bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple exposures to sevoflurane during the neonatal period impair hippocampus development and cognitive function in young mice
Authors: Yu Gaojie , Huang Xiaoting , Lin Liang , Chen Zhenyi , Zhang Jie , Jia Jia
Published: July 2023

Sevoflurane is a commonly used anesthesia for infants and young children. Sevoflurane has potential neurotoxicity in immature brains; however, its specific mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we used an established sevoflurane anesthesia model and evaluated hippocampal synaptic function using transcriptome sequencing, biochemical analyses, and animal behavior to investigate the effect of multiple neonatal sevoflurane exposures on the hippocampus in mice. C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into sevoflurane and control groups. All experimental conditions were identical in the two groups except for the anesthetization procedure. Mice in the sevoflurane group were anesthetized with 2.5% sevoflurane for 2 h daily for 3 consecutive days (postnatal days 6−8). Mice in the control group did not receive sevoflurane anesthesia. During anesthesia, mice were administered 50% oxygen, and the respiratory rate and skin color were monitored. On day 3 of modeling, half of the mice were randomly selected to undergo harvesting of the hippocampus. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of RNA extracted from the hippocampus identified 736 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 433 upregulated and 303 downregulated DEGs, after multiple sevoflurane exposures. Gene ontology term enrichment analysis results suggested that sevoflurane exposure altered the expression of neurodevelopment-related genes in neonatal mice. Several enriched biological processes involved in brain development (axon/forebrain development) and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling pathways were highlighted. Comparison with RNA-seq database information showed that DEGs of the neonatal hippocampus after multiple exposures to sevoflurane were specific to neonatal mice. Furthermore, Morris water maze testing confirmed that sevoflurane anesthesia induced learning and memory impairments in young mice. Additionally, Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses showed that sevoflurane treatment decreased synaptic protein levels, such as postsynaptic density protein 95, synaptosomal-associated protein, 25 kDa, and B-cell lymphoma 2-associated athanogene 3, in the hippocampus, which induced synaptic dysfunction, resulting in impaired nervous system development in young mice.
Automated system for training and assessing string-pulling behaviors in rodents
Authors: Jordan Gianna A. , Vishwanath Abhilasha , Holguin Gabriel , Bartlett Mitchell J. , Tapia Andrew K. , Winter Gabriel M. , Sexauer Morgan R. , Stopera Carolyn J. , Falk Torsten , Cowen Stephen L.
Published: July 2023

String-pulling tasks have been used for centuries to study coordinated bimanual motor behavior and problem solving. String pulling is rapidly learned, ethologically grounded, and has been applied to many species and disease conditions. Typically, training of string-pulling behaviors is achieved through manual shaping and baiting. Furthermore, behavioral assessment of reaching, grasping, and pulling is often performed through labor intensive manual video scoring. No system, to our knowledge, currently exists for the automated shaping and assessment of string-pulling behaviors.

Here we describe the PANDA system (Pulling And Neural Data Analysis), an inexpensive hardware and software system that utilizes a continuous string loop connected to a rotary encoder, feeder, microcontroller, high-speed camera, and analysis software for assessment and training of string-pulling behaviors and synchronization with neural recording data. We demonstrate this system in unimplanted rats and rats implanted with electrodes in motor cortex and hippocampus and show how the PANDA system can be used to assess relationships between paw movements and single-unit and local-field activity. We also found that automating the shaping procedure significantly improved overall performance, with rats regularly pulling >100 meters during a 15-minute session.

In conclusion, the PANDA system will be of general use to researchers investigating motor control, motivation, and motor disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and stroke. It will also support the investigation of neural mechanisms involved in sensorimotor integration.

Highlights

High-speed tracking of continuous grasping and pulling behaviors.

Automated and adaptive reinforcement of string-pulling behavior.

Integration with neural recording and video tracking systems.

Open-source software and hardware.

Supplemental Files

The supplemental pdf contains additional designs and behavioral data and has been uploaded.

Source code and 3D and laser cut design files can be found at:https://github.com/CowenLab/String_Pulling_System/

Videos are in the GitHub repository at:https://github.com/CowenLab/String_Pulling_System/tree/main/Videos
Differential expression of tension-sensitiveHOXgenes in fibroblasts is associated with different scar types
Authors: Kang Minwoo , Ko Ung Hyun , Oh Eun-Jung , Kim Hyun Mi , Chung Ho Yun , Shin Jennifer H.
Published: July 2023

A scar is considered a natural consequence of the wound-healing process. However, the mechanism by which scars form remains unclear. Here, we suggest a new mechanism of wound healing and scar formation that involves the mechanosensitive regulation ofHOXgenes. RNA-sequencing of fibroblasts from different types of scars revealed differentialHOXgene expression. Computational simulations predicted injury-induced tension loss in the skin, and in vitro experiments revealed a negative correlation between tension and fibroblast proliferation. Remarkably, exogenous tensile stress in fibroblasts has been shown to alterHOXgene expression levels in different scar types. Overall, we propose a model for normal wound healing and scar formation and show that successful wound healing requires tensional homeostasis in the skin tissue, which is regulated by tension-sensitiveHOXgenes.
High resolution imaging and five-year tuberculosis contact outcomes
Authors: Esmail Hanif , Coussens Anna K , Thienemann Friedrich , Sossen Bianca , Mukasa Sandra L , Warwick James , Goliath Rene T. , Davies Nashreen Omar , Douglass Emily , Jackson Amanda , Lakay Francisco , Streicher Elizabeth , Munro Jacob E. , Barrios Marilou H , Heinsohn Torben , Macpherson Liana , Sheerin Dylan , Aziz Saalikha , Serole Keboile , Daroowala Remy , Taliep Arshad , Ahlers Petri , Malherbe Stephanus T. , Bowden Rory , Warren Robin , Walzl Gerhard , Via Laura E. , Bahlo Melanie , Jacobson Karen R. , Horsburgh C. Robert , Salgame Padmini , Alland David , Barry Clifton Earl , Flynn JoAnne L. , Ellner Jerrold J , Wilkinson Robert J
Published: July 2023

Background

The evolution of tuberculosis (TB) disease during the clinical latency period remains incompletely understood.

Methods

250 HIV-uninfected, adult household contacts of rifampicin-resistant TB with a negative symptom screen underwent baseline18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission and computed tomography (PET/CT), repeated in 112 after 5-15 months. Following South African and WHO guidelines, participants did not receive preventive therapy. All participants had intensive baseline screening with spontaneous, followed by induced, sputum sampling and were then observed for an average of 4.7 years for culture-positive disease. Baseline PET/CT abnormalities were evaluated in relation to culture-positive disease.

Results

At baseline, 59 (23.6%) participants had lung PET/CT findings consistent with TB of which 29 (11.6%) were defined as Subclinical TB, and 30 (12%) Subclinical TB-inactive. A further 83 (33.2%) had other lung parenchymal abnormalities and 108 (43.2%) had normal lungs. Over 1107-person years of follow-up 14 cases of culture-positive TB were diagnosed. Six cases were detected by intensive baseline screening, all would have been missed by the South African symptom-based screening strategy and only one detected by a WHO-recommended chest X-Ray screening strategy. Those with baseline Subclinical TB lesions on PET/CT were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with culture-positive TB over the study period, compared to those with normal lung parenchyma (10/29 [34.5%] vs 2/108 [1.9%], Hazard Ratio 22.37 [4.89-102.47, p<0.001]).

Conclusions

These findings challenge the latent/active TB paradigm demonstrating that subclinical disease exists up to 4 years prior to microbiological detection and/or symptom onset. There are important implications for screening and management of TB.
A new Omicron lineage with Spike Y451H mutation that dominated a new COVID-19 wave in Kilifi, Coastal Kenya: March-May 2023
Authors: Mwanga Mike J , Lambisia Arnold W , Morobe John Mwita , Murunga Nickson , Moraa Edidah , Ndwiga Leonard , Cheruiyot Robinson , Mutunga Martin , Guzman-Rincon Laura M , Sande Charles , Mwangangi Joseph , Bejon Philip , Ochola-Oyier Lynette Isabella , Nokes D James , Agoti Charles N , Nyiro Joyce , Githinji George
Published: July 2023

We report a newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineage, named FY.4, that has two unique mutations; spike:Y451H and ORF3a:P42L. FY.4 emergence has coincided with increased SARS-CoV-2 cases in coastal Kenya, April-May 2023. We demonstrate the value of continued SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance in the post-acute pandemic era in understanding new COVID-19 outbreaks.
Mating system is associated with seed phenotypes upon loss of RNA-directed DNA Methylation in Brassicaceae
Authors: Dew-Budd Kelly J. , Chow Hiu Tung , Kendall Timmy , David Brandon C. , Rozelle James A. , Mosher Rebecca A. , Beilstein Mark A.
Published: July 2023

In plants,de novoDNA methylation is guided by 24-nt short interfering (si)RNAs in a process called RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). Primarily targeted at transposons, RdDM causes transcriptional silencing and can indirectly influence expression of neighboring genes. During reproduction, a small number of siRNA loci are dramatically upregulated in the maternally-derived seed coat, suggesting that RdDM might have a special function during reproduction. However, the developmental consequence of RdDM has been difficult to dissect because disruption of RdDM does not result in overt phenotypes inArabidopsis thaliana, where the pathway has been most thoroughly studied. In contrast,Brassica rapamutants lacking RdDM have a severe seed production defect, which is determined by the maternal sporophytic genotype. To explore the factors that underlie the different phenotypes of these species, we produced RdDM mutations in three additional members of the Brassicaceae family:Camelina sativa, Capsella rubella, andCapsella grandiflora. Among these three species, only mutations in the obligate outcrosser,C. grandiflora, displayed a seed production defect similar toBrassica rapamutants, suggesting that mating system is a key determinant for reproductive phenotypes in RdDM mutants.
Speech prosody enhances the neural processing of syntax
Authors: Degano Giulio , Donhauser Peter W. , Gwilliams Laura , Merlo Paola , Golestani Narly
Published: July 2023

Human language relies on the correct processing of syntactic information, as it is essential for successful communication between speakers. As an abstract level of language, syntax has often been studied separately from the physical form of the speech signal, thus often masking the interactions that can promote better syntactic processing in the human brain. We analyzed a MEG dataset to investigate how acoustic cues, specifically prosody, interact with syntactic representations. We examined whether prosody enhances the cortical encoding of syntactic representations. We decoded syntactic phrase boundaries directly from brain activity, and evaluated possible modulations of the decoding by the presence of prosodic boundaries. Our findings demonstrate that the presence of a prosodic boundary improves the representation of phrase boundaries, indicating the facilitative role of prosodic cues in processing abstract linguistic features. This study gives neurobiological evidence for the boosting of syntactic processing via interactions with prosody.
Extracellular vesicles promote autophagy in human microglia through lipid raft-dependent mechanisms
Authors: Romenskaja Diana , Jonavičė Ugnė , Pivoriūnas Augustas
Published: July 2023

Autophagy dysfunction has been closely related with pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases and therefore represents a potential therapeutic target. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) may act as a potent anti-inflammatory agents and also modulators of autophagy in target cells. However, the molecular mechanisms by which EVs modulate autophagy flux in human microglia remain largely unexplored.

In the present study we investigated the effects of EVs derived from human oral mucosa stem cells on the autophagy in human microglia. We demonstrate that EVs promoted autophagy and autophagic flux in human microglia and that this process was dependent on the integrity of lipid rafts. LPS also activated autophagy, but combined treatment with EVs and LPS suppressed autophagy response indicating interference between these signalling pathways. Blockage of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) with anti-TLR4 antibody suppressed EV- induced autophagy. Furthermore, blockage of EV- asscoiated HSP70 chaperone which is one of the endogenous ligands of the TLR4 also suppressed EV- induced lipid raft formation and autophagy. Pre-treatment of microglia with selective inhibitor of αvβ3/αvβ5 integrins cilengitide inhibited EV-induced autophagy. Finally, blockage of purinergic P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) with selective inhibitor 5-BDBD also suppressed of EV-induced autophagy.

In conclusion, we demonstrate that EVs activate autophagy in human microglia through interaction with HSP70/TLR4, αVβ3/αVβ5, and P2X4R signalling pathways and that these effects depend on the integrity of lipid rafts.

Our findings could be used for development of new therapeutic strategies targeting disease-associated microglia.
Assessing RNAi feasibility and susceptibility to environmental RNAi inTrichogramma dendrolimi(Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Yan Zhichao , Li Fangyi , Wang Aokai , Wang Chengxing , Wang Haiyan , Yu Zeqi , Wang Kepeng , Wang Yihan , Luo Yuanyuan , Li Yuanxi
Published: July 2023

Trichogramma, a genus of egg parasitoid wasps, are widely used as biological control agents and serve as model organisms in parasitoid research. Despite their significance, the understanding of RNA interference (RNAi) inTrichogrammaremains very limited. In this study, we investigated RNAi-associated genes by bioinformatic approaches and experimentally assessed the feasibility of RNAi and the susceptibility of environmental RNAi inTrichogramma. We found thatTrichogrammagenomes contain a complete set of genes in the RNAi pathway and exhibit extensive gene expansion of dsRNase, which may influence RNAi efficiency by degrading dsRNA. We demonstrated successful RNAi through pupal microinjection inT. dendrolimiMatsumura, providing a technical approach for future gene functional studies. In addition, we observed no evidence of susceptibility to environmental RNAi in eitherT. dendrolimiadults or larvae, which might be attributed to the extensive expansion of dsRNase. This low environmental RNAi sensitivity inTrichogrammacould suggest a reduced risk of RNAi-based pest management strategies affecting nontargetTrichogrammapopulations. Overall, this study presents a technical approach for conducting gene functional studies inTrichogrammaand provides a foundation for evaluating the nontarget effects of RNAi-based pest control strategies onTrichogramma.
Reconstructing the Transcriptional Regulatory Network of ProbioticL. reuteriis Enabled by Transcriptomics and Machine Learning
Authors: Josephs-Spaulding Jonathan , Rajput Akanksha , Hefner Ying , Szubin Richard , Balasubramanian Archana , Li Gaoyuan , Zielinski Daniel C. , Jahn Leonie , Sommer Morten , Phaneuf Patrick , Palsson Bernhard O.
Published: July 2023

I

Limosilactobacillus reuteri, a probiotic microbe instrumental to human health and sustainable food production, adapts to diverse environmental shifts via dynamic gene expression. We applied independent component analysis to 117 high-quality RNA-seq datasets to decode its transcriptional regulatory network (TRN), identifying 35 distinct signals that modulate specific gene sets. This study uncovers the fundamental properties ofL. reuteri’sTRN, deepens our understanding of its arginine metabolism, and the co-regulation of riboflavin metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis. It also sheds light on conditions that regulate genes within a specific biosynthetic gene cluster and the role of isoprenoid biosynthesis inL. reuteri’sadaptive response to environmental changes. Through the integration of transcriptomics and machine learning, we provide a systems-level understanding ofL. reuteri’sresponse mechanism to environmental fluctuations, thus setting the stage for modeling the probiotic transcriptome for applications in microbial food production.

Graphical Abstract

Comprehensive iModulon Workflow Overview. Our innovative workflow is grounded in the analysis of the LactoPRECISE compendium, a curated dataset containing 117 internally sequenced RNA-seq samples derived from a diversity of 50 unique conditions, encompassing an extensive range of 13 distinct condition types. We employ the power of Independent Component Analysis (ICA), a cutting-edge machine learning algorithm, to discern the underlying structure of iModulons within this wealth of data. In the subsequent stage of our workflow, the discovered iModulons undergo detailed scrutiny to uncover media-specific regulatory mechanisms governing metabolism, illuminate the context-dependent intricacies of gene expression, and predict pathways leading to the biosynthesis of probiotic secondary metabolites. Our workflow offers an invaluable and innovative lens through which to view probiotic strain design while simultaneously highlighting transformative approaches to data analytics in the field.
Diffusiophoresis promotes phase separation and transport of biomolecular condensates
Authors: Doan Viet Sang , Alshareedah Ibraheem , Singh Anurag , Banerjee Priya R , Shin Sangwoo
Published: July 2023

The internal microenvironment of a living cell is heterogeneous and comprises a multitude of organelles with distinct biochemistry. Amongst them are biomolecular condensates, which are membrane-less, phase-separated compartments enriched in system-specific proteins and nucleic acids. The heterogeneity of the cell engenders the presence of multiple spatiotemporal gradients in chemistry, charge, concentration, temperature, and pressure. Such thermodynamic gradients can lead to non-equilibrium driving forces for the formation and transport of biomolecular condensates. Here, we report how ion gradients impact the transport processes of biomolecular condensates on the mesoscale and biomolecules on the microscale. Utilizing a microfluidic platform, we demonstrate that the presence of ion concentration gradients can accelerate the transport of biomolecules, including nucleic acids and proteins, via diffusiophoresis. This hydrodynamic transport process allows localized enrichment of biomolecules, thereby promoting the location-specific formation of biomolecular condensates via phase separation. The ion gradients further impart active motility of condensates, allowing them to exhibit enhanced diffusion along the gradient. Coupled with reentrant phase behavior, the gradient-induced active motility leads to a dynamical redistribution of condensates that ultimately extends their lifetime. Together, our results demonstrate diffusiophoresis as a non-equilibrium thermodynamic force that governs the formation and active transport of biomolecular condensates.
MesenchymalVanglfacilitates airway elongation and widening independently of the planar cell polarity complex
Authors: Paramore Sarah V. , Goodwin Katharine , Devenport Danelle , Nelson Celeste M.
Published: July 2023

A hallmark of mammalian lungs is the fractal nature of the bronchial tree. In the adult, each successive generation of airways is a fraction of the size of the parental branch. This fractal structure is physiologically beneficial, as it minimizes the energy needed for breathing. Achieving this pattern likely requires precise control of airway length and diameter, as the branches of the embryonic airways initially lack the fractal scaling observed in those of the adult lung. In epithelial monolayers and tubes, directional growth can be regulated by the planar cell polarity (PCP) complex. Here, we comprehensively characterized the roles of PCP-complex components in airway initiation, elongation, and widening during branching morphogenesis of the murine lung. Using tissue-specific knockout mice, we surprisingly found that branching morphogenesis proceeds independently of PCP-component expression in the developing airway epithelium. Instead, we found a novel,Celsr1-independent role for the PCP componentVanglin the pulmonary mesenchyme. Specifically, mesenchymal loss ofVangl1/2leads to defects in branch initiation, elongation, and widening. At the cellular level, we observe changes in the shape of smooth muscle cells that indicate a potential defect in collective mesenchymal rearrangements, which we hypothesize are necessary for lung morphogenesis. Our data thus reveal an explicit function forVanglthat is independent of the core PCP complex, suggesting a functional diversification of PCP components in vertebrate development. These data also reveal an essential role for the embryonic mesenchyme in generating the fractal structure of airways of the mature lung.
Movement-related modulation in mouse auditory cortex is widespread yet locally diverse
Authors: Morandell Karin , Yin Audrey , Del Rio Rodrigo Triana , Schneider David M.
Published: July 2023

Neurons in the mouse auditory cortex are strongly influenced by behavior, including both suppression and enhancement of sound-evoked responses during movement. The mouse auditory cortex comprises multiple fields with different roles in sound processing and distinct connectivity to movement-related centers of the brain. Here, we asked whether movement-related modulation might differ across auditory cortical fields, thereby contributing to the heterogeneity of movement-related modulation at the single-cell level. We used wide-field calcium imaging to identify distinct cortical fields followed by cellular-resolution two-photon calcium imaging to visualize the activity of layer 2/3 excitatory neurons within each field. We measured each neuron’s responses to three sound categories (pure tones, chirps, and amplitude modulated white noise) as mice rested and ran on a non-motorized treadmill. We found that individual neurons in each cortical field typically respond to just one sound category. Some neurons are only active during rest and others during locomotion, and those that are responsive across conditions retain their sound-category tuning. The effects of locomotion on sound-evoked responses vary at the single cell level, with both suppression and enhancement of neural responses, and the net modulatory effect of locomotion is largely conserved across cortical fields. Movement-related modulation in auditory cortex also reflects more complex behavioral patterns, including instantaneous running speed and non-locomotor movements such as grooming and postural adjustments, with similar patterns seen across all auditory cortical fields. Our findings underscore the complexity of movement-related modulation throughout the mouse auditory cortex and indicate that movement related modulation is a widespread phenomenon.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Throughout the sensory cortex, neural activity is influenced by behavior. It remains unknown whether primary and higher-order sensory cortical centers are similarly or differentially influenced by movement. We show that movement-related modulation in the mouse auditory cortex is locally complex and heterogeneous, but that at a more macroscopic level, the net effect of movement on primary and higher-order auditory cortex is largely conserved. These data highlight the widespread nature of movement-related modulation and suggest that movement signals may inform neural computations throughout multiple nodes of the sensory cortex.
Cognitive biases and financial decisions of potential investors during Covid-19: an exploration
Authors: Mohanty Stutee , Patnaik B.C.M. , Satpathy Ipseeta , Sahoo Suresh Kumar
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to identify, examine, and present an empirical research design of behavioral finance of potential investors during Covid-19.

Design/methodology/approach

A well-structured questionnaire was designed; a survey was conducted among potential investors using convenience sampling, and 200 valid responses were collected. The research work uses multiple regression and discriminant function analysis to evaluate the influence of cognitive factors on the financial decision-making of investors.

Findings

Recency and familiarity bias are proven to have the highest significant impact on the financial decisions of investors followed by confirmation bias. Overconfidence bias had a negligible effect on the decision-making process of the respondents and found insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

Covid-19 is a temporary phase that may lead to changes in financial behavior and investors’ decisions in the near future.

Practical implications

The paper will help academicians, scholars, analysts, practitioners, policymakers and firms dealing with capital markets to execute their job responsibilities with respect to the cognitive bias in terms of taking financial decisions.

Originality/value

The present investigation attempts to fill the gap in the literature on the intended topic because it is evident from literature on the chosen subject that no study has been undertaken to evaluate the impact of cognitive biases on financial behavior of investors during Covid-19.
A study on children's multi-sensorial experiences of nature: design approaches and preferences for primary school architecture case studies in Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Authors: To Phuong Thanh , Grierson David
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Providing improved access to nature within educational settings can promote stronger child–nature connections and is conditional on making evidence-based decisions for the planning, design and refurbishment of school architecture. The study offers insight into ways of reconnecting children with nature by examining the distribution and classification of diverse natural elements for enhancing children's visual and non-visual experiences of educational environments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines quantitative and qualitative analysis of data gathered through measurement and observation at three schools in Glasgow, with a total of 75 students, to identify key issues influencing child–nature multi-sensorial connections within indoor and outdoor environments and on building envelopes and layouts. It applies children's open-questions and diagrams to investigate children's discovery of nature, their feelings around natural attributes and their environmental preferences within school contexts.

Findings

This study's findings reveal that architectural features and landscape settings have significant influence on the quantitative and qualitative degrees of children's natural exploration through visual and non-visual sensorial modalities and environmental preferences.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study are that the data was gathered in the Spring season and with different groups of children from The Glasgow Academy who received the same educational curriculum. Thus, there is a need for further investigation on children's experiences of nature based on temporal and contextual differences, and varying educational-socio-cultural and economic factors.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that applications of natural diversity, accessible and flexible pathways and indoor natural settings, are potential approaches to connect children with nature within their study and play environments.

Originality/value

The authors provide a deeper understanding of how nature-based settings, including indoor and outdoor environments, constructively benefit children's multi-sensorial experiences, knowledge and biophilic feelings toward nature.
An investigation of the impact of sustainability drivers and transformative mediators on green buying behavior in the US and Brazil
Authors: Graça Sandra Simas , Kharé Virginie Pioche
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study compares the impact of three drivers of sustainability behavior (perceived quality, social influences, and online education) and three transformative mediators (price value, attitude, and environmental knowledge) in influencing green buying behavior in a developed versus a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through a self-administered online survey in the United States (n = 195) and in Brazil (n = 209). The hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modeling software. Multi-group analysis was conducted to compare the impact of drivers and mediators on consumers' intention and willingness to buy green products and services between the two country groups.

Findings

The direct effects of price value, attitude, online education, and environmental knowledge, together with the indirect effects of perceived quality, social influence, and online education explain a significant amount of variation in driving consumer sustainability behavior in both countries. Differences between countries indicate that cultural and country's level of economic development moderate some relationships in the model. Affordable prices and social influences are stronger in Brazil.

Practical implications

Organizations must educate consumers on relevant socio-ecological issues and communicate the positive aspects of their sustainable offerings as a proactive way to change consumers' attitude toward sustainability behavior, while recognizing the influence of family and friends in collectivist societies and price value in emerging markets.

Originality/value

This study is unique in drawing from three theories of green buying behavior and for empirically demonstrating the importance of distinct drivers and mediators under the context of countries in different stages of economic development (developed and developing). It provides a more global perspective on the topic and highlights the influential power of the key transformative mediators in the model.
Innovations and development of artificial intelligence in Europe: some empirical evidences
Authors: Marino Domenico , Gil Lafuente Jaime , Tebala Domenico
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to analyze the relationship between innovation and the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in Europe. The use of digital technologies among European companies is studied through a composite index, while the relationship between innovation and AI is studied through a log-linear regression model. The results of the model have made possible to develop interesting indications for economic and industrial policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The use of digital technologies among European companies is studied through a composite index of AI and information technology (ICT) (using the Fair and Sustainable Welfare methodology) with the aim of measuring territorial gaps and to know which European countries are more or less inclined to its use, while the relationship between innovation and AI is studied through a log-linear regression model.

Findings

In the paper, two different methodologies were used to analyze the relationship between innovation and the development of digital technologies in Europe. The synthetic indicator made possible to develop a taxonomy between the different countries, the log-linear model made possible to identify and explain the determinants of innovation.

Originality/value

The description of the biunivocal relationship between innovation and AI is a topical and relevant issue that is treated in the paper in an original way using a synthetic indicator and a log-linear model.
Portraits of young refugee women’s identities, experiences, and beliefs in relation to college-going
Authors: Mann Jennifer C. , Turner Alison McGlinn
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the stories of two young refugee women, Sue Mar and Amora, and how their adolescent identities, experiences, and beliefs, partially shaped by their English teacher, helped pave their paths to higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is guided by the lens of critical literacy as “a way of being and doing” (Vasquez et al., 2019). The authors chose portraiture, a participant-centered methodology, as a response to the historical marginalization of refugees, to bring their voices to the forefront (Lawrence-Lightfoot and Davis, 1997). They draw from interviews conducted with Sue Mar and Amora, document analysis, and an interview with the English teacher.

Findings

In Sue Mar and Amora’s portraits, aspiration and determination are seen as primary factors in their college-going. In addition, Sue Mar and Amora were propelled by their English teacher’s support through the cultivation of a loving relationship, high expectations, and critical pedagogical practices. Their family and community fostered beliefs about the power and potential of education, and other refugees served as important role models.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers should explore refugee students’ experiences accessing higher education.

Practical implications

English educators should connect literature to the lived experiences of their students to show that they value their students’ knowledge and past experiences.

Social implications

Policymakers should consider the role that community colleges play in the lives of refugee students and should support programs including tuition reduction for refugee students.

Originality/value

As only 6% of refugees currently attend college (UNHCR, 2023), it is essential to understand factors that contributed to students’ college-going.
Guidelines for training design thinking in organizations
Authors: Todd Erin Michelle , Stewart Payton
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically review the literature on design thinking training to elucidate guidelines for best practices of design thinking training interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature was reviewed, which outlined several themes that informed a series of recommendations for organizations considering developing design thinking training.

Findings

Process-based training, delivery activities and content, skills-based approach, delivery format, support for training and training evaluation were identified as key themes in the literature. These themes highlighted practical recommendations for developing design thinking training interventions. Findings also demonstrate current limitations in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

Research on design thinking training is limited; therefore, recommendations for training should be applied carefully. The limited research points to a fruitful area for future research and development of design thinking training.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that researchers and practitioners should develop face-to-face or hybrid design thinking training interventions that follow the design thinking process and focus on the development of relevant skills, using interactive, user-focused and design visualization activities. Results suggest that adequate support for training should be provided, and outcomes of training should be empirically evaluated.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to review the design thinking training literature and provide general recommendations for both design thinking training development and design thinking research.
An application of choice-based conjoint analysis to measure willingness to pay for casino buffets
Authors: Demirciftci Tevfik , Belarmino Amanda , Raab Carola
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to discover what attributes of casino buffet restaurants are the most important for customers’ willingness to pay (WTP).

Design/methodology/approach

Choice-based conjoint analysis was used in this study to test seven attributes: food, price/value, real price, service, atmosphere, the number of reviews and user-generated star ratings. Sawtooth Software was used to do the conjoint analysis, and a series of significance t-tests were run to determine the significance of each attribute on WTP with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Findings

Based on a survey of 483 respondents who had visited a buffet at a casino within the last two years, this study found that food is ranked as the most significant attribute of a casino buffet restaurant, followed by real price and service quality.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this work is the first to the authors’ knowledge to apply the antecedents of behavioral intention to willingness-to-pay for niche restaurants. Practically, the results of this study will help casino buffet operators as they re-open after COVID-19. Future studies could collect data in the post-pandemic environment and examine WTP at casino buffets in different geographic locations.
Continuous knowledge contribution in social Q&A communities: the moderation effects of self-presentation and motivational affordances
Authors: Luo Lijuan , Wang Yuwei , Duan Siqi , Shang Shanshan , Ma Baojun , Zhou Xiaoli
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Based on the perspectives of social capital, image motivation and motivation affordances, this paper explores the direct and moderation effects of different kinds of motivations (i.e. relationship-based motivation, community-based motivation and individual-based motivation) on users' continuous knowledge contributions in social question and answer (Q&A) communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collect the panel data of 10,193 users from a popular social Q&A community in China. Then, a negative binomial regression model is adopted to analyze the collected data.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that social learning, peer recognition and knowledge seeking positively affect users' continuous contribution behaviors. However, the results also show that social exposure has the opposite effect. In addition, self-presentation is found to moderate the influence of social factors on users' continuous use behaviors, while the moderation effect of motivation affordances has no significance.

Originality/value

First, this study develops a comprehensive motivation framework that helps gain deeper insights into the underlying mechanism of knowledge contribution in social Q&A communities. Second, this study conducts panel data analysis to capture the impacts of motivations over time, rather than intentions at a fixed time point. Third, the findings can help operators of social Q&A communities to optimize community norms and incentive mechanisms.
A difficult journey from enactment to implementation of local content policy: instigating factors and accountability mechanisms for achieving sustainable development
Authors: Tetteh Lexis Alexander , Agyenim-Boateng Cletus , Simpson Samuel Nana Yaw
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The study examines the instigating factors behind the development of the local content (LC) policy in Ghana and it further investigates the accountability mechanisms that drive the LC policy implementation to promote sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reports on a series of interviews with key actors using Institutional Theory and the application of Bovens’ (2010) Global Accountability Framework as a lens for discussion and interpretation of results.

Findings

The results reveal that two forces instigated LC policy enactment. One is external funding pressure from the Norwegian government and the World Bank. The other is the government’s engagement of Civil Society Organisations and other internal stakeholders to justify its activities and missions to signal adherence to impartiality, neutrality, and, to a lesser extent, solidarity. The analysis also reveals tensions in how accountability legitimacy relates to implementation of the LC policy. The study further discovers that while participation, transparency, monitoring, and evaluation are frequently invoked as de jure institutional legitimacy in oil and gas contracts, actual practices follow normative (de facto) institutionalism rather than what the LC policy law provides.

Research limitations/implications

The interview had a relatively small number of participants, which can be argued to affect the study’s validity. Nevertheless, given the data saturation effect and the breadth of the data obtained from the respondents, this study represents a significant advancement in LC policy enactment knowledge, implementation mechanisms and enforcement in an emerging O&G industry.

Practical implications

The findings of this study suggest that future policy development in emerging economies should involve detailed consultations to increase decision-maker knowledge, process transparency and expectations. This will improve implementation and reduce stakeholder tension, conflict and mistrust.

Originality/value

The findings of this study build on earlier investigations into legitimacy, accountability and impression management in and outside the O&G sector. Also, the findings reveal the legitimising tactics used by O&G actors to promote local content sustainable development targets.
A biosocial gender analysis of entrepreneurial behaviors in conflict zones: evidence from Iraqi-Kurdistan
Authors: Maltz Elliot , Walker Robert , Omar Muhammad Razhan , Joseph Jay
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to uses biosocial gender theory to describe successful entrepreneurial behavior in conflict zones. Specifically, the authors investigate how the reliance on agentic (assertive, individual focused) behavior and communal (facilitative and friendly) behavior lead to differential outcomes depending on the physical gender of the entrepreneur exhibiting the behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a conceptual framework based on extant literature. To test the framework, the authors gathered survey data from Iraqi-Kurdish entrepreneurs who have been living in a state of war since the late 1980s and use a novel analytical method to deal with the limitations inherent in gathering survey data in conflict zones. Qualitative data is presented to generate a better understanding of the survey results.

Findings

The findings indicate females who are successful in taking on the traditional male role of entrepreneur in conflict zones engage in lower levels of agentic behavior compared to their male counterparts. Successful entrepreneurs (male and female) rely extensively on communal behavior in their ventures. When it comes to community development, male entrepreneurs engaging in agentic behavior, seem to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs more than females. Females relying on communal behavior engage in more mentoring of aspiring entrepreneurs than males.

Originality/value

An understanding of the unique gender dynamics underlying entrepreneurial behavior in conflict zones remains incomplete. The study introduces evidence that gender differences, as well as social factors, combine with the unique characteristics of conflict zones resulting in different behavioral paths to entrepreneurial success. The analytical method introduces some statistical tools to scholars attempting to understand the unique conflict zone context. As such, the study provides guidance for scholars working in this context, as well as NGO’s and other institutions seeking to train entrepreneurs and improve economic conditions in conflict zones.
Are green and socially responsible funds more efficient than conventional funds? A DEA approaches
Authors: Neves Maria Elisabete Duarte , Gouveia Maria do Castelo , Martins Adriana , Costa Pinho Joaquim Carlos da
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The main goal of this paper is better understand the risk/return trade-off of investing in socially responsible investment funds (SRIF) and green investment funds (GIF).

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve our aim a green investment fund portfolio, a socially responsible investment portfolio and a conventional fund (CF) portfolio from the United States of America (USA) were selected to compare the efficiency of these three different portfolios, by using Value-Based Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology.

Findings

The results point out that SRIF and GIF are more efficient than CF. For five years, the CFs have not outperformed the GIF.

Originality/value

The results suggest that there is a growing awareness on the part of investors that sustainable companies are the companies that will allow a better quality of life and a more sustainable environment. It seems that somehow managers and investors are aware that the market will compensate them for thinking about a cleaner and more equitable world.
Effect of humble leadership on project success: the mediating role of team engagement and the moderating role of organizational culture
Authors: Waseem Muhammad , Iqbal Shahid , Khan Khalid
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to determine the effect of humble leadership on project success (PS). According to the authors, such an effect is mediated by team engagement and moderated by organizational culture. The direct and indirect effects of team engagement provided helpful insights. Moreover, organizational culture did not moderate the relationship. The authors’ objective is to contribute to the literature on project management (PM) and leadership of how team engagement plays a significant role in PS.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 317 employees working in Pakistan’s telecom sector projects. Five project-related telecom companies were the target population of this study, and the reason behind choosing the telecom sector for investigation is their valuable contribution to the revenue and technology introduction in the country. A time-lagged approach was selected for data collection to avoid the common method bias, which served the purpose. SPSS v23 and AMOS v23 were used for constructing structural equation modeling and path analysis to examine direct and indirect effects.

Findings

The results revealed that humble leadership is positively related to PS. Furthermore, team engagement mediated the relationship between humble leadership and PS, while there was no interaction effect.

Originality/value

The impact of team engagement was the primary topic of interest with humble leadership in this study. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has investigated team engagement in the project context. The authors tried to contribute to the PM literature.