bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SnakeFace: a transfer learning based app for snake classification
Authors: Pires Jorge Guerra , Dias Braga Luiz Henrique
Published: June 2023

Introduction

deep learning emerged in 2012 as one of the most important machine learning technologies, reducing image identification error from 25% to 5%. This article has two goals: 1) to demonstrate to the general public the ease of building state-of-the-art machine learning models without coding expertise; 2) to present a basic model adaptable to any biological image identification, such as species identification. Method: We present three test-of-concept models that showcase distinct perspectives of the app. The models aim at separating images into classes such as genus, species, and subspecies, and the input images can be easily adapted for different cases. We have applied deep learning and transfer learning using Teachable Machine. Results: Our basic models demonstrate high accuracy in identifying different species based on images, highlighting the potential for this method to be applied in biology. Discussions: the presented models showcase the ease of using machine learning nowadays for image identification. Furthermore, the adaptability of this method to various species and genuses emphasizes its importance in the biological fields, as root for inspiring collaborations with computer science. On our, future collaborations could lead to increasingly accurate and efficient models in this arena using well-curated datasets.
Optimal Filters for ERP Research II: Recommended Settings for Seven Common ERP Components
Authors: Zhang Guanghui , Garrett David R. , Luck Steven J.
Published: June 2023

In research with event-related potentials (ERPs), aggressive filters can substantially improve the signal-to-noise ratio and maximize statistical power, but they can also produce significant waveform distortion. Although this tradeoff has been well documented, the field lacks recommendations for filter cutoffs that quantitatively address both of these competing considerations. To fill this gap, we quantified the effects of a broad range of low-pass filter and high-pass filter cutoffs for seven common ERP components (P3b, N400, N170, N2pc, mismatch negativity, error-related negativity, and lateralized readiness potential) recorded from a set of neurotypical young adults. We also examined four common scoring methods (mean amplitude, peak amplitude, peak latency, and 50% area latency). For each combination of component and scoring method, we quantified the effects of filtering on data quality (noise level and signal-to-noise ratio) and waveform distortion. This led to recommendations for optimal low-pass and high-pass filter cutoffs. We repeated the analyses after adding artificial noise to provide recommendations for datasets with moderately greater noise levels. For researchers who are analyzing data with similar ERP components, noise levels, and participant populations, using the recommended filter settings should lead to improved data quality and statistical power without creating problematic waveform distortion.
MNK inhibitor eFT508 (Tomivosertib) suppresses ectopic activity in human dorsal root ganglion neurons from dermatomes with radicular neuropathic pain
Authors: Li Yan , Uhelski Megan L. , North Robert Y. , Mwirigi Juliet M. , Tatsui Claudio E. , Cata Juan P. , Corrales German , Price Theodore J. , Dougherty Patrick M.
Published: June 2023

Spontaneous activity in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons is a key driver of neuropathic pain in preclinical models and in patients suffering from this largely untreated disease. While many intracellular signaling mechanisms have been examined in preclinical models that drive this spontaneous activity (SA), none of these have been tested directly on spontaneously active human nociceptors. Using cultured DRG neurons recovered during thoracic vertebrectomy surgeries, we show that inhibition of mitogen activated protein kinase interacting kinase (MNK) with eFT508 (25 nM) reverses SA in human sensory neurons associated with painful dermatomes. MNK inhibition in spontaneously active nociceptors decreased action potential amplitude and produced alterations in the magnitude of afterhyperpolarizing currents suggesting modification of Na+and K+channel activity downstream of MNK inhibition. The effects of MNK inhibition on SA took minutes to emerge and were reversible over time with eFT508 washout. MNK inhibition with eFT508 led to a profound loss of eIF4E Serine 209 phosphorylation, a specific target of the kinase, within 2 min of drug treatment, consistent with the rapid action of the drug on SA in electrophysiology experiments. Our results create a compelling case for the future testing of MNK inhibitors in clinical trials for neuropathic pain.

Conflict of interest

TJP is a co-founder of 4E Therapeutics, a company developing MNK inhibitors for neuropathic pain. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest.
AnEnterobacteriaceaebloom in aging animals is restrained by the gut microbiome
Authors: Choi Rebecca , Bodkhe Rahul , Pees Barbara , Kim Dan , Berg Maureen , Monnin David , Cho Juhyun , Narayan Vivek , Deller Ethan , Shapira Michael
Published: June 2023

The gut microbiome plays important roles in host function and health. Core microbiomes have been described for different species, and imbalances in their composition, known as dysbiosis, are associated with pathology. Changes in the gut microbiome and dysbiosis are common in aging, possibly due to multi-tissue deterioration, which includes metabolic shifts, dysregulated immunity, and disrupted epithelial barriers. However, the characteristics of these changes, as reported in different studies, are varied and sometimes conflicting. Using clonal populations ofC. elegansto highlight trends shared among individuals, and employing NextGen sequencing, CFU counts and fluorescent imaging to characterize age-dependent changes in worms raised in different microbial environments, we identified anEnterobacteriaceaebloom as a common denominator in aging animals. Experiments usingEnterobacter hormachei, a representative commensal, suggested that theEnterobacteriaceaebloom was facilitated by a decline in Sma/BMP immune signaling in aging animals and demonstrated its detrimental potential for increasing susceptibility to infection. However, such detrimental effects were context-dependent, mitigated by competition with commensal communities, highlighting the latter as determinants of healthy versus unhealthy aging, depending on their ability to restrain opportunistic pathobionts.
Laterality defect of the heart in non-teleost fish
Authors: Huijskes Myrte M. , Icardo José M. , Coolen Bram F. , Jensen Bjarke
Published: June 2023

Dextrocardia is a rare congenital malformation in humans in which most of the heart mass is positioned in the right hemithorax rather than on the left. The heart itself may be normal and dextrocardia is sometimes diagnosed during non-related explorations. A few reports have documented atypical positions of the cardiac chambers in farmed teleost fish. Here, we report the casual finding of a left-right mirrored heart ventricle in a 85 cm long spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) that was caught in the wild. Macroscopic observations showed an outflow tract originating from the left side of the ventricular mass, rather than from the right. Internal inspection revealed the normal structures, including a looped cavity on the inner curvature of which was a large trabeculation, or the bulboventricular fold. MRI data acquired at 0.7 mm isotropic resolution and subsequent 3D-modeling revealed the atrioventricular canal was to the right of the bulboventricular fold, rather than on the left. The atrium and sinus venosus had the normal midline position and gross shape. Spurred by finding of the left-right mirrored shark ventricle, we revisit our previously published material on farmed Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii), a non-teleost bony fish. We found several alevins with inverted (L-loop) hearts, amounting to an approximate incidence of 1-2 %. Additionally, an adult sturgeon measuring 90 cm in length showed abnormal topology of the cardiac chambers, but normal position of the abdominal organs. In conclusion, left-right mirrored hearts, a setting that resembles human dextrocardia, can occur in both farmed and wild non-teleost fish.
Small Interactor of PKD2 (SIP), a novel PKD2-related single-pass transmembrane protein, is required for proteolytic processing and ciliary import ofChlamydomonasPKD2
Authors: Das Poulomi , Mekonnen Betlehem , Alkhofash Rama , Ingle Abha , Workman E. Blair , Feather Alec , Liu Peiwei , Lechtreck Karl F.
Published: June 2023

InChlamydomonascilia, the ciliopathy-relevant TRP channel PKD2 is spatially compartmentalized into a distal region, in which PKD2 binds the axoneme and extracellular mastigonemes, and a smaller proximal region, in which PKD2 is more mobile and lacks mastigonemes. Here, we show that the two PKD2 regions are established early during cilia regeneration and increase in length as cilia elongate. In abnormally long cilia, only the distal region elongated whereas both regions adjusted in length during cilia shortening. In dikaryon rescue experiments, tagged PKD2 rapidly entered the proximal region of PKD2-deficient cilia whereas assembly of the distal region was hindered, suggesting that axonemal docking of PKD2 requiresde novociliary assembly. We identified Small Interactor of PKD2 (SIP), a small PKD2-related protein, as a novel component of the PKD2-mastigoneme complex. Insipmutants, stability and proteolytic processing of PKD2 in the cell body were reduced and PKD2-mastigoneme complexes were absent from mutant cilia. Like thepkd2andmst1mutants,sipswims with reduced velocity. Cilia of thepkd2mutant beat with normal frequency and bending pattern but were less efficient in moving cells supporting a passive role of the PKD2-SIP-mastigoneme complexes in increasing the effective surface ofChlamydomonascilia.
Aberrant cortical activity, functional connectivity, and neural assembly architecture after photothrombotic stroke in mice
Authors: Bandet Mischa V. , Winship Ian R.
Published: June 2023

Despite substantial recent progress in mapping the trajectory of network plasticity resulting from focal ischemic stroke, there is mixed evidence for changes in neuronal excitability and activity within the peri-infarct cortex of mice. Most of these data have been acquired from anesthetized animals, acute tissue slices, or immunoassays on extracted tissue, and thus may not reflect cortical activity dynamics in the intact cortex of an awake animal. Here,in vivotwo- photon calcium imaging in awake, behaving mice was used to longitudinally track cortical activity, network functional connectivity, and neural assembly architecture for 2 months following photothrombotic stroke targeting the forelimb somatosensory cortex. This model is associated with sensorimotor recovery over the weeks following stroke, allowing us to relate network changes to behavior. Our data revealed spatially restricted but long-lasting alterations in somatosensory neural networks. Specifically, we demonstrate significant and long-lasting disruptions in neural assembly architecture concurrent with a deficit in functional connectivity between individual neurons. Reductions in neuronal spiking in peri-infarct cortex were transient but predictive of impairment in skilled locomotion measured in the tapered beam task. Notably, altered neural networks were highly localized, with assembly architecture and neural connectivity relatively unaltered a distance outside the peri-infarct cortex, even in regions demonstrated to be the site of functional remapping of the forelimb somatosensory representation in anaesthetized preparations. Thus, using longitudinal two photon microscopy in awake animals, these data show a complex spatiotemporal relationship between peri-infarct neuronal network function and behavioral recovery that is more nuanced than functional remapping in response to strong sensory stimulation under anesthesia.
Temporal Changes in The Proanthocyanidins to Anthocyanins Ratio During Dormancy Associate with Bloom Time Variations in Peach
Authors: Das Protiva Rani , Islam Md Tabibul , Liu Jianyang , Liu Zongrang , Dardick Chris , Sherif Sherif M.
Published: June 2023

This study provides a thorough exploration of the mechanisms regulating the onset of flowering in peach trees, a process principally governed by bud-dormancy. We applied untargeted metabolomics combined with a comprehensive series of molecular and biochemical experiments to scrutinize the variations in bloom times among different peach cultivars. The impact of exogenous chemical stimuli, specifically ethephon (ET) and abscisic acid (ABA), on bloom times was also evaluated. Our study revealed that the ET-induced delay in bloom time was associated with higher levels of proanthocyanidin (PA) compared to anthocyanins (ACNs) during endodormancy. Furthermore, fluctuations in the PA/ACNs ratio during dormancy demonstrated a strong correlation with the chill requirements and bloom dates of 12 distinct peach genotypes. The research further uncovers the crucial role of ABA in regulating the biosynthesis of PAs and ACNs during peach tree dormancy. Intriguingly, the exogenous application of ABA during endodormancy resulted in a reduction of PA content, leading to an earlier bloom time. We also observed variations in DAM gene expression between early- and late-blooming cultivars. The late-blooming cultivars exhibited higher transcript levels of DAM genes, elevated PA levels, and lower ABA levels compared to their early-blooming counterparts. Importantly, our study proposes PAs and ACNs as quantitative marker metabolites for endo- and ecodormancy phases. This innovative finding paves the way for developing more accurate chill and heat requirement models, thereby enabling a more precise understanding and projection of the impacts of global climate change on the phenology of tree fruit species.
Enhancing single-cell western blotting sensitivity using diffusive analyte blotting and antibody conjugate amplification
Authors: Long Mariia Alibekova , Benman William , Petrikas Nathan , Bugaj Lukasz J. , Hughes Alex J.
Published: June 2023

While there are many techniques to achieve highly sensitive, multiplex detection of RNA and DNA from single cells, detecting protein contents often suffers from low limits of detection and throughput. Miniaturized, high-sensitivity western blots on single cells (scWesterns) are attractive since they do not require advanced instrumentation. By physically separating analytes, scWesterns also uniquely mitigate limitations to target protein multiplexing posed by affinity reagent performance. However, a fundamental limitation of scWesterns is their limited sensitivity for detecting low-abundance proteins, which arises from transport barriers posed by the separation gel against detection species. Here we address sensitivity by decoupling the electrophoretic separation medium from the detection medium. We transfer scWestern separations to a nitrocellulose blotting medium with distinct mass transfer advantages over traditional in-gel probing, yielding a 5.9-fold improvement in limit of detection. We next amplify probing of blotted proteins with enzyme-antibody conjugates which are incompatible with traditional in-gel probing to achieve further improvement in the limit of detection to 103molecules, a 520-fold improvement. This enables us to detect 85% and 100% of cells in an EGFP-expressing population using fluorescently tagged and enzyme-conjugated antibodies respectively, compared to 47% of cells using in-gel detection. These results suggest compatibility of nitrocellulose-immobilized scWesterns with a variety of affinity reagents — not previously accessible for in-gel use — for further signal amplification and detection of low abundance targets.
The molecular architecture of the desmosomal outer dense plaque by integrative structural modeling
Authors: Pasani Satwik , Menon Kavya S , Viswanath Shruthi
Published: June 2023

Desmosomes mediate cell-cell adhesion and are prevalent in tissues under mechanical stress. However, their detailed structural characterization is not available. Here, we characterized the molecular architecture of the desmosomal outer dense plaque (ODP) using Bayesian integrative structural modelingviathe Integrative Modeling Platform. Starting principally from the structural interpretation of an electron cryo-tomogram, we integrated information from X-ray crystallography, an immuno-electron microscopy study, biochemical assays,in-silicopredictions of transmembrane and disordered regions, homology modeling, and stereochemistry information. The integrative structure was validated by information from imaging, tomography, and biochemical studies that were not used in modeling. The ODP resembles a densely packed cylinder with a PKP layer and a PG layer; the desmosomal cadherins and PKP span these two layers. Our integrative approach allowed us to localize disordered regions, such as N-PKP and PG-C. We refined previous protein-protein interactions between desmosomal proteins and provided possible structural hypotheses for defective cell-cell adhesion in several diseases by mapping disease-related mutations on the structure. Finally, we point to features of the structure that could confer resilience to mechanical stress. Our model provides a basis for generating experimentally verifiable hypotheses on the structure and function of desmosomal proteins in normal and disease states.

Significance statement

Desmosomes are cell-cell junctions that possess a hyper-adhesive property and are prevalent in tissues under mechanical stress. However, their detailed structural characterization has eluded experimental structural biologists so far. Here, we use an integrative approach that allows us to rigorously combine biochemical, biophysical, and cell biological data at multiple scales in order to determine the molecular architecture of the outer dense plaque region of desmosomes. We validate the structural model by several pieces of information not used to compute it. The model allows us to generate hypotheses on the desmosomal proteins in normal and disease states.
Transcriptional landscape of DTP-DTEP transition reveals DUSP6 as a driver of HER2 inhibitor tolerance via Neuregulin/HER3 axis
Authors: Momeny Majid , Tienhaara Mari , Chakroborty Deepankar , Sharma Mukund , Varjus Roosa , Merisaari Joni , Padzik Artur , Vogt Andreas , Paatero Ilkka , Kurppa Kari J. , Elenius Klaus , Laajala Teemu D. , Westermarck Jukka
Published: June 2023

The mechanisms promoting re-growth of dormant cancer cells under continuous tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy are poorly understood. Here we present transcriptional profiling of HER2+ breast cancer cells treated continuously with HER2 TKI (HER2i) therapy for 9 months. The data reveals specific gene regulatory programs associated with transition from dormant drug tolerant persister cells (DTPs) to proliferating DTEP (drug tolerant expanding persister) cells and eventually long-term resistance. Focusing on yet poorly understood phosphatases as determinants of therapy tolerance, expression of dual-specificity phosphatase DUSP6 was found inhibited in DTPs, but strongly induced upon re-growth of DTEPs. DUSP6 overexpression conferred apoptosis resistance whereas its pharmacological blockade prevented DTEP development under HER2i therapy. The DUSP6-driven HER2i tolerance was mediated by activation of neuregulin-HER3 axis, and consistent with the role of HER3 in widespread therapy tolerance, DUSP6 targeting also synergized with clinically used HER2i combination therapies.In vivo,pharmacological DUSP6 targeting induced synthetic lethal effect with HER2i in independent tumor models, and its genetic targeting reduced tumor growth in orthotopic brain metastasis model. Collectively this work provides first transcriptional landscape of DTP-DTEP transition under TKI therapy, and identify DUSP6 as a novel candidate therapy target to overcome widespread HER3-driven therapy resistance.
An information-theoretic quantification of the content of communication between brain regions
Authors: Celotto Marco , Bím Jan , Tlaie Alejandro , De Feo Vito , Lemke Stefan , Chicharro Daniel , Nili Hamed , Bieler Malte , Hanganu-Opatz Ileana L. , Donner Tobias H. , Brovelli Andrea , Panzeri Stefano
Published: June 2023

Quantifying the amount, content and direction of communication between brain regions is key to understanding brain function. Traditional methods to analyze brain activity based on the Wiener-Granger causality principle quantify the overall information propagated by neural activity between simultaneously recorded brain regions, but do not reveal the information flow about specific features of interest (such as sensory stimuli). Here, we develop a new information theoretic measure termed Feature-specific Information Transfer (FIT), quantifying how much information about a specific feature flows between two regions. FIT merges the Wiener-Granger causality principle with information-content specificity. We first derive FIT and prove analytically its key properties. We then illustrate and test them with simulations of neural activity, demonstrating that FIT identifies, within the total information flowing between regions, the information that is transmitted about specific features. We then analyze three neural datasets obtained with different recording methods, magneto- and electro-encephalography, and spiking activity, to demonstrate the ability of FIT to uncover the content and direction of information flow between brain regions beyond what can be discerned with traditional anaytical methods. FIT can improve our understanding of how brain regions communicate by uncovering previously hidden feature-specific information flow.
Host ZCCHC3 blocks HIV-1 infection and production by a dual mechanism
Authors: Yi Binbin , Tanaka Yuri L , Kosako Hidetaka , Butlertanaka Erika P , Sengupta Prabuddha , Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer , Saito Akatsuki , Yoshimura Shige H.
Published: June 2023

Most mammalian cells prevent viral infection and proliferation by expressing various restriction factors and sensors that activate the immune system. While anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) host restriction factors have been identified, most of them are antagonized by viral proteins. This has severely hindered their development in anti-HIV-1 therapy. Here, we describe CCHC-type zinc-finger-containing protein 3 (ZCCHC3) as a novel anti-HIV-1 factor that is not antagonized by viral proteins. ZCCHC3 suppresses production of HIV-1 and other retroviruses. We show that ZCCHC3 acts by binding to Gag nucleocapsid protein via zinc-finger motifs. This prevents interaction between the Gag nucleocapsid protein and viral genome and results in production of genome-deficient virions. ZCCHC3 also binds to the long terminal repeat on the viral genome via the middle-folded domain, sequestering the viral genome to P-bodies, which leads to decreased viral replication and production. Such a dual antiviral mechanism is distinct from that of any other known host restriction factors. Therefore, ZCCHC3 is a novel potential target in anti-HIV-1 therapy.
Client assessments of their audit experiences: the role of experience quality, similarity and client participation
Authors: Sampet Jomjai , Sarapaivanich Naruanard , Ekasingh Erboon , Patterson Paul
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study examines how three psychological factors (i.e. perceived experience quality, perceived similarity and client participation) that impact client evaluations of their recent audit experiences influence client satisfaction and trustworthiness, which, in turn, affect advocacy in an small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) context. Furthermore, the study investigates whether the influence of the three psychological factors on client satisfaction and trustworthiness is contingent on client expertise.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 744 SME executives from the following four regions: central, northern, eastern and southern Thailand. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to ensure the reliability and validity of the scale before structural equation modeling was applied to analyze the data.

Findings

The results showed significant positive effects of the three psychological factors (perceived experience quality, perceived similarity and client participation) on client satisfaction and perceived trustworthiness. The moderating role of client expertise on the relationships is also found. More specifically, client expertise positively moderated the connections between experience quality and satisfaction, experience quality and trustworthiness and client participation and trustworthiness. Conversely, client expertise negatively moderated the similarity–satisfaction and similarity–trustworthiness relationships.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the audit literature by examining the role of psychological factor that impacts client satisfaction and perceived trustworthiness in the SME context. Moreover, the moderating role of client expertise is examined for the first time, providing new insights into the boundary condition of the relationship.
Microfinance's digital transformation for sustainable inclusion
Authors: Fersi Marwa , Boujelbéne Mouna , Arous Feten
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) offering FinTech services. This study contributes to the existing literature on microfinance digitalization, financial inclusion and sustainable development. The study also takes into consideration a behavioral perspective through the efficiency evaluation process of MFIs offering FinTech services.

Design/methodology/approach

The following study employs the Stochastic Frontier Analysis approach to estimate the operational and social efficiency scores of the 387 MFIs over the period 2005–2019. Then, it tries to consider factors influencing MFIs' efficiency and assess their effects. Hence, two separate models for operation and social efficiency introducing a set of factors, including FinTech proxies and overconfidence proxies, are tested. The first model for operational efficiency uses a random-effects estimator while the second one for social efficiency uses a fixed-effects estimator.

Findings

The results show that innovative MFIs have weaker averages of operational efficiency than non-innovative ones but higher averages of social efficiency. This was justified by the fact that innovative MFIs are more socially oriented. Further, findings of this study depict that the proxies of FinTech affect negatively the level of operational efficiency of MFIs. They also depict a negative relationship between FinTech proxies and the level of social efficiency. These results hold through robustness tests.

Originality/value

The highlight of this study is that it takes heed of the indirect effect of technological innovation on the efficiency of MFIs. It has been proved that it moderates the impact of managerial overconfidence (manifested by excessive risk-taking, viz., high levels of PAR30, LGR and NIM) on the level of both operational and social efficiencies.
Australian housing markets, the COVID-19 pandemic and black swan events
Authors: Wong Woon Weng , Mintah Kwabena , Wong Peng Yew , Baako Kingsley
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of lending liquidity on house prices especially during black swan events such as the Global Financial Crisis of 2007–08 and COVID-19. Homeownership is an important goal for many, and house prices are a significant driver of household wealth and the wider economy. This study argues that excessive liquidity from central banks may be driving house price increases, despite negative changes to fundamental drivers. This study contributes to the literature by examining lending liquidity as a driver of house prices and evaluating the efficacy of fiscal policies aimed at boosting liquidity during black swan events.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to examine the impact of quantitative easing on Australian house prices during back swan events using data from 2004 to 2021. All macroeconomic and financial data are freely available from official sources such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the nation's Central Bank. Methodology wise, given the problematic nature of the data such as a mixed order of integration and the possibility of cointegration among some of the I(1) variables, the auto-regressive distributed lag model was selected given its flexibility and relative lack of assumptions.

Findings

The Australian housing market continued to perform well during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the house price index reaching an unprecedented high towards the end of 2021. Research using data from 2004 to 2021 found a consistent positive relationship between house prices and housing finance, as well as population growth and the value of work commenced on residential properties. Other traditional drivers such as the unemployment rate, economic activity, stock prices and income levels were found to be less significant. This study suggests that quantitative easing implemented during the pandemic played a significant role in the housing market's performance.

Originality/value

Given the severity of COVID-19, policymakers have responded with fiscal and monetary measures that are unprecedented in scale and scope. The full implications of these responses are yet to be completely understood. In Australia, the policy interest rate was reduced to a historic low of 0.1%. In the following periods house prices appreciated by over 20%. The efficacy of quantitative easing and associated fiscal policies aimed at boosting liquidity to mitigate the impact of black swan events such as the pandemic has yet to be tested empirically. This study aims to address that paucity in literature by providing such evidence.
Steel surface defect classification approach using an All-optical Neuron-based SNN with attention mechanism
Authors: Gong Liang , Dong Hang , Cheng Xin , Ge Zhenghui , Guo Liangchao
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a new method for the end-to-end classification of steel surface defects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes an AM-AoN-SNN algorithm, which combines an attention mechanism (AM) with an All-optical Neuron-based spiking neural network (AoN-SNN). The AM enhances network learning and extracts defective features, while the AoN-SNN predicts both the labels of the defects and the final labels of the images. Compared to the conventional Leaky-Integrated and Fire SNN, the AoN-SNN has improved the activation of neurons.

Findings

The experimental findings on Northeast University (NEU)-CLS demonstrate that the proposed neural network detection approach outperforms other methods. Furthermore, the network’s effectiveness was tested, and the results indicate that the proposed method can achieve high detection accuracy and strong anti-interference capabilities while maintaining a basic structure.

Originality/value

This study introduces a novel approach to classifying steel surface defects using a combination of a shallow AoN-SNN and a hybrid AM with different network architectures. The proposed method is the first study of SNN networks applied to this task.
Not by what we see: how Christian religious beliefs influence market and community logics in a rural context
Authors: Cavalcanti Junqueira M. Isabella , Discua Cruz Allan , Gratton Paul C.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to address decision-making processes of Christian entrepreneurs living and working in rural areas. The authors draw on the institutional logics perspective and stewardship perspective to demonstrate how religion influences rationality and entrepreneurial decision-making processes in a rural context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative interpretive approach supported by ethnographic fieldwork. Qualitative and interpretative analyses are used to access deeper insights into the decision-making processes of Christian entrepreneurs in a rural environment. Data include short-term immersive events, observations and interviews as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions lifted in the region.

Findings

This study reveals that normative (religious) commitments – a sense of moral duty and action influenced by religion – and a high-religiosity context – where religion permeates diverse aspects of life – lead to behaviors that are perceived as rational and normative. In this context, the normative relationship between a market and a community logic, alongside a logic of religion, are all linked through a stewardship perspective. A broad focus on the development of community and place also safeguards business and community interests.

Research limitations/implications

Since the findings are based on one rural area and one religion, future studies should address a broader range of geographical areas and religions. In this study, uncertainty arising from COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and the resumption of business exchanges also influence the decision-making processes of the entrepreneurial participants. While the findings reflect the normative dispositions and the decision-making processes that are inherent in this context, an even broader examination of rural entrepreneurship will benefit our understanding of entrepreneurial decisions in terms of rationality and place.

Practical implications

The findings reveal that entrepreneurs who relocate to a rural, high-religiosity context should first assess how the community affiliated through a set of beliefs – expects actors to behave. Additionally, applicability to other religions requires further consideration.

Originality/value

This study answers the call to examine entrepreneurship and the underpinnings of rationality that challenge mainstream debates on entrepreneurial decision-making and religion. The findings answer this call by advancing the knowledge of the decision-making process of religious entrepreneurs. In this respect, the findings present a context where rational business behaviors, influenced by a market logic, are transformed through exchanges with a community informed by a logic of religion. A conceptual model illustrates the nature of this context and associated processes.
Breaking bad: how can supply chain management better address illegal supply chains?
Authors: Pullman Madeleine , McCarthy Lucy , Mena Carlos
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This pathway paper offers research guidance for investigating illegal supply chains as they increasingly threaten societies, economies and ecosystems. There are implications for policy makers to consider incorporating supply chain expertise.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ work is informed by the team's previous and ongoing studies, research from fields such as criminology, investigative journalism and legal documents.

Findings

Illegality occurs in many supply chains and consists in multiple forms. Certain sectors, supply chain innovations, longer supply chains, and heterogeneous regulations and enforcement exacerbate illegal activities. But illegal activity may be necessary for humanitarian, religious or nationalistic reasons. These areas are under explored by supply chain researchers.

Research limitations/implications

By encouraging supply chain academics to research in this area as well as form collaborative partnerships outside of the discipline, the authors hope to move the field forward in prevention as well as learning from illegal supply chains.

Practical implications

Practitioners seek to prevent issues like counterfeiting with their products as well as fraud for economic and reputational reasons.

Social implications

Governments strive to minimise impacts on their economies and people, and both governments and NGOs attempt to minimise the negative social and environmental impacts. Policy makers need supply chain researchers to evaluate new laws to prevent enabling illegality in supply chains.

Originality/value

As an under-explored area, the authors suggest pathways such as partnering with other disciplines, exploring why these supply chains occur, considering other data sources and methodologies to interdict illegality and learning from illegal supply chains to improve legal supply chains.
To be, or not to be, happy? That's the question: a study on three levels of the digital divide and individual happiness in China
Authors: Lu Zhiqin , Li Peng , Li Qinghai , Zhang Heng
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper according to the logic of the “digital access divide--digital capability divide--digital outcome divide” aims to systematically discuss the impact of the digital divide on individual happiness in China, accounting for the variations that exist across different groups, as well as the corresponding mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents cross-sectional analyses of the relationship between the digital divide and individual happiness in China. The analyses are based on data from the Chinese General Social Survey 2017, which academic institutions run on the Chinese Mainland. This database contains information on respondents' Internet access, skills and consequences of use, which can measure the digital divide of Chinese individuals at three levels.

Findings

First, individual happiness declined when they experienced the digital access divide in China. For the digital capability divide, the lower the usage skills, the more individual happiness declined. When analyzing the digital outcome divide, the greater the negative consequences, the more individual happiness declined. Second, the impacts of digital access, capability and outcome divide vary according to age, gender, education degrees, hukou, region and sub-dimensions. Third, the digital access and capability divide reduce individuals' happiness by lowering their self-rated social and economic status, whereas the digital outcome divide reduce individual happiness by lowering their fairness perception and social trust.

Originality/value

The authors believe that this is the first study to examine the impact and its variations among different groups of the three-level digital divide on individual happiness, as well as its mechanisms.
A study on Indian ESP teachers' classroom practices in fostering social inclusivity
Authors: Mythiri B. , Anjana Krishna S. , Karthika V.K.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper investigated the possibilities of implementing inclusive education in the tertiary-level language classrooms and suggests new teaching methodologies adhering to the guidelines of multicultural education (MCE) framework. It explored how Indian teachers fostered social inclusivity in ESP (English for Specific Purposes) classrooms and documented the methods used by the language teachers to sustain a socially inclusive environment in the classroom.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study undertaken with 17 faculty members using online interviews and surveys as tools revealed the challenges faced by the teachers.

Findings

The results have implications towards teacher training as there is a clear dearth of teacher strategies to foster an equitable and inclusive learning environment inside the classroom.

Social implications

Classrooms are the sources of values and perspectives, and teachers are responsible for providing equal opportunities to students who are otherwise marginalised in society.

Originality/value

Inclusive education aims at providing equal opportunities to people despite the differences in terms of race, class, caste, region, religion, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and disabilities. India being a multilingual and multicultural country, inculcating values in students to enable them to reflect beyond these differences becomes important.
Mechanisms for interaction of law enforcement agencies in the field of countering money laundering
Authors: Bondarenko Olha , Utkina Maryna , Reznik Oleg , Dumchikov Mykhailo
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new methodology for the interaction of law enforcement agencies with each other, financial institutions and other legal entities in the field of counteracting and combating the legalization of criminal income as a prerequisite for increasing the effectiveness of their activity in the area of countering and combating money laundering, which will improve the conditions for the development of the financial system and increase the level of living of the population of Ukraine.

Design/methodology/approach

An interdisciplinary approach was used during the writing of the paper. In particular, legal techniques, analysis and generalization, sociological research, questionnaires, etc., were used.

Findings

This paper demonstrates the need for a comprehensive approach to effectively building cooperation between law enforcement agencies in another money laundering. A proposal is made to improve the interaction between law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and other legal entities by creating a single database of information on money laundering and suspicious transactions and involving financial intelligence units in the process of investigating cases of money laundering.

Practical implications

Law enforcement agencies can use the proposed approach to ensure the effectiveness of their activities in counteracting and combating money laundering.

Originality/value

The authors have developed a new approach to improving the interaction of law enforcement agencies in the field of counteracting and combating money laundering, which involves the creation of a single database of information on money laundering and suspicious transactions, as well as the involvement of financial intelligence units in the process of detecting and investigating cases of money laundering.
Opportunity of the accommodation establishment development: a need for nature-based services and eco-friendly activity
Authors: Stolyarchuk Valentyna
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the opportunities of development of the accommodation establishments by accepting the current shifting in travellers' needs and the possibilities of reducing the impact on nature.

Design/methodology/approach

The Drucker's approach is used to investigate the opportunities of development for the accommodation establishments. The case study method is used to confirm the possibility to develop hospitality in a discovered way.

Findings

Accommodation establishments located in the natural space can supply the nature-based accommodation services simultaneously providing the eco-friendly activities. On the other side, the accommodation establishment that is not located in the natural space can also accept the provision of nature-based accommodation services as an opportunity for development.

Originality/value

The current shift in the guests' needs prompts accommodation establishments to enlarge supplying of the nature-based services. However, if these services are supplied by hospitality facilities located in natural space, the threats to nature also grow. On the other hand, if the hospitality infrastructure is not located in natural space, hoteliers accept current needs of guests as threats to their business. The paper presents the possibility of solution of this contradiction and shows the opportunities for moving forward in the field of environmental sustainability in the hospitality industry.
Instrumental leadership and creativity: cognitive mechanisms via problem-solving rumination and knowledge sharing with coworkers
Authors: Yun Mansik
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The present research aimed to develop and test cognitive processes through which instrumental leadership leads to creativity via problem-solving rumination and knowledge sharing with coworkers, based on the self-regulatory perspective of goal progress theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 166 male construction workers (nested within 19 male leaders) who completed the total of 1,642 daily diary questionnaires. Further, a group-mean centering approach and several control variables were used in order to improve causal inferences of the results.

Findings

It was found that instrumental leadership predicts problem-solving rumination (an intrapersonal self-regulatory process) and knowledge sharing with coworkers (an interpersonal self-regulatory process), which, in turn, result in creativity.

Originality/value

In addition to motivational processes that explain the relationships between several leadership styles and creativity, the current research found a crucial role of instrumental leadership in predicting creativity.
High-technology within the supply chain: a systematic review
Authors: Mahdikhani Maryam , Mahdikhani Mahdieh , Gonzalez Marvin , Teixeira Rafael
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study systematically reviews the current state of research on the application of high technology in supply chain management (SCM). It identifies key topics, trends and influential scholars in this field, providing a knowledge structure for future research. This study contributes to advancing the understanding of how high technology can be leveraged to enhance SCM, guiding and informing future research endeavors.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted on 1,523 published articles retrieved from Web of Science. Through co-occurrence analysis of the titles, abstracts and keywords, the authors investigated popular research trends and topics. Through co-citation and co-authorship analyses, the authors identified leading research clusters, productive researchers and countries of the research.

Findings

There is a significant increase in publications by scholars from the USA, China and India on the impact of high technology on supply chains, particularly on food supply chains. Most articles examine the barriers and challenges of applying blockchain technology to different aspects of supply chains. Active contributions predominantly originate from scholars in the USA and China. The top five largest clusters are “supply chain management,” “scoping review,” “blockchain technology”, “food supply chains” and “management perception.”

Originality/value

This study represents the first systematic review establishing a comprehensive framework of knowledge on high technology and supply chains. Highlighting key research areas, tracing the evolution of research and explaining the knowledge structures pertaining to the role of high technology in supply chains, this study contributes to the existing literature and its findings hold practical implications for scholars and practitioners.