bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ion channel function of polycystin-2/polycystin-1 heteromer revealed by structure-guided mutagenesis
Authors: Staudner Tobias , Khamseekaew Juthamas , Madej M. Gregor , Geiges Linda , Azemi Bardha , Ziegler Christine , Korbmacher Christoph , Ilyaskin Alexandr V. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAutosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is caused by mutations affecting polycystin-1 (PC1) or polycystin-2 (PC2). Recent structural data suggest that PC1 and PC2 can form heterotetrameric ion channels with a 3:1 stoichiometry, with the channel in a closed state. In this hetero-oligomeric formation three PC1 residues (R4100, R4107, and H4111) would work together with two PC2 residues (L677, N681) to block the ion permeation pathway. Here, we provide functional evidence supporting this model. When the pore-blocking residues are replaced by alanines, there is a significant gain-of-function (GOF) effect on PC2/PC1 currents. These PC2/PC1 GOF channels show different selectivity for monovalent cations and reduced Ca2+permeability compared to PC2 homomers. By varying the expression ratio of PC1 and PC2, we found that PC2 preferentially forms heteromeric complexes with PC1 over homomers. Additionally, a re-interpretation of published PC2/PC1 cryo-electron microscopy data, combined with cysteine modification experiments, suggests that the pore-forming domain of PC1 adopts a canonical TRP-like conformation. The novel PC2/PC1 GOF construct offers a promising approach to investigate the functional impact of mutations linked to ADPKD.
Telomere interactions and structural variants in ALT cells revealed with TelSPRITE
Authors: Wilson David G. , Clatterbuck Soper Sarah F. , Pineda Marbin A. , Walker Robert L. , Meltzer Paul S. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAcquisition of a telomere maintenance mechanism is essential for cancer cells. In a minority of tumors, telomeres are lengthened via Alternative Maintenance of Telomeres (ALT), a telomerase-independent pathway based on homologous recombination. ALT tumors have heavily rearranged genomes with many structural variants containing telomere repeats. To better understand the genetic evolution of these tumors, we seek to determine if certain genomic loci tend to spatially associate with telomeres in ALT and are especially liable to experience telomere recombination events as a result. Assays that reveal close spatial associations between genomic loci, such as SPRITE and Hi-C, have enabled extensive exploration of genomic spatial organization. However, as analysis pipelines for these next-generation sequencing-based assays typically discard reads aligning to repetitive elements, little is known about the spatial arrangement of telomeres and other repetitive loci in the nucleus. Here, we present TelSPRITE, a novel approach to extracting telomere contact frequencies from SPRITE data. We identify reads containing telomere repeats and sort them into a single bin, quantifying spatial contacts between the telomere bin and the rest of the genome. Our analysis reveals a strong dependency of telomere contact frequency on chromosomal distance from the telomere, consistent with the known effect of linear distance on 3-dimensional spatial contacts. Telomere contacts are also strongly enriched near centromeres, a phenomenon that may be reflective of spatial clustering of heterochromatic regions. ALT cell lines are globally enriched for telomere content and display distinctive intrachromosomal spikes in telomere contact frequency. Our customized analysis of long read sequencing data suggests that loci with high telomere contact frequencies represent structural variants containing telomere repeats in ALT cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate general principles of telomeric spatial organization while also profiling the spectrum of genomic rearrangements in ALT cells.
Comprehensive Proteomic, Ultrastructural and Functional Analysis of Cryopreservation Effects on Marine Mussel Oocytes
Authors: Blanco Sofía , Campos Sara , Reboreda Patricia , Paredes Estefanía , Diz Angel P. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTCryopreservation is a valuable tool for preserving marine genetic diversity and supporting selective breeding in aquaculture. The blue mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) is an important species for the aquaculture industry and a useful model for studying cryopreservation in marine invertebrates. Declining mussel seed availability over the past decade, combined with the growing demand for year-round hatchery production, has increased interest in developing effective cryopreservation methods for gametes and embryos. However, cryopreservation remains challenging, particularly for marine invertebrate oocytes, as it requires balancing cryoprotectant cytotoxicity with sufficient cell protection during freezing and thawing. Moreover, the molecular, structural, and functional changes associated with oocyte cryopreservation in invertebrates are still poorly understood. This study examines the effects of two commonly used cryoprotectants, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol (EG), onM. galloprovincialisoocytes under a monitored slow freezing (MSF) protocol. Using an integrative analytical approach combining proteomics, functional assessments, and ultrastructural analyses, we provide a comprehensive understanding of cryoprotectant-induced changes. Our findings reveal that cryoprotectants cause significant proteomic alterations, with DMSO having more pronounced effects. These alterations are associated with increased oxidative stress, an insufficient antioxidant response, and disruptions in meiosis restart mechanisms, ultimately delaying larval development. Cryoprotectant-induced oxidative stress may also weaken the oocyte membrane, leading to rupture during the MSF protocol and subsequent fertilisation failure post-thawing. These results provide evidence that EG is less cytotoxic than DMSO and suggest that supplementing cryoprotectants with antioxidants and membrane stabilizers could enhance success rates in the cryopreservation of oocytes from mussels and other marine invertebrate species.
Flight test evaluation of trim tab stabilisation system on a PZL-130 orlik aircraft
Authors: Zajdel Albert , Szczepański Cezary , Filipowicz Maciej , Krawczyk Mariusz , Welcer Michal 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
The paper presents the results of the final phase of the project, namely flight tests, aimed at developing a stabilisation system utilizing trim tabs for the PZL-130 Orlik turboprop military trainer aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach
The proposed flight stabilisation system was developed using modern techniques of model-based design, automatic code generation and software and hardware-in-the-loop testing. The project progressed to the flight testing stage, enabling the assessment of the control system’s quality and its final calibration.

Findings
Analysis of the results obtained during flight tests confirmed the high quality of the stabilisation system. Specifically, the anticipated accuracy of both longitudinal and lateral channel stabilisation was achieved.

Originality/value
The proposed flight stabilisation system, utilizing trim tabs, offers several advantages over classic automatic flight systems in terms of weight, energy consumption, structural simplicity and obviates the need for primary control modifications on the aircraft. It was developed using modern techniques of model-based design, automatic code generation and hardware-in-the-loop simulations.
Investigating the confidence business leaders have in business rescue
Authors: Rosslyn-Smith Wesley John 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe study measures business leaders’ perceptions of the likelihood of recovery, the competency of business rescue practitioners and the level of support they are expected to provide to businesses in rescue. By examining these three facets of confidence, using expectancy theory, the study seeks to reveal the perceptions of directors as decision-makers in commencing proceedings by inferring their level of confidence in the business rescue process to the likelihood of directors initiating business rescue proceedings timeously.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey targeted South African business leaders, especially directors, was developed to recognise the confidence in the business rescue process. The study combined quantitative (Likert scale) and qualitative (open-ended questions) methods. Data were analysed using the expectancy theory, linking behaviour to anticipated outcomes, to derive confidence in the rescue process. Limitations such as the sensitive nature of insolvency and its inherence negative inclinations should be noted.FindingsThe study revealed some complex sentiments surrounding the business rescue proceedings. The responses are indicative of both confidence in and scepticism of the process, offering a nuanced look at South Africa’s insolvency proceedings from outside the confines of the industry itself.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the study are notably reflected in its reliance on qualitative insights, which may inherently skew towards negative perceptions due to the nature of the subject – business rescue proceedings. Moreover, despite the anonymity of the survey, there remains a possibility that respondents, who are directors with fiduciary duties, may not have been completely forthcoming. This reticence could stem from an unconscious bias to present themselves and the decisions they make in a more favourable light, thus potentially downplaying or overlooking their own hesitations or misgivings about the business rescue process. This may lead to an underrepresentation of both the depth of scepticism and the complexity of the challenges faced in initiating business rescue proceedings.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in investigating the confidence business leaders have in the business rescue process in the context of South Africa derived from a survey instrument.
Technological distinct capabilities and innovative work behavior of Omani technopreneurs: influences of strategic flexibility and self-efficacy
Authors: Ba Awain Ali Mohsin Salim , Jaboob Ali Said , Ferasso Marcos , Alsheyadi Anwar , Acevedo-Duque Ángel 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the relationship between technology-distinct capabilities (TDC) and innovative work behavior (IWB) through the mediating effect of strategic flexibility (SF), to examine the behavior toward technopreneurship (BTT) among Omani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, technopreneur self-efficacy (TSE) is investigated as a moderating variable between TDC and SF.Design/methodology/approachBased on the quantitative research design, the survey questionnaire instrument was used to collect data from SMEs’ owners and managers. Using purposive sampling, the study comprised 285 responses from Muscat, Sohar and Al-Buraimi regions. Responses were analyzed through SPSS 25 and Smart PLS 4 using structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe main findings revealed a positive and significant influence of TDC and IWB on SF. In addition, SF mediates the relationship between TDC, IWB and TBB. Results showed no effect of TSE on TDC and SF. The study outlines significant theoretical and practical implications. Dynamic capability (DC) theory provided a framework for understanding the highly competitive Omani business climate. The diffusion of innovation (DOI) provides the way forward to SMEs that how they embrace and induce novel concepts, including SF.Originality/valueThe findings of the study can be used by academics and policymakers to develop policies that support SMEs’ technological innovation and adaptability. In the Omani context, policymakers and public managers can utilize this research to evaluate the different technopreneurship support programs and encourage SMEs to adopt digital technology to capitalize on the nation’s entrepreneurial dynamic.
Career choices: exploring military migrants’ justifications for their enlistment in the British Armed Forces
Authors: Adeoti Adejumoke , Mordi Chima , Adisa Toyin Ajibade 
Published: November 2024

PurposeUsing “on justification” theory, this article explores the rationality and justification of the West-African military migrants for joining the British Armed Forces.Design/methodology/approachWe utilise an interpretive qualitative research methodology in this study. We undertook semi-structured interviews with 42 military migrants who joined the British Armed Forces between 1998 and 2013.FindingsWe identify various factors that influenced the participants’ decision to join the British Armed Forces, such as individual aspirations, the need to find a “path” at a crossroad in life (e.g. a career dilemma or the loss of a parent), economic opportunities and institutional incentives. Military migrants’ career motivations are shaped by their deep affection for the Crown and their desire to give back to the country with which they share a colonial history.Practical implicationsThe UK’s Ministry of Defence, government and policymakers could gain valuable insights from this study. The findings could significantly shape their recruitment and retention policies, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the military profession. This could be a crucial step in addressing the recruitment challenges and personnel deficit currently faced by the British Armed Forces.Originality/valueThis study provides a fresh perspective on the dynamics of the military service of foreign-born veterans. The article focuses on an underrepresented group (West-African military migrants) to enhance our understanding of their career motivations in the British Armed Forces. We identify and categorise the motivations and justifications for military migrants’ enlistment in the British Armed Forces according to seven justifications, each depicting a career pattern informing the participants’ motivations and justifications for their enlistment.
Moving diversity, equity and inclusion research forward with(in) international business: addressing blind spots through critical and reflexive management scholarship
Authors: Rašković Matevž Matt , Hurd Fiona , Onaji-Benson Theresa 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a scene-setting viewpoint that critically examines various diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) blind spots within the field of international business (IB). These include issues such as social justice, intersectionality, de-colonization, the co-creation of inclusive research practices in indigenous spaces, social dialogue and the gap between DEI rhetoric and reality. An additional aim of the viewpoint is also to contextualise the discussion of DEI blind spots in terms of the six papers which make up the first part of a two-part special issue on DEI in IB".

Design/methodology/approach
The authors build on existing DEI overview works and comment on specific DEI blind spots. The authors also discuss the role of positionality as critical reflexive scholarship practice, which they see as an essential step in problematizing structural inequalities. The authors then discuss six specific areas where DEI blindspots persist within the IB literature and link their discussion to the six papers included in the first part of their DEI special issue.

Findings
Addressing the contradictions between the business and social justice cases for DEI requires addressing the ontological contradictions between the two perspectives through problematizing structural inequalities. A key contribution of the paper is also the discussion around positionality in DEI research and the relevance of positionality statements as part of critical reflexive scholarship in support of a socially just DEI research agenda.

Originality/value
The authors discuss the role DEI research plays and can play within the evolution of the IB discipline. The authors apply a critical management studies perspective to pervasive DEI issues, as well as engage with the topics in the special issue through a unique critical reflexive epistemology which includes their own positionality statements as guest editors and researchers. Their critical discussion and recommendations for future research serve as a kind of whetstone to sharpen IB’s DEI research tools and in turn for IB to help sharpen DEI research’s tools, supporting it to become more socially just.
Sculpting stories: methods to unsettle knowledge production in disasters
Authors: Ragus Emily , Sutherland Catherine , Manderson Lenore , Moyer Eileen 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study examines the application of arts-based research (ABR) methods in producing knowledge about the lived experiences of disasters, particularly focusing on the effects of flooding in an informal settlement in South Africa. It emphasizes the use of playdough sculpting as a tool for storytelling, aiming to address and reduce power imbalances between local participants and external researchers.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a qualitative approach, using playdough sculpting workshops conducted in the Quarry Road West informal settlement in Durban. These workshops were designed to capture the personal stories of individuals affected by the 2022 Durban floods. Data were collected through participant observation, photography and interviews, and were analyzed using a thematic framework to identify recurring patterns in the participants’ disaster experiences.FindingsThe research demonstrates that ABR methods, particularly playdough sculpting, effectively foster participatory engagement in disaster research. This method provided a platform for participants to describe their embodied experiences of the floods, addressing uneven epistemological power dynamics. It also highlighted the potential of ABR in facilitating the decolonization of disaster research by centering local narratives.Originality/valueThis study offers insights into the potential of ABR as a creative methodology in disaster research. It highlights how ABR can complement traditional research approaches by incorporating local perspectives and fostering more inclusive knowledge production in the context of disasters. The study also presents a ten-step guideline for applying playdough sculpting across various disciplines.
Asia’s battle against the perpetual plastic problem
Authors: Homer Stephen T. 
Published: November 2024

Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes are as follows: to analyse the issue(s) presented within specific case study context (C4); to formulate solutions to identified issue(s) within specific case study context (C5); and to synthesise a group plan to solve issue(s) within specific case study context (A4).

Case overview/synopsis
In 2017, China proclaimed that it would no longer accept plastic waste for recycling, this was in-line with China’s Operation “National Sword” to review the quality of these plastic imports to ensure their recyclability. This sent shock waves through a now globalised recycling network, with China previously having imported 95% of the EUs and 70% of US plastics that had been collected for recycling. This plastic backlog was then diverted to South-East Asian nations, particularly Malaysia, which this case focuses the discussion upon. While the potential for significant economic benefits drew the attention of illegitimate and unscrupulous businessmen alike, the environmental degradation from the often, low technological recycling processes and even burning of low-grade plastics brought profound negative impacts. This case focuses upon, then Minister, Yeo Bee Yin who led the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change, in which she took an active and aggressive stance in attempt to stop Malaysia becoming the dumping ground for the global plastic crisis.

Complexity academic level
This case is appropriate for final year undergraduate and any postgraduate degrees in Business.

Supplementary material
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 4: Environmental Management.
Investigation of the effect of weave and elastane yarn use on auxetic woven fabric formation and various physical performance parameters
Authors: Akgun Mine , Eren Recep , Suvari Fatih , Yurdakul Tuğba 
Published: November 2024

PurposeMaterials with negative Poisson’s ratio are known show improved performance properties. By designing woven fabric structures with auxetic properties, it would be possible to add many functional features to the structure in a single step compared to conventional fabric structures. This study investigated the weave designs for forming auxetic woven fabric structures and also the effects of using elastane yarns on Poisson’s ratio and possible auxetic performances.Design/methodology/approachWeave pattern designs consisting of re-entrant honeycomb and re-entrant zigzag forms, created by long floats and one-to-one intersections of yarns, were included in fabric structure. In addition, fabrics were woven by inserting weft yarns with and without elastane component to evaluate the effect of using elastane component on the auxetic performance. For this purpose, fabrics were woven with 100% polyester warp and weft yarns. Measurement of air permeability and % wetting area of fabrics under different elongations were carried out.FindingsResults showed that NPR could be obtained from the designed patterns creating re-entrant honeycomb and re-entrant zigzag geometrical forms on the fabric surface. Also, it was found that the use of elastane yarn had an improving effect on auxetic performance of the woven fabrics.Originality/valueBy designing auxetic structured woven fabrics could be preferred in areas of use where clothing comfort was desired, due to the transverse expansion behavior as a result of the auxetic effect due to tension and the resulting pore opening effect.
Assessment of the impact of extraversion on depression, distraction and knowledge absorption capacity in online learning education
Authors: Ray Arghya , Oulamine Ayoub , Lim Bibiana 
Published: November 2024

Purpose As different countries are witnessing a surge in online course enrollments, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of different stressors and strains on the continuity of online classes for understanding learner behavior. While extroverts are more talkative, sociable and open than introverts, it is necessary to understand the impact of extraversion personality traits on leaners’ distraction, depression and knowledge absorption capacity (KAC) in online learning scenarios. This will help to curate the content to cater to such students. Additionally, it will be interesting to examine how these effects change when the frequency and duration of classes are increased or decreased. Research on such aspects is scarce, highlighting a critical gap in the literature, which this study tries to address.Design/methodology/approach A quantitative-based survey was adopted for collecting data from Indian students. About 482 responses received in the survey were analyzed through the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique.Findings Findings suggest a significant positive effect of extraversion on both distraction and depression. Depression had a significant negative impact on KAC. The frequency of classes had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between extraversion and distraction. Additionally, the duration of classes had a significant moderating effect on the association between distraction and KAC.Originality/value Limited studies have attempted to examine the impact of personality (extraversion) on depression, distraction and finally KAC in the online education context. This study aims to add value to existing literature by addressing this gap.