motivational factors indicate that e-commerce companies prioritize profits over sustainability and are coherent with the agency theory of corporate governance.

Research limitations/implications

The motivating factors have been identified considering the overall e-commerce industry. The factors may vary for specialized e-commerce sectors.

Practical implications

The study’s findings could help e-commerce managers adopt a user-centric approach and encourage them to fulfil their motivations behind dark patterns via other ethical strategies. Furthermore, company shareholders and managers could resolve conflicts of interest to avoid dark patterns and adopt a customer-centric approach. The study would also spark discussions on digital ethics and prompt legal authorities to devise policies against dark patterns.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates a systematic methodology for utilizing GINA in various domains. Additionally, it advances the literature on dark patterns and online customer manipulation.
Impact of knowledge-sharing culture on organizational creativity: integrating explicit and tacit knowledge sharing as mediators
Authors: Yıldız Tayfun , Balkan Akan Betül , Sığrı Ünsal , Dabić Marina
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Tacit and explicit knowledge sharing play crucial roles in today’s rapidly changing business environment, particularly in fostering innovation. However, uncovering tacit knowledge sharing remains complex. The purpose of this study is to analyze the mediating roles of tacit and explicit knowledge in the relationship between a knowledge-sharing culture and organizational creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors developed an extended analytical process to analyze the impact of explicit and tacit knowledge on a knowledge-sharing culture and organizational creativity. This process combines two analytical techniques: necessary condition analysis (NCA) and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). NCA identifies essential bottlenecks for a specific outcome, while PLS-SEM uncovers strong connections between predictor and outcome variables. The authors applied these analyses to a sample of 155 IT experts from a leading telecom company in the Turkish ICT industry to test the relevant hypotheses.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that tacit knowledge, rather than explicit knowledge, partially mediates the relationship between a knowledge-sharing culture and organizational creativity. This mediating role of tacit knowledge is particularly pronounced in the ICT sector. Additionally, the impact of organizational capabilities on organizational creativity is amplified by higher levels of tacit knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

The effect of organizational capabilities on organizational creativity was found to increase because of tacit knowledge sharing compared to explicit knowledge sharing, depending on the knowledge-sharing climate.
A visionary future for sustainability: exploring how and when green visionary leadership promotes employee green innovation
Authors: Qian Zhichao , Zong Wen , Li Xiaoyu , Wen Xiaoyi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Drawing on self-determination theory (SDT), this study conceptualizes and empirically examines how and when green visionary leadership (GVL) stimulates employees’ green innovation (GI) in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected 237 supervisor-employee matched multi-wave data from multiple organizations in China. The data were tested and analyzed using path analyses.

Findings

A significant relationship was found between GVL and GI, which was mediated by employees’ green passion (GP). Additionally, green value orientation (GVO) moderated both the direct relationship between GVL and GP and the indirect effect of GVL on employee GI via GP. Employees with stronger GVO were more likely to translate GVL into higher GI through increased GP.

Practical implications

Organizations should strengthen employees’ belief in green development, prioritize the recruitment, selection and training of leaders with GVL qualities, and foster a GVO among employees. This can enhance employees’ GP and ultimately drive GI within the organization.

Originality/value

This study develops an integrative model of GVL as central for organizational sustainability, focusing on GI. We apply SDT and identify GP as a mediator between GVL and GI, thus contributing to the understanding of psychological processes in GVL effectiveness. We also explore GVO as a boundary condition, providing insights into when GVL promotes GI. This advances research on leadership and green management literatures.
Uncovering the influence of commitment to low-carbon operations management on manufacturing carbon performance
Authors: Long Yunguang , Feng Taiwen
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Based on social exchange and resource dependence theories, this research investigates how manufacturing firms’ commitment to low-carbon operations management (CLCOM) prompts manufacturing carbon performance (MCP) through low-carbon supply chain collaboration (SCC), as well as the moderating role of supply chain risk management (SCRM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study verifies the hypotheses employing hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrapping methods through an online survey of 297 Chinese manufacturers.

Findings

The results demonstrate that manufacturers’ low-carbon SCC mediates the influence of affective and continuance CLCOM on MCP. SCRM dampens the link between affective CLCOM and low-carbon SCC. Further, SCRM heightens the relationship of continuance CLCOM–low-carbon collaboration with suppliers, but does not enhance the level of continuance CLCOM–low-carbon collaboration with customers.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the theory and practice area by unveiling the “black-box” of the CLCOM–MCP relationship and considers SCRM’s moderating effect.
A thorough review of thermal and mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced ordinary Portland cement-SCC and pozzolanic-SCC
Authors: Gheidan Elhassan , Ab. Kadir Mariyana Aida , Aluko Oluwatobi Gbenga
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the properties and performance of ordinary Portland cement-based self-compacting concrete (OPC-SCC) and pozzolanic-based SCC (pozzolanic-SCC) in concrete applications. The research employs a comparative analysis to examine the workability and strength characteristics of these two types of SCC.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involves analyzing and comparing the properties and performance of OPC-SCC and pozzolanic-SCC through a literature review of relevant studies and experiments. The key findings indicate that the use of pozzolanic materials in SCC, such as fly ash, silica fume and metakaolin, can enhance the sustainability and durability of the concrete. The research also reveals that the choice of steel fibers and polypropylene fibers can impact the fire performance and mechanical properties of SCC.

Findings

The findings indicate that the inclusion of supplementary cementitious materials enhances the workability, strength and fire resistance of SCC to a greater extent compared to the addition of steel and polypropylene fibers.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this research are significant for selecting and utilizing SCC in concrete applications.

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in the comparative analysis of OPC-SCC and pozzolanic-SCC, considering their properties, performance and practical implications. The study extends the existing knowledge on the use of SCC and provides insights into best practices for its application. The research contributes to the field of concrete technology and sustainable construction by highlighting the benefits and limitations of different types of SCC and their potential impact on concrete performance.