bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of JN.1 booster vaccination on neutralisation of SARS-CoV-2 variants KP.3.1.1 and XEC
Authors: Arora Prerna , Happle Christine , Kempf Amy , Nehlmeier Inga , Stankov Metodi V. , Dopfer-Jablonka Alexandra , Behrens Georg M. N. , Pöhlmann Stefan , Hoffmann Markus
Published: October 2024

The SARS-CoV-2 KP.3.1.1 lineage is currently the dominating lineage on several continents. In parallel, the XEC lineage, a recombinant of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, is on track of becoming the next dominant lineage in Europe and North America. Here we performed a rapid virological characterisation of the XEC lineage and studied the impact of JN.1 mRNA booster vaccination on KP.3.1.1 and XEC neutralisation.
ExEnDiff: An Experiment-guided Diffusion model for protein conformational Ensemble generation
Authors: Liu Yikai , Yu Zongxin , Lindsay Richard J. , Lin Guang , Chen Ming , Sahoo Abhilash , Hanson Sonya M.
Published: October 2024

Understanding protein conformation is key to understanding their function. Importantly, most proteins adopt multiple conformations with non-trivial ensemble distributions that change depending on their environment to perform functions like catalysis, signaling, and transport. Recently, machine learning techniques, especially deep generative models, have been employed to develop protein conformation generators. These models, known as unified protein ensemble samplers, are trained on the PDB dataset and can generate diverse protein conformation ensembles given a protein sequence. However, their reliance solely on structural data from the PDB, which primarily captures folded protein states, restricts the diversity of the generated ensembles and can result in physically unrealistic conformations. In this paper, we overcome these challenges by introducing ExEnDiff, an experiment-guided diffusion model for protein conformation generation. ExEnDiff integrates experimental measurements as a physical prior, enabling the generation of protein conformations with desired properties. Our experiments on a variety of fast-folding and intrinsically disordered proteins demonstrate that ExEnDiff significantly advances the capabilities of current unified protein ensemble samplers. With little computational cost, ExEnDiff can capture important proteins’ configuration properties and the underlying Boltzmann distribution, paving the way for a next-generation molecular dynamics engine. We further demonstrate the effectiveness of ExEnDiff to capture conformational changes in the presence of mutations and as an efficient tool for determining a reasonable CV space for protein ensembles. With these results, ExEnDiff is well-poised to push the study of protein ensembles into a data-rich regime currently available to few problems in biology.
Design of bacterial DNT sensors based on computational models
Authors: Bahiri Elitzur Shir , Shpigel Etai , Katzir Itai , Alon Uri , Belkin Shimshon , Tuller Tamir
Published: October 2024

Detecting explosive compounds such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and its volatile byproduct 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) is paramount for public health and environmental safety. In this study, we present the successful application of diverse computational and data analysis models toward developing a bacterial biosensor engineered to detect DNT with high sensitivity and specificity. TheEscherichia coli-based biosensor harbors a plasmid-based fusion of a gene promoter acting as the sensing element to a microbial bioluminescence gene cassette as the reporter. By analyzing endogenous and heterologous promoter data under conditions of DNT exposure, a total of 367 novel variants were generated. The biosensors engineered with these modifications demonstrated a remarkable amplification of up to 4-fold change in signal intensity upon exposure to 2,4-dinitrotoluene compared to non-modified biosensors, accompanied by a decrease in the detection threshold. Our analysis suggests that the sequence features with the highest contribution to biosensor performances are DNA folding patterns and nucleotide motifs associated with DNT sensing. These computational insights guided the rational design of the biosensor, leading to significantly improved DNT detection capabilities compared to the previous biosensor strain.

Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating computational modeling with synthetic biology techniques to develop advanced biosensors tailored for environmental monitoring applications. A similar approach may be applied to a wide array of ecological, industrial, and medical sensing endeavors.
ATAD2 drives HIRA/histone H3.3-dependent chromatin dynamics
Authors: Liakopoulou Ariadni , Boussouar Fayçal , Perazza Daniel , Barral Sophie , Lambert Emeline , Wang Tao , Chuffart Florent , Bourova-Flin Ekaterina , Gard Charlyne , Puthier Denis , Rousseaux Sophie , Arnoult Christophe , Verdel André , Khochbin Saadi
Published: October 2024

ATAD2, expressed predominantly in embryonic stem cells as well as in spermatogenic cells emerges as a pivotal regulator of chromatin dynamics by mediating chromatin-bound histone chaperone turnover. Here, investigating the role of ATAD2 in spermatogenesis, we show that through its preponderant expression in haploid male germ cells, ATAD2 modulates the HIRA-dependent H3.3 genome localization and H3.3-dependent gene transcriptional regulation. Furthermore, by influencing histone eviction and the assembly of protamines, it ensures proper chromatin condensation and genome packaging in mature spermatozoa. The disruption ofAtad2results in aberrant mature spermatozoa genome organization, impacting male fertility. Collectively, these findings confirm the occurrence of an overlooked chromatin dynamic regulatory level controlling histone deposition-removal balance, depending on an ATAD2-controlled histone chaperone – chromatin interaction.
Biotin-IndependentSaccharomyces cerevisiaewith Enhanced Growth: Engineering an Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase Bypass
Authors: Slanska Michaela , Haider Sumbul A. , Kardashliev Tsvetan , Huck Dhanu , Liu Chang C. , Ward Thomas R.
Published: October 2024

Throughout evolution, mostSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrains have lost their ability to synthesize biotin, an essential cofactor of several carboxylating enzymes. As a result, the essential vitamin or its precursors must be uptaken from the environment and frequently supplemented in fermentations to achieve high cell densities. Engineering of a biotin-independentS. cerevisiaestrain is of interest to eliminate the need for the external biotin supply. Herein, we describe the construction of a biotin-independent yeast strain by engineering a bypass of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, an essential biotin-dependent enzyme in the synthesis of fatty acids. Besides complete rescue of growth in biotin-free media, the resultingS. cerevisiaestrains showed significantly improved growth on malonate compared to biotin. Beyond their industrial relevance, the yeast strains reported here can be valuable in areas of fundamental research, e.g., for developing a new selection marker or increasing the versatility of biotin-streptavidin technologies in living systems.
Elastic analysis of structural ensemble reveals the energetic basis of hand-over-hand in a AAA+ motor
Authors: Mello Victor Hugo , Wald Jiri , Marlovits Thomas C , Sartori Pablo
Published: October 2024

Proteins carry out cellular functions by changing their structure among a few conformations, each characterized by a different energy level. Therefore, structural changes, energy transformations, and protein function are intimately related. Despite its central importance, this relationship remains elusive. For example, while many AAA+ assemblies are known to function using a hand-over-hand alternation of subunits, how energy transduction throughout the assembly structure drives hand-over-hand is not known. In this work, we unravel the energetic basis of hand-over-hand in a model AAA+ motor, RuvB. To do so, we develop a general method to compute the residue scale elastic energy due to structure changes and apply it to RuvB structures, recently resolved through cryo-EM. This allows us to quantify how progression through RuvB’s mechanochemical cycle translates into residue scale energy transduction. In particular, we find that DNA binding is associated with overcoming a high energy barrier. This is possible through inter-subunit transmission of energy, and ultimately driven by binding of ATP. Furthermore, we show how this structure-inferred energetic quantification can be integrated into a non-equilibrium model of AAA+ assembly dynamics, consistent with single-molecule biophysics measurements. Overall, our work elucidates the energetic basis for the hand-over-hand mechanism in RuvB’s cycle. Furthermore, it presents a generally applicable methodology for studying the energetics of conformational cycles in other proteins, allowing to quantitatively bridge data from structural biology and single-molecule biophysics.

PACS numbers:
Bispecific antibodies against the hepatitis C virus E1E2 envelope glycoprotein
Authors: Radić Laura , Offersgaard Anna , Kadavá Tereza , Zon Ian , Capella-Pujol Joan , Mulder Fabian , Koekkoek Sylvie , Spek Vera , Chumbe Ana , Bukh Jens , van Gils Marit J , Sanders Rogier W , Yin Victor C , Heck Albert J R , Gottwein Judith M , Sliepen Kwinten , Schinkel Janke
Published: October 2024

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) currently causes about one million infections and 240,000 deaths worldwide each year. To reach the goal set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of global HCV elimination by 2030, it is critical to develop a prophylactic vaccine. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) target the E1E2 envelope glycoproteins on the viral surface, can neutralize a broad range of the highly diverse circulating HCV strains and are essential tools to inform vaccine design. However, bNAbs targeting a single E1E2 epitope might be limited in neutralization breadth, which can be enhanced by using combinations of bNAbs that target different envelope epitopes. We have generated 60 IgG-like bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) that can simultaneously target two distinct epitopes on E1E2. We combine non-overlapping E1E2 specificities into three types of bsAbs, each containing a different hinge length. The bsAbs show retained or increased potency and breadth against a diverse panel of HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) and HCV produced in cell culture (HCVcc) compared to monospecific and cocktail controls. Additionally, we demonstrate that changes in the hinge length of bsAbs can alter the binding stoichiometry to E1E2. These results provide insights into the binding modes and the role of avidity in bivalent targeting of diverse E1E2 epitopes, and suggest structural differences between HCVpp and HCVcc. This study illustrates how potential cooperative effects of HCV bNAbs can be utilized by strategically designing bispecific constructs. These new HCV bsAbs can guide vaccine development and unlock novel therapeutic and prophylactic strategies against HCV and other (flavi)viruses.
Motor Imagery Enhances Performance Beyond the Imagined Action
Authors: Gippert M. , Shih P.-C. , Heed T. , Howard I. S. , Jamshidi Idaji M. , Villringer A. , Sehm B. , Nikulin V. V.
Published: October 2024

Motor imagery is frequently utilized to improve the performance of specific target movements in sports and rehabilitation. In this study, we show that motor imagery can facilitate learning of not only the imagined target movements but also sequentially linked overt movements. Hybrid sequences comprising imagined and physically executed segments allowed participants to learn specific movement characteristics of the executed segments when they were consistently associated with specific imagined segments. Electrophysiological recordings revealed that the degree of event-related synchronization in the alpha and beta bands during a basic motor imagery task was correlated with imagery-evoked motor learning. Thus, both behavioral and neural evidence indicate that motor imagery’s benefits extend beyond the imagined movements, improving performance in linked overt movements. This provides new evidence for the functional equivalence of imagined and overt movements and suggests new applications for imagery in sports and rehabilitation.
Scaling laws of plasmids across the microbial tree of life
Authors: Maddamsetti Rohan , Wilson Maggie L. , Son Hye-In , Zhou Zhengqing , Lu Jia , You Lingchong
Published: October 2024

Plasmids play a critical role in shaping the dynamics and evolution of microbial communities. The capacity of a plasmid to express genes is constrained by two parameters: length and copy number. However, the interplay between these parameters and their constraints on plasmid evolution have remained elusive due to the absence of comprehensive quantitative analyses. To address this gap, we developed Probabilistic Iterative Read Assignment (PIRA), a new computational method that overcomes previous computational bottlenecks, enabling rapid and accurate determination of plasmid copy numbers at an unprecedented scale. Applying PIRA to all microbial genomes in the NCBI RefSeq database with linked short-read sequencing data in the Sequencing Read Archive (SRA), we analyzed 4,317 bacterial and archaeal genomes encompassing 11,338 plasmids, spanning the microbial tree of life. Our analysis reveals three scaling laws of plasmids: first, an inverse power-law correlation between plasmid copy number and plasmid length; second, a positive linear correlation between protein-coding genes and plasmid length; and third, a positive correlation between metabolic genes per plasmid and plasmid length, particularly for large plasmids. These scaling laws imply fundamental constraints on plasmid evolution and functional organization, indicating that as plasmids increase in length, they converge toward chromosomal characteristics in copy number and functional content. Our findings not only advance the understanding of plasmid dynamics but also have implications for microbial evolution, biotechnology, and the design of synthetic plasmids.

Significance

By discovering universal scaling laws and developing a new computational method to compute plasmid copy numbers across the microbial tree of life, we show that as plasmids increase in length, they converge to chromosomes in their copy number and their coding and metabolic properties. This insight reveals fundamental principles governing plasmid evolution and has implications for biotechnology and medicine.
Archaeal signalling networks - new insights into the structure and function of histidine kinases and response regulators of the methanogenic archaeonMethanosarcina acetivorans
Authors: Georgiev Nora FK , Andersson Anne L , Ruppe Zoe , Kattwinkel Loriana , Frankenberg-Dinkel Nicole
Published: October 2024

The methanogenic archaeon Methanosarcinaacetivoranshas one of the largest known archaeal genomes. With 53 histidine kinases (HK), it also has the largest set of signal transduction systems. To gain insight into the hitherto not very well understood signal transduction in archaea andM. acetivoransin particular, we have categorized the predicted HK into four types based on their H-box using anin silicoanalysis. Representatives of three types were recombinantly produced inEscherichia coliand purified by affinity chromatography. All investigated kinases showed ATP binding and hydrolysis. The MA_type 2 kinase, which lacks the classical H-box, showed no autokinase activity. Furthermore, we could show thatM. acetivoranspossesses an above-average number of response regulators (RR), many of them consisting of only a REC domain (REC-only). Using the hybrid kinase MA4377 as an example we show that both intra-and intermolecular transphosphorylation to REC domains occur. These experiments are furthermore indicative of complex phosphorelay systems inM. acetivoransand suggest that REC-only proteins act as a central hub in signal transduction inM. acetivorans.
Brain-like neural dynamics for behavioral control develop through reinforcement learning
Authors: Codol Olivier , Krishna Nanda H. , Lajoie Guillaume , Perich Matthew G.
Published: October 2024

During development, neural circuits are shaped continuously as we learn to control our bodies. The ultimate goal of this process is to produce neural dynamics that enable the rich repertoire of behaviors we perform with our limbs. What begins as a series of “babbles” coalesces into skilled motor output as the brain rapidly learns to control the body. However, the nature of the teaching signal underlying this normative learning process remains elusive. Here, we test two well-established and biologically plausible theories—supervised learning (SL) and reinforcement learning (RL)—that could explain how neural circuits develop the capacity for skilled movements. We trained recurrent neural networks to control a biomechanical model of a primate arm using either SL or RL and compared the resulting neural dynamics to populations of neurons recorded from the motor cortex of monkeys performing the same movements. Intriguingly, only RL-trained networks produced neural activity that matched their biological counterparts in terms of both the geometry and dynamics of population activity. We show that the similarity between RL-trained networks and biological brains depends critically on matching biomechanical properties of the limb. We then demonstrated that monkeys and RL-trained networks, but not SL-trained networks, show a strikingly similar capacity for robust short-term behavioral adaptation to a movement perturbation, indicating a fundamental and general commonality in the neural control policy. Together, our results support the hypothesis that neural dynamics for behavioral control emerge through a process akin to reinforcement learning. The resulting neural circuits offer numerous advantages for adaptable behavioral control over simpler and more efficient learning rules and expand our understanding of how developmental processes shape neural dynamics.
Subcortical Hubs of Brain Networks Sustaining Human Consciousness
Authors: Cambareri Morgan K. , Horn Andreas , Lewis Laura D. , Li Jian , Edlow Brian L.
Published: October 2024

Neuromodulation of subcortical network hubs by pharmacologic, electrical, or ultrasonic stimulation is a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). However, optimal subcortical targets for therapeutic stimulation are not well established. Here, we leveraged 7 Tesla resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data from 168 healthy subjects from the Human Connectome Project to map the subcortical connectivity of six canonical cortical networks that modulate higher-order cognition and function: the default mode, executive control, salience, dorsal attention, visual, and somatomotor networks. Based on spatiotemporally overlapped networks generated by the Nadam-Accelerated SCAlable and Robust (NASCAR) tensor decomposition method, our goal was to identify subcortical hubs that are functionally connected to multiple cortical networks. We found that the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in the midbrain and the central lateral (CL) and parafascicular (Pf) nuclei of the thalamus – regions that have historically been targeted by neuromodulatory therapies to restore consciousness – are subcortical hubs widely connected to multiple cortical networks. Further, we identified a subcortical hub in the pontomesencephalic tegmentum that overlapped with multiple reticular and extrareticular arousal nuclei and that encompassed a well-established “hot spot” for coma-causing brainstem lesions. Multiple hubs within the brainstem arousal nuclei and thalamic intralaminar nuclei were functionally connected to both the DMN and SN, emphasizing the importance of these cortical networks in integrative subcortico-cortical signaling. Additional subcortical connectivity hubs were observed within the caudate head, putamen, amygdala, hippocampus, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, regions classically associated with modulation of cognition, behavior, and sensorimotor function. Collectively, these results suggest that multiple subcortical hubs in the brainstem tegmentum, thalamus, basal ganglia, and medial temporal lobe modulate cortical function in the human brain. Our findings strengthen the evidence for targeting subcortical hubs in the ventral tegmental area, central lateral thalamus, and pontomesencephalic tegmentum to restore consciousness in patients with DoC. We release all subcortical connectivity maps to support ongoing efforts at therapeutic neuromodulation of consciousness.
A preprocessing toolbox for 2-photon subcellular calcium imaging
Authors: Jiang Anqi , Zhao Chong , Sheffield Mark
Published: October 2024

Recording the spiking activity from subcellular compartments of neurons such as axons and dendrites during behavior with 2-photon calcium imaging is increasingly common yet remains challenging due to low signal-to-noise, inaccurate region-of-interest (ROI) identification, movement artifacts, and difficulty in grouping ROIs from the same neuron. To address these issues, we present a computationally efficient pre-processing pipeline for subcellular signal detection, movement artifact identification, and ROI grouping. For subcellular signal detection, we capture the frequency profile of calcium transient dynamics by applying Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on smoothed time-series calcium traces collected from axon ROIs. We then apply band-pass filtering methods (e.g. 0.05 to 0.12 Hz) to select ROIs that contain frequencies that match the power band of transients. To remove motion artifacts from z-plane movement, we apply Principal Component Analysis on all calcium traces and use a Bottom-Up Segmentation change-point detection model on the first principal component. After removing movement artifacts, we further identify calcium transients from noise by analyzing their prominence and duration. Finally, ROIs with high activity correlation are grouped using hierarchical or k-means clustering. Using axon ROIs in the CA1 region, we confirm that both clustering methods effectively determine the optimal number of clusters in pairwise correlation matrices, yielding similar groupings to “ground truth” data. Our approach provides a guideline for standardizing the extraction of physiological signals from subcellular compartments during behavior with 2-photon calcium imaging.
Dynamic Models of Neural Population Dynamics
Authors: Hao Han , Zhang Kai , Xiong Momiao
Published: October 2024

The recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) increase the hope that AI can provide a powerful tool to facilitate scientific discovery and to generate and validate new ideas for scientific research autonomously. Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT4 have demonstrated remarkable capabilities in understanding and generating human-like text. Their potential extends beyond simple language tasks, offering transformative possibilities in scientific research of all fields. By leveraging vast amounts of data and advanced computational power, LLMs can assist researchers in generating novel ideas, automating routine tasks, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. On September 12, 2024, OpenAI released their updated generative artificial intelligence system called ChatGPTo1. This new AI system, built upon chain-of-thought and reinforcement learning, has greatly enhanced logical reasoning abilities and can effectively solve various complex problems from elementary-level mathematical problems to modern scientific research issues in physics, chemistry, and biology. Unlike previous LLMs in which logical reasoning and data analysis abilities are developed through training on actual data, ChatGPTo1 logical reasoning ability and capacity to generate new scientific ideas are primarily acquired through chain-of-thought processes and reinforcement learning rather than pre-training. To examine this, we specifically tested ChatGPTo1 current reasoning and scientific discovery capabilities by developing theoretically complex and quantitatively challenging scientific equations in various fields of neuroscience, such as dynamical systems, nonlinear dynamical systems, dynamical systems on differential manifolds, neural field theory, nonlinear divergence theorems, nonlinear heat conduction equations and Laplace equations and their extensions on differential manifolds, nonlinear statistical analysis methods, deep learning, and other topics involving multiple fields. The current large language models may illustrate a certain degree of general intelligence, even if fundamentally it may be different from human intelligence. However, it does not mean the current LLMs can fully apply such ability in practical applications or that their reasoning potential can be fully tapped. It is essential to explore specific pathways and methods to cultivate their potential for scientific discovery. To accomplish this, we consider how to integrate them with common search engines (such as Google) capabilities and ChatGPT4o cross-modal abilities to better understand new disciplines and scientific discoveries. To this point, the major shortcoming of ChatGPTo1 is that it is not an end-to-end scientific discovery method and lacks the ability to achieve full automation. It also lacks methods for image analysis and full-scale data analysis, making it difficult to use simulation and data analysis to evaluate and test proposed new theories and methods.
An investigation into factors influencing consumer buying behaviour towards online shopping in Ghana
Authors: Turkson Patrick Joel , Amoah Felix , Amoah Laura Novienyo Abla
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the factors influencing consumer buying behaviour towards online shopping in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A web survey was employed to test the concept mode. Perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU), perceived hedonic value (PHV) and perceived trust (PT) served as the independent variables, while consumer online buying behaviour (ConOBB) served as the dependent variable. The convenience sampling method was adopted to solicit data from 437 respondents. SPSS 26 and STATA 17 were the analytical tools used for the study. The analysis of the data includes a structural equation model (SEM) to assess the measurement and the influence of PEOU, PU, PHV and PT on ConOBB.

Findings

The study revealed that PEOU (Beta = 0.262), PU (Beta = 0.216), PHV (Beta = 0.354) and PT (Beta = 0.630) all had a positive relationship with ConOBB. The study also established that there are significant relationships between the factors (PEOU, PU, PHV and PT) and ConOBB in Ghana.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on Ghanaian consumers and emphasises mainly online shopping factors, which are PEOU, PU, PHV and PT. E-commerce businesses face fierce competition due to the increased availability of websites and other online platforms. To attract potential customers, companies must streamline processes, ensure user-friendliness and create a user-friendly experience.

Originality/value

The uptake of online shopping in Ghana is relatively slow compared with other countries, particularly in Africa. Online shoppers and service providers in Ghana are keen to sustain the industry. However, there is currently a scarcity of empirical studies in Ghana that focus on specific factors that influence consumer online buying behaviour. This study offers a new model that offers novel insights into the specific factors that aid in consumer online shopping behaviour in Ghana. The measuring instrument, which was found to be reliable and valid, also serves as an added value that this study offers. Both the model and measuring instrument can assist managers offering online shopping opportunities to be able to measure and formulate strategies that would enhance consumer online shopping experiences. By adding perceived hedonic value and trust to the model, this study offers a unique extension of the technology acceptance model. Thus, the findings add to the body of knowledge in the field of online shopping, particularly in the context of Ghana.
Unlocking the potential of digital innovations on BPM: a bibliometric and systematic literature review
Authors: Moreira Sérgio Adriany Santos , Dallavalle Silvia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to perform a bibliometric and systematic literature review (SLR) to elucidate the current landscape and to propose a framework that defines and explores research strands to guide the formulation of business process management (BPM) strategies anchored in digital innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis of 238 papers from the last 10 years (2014–2023) that were correlated to BPM strategies and digital innovations was conducted. Additionally, a SLR was performed on 15 selected papers, making it possible to propose a framework that explored research strands through the content analysis.

Findings

A framework comprising eight research strands (value creation; ambidexterity; governance; agility in processes; strategic process management; external context and culture and integrated systems) was developed. It proposes a research agenda and provides valuable insights as a reference for formulating BPM organizational strategies anchored in digital innovations.

Research limitations/implications

This study acknowledges the limitation of utilizing a single software for bibliometric analysis. The framework developed in this study has not yet been validated.

Practical implications

This paper provides insights to assist managers in comprehending BPM strategies anchored in digital innovations and calls for organizations to prepare for future digital needs.

Social implications

This paper contributes to advancing our understanding of BPM aligned with the demands of a digital age society.

Originality/value

The developed framework sheds light on the current landscape and research strands that explore the association between digital innovations and BPM strategies. This provides a valuable opportunity for future qualitative and quantitative studies to explore the eight research strands presented in the framework.
Motivating Filipino Generation Z employees at work: enablers and outcomes
Authors: Talamayan Mikee C. , Teng-Calleja Mendiola , Caringal-Go Jaimee Felice
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This research focused on exploring factors that engender the work motivation of Gen Z employees and determined whether these factors affected their job satisfaction, engagement and affective commitment to their organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a sequential mixed-methods approach, starting with 40 qualitative interviews to determine the work motivation factors of Gen Z employees. Findings of the qualitative study were then validated through an online survey that gathered data from 132 Gen Z employees. The quantitative study tested a model that relates factors that contribute to the motivation of Gen Z and positive employee outcomes – affective commitment, job satisfaction and work engagement.

Findings

Several factors were found as contributors to the work motivation of Gen Z employees: learning and development, family, impact on others and society, passion and enjoyment, financial security, ability to provide for oneself, personal achievement and self-rewards. The result of the structural equation modeling showed that the presence of motivating factors at work is a significant predictor of the outcome variables. Moreover, affective commitment was also found to partially mediate the relationship between the motivating factors and outcome variables – job satisfaction and work engagement.

Originality/value

This study addresses the dearth of empirical studies on factors that motivate Gen Z employees (the youngest employee cohort that recently joined the workforce) and how these contribute to positive work outcomes. Findings may help organizations curate their human resources management programs to attract, engage and motivate their Gen Z employees.
Leveraging online platforms for coach-peer conferences among university student entrepreneurs: building entrepreneurial self-efficacy
Authors: Pradana Dian Arief , Susanti Herdiana Dyah
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The present study aims to examine the lived experience of undergraduate students in learning entrepreneurship education through online coach-peer conference at a university in Indonesia, in order to explore the lived experience of undergraduate students in developing entrepreneurial self-efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Anchored in a phenomenological case study, the student participants were interviewed using online platforms such as WhatsApp and Zoom. To triangulate the data, photographs were taken during observation while the participants were engaged in the online learning process. The interview data were transcribed, interpreted using interpretative phenomenological analysis and thematically analyzed.

Findings

This study showed that participants built businesses with (1) the formation of entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviors, (2) increased their entrepreneurial literacy, and (3) increased their involvement in entrepreneurship education coaching programs. This study suggests that the development of entrepreneurial self-efficacy through an online coach-peer conference is important in the development of student businesses.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that nurturing the role of online coach-peer conferences in building student entrepreneurial self-efficacy, both during the pandemic of COVID-19 and in the future.
Online advertisements with scarcity messages and the association with attitudes for functional and symbolic aspects of vitamins and supplements
Authors: Fogel Joshua , Blaise Bernard
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Scarcity appeals in advertising can increase consumer purchase intentions. This study aims to examine the impact of different online scarcity message appeals and the association with consumer attitudes for functional and symbolic aspects of vitamins and supplements.

Design/methodology/approach

This survey of 789 participants evaluated the scarcity appeals of high-demand message, limited-time message, low-stock message and countdown timer and the association with consumer attitudes for functional and symbolic aspects of vitamins and supplements.

Findings

The results showed that high-demand messages as compared to regular advertising messages was significantly associated with increased functional and symbolic scale scores. African Americans, Hispanics and Asian/Asian Americans were each significantly associated with increased functional and symbolic scale scores as compared whites. Advertising deception of veracity was significantly negatively associated with symbolic scale score but not associated with functional scale score. Advertising deception of ethical was significantly positively associated with symbolic scale score but not associated with functional scale score.

Practical implications

In conclusion, high-demand messages may be a particularly useful type of scarcity appeal to use in online advertising for vitamins and supplements.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of online advertising message scarcity types and how they are associated with consumers attitudes for functional and symbolic aspects of vitamins and supplements.
Unpacking innovation in digital multi-sided platform startups: making sense of path creation in generating two distinct types of innovation
Authors: Santoso Adhi Setyo
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of effectual logic as the basis of entrepreneurial action in path creation for influencing the performance of open innovation outcomes within the context of digital multi-sided platform (MSP) startups.

Design/methodology/approach

We utilize the PLS-SEM method with a sample of 70 Indonesian digital MSP startups that have implemented open innovation practices.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate a path creation between effectual logic and the open innovation process, particularly through the integration of absorptive capacity and crowds or communities management practices. Absorptive capacity development fosters incremental innovation, whereas crowds or communities management practices lead to radical innovation.

Originality/value

The research findings suggest that, despite limited resources and experience, young entrepreneurs can successfully implement an open innovation strategy for their digital MSP platforms by utilizing effectual logic principles, which capitalize on the external resources provided by digital platform ecosystem members.
Additionalities of innovation voucher schemes: evidence from Lithuania
Authors: Antanavičius Jonas , Krūminas Pijus , Paliokaite Agne , Christenko Aleksandr , Elenskė Aurinta , Bernotas Ignas
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to improve the understanding of the impact of innovation vouchers (IVs) by assessing the additionality of IV instruments supporting business-research collaboration in Lithuania.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach relies on studying potential input, behavioural and output additionalities created by IVs. Adopting this perspective, the paper outlines a theoretical framework that indicates the expected contribution of IV schemes and empirically tests its implications. The model is tested by analysing the Inno-vouchers LT instrument implemented in Lithuania in 2012–2014. The study relies on a counterfactual impact evaluation (CIE) and descriptive statistical analysis of survey data of the applicants for IVs.

Findings

The study findings are structured around three types of additionalities. Evidence on input additionality of IV projects provides mixed results, but a significant share of projects included private investment that would not exist without Inno-vouchers LT. Yet, many beneficiaries would also have implemented projects without public support. Both survey data analysis and CIE provide evidence of behavioural additionality, albeit limited. They strongly support the hypothesis that IVs increase companies’ willingness to cooperate with research organisations. Finally, evidence on output additionality is ambiguous. Long-term or indirect output additionality (measured by employment and turnover) seems to be non-existent according to CIE results.

Originality/value

Despite the policy relevance and use of IVs instruments, evidence on the effectiveness is limited. The authors present findings on IVs additionality and suggest avenues for further research.
Women police leaders: attitudes about policing and experiences in the occupation
Authors: Schuck Amie M. , Rabe-Hemp Cara E.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study explored women police leaders’ (n = 503) attitudes and experiences relative to men police leaders (n = 3,359) and women police officers (n = 1,153) with no supervisory responsibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Self-reported survey data were collected from 5,015 officers in 85 United States law enforcement agencies.

Findings

Compared with men police leaders, women police leaders were more likely to identify inequalities in the workplace, empower community members’ voices in defining legitimate forms of policing, elevate the importance of police misconduct and reject a tough physical approach. Women police leaders were also more likely than male police leaders to think that effective leadership influences the behavior of subordinates and more likely to feel that the rules leave room for interpretation. Black women police leaders reported different attitudes and experiences than White women police leaders, including recognizing greater inequalities, prioritizing increased law enforcement activities and experiencing less occupational burnout. Except for the seriousness of misconduct, there were no differences between women police leaders and women police officers without supervisory responsibilities.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the ongoing conversation about women in policing and how increasing the number of women in leadership roles affects law enforcement agencies and the public’s experiences with policing. As policing continues to face calls for reform and employment challenges, increasing the number of women in leadership plays a vital role in producing law enforcement agencies that are equitable and efficacious.
Spirituality in social entrepreneurship: an ethical approach to sustainability
Authors: Singh Diwakar , Awasthy Richa
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to present a sustainability framework that advances the conceptual understanding of the role of spirituality in the context of social entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a systematic literature review of spirituality at both the individual and organisational levels, the triple bottom line framework of sustainability, and business ethics, this study offers a sustainability framework for social entrepreneurship. It explains how spirituality at these levels influences various dimensions of social entrepreneurship and helps achieve social, economic, environmental and ethical outcomes.

Findings

The study proposed that individuals with spiritual practices are more likely to engage in entrepreneurial, social, ethical and environmental orientations, while organisations with spiritual practices are more likely to engage in employee, market and ethical orientations. Spiritual capability can serve as a strategic advantage and contribute to the sustainable development of social enterprises.

Originality/value

This study makes three significant contributions. First, it presents an emergent framework for integrating spirituality (at both individual and organisational levels) and sustainability within the social entrepreneurship literature, offering implications for both social entrepreneurs and social enterprises. Second, this study proposes incorporating ethics as the fourth dimension of sustainability and argues that spirituality can act as a catalyst for achieving sustainability in social entrepreneurship. Third, this study identifies seven critical dimensions of social entrepreneurship: spiritual capabilities, entrepreneurial orientation, social orientation, environmental orientation, market orientation, ethical orientation and employee orientation, all of which contribute to ethical and sustainable development.
Droughts reshape apex predator space use and intraguild overlap
Authors: West Leigh , Rafiq Kasim , Converse Sarah J. , Wilson Alan M. , Jordan Neil R. , Golabek Krystyna A. , McNutt J. Weldon , Abrahms Briana
Published: October 2024

Droughts are increasing in frequency and severity globally due to climate change, leading to changes in resource availability that may have cascading effects on animal ecology. Resource availability is a key driver of animal space use, which in turn influences interspecific interactions like intraguild competition. Understanding how climate‐induced changes in resource availability influence animal space use, and how species‐specific responses scale up to affect intraguild dynamics, is necessary for predicting broader community‐level responses to climatic changes.

Although several studies have demonstrated the ecological impacts of drought, the behavioural responses of individuals that scale up to these broader‐scale effects are not well known, particularly among animals in top trophic levels like large carnivores. Furthermore, we currently lack understanding of how the impacts of climate variability on individual carnivore behaviour are linked to intraguild dynamics, in part because multi‐species datasets collected at timescales relevant to climatic changes are rare.

Using 11 years of GPS data from four sympatric large carnivore species in southern Africa—lions (Panthera leo), leopards (Panthera pardus), African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)—spanning 4 severe drought events, we test whether drought conditions impact (1) large carnivore space use, (2) broad‐scale intraguild spatial overlap and (3) fine‐scale intraguild interactions.

Drought conditions expanded space use across species, with carnivores increasing their monthly home range sizes by 35% (wild dogs) to 66% (leopards). Drought conditions increased the amount of spatial overlap between lions and subordinate felids (cheetahs and leopards) by up to 119%, but only lion‐cheetah encounter rates were affected by these changes, declining in response to drought.

Our findings reveal that drought has a clear signature on the space use of multiple sympatric large carnivore species, which can alter spatiotemporal partitioning between competing species. Our study thereby illuminates the links between environmental change, animal behaviour and intraguild dynamics. While fine‐scale avoidance strategies may facilitate intraguild coexistence during periodic droughts, large carnivore conservation may require considerable expansion of protected areas or revised human‐carnivore coexistence strategies to accommodate the likely long‐term increased space demands of large carnivores under projected increases in drought intensity.
Race education—Why does it matter and how should educators go about it?
Authors: Berry Freddie
Published: October 2024

A plethora of research identifies that the English educational experiences of some Black and Global Majority (BAGM) children are negative, which adversely impacts their academic and, in some cases, personal outcomes. Existing research identifies the contributing factors towards the negative educational experiences for some BAGM children, but less is known about the effect of these educational experiences on BAGM children. There is growing interest from schools, following the Black Lives Matter movement, in developing opportunities to improve the educational experiences and mental health of BAGM children. This paper aims to develop awareness of the need for support for BAGM children, and it raises awareness of effective practices linked to race in schools. Racist stereotyping, educator training, and tokenistic practices can either support or prevent the positive educational experiences of BAGM children. Greater guidance is required for schools on race, equality, and diversity. Training opportunities for educators on appropriate and sensitive practices to improve BAGM children's educational and personal experiences should be provided.
Ways forward: More inclusive teacher education in England
Authors: Glazzard Jonathan , Thomas Scott
Published: October 2024

This paper underscores the need to address the matters of inclusion and social justice within the teacher education curriculum in England. Current curricula for teacher education emphasises subject and pedagogical knowledge for teaching, including supporting pupils with special educational needs. Although these knowledge are critical, we argue that matters of sexual orientation, disability, race and gender are not addressed in the statutory curriculum content. This has serious implications for pre‐service teachers who may be inadequately prepared for teaching in classrooms with diverse learners and for pre‐service teachers with minority and global majority identities who may feel excluded from the curriculum. We offer some ways forward for embedding inclusion into teacher education programmes.