bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental evolution ofDrosophilawithout its microbiome
Authors: Malwade Akshay , Koner Anish , Vibishan B. , Gadkari Chinmay , Saini Sarthak , Khodake Vinayak , Dey Sutirth
Published: October 2024

The ability of the gut microbiome to contribute to diverse host phenotypes and, in turn, alter host fitness, raises the possibility that the presence of such microbes can influence the host’s evolution. However, empirical studies on the evolutionary aspects of host-microbe relationships are rare. Here, we used experimental evolution on laboratory populations ofD. melanogasterto understand how a host can evolve without its microbiome. For this, we compared replicateDrosophilapopulations reared without the microbes (labeled as MBL1-4, for “Microbiota-less”) for 54 host generations with their corresponding controls (labeled as MB1-4), whose microbiome was reconstituted every generation. This comparison was done in two common-garden assay environments: with microbes and microbe-free. We found that contrary to what we expected, only modest adaptations were seen in the MBL populations. When looking at the phenotypic plasticity of MB-MBLs across with-microbe and microbe-free environments, we saw that MBLs had lesser plasticity than MBs. This might hint at MBLs reducing their dependence on microbes. We performed RNA-Seq on MBL1and MB1populations to see if there were changes in gene expression patterns. We found that a cluster of anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) was up-regulated, and another cluster of heat shock proteins (HSPs) was down-regulated in MBL1compared to MB1. These results show that while the host’s homeostasis is perturbed by microbiome manipulation on short timescales, the host-microbiome integration seems more labile on longer timescales, with hosts showing potential for adaptation without the microbes.
Body-wandering reveals an embodied dimension of thought with distinct affective and neural signatures
Authors: Banellis Leah , Nikolova Niia , Brændholdt Malthe , Vejlø Melina , Fardo Francesca , Smallwood Jonathan , Allen Micah G.
Published: October 2024

Humans often engage in self-generated thoughts when unoccupied by external events, a phenomenon commonly known as mind-wandering. Previous research has predominantly focused on the cognitive aspects of mind-wandering, overlooking the potential embodied or interoceptive components that contribute to our ongoing thought patterns. In this study, we addressed this gap by exploring “body-wandering“—thoughts related to internal bodily sensations such as breathing, heartbeat, and gastrointestinal functions. To assess body-wandering, we applied a retrospective multi-dimensional interoceptive experience sampling approach in 536 healthy participants concurrently with resting-state functional brain imaging. Our findings revealed that body-wandering is distinct from cognitively focused thoughts, underscoring the unique role of embodied processes in ongoing experience. Embodied thought patterns were associated with increased negative affect, heightened physiological arousal, and reduced ADHD symptoms. In contrast, cognitive-focused thoughts were linked to decreased negative affect, lower arousal, and higher depression symptoms. Notably, body-wandering corresponded with a unique neural signature involving increased connectivity between somatomotor, interoceptive, and thalamocortical brain networks. These results emphasise the importance of incorporating embodied processes into theoretical models of mind-wandering and suggest that individual differences in body-wandering significantly impact emotional states and mental health.

Significance statement

Contemporary cognitive neuroscience recognizes the role of internally generated states known as mind-wandering. However, research has predominantly taken a cognitive perspective, overlooking the embodied influences on conscious experience. Our study addresses this gap by demonstrating the unique contribution of body-related and interoceptive thoughts to waking cognition. This “body-wandering” was associated with increased negative affect, heightened physiological arousal, and reduced ADHD symptoms, along with a distinct neural signature involving interoceptive, somatomotor, and subcortical networks. Conversely, cognitive mind-wandering was linked to decreased negative affect, lower arousal, and increased depressive symptoms. Incorporating embodied processes into models of mind-wandering provides a more comprehensive theoretical framework and reveals how these experiences influence our emotional state and mental health.
LncRAnalyzer: Uncovering Long Non-Coding RNAs and Exploring Gene Co-expression Patterns in Sorghum Genomics
Authors: Nikhil Shinde , Mohideen Habeeb Shaikh , Sella Raja Natesan
Published: October 2024

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a versatile crop with significant phenotypic and genetic diversity. Despite the availability of multiple re-sequenced sorghum genomes, non-coding regions remain underexplored. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a major class of non-coding RNAs, with low expression levels, complex expression patterns, and can be identified using RNA-seq. However, distinguishing lncRNAs from protein-coding genes is challenging due to their low abundance and tissue-specific expressions. This study developed an automated pipeline for identifying lncRNAs and Novel Protein Coding Transcripts (NPCTs) using RNA-seq datasets. Using a dual sorghum reference genome scheme, we identified 8770 lncRNAs in BTX642 (33.35% cultivar-specific) and 8869 lncRNAs in RTX430 (30.72% cultivar-specific). Some lncRNAs were linked to pre- and post-flowering drought tolerance in RTX430 and BTX642, respectively. The NPCTs encoded elements such as RE-1, TNT, Zinc finger (zf) protein, FAR1 related, and Xylan glucosyltransferase suggesting their involvement in drought-specific phenotype development. Target predictions for lncRNAs revealed both cis- and trans-regulated genes were associated with peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and MYB TFs during drought, emphasizing their role in drought tolerance. Differentially expressed lncRNAs in leaf and root tissues (p-value < 0.05, |log2fold| > 2), revealed that the most abundant lncRNAs during drought regulate TFs such as C2H2-GATA, DUF domain, and WD-40. Downstream gene co-expression analysis showed time point-specific lncRNA interactions with TFs, highlighting their roles in drought response in sorghum. Our developed pipeline LncRAnalyzer identified lncRNAs and NPCTs, and integrated them into gene co-expression networks provided deeper insights into drought tolerance in sorghum.
Differential Sensitivity of Midline Patterning to Mitosis during and after Primitive Streak Extension
Authors: Zhao Zhiling , Asai Rieko , Mikawa Takashi
Published: October 2024

Background

Midline establishment is a fundamental process during early embryogenesis forBilaterians. Midline patterning in nonamniotes can occur without mitosis, through Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) signaling. By contrast, amniotes utilize both cell proliferation and PCP signaling for patterning early midline landmark, the primitive streak (PS). This study examined their roles for midline patterning at post PS-extension.

Results

In contrast to PS extension stages, embryos under mitotic arrest during the post PS-extension preserved notochord (NC) extension and Hensen’s node (HN)/PS regression judged by both morphology and marker genes, although they became shorter, and laterality was lost. Remarkably, no or background level of expression was detected for the majority of PCP core components in the NC-HN-PS area at post PS-extension stages, except for robustly detectedprickle-1. Morpholino knockdown of Prickle-1 showed little influence on midline patterning, except for suppressed embryonic growth. Lastly, associated with mitotic arrest-induced size reduction, midline tissue cells displayed hypertrophy.

Conclusion

Thus, the study has identified at least two distinct mitosis sensitivity phases during early midline pattering: One is PS extension that requires both mitosis and PCP, and the other is mitotic arrest-resistant midline patterning with little influence by PCP at post PS-extension stages.
Identifying the Fusarium species involved in foot rot disease of faba beans in the UK using a combined molecular and microbiological approach
Authors: Attar Basem , Kitson James J. N. , Cuff Jordan P. , Howard Becky , Lages Ana , Gomez Dina , Boonham Neil
Published: October 2024

Foot rot is a devastating disease of faba bean crops globally, including in the United Kingdom, the world’s third largest producer. To identify the causal agents, we have sampled foot rot-affected plants and soils from faba bean crops across England. We isolated organisms associated with foot rot disease in culture and assessed pathogenicityin vivoto evaluate the infectivity of the isolates on faba bean. We identified the pathogenic isolates using DNA barcoding of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and Translation Elongation Factor one α (TEF1α) molecular markers. A total of 113 clonal isolates were obtained from infected plants and soil samples across England. Of these, 60 were pathogenic, inducing mild to severe symptoms on faba bean. Sequencing of the ITS andTEF1α loci and comparison against sequence databases (Genbank and Fusarium_ID) enabled the identification of pathogenic isolates, in decreasing order of frequency, asFusarium oxysporum(26.6 %),F. vanettenii(25%),F. redolens(15 %),F. solani(11.6%),F. culmorum(8.3 %),F. avenaceum(6.7 %),F. equiseti(1.7 %),F. clavum(1.7 %),Clonostachys rosea(1.7%) andAlternaria alternata(1.7%).F. oxysporum, F. redolensandF. avenaceuminduced the most severe symptoms, whilstF. solaniinduced the least severe symptoms. Determining the most prevalent causal agents of foot rot in UK faba beans will facilitate targeted disease monitoring and intervention for enhanced productivity.
A type I 3’ UTR-derived sRNA is involved in heme metabolism and virulence inStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Silard Chloé , Germain-Amiot Noëlla , Poirette Pierre , Legros Julie , Duraõ Gabriella , Martinais Sophie , Mirouze Nicolas , Augagneur Yoann
Published: October 2024

Staphylococcus aureusis a pathogen responsible for a wide array of superficial to life-threatening infections. To efficiently adapt to environmental cues, a complex regulatory network is needed, involving among others regulatory RNAs (sRNAs). Here, we studied Srn_9342, an sRNA transcribed into two isoforms of different lengths and known to interact with RNAIII, leading to a modulation of δ-hemolysin production. We showed that the two isoforms are oppositely expressed in a growth phase-dependent manner. Then, we demonstrated using transcriptional fusions and various chromosomally recombinant strains that Srn_9342 is a type I 3’UTR-derived sRNA whose the expression of the long form (Srn_9342L) is SigB-dependent. Using aΔsrn_9342mutant, we monitored the transcript level of various RNA partners previously identified by MAPS and showed that thehemQmRNA level, encoding a protein involved in heme biosynthesis and reported to participate in small colony variant (SCV) phenotype, increased in the mutant.In silicoandin vitrobiochemical investigations showed that a 5’ region of Srn_9342 bindshemQleading to a repression of the HemQ protein level whereas the overexpression of Srn_9342 induced an SCV phenotype which was partially relieved by the addition of hemin. Finally, we report that the deletion ofsrn_9342significantly increased the virulence of the pathogen in aGalleria mellonellamodel. Taking together, these data uncovered a novel type I 3’ UTR-derived sRNA regulating the heme biosynthesis pathway and implicated in virulence and SCV formation inS. aureus.
The E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Trip12 attenuates Wnt9a/Fzd9b signaling during hematopoietic stem cell development
Authors: Ensing Jessica , Ide Amber D. , Gilliland Carla , Tsurho Visakuo , Caza Isabella , Stratman Amber N. , Lanning Nathan J. , Grainger Stephanie
Published: October 2024

Wnt signaling is essential for both the development and homeostasis of diverse cellular lineages, including hematopoietic stem cells. Organism-wide, Wnt signals are tightly regulated, as overactivation of the pathway can lead to tumorigenesis. Although numerous Wnt ligands and Frizzled (Fzd) receptors exist, how particular Wnt/Fzd pairings are established and how their signals are regulated is poorly understood. We have previously identified the requirements of the cognate pairing of Wnt9a and Fzd9b for early hematopoietic stem cell proliferation. However, the specific signals governing activation, but equally important, the molecular mechanisms required to turn the signal ‘off,’ are unknown. Here, we show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Trip12 (thyroid hormone receptor interactor 12) is specifically required to ubiquitinate the third intracellular loop of Fzd9b at K437, targeting it for lysosomal degradation. In contrast to other ubiquitin ligases described to regulate the cell surface availability of multiple Fzds broadly, our data indicate that Trip12 is selective for Fzd9b. We further demonstrate that this occurs through ubiquitination at K437 of Fzd9b in the third intracellular loop, ultimately leading to a decrease in Fzd9b receptor availability and in Wnt9a/Fzd9b signaling that impacts hematopoietic stem cell proliferation in zebrafish. Our results point to specific mechanisms driving the availability of different Fzd receptors. Determining how particular Fzd abundance is regulated at the membrane will be critical to developing specific therapies for human intervention.

One sentence summary

Trip12 ubiquitinates Fzd9b
Cellular and molecular mechanisms that shape the development and evolution of tail vertebral proportion in mice and jerboas
Authors: Weber Ceri J. , Weitzel Alexander J. , Liu Alexander Y. , Gacasan Erica G. , Sah Robert L. , Cooper Kimberly L.
Published: October 2024

Despite the functional importance of the vertebral skeleton, little is known about how individual vertebrae elongate or achieve disproportionate lengths as in the giraffe neck. Rodent tails are an abundantly diverse and more tractable system to understand mechanisms of vertebral growth and proportion. In many rodents, disproportionately long mid-tail vertebrae form a ‘crescendo-decrescendo’ of lengths in the tail series. In bipedal jerboas, these vertebrae grow exceptionally long such that the adult tail is 1.5x the length of a mouse tail, relative to body length, with four fewer vertebrae. How do vertebrae with the same regional identity elongate differently from their neighbors to establish and diversify adult proportion? Here, we find that vertebral lengths are largely determined by differences in growth cartilage height and the number of cells progressing through endochondral ossification. Hypertrophic chondrocyte size, a major contributor to differential elongation in mammal limb bones, differs only in the longest jerboa mid-tail vertebrae where they are exceptionally large. To uncover candidate molecular mechanisms of disproportionate vertebral growth, we performed intersectional RNA-Seq of mouse and jerboa tail vertebrae with similar and disproportionate elongation rates. Many regulators of posterior axial identity and endochondral elongation are disproportionately differentially expressed in jerboa vertebrae. Among these, the inhibitory natriuretic peptide receptor C (NPR3) appears in multiple studies of rodent and human skeletal proportion suggesting it refines local growth rates broadly in the skeleton and broadly in mammals. Consistent with this hypothesis, NPR3 loss of function mice have abnormal tail and limb proportions. Therefore, in addition to genetic components of the complex process of vertebral evolution, these studies reveal fundamental mechanisms of skeletal growth and proportion.
Chronic activation of corticospinal tract neurons after pyramidotomy injury enhances neither behavioral recovery nor axonal sprouting
Authors: Wang Zimei , Brannigan Matthew , Friedrich Logan , Blackmore Murray G.
Published: October 2024

Modulation of neural activity is a promising strategy to influence the growth of axons and improve behavioral recovery after damage to the central nervous system. The benefits of neuromodulation likely depend on optimization across multiple input parameters. Here we used a chemogenetic approach to achieve continuous, long-term elevation of neural activity in murine corticospinal tract (CST) neurons. To specifically target CST neurons, AAV2-retro-DIO-hM3Dq-mCherry or matched mCherry control was injected to the cervical spinal cord of adult Emx1-Cre transgenic mice. Pilot studies verified efficient transgene expression in CST neurons and effective elevation of neural activity as assessed by cFos immunohistochemistry. In subsequent experiments mice were administered either DIO-hM3Dq-mCherry or control DIO-mCherry, were pre-trained on a pellet retrieval task, and then received unilateral pyramidotomy injury to selectively ablate the right CST. Mice then received continual clozapine via drinking water and weekly testing on the pellet retrieval task, followed by cortical injection of a viral tracer to assess cross-midline sprouting by the spared CST. After sacrifice at eight weeks post-injury immunohistochemistry for cFos verified elevated CST activity in hM3Dq-treated animals and immunohistochemistry for PKC-gamma verified unilateral ablation of the CST in all animals. Despite the chronic elevation of CST activity, however, both groups showed similar levels of cross-midline CST sprouting and similar success in the pellet retrieval task. These data indicate that continuous, long-term elevation of activity that is targeted specifically to CST neurons does not affect compensatory sprouting or directed forelimb movements.
Quantitative Resolving Cell Fate in the Early Embryogenesis ofCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Xiong Ruiqi , Su Yang , Yao Mengchao , Liu Zefei , Lu Jie , Chen Yong-Cong , Ao Ping
Published: October 2024

The nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansexhibits an invariant cell lineage during its development where the gene-molecular network that regulates the development is crucial for the biological process. While there are many molecular cell atlases describing the phenomena and key molecules involved in cell transformation, the underlying mechanisms from a systems biology perspective have received less attention. Based on an endogenous molecular-cellular theory that relates the molecular mechanisms to biological phenotypes, we constructed a model of core endogenous network to describe the early stages of embryonic development of the nematode. Different cell types and intermediate cell states during development from zygotes to founder cells correspond to the steady states of the network as a nonlinear stochastic dynamical system. Connections between steady states form a topological landscape that encompasses known developmental lineage trajectories. By regulating the expression of agents in the network, we quantitatively simulated the effects of the Wnt and Notch signaling pathway on cell fate transitions and predicted the possible trajectories of transdifferentiation of the AB cell across the lineage. The success of the current study may help advance our understanding of the fundamental principles of developmental biology and cell fate determination, offering an effective tool for quantitative analysis of cellular processes.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of primary and motile cilia throughout lung development
Authors: Spurgin Stephen , Nguimtsop Ange Michelle , Chaudhry Fatima N. , Michki Sylvia N. , Salvador Jocelynda , Iruela-Arispe M. Luisa , Zepp Jarod A. , Mukhopadhyay Saikat , Cleaver Ondine
Published: October 2024

Cilia are specialized structures found on a variety of mammalian cells, with variable roles in the transduction of mechanical and biological signals (by primary cilia, PC), as well as the generation of fluid flow (by motile cilia). Their critical role in the establishment of a left-right axis in early development is well described, as is the innate immune function of multiciliated upper airway epithelium. By contrast, the dynamics of ciliary status during organogenesis and postnatal development is largely unknown. In this study, we define the progression of ciliary status within the endothelium, epithelium, and mesenchyme of the lung. Remarkably, we find that endothelial cells (ECs) lack PC at all stages of development, except in low numbers in the most proximal portions of the pulmonary arteries. In the lung epithelium, a proximodistal ciliary gradient is established over time, as the uniformly mono-ciliated epithelium transitions into proximal, multiciliated cells, and the distal alveolar epithelium loses its cilia. Mesenchymal cells, interestingly, are uniformly ciliated in early development, but with restriction to PDGFRα+ fibroblasts in the adult alveoli. This dynamic process in multiple cellular populations both challenges prior assertions that PC are found on all cells, and highlights a need to understand their spatiotemporal functions.

Highlights

Primary cilia are found broadly throughout early embryonic tissues.

Primary cilia are observed in both epithelial and mesenchymal cells in the early lung.

Pulmonary endothelial cells largely do not possess primary cilia during embryonic development.

Differential multiciliation and loss of epithelial cilia in a proximal-distal axis.

Maintenance of cilia in adult pulmonary PDGFRα+ fibroblasts.
Resting-state functional connectivity changes following audio-tactile speech training
Authors: Cieśla Katarzyna , Wolak Tomasz , Amedi Amir
Published: October 2024

Understanding speech in background noise is a challenging task, especially if the signal is also distorted. In a series of previous studies we have shown that comprehension can improve if simultaneously to the auditory speech, the person receives speech-extracted low-frequency signals on fingertips. The effect increases after short audio-tactile speech training. Here we use resting-state functional magnetic resonance, measuring spontaneous low-frequency oscillations in the brain while at rest, to assess training-induced changes in functional connectivity. We show enhanced connectivity within a right-hemisphere cluster encompassing the middle temporal motion area (MT), and the extrastriate body area (EBA), and lateral occipital cortex (LOC), which before training is found to be more connected to bilateral dorsal anterior insula. Furthermore, early visual areas are found to switch from increased connectivity with the auditory cortex before, to increased connectivity with an association sensory/multisensory parietal hub, contralateral to the palm receiving vibrotactile inputs, after. Also the right sensorimotor cortex, including finger representations, is more connected internally after training. The results alltogether can be interpreted within two main complementary frameworks. One, speech-specific, relates to the pre-existing brain connectivity for audio-visual speech processing, including early visual, motion and body regions for lip-reading and gesture analysis in difficult acoustic conditions, which the new audio-tactile speech network might be built upon. The other refers to spatial/body awareness and audio-tactile integration, including in the revealed parietal and insular regions. It is possible that an extended training period may be necessary to more effectively strengthen direct connections between the auditory and sensorimotor brain regions, for the utterly novel speech comprehension task. The outcomes of the study can be relevant for both basic neuroscience, as well as development of rehabilitation tools for the hearing impaired population.
What matters in the linkage between value orientations and usage behavior of electric ride hailing service?
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Toan , Le Thi Thu Mai , Nguyen Thi Quynh Mai , Pham Nhat Linh , Ngo Thi Ngoc Anh , Chu Thuy Binh , Dinh Mai Huong
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the relationship between value orientations, attitude, behavioral intention and usage behavior of electric ride hailing service in Vietnam through the moderating role of social influences.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 552 valid questionnaires were collected using the survey questionnaire to analyze the effects of value orientations on attitude toward electric ride hailing and behavioral intention. Besides, this study investigates the mediating effect of attitude toward electric ride hailing and behavioral intention in the relationship with the behavior usage of electric ride hailing service as well as the moderating effect of social influence.

Findings

Three types of value orientations stimulate attitude toward electric ride hailing service and behavioral intention. In addition, attitude toward electric ride hailing service and behavioral intention play the mediating role in the effect of value orientations on behavior usage. Specifically, social influence plays a negative moderating role in the linkage between attitude towards and behavioral intention of electric ride hailing service and between intention and the behavior usage.

Originality/value

While numerous studies have investigated the influence of customers’ value orientations on multiple green purchase behaviors, this study offers new insights into the moderating role of social influence in the linkages between attitude, behavioral intention and usage behavior of electric ride hailing service.
If you fit, you commit? The relationship between the organizational climate and employees’ commitment: the moderating role of the person-environment fit
Authors: Oleksa-Marewska Karolina , Springer Agnieszka
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Based on the theory of organizational socialization, this article broadens the knowledge in the field of organizational commitment by determining the relationship between the organizational climate (OC) and the employees’ commitment, as well as the moderating role of the person-environment (P-E) fit.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted quantitative research using three psychometric questionnaires. We investigated a large sample (N = 1,032) of employees hired in Poland.

Findings

We found strong relationships between the OC, the employees’ fit and their commitment. Moreover, both supplementary and complementary fit significantly moderated the relationships between the majority of climate dimensions and, especially, affective commitment. Interestingly, highly fitted employees with longer tenure showed a stronger relationship between material climate dimensions and commitment compared to similarly fitted newcomers, for whom the most important were relationships with co-workers and superiors.

Research limitations/implications

We analyzed only a subjective fit among employees working in Poland. Although it was beneficial for developing the OC knowledge of non-American sample, the results require cautious generalization.

Practical implications

Assessing a candidate’s fit with the organization through detailed interviews, behavioral questions or practical tasks during the selection process can improve candidates' and employees’ P-E fit. A better fit can increase commitment, even if the OC or other factors are not perfect. Socialization tactics aimed at strengthening the fit can facilitate better alignment with the climate and higher commitment among employees with longer tenure.

Originality/value

This study is the first to empirically verify the moderating role of the P-E fit on the relations between OC and organizational commitment. It also considers the comparison between more experienced employees and newcomers.
Is the Chinese stock market efficient? Evidence from a combined liquidity trading strategy
Authors: Yu Bo
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study examines the stock market efficiency in China to offer trading strategy guidance to investors and efficiency evaluation insight to policymakers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the stock market efficiency in China with a new combined liquidity trading strategy by blending technical analysis into a liquidity buy-and-hold strategy.

Findings

Our results show that the combined strategy generates significant excess returns in the whole sample period, suggesting that the Chinese stock market is not consistent with the weak form efficient hypothesis. In addition, the combined strategy yields more significant risk-adjusted excess returns after the 2004 split-share reform, indicating the stock market efficiency in China does not exhibit a distinct upgrade after the reform. Our further test results reinforce the main conclusions after taking transaction costs, market states, short-selling reform and other issues into consideration.

Originality/value

Our study contributes to the literature in two ways: First, we shed light on the mixed documented results about the market efficiency form in China. Second, we contribute to the mixed relation between the 2004 split-share reform and market efficiency in China.
Entrepreneurial well-being of expatriate entrepreneurs: self and world
Authors: Zhang Yu , Lassalle Paul
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper explores the Entrepreneurial Well-Being (EWB) of expatriate entrepreneurs in China. Through the analysis of their contextualised lived experience across the entrepreneurial journey, the paper proposes a novel theorisation of EWB.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts an interpretivist approach of abductive reasoning to analyse the data from 50 in-depth interviews conducted with expatriate entrepreneurs in China. Expatriate entrepreneurs are confronted with enhanced challenges in their host country, leading to particular emotional engagement with the entrepreneurial journey.

Findings

Findings show the importance of life situations, emotions and relatedness in the entrepreneurial process and the EWB of expatriate entrepreneurs. Theorising from their lived experiences, the paper presents EWB as a dynamic process. It further theorises this process as a constant, ongoing interaction and integration between the self and world, in an interplay of being and becoming. Such theorisation contributes first to advancements in the EWB literature, with a stronger emphasis on the entrepreneurial aspect. The paper also contributes to discussions on contextualised entrepreneurship by stressing the role of emotions and relatedness in the pursuit of EWB.

Originality/value

Entrepreneurship is a global phenomenon, which is often presented as a suitable alternative career path for migrant and expatriate individuals. However, the importance of EWB for entrepreneurs requires further attention from policy-makers, support institutions and entrepreneurs themselves. By theorising EWB as a processual journey of being and becoming and the relation between the self and world, this paper opens avenues for innovative support policies and practices aiming at developing the full potential of individuals in entrepreneurship and promoting both the happiness index and the global index of society.
International entrepreneurial culture of born global and non-born global family firms: a configurational approach
Authors: Mostafiz Md Imtiaz , Gali Nazha , Hughes Mathew , De Massis Alfredo , Rahman Puteh Noraihan A
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Delving into family business heterogeneity, this study applies fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analyses (fsQCA) to explain overlooked differences in the international performance of born global family firms (BGFFs) and non-born global family firms (n-BGFFs); through the lens of assemblage theory of family business internationalization, the study develops distinctive configurations of international entrepreneurial culture (IEC) for BGFFs and n-BGFFs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study compares the theoretical tenets of IEC among 167 BGFFs versus 192 n-BGFFs in Malaysia using fsQCA – a configurational method. The study further deploys necessity analysis of fsQCA (NCA) to determine the necessity conditions within the identified configurations.

Findings

BGFFs manifest elevated levels of international entrepreneurial orientation, international motivation and international non-competitor network orientation. In contrast, n-BGFFs rely on international markets, learning and competitor network orientations to secure international performance. Furthermore, necessary condition analysis (NCA) reveals that international entrepreneurial orientation and international motivation are the necessity conditions for BGFFs. In contrast, international market, learning and competitor network orientation are all required for n-BGFFs’ international performance.

Originality/value

This study is timely and contributes to advancing the international business theory of family firm internationalization. It also offers better theorizing for family firms’ heterogeneity, locating the source of that heterogeneity not just in the speed of internationalization but also in the composition of their different IECs.
Unmasking the human rights needs of internally displaced persons: a case study of selected states in Nigeria
Authors: Acha-Anyi Paul Nkemngu
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of internally displaced persons regarding their experiences with various human rights prescripts. This study also sought to contribute to the literature on the living conditions of internally displaced persons and narrow the gap in internal displacement studies, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach and quantitative research paradigm were adopted in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 584 participants in Niger State, Edo State and Kaduna State in Nigeria.

Findings

The findings reveal that most of the internally displaced persons were youth, unemployed and had a strong motivation to meet their physiological needs. The empirical evidence in this study leads to the conclusion that the daily struggle of the participants to meet their survival needs overshadows every other human rights consideration among them.

Research limitations/implications

Various practical and theoretical implications are inferred from this study including the imperative to urgently address the causes of internal displacement and provide urgent assistance to internally displaced persons.

Originality/value

Besides the novel conceptual insights and empirical data, this study makes unique contributions to literature on internally displaced persons and human rights theory.
A multi-dimensional framework of dynamic capabilities in emerging economies’ multinationals: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Xu Zhe , Abdullah Nor Liza
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The growth and significance of emerging economies’ multinationals (EEMs) in the global economy have transformed the business landscape. This study constructs a conceptual framework that displays and links the prerequisites of the formation, composition and development stages of dynamic capabilities (DCs) that lead to competitive advantages in EEMs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines (excluding meta-analysis) to present a systematic review of 111 empirical and conceptual academic articles published in the past 24 years in the A+, A and B tier categories in scientific journal indexes.

Findings

The findings illustrate the DCs of EEMs in terms of four components: prerequisites for formation, composition, development process and outcomes. Among these, the compositions of DCs contain four types: management capabilities of available and desired resources, agile organizational capabilities, fast-learning modes and predictive capabilities. The authors also explain the developmental stages of DCs in EEMs, which is seen as a continuous process of anticipating change, consisting of high sensitivity to opportunities, advanced knowledge absorption, resource optimization and adjustment. Additional analysis also reveals the challenges in researching and measuring DCs.

Originality/value

This study provides a highly synthesized multi-dimensional framework of EEMs’ DCs, which fills the research gap and contributes to the enrichment of extant theories. The results can guide most EEMs, particularly those in the manufacturing, IT and service industries, in cultivating entrepreneurship and creating a more efficient operational team to achieve competitiveness.
Can you bear with me? A comparison study of multifaceted discrepancy–brand avoidance relationships between China and the USA
Authors: Wang Zi , Liu Paul C.Y. , Yuan Ruizhi , de Kerviler Gwarlann
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Brand information is ubiquitous online and offline; consumers exhibit brand avoidance tendencies towards brand stimuli when there is a discrepancy between a brand image/personality and one’s self-concept. Given the multifaceted culturally constituted self-domains and self-importance, this research investigates how cultural variation affects reactions to self-brand discrepancy, considering two types of narcissist orientations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using national culture as proxy for cultural orientation, sample data were collected through surveys administered to 410 participants (210 in China and 200 in the USA). A multi-group structural equation model was adopted to examine the conceptual model and proposed hypotheses. The follow-up qualitative study was conducted to allow further discussion of the quantitative results.

Findings

The results show that self-brand discrepancy can only be converted into brand avoidance tendency through the activation of cognitive dissonance for both Americans and Chinese. Specifically, for Chinese consumers only (ideal) social identity self-brand discrepancies can activate avoidance behaviour. In addition, grandiose and vulnerable narcissism orientations co-exist for both Chinese and Americans, these negatively moderate the relationship between social self-brand discrepancies and cognitive dissonance. For US consumers, idealised identity discrepancies mitigate dissonance; only those with a vulnerable narcissistic orientation would act on avoidance when experiencing dissonance.

Originality/value

By incorporating cultural variations in the investigations of self-brand discrepancy, this paper advances existing knowledge on dissonance and coping mechanisms. In addition, by bringing narcissistic orientations to the fore, it allows for a deeper understanding of how these cultural variations operate. In addition, our research provides important guidelines for brand practitioners to better leverage their marketing campaigns in offline and online contexts and to reduce brand avoidance tendencies across the international marketplace.
Digital twin-enhanced robotic system for remote diesel engine assembly defect inspection
Authors: Wang Kai , Wang Xiang , Tan Chao , Dong Shijie , Zhao Fang , Lian Shiguo
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to streamline and enhance the assembly defect inspection process in diesel engine production. Traditional manual inspection methods are labor-intensive and time-consuming because of the complex structures of the engines and the noisy workshop environment. This study’s robotic system aims to alleviate these challenges by automating the inspection process and enabling easy remote inspection, thereby freeing workers from heavy fieldwork.

Design/methodology/approach

This study’s system uses a robotic arm to traverse and capture images of key components of the engine. This study uses anomaly detection algorithms to automatically identify defects in the captured images. Additionally, this system is enhanced by digital twin technology, which provides inspectors with various tools to designate components of interest in the engine and assist in defect checking and annotation. This integration facilitates smooth transitions from manual to automatic inspection within a short period.

Findings

Through evaluations and user studies conducted over a relatively long period, the authors found that the system accelerates and improves the accuracy of engine inspections. The results indicate that the system significantly enhances the efficiency of production processes for manufacturers.

Originality/value

The system represents a novel approach to engine inspection, leveraging robotic technology and digital twin enhancements to address the limitations of traditional manual inspection methods. By automating and enhancing the inspection process, the system offers manufacturers the opportunity to improve production efficiency and ensure the quality of diesel engines.
Effects of gender and agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Vu Nam Hoang , Chi Nguyen Thi Khanh , Nguyen Hai Hong
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study explores the effects of gender and participation in agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices in vegetable production.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used data collected from a survey of 627 vegetable farmers in Viet Nam and employed the Ordered Probit regression model to examine the effects of gender and participation in agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices.

Findings

We find that female vegetable farmers are more likely to conduct biodiversity conservation farming practices than male farmers. This gender difference is, however, removed when participation in agricultural cooperatives is controlled, suggesting that agricultural cooperatives effectively facilitate biodiversity conservation farming practices.

Research limitations/implications

It is noted that our study is not free from some limitations. First, we conducted our study on vegetable farmers only. The biodiversity conservation practices in vegetable cultivation might be different from other types of farming. Future studies should be conducted with other types of agricultural cultivation. Second, we do not have enough data to explain why female farmers are more likely to adopt biodiversity conservation practices than male farmers. Future studies should capture biological and social aspects of gender differences to address this limitation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on biodiversity conservation by presenting empirical evidence on the effects of gender and agricultural cooperatives. Participation in agricultural cooperatives is revealed to facilitate the adoption of biodiversity conservation practices. In addition, we find that the education of farmers, the number of years that farmers have been living in the local area and the quality of land and water are positively related to the adoption of biodiversity conservation practices in vegetable production.
Fluctuating emotional states before and during child sexual abuse and rape: a file review analysis of males in mandated care in The Netherlands
Authors: Keulen-de Vos Marije , Hagendoorn Marcia , Herzog-Evans Martine , Benbouriche Massil
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine emotional states preceding and during sexual crimes in a Dutch sample of adult male patients who were admitted to mandated clinical care.

Design/methodology/approach

Emotional states preceding child sexual abuse (CSA) (n = 63) and rape against adults (n = 60) were compared using the Mode Observation Scale.

Findings

CSA and rape were equally preceded by feelings of vulnerability, undifferentiated anger and loneliness and characterised by callous unemotionality. Emotional manipulation was more dominant in the events leading up to CSA, whereas an exaggerated sense of self-worth was more dominant in the event preceding rape. Substance-related detachment was more common preceding rape but was equally common during both types of crimes. Controlled anger was more common in rape.

Practical implications

CSA and rape crimes are predominantly characterised by similar emotional states of persons who were admitted to mandated clinical care. This informs the development of more effective therapeutic interventions and support services tailored to the emotional profiles of patients, potentially improving rehabilitation or treatment outcomes. Scientifically, the results of this study provide a compelling foundation for further research into the psychological mechanisms underpinning sexual violence.

Originality/value

While previous research has often focused on these crimes in isolation, this study bridges a critical gap by examining the emotional commonalities between them. This study challenges the conventional understanding that treats these forms of sexual violence as entirely distinct, proposing instead that they may share underlying emotional dynamics.
Effective decision-making in public health organizations: reference to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Liem Jessica , Thongpapanl Narongsak , Faught Brent E.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The role of public health organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic was crucial. These groups acted to slow the spread of infection through the implementation of initiatives, policies, research and more. However, the rapidly changing and uncertain climate of the pandemic resulted in suboptimal processes and decision-making within these organizations. These already complex organizations and networks of people became even more nuanced. Thus, organizational decision-making processes must be improved upon based on previous experiences and lessons learnt. With minimal peer-reviewed literature available, resources for effective organizational decision-making in these organizations are scarce. This served as the impetus for this review.

Design/methodology/approach

To conduct this literature review, both peer-reviewed and grey literature were incorporated to better understand effective organizational decision-making practices for public health organizations. Recommendations found in the literature review were identified, coded and themed to provide a novel decision-making framework to be used by public health executives.

Findings

Nine key themes of effective organizational decision-making were identified, including utilize decision-making tools, define the problem and acknowledge an imminent decision, establish decision rights, outline a clear escalation path, create a supportive organizational culture, set decision objectives and goals, and evaluate decision alternatives. These findings in conjunction with existing decision-making models were used to create a seven-step effective decision-making framework for public health organizations.

Originality/value

The review and analysis of effective organizational decision-making practices is instructive. Public health executives and decision-makers should incorporate the themes identified and employ the proposed decision-making framework to encourage improved decision-making practices.