bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometric and demographic effects explain contrasting fragmentation-biodiversity relationships across scales
Authors: Gelber Stav , Blowes Shane A. , Chase Jonathan M. , Huth Andreas , Schurr Frank M. , Tietjen Britta , Zeller Julian W. , May Felix
Published: February 2024

There is consensus that habitat loss is a major driver of biodiversity loss, while the effects of fragmentation, given a constant total habitat amount, are still debated. Here, we use a process-based metacommunity model to show how strongly scale- and context-dependent fragmentation-biodiversity relationships can emerge from the interplay of two types of fragmentation effects - geometric and demographic. Geometric effects arise from the spatial distribution of species and landscape modification, whereas demographic effects reflect long-term changes in species demographic rates following landscape modification. We introduce a novel approach to partitioning these two types of effects and assess how key ecological processes and factors, such as dispersal, habitat heterogeneity, and edge effects, influence geometric, demographic, and net fragmentation effects across spatial scales. We conclude that the framework of geometric and demographic effects can reconcile previous apparently conflicting results and hopefully unlock and advance the debate on biodiversity change in modified landscapes.
Investigating the Synergistic Role of GCN2 and HPA Axis in Regulating Integrated Stress Response in the Central Circadian Timing System
Authors: Li Yannuo , Lu Lingjun , Levy Jordan L. , Anthony Tracy G. , Androulakis Ioannis P.
Published: February 2024

The circadian timing and integrated stress response (ISR) systems are fundamental regulatory mechanisms that maintain body homeostasis. The central circadian pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) governs daily rhythms through interactions with peripheral oscillators via the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. On the other hand, ISR signaling is pivotal for preserving cellular homeostasis in response to physiological changes. Notably, disrupted circadian rhythms are observed in cases of impaired ISR signaling. In this work, we examine the potential interplay between the central circadian system and the ISR, mainly through the SCN and HPA axis. We introduce a semi-mechanistic mathematical model to delineate the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)’s capacity for indirectly perceiving physiological stress through glucocorticoid-mediated feedback from the HPA axis, and orchestrating a cellular response via the ISR mechanism. Key components of our investigation include evaluating general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) expression in the SCN, the effect of physiological stress stimuli on the HPA axis, and the interconnected feedback between the HPA and SCN. Simulation reveals a critical role for GCN2 in linking ISR with circadian rhythms. Notably, aGcn2deletion in mice led to swift re-entrainment of the circadian clock post simulated-jetlag. This is attributed to the diminished robustness of neuronal oscillators and an extended circadian period. Our model also offers insights into phase shifts induced by acute physiological stress and the alignment/misalignment of physiological stress with external light-dark cues. Such understanding aids in strategizing responses to stressful events, such as nutritional status changes and jetlag.
ALTering cancer by triggering telomere replication stress through the stabilization of promoter G-quadruplex inSMARCAL1
Authors: Panda Suman , Roychowdhury Tanaya , Dutta Anindya , Chakraborty Sourio , Das Tanya , Chatterjee Subhrangsu
Published: February 2024

Most of the human cancers are dependent on telomerase to extend the telomeres. But ∼10% of all cancers use a telomerase-independent, homologous recombination mediated pathway called alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Due to poor prognosis, the ALT status is not being considered yet in the diagnosis of cancer. No such specific treatment is available till date for ALT cancers. ALT positive cancers are dependent on replication stress to deploy DNA repair pathways to the telomeres to execute homology recombination mediated telomere extension. SMARCAL1 (SWI/SNF related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily A-like 1) is associated with the ALT telomeres to resolve replication stress thus providing telomere stability. Thus, the dependency on replication stress regulatory factors like SMARCAL1 made it a suitable therapeutic target for the treatment of ALT positive cancers. In this study, we found a significant downregulation of SMARCAL1 expression by stabilizing the G-quadruplex (G4) motif found in the promoter ofSMARCAL1by potent G4 stabilizers, like TMPyP4 and BRACO-19. SMARCAL1 downregulation led towards the increased localization of PML (promyelocytic leukaemia) bodies in ALT telomeres and triggered the formation of APBs (ALT-associated promyelocytic leukaemia bodies) in ALT positive cell lines, thus increasing telomere replication stress and DNA damage at genomic level. Induction of replication stress and hyper recombinogenic phenotype in ALT cells mediated by G4 stabilizing molecules already highlighted their possible application as a new therapeutic window to target ALT-positive tumors. In accordance with this, our study will also provide a valuable insight towards the development of G4 based ALT-therapeutics targetingSMARCAL1.
Cilia-mediated cerebrospinal fluid flow modulates neuronal and astroglial activity in the zebrafish larval brain
Authors: D’Gama Percival P. , Jeong Inyoung , Nygård Andreas Moe , Jamali Ahmed , Yaksi Emre , Jurisch-Yaksi Nathalie
Published: February 2024

The brain uses a specialized system to transport cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This system consists of interconnected ventricles lined by ependymal cells, which generate a directional flow upon beating of their motile cilia. Motile cilia act jointly with other physiological factors, including active CSF secretion and cardiac pressure gradients, to regulate CSF dynamics. The content and movement of CSF are thought to be important for brain physiology. Yet, the link between cilia-mediated CSF flow and brain function is poorly understood. In this study, we addressed the role of motile cilia-mediated CSF flow on brain development and physiology using zebrafish larvae as a model system. By analyzing mutant animals with paralyzed cilia, we identified that loss of ciliary motility did not alter progenitor proliferation, overall brain morphology, or spontaneous neural activity. Instead, we identified that cilia paralysis led to randomization of brain asymmetry. We also observed altered neuronal responses to photic stimulation, especially in the optic tectum and hindbrain. Since astroglia contact CSF at the ventricular walls and are essential for regulating neuronal activity, we next investigated astroglial activity in motile cilia mutants. Our analyses revealed a striking reduction in astroglial calcium signals both during spontaneous and light-evoked activity. Altogether, our findings highlight a novel role of motile cilia-mediated flow in regulating brain physiology through modulation of neural and astroglial networks.
Molecular basis of ligand promiscuity, structural mimicry, and atypical dimerization in the chemokine receptors
Authors: Saha Shirsha , Sano Fumiya K. , Sharma Saloni , Ganguly Manisankar , Saha Sayantan , Akasaka Hiroaki , Kobayashi Takaaki , Zaidi Nashrah , Mishra Sudha , Dalal Annu , Mohapatra Samanwita , Yadav Manish K. , Itoh Yuzuru , Leurs Rob , Chevigné Andy , Banerjee Ramanuj , Shihoya Wataru , Nureki Osamu , Shukla Arun K.
Published: February 2024

Selectivity of natural agonists for their cognate receptors is one of the hallmarks of the members of GPCR family, and it is crucial for the specificity of downstream signal-transduction. However, this selectivity often breaks down in the chemokine receptor subfamily, wherein a high degree of promiscuity is observed with one receptor recognizing multiple chemokines and one chemokine binding to multiple receptors. The molecular determinants of such a striking promiscuity for natural ligands in the chemokine-chemokine receptor system remain mostly elusive and represent an important knowledge gap in our current understanding. Here, we carry out a comprehensive transducer-coupling analysis, testing all known C-X-C chemokines on every C-X-C type chemokine receptor, to generate a global fingerprint of the selectivity and promiscuity encoded within this system. Taking lead from our finding, we determined cryo-EM structures of the most promiscuous receptor, CXCR2, in complex with every interacting chemokine, and deciphered the conserved molecular signatures and distinct binding modalities. While most chemokines position themselves on the receptor as a dimer, CXCL6 exhibits a monomeric binding pose induced by a previously unanticipated reorientation of its carboxyl-terminal α-helix, leading to disruption of the dimer interface. Surprisingly, one of the chemokines, CXCL5, induces a ligand-swapped dimer of CXCR2, the first of its kind observed in class A GPCRs, wherein each protomer of the ligand engages its own receptor without any discernible receptor-receptor interface. These unique observations provide a possible structural mechanism for inherent functional specialization encoded in chemokines despite their convergence to a common receptor. Furthermore, we also determined cryo-EM structures of CXCR3 in complex with G-protein-biased and β-arrestin-biased small molecule agonists that elucidate distinct allosteric modulations in the receptor driving their divergent transducer-coupling bias. Guided by structural analysis and experimental validation, we discover that in contrast to previously held notion, small molecule agonists of CXCR3 display robust agonism at CXCR7, an intrinsically biased, β-arrestin-coupled receptor, making them first-in-class dual agonists for chemokine receptors with exclusive βarr-bias at CXCR7. Taken together, our study provides molecular insights into ligand promiscuity and signaling bias at the chemokine receptors, and also demonstrates a proof of principle that naturally encoded structural mimicry can be recapitulated using synthetic pharmacophores with potential implications for developing novel therapeutics.
Depth-dependent dynamics of protist communities as an integral part of spring succession in a freshwater reservoir
Authors: Mukherjee Indranil , Grujčić Vesna , Salcher Michaela M , Znachor Petr , Seďa Jaromír , Devetter Miloslav , Rychtecký Pavel , Šimek Karel , Shabarova Tanja
Published: February 2024

Background

Protists are essential contributors to eukaryotic diversity and exert profound influence on carbon fluxes and energy transfer in freshwaters. Despite their significance, there is a notable gap in research on protistan dynamics, particularly in the deeper strata of temperate lakes.

This study aimed to address this gap by integrating protists into the well-described spring dynamics of Římov reservoir, Czech Republic. Over a two-month period covering transition from mixing to established stratification, we collected water samples from three reservoir depths (0.5, 10 and 30 m) with a frequency of up to three times per week. Microbial eukaryotic and prokaryotic communities were analysed using SSU rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and dominant protistan groups were enumerated by Catalysed Reporter Deposition-Fluorescencein situHybridization (CARD-FISH). Additionally, we collected samples for water chemistry, phyto- and zooplankton composition analyses.

Results

Following the rapid changes in environmental and biotic parameters during spring, protistan and bacterial communities displayed swift transition from a homogeneous community to distinct strata-specific communities. Epilimnion exhibited the prevalence of auto-, mixotrophic protists dominated by cryptophytes and associated with spring algal bloom-specialized bacteria. In contrast, meta- and hypolimnion showcased the development of protist community dominated by putative parasitic Perkinsozoa, detritus or particle-associated ciliates, cercozoans and excavate protists co-occurring with bacteria associated with lake snow.

Conclusions

Our high-resolution sampling matching the typical dividing time of microbes along with the combined microscopic and molecular approach and inclusion of all the components of microbial food web allowed us to follow depth-specific populations’ successions and interactions in a deep lentic ecosystem.
Mechanistic Insight into the Conformational Changes of Cas8 upon Binding to Different PAM Sequences in the Transposon-Encoded Type I-F CRISPR-Cas System
Authors: Alalmaie Amnah , Khashan Raed
Published: February 2024

The INTEGRATE system is a gene-editing approach that offers advantages over the widely used CRISPR-Cas9 system. It does not introduce double strand breaks in the target DNA but rather integrates the desired DNA sequence directly into it. The first step in the integration process is PAM recognition, which is critical to understanding and optimizing the system. Experimental testing revealed varying integration efficiencies of different PAM mutants, and computational simulations were carried out to gain mechanistic insight into the conformational changes of Cas8 during PAM recognition. Our results showed that the interaction between Arg246 and Guanine at position (-1) of the target strand is critical for PAM recognition. We found that unfavorable interactions in the 5’-AC-3’ PAM mutant disrupted this interaction and may be responsible for its 0% integration efficiency. Additionally, we discovered that PAM sequences not only initiate the integration process but also regulate it through an allosteric mechanism that connects the N-terminal domain and the helical bundle of Cas8. This allosteric regulation was present in all PAMs tested, even those with lower integration efficiencies, such as 5’-TC-3’ and 5’-AC-3’. We identified the Cas8 residues that are involved in this regulation. Our findings provide valuable insights into PAM recognition mechanisms in the INTEGRATE system and can help improve the gene-editing technology.
Select Gut Bacteria Promote Mosquito Larval Growth by Contributing Protease Activity and Optimal Ionic Microenvironment for Protein Digestion
Authors: Samanta Jhuma , Datta Sibnarayan
Published: February 2024

The unique pH profile of mosquito larval midgut including the highly alkaline anterior midgut (AMG) and its significance in digestive physiology has been known for a long time. More recently, metagenomic association studies have shown that diverse assemblage of bacteria (microbiota) present in the gut influence larval nutrition, growth, development, and several other physiological processes. However, the precise functional mechanisms of these host-microbe interactions remain poorly understood. In this research, we studied the functional significance of gut associated bacteria in larval growth utilizingAedes albopictusaxenic/ gnotobiotic model. Results of our study demonstrate that, for AMG alkalinization, concurrent presence of Carbonic Anhydrase (CA) activity and ‘live’ bacteria is essential and that the later could not be substituted by either cell-free bacterial culture supernatant, or bacterial cell lysate. Further, we found that the gut pH profile and presence of proteolytic activity could be observed in larvae colonized only with select members of the microbiota that are capable of secreting extracellular protease. Collectively, our findings suggest a novel and interesting evolutionary mechanism of host-microbe interaction, in which select members of the gut microbiota promote larval nutrition, growth and development by providing protease and creating ionic microenvironment optimal for its activity.
The relationship between ethnicity and Multiple Sclerosis characteristics in the United Kingdom: a UK MS Register study
Authors: Jacobs Benjamin M , Schalk Luisa , Tregaskis-Daniels Emily , Tank Pooja , Hoque Sadid , Peter Michelle , Tuite-Dalton Katherine , Witts James ,   UK MS Register Study Group, Bove Riley , Dobson Ruth
Published: February 2024

Previous studies have suggested differences in Multiple Sclerosis severity between individuals from different ethnic backgrounds. However, these measures of severity have been focussed on markers of physical disability derived from clinical records. We sought to determine the association between self-reported ethnicity and Multiple Sclerosis severity across a range of domains in a prospective cohort based in the United Kingdom. Data were obtained from the United Kingdom Multiple Sclerosis Register, a longitudinal cohort study of >20,000 persons with Multiple Sclerosis. We examined the association between self-reported ethnic background and age at onset, site of onset, and a variety of participant-reported severity measures: the Expanded Disability Status Scale, the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale, the Fatigue Severity Scale, and the EuroQol-5D quality of life index. We used multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, and Multiple Sclerosis subtype (Primary Progressive vs other). We explored the association between ethnicity and impact of Multiple Sclerosis using Cox proportional hazards models to assess the rate of disability progression. Data were available for 14,264 people with Multiple Sclerosis, including 380 participants from self-reported Black (n=151) or South Asian (n=229) ethnic backgrounds. Age at Multiple Sclerosis onset and diagnosis was lower in the participants of South Asian (median onset 31.0) and Black (median onset 33.0) ethnicity compared with White ethnicity (median onset 35.0, n=13,884). We found no statistically-significant evidence for an association between ethnic background on baseline Multiple Sclerosis severity scores in any of the scores tested across a range of sensitivity analyses. In longitudinal analysis, we did not find evidence for an impact of ethnicity on five-year risk of disability progression. In this large, ethnically-diverse Multiple Sclerosis cohort with universal access to healthcare, we find no association between ethnic backgroundper seand MS severity, whether in cross-sectional or longitudinal analyses. These findings suggest that other factors, such as socioeconomic status and structural inequalities, may explain previous findings of heterogeneity between ethnic groups.
Protecting women from economic shocks to prevent HIV in Africa: Evidence from the POWER randomised controlled trial in Cameroon
Authors: Lépine Aurélia , Szawlowski Sandie , Nitcheu Emile , Cust Henry , Tamgno Eric Defo , Noo Julienne , Procureur Fanny , Mfochive Illiasou , Billong Serge , Tamoufe Ubald
Published: February 2024

Background

Women in Sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. Young women are twice as likely to be living with HIV than men of the same age and account for 64% of new HIV infections among young people. Many studies suggest that financial needs, alongside biological susceptibility, are the main causes of the gender disparity in HIV acquisition. While the literature shows a limited understanding of the link between poverty and HIV, there is some new robust evidence demonstrating that women adopt risky sexual behaviours as a way to cope with economic shocks.

Methods

We recruited 1,506 adolescent girls and women engaging in transactional or in commercial sex in Yaounde, Cameroon, using snowball sampling. Half of the study participants were randomly allocated to receive a free health insurance product covering themselves and their economic dependents over 12 months. We collected data on socio-economics, health and sexual behaviours and sexually transmitted infection and HIV biomarkers at baseline, 6-month post randomisation (midline) and 12-month post randomisation (endline).

Results

We found that study participants engaging in transactional sex allocated to the treatment group were less likely to be infected with HIV (OR=0.109, p-value<0.05). We showed that the intervention allowed women to leave transactional sex. In addition, we found that for the participants remaining in transactional sex, the intervention increased condom use and reduced sex acts, these results were however only statistically significant at 10% given our sample size. There was no evidence of a change in risky sexual behaviours or in a reduction of HIV incidence among female sex workers.

Conclusion

The study provides the first evidence of the effectiveness of a formal shock-coping strategy to prevent HIV among women in Africa. We showed that the intervention effectiveness operates through the reduction in health shocks since the increase in healthcare use following the intervention was low. We estimated that in our trial, the cost for each HIV infection averted is £4,667 among the cohort of women engaging in transactional sex. Policymakers should consider formal shock-coping strategies to prevent HIV among women in Africa.
Mendelian segregation and high recombination rates facilitate genetic analyses inCryptosporidium parvum
Authors: Kimball Abigail , Funkhouser-Jones Lisa , Huang Wanyi , Xu Rui , Witola William H. , Sibley L. David
Published: February 2024

Very little is known about the process of meiosis in the apicomplexan parasiteCryptosporidiumdespite the essentiality of sex in its life cycle. Most cell lines only support asexual growth ofCryptosporidium parvum(C. parvum), but stem cell derived intestinal epithelial cells grown under air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions support the sexual cycle. To examine chromosomal dynamics during meiosis inC. parvum, we generated two transgenic lines of parasites that were fluorescently tagged with mCherry or GFP on chromosomes 1 or 5, respectively. Infection of ALI cultures orIfngr1-/-mice with mCherry and GFP parasites produced “yellow” oocysts generated by cross-fertilization. Outcrossed oocysts from the F1generation were purified and used to infect HCT-8 cultures, and phenotypes of the progeny were observed by microscopy. All possible phenotypes predicted by independent segregation were represented equally (∼25%) in the population, indicating thatC. parvumchromosomes exhibit a Mendelian inheritance pattern. Unexpectedly, the most common pattern observed from the outgrowth of single oocysts included all possible parental and recombinant phenotypes derived from a single meiotic event, suggesting a high rate of crossover. To estimate the frequency of crossover, additional loci on chromosomes 1 and 5 were tagged and used to monitor intrachromosomal crosses inIfngr1−/−mice. Both chromosomes showed a high frequency of crossover compared to other apicomplexans with map distances (i.e., 1% recombination) of 3-12 kb. Overall, a high recombination rate may explain many unique characteristics observed inCryptosporidiumspp. such as high rates of speciation, wide variation in host range, and rapid evolution of host-specific virulence factors.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Although sex is essential for the transmission and maintenance of infection ofCryptosporidium, it has been historically challenging to study the process of meiosis in this medically relevant protist. We utilize recent methodological advances such as a specializedin vitroculture system, cell sorting, and the generation of transgenic parasites to cross identical strains of parasites in the absence of selection pressure to identify intrinsic chromosome behavior during meiosis. By specifically examining the phenotypes from the first generation of parasites, we reveal that cross-fertilization frequently occurs in parasite populations, chromosomes segregate in a Mendelian manner, and the rate of crossover is high on Chromosomes 1 and 5. Understanding these baseline meiotic mechanisms is essential for planning and interpreting future genetic studies ofCryptosporidiumseeking to identify genes associated with phenotypes of interest.
The DNA-repair protein APE1 participates with hnRNPA2B1 to motif-enriched and prognostic miRNA secretion
Authors: Mangiapane Giovanna , Notarangelo Michela , Canarutto Giulia , Fabbiano Fabrizio , Dalla Emiliano , Degrassi Monica , Antoniali Giulia , Gualandi Nicolò , De Sanctis Veronica , Piazza Silvano , D’Agostino Vito Giuseppe , Tell Gianluca
Published: February 2024

The base excision repair (BER) Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) enzyme is endowed with several non-repair activities including miRNAs processing. APE1 is overexpressed in many cancers but its causal role in the tumorigenic processes is largely unknown. We recently described that APE1 can be actively secreted by mammalian cells through exosomes. However, APE1 role in EVs or exosomes is still unknown, especially regarding a putative regulatory function on small non-coding RNAs vesicular secretion. Through dedicated transcriptomic analysis on cellular and vesicular small RNAs of different APE1-depleted cancer cell lines, we found that miRNAs loading into EVs is a regulated process, dependent on APE1, distinctly conveying RNA subsets into vesicles. We identified APE1-dependent secreted miRNAs characterized by enriched sequence motifs and possible binding sites for APE1. In 33 out of 34 APE1-dependent-miRNA precursors, we surprisingly found EXO-motifs and proved that APE1 cooperates with hnRNPA2B1 for the EV-sorting of a subset of miRNAs, including miR-1246, through direct binding to GGAG stretches. Using TCGA-datasets, we showed that these miRNAs identify a signature with high prognostic significance in cancer. In summary, we provided evidence that APE1 is part of the protein cargo of secreted EVs, suggesting a novel post-transcriptional role for this ubiquitous DNA-repair enzyme that could explain its role in cancer progression.
Targeting Heterochromatin Eliminates Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia Malignant Stem Cells Through Reactivation of Retroelements and Innate Immune pathways
Authors: Hidaoui Donia , Porquet Audrey , Chelbi Rabie , Bohm Mathieu , Polyzou Aikaterini , Alcazer Vincent , Depil Stéphane , Imanci Aygun , Morabito Margot , Renneville Aline , Sélimoglu-Buet Dorothée , Thépot Sylvain , Itzykson Raphael , Laplane Lucie , Droin Nathalie , Trompouki Eirini , Elvira-Matelot Emilie , Solary Eric , Porteu Françoise
Published: February 2024

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a severe myeloid malignancy affecting the elderly, for which therapeutic options are limited. DNA hypomethylating agents (HMAs) provide transient responses, failing to eradicate the malignant clone. Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) aging involves heterochromatin reorganization, evidenced by alterations in histone marks H3K9me2 and H3K9me3. These repressive marks together with DNA methylation are essential for suppressing transposable elements (TEs). In solid cancers, the antitumor efficacy of HMAs involves the derepression of TEs, mimicking a state of viral infection. In this study, we demonstrate a significant disorganization of heterochromatin in CMML HSCs and progenitors (HSPCs) characterized by an increase in the repressive mark H3K9me2, mainly at the level of TEs, and a repression of immune and age-associated transcripts. Combining HMAs with G9A/GLP H3K9me2 methyltransferase inhibitors reactivates these pathways, selectively targeting mutated cells while preserving wild-type HSCs, thus offering new therapeutic avenues for this severe myeloid malignancy.
Hexagons all the way down: Grid cells as a conformal isometric map of space
Authors: Schøyen Vemund , Bechkov Constantin , Pettersen Markus Borud , Hermansen Erik , Holzhausen Konstantin , Malthe-Sørenssen Anders , Fyhn Marianne , Lepperød Mikkel Elle
Published: February 2024

The brain’s ability to navigate is often attributed to spatial cells in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. Grid cells, found in the entorhinal cortex, are known for their hexagonal spatial activity patterns and are traditionally believed to be the neural basis for path integration. However, recent studies have cast grid cells as a distance-preserving representation. We further investigate this role in a model of grid cells based on a superposition of plane waves. In a module of such grid cells, we optimise their phases to form a conformal isometry (CI) of two-dimensional flat space. With this setup, we demonstrate that a module of at least seven grid cells can achieve a CI, with phases forming a regular hexagonal arrangement. This pattern persists when increasing the number of cells, significantly diverging from a random uniform distribution. In particular, when optimised for CI, the phase distribution becomes distinctly regular and hexagonal, offering a clear experimentally testable prediction. Moreover, grid modules encoding a CI maintain constant energy expenditure across space, providing a new perspective on the role of energy constraints in normative models of grid cells. Finally, we investigate the minimum number of grid cells required for various spatial encoding tasks, including a unique representation of space, the population activity forming a torus, and achieving a CI, where we find that all three are achieved when the module encodes a CI. Our study not only underscores the versatility of grid cells beyond path integration but also highlights the importance of geometric principles in neural representations of space.
Semi-automated ontology development scheme via text mining of scientific records
Authors: Tamjid Somayeh , Nooshinfard Fatemeh , Hosseini Beheshti Molouk Sadat , Hariri Nadjla , Babalhavaeji Fahimeh
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a domain independent, cost-effective, time-saving and semi-automated ontology generation framework that could extract taxonomic concepts from unstructured text corpus. In the human disease domain, ontologies are found to be extremely useful for managing the diversity of technical expressions in favour of information retrieval objectives. The boundaries of these domains are expanding so fast that it is essential to continuously develop new ontologies or upgrade available ones.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a semi-automated approach that extracts entities/relations via text mining of scientific publications. Text mining-based ontology (TmbOnt)-named code is generated to assist a user in capturing, processing and establishing ontology elements. This code takes a pile of unstructured text files as input and projects them into high-valued entities or relations as output. As a semi-automated approach, a user supervises the process, filters meaningful predecessor/successor phrases and finalizes the demanded ontology-taxonomy. To verify the practical capabilities of the scheme, a case study was performed to drive glaucoma ontology-taxonomy. For this purpose, text files containing 10,000 records were collected from PubMed.

Findings

The proposed approach processed over 3.8 million tokenized terms of those records and yielded the resultant glaucoma ontology-taxonomy. Compared with two famous disease ontologies, TmbOnt-driven taxonomy demonstrated a 60%–100% coverage ratio against famous medical thesauruses and ontology taxonomies, such as Human Disease Ontology, Medical Subject Headings and National Cancer Institute Thesaurus, with an average of 70% additional terms recommended for ontology development.

Originality/value

According to the literature, the proposed scheme demonstrated novel capability in expanding the ontology-taxonomy structure with a semi-automated text mining approach, aiming for future fully-automated approaches.
Metaverse adoption: a systematic literature review and roadmap for future research
Authors: Dhingra Sanjay , Abhishek Abhishek
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore and conceptualize metaverse adoption using a systematic literature review (SLR). It also aims to propose a conceptual model that identifies significant factors affecting metaverse adoption in the entertainment, education, tourism and health sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

A SLR was conducted using the “preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses” report protocol and the “theory, context, characteristics, methods” framework to include all relevant articles published up to March 2023, which were sourced from the Scopus and Web of Science databases.

Findings

The reviewed literature revealed that the countries with the highest publications in the field of metaverse were China and the USA. It was also found that the technology acceptance model was the most used theoretical framework. Survey-based research using purposive and convenience sampling techniques emerged as the predominant method for data collection, and partial least square-structural equation modeling was the most used analytical technique. The review also identified the top six journals and the variables that help to develop a proposed model.

Originality/value

This review presents a novel contribution to the literature on metaverse adoption by forming a conceptual model that incorporates the most used variables in the entertainment, education, tourism and health sectors. The possible directions for future research with identified research gaps were also discussed.
AI platform model on 4IR megatrend challenges: complex thinking by active and transformational learning
Authors: Sanabria-Z Jorge , Olivo Pamela Geraldine
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study is to propose a model for the implementation of a technological platform for participants to develop solutions to problems related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) megatrends, and taking advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop their complex thinking through co-creation work.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of the model is based on a combination of participatory action research and user-centered design (UCD) methodologies, seeking to ensure that the platform is user-oriented and based on the experiences of the authors. The model itself is structured around the active and transformational learning (ATL) framework.

Findings

This study highlights the importance of addressing 4IR megatrends in education to prepare students for a technology-driven world. The proposed model, based on ATL and supported by AI, integrates essential competencies for tackling challenges and generating innovative solutions. The integration of AI into the platform fosters personalized learning, collaboration and reflection and enhances creativity by offering new insights and tools, whereas UCD ensures alignment with user needs and expectations.

Originality/value

This research presents an innovative educational model that combines ATL with AI to foster complex thinking and co-creation of solutions to problems related to 4IR megatrends. Integrating ATL ensures engagement with real-world problems and critical thinking while AI provides personalized content, tutoring, data analysis and creative support. The collaborative platform encourages diverse perspectives and collective intelligence, benefiting other researchers to better conceive learner-centered platforms promoting 21st-century skills and co-creation.
Does mandatory expenditure on CSR affect firm value? Empirical evidence from Indian firms
Authors: Bhagawan Praveen , Mukhopadhyay Jyoti Prasad
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending on firm value in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

Using firm-level data over the period 2012–2017, this study uses the difference-in-differences (DID) technique combined with matching to control for potential endogeneity of the decision to comply with the CSR Act since the Act in its current form is applicable as a comply-or-explain obligation.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that mandatory CSR spending has a positive and statistically significant impact on firm value. These results remain robust to alternative econometric techniques such as regression discontinuity design (RDD) and randomization inference test as well as to alternative empirical specifications. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the positive effect of CSR spending on firm value is more pronounced for firms with higher information asymmetry problem and lower institutional holdings.

Originality/value

This study explicitly considers the “comply-or-explain” flexibility option, in terms of spending on CSR, provided to Indian firms for the initial two to three years and investigates whether spending on CSR helps firms enhance their firm value. The study also finds that the positive effect of CSR spending on firm value is more pronounced for firms with higher information asymmetry problems and lower institutional holdings.
The living religious heritage of displaced communities: conservation problematics and use-related challenges
Authors: Sabri Reyhan , Sakallı Belgin
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Places of worship have historically been maintained using traditional building management techniques, including regular monitoring, upkeep and maintenance provided by their religious communities. This paper examines the conservation issues arising after the forced displacement of the traditional custodians, which is a significant concern in conflict-ridden environments.

Design/methodology/approach

As a unique example of a long-term conflict, the divided Cyprus provides this research with illustrative cases to derive the data. The research employs content analysis of official documents, physical observations and interviews with conservation professionals.

Findings

This research demonstrates the human and environmental factors impacting the conservation of the material fabric and the use-related challenges stemming from the intangible significance of the religious legacy belonging to displaced communities. It highlights the urgency to formulate more effective mechanisms and regulatory frameworks to address vulnerability issues promptly.

Originality/value

Preservation problems on religious heritage buildings arising from the loss of traditional custodians after conflicts are an under-researched area in conservation literature. Drawing on research that was conducted several decades after the displacement of Cypriot communities, this paper reveals new insights into the magnitude of the conservation problems and the use-related complexities that need to be addressed to formulate mutually acceptable solutions for a sustainable future.
Envisioning sustainability through (un)shared professional visions of the “visual” materials of a design situation: a CCO approach
Authors: Reumont Marie , Cooren François , Déméné Claudia
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Communicating a clear, precise, interpretable and unambiguous visual message usually relies on a cross-disciplinary team of professionals. Their complementary visions can uncover which information matter and how it could be visually displayed to inform, sensitize and encourage people to act toward sustainability. While design studies generally claim that this team has to come to a shared vision, the authors question this assumption, which seems to contradict the benefits of cross-disciplinarity. The purpose of this study is to reveal how simple visual representations displayed in a PowerPoint actively participate in the expression of various and sometimes divergent visions. Recognizing the agency of visuals also leads this study to propose the notion of (un)shared professional vision, which shows that the richness of visual representations can only reveal itself through the capacity of professional visions to maintain their differences while confronting each other.

Design/methodology/approach

Over a 20-month ethnography, this study documented its own cross-disciplinary reflective design process, which aimed to design collectively an experimental environmental label, focusing on interactions occurring between professionals and visuals displayed on five key PowerPoint slides.

Findings

This study first demonstrates how, in practice, a cross-disciplinary reflective design conversation with visuals concretely unfolds through boundary-objects. This study shows how these visuals manage to ex-press themselves through the multiple visions represented in the discussions, revealing their complexity. Second, this study introduces the notion of (un)shared professional vision which underlines that unsharing a vision nurtures the team’s collective capacity to express the complexity of a design situation, while sharing a vision is also necessary to confront these respective expressions to allow the professional uncovering of what should be visually communicated.

Originality/value

The Communication as Constitutive of Organization lens the authors chose to understand the reflective design conversation illustrates that, even though each collaborator’s vision was “(un)shared,” their many voices expand the understanding of the situation and lead them to develop an unexpected and creative environmental information ecosystem that can positively transform society through visuals.
One-to-one coaching and coachee personality trait change
Authors: Jones Rebecca J. , Woods Stephen A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

A specific area of interest in the coaching literature is focused on exploring the intersection of personality and coaching; however, research has yet to explore whether coaching exerts reciprocal effects on personality traits (i.e. if personality trait change can accompany coaching). Utilizing the explanatory theoretical framing of the Demands-Affordances TrAnsactional framework (Woods et al., 2019), we propose that coaching may indirectly facilitate personality trait change by firstly enabling the coachee to reflect on their behaviors, second, implement desired behavioral changes which consequently facilitate personality trait change.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experiment was conducted to explore coaching and personality trait change. Students participating in a demanding, work-based team simulation (N = 258), were assigned to either an intervention group (and received one-to-one coaching) or a control group (who received no intervention). Personality traits were measured before and after coaching and positioned as the dependent variable.

Findings

Results indicate that participants in the coaching group exhibited significant changes in self-reported agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion and core self-evaluations, which all significantly decreased after coaching; however, no change was observed for the control group.

Originality/value

We provide the first exploration of coaching and personality trait change, contributing to both the coaching literature, by providing evidence regarding the efficacy of coaching to facilitate personality trait change in coachees, and the personality literature, by highlighting coaching as an important tool for those interested in personality trait change. Our research also has implications for other interventions such as mentoring, as we provide support for the notion that interventions can support personality trait change.
Untold stories of African American women entrepreneurs: research-based strategies for becoming one's own boss
Authors: Norman Joanna F. , Aiken Leah , Greer Tomika W.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to empirically examine the career transitions of mid-career African American women leaving traditional careers for entrepreneurship. The authors illustrate how transition theory and effectuation principles ameliorate an African American woman's transition to entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with nine African American woman entrepreneurs. The data collected were evaluated through the lens of transition theory and effectuation theory.

Findings

The study results show that despite being the chief officer, many African American women still face inequalities when negotiating business deals, interacting with partners and when seeking capital for their business. Effectuation theory partially supports an African American woman's career transition to entrepreneurship, but the theory does not fully address the unique experiences of this demographic.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study reveal that effectuation principles do not fully explain the entrepreneurial career transition experiences of African American women. Theory development and extensions of existing theories should consider the potential discriminatory practices that limit financial resources and strategic partnerships for African American women entrepreneurs. The authors also advocate for consideration of identities, particularly related to gender and race, as factors that contribute to entrepreneurial experiences.

Practical implications

The study findings support the notion that each woman's situation will be different and unique, requiring aspiring African American woman entrepreneurs to assess their individual situation. Consistent access to minority-specific programs can help aspiring African American women entrepreneurs visualize her new identity and provide the support needed to enhance her career transition. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so each woman will need to craft her own individualized plan.

Social implications

Findings from this study solidify the role of African American women entrepreneurs as business leaders with influence and direct impact on the US economy. Their success enables African American women to contribute to more inclusive societies through their service to diverse members of society. In addition, their attainment of success serves as a testimony to aspiring African American women that entrepreneurial success is achievable, encouraging more diversity in entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

Few entrepreneurial studies exist on both women and racial minorities, resulting in a paucity of strategies to support African American women throughout their entrepreneurial journey. The results of this study revealed barriers which require specific strategies to address discriminatory lending practices and acceptance when forging new business relationships.