bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perinatal serotonin signalling dynamically influences the development of cortical GABAergic circuits with consequences for lifelong sensory encoding
Authors: Ocana-Santero Gabriel , Warming Hannah , Munday Veronica , MacKay Heather A. , Gibeily Caius , Hemingway Christopher , Stacey Jacqueline A. , Saha Abhishek , Lazarte Ivan P. , Bachetta Anjali , Deng Fei , Li Yulong , Packer Adam M. , Sharp Trevor , Butt Simon J. B.
Published: December 2024

Serotonin plays a prominent role in neurodevelopment, regulating processes from cell division to synaptic connectivity. Clinical studies suggest that alterations in serotonin signalling such as genetic polymorphisms or antidepressant exposure during pregnancy are risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. However, an understanding of how dysfunctional neuromodulation alters systems level activity over neocortical development is lacking. Here, we use a longitudinal imaging approach to investigate how genetics, pharmacology, and aversive experience disrupt state-dependent serotonin signalling with pathological consequences for sensory processing. We find that all three factors lead to increased neocortical serotonin levels during the initial postnatal period. Genetic deletion of the serotonin transporter or antidepressant dosing results in a switch from hypo- to hyper-cortical activity that arises as a consequence of altered cortical GABAergic microcircuitry. However, the trajectories of these manipulations differ with postnatal exposure to antidepressants having effects on adult sensory encoding. The latter is not seen in the genetic model despite a similar early phenotype, and a distinct influence of maternal genotype on the development of supragranular layers. These results reveal the dynamics and critical nature of serotonin signalling during perinatal life; pharmacological targeting of which can have profound life-long consequences for cognitive development of the offspring.
A cysteine-rich domain of the Cuf1 transcription factor is required for high copper stress sensing and fungal virulence
Authors: Probst Corinna , Denning-Jannace Catherine A. , du Plooy Lukas M. , Giamberardino Charles , Asfaw Yohannes , Franz Katherine J. , Alspaugh J. Andrew
Published: December 2024

The ability to sense, import but also detoxify copper (Cu) has been shown to be crucial for microbial pathogens to survive within the host. Previous studies conducted with the opportunistic human fungal pathogenCryptococcus neoformans(Cn) have revealed two extreme Cu environments encountered during infection: A high Cu environment within the lung and a low Cu environment within the brain. However, howCnsenses these different host Cu microenvironments, and the consequences of a blunted Cu stress adaption for pathogenesis, are not well understood.

In contrast to other fungi,Cnhas a single transcription factor, Cuf1, to regulate adaptive responses to both high- and low-Cu stress. Sequence analysis ofCnCuf1 identified three conserved cysteine (Cys)-rich regions that may play a role in Cu sensing. We mutated the 1stCys-rich region within theCUF1gene to investigate its role forCnhigh Cu stress sensing. Subsequent analysis of Cuf1 transcriptional activity and target gene promoter binding demonstrated that the 1stCys-rich region is required for Cuf1 transcriptional activity in high Cu stress. We performed an inhalational murine infection to analyze the effects of a blunted high Cu stress response on pathogenesis. No significant differences in lung fungal burden were observed based on variable Cuf1 activity. However, strains with defective high Cu stress regulation induced a markedly altered immune response in mice. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that Cuf1-driven high Cu responses are not required for initial survival but instead modulate immune recognition and inflammation within the mouse lung.

Importance

Copper is an essential micronutrient required for survival in all kingdoms of life as it is used as a catalytic cofactor for many essential processes in the cell. In turn, this reactivity of copper ions makes elevated levels of free copper toxic for the cell. This dual nature of copper-essential for life but toxic at elevated levels- is used by our innate immune system in a process called nutritional immunity to combat and kill invading pathogens. In this work we explore how the fungal human pathogenCryptococcus neoformanssenses high copper stress, a copper microenvironment encountered within the host lung. We identified a specific cysteine-rich region within the copper responsive transcription factor Cuf1 to be essential for high copper stress sensing. Mutation of this region led to an impaired high copper stress adaptation, which did not affect fitness of the yeast but did impact immune recognition and inflammation inside the host lung.
ηc2(D21)
and its electromagnetic decays
Authors: Du Xin-Yao , Pei Su-Yan , Li Wei , Jia Man , Li Qiang , Wang Tianhong , Wang Bo , Wang Guo-Li
Published: December 2024

The spin-singlet state ηc2(D21) has not been discovered in experiment and it is the only missing low-excited D-wave charmonium, so in this paper, we like to study its properties. Using the Bethe-Salpeter equation method, we obtain its mass as 3828.2 MeV and its electromagnetic decay widths as Γ[ηc2(1D)→hc(1P)γ]=284  keV, Γ[ηc2(1D)→J/ψγ]=1.04  keV, Γ[ηc2(1D)→ψ(2S)γ]=3.08  eV, and Γ[ηc2(1D)→ψ(3770)γ]=0.143  keV. Considering the strong decay widths are estimated to be Γ(ηc2(1D)→ηcππ)=144  keV and Γ(ηc2(1D)→gg)=46.1  keV, we obtain the total decay width of 475 keV for ηc2(1D), and point out that the full width is very sensitive to the mass Mηc2. In our calculation, the emphasis is put on the relativistic corrections. Our results show that ηc2→hcγ is the nonrelativistic E1 transition dominated E1+M2+E3 decay, and ηc2→ψγ is the M1+E2+M3+E4 decay but the relativistic E2 transition contributes the most.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Cyclic EIS investigation on corrosion evolution of 304 SS in simulated secondary circuit water of PWR system
Authors: Ji Yuefei , Hao Long , Wang Jianqiu , Ke Wei
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce cyclic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method to understand the corrosion evolution behavior of structural materials in secondary circuit water environments of pressurized water reactor (PWR) system.

Design/methodology/approach

The cyclic EIS has been used to understand the corrosion evolution of 304 stainless steel (SS) in simulated secondary circuit water environment. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have been used to characterize the microstructure and corrosion morphology of 304 SS sample.

Findings

Cyclic EIS measurement is applicable in gaining information on the corrosion evolution of 304 SS in high-temperature and high-pressure (HTHP) water environments. Based on analyses of the cyclic EIS data, it is considered that the measured EIS response of 304 SS sample under HTHP water environment mainly comes from the compact inner part of the newly formed oxide layer, which gradually inhibits the progress of electrochemical reactions at the oxide layer/substrate interface.

Originality/value

The cyclic EIS has been introduced into HTHP water environment, and its reliability has been evaluated. It may find a wide application in corrosion studies of materials under HTHP water environments, which is critical for a safe operation in nuclear power plants and beneficial for the development of corrosion-resistant materials in PWR system.
Computational study of elliptic subsonic jet controlled by air tabs
Authors: Ramasamy Arun Prasad , Narendran Krishna , Selvaraj Ilakkiya , S Harhini , Thanigaiarasu Subramanian
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to present the mixing and decay characteristics of Mach 0.8 elliptic jet manipulated by air tabs, through numerical simulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The Air Tabs are secondary jets injected through two 1-mm diameter tubes, which are placed at the exit plane of the elliptic primary nozzle. Two air tab configurations are considered for the present study; in the first case, they are placed along the major axis, and in the second case along the minor axis of the elliptic nozzle exit. The air tab Mach numbers considered are 0.8, 0.9 and 1.0. The numerical simulations have been performed in ANSYS-CFX software using the k-e turbulence model.

Findings

The jet centerline (X) total pressure decay reveals that air tabs placed along the minor axis promote jet mixing more efficiently than those placed along the major axis. It is also observed that the air tabs along the minor axis provoke the jet to split into two parts thus resulting in faster spread in the perpendicular direction (Z). When compared against the uncontrolled jet, air tabs at Mach 1.0 placed along the minor axis produce 80% reduction in the potential core, whereas that along the major axis brings down the axis-switching location to 0.95 Deq from 3.7 Deq.

Practical implications

In aerospace applications, enhancing the mixing between fuel and air would result in better combustion efficiency, faster exhaust jet mixing with ambient, which in turn result in reduced jet acoustics as well as infrared signature, thereby promotes environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there has not been a thorough analysis of the effects of air tabs on the mixing and decay characteristics of elliptic Mach 0.8 jet.
Review of current digital technologies for material passports to enhance circularity towards net zero
Authors: KC Abhishek , Senaratne Sepani , Perera Srinath , Nanayakkara Samudaya
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Need of circular economy (ce) practices for net-zero and sustainability in construction sector is well known, and thus the need for information flow between current and potential users about materials and processes. Material passports (MPs) are the tool for this information flow. This study aims to examine the research trend about digitalisation and MPs in construction, explore the application of digital technologies (DTs) for information management required for MPs and provide further research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic search and review of literature was conducted adopting both qualitative and quantitative approach for analysis. Firstly, quantitative bibliometric analysis of 201 papers was conducted to get the context from ongoing research around the area and qualitative content and thematic analysis of selected 14 papers were then done to further explore the literature.

Findings

Bibliometric analysis suggested building information modelling (BIM) as the most widely studied topic for digitalisation and MPs, which has been studied together with other DTs, whereas blockchain is niched within supply chain and waste management. Qualitative review observed BIM as the most prevalent technology, providing platform for information generation and management for MPs, and most other DTs are applicable mostly for information generation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is useful for information generation, but more suiting for information analysis. Blockchain, on the other hand, is for decentralised and reliable information management.

Originality/value

This study has tried to explore the digitalisation for circularity in construction with focus on information management for MPs. As the ce in construction boils down to information flow and MPs, this study provides the idea about possible applications of DTs for MPs and suggests further research directions for development and use of MPs for ce in construction.
Understanding the influence of cloud-based information and communication technology on supply chain resilience
Authors: Gonul Kochan Cigdem , Nowicki David , Glassburner Aaron
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In today’s turbulent business environment, firms continually turn to technology as a panacea for supply chain resilience and performance problems. This article seeks to understand if information and communication technology (ICT) platforms, specifically cloud-based platforms, differ in their ability to enable supply chain resilience and operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical survey data was gathered, and a partial least squares structural equation model was performed on responses from 174 logistics and supply chain operations managers. A multigroup analysis compared the structural model measures of cloud-based and non-cloud-based platforms.

Findings

This research provides evidence that supply chain resilience and performance are agnostic of the ICT platform type and deeply rooted in the relational antecedents of cooperation and coordination. Tangentially, this study confirms concepts of coordination and cooperation supported by ICT are antecedents to the robustness and agility of supply chains. Moreover, empirical evidence also reveals that supply chain robustness mediates the relationships between supply chain agility, coordination and cooperation.

Practical implications

While firms continually seek technological solutions to bolster the resilience of their supply chains, we show that they should focus on developing the social elements of supply chain partnerships.

Originality/value

This study’s examination of the influence of ICT on supply chain resilience and performance contributes to the growing body of empirical analysis in the literature. Through its theoretical lens, this article deepens the understanding of analyzing supply chain resilience and performance measures between firms utilizing different ICT platforms.
Measuring tourist-to-tourist value co-creation: a scale development
Authors: Pandey Sneha , Kumar Divesh , Ali Faizan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to primarily focus upon the acknowledged benefits of tourist-to-tourist (t2t) encounters through productive interactions among tourists, rather than focusing on interactions between tourists and service providers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study delves into various value dimensions among Indian tourists that arise during different co-creation stages. A rigorous mixed-methods approach, coupled with a three-wave analysis, was used to develop a comprehensive six-dimensional scale for measuring t2t value co-creation.

Findings

The research findings shed light on the dimensions constituting t2t value co-creation, thereby providing a nuanced understanding of their interactions. The developed six-dimensional scale offers a structured framework to quantify positive interactions among tourists, previously unexplored in the literature.

Practical implications

This study significantly contributes to the field of tourism experience by enriching the literature on t2t interaction and value co-creation. Moreover, it provides valuable conceptual, practical and instructive insights for service design and administration within the tourism industry. These insights potentially enhance the overall tourist experience and facilitate more meaningful interactions among tourists, thereby contributing positively to the tourism sector.

Originality/value

The research breaks new ground by shifting the focus from tourist-service provider interactions to productive relationships among tourists. It introduces a pioneering six-dimensional scale, quantifying positive t2t value co-creation. Concentrating on Indian tourists, this study offers unique cultural insights. Methodologically rigorous and practically impactful, it clarifies conceptual ambiguities laying the foundation for nuanced research in understanding tourist interactions and value co-creation.
Examining the impact of co-workers’ sexism on citizenship behaviors and performance outcomes: the moderating role of leaders’ gender
Authors: Xiu Lin , Ren Yufei , Lv Feng , Lange Thomas , Liang Xin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of coworkers’ sexist views on individual citizenship behaviors and performance outcomes and explores how this relationship is affected by the presence of female managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on diversity management literature and gendered organizational theory, the study analyzes data from 2,166 employees and 141 store managers in an international fast-food chain as well as archival work-unit-level information on performance.

Findings

The results support the hypothesis that peers’ sexist views are negatively associated with employees’ citizenship behavior and performance outcomes. Work units with members holding such views are less likely to achieve performance goals, and individuals who work with peers who hold gender inequality views are less likely to engage in citizenship behaviors. This relationship is particularly pronounced in units managed by male managers.

Research limitations/implications

Our study recognizes the complex and multifaceted nature of gender dynamics in organizations and provides insights into the ways in which these dynamics impact organizational outcomes.

Practical implications

The study’s findings have significant implications for organizational policies and practices, specifically in terms of promoting gender equality and fostering more inclusive work environments through well-designed interventions.

Originality/value

This study is grounded in the gendered organizational theory, which highlights the interplay between gender, gender views and the relational dynamics of psychological, cultural and social dimensions operated within organizations. By examining how gender inequality views among coworkers affect perceived support, citizenship behaviors and performance outcomes, we contribute to the growing body of research in this area.
Anti-public sector bias or pro-public sector preference: how does the public assess the public sector? Evidence from China
Authors: Gao Xuede , Shen Xiyun , Wang Qian
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Although a growing body of research has found evidence of anti-public sector bias – a negative stereotype that the performance of the public sector is worse than that of the private sector, whether this phenomenon is universal across situations is still an unknown topic to be further discussed. The purpose of this study is to examine how citizens assess the public sector in Chinese context, as well as the source and deep logic of this evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Through two survey experiments (N = 1,375), this paper empirically explores how citizens evaluate the public sector in the Chinese context and the cross-context stability of this attitude. At the same time, two focus group interviews (N = 12) are used to deeply analyze the source and internal logic of this attitude.

Findings

In China, there is no anti-public sector bias in the public evaluation of the public sector. On the contrary, there is a certain degree of pro-public sector preference, that is, the public has a more positive view of the public sector than the private sector. We also find that this preference has strong cross-context stability, which will not be affected by different performance information or failure public events with different severity. The study also finds that Chinese citizens' preference for the public sector is not only the product of traditional political culture, but also the result of authoritarian propaganda. More importantly, it is a personal rational choice based on institutional performance.

Originality/value

This study provides a good example to explore how the public views the public sector in countries where the proportion of public sector supply far exceeds that of non-public sector. The results increase the academic understanding of how citizens assess the public sector and why this evaluation comes into being. The results enlighten significance for future theoretical research on the main body of public service providers and their performance views. It also provides micro-evidence of behavioral public performance for cross-sectoral comparison between public sector and private sector.
A scenario-based framework for strategic inspection decision-making in high-volume production environments
Authors: Muffato Reis Angélica , Verna Elisa , Costa Lino , Sousa Sérgio Dinis , Galetto Maurizio
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study bridges the gap in quality control strategies for high-volume production by balancing the cost and effectiveness of inspection strategies. Using the cost of quality (CoQ) to manage cost and external failures (EF) to gauge effectiveness, this research introduces an innovative inspection strategy chart that serves as a decision-making tool for optimizing inspection processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a scenario-based framework designed to support strategic decision-making in inspection processes by integrating empirical data analysis with inspection strategy charts. This approach allows for a dynamic assessment and visualization of the relationship between CoQ and EF, facilitating more informed decision-making in quality management. Notably, it contrasts the traditional models with a novel approach that more accurately captures the uncertainty and correlation among key quality indicators, showcasing its potential for more refined decision-making in quality management.

Findings

Application of the framework illustrates its effectiveness in offering a nuanced understanding of the cost implications and effectiveness of various quality control strategies. This facilitates enhanced strategic decision-making, optimizing inspection processes and reducing external failures in high-volume production settings.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on a single industry case study, limiting the generalizability of findings across different high-volume production contexts. Future research could explore the framework’s applicability in other sectors and refine the model based on additional empirical data.

Originality/value

The research introduces a versatile framework that navigates the unique challenges of high-volume manufacturing environments. Diverging from models optimized for low-volume settings, this approach provides a valuable tool for adapting inspection strategies to complex production demands, marking a significant contribution to quality management and control literature.
Common experiences and critical reflections: embedding education for sustainability in higher education curricula across disciplines
Authors: Wrobel Anna , Beasy Kim , Fiedler Terese , Mann Alana , Morrison Brigid , Towle Nick , Wood Graham , Doyle Richard , Peterson Corey , Bettiol Silvana
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Higher education institutions are embedding education for sustainability in curricula, but there are many challenges slowing the process down.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses reflections from stakeholders across eight disciplines to identify themes supporting EfS integration across disciplines, using collaborative autoethnography.

Findings

The paper highlights unique challenges and opportunities in embedding sustainability education and potential institutional pathways to enable interdisciplinary approaches to embedding EfS.

Originality/value

The paper highlights unique challenges and opportunities in embedding sustainability education and the role of institutional support in overcoming differing worldviews.
Temporal orientations in human agency: a case of homecare practitioners as mobile phone users
Authors: Saari Eveliina , Koskela Inka , Känsälä Marja
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In Nordic societies, the use of mobile phones for record-keeping during homecare visits has become an unquestioned routine. Care practitioners’ agency with these technologies has been explored mainly as a situationally constrained activity, neglecting their long-term orientations. Our empirical contribution is to explore care practitioners’ agentic relations to technology in a more nuanced way by including both dimensions. The theoretical contribution is to show synergy between temporal conceptualizations in theories of human agency and technology-in-practice, which highlight human agency as deliberation between situational and long-term temporal orientations.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven Finnish care practitioners were interviewed, and their entire work shifts were observed, consisting altogether 48 video-recorded homecare visits. The analysis of the ethnographic material was focused on situational and long-term temporal orientations of the care practitioners related to technologizing care.

Findings

Care practitioners in old age care approached technology use with three different kinds of temporal orientations: adapting – preferring to remain in the present; opposing – longing for the past; and engaging – viewing the technologization of old age care as positive for the future.

Practical implications

The situational usability of technology is not the only problem to be solved when technology is adopted for human-centred care; longer-term visions of how care and care work will change should also be voiced in healthcare organizations.

Originality/value

Temporal orientations may explain how and why care practitioners either just adapt to technology-use in care or act as change agents transforming both technologies and care.
Innovation capability and R&D performance of organizations: moderating role of industry–academic knowledge transfer
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Kumar Sachin , Chaudhuri Ranjan , Chatterjee Sheshadri , Vrontis Demetris , Rezaee Vessal Saeedeh
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine how an organization’s innovation capability could influence research and development (R&D) performance. It also investigates if industry–academic knowledge transfer has a moderating relationship between organizational innovation capability and exploration and exploitative innovation in improving the R&D performance of the organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature and dynamic capability view, a conceptual model was developed and then validated using the partial least squares-structural equation modeling technique considering 387 responses from academicians and industry personnel.

Findings

The study found that industry–academic knowledge transfer has a significant moderating impact toward improving innovation capability, organizations’ R&D performance and exploration innovation. However, it has an insignificant moderating impact on improving innovation capability and exploitative innovation.

Practical implications

Organizational innovation capability is characterized by both exploratory and exploitative innovation. Both types of innovation support the R&D performance of an organization. Also, organizations that closely work with academic institutions could gain significant R&D knowledge from academic expertise. This study provides food for thought for the academic community as well as industry policymakers.

Originality/value

There are significant opportunities for academic institutions to gain practical knowledge from industry which can help them to accelerate their R&D activities. However, transferring knowledge between industry and academia has challenges related to intellectual property, patents and so on. Not much research has been conducted in this area. Thus, the proposed research model is unique and adds to the existing literature.
What works for psychological interventions designed to increase wellbeing in psychological therapy trainees? A systematic review
Authors: Owen Joel , Biggart Laura , Fisher Paul , Figueredo Analtina , Al-Rousi Sharif , Colvin-Jarvis James , Williamson Euan , Sanderson Kristy
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This systematic review aims to identify what works for psychological interventions or teaching strategies designed to improve wellbeing in psychological therapy trainees (PTTs).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was conducted in keeping with best-practice guidelines. The protocol for the review was registered prospectively on PROSPERO.

Findings

Seventy studies were included in the review. The balance of evidence across quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies cautiously suggests that interventions designed to improve PTT wellbeing may be of value. Novel findings regarding barriers and facilitators of successful intervention were identified. Particularly notable in this regard was the finding that providing trainees with a degree of choice or control over elements of the intervention appeared to be an important facilitator of success. Importantly, however, the review identified a number of methodological weaknesses in the literature, undermining the certainty of findings. More high-quality research is needed to answer the questions of the review decisively.

Practical implications

Evidence tentatively suggests that interventions to support trainee wellbeing are often received well by trainees and are frequently perceived by trainees as beneficial. Providing trainees with some degree of choice or control regarding how to engage with wellbeing interventions during training may be important.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review to systematically identify and synthesise findings on this important topic.
The effects of social procurement policy on companies in the construction industry: an international comparison of Australia and Scotland
Authors: Loosemore Martin , Roy Michael J. , Suchowerska Roksolana , Spiesova Anna , Barraket Josephine
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to compare the effects of social procurement policies on companies in the Victorian and Scottish construction industries. Scotland and Victoria have led the way in the recent revival of social procurement.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 27 organisations and 28 participants who have experience of implementing social procurement policies into the construction industries of both jurisdictions.

Findings

Findings contribute important new comparative insights from multiple stakeholder perspectives, into the effects of social procurement policies on firms operating in the construction industries of the two jurisdictions. Findings indicate an increasing awareness of social procurement in the construction industries of both Scotland and Victoria. However, differences in policy design determine the nature and extent of this awareness, the level of empowerment felt by actors and the social impact these new policies have in practice. It is concluded that to maximise the social impact of social procurement policies into major industries like construction, policymakers need to carefully consider supply-side limitations, the political context into which social procurement is being implemented and the way they prescribe what types of social value they want to create and for whom.

Social implications

Successful social procurement policy implementation into the construction industry can have significant positive social implications for the communities in which the industry builds due to the large numbers of people it employs and its large multiplier effect into the wider economy.

Originality/value

By investigating the effects of social procurement policies on a cross-section of organisations from across the construction industry supply chain, this international study, contributes new comparative insights to the emerging bodies of research on the impact of public procurement on companies in major industries like construction.
The concept of materiality in sustainability reporting: from essential contestation to research opportunities
Authors: Oll Josua , Spandel Theresa , Schiemann Frank , Akkermann Janna
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a unified understanding of materiality is possible, given that conceptual pluralism represents a key characteristic of materiality approaches in sustainability reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper systematically reviews and examines materiality conceptualizations in sustainability disclosure research and practice, utilizing Gallie’s (1956) analytical framework of essentially contested concepts. The framework enables the separation of conceptual confusion from essential contestation. Whereas reaching conceptual consensus is possible in the former, the hurdles to conceptual agreement are insurmountable in the latter.

Findings

This paper reveals that the prevailing lack of consensus surrounding materiality is grounded in its essential contestation, not in conceptual confusion. This robustly supports the projection of conceptual plurality as materiality’s most probable future.

Research limitations/implications

Building on the materiality concept’s essentially contested nature, this paper calls for future research that explicitly embraces the concept’s plural character and more interdisciplinary research.

Practical implications

As a unified understanding of materiality is unlikely to evolve, standard-setters should provide a clear definition of the underlying materiality concept, offer specific guidance on materiality assessment and issue joint documents that detail the similarities, differences and interconnections between their respective materiality frameworks.

Social implications

Projecting plurality as materiality’s most probable future underscores the importance of users of sustainability reports understanding the materiality concept applied by the reporting entity and the respective consequences for identifying material sustainability issues.

Originality/value

From this paper’s novel insight that materiality is an essentially contested concept, this paper derives two overarching future research directions and offers a broad set of exemplary research questions.
“One Day Longer, One Day Stronger”: The Nanny leads a labor strike
Authors: Holtzen Sarah , Ruane Sinéad G. , Williamson Aimee , Douglas Megan , Sherman Kimberly
Published: December 2024

Research methodology

The case was written using publicly available information from library databases, news articles and other print and video sources. Where possible, direct quotes were obtained from recorded interviews, official announcements and other primary sources of data.

Case overview/synopsis

The case follows Fran Drescher (she), president of the actors’ union Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Radio and Television Artists, as she navigates the historic labor strike that brought Hollywood to a standstill over the summer and fall of 2023. As film and TV productions continued to be delayed and actors remained out of work, Drescher’s leadership style faced criticism, not only from the opposing side in the negotiation process but from her own constituents as well. Through the case, students explore the interplay between gender, leadership and power in the labor negotiation context.

Complexity academic level

The case is designed for a course in organizational behavior and may be taught to either an upper-level undergraduate and/or graduate audience. The instructor’s manual has been thoughtfully designed to guide instructors through the available options in terms of learning objectives, discussion questions and suggested teaching activities. Broadly speaking, the case may be integrated into any course after the topics of power and/or women in leadership have been taught.
Is the Decreasing Availability of Agricultural Land Forcing the Barbary Partridge to Nest Close to Human Infrastructure?
Authors: Sabrate Laila , Hanane Saâd , Bouaamama Mohamed , Ichen Abdellah
Published: December 2024

It is commonly admitted that the continuous development of human infrastructure (HI), resulting in natural habitat fragmentation, affects farmland birds by misleading their strategies of nest site selection. Here, we examined how HI in agricultural landscape (AL) could be affecting nest habitat selection of Barbary partridge (BP; Alectoris barbara). A total of 160 BP nests were monitored during 4 years (2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022) in eight Moroccan agricultural zones. We used the generalized linear mixed models and variation partitioning methods to quantify the effects of AL and HI on BP nest occurrence. This occurrence increased with track density (within 300 m of sampled nests) and decreased with built‐up area cover (50 m). Nest occurrence was also associated with the cover of agricultural areas (300 m), distances to the nearest agricultural area, the nearest human settlement, and the nearest track. However, the effect of these covariates depended on distance to the nearest paved road, being close to roads located far away from agricultural areas and tracks and near human settlements and tracks. Overall, our results highlighted a trend to nest close to HI when agricultural areas were relatively remote or less represented. For the effective conservation and management of the Moroccan BP populations, it is critical to keep human infrastructures at a level that allows for maintaining the relative dominance of the agricultural landscape. Further fragmentation of this landscape will impact the ability of this farmland species to select its nesting sites flexibly.
Establishment and application of a rapid visual detection method for Clostridium perfringens in chicken products based on helical loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (HAMP)
Authors: Yang Yuheng , Du Long , Li Congcong , Zhang Xinxiao , Liu Fang , Wang Daoying , Sun Zhilan , Zhao Songsong
Published: December 2024

Clostridium perfringens is a significant foodborne pathogen in chicken products. Rapid on‐site detection of C. perfringens is crucial for mitigating the incidence of foodborne illnesses by enabling the prompt identification and recall of contaminated food products. A rapid and visual detection method for C. perfringens in chicken products was developed using helical loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (HAMP) technology combined with SYBR Green I fluorescent staining. The reaction temperature, time, and reagent concentrations of HAMP technique were optimized firstly. HAMP displayed high specificity, effectively distinguishing C. perfringens from 18 other common pathogens in chicken products. HAMP also exhibited higher sensitivity (78 fg/µL) compared to endpoint PCR and real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The detection limit of HAMP for non‐enriched samples was 6.8 × 102 CFU/g, which improved to 68 and 6.8 CFU/g after 5 and 10 h of enrichment, respectively. The detection limit of HAMP was lower by 2 and 1 orders of magnitude compared to endpoint PCR and qPCR under the same conditions. On‐site testing of commercially available ready‐to‐eat chicken products showed that HAMP had the same results as traditional culture methods, indicating the significant potential of HAMP for on‐site detection of C. perfringens. This method offered a rapid, accurate, and visual means of detecting C. perfringens in chicken products, making it well‐suited for on‐site testing. This research represented the first use of the HAMP method for detecting C. perfringens.
Cytotoxic and apoptotic potentials of four native apricot varieties from Malatya, Turkey: A comprehensive evaluation
Authors: Keleştemur Ünzile , Balcioğlu Sevgi , Ateş Burhan
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the role of functional foods in addressing various health issues, including cancer, has gained significant attention. Among these, the cytotoxic and apoptotic properties of Malatya apricots hold particular interest for their potential therapeutic benefits. This study focused on exploring the effects of methanol and acetone extracts from four popular Malatya apricot varieties—Hacıhaliloğlu, Hasanbey, Kabaaşı, and Soğancı—on cancer cell lines. The extracts were derived from apricots in their raw, ripe, and dried form, which can be consumed in three ways, and were tested for their cytotoxic and apoptotic activities against MCF‐7 and Caco‐2 cell lines using 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide, wound scratch, and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining tests. Additionally, we assessed the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts. Our findings revealed that the acetone extracts of dried and raw Kabaaşı apricots exhibited the lowest IC50 values against the MCF‐7 cell line over 24 and 48 h, with values of 3.9 and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively. Similarly, in the Caco‐2 cell line, the dried Kabaaşı apricot extracts showed the lowest IC50values of 3.59 and 1.95 mg/mL for the same time frames. In the wound scratch assay, utilizing apricot extracts at their lowest IC50 values revealed significant differences in cell migration inhibition between treated and control groups. For Caco‐2 cells, the control group's wound closure was around 70%, whereas apricot extract treatment resulted in 10%–30% opening after 24 h, indicating a strong antiproliferative effect. Similarly, in MCF‐7 cells, the control group showed approximately 80% wound closure, in contrast to the 0%–12% opening observed in cells treated with apricot extract, further emphasizing the extracts' potent inhibitory impact on cell proliferation. Additionally, morphological evidence of cell death and apoptosis was observed in the images obtained through the AO/EB staining method, conducted to showcase the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of the apricot extract. Apricot extracts consistently demonstrated strong cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on both Caco‐2 and MCF‐7 cell lines, underscoring Malatya apricots' potential as a functional food component with promising therapeutic properties against cancer.
Partial Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy Boost Before Conventional Radiotherapy (P‐SABR) for Large (> 5 cm) Unresectable Stage III Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Bai Yun , Gao Xianshu , Qin Shangbin , Li Shanshi , Ma Mingwei , Cao Xi , Lyu Feng , Chen Jiayan , Qi Xin , Liu Siwei , Gao Yan , Li Hongzhen , Li Xiaomei , Li Xiaoying , Ren Xueying , Huang Lei
Published: December 2024

Objective

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is renowned for its high local control (LC) rates. Nonetheless, for tumors that are either large in volume or in close proximity to critical organs at risk, the application of SABR to the entire tumor becomes impractical. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of partial SABR boost before conventional radiotherapy (P‐SABR) for the treatment of large (> 5 cm) unresectable stage III nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

From April 2014 to January 2024, 44 patients with > 5 cm unresectable T3‐4N0‐3M0 stage III NSCLC were analyzed. The median diameter was 9 cm (5.2–22.7 cm). The P‐SABR plan is combined with a partial SABR boost part and a conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) part. In the partial SABR boost plan, the prescription dose for planning target volume (PTV) was 1.8–3 Gy per fraction over 3–4 fractions, and the artificially delineated gross tumor boost volume (GTVb) within GTV received a simultaneously integrated SABR dose (6 or 8 Gy per fraction). In the following CFRT plan, the median dose for the entire PTV was 54 Gy in 22 fractions. For the synthetic P‐SABR plan, the median cumulative dose delivered to the PTV was 62.1 Gy, while the median cumulative dose to the GTVb was escalated to 78 Gy.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 36 months (95% CI, 14.6–57.4 months). The LC rates at 1 and 2 years were 90.2% and 76.8%, respectively. The median OS was 47.0 months (95% CI, 16.8–77.2 months) and 15.0 months (95% CI, 6.0–24.0 months) for the chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy groups, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that P‐SABR combined with immunotherapy was associated with significantly longer OS (HR, 0.163; 95% CI, 0.038–0.704). Only one (2.3%) patient experienced grade 3 acute pneumonitis.

Conclusions

The P‐SABR treatment has shown a high rate of LC and tolerable toxicity in patients with large unresectable stage III NSCLC.
Innovative Geographic Information Science (GIS) and Remote Sensing Tools for Modelling the Ranging Behaviour and Habitat Dynamics of the African Savannah Elephant (Loxodonta africana) in Mesic Protected Areas
Authors: Mukomberanwa Nobert Tafadzwa , Taru Phillip , Utete Beaven , Ngorima Patmore
Published: December 2024

Transboundary wildlife species like the African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana) requires a comprehensive regional approach to monitoring and effective conservation. This requires a thorough understanding of their ecology, ranging behaviour and the distribution of suitable habitats. In diverse landscapes, the management and conservation of the African savannah elephant are critical, particularly in dry protected areas where water and food resources are limited. The use of innovative Geographic Information Science (GIS) and remote sensing tools is revolutionising the understanding of the ranging behaviour and habitat dynamics of the African savannah elephant. When adopting GIS and remote sensing tools, park managers and conservationists must remember that: (i) the African savannah elephant has a determinate movement pattern and clusters around dominant vegetation types, (ii) the soil‐adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) performs better relative to other indices in modelling the distribution of the African savannah elephant in arid areas, (iii) cellular automata–artificial neural network (CA‐ANN) is a robust technique in modelling future landscapes, (iv) landscapes or environments near water points are significantly utilised by the African savannah elephant and vegetation performance is usually better far from the piosphere, (v) significant difference in the size of the home ranges and habitat selection by the African savannah elephant is mostly influenced by vegetation type and seasonal variations of resources, (vi) hyperslender stems in forest gaps confirms minimal damage in African savannah elephant dominated landscapes (satellite data confirms evidence of high tree regeneration) and (vii) the dynamic Brownian Bridge Movement Model (dBBMM) is a smart technique for home range and utilisation distribution construction in different protected zones.
Dupilumab as an Adjunct to Oral Immunotherapy in Pediatric Patients With Peanut Allergy
Authors: Chinthrajah R. Sharon , Sindher Sayantani B. , Nadeau Kari C. , Leflein Jeffrey G. , Spergel Jonathan M. , Petroni Daniel H. , Jones Stacie M. , Casale Thomas B. , Wang Julie , Carr Warner W. , Shreffler Wayne G. , Wood Robert A. , Wambre Erik , Liu Jinzhong , Akinlade Bolanle , Atanasio Amanda , Orengo Jamie M. , Hamilton Jennifer D. , Kamal Mohamed A. , Hooper Andrea T. , Patel Kiran , Laws Elizabeth , Mannent Leda P. , Adelman Daniel C. , Ratnayake Anoshie , Radin Allen R.
Published: December 2024

Background

Peanut allergy is a common, life‐threatening food allergy in children. We evaluated whether dupilumab, which blocks the activity of interleukin (IL)‐4/IL‐13, enhances the efficacy of oral immunotherapy (OIT) AR101 in pediatric patients with peanut allergy.

Methods

A Phase II, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind study was conducted in the USA (NCT03682770) in pediatric patients (6–≤ 17 years old) with confirmed peanut allergy. Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive dupilumab + OIT or placebo + OIT during a 28–40‐week up‐dosing period. Patients in the dupilumab + OIT group were re‐randomized 1:1 and received dupilumab + OIT or placebo + OIT during 24‐week OIT maintenance, undergoing a 2044 mg (cumulative) of peanut protein double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) following up‐dosing, maintenance, and at 12‐week post‐treatment follow‐up.

Results

The study enrolled 148 patients, 123 of whom were included in the modified full analysis set, with a mean age of 11.1 years. Dupilumab + OIT treatment (n = 84) led to a 20.2% increase (p < 0.05) in the number of patients who passed a DBPCFC to 2044 mg (cumulative) of peanut protein following the up‐dosing period versus placebo (OIT alone, n = 39). Following the OIT maintenance period, continuous dupilumab treatment improved the number of patients who passed a DBPCFC to 2044 mg (cumulative) of peanut protein versus patients continuously on OIT alone (16.6% difference [95% CI −9.7, 42.8], p = 0.2123). Safety was consistent with known dupilumab safety profile.

Conclusions

Dupilumab provided a modest increase efficacy of OIT in children and adolescents with peanut allergy, though it did not provide protection against OIT‐related anaphylaxis.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03793608