bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuromodulatory organization in the developing rat somatosensory cortex
Authors: Colangelo Cristina , Muñoz Alberto , Antonietti Alberto , Antón-Fernández Alejandro , Romani Armando , Herttuainen Joni , Markram Henry , DeFelipe Javier , Ramaswamy Srikanth
Published: November 2022

The vast majority of cortical synapses are found in the neuropil which is implicated in multiple and diverse functions underlying brain computation. Unraveling the organizing principles of the cortical neuropil requires an intricate characterization of synaptic connections established by excitatory and inhibitory axon terminals, of intrinsic and extrinsic origin and from ascending projections that govern the function of cortical microcircuits through the release of neuromodulators either through point-to-point chemical synapses or diffuse volume transmission (VT). Even though neuromodulatory release has been studied for almost a century it is still not clear if one modality prevails upon the other. The hindlimb representation of the somatosensory cortex (HLS1) of two-week old Wistar rats has served as a model system to dissect the microcircuitry of neurons and their synaptic connections. In the present study, we quantified the fiber length per cortical volume and the density of varicosities for cholinergic, catecholaminergic and serotonergic neuromodulatory systems in the cortical neuropil using immunocytochemical staining and stereological techniques. Acquired data were integrated into a novel computational framework to reconcile the specific modalities and predict the effects of neuromodulatory release in shaping neocortical network activity. We predict that acetylcholine (ACh), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) release desynchronizes cortical activity by inhibiting slow oscillations (delta range), and that 5-HT triggers faster oscillations (theta). Moreover, we found that high levels (>40%) of neuromodulatory VT are sufficient to induce network desynchronization, but also that combining volume release with synaptic inputs leads to more robust and stable effects, meaning that lower levels of VT are needed to achieve the same outcome (10%).
Role of multiple pericentromeric repeats on heterochromatin assembly
Authors: Ghimire Puranjan , Motamedi Mo , Joh Richard I
Published: November 2022

Although the length and constituting sequences for pericentromeric repeats are highly variable across eukaryotes, the presence of multiple pericentromeric repeats is one of the conserved features of the eukaryotic chromosomes. Pericentromeric heterochromatin is often misregulated in human diseases, with the expansion of pericentromeric repeats in human solid cancers. In this article, we have developed a mathematical model of the RNAi-dependent methylation of H3K9 in the pericentromeric region of fission yeast. Our model, which takes copy number as an explicit parameter, predicts that the pericentromere is silenced only if there are many copies of repeats. It becomes bistable or desilenced if the copy number of repeats is reduced. This suggests that the copy number of pericentromeric repeats alone can determine the fate of heterochromatin silencing in fission yeast. Through sensitivity analysis, we identified parameters that favor bistability and desilencing. Stochastic simulation shows that faster cell division and noise favor the desilenced state. These results show the unexpected role of pericentromeric repeat copy number in gene silencing and elucidate how the copy number of silenced genomic regions may impact genome stability.

Author Summary

Pericentromeric repeats vary in length and sequences, but their presence is a conserved feature of eukaryotes. This suggests that the repetitive nature of pericentromeric sequences is an evolutionarily conserved feature of centromeres, which is under selective pressure. Here we developed a quantitative model for gene silencing at the fission yeast pericentromeric repeats. Our model is one of the first models which incorporates the copy number of pericentromeric repeats and predicts that the number of repeats can solely govern the dynamics of pericentromeric gene silencing. Our results suggest that the repeat copy number is a dynamic parameter for gene silencing, and copy-number-dependent silencing is an effective machinery to repress the repetitive part of the genome.
Fluoxetine degrades luminance perceptual thresholds while enhancing motivation and reward sensitivity
Authors: Gacoin Maëva , Hamed Suliann Ben
Published: November 2022

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase serotonin activity in the brain. While they are mostly known for their antidepressant properties, they have been shown to improve visual functions in amblyopia and impact cognitive functions ranging from attention to motivation and sensitivity to reward. Yet, a clear understanding of the specific action of serotonin to each of bottom-up sensory and top-down cognitive control components and their interaction is still missing. To address this question, we characterize, in two adult macaques, the behavioral effects of fluoxetine, a specific SSRI, on visual perception under varying bottom-up (luminosity, distractors) and top-down (uncertainty, reward biases) constraints while they are performing three different visual tasks. We first manipulate target luminosity in a visual detection task, and we show that fluoxetine degrades luminance perceptual thresholds. We then use a target detection task in the presence of spatial distractors, and we show that under fluoxetine, monkeys display both more liberal responses as well as a degraded perceptual spatial resolution. In a last target selection task, involving free choice in the presence of reward biases, we show that monkeys display an increased sensitivity to reward outcome under fluoxetine. In addition, we report that monkeys produce, under fluoxetine, more trials and less aborts, increased pupil size, shorter blink durations, as well as task-dependent changes in reaction times. Overall, while low level vision appears to be degraded by fluoxetine, performance in the visual tasks are maintained under fluoxetine due to enhanced top-down control based on task outcome and reward maximization.
Two motor neuron synergies, invariant across ankle joint angles, activate the triceps surae during plantarflexion
Authors: Levine Jackson , Avrillon Simon , Farina Dario , Hug François , Pons José L.
Published: November 2022

Recent studies have suggested that the nervous system generates movements by controlling groups of motor neurons (synergies) that do not always align with muscle anatomy. In this study, we determined whether these synergies are robust across tasks with different mechanical constraints. We identified motor neuron synergies using principal component analysis (PCA) and cross-correlations between smoothed discharge rates of motor neurons. In Part 1, we used simulations to validate these methods. The results suggested that PCA can accurately identify the number of common inputs and their distribution across active motor neurons. Moreover, the results confirmed that cross-correlation can separate pairs of motor neurons that receive common inputs from those that do not receive common inputs. In Part 2, sixteen individuals performed plantarflexion at three ankle angles while we recorded electromyographic signals from the gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) and medialis (GM) and the soleus (SOL) with grids of surface electrodes. PCA revealed two motor neuron synergies. These motor neuron synergies were relatively stable with no significant differences in the distribution of motor neuron weights across ankle angles (p=0.62). When the cross-correlation was calculated for pairs of motor units tracked across ankle angles, we observed that only 13.0% of pairs of motor units from GL and GM exhibited significant correlations of their smoothed discharge rates across angles, confirming the low level of common inputs between these muscles. Overall, these results highlight the modularity of movement control at the motor neuron level, suggesting a sensible reduction of computational resources for movement control.

Key points summary

The central nervous system may generate movements by activating groups of motor neurons (synergies) with common inputs.

We show here that two main sources of common inputs drive the motor neurons innervating the triceps surae muscles during isometric ankle plantarflexions.

We report that the distribution of these common inputs is globally invariant despite changing the mechanical constraints of the tasks, i.e., the ankle angle.

These results suggest the functional relevance of the modular organization of the central nervous system to control movements.
The study of research barriers from the viewpoint of students and faculty members of the faculty of medicine of Azad University of Najaf Abad
Authors: Dormiani Tabatabaei Seyed Amirhossein
Published: November 2022

Background

Universities are the most important place for science production and the organization of academic research is one of the most important strategies for community development. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers of intra-university research in terms of faculty members and students of the faculty of medicine of Islamic Azad University, Najaf Abad.

Methods & Materials

This cross-sectional study was carried out in the academic year of 2017-2018 and using a researcher-made questionnaire which included 26 questions in the research barriers section. The questions were divided into five areas: the inability of students to implement the research plan, the importance of not considering the system, the lack of access to facilities and facilities, the lack of cooperation of research centers and the lack of access to research and statistical consultants. Validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by experts and authorities, and reliability was calculated by Cronbach’s alpha of 92.8%. The questionnaire was completed by 49 faculty members and 291 students from the faculty of medicine of Islamic Azad University, Najaf Abad. ANOVA, t-test and Spearman test were used to analyze the data.

Results

In this study, the average grades of students in all areas except the lack of access to facilities and facilities more faculty members. The results of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between the two groups’ views on research barriers in all areas except for the lack of cooperation between research centers (P = 0.395).

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, from the viewpoint of faculty and students, research activities are affected by several barriers. The empowerment of human resources, the creation of facilities and facilities, the design of the information and communication system can also be effective in solving the problems and barriers of research.
Early prone positioning does not improve the outcome of patients with mild pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2: results from an open-label, randomized controlled trial (the EPCoT Study)
Authors: Fezzi Miriam , Antolini Laura , Soria Alessandro , Bisi Luca , Iannuzzi Francesca , Sabbatini Francesca , Rossi Marianna , Limonta Silvia , Rugova Alban , Columpsi Paola , Squillace Nicola , Foresti Sergio , Pollastri Ester , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Migliorino Guglielmo Marco , Bonfanti Paolo , Lapadula Giuseppe ,   EPCoT Study Group
Published: November 2022

Background

Prone positioning (PP) is routinely used among patients with COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation. However, its utility among spontaneously breathing patients is still debated.

Methods

In an open-label randomized controlled trial, we enrolled patients hospitalized with mild COVID-19 pneumonia, whose PaO2/FiO2 ratio was >200 mmHg and who did not require mechanical ventilation (MV) or non-invasive ventilation (NIV) at hospital admission. Patients were randomized 1:1 to PP on top of standard of care (intervention group)versusstandard of care only (controls). The primary composite outcome included death, MV, NIV and PaO2/FiO2 <200 mmHg; secondary outcomes were oxygen weaning and hospital discharge.

Results

Sixty-one subjects were enrolled, 29 adjudicated to PP and 32 to the control group. By day 28, 11 patients required NIV, 4 MV and 3 died. Overall, 24/61 (39.3%) met the primary outcome. Using an intention-to-treat approach, 15/29 patients in PP groupversus9/32 controls met the primary outcome, corresponding to a significantly higher risk of progression among those randomized to PP (HR 2.38 95%CI 1.04-5.43; P=0.040). Using an as-treated approach, which included in the intervention group only patients who maintained PP for ≥3 hours/day, no significant differences were found between the two groups (HR 1.77; 95%CI 0.79-3.94; P=0.165). Also, we did not find any statistically difference in terms of time to oxygen weaning or hospital discharge between study arms, in any of the analyses conducted.

Conclusions

We observed no clinical benefit from awake PP among spontaneously breathing patients with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring conventional oxygen therapy.
Metal-Induced Energy Transfer (MIET) for Live-Cell Imaging with Fluorescent Proteins
Authors: Hauke Lara , Isbaner Sebastian , Ghosh Arindam , Guido Isabella , Turco Laura , Chizhik Alexey I. , Gregor Ingo , Karedla Narain , Rehfeldt Florian , Enderlein Jörg
Published: November 2022

Metal-Induced Energy Transfer (MIET) imaging is an easy-to-implement super-resolution modality that achieves nanometer resolution along the optical axis of a microscope. Although its capability in numerous biological and biophysical studies has been demonstrated, its implementation for live-cell imaging with fluorescent proteins is still lacking. Here, we present its applicability and capabilities for live-cell imaging with fluorescent proteins in diverse cell types (adult human stem cells, human osteo-sarcoma cells, andDictyostelium discoideumcells), and with various fluorescent proteins (GFP, mScarlet, RFP, YPet). We show that MIET imaging achieves nanometer axial mapping of living cellular and sub-cellular components across multiple timescales, from a few milliseconds to hours, with negligible phototoxic effects.
Cerebello-Basal Ganglia Functional Network Integration in Psychosis
Authors: Jackson T. Bryan , Damme Katherine S. F. , Mittal Vijay A. , Bernard Jessica A.
Published: November 2022

Psychotic disorders are conceptualized as brain-network diseases and both the cerebellum (CB) and basal ganglia (BG) are implicated in widely used conceptual models. Previous research has focused on these structures and their respective circuits as distinct, however, both are functionally and anatomically connected to each other and to cortical networks via domain-specific, topographically organized thalamo-cortical loops. Currently, it is unclear how CB-BG network dysfunction may play a mechanistic role in the course of psychosis; however, network global efficiency (GE), a measure of functional integration, is a novel approach that aims to represent cognitive and motor CB-BG network (CCBN, MCBN, respectively) connectivity in cross- sectional groups of healthy control (HC), clinical high-risk (CHR), early course psychosis (ECP), and chronic psychosis (CP) participants. We compared network GE between groups and inspected individual differences in CCBN- and MCBN-GE as it relates to group membership and to psychosis symptoms. We also associated CB-BG network GE with cortical network GE. Results indicated that CCBN-GE was associated with cognitive dysfunction and lower in CHR individuals, compared to HC and CP; while MCBN was associated with negative psychosis symptoms. Last, we detailed CB-BG associations with sensory, motor, default mode, and salience networks across groups, with group effects demonstrating complex differences within the ECP group. Findings indicating that CB-BG network dysfunction may play an important role in early pathogenesis and authors argue for CB-BG dysfunction to be analyzed from a network perspective. Future work is needed however to incorporate this approach into our understanding of psychosis.
Motion-Induced Blindness as a Noisy Excitable System
Authors: Katkov Mikhail , Cooperman Alexander , Meital-Kfir Noya , Sagi Dov
Published: November 2022

Perceptual disappearance of a salient target induced by a moving texture mask (MIB: Motion Induced Blindness) is a striking effect, currently poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether the mechanisms underlying MIB qualify as an excitable system. Excitable systems exhibit fast switches from one state to another (e.g., visible/invisible) induced by an above-threshold perturbation and stimulus-independent dynamics, followed by a refractory period. In the experiments, disappearance was induced by masks consisting of slowly rotating radial bars with a gap at the target location, leading to periodic perturbation of the visual field around the target (a bright parafoveal spot). When passed around the target location, masks frequently induced an abrupt target disappearance, pointing to locality. As expected from excitable systems, the disappearance time was not affected by additional bars crossing the target during invisibility, and there was little dependence on the mask configuration. After the target reappeared, it stayed for at least 0.5-2 seconds (the refractory period). Therefore, the mechanisms governing MIB represent an example of an excitable system, where the transition to the invisible state is induced by the mask, with the dynamics that follow determined mostly by the internal network properties.
Glomerular crescents, IgA-deposits, ANCA, infection – unravelling the diagnostic conundrum
Authors: Kitamura Mineaki , Almaani Salem , Challa Bindu , Doraiswamy Mohankumar , Ayoub Isabelle , Biederman Laura , Parikh Samir V. , Molovic-Kokovic Ana , Benedict Jason , Mhaskar Nilesh , Khitan Zeid , Brodsky Sergey V. , Nadasdy Tibor , Satoskar Anjali A
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Glomerulonephritis (GN) with crescents and IgA deposits on kidney biopsy poses a frequent diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma because of multiple possibilities.

Methods

Native kidney biopsies showing IgA deposition and crescents (excluding lupus nephritis) were identified from our biopsy archives between January 2010 and December 2021. Detailed clinico-pathologic features were assessed. One-year clinical follow-up on a subset of cases was performed.

Results

A total of 285 cases were identified and these clustered into IgA nephropathy (IgAN, n=108), Staphylococcus or other infection-associated-GN (SAGN/IRGN, n=46), and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated-GN (ANCA-GN, n=24) based on constellation of clinico-pathologic features, but 101 cases (Group X) could not be definitively differentiated. The reasons have been elucidated, most important being atypical combination of clinico-pathologic features and lack of definitive evidence of active infection. Follow-up (on 72/101 cases), revealed that clinicians’ working diagnosis was IgAN in 42%, SAGN/IRGN in 24%, ANCA-GN in 24%, and others in 7% of the cases, but treatment approach varied from supportive/antibiotics to immunosuppression in each subgroup. Comparing these cases as “received immunosuppression” versus “no-immunosuppression”, only two features - C3-dominant staining; and possibility of recent infection differed (higher in the no-immunosuppression group [p<0.05]). Renal loss was higher in the no-immunosuppression subgroup, but not statistically significant (p=0.11).

Conclusion

Diagnostic overlap may remain unresolved in a substantial number of kidney biopsies with glomerular crescents and IgA deposits. A case-by-case approach, appropriate antibiotics if infection is ongoing, and consideration for cautious immunosuppressive treatment for progressive renal dysfunction may be needed for best chance of renal recovery.
Neurocognitive Benefit of Weight-Loss Interventions in Older Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Schaich Christopher L. , Hughes Timothy M. , Jung Youngkyoo , Kitzman Dalane W. , Chen Haiying , Nicklas Barbara J. , Houston Denise K. , Brubaker Peter , Molina Anthony J.A. , Hugenschmidt Christina E.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Evaluate neurocognitive health and its response to interventions in older, obese patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Background

Neurocognitive dysfunction may be an underrecognized feature of HFpEF that responds to weight-loss interventions.

Methods

We first compared detailed baseline cognitive testing (Uniform Data Set version 3 and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test [RAVLT]), and brain volumes and cerebral blood flow (CBF) from 3T magnetic resonance imaging between older patients with HFpEF (n=46) and healthy age-matched controls (HC; n=22). The HFpEF patients were then randomized to a 20-week caloric restriction (CR) intervention with either aerobic-only (CR+AT; n=23) or aerobic+resistance exercise training (CR+AT+RT; n=23), and repeated cognitive testing and neuroimaging post-intervention. Cognitive scores were normalized to national data and transformed toz-scores for global, memory, attention, executive function, visuospatial, and language fluency domains.

Results

Compared to HC, participants with HFpEF had significantly lower baseline global cognitive performance, and lower global, visuospatial processing and language fluency domainz-scores than normative means. Following the diet and exercise intervention, there were significant improvements in global (+0.6 [95% CI: 0.3, 0.8]) and category fluency (+0.2 [95% CI: −0.004, 0.3])z-scores, and in RAVLT immediate (+0.6 [95% CI: 0.1, 1.0] points) and delayed (0.9 [95% CI: 0.2, 1.6] points) recall. Only CR+AT+RT was associated with improved phonemic fluency z-score (+0.4 [95% CI: 0.1, 0.7]). There were no significant intervention effects on brain volumes or CBF.

Conclusions

Older, obese patients with chronic HFpEF have significant cognitive deficits that are ameliorated by diet and exercise interventions.
A reflection on motivating community action to protect an endangered species using marketing
Authors: Rundle-Thiele Sharyn
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a case that has worked with community aiming to prevent koala deaths and injuries across known causes including dogs.

Design/methodology/approach

Over a 6½-year period, a project team has applied the Co-create–Build–Engage (CBETM) process initially delivering a proof-of-concept pilot programme for one threat faced by koalas, which was later scaled to citywide delivery. This approach is now being extended across 12 local government areas, and the author’s team is now working across all preventable threats faced by koalas’ regionwide. Leave It is now nested as one behaviour change project in a wider project delivered across Southeast Queensland, in partnership with Queensland Government, 12 local government areas, community groups and other organisations.

Findings

Underpinned by the pathway to impact and CBETM processes, this paper describes how the 3½-year Leave It project reduced koala deaths from dog attacks by 40% in the Redland City Council area. A reduction in koala deaths will contribute to a measurable increase in the local koala population across successive generations delivering lasting impact.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides an overview of links between inputs, activities, outputs and outcomes to impact. Robust koala population data is needed to precisely measure impact over time.

Practical implications

One female koala joey saved equates to seven new koalas in the next generation and prevention of koala deaths can be achieved when people can be motivated to take action.

Originality/value

This paper reflects on 6½ years of experience applying marketing to deliver changes in people’s behaviour that protect koalas. A high-level overview of the strategic and operational marketing efforts that have been and continue to be applied is described.
Encouraging pro-conservation intentions in urban recreational spaces: a South African zoo perspective
Authors: Kruger Martinette , Viljoen Adam
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Zoos are important urban tourism attractions. The challenge for zoos is finding a balance between attracting visitors and enhancing education and conservation management. This research contributes to a greater understanding of the conservation intentions of zoo visitors and how zoos can emphasise conservation management principles sustainably. This study aims to identify the variables that encourage conservation intentions among visitors to a South African zoo.

Design/methodology/approach

A destination-based survey was conducted in 2019 at the Johannesburg Zoo, and 445 questionnaires were administered through convenience sampling.

Findings

Exploratory factor analyses identified visitors’ conservation awareness because of zoos (pre-conscious, conscious and unconscious), behavioural intentions (advocating and supporting), motives (engagement, edutainment and escapism) and satisfaction (interaction and facility quality, and service and interpretation quality). The behavioural intentions were the dependent variables. Advocating conservation intentions (ACI) is an active role where zoo visitors feel a strong responsibility towards conservation and encourage others to the conservation cause. Supporting conservation intentions (SCI) relates more to loyalty towards visiting the zoo and subsequently supporting conservation. Stepwise linear regression analyses revealed that enhancing ACI relies on SCI, edutainment, conscious awareness, service and interpretation quality and total spending. However, enhancing SCI relies on ACI, interaction and facility quality and the motive, escapism, while engagement revealed a negative relationship.

Originality/value

The results show that zoos can encourage SCI to ACI by using interactive and entertaining interpretations to teach visitors about the zoo’s mandate and the importance of conservation while balancing their need to escape.
I feel so embarrassed, still, I want it! The self-presentational dilemma of counterfeit luxury buyers
Authors: Khan Sameeullah , Fazili Asif Iqbal , Bashir Irfan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether counterfeit luxury buyers’ tendency to impress others overrides their anticipation of embarrassment or whether the anticipation of embarrassment delimits their self-presentational goals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on three studies – a survey and two experiments that test the predictions. This study adopts a mix of moderation and mediation analyses to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal a greater counterfeit purchase likelihood and embarrassment aversion among publicly (vs privately) self-conscious consumers. Furthermore, a higher (vs a lower) audience class and a conspicuous (vs an inconspicuous) brand lead to lower counterfeit purchase intention, and anticipated embarrassment mediates both these effects. To mitigate the threat of embarrassment, publicly self-conscious consumers are more likely to buy counterfeits among a higher-class audience when the brand is inconspicuous (vs conspicuous). They, however, are indifferent to brand conspicuousness among a lower-class audience.

Practical implications

To deter counterfeit consumption, anti-counterfeiting campaigns must invoke consumers’ tendency to overestimate the degree of public attention. Ad appeals must accentuate the anticipation of embarrassment by enhancing self-consciousness through a higher-class audience involving a conspicuous brand.

Originality/value

This paper makes a novel contribution to counterfeiting literature by demonstrating that counterfeit luxury consumption is driven by countervailing motives of gaining approval and avoiding disapproval. The paper departs from mainstream theorizing by demonstrating that counterfeit luxury buyers engage in a protective self-presentation style by choosing inconspicuous counterfeits.
“Like mom and dad”: using narrative analysis to understand how couplepreneurs stimulate their kids’ entrepreneurial mindset
Authors: Maziriri Eugine Tafadzwa , Nyagadza Brighton , Maramura Tafadzwa C. , Mapuranga Miston
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine how couplepreneurs foster an entrepreneurial mindset in their kids.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach with semi-structured interviews was used as the data collection technique. Narrative analysis was conducted on a sample of 20 couplepreneurs in Mthatha, South Africa.

Findings

Narratives of how couplepreneurs foster an entrepreneurial mindset in their kids included purchasing toys and games for kids that encourage entrepreneurship; competition and team activities among kids that are related to entrepreneurship; the piggy bank; encouraging kids to read entrepreneurial books; and kid entrepreneur showcases.

Research limitations/implications

Sample size challenges are a notable limitation, including research being conducted in only one province of South Africa. Caution is advised when attempting to generalise the results to other contexts.

Practical implications

Understanding the strategies used by couplepreneurs to instil an entrepreneurial mindset in children can help parents to influence and encourage their children's entrepreneurial growth, resulting in more creative and innovative people who make a positive contribution to society, economy and the community.

Originality/value

While there is a body of literature on couple entrepreneurship, there are shortcomings in studies examining how coupleprenuers in African countries instil an entrepreneurial mindset in their children. As a result, this study aims to complement the current corpus of African literature on entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of South Africa.
Family governance and firm performance: exploring the intermediate effects of family functioning and competitive advantage
Authors: Barbera Francesco , Hasso Tim , Schwarz Thomas V.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Scholars and practitioners agree that governance practices are at the core of what differentiates family firms from other forms of business. Yet, there is a lack of consensus in the extant literature about how and the extent to which family governance affects firm performance. This study aims to address the matter by taking a more comprehensive unified systems perspective to explore the pathways through which variations in family governance mechanisms simultaneously affect both the business and the family system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilises a global dataset sourced from a survey and structural equation modelling to empirically measure several intermediate and final outcomes of family governance.

Findings

This study finds that the use of family protocols, as well as formal and informal meetings, have positive effects on the functioning of the family, whereas family involvement in the top management team diminishes the firm's competitive advantage. In turn, this study demonstrates that both family functioning and competitive advantage are positively related to firm performance.

Originality/value

By taking into consideration the complexity of the family and business systems, and measuring their interlinkages, this study advances knowledge by providing a more complete picture of the family governance/firm performance relationship.
Spiritual leadership and innovative work behavior: the mediated relationship of interpersonal trust and knowledge sharing in the hospitality sector of India
Authors: Jain Priyanka
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the relationship between spiritual leadership and employees' innovative behavior in the hospitality sector of India. The author proposes a holistic (serial mediation) model based on relational signaling theory (RST) and integrates individual, i.e. interpersonal trust and knowledge sharing factors as explanatory mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is conducted through probability sampling on 435 participants working in the hospitality sector of India. The proposed serial mediation model was examined using a structural equation modeling (SEM) method and the PROCESS model 6.

Findings

The result supports the full mediation model. Although spiritual leadership and innovative work behavior (IWB) had a little direct impact, they had considerable overall effects and indirect effects due to interpersonal trust and knowledge sharing. Similar to this, the study discovered evidence in favor of individual characteristics serving as explanatory mechanisms in the connection between spiritual leadership and IWB.

Originality/value

Based on the RST, the study reveals that spiritual leaders motivate and inspire employees by involving the application of spiritual values and principles which help them in generating trust and share knowledge, leading to innovative behavior.
A model test on an open-cut tunnel structure under the effect of a stick-slip normal fault
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Zhu Xingyu , Wei Ronghua
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Large displacement misalignment under the action of active faults can cause complex three-dimensional deformation in subway tunnels, resulting in severe damage, distortion and misalignment. There is no developed system of fortification and related codes to follow. There are scientific problems and technical challenges in this field that have never been encountered in past research and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopted a self-designed large-scale active fault dislocation simulation loading system to conduct a similar model test of the tunnel under active fault dislocation based on the open-cut tunnel project of the Urumqi Rail Transit Line 2, which passes through the Jiujiawan normal fault. The test simulated the subway tunnel passing through the normal fault, which is inclined at 60°. This research compared and analyzed the differences in mechanical behavior between two types of lining section: the open-cut double-line box tunnel and the modified double-line box arch tunnel. The structural response and failure characteristics of the open-cut segmented lining of the tunnel under the stick-slip part of the normal fault were studied.

Findings

The results indicated that the double-line box arch tunnel improved the shear and longitudinal bending performance. Longitudinal cracks were mainly distributed in the baseplate, wall foot and arch foot, and the crack position was basically consistent with the longitudinal distribution of surrounding rock pressure. This indicated that the longitudinal cracks were due to the large local load of the cross-section of the structure, leading to an excessive local bending moment of the structure, which resulted in large eccentric failure of the lining and formation of longitudinal cracks. Compared with the ordinary box section tunnel, the improved double-line box arch tunnel significantly reduced the destroyed and damage areas of the hanging wall and footwall. The damage area and crack length were reduced by 39 and 59.3%, respectively. This indicates that the improved double-line box arch tunnel had good anti-sliding performance.

Originality/value

This paper adopted a self-designed large-scale active fault dislocation simulation loading system to conduct a similar model test of the tunnel under active fault dislocation. This system increased the similarity ratio of the test model, improved the dislocation loading rate and optimized the simulation scheme of the segmented flexible lining and other key factors affecting the test. It is of great scientific significance and engineering value to investigate the structure of subway tunnels under active fault misalignment, to study its force characteristics and damage modes, and to provide a technical reserve for the design and construction of subway tunnels through active faults.
Assessing policy analytical capacity in contemporary governments: New measures and metrics
Authors: Migone Andrea , Howlett Michael
Published: November 2022

Assessing the policy analytical capacity (PAC) of governments has suffered in the past from the anecdotal nature of most studies, leading to different evaluations of specific analytical activities and of the overall competences and capacities of governments as a whole. What is needed to advance the field is a set of metrics that can generate insights into the capabilities of different units and how changes to their and overall government capacity develop over time. Focusing on this component of policy capacity, we map and measure the distribution of policy professionals in the provincial, territorial, and federal governments in Canada. Our measures are tested against two major findings regarding PAC: first that variation among governmental PAC varies by size of the civil service, with smaller jurisdictions likely to have less capacity, and second, that concentration of professionals in specific issue areas underscores that area's political and/or policy salience to the government concerned. Both measures prove robust in assessing Canadian government activities in these areas.

Points for practitioners

Policy capacity is acknowledged as a significant perquisite for policy success.

While some general frameworks exist highlighting policy relevant competences and capabilities important to policy success, how to measure these remains under‐investigated.

Focusing on policy analytical capacity, this paper draws on the literature on policy professionals to develop two measures of this component of policy capacity linked to the extent to which an agency focuses on analysis and the proportion of their staff who work on the subject compared to other agencies.

The measures are deployed in an illustrative case of Canada and Canadian governments at the territorial, provincial, and federal level which confirms their utility and robustness as indicators of the different levels of analytical capacity different agencies employ.
Universities as Internationalization Catalysts: Reversing Roles in University–Industry Collaboration
Authors: Corsi Simone , Feranita Feranita , Hughes Mat , Wilson Alex
Published: November 2022

University–industry (U‐I) collaboration is vital to the development of society. However, this important interaction has become something of a caricature whereby a sequential and unidirectional relationship exists, with universities creating knowledge and industries commercializing it. We address this issue by using the triple helix (TH) perspective and the network‐revised Uppsala model of internationalization to demonstrate how this relationship can be reversed. We present an embedded longitudinal case study of a UK–China innovation programme, run by a UK university with the aim of supporting the development of 62 collaborative innovation projects between 58 UK small and medium enterprises and Chinese organizations. The results reveal a pressing need to revisit universities’ third mission: the transfer of academic knowledge to industry. The findings demonstrate universities’ role as internationalization catalysts for firms engaged in U‐I collaboration. This signals an important and underexplored component of the TH perspective. The knowledge exchange type in U‐I relationships shows a possible reversal in firm and university roles, where knowledge and technology are contributed by firms, and access to markets is orchestrated by universities, which become internationalization platforms.
Qualitative study using grounded theory examining collegiality among emergency physicians
Authors: Mallows James L
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Collegiality is considered to be any extra‐role behaviour that is discretionary, not recognised by a formal reward system and that promotes the effective functioning of the organisation. Although there is much literature on the concept of collegiality, there are few studies examining collegiality in the medical profession and none looking at collegiality among emergency physicians (EPs). The aim of the present study is to explore the perceptions of different ED healthcare professionals on the meaning of collegiality among EPs, the benefits of collegiality and behaviours they identify as indicative of collegiality.

Methods

This was a qualitative study using grounded theory. Data collection was via focus group interviews of three to four participants per group. Participants included EPs, emergency medicine trainees, senior emergency nurses and nurse practitioners. Three questions were explored: ‘what does collegiality mean to you?’; ‘what are the benefits of collegiality?’; and ‘what specific behaviours do you see as part of collegiality?’

Results

Ten focus group interviews involving a total of 33 participants were conducted. Several themes were identified for both the meaning of collegiality and the benefits of collegiality among EPs. Eight themes regarding collegial behaviour were identified: (i) mutual respect and trust; (ii) mutual support; (iii) attitude; (iv) work ethic; (v) staff welfare; (vi) patient management; (vii) handover; and (viii) education.

Conclusion

The present study identified distinct themes and behaviours indicative of collegiality among EPs. Promoting these behaviours could improve staff well‐being, ED efficiency, patient safety and productivity.
Extremely halophilic strains of Halobacterium salinarum as a potential starter culture for fish sauce fermentation
Authors: Udomsil Natteewan , Pongjanla Sirinya , Rodtong Sureelak , Tanasupawat Somboon , Yongsawatdigul Jirawat
Published: November 2022

Proteinase‐producing halophilic archaea were isolated from Thai fish sauce collected from industrial fermentation tanks at various periods of fermentation. Five isolates namely, J‐1‐S4, J‐1‐S13, J‐1‐S22, 2 m‐40‐15‐R2, and P‐1‐S8, were identified as Halobacterium salinarum with slightly different colony and morphological characteristics among isolates. Starters of five isolates were prepared and added to the anchovy mixed with 25% solar salt and fermented for 180 days at 30–35°C. Halophilic bacteria/archaea counts of inoculated samples were decreased and undetected after 120 days of fermentation. At 180 days of fermentation, α‐amino group contents of inoculated fish sauce samples (856–1010 mM) and total nitrogen content (2.2%–2.5%) were higher than the control without archaea inoculation (p < 0.05). All samples contained low amounts of biogenic amines, suggesting that all starters were not biogenic amine formers. The major volatile compound found in samples inoculated with H. salinarum P‐1‐S8 and H. salinarum 2 m‐40‐15‐R2 was 3‐methylbutanal, which contributes to the meaty note. Dimethyl disulfide, a compound that contributes to fecal note, was detected in all inoculated samples in a lower amount than in the commercial fish sauce (p < 0.05). Thus, H. salinarum accelerated protein hydrolysis and produced desirable volatile compounds during fish sauce fermentation in a strain‐specific manner.
Consumers’ perception of cultured meat relative to other meat alternatives and meat itself: A segmentation study
Authors: Cornelissen Kees , Piqueras‐Fiszman Betina
Published: November 2022

Cultured meat is still under development but could possibly serve as a meat alternative. As a result, the acceptance and perception of cultured meat have received considerable attention in consumer research. However, only few comparisons to meat or meat alternatives have been made, which makes it unclear how cultured meat compares to these products. This is the first study to directly compare cultured meat to plant‐based meat alternatives (PBMA), fish, insects, and conventional meat. Dutch consumers (n = 288) evaluated their perception and willingness to consume (WTC) patties made from the five sources listed above. Consumer segmentation based on the WTC ratings was performed, and the resulting clusters were compared in terms of their preferences, perception of cultured meat, and demographic and psychographic variables. To see if naming affected consumers’ cultured meat perception, respondents were assigned to one of five naming conditions for cultured meat.

The clusters analysis yielded three clusters, two of which showed moderate WTC cultured meat. The first cluster could be characterized as “meat lovers.” Their WTC was strongest for conventional meat, followed by cultured meat, and tastiness was their main driver of WTC. The second cluster's preference was fish, followed by PBMA, with naturalness, safety, and tastiness being their drivers of WTC. The third cluster's highest WTC was for PBMA, followed by cultured meat. Among their drivers of WTC were healthiness, sustainability, and animal friendliness. Psychographic variables were highly valuable in explaining the clusters. Finally, no effects of naming for cultured meat were observed.

Practical Application

The results contribute to the design of guidelines to promote different meat alternatives considering specific target populations.
Perceptions and experiences of career success among aspiring and early career accountants and the role of organisational support
Authors: Jackson Denise , Richardson Julia , Michelson Grant , Munir Rahat
Published: November 2022

Positive perceptions of career success are critical among accounting professionals, given their connection with performance, turnover and organisational commitment. Drawing on career stage theory, this study explores the perceptions and experiences of career success among 475 aspiring (Accounting/Finance students), 305 early career accountants (ECAs) and 165 managers/recruiters in Australia. Findings reflected both objective and subjective dimensions of career success alongside notable differences between aspiring accountants and ECAs, highlighting shifting views across the career stages of exploration and establishment. While ECAs were largely positive about their access to career success, managers/recruiters identified ways to create further opportunities for ECAs' career success.
miRNAs for testicular germ cell tumours: Contemporary indications for diagnosis, surveillance and follow‐up
Authors: Chavarriaga Julian , Hamilton Robert J.
Published: November 2022

Despite excellent outcomes with modern multidisciplinary care, clinicians caring for patients with testicular germ cell tumour (TGCTs) face clinical dilemmas across the spectrum of disease. Wrong treatment choices can lead to undertreatment or overtreatment of these young men. Unfortunately the currently available biomarkers alpha‐fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin, lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity to reliably aid in these clinical dilemmas. Thus, a sensitive and specific biomarker is desperately needed. Serum or plasma miRNA, in particular, miR‐371a‐3p, has shown great promise in discriminating the presence of TGCT and may represent a breakthrough for this disease. In this review, we discuss the potential role of miRNA across clinical states of TGCTs. We review their discovery, methods of assay, limitations and future potential.