bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Amygdalar Oscillator Coordinates Cellular and Behavioral Rhythms
Authors: Liu Qiang , Xiong Jiali , Kim Dong Won , Lee Sang Soo , Bell Benjamin J. , Alexandre Chloe , Blackshaw Seth , Latremoliere Alban , Wu Mark N.
Published: March 2024

Circadian rhythms are generated by the master pacemaker suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), in concert with local clocks throughout the body. While many brain regions exhibit cycling clock gene expression, the identity of a discrete extra-SCN brain oscillator that produces rhythmic behavior has remained elusive. Here, we show that an extra-SCN oscillator in the lateral amygdala (LA) is defined by expression of the clock-output molecule mWAKE/ANKFN1. mWAKE is enriched in the anterior/dorsal LA (adLA), and strikingly, selective disruption of clock function or excitatory signaling in adLAmWAKEneurons abolishes Period2 (Per2) rhythms throughout the LA. mWAKE levels rise at night and promote rhythmic excitability of adLAmWAKEneurons by upregulating Ca2+-activated K+channel activity specifically at night. adLAmWAKEneurons coordinate rhythmic sensory perception and anxiety in a clock-dependent and WAKE-dependent manner. Together, these data reveal the cellular identity of an extra-SCN brain oscillator and suggest a multi-level hierarchical system organizing molecular and behavioral rhythms.
NLRP3-induced systemic inflammation controls the development of JAK2V617F mutant myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Koerber Ruth-Miriam , Krollmann Calvin , Cieslak Kevin , Tregel Elisabeth , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Koschmieder Steffen , Griesshammer Martin , Gütgemann Ines , Brossart Peter , Skoda Radek C. , Kolbe Carl Christian , Latz Eicke , Wolf Dominik , Teichmann Lino L.
Published: March 2024

The development of Philadelphia chromosome-negative classical myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) involves an inflammatory process that facilitates outgrowth of the malignant clone and correlates with clinical outcome measures. This raises the question to which extent inflammatory circuits in MPN depend on activation of innate immune sensors. Here, we investigated whether NLRP3, which precipitates inflammasome assembly upon detection of cellular stress, drives murine JAK2V617F mutant MPN. Deletion ofNlrp3within the hematopoietic compartment completely prevented increased IL-1β and IL-18 release in MPN. NLRP3 in JAK2V617F hematopoietic cells, but not in JAK2 wild type radioresistant cells, promoted excessive platelet production via stimulation of the direct thrombopoiesis differentiation pathway, as well as granulocytosis. It also promoted expansion of the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell compartment despite inducing pyroptosis at the same time. Importantly, NLRP3 inflammasome activation enhanced bone marrow fibrosis and splenomegaly. Pharmacological blockade of NLRP3 in fully established disease led to regression of thrombocytosis and splenomegaly. These findings suggest that NLRP3 is critical for MPN development and its inhibition represents a new therapeutic intervention for MPN patients.

Key points

The increased IL-1β and IL-18 release in JAK2V617F mutant MPN depends on NLRP3 inflammasome activation

NLRP3 in MPN promotes excess platelet production, granulocytosis, HSPC compartment expansion, splenomegaly and bone marrow fibrosis
Transcriptome analysis reveals a novel DNA element that may interact with chromatin-associated proteins inPlasmodium bergheiduring erythrocytic development
Authors: Okafor Adaobi , Adam Yagoub , Brors Benedikt , Adebiyi Ezekiel
Published: March 2024

Background

The life cycle ofPlasmodiumparasites is intricate and multistage, alternating between dynamic environments. Temporal regulation of transcription by stage-specific transcription factor binding at particular regulatory regions within gene promoters facilitates its progression. As a result, each new developmental stage is endowed with its unique gene sets, whose just-in-time expression enables the parasite to completely adapt to the necessary circumstances. Our understanding of these transcriptome-level regulatory processes is limited, and more so, a thorough examination of the entire life cycle in the experimentally tractable rodent model organismP. bergheiis lacking.

Results

We performed a genome-wide analysis of RNA-Seq data from different developmental stages ofP. berghei. Integrated data from the human malaria parasitesP. falciparumandP. vivaxdemonstrated thatPlasmodiumparasites have a unique transcriptional signature. We identified the sets of genes differentially expressed at each stage, clustered them based on similarities of their expression profiles, and predicted the regulatory motifs governing their expression. We interpreted the motifs using known binding sites for established eukaryotic transcription factors, including those of the ApiAP2s, and identified eight potentially novel motifs. Additionally, we expanded the annotation of another motif—AGGTAA—found in genes exclusive to erythrocytic development and identified members of thePfMORC and GCN5 complexes among its possible interacting proteins.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into gene usage and its regulation duringP. bergheidevelopment.
A Mem-dELISA platform for dual color and ultrasensitive digital detection of colocalized proteins on extracellular vesicles
Authors: Sharma Himani , Yadav Vivek , Burchett Alice , Shi Tiger , Senapati Satyajyoti , Datta Meenal , Chang Hsueh-Chia
Published: March 2024

Accurate, multiplex, and ultrasensitive measurement of different colocalized protein markers on individual tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and dimerized proteins with multiple epitopes could provide insights into cancer heterogeneity, therapy management and early diagnostics that cannot be extracted from bulk methods. However, current digital protein assays lack certain features to enable robust colocalization, including multi-color detection capability, large dynamic range, and selectivity against background proteins. Here, we report a lithography-free, inexpensive (< $0.1) and ultrasensitive dual-color Membrane Digital ELISA (Mem-dELISA) platform by using track-etched polycarbonate (PCTE) membranes to overcome these shortcomings. Their through-pores remove air bubbles through wicking before they are sealed on one side by adhesion to form microwells. Immunomagnetic bead-analyte complexes and substrate solution are then loaded into the microwells from the opposite side, with >80% loading efficiency, before sealing with oil. This enables duplex digital protein colorimetric assay with beta galactosidase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes. The platform achieves 5 logs of dynamic range with a limit of detection of 10 aM for both Biotinylated β-galactosidase (B-βG) and Biotin Alkaline Phosphatase Conjugated (B-ALP) proteins. We demonstrate its potential by showing that a higher dosage of paclitaxel suppresses EpCAM-positive EVs but not GPC-1 positive EVs from breast cancer cells, a decline in chemo-resistance that cannot be detected with Western blot analysis of cell lysate. The Mem-dELISA is poised to empower researchers to conduct ultrasensitive, high throughput protein colocalization studies for disease diagnostics, treatment monitoring and biomarker discovery.
OmeSim: a genetics-based nonlinear simulator for in-between-ome and phenotype
Authors: Long Zhou , Zhang Qingrun
Published: March 2024

Motivation

Deciphering genetic basis of complex traits via genotype-phenotype association studies is a long-standing theme in genetics. The availability of molecular omics data (such as transcriptome) has enabled researchers to utilize “in-between-omes” in association studies, for instance transcriptome-wide association study. Although many statistical tests and machine learning models integrating omics in genetic mapping are emerging, there is no standard way to simulate phenotype by genotype with the role of in-between-omes incorporated. Moreover, the involvement of in-between-omes usually bring substantial nonlinear architecture (e.g., co-expression network), that may be non-trivial to simulate. As such, rigorous power estimations, a critical step to test novel models, may not be conducted fairly.

Results

To address the gap between emerging methods development and the unavailability of adequate simulators, we developed OmeSim, a phenotype simulator incorporating genetics, an in-between-ome (e.g., transcriptome), and their complex relationships including nonlinear architectures. OmeSim outputs detailed causality graphs together with original data, correlations, and associations structures between phenotypic traits and omes terms as comprehensive gold-standard datasets for the verifications of novel tools integrating an in-between-ome in genotype-phenotype association studies. We expect OmeSim to enable rigorous benchmarking for the future multi-omics integrations.

Availability

https://github.com/zhoulongcoding/OmeSim

Contact

qingrun.zhang@ucalgary.ca
Blinatumomab Trimer Formation: Insights From A Mechanistic PKPD Model Into The Implications For Switching From Infusion To Subcutaneous Dosing Regimen
Authors: Kapitanov Georgi I. , Head Sarah A. , Flowers David , Apgar Joshua F. , Grant Joshuaine
Published: March 2024

Blinatumomab is a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) that binds to CD3 on T cells and CD19 on B cells. It has been approved for use in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) with a regimen that requires continuous infusion (cIV) for four weeks per treatment cycle. It is currently in clinical trials for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with cIV administration. Recently, there have been studies investigating dose-response after subcutaneous (SC) dosing in B-ALL and in NHL to determine whether this more convenient method of delivery would have a similar efficacy/safety profile as continuous infusion. We constructed mechanistic PKPD models of blinatumomab activity in B-ALL and NHL patients, investigating the amount of CD3:blinatumomab:CD19 trimers the drug forms at different dosing administrations and regimens.

The modeling and analysis demonstrate that the explored SC doses in B-ALL and NHL achieve similar trimer numbers as the cIV doses in those indications. We further simulated various subcutaneous dosing regimens, and identified conditions where trimer formation dynamics are similar between constant infusion and subcutaneous dosing. Based on the model results, subcutaneous dosing is a viable and convenient strategy for blinatumomab and is projected to result in similar trimer numbers as constant infusion.
Heterogeneity of layer 4 in visual areas of rhesus macaque cortex
Authors: Günther Dorothee M. , Batiuk Mykhailo Y. , Petukhov Viktor , Oliveira Romain De , Wunderle Thomas , Buchholz Christian J. , Fries Pascal , Khodosevich Konstantin
Published: March 2024

Recently, single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) has enabled unprecedented insights to the cellular landscape of the brains of many different species, among them the rhesus macaque as a key animal model. Building on previous, broader surveys of the macaque brain, we closely examined five immediately neighboring areas within the visual cortex of the rhesus macaque: V1, V2, V4, MT and TEO.

To facilitate this, we first devised a novel pipeline for brain spatial archive – the BrainSPACE – which enabled robust archiving and sampling from the whole unfixed brain. SnRNA-sequencing of ∼100,000 nuclei from visual areas V1 and V4 revealed conservation within the GABAergic neuron subtypes, while seven and one distinct principle neuron subtypes were detected in V1 and V4, respectively, all most likely located in layer 4. Moreover, using small molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization, we identified cell type density gradients across V1, V2, V4, MT, and TEO appearing to reflect the visual hierarchy. These findings demonstrate an association between the clear areal specializations among neighboring areas with the hierarchical levels within the visual cortex of the rhesus macaque.
ADNP modulates SINE B2-derived CTCF-binding sites during blastocyst formation in mice
Authors: Wang Wen , Gao Rui , Yang Dongxu , Ma Mingli , Zang Ruge , Wang Xiangxiu , Chen Chuan , Kou Xiaochen , Zhao Yanhong , Chen Jiayu , Liu Xuelian , Lu Jiaxu , Xu Ben , Liu Juntao , Huang Yanxin , Chen Chaoqun , Wang Hong , Gao Shaorong , Zhang Yong , Gao Yawei
Published: March 2024

CTCF is crucial for chromatin structure and transcription regulation in early embryonic development. However, the kinetics of CTCF chromatin occupation in preimplantation embryos have remained unclear. In this study, we used CUT&RUN technology to investigate CTCF occupancy in mouse preimplantation development. Our findings revealed that CTCF begins binding to the genome prior to zygotic genome activation (ZGA), with a preference for CTCF-anchored chromatin loops. Although the majority of CTCF occupancy is consistently maintained, we identified a specific set of binding sites enriched in the mouse-specific short interspersed element (SINE) family B2 that are restricted to the cleavage stages. Notably, we discovered that the neuroprotective protein ADNP counteracts the stable association of CTCF at SINE B2-derived CTCF-binding sites. Knockout ofAdnpin the zygote led to impaired CTCF binding signal recovery, failed deposition of H3K9me3, and transcriptional derepression of SINE B2 during the morula-to-blastocyst transition, which further led to unfaithful cell differentiation in embryos around implantation. Our analysis highlights an ADNP-dependent restriction of CTCF binding during cell differentiation in preimplantation embryos. Furthermore, our findings shed light on the functional importance of transposable elements (TEs) in promoting genetic innovation and actively shaping the early embryo developmental process specific to mammals.
Band mixing in the quantum anomalous Hall regime of twisted semiconductor bilayers
Authors: Abouelkomsan Ahmed , Reddy Aidan P. , Fu Liang , Bergholtz Emil J.
Published: March 2024

Remarkable recent experiments have observed fractional quantum anomalous Hall effects at zero field and unusually high temperatures in twisted semiconductor bilayer tMoTe2, hence realizing the first genuine fractional Chern insulators. Intriguing observations in these experiments, such as the absence of integer Hall effects at twist angles where a fractional Hall effect is observed, do however remain unexplained. The experimental phase diagram as a function of twist angle remains to be established. By a comprehensive numerical study, including entanglement spectroscopy, we show that band mixing has large qualitative and quantitative effects on the energetics of competing states and their energy gaps throughout the twist angle range θ≤4∘. This lays the foundation for a detailed realistic study of a rich variety of strongly correlated moiré superlattices and an understanding of the phase diagram of these fascinating systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Primitive quantum gates for an
SU(2)
discrete subgroup: Binary octahedral
Authors: Gustafson Erik J. , Lamm Henry , Lovelace Felicity
Published: March 2024

We construct a primitive gate set for the digital quantum simulation of the 48-element binary octahedral (BO) group. This non-Abelian discrete group better approximates SU(2) lattice gauge theory than previous work on the binary tetrahedral group at the cost of one additional qubit—for a total of six—per gauge link. The necessary primitives are the inversion gate, the group multiplication gate, the trace gate, and the BO Fourier transform.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Ruling out models of vector dark matter in asymptotically safe quantum gravity
Authors: de Brito Gustavo P. , Eichhorn Astrid , Frandsen Mads T. , Rosenlyst Martin , Thing Mattias E. , Vieira Arthur F.
Published: March 2024

The nature of dark matter is a problem with too many potential solutions. We investigate whether a consistent embedding into quantum gravity can decimate the number of solutions to the dark-matter problem. Concretely, we focus on a hidden sector composed of a gauge field and a charged scalar, with gauge group U(1)D or SU(2)D. The gauge field is the dark matter candidate, if the gauge symmetry is broken spontaneously. Phenomenological constraints on the couplings in this model arise from requiring that the correct dark matter relic density is produced via thermal freeze-out and that recent bounds from direct-detection experiments are respected. We find that the consistent embedding into asymptotically safe quantum gravity gives rise to additional constraints on the couplings at the Planck scale, from which we calculate corresponding constraints at low energy scales. We discover that phenomenological constraints cannot be satisfied simultaneously with theoretical constraints from asymptotically safe quantum gravity, ruling out these dark matter models.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Black branes in asymptotically Lifshitz spacetimes with arbitrary exponents in
κ
-Horndeski gravity
Authors: Santos Fabiano F. , Boschi-Filho Henrique
Published: March 2024

In this work, we consider Horndeski gravity deformed by a parameter in its kinetic terms embedded in asymptotically Lifshitz spacetimes. We obtain black brane solutions in this geometry and study their thermodynamical properties. We show that the κ deformation on the Horndeski kinetic terms allows for arbitrary values of the critical exponents characteristic of Lifshitz spacetimes. These solutions present local and global thermodynamical stabilities.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Geometric resolution of the Schwarzschild horizon
Authors: Bah Ibrahima , Heidmann Pierre
Published: March 2024

We provide the first example of a geometric transition that resolves the Schwarzschild black hole into a smooth microstructure in eleven-dimensional supergravity on a seven-torus. The geometry is indistinguishable from a Schwarzschild black hole dressed with a scalar field in four dimensions, referred to as a Schwarzschild scalarwall. In eleven dimensions, the scalar field arises as moduli of the torus. The resolution occurs at an infinitesimal scale above the horizon, set by the size of the internal torus, where it transitions to a smooth bubbling spacetime supported by M2-brane flux.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Evidence for an Excitonic Insulator State in
Ta2Pd3Te5
Authors: Huang Jierui , Jiang Bei , Yao Jingyu , Yan Dayu , Lei Xincheng , Gao Jiacheng , Guo Zhaopeng , Jin Feng , Li Yupeng , Yuan Zhenyu , Chai Congcong , Sheng Haohao , Pan Mojun , Chen Famin , Liu Junde , Gao Shunye , Qu Gexing , Liu Bo , Jiang Zhicheng , Liu Zhengtai , Ma Xiaoyan , Zhou Shiming , Huang Yaobo , Yun Chenxia , Zhang Qingming , Li Shiliang , Jin Shifeng , Ding Hong , Shen Jie , Su Dong , Shi Youguo , Wang Zhijun , Qian Tian
Published: March 2024

The excitonic insulator (EI) is an exotic ground state of narrow-gap semiconductors and semimetals arising from spontaneous condensation of electron-hole pairs bound by attractive Coulomb interaction. Despite research on EIs dating back to half a century ago, their existence in real materials remains a subject of ongoing debate. In this study, through systematic experimental and theoretical investigations, we provide evidence for the existence of an EI ground state in a van der Waals compound Ta2Pd3Te5. Density-functional-theory calculations suggest that it is a semimetal with a small band overlap, whereas various experiments exhibit an insulating ground state with a clear band gap. Upon incorporating electron-hole Coulomb interaction into our calculations, we obtain an EI phase where the electronic symmetry breaking opens a many-body gap. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements exhibit that the band gap is closed with a significant change in the dispersions as the number of thermally excited charge carriers becomes sufficiently large in both equilibrium and nonequilibrium states. Structural measurements reveal a slight breaking of crystal symmetry with exceptionally small lattice distortion in the insulating state, which cannot account for the significant gap opening. Therefore, we attribute the insulating ground state with a gap opening in Ta2Pd3Te5 to exciton condensation, where the coupling to the symmetry-breaking electronic state induces a subtle change in the crystal structure.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Persistence of wicked problems in opaque global value chains
Authors: Dindial Miguel , Voss Hinrich
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper engages with the important work of Raškovic (2024). The authors agree with Raškovic’s (2024) argument that international business (IB) policy is well positioned to inform and address many of society’s wicked problems, including modern slavery. Beyond supporting this position, the purpose of this paper is to highlight IB’s internal and ongoing debate regarding multinational ownership and control, and how this unresolved theoretical issue can hinder the contribution of IB policy in addressing wicked problems.

Design/methodology/approach

By leveraging prior literature, this paper synthesises opposing views on the extent of control that multinational enterprises (MNEs) exert across global value chains (GVCs). The authors then demonstrate why these conflicting perspectives should be resolved to fully realise the task that Raškovic (2024) has laid out for IB policy.

Findings

This study argues that IB is steeped in a tradition where ownership has been a proxy for meaningful control. Rising GVCs have complicated this relationship, and while IB recognises this, the field remains short of explicating a set of robust conditions that can detect control in the absence of ownership. Given that responsibility is often based on an assumption of who has control, this ongoing and unresolved debate limits IB’s utility in advancing appropriate policy interventions to tame wicked problems.

Originality/value

This paper makes a contribution by bringing together diverse perspectives on the ongoing debate regarding MNE control in GVC. It demonstrates how this seemingly abstract debate can have significant implications for IB’s role in addressing society’s grand challenges. The authors further suggest that embracing interdisciplinarity and novel analytical tools can assist in demystifying the opaqueness of GVCs and resolving the control “fuzziness” that confuses responsibility boundaries across the GVC.
The effect of augmented reality applied to learning process with different learning styles in structural engineering education
Authors: Liu Pengkun , Yang Zhewen , Huang Jing , Wang Ting-Kwei
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to scrutinize the influence of individual learning styles on the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR)-based learning in structural engineering. There has been a lack of research examining the correlation between learning efficiency and learning style, particularly in the context of quantitatively assessing the efficacy of AR in structural engineering education.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Kolb’s experiential learning theory (ELT), a model that emphasizes learning through experience, students from the construction management department are assigned four learning styles (converging, assimilating, diverging and accommodating). Performance data were gathered, appraised, and compared through the three dimensions from the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) survey model across four categories of Kolb’s learning styles in both text-graph (TG)-based and AR-based learning settings.

Findings

The findings indicate that AR-based materials positively impact structural engineering education by enhancing overall learning performance more than TG-based materials. It is also found that the learning style has a profound influence on learning effectiveness, with AR technology markedly improving the information retrieval processes, particularly for converging and assimilating learners, then diverging learners, with a less significant impact on accommodating learners.

Originality/value

These results corroborate prior research analyzing learners' outcomes with hypermedia and informational learning systems. It was found that learners with an “abstract” approach (convergers and assimilators) outperform those with a “concrete” approach (divergers and accommodators). This research emphasizes the importance of considering learning styles before integrating technologies into civil engineering education, thereby assisting software developers and educational institutions in creating more effective teaching materials tailored to specific learning styles.
Online corporate communication of diversity and inclusion: washing as aspirational talk
Authors: Gillberg Nanna
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The article aims to investigate how washing practices focused on appeasing sceptics of diversity work in for-profit organizations play out in corporate online communication of diversity and inclusion efforts, and how these enable communication to a wide audience that includes social equity advocates.

Design/methodology/approach

Online corporate communication data of diversity and inclusion themes were compiled from the websites of eight Swedish-based multinational corporations. The data included content from the companies’ official websites and annual reports and sustainability reports as well as diversity and inclusion-themed blog posts. A thematic analysis was conducted on the website content.

Findings

The study showcases how tensions between conflicting external demands are navigated by keeping the communication open to several interpretations and thereby achieving multivocality. In the studied corporate texts on diversity and inclusion, this is achieved by alternating between elements catering to a business case audience and those that appeal to a social justice audience, with some procedures managing to appease both audiences at the same time.

Originality/value

The article complements previously described forms of washing by introducing an additional type of washing – business case washing – an articulation of the business case rhetoric that characterizes the diversity management discourse. While much has been written about washing to satisfy advocates of social change and equity, washing to appease shareholders and boardroom members, who are focused on profit and economic growth, has received less attention. The article suggests that online corporate communication on diversity and inclusion, by appeasing diverse audiences, can be seen as aspirational talk.
The role of destination personality in the relationship between destination image and behavioral intention among ski tourists
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yim Brian , Kim Kyungsik , Tian Zhibo
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was (1) to investigate the relationship between destination image (DI), destination personality (DP) and behavioral intention (BI) in the context of ski tourism and (2) especially the role of DP in the relationship between DI and BI among ski tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected data using WJX.CN (N = 400) to test the hypothesized model. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the psychometric properties of the measurement model and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that DI directly affects DP and partially affects BI, while DP directly affects ski tourists' BI. In addition, the indirect effect of DP between affective image and BI was significant, showing full mediation, and the indirect effect of DP between cognitive image and BI was significant, showing a partial mediation effect.

Originality/value

The findings enrich the ski tourism literature, contribute to the development of ski tourism in destination cities and the strategic marketing of ski resorts and provide recommendations for ski tourism researchers and marketers.
Assessing corporate social responsibility in South Africa’s built environment industry
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbavboa Clinton , Mohlasedi Zinhle , Akinradewo Opeoluwa , Bamfo-Agyei Emmanuel
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Studies showed that stakeholders want the construction sector’s organisations to be more accountable and transparent regarding social and environmental issues through corporate social responsibility (CSR). There is a paucity of literature regarding CSR implementation in the construction sector, especially in developing countries like South Africa. Hence, the study evaluated CSR’s merits and hindrances and suggested solutions to enhance its implementation in the South African construction sector of Mpumalanga Province.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers employed a questionnaire survey method to collect data from 68 useable respondents in the South African construction sector of Mpumalanga Province. The main section of the questionnaire was divided into three parts, each addressing an objective mean item score ranking technique.

Findings

Findings show management lacks willingness, absence of recognition for implementing CSR at tender adjudication, professionals regard CSR as a “soft issue,” inadequate ability to carry out CSR initiatives and lax CSR knowledge emerged as the key issues hindering construction stakeholders, especially construction companies, from participating in CSR in South Africa. The research suggests initiatives to enhance CSR in the construction industry.

Originality/value

The study shows that the findings can be used to improve the implementation of CSR engagement and possibly enhance a policy to stimulate friendly CSR in the South African construction sector.
A meta-analytic review of the sustainability disclosure and reputation relationship: aggregating findings in the field of social and environmental accounting
Authors: Barroso-Méndez María Jesús , Pajuelo-Moreno Maria-Luisa , Gallardo-Vázquez Dolores
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Previous research has explored the link between sustainability disclosure and reputation but produced contradictory results. This study aims to clarify the sustainability disclosure–reputation relationship through a quantitative analysis of the correlations between these variables reported in empirical research papers. The second objective was to determine how various moderators affect the sustainability disclosure–reputation link.

Design/methodology/approach

The meta-analysis was based on a systematic review of the literature covering empirical research on the corporate sustainability disclosure and reputation relationship. A total of 92 articles were meta-analyzed to compile their findings on four extrinsic moderators: company size, ownership, stock listing status and activity sector.

Findings

The findings confirm that a significant positive correlation exists between corporate sustainability disclosure and reputation. The moderator analysis also revealed that companies’ different characteristics can explain researchers’ divergent results.

Practical implications

The results have considerable practical relevance for organizational management. First, they can motivate managers to improve and disclose their company’s social and environmental impacts to strengthen their reputation, which in turn will help accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Second, the findings can ensure organizations develop disclosure and reputation management strategies adapted for each firm’s size, ownership, stock listing status and activity sector.

Social implications

The results have considerable practical relevance for organizational management. First, they can motivate managers to improve and disclose their company’s social and environmental impacts to strengthen their reputation, which in turn will help accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Second, the findings can ensure organizations develop disclosure and reputation management strategies adapted for each firm’s size, ownership, stock listing status and activity sector.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this meta-analysis is the first to clarify the link between disclosure and reputation, which makes a unique contribution to the field of social and environmental accounting. A larger sample of primary research was collected, and key extrinsic moderators were examined to explain prior studies’ contradictory findings.
Nexus between perception, purpose of use, technical challenges and satisfaction for mobile financial services: theory and empirical evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Hasibul , Soumia Lalmi , Rana Masud , Madavarapu Jhansi Bharathi , Saha Shimanto
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study analyzed the relationship between mobile financial services (MFS) usage and customer satisfaction with MFS in Bangladesh, considering perception, purpose of use and technical challenges as the primary factors influencing customer satisfaction with MFS. The aim is to determine the factors most influencing the use of MFS.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 400 MFS users through a structured web survey using snowball sampling that is consistent with the nature of MFS users who are difficult to identify or locate. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data and evaluate the reliability and validity of the measurement model.

Findings

The results show that customers’ perceptions and satisfaction significantly impact their intention to use MFS. Specifically, customers’ perceptions strongly influence their satisfaction with MFS, and the purpose of use significantly predicts both perception and satisfaction. Technical problems and challenges were found to have no significant impact on satisfaction levels, but other factors were more critical. Furthermore, the integration of innovative technological solutions is crucial for fostering sustainability in MFS, as it enhances reliability and efficiency while minimizing environmental footprints.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in a single country, relied on self-reported data, and used a cross-sectional design, which limits the ability to draw causal inferences. Future research could explore the factors that influence customer satisfaction with MFS in different countries and regions and incorporate additional variables to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the drivers of customer satisfaction with MFS.

Originality/value

This study significantly contributes by extending the technology acceptance model (TAM) framework with the innovation resistance theory, offering a nuanced understanding of MFS adoption. The findings challenge conventional wisdom, highlighting the limited impact of technical problems on satisfaction and emphasizing the central role of user perceptions in shaping satisfaction and intention to use.
The use of practice evidence by Australian occupational therapists: Perspectives and actions
Authors: Greber Craig , Isbel Stephen
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Evidence‐based practice supports clinical decision‐making by using multiple sources of evidence arising from research and practice. Research evidence develops through empirical study while practice evidence arises through clinical experience, client preferences, and the practice context. Although occupational therapists have embraced the paradigm of evidence‐based practice, some studies have identified limits in the availability and use of research, which can lead to reliance on other forms of evidence. This study aimed to understand how Australian occupational therapists use practice evidence, manage potential bias, and enhance trustworthiness. Potential use of a critical appraisal tool for practice evidence was also explored.

Methods

A 42‐item questionnaire was developed to address the study aims. It consisted of a 7‐point Likert scale, ordinal and free text questions. Likert scales were collapsed into binary scales and analysed using SPSS. Ordinal data were graphed and free text responses were analysed using manifest content analysis.

Results

Most respondents (82%) indicated that practice evidence was an important informant of practice and is used alongside research evidence. Almost all respondents (98%) expressed confusion when reconciling discrepancies between research and practice evidence. There was general acknowledgement that practice evidence is prone to bias (82%), yet 92% were confident in trusting their own practice evidence. Most respondents (74.5%) undertook some measures to appraise practice evidence, and almost all respondents (90%) agreed they would refer to a critical appraisal tool that helped them evaluate practice evidence.

Conclusion

Occupational therapists in this study routinely use practice evidence arising from their own experience, client perspectives, and their practice context to inform clinical decision‐making. While they agreed that practice evidence was prone to bias and misinterpretation, they generally trusted their own practice evidence. Participants indicated they needed guidance to critically appraise their practice evidence and supported the development of a critical appraisal tool for this purpose.
A DSGE model approach to examining the impact of the Russian–Ukrainian War and oil shocks on the Moroccan economy
Authors: Moustabchir Abdelhamid , Ouakil Hicham , El Ouazzani Hicham , Lechheb Houda
Published: March 2024

This study explores the impact of oil shocks on the Moroccan economy using a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model. The DSGE simulations reveal that these shocks, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, led to a contraction in the output gap, consumption, investment, and savings, as well as increased inflation. These results highlight the vulnerability of the Moroccan economy to external shocks, particularly those linked to energy prices. They underline the need for Morocco to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependence on oil imports. Furthermore, our results suggest that economic policies should focus on mitigating the effects of these shocks. Future research could seek to refine this model by incorporating other factors likely to influence the Moroccan economy, such as changes in global demand or specific government policies.
Negotiating Narratives of ‘Good’: A Model of Public Value Adaptation in a Grand Challenge Intervention
Authors: Bealt Jennifer , Shaw Duncan
Published: March 2024

At the core of each grand challenge is a society that is thought to have a need and organizations with an ambition to address that need. This article explores the necessary negotiations between organizations and society as they address a grand challenge involving an ambitious programme of change. Using Narrative Inquiry, we analysed 78 interviews conducted with organizations and society in rural Sarawak (Borneo) to understand the process of negotiating narratives of public value when intervening in the societal grand challenge of rural electrification. We found that organizations and society amplified and attenuated narratives of public value through a boundary object (electrical energy), where they pushed out and pulled in viewpoints to adapt narratives of the intervention's public value. The paternal nature of the organization's management of the intervention created conflict about what its perceived and real benefits were. The model we develop explains how conflicting narratives of public value are negotiated and adapted using boundary objects. In illustrating this process, we provide a theoretical model that management research can use to assess the boundary objects, narratives and public values that organizations apply when they seek to do good, and to understand the conflict and negotiation with society where they intervene.
Imperfect information and tourist's response to natural disasters
Authors: Funashima Yoshito , Hiraga Kazuki
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the international behaviour of individuals with imperfect information. We used both local and international tourist data pertaining to Hakone in Japan to focus on two natural disasters: the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) and volcanic activity on Mount Hakone. Hotel guests' responses to these shocks were estimated using smooth local projections. The responses of less‐informed foreign guests differed from those of well‐informed domestic guests. Because of imperfect information, such as sticky information, rational inattention and selected information through news media, the GEJE and its aftermath decreased the number of foreign guests at a rate greater and more persistent than that of domestic guests. Conversely, changes in volcanic alert levels slightly affect foreign guests because of the absence of information (or rational inattention); however, they have negative and persistent effects on domestic guests.
‘ONE WITH THE EARTH’: Mapping Solidarities for the (Un)Queering of Space in the Black Lesbian Journal Aché, 1989–1993
Authors: Montgomery Alesia
Published: March 2024

This study traces how Black lesbians in the San Francisco Bay Area made a place for themselves in the world at the end of the twentieth century, after the decline of the Black Power Movement and before the rise of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Geocoding and analyzing the content of a Black lesbian journal in the San Francisco Bay Area that had global distribution, the author examines how the placemaking of Black lesbians remade them as cultural‐political subjects, expanded their networks, and inspired them to reimagine their relations with the earth. As they crafted cultural spaces across the African diaspora, they faced threats—most notably, street violence, harsh policing and ecological degradation—yet they also experienced joyful interactions with each other, with allies and with nature. The belief grew in their cultural spaces that their liberation required world transformation and that they could change the world. This research, providing a frame for studying the interaction between the making of cultural spaces and the formation of political solidarities, contributes to urban movements research, critical environmental justice studies, and Black feminist/LGBTQ+ research.
Allergic to bureaucracy? Regulatory allergenicity assessments of novel food: Motivations, challenges, compromises, and possibilities
Authors: Kedar Odeya , Golberg Alexander , Obolski Uri , Confino‐Cohen Ronit
Published: March 2024

New sources of proteins are essential to meet the demands of the growing world population and evolving food trends. Assessing the allergenicity of proteins in novel food (NF) poses a significant food safety regulatory challenge. The Codex Alimentarius Commission presented an allergenicity assessment protocol for genetically modified (GM) foods, which can also be adapted for NF. Since no single laboratory test can adequately predict the allergenic potential of NF, the protocol follows a weight‐of‐evidence approach, evaluated by experts, as part of a risk management process. Regulatory bodies worldwide have adopted this safety protocol, which, among other things, promotes global harmonization. This review unravels the reliability and various motivations, terms, concepts, and approaches of allergenicity assessments, aiming to enhance understanding among manufacturers and the public. Health Canada, Food Safety Commission JAPAN, and Food Standards Australia New Zealand were surveyed, focusing on the European Food Safety Authority and the US Food Safety Administration for examples of scientific opinions regarding allergenicity assessments for novel and GM foods, from 2019 to 2023. According to our findings, current regulatory allergenicity assessments for NF approval primarily rely on literature reviews. Only a few of the NF assessments proactively presented additional tests. We recommend conducting bioinformatic analyses on NF when a panel of experts deems that there is insufficient prior scientific research.
Recent advances in activated water systems for the postharvest management of quality and safety of fresh fruits and vegetables
Authors: Malahlela Harold K. , Belay Zinash A. , Mphahlele Rebogile R. , Sigge Gunnar O. , Caleb Oluwafemi J.
Published: March 2024

Over the last three decades, decontamination management of fresh fruits and vegetables (FFVs) in the packhouses and along the supply chains has been heavily dependent on chemical‐based wash. This has resulted in the emergence of resistant foodborne pathogens and often the deposition of disinfectant byproducts on FFVs, rendering them unacceptable to consumers. The management of foodborne pathogens, microbial contaminants, and quality of FFVs are a major concern for the horticultural industries and public health. Activated water systems (AWS), such as electrolyzed water, plasma‐activated water, and micro–nano bubbles, have gained significant attention from researchers over the last decade due to their nonthermal and nontoxic mode of action for microbial inactivation and preservation of FFVs quality. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of recent progress on the application of AWS and their effects on quality attributes and microbial safety of FFVs. An overview of the different types of AWS and their properties is provided. Furthermore, the review highlights the chemistry behind generation of reactive species and the impact of AWS on the quality attributes of FFVs and on the inactivation/reduction of spoilage and pathogenic microbes (in vivo or in vitro). The mechanisms of action of microorganism inactivation are discussed. Finally, this work highlights challenges and limitations for commercialization and safety and regulation issues of AWS. The synergistic prospect on combining AWS for maximum microorganism inactivation effectiveness is also considered. AWS offers a potential alternative as nonchemical interventions to maintain quality attributes, inactivate spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, and extend the shelf‐life for FFVs.
Reducing medication errors on emergency department discharge: Evaluation of a collaborative pharmacist‐medical officer discharge prescription planning model in a tertiary hospital emergency short stay unit
Authors: Lee Eun Sun , Louey Stephen , Bushby Nathan , Levkovich Bianca
Published: March 2024

Objective

To implement and evaluate the impact of a collaborative pharmacist‐medical officer model of planning discharge prescriptions, Partnered Pharmacist Discharge Prescription Planning (PPDPP) on the safe use of medicines on discharge in an ED short stay unit (SSU).

Methods

A prospective pre‐ and post‐intervention study measured the proportion of medication errors on discharge prescriptions from the SSU using the Five Rights (5Rs) method. Pharmacists assessed discharge prescriptions generated by the medical officers (MO) during the pre‐intervention phase (standard practice). During the PPDPP phase, pharmacists planned electronic prescriptions in consultation with MO and completed prescriptions were independently assessed by another pharmacist.

Results

There were 163 and 147 prescriptions collected during the pre‐ and post‐intervention phases, respectively. There was a significant difference in the proportion of discharge prescriptions that met all 5Rs between the standard practice (47.2%) and PPDPP phase (91.8%) (P < 0.001). There was no statistical difference seen in the mean time taken from discharge decision to prescriptions given to patients or patients leaving the SSU between the two phases. There was a non‐statically significant trend towards a decrease in time taken for patients to obtain prescriptions by 11% (P = 0.16) and for actual departure time by 6% (P = 0.46). Additionally, the proportion of opioids prescribed as one of the high‐risk medication classes reduced from 23.8% to 16.2% (P = 0.023) with the PPDPP model.

Conclusion

The PPDPP model improved medications safety on discharge from the ED SSU. The PPDPP did not impact patient flow parameters as measured in this study.