bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The developing hippocampus: Microstructural evolution through childhood and adolescence
Authors: Karat Bradley G. , Genc Sila , Raven Erika P. , Palombo Marco , Khan Ali R. , Jones Derek K.
Published: August 2024

The hippocampus is a structure in the medial temporal lobe which serves multiple cognitive functions. While important, the development of the hippocampus in the formative period of childhood and adolescence has not been extensively investigated, with most contemporary research focusing on macrostructural measures of volume. Thus, there has been little research on the development of the micron-scale structures (i.e., microstructure) of the hippocampus, which engender its cognitive functions. The current study examined age-related changes of hippocampal microstructure using diffusion MRI data acquired with an ultra-strong gradient (300 mT/m) MRI scanner in a sample of children and adolescents (N=88; 8-19 years). Surface-based hippocampal modelling was combined with established microstructural approaches, such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Neurite Orientation Dispersion Density Imaging (NODDI), and a more advanced gray matter diffusion model Soma And Neurite Density Imaging (SANDI). No significant changes in macrostructural measures (volume, gyrification, and thickness) were found between 8-19 years, while significant changes in microstructure measures related to neurites (from NODDI and SANDI), soma (from SANDI), and mean diffusivity (from DTI) were found. In particular, there was a significant increase across age in neurite MR signal fraction and a significant decrease in extracellular MR signal fraction and mean diffusivity across the hippocampal subfields and long-axis. A significant negative correlation between age and MR apparent soma radius was found in the subiculum and CA1 throughout the anterior and body of the hippocampus. Further surface-based analyses uncovered variability in age-related microstructural changes between the subfields and long-axis, which may reflect ostensible developmental differences along these two axes. Finally, correlation of hippocampal surfaces representing age-related changes of microstructure with maps derived from histology allowed for postulation of the potential underlying microstructure that diffusion changes across age may be capturing. Overall, distinct neurite and soma developmental profiles in the human hippocampus during late childhood and adolescence are reported for the first time.
Discovering uncertainty: Bayesian constitutive artificial neural networks
Authors: Linka Kevin , Holzapfel Gerhard A , Kuhl Ellen
Published: August 2024

Understanding uncertainty is critical, especially when data are sparse and variations are large. Bayesian neural networks offer a powerful strategy to build predictable models from sparse data, and inherently quantify both, aleatoric uncertainties of the data and epistemic uncertainties of the model. Yet, classical Bayesian neural networks ignore the fundamental laws of physics, they are non-interpretable, and their parameters have no physical meaning. Here we integrate concepts of Bayesian learning and constitutive neural networks to discover interpretable models, parameters, and uncertainties that best explain soft matter systems. Instead of training an individual constitutive neural network and learning point values of the network weights, we train an ensemble of networks and learn probability distributions of the weights, along with their means, standard deviations, and credible intervals. We use variational Bayesian inference and adopt an efficient backpropagation-compatible algorithm that approximates the true probability distributions by simpler distributions and minimizes their divergence through variational learning. When trained on synthetic data, our Bayesian constitutive neural network successfully rediscovers the initial model, even in the presence of noise, and robustly discovers uncertainties, even from incomplete data. When trained on real data from healthy and aneurysmal human arteries, our network discovers a model with more stretch stiffening, more anisotropy, and more uncertainty for diseased than for healthy arteries. Our results demonstrate that Bayesian constitutive neural networks can successfully discriminate between healthy and diseased arteries, robustly discover interpretable models and parameters for both, and efficiently quantify uncertainties in model discovery. We anticipate our approach to generalize to other soft biomedical systems for which real-world data are rare and inter-personal variations are large. Ultimately, our calculated uncertainties will help enhance model robustness, promote personalized predictions, enable informed decision-making, and build confidence in automated model discovery and simulation.

Our source code, data, and examples are available athttps://github.com/LivingMatterLab/CANN.
MicroEcoTools: an R package for comprehensive theoretical microbial ecology analysis
Authors: Neshat Soheil , Santillan Ezequiel , Wuertz Stefan
Published: August 2024

Ecological theory aids in understanding how disturbances affect ecosystems. However, experimental data are often complex, with multiple post-disturbance theories potentially applying simultaneously to the same ecosystem. This emphasizes the need for tools to experimentally test these theoretical predictions. We introduce MicroEcoTools, an R package designed to test ecological framework predictions using microbial community data. It assesses microbial diversity and evaluates the relative impacts of stochastic and deterministic assembly mechanisms through a taxa-based null model approach for replicated designs. Specifically, the package allows application of Grime's trait-based life-history categories-competitor, stress-tolerant, and ruderal (CSR)-to taxa, functional traits, and ecosystem functions within microbial communities. MicroEcoTools also includes relevant statistical tests, numeric simulations, and publicly available datasets for demonstration. In conclusion, MicroEcoTools facilitates the application of ecological frameworks, including community assembly mechanisms, diversity analysis, and life-history strategies, to microbial ecosystems under disturbance. This R package, along with its source code, can be freely accessed on GitHub at https://www.github.com/Soheil-A-Neshat/MicroEcoTools.
Selection shapes plant performance in a grassland biodiversity experiment
Authors: De Giorgi Francesca , Durka Walter , Huang Yuanyuan , Schmid Bernhard , Roscher Christiane
Published: August 2024

The increasing strength of positive biodiversity effects on plant community productivity in long-term biodiversity experiments has been shown to be related to mixed responses at species level. However, it is still not well understood if the varying environments in plant communities with different diversity also exert different selection pressures to which plant species respond adaptively or whether their responses are mainly due to phenotypic plasticity.

We conducted a transplant experiment for nine plant species in a 17-year-old grassland biodiversity experiment (Jena Experiment). We used offspring of plantsselectedin communities with different diversity or from plants which did not experience selection in the experiment (naïve). In a Community History Experiment, offspring ofselectedplants were planted in three test environments: their original plant communities with original soil, newly assembled plant communities with original soil, and newly assembled plant communities with new soil. Additionally, in a Selection Experiment we compared the performance ofselectedplants grown in their original environment to the performance ofnaïveplants grown in the same environment.

In all test environments, increasing species richness was on average associated with a decrease in plant individual biomass, reproductive output, relative growth rate, plant height, leaf greenness, and leaf nitrogen (N) concentration and an increase in SLA.

In the Community History Experiment survival was lower, while plant height, SLA, leaf N and C concentrations were highest in the test environment without plant and soil history. In high-diversity communities, individuals produced more biomass, grew taller and had higher leaf greenness in the original environment than in the other test environments.

In the Selection Experimentselectedplants had weaker decline in their biomass, taller stature, and higher leaf C and N concentrations than

naïveplants with increasing species richness.

In both experiments, we found evidences of adaptive phenotypic responses. Specifically, in high-diversity communities,selectedplants showed higher performance in their original environment, largely explained by plant community history and positive plant–soil feedbacks established over time.

Synthesis:Our study highlights the important role of eco-evolutionary feedbacks of species diversity, which affect plant performance over time.
Pumilio differentially binds to mRNA 3’ UTR isoforms to regulate localization of synaptic proteins
Authors: Grzejda Dominika , Heß Anton , Rezansoff Andrew , Gorey Sakshi , Carrasco Judit , Alfonso-Gonzalez Carlos , Tsagkris Stylianos , Neuhaus Lena , Ozbulut Hasan Can , Vögtle Friederike-Nora , Vlachos Andreas , Hilgers Valérie
Published: August 2024

In neuronal cells, the regulation of RNA is crucial for the spatiotemporal control of gene expression, but how the correct localization, levels, and function of synaptic proteins are achieved is not well understood. In this study, we globally investigate the role of alternative 3’ UTRs in regulating RNA localization in the synaptic regions of the Drosophila brain. We identify direct mRNA targets of the translational repressor Pumilio, finding that mRNAs bound by Pumilio encode proteins enriched in synaptosomes. Pumilio differentially binds to RNA isoforms of the same gene, favoring long, neuronal 3’ UTRs. These longer 3’ UTRs tend to remain in the neuronal soma, whereas shorter UTR isoforms localize to the synapse. In culturedpumiliomutant neurons, severe axon outgrowth defects were accompanied by mRNA isoform mislocalization, and proteins encoded by these Pumilio targets displayed excessive abundance at synaptic boutons. Our study identifies an important and widespread mechanism for the spatiotemporal regulation of protein function in neurons.
A c-opsin functions in a ciliary-marginal zone-like stem cell region of an invertebrate camera-type eye
Authors: Milivojev Nadja , Velastegui Gamboa Camila L. , Andreatta Gabriele , Raible Florian , Tessmar-Raible Kristin
Published: August 2024

Camera-type eyes in vertebrates and invertebrates are striking examples of parallel evolution of a complex structure. Comparisons between such structures can help to deduce their organizational principles. We analyzed the camera-type adult eyes of the bristlewormPlatynereis dumerilii. Employing single-cell RNA sequencing, we identified neurogenic cells in the worms’ adult brains. Among those are distinct neural stem cells in its adult eye, adjacent to the glass body/lens, that produce cells in radial lines, reminiscent of stem cells in the vertebrate eye ciliary marginal zone. A subset of these proliferating cells expresses the photoreceptor genec-opsin1.c-opsin1knock-out reduces eye cell proliferation and influences differentiation. During reproductive maturation, proliferation in eye and brain sharply declines, while cells upregulate molecular characteristics of mammalian adult neural stem cell quiescence. Our data reveal new insights into nervous system functional development and evolution.
Dissecting the oncogenic mechanisms of POT1 cancer mutations through deep scanning mutagenesis
Authors: Martin Annika , Schabort Johannes , Bartke-Croughan Rebecca , Tran Stella , Preetham Atul , Lu Robert , Ho Richard , Gao Jianpu , Jenkins Shirin , Boyle John , Ghanim George E. , Jagota Milind , Song Yun S. , Li Hanqin , Hockemeyer Dirk
Published: August 2024

Mutations in the shelterin protein POT1 are associated with diverse cancers, but their role in cancer progression remains unclear. To resolve this, we performed deep scanning mutagenesis in POT1 locally haploid human stem cells to assess the impact of POT1 variants on cellular viability and cancer-associated telomeric phenotypes. Though POT1 is essential, frame-shift mutants are rescued by chemical ATR inhibition, indicating that POT1 is not required for telomere replication or lagging strand synthesis. In contrast, a substantial fraction of clinically-validated pathogenic mutations support normal cellular proliferation, but still drive ATR-dependent telomeric DNA damage signaling and ATR-independent telomere elongation. Moreover, this class of cancer-associated POT1 variants elongates telomeres more rapidly than POT1 frame-shifts, indicating they actively drive oncogenesis and are not simple loss-of-function mutations.
Variation in transformation frequency and competence gene expression among serotype 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Shambhu Smitha , Cella Eleonora , Azarian Taj
Published: August 2024

Background

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a human commensal and the causative agent of pneumococcal disease. Pneumococci are naturally competent – able to uptake exogenous DNA from the environment and incorporate it into their genome through homologous and non- homologous recombination. Recombination has significantly shaped the evolutionary history of S. pneumoniae, as it allows pneumococci to rapidly adapt. Recombination frequencies vary considerably across pneumococcal populations, yet underlying mechanisms for these variations are not well understood. Entry and exit into competence, a state in which the cell can uptake DNA, is tightly regulated through transcriptional changes.

Methods

To elucidate differences in transformation frequency among strains as well as the underlying genetic mechanisms, we carried out in-vitro competence assays and measured gene expression changes during the competent state using RNA sequencing of representative strains belonging to Serotype 3 clonal complex (CC) 180 and a non-CC180 comparison.

Results

We observed consistent differences in transformation frequencies among groups, which correlated with variation in differentially expressed genes during competence. While all strains exhibited a similar response to competence stimulating peptide (CSP) for early competence genes, we observed variation in expression of late competence genes, which encode the DNA uptake apparatus, DNA repair and recombination proteins. We also observed differences in expression of genes linked to bacteriocin production, which may partially explain observed population-level differences. Further genomic analysis suggests variation in promoter sequences governing late competence genes may be slowing transition from early to late components of the competence pathway.

Conclusions

We show that there is considerable variation in competence even among closely related strains belonging to the same CC and that this variation may be the result of subtle genomic differences. Additional studies are needed to assess the phenotypic impact of genomic variations.
Online movements reflect ongoing deliberation
Authors: Calalo Jan A. , Ngo Truc T. , Sullivan Seth R. , Strand Katy , Buggeln John H. , Lokesh Rakshith , Roth Adam M. , Carter Michael J. , Kurtzer Isaac L. , Cashaback Joshua G.A.
Published: August 2024

From navigating a crowded hallway to skiing down a treacherous hill, humans are constantly making decisions while moving. Insightful past work has provided a glimpse of decision deliberation at the moment of movement onset. Yet it is unknown whether ongoing deliberation can be expressed during movement, following movement onset and prior to any decision. Here we tested the idea that an ongoing deliberation continually influences motor processes—prior to a decision—directing online movements. Over three experiments, we manipulated evidence to influence deliberation during movement. The deliberation process was manipulated by having participants observe evidence in the form of tokens that moved into a left or right target. Supporting our hypothesis we found that lateral hand movements reflected deliberation, prior to a decision. We also found that a deliberation urgency signal, which more heavily weighs later evidence, was fundamental to predicting decisions and explains past movement behaviour in a new light. Our paradigm promotes the expression of ongoing deliberation through movement, providing a powerful new window into understanding the interplay between decision and action.
Removal of developmentally regulated microexons has a minimal impact on larval zebrafish brain morphology and function
Authors: Calhoun Caleb C.S. , Capps Mary E.S. , Muya Kristie , Gannaway William C. , Martina Verdion , Conklin Claire L. , Klein Morgan C. , Webster Jhodi M. , Torija-Olson Emma G. , Thyme Summer B.
Published: August 2024

Microexon splicing is a vertebrate-conserved process through which small, often in-frame, exons are differentially included during brain development and across neuron types. Although the protein sequences encoded by these exons are highly conserved and can mediate interactions, the neurobiological functions of only a small number have been characterized. To establish a more generalized understanding of their roles in brain development, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to remove 45 microexons in zebrafish and assessed larval brain activity, morphology, and behavior. Most mutants had minimal or no phenotypes at this developmental stage. Among previously studied microexons, we uncovered baseline and stimulus-driven phenotypes for two microexons (meA and meB) inptprdand reduced activity in the telencephalon in thetenm3B0isoform. Although mild, neural phenotypes were discovered for several microexons that have not been previously characterized, including inppp6r3, sptan1, dop1a, rapgef2, dctn4, vti1a, andmeaf6. This study establishes a general approach for investigating conserved alternative splicing events and prioritizes microexons for downstream analysis.
Bacterial cross-feeding can promote gene retention by lowering gene expression costs
Authors: Chuang Ying-Chih , Behringer Megan G. , Patton Gillian , Bird Jordan T. , Love Crystal E. , Dalia Ankur , McKinlay James B.
Published: August 2024

Gene loss is expected in microbial communities when the benefit of obtaining a biosynthetic precursor from a neighbor via cross-feeding outweighs the cost of retaining a biosynthetic gene. However, gene cost primarily comes from expression, and many biosynthetic genes are only expressed when needed. Thus, one can conversely expect cross-feeding to repress biosynthetic gene expression and promote gene retention by lowering gene cost. Here we examined long-term bacterial cocultures pairingEscherichia coliandRhodopseudomonas palustrisfor evidence of gene loss or retention in response to cross-feeding of non-essential adenine. AlthoughR. palustriscontinued to externalize adenine in long-term cultures,E. colidid not accumulate mutations in purine synthesis genes, even after 700 generations.E. colipurine synthesis gene expression was low in coculture, suggesting that gene repression removed selective pressure for gene loss. In support of this explanation,R. palustrisalso had low transcript levels for iron-scavenging siderophore genes in coculture, likely becauseE. colifacilitated iron acquisition byR. palustris. R. palustrissiderophore gene mutations were correspondingly rare in long-term cocultures but were prevalent in monocultures where transcript levels were high. Our data suggests that cross-feeding does not always drive gene loss, but can instead promote gene retention by repressing costly expression.

Graphical abstract
Feeding a rich diet supplemented with the translation inhibitor cycloheximide decreases lifespan and ovary size in Drosophila
Authors: Hwang Hye Jin , Cox Rachel T.
Published: August 2024

Drosophilaoogenesis has long been an important model for understanding myriad cellular processes controlling development, RNA biology, and patterning. Flies are easily fed drugs to disrupt various molecular pathways. However, this is often done under poor nutrient conditions that adversely affect oogenesis, thus making analysis challenging. Cycloheximide is a widely used compound that binds to and stalls the ribosome, therefore reducing protein synthesis. Since egg production is a highly nutrient-dependent process, we developed a method to feed femaleDrosophilaa rich diet of yeast paste supplemented with cycloheximide to better determine the effect of cycloheximide treatment on oogenesis. We find flies readily consume cycloheximide-supplemented yeast paste. Males and females have reduced lifespans when maintained on cycloheximide, with males exhibiting a dose-dependent decrease. While females did not exhibit decreased egg-laying, their ovaries were smaller and the number of progeny reduced, indicating substandard egg quality. Finally, females fed cycloheximide have disrupted oogenesis, with smaller ovaries, missing ovariole stages, and an increase in apoptotic follicles. Together, these data support that reduced protein synthesis adversely affects oogenesis with a rich diet that provides optimal nutrient conditions. In addition, this method could be used more broadly to test the effect of other drugs onDrosophilaoogenesis without the confounding effects caused by poor nutrition.
A single-molecule nanopore sequencing platform
Authors: Zhang Jia-Yuan , Zhang Yuning , Wang Lele , Guo Fei , Yun Quanxin , Zeng Tao , Yan Xu , Yu Lei , Cheng Lei , Wu Wei , Shi Xiao , Chen Junyi , Sun Yuhui , Yang Jingnan , Guo Rongrong , Zhang Xianda , Kong Liu’er , Wang Zong’an , Yao Junlei , Tan Yangsheng , Shi Liuxin , Zhao Zhentao , Feng Zhongwang , Yu Xiaopeng , Li Chuang , Zhan Wu , Ren Yulin , Yang Fan , Liu Zhenjun , Fan Guangnan , Zhong Weilian , Li Dachang , He Lei , Qi Yanwei , Zhang Meng , Zhu Yening , Chi Heng , Zhao Ziyu , Wei Zhuofang , Song Ziqi , Ju Yanmei , Guo Ruijin , Xiao Liang , Lin Xiumei , Chen Liang , Yang Chentao , Li Qiye , Wang Ou , Jin Xin , Ni Ming , Zhang Wenwei , Liu Longqi , Gu Ying , Wang Jian , Li Yuxiang , Xu Xun , Dong Yuliang
Published: August 2024

Nanopore sequencing, a third-generation sequencing technology, has revolutionized the gene sequencing industry with its advantages of long reads, fast speed, real-time sequencing and analysis, and potential in detecting base modifications. This technology allows researchers to sequence longer DNA fragments in a single read, providing more comprehensive genomic information compared to previous methods. Nanopore sequencing operates on electrical signals generated by a nanopore embedded in a membrane separating two electrolyte-filled chambers. When single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) passes through the nanopore, it creates variations in the current that correspond to different DNA bases. By analyzing these current fluctuations with machine learning algorithms, the DNA sequence can be determined. In this study, we introduced several improvements to nanopore sequencing, including nanopore local chemistry sequencing, novel motor and pore proteins, chip design, and basecalling algorithms. Our new nanopore sequencing platform, CycloneSEQ, demonstrated long-duration sequencing (107 hours) on a single chip with high yield (>50 Gb). In human genomic DNA sequencing, CycloneSEQ was able to produce long reads with N50 33.6 kb and modal identity 97.0%. Preliminary findings on human whole-genomede novoassembly, variant calling, metagenomics sequencing, and single-cell RNA sequencing have further highlighted CycloneSEQ’s potential across different areas of genomics.
Dynamins combine mechano-constriction and membrane remodeling to enable two-step mitochondrial fission via a ‘snap-through’ instability
Authors: Alimohamadi Haleh , Luo Elizabeth Wei-Chia , Yang Rena , Gupta Shivam , Nolden Kelsey A , Mandal Taraknath , Hill R. Blake , Wong Gerard C. L.
Published: August 2024

Mitochondrial fission is controlled by dynamin proteins, the dysregulation of which is correlated with diverse diseases. Fission dynamins are GTP hydrolysis-driven mechanoenzymes that self-oligomerize into helical structures that constrict membrane to achieve fission, but details are not well understood. However, dynamins can also remodel membranes by inducing negative Gaussian curvature, the type of curvature required for completion of fission. Here, we examine how these drastically different mechanisms synergistically exert their influences on a membrane, via a mechanical model calibrated with small-angle X-ray scattering structural data. We find that free dynamin can trigger a “snap-through instability” that enforces a shape transition from an oligomer-confined cylindrical membrane to a drastically narrower catenoid-shaped neck within the spontaneous hemi-fission regime, in a manner that depends critically on the length of the confined tube. These results indicate how the combination of dynamin assembly, and paradoxically disassembly, can lead to diverse pathways to scission.

Teaser

Dynamin mechano-constriction by assembly and curvature-driven instability by free monomers synergistically drive mitochondrial fission.
Genetic heterogeneity induces nonadditive behavioural changes inDrosophila
Authors: Okuyama Takahira , Sato Daiki X. , Takahashi Yuma
Published: August 2024

The formation and dynamics of group behaviours are important topics in ecology and evolution. Although several theoretical studies assume homogeneity among individuals, real-world organisms often display remarkable behavioural diversity within groups. This study investigated the synergistic impact of genetic heterogeneity on group behaviour and reveals the behavioural underpinnings of diversity effects using 83 genetically distinct strains ofDrosophila melanogaster. Various indices of foraging behaviour, including movement speed, search comprehensiveness, spatial preference and stopping time, were measured using homogeneous (single strain) and heterogeneous (mixing two distinct strains) groups of flies. The heterogeneous groups exhibited significant increases in spatial preference and stopping time compared with the homogeneous groups, suggesting that genetic heterogeneity induces nonadditive changes in group behaviour. Furthermore, the magnitude and direction of the behavioural change varied among different combinations. Multiple regression analysis showed that the phenotypic distance in some traits between mixed strains could explain the emergence of diversity effects on group behaviour. Specifically, interindividual heterogeneity in the locomotor activity level showed a positive correlation with diversity effects. These results emphasise the importance of intraspecific diversity in group dynamics and suggest that genetic heterogeneity can improve group performance through the acquisition of novel behavioural traits.
Rational homotopy type of projectivization of the tangent bundle of certain spaces
Authors: Gastinzi Jean Baptiste , Ndlovu Meshach
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to determine the rational homotopy type of the total space of projectivized bundles over complex projective spaces using Sullivan minimal models, providing insights into the algebraic structure of these spaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises techniques from Sullivan’s theory of minimal models to analyse the differential graded algebraic structure of projectivized bundles. It employs algebraic methods to compute the Sullivan minimal model of P(E) and establish relationships with the base space.

Findings

The paper determines the rational homotopy type of projectivized bundles over complex projective spaces. Of great interest is how the Chern classes of the fibre space and base space, play a critical role in determining the Sullivan model of P(E). We also provide the homogeneous space of P(E) when n = 2. Finally, we prove the formality of P(E) over a homogeneous space of equal rank.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations may include the complexity of computing minimal models for higher-dimensional bundles.

Practical implications

Understanding the rational homotopy type of projectivized bundles facilitates computations in algebraic topology and differential geometry, potentially aiding in applications such as topological data analysis and geometric modelling.

Social implications

While the direct social impact may be indirect, advancements in algebraic topology contribute to broader mathematical knowledge, which can underpin developments in science, engineering, and technology with societal benefits.

Originality/value

The paper’s originality lies in its application of Sullivan minimal models to determine the rational homotopy type of projectivized bundles over complex projective spaces, offering valuable insights into the algebraic structure of these spaces and their associated complex vector bundles.
Trade and energy efficiency: theory and evidence
Authors: Huang Geng , Lin Xi , He Ling-Yun
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Some existing studies have begun to discuss how trade will change the environment from a country or province perspective. However, so far, only a limited number of studies have provided evidence at the product level. This study aims to investigate the environmental impacts of trade at the product level.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of importing intermediates and capital inputs on energy performance are examined using theoretical analysis. Empirical analyses are conducted using data on product trade, and the effects of importing intermediate inputs and capital inputs on energy efficiency are identified using a Propensity Score Matching-Difference in Difference (PSM-DID) estimation.

Findings

The results demonstrate that importing intermediates and capital inputs effectively enhance energy efficiency. Importing these inputs from foreign markets leads to increased productivity and ultimately improves energy performance.

Originality/value

This research provides new evidence on the relationship between importing and energy use at the product trade level. It offers insights into enterprise behaviors regarding importing intermediates and capital inputs, contributing to a deeper understanding of the environmental effects of trade. Additionally, a micro-theoretical model is developed to examine the impacts of imports on energy efficiency, complementing existing literature with theoretical insights.
Friend or foe in the eyes of the beholder? How and when LMX increases and decreases workplace ostracism
Authors: Ji Yi , Li Fangmin , Lou Waiseng , Liu Haixin , Li Guiquan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to build on social comparison theory to develop a theoretical model of leader–member exchange (LMX) relationship to workplace ostracism through perceived organizational status by coworkers and envy. This study further proposes that warmth and competence may potentially moderate these two indirect effects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tested the hypotheses in a battery manufacturing company located in South China by a survey of 216 employees organized in 55 work teams, using different sources. Additionally, the authors conduct two online vignette experiments to test this study’s mediation, proving the causality.

Findings

The authors found that high-level LMX leads to both envy and perceived organizational status by coworkers, which results in a mixed blessing on workplace ostracism toward the employee with high-level LMX. The focal employee’s warmth and competence moderate these indirect relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The authors use LMX to explore antecedents of workplace ostracism and explain how and when these focal employees suffer workplace ostracism from their coworkers. The authors extend the research on LMX by examining the interpersonal risk of being a focal employee. The authors discover two critical boundary conditions – warmth and competence.

Practical implications

This study suggests that it is important to balance the level of the differential LMX; appropriately endorsing other members is a good way to avoid eliciting envy and opposition. Meanwhile, person-oriented citizenship behaviors such as demonstrations of concern or help may shortly build up an employee’s warm impression on their coworkers.

Originality/value

By discovering the bright and dark sides of LMX, this paper has the potential to advance theories on LMX and workplace ostracism. Therefore, the authors believe the current research will have an important impact on relevant research in the future.
Ethical work climate and organizational citizenship behavior in collectivist culture: does power distance matter?
Authors: Verma Govind Gopi , Ganesh K.N. , Sahishnu M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Drawing from social exchange theory and a collectivist cultural framework, this study explores the relationship between ethical work climate and organizational citizenship behavior, considering power distance as a potential moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used standard scales to obtain data from 244 employees working in various private companies in India. Structural equation modeling was adopted to test the hypotheses using Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS).

Findings

The study results show a significant relationship between ethical climate and organizational citizenship behavior. Ethical work climate influences power distance negatively. However, the results also show that power distance does not serve as a moderator between ethical work climate and organizational citizenship behavior.

Practical implications

Corporate leaders often expect employees to demonstrate organizational citizenship behavior, which is aimed at advancing the organization’s interests and outcomes. This study underscores the necessity for expanding the organizational vision to enhance the ethical work climate. Such an initiative not only promotes improved organizational citizenship behavior but also helps to reduce employees' perceptions of power distance within the organization.

Originality/value

Amid extensive literature rooted in individualistic cultures, our study explores the relationship between ethical work climate and organizational citizenship behavior within a collectivist context. This research uniquely introduces the moderating role of power distance, offering new and distinct insights into this dynamic.
Critical success criteria for construction projects: a systematic literature evaluation
Authors: Kiani Mavi Neda , Brown Kerry , Fulford Richard Glenn , Goh Mark
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Evaluating project success within the construction industry presents challenges due to the unique characteristics of the sector, the complexity of projects, and the involvement of diverse stakeholders. Conducting a bibliometric analysis, this paper aims to unravel the major research themes and methodologies utilised by researchers in studying the critical success criteria for construction projects, as well as extracting these success criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers systematically searched and screened 95 papers from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases. This study conducted research focus parallelship network (RFPN) analysis and keywords co-occurrence network (KCON) analysis using BibExcel and Gephi to cluster the papers, illuminate the relationships among keywords within each cluster, and identify the primary research directions.

Findings

Using the RFPN analysis, this study classified the papers into three distinct clusters: infrastructure and public projects success, risk and knowledge management, and contractors and procurement management. Statistical techniques such as structural equation modelling (SEM) and multi-criteria decision-making methods such as analytic hierarchy process (AHP) have been used to analyse project success in the construction industry.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the intensified demand for streamlined digital interactions and the increasing emphasis on sustainability and safety performance, construction companies are recommended to allocate greater investments toward the automation and digitisation of their products and processes. Prioritising modular construction and embracing transformative technologies alongside data science is crucial for enabling well-informed decision-making, and enhancing project success.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by conducting a quantitative and systematic evaluation of the literature on project success criteria in the construction industry and uncovering key research areas. It addresses the pressing need to understand the complexities of construction projects amidst evolving industry dynamics and emerging disruptions. Moreover, by highlighting the implications of digital innovations and modular construction, this study urges deeper exploration into their impact on project performance and stakeholder satisfaction. This research sets a comprehensive framework for investigating the interplay between project complexity, technological advancements, and sustainable practices in the construction sector, paving the way for strategic advancements in the field.
“What’s in it for me?” – uncovering the individual benefits of inclusive behavior in the Norwegian workplace
Authors: Jensen Larsen Ola Martin , Traavik Laura E.M. , Svendsen Mari
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This article examines how the practice of work inclusion towards vulnerable groups can positively affect individual leaders and co-workers. We specifically examine intrapersonal factors like motivation and commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multiple case design, data is gathered through semi-structured interviews in three private Norwegian organizations. Fifteen interviews were conducted and included leaders and co-workers from each organization. Secondary data, such as internal documents regarding the work inclusion policies, sustainability reports and news articles, were also used to describe different organizational approaches toward work inclusion.

Findings

Work inclusion activities can positively affect leaders’ and co-workers’ commitment and intrinsic motivation.

Originality/value

This article focuses on the individuals who conduct inclusive behavior and how they benefit from practicing inclusion. Exploring the three companies’ different inclusion policies provides insights into how these are associated with different outcomes. The findings indicate that the policy structure and the practice of inclusion can have positive motivational and commitment effects.
Unifoam – embracing discomfort
Authors: Mukhtiar Syed Mohsin Amir , Bhayo Mujeeb U Rehman , Shah Saeed Abbas
Published: August 2024

Learning outcomes

After reading and analyzing the case study, the students will be able to recognize the role of the mega environment in shaping business strategy, explore the challenges and opportunities in a mature industry (Foam), understand the business context of a family-owned firm and assess the implications and recommend managerial strategies.

Case overview/synopsis

In July 2019, Unifoam, a leading foam manufacturer, found itself at a crossroads as the company leadership grappled with diverging vision and future course of action. The newly appointed chief executive, Mr Faraz Khalid Shaikh, had overseen significant investments in expanding production capacity, and the time had come to reap the rewards. However, a series of unexpected events had unfolded, presenting the company with a unique set of challenges. Unifoam relied heavily on imported raw materials from China. Unifoam had high hopes of capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. However, the newly formed government had made significant policy changes regarding currency valuation and borrowing rates. This had increased the company’s working capital cost by 40%. This unexpected development had divided the board on the future direction and had forced the leadership to confront a crucial question: Should they hit the brakes or accelerate their growth strategies? This case study explored into the dynamic interplay between external factors, internal divisions and the family-owned nature of Unifoam. The analysis recognized the influence of the mega environment on the company’s strategy, exploring the challenges and opportunities within the mature foam industry and assessing the implications of conflicting approaches. This case study also offered valuable insights and managerial recommendations to guide the company’s path forward. Through embracing discomfort and confronting strategic dilemmas head-on, Unifoam sought to navigate uncharted waters and emerge as a resilient player in the evolving foam industry.

Complexity academic level

This is suitable for BBA or at the very start of MBA in the strategy courses, mainly business strategy and strategic management, and the case study can be positioned during the initial weeks in the course to provide a quick review of the basic analysis frameworks used in strategic decision-making.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Quality in beans: tracking and tracing coffee through automation and machine learning
Authors: Agnusdei Leonardo , Miglietta Pier Paolo , Agnusdei Giulio Paolo
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world and the global coffee industry is worth over $100bn. However, the industry faces significant sustainability challenges. Developing a quality traceability system to select the coffee beans and to ensure their authentication would result in economic advantages, because it allows for fraud to be avoided and increases consumer confidence.

Design/methodology/approach

Traceability is one of the key elements of sustainability in the coffee sector. The literature reveals that near-infrared (NIR) approaches have a huge potential for gaining rapid information about the origin and properties of coffee beans, without invasive procedures. This study demonstrates the scalability potential of automated methods of manipulation and image acquisition of coffee beans, from experimental scale to industrial lines.

Findings

A solution based on the interaction of a manipulation system, a NIR spectrometer acquisition station integrated with a machine learning infrastructure and a compressed air classifier allows for the automatic separation of coffee beans into different classes of origin.

Originality/value

Apart from traceability, the wide industrialization of this system offers further advantages, including reduced workforce, decreased subjectivity in the evaluation and the acquisition of real-time data for labeling.
Adapting accountants to the AI revolution: university strategies for skill enhancement, job security and competence in accounting
Authors: Mohamed Saad Ahmed Mohamed Ameen
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on accounting jobs and universities implementing AI-focused accounting programs and courses to meet market requirements. By drawing insights from universities implementing AI-focused programs, this research offers a roadmap for educational institutions seeking to prepare accountants for future AI-driven jobs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized the PRISMA guidelines to write this systematic review by studying the five years of relevant literature available on this topic. A thematic analysis was applied to extract data from selected studies to answer the research questions.

Findings

By fostering an environment emphasizing technical knowledge, critical thinking, communication, and innovation, universities can ensure that graduates are well-equipped to thrive in the ever-evolving accounting landscape.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the urgency of adapting accounting education to meet the challenges posed by AI generated job landscape. The research added valuable knowledge on the topic for universities that seek to advance their accounting courses.
Home boundaries: a socio-spatial analysis of Cairo’s housing market. Using justified plan graph (JPG) theory
Authors: Kamal Aya Yasser , Nasreldin Rania
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to define the socio-spatial considerations of apartment users in Cairo, during their decision-making process. It provides a set of socio-spatial guidelines for professional architecture designers that are based on regionalist sociological theories and the evaluation of participant responses. These guidelines can also help users choose better plan configurations or make socially conscious adjustments as formal residential interiors in Egypt are not arranged based on social interaction at home or the cultural specificity of the region. On the other hand, users have little clue about choosing better plan configurations for sustainable social relationships. Moreover, the private housing sector has mostly neglected the social boundaries that traditionally shaped home interiors. This is because the designers focus on physical attributes to satisfy market demand and economic aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

The research reviewed past literature on the impact of different home arrangements relative to inhabitant and social relationships. Simultaneously, preliminary open-ended sorting surveys were undertaken at the Cityscape 2020 exhibition. Based on the results, a comprehensive online survey was developed to map the socio-spatial preferences of users. Finally, a sample of 150 apartment plans was analyzed by using the justified plan graph (JPG) theory to reveal the most common arrangements in the speculative market, measuring unit depth.

Findings

The findings of this study will benefit the following: practitioners, including architects and real estate developers, will be able to learn about end-user preferences and offer better products (residential units). Designers can rely on a reference that visualizes recommended home arrangements in the form of justified graphs. This research will expose the academic theories that currently shape residential plans and those that are overlooked and need to be applied. Academics, on the other hand, will learn about the market, and the extent of the influence of architectural theory.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in the gathering of theoretical recommendations on traditional home arrangements and investigating the preferences of both professionals and laypeople when choosing between apartments. The open-ended study in this research will test its efficiency in the Egyptian context and serve as a reference for future social studies. It highlights the importance of cultural adequacy and how to design homes related to local residents’ natural lifestyle, by doing so, people will be able to overview the options available in the market and how to manipulate their own houses to control or encourage different social interactions.