bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arms race of physical defences: Hooked trichomes ofMacarangaant-plants kill lycaenid caterpillars, but one specialist has a counter-defence
Authors: Chowdhury Ritabrata , Grafe Ulmar , Metali Faizah , Federle Walter
Published: January 2025

The co-evolution of insects and chemical plant defences has been described as an arms-race, but it is unclear if physical plant defences can produce similar outcomes. Here we report a previously unknown interaction from the mutualism between ants andMacarangatrees. AlthoughMacarangatrees are well protected against herbivory by aggressive ants, caterpillars of the genusArhopala(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) can feed on the leaves by appeasing the ants with nectar-like secretions. One ant-plant species,M. trachyphylla, bears hooked trichomes on its green surfaces. When placed onM. trachyphyllastems or petioles,Arhopalacaterpillars associated with otherMacarangaspecies (A. major, A. dajagakaandA. zylda) were quickly arrested by the sharp trichomes which pierced their cuticle, resulting in rapid loss of blood and death. In striking contrast,A. amphimutacaterpillars, which occur naturally onM. trachyphylla, could easily walk over the hooked trichomes without any injury. As hooked trichomes are a novel trait withinMacaranga, this interaction provides an example ofde novoevolution of a physical plant defence, which in turn has been overcome by a specialist herbivore. Our study suggests that physical plant defences can lead to evolutionary arms races similar to those for chemical defences.
Ancient biases in phenotype production drove the functional evolution of a protein family
Authors: Herrera-Álvarez Santiago , Patton Jaeda E. J. , Thornton Joseph W.
Published: January 2025

Biological systems may be biased in the phenotypes they can access by mutation1–7, but the extent of these biases and their causal role in the evolution of extant phenotypic diversity remains unclear. There are three major challenges: it is difficult to isolate the effect of bias in the genotype-phenotype (GP) map from that of natural selection in producing natural diversity6,8–11, the universe of possible genotypes and phenotypes is so vast and complex that a direct characterization has been impossible, and most extant phenotypes evolved long ago in species whose GP maps cannot be recovered. Here we develop exhaustive multi-phenotype deep mutational scanning to experimentally characterize the complete GP maps of two reconstructed ancestral steroid receptor proteins, which existed during an ancient phylogenetic interval when a new phenotype—specific binding of a new DNA response element—evolved12. We measured all possible DNA specificity phenotypes encoded by all possible amino acid combinations at sites in the protein’s DNA binding interface. We found that the ancestral GP maps are structured by strong global bias—unequal propensity to encode the various phenotypes—and extreme heterogeneity in the phenotypes accessible around each genotype, which strongly affect evolution on both long and short timescales. Distinct biases in the two ancestral maps steered evolution toward the lineage-specific functional phenotypes that evolved during history. Our findings establish that ancient biases in the GP relationship were causal factors in the evolutionary process that produced the present-day patterns of phenotypic conservation and diversity in this protein family.
Structural Basis for OAS2 Regulation and its Antiviral Function
Authors: Merold Veronika , Bekere Indra , Kretschmer Stefanie , Schnell Adrian F. , Kmiec Dorota , Sivarajan Rinu , Lammens Katja , Liu Rou , Mergner Julia , Teppert Julia , Hirschenberger Maximilian , Hammes Sarah , Buder Kathrin , Weitz Marcus , Koenig Lars M. , Pichlmair Andreas , Schwierz Nadine , Sparrer Konstantin M.J. , Lee-Kirsch Min Ae , de Oliveira Mann Carina C.
Published: January 2025

Oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) proteins are immune sensors for double-stranded RNA and critical for restricting viruses. OAS2 comprises two OAS domains, only one of which can synthesize 2’-5’-oligoadenylates for RNase L activation. Existing structures of OAS1 provide a model for enzyme activation, but do not explain how multiple OAS domains discriminate RNA length. Here, we discover that OAS2 exists in an autoinhibited state as a zinc-mediated dimer and present a mechanism for RNA length discrimination: the catalytically deficient domain acts as a molecular ruler that prevents autoreactivity to short RNAs. We demonstrate that dimerization and myristoylation localize OAS2 to Golgi membranes and that this is required for OAS2 activation and restriction of viruses that exploit the endomembrane system for replication, e.g. coronaviruses. Finally, our results highlight the non-redundant role of OAS proteins and emphasize the clinical relevance of OAS2 by identifying a patient with a loss-of-function mutation leading to autoimmune disease.
Dataset on Temperature Dependency of Zebrafish Early Development
Authors: Miller Angelina , Schröder Katja Lisa , Braun Karsten Eike , Steindorf Caitlin , Ottermanns Richard , Roß-Nickoll Martina , Backhaus Thomas
Published: January 2025

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) early development stages that do not feed independently, are classified as non-protected life stages under EU Directive 2010/63. Zebrafish reach the independently feeding stage not earlier than 120 hours post fertilization, depending on the incubation temperature. This paper presents a dataset documenting zebrafish early development at two commonly used temperatures 26 °C and 28 °C. We recorded onset of heartbeat and hatching as well as body length, eye size, yolk sac consumption, and swim bladder inflation. Additionally, locomotor activity was tracked after 96 and 119 hours post fertilization.

The dataset serves as a baseline for selecting appropriate experimental conditions and optimizing toxicological study designs. They also facilitate the comparison of experimental results that were recorded at different temperatures. Furthermore, the data provide empirical evidence for amending current guidelines for tests with zebrafish embryos, in particular moving away from a rigid 120 hours post fertilization maximum test duration towards a temperature-dependent maximum test duration that is still in line with the aims of the German Animal Welfare Act.
Split-Small GTPase Reassembly as a Method to Control Cellular Signaling with User-Defined Inputs
Authors: He Yuchen , Faulkner Benjamin M. , Hyun Emily , Stains Cliff I.
Published: January 2025

Small GTPases are critical signaling enzymes that control diverse cellular functions such as cell migration and proliferation. However, dissecting the roles of these enzymes in cellular signaling is hindered by the lack of a plug-and-play methodology for the direct, temporal control of small GTPase activity using user-defined inputs. Herein, we present a method that pairs split-GTPases with user-defined chemical inducer of dimerization (CID) systems in a plug-and-play manner to directly control small GTPase signaling in living cells. The modularity of split-small GTPase systems allows for the selection of CIDs with minimal off-target effects on the pathway being studied. Our results highlight the ability to obtain consistent pathway activation with varying CID systems for direct control of MAPK signaling, filopodia formation, and cell retraction. Thus, split-small GTPase systems provide a customizable platform for development of temporally gated systems for directly controlling cellular signaling with user-defined inputs.
WormSNAP: A software for fast, accurate, and unbiased detection of fluorescent puncta inC. elegans
Authors: Tiroumalechetty Araven , Frankel Elisa B. , Kurshan Peri T.
Published: January 2025

The detection and characterization of fluorescent puncta are critical tasks in image analysis pipelines for fluorescence imaging. Existing methods for quantitative characterization of such puncta often suffer from biases and limitations, compromising the reliability and reproducibility of results. Moreover, the widespread adoption of many available analysis scripts is often hampered by over-optimization for specific samples, requiring extensive coding knowledge to repurpose for other datasets. We presentWormSNAP (Worm SyNapse Analysis Program), a freely available, no-code approach to automated unbiased detection and characterization of 2D fluorescent puncta, originally developed to characterize images of the synapses residing inC. elegansnerve cords but suitable for broader 2D fluorescence image analysis.WormSNAPincorporates a local means thresholding algorithm and a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) for efficient and accurate analysis of large datasets, with user control of thresholding and restriction parameters and visualization options for further refinement.WormSNAPalso calculates three types of correlation metrics for 2-channel images, enabling users to select the ideal metric for their dataset.WormSNAPprovides robust and accurate fluorescent puncta detection in a variety of conditions, accelerating the image analysis workflow from data acquisition to figure generation.
Translation and Validation of the Brazilian – Portuguese version of Quality of Life on Vascular Access Devices Specific Questionnaire in Chemotherapy patients
Authors: Ponte Bruno Jeronimo , Sorbello Carolina Carvalho Jansen , de Oliveira Ricardo Ferreira Mendes , Portugal Maria Fernanda Cassino , Louzada Andressa Cristina Sposato , da Silva Marcelo Fiorelli Alexandrino , Pinheiro Lucas Lembrança , de Almeida Mendes Cynthia , Wolosker Nelson
Published: January 2025

1.

Background

The use of long-term devices for chemotherapy in neoplastic diseases is very common. The CAVA trial was an extensive study that prospectively evaluated more than a thousand patients undergoing chemotherapy and randomized them to three groups: patients using PICC, Port or Hickmann-type catheters. For this study, a specific questionnaire was elaborated, called theVenous access device quality of life questionnaire(QolVAD), the aim of which is to assess the impact of the device (Hickmann type, PICC or thoracic Port) on the patients’ routine. However, there is no Brazilian – Portuguese version available, blunting its use in Brazilian patients.

Objective

The objective of this study is to translate and validate de CAVA Trial QolVAD to the Brazilian – Portuguese, making possible its use in Brazilian population.

Methods

One hundred sixty-seven patients with long term vascular access devices for chemotherapy participated in the study. After translation and retranslation, construct validity was analyzed by identifying correlation between QolVAD and European Quality of Life Questionnaire (EuroQol). To determine the reliability, internal consistency and test-retest with at least 7 days interval between 2 questionnaire applications were calculated.

Results

The results showed a good internal and external consistency of the QolVAD. When comparing to EuroQol, significant correlations were found after comparing both questionnaires (r −0,658 and p < 0,001).

Conclusion

The Brazilian – Portuguese version of the Quality-of-Life Vascular Access Device has presented good clinimetric properties and has shown to be applicable to the Brazilian population.
Gut-on-Chip Methodology Based on 3D-Printed Molds: A Cost-Effective and Accessible Approach
Authors: Delannoy Elise , Burette Aurélie , Janel Sébastien , Daniel Catherine , Grassart Alexandre
Published: January 2025

1

Gut-on-chips (GoC) represent a disruptive technology with great potential to understand the underlying mechanisms of gut health and pathology. Researchers who want to implement this approach, can either use expensive commercial microfluidic chips or build them from scratch in their lab. However, the design of such devices demands specific technical skills and expertise in computer assisted design (CAD). Additionally, the fabrication of the master molds for the chip production is very costly, time consuming and requires dedicated microfabrication facilities. Thus, the diffusion of these models in biology and health research laboratories remains limited due to this technological complexity and lack of affordability. In order to break these two bottlenecks, we present here the 3DP-µGut with open access designs and a simple fabrication approach based on a commercial 3D printer intended for general users. To ensure a good reproducibility with a sufficient number of available replicates for biological experiments, the method has been optimized to allow the production of multiple GoC per batch. The chips were also improved for confocal live imaging microscopy analyses. The chips are designed to be compatible with different types of microfluidics pumps, from stand-alone to completely integrated instrumentation. As a proof of concept, Caco-2 cells were seeded inside the fabricated GoC to validate their biocompatibility and functionality. After 7 days of maturation, cells self-differentiated in a 3D epithelium resemblingin vivoexpected structures. In summary we proposed a low-cost and open access GoC design and fabrication method with medium throughput. These results demonstrate the advantage of using 3D SLA printing to accelerate GoC implementation for gut physiopathology research.
Strategies to decipher neuron identity from extracellular recordings in the cerebellum of behaving non-human primates
Authors: Herzfeld David J. , Hall Nathan J. , Lisberger Stephen G.
Published: January 2025

Identification of neuron type is critical to understand computation in neural circuits through extracellular recordings in awake, behaving animal subjects. Yet, modern recording probes have limited power to resolve neuron type. Here, we leverage the well-characterized architecture of the cerebellar circuit to perform expert identification of neuron type from extracellular recordings in behaving non-human primates. Using deep-learning classifiers we evaluate the information contained in readily accessible extracellular features for neuron identification. Waveform, discharge statistics, anatomical layer, and functional interactions each can inform neuron labels for a sizable fraction of cerebellar units. Together, as inputs to a deep-learning classifier, the features perform even better. Our tools and methodologies, validated during smooth pursuit eye movements in the cerebellar floccular complex of awake behaving monkeys, can guide expert identification of neuron type during cerebellar-dependent tasks in behaving animals across species. They lay the groundwork for characterization of information processing in the cerebellar cortex.

Impact statement

To understand how the brain performs computations in the service of behavior, we develop methods to link neuron type to functional activity within well-characterized neural circuits. Here, we show how features derived from extracellular recordings provide complementary information to disambiguate neuron identity in the cerebellar cortex.
Engineering low pH-tolerantKomagataella phaffiifor industrial-ready itaconic acid production via methanol biorefinery
Authors: Wei Fangqing , Han Xiao , Tao Fei , Xu Ping
Published: January 2025

Methanol biorefinery stands as a cornerstone strategy in the pursuit of sustainable biochemical production from non-food feedstocks. Despite its vast potential, bioconverting methanol into high titer biochemical production remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we have successfully engineeredKomagataella phaffiito efficiently produce itaconic acid (IA), one of the top 12 building block chemicals, utilizing methanol as the sole carbon source. Our approach involved strategic metabolic engineering interventions—such as enhancing the supply ofcis-aconitate and citrate precursors, minimizing isocitrate diversion, facilitating efficient formaldehyde assimilation, and optimizing IA export mechanisms—culminating in an unprecedented IA titer of 103.8 g/L in a 5-L bioreactor through fed-batch fermentation at pH 5.5. Remarkably, even at a reduced pH of 3.5, the strain still yielded 50.4 g/L of IA, highlighting the industrial viability of methanol biorefinery. This systematic work lays a robust foundation for high-titer production via methanol biorefinery, offering valuable insights for future research and applications.
Increased slow wave activity in response to sleep deprivation is highest immediately after micro-arousals
Authors: Hauglund Natalie L. , Krone Lukas B. , Kahn Martin , Blanco-Duque Cristina , Vyazovskiy Vladyslav V.
Published: January 2025

Non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep is not uniform but characterized by brief intrusions of wake-like brain activity, known as micro-arousals or brief awakenings. Although micro-arousals are an inherent feature of both human and animal sleep, knowledge about the neural correlates of micro-arousals across the cortical column is sparse. We here developed an algorithm for automatic detection of micro-arousals based on EMG activity and used it to explore how micro-arousals modulate laminar neural activity in the motor cortex, and how this relationship is affected by sleep pressure in mice. Our analysis showed that micro-arousals were associated with a general suppression of local field potential (LFP) power across the cortical column. Slow wave activity (SWA, 1-4 Hz) immediately after micro-arousals was tightly correlated with sleep pressure and even surpassed average SWA levels during NREM sleep in sleep deprived animals. In addition, analysis of single-channel firing showed that some channels exhibited increased activity immediately prior to micro-arousals, while others exhibited decreased activity. This study provides new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying micro-arousals and identifies a new link between micro-arousals and sleep homeostasis.
Assessing Human Liver Spheroids as a Model for Antiviral Drug Evaluation Against BSL-3 Haemorrhagic Fever viruses
Authors: Chaput Sarah , Driouich Jean-Sélim , de Lamballerie Xavier , Nougairède Antoine , Touret Franck
Published: January 2025

Haemorrhagic fever viruses (HFVs) cause highly lethal syndromes with limited therapeutic options. Increasingly, 3D cell culture models are becoming an important tool in the field of virology. Since the liver is an important target for many HFVs, we evaluated a ready-to-use 96-well liver spheroid model composed of human primary cells for antiviral assessment. We worked with four biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) HFVs in this study: two orthoflaviviruses, Alkhumra haemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) and yellow fever virus (YFV), and two viruses belonging toHareaviralesorder, Pirital virus (PIRV), a surrogate for new-world BSL-4 mammarenaviruses, and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). We found that RVFV and PIRV were able of replicating in this model, whereas the orthoflaviviruses were not. A high viral dose was required for robust replication, and infectivity of RVFV in spheroids was low. We successfully demonstrated the antiviral activity of known broad-spectrum antiviral compounds— favipiravir, nitazoxanide, ribavirin, and galidesivir—despite some variability. However, except for ribavirin, higher doses were required in spheroids to detect antiviral effect compared to the 2D cell culture model. Overall, we conclude that while this model can provide valuable complementary information to traditional models, it should not be considered a critical selection step for antiviral compounds. More broadly, this model could be useful to study viral pathogenicity and host-pathogen interactions.
Neuropathological changes in the nucleus basalis of Meynert in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jiang Wei , Kalsbeek Martin J. , Correa-da-Silva Felipe , Kalsbeek Andries , Swaab Dick F. , Siegelaar Sarah E. , Yi Chun-Xia
Published: January 2025

People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM or T2DM) often experience cognitive impairment. We profiled cells in the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) in postmortem human brain tissues to investigate neuropathological changes. 71 postmortem NBM samples were grouped by T1DM, T2DM and non-diabetic controls, with Braak stage 0-2 or 3-6. T1DM subjects had only Braak stage 0-2 and were thus compared only to controls with a similar Braak stage and not subjects with Braak stage 3-6. We analysed neurons expressing choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), phosphorylated-Tau, glial cells and vasculature with respective markers. We found significantly less neuronal expression of ChAT in T1DM compared to controls and T2DM with Braak stage 0-2. Later-stage hyperphosphorylated-Tau levels were higher in T2DM compared to controls with Braak stages 3-6. Our results suggest that reduced acetylcholine production by NBM neurons might underlie the cognitive complains of people with T1DM. In contrast, T2DM may exacerbate neuropathological changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease-like alterations.
Characterization of a virulent bacteriophage consortium targeting Enterobacteriaceae from inflamed preterm gut mucosa
Authors: Spiegelhauer Malene Roed , Offersen Simone Margaard , Krych Lukasz , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Gambino Michela , Brunse Anders , Nguyen Duc Ninh
Published: January 2025

Preterm infants have a high risk of intestinal inflammation which can progress to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The gut microbial colonization commencing at birth is essential for proper intestinal maturation, but this process is often disrupted in preterm infants, leading to dysbiosis and increased risk of developing NEC. Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that specifically infect bacteria, are an important constituent of the gut microbiome and protects the gut epithelium against invading bacteria. This study aimed to isolate and characterize phages for use as a preventive measure against NEC-associated bacteria. We initially culturedEnterobacteriaceaefrom ileal mucosa of preterm piglets that exhibited severe NEC-like pathology. We then screened 23 donor fecal samples for inhibition of bacterial growth and isolated a collection of unique phages to use further. The phages were characterized by whole genome sequencing, host receptor binding determination, and immune cell activationin vitro. The final phage collection consisted of ten virulent phages within five genera, representing myovirus, podovirus and siphovirus morphologies. All phages in the collection induced expression of both pro-and anti-inflammatory genes in co-culture with macrophage-like THP-1 cells, but to different extents thanEscherichia coli. Ultimately, we selected one phage for a high-dose oral administration to newborn piglets and assessed its infectivity and presence in different gut segments. This intervention did not result in any direct side effects, while both infective phages and signatures of phage DNA were detected in the intestinal content and mucosa. Having characterized a set of rationally selected virulent phages, we support the advancement of phage therapy as a potential protection against NEC.
Identifying and treating CLN3 disease outside the central nervous system
Authors: Ziółkowska Ewa A. , Jablonka-Shariff Albina , Williams Letitia L. , Jansen Matthew J. , Wang Sophie H , Eultgen Elizabeth M. , Wood Matthew D. , Hunter Daniel A. , Sharma Jaiprakash , Sardiello Marco , Bradley Rebecca P. , Whiteman Ineka T. , Reese Robyn , Pestronk Alan , Sands Mark S. , Heuckeroth Robert O. , Snyder-Warwick Alison K. , Cooper Jonathan D.
Published: January 2025

CLN3 disease causes profound neurological deficits in affected children, but less well recognized are a variety of peripheral neuromuscular and gastrointestinal problems. We hypothesized that in addition to central nervous system (CNS) degeneration, CLN3 deficiency may also directly affect neuronal and/or glial cell populations in the rest of the body. Therefore, we examined the neuromuscular and enteric nervous system inCln3Δex7/8mice. There was no overt sciatic nerve axon loss or demyelination inCln3Δex7/8mice, but significant loss of terminal Schwann cells (tSCs) at lower limb neuromuscular junctions (NMJ), and progressive NMJ denervation. This was accompanied by pronounced myofiber atrophy, with fewer and displaced myofibril nuclei, with similar pathology seen in a human CLN3 muscle biopsy. Atrophy was also evident in bowel smooth muscle withCln3Δex7/8mice displaying slow bowel transit, and significant loss of both enteric neurons and glial cells throughout the bowel. Similar enteric pathology was evident at autopsy in the small intestine and colon of a human CLN3 case. Neonatal administration of intravenous gene therapy toCln3Δex7/8mice using an AAV9-hCLN3 vector completely prevented tSCs and NMJ pathology, atrophy of both skeletal and smooth muscle, positively impacted bowel transit and largely prevented the loss of enteric neurons and glia. These findings reveal an underappreciated, but profound, impact of CLN3 disease outside the CNS and suggest these novel aspects of disease may be treatable using gene therapy.

Graphical abstract
Histone bivalency in CNS development
Authors: Mätlik Kärt , Govek Eve-Ellen , Hatten Mary E.
Published: January 2025

Neuronal maturation is guided by changes in the chromatin landscape that control developmental gene expression programs. Histone bivalency, the co-occurrence of activating and repressive histone modifications, has emerged as an epigenetic feature of developmentally regulated genes during neuronal maturation. Although initially associated with early embryonic development, recent studies have shown that histone bivalency also exists in differentiated and mature neurons. In this review, we discuss methods to study bivalency in specific populations of neurons and summarize emerging studies on the function of bivalency in central nervous system neuronal maturation and in adult neurons.
Interfacial Morphodynamics of Proliferating Microbial Communities
Authors: Martínez-Calvo Alejandro , Trenado-Yuste Carolina , Lee Hyunseok , Gore Jeff , Wingreen Ned S. , Datta Sujit S.
Published: January 2025

In microbial communities, various cell types often coexist by occupying distinct spatial domains. What determines the shape of the interface between such domains—which, in turn, influences the interactions between cells and overall community function? Here, we address this question by developing a continuum model of a 2D spatially structured microbial community with two distinct cell types. We find that, depending on the balance of the different cell proliferation rates and substrate friction coefficients, the interface between domains is either stable and smooth or unstable and develops fingerlike protrusions. We establish quantitative principles describing when these different interfacial behaviors arise and find good agreement with both the results of previous experimental reports as well as new experiments performed here. Our work, thus, helps to provide a biophysical basis for understanding the interfacial morphodynamics of proliferating microbial communities as well as a broader range of proliferating active systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
How leader–subordinate (In)congruence in narcissism influences leaders’ effectiveness: the mediating role of relationship conflict
Authors: Liu Dege , Lan Yuanmei , Li Chaoping
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Previous research on narcissism and leadership seldom takes into account the leader–subordinate dyadic relationship and ignores the role of subordinate. Drawing on the contextual reinforcement model of narcissism, the purpose of this study is to explore the joint effects of both leaders’ and their subordinates’ narcissism on the former’s effectiveness through the latter’s perceived relationship conflict with them (RCWL).

Design/methodology/approach

Self-report data were collected from 315 full-time employees using a three-wave survey. Polynomial regression and response surface analysis were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results of this study reveal that although RCWL is higher when leaders’ narcissism is higher along both congruence and incongruence line, RCWL is lower when leaders’ narcissism exceeds that of their subordinates than it falls short of subordinates’ narcissism when both leader’s and subordinate’s narcissism are low. Furthermore, the results of this study also demonstrate that leader–subordinate (in)congruence in narcissism has an indirect influence on the leaders’ effectiveness because of the resulting relationship conflict, and that the response surface of the total effect of joint narcissism on leader effectiveness possesses a convex surface, which demonstrates that leader effectiveness is lower at the median point when compared to the low- and high-level congruence points.

Originality/value

This study not only contributes to fit theory, vertical relational conflict and research on narcissistic leader by simultaneously investigating both leaders’ and subordinates’ narcissism and their joint influence on leader–subordinate relational conflict and leaders’ effectiveness but also offers several practical recommendations for companies to enhance leaders’ effectiveness.
Navigating trauma: mental well-being after Kiteezi landfill collapse and residential displacement in Uganda
Authors: Kyambade Mahadih , Namatovu Afulah
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the mental health impacts of this disaster, focusing on the psychological resilience and vulnerability of displaced individuals. The study explores the mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that have emerged as a result of the sudden loss of homes, livelihoods and social networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed a phenomenological approach, conducting 20 in-depth interviews with adult residents of Kiteezi who were displaced by the landslide. The interviews, conducted in English and transcribed for analysis, focused on three primary phenomena: landslides, displacement and mental well-being.

Findings

Findings reveal that the collapse of the Kiteezi landfill had profound mental health impacts on the displaced residents, with widespread reports of anxiety, depression and PTSD. The loss of homes and livelihoods, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding resettlement, exacerbated these mental health challenges.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s implications are significant for disaster response and mental health intervention strategies. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive mental health support for displaced individuals, emphasizing the importance of addressing both immediate psychological needs and long-term resilience-building.

Originality/value

This study is original in its focus on the specific context of the Kiteezi landfill collapse, contributing to the limited literature on the mental health impacts of environmental disasters in Uganda. It provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between environmental disasters, displacement and mental well-being, offering practical recommendations for improving disaster response and recovery efforts in similar settings.
Effect of IFRS on foreign shareholdings and corporate investments in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Donker Han , Jermakowicz Eva K. , Nurunnabi Mohammad
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Prior research has shown that implementing International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) increases foreign direct investments at the macroeconomic (country) level. This study aims to demonstrate that the implementation of mandatory adoption of IFRS positively influences foreign shareholdings at the company level in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

The fixed effects regression model is used to estimate the impact of the adoption of IFRS on foreign ownership in a panel data set for Saudi Arabia over the period 2010 through 2021.

Findings

This study finds that IFRS adoption reduces information asymmetry and increases comparability, which attracts foreign investors. It also finds that firms with high foreign ownership have greater capital expenditures post-IFRS adoption, suggesting that foreign investors encourage firms to align their interests with those of shareholders and make more long-term investments. This paper demonstrates that firms increased their long-term investments and garnered greater free cash flows after adopting IFRS. Finally, this paper observes a positive association between IFRS employment and market liquidity.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research to reveal that, following the compulsory adoption of IFRS, foreign shareholdings have a favorable effect on corporate investments (capital expenditures and property, plant and equipment) at the micro (firm) level. It has been motivated by the assertion that a lack of portfolio investments results primarily from an asymmetry of information, which can be mitigated by providing high quality comparable financial information based on IFRS.
A workpiece grasp detection method based on 3D object detection
Authors: Li Huijun , Duan Longbo , Wang Qirun , Zhang Yilun , Ye Bin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The application of industrial robots in modern production is becoming increasingly widespread. In the context of flexible production lines, quickly and accurately identifying and grasping specified workpieces is particularly important. This study aims to propose a grasping scheme that combines traditional methods with deep learning to improve grasping accuracy and efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a dataset generation method is proposed, which constructs a point cloud dataset close to the real scene without the need for extensive data collection. Then, the 3D object detection algorithm PointPillars is improved based on the features of the scene point cloud, allowing for the analysis of part poses to achieve grasping. Finally, a grasp detection strategy is proposed to match the optimal grasp pose.

Findings

Experimental results show that the proposed method can quickly and easily construct high-quality datasets, significantly reducing the time required for preliminary preparation. Additionally, it can effectively grasp specified workpieces, significantly improving grasping accuracy and reducing computation time.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the integration of a novel dataset generation method, improvements to the PointPillars algorithm for 3D object detection and the development of an optimal grasp detection strategy. These advancements enable the grasping system to handle real-world scenarios efficiently and accurately, demonstrating significant improvements over traditional methods.
Sustainability committees’ influence on ESG controversies and sustainability assurance: a comparative study in polluting and non-polluting firms
Authors: Issa Ayman
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the correlation between sustainability controversies and external sustainability audits, placing specific emphasis on evaluating how the presence of sustainability/CSR committees moderates this connection in firms with both high and low emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a thorough quantitative approach, this study analyses a data set comprising 1,726 firm-observations from Europe, covering the years 2006–2021. The primary econometric model used is ordinary least squares, complemented by robustness tests including random effects regressions, a two-step generalized method of moments approach, sub-analysis and Propensity Score Matching.

Findings

This study reveals a significant role for sustainability external audits in alleviating ESG controversies, particularly within less-polluting firms. Also, it uncovers that the existence of a sustainability/CSR committee significantly moderates the relationship between ESG controversies and external sustainability assurance.

Practical implications

This study has crucial implications for organizations seeking to improve sustainability practices and build stakeholder trust. Insights into the relationship between ESG controversies, sustainability audits and the role of sustainability/CSR committees provide practical guidance for enhancing sustainability performance. This information is valuable for managers, regulators and stakeholders in shaping decisions and policies for a more sustainable corporate landscape.

Originality/value

This study provides fresh insights into how companies manage environmental challenges and enhance their reputation through external assurance. The integration of institutional theory enriches the theoretical framework, revealing external influences on companies’ decisions. This study’s focus on sustainability/CSR committee contributes to understanding organizational responses to environmental challenges, advancing knowledge in sustainability and corporate governance.
The nexus between digital economy and tourism eco-efficiency under the environmental regulation: evidence from 277 cities in China
Authors: Wang Juan , Wei Rongjie , Zhang Huan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study is of great significance in revealing the interactive and coordinated relationship between tourism development and the ecological environment, improving the level of environmental governance in the process of tourism economic development and realising the dual-carbon goal and sustainable development of the tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper performs slack-based measure (SBM)-data envelopment analysis (DEA) analysis, benchmark regression and threshold effect measurement on a sample of 277 cities in China from 2011 to 2019, to estimate the impact of the digital economy on tourism eco-efficiency and to identify the moderating role of environmental regulation.

Findings

China’s tourism eco-efficiency shows a spatio-temporal characteristic of steady growth amid fluctuations. The digital economy has a positive facilitating effect on tourism eco-efficiency, which is non-linear with a single threshold effect (0.631), and when the level of the digital economy exceeds the threshold value, its facilitating effect increases from 0.696 to 0.927. Environmental regulation does not play the role of “the icing on the cake” during the digital economy’s impact on tourism eco-efficiency.

Originality/value

This study for the first time includes the digital economy, eco-efficiency and environmental regulation in the research perspective, and analysed the mechanism of action between the three, expanding the depth of research on the digital economy and environmental regulation in the field of tourism. Meanwhile, based on the development needs of policy specialisation and industrial refinement, this study has strong practical significance when conducted at the city level.
Inverse Relationship Between Serum Carotenoid Levels and Cardiovascular‐Kidney‐Metabolic Syndrome Among the General Adult Population
Authors: Chen Mengli , Cai Shuyue , Jia Qinfeng , Suo Yifang , Tang Yuan , Shi Yanping , Zhu Xu , Zhang Haifeng
Published: January 2025

Objective

To examine the relationship between serum carotenoid levels and cardiovascular‐kidney‐metabolic (CKM) syndrome in a representative sample of US adults.

Methods

Data from the fasting subsample of the NHANES 2017–2018 were analyzed using a survey‐weighted approach to ensure the findings are representative of the broader US adult population. Serum levels of α‐carotene, β‐carotene, β‐cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. CKM syndrome stages were defined according to the 2023 American Heart Association guidelines, with advanced CKM syndrome categorized as stages 3 or 4. Associations between serum carotenoids and advanced CKM syndrome were assessed using logistic regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression.

Results

The study included 1671 adults aged 20 years and older, with a mean age of 48.7 years and a gender distribution of 50.9% female and 49.1% male. Higher serum levels of α‐carotene, β‐carotene, α‐cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene were inversely associated with advanced CKM syndrome. Specifically, compared to the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of α‐carotene had an odds ratio (OR) of 0.29 (95% CI: 0.16–0.55), β‐carotene 0.35 (95% CI: 0.16–0.78), α‐cryptoxanthin 0.23 (95% CI: 0.11–0.49), lutein/zeaxanthin 0.26 (95% CI: 0.14–0.48), and lycopene 0.58 (95% CI: 0.35–0.98). However, β‐cryptoxanthin did not show a significant association. Moreover, the combined effect of all carotenoids was significantly negatively correlated with advanced CKM syndrome (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.53–0.86), with lutein/zeaxanthin contributing the most (44.56%).

Conclusions

Elevated serum carotenoid levels are inversely associated with the prevalence of advanced CKM syndrome in a dose‐dependent manner, with this association remaining consistent across diverse demographic and health subgroups.
High‐magnification platform for characterising microscopic communities
Authors: du Preez Gerhard
Published: January 2025

Characterising microscopic communities is important for both ecological research and diagnostic applications. In these areas, light microscopy is still a fundamental tool due to its accessibility and real‐time imaging capabilities. However, the higher magnifications required for accurate identifications typically necessitates extensive sample preparation. Therefore, this study aimed to design and validate a bright field light microscopy‐based platform with magnification up to 1000× without the need for extensive sample preparation.

An adapted version of the Peter's slide was developed, which allows the use of specialised long‐working distance objectives without the need for oil immersion. Image quality at higher magnifications was evaluated using nematodes as test organisms. Additionally, the use of the adapted Peter's slide in characterising microscopic communities was evaluated by studying the temporal dynamics in nematode functional diversity from Johnson Su compost.

The adapted Peter's slide facilitated the identification and counting of nematodes to genus level, demonstrating sufficient image clarity even at 1000× magnification. My results confirmed that this platform overcomes the limitations of standard approaches by eliminating the need for extensive sample preparation and mounting on microscope slides, which are typically required for high‐magnification observations.

This platform reduces sample processing time, while also facilitating live viewing under high magnification. These features also make it a valuable educational tool in classroom settings. Future enhancements could include the integration of AI‐based imaging software to automate and refine identification and counting processes. However, a current limitation is the cost of the long‐working objectives, which may prevent widespread adoption.
Wild Meat Value Chain Integration Systems: Opportunities for Value Chain Formalisation and Scaling in Africa
Authors: Ndlovu Wiseman , Karonga Sungeni , Vorhies Francis
Published: January 2025

Establishing legal, safe and sustainable wild meat sector promises to potentially reduce demand for illegally sourced meat, support livehoods, and contribute to conservation goals. However, institutional mechanisms and systems to champion sustainable wild meat value chains are underdeveloped, making it a challenge for the sector to formalise and scale. This study investigated how value chain systems are/can be organised and integrated. Also, transitional pathways to value chain formalisation and scaling were evaluated. Literature data (n = 96) on plains game wild meat value chains in Africa from 2000 to 2023 was subjected to thematic analysis to identify patterns and linkages in the value chain systems. The results show that while rural and poor communities are the largest recipients of illegal wild meat, they are structurally excluded from the legal game meat value chains. Illegal and legal wild meat value chain systems show three levels of integration: fully, partially and independently integrated systems. Each system presents a unique opportunity for scaling up enterprises and developing institutional governance to deliver well‐managed wild meat value chains embedded with system‐specific sustainable harvesting and use practices.
Distinct Functioning of Low‐ Versus High‐Altitude Refugia in the Mediterranean: Inferences From Life‐History Traits of Two Related Relict Trees From the Islands of Sicily and Crete
Authors: Garfì Giuseppe , Fazan Laurence , Gristina Alessandro Silvestre , Pasta Salvatore , Motisi Antonio , Ghosn Dany , Remoundou Ilektra , Kozlowski Gregor
Published: January 2025

Aim

Relict trees are the outcome of long‐term ‘natural experiments’. Accordingly, they provide opportunities to study the effects of local adaptation of trees, which are still poorly understood but crucial in the context of climate change. In turn, the physical settings of refugia at macro‐ and microscale are the key drivers of the environmental adaptability of such species. Using two congeneric climate relict trees (Zelkova sicula and Z. abelicea) as model species, we analysed the functional relationships between tree growth patterns and the distinctive environmental drivers of low‐ versus high‐altitude refugia in the Mediterranean.

Location

Mediterranean islands of Sicily (Italy) and Crete (Greece).

Methods

To evaluate the growth potential of the two relict trees we used top height and multi‐year data of shoot length over the entire distribution range of both species. Growth form and height growth dynamics of Z. sicula were also investigated by stem analysis. Moreover, tree‐ring response to climate was compared through classical dendrochronological approaches.

Results

Tree size, as well as shoot and radial growth are notably greater in Z. abelicea, suggesting this species better fits in its habitat and the higher‐elevation Cretan refugia are less constraining than their low‐elevation Sicilian counterparts. Tree‐ring growth response to precipitation and evapotranspiration is rather similar between the two species and points to the key role of moisture balance on growth. However, the 1‐month delay in the response from the Sicilian to the Cretan relict mirrors the differential role of altitude against micro‐topography in decoupling from the regional climate.

Main Conclusions

The significant attenuation of environmental constraints due to the ‘elevation effect’ is a major offsetting driver for the distinct functioning of low‐ versus high‐altitude refugia in the Mediterranean, but macroclimatic patterns may locally blur the effectiveness of refugia in a long‐term conservation perspective.