bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Kinetics of Carbon-Carbon-Bond Formation in Metazoan Fatty Acid Synthase and its Impact on Product Fidelity
Authors: Gusenda Christian , Calixto Ana Rita , da Silva Joana Margarida Ribeiro , Fernandes Pedro Alexandrino , Grininger Martin
Published: July 2024

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) multienzymes are responsible for de novo fatty acid biosynthesis and crucial in primary metabolism. Despite extensive research, the molecular details of the FAS catalytic mechanisms are still poorly understood. For example, the beta-ketoacyl synthase (KS) catalyzes the fatty acid elongating carbon-carbon-bond formation, which is the key catalytic step in biosynthesis, but factors that determine the speed and accuracy of his reaction are still unclear. Here we report enzyme kinetics of the KS-mediated carbon-carbon bond formation, enabled by a continuous fluorometric activity assay. We observe that the KS kinetics are adapted to the length of the bound fatty acyl chain, and that the KS is also responsible for the fidelity of biosynthesis by preventing intermediates from undergoing KS-mediated elongation. To provide mechanistic insight into KS selectivity, we performed computational molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Intriguingly, the KS protomers within the dimer exhibit positive cooperativity, investigated by mutational studies and acyl-carrier analysis, which likely serves the regulation of biosynthesis. Advancing our knowledge about the KS molecular mechanism will pave the ground for engineering FAS for biotechnology applications and the design of new therapeutics targeting the fatty acid metabolism.
Influenza A defective viral genomes and non-infectious particles are increased by host PI3K inhibition via anti-cancer drug alpelisib
Authors: Agu Ilechukwu , José Ivy , Ram Abhineet , Oberbauer Daniel , Albeck John , Díaz Muñoz Samuel L.
Published: July 2024

RNA viruses produce abundant defective viral genomes during replication, setting the stage for interactions between viral genomes that alter the course of pathogenesis. Harnessing these interactions to develop antivirals has become a recent goal of intense research focus. Despite decades of research, the mechanisms that regulate the production and interactions of Influenza A defective viral genomes are still unclear. The role of the host is essentially unexplored; specifically, it remains unknown whether host metabolism can influence the formation of defective viral genomes and the particles that house them. To address this question, we manipulated host cell anabolic signaling activity and monitored the production of defective viral genomes and particles by A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains, using a combination of single-cell immunofluorescence quantification, third-generation long-read sequencing, and the cluster-forming assay, a method we developed to titer defective and fully-infectious particles simultaneously. Here we show that alpelisib (Piqray), a highly selective inhibitor of mammalian Class 1a phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) receptors, significantly changed the proportion of defective particles and viral genomes (specifically deletion-containing viral genomes) in a strain-specific manner, under conditions that minimize multiple cycles of replication. Alpelisib pre-treatment of cells led to an increase in defective particles in the A/H3N2 strain, while the A/H1N1 strain showed a decrease in total viral particles. In the same infections, we found that defective viral genomes of polymerase and antigenic segments increased in the A/H1N1 strain, while the total particles decreased suggesting defective interference. We also found that the average deletion size in polymerase complex viral genomes increased in both the A/H3N2 and A/H1N1 strains. The A/H1N1 strain, additionally showed a dose-dependent increase in total number of defective viral genomes. In sum, we provide evidence that host cell metabolism can increase the production of defective viral genomes and particles at an early stage of infection, shifting the makeup of the infection and potential interactions among virions. Given that Influenza A defective viral genomes can inhibit pathogenesis, our study presents a new line of investigation into metabolic states associated with less severe flu infection and the potential induction of these states with metabolic drugs.
Mix and measure II: joint high-energy laboratory powder diffraction and microtomography for cement hydration studies
Authors: Fernandez-Sanchez Jaime , Cuesta Ana , Shirani Shiva , Redondo-Soto Cinthya , De la Torre Angeles G. , Santacruz Isabel , Salcedo Ines R. , Leon-Reina Laura , Aranda Miguel A. G.
Published: July 2024

Portland cements (PCs) and cement blends are multiphase materials of different fineness, and quantitatively analysing their hydration pathways is very challenging. The dissolution (hydration) of the initial crystalline and amorphous phases must be determined, as well as the formation of labile (such as ettringite), reactive (such as portlandite) and amorphous (such as calcium silicate hydrate gel) components. The microstructural changes with hydration time must also be mapped out. To address this robustly and accurately, an innovative approach is being developed based on in situ measurements of pastes without any sample conditioning. Data are sequentially acquired by Mo Kα1 laboratory X-ray powder diffraction (LXRPD) and microtomography (µCT), where the same volume is scanned with time to reduce variability. Wide capillaries (2 mm in diameter) are key to avoid artefacts, e.g. self-desiccation, and to have excellent particle averaging. This methodology is tested in three cement paste samples: (i) a commercial PC 52.5 R, (ii) a blend of 80 wt% of this PC and 20 wt% quartz, to simulate an addition of supplementary cementitious materials, and (iii) a blend of 80 wt% PC and 20 wt% limestone, to simulate a limestone Portland cement. LXRPD data are acquired at 3 h and 1, 3, 7 and 28 days, and µCT data are collected at 12 h and 1, 3, 7 and 28 days. Later age data can also be easily acquired. In this methodology, the amounts of the crystalline phases are directly obtained from Rietveld analysis and the amorphous phase contents are obtained from mass-balance calculations. From the µCT study, and within the attained spatial resolution, three components (porosity, hydrated products and unhydrated cement particles) are determined. The analyses quantitatively demonstrate the filler effect of quartz and limestone in the hydration of alite and the calcium aluminate phases. Further hydration details are discussed.
On the analysis of two-time correlation functions: equilibrium versus non-equilibrium systems
Authors: Ragulskaya Anastasia , Starostin Vladimir , Zhang Fajun , Gutt Christian , Schreiber Frank
Published: July 2024

X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) is a powerful tool for the investigation of dynamics covering a broad range of timescales and length scales. The two-time correlation function (TTC) is commonly used to track non-equilibrium dynamical evolution in XPCS measurements, with subsequent extraction of one-time correlations. While the theoretical foundation for the quantitative analysis of TTCs is primarily established for equilibrium systems, where key parameters such as the diffusion coefficient remain constant, non-equilibrium systems pose a unique challenge. In such systems, different projections (`cuts') of the TTC may lead to divergent results if the underlying fundamental parameters themselves are subject to temporal variations. This article explores widely used approaches for TTC calculations and common methods for extracting relevant information from correlation functions, particularly in the light of comparing dynamics in equilibrium and non-equilibrium systems.
On the magnitude of error in the determination of rotation axes
Authors: Morawiec Adam
Published: July 2024

Rotation axes (together with rotation angles) are often used to describe crystal orientations and misorientations, and they are also needed to characterize some properties of crystalline materials. Since experimental orientation data are subject to errors, the directions of the axes obtained from such data are also inaccurate. A natural question arises: given the resolution of input rotations, what is the average error of the rotation axes? Assuming that rotation data characterized by a rotation angle ω deviate from the actual data by error rotations with fixed angle δ but which are otherwise random, the average error of the rotation axes of the data is expressed analytically as a function of ω and δ. A scheme for using this formula in practical cases when rotation errors δ follow the von Mises–Fisher distribution is also described. Finally, the impact of crystal symmetry on the determination of the average errors of the axis directions is discussed. The presented results are important for assessing the reliability of rotation axes in studies where the directions of crystal rotations play a role, e.g. in identifying deformation slip mechanisms.
Gender wage gap by university major: an empirical assessment using Spanish data
Authors: Callado Muñoz Francisco Jose , Utrero-González Natalia
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse gender wage gaps by university majors along the entire wage distribution in Spain before and after the 2008 financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors perform unconditional quantile regressions to estimate the gender wage gap and use the Oaxaca–Blinder approach to decompose the gender gap.

Findings

The observed gender gap among graduates hides significant differences across various fields of study, and both the gap and its unexplained part are highly dependent on the position in the distribution. Engineering and Experimental sciences are the fields with the highest wage differences, and the gap size worsens with the crisis. Health and Humanities, the majors with the highest women presence, show a higher proportion of unexplained part at the bottom tail of the wage distribution, especially after the crisis, suggesting that discrimination against low-paid women has aggravated in these majors.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the existing knowledge by analysing the role that educational decisions play in shaping the wage gap, the variability of the gap along the wage distribution and its response to a change in macroeconomic conditions.
Mitigating cyberloafing through employee adaptability: the roles of temporal leadership, teamwork attitudes and competitive work environment
Authors: Hessari Hassan , Daneshmandi Fatemeh , Busch Peter , Smith Stephen
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In the evolving digital work landscape, where cyberloafing has become a notable challenge, this study aims to investigate the mechanisms through which organizations can effectively reduce such behaviors. Specifically, the research explores the role of employee adaptability in mitigating cyberloafing, taking into account the influences of temporal leadership, teamwork attitudes, and competitive work environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing the broaden-and-build theory and the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, we analyzed data from 245 employees through structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate how various factors influence cyberloafing.

Findings

The results indicate that employee adaptability significantly mitigates cyberloafing and serves as a mediating factor between temporal leadership, teamwork attitudes, and the impact of competitive work environments on cyberloafing. Temporal leadership and teamwork attitudes positively correlate with increased adaptability, thereby reducing cyberloafing. Conversely, competitive work environments, while slightly enhancing adaptability, substantially increase cyberloafing.

Originality/value

The study contributes new insights into the dynamics of cyberloafing, emphasizing the critical roles of adaptability, teamwork attitudes, and temporal leadership in reducing such behaviors. It underscores the need for organizations to foster a supportive culture that minimizes competitive pressures and promotes teamwork and leadership strategies conducive to high productivity and minimal cyberloafing. This research offers practical implications for designing workplace strategies aimed at boosting productivity and curbing undesirable online behaviors during work hours.
Manufacturing SME risk management in the era of digitalisation and artificial intelligence: a systematic literature review
Authors: Sotamaa Tero , Reiman Arto , Kauppila Osmo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore companies’ business risks and challenges across macro- and micro-environments, as well as how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can benefit from digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), as part their risk-management (RM) strategies in the face of recent disruptive events.

Design/methodology/approach

We perform a literature review on risk management and business continuity (BC) in the context of SMEs, both in general and specifically in the manufacturing sector.

Findings

The critical importance of RM and BC for SMEs is highlighted. The review underscores the significant impact of recent disruptions on SMEs and reveals a range of risk factors affecting their BC. Moreover, the review recognises how SMEs, in general, and manufacturing SMEs, in particular, can benefit from using digital technologies and AI as essential components of their RM.

Originality/value

The review highlights transformative role of digital technologies and AI in enhancing RM. Through a systematic classification of risk factors within macro- and micro-environments, this novel approach provides a structured foundation for future research. It provides practical value by enabling SMEs to integrate dynamic capabilities and adaptive capacities through the adaption of digital technologies and AI into their RM.
What makes a workday meaningful? Evidence on the role of task significance, competence and subjective meaningful work
Authors: Tommasi Francesco , Sartori Riccardo , Ceschi Andrea , Dickert Stephan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The construct of meaningful work is a relevant topic for the managerial literature interested in job design, employees’ motivation, and job performance. The current research seeks to improve our knowledge on meaningful work by exploring the processes by which a workday is experienced as meaningful.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting the lens of the Job Demands-Resources model and Self-Determination theory, we argue that work conditions and psychological conditions are associated with the experience of meaningful work on a daily basis. Moreover, we propose that the experience of meaningful work on a long-term basis (i.e. the evaluation of one’s own work as holding significance per se) intensifies the associations between daily conditions and the experience of meaningful work. We collected data via an event-based longitudinal diary study for a total sample of N = 114 employees from six organizations and N = 545 observations.

Findings

Results of the multilevel analysis showed that competence and task significance led to the experience of meaningful work during working days. Moreover, cross-level analyses revealed that these associations are stronger for employees who experience their work to be meaningful in the long-term.

Originality/value

The novelty of the present study lies in highlighting the role of specific factors contributing to the experience of meaningful work during a workday. These findings help specify targets and organizational and individual dimensions to be addressed by managerial interventions to ensure employees' meaningful work experience.
Critical success factors in Malaysian housing projects: examining contractual, process and human management with knowledge sharing moderation
Authors: A. Wahab Adilah , Bohari Siti Aisah , Sheng Wei Chyi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of contractual management (CM), process management (PM) and human management (HM) factors as critical success factors (CSFs) in Malaysian housing projects. Additionally, it delves into the moderating influence of knowledge sharing (KS) on the relationship between HM and project success.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey-based instrument to collect data from a total of 133 G7 class contractors. The stratified sampling method was used for data collection. Subsequently, structural equation modeling with SmartPLS was used for model evaluation.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that CM, PM and HM exhibit significant relationships with housing project success. Furthermore, the research reveals that KS acts as a moderator in the relationship between HM practices and the success of housing projects.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study identified a significant relationship in explaining CSFs for housing project success in Malaysia, it only considers internal CSFs such as CM, PM and HM. It is suggested that future research incorporate external factors such as political support, national policy, currency stability and industry structure to provide a more comprehensive understanding of housing project success.

Originality/value

The results provide supportive evidence that CM, PM and HM are important CSFs in the success of housing projects. This finding is consistent with relational contractual theory, systems theory and social interaction theory. Moreover, the research underscores the nuanced impact of KS, serving as a moderating factor in the association between HM and project success. Consequently, these outcomes substantiate the applicability of the socialization, externalization, combination and internalization framework within the construction sector, particularly within the sphere of housing sector.
ESG performance and corporate volatility: an empirical exploration in an emerging economy
Authors: Sharma Sudhi , Aggarwal Vaibhav , Reepu  , Mehta Gitanjali Kaur
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate into the dynamic connection between ESG scores and the volatility term structure for Indian companies listed BSE. The study divides the BSE-100 listed companies into two panels based on their median ESG scores in 2022, creating high and low ESG scoring groups to capture volatility structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs time-varying symmetric and asymmetric GARCH models and followed by continuous Wavelet to capture volatility structure and explore comparative resilience behavior.

Findings

The study found similar volatility patterns regardless of ESG scores, nudging doubt on the direct impact of ESG on volatility. Additionally, both high- and low-ESG-scored companies displayed high vulnerabilities during the pandemic, raising questions about the effectiveness of ESG frameworks in capturing risks. Finally, by examining the resilience behavior of ESG-scored companies during the pandemic, our study contributes to the evolving understanding of the intersection between ESG performance and crisis response.

Practical implications

The study carries vital implications for investors and policymakers. It highlights the urgent need to strengthen the ESG framework and scores to shield investors from short- and long-term volatilities and economic vulnerabilities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study investigating the Indian market by examining the volatility structure and resilience behavior of high- and low-ESG-scored companies during the pandemic.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2024-0113
The role of safety climate in occupational health and safety information seeking: extending risk perception attitude framework
Authors: Fung Timothy K.F.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study is a theory-building effort to extend the risk perception attitude (RPA) framework by considering an organization-related factor. Specifically, this study examined how an organization-related factor, namely safety climate, and individual-related factors, namely risk perception and efficacy belief, jointly influence flight attendants’ occupational health and safety (OHS) information seeking intent.

Design/methodology/approach

About 486 flight attendants from an international air carrier, based in Hong Kong, participated in an online survey. Hierarchical regression was employed to examine the three-way interaction of risk perception, efficacy belief, and safety climate.

Findings

Results showed that safety climate moderated the effect of efficacy belief on the relationship between risk perception and OHS information seeking intent. For flight attendants who perceived a high safety climate, those who felt more efficacious had a higher intent for OHS information seeking than those who felt less efficacious. In contrast, for flight attendants who perceived a low safety climate, when they perceived a high level of risk, those with low efficacy had a higher information seeking intent than those with high efficacy.

Originality/value

Although the RPA framework has shown its potential to explicate how individual employees engage in OHS information seeking behavior, the framework has largely overlooked the importance of organization-related factors as an influential shaping force of individual employees’ behavior. To fill this research gap, this study extends the RPA framework by examining how safety climate moderates the relationship between risk perception and efficacy belief on flight attendants’ OHS information seeking intent. Safety climate also plays an important role in segmenting audience groups for OHS promotion.
Investigation on the dynamic characteristics for high-speed mechanical seal considering turbulent cavitating flow and inertia effect
Authors: Wang Yunlei , Hao Zhishuang , Wu Jiuhui
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the dynamic characteristics of a high-speed mechanical seal by considering the flow regime, cavitation phenomenon and inertia effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the high-speed conditions of a mechanical seal with a low-viscosity fluid, a multi-factor coupled lubrication model of a mechanical seal is established. The perturbation Reynolds equation set is derived using the perturbation method, and the effects of turbulent flow and inertia on sealing performance are discussed.

Findings

The results indicate that turbulence significantly influences the dynamic characteristics of low-viscosity fluids under high-speed conditions.

Originality/value

The results of the dynamic characteristics presented in this study are expected to provide guidance for the design of mechanical seals.
Globalization, fractionalized governments and expansionary fiscal policy
Authors: Hwang Wonjae , Lee Hoon , Lee Sang-Hwan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

As a response to challenges that globalization poses, governments often utilize an expansionary fiscal policy, a mix of increased compensation spending and capital tax cuts. To account for these policy measures that are consistent with neither the compensation nor the efficiency hypothesis, this study examines government fractionalization as the key conditional factor.

Design/methodology/approach

We test our hypothesis with a country-year data covering 24 OECD countries from 1980 to 2011. To examine how a single country juggles compensation spending and capital taxation policies jointly, we employ a research strategy that classifies governments into four categories based on their implementation of the two policies and examine the link between imports and fiscal policy choices conditioned on government fractionalization.

Findings

This study shows that highly fractionalized governments are more likely to implement an expansionary fiscal policy than marginally fractionalized governments as a policy response to economic globalization and import shock.

Social implications

Our findings imply that fractionalized governments are likely to face budget deficits and debt crises, as the expansionary fiscal policy persists over time.

Originality/value

By examining government fractionalization as one of the critical factors that constrain the fiscal policy choice, this study enhances our understanding of the relationship between economic globalization and compensation or efficiency policies. The arguments and findings in this study explain why governments utilize the seeming incompatible policy preferences over increased compensation spending and reduced capital tax burdens as a response to globalization, potentially subsuming both hypotheses.
Exploration-oriented high-tech manufacturers’ export marketing internalization in emerging markets: the moderating role of relational ties with supply chain peers
Authors: Cheng Hsianglin , Wang Chunhsien
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to argue that manufacturers with more exploration orientation (compared to exploitation orientation) have higher degrees of export marketing internalization (EMI) of branding and channels.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a multisource survey collecting data from 161 Taiwanese high-tech manufacturers in emerging markets.

Findings

The results show that manufacturers with more exploration orientation have higher degrees of EMI of both branding and channels. This work also reveals that relational ties with supply chain peers can strengthen this proposed positive effect on the EMI of channels while weakening the positive proposed effect on the EMI of branding.

Originality/value

Accordingly, this study enriches the resource-based view (RBV) literature by showing how firms’ unique resource portfolios affect their adopted EMI strategies in two ways: (1) firms design their EMI based on their value maximization of core competences (e.g. ambidexterity capability), and (2) firms face resource inconsistency when designing their EMI of different marketing activities.
Project management education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a multi-method approach
Authors: Ali Jamshid , Qabil Alsolamy Majed , Alotaibi Mohammed Saeed , Dahinine Benameur
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to assess the current state and demand of the project management education. Project management has gained increasing importance as a critical discipline for achieving successful project outcomes in various industries and sectors. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the demand for skilled project management professionals has increased due to different developmental projects and ambitious initiatives like NEOM.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative multi-method approach to comprehend the objective in depth. In the first round, a systematic literature review (SRL) was applied to explore the state of project management education (PME) in KSA. In the second, structured interviews with professionals were arranged to explore the phenomenon of interest in more detail. Moreover, three case studies were also included to support, comprehend and generalize the findings.

Findings

The study highlights the strengths and gaps in PME. The study also provides an insight to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the PME in KSA. Besides these, the research recommends exploring different avenues for the promotion of PME in the country.

Originality/value

The study offers a pioneering exploration of PME in KSA. It uses a multi-method approach to unveil unique insights into the country's educational landscape and its alignment with global industry standards.
Investigations into 4D printed PLA/graphite composite with thermal induced shape memory effect
Authors: Arora Kunal , Kumar Mohit , Sharma Varun
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to fabricate shape memory composites using polylactic acid (PLA) matrix and graphite. Shape memory polymers are a promising family of materials for biomedical applications because of their favourable mechanical properties, fast reactions and good biocompatibility. For most SMPs, however, achieving controllable sequential shape change is challenging.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present work, 4D printing technology is used to fabricate shape memory composites using polylactic acid (PLA) matrix and graphite. A comparative study of pure PLA and graphite’s different weight % composition has been done.

Findings

By carefully managing the deformation state, PLA with graphite shape memory composites produced controllable sequential deformation with an amazing shape memory effect. Surface morphology, thermal properties, melt flow index and shape recovery tests have all been carried out to assess the qualities of manufactured samples.

Originality/value

This is a one-of-a-kind to fabricate shape memory composites using graphite and a PLA matrix. Thus, this research attempts to deliver the possible use of PLA/graphite composites fabricated using 4D printing in robotics and biomedical devices.

Graphical Abstract
Altcoins as safe havens for bitcoin investors
Authors: Cai Jin , Pinto Gerard
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to improve how investors can better manage their exposure to bitcoin (BTC), given the growing importance of BTC and the accompanying high volatility of BTC. This paper tests whether altcoins can serve as safe havens and diversifiers against exposure to BTC.

Design/methodology/approach

Using daily returns of altcoins and BTC from 2014 to early 2022, this paper examines the relationship between altcoins and BTC in a GARCH regression framework.

Findings

This paper finds that altcoins act as reliable safe havens during periods of extremely negative BTC returns and provide BTC investors with diversification benefits during normal periods. The safe haven effect of altcoins is superior to that of conventional assets. This paper presents evidence that this safe haven property of altcoins can be attributed to the informational efficiency channel, which arose from the increased adoption of BTC by institutional investors.

Research limitations/implications

The study uses a data set from 2014 to early 2022. While the sample is among the largest samples in the literature on crypto assets and includes adequate BTC tail events to test the hypotheses, it may not capture more recent changes in the crypto markets.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that BTC investors can enjoy diversification and safe haven protections by including altcoins in their portfolios.

Originality/value

This paper’s focus on alternative cryptocurrencies (altcoins) as potential diversifiers and safe havens is original. The hypothesis about altcoins being better alternatives during extreme negative movements in BTC prices is a unique contribution. The test of the role of the information efficiency channel further enhances the paper’s originality.
Learning about place from Indigenous Elders: self-study in social studies education
Authors: Trout Muffet
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper explores the effects of land education on the practice of a White social studies teacher educator who wanted to teach about the ecological crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The teacher educator used self-study methodology to analyze her experiences with local Indigenous leaders when she was a high school social studies teacher and currently as a social studies methods professor. Data sources included journals, field notes, course-related materials, and formal writings.

Findings

Through experiences, Indigenous leaders helped the teacher educator identify contrasting cultural paradigms to broaden her understanding of where she lives. This learning enabled the teacher educator to use the two paradigms in her teaching about place and the ecological crisis.

Originality/value

This research shows inner work that can position teacher educators to understand the value of Indigenous wisdom regarding place when teaching about the ecological crisis.
Reduced count size can provide a robust and more efficient diatom assessment of environmental conditions
Authors: Riato Luisa , Stoddard John L. , Herlihy Alan T. , Blocksom Karen A.
Published: July 2024

Bioassessment indices routinely used in freshwater assessments are calculated using enumeration methods that are often time‐intensive. For diatom assessments that are mainly based on time‐consuming valve counts, little attention has been devoted to optimizing current counting methods, despite the need for cost‐effective bioassessments and biomonitoring.

With a focus on count size sufficiency, we examined diatom samples from >3000 rivers and streams across the United States to assess the effects of reducing the standard count size of 600 diatom valves on the recently published, genus‐level, trait‐based multimetric diatom indices (MMIs) and its component metrics. The diatom data were collected by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's National Rivers and Streams Assessment (NRSA). The MMIs, based on the NRSA data, were designed to assess river and stream ecological condition for three large ecoregions across the United States—East, Plains and West.

We found that reducing the standard 600 valve counts introduced variability in component metric values, especially for % taxa metrics, but the variability had little effect on the performance of the actual MMI. More than 90% of all subsamples from the Plains and East ecoregions, and over 80% of West subsamples, were placed in the same condition class regardless of whether a 600‐ or 100‐count size was used. Moreover, the ability of each component metric and MMI to discriminate least‐ from most‐disturbed sites remained the same at 100 valves as that obtained using 600 valves.

Synthesis and applications. Contrary to the general perception that counting a high number of diatom valves will lead to a more responsive and robust index, our research shows that a good index performance can still be obtained by counting considerably fewer diatom valves. A smaller count sum will not just reduce the analysis effort but also the quality assurance/quality control effort. For large‐extent bioassessment programmes, reducing the count size could lead to substantial savings in resources that could potentially allow the assessment of more sites. Our subsampling approach to determine an optimal count size is an effective way to achieve time‐ and cost‐effective sample processing that can be applied to any group of organisms.
Analysis of the roles of MAD proteins in the wing dimorphism of Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Tian Miaomiao , Lu Zeiwei , Luo Jiguang , Han Huilin , Wen Dong , Zhao Muhua , Zhu Zhihui , Hua Hongxia
Published: July 2024

Wing dimorphism in Nilaparvata lugens is controlled by the insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) signaling – Forkhead transcription factors (IIS‐FoxO) pathway. However, the role of this signal in the wing development program remains largely unclear. Here, we identified 2 R‐SMAD proteins, NlMAD1 and NlMAD2, in the brown planthopper (BPH) transcriptome, derived from the intrinsic transforming growth factor‐β pathway of insect wing development. Both proteins share high sequence similarity and conserved domains. Phylogenetic analysis placed them in the R‐SMAD group and revealed related insect orthologs. The expression of Nlmad1 was elevated in the late instar stages of the macropterous BPH strain. Nlmad1 knockdown in nymphs results in malformed wings and reduced wing size in adults, which affects the forewing membrane. By contrast, Nlmad2 expression was relatively consistent across BPH strains and different developmental stages. Nlmad2 knockdown had a milder effect on wing morphology and mainly affected forewing veins and cuticle thickness in the brachypterous strain. NlMAD1 functions downstream of the IIS‐FoxO pathway by mediating the FoxO‐regulated vestigial transcription and wing morph switching. Inhibiting Nlmad1 partially reversed the long‐winged phenotype caused by NlFoxO knockdown. These findings indicate that NlMAD1 and NlMAD2 play distinct roles in regulating wing development and morph differentiation in BPH. Generally, NlMAD1 is a key mediator of the IIS‐FoxO pathway in wing morph switching.
Unveiling quiet activism: Urban community gardens as agents of food sovereignty
Authors: Kanosvamhira Tinashe P. , Tevera Daniel
Published: July 2024

Urban community gardening is emerging as a form of quiet activism challenging the corporate food system. In urban community gardening, quiet activism subtly challenges the dominant corporate food system. However, research tends to overlook its presence and impact in global South cities, where issues of food insecurity and corporatisation are acute. There is a gap in research on urban community gardening activism, with a focus mainly on global North cities. Global South cities and populations face unique challenges in the corporate food system that require attention and exploration in scholarly literature. We draw on qualitative research conducted with urban community gardeners in Cape Town, South Africa. Through interviews and observations, the study investigates how these gardeners engage in quiet activism to challenge the corporate food system. We find that community gardens are subtle but potent platforms for bolstering local food movements and fostering healthier dietary practices by cultivating and sharing produce. Quiet activism through community gardening offers a nuanced approach to challenging the corporate food system. The study highlights the need to recognise and understand varying levels of activism intensity and their implications for reshaping urban food systems. We underscore the need to discern the distinct embodiments necessitated by different modes of activism. Understanding these different modes of activism is crucial for comprehending their varying impacts on challenging and reshaping the corporate food system. This nuanced approach reveals the transformative potential inherent in community gardening practices. Community gardening in Cape Town exemplifies the transformative potential of understated acts in food activism.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic changes might predict frailty in SAMP8 mice
Authors: Dacomo Letizia , La Vitola Pietro , Brunelli Laura , Messa Letizia , Micotti Edoardo , Artioli Luisa , Sinopoli Elena , Cecutti Greta , Leva Susanna , Gagliardi Stella , Pansarasa Orietta , Carelli Stephana , Guaita Antonio , Pastorelli Roberta , Forloni Gianluigi , Cereda Cristina , Balducci Claudia
Published: July 2024

Frailty is a geriatric, multi‐dimensional syndrome that reflects multisystem physiological change and is a transversal measure of reduced resilience to negative events. It is characterized by weakness, frequent falls, cognitive decline, increased hospitalization and dead and represents a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The fact that frailty is recognized as a reversible condition encourages the identification of earlier biomarkers to timely predict and prevent its occurrence. SAMP8 (Senescence‐Accelerated Mouse Prone‐8) mice represent the most appropriate preclinical model to this aim and were used in this study to carry transcriptional and metabolic analyses in the brain and plasma, respectively, upon a characterization at cognitive, motor, structural, and neuropathological level at 2.5, 6, and 9 months of age. At 2.5 months, SAMP8 mice started displaying memory deficits, muscle weakness, and motor impairment. Functional alterations were associated with a neurodevelopmental deficiency associated with reduced neuronal density and glial cell loss. Through transcriptomics, we identified specific genetic signatures well distinguishing SAMP8 mice at 6 months, whereas plasma metabolomics allowed to segregate SAMP8 mice from SAMR1 already at 2.5 months of age by detecting constitutively lower levels of acylcarnitines and lipids in SAMP8 at all ages investigated correlating with functional deficits and neuropathological signs. Our findings suggest that specific genetic alterations at central level, as well as metabolomic changes in plasma, might allow to early assess a frail condition leading to dementia development, which paves the foundation for future investigation in a clinical setting.
Association between host defence peptide IDR‐1002 and ciprofloxacin: Effects on human dental pulp cells
Authors: Martins Danilo César Mota , da Costa Sousa Maurício Gonçalves , Silva Poliana Amanda Oliveira , Aguiar Lana Ribeiro , de Andrade Rosângela Vieira , Silva‐Carvalho Amandda Évellin , Saldanha‐Araújo Felipe , Franco Octávio Luiz , Rezende Taia Maria Berto
Published: July 2024

To evaluate the effects of the association of host defence peptide IDR‐1002 and ciprofloxacin on human dental pulp cells (hDPSCs). hDPSCs were stimulated with ciprofloxacin and IDR‐1002. Cell viability (by MTT assay), migration capacity (by scratch assay), production of inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory mediators by hDPSCs (RT‐PCR) and osteogenic differentiation (alizarin red staining) were evaluated. Phenotypic profile of hDPSCs demonstrated 97% for positive marked mesenchymal stem cell. Increased pulp cell migration and proliferation were observed after 24 and 48 h of exposure to IDR‐1002 with ciprofloxacin. Mineral matrix formation by hDPSCs was observed of the association while its reduction was observed in the presence of peptide. After 24 h, the association between ciprofloxacin and IDR‐1002 significantly downregulated TNFRSF‐1, IL‐1β, IL‐8, IL‐6 and IL‐10 gene expression (p ≤ 0.0001). The association between the IDR‐1002 and ciprofloxacin showed favourable immunomodulatory potential, emerging as a promising option for pulp revascularisation processes.
Optimizing intrauterine insemination: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the effectiveness and safety of clinical treatment add‐ons
Authors: Chronopoulou Elpiniki , Gaetano‐Gil Andrea , Shaikh Sadaf , Raperport Claudia , Al Wattar Bassel H. , Ruiz‐Calvo Gabriel , Zamora Javier , Bhide Priya
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of the most widespread fertility treatments. However, IUI protocols vary significantly amongst fertility clinics. Various add‐on interventions have been proposed to boost success rates. These are mostly chosen arbitrarily or empirically. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to assess the effectiveness and safety of add‐on interventions to the standard IUI protocol and to provide evidence‐based recommendations on techniques used to optimize the clinical outcomes of IUI treatment.

Material and Methods

Systematic review and meta‐analyses were performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A computerized literature search was performed from database inception to May 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included reporting on couples/single women undergoing IUI with any protocol for any indication using partner's or donor sperm. A meta‐analysis based on random effects was performed for each outcome and add‐on. Three authors independently assessed the trials for quality and risk of bias and overall certainty of evidence. Uncertainties were resolved through consensus. Primary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) or live birth rate (LBR) per cycle/per woman randomized. Registration number PROSPERO: CRD42022300857.

Results

Sixty‐six RCTs were included in the analysis (16 305 participants across 20 countries). Vaginal progesterone as luteal phase support in stimulated cycles was found to significantly increase LBR/OPR (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.09–1.72, I2 = 4.9%) (moderate/low certainty of the evidence). Endometrial scratch prior/during stimulated IUI cycles may increase LBR/OPR (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.03–2.01, I2 = 1.8%), but evidence is very uncertain. Results from two studies suggest that follicular phase ovarian stimulation increases LBR/OPR (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.00–1.94, I2 = 0%) (low certainty of evidence). No significant difference was seen for the primary outcome for the other studied interventions.

Conclusions

The findings of this systematic review and meta‐analysis suggest that vaginal luteal phase progesterone support probably improves LBR/OPR in stimulated IUI treatments. In view of moderate/low certainty of the evidence more research is needed for solid conclusions. Further research is also recommended for the use of endometrial scratch and ovarian stimulation. Future studies should report on results according to subfertility background as it is possible that different add‐ons could benefit specific patient groups.
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates in oocytes associated with increased risk of neonatal birth defects: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Long Rui , Wang Meng , Yang Qiyu , Zhang Yini , Gao Limin , Jin Lei , Zhu Lixia
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Previous studies have indicated the association between smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates (SERa+) and poorer medically assisted reproduction outcomes. However, the link between SERa+ and neonatal outcomes remains controversial and open for debate. A comprehensive meta‐analysis on the relation between SERa+ and the risk of birth defects is needed.

Material and Methods

The literature search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Libraries, Web of Science, and Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wan Fang from inception until July 2023. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by a fixed‐effected model, while heterogeneity was assessed by forest plots and I2 statistic. Funnel plot was produced to assess publication bias. This meta‐analysis has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022313387).

Results

The search resulted in 122 studies, 14 of which met the inclusion criteria. The analysis of birth defects revealed a higher risk (RR = 2.17, 95%CI 1.24 to 3.81, p = 0.007) in children derived from SERa+ cycle compared to SERa‐ cycles (711 vs. 4633). Meanwhile, in a subgroup analysis, the risk of birth defects was significantly increased in the SERa+ oocytes group as compared with the sibling SERa‐ oocytes group (RR = 3.53, 95%CI 1.21 to 10.24, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

To conclude, our analysis indicated that SERa+ cycles/oocytes may have a potential risk of increased additional major birth defects comparing with SERa‐ cycles/oocytes. This conclusion may provide evidence‐based support for clinicians in IVF clinical guidance and embryologists in prudent embryo selection strategy.
Robot NAO integrated lesson vs. traditional lesson: Measuring learning outcomes on the topic of “societal change” and the mediating effect of students' attitudes
Authors: Rosanda Violeta , Bratko Ivan , Gačnik Mateja , Podpečan Vid , Istenič Andreja
Published: July 2024

Our research aims to examine the effectiveness of introducing social robots as educational technology within authentic classroom activities without modifying them to be designed for a robot. We chose as test subject the fifth‐grade curricular topic “The role of technology and its impact on society”, meeting the critical stage of moral development students aged of 11–12. The study, with both experimental (EG) and control groups (CG), will be conducted over 6 weeks. This study will examine the impact of robot‐supported lessons with post‐participation testing on learning outcomes and examine students' perception of the robot in the classroom as a potential correlation with academic performance. The form of the study will be a between‐group non‐randomised controlled experiment. Control and experimental groups will be matched concerning gender, mastery of technology and previous knowledge and understanding of the curricular topic in focus. The instructional design of process‐outcome strategies will incorporate all of Bloom's taxonomic levels. In the review of related studies, we identified gaps in social robot‐supported lessons within the regular curriculum between‐group experiment. Based on a review of related research showing more focus on robot performance in the classroom from technical‐interaction aspects we want to convey from pedagogical starting point. The robot's placement in the pedagogical process will be considered an integral part of the teacher's technical environment. We will use the pre‐participation test to establish whether there is the initial equivalence between EG and CG in terms of gender, mastery of technology, and previous knowledge and understanding of the curricular topic under examination.