bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Goal-directed modulation of stretch reflex gains is reduced in the non-dominant upper limb
Authors: Torell Frida , Franklin Sae , Franklin David W. , Dimitriou Michael
Published: December 2022

Most individuals experience their dominant arm as being more dexterous than the non-dominant arm, but the neural mechanisms underlying this asymmetry in motor behaviour are unclear. Using a delayed reach task, we have recently demonstrated strong goal-directed tuning of stretch reflex gains in the dominant upper limb of human participants. Here, we used an equivalent experimental paradigm to address the neural mechanisms that underlie the preparation for reaching movements with the non-dominant upper limb. We found only minor goal-directed differences in the short latency stretch reflex of the non-dominant limb. There were consistent effects of load, preparatory delay duration and target direction on the long latency stretch reflex. However, by comparing stretch reflex responses in the non-dominant arm with those previously documented in the dominant arm, we demonstrate that goal-directed tuning of short and long latency stretch reflexes is markedly weaker in the non-dominant limb. The results indicate that the motor performance asymmetries across the two upper limbs is partly due to the more sophisticated control of reflexive stiffness in the dominant limb, likely facilitated by the superior goal-directed control of muscle spindle receptors. Our findings therefore suggest that independent fusimotor control plays a role in determining performance of complex motor behaviours and support existing proposals that the dominant arm is better supplied for executing more complex tasks, such as trajectory control.

Key points

Most of us routinely rely on the dominant arm to perform more complex and demanding motor tasks, but the mechanisms enabling the superior motor performance of the dominant limb are unclear.

A better understanding of the motor asymmetry across the two arms might provide key insight into core sensorimotor principles.

This study shows that goal-directed tuning of short and long latency stretch reflexes in the non-dominant arm is markedly weaker than in the dominant arm.

Our results suggest that the more sophisticated control of reflexive stiffness in the dominant limb, likely facilitated by superior fusimotor control, partly underpins the laterality of motor performance.
Biologically plausible unsupervised learning in neural networks with sparse and asymmetric connectivity
Authors: Brodersen Paul J N , Akerman Colin J
Published: December 2022

In the search for biologically plausible but mathematically precise theories of learning in the brain, recent studies have begun to investigate how key assumptions underlying algorithms for supervised learning in artificial neural networks can be relaxed in biologically plausible ways. Turning to unsupervised learning, we develop biologically more plausible variants of the restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), and benchmark their performance on MNIST. We show that RBMs with asymmetric connectivity can still be successfully trained with contrastive divergence, even if no two units are reciprocally connected. Furthermore, RBMs are able to learn if the forward, visible-to-hidden layer weights are kept constant and only the backward, hidden-to-visible layer weights are updated. These findings indicate that neural networks with biologically plausible connectivity support contrastive learning.
Mammalian glial protrusion transcriptomes predict localization ofDrosophilaglial transcripts required for synaptic plasticity
Authors: Gala Dalia S. , Lee Jeffrey Y. , Kiourlappou Maria , Titlow Joshua S. , Teodoro Rita O. , Davis Ilan
Published: December 2022

The polarization of cells often involves the transport of specific mRNAs and their localized translation in distal projections. Neurons and glia both contain long cytoplasmic processes with important functions. mRNA localization has been studied extensively in neurons, but very little in glia, especially in intact nervous systems. Here, we predicted 1,700 localizedDrosophilaglial transcripts by extrapolating from our meta-analysis of 8 existing studies characterizing the localized transcriptomes and translatomes of synaptically-associated mammalian glia. We tested these predictions in glia of the neuromuscular junction ofDrosophilalarvae and found that localization to mammalian glia is a strong predictor of mRNA localization of the high confidenceDrosophilahomologues. We further showed that some of these localized transcripts are required in glia for plasticity of the neuromuscular junction synapses. We conclude that peripheral glial mRNA localization is a common and conserved phenomenon and propose that it is likely to be functionally important.
The lncRNA landscape of cardiac resident macrophages and identification ofSchlafenlncas a regulator of macrophage migratory function
Authors: Dueck Anne , Althaus Lara , Heise Kathrin , Esfandyari Dena , Baygün Seren , Brandes Ralf P. , Gagneur Julien , Jaé Nicolas , Knolle Percy , Leisegang Matthias S. , Maegdefessel Lars , Meitinger Thomas , Petzold Niklas , Ramanujam Deepak , Sager Hendrik , Schulz Christian , Theodorakis Evangelos , Uzonyi Anna , Weinberger Tobias , Bader Michael , Schmidt-Supprian Marc , Engelhardt Stefan
Published: December 2022

Cardiac resident macrophages (crMPs) were recently shown to exert pivotal functions in cardiac homeostasis and disease, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unclear. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized as important regulatory molecules in a number of cell types, but neither the identity nor the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in crMPs are known. Here, we have employed deep RNA-seq and single cell RNA sequencing to resolve the crMP lncRNA landscape from healthy and diseased murine myocardium. CrMPs express previously unknown and highly cell type-specific lncRNAs, among which one lncRNA, termedSchlafenlnc, was particularly abundant and enriched in crMPs. We foundSchlafenlncto be necessary for migration-associated gene expression in macrophagesin vitroandin vivoand essential for their adhesion and migration. Collectively, our data provide a basis to the systematic characterization of lncRNAs in crMPs and establishSchlafenlncas a critical regulator of macrophage migratory functions.
Widespread dysregulation of mRNA splicing implicates RNA processing in the development and progression of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Tano Vincent , Utami Kagistia Hana , Yusof Nur Amirah Binte Mohammad , Pouladi Mahmoud A , Langley Sarah R
Published: December 2022

In Huntington’s disease (HD), a CAG repeat expansion mutation in theHTTgene drives a gain-of-function toxicity that disrupts mRNA processing. Although widespread dysregulation of gene splicing in the striatum has been shown in human HD post-mortem brain tissue, post-mortem analyses are likely confounded by cell type composition changes due to neuronal loss and astrogliosis in late stage HD. This limits the ability to identify dysregulation related to early pathogenesis. To study alternative splicing changes in early HD, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis in an established isogenic HD neuronal cell model. We report cell type-associated and CAG length-dependent splicing changes, and find an enrichment of RNA processing genes coupled with neuronal function-related genes showing mutantHTT-associated splicing changes. Comparison with post-mortem data also identified splicing events associated with early pathogenesis that persist to later stages of disease. In summary, our results highlight splicing dysregulation in RNA processing genes in early and late-stage HD, which may lead to disrupted neuronal function and neuropathology.
Assessing the risk of endogeneity bias in health and mortality inequalities research using composite measures of multiple deprivation which include health-related indicators: A case study using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation and population health and mortality data
Authors: Bradford D R R , Allik M , McMahon A D , Brown D
Published: December 2022

The inclusion of health-related indicators in composite measures of multiple deprivation introduces a risk of endogeneity bias when using the latter in health inequalities research. This bias may ultimately result in the inappropriate allocation of healthcare resources and maintenance of preventable health inequalities. Mitigation strategies to avoid this bias include removing the health-related indicators or using single constituent domains (such as income or employment class) in isolation. These strategies have not been widely validated. This study used populationlevel health and mortality data with a contemporary composite measure of multiple deprivation (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation; SIMD) to assess these mitigation strategies. The differences between deprivation methods (original, health excluded, and income domain) were negligible. The results of quantitative research on health inequalities are unlikely to be affected by endogeneity bias.
A role for MCH neuron firing in hippocampal plasticity and learning
Authors: Harris Julia J. , Concetti Cristina , Peleg-Raibstein Daria , Burdakov Denis
Published: December 2022

It has been revealed that melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons in the hypothalamus can influence learning (Liu et al., 2022) and memory formation (Kosse & Burdakov, 2019), but the cellular mechanisms by which they perform this function are not understood. Here, we examine the role of MCH neural input to the hippocampus, and showin vitrothat optogenetically increasing MCH axon activity facilitates hippocampal plasticity by lowering the threshold for synaptic potentiation.In vivo, we find that MCH neurons are naturally active in response to reinforcing cues during a spatial learning task, and that this activity is correlated with the speed of learning. Together, our results align with increasing evidence that MCH neurons play an ‘on-line’ regulatory role in learning, and reveal that this could be achieved through modulation of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.
Deep learning models of perceptual expertise support a domain-specific account
Authors: Yovel Galit , Grosbard Idan , Abudarham Naphtali
Published: December 2022

Perceptual expertise is an acquired skill that enables fine discrimination of members of a homogenous category. The question of whether perceptual expertise is mediated by general-expert or domain-specific processing mechanisms has been hotly debated for decades in human behavioral and neuroimaging studies. To decide between these two hypotheses, most studies examined whether expertise for different domains is mediated by the same mechanisms used for faces, for which most humans are expert. Here we used deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) to test whether perceptual expertise is best achieved by computations that are optimized for face or object classification. We re-trained a face-trained and an object-trained DCNNs to classify birds at the sub-ordinate or individual-level of categorization. The face-trained DCNN required deeper retraining to achieve the same level of performance for bird classification as an object-trained DCNN. These findings indicate that classification at the subordinate- or individual-level of categorization does not transfer well between domains. Thus, fine-grained classification is best achieved by using domain-specific rather than domain-general computations.
Widely targeted metabolomics analysis reveals differences in volatile metabolites among fourAngelicaspecies
Authors: Ji Jiaojiao , Zang Lanlan , Lu Tingting , Li Cheng , Han Xiaoxu , Lee Soo-Rang , Wang Li
Published: December 2022

AngelicaL. has attracted global interest for its traditional medicinal uses and commercial values. However, few studies have focused on the metabolomic differences among theAngelicaspecies. In this study, employing the widely targeted metabolomics based on gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the metabolomes of fourAngelicaspecies were analyzed (Angelica sinensis(Oliv.) Diels (A. sinensis),Angelica biserrata(R.H.Shan & Yuan) C.Q.Yuan & R.H.Shan (A. biserrata),Angelica dahurica(Hoffm.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Franch. & Sav. (A. dahurica),Angelica keiskeiKoidz. (A. keiskei)). A total of 698 volatile metabolites were identified and classified into fifteen different categories. The metabolomic analysis indicated that 7-hydroxycoumarin and Z-ligustilide were accumulated at significantly higher levels inA. sinensis, whereas the opposite pattern was observed for bornyl acetate. In addition, a high correspondence between the dendrogram of metabolite contents and phylogenetic positions was detected in the four species. This study provides a biochemical map for the exploitation, application and development of theAngelicaspecies as medicinal plants or health-related dietary supplements.
Carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration is associated with reduced male care in passerine birds
Authors: Rincón-Rubio Verónica A. , Székely Tamás , Liker András , Gonzalez-Voyer Alejandro
Published: December 2022

The immense diversity of plumage coloration exhibited by birds is the result of either pigments deposited in the feathers or microstructural arrangements of feather barbules. Some of the most common pigments are carotenoids that produce bright yellow, orange and red colors. Carotenoids differ from other pigments since birds cannot synthesize them de novo and must obtain them from the diet. Carotenoid pigments are usually associated with signaling and sexual selection, although they also have antioxidant properties and play a role in the immune response. Here we hypothesize that carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration functions as a signal of a male’s tendency to invest in offspring care because they play an important role in the self-maintenance and may provide key information about individual quality; allowing females to obtain information about a males’ tendency to invest in offspring care. Using phylogenetic comparative analyses across 350 passerine birds we show that species that consume carotenoid-rich foods have more carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration than species with carotenoid-poor diets. In addition, carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration is associated with a decreased male investment in offspring care. Our results suggest investment into carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration trades off against male investment into offspring care and will likely have broad implications for our understanding of the ecological contexts that facilitate various evolutionary processes such as sexual selection or signaling associated with plumage colors.
Early eye and forebrain development are facilitated by Bone Morphogenetic Protein antagonism
Authors: Bulk Johannes , Kyrychenko Valentyn , Rensinghoff Philipp , Heermann Stephan
Published: December 2022

Vision likely is our most prominent sense and a correct development of the eye is at its basis. Early eye development is tightly connected to the development of the forebrain. A single eye field and the prospective telencephalon are situated within the anterior neural plate (ANP). If development is running correctly both are split and consecutively two optic vesicles and two telencephalic lobes emerge. If hampered, the domain is remaining condensed at the midline. This affection of development is termed Holoprosencephaly (HPE). The classical ocular finding associated with intense forms of HPE is cyclopia, one central eye.

We found that antagonists of Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are important to facilitate proper forebrain and eye field cleavage. Experimental induction of a BMP ligand results in HPE and the analyses of the ANP indicated a severe form. We further found anophthalmia instead of cyclopia associated with the present HPE phenotype. We identified retinal progenitors stuck in the forebrain domain, which we termed crypt-oculoid. Our data further suggest that the process of basal constriction of retinal progenitors is hampered by elevated levels of the BMP ligand. This likely is the reason for anophthalmia instead of cyclopia in this present case of HPE.
Modeling human eye movements during immersive visual search
Authors: Radulescu Angela , van Opheusden Bas , Callaway Frederick , Griffiths Thomas L. , Hillis James M.
Published: December 2022

The nature of eye movements during visual search has been widely studied in psychology and neuroscience. Virtual reality (VR) paradigms provide an opportunity to test whether computational models of search can predict naturalistic search behavior. However, existing ideal observer models are constrained by strong assumptions about the structure of the world, rendering them impractical for modeling the complexity of environments that can be studied in VR. To address these limitations, we frame naturalistic visual search as a problem of allocating limited cognitive resources, formalized as a meta-level Markov decision process (meta-MDP) over a representation of the environment encoded by a deep neural network. We train reinforcement learning agents to solve the meta-MDP, showing that the agents’ optimal policy converges to a classic ideal observer model of search developed for simplified environments. We compare the learned policy with human gaze data from a visual search experiment conducted in VR, finding a qualitative and quantitative correspondence between model predictions and human behavior. Our results suggest that gaze behavior in naturalistic visual search is consistent with rational allocation of limited cognitive resources.
Basis of executive functions in fine-grained architecture of cortical and subcortical human brain networks
Authors: Assem Moataz , Shashidhara Sneha , Glasser Matthew F. , Duncan John
Published: December 2022

Theoretical models suggest that executive functions rely on both domain-general and domain-specific processes. Supporting this view, prior brain imaging studies have revealed that executive activations converge and diverge within broadly characterized brain networks. However, the lack of precise anatomical mappings has impeded our understanding of the interplay between domain-general and domain-specific processes. To address this challenge, we used the high-resolution multimodal MRI approach of the Human Connectome Project to scan participants performing three canonical executive tasks: n-back, rule switching, and stop signal. The results reveal that, at the individual level, different executive activations converge within 9 domain-general territories distributed in frontal, parietal and temporal cortices. Each task exhibits a unique topography characterized by finely detailed activation gradients within domain-general territory shifted towards adjacent resting-state networks; n-back activations shift towards the default mode, rule switching towards dorsal attention and stop signal towards cingulo-opercular networks. Importantly, the strongest activations arise at multimodal neurobiological definitions of network borders. Matching results are seen in circumscribed regions of the caudate nucleus, thalamus and cerebellum. The shifting peaks of local gradients at the intersection of task-specific networks provide a novel mechanistic insight into how partially-specialised networks interact with neighbouring domain-general territories to generate distinct executive functions.
Hypothalamic melanocortin-4 receptors on astrocytes mediate inflammation and body weight homeostasis
Authors: Eliason Nicole L. , Pham Kevin , Varshney Rohan , Farriester Jacob W. , Lacy Charles I. , Rice Heather C. , Rudolph Michael C. , Freeman Willard , Sharpe Amanda L.
Published: December 2022

World-wide, nearly 40% of the adult population is classified as clinically obese. Central inflammation is highly correlated with obesity and increases morbidity and deterioration of health. The hypothalamus is a brain region that governs many facets of energy homeostasis, and melanocortins in the hypothalamus both decrease feeding and increase metabolism via melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4Rs). Although MC4Rs are present on neurons and astrocytes (aMC4R) previous work has focused almost exclusively on the neuronal population with the contribution of aMC4R on these processes largely unknown. Our objective was to determine the effects of hypothalamic aMC4R deletion on central and peripheral inflammation, as well as feeding and body weight homeostasis. Adult MC4R fl/fl mice were microinjected with an astrocyte-specific promoter driving Cre-expression (AAV-GFAP-GFP-Cre) or AAV-control (AAV-GFAP-GFP; n=4-7/group/sex) to produce a hypothalamic knock-down of aMC4R (KD). Body weight and composition were monitored throughout the study, and indirect calorimetry was conducted at 1 and 4 weeks after AAV injection. Acquisition of operant self-administration of palatable food was also examined. Mice were euthanized 7-8 weeks post AAV injection and brain and tissue samples were collected. We observed a significant increase in body weight, feeding, and energy balance in the KD group compared to control group. Inflammation was significantly increased centrally in KD mice within the hypothalamus, but not peripherally within serum. Additionally, aMC4R KD mice trended towards an increased reward learning for palatable food. This is the first demonstration that hypothalamic aMC4R, independent of neuronal MC4R, is important in modulating inflammation as well as contributing to energy balance. These results provide an integral understanding of the aMC4R system that will provide the foundation for future studies investigating the role of aMC4R in various disease states.
Age related disorder in DNA methylation patterns underlies epigenetic clock signals, but displays distinct responses to epigenetic rejuvenation events
Authors: Bertucci-Richter Emily M. , Shealy Ethan P. , Parrott Benjamin B.
Published: December 2022

Changes in DNA methylation with age are observed across the tree of life. The stereotypical nature of these changes can be modeled to produce epigenetic clocks capable of predicting biological age with unprecedented accuracy. Despite the predictive ability of epigenetic clocks, the underlying processes that produce clock signals are not resolved but are hypothesized to be rooted in stochastic processes leading to an erosion in the epigenetic landscape. Here, we test this hypothesis using a novel computational approach for measuring disorder in DNA methylation patterns across the epigenome. We find that loci comprising conventional epigenetic clocks are enriched in regions that both accumulate and lose disorder with age, suggesting a direct link between DNA methylation disorder and epigenetic clock signals. Across the murine lifespan, disorder accumulates in Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 target genes and decreases in CTCF and transcription factor binding sites, resulting in genomic hotspots of age-related epigenetic disorder. We further investigate the connections between age-related changes in disorder and epigenetic clock signals by comparing the influences of development, lifespan interventions, and cellular dedifferentiation using a series of newly developed epigenetic clocks based on regional disorder, average methylation states, and commonly used measures of entropy. We identify both common responses as well as critical differences between canonical epigenetic clocks and those based on regional disorder, demonstrating a fundamental decoupling of epigenetic aging processes. Collectively, this work identifies key linkages between epigenetic disorder and epigenetic clock signals, and simultaneously demonstrates the multifaceted nature of epigenetic aging in which stochastic processes occurring at non-random loci produce predictable outcomes.
Id2 GABAergic interneurons: a neglected fourth major group of cortical inhibitory cells
Authors: Machold Robert , Dellal Shlomo , Valero Manuel , Zurita Hector , Kruglikov Illya , Meng John , Hanson Jessica L. , Hashikawa Yoshiko , Schuman Benjamin , Buzsáki György , Rudy Bernardo
Published: December 2022

Cortical GABAergic interneurons (INs) represent a diverse population of mainly locally projecting cells that provide specialized forms of inhibition to pyramidal neurons and other INs. Most recent work on INs has focused on subtypes distinguished by expression of Parvalbumin (PV), Somatostatin (SST), or Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP). However, a fourth group that includes neurogliaform cells (NGFCs) has remained enigmatic due to a lack of genetic tools. Here, we show that these INs can be accessed experimentally using intersectional genetics with the geneId2. We find that outside of layer 1 (L1), the majority of Id2 INs are NGFCs that express high levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and exhibit a late-spiking firing pattern, with extensive local connectivity. While much sparser, non-NGFC Id2 INs had more variable properties, with most cells corresponding to a diverse group of INs that strongly expresses the neuropeptide CCK.In vivo, using silicon probe recordings, we observed several distinguishing aspects of NGFC activity, including a strong rebound in activity immediately following the cortical down state during NREM sleep. Our study provides insights into IN diversity and NGFC distribution and properties, and outlines an intersectional genetics approach for further study of this neglected group of INs.
cpSRP54 and FtsH cooperate thylakoid membrane associated proteostasis during de-etiolation inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lei Yang , Li Bilang , Wang Xiaomin , Wei Junyou , Wang Peiyi , Zhao Jun , Yu Fei , Qi Yafei
Published: December 2022

The thylakoid membrane protein quality control, which requires the coordination of membrane protein translocation and degradation of unassembled proteins, determines the chloroplast development during de-etiolation. Despite numerous efforts, the regulation of this progress in land plants is largely unknown. Here, we reported the isolation and characterization ofpga4mutants with defects in chloroplast development during de-etiolation. Map-based cloning and complementation assay confirmed thatPGA4encodes the chloroplast signal recognition particle 54 kDa protein (cpSRP54). A heterogeneous LhcB2-GFP was generated as an indicative substrate for cpSRP54-mediated thylakoid translocation. LhcB2-GFP were not assembled into functional complexes, and degraded to a short form dLhcB2-GFP during de-etiolation, through an N-terminal degradation initiated on thylakoid membranes. Further biochemical and genetic evidences demonstrated that the degradation of LhcB2-GFP to dLhcB2-GFP was disrupted inpga4, andvar2mutants caused by mutations in the VAR2/AtFtsH2 subunit of thylakoid FtsH. The yeast two-hybrid assay showed that the N-terminus of LhcB2-GFP which was degraded consequently, interacts with the protease domain of VAR2/AtFtsH2 in yeasts. Moreover, the over-accumulated LhcB2-GFP inpga4andvar2, formed protein aggregates, which were insoluble in mild nonionic detergents. Genetically,cpSRP54is a new suppressor locus for the leaf variegation phenotype ofvar2. Those together demonstrated the coordination of cpSRP54 and thylakoid FtsH in maintenance of thylakoid membrane protein quality control during the assembly of photosynthetic complexes, and provided a trackable substrate and product for monitoring the cpSRP54-dependent protein translocation and the FtsH-dependent protein degradation.

One Sentence Summary

We revealed the coordination of cpSRP54 and FtsH in thylakoid membrane protein quality control, and provided a trackable marker for monitoring the activity of cpSRP54 and thylakoid FtsH protease.
Promoting gender equality through the use of management control systems: a case study in Japan
Authors: Nagano Shima , Hosoda Masahiro
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study examines how formal and cultural management control systems (MCSs) are used to support the promotion of gender equality through a case study of a Japanese bank.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was adopted to investigate the use of formal and cultural MCSs in promoting gender equality. Primary data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with managers experienced in promoting gender equality. Then, the data were analysed by reading the interview answers repeatedly and coding interviewees' comments to generate themes.

Findings

The findings indicate that both formal and cultural MCSs can be critical aspects in promoting gender equality. The use of cultural MCS fostered norms and cultures over time that enhances the process of formal MCS to achieve gender equality. Formal MCS was also designed and utilised under the constructed norms and cultures to promote gender equality. Furthermore, the use of formal MCS contributes to shaping norms and cultures that encourage gender equality by controlling and discussing the process of promoting gender equality.

Originality/value

This study clarifies how formal and cultural MCSs can be used to promote gender equality, which is an unresolved issue in Japanese companies. Mechanisms for companies in male-dominated societies are also provided to promote gender equality in terms of MCSs.
Commentaries From amateurism to professionalism: legislation changes transforming Brazilian football
Authors: Gomes Ricardo Miorin , Gomes Ricardo Corrêa , Lisboa Erika
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to present a situation that Brazil is coming to terms with the creation of football companies. The solution is to sell football clubs to investors that can solve any inherited financial crisis and provide the players the clubs need to improve the situation. As clubs are now managed by investors, board members, society and supporters have almost no information about how the clubs are being managed. The authors’ recommendation is that besides the need for a transformation in management, there is also an urgent need for professionalisation and government regulation of the process (Andon and Free, 2019).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ comments are based on documents, laws and newspaper news.

Findings

The results are engaging with the clubs achieving results in the short term, supporting fans returning to stadiums and the possibility of more investors becoming shareholders of football clubs.

Originality/value

This study is the first academic exercise of meditation about the process of turning Brazilian football clubs into anonymous societies.
Are sustainable firms more profitable during COVID-19? Recent global evidence of firms in developed and emerging economies
Authors: Lu Jing , Khan Shahid
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates whether sustainability performance (SP) protects financial performance (FP) for firms in both developed and emerging economies during the COVID-19-induced economic downturn.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a recent sample of firms in 34 countries between 2003 and 2021, the authors employ ordinary least squares regressions, moderations and the Heckman two-step method to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Firms with strong SP have higher FP in developed and emerging economies in the upcoming year. During the COVID-19 crisis in 2020–2021, the impact of sustainability on FP is pronounced in developed but not in emerging economies. Furthermore, cross-listings expose firms in emerging economies to high-standard institutional mechanisms in developed economies. Thus, sustainable firms in emerging economies cross-listed on European stock exchanges are more profitable.

Practical implications

For regulators and standard setters, the global-level comparative analysis helps them find solutions that may assist firms in improving SP globally (e.g. mandatory reporting) and enduring crises resiliently. For institutional investors, the study reveals the relatively different impact of sustainability risk for firms in developed and emerging economies. For practitioners and private sector firms, this study contributes to the dialogue on what makes firms more resilient in COVID-19. Although COVID-19 might be temporary, the lessons learned could protect firms from future crises.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the contingency perspective between sustainability and financial performance by providing recent empirical evidence in a global setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors demonstrate how different external institutional mechanisms (rule-based governance and relation-based governance) and cross-listing affect the SP-FP relationship during a crisis. The authors extend the knowledge in crisis management literature with a comparative study and fill the research gap on how SP affects FP for firms in emerging economies compared to developed economies.
Disintermediation and the role of DMCs: a new management strategy in rural tourism
Authors: Fernandez-Villaran Asuncion , Rivera-García Jorge , Pastor-Ruiz Ricardo
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The Internet has encouraged rural tourism experience providers to develop a new management strategy that opts for disintermediation to access the market. In this context, incoming travel agencies (destination management companies [DMCs]), despite the local component, lose capacity to promote the rural tourism. The main question is what kind of relationship between stakeholders would enhance effective intermediation processes between them. The paper examines such constraints and limitations of existing relationships between small local rural tourism producers and DMCs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Basque Country region of northern Spain as a case study, the authors used a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology based on semi-structured in-depth interviews and an online survey. The data analysis strategy used incorporated descriptive and exploratory factor analysis (EFA).

Findings

In this research, most of the tourism disintermediation factors identified in previous literature were reinforced when tested in the rural context. The results confirm that power, value, product differentiation, digitisation and stakeholder collaboration are key elements. The value provided in the international segment by DMCs, though, was found to be irrelevant.

Originality/value

This article contributes to filling a gap in the literature on rural tourism destination management from a holistic view of the destination understanding the business-to-business (B2B) relationship among stakeholders in rural tourism. This paper focuses on those elements that create value for local producers to sell the products through intermediaries and provides a framework for understanding the factors involved in value creation in rural tourism intermediation, which is applicable to further empirical studies and provides interesting managerial implications.
User experience and information architecture of the National Digital Library and archives of Iran: a usability investigation and card sorting
Authors: Najafgholinejad Azam
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the usability and information architecture of the digital library (DL) website of the National Library and Archives of Iran (NLAI).

Design/methodology/approach

This applied study used an exploratory mixed method, card sorting. Data were collected by interviewing, observation, usability test and card sorting. By interviewing users about problems of the DL, eight tasks were predefined and users’ problems in the path were identified. Their satisfaction of the tasks and the usability rates were measured via a questionnaire. Card sorting was done to inform on the information organization of the website elements. The study population included all users of the DL of the NLAI in two groups: ten initiator users (public users) and ten expert users (librarians). SPSS was used for analysing the usability test quantitative data. MaxQda was applied for analysing interview-driven qualitative data. Qualitative content analysis, categorization (data organization and grouping) and determining main and secondary codes were applied as well. The sort optimal application was used for analysing card sorting data in the form of similarity matrix and dendrogram. For validating qualitative findings, triangulation was used. The internal reliability of the used questionnaire amounted to a = 0.87

Findings

Regarding the assigned tasks, new initiator users by consuming 367.67 s for registering and new expert users by consuming 403 s spent the most time. Task 2 ranked first in being incomplete among 40% of initiator users and Task 3 ranked first by 30% of incompleteness. Expert users had more unsuccessful attempts. Task 5 with the mean rate of 3.35 and Task 8 with the mean rate of 2.25 were the most difficult and the easiest tasks, respectively. Some usability components were rated lower than the moderate point. Only 30% of initiator users and 10% of expert users were satisfied with the website. A total of 12 categories and 452 codes were identified as main problems of the DL. The problems related to a vague perception of concepts and labels with 90 repetitions and digital source display with six repetitions ranked as the first and the last problems in working with the DL, respectively. The sort optimal package produced the card sorting results as a matrix similarity and a dendrogram. Card sorting reflected some changes in organizing information items. Interviews after card sorting emerged some new groups to be included, such as links to other digital libraries, shared databases in the organization and frequently asked questions.

Originality/value

The library’s website should be designed in a manner so that it can satisfy users with different traits. As the information technologies are increasingly developing, the importance of such a design increases for better service provision and effective competition.
Wages and corporate social responsibility: entrenchment or ethics?
Authors: Crifo Patricia , Diaye Marc-Arthur , Pekovic Sanja
Published: December 2022

Purpose

In this article the authors examine how corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects the wage policy of firms. At the first glance, one may think that socially responsible firms want to attract employees via ethical concerns and corporate culture, thereby inducing a negative link between CSR and wages. On the other side, socially responsible firms can be expected to increase wages as social entrenchment strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to correct for potential endogeneity bias, the authors employ a simultaneous equation model (SEM) on a French data set that includes 13,186 employees.

Findings

The authors show that CSR has an ambiguous impact on corporate wage policy depending on the type of monetary incentives and employee's occupation considered.

Originality/value

The authors extend prior research on the CSR–wage relationship by distinguishing between different forms of monetary incentives: the base wage, total wage and premium wage. Their results draw attention to the fact that the employees' occupation do matter. The evidence confirms that the effect of CSR on the wage is not to be taken for granted: it is wage form and occupation specific.
On the influence of gender quotas on the employer attractiveness of companies – Do the means harm the ends?
Authors: Schäpers Philipp , Stolte Talea , Heinemann Henrik
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To increase the share of women in the top management of companies, legal gender quotas are increasingly being introduced worldwide. Their effect, however, especially on perceived diversity and employer attractiveness, remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate how a gender quota for a company’s executive board affects potential employees’ evaluation of that company as an employer. Drawing on signaling theory and the rationale of diversity attraction, the authors assumed that both the gender composition of a company’s board and the presence of a quota send signals regarding specific factors associated with diversity (i.e. perceived diversity climate, perceived internal motive for gender diversification and perceived competencies of board members). The authors postulated that these signals are perceived by job applicants and used to evaluate the attractiveness of the company as an employer.

Design/methodology/approach

In a scenario study, the authors manipulated the composition of the management board. That is, participants were presented an executive board that was either homogeneously male (Group 1) or had a female representation of 30% (Groups 2 and 3) or 50% (Group 4). The executive board in Groups 3 and 4 was subject to a statutory gender quota of 30%.

Findings

The results showed that a company with a gender-diverse board was perceived as more attractive by potential applicants than an all-male board. Also, a gender quota did not reduce a company’s employer attractiveness. The results suggest that potential applicants attach importance to board diversity but place less value on the causes that led to it.

Originality/value

Against the backdrop of the war for talent, this study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of gender quotas and factors influencing employer attractiveness. The study showed that when a gender quota is in place, applicants assume to a lesser extent that a company staffs its gender-diverse board of directors out of an inner conviction. Nonetheless, the presence of a gender quota does not significantly reduce the perceived diversity climate, nor does a quota have a negative impact on the employer attractiveness. Thus, using a quota as a means to increase gender diversity does not harm the ends.
Knowledge sharing and innovation in open networks of tourism businesses
Authors: McLeod Michelle , Vaughan David Roger , Edwards Jonathan , Moital Miguel
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the information flows, in terms of content and process, underpinning the sharing of knowledge by managers and owners. Such an examination reveals similarities and differences that will influence the generation and dissemination of knowledge used in tourism business operations and contribute to innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines information flows within the theoretical and methodological framework of social network analysis. The findings were derived from a quantitative study of tourism managers and owners of a tourism hub in South-West England.

Findings

The main finding was that network structure characteristics determine the flow of information within owners’ and managers’ social networks. The owners of smaller businesses received information from several sources and, therefore, had fewer structural constraints and reported larger structural holes. In comparison, the managers had more brokerage opportunities to disseminate the information within their social networks.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights knowledge sharing between tourism business managers and owners in an open network structure. First, an open network structure builds innovation through the provision of nonredundant information. This is determined through the effective size of structural holes and the dissemination of information through brokerage roles. Second, the knowledge capability of a destination is built up through the social networking of managers and owners. The generation and dissemination of knowledge in a tourism destination are facilitated by the social networking activities of managers and owners.

Practical implications

Managers and owners of tourism businesses require knowledge through information to assist with innovative business practices. The practical implication of this is that the social networks of managers and owners have different network characteristics, and that these differences result in consequences for the innovation of business practices. Another practical implication relates to the importance of managers in knowledge dissemination based on having several brokerage roles in the tourism destination.

Originality/value

These findings are important because an understanding of social networks and the flow of information is one of the keys to determining the influences on knowledge sharing within tourism destination knowledge networks of owners or managers and their potential contributions to innovation.
How the interplay of gender and culture shapes crowdfunding performance: a multilevel study
Authors: Wang Yalin , Li Yaokuang , Wu Juan , Fu Lihua , Liang Ruixin
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Emerging evidence regarding crowdfunding challenges long-standing “gender gap” views of traditional entrepreneurial financing and indicates that female entrepreneurs may have an advantage in crowdfunding. Yet, the literature primarily focuses on influences at the individual level, largely overlooking the interaction between gender and higher-level culture. Drawing on Hofstede's cultural dimensions, this paper aims to investigate the associations among entrepreneurs' gender, culture and crowdfunding performance, particularly in how entrepreneurs' gender and culture interact to affect crowdfunding performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging a sample of 21,730 Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns and combining these data with data from Hofstede's study, the World Bank (WB) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), this study applies multilevel models to empirically investigate this question across 22 countries/regions.

Findings

This study confirms that the advantageous effect, that female entrepreneurs are likely to obtain better fundraising performance over their male counterparts, does exist in crowdfunding. Furthermore, the findings reveal that this advantageous effect of female entrepreneurs on crowdfunding performance would be reinforced when cultures of individualism and indulgence are high and culture of long-term orientation is low.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on gender gaps in crowdfunding and entrepreneurial financing by adding an important culture-related boundary condition to the gender preference reported in earlier crowdfunding work. Moreover, the paper extends the knowledge about the impact of culture on crowdfunding performance and enlightens future research on leveraging multilevel modeling approach to examine the complex interplay between individuals and situations in crowdfunding.
Supplier motivation to share knowledge: an experimental investigation of a social exchange perspective
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhao Xiande , Lewis Michael
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper draws on social exchange theory to theorise supplier motivation to share knowledge. It examines the effects of supplier anticipated future dependence on their motivation to share knowledge with a buyer, mediated by economic, relational and learning motives. It also examines the conditional effects imposed by the current embeddedness of the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study tested the proposed moderated mediation model using a scenario-based experimental method.

Findings

The results show that supplier anticipated future dependence increases their motivation to share knowledge, mediated by relational and learning motives. The results also show that current embeddedness has negative moderation effects on economic and learning but not relational motives.

Originality/value

The study deepens our understanding of supplier motivation to share knowledge as social exchange and offers insights on buyer-supplier relationship embeddedness.