bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EOR-1/PLZF-regulated WAH-1/AIF sequentially promotes early and late stages of non-apoptotic corpse removal
Authors: Rather Nathan , Williams Melvin , Elkhalil Aladin , Juanez Karen , Sharmin Rashna , Clark Ginger , Shaham Shai , Ghose Piya 
Published: December 2024

AbstractProgrammed cell death (PCD) is a crucial, genetically-encoded, and evolutionarily-conserved process required for development and homeostasis. We previously identified a genetically non-apoptotic, highly ordered, and stereotyped killing program called Compartmentalized Cell Elimination (CCE) in theC. eleganstail-spike epithelial cell (TSC). Here we identify the transcription factor EOR-1/PLZF as an important coordinator of CCE. Loss of EOR-1 results in a large, persisting, un-engulfed soma with enlarged nuclei. We find that EOR-1 and its partners positively regulate the transcription of the Apoptosis Inducing Factor AIF homolog, WAH-1/AIF. We report stereotyped and sequential spatiotemporal dynamics of WAH-1/AIF1 during phagocytosis, with defined roles acting early and late, within the dying cells. Mitochondria to plasma membrane translocation within the TSC soma is required its internalization by its phagocyte, and plasma membrane to nuclear translocation is required for DNA degradation and ultimately, corpse resolution. Our study suggests that EOR-1 serves as a master regulator for the transcriptional control of DNA degradation is essential for changes in nuclear morphology required for cellular dismantling and infers that tight spatiotemporal regulation of WAH-1/AIF is required for this function.Summary StatementThis work describes the genetic control and cellular dynamics of a factor linked to cancer, metabolic and degenerative disease acting in developmentally dying cells to instruct their own removal.
Photonic Simulation of Majorana-Based Jones Polynomials
Authors: Li Jia-Kun , Sun Kai , Hao Ze-Yan , Liang Jia-He , Tao Si-Jing , Pachos Jiannis K. , Xu Jin-Shi , Han Yong-Jian , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guang-Can 
Published: December 2024

By braiding non-Abelian anyons it is possible to realize fault-tolerant quantum algorithms through the computation of Jones polynomials. So far, this has been an experimentally formidable task. In this Letter, a photonic quantum system employing two-photon correlations and nondissipative imaginary-time evolution is utilized to simulate two inequivalent braiding operations of Majorana zero modes. The resulting amplitudes are shown to be mathematically equivalent to Jones polynomials. The high fidelity of our optical platform allows us to distinguish between a wide range of links, such as Hopf links, Solomon links, Trefoil knots, Figure Eight knots and Borromean rings, through determining their corresponding Jones polynomials. Our photonic quantum simulator represents a significant step towards executing fault-tolerant quantum algorithms based on topological quantum encoding and manipulation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Impact of digital platform capability on innovation performance: the serial mediation effects of external knowledge search and resource bricolage
Authors: Zhao Feifei , Zha Yifan 
Published: December 2024

PurposeIn the era of the digital economy, digital platform capability plays an important role in the process of firm digitization. This study aims to investigate the relationships among digital platform capability and innovation performance from the perspective of external knowledge search and resource bricolage.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the hierarchical regression and bootstrapping methods to test the theoretical framework and research hypotheses. The survey data were collected from 629 Chinese firms.FindingsThis study finds that digital platform capability has a significant positive effect on innovation performance; external knowledge search and resource bricolage both play partial mediating roles between digital platform capability and innovation performance. There exist the serial mediation effects of “digital platform capability – external knowledge search – resource bricolage – innovation performance”.Originality/valueThe conclusion of this study can expand the research on digital platform capability, reveal the internal mechanism of digital platform capability in firm innovation and provide ideas and inspiration for firms to improve innovation performance and realise high-quality development.
The expectancy violation effect: how negative performance feedback affects firms’ M&A intensity
Authors: Ding Yixin , Lei Zhen , Wei Junrong 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Building on expectancy violations theory, this study aims to investigate the role of negative performance feedback in firm’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) intensity, a typical risky strategic option which might entail negative reactions from shareholders, and also examine the moderating effects of top management teams (TMTs) regulatory focus on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a longitudinal panel sample of 2,042 Chinese A-share listed manufacturing firms and data for the years between 2007 and 2019 collected from multiple data sources. Furthermore, the authors also conducted supplementary analyses and various robustness checks of the key variables.

Findings
The findings show that both the intensity and duration of negative performance feedback negatively impact firms’ M&A intensity. Besides, the effect of negative performance feedback on M&A intensity will be magnified when the focal firm of TMTs with high prevention focus.

Practical implications
During the period of performance depression, TMTs are supposed to focus on stability, keep an eye on potential risks and be prudent in making decisions like walking on eggshells to avoid making further losses.

Originality/value
This study develops a core mechanism – managers of underperformance firms prioritize meeting shareholder expectations as their foremost task to ensure minimal negative repercussions – and also highlights the role of fit between TMT prevention focus and negative performance feedback on M&A intensity.
Exploring ChatGPT usage amongst female academics and researchers in the academia
Authors: Adewale Sulaimon 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to explore the experiences of female academics and researchers in tertiary institutions in South Africa as a means of bridging the gaps in research productivity.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative research design of a phenomenological type to explore the experiences of purposively selected 20 female academics and researchers in a South African University. A semi-structured interview was used to generate data, while NVivo version 14 software was used to code and thematically categorise codes.FindingsThe study’s findings showed that female academics and researchers have mixed perceptions about the usefulness of artificial intelligence for their research productivity. While many used ChatGPT to support their research and other scholarly works, others identified the fear of involving in unethical acts that can tarnish their academic integrity as a threat to its usage. Nonetheless, the tool has contributed to their productivity.Practical implicationsThe outcome of this study is a pointer to the need for educational leaders in tertiary institutions in Africa to upskill academics and researchers' knowledge of the use of emerging technologies for research. Institutions could achieve this through training and peer mentoring.Originality/valueThe study is unique because it will call the attention of academics and researchers, especially women, to how the integration of education technologies can help improve both their research and teaching mandate delivery.
Taxation and labor supply decisions: impact of the earned income tax credit in Italy
Authors: Villamaina Luca , Acciari Paolo 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThe earned income tax credit – so-called “monthly 80 euros bonus” – introduced in Italy in 2014, has been characterized by a rapid phase-out area for budget-constraints reasons, leading to very high effective marginal tax rates. The aim of our analysis is to empirically investigate whether this policy design has effectively determined a reduction of the intensive margin of the labor supply of employees.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical analysis is based on the longitudinal electronic database of Personal Income Tax returns from 2011 to 2017 assembled by the Department of Finance of the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance. The timing and the structure of the reform allow us to exploit the “Regression Discontinuity in Time” (RDiT) framework using the before/after with the discontinuous policy change.FindingsDespite a close to 100% effective marginal tax rate for a substantial income range, a unique feature among EU and OECD countries, we found that the tax credit design had no negative effect on changes of the labor effort in Italy, challenging the economic theory but confirming previous empirical evidence. We identify the following explanations of this result: the unawareness of the workers of their effective marginal tax rate, caused by the complexity of the tax system, the limited ability of workers to actually decide their labor effort and the fact that labor supply also responds to anticipated future wage changes.Originality/valueFirst, this is the first paper that applies the RDiT approach to measure the impact of the EITC policy, as previous studies applied difference-in-differences. Second, in previous empirical studies analyzing the effects of EITC on labor effort, the taxpayers’ behavioral response is observed where the EMTRs are around 50% or lower. Our application tests, in a quasi-natural experiment, an extremely high EMTR, reaching 96%, and has the added advantage of being based on the entire dataset of dependent employees. Third, our paper also specifically contributes to the literature on EITCs in Italy and their impact on the labor market.
Between real change and institutional facade: unpacking operational sustainability in English universities
Authors: Hope Alex , Zhang Hongyi 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aims to critically examine operational sustainability (OS) in English public universities, uniquely integrating neo-institutional and organisational legitimacy theories to explore the alignment of sustainability strategies with organisational practices.

Design/methodology/approach
Adopting a rigorous qualitative approach, this study combines semi-structured interviews with 20 OS managers and a thorough document analysis involving over 800 documents. This robust methodology ensures a deep exploration of institutional sustainability dynamics.

Findings
This study reveals a significant discrepancy between stated and actual sustainability performances, with institutions frequently engaging in symbolic sustainability efforts. It highlights the need for robust benchmarking systems to accurately measure and encourage genuine sustainability integration.

Practical implications
The identified barriers and the subsequent recommended approaches can guide public universities in their strategic planning and implementation of OS initiatives, ensuring more effective outcomes.

Social implications
This study underscores the importance of university stakeholders in shaping OS engagement. It signals a need for broader societal awareness and collaboration to truly drive universities towards a more sustainable future.

Originality/value
This study is original in its dual-theoretical approach, applying both neo-institutional and organisational legitimacy theories to dissect the complexities of sustainability in higher education. It extends the discourse on sustainability by scrutinising the often-overlooked gap between policy and practice, providing a nuanced understanding of institutional behaviours and pressures.
Microstructure and tribological performances of laser cladded FeCoCrMoSi amorphous coating under different normal loads
Authors: Peng Zhao , Dejun Kong 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The aim was to investigate the effect of normal load on the tribological performance of laser cladded FeCoCrMoSi amorphous coating, which might choose the appropriate normal load for the friction reduction and wear resistance.

Design/methodology/approach
A FeCoCrMoSi amorphous coating was prepared on 45 steel using laser cladding, and the tribological performance of obtained coating under the different normal loads was investigated using a ball-on-disk tribometer.

Findings
The FeCoCrMoSi amorphous coating is composed of M23C6, Co6Mo6C2 and amorphous phases, where the M23C6 hard phase enhances the coating hardness to increase the wear resistance and the Co6Mo6C2 with the vein shape forms the strong mechanical interlock to play the role of friction reduction. The average coefficients of friction of containing amorphous FeCoCrMoSi coating under the normal loads of 3, 4 and 5 N are 0.68, 0.65 and 0.53, respectively, and the corresponding wear rates are 17.7, 23.9 and 21.9 µm3•N−1•mm−1, respectively, showing that the appropriate normal load is beneficial for improving its friction reduction and wear resistance. The wear mechanism is composed of adhesive wear, abrasive wear and oxidative wear, which is attributed to the high hardness of amorphous coating by the amorphous phase.

Originality/value
The FeCoCrMoSi amorphous coating was first applied for the improvement of 45 steel, and the effect of normal load on its tribological performance was investigated.

Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2024-0304/
Digital transformation of retail banking in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Kothari Umesh , Grandhi Balakrishna , Thrassou Alkis 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to study, understand and elucidate the digital transformation of retail banks in the UAE, and to identify its key components and their interrelationship. The paper further proposes theoretical and executive directions of international worth and application, particularly in Asian countries of comparable business contexts.

Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative study design was used using an online instrument, with a sample size of 367 respondents from the UAE, comprising retail banking professionals and customers. A conceptual model capturing the responses was developed to measure their impact on the dependent variable, and variance-based structured equation modeling was used.

Findings
The five independent variables of customer experience, service quality, automation, digital skills and regulation were measured through the literature survey. The results cleared the accuracy threshold, and eight hypotheses were found to be significant in delineating and explicating the variables’ direct and indirect associations.

Originality/value
The study presents new and original data that expand and refine our knowledge on the fast-evolving topic of digital transformation of retail banks. The findings offer both theoretical advancements and practicable directions, which focus on the UAE, and highlight substantial differences to generic international research. They further and inexorably build a solid foundation for scientific and executive application in the wider region and beyond.
Understanding green behaviours through the lens of self-determination theory
Authors: Saini Garima , Jena Lalatendu Kesari , Gupta Shivani , Mahale Girija 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The paper aims to explore and explain sustainable behaviours in an organizational context using self-determination theory, suggesting that individuals are likely to be engaged in green practices when supported by their needs.

Design/methodology/approach
The study used three waves of longitudinal design, consisting of 702 executives in leadership roles across public and private companies with an average of 15–20 years of work experience. Professionals working throughout PAN India, the USA, Germany and Australia provided us with the data.

Findings
Green transformational leaderships play a pivot in fostering optimism in employees when recrafting their work. Employees being encouraged to evaluate their jobs within the organization’s capacity would bring meaningful change and envision a sustainable future. All the study hypotheses were supported, highlighting the importance of green-focused leadership with individual agencies in line with the organization’s green values.

Practical implications
Using sustainable practices advances organizations in providing green commitment through leadership. Implementing this in the organization can help achieve long-term success by ensuring sustainable practices are embedded in culture rather than a peripheral initiative promoting sustainable decision-making and behaviours.

Originality/value
The study provides insights into the factors influencing decisions to maintain and adopt sustainable practices by providing a deeper understanding of green behaviour change and strategies for promoting pro-environmental strategies in organizations.
Characterization of tea polysaccharides from Tieguanyin oolong tea and their hepatoprotective effects via AMP‐activated protein kinase–mediated signaling pathways
Authors: Chen Yiqin , Huang Yanxin , Gan Qiaorong , Zhang Wenhui , Sun Han , Zhu Lingling , Wang Wenxiang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn the present study, we succeeded in extracting tea polysaccharide (TPS) from Tieguanyin oolong tea, and the TPS was characterized. TPS is an acidic heteropolysaccharide containing rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose (Glc), xylose, mannose, galacturonic acid, and guluronic acid. We found that TPS supplementation partially reversed the elevated levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in high‐fat diet (HD)‐induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mice (p < 0.05), and hepatic steatosis and impaired Glc tolerance were also ameliorated. After HD intervention, the activity of Adenosine 5'‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its downstream genes, including Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c (SREBP1c), acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase 1 (ACC1), and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05). TPS can increase the expression of these genes. The hepatoprotective effects of TPS in AMPK−/− mice almost completely disappeared. Moreover, the expression levels of SIRT1, SREBP1c, ACC1, and ATGL did not significantly change after TPS supplementation (p > 0.05). Therefore, our findings suggest that TPS protects the liver from hepatic glucolipid metabolism disorders in HD‐induced NAFLD mice by activating AMPK‐mediated signaling pathways.
Accelerated biological aging, healthy behaviors, and genetic susceptibility with incidence of stroke and its subtypes: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Xuening , Zhao Hao , Li Zilin , Liu Xinjie , Zhang Yurong , Yang Ning , Zhang Tongchao , Yang Xiaorong , Lu Ming 
Published: December 2024

AbstractStroke risk increases with chronological age, but the relationship with biological age (BA) acceleration is poorly understood. We aimed to examine the association between BA acceleration and incident stroke and its subtypes, explore the modifying effects on genetic susceptibility, and assess how BA acceleration mediates the effect of behavior score. We studied 253,932 UK Biobank participants and computed two BA measures (Klemera‐Doubal Method [KDM], Phenotypic Age [PhenoAge]), with BA acceleration calculated by regressing BA on chronological age. The polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived from 87 genetic loci. The behaviors score was based on diet, physical activity, tobacco/nicotine, sleep, and BMI. During a median follow‐up of 13.6 years, 5460 strokes, 4337 ischemic stroke (IS), 951 intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and 553 subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) cases were documented. Adjusting for confounding factors, each standard deviation increase in BA acceleration was associated with higher stroke risk: for KDM‐BA acceleration, stroke (HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.25–1.32), IS (1.32, 1.28–1.36), ICH (1.15, 1.08–1.23), and SAH (1.16, 1.07–1.27); for PhenoAge acceleration, stroke (1.22, 1.19–1.25), IS (1.26, 1.22–1.29), ICH (1.08, 1.02–1.16), and SAH (1.08, 1.00–1.18). Compared to participants with the lowest PRS and BA acceleration, those with the highest PRS and BA acceleration had the highest stroke risk (KDM‐BA acceleration: 2.19, 1.85–2.59; PhenoAge acceleration: 2.03, 1.69–2.42). Additionally, there was an additive interaction between KDM‐BA acceleration and PRS. The mediation proportion of BA acceleration in associations of behaviors score with incident stroke and its subtypes ranged from 15.84% to 33.08%. BA acceleration may raise stroke risk, especially in those with high genetic risk. Maintaining healthy behaviors may help mitigate this risk.
Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with utilization of alcohol use disorder treatment in a multicenter study of patients with alcohol‐associated cirrhosis
Authors: Luk Jeremy W. , Ha Nghiem B. , Shui Amy M. , Snyder Hannah R. , Batki Steven L. , Ostacher Michael J. , Monto Alexander , Wong Robert J. , Cheung Ramsey , Parekh Priti , Hua William , Tompkins D. Andrew , Fakadej Taylor , Haight Christina G. , Liao Meimei , Khalili Mandana , Satre Derek D. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment can help improve clinical outcomes among patients with alcohol‐associated cirrhosis but is underutilized. Among socioeconomically disadvantaged patients with alcohol‐associated cirrhosis, we examined rates of lifetime and past 12‐month AUD treatment utilization and associated demographic and clinical characteristics.MethodsRacial/ethnically diverse patients with alcohol‐associated cirrhosis who had at least one hepatology clinic visit in the prior 6 months were recruited from three Northern California medical centers serving veterans and safety‐net populations. Participants self‐reported their AUD treatment utilization, liver disease quality of life (LDQoL), history and current symptoms of anxiety and depression, and problematic drinking as measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Clinical measures including liver disease severity were captured from medical records.ResultsAmong 196 participants, the majority were male (88%) with a mean age of 62 years. Two‐thirds of participants (67%) reported ever utilizing AUD treatment and 32% reported utilizing AUD treatment in the past 12 months. Compared with those who did not utilize AUD treatment, participants who utilized lifetime or past 12‐month AUD treatment were younger, had lower LDQoL scores, and had higher scores on current symptoms of anxiety, depression, and problematic drinking. In multivariable analyses, the odds of ever utilizing pharmacological treatment alone or both behavioral and pharmacological treatment (vs. none) were lower with older age or higher LDQoL, and higher among those with a history of anxiety/depressive disorder. For past 12‐month treatment utilization, odds were lower with older age, and higher among those with current clinically significant anxiety/depression or problematic drinking.ConclusionsPatients with alcohol‐associated cirrhosis who were younger or had anxiety/depression and problematic drinking were more likely to utilize AUD treatment. To improve AUD treatment utilization, targeted outreach to patients less likely to receive care and the provision of integrated ALD and AUD treatment is warranted.