bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BEYOND UNIFORMITY: Pyomelanin’s structural complexity impacts on UV shielding inPseudomonasspecies with different lifestyles
Authors: Diaz Appella Mateo N. , Kolender Adriana , Oppezzo Oscar J. , López Nancy I. , Tribelli Paula M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMelanin, a polymeric pigment synthesized by various organisms, confers advantageous traits, including heightened resistance to stress agents. InPseudomonas, disruption of the tyrosine degradation pathway leads to pyomelanin production. Despite a shared synthetic pathway, the chemical structure of pyomelanin remains elusive due to its heterogeneous polymeric nature, suggesting composition variations even among closely related species. Our objective was to analyze pyomelanin structural features acrossPseudomonasstrains: CRISPR/nCas9-engineeredhmgAmutants of PAO1 and PA14, reference strains of the human opportunist pathogenP. aeruginosa; a natural melanogenic mutant (PAM) from a patient; and a Tn5 mutant of the extremophile bacteriumP. extremaustralis(PexM). Structural analysis revealed strain-specific differences. UV spectra exhibited dual peaks for PAO1 and PA14 mutants, while PAM and PexM displayed a single peak. FTIR indicated changes in the alcohol content ratio, with PAO1 and PA14hmgAmutants having a near 1:1 ratio, PexM a dominant phenol band, and PAM a predominance of the alcohol band. Complex NMR spectra suggested non-linear polymers composed by substituted phenolic rings, carboxylic acids, and alkyl chains, highlighting inter-pigment disparities. UVC (254 nm) susceptibility assessment showed increased survival with pyomelanin addition, correlating with the attenuation of the incoming radiation due to absorption in the culture medium. Moreover, survival to UVC ofP. extremaustraliswas different depending on the melanin source being the most protective pyomelanin obtained from PAO1. These findings reveal distinct pyomelanin subgroups based on structure among strains, elucidating varied physiological effects.
Microtubule networks in zebrafish hair cells facilitate presynapse transport and fusion during development
Authors: Hussain Saman , Pinter Katherine , Uhl Mara , Wong Hiu-Tung , Kindt Katie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSensory cells in the retina and inner ear rely on specialized ribbon synapses for neurotransmission. Disruption of these synapses is linked to visual and auditory dysfunction, but it is unclear how these unique synapses are formed. Ribbon synapses are defined by a presynaptic density called a ribbon. Using live-imaging approaches in zebrafish, we find that early in hair-cell development, many small ribbon precursors are present throughout the cell. Later in development, fewer and larger ribbons remain, and localize at the presynaptic active zone (AZ). Using tracking analyses, we show that ribbon precursors exhibit directed motion along an organized microtubule network towards the presynaptic AZ. In addition, we show that ribbon precursors can fuse together on microtubules to form larger ribbons. Using pharmacology, we find that microtubule disruption interferes with ribbon motion, fusion, and normal synapse formation. Overall, this work demonstrates a dynamic series of events that underlies formation of a critical synapse required for sensory function.
Financial inclusion toward economic inclusion: empirical evidence from China’s rural household
Authors: Jin Shan , Gan Christopher , Anh Dao Le Trang 
Published: April 2024

PurposeFocusing on micro-level indicators, we investigate financial inclusion levels in rural China, examining its determinants and impact on household welfare. We construct a financial inclusion index of four essential financial services: savings, digital payments, credit and insurance. We identify factors influencing financial inclusion among Chinese rural households and assess the effects of financial inclusion on household welfare.Design/methodology/approachWith the entropy method, we use data from the 2019 China Household Finance Survey to assess financial inclusion levels in rural China. Determinants and their impact on welfare are analyzed through probit and ordinary least squares models, respectively. Propensity scoring matching is applied to address potential endogeneity.FindingsWe reveal that rural households exhibit limited usage of formal financial services, with notable regional disparities. The eastern region enjoys the highest financial inclusion and the central region lags behind. Household characteristics such as family size, education level of the household head, income, employment status and financial literacy significantly influence financial inclusion. Financial inclusion positively impacts household welfare as indicated by household consumption expenditure. The use of different types of financial services is crucial with varying but significant effects on household welfare.Originality/valueThis study offers valuable insights into China’s rural financial inclusion progress, highlighting potential barriers and guiding government actions.
Decision support criteria for the implementation of waste-to-energy conversion systems: a case study in Southern Brazil
Authors: Sellitto Miguel Afonso , Lima Maria Soares de , Silva Leandro Tomasin da , Kadel Jr Nelson , Butturi Maria Angela 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe purpose of the article is to identify relevant criteria for decision support in the implementation of waste-to-energy (WtE)-based systems.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is a simple case study with a qualitative approach. Five experts involved in the project of a thermoelectric power plant qualitatively evaluated, on a Likert scale, a decision model with 15 indicators derived from recent studies. The research object was the first stage of a project to implement a thermoelectric plant employing municipal solid waste (MSW) in southern Brazil.FindingsThe study identified 15 criteria supporting the decision-making process regarding WtE implementation for MSW in a mid-sized city in southern Brazil. The study identified that compliance with MSW legislation, compliance with energy legislation, initial investment and public health impact are the most influential criteria. The study offered two models for decision processes: a simplified one and a complete one, with ten and fifteen indicators, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThe study concerns mid-sized municipalities in southern Brazil.Practical implicationsMunicipal public managers have now a methodology based on qualitative evaluation that admits multiple perspectives, such as technical, economic, environmental and social, to support decision-making processes on WtE technologies for MSW.Social implicationsMSW management initiatives can yield jobs and revenues for vulnerable populations and provide a correct destination for MSW, mainly in developing countries.Originality/valueThe main originality is that now municipal public decision-makers have a structured model based on four constructs (technical, economic, environmental and social) deployed in 15 indicators to support decision-making processes involving WtE and MSW management.
Saving farm subsidies with smart climate interventions: the case of transition to a millet-based agriculture
Authors: Sedithippa Janarthanan Balaji 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe study attempts to estimate farm subsidies the governments can save by transitioning to a millet-based production system, replacing GHG emission-intensive crops.Design/methodology/approachIt updates a 131 × 131 commodity input–output (IO) table of the year 2015–16 into 2021–22 using the RAS procedure and simulates the economy-wide impacts of replacing rice and wheat with pearl millet and sorghum using consumption and production approaches. It then quantifies fertilizer, electricity and credit subsidy expenses the government can save through this intervention. It also estimates the potential reduction in GHG emissions that the transition could bring about. India is taken as a case.FindingsResults show pearl millet expansion brings greater benefits to the government. It is estimated that when households return to their pearl millet consumption rates that prevailed in the early-reform period, this could save the Indian government Rs. 622 crores (USD 75 m). The savings shall be reinvested in agriculture to finance climate adaptation/mitigation efforts, contributing to a sustainable food system. Net GHG emissions also decline by 3.3–3.6 MMT CO2e.Practical implicationsIndian government has been actively aiming to bring down paddy areas since 2013–14 through the Crop Diversification Program and promoting millets (and pulses and oilseeds) on these farms. The prime reason is to check rapidly declining groundwater irrigation in Green Revolution states. Regulations in the past in these states have not brought the intended results. Meanwhile, electricity and fertilizers are heavily subsidized for agriculture. A slight shift in the cropping system can help conserve these resources. Meanwhile, GHG emissions could also be brought down and subsidies could well be saved. The results of the study indicate the same.Social implicationsA less warm society is what governments and nongovernment organizations across the world are aiming for at present. Financial implications affect actions against climate change to a greater extent, apart from technological innovations. The effects of policy strategies discussed in the study, taking a large country as a case, when implemented appropriately around the regions, could help move a step closer to action against climate change.Originality/valueThe paper addresses a key but rarely explored research issue – that how a climate-sensitive crop choice will help reduce the government’s fiscal burden to finance climate adaption/mitigation. It also offers a mechanism to estimate the benefits within an economy-wide framework.
Enhancing supply chain resilience in offsite construction through the procurement strategy: a systematic literature review
Authors: Tennakoon Tennakoon Mudiyanselage Maheshi Pabasara , Chileshe Nicholas , Rameezdeen Raufdeen , Ochoa J. Jorge , Samaraweera Aparna 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
Offsite construction (OC) is an efficient method to reduce waste in the construction industry from a circular economy perspective. Yet, its uptake is subdued by the ambiguities around its supply chain. Hence, the purpose of this study is twofold: to identify the OC project delivery models, the limitations in their procurement approach to facilitate the resilience of the supply chain and interventions to promote supply chain resilience (SCR) and to identify the gaps in the existing procurement process and propose further research areas that implement strategies to improve SCR.

Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted as a systematic literature review. In total, 41 peer-reviewed research papers published between 2013 and 2023 were shortlisted through the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. A descriptive analysis was conducted, followed by a thematic analysis.

Findings
The descriptive analysis reveals that the emphasis on digitising OC has shifted to transforming the business model, procurement and supply chain with a human-centric view. In thematic analysis, the predictability of the SC partners and the probabilities of evaluating the prospects are revealed as arbitrary characteristics in the current procurement strategies. Rewarding collaborative relationships among SC partners and incorporating provisions to postpone the module delivery are some interventions to promote flexibility. Drafting comprehensive and effective contracts that address transparency issues and facilitating the need for continuous development of capabilities through procurement are among the further research avenues proposed.

Originality/value
This study is a precursor demonstrating the potential of the procurement process to implement the decrees of SCR for better goal congruence of the OC supply chain.
An FEM framework for modeling forces between NdFeB magnets and HTS bulks
Authors: Homrich Guilherme , Ferreira Flores Filho Aly , Eckert Paulo Roberto , Dorrell David George 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to introduce an alternative for modeling levitation forces between NdFeB magnets and bulks of high-temperature superconductors (HTS). The presented approach should be evaluated through two different formulations and compared with experimental results.

Design/methodology/approach
The T-A and H-ϕ formulations are among the most efficient approaches for modeling superconducting materials. COMSOL Multiphysics was used to apply them to magnetic levitation models and predict the forces involved.The permanent magnet movement is modeled by combining moving meshes and magnetic field identity pairs in both 2D and 3D studies.

Findings
It is shown that it is possible to use the homogenization technique for the T-A formulation in 3D models combined with mixed formulation boundaries and moving meshes to simulate the whole device’s geometry.

Research limitations/implications
The case studies are limited to the formulations’ implementation and a brief assessment regarding degrees of freedom. The intent is to make the simulation straightforward rather than establish a benchmark.

Originality/value
The H-ϕ formulation considers the HTS bulk domain as isotropic, whereas the T-A formulation homogenization approach treats it as anisotropic. The originality of the paper lies in contrasting these different modeling approaches while incorporating the external magnetic field movement by means of the Lagrangian–Eulerian method.
MRI compatible electromagnetic actuator: magneto-thermal design and optimization
Authors: Moualek Boussad , Chauviere Simon , Belguerras Lamia , Mezani Smail , Lubin Thierry 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-safe iron-free electrical actuator for MR-guided surgical interventions.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper deals with the design of an MRI compatible electrical actuator. Three-dimensional electromagnetic and thermal analytical models have been developed to design the actuator. These models have been validated through 3D finite element (FE) computations. The analytical models have been inserted in an optimization procedure that uses genetic algorithms to find the optimal parameters of the actuator.

Findings
The analytical models are very fast and precise compared to the FE models. The computation time is 0.1 s for the electromagnetic analytical model and 3 min for the FE one. The optimized actuator does not perturb imaging sequence even if supplied with a current 10 times higher than its rated one. Indeed, the actuator’s magnetic field generated in the imaging area does not exceed 1 ppm of the B0 field generated by the MRI scanner. The actuator can perform up to 25 biopsy cycles without any risk to the actuator or the patient since he maximum temperature rise of the actuator is about 20°C. The actuator is compact and lightweight compared to its pneumatic counterpart.

Originality/value
The MRI compatible actuator uses the B0 field generated by scanner as inductor. The design procedure uses magneto-thermal coupled models that can be adapted to the design of a variety actuation systems working in MRI environment.
Country Delight: expanding the consumer’s product pantry
Authors: Sondhi Neena , Gupta Shruti 
Published: April 2024

Learning outcomes
The case study offers interesting learning possibilities and offers the following learning opportunities to the learner. assess and conduct a macro- and micro-environmental analysis, comprehend the nature of the competitive landscape and how it changes when one looks at a digital-only versus an omnichannel marketplace, examine the product mix and policy of the firm and evaluate how it delivers customer value and analyse the pros and cons of growth strategies available to a firm and arrive at a viable and actionable future business and product strategy.

Case overview/synopsis
The short case study presents the story of a young start-up called Country Delight. The firm began operations in 2011 and was the brainchild of Chakradhar Gade and Nitin Kaushal. The direct-to-consumer firm addressed urban consumers’ non-articulated, latent need to get “fresh and uncontaminated” milk to their doorstep. Country Delight delivered farmer-to-consumer fresh cow and buffalo milk and milk products based on a well-designed and efficient value chain where the supply chain was either wholly owned or quality monitored by the firm. The firm began operations in India’s National Capital Region and was spread across 15 metro cities. Slowly, over the years, Gade and Kaushal added more product categories.Country Delight had a subscriber base of around 500,000, and the ambitious duo wanted to double their subscriber base and reach one million subscribers by financial year 2025. The firm was looking at various paths to achieve this number. Should Country Delight expand into new geographies? Or look at adding to the existing product portfolio? Diversification into agritourism, like the Pune-based vineyard – Sula, also looked attractive to build consumer engagement. Would taking the consumer to the farmers from whom they sourced the milk and vegetables contribute additional revenue to Country Delight and their farmer-suppliers? As the firm got ready to raise another round of funding, it needed a well-articulated growth strategy that was exciting and profitable for all stakeholders.

Complexity academic level
This case study presents the dilemma entrepreneurs face as they look at the next phase of growth. Thus, this case study serves as a learning opportunity for a graduate-level course in management and as a sounding board for those who aspire to enter the start-up space. Though this case study has the potential to illustrate basic concepts such as value chain and macro- and micro-environment analysis, the protagonist’s dilemma and the problem statement make it apt for integrated discussions that are critical in advanced electives in marketing management.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 8: Marketing.
Understanding purchase behaviour towards green housing among millennials: the mediating role of purchase intention
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Rani Vinki , Rani Garima , Rani Manju 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate millennials’ purchase behaviours towards green housing in India. This paper also examines the mediating effect of purchase intention between determinants of buying green housing and purchase behaviour in the real estate industry.

Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional research design was applied to collect data from 393 rural and 388 urban millennials. This study used “partial least squares structural equation modelling” to verify the framed hypotheses.

Findings
The outcomes indicate that attitude, environmental concern and green trust substantially influence the purchase intention and purchase behaviour towards green housing in rural and urban studies. However, perceived risk has an insignificant effect on purchase intention and purchase behaviour towards green housing in both studies. Likewise, innovativeness insignificantly impacts the purchase intention in study rural while substantially impacting the purchase behaviour in both studies. Additionally, a favourable relationship between purchase intention and purchase behaviour towards green housing in both rural and urban contexts.

Practical implications
This study provides fruitful evidence for practitioners, marketers and academicians about the drivers of purchase behaviour toward green housing. The results of this study also enable regulatory bodies to design appropriate strategies and tactics to foster the sustainable growth of nations.

Originality/value
This paper is a preliminary attempt to explore the decision to buy green housing in India. Furthermore, the authors targeted a specific age group, especially millennials, to gain a valuable understanding of how different factors affect green housing decisions in different areas, that is, rural and urban areas.
Using design-based research to adjust lesson study with pre-service teacher candidates
Authors: Chandler-Olcott Kelly , Dotger Sharon , Waymouth Heather E. , Newvine Keith , Hinchman Kathleen A. , Lahr Molly C. , Crosby Michael T. , Nieroda Janine 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThis study reports on changes made within the study, plan, teach and reflect steps of lesson study with pre-service teachers who were learning to teach within a disciplinary literacy course.Design/methodology/approachUsing methods associated with formative experiments and design-based research, this study gathered data over four iterations of the disciplinary literacy course. Data included the course materials, pre-service teachers’ written work, observational notes from research lessons, transcripts of post-lesson discussions and teacher-educators’ analysis sessions and pre-service teachers’ post-program interviews. Data were analyzed within and across iterations.FindingsInitial adjustments to the lesson study process focused on the reflect step, as we learned to better scaffold pre-service teachers sharing of observational data from research lessons. Later adjustments occurred in the study and plan steps, as we refined the design of four-day lesson sequences that better supported pre-service teachers’ attention to disciplinary literacy while providing room for their instructional mentors to provide specific team-based feedback. Adjustments to the teach step included reteaching and more explicit attention to literacy objectives.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by explicitly applying formative experiment and design-based research methods to the implementation of lesson study with pre-service teachers. Furthermore, it contributes examples of lesson study within a disciplinary literacy context, expanding the examples of lesson study’s applicability across content areas.
Students’ expectations from mathematics teachers in the planning phase of the lesson study
Authors: Bi̇lge Ogün , Dede Yüksel 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the expectations of students from mathematics teachers in the planning phase of lesson study (LS) in mathematics classrooms.Design/methodology/approachThis study reported only a part of large-scale action research. The participants were Grade 8 students selected by the convenience sampling method. The data were obtained through open-ended questions. The content analysis method was used to analyze the data.FindingsFour categories emerged: connection, technology-supported teaching, use of concrete materials, practice, and teacher behavior and teaching style.Research limitations/implicationsThis study reveals how students in a different culture and education system, such as Türkiye, want to learn mathematics in the LS process of Japanese origin. It also gives some important clues for applying LS in a different culture.Practical implicationsThis study may attract the attention of educational stakeholders who want to implement LS in mathematics classrooms by considering student perspectives.Social implicationsDue to the nature of LS, this study may emphasize teacher–student and teacher–teacher interactions. Thus, it can draw attention to the importance of social learning environments where students take responsibility and interact.Originality/valueThis study emphasizes the importance of listening to student voices in LS. Some ideas about mathematics teaching in Turkey should also be given. Finally, it can provide a good basis for understanding and comparing LS practices in different cultures and understandings.