bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representation of a Perceptual Bias in the Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Serrano-Fernández Luis , Beirán Manuel , Romo Ranulfo , Parga Néstor
Published: July 2023

Perception is influenced by sensory stimulation, prior knowledge, and contextual cues, which collectively contribute to the emergence of perceptual biases. However, the precise neural mechanisms underlying these biases remain poorly understood. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing neural recordings from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of monkeys performing a vibrotactile frequency discrimination task. Our findings provide empirical evidence supporting the hypothesis that perceptual biases can be reflected in the neural activity of the PFC. We found that the state-space trajectories of PFC neuronal activity encoded a warped representation of the first frequency presented during the task. Remarkably, this distorted representation of the frequency aligned with the predictions of its Bayesian estimator. The identification of these neural correlates expands our understanding of the neural basis of perceptual biases and highlights the involvement of the PFC in shaping perceptual experiences. Similar analyses could be employed in other delayed comparison tasks and in various brain regions to explore where and how neural activity reflects perceptual biases during different stages of the trial.
The Mediterranean mussel,Mytilus galloprovincialis, a novel model for developmental studies of mollusks
Authors: Miglioli Angelica , Tredez Marion , Boosten Manon , Sant Camille , Carvalho João E. , Dru Philippe , Canesi Laura , Schubert Michael , Dumollard Rémi
Published: July 2023

A model organism in developmental biology is defined by its experimental amenability as well as by resources created for the model system by the scientific community. For the most powerful models, the combination of both has already yielded a thorough understanding of development. However, the number of developmental model systems is still very limited, and their phylogenetic distribution is heavily biased. Members of one of the largest animal phyla, the mollusks, for example, have long been neglected as developmental model organisms. To remedy this shortcoming, we produced a detailed developmental transcriptome for the Mediterranean musselMytilus galloprovincialis, a bivalve mollusk, and expanded the list of experimental protocols available for this species. Our high-quality transcriptome allowed us to identify transcriptomic signatures of developmental transitions and to perform a first comparison with the Pacific oysterCrassostrea gigasthat can be used in future multi-species analyses. To allow co-labelling studies, we optimized protocols for immunohistochemistry and hybridization chain reaction and combined both techniques to create high-resolution co-expression maps of developmental genes. The resources and protocols we describe here thus represent an enormous boost for the establishment of the Mediterranean mussel as a laboratory model in developmental biology.

Summary statement

Resources and techniques are described for the Mediterranean musselMytilus galloprovincialis, which, together, establish a novel model system for studying mollusk development and animal evolution.
Connexin 41.8 mediates the correct temporal induction of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Petzold Tim , Watanabe Masakatsu , Bertrand Julien Y.
Published: July 2023

Haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) derive from a subset of endothelial cells (ECs), known as haemogenic ECs by the process of endothelial-to-haematopoietic transition (EHT). Although many factors involved in EHT have been elucidated, we still have a poor understanding of the temporal regulation of this process. Mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to stabilise hypoxia-inducible factors 1/2α (Hif1/2α), allowing them to positively regulate EHT. Here, we show a developmental delay in EHT and HSPC induction in a gap junction mutant,connexin (cx)41.8(orthologous to mammalianCX40), in zebrafish. In mammalian cells, CX40 has been shown to localise to the mitochondria. We demonstrate that Cx41.8 is important for the correct temporal generation of mitochondrial ROS, which stabilise the Hif pathway, allowing for the subsequent specification of the haemogenic endothelium. Taken together, our data indicate that Cx41.8 mediates the correct induction of HSPCs.
Tartrolon sensing and detoxification by theListeria monocytogenes timABRresistance operon
Authors: Engelgeh Tim , Herrmann Jennifer , Jansen Rolf , Müller Rolf , Halbedel Sven
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenesis a foodborne bacterium that naturally occurs in the soil. Originating from there, it contaminates crops and infects farm animals and their consumption by humans may lead to listeriosis, a systemic life-threatening infectious disease. The adaptation ofL. monocytogenesto such contrastive habitats is reflected by the presence of virulence genes for host infection and other genes for survival under environmental conditions. Among the latter are ABC transporters for excretion of antibiotics produced by environmental competitors, however, most of these transporters have not been characterized. Here, we generated a collection of promoter-lacZfusions for genes encoding ABC-type drug transporters ofL. monocytogenesand screened this reporter strain collection for induction using a library of natural compounds produced by various environmental microorganisms. We found that thetimABRlocus (lmo1964-lmo1962) was induced by the macrodiolide antibiotic tartrolon B, which is synthesized by the soil myxobacteriumSorangium cellulosum. Tartrolon B resistance ofL. monocytogeneswas dependent ontimAB, encoding the ATPase and the permease component of a novel ABC transporter. Moreover, transplantation oftimABwas sufficient to confer tartrolon B resistance toBacillus subtilis. Expression of thetimABRlocus was found to be auto-repressed by the TimR repressor, whose repressing activity was lost in the presence of tartrolon B. We also demonstrate that tartrolon sensitivity was suppressed by high external potassium concentrations, suggesting that tartrolon acts as potassium ionophore. Our results help to map the ecological interactions of an important human pathogen with its co-residing species within their joint natural reservoir.

Importance

Listeria monocytogenesis an environmental bacterium that can cause listeriosis in humans when ingested. The genome of this bacterium contains many genes encoding putative ATP binding cassette transporters with unknown function. Presumably, these transporters serve the excretion of antimicrobial compounds produced by co-residing species competing withL. monocytogenesfor nutrients and habitats. We here fused thelacZreporter gene to the promoters of these transporter genes and screened a natural compound library for activating substances. We discovered that tartrolon B activates expression of theL. monocytogenes timABRoperon, encoding the TimAB exporter and the TimR repressor. Tartrolon B is an antibiotic produced by the soil-dwelling myxobacteriumSorangium cellulosum. We elucidate how thetimABRgenes mediate sensing and detoxification of this antibiotic. This represents the first known mechanism of tartrolon resistance and may help to better define the natural reservoir ofL. monocytogenes.
The effective number of shared dimensions: A simple method for revealing shared structure between datasets
Authors: Giaffar Hamza , Buxó Camille Rullán , Aoi Mikio
Published: July 2023

A number of recent studies have sought to understand the behavior of artificial and biological neural networks by comparing representations across layers, networks and brain areas. Simultaneously, there has been growing interest in using dimensionality of a dataset as a proxy for computational complexity. At the intersection of these topics, studies exploring the dimensionality of shared computational and representational subspaces have relied on model-based methods, but a standard, model-free measure is lacking. Here we present a candidate measure for shared dimensionality that we call the effective number of shared dimensions (ENSD). The ENSD can be applied to data matrices sharing at least one dimension, reduces to the well-known participation ratio when both data sets are equivalent and has a number of other robust and intuitive mathematical properties. Notably, the ENSD can be written as a similarity metric that is a re-scaled version of centered kernel alignment (CKA) but additionally describes the dimensionality of the aligned subspaces. Unlike methods like canonical correlation analysis (CCA), the ENSD is robust to cases where data is sparse or low rank. We demonstrate its utility and computational efficiency by a direct comparison of CKA and ENSD on across-layer similarities in convolutional neural networks as well as by recovering results from recent studies in neuroscience on communication subspaces between brain regions. Finally, we demonstrate how the ENSD and its constituent statistics allow us to perform a variety of multi-modal analyses of multivariate datasets. Specifically, we use connectomic data to probe the alignment of parallel pathways in the fly olfactory system, revealing novel results in the interaction between innate and learned olfactory representations. Altogether, we show that the ENSD is an interpretable and computationally efficient model-free measure of shared dimensionality and that it can be used to probe shared structure in a wide variety of data types.
Insights into Gastrointestinal Redox Dysregulation in a Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease and the Assessment of the Protective Potential of D-galactose
Authors: Homolak Jan , Varvaras Konstantinos , Sciacca Vittorio , Perhoc Ana Babic , Virag Davor , Knezovic Ana , Barilar Jelena Osmanovic , Salkovic-Petrisic Melita
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Recent evidence suggests that the gut plays a vital role in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by triggering systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. The well-established rat model of AD, induced by intracerebroventricular administration of streptozotocin (STZ-icv), provides valuable insights into the GI implications of neurodegeneration. Notably, this model leads to pathophysiological changes in the gut, including redox dyshomeostasis, resulting from central neuropathology. Our study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying gut redox dyshomeostasis and assess the effects of D-galactose, which is known to benefit gut redox homeostasis and alleviate cognitive deficits in this model.

Materials and Methods

Duodenal rings isolated from STZ-icv animals and control groups were subjected to a prooxidative environment using AAPH or H2O2with or without D-galactose in oxygenated Krebs buffer ex vivo. Redox homeostasis was analyzed through protein microarrays and functional biochemical assays, alongside cell survival assessment. Structural equation modeling, univariate, and multivariate models were employed to evaluate the differential response of STZ-icv and control samples to the controlled prooxidative challenge.

Results

STZ-icv samples showed suppressed expression of catalase and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and increased baseline activity of enzymes involved in H2O2and superoxide homeostasis. The altered redox homeostasis status was associated with an inability to respond to oxidative challenges and D-galactose. Conversely, the presence of D-galactose increased antioxidant capacity, enhanced catalase and peroxidase activity, and upregulated superoxide dismutases in the control samples.

Conclusion

STZ-icv-induced gut dysfunction is characterized by a diminished ability of the redox regulatory system to maintain long-term protection through the transcription of antioxidant response genes, as well as compromised activation of enzymes responsible for immediate antioxidant defense. D-galactose can exert beneficial effects on gut redox homeostasis under physiological conditions.
H2O2sulfenylates CHE linking local infection to establishment of systemic acquired resistance
Authors: Cao Lijun , Yoo Heejin , Chen Tianyuan , Mwimba Musoki , Zhang Xing , Dong Xinnian
Published: July 2023

In plants, a local infection can lead to systemic acquired resistance (SAR) through increased production of salicylic acid (SA). For 30 years, the identity of the mobile signal and its direct transduction mechanism for systemic SA synthesis in initiating SAR have been hotly debated. We found that, upon pathogen challenge, the cysteine residue of transcription factor CHE undergoes sulfenylation in systemic tissues, enhancing its binding to the promoter of SA-synthesis gene,ICS1, and increasing SA production. This occurs independently of previously reported pipecolic acid (Pip) signal. Instead, H2O2produced by NADPH oxidase, RBOHD, is the mobile signal that sulfenylates CHE in a concentration-dependent manner. This modification serves as a molecular switch that activates CHE-mediated SA-increase and subsequent Pip-accumulation in systemic tissues to synergistically induce SAR.

One Sentence Summary

RBOHD-generated H2O2sulfenylates transcription factor CHE to establish systemic acquired resistance in plants.
Neural population dynamics reveal that motor-targeted intraspinal microstimulation preferentially depresses nociceptive transmission in spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain
Authors: McPherson Jacob G. , Bandres Maria F.
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine whether intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) intended to enhance voluntary motor output after spinal cord injury (SCI) modulates neural population-level spinal responsiveness to nociceptive sensory feedback. The study was conductedin vivoin three cohorts of rats: neurologically intact, chronic SCI without behavioral signs of neuropathic pain, and chronic SCI with SCI-related neuropathic pain (SCI-NP). Nociceptive sensory feedback was induced by application of graded mechanical pressure to the plantar surface of the hindpaw before, during, and after periods of sub-motor threshold ISMS delivered within the motor pools of the L5 spinal segment. Neural population-level responsiveness to nociceptive feedback was recorded throughout the dorso-ventral extent of the L5 spinal segment using dense multi-channel microelectrode arrays. Whereas motor-targeted ISMS reduced nociceptive transmission across electrodes in neurologically intact animals both during and following stimulation, it was not associated with altered nociceptive transmission in rats with SCI that lacked behavioral signs of neuropathic pain. Surprisingly, nociceptive transmission was reduced both during and following motor-targeted ISMS in rats with SCI-NP, and to an extent comparable to that of neurologically intact animals. The mechanisms underlying the differential anti-nociceptive effects of motor-targeted ISMS are unclear, although they may be related to differences in the intrinsic active membrane properties of spinal neurons across the cohorts. Nevertheless, the results of this study support the notion that it may be possible to purposefully engineer spinal stimulation-based therapies that afford multi-modal rehabilitation benefits, and specifically that it may be possible to do so for the individuals most in need – i.e., those with SCI-related movement impairments and SCI-NP.
Universal length fluctuations of actin structures found in cells
Authors: Rosario Aldric , McInally Shane G. , Jelenkovic Predrag R. , Goode Bruce L. , Kondev Jane
Published: July 2023

Actin is a key cytoskeletal protein that forms filaments that bundle into linear structuresin vivo, which are involved in motility, signaling, and cell division. Despite the rapid turnover of individual actin monomers, these structures are often maintained at a specific length, which is important for their function. Length control is commonly attributed to length-dependent assembly or disassembly of the structure, whereby a stable length is achieved when the two opposing processes are balanced. Here we show that regardless of the nature of the length-dependent feedback, such “balance point” models predict a Gaussian distribution of lengths with a variance that is proportional to the steady state length. Contrary to this prediction, a reexamination of experimental measurements on the lengths of stereocilia, microvilli, actin cables, and filopodia reveals that the variance scales with the square of the steady state length. We propose a model in which the individual filaments in bundles undergo independent assembly dynamics, and the length of the bundle is set by the length of the longest filament. This model predicts a non-Gaussian distribution of bundle lengths with a variance that scales with the square of the steady state length. Our theory underscores the importance of crosslinking filaments into networks for size control of cytoskeleton structures.
Constructed languages are processed by the same brain mechanisms as natural languages
Authors: Malik-Moraleda Saima , Taliaferro Maya , Shannon Steve , Jhingan Niharika , Swords Sara , Peterson David J. , Frommer Paul , Okrand Marc , Sams Jessie , Cardwell Ramsey , Freeman Cassie , Fedorenko Evelina
Published: July 2023

What constitutes a language? Natural languages share features with other domains: from math, to music, to gesture. However, the brain mechanisms that process linguistic input are highly specialized, showing little response to diverse non-linguistic tasks. Here, we examine constructed languages (conlangs) to ask whether they draw on the same neural mechanisms as natural languages, or whether they instead pattern with domains like math and programming languages. Using individual-subject fMRI analyses, we show that understanding conlangs recruits the same brain areas as natural language comprehension. This result holds for Esperanto (n=19 speakers) and four fictional conlangs (Klingon (n=10), Na’vi (n=9), High Valyrian (n=3), and Dothraki (n=3)). These findings suggest that conlangs and natural languages share critical features that allow them to draw on the same representations and computations, implemented in the left-lateralized network of brain areas. The features of conlangs that differentiate them from natural languages—including recent creation by a single individual, often for an esoteric purpose, the small number of speakers, and the fact that these languages are typically learned in adulthood— appear to not be consequential for the reliance on the same cognitive and neural mechanisms. We argue that the critical shared feature of conlangs and natural languages is that they are symbolic systems capable of expressing an open-ended range of meanings about our outer and inner worlds.

Significance Statement

What constitutes alanguagehas been of interest to diverse disciplines – from philosophy and linguistics to psychology, anthropology, and sociology. An empirical approach is to test whether the system in question recruits the brain system that processes natural languages. In spite of their similarity to natural languages, math and programming languages recruit a distinct brain system. Using fMRI, we test brain responses to stimuli not previously investigated—constructed languages (conlangs)—and find that they are processed by the same brain network as natural languages. Thus, an ability for a symbolic system to express diverse meanings about the world— but not the recency, manner, and purpose of its creation, or a large user base—is a defining characteristic of a language.
A new mechanism of posttranslational polyglutamylation regulates phase separation and signaling of the Wnt pathway protein Dishevelled
Authors: Kravec Marek , Šedo Ondrej , Nedvědová Jana , Micka Miroslav , Šulcová Marie , Zezula Nikodém , Gömöryová Kristína , Potěšil David , Ganji Ranjani Sri , Červenka Igor , Zdráhal Zbyněk , Harnoš Jakub , Tripsianes Konstantinos , Janke Carsten , Bařinka Cyril , Bryja Vítězslav
Published: July 2023

Polyglutamylation is a reversible post-translational modification that is catalyzed by enzymes from the tubulin tyrosine ligase-like (TTLL) family. Here, we found that TTLL11 generates a previously unknown type of polyglutamylation initiated by the addition of a glutamate residue to the free C-terminal carboxyl group of a substrate protein. TTLL11 efficiently polyglutamylates the Wnt signaling protein Disheveled 3 (DVL3), thereby changing the interactome of DVL3, as well as it increases its capacity to get phosphorylated, to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), and to act in the non-canonical Wnt pathway. Both carboxyterminal polyglutamylation and the resulting reduction in LLPS capacity of DVL3 were reverted by the deglutamylating enzyme CCP6, which demonstrates the causal relationship between TTLL11-mediated polyglutamylation and LLPS. We thus discovered a novel type of posttranslational modification, which significantly broadens the range of proteins that can be modified by polyglutamylation and provides the first evidence that polyglutamylation can act as a regulator of protein LLPS.
Fragle: Universal ctDNA quantification using deep learning of fragmentomic profiles
Authors: Zhu Guanhua , Rahman Chowdhury Rafeed , Getty Victor , Odinokov Denis , Baruah Probhonjon , Carrié Hanaé , Lim Avril Joy , Guo Yu Amanda , Poh Zhong Wee , Sim Ngak Leng , Abdelmoneim Ahmed , Cai Yutong , Lakshmanan Lakshmi , Ho Danliang , Thangaraju Saranya , Poon Polly , Lau Yi Ting , Gan Anna , Ng Sarah , Koo Si-Lin , Chong Dawn Q. , Tay Brenda , Tan Tira J. , Yap Yoon Sim , Chok Aik Yong , Ng Matthew Chau Hsien , Tan Patrick , Tan Daniel , Wong Limsoon , Wong Pui Mun , Tan Iain Beehuat , Jacobsen Skanderup Anders
Published: July 2023

Quantification of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels in blood enables non-invasive surveillance of cancer progression. Fragle is an ultra-fast deep learning-based method for ctDNA quantification directly from cell-free DNA fragment length profiles. We developed Fragle using low-pass whole genome sequence (lpWGS) data from multiple cancer types and healthy control cohorts, demonstrating high accuracy, and improved lower limit of detection in independent cohorts as compared to existing tumor-naïve methods. Uniquely, Fragle is also compatible with targeted sequencing data, exhibiting high accuracy across both research and commercial targeted gene panels. We used this method to study longitudinal plasma samples from colorectal cancer patients, identifying strong concordance of ctDNA dynamics and treatment response. Furthermore, prediction of minimal residual disease in resected lung cancer patients demonstrated significant risk stratification beyond a tumor-naïve gene panel. Overall, Fragle is a versatile, fast, and accurate method for ctDNA quantification with potential for broad clinical utility.
Hindbrain rhombomere centers harbor a heterogenous population of dividing progenitors which rely on Notch-signaling
Authors: Belmonte-Mateos Carla , Meister Lydvina , Pujades Cristina
Published: July 2023

Tissue growth and morphogenesis are interrelated processes, whose tight coordination is essential for the production of different cell fates and the timely precise allocation of stem cell capacities. The zebrafish embryonic brainstem, the hindbrain, exemplifies such coupling between spatiotemporal cell diversity acquisition and tissue growth, as the neurogenic commitment is differentially distributed over time. Here, we combined cell lineage and in vivo imaging approaches to reveal the emergence of different specific cell population properties within the very same rhombomeres, and focused on the hindbrain rhombomere centers. We studied the molecular identity of rhombomere centers, and showed that they harbor different progenitor capacities that change over time. By clonal analysis, we revealed that cells within the rhombomeres decrease the proliferative capacity over time to remain mainly in G1-phase. Proliferating progenitors give rise to neurons by asymmetric and symmetric neurogenic divisions, while maintaining the pool of progenitors. The proliferative capacity of these cells differs from their neighbors, and they are delayed in the onset of Notch-activity. By functional studies we demonstrated that they rely on Notch3-signaling to be maintained as non-committed progenitors. In this study we show that cells in rhombomere centers might share steps of a similar program, despite the neurogenic asynchrony from the rhombomere counterparts, to ensure proper tissue growth.
The hippocampal theta oscillation may be generated by chimera dynamics
Authors: Masoliver Maria , Davidsen Jörn , Nicola Wilten
Published: July 2023

The 8-12 Hz theta rhythm observed in hippocampal local field potentials of animals can be regarded as a “clock” that regulates the timing of spikes. While different interneuron sub-types synchronously phase lock to different phases for every theta cycle, the phase of pyramidal neurons’ spikes asynchronously vary in each theta cycle, depending on the animal’s position. On the other hand, pyramidal neurons tend to fire slightly faster than the theta oscillation in what is termed hippocampal phase precession. Chimera states are specific solutions to dynamical systems where synchrony and asynchrony coexist, similar to the hippocampal theta oscillation. Here, we test the hypothesis that the hippocampal theta oscillation emerges from chimera dynamics with computational modelling. We utilized multiple network topologies and sizes of Kuramoto oscillator networks that are known to collectively display chimera dynamics. We found that by changing the oscillators’ intrinsic frequency, the frequency ratio between the synchronized and unsynchronized oscillators can match the frequency ratio between the hippocampal theta oscillation (≈8 Hz) and phase precessing pyramidal neurons (≈9 Hz). The faster firing population of oscillators also displays theta-sequence-like behaviour and phase precession. Finally, we trained networks of spiking integrate-and-fire neurons to output a chimera state by using the Kuramoto-chimera system as a dynamical supervisor. We found that the firing times of subsets of individual neurons display phase precession. These results imply that the hippocampal theta oscillation may be a chimera state, further suggesting the importance of chimera states in neuroscience.
Design of a three-detector system on LUOSHU: a small-angle neutron scattering instrument at China Mianyang Research Reactor
Authors: Tang Yifei , Zhong Shengyi , Yan Guanyun , Chen Jie
Published: July 2023

The LUOSHU small-angle neutron scattering instrument is one of the neutron scattering instruments under construction at the China Mianyang Research Reactor. Research interests in the fields of materials science, physics, chemistry and biology require that LUOSHU provide a wide range of measured scattering vector magnitudes (Q), a large dynamic Q range and high resolution. A movable and combined three-detector system that consists of a high-resolution position-sensitive 3He multi-tube rear detector and two L-shaped front detectors is designed in order to expand the Q range and dynamic Q. Analytical calculations validate that, with the three-detector system, LUOSHU can cover a Q range of four orders of magnitude. Also, the three-detector system will extend the dynamic Q range and provide simultaneous Q
max/Q
min higher than 800 in operation, satisfying the requirements of in situ experiments.
The importance of aesthetics in workplace environments: an investigation into employees’ satisfaction, feelings of safety and comfort in a university
Authors: Barton Georgina , Le Anh Hai
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Employee satisfaction is critical in any workplace. Research suggests that the environment that people work in can contribute greatly to levels of satisfaction as well as productivity. Limited research exists, however, on how the aesthetics of a workplace impact both employee satisfaction and well-being. This paper aims to identify whether the aesthetics in a workplace environment at one university influences employee satisfaction and well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper shares data from a survey that determined whether the workplace environment at one university in Queensland, Australia supports its workers’ job satisfaction and well-being. The survey was distributed amongst all staff at three campuses with a total of 73 usable responses.

Findings

Findings showed that there is a strong need for an aesthetically pleasing workplace and its positive impacts on employees. In addition, an aesthetically pleasing workplace was perceived to have a positive impact on the respondents’ likelihood of spending more time at work, hence, a greater sense of satisfaction. The respondents indicated a moderate level of satisfaction with the aesthetics of their workspace and environment including feeling safe.

Research limitations/implications

Implications show that further improvements could be attained in the workplace through the addition of natural lighting, plants and artwork. The employees also indicated they would like more control over the aesthetics of the work environment.

Originality/value

This research is original as it was not known whether aesthetics in the workplace influenced worker satisfaction and/or well-being.
Public preference of flood-resilient housing technologies in Nigeria: a case study of Kogi State
Authors: Ameh Hope , Lamond Jessica
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore flood-prone area residents' preferences of flood-resilient housing technologies (HTs), to understand the factors influencing their choices. Flood-resilient HTs can reduce damage and disruption at a household level, particularly in areas where large-scale community schemes are not available or feasible. People’s perception of floods and their preferences of flood-resilient HTs are among many very important factors influencing the adoption of these technologies. Therefore, these perceptions and preferences must be well understood before implementation of these technologies can occur. However, studies on these two important factors are lacking in literature, particularly in the sub-Saharan African context.

Design/methodology/approach

Nigerian residents’ preferences of flood-resilient HTs were explored by focusing on five frequently flooded areas around the Niger and Benue river basins in Kogi State, Nigeria. Thirty-eight chat, video and voice call interviews were conducted with participants across five case study areas: Lokoja, Idah, Bassa, Ajaokuta and Koton Karifi. The interviews, informed through an illustrated brochure, covered residents’ experiences and perceptions of floods. This was done to gain an understanding of the factors influencing the choice of flood-resilient HTs adopted and those preferred.

Findings

This study confirms that residents in these five focus areas show similar characteristics to other floodplain residents as encapsulated in protection motivation theory. The flood-resilient HTs discussed in this study include flood-avoidance, flood-recoverability and flood-resistance strategies, as well as neighbourhood-scale approaches. Flood-resistance and flood-recoverability strategies rated highly in terms of suitability and envisaged efficiency in mitigating flooding in Kogi State. Although the measures were mostly agreed to be potentially effective and successful on a household scale, there were concerns as to flood mitigation on a neighbourhood scale.

Research limitations/implications

Pre-existing flood-resilient HTs were not extensively discussed in the literature review but were included to have a sense of the participants’ mitigation behaviour, as well as their potential to adopt (or not) new measures after adopting previous ones.

Originality/value

The results provide supporting evidence of the factors influencing the choice of and/or intention to adopt flood-resilient HTs, highlighted in literature. Results also contribute to literature by providing further insight into flood-resilient measures already adopted by residents, as well as their preferred HTs from the options presented. The implications of these findings and methodological considerations in this research are fully discussed in this paper.
Machine learning and manager selection: evidence from South Africa
Authors: Page Daniel , Seetharam Yudhvir , Auret Christo
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study investigates whether the skilled minority of active equity managers in emerging markets can be identified using a machine learning (ML) framework that incorporates a large set of performance characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a cross-section of South African active equity managers from January 2002 to December 2021. The performance characteristics are analysed using ML models, with a particular focus on gradient boosters, and naïve selection techniques such as momentum and style alpha. The out-of-sample nominal, excess and risk-adjusted returns are evaluated, and precision tests are conducted to assess the accuracy of the performance predictions.

Findings

A minority of active managers exhibit skill that results in generating alpha, even after accounting for fees, and show that ML models, particularly gradient boosters, are superior at identifying non-linearities. LightGBM (LG) achieves the highest out-of-sample nominal, excess and risk-adjusted return and proves to be the most accurate predictor of performance in precision tests. Naïve selection techniques, such as momentum and style alpha, outperform most ML models in forecasting emerging market active manager performance.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature by demonstrating that a ML approach that incorporates a large set of performance characteristics can be used to identify skilled active equity managers in emerging markets. The findings suggest that both ML models and naïve selection techniques can be used to predict performance, but the former is more accurate in predicting ex ante performance. This study has practical implications for investment practitioners and academics interested in active asset manager performance in emerging markets.
Who or what is to blame? The role of attribution of responsibility in layoffs
Authors: Lilly Juliana , Wipawayangkool Kamphol , Virick Meghna , Roman Ronald
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of attribution of responsibility (AOR) for layoffs on the components of ethical decision-making. Internal, external and no-fault AOR were examined using the model of moral intensity to determine if placement of blame for the layoff influences ethical awareness, judgment and intent.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were collected from 397 students. The survey provided a scenario about a layoff situation involving an African-American woman and a Caucasian woman. Respondents then answered questions about moral intensity, moral judgment and moral intent concerning the layoff and identified the reasons they believed the layoff occurred. We tested our hypotheses using multiple regression analysis.

Findings

Subjects were more likely to make a moral judgment about the situation when layoffs were blamed on the company’s actions (external AOR) and less likely to make a moral judgment when the layoff decision was blamed on employee performance (internal AOR) or on economic factors beyond anyone’s control (no-fault AOR). Results also indicate that layoffs blamed on employee performance negatively moderate the relationship between moral judgment and moral intent.

Originality/value

Previous studies of layoff ethics have not examined the influence of AOR for layoffs using the model of moral intensity. Thus, this paper extends the current understanding of these concepts in ethical decision-making.
An adaptable end-to-end maintenance performance diagnostic framework
Authors: Ge Jingrui , Sigsgaard Kristoffer Vandrup , Andersen Bjørn Sørskot , Mortensen Niels Henrik , Agergaard Julie Krogh , Hansen Kasper Barslund
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper proposes a progressive, multi-level framework for diagnosing maintenance performance: rapid performance health checks of key performance for different equipment groups and end-to-end process diagnostics to further locate potential performance issues. A question-based performance evaluation approach is introduced to support the selection and derivation of case-specific indicators based on diagnostic aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

The case research method is used to develop the proposed framework. The generic parts of the framework are built on existing maintenance performance measurement theories through a literature review. In the case study, empirical maintenance data of 196 emergency shutdown valves (ESDVs) are collected over a two-year period to support the development and validation of the proposed approach.

Findings

To improve processes, companies need a separate performance measurement structure. This paper suggests a hierarchical model in four layers (objective, domain, aspect and performance measurement) to facilitate the selection and derivation of indicators, which could potentially reduce management complexity and help prioritize continuous performance improvement. Examples of new indicators are derived from a case study that includes 196 ESDVs at an offshore oil and gas production plant.

Originality/value

Methodological approaches to deriving various performance indicators have rarely been addressed in the maintenance field. The proposed diagnostic framework provides a structured way to identify and locate process performance issues by creating indicators that can bridge generic evaluation aspects and maintenance data. The framework is highly adaptive as data availability functions are used as inputs to generate indicators instead of passively filtering out non-applicable existing indicators.
How digital platforms affect the internationalisation of wine firms in China
Authors: Hu Lala , Galli Marta , Sebastiani Roberta
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The Chinese market represents an increasingly popular destination for wine firms and recent opportunities derive from the growth of e-commerce. The aim of this paper is to understand the impact of digital platforms on wine firms' internationalisation in China by adopting the service ecosystems approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carried out a case study of Italian premium wine firms from the Valpolicella area by collecting 27 semi-structured interviews with key informants that operate at the micro-, meso- and macro-levels of the internationalisation ecosystem. Italian wine firms were selected as the focus of the analysis, given the recent sales growth of their products in the Chinese market.

Findings

Results show that digital platforms hold a key role in the wine firms' internationalisation in China, intervening with resource integration mechanisms, alignment to the cultural context and mediating firms' digital presence in the market. The platformisation dynamics also reveal the existence of enablers and constraints in the firm internationalisation through digital platforms.

Research limitations/implications

The authors aim to contribute to the marketing literature by analysing how digital platforms influence the wine firms' internationalisation in China through an original perspective, i.e. the service ecosystems lens.

Originality/value

The study adopts the service ecosystems approach to understand the internationalisation of wine firms in the Chinese market through digital platforms.
Green HRM, organizational identification and sustainable development in the emerging economy: applications from social identity theory
Authors: Khan Rizwan Ullah , Abbasi Munir A. , Farhan Abedallah Farouq Ahmad , Al-sakkaf Mohammed Alawi , Singh Karpal Singh Dara
Published: July 2023

Purpose

As a result, the current study attempted to investigate the impact of green human resource (GHR) practices on long-term performance, and the path has been explained through organizational identification, which is supported by social identity theory.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the present study's primary goal, data were obtained from manufacturing businesses and analyzed using partial least square (Smart PLS) on the data of 284 Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) registered with the small and medium-sized enterprises development authority (SMEDA).

Findings

As a result, the findings show that organizational identification explains the indirect relationship between sustainable performance and green human resource management (GHRM).

Practical implications

To limit the limited negative effect on the environment and society, the findings provide several suggestions for the government authorities and policymakers to adopt green practices and policies.

Originality/value

Green practices are essential for a company to limit its negative environmental effect. Environmental critical problems among shareholders put pressure on the firm to implement GHR practices and organizational identification with long-term success.
Impact of different types of corporate social responsibility on fit, attitude and behavior
Authors: Kwon Jookyung , Shamim Amjad , Ahn Jiseon
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Despite the fact that fit positively influences customers’ attitudes toward companies, previous research reveals differing roles of fit in the domain of corporate social responsibility (CSR) based on criteria and degree. Because the impact of fit between customers and service companies in the domain of CSR remains unclear in the hospitality context, this study aims to examine the effects of different CSR types on customer–CSR fit, attitude and behavioral intentions in hospitality settings.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 219 usable hotel customer responses were collected and analyzed using SmartPLS software.

Findings

Results show that companies’ demonstration of CSR toward social/nonsocial stakeholders is most effective for increasing perceived fit by customers, followed by CSR toward employees and toward customers. Also, this study identifies perceived fit as an indicator of customers’ positive attitudes and revisit intentions. This study enhances our understanding of relationships among three dimensions of CSR activities and customers’ responses.

Originality/value

This study provides guidelines with which hospitality companies can create sustainable growth by engaging the welfare of communities, employees and customers.
Does subordinate moqi affect employee voice? The role of work engagement and role stress
Authors: Li Lan , Zheng Xingshan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study attempts to develop and test the model regarding work engagement as a mediator and role stress as a moderator to explain how and when subordinate moqi affects employee voice.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-wave online survey was conducted, and 217 supervisor–subordinate dyads’ data were collected. This study's hypotheses were tested using linear regression analysis.

Findings

The results demonstrated that subordinate moqi is associated with employee voice. The increase in subordinate moqi can enhance employee work engagement and then promote employee voice. Furthermore, employee role stress moderates the relationships between work engagement and employee voice and the indirect effects of subordinate moqi on employee voice via work engagement.

Originality/value

From the perspective of job resources, this study ascertains that work engagement plays a mediator role in explaining how subordinate moqi affects employee voice and fills in the gap of the mediating mechanism between subordinate moqi and employee voice. Moreover, this study extends the understanding of role stress by emphasizing its positive role rather than its negative function which is highly discussed in previous research.
Benefits and drawbacks of OpenVPN in accessing Osiris in academic libraries
Authors: Nugroho Prasetyo Adi , Anna Nove E. Variant , Babbar Parveen
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the benefits and weaknesses of OpenVPN to access Osiris.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a case study approach to describe a phenomenon. The data collected from observation of the real-world environment.

Findings

The benefits of OpenVPN are the following: librarian can access the Osiris and other resources remotely and safely; OpenVPN protects the connection when accessing the Osiris; and librarian can also manage Osiris systems easily to control access, monitoring the users efficiently. However, there are some drawbacks of OpenVPN, such as network infrastructure dependency, require stabile internet connection, configuration complexity, to arrange and configurate OpenVPN needs skills and knowledge on the related field, data protection and security breach.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is the use of OpenVPN to access Osiris that is managed by library. There are some variables to determine the benefits and drawbacks of the OpenVPN such as managing access, data security and efficiency. This study gives an original contribution to the use of OpenVPN in academic libraries.
Controlling degree of foaming in extrusion 3D printing of porous polylactic acid
Authors: Dinakaran Iniya , Sakib-Uz-Zaman Chowdhury , Rahman Arafater , Khondoker Mohammad Abu Hasan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the effect of extrusion conditions on the degree of foaming of polylactic acid (PLA) during three-dimensional (3D) printing. It was also targeted to optimize the slicing parameters for 3D printing and to study how the properties of printed parts are influenced by the extrusion conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a commercially available PLA filament that undergoes chemical foaming. An extrusion 3D printer was used to produce individual extrudates and print samples that were characterized using an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and custom in-house apparatuses.

Findings

The degree of foaming of the extrudates was found to strongly depend on the extrusion temperature and the material feed speed. Higher temperatures significantly increased the number of nucleation sites for the blowing agent as well as the growth rate of micropores. Also, as the material feed speed increased, the micropores were allowed to grow bigger which resulted in higher degrees of foaming. It was also found that, as the degree of foaming increased, the porous parts printed with optimized slicing parameters were lightweight and thermally less conductive.

Originality/value

This study fills the gap in literature where it examines the foaming behavior of individual extrudates as they are extruded. By doing so, this work distinguishes the effect of extrusion conditions from the effect of slicing parameters on the foaming behavior which enhances the understanding of extrusion of chemically foamed PLA.