bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Temporal Dynamics of Metacognitive Experiences Track Rational Adaptations in Task Performance
Authors: Vermeylen Luc , Braem Senne , Ivanchei Ivan I. , Desender Kobe , García-Román J.M. , González-García Carlos , Ruz María , Notebaert Wim
Published: September 2023

Human task performance elicits diverse subjective metacognitive experiences, such as boredom, effort, fatigue and frustration, which are thought to play important roles in the monitoring and regulation of cognitive processes. Yet, their specific contributions to task performance remain poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the temporal dynamics underlying these metacognitive experiences and the latent cognitive processes supporting task performance. We used a time-on-task design using a conflict Flanker task, and analyzed the data using a comprehensive approach encompassing behavioral, model-based, subjective, and neural measures. Our results show that the temporal dynamics in cognitive processes can be understood as a rational attempt to optimize task performance and that distinct metacognitive experiences track different aspects of this rational endeavor. These findings suggest that metacognitive experiences act as tools for humans to gain insights into the optimality of their cognitive performance.
Defective mesenchymal Bmpr1a-mediated BMP signaling causes congenital pulmonary cysts
Authors: Luo Yongfeng , Cao Ke , Chiu Joanne , Chen Hui , Wang Hong-Jun , Thornton Matthew E. , Grubbs Brendan H. , Kolb Martin , Parmacek Michael S. , Mishina Yuji , Shi Wei
Published: September 2023

Abnormal lung development can cause congenital pulmonary cysts, the mechanisms of which remain largely unknown. Although the cystic lesions are believed to result directly from disrupted airway epithelial cell growth, the extent to which developmental defects in lung mesenchymal cells contribute to abnormal airway epithelial cell growth and subsequent cystic lesions has not been thoroughly examined. In the present study, we dissected the roles of BMP receptor 1a (Bmpr1a)- mediated BMP signaling in lung mesenchyme during prenatal lung development and discovered that abrogation of mesenchymalBmpr1adisrupted normal lung branching morphogenesis, leading to the formation of prenatal pulmonary cystic lesions. Severe deficiency of airway smooth muscle cells and subepithelial elastin fibers were found in the cystic airways of the mesenchymalBmpr1aknockout lungs. In addition, ectopic mesenchymal expression of BMP ligands and airway epithelial perturbation of the Sox2-Sox9 proximal-distal axis were detected in the mesenchymalBmpr1aknockout lungs. However, deletion of Smad1/5, two major BMP signaling downstream effectors, from the lung mesenchyme did not phenocopy the cystic abnormalities observed in the mesenchymalBmpr1aknockout lungs, suggesting that a Smad-independent mechanism contributes to prenatal pulmonary cystic lesions. These findings reveal for the first time the role of mesenchymal BMP signaling in lung development and a potential pathogenic mechanism underlying congenital pulmonary cysts.
Identifying the cortical face network with dynamic face stimuli: A large group fMRI study
Authors: Pitcher David , Ianni Geena R , Holiday Kelsey , Ungerleider Leslie G
Published: September 2023

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have identified a network of face-selective regions distributed across the human brain. In the present study, we analyzed data from a large group of gender-balanced participants to investigate how reliably these face-selective regions could be identified across both cerebral hemispheres. Participants (N=52) were scanned with fMRI while viewing short videos of faces, bodies, and objects. Results revealed that five face-selective regions: the fusiform face area (FFA), posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), anterior superior temporal sulcus (aSTS), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and the amygdala were all larger in the right than in the left hemisphere. The occipital face area (OFA) was larger in the right hemisphere as well, but the difference between the hemispheres was not significant. The neural response to moving faces was also greater in face-selective regions in the right than in the left hemisphere. An additional analysis revealed that the pSTS and IFG were significantly larger in the right hemisphere compared to other face-selective regions. This pattern of results demonstrates that moving faces are preferentially processed in the right hemisphere and that the pSTS and IFG appear to be the strongest drivers of this laterality. An analysis of gender revealed that face-selective regions were typically larger in females (N=26) than males (N=26), but this gender difference was not statistically significant.
Striatal dopamine tone is positively associated with body mass index in humans as determined by PET using dual dopamine type-2 receptor antagonist tracers
Authors: Darcey Valerie L. , Guo Juen , Chi Meible , Chung Stephanie T. , Courville Amber B. , Gallagher Isabelle , Herscovitch Peter , Howard Rebecca , LaNoire Melissa , Milley Lauren , Schick Alex , Stagliano Michael , Turner Sara , Urbanski Nicholas , Yang Shanna , Yim Eunha , Zhai Nan , Zhou Megan S. , Hall Kevin D.
Published: September 2023

The relationship between adiposity and dopamine type-2 receptor binding potential (D2BP) in the human brain has been repeatedly studied for >20 years with highly discrepant results, likely due to variable methodologies and differing study populations. We conducted a controlled inpatient feeding study to measure D2BP in the striatum using positron emission tomography with both [18F]fallypride and [11C]raclopride in pseudo-random order in 54 young adults with a wide range of body mass index (BMI 20-44 kg/m2). Within-subject D2BP measurements using the two tracers were moderately correlated (r=0.47, p<0.001). D2BP was negatively correlated with BMI as measured by [11C]raclopride (r= -0.51; p<0.0001) but not [18F]fallypride (r=-0.01; p=0.92) and these correlation coefficients were significantly different from each other (p<0.001). Given that [18F]fallypride has greater binding affinity to dopamine type-2 receptors than [11C]raclopride, which is more easily displaced by endogenous dopamine, our results suggest that adiposity is positively associated with increased striatal dopamine tone.
Trans-biobank Mendelian randomization analyses identify opposing pathways in plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol lowering and gallstone disease
Authors: Yang Guoyi , Mason Amy M , Gill Dipender , Schooling C Mary , Burgess Stephen
Published: September 2023

Structured abstract

Background

Plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol is positively associated with coronary artery disease risk while biliary cholesterol promotes gallstone formation.

Objectives

We tested the hypothesis that different plasma LDL-cholesterol lowering pathways have distinct effects on biliary cholesterol and thereby risk of gallstone disease.

Methods

This Mendelian randomization (MR) study used data from the UK Biobank (30,547 gallstone disease cases/336,742 controls), FinnGen (34,461 cases/301,383 controls) and Biobank Japan (9,305 cases/168,253 controls). First, drug-target MR and colocalization analyses were performed to investigate plasma LDL-cholesterol lowering therapies on gallstone disease. Second, clustered MR and pathway analyses were performed to identify distinct mechanisms underlying the association of plasma LDL-cholesterol with gallstone disease.

Results

For a 1-standard deviation reduction in plasma LDL-cholesterol, genetic mimics of statins were associated with lower risk of gallstone disease (odds ratio 0.72 [95% confidence interval 0.62, 0.83]) but PCSK9 inhibitors and mipomersen were associated with higher risk (1.11 [1.03, 1.19] and 1.23 [1.13, 1.35]). The association for statins was supported by colocalization (posterior probability 98.7%). Clustered MR analyses identified variant clusters showing opposing associations of plasma LDL-cholesterol with gallstone disease, with evidence for ancestry-and sex-specific associations. Among variants predicting lower plasma LDL-cholesterol, those associated with lower risk of gallstone disease were mapped to glycosphingolipid biosynthesis pathway, while those associated with higher risk were mapped to pathways relating to plasma lipoprotein assembly, remodelling, and clearance and ATP-binding cassette transporters.

Conclusions

Different plasma LDL-cholesterol lowering pathways may have opposing effects on risk of gallstone disease. Notably, statins may reduce risk of gallstone disease.

Condensed abstract

We hypothesized that different plasma LDL-cholesterol lowering pathways have distinct effects on risk of gallstone disease. We performed drug-target and clustered Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, using data from the UK Biobank, FinnGen and Biobank Japan. Genetic mimics of statins were associated with lower risk of gallstone disease, but PCSK9 inhibitors and mipomersen were associated with higher risk. Clustered MR identified variant clusters showing opposing associations of plasma LDL-cholesterol with gallstone disease. This genetic study supports that different plasma LDL-cholesterol lowering pathways have opposing effects on risk of gallstone disease and statins may reduce risk of gallstone disease.
Gut microbiota promotes enteroendocrine cell maturation and mitochondrial function
Authors: Alsudayri Alfahdah , Perelman Shane , Chura Annika , Brewer Melissa , McDevitt Madelyn , Drerup Catherine , Ye Lihua
Published: September 2023

The enteroendocrine cells (EECs) in the intestine are crucial for sensing ingested nutrients and regulating feeding behavior. The means by which gut microbiota regulates the nutrient-sensing EEC activity is unclear. Our transcriptomic analysis of the EECs from germ-free (GF) and conventionalized (CV) zebrafish revealed that commensal microbiota colonization significantly increased the expression of many genes that are associated with mitochondrial function. Using in vivo imaging and 3D automated cell tracking approach, we developed new methods to image and analyze the EECs’ cytoplasmic and mitochondrial calcium activity at cellular resolution in live zebrafish. Our data revealed that during the development, shortly after gut microbiota colonization, EECs briefly increased cytoplasm and mitochondrial Ca2+, a phenomenon we referred to as “EEC awakening”. Following the EEC awakening, cytoplasmic Ca2+levels but not mitochondrial Ca2+level in the EECs decreased, resulting in a consistent increase in the mitochondrial-to-cytoplasmic Ca2+ratio. The increased mitochondrial-to-cytoplasmic Ca2+ratio is associated with the EEC maturation process. In immature EECs, we further discovered that their mitochondria are evenly distributed in the cytoplasm. When EECs mature, their mitochondria are highly localized in the basal lateral membrane where EEC vesicle secretion occurs. Furthermore, CV EECs, but not GF EECs, exhibit spontaneous low-amplitude calcium fluctuation. The mitochondrial-to-cytoplasm Ca2+ratio is significantly higher in CV EECs. When stimulating the CV zebrafish with nutrients like fatty acids, nutrient stimulants increase cytoplasmic Ca2+in a subset of EECs and promote a sustained mitochondrial Ca2+increase. However, the nutrient induced EEC mitochondrial activation is nearly abolished in GF zebrafish. Together, our study reveals that commensal microbiota are critical in supporting EEC mitochondrial function and maturation. Selectively manipulating gut microbial signals to alter EEC mitochondrial function will provide new opportunities to change gut-brain nutrient sensing efficiency and feeding behavior.
Systematic perturbations of SETD2, NSD1, NSD2, NSD3 and ASH1L reveals their distinct contributions to H3K36 methylation
Authors: Shipman Gerry A. , Padilla Reinnier , Horth Cynthia , Hu Bo , Bareke Eric , Vitorino Francisca N. , Gongora Joanna M. , Garcia Benjamin A. , Lu Chao , Majewski Jacek
Published: September 2023

Background

Methylation of histone 3 lysine 36 (H3K36me) has emerged as an essential epigenetic component for the faithful regulation of gene expression. Despite its importance in development, disease, and cancer, how the molecular agents collectively shape the H3K36me landscape is unclear.

Results

We use a mouse mesenchymal stem cell model to perturb the H3K36me deposition machinery and infer the activities of the five most prominent players: SETD2, NSD1, NSD2, NSD3, and ASH1L. We find that H3K36me2 is the most abundant of the three methylation states and is predominantly deposited at intergenic regions by NSD1, and partly by NSD2. In contrast, H3K36me1/3 are most abundant within exons and are positively correlated with gene expression. We demonstrate that while SETD2 deposits most H3K36me3, it also deposits H3K36me2 within transcribed genes. Additionally, loss of SETD2 results in an increase of exonic H3K36me1, suggesting other H3K36 methyltransferases (K36MTs) prime gene bodies with lower methylation states ahead of transcription. Through a reductive approach, we uncover the distribution patterns of NSD3- and ASH1L-catalyzed H3K36me2. While NSD1/2 establish broad intergenic H3K36me2 domains, NSD3 deposits H3K36me2 peaks on active promoters and enhancers. Meanwhile, the activity of ASH1L is restricted to the regulatory elements of developmentally relevant genes, and our analyses implicate PBX2 as a potential recruitment factor.

Conclusions

Within genes, SETD2 deposits both H3K36me2/3, while the other K36MTs are capable of depositing H3K36me1/2 independently of SETD2 activity. For the deposition of H3K36me1/2, we find a hierarchy of K36MT activities where NSD1>NSD2>NSD3>ASH1L. While NSD1 and NSD2 are responsible for most genome-wide propagation of H3K36me2, the activities of NSD3 and ASH1L are confined to active regulatory elements.
Bacteria Contribute Exopolysaccharides to an Algal-Bacterial Joint Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Lipsman Valeria , Shlakhter Olesia , Rocha Jorge , Segev Einat
Published: September 2023

Marine ecosystems are influenced by phytoplankton aggregation, which affects processes like marine snow formation and harmful events such as marine mucilage outbreaks. Phytoplankton secrete exopolymers, creating an extracellular matrix (ECM) that promotes particle aggregation. This ECM attracts heterotrophic bacteria, providing a nutrient-rich and protective environment. In terrestrial environments, bacterial colonization near primary producers relies on attachment and the formation of multidimensional structures like biofilms. Bacteria were observed attaching and aggregating within algal-derived exopolymers, but it is unclear if bacteria produce an ECM that contributes to this colonization. This study, usingEmiliania huxleyialgae andPhaeobacter inhibensbacteria in an environmentally relevant model system, reveals a shared algal-bacterial ECM scaffold that promotes algal-bacterial aggregation. Algal exudates play a pivotal role in promoting bacterial colonization, stimulating bacterial exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, and facilitating a joint ECM formation. A bacterial biosynthetic pathway responsible for producing a succinoglycan-like compound contributing to bacterial ECM formation is identified. Genes from this pathway show increased expression in algal-rich environments. These findings highlight the underestimated role of bacteria in aggregate-mediated processes in marine environments, offering insights into algal-bacterial interactions and ECM formation, with implications for understanding and managing disturbances like marine mucilage events.
Vision plays a calibrating role in discriminating threat-related vocal emotions
Authors: Falagiarda Federica , Occelli Valeria , Collignon Olivier
Published: September 2023

The ability to reliably discriminate vocal expressions of emotion is crucial to engage in successful social interactions. This process is arguably more crucial for blind individuals, since they cannot extract social information from faces and bodies, and therefore chiefly rely on voices to infer the emotional state of their interlocutors. Blind have demonstrated superior abilities in several aspects of auditory perception, but research on their ability to discriminate vocal features is still scarce and has provided unclear results. Here, we used a gating psychophysical paradigm to test whether early blind people would differ from individually matched sighted controls at the recognition of emotional expressions. Surprisingly, blind people showed lower performance than controls in discriminating specific vocal emotions. We presented segments of non-linguistic emotional vocalizations of increasing duration (100 to 400ms), portraying five basic emotions (fear, happy, sad, disgust, angry), and we asked our participants for an explicit emotion categorization task. We then calculated sensitivity indices and confusion patterns of their performance. We observed better performance of the sighted group in the discrimination of angry and fearful expression, with no between-group differences for other emotions. This result supports the view that vision plays a calibrating role for specific threat-related emotions specifically.
Post-mortem AT-8 reactive tau species correlate with non-plaque Aβ levels in the frontal cortex of non-AD and AD brains
Authors: Malik Nauman , Miah Mohi-Uddin , Galgani Alessandro , McAleese Kirsty , Walker Lauren , LeBeau Fiona E. , Attems Johannes , Outeiro Tiago F. , Thomas Alan , Koss David J.
Published: September 2023

The amyloid cascade hypothesis states that Aβ and its aggregates induce pathological changes in tau, leading to formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and cell death. A caveat with this hypothesis is the temporo-spatial divide between plaques and NFTs. This has been addressed by the inclusion of soluble species of Aβ and tau in the revised amyloid cascade hypothesis, however, the demonstration of a correlative relationship between Aβ and tau burden in post-mortem human tissue has remained elusive. Employing frozen and fixed frontal cortex grey and associated white matter tissue from non-AD controls (Con; n=39) and Alzheimer’s diseases (AD) cases (n=21), biochemical and immunohistochemical measures of Aβ and AT-8 phosphorylated tau were assessed. Native-state dot-blot from crude tissue lysates demonstrated robust correlations between intraregional Aβ and AT-8 tau, such increases in Aβ immunoreactivity conferred increases in AT-8 immunoreactivity, both when considered across the entire cohort as well as separately in Con and AD cases. In contrast, no such association between Aβ plaques and AT-8 were reported when using immunohistochemical measurements. However, when using the non-amyloid precursor protein cross reactive MOAB-2, antibody to measure intracellular Aβ within a subset of cases, a similar correlative relationship with AT-8 tau as that observed in biochemical analysis was observed. Collectively our data suggests that accumulating intracellular Aβ may influence AT-8 pathology. Despite the markedly lower levels of phospho-tau in non-AD controls correlative relationships between AT-8 phospho-tau and Aβ as measured in both biochemical and immunohistochemical assays were more robust in non-AD controls, suggesting a physiological association of Aβ production and tau phosphorylation, at least within the frontal cortex. Such interactions between regional Aβ load and phospho-tau load may become modified with disease potentially, as a consequence of interregional tau seed propagation, and thus may diminish the linear relationship observed between Aβ and phospho-tau in non-AD controls. This study provides evidence supportive of the revised amyloid cascade hypothesis, and demonstrates an associative relationship between AT-8 tau pathology and intracellular Aβ but not extracellular Aβ plaques.
Enhancing plant photosynthesis through activating cells deficient in photosynthetic apparatus
Authors: Miao Fenfen , Zhao Yong-yao , Lyu Mingju , Shi Bihai , Liu Fusang , Zhu Xin-Guang
Published: September 2023

Much efforts have been devoted to identify options to improve plant photosynthetic capacity. Most of these engineering focuses more on enhancing photosynthetic capacity of the mesophyll cells. In this study, we specifically expressedCYTOKININRESPONSIVE GATA FACTOR 1 (CGA1)in the vascular bundle and bundle sheath cells (ProGLDPA: CGA1) which generally have low photosynthetic capacity. The introduction ofCGA1resulted in increased numbers and sizes of chloroplasts in both bundle sheath and vascular bundle, without noticeable difference in these properties in mesophylls. Additionally, compared with wild type (WT), transgenic lines showed enhanced development of mitochondria and peroxisomes. Leaf photosynthetic rates in these transgenic lines were higher than those in WT, especially under high light. Furthermore, the amount of RuBisCO, Vcmax, Jmax, and the number of starch granules were also significantly increased in the transgenic lines, which led to about 20% increase in biomass. Remarkably, the CO2compensation point ofProGLDPA: CGA1decreased compared with WT, resembling the characteristics of proto-Kranz during C4evolution. All these results indicated that enhancing photosynthetic properties of vascular bundle and bundle sheath cell is an effective approach to improve leaf photosynthesis, and highlighted that utilization of the cell lacking photosynthetic capacity is a promising way to improve plant photosynthesis for greater capacity.
Contact-FP: a dimerization-dependent fluorescent protein toolkit for visualizing membrane contact site dynamics
Authors: Miner Gregory E. , Smith Sidney Y. , Showalter Wendy K. , So Christina M. , Ragusa Joey V. , Powers Alex E. , Zanellati Maria Clara , Hsu Chih-Hsuan , Marchan Michelle F. , Cohen Sarah
Published: September 2023

Membrane contact sites (MCSs) are sites of close apposition between two organelles used to exchange ions, lipids, and information. Cells respond to changing environmental or developmental conditions by modulating the number, extent, or duration of MCSs. Because of their small size and dynamic nature, tools to study the dynamics of MCSs in live cells have been limited. Dimerization-dependent fluorescent proteins (ddFPs) targeted to organelle membranes are an ideal tool for studying MCS dynamics because they reversibly interact to fluoresce specifically at the interface between two organelles. Here, we build on previous work using ddFPs as sensors to visualize the morphology and dynamics of MCSs. We engineered a suite of ddFPs called Contact-FP that targets ddFP monomers to lipid droplets (LDs), the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, peroxisomes, lysosomes, plasma membrane, caveolae, and the cytoplasm. We show that these probes correctly localize to their target organelles. Using LDs as a test case, we demonstrate that Contact-FP pairs specifically localize to the interface between two target organelles. Titration of LD-mitochondria ddFPs revealed that these sensors can be used at high concentrations to drive MCSs or can be titrated down to minimally perturb and visualize endogenous MCSs. We show that Contact-FP probes can be used to: (1) visualize LD-mitochondria MCS dynamics, (2) observe changes in LD-mitochondria MCS dynamics upon overexpression of PLIN5, a known LD-mitochondrial tether, and (3) visualize two MCSs that share one organelle simultaneously (e.g., LD-mitochondria and LD-ER MCSs). Contact-FP probes can be optimized to visualize MCSs between any pair of organelles represented in the toolkit.
Transcriptome analysis reveals temporally regulated genetic networks duringDrosophilaborder cell collective migration
Authors: Burghardt Emily , Rakijas Jessica , Tyagi Antariksh , Majumder Pralay , Olson Bradley J.S.C. , McDonald Jocelyn A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Collective cell migration underlies many essential processes, including sculpting organs during embryogenesis, wound healing in the adult, and metastasis of cancer cells. At mid-oogenesis,Drosophilaborder cells undergo collective migration. Border cells round up into a small group, detach from the epithelium, and migrate – at first rapidly through the surrounding tissue, then slower, with the cluster rotating several times before stopping at the oocyte. While specific genes that promote cell signaling, polarization of the cluster, formation of protrusions, and cell-cell adhesion are known to regulate border cell migration, there may be additional genes that promote these distinct dynamic phases of border cell migration. Therefore, we sought to identify genes whose expression patterns changed during border cell migration.

Results

We performed RNA-sequencing on border cells isolated at pre-, mid-, and late-migration stages. We report that 1,729 transcripts, in nine co-expression gene clusters, are temporally and differentially expressed across the three migration stages. Gene ontology analyses and constructed protein-protein interaction networks identified genes expected to function in collective migration, such as regulators of the cytoskeleton, adhesion, and tissue morphogenesis, but also a notable enrichment of genes involved in immune signaling, ribosome biogenesis, and stress responses. Finally, we validated thein vivoexpression and function of a subset of identified genes in border cells.

Conclusions

Overall, our results identified differentially and temporally expressed genetic networks that may facilitate the efficient development and migration of border cells. The genes identified here represent a wealth of new candidates to investigate the molecular nature of dynamic collective cell migrations in developing tissues.
The polarity protein Yurt associates with the plasma membrane via basic and hydrophobic motifs embedded in its FERM domain
Authors: Gamblin Clémence L. , Alende Charles , Corriveau François , Jetté Alexandra , Parent-Prévost Frédérique , Biehler Cornélia , Majeau Nathalie , Laurin Mélanie , Laprise Patrick
Published: September 2023

The subcellular distribution of the polarity protein Yrt is subjected to a spatio-temporal regulation inD. melanogasterembryonic epithelia. After cellularization, Yrt binds to the lateral membrane of ectodermal cells and maintains this localization throughout embryogenesis. During terminal differentiation of the epidermis, Yrt accumulates to septate junctions and is also recruited to the apical domain. While the mechanisms through which Yrt associates with septate junctions and the apical domain have been deciphered, how Yrt binds to the lateral membrane remains as an outstanding puzzle. Here, we show that the FERM domain of Yrt is necessary and sufficient for membrane localization. Our data also establish that the FERM domain of Yrt directly binds negatively charged phospholipids. Moreover, we demonstrate that positively charged amino acid motifs embedded within the FERM domain mediates Yrt membrane association. Finally, we provide evidence suggesting that Yrt membrane association is functionally important. Overall, our study highlights the molecular basis of how Yrt associates with the lateral membrane during the developmental time window where it is required for segregation of lateral and apical domains.

Summary statement

This study reveals how Yurt associates with membrane lipids in epithelial cells, thereby further illuminating the mechanisms sustaining cell polarization and tissue morphogenesis.
Innovation-oriented supply chain integration for structural flexibility and strategic business performance
Authors: Asare Benjamin , Nuertey Dorcas , Poku Emmanuel
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Innovation has become extremely important, especially concerning manufacturing firms, as it is known to foster robust and healthy competition. The study aims to examine the effect of innovation orientation and supply chain integration on structural flexibility and strategic business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the quantitative approach, 315 questionnaires were distributed to manufacturing firms in three cities (Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi) in Ghana out of which 305 usable responses were retrieved. The partial least square structural equation modeling technique and the statistical package for social sciences software version 27 were used for the data analysis.

Findings

The findings showed that supply chain integration and innovation orientation have a strong beneficial association. A substantial favorable association between structural flexibility and supply chain integration was found in the study once more. What is more, the research revealed a strong positive relationship between supply chain integration and strategic business performance. Furthermore, the study found a strong relation between innovation orientation and strategic business performance.

Originality/value

The research paper adds to the body of knowledge by examining how supply chain integration affects the relationship between innovation orientation, structural flexibility and strategic business performance.
The global chameleons: the impact of early life international exposure on the career capital of adult third culture kids
Authors: Caselius Mireka , Suutari Vesa
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to explore the effects of early life international exposure on the career capital (CC) of adult third culture kids (ATCKs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a qualitative research design based on 34 semi-structured interviews with ATCKs who have had international exposure in their childhood as members of an expatriate family.

Findings

The results show that a globally mobile childhood has extensive long-term impacts on ATCKs' CC in the areas of knowing-why, knowing-how and knowing-whom. Additionally, their early international experience also had several negative impacts across these aspects of CC.

Originality/value

This paper provides a novel understanding of the long-term impacts of early life international exposure on ATCKs' CC, and this paper is the first study to use the CC framework among an ATCK population.
Role of inclusive leadership in employees' OCB in hospitality industry: a social cognitive perspective
Authors: Srivastava Shalini , Singh Lata Bajpai
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The success of an organisation is very much determined by the organisational citizenship behaviour of its employees, and the leader plays a substantial role in strengthening this positive behaviour as it helps in disseminating the best practises amongst its stakeholders. The aim of this study is to examine if psychological ownership mediates the association between inclusive leadership and organisational citizenship behaviour. Additionally, it is examined whether leader–follower value congruence has a moderating role in the influence of inclusive leadership on the psychological ownership of the employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 292 employees working in Indian hotels were collected utilising supervisor–supervisee dyadic design. The study utilised partial least squares (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesised associations.

Findings

The outcomes of the study found that psychological ownership acts as a complementary mediator between inclusive leadership and organisational citizenship behaviour and the moderating impact of leader–follower value congruence strengthens the association concerning inclusive leadership and psychological ownership. The study’s findings indicate that leader–follower value congruence is of utmost importance in strengthening follower's constructive behaviour.

Practical implications

The study offers relevant inputs and measures for HR professionals in the Indian hospitality industry to acknowledge, strengthen and reward inclusive leadership, along with ways of promoting leader–follower value congruence that have significant positive outcomes in terms of the improvement in the sense of ownership and citizenship behaviour amongst the employees.

Originality/value

In the post-pandemic scenario, the hospitality industry has picked up the pace of growth, leading to an increased requirement for talented resources in the industry. Keeping this background in mind, the top management must keep an eye on their inclusive leaders, as they are the pillars in creating a culture of ownership and positive behaviours in the organisation.
Exploring the mesomeric effect of executive equity incentives on enterprise innovation: a study in the context of digital transformation
Authors: Li Chenhao , Sun Huanan , Zhang Qian
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explain the following questions: First, whether the executive equity incentive has an impact on enterprise innovation and digital transformation; Second, if there is any influence, whether there is difference between state-owned enterprises and private enterprises in the research conclusions; Third, whether the digital transformation of enterprises has had an intermediary effect between executive equity incentive and enterprise innovation; Fourth, whether the proportion of independent directors in the corporate governance mechanism has a regulatory effect.

Design/methodology/approach

In the context of China's promotion of “digital China” construction and high-quality development of economic innovation, this paper takes Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies in 2011–2019 as a sample, empirically studies the linear and nonlinear relationship between executive equity incentive and enterprise digital transformation and innovation, and further considers the regulatory effect of heterogeneous property rights and the proportion of independent directors, with a view to improving the reform of China's enterprise equity incentive system make contributions to enterprise innovation and digital transformation.

Findings

The results show that executive equity incentive has a positive role in promoting enterprise digital transformation and innovation, and enterprise digital transformation has a positive role in promoting enterprise innovation; Digital transformation of enterprises has a partial intermediary effect between executive equity incentive and enterprise innovation.

Originality/value

First, it expands the research on the economic consequences of enterprise salary incentive system. Second, it expands the research on the specific role path of enterprise digital economy transformation. Third, provide new ideas for the reform of corporate governance mechanism.
Artificial intelligence and new business models in agriculture: the “ZERO” case study
Authors: Cavazza Alberto , Dal Mas Francesca , Campra Maura , Brescia Valerio
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to vertical farms to evaluate whether disrupting technology supports sustainability and increases strategic business model choices in the agricultural sector. The study responds through empirical analysis to the gap on the subject of AI-driven business models present in the growing sector literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes the case of “ZERO”, a company linked to the strategy innovation ecosystem of the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy. The empirical data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire, interviews and the analysis of public news on the business model available in the analyzed case study. The research is empirical and uses exploratory, descriptive analysis to interpret the findings. The article focuses on the evaluation of AI impact on the agricultural sector and its potential to create new business models.

Findings

The study identified how AI can support the decision-making process leading to an increase in productivity, efficiency, product quality and cost reduction. AI helps increase these parameters through a continuous learning process and local production, and the possible decrease in prices directed toward the goal of zero km food with fresh products. AI is a winning technology to support the key elements of the vertical farm business model. However, it must be coupled with other devices, such as robots, sensors and drones, to collect enough data to enable continuous learning and improvement.

Research limitations/implications

The research supports new research trends in AI applied to agriculture. The major implication is the construction of ecosystems between farms, technology providers, policymakers, universities, research centers and local consumer communities.

Practical implications

The ZERO case study underlines the potential of AI as a destructive technology that, especially in vertical farms, eliminates external conditions by increasing productivity, reducing costs and responding to production needs with adequate consumption of raw materials, boosting both environmental and social sustainability.

Originality/value

The study is original, as the current literature presents few empirical case studies on AI-supporting business models in agriculture. The study also favors valuable strategic implications for the policies to be adopted in favor of new business models in agriculture.
Brand ethicality as a driver of psychological, affective and behavioral response to a brand
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Kaushal Vikrant
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Ethical consumerism is gaining importance as consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about brands' moral intentions and social and legal practices. Hence, in a quest to advance the current application of ethics in branding, this study substantiates literature by investigating consumer-perceived brand ethicality's (CPBE) role in affecting psychological, affective and behavioral responses of consumers (i.e. psychological brand ownership (PBO), brand commitment and willingness to pay a price premium (WPPP). Further, the authors test self-congruence as the boundary condition for CPBE.

Design/methodology/approach

Online survey method resulted in 408 responses, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

CPBE emerged as a predictor for PBO, brand commitment and WPPP. However, counterintuitively, self-congruence failed to reflect any moderating effect on the relationships between CPBE and PBO and CPBE and brand commitment.

Practical implications

Brands are encouraged to indulge in and reflect ethical practices to generate favorable consumer responses, i.e. PBO, brand commitment and WPPP.

Originality/value

Based on the ethical and psychological ownership theories, the investigation adds to the scholarship on CPBE and its outcomes. Arguably, it remains the first study to document the linkage between CPBE and PBO.
Hygrothermal analysis of a semi-infinite cylinder: an integral transform approach
Authors: Islam Tasneem Firdous , Kedar G.D. , Anwar Sajid
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of moisture and temperature changes on the behavior of a semi-infinite solid cylinder made of T300/5208 composite material. This study aims to provide analytical solutions for temperature, moisture and thermal stress through the de-coupling technique and the method of integral transforms. Both coupled and uncoupled cases are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the hygrothermo-elastic response of a semi-infinite solid circular cylinder using an integral transform technique that includes Hankel and Fourier transforms. The cylinder is subjected to prescribed sources, and a numerical algorithm is developed for the numerical computation of the results. The goal is to understand how the cylinder responds to changes in temperature and moisture.

Findings

The paper presents an analytical solution for temperature, moisture and thermal stress in a semi-infinite solid cylinder obtained through the use of an integral transform technique. The study focuses on a graphite fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composite material (T300/5208) and discusses the coupled and uncoupled effects of temperature, moisture and thermal stress on the material. The results of the transient response hygrothermo-elastic field are presented graphically to provide a visual representation of the findings.

Research limitations/implications

The research presented in this article is primarily hypothetical and focused on the analysis of mathematical models.

Originality/value

To the authors' best knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the hygrothermal effect in a semi-infinite circular cylinder. Additionally, the material properties used in the analysis are both homogenous and isotropic and independent of both temperature and moisture. These unique aspects of the study make it a novel contribution to the field.
Use of highly sensitive nickel phthalocyanine based humidity sensor to explore the imprecise data analysis for robot body
Authors: Afzal Usama , Maryam Kanza , Afzal Fatima , Aslam Muhammad
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to fabricate a highly sensitive humidity sensor for observing the humidity effect on a robot’s body as an application of the Internet of Things. The sensor has been fabricated by depositing a thin sensing layer of nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) between two silver electrodes.

Design/methodology/approach

The structure of the thin film was observed by X-ray diffraction, optical properties by UV Vis and surface morphology by scanning electron microscope. The capacitance and the resistance with respect to change in relative humidity from 0 to 100%RH have been measured by LCR meter at 1 kHz.

Findings

The sensor’s response time is 7.5 s and its recovery time is 3.7 s, with high sensitivity of 127,259 pF/%RH and 332.287 MΩ/%RH. The authors have also used a proposed sensor on a steel body and observed humidity values. The analysis of all measured values was performed through the classical and neutrosophic approaches. By comparing, the authors have observed that the neutrosophic approach is more efficient in analyzing the sensor data.

Originality/value

In this work, the authors will fabricate a capacitive and resistive-type humidity sensor using the thin film of NiPc. The structural, optical and morphological properties of NiPc thin film will be investigated with different characterization techniques. The electric properties, i.e. capacitance and resistance, will be measured at intervals with an LCR meter by changing relative humidity (%RH). Moreover, the measured data will be analyzed through different statistical approaches, as already used in [12].
Convergent remodelling of the gut microbiome is associated with host energetic condition over long‐distance migration
Authors: Trevelline Brian K. , Sprockett Daniel , DeLuca William V. , Andreadis Catherine R. , Moeller Andrew H. , Tonra Christopher M.
Published: September 2023

The gut microbiome can be thought of as a virtual organ given its immense metabolic capacity and profound effects on host physiology. Migratory birds are capable of adaptively modulating many aspects of their physiology to facilitate long‐distance movements, raising the hypothesis that their microbiome may undergo a parallel remodelling process that helps to meet the energetic demands of migration.

To test this hypothesis, we investigated changes in gut microbiome composition and function over the fall migration of the Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata), which exhibits one of the longest known autumnal migratory routes of any songbird and rapidly undergoes extensive physiological remodelling during migration.

Overall, our results showed that the Blackpoll Warbler microbiome differed significantly across phases of fall migration. This pattern was driven by a dramatic increase in the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, and more specifically a single 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequence variant belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. Furthermore, migrating Blackpoll Warblers exhibited a progressive reduction in microbiome diversity and within‐group variance, indicating convergence of microbiome composition among individuals during long‐distance migration. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the gut microbiome of staging individuals was enriched in bacterial pathways involved in vitamin, amino acid and fatty acid biosynthesis, as well as carbohydrate metabolism. These pathways were in turn positively associated with host body mass and subcutaneous fat deposits.

Together, these results provide evidence that the gut microbiome of migratory birds may undergo adaptive remodelling to meet the physiological and energetic demands of long‐distance migration.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The functioning of alpine grassland ecosystems: Climate outweighs plant species richness
Authors: Cheng Zhen , Zhao Jingxue , Ding Luming , Shi Zhi‐Hua , Kardol Paul , Wu Gao‐Lin
Published: September 2023

The biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationship has received significant attention in recent decades. It has been widely demonstrated that plant diversity plays a crucial role in enhancing the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. However, few studies have tested the influence of plant species richness in mediating the impacts of climate on ecosystem functions at large spatial scales.

To address this gap, we utilized data from field surveys across broad climatic gradients at the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, China. Our goal was to examine the importance of plant species richness for the functioning of alpine grassland ecosystems, specifically productivity and soil carbon sequestration.

Our results showed strong positive correlations between ecosystem functioning and growing season precipitation as well as species richness. In contrast, there was a negative correlation with growing season temperature. Notably, the positive effect of growing season precipitation on ecosystem functioning outweighed the negative effect of growing season temperature. The indirect effects of growing season precipitation and temperature on ecosystem functioning through changes in species richness were weak. Furthermore, the inclusion of climate factors in the model weakened the relationships between species richness and ecosystem functioning.

Synthesis. Our findings demonstrate that climate factors are more important than species richness for the provisioning of ecosystem functions at large spatial scales. In summary, our study underscores the importance of considering climate factors alongside species richness when assessing ecosystem functioning across extensive geographical areas.