bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic utilization of low-molecular-weight organic substrates across a microbial growth rate gradient
Authors: Cyle K. Taylor , Klein Annaleise R. , Aristilde Ludmilla , Martínez Carmen Enid
Published: December 2021

Constantly in flux, low-molecular-weight organic substances (LMWOSs) are at the nexus between microorganisms, plant roots, detritus, and the soil mineral matrix. Nominal oxidation state of carbon (NOSC) has been put forward as one way to parameterize microbial uptake rates of LMWOSs and efficiency of carbon incorporation into new biomass. In this study, we employed an ecophysiological approach to test these proposed relationships using targeted exometabolomics (1H-NMR, HR-LCMS) coupled with stable isotope (13C) probing. We assessed the role of compound class and oxidation state on uptake kinetics and substrate-specific carbon use efficiency (SUE) during the growth of three model soil microorganisms (Penicillium spinulosum,Paraburkholderia solitsugae,andRalstonia pickettii) in media containing 34 common LMWOSs. Microbial isolates were chosen to span a gradient in growth rate (0.046-0.316 hr−1) and differ phylogenetically (a fungal isolate and two bacterial isolates). Clustered, co-utilization of LMWOSs occured for all three organisms, but temporal cluster separation was most apparent forP. solitsugae. Potential trends (p <0.05) for early utilization of more oxidized substrates were present for the two bacterial isolates (P. solitsugaeandR. pickettii), but high variability (R2> 0.15) and a small effect of NOSC indicate these are not useful relationships for prediction. The SUEs ranged from 0.16-0.99 and the hypothesized inverse relationship between NOSC and SUE was not observed. Thus, our results do not provide compelling support for NOSC as a predictive tool, implying that metabolic strategies of organisms may be more important than chemical identity in determining LMWOS cycling in soils.

Importance

Community-level observations from soils indicate that low-molecular-weight compounds of higher oxidation state tend to be depleted from soil solution faster and incorporated less efficiently into microbial biomass under oxic conditions. Here, we tested hypothetical relationships between substrate chemical characteristics and the order of substrate utilization by aerobic heterotrophs at the population-level in culture, using two bacterial isolates (Ralstonia pickettiiandParaburkholderia solitsugae) and one fungal isolate from soil (Penicillium spinulosum). We found weak relationships indicating earlier uptake of more oxidized substrates by the two bacterial isolates but no relationship for the fungal isolate. We found no relationship between substrate identity and substrate use efficiency. Our findings indicate that substrate chemical characteristics have limited utility for modeling the depletion of low-molecular-weight organics from soil solution and incorporation into biomass over broader phylogenetic gradients.
Structural basis of dynamic P5CS filaments
Authors: Zhong Jiale , Guo Chen-Jun , Zhou Xian , Chang Chia-Chun , Yin Boqi , Zhang Tianyi , Hu Huan-Huan , Lu Guang-Ming , Liu Ji-Long
Published: December 2021

The bifunctional enzyme Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS) is central to the synthesis of proline and ornithine. Pathogenic mutations in P5CS gene (ALDH18A1) lead to neurocutaneous syndrome and skin relaxation connective tissue disease in humans, and P5CS deficiency seriously damages the ability to resist adversity in plants, which has an essential role in agriculture and human health. Recently, P5CS has been demonstrated forming the cytoophidium in vivo and filaments in vitro. However, the underlying mechanism for the function of P5CS filamentation and catalyze the synthesis of P5C is hardly accessible without structural basis. Here, we have succeeded in determining the full-length structures of Drosophila P5CS filament in three states at resolution from 3.1 to 4.3 Å under cryo-electron microscopy, we observed the distinct ligand-binding states and conformational changes for GK and GPR domain separately. These structures show the distinctive spiral filament is assembled by P5CS tetramers and stabilized by multiple interfaces. Point mutations that deplete such interactions disturb P5CS filamentation and greatly reduce the activity. Our findings reveal a previously undescribed mechanism that filamentation is crucial for the coordination between GK and GPR domains, and provide insights into structural basis for catalysis function of P5CS filament.
Sex Differences in Affective States and Association with Voluntary Ethanol Intake in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Quadir SG , Arleth GM , Jahad JV , Sanchez M Echeveste , Herman MA
Published: December 2021

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are a major problem across the United States. While AUD remains a complex human condition, it is difficult to isolate the directionality of anxiety and ethanol (EtOH) drinking from outside influences. The present study sought to investigate the relationship between affective states and EtOH intake using male and female Sprague Dawley rats. Using complementary tests of anxiety- and depressive-like behavior, we found sex- and test-specific differences in basal affective behavior such that females displayed enhanced anxiety-like behavior in the Splash Test and males displayed enhanced anxiety-like behavior in the Novelty Suppressed Feeding Test. Although there were no sex differences in EtOH intake and no correlation between anxiety-like behavior and subsequent EtOH intake, we did find that depressive-like behavior predicted future EtOH intake in females rats only. In addition, we observed an increase in depressive-like behavior is male rats in both the water and EtOH drinking groups. Furthermore, anxiety-like behavior, but not depressive-like behavior predicted subsequent EtOH intake in female rats. Lastly, we found a history of EtOH intake decreased pain thresholds in male and female rats. Together, these experiments provide important information on the complex interaction between negative affect and alcohol intake and how these two contexts reciprocally do, or do not, influence each other in a sex-specific manner.
U-CIE [/juː ‘siː/]: Color encoding of high-dimensional data
Authors: Koutrouli Mikaela , Morris John H. , Jensen Lars J.
Published: December 2021

Data visualization is essential to discover patterns and anomalies in large high-dimensional datasets. New dimensionality reduction techniques have thus been developed for visualizing omics data, in particular from single-cell studies. However, jointly showing several types of data, e.g. single-cell expression and gene networks, remains a challenge. Here, we present ‘U-CIE, a visualization method that encodes arbitrary high-dimensional data as colors using a combination of dimensionality reduction and the CIELAB color space to retain the original structure to the extent possible. U-CIE first uses UMAP to reduce high-dimensional data to three dimensions, partially preserving distances between entities. Next, it embeds the resulting three-dimensional representation within the CIELAB color space. This color model was designed to be perceptually uniform, meaning that the Euclidean distance between any two points should correspond to their relative perceptual difference. Therefore, the combination of UMAP and CIELAB thus results in a color encoding that captures much of the structure of the original high-dimensional data. We illustrate its broad applicability by visualizing single-cell data on a protein network and metagenomic data on a world map and on scatter plots.
Stability and dynamics of a spectral graph model of brain oscillations
Authors: Verma Parul , Nagarajan Srikantan , Raj Ashish
Published: December 2021

We explore the stability and dynamic properties of a hierarchical, linearized, and analytic spectral graph model for neural oscillations that integrates the structuring wiring of the brain. Previously we have shown that this model can accurately capture the frequency spectra and the spatial patterns of the alpha and beta frequency bands obtained from magnetoencephalography recordings without regionally varying parameters. Here, we show that this macroscopic model based on long-range excitatory connections exhibits dynamic oscillations with a frequency in the alpha band even without any oscillations implemented at the mesoscopic level. We show that depending on the parameters, the model can exhibit combinations of damped oscillations, limit cycles, or unstable oscillations. We determined bounds on model parameters that ensure stability of the oscillations simulated by the model. Finally, we estimated time-varying model parameters to capture the temporal fluctuations in magnetoencephalography activity. We show that a dynamic spectral graph modeling framework with a parsimonious set of biophysically interpretable model parameters can thereby be employed to capture oscillatory fluctuations observed in electrophysiological data in various brain states and diseases.
Transfreq: a Python package for computing the theta-to-alpha transition frequency from resting state EEG data
Authors: Vallarino Elisabetta , Sommariva Sara , Arnaldi Dario , Famà Francesco , Piana Michele , Nobili Flavio
Published: December 2021

A classic approach to estimate the individual theta-to-alpha transition frequency requires two electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings, one acquired in restingstate condition and one showing an alpha de-synchronisation due e.g. to task execution. This translates into longer recording sessions that my be cumbersome in studies involving patients. Moreover, incomplete de-synchronisation of the alpha rhythm may compromise the final estimation of the transition frequency. Here we present transfreq, a Python library that allows the computation of the transition frequency from resting-state data by clustering the spectral profiles at different EEG channels based on their content in the alpha and theta bands. We first provide an overview of the transfreq core algorithm and of the software architecture. Then we demonstrate its feasibility and robustness across different experimental setups on a publicly available EEG data set and on in-house recordings. A detailed documentation of transfreq and the codes for reproducing the analysis of the paper with the open-source data set are available online at https://elisabettavallarino.github.io/transfreq/
Visual Clustering of Transcriptomic Data from Primary and Metastatic Tumors – Dependencies and Novel Pitfalls
Authors: Marquardt André , Kollmannsberger Philip , Krebs Markus , Argentiero Antonella , Knott Markus , Solimando Antonio Giovanni , Kerscher Alexander
Published: December 2021

Personalized Oncology is a rapidly evolving area and offers cancer patients therapy options more specific than ever. Yet, there is still a lack of understanding regarding transcriptomic similarities or differences of metastases and corresponding primary sites. Applying two unsupervised dimension reduction methods (t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) and Uniform Manifold Approximation Projection (UMAP)) on three datasets of metastases (n=682 samples) with three different data transformations (unprocessed, log10 as well as log10+1 transformed values), we visualized potential underlying clusters. Additionally, we analyzed two datasets (n=616 samples) containing metastases and primary tumors of one entity, to point out potential familiarities. Using these methods, no tight link between site of resection and cluster formation outcome could be demonstrated, neither for datasets consisting of solely metastasis nor mixed datasets. Instead, dimension reduction methods and data transformation significantly impacted visual clustering results. Our findings strongly suggest data transformation to be considered as another key element in interpretation of visual clustering approaches along with initialization and different parameters. Furthermore, the results indicate only minor transcriptional differences for metastases and corresponding primary tumors.
Automated hippocampal unfolding for morphometry and subfield segmentation with HippUnfold
Authors: DeKraker Jordan , Haast Roy AM , Yousif Mohamed D , Karat Bradley , Lau Jonathan C , Köhler Stefan , Khan Ali R
Published: December 2021

Like neocortical structures, the archicortical hippocampus differs in its folding patterns across individuals. Here, we present an automated and robust BIDS-App, HippUnfold, for defining and indexing individual-specific hippocampal folding in MRI, analogous to popular tools used in neocortical reconstruction. Such tailoring is critical for inter-individual alignment, with topology serving as the basis for homology. This topological framework enables qualitatively new analyses of morphological and laminar structure in the hippocampus or its subfields. It is critical for refining current neuroimaging analyses at a meso- as well as micro-scale. HippUnfold uses state-of-the-art deep learning combined with previously developed topological constraints to generate uniquely folded surfaces to fit a given subject’s hippocampal conformation. It is designed to work with commonly employed sub-millimetric MRI acquisitions, with possible extension to microscopic resolution. In this paper we describe the power of HippUnfold in feature extraction, and highlight its unique value compared to several extant hippocampal subfield analysis methods.
Finger stability in precision grips
Authors: Sharma Neelima , Venkadesan Madhusudhan
Published: December 2021

Stable precision grips using the fingertips are a cornerstone of human hand dexterity. Occasionally, however, our fingers become unstable and snap into a hyper-extended posture. This is because multi-link mechanisms, like our fingers, can buckle under tip forces. Suppressing this instability is crucial for hand dexterity, but how the neuromuscular system does so is unknown. Here we show that finger stability is due to the stiffness from muscle contraction and likely not feedback control. We recorded maximal force application with the index finger and found that most buckling events lasted less than 50ms, too fast for sensorimotor feedback to act. However, a biomechanical model of the finger predicted that muscle-induced stiffness is also insufficient for stability at maximal force unless we add springs to stiffen the joints. We tested this prediction in 39 volunteers. Upon adding stiffness, maximal force increased by 34±3%, and muscle electromyography readings were 21±3% higher for the finger flexors (mean±standard error). Hence, people refrain from applying truly maximal force unless an external stabilizing stiffness allows their muscles to apply higher force without losing stability. Muscle recordings and mathematical modeling show that the splint offloads the demand for muscle co-contraction and this reduced co-contraction with the splint underlies the increase in force. But more stiffness is not always better. Stiff fingers would interfere the ability to passively adapt to complex object geometries and precisely regulate force. Thus, our results show how hand function arises from neurally tuned muscle stiffness that balances finger stability with compliance.
Activating alternative transport modes in a multidrug resistance efflux pump to confer chemical susceptibility
Authors: Spreacker Peyton J. , Thomas Nathan E. , Beeninga Will F. , Brousseau Merissa , Porter Colin J. , Hibbs Kylie M. , Henzler-Wildman Katherine A.
Published: December 2021

Small multidrug resistance (SMR) transporters contribute to antibiotic resistance through proton-coupled efflux of toxic compounds from the bacterial cytoplasm. Previous biophysical studies of the E. coli SMR transporter EmrE suggested that it should also be capable of performing proton/toxin symport or uniport, leading to toxin susceptibility rather than resistance in vivo. Here we show EmrE does confer susceptibility to several newly characterized small-molecule substrates in E. coli, including harmane. In vitro experiments show that harmane binding to EmrE triggers uncoupled proton uniport and this protein-mediated dissipation of the transmembrane pH gradient underlies the in vivo phenotype. This leads to synergy with some existing antibiotics, such as kanamycin. Furthermore, this shows that it is possible to not just inhibit multidrug efflux but activate alternative transport modes that are detrimental to bacterial growth and metabolism.
Modeling implanted metals in electrical stimulation applications
Authors: Mercadal Borja , Salvador Ricardo , Biagi Maria Chiara , Bartolomei Fabrice , Wendling Fabrice , Ruffini Giulio
Published: December 2021

Background

Metal implants impact the dosimetry assessment in electrical stimulation techniques. Therefore, they need to be included in numerical models. While currents in the body are ionic, metals only allow electron transport. In fact, charge transfer between tissues and metals requires electric fields to drive the electrochemical reactions at the interface. Thus, metal implants may act as insulators or as conductors depending on the scenario.

Objective/Hypothesis

The aim of this paper is to provide a theoretical argument that guides the choice of the correct representation of metal implants using purely electrical models but considering the electrochemical nature of the problem in the technology of interest.

Methods

We built a simple model of a metal implant exposed to a homogeneous electric field of various magnitudes to represent both weak (e.g., tDCS), medium (TMS) or strong field stimulation. The same geometry was solved using two different models: a purely electric one (with different conductivities for the implant), and an electrochemical one. As an example of application, we also modeled a transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) treatment in a realistic head model with a skull plate using a high and low conductivity value for the plate.

Results

Metal implants generally act as electric insulators when exposed to electric fields up to around 100 V/m (tES and TMS range) and they only resemble a perfect conductor for fields in the order of 1000 V/m and above. The results are independent of the implant’s metal, but they depend on its geometry.

Conclusion(s)

Metal implants can be accurately represented by a simple electrical model of constant conductivity, but an incorrect model choice can lead to large errors in the dosimetry assessment. In particular, tES modeling with implants incorrectly treated as conductors can lead to errors of 50% in induced fields or more. Our results can be used as a guide to select the correct model in each scenario.
Seasonality and interspecific temporal partitioning in a semiarid grassland bat assemblage
Authors: Mohan Ram , Chhaya Vaibhav , Krishnan Anand
Published: December 2021

Arid and semiarid environments of the world are prone to dramatic seasonal changes that affect the availability of scarce, patchily distributed resources such as water. In response to these changes, animals migrate or partition resources to minimize competition, resulting in temporal patterns within assemblages across multiple scales. Here, we demonstrate that the winter dry season bat assemblage in a semiarid grassland of northwest India exhibits both seasonal changes in composition and temporal avoidance between coexisting species at water bodies. Using a passive acoustic monitoring framework to quantify activity patterns at different points in the season, we show that two species (Rhinolophus lepidus and Tadarida aegyptiaca) exhibit seasonal differences in activity, being more frequently detected in the early and late parts of the dry season respectively. Two other species (Pipistrellus tenuis and Scotophilus heathii) do not exhibit seasonal changes in activity, but structure their diel activity patterns to minimize temporal overlap (and thus competition) at water bodies. These data, some of the first on bats from this region, demonstrate the complex temporal patterns structuring bat assemblages in arid and semiarid biomes. Our results hold promise for monitoring efforts, as a baseline to ascertain how climate change may influence the behavior and ecology of desert and grassland organisms.
Seipin transmembrane segments critically function in triglyceride nucleation and lipid droplet budding from the membrane
Authors: Kim Siyoung , Chung Jeeyun , Arlt Henning , Pak Alexander J. , Farese Robert V. , Walther Tobias C. , Voth Gregory A.
Published: December 2021

Lipid droplets (LDs) are organelles formed in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to store triacylglycerol (TG) and sterol esters. The ER protein seipin is key for LD biogenesis. Seipin forms a cage-like structure, with each seipin monomer containing a conserved hydrophobic helix (HH) and two transmembrane (TM) segments. How the different parts of seipin function in TG nucleation and LD budding is poorly understood. Here, we utilized molecular dynamics simulations of human seipin, along with cell-based experiments, to study seipin’s functions in protein-lipid interactions, lipid diffusion, and LD maturation. All-atom (AA) simulations indicate that most seipin TM segment residues located in the phospholipid (PL) tail region of the bilayer attract TG. We also find seipin TM segments control lipid diffusion and permeation into the protein complex. Simulating larger, growing LDs with coarse-grained (CG) models, we find that the seipin TM segments form a constricted neck structure to facilitate conversion of a flat oil lens into a budding LD. Using cell experiments and simulations, we also show that conserved, positively charged residues at the end of seipin’s TM segments affect LD maturation. We propose a model in which seipin TM segments critically function in TG nucleation and LD growth.
“Fumifugium: Or the inconvenience of the Aer and Smoake of London Dissipated”: emancipatory social accounting in 17th century London
Authors: Atkins Jill , McBride Karen
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper extends the nature and relevance of exploring the historical roots of social and environmental accounting by investigating an account that recorded and made visible pollution in 17th century London. John Evelyn's Fumifugium (1661) is characterised as an external social account that bears resemblance to contemporary external accounting particularly given its problematising intentionality.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive content analysis of the text draws out the themes and features of social accounting. Emancipatory accounting theory is the theoretical lens through which Evelyn's social account is interpreted, applying a microhistory research approach. We interpret Fumifugium as a social account with reference to the context of the reporting accountant.

Findings

In this early example of a stakeholder “giving an account” rather than an “account rendered” by an entity, Evelyn problematises industrial pollution and its impacts with the stated intention of changing industrial practices. We find that Fumifugium was used in challenging, resisting and seeking to solve an environmental problem by highlighting the adverse consequences to those in power and rendering new solutions thinkable.

Originality/value

This is the first research paper to extend investigations of the historical roots of social and environmental accounting into the 17th century. It also extends research investigating alternative forms of account by focusing on a report produced by an interested party and includes a novel use of the emancipatory accounting theoretical lens to investigate this historic report. Fumifugium challenged the lack of accountability of businesses in ways similar to present-day campaigns to address the overwhelming challenge of climate change.
Beyond the authenticity–standardisation paradox in international gastronomy retailing: Twisting the hosting city brand with the place of origin
Authors: Pasquinelli Cecilia , Trunfio Mariapina , Rossi Simona
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to frame the authenticity–standardisation relationship in international gastronomy retailing and explores how and to what extent the food place of origin and the urban context in which the gastronomy stores are located shape customers' in-store experience.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the case of Eataly, which combines specialty grocery stores and restaurants disseminating the Italian eating style, quality food and regional traditions internationally. Facebook reviews (1,018) of four Eataly stores – New York City, Rome, Munich and Istanbul were analysed, adopting a web content mining approach.

Findings

Place of origin, quality and hosting city categories frame the gastronomic in-store experience. Standardisation elements (shared across the four analysed stores) and authenticity elements (specific to a single store) are identified towards defining three archetypical authenticity–standardisation relationships, namely originated authenticity, standardised authenticity and localised authenticity.

Originality/value

This study proposes original modelling that disentangles the authenticity–standardisation paradox in international gastronomy retailing. It provides evidence of the intertwining of the place of origin and the city brand in customers' in-store experience.
Exploring disaster ontologies from Chinese and Western perspectives: commonalities and nuances
Authors: Goodall Susie , Li Yajun , Chmutina Ksenia , Dijkstra Tom , Meng Xingmin , Jordan Colm
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper explores ontological assumptions of disasters and introduces some concepts from Chinese disaster scholarship. The authors suggest an approach to explore and engage with different ontologies of disaster without direct comparison, that can further interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

By reviewing the academic literature and focussing on two recent key translational texts by Chinese scholars, the authors show what can be revealed about ontology and the potential influence on thinking about human-environment interactions and disaster risk reduction (DRR) policy.

Findings

In Chinese disaster studies, the goal of a “harmonious human-environment relationship” is a foundational concept. There is a clear hierarchical and ontological distinction between humans and the natural ecological system viewed as an integrated whole, with underlying rules that can be discovered by scientific research to enable management of a harmonious relationship.

Practical implications

The authors suggest a practical way to begin with the following questions: What is the societal goal/aim? What is nature? What is society? How do these interact to create disasters? And what are the implications for DRR research and practice? The authors also demonstrate the importance of probing and understanding the underlying ontologies that are the foundation for theory, which in turn is the foundation for policy and action.

Originality/value

Identification of ontological differences in interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research collaborations and working across these boundaries is challenging and rarely questioned. Yet, as demonstrated here, considering ontological assumptions of the causes of disaster, within and across cultures and disciplines, is essential for collaboration and further research.
World wide fund for nature South Africa (WWF) and the case of the West Coast rock lobster
Authors: Miller Taryn
Published: December 2021

Subject area

The following subjects are addressed through the case: Integrated thinking; professional skills; ethics and values; sustainability; and responsible leadership.

Study level/applicability

This teaching case is aimed at Postgraduate accounting honours or masters students or MBA students.

Case overview

The case begins on 16 May 2018, with Jason Roberts, Head of Environmental Programmes at World wide fund for nature (WWF), reflecting over bad news. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (“DAFF”, also referred to as “government”), have just approved the 2017/2018 Total Allowable Catch (“TAC”) for the West Coast (WC) rock lobster at 1,924 tons, almost three times the amount recommended by the scientific community. The events describe a history of tension between the primary objectives of the WWF and the government; difficulties in stakeholder management, and the potential consequences for the survival of the WC rock lobster and those who depend on it for their livelihood. The different perspectives held by different stakeholders; the relevance of the scientific evidence; the legal provisions in place and the process applicable to making the TAC decision; all highlight the complex environment in which decisions were made; to which the WWF is wondering how to respond.

Expected learning outcomes

The case’s primary learning objective is to highlight the variety of considerations involved in complex decision-making, also known as “integrated thinking”. Students will be required to critically analyse and evaluate the information in the case, as well as the exhibits; to comment on the appropriateness of various decisions and recommendations; evaluate the ethical/moral responsibilities of WWF; understand different perspectives and the reasons for these perspectives; identify actions and statements that reflect responsible leadership, as well as those that reflect the contrary; and apply learnings from this case to personally reflect on one’s role as a responsible business leader.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
Love books: sustained success amidst uncertainties
Authors: Hawarden Verity , Moore Amy Fisher
Published: December 2021

Subject area:

The sub field of academia that the case is designed to teach is small business development, entrepreneurship or women in business.

Study level/applicability:

This case is appropriate for graduate and post-graduate, MBA and executive education students focusing on entrepreneurship, small business development or women in business.

Case overview

This real-life case is based on interviews that took place with Kate Rogan, the co-founder of Love Books, and other stakeholders associated with the small bookselling business that is based in the suburb of Melville in Johannesburg. It describes how Rogan’s past influenced how she saw and was open to the opportunity; and how, through passion, commitment, dedication and stakeholder management, she created a business that brought meaning to her and others’ lives. Rogan’s vast experience in editing, publishing and radio influenced how she evaluated the bookstore opportunity. For the past 11 years, she focused on building a loyal customer base through knowing her customers, staying on top of current industry and market trends and constantly thinking about how she could add value through minimal financial outlay. COVID-19 further complicated her thinking about how to traditionally market and sell books to her client base. As the case concludes, Rogan wonders how to build upon the foundations of her successful bookshop and grow profitability while remaining true to her and the business’s values.

Expected learning outcomes

The case allows students to consider the key enablers for assessing entrepreneurial opportunities and drivers of small business growth. Following discussion and analysis of the case, students should be able to: explore how cognitive dynamics affect an entrepreneur’s evaluation of opportunities; analyze the case against the 4Cs (continuity, community, connection and command) of competitive business advantage; evaluate building blocks for sustainable business profitability; and assess and recommend different learnings for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 7: Management Science.
Analysis and forecast of marine economy development in China
Authors: Kedong Yin , Liu Zhe , Zhang Caixia , Huang Shan , Li Junchao , Lv Lingyun , Su Xiaqing , Zhang Runchuan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

In recent years, China's marine industry has maintained rapid growth in general, and marine-related economic activities have continued to improve. The purpose of this research is to analyze the basic situation of China's marine economy development, identify the problems therein, forecast development trends and propose policy recommendations accordingly.

Design/methodology/approach

This research conducts a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the development of China's marine economy with rich data in diversified aspects. The current situation of China's marine economy development is analyzed from the perspective of scale and structure, and the external and internal development environment of China's marine economy is discussed. With the application of measurement and prediction method such as trend extrapolation, exponential smoothing, grey forecasting and neural network method, the future situation of China's marine economy development is forecasted.

Findings

In a complex environment where uncertainties at home and abroad have increased significantly, China's marine economy development suffers tremendous downward pressure in recent years. As China has achieved major achievements in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic, the marine economy development will gradually return to normal. It is estimated that the gross marine production value in 2022 will exceed 10 trillion yuan. China's marine economy will continue to maintain a steady growth trend in the future, and its development prospects will remain promising.

Originality/value

This research explores the current situation and trends of China's marine economy development and puts forward policy recommendations to promote the steady and health development of China's marine economy accordingly.
Organizing work and activities to cope with age – the role of entrepreneurship for individuals aged 50+
Authors: Holmquist Carin , Sundin Elisabeth
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The aim of this article is to discuss how age and entrepreneurship interact in the specific case of older (50+) entrepreneurs. Building on theories on entrepreneurship and theories on age and aging, the authors’ focus is on how such entrepreneurs relate to the building and running of a business organization. The authors discuss how entrepreneurship among the elderly plays out and how older entrepreneurs relate to the narratives on both age and entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

This research comprises quantitative as well as qualitative studies. The authors show that qualitative methods that unfold the process over time are necessary and essential to fully understand how and why entrepreneurs start their own business and/or continue to run it at older ages.

Findings

The authors find that the choice to become an entrepreneur at the age of 50+ (or to stay as one) is not a goal in itself, becoming an entrepreneur is a means to stay active in the labor market.

Originality/value

The study findings add to entrepreneurship theory by insights on the link between entrepreneurship and the labor market where the authors argue that becoming an entrepreneur at ages 50+ might be more a question of choice of organizational form than a question on a way of living or occupation. The authors also contribute to theories on age by showing that entrepreneurs aged 50+ choose entrepreneurship as a means to be able to stay in the labor market.
Long‐term heavy grazing increases community‐level foliar fungal diseases by shifting plant composition
Authors: Liu Yong , Duan Dongdong , Jiang Feifei , Tian Zhen , Feng Xiaoxuan , Wu Nana , Hou Fujiang , Kardol Paul , Nan Zhibiao , Chen Tao
Published: December 2021

In grasslands, the interactions of foliar fungal diseases and their host plants are largely dependent on grazing by large herbivores. However, the relative importance of direct (i.e. pathogen removal) and indirect effects (i.e. via changes in plant community composition) of long‐term grazing on foliar fungal diseases remains largely unexplored, especially under varied grazing intensities.

We conducted a 13‐year experiment to explore the effects of grazing intensity on foliar fungal diseases at both plant population and community levels in a semi‐arid grassland. We quantified the contributions of direct and indirect effects of long‐term grazing on community pathogen load.

At the population level, the severity of five rusts and five powdery mildews decreased significantly as grazing intensity increased, whereas two leaf spots increased significantly in severity with increasing grazing intensity. Similarly, at the community level, the pathogen load of rusts and powdery mildews was negatively related to the increase in grazing intensity, whereas the pathogen load of leaf spots was positively related to grazing intensity. Overall, heavy grazing (i.e. 8.7 sheep/ha) significantly increased community pathogen load.

Our SEM analysis showed that grazing indirectly increased the pathogen load of leaf spots by increasing disease proneness. Grazing decreased the pathogen load of rusts, but this could not be explained by changes in disease proneness. Overall, the indirect effects via changes in community composition of hosts resulting in the increase in community disease proneness outweighed the direct effect of grazing on community pathogen load.

Synthesis and applications. Our study provides the first evidence that long‐term heavy grazing can indirectly increase community pathogen load by increasing the abundances of grazing‐tolerant hosts and decreasing the abundances of grazing‐intolerant hosts. These results provide empirical evidence that the pathogen load of foliar fungal diseases in grasslands can depend on the community context of hosts, which can, in turn, be controlled by large herbivores. We recommend that infectious diseases are considered when predicting the responses of grassland ecosystems to anthropogenic activities. Maintaining light to moderate grazing intensity or establishing an appropriate non‐grazing period could be an effective way to control foliar fungal diseases in grasslands.
Sulfidic acetate mineralization at 45°C by an aquifer microbial community: key players and effects of heat changes on activity and community structure
Authors: Bin Hudari Mohammad S. , Vogt Carsten , Richnow Hans H.
Published: December 2021

High‐Temperature Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (HT‐ATES) is a sustainable approach for integrating thermal energy from various sources into complex energy systems. Temperatures ≥45°C, which are relevant in impact zones of HT‐ATES systems, may dramatically influence the structure and activities of indigenous aquifer microbial communities. Here, we characterized an acetate‐mineralizing, sulfate‐reducing microbial community derived from an aquifer and adapted to 45°C. Acetate mineralization was strongly inhibited at temperatures ≤25°C and 60°C. Prolonged incubation at 12°C and 25°C resulted in acetate mineralization recovery after 40–80 days whereas acetate was not mineralized at 60°C within 100 days. Cultures pre‐grown at 45°C and inhibited for 28 days by incubation at 12°C, 25°C, or 60°C recovered quickly after changing the temperature back to 45°C. Phylotypes affiliated to the order Spirochaetales and to endospore‐forming sulfate reducers of the order Clostridiales were highly abundant in microcosms being active at 45°C highlighting their key role. In summary, prolonged incubation at 45°C resulted in active microbial communities mainly consisting of organisms adapted to temperatures between the typical temperature range of mesophiles and thermophiles and being resilient to temporary heat changes.
Accounting Firms in the European M&A Advisory Market
Authors: Bilinski Pawel , Yim Andrew
Published: December 2021

Building on the knowledge‐based view of the resource‐based theory, we propose that accounting firms leverage the industry expertise acquired from the audits of the targets’ industries to produce fairer target valuations on mergers and acquisitions (M&As). The accounting expertise competitive advantage explains why bidders choose accounting firms, rather than investment banks, to advise on transactions where the likelihood of overpaying for a target is high. We document that for such deals, acquirer announcement returns are higher and offer premia are lower if the bidders are advised by accounting firms that are audit specialists in the target's industry. Our results explain why accounting firms are listed among the top 10 M&A financial advisors in the European Thomson Reuters and Mergermarket league tables.
Ignoring Leaders who Break Promises or Following God: How Depersonalization and Religious Faith Inform Employees’ Timely Work Efforts
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Haq Inam Ul , Azeem Muhammad Umer
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the relationship between employees’ perceptions of psychological contract breaches and their failure to meet work‐related deadlines, with a particular focus on the mediating role of the depersonalization they assign to organizational authorities and the moderating role of their religious faith. Results based on multisource data, collected among employees and their supervisors in Pakistani organizations, show that an important factor that underpins the connection between beliefs about broken organizational promises and a diminished propensity to finish work on time is that employees depersonalize organizational leaders. This mediating effect is mitigated by employees’ religious faith. For organizations, this study thus identifies a key mechanism – exhibiting indifference to the people in charge – by which employees’ frustrations about resource‐depleting contract breaches may inadvertently escalate into ineffective time management, and it identifies some workers among whom this counterproductive dynamic is less likely, namely, employees who can draw from their religious faith.
“No idea whether he's Black, White, or purple”: Colorblindness and cultural scripting in prosecution*
Authors: Dunlea R. R.
Published: December 2021

Prosecutors maintain immense power over criminal case processing. Yet, they have not historically been a major target for reforms designed to foster equality and reduce racial disparity in criminal justice outcomes. Using in‐depth interviews with 47 line prosecutors, this study explores how prosecutors think about race in criminal justice, and what they believe their role should be in addressing racial disparities. Results show that prosecutors broadly embrace a colorblind approach to prosecution and argue that race should be disregarded in case processing. Their support for colorblind prosecution is reinforced by race‐neutral cultural scripts that can be linked to the social and operational realities of prosecutors’ work environment. These findings suggest that efforts to improve fairness in case processing will be more effective if they are accompanied by widespread prosecutorial culture change. Such efforts may also benefit from the consideration of structural features of the prosecutor's office that currently lead line agents to embrace colorblindness and reject a larger role in alleviating racial disparities.
Light irradiation maintains the sensory quality, health‐promoting phytochemicals, and antioxidant capacity of post‐harvest baby mustard
Authors: Lin Peixing , Di Hongmei , Li Zhiqing , Wang Yating , Zhou Wenting , Huang Shuya , Zhang Chenlu , Li Huanxiu , Zhang Fen , Sun Bo
Published: December 2021

The ability of white, red, and blue irradiation to maintain sensory quality, health‐promoting compounds, and antioxidant capacity, and regulate glucosinolate metabolism‐related gene expression in post‐harvest baby mustard was studied. Irradiation with 80 µmol m−2 s−1 extended the shelf life of post‐harvest baby mustard. Irradiation delayed the increase in weight loss and the decrease in sensory parameter scores and the levels of ascorbic acid, total phenolics, glucosinolate, and antioxidant capacity during storage of baby mustard. Irradiation induced the expression of glucosinolate biosynthesis genes and inhibited glucosinolate degradation gene expression. The glucosinolate content and glucosinolate metabolism‐related gene expression in post‐harvest baby mustard were higher under white and red light irradiation compared with blue light irradiation. These findings indicate that irradiation (80 µmol m−2 s−1), especially of white and red light, is an effective technique for maintaining the sensory and nutritional qualities in post‐harvest baby mustard stored at 20°C.

Practical Application

This study was to evaluate the effect of white, red, and blue irradiation on the sensory quality, health‐promoting compounds, antioxidant capacity, and glucosinolate metabolism‐related gene expression of baby mustard during post‐harvest storage, providing an effective and sustainable post‐harvest method to extend shelf life and maintain the post‐harvest quality of baby mustard under ambient temperature storage. Irradiation (80 µmol m−2 s−1), especially of white and red light, is an effective technique for maintaining the sensory and nutritional qualities in post‐harvest baby mustard stored at 20°C.
Advanced practice providers in academic emergency medicine: A national survey of chairs and program directors
Authors: Carpenter Christopher R. , Abrams Stacy , Courtney D. Mark , Dorner Stephen C. , Dyne Pamela , Elia Tala , Jourdan Daniel N. , Kaji Amy H. , Martin Ian B. K. , Mills Angela M. , Nagasawa Kat , Pillow Malford , Reznek Martin , Starnes Andrew , Temin Elizabeth , Wolfe Richard , Chekijian Sharon
Published: December 2021

Background

The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Board of Directors convened a task force to elucidate the current state of workforce, operational, and educational issues being faced by academic medical centers related to advanced practice providers (APPs). The task force surveyed academic emergency department (ED) chairs and residency program directors (PDs).

Methods

The survey was distributed to the Association of Academic Chairs of Emergency Medicine (AACEM)‐member chairs and their respective residency PDs in 2021. We surveyed 125 chairs with their self‐identified PDs. The survey sampled hiring, state‐independent practice laws, scope of practice, teaching and supervision, training opportunities, delegation of procedures between physician learners and APPs, and perceptions of the impact on resident and medical student education.

Results

Of the AACEM‐member chairs identified, 73% responded and 47% of PDs responded. Most (98%) employ either physician assistants or nurse practitioners. Among responding departments, 86% report APPs working in fast‐track settings, 80% work in the main ED, and 54% work in the waiting room. In 44% of departments, APPs and residents evaluate patients concurrently, and 2% of respondents reported that APPs manage high‐acuity patients without attending involvement. Two‐thirds of chairs believe that APPs contribute positively to the quality of patient care, while 44% believe that APPs contribute to the academic environment. One‐third of PDs believe that the presence of APPs interferes with resident education. Although 75% of PDs believe that residents require training to work effectively with APPs in the ED, almost half (49%) report zero hours of training around APP supervision or collaborative skills.

Conclusions

APPs are ubiquitous across academic EDs. Future research is required for academic ED leaders to balance physician and APP deployment across the academic ED within the context of patient care, resident education, institutional resources, professional development opportunities for APP staff, and standardization of APP EM training.