bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined promoter-capture Hi-C and Hi-C analysis reveals a fine-tuned regulation of 3D chromatin architecture in colorectal cancer
Authors: Saw Ajay Kumar , Madhok Ayush , Bhattacharya Anupam , Nandi Soumyadeep , Galande Sanjeev
Published: November 2022

Hi-C is a widely used method for profiling chromosomal interactions in the 3-dimensional context. Due to limitations on the depth of sequencing, the resolution of most Hi-C datasets is often insufficient for scoring fine-scale interactions. We therefore used promoter-capture Hi-C (PCHi-C) data for mapping these subtle interactions. From multiple colorectal cancer (CRC) studies, we combined PCHi-C with Hi-C datasets to understand the dynamics of chromosomal interactions from cis regulatory elements to topologically associated domain (TAD)-level, enabling detection of fine-scale interactions of disease-associated loci within TADs. Our integrated analyses of PCHi-C and Hi-C datasets from CRC cell lines along with histone modification landscape and transcriptome signatures highlight significant genomic structural instability and their association with tumor-suppressive transcriptional programs. Such analyses also yielded nine dysregulated genes. Transcript profiling revealed a dramatic increase in their expression in CRC cell lines as compared to NT2D1 human embryonic carcinoma cells, supporting the predictions of our bioinformatics analysis. We further report increased occupancy of activation associated histone modifications H3K27ac and H3K4me3 at the promoter regions of the targets analyzed. Our study provides deeper insights into the dynamic 3D genome organization in CRC and identification of affected genes which may serve as potential biomarkers for CRC.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Valence-dependent synaptic plasticity drives approach and avoidance behavior in social context
Authors: Espinosa Pedro , Girard Benoit , Lucchini Mattia , Campanelli Federica , Tiriticco Valentina , Mohrhauer Lucy , Bellone Camilla
Published: November 2022

The nature of social interactions determines engagement or avoidance with conspecifics. Here, we explore the circuit mechanisms that guide approach or avoidance behavior in mice based on the valence of previous social interactions. We identify a novel circuit connecting D1 receptor expressing neurons of the anterior insular cortex (AIC) to D1R expressing neurons of the nucleus accumbens (NAc). These cells become active during social interactions in a valence-dependent manner. Lower frequency patterns encoded appetitive interactions, while aversive interactions led to higher activation. These activity patterns elicited distinct forms of synaptic plasticity in the accumbal target neurons, which were causal for subsequent approach or avoidance behavior. Our results unravel the synaptic mechanisms instructing behavior after the social interaction of opposite valence.
The additive polygenic model with assortative mating and shared parent-offspring environment
Authors: Noûs Camille , Perdry Hervé
Published: November 2022

The consequences of assortative model in the additive polygenic model have been extensively explored by several authors. In this note we extend their results by introducing a correlation between parental and offspring environments.
NSC-derived exosomes enhance therapeutic effects of NSC transplantation on cerebral ischemia in mice
Authors: Zhang Ruolin , Mao Weibing , Niu Lumeng , Bao Wendai , wang Yiqi , Yang Zhihao , Zhu Yasha , Song Haikun , Chen Jincao , Li Guangqiang , Cai Meng , Yuan Zilong , Dong Jiawen , Zhang Min , Xiong Nanxiang , Wei Jun , Dong Zhiqiang
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) has been proved to promote functional rehabilitation of brain lesions including ischemic stroke. However, the therapeutic effects of NSC transplantation is limited by the low survival and differentiation rates of NSCs due to the harsh environment in the brain after ischemic stroke. Here, we employed NSCs derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) together with exosomes extracted from NSCs to treat cerebral ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) in mice. The results showed that NSC-derived exosomes significantly reduced the inflammatory response, alleviated oxidative stress after NSC transplantation, and facilitated NSCs differentiationin vivo. The combination of NSCs with exosomes ameliorated the injury of brain tissue including cerebral infarct, neuronal death and glial scarring, and promoted the motor function recovery. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we analyzed the miRNA profiles of NSC-derived exosomes and the potential downstream genes. Our study provided the rationale for the clinical application of NSC-derived exosomes as a supportive adjuvant for NSC transplantation after stroke.
Compressive sensing of neuronal connectivity maps from subsampled, cell-targeted optogenetic stimulation of a network model
Authors: Navarro Phillip , Oweiss Karim
Published: November 2022

Mapping functional connectivity between neurons is an essential step towards probing the neural computations mediating behavior. The ability to consistently and robustly determine synaptic connectivity maps in large populations of interconnected neurons is a significant challenge in terms of yield, accuracy and experimental time. Here we developed a compressive sensing approach to reconstruct synaptic connectivity maps based on random two photon (2p) cell-targeted optogenetic stimulation and membrane voltage readout of many putative postsynaptic neurons. Using a biophysical network model of interconnected populations of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, we found that the mapping can be achieved with far fewer measurements than the standard pairwise sequential approach. We characterized the recall and precision probabilities as a function of network observability, sparsity, number of neurons stimulated per trial, off-target stimulation, synaptic reliability, propagation latency and network topology. We found that that network sparsity and synaptic reliability were primary determinants of the performance. In particular, in a network with 10% probability of neuronal connectivity, functional connections were recovered with >85% recall and >80% precision in half the trials that would be required for single cell stimulation. Our results suggest a rapid and efficient method to reconstruct functional connectivity of brain networks where sparsity is predominantly present.
Dysfunctional feedback processing in methamphetamine abuser; evidence from neurophysiological and computational analysis
Authors: Ghaderi Sadegh , Amanirad Jamal , Hemami Mohammad , Khosrowabadi Reza
Published: November 2022

Methamphetamine use disorder associated with a dysfunctional neural feedback (reward-punishment) processing system and is considered a public health risk. Although several behavioral, computational, and electrocortical studies have explored feedback processing in other groups of individuals, the precise mechanisms of feedback processing dysfunction in methamphetamine use dependent (MUD) individuals remain unclear. Furthermore, our recent knowledge about the underlying feedback-related connectivity patterns and intertwining latent components of behavior with electrocortical signals in MUDs remained quite poor. The present study intended to fill these gaps by exploring the behavioral and electrocortical responses of abstained MUDs during a feedback-based learning paradigm. As mathematical models revealed, MUDs have less sensitivity to distinguishing optimal options (less sensitivity to options value) and learned less from negative feedback, compared with healthy controls. The MUDs also presented smaller medial-frontal theta (5–8 Hz) oscillations in response to negative feedback (300-550 ms post feedback) while other measures responsible for learning including, feedback-related negativity (FRN), parietal-P300, and a flux originated from medial frontal to lateral prefrontal remained intact for them. Further, in contrast to healthy controls, the observed association between feedback sensitivity and medial-frontal theta activity is eliminated in MUDs. We suggested that these results in MUDs may be due to the adverse effect of methamphetamine on the cortico-striatal dopamine circuit, reflected in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activity as the best candidate region responsible for efficient behavior adjustment. This study unveils the underlying neural mechanism of feedback processing in individuals with methamphetamine use history and could offer individual therapeutic approaches.
Synaptic Connectivity of Sensorimotor Circuits for Vocal Imitation in the Songbird
Authors: Trusel Massimo , Zhao Ziran , Alam Danyal H. , Marks Ethan S. , Ikeda Maaya Z. , Roberts Todd F.
Published: November 2022

Sensorimotor computations for learning and behavior rely on precise patterns of synaptic connectivity. Yet, we typically lack the synaptic wiring diagrams for long-range connections between sensory and motor circuits in the brain. Here we provide the synaptic wiring diagram for sensorimotor circuits involved in learning and production of zebra finch song, a natural and ethologically relevant behavior. We examined the functional synaptic connectivity from the 4 main sensory afferent pathways onto the 3 known classes of projection neurons of the song premotor cortical region HVC. Recordings from hundreds of identified projection neurons reveal rules for monosynaptic connectivity and the existence of polysynaptic ensembles of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal populations in HVC. Circuit tracing further identifies novel connections between HVC’s presynaptic partners. Our results indicate a modular organization of ensemble-like networks for integrating long-range input with local circuits, providing important context for information flow and computations for learned vocal behavior.
Stepwise modifications of transcriptional hubs link pioneer factor activity to a burst of transcription
Authors: Cho Chun-Yi , O’Farrell Patrick H.
Published: November 2022

Eukaryotic transcription begins with the binding of transcription factors (TFs), which promotes the subsequent recruitment of coactivators and pre-initiation complexes. It is commonly assumed that these factors eventually co-reside in a higher-order structure, allowing distantly bound TFs to activate transcription at core promoters. Here we performed live imaging of endogenously tagged proteins, including the pioneer TF Zelda, the coactivator dBrd4, and RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), in earlyDrosophilaembryos. We show that these factors are sequentially and transiently recruited to discrete clusters during activation of non-histone genes. We present evidence that Zelda acts with the acetyltransferase dCBP to nucleate dBrd4 hubs, which then trigger pre-transcriptional clustering of RNAPII; continuous transcriptional elongation then disperses clusters of dBrd4 and RNAPII. Our results suggest that activation of transcription by eukaryotic TFs involves a succession of distinct biochemical complexes that culminate in a self-limiting burst of transcription.
Correction of age-associated defects in dendritic cell functions enables CD4+T cells to eradicate tumors in the elderly
Authors: Zhivaki Dania , Boriello Francesco , Kennedy Stephanie N. , Evavold Charles L. , Bahleda Kristin M. , Chapman Kate L. , Zanoni Ivan , Kagan Jonathan C.
Published: November 2022

Defective host defenses later in life are associated with changes in immune system activity. The means to correct immune defects to ensure immunity in the elderly are undefined. In this study, we found that CD8+T cells, which are necessary for anti-tumor immunity in young mice, are not required to eradicate the same cancers later in life. Rather, CD4+T cells drive anti-tumor immunity in elderly mice. The generation of anti-tumor CD4+T cells requires multiple dendritic cell (DC) activities that are elicited by immune agonists known as hyperactivators, but not by adjuvants that model those used clinically. DC hyperactivators correct age-associated defects in DC migration and T cell co-stimulation while enabling NLRP3 inflammasome activities within living cells. These combined activities enable DCs to induce TH1-skewed T cells that persist into old age and eliminate implantable tumors. These results raise the possibility of correcting age-associated immune defects through DC manipulation.
The locus coeruleus broadcasts prediction errors across the cortex to promote sensorimotor plasticity
Authors: Jordan Rebecca , Keller Georg B.
Published: November 2022

Prediction errors are differences between expected and actual sensory input and are thought to be key computational signals that drive learning related plasticity. One way that prediction errors could drive learning is by activating neuromodulatory systems to gate plasticity. The catecholaminergic locus coeruleus (LC) is a major neuromodulatory system involved in neuronal plasticity in the cortex. Using two-photon calcium imaging in mice exploring a virtual environment, we found that the activity of LC axons in the cortex correlated with the magnitude of unsigned visuomotor prediction errors. LC response profiles were similar in both motor and visual cortical areas, indicating that LC axons broadcast prediction errors throughout the dorsal cortex. While imaging calcium activity in layer 2/3 of the primary visual cortex, we found that optogenetic stimulation of LC axons facilitated learning of a stimulus-specific suppression of visual responses during locomotion. This plasticity – induced by minutes of LC stimulation – recapitulated the effect of visuomotor learning on a scale that is normally observed during visuomotor development across days. We conclude that prediction errors drive LC activity, and that LC activity facilitates sensorimotor plasticity in the cortex, consistent with a role in modulating learning rates.
Vessel wall reinforcement metrics as drought resistance indicators in angiosperm fossil wood assemblages
Authors: Martínez-Cabrera Hugo I. , Estrada-Ruiz Emilio , Castañeda-Posadas Carlos
Published: November 2022

Background

Plant ecologists have developed methods to measure xylem drought resistance but these cannot be used in fossil woods. There is, however, one anatomical trait highly correlated with cavitation resistance: the squared vessel-wall thickness-to-span ratio ((t/b)2h). This metric though, could be in many cases impractical to measure in fossil samples because they often are small and sample sizes are seldom reached.

Questions

are there alternative anatomical metrics that could be used instead of (t/b)2hto infer drought resistance of fossil wood assemblages?

Study site and dates

279 species belonging to 14 extant communities from North and South America. Three fossil wood floras from the Oligocene and Miocene of Mexico.

Methods

We calculated three alternative wall reinforcement metrics to determine their relationship with (t/b)2hand drought resistance. These are based on vessel diameter and vessel wall thickness.

Results

We found that one of the alternative metrics ((t/b)2hydraulic mean) could potentially be used instead of (t/b)2h. The widely measured vessel wall-to-lumen ratio (VWLR), was the closest related to climate, and thus helpful in identifying broad precipitation differences among floras. VWLR and (t/b)2hmight be describing slightly different ecological axes of ecological variation, with the latter associated with investment in support tissue, in addition to water availability alone.

Conclusions

Some of the alternative metrics we explored can be used, in combination with other functional traits, to better describe fossil forest functional strategies.
First superferromagnetic remanence characterization and scan optimization for super-resolution Magnetic Particle Imaging
Authors: Fung K. L. Barry , Colson Caylin , Bryan Jacob , Saayujya Chinmoy , Mokkarala-Lopez Javier , Hartley Allison , Yousuf Khadija , Kuo Renesmee , Lu Yao , Fellows Benjamin D. , Chandrasekharan Prashant , Conolly Steven M.
Published: November 2022

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a sensitive, high contrast tracer modality that images superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs), enabling radiation-free theranostic imaging. MPI resolution is currently limited by scanner and particle constraints. Recent tracers have experimentally shown 10x resolution and signal improvements, with dramatically sharper M-H curves. Experiments suggest that this results from interparticle interactions, conforming to literature definitions of superferromagnetism. We thus call our tracers superferromagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SFMIOs). While SFMIOs provide excellent signal and resolution, they exhibit hysteresis, with non-negligible remanence and coercivity. We provide the first report on MPI scanning with remanence and coercivity, including the first quantitative measurements of SFMIO remanence decay and reformation using a novel multi-echo pulse sequence. We also describe an SNR-optimized pulse sequence for SFMIOs under human electromagnetic safety limitations. The resolution from SFMIOs could enable clinical MPI with 10× reduced scanner selection fields, reducing hardware costs by up to 100×.
The chloroplast ATP synthase redox domain inChlamydomonas reinhardtiiattenuates activity regulation as requirement for heterotrophic metabolism in darkness
Authors: Lebok Lando , Buchert Felix
Published: November 2022

To maintain CO2fixation in the Calvin Benson-Bassham cycle, multi-step regulation of the chloroplast ATP synthase (CF1Fo) is crucial to balance the ATP output of photosynthesis with protection of the apparatus. A well-studied mechanism is thiol modulation; a light/dark regulation through reversible cleavage of a disulfide in the CF1Foγ-subunit. The disulfide hampers ATP synthesis and hydrolysis reactions in dark-adapted CF1Fofrom land plants by increasing the required transmembrane electrochemical proton gradient. Here, we show inChlamydomonas reinhardtiithat algal CF1Fois differently regulated in vivo. A specific hairpin structure in the γ-subunit redox domain disconnects activity regulation from disulfide formation in the dark. Electrochromic shift measurements suggested that the hairpin kept wild type CF1Foactive whereas the enzyme was switched off in algal mutant cells expressing a plant-like hairpin structure. The hairpin segment swap resulted in an elevatedthreshold to activate plant-like CF1Fo, increased by ∼1.4 photosystem (PS) I charge separations. The resulting dark-equilibrateddropped in the mutants by ∼2.7 PSI charge separation equivalents. Photobioreactor experiments showed no phenotypes in autotrophic aerated mutant cultures. In contrast, chlorophyll fluorescence measurements under heterotrophic dark conditions point to a reduced plastoquinone pool in cells with the plant-like CF1Foas the result of bioenergetic bottlenecks. Our results suggest that the lifestyle ofChlamydomonas reinhardtiirequires a specific CF1Fodark regulation that partakes in metabolic coupling between the chloroplast and acetate-fueled mitochondria.

Significance Statement

The microalgaChlamydomonas reinhardtiiexhibits a non-classical thiol modulation of the chloroplast ATP synthase for the sake of metabolic flexibility. The redox switch, although established, was functionally disconnected in vivo thanks to a hairpin segment in the γ-subunit redox domain. Dark enzymatic activity was prevented by replacing the algal hairpin segment with the one from land plants, restoring a classical thiol modulation pattern. Thereby, ATP was saved at the expense of thylakoid membrane energization levels in the dark. However, metabolism was impaired upon silencing dark ATPase activity, indicating that a functional disconnect from the redox switch represents an adaptation to different ecological niches.
Cross-neutralization and viral fitness of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages
Authors: Xia Hongjie , Yeung Jason , Kalveram Birte , Bills Cody J. , Chen John Yun-Chung , Kurhade Chaitanya , Zou Jing , Widen Steven G. , Mann Brian R. , Kondor Rebecca , Davis C. Todd , Zhou Bin , Wentworth David E. , Xie Xuping , Shi Pei-Yong
Published: November 2022

The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages mandates a better understanding of viral replication and cross-neutralization among these sublineages. Here we used K18-hACE2 mice and primary human airway cultures to examine the viral fitness and antigenic relationship among Omicron sublineages. In both K18-hACE2 mice and human airway cultures, Omicron sublineages exhibited a replication order of BA.5 ≥ BA.2 ≥ BA.2.12.1 > BA.1; no difference in body weight loss was observed among different sublineage-infected mice. The BA.1-, BA.2-, BA.2.12.1-, and BA.5-infected mice developed distinguisable cross-neutralizations against Omicron sublineages, but exhibited little neutralizations against the index virus (i.e., USA-WA1/2020) or the Delta variant. Surprisingly, the BA.5-infected mice developed higher neutralization activity against heterologous BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 than that against homologous BA.5; serum neutralizing titers did not always correlate with viral replication levels in infected animals. Our results revealed a distinct antigenic cartography of Omicron sublineages and support the bivalent vaccine approach.
High sensitivity intrinsic optical signal imaging through flexible, low-cost adaptations of an upright microscope
Authors: Vasquez Brenda , Campos Baruc , Cao Ashley , Theint Aye Theint , Zeiger William
Published: November 2022

Intrinsic optical signal imaging (IOSI) is a staple technique in modern neuroscience. Pioneered over thirty years ago, IOSI allows macroscopic mapping of neuronal activity throughout the cortex. The technique has been used to study sensory processing and experience-dependent plasticity, and is often used as an adjunctive procedure to localize cortical areas for subsequent targeting by other imaging or physiology techniques. Despite the ubiquity of IOSI in neuroscience there are few commercially available IOSI systems. As a result, investigators have typically resorted to building their own imaging systems. Over the years, simplified systems built on existing microscope platforms have been proposed. Still, these often require additional, sometimes costly, custom-built hardware, which presents challenges for investigators without significant experience in optics or microscopy design. Here we present a straightforward set of adaptations that can be applied to any standard upright microscope, using readily available, inexpensive, commercial parts for illumination, optics, and signal detection, that enables high sensitivity IOSI. Using these adaptations, we are able to readily map sensory-evoked signals across the somatosensory and visual cortex, including single-whisker barrel cortical activity maps in mice. We show that these IOSI maps are highly reproducible across animals and can be used to study plasticity mechanisms in the somatosensory cortex. We also provide open-source applications to control illumination and analyze raw data to generate activity maps. We anticipate these resources will be particularly useful for neuroscience investigators from broad technical backgrounds looking to add IOSI capabilities to an existing microscope on a budget.
Brand approaches to diversity: a typology and research agenda
Authors: Burgess Amelie , Wilkie Dean Charles Hugh , Dolan Rebecca
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Despite increased emphasis on diversity marketing, much remains unknown about how brands should approach diversity. This paper aims to understand what constitutes a brand’s approach to diversity (BATD), establish a categorisation of such approaches, outline the effects on audience connectedness and establish a future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper draws on critical theory and practical exemplars to present a conceptualisation of BATD.

Findings

Using two determinants, depth of diversity integration and order of entry, it is possible to categorise BATD into four types: transformative, adaptive, passive and performative. Early adoption and greater depth of diversity approaches (i.e. multidimensional to an intersectional representation of identities) provide optimal opportunities for evoking connectedness.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual typological framework for BATD helps delineate how varying levels of diversity depth and order of entry influence audience connectedness. A detailed agenda for further research can guide ongoing diversity research.

Practical implications

Creating a typology reduces complexity and helps marketers recognise the differing components, manifestations and effects of their diversity approach. To increase connectedness and reduce audience scepticism, marketers must seek deeper-level diversity integrations and adopt approaches earlier.

Originality/value

This study offers a novel conceptualisation of BATD by defining it, distinguishing it from related research themes and moving beyond single diversity dimensions and marketing mix elements. Further, audience connectedness is positioned as a critical consequence as it can instigate desirable brand outcomes, benefit those identities represented and promote a more inclusive society.
Exploring whistleblowing intentions of Indian nurses: a qualitative study
Authors: Sachdeva Shikha , Chaudhary Narendra Singh
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Whistleblowing is one of the most imperative instruments to unveil wrongdoing. The purpose of this study is to explore the whys and wherefores of undertaking the act of whistleblowing by Indian nurses. This study also delves into the reasons that would stimulate the nurses' whistleblowing intentions and, on the contrary, the reasons that would keep them silent on encountering any wrongdoing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study incorporates interpretative phenomenological analysis, a qualitative method aiming to provide a detailed examination of the personal lived experiences of the nurses. This technique helps to understand the individual perspective of nurses. It, thus, allows the researchers to generate common themes from the data giving insightful and in-depth knowledge about the same.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that nurses felt a sense of morality and responsibility toward the hospital, which motivated them to raise their voices to the concerned authorities within their organizations before reaching out to external agencies. The other motivators include peer and management support regarding the surety that appropriate action would be taken if reporting is done against the wrongdoer. On the other side, job loss or fear of harassment from peers and supervisors demotivates and discourages them from involving in the act of whistleblowing, especially in cases where they had dependents.

Practical implications

This study implies that hospitals/health-care units should provide an affirmative organizational culture to the nurses through sensitivity training that spreads awareness and a sense of responsibility. Also, setting favourable examples would help nurses gain motivation from the organization's past experiences. Having independent agencies to investigate whistleblowing complaints can be more encouraging than in-house management. Additionally, assurances by the government to protect the interest of the nurses who blow the whistle through anonymous whistleblowing and stringent rules for the job security of whistleblowers need to be aligned.

Originality/value

This study highlights the whistleblowing intention of Indian employees of the health-care sector, that is, nurses, which is the pioneer research work in the Indian context. In India, the profession of nurses is subjugated by females; hence, this study would contribute to the literature by looking at whistleblowing through gender predisposition. As the work of nurses is wholly based on patient advocacy, the ethical dilemma of raising their voices or remaining silent is very natural. This study brings about specific concerns related to the whistleblowing of women nurses and talks about the solutions that can be undertaken to encourage them to engage in the act of whistleblowing.
Performance evaluation models applied to the Brazilian mutual funds market
Authors: Corso Kruk Diogo , Coppe Pimentel Rene
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper analyzes alternative performance evaluation models applied to equity mutual funds under conditional and unconditional approaches in the Brazilian market.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is conducted using CAPM's single factor, Fama–French three and five factors, under their conditional and unconditional versions in a sample of 896 equity mutual funds from 2008 to 2019.

Findings

The results suggest that the use of three- or five-factor models is especially relevant to reduce the effect of market anomalies in performance assessment. Additionally, results show that conditional approaches, adding time-varying alphas and betas with macroeconomic variables, provide higher explanatory power than their unconditional peers.

Originality/value

The results are relevant in the unique economic environment characterized by historically high interest rate and high market volatility.
Retaining talent in the maritime sector by creating a work-family balance logic: implications from women managers navigating work and family
Authors: Vo Linh-Chi , Lavissière Mary C. , Lavissière Alexandre
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper contributes to the social pillar of sustainable supply chain management. It does so by investigating how women managers in the maritime sector handle work-family conflict, thereby acting as institutional entrepreneurs to create a work-family balance logic. The maritime sector is a male-dominated supply chain management environment, which suffers from a talent gap of a lack of women executives. One reason for this problem is work-family balance issues that deter women from staying in the workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors interviewed 35 women working as port managers in different developing countries. The authors analyzed their strategies in coping with the conflict between family and work to create a work-family balance logic.

Findings

The authors found four different types of strategies to handle work-family conflicts. Responses showed that women executives in this sector can be institutional entrepreneurs. Based on the findings, the authors were able to confirm and contribute to the existing model proposed by Silva and Nunes (2021) on sustainable supply chain logic. The authors also provided recommendations for these women as institutional entrepreneurs and for policymakers to retain women talent in the supply chain management.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses on a specific supply chain management sector, which is the maritime sector. It also relies exclusively on interview data.

Practical implications

The authors propose recommendations to develop a work-family balance logic and retain talented women in the supply chain industry based on monitoring equality and supporting their need for a work-family balance, both in the short and long terms.

Originality/value

The authors interviewed women executives in one of the most male dominated sectors. The authors studied their ability to cope with work-family conflicts and identified four ways to create a work-family balance logic. These findings enabled us to show the contribution and limits of women executives as institutional entrepreneurs for work family balance logics in male dominated sectors.
Developing a method for incorporating sustainability into the strategic planning of higher education institutions
Authors: Sanches Francisco Elíseo Fernandes , Souza Junior Marco Antonio Alves de , Massaro Junior Flavio Rubens , Povedano Rafael , Gaio Luiz Eduardo
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Higher education institutions (HEIs) must take on a leadership role in building a sustainable world, given their responsibility for preparing future professionals and leaders worldwide and considering the role they provide to society. To accomplish this goal, HEIs need to holistically embody sustainability in everything they develop. This study aims to help HEIs in this purpose by developing a method to integrate sustainability into the strategic planning process in these institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first stage, the method was developed based on papers selected through a systematic literature review. The proposed method was then applied in a Brazilian HEI to validate and adjust it.

Findings

A method that adopts a participatory process to integrate sustainability into HEIs’ strategic planning was proposed.

Practical implications

This study provides university leaders with a simple and practical method to aid with elaborating on strategic plans for holistic sustainability integration.

Originality/value

This study uniquely applied a framework called “HEIs sustainability action archetypes” as the foundation for selecting sustainable objectives, goals and actions to be integrated into these institutions’ strategic planning.
A design science research methodology for developing an integrated model supplier reduction and grouping parts using GT-based algorithm
Authors: Dehghani Maryam , Akhavan Peyman , Abbasi Morteza
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose a quantitative approach to reduce the number of suppliers in an organization. This method is based on grouping, and different parts are grouped based on the capabilities they need and are allocated to suppliers who have these capabilities. In this regard, an integrated model for supplier reduction and grouping of parts using a group technology-based algorithm is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Design science research methodology was used in this study. The main problem under investigation is a large number of suppliers in an organization’s supply base. The proposed model was used to solve this problem in the electric motor industry.

Findings

The results of implementing the proposed model in the electric motor industry showed that reducing suppliers had a significant effect on reducing cost, increasing information sharing, increasing supplier innovation and technology, enhancing the relationship between buyers and sellers and reducing risks in the production process.

Practical implications

From a managerial point of view, reducing the number of suppliers plays an important role in the company’s overall strategy, and seems to be a prerequisite for building a strong supplier partnership and an effective supply chain, and will have many benefits for the focal company and suppliers.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, grouping and formation of product families have never been performed based on the similarity of the operational capabilities required for producing parts, and it has not been addressed as a solution for reducing suppliers.
Death bells? Branding in the age of smartphones and AI
Authors: Kohli Chiranjeev S. , Ebrahimi Mahdi , Granitz Neil
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Branding has arguably been the most crucial marketing pillar in the twentieth century. It was effective because of existing consumer behavior, which was constrained by the availability of information and customers’ ability to process it, resulting in a reliance on brands. This paper aims to examine the role of branding (and brand loyalty) in the past and how it has been disrupted recently, and makes recommendations for practicing managers to modify how they manage brands proactively.

Design/methodology/approach

This work is based on a review of the latest developments in the theory and practice of branding.

Findings

Today, ready access to smartphones ensures the availability of information tailored to customer needs, directing them in making choices. Improvements in the quality of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven algorithms further simplify customer purchase decisions and reduce search costs – a blow to branding. The data, which forms the foundation for information sought by customers and AI algorithms, continues to increase as more buyers leave their digital footprints, resulting in a virtuous self-precipitating cycle of better decision-making for customers and compromising the influence of brands.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to focus on the implications of changes in the marketplace driven by smartphones and AI on the future of branding.
Family dynamics and relationships in female entrepreneurship: an exploratory study
Authors: Dewitt Sunita , Jafari-Sadeghi Vahid , Sukumar Arun , Aruvanahalli Nagaraju Roopa , Sadraei Razieh , Li Fujia
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Given the recent emergence of China as a dominant economy and internal changes that have led to the encouragement of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial initiatives, this paper explores whether family dynamics and relationships still play an important role in women's decision to become entrepreneurs. It aims to understand whether there has been a shift in family dynamics and decision-making that supports female entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

Given that the purpose of the study is to understand the role of relationships and family dynamics in their career choice, this study has taken a qualitative approach and carried out interviews with fifteen Chinese female entrepreneurs to understand the role of relationships and family dynamics in their career choice.

Findings

The results note that though there are changes in family dynamics that encourage female entrepreneurship, women still find it difficult to choose entrepreneurship as a career and there are unfair expectations that are placed on them. The expectations create undue stress which directly affects their ability to carry out their professional duties. The research suggests that to foster the development of female entrepreneurship, government agencies and local government bodies should provide further access to family support services that can facilitate women's empowerment and foster entrepreneurial thinking without feeling guilty about family commitments or unfair expectations.

Originality/value

Recent studies on women's entrepreneurship have focused on various facets. The role of family dynamics and relationships has long been studied in the context of female entrepreneurship. In emerging economies like China, family dynamics and relationships determine whether women can choose entrepreneurship as a career choice or not. However, there is very limited research on the topic, in the geographical context of China. Hence, this paper is among pioneer research addressing family dynamics in the female entrepreneurship debate in China.
Why do people join pyramid schemes?
Authors: Hock Branislav , Button Mark
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Pyramid schemes create an unusual situation, where the victims might be effectively turned into offenders, as their role is to recruit more victims to the pyramid scheme. This paper aims to investigate the prevalence of pyramid schemes, their modern forms and why people join them.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has developed from a structured literature review carried out as part of a wider study into policing pyramid schemes.

Findings

This paper identifies a range of reasons why people join pyramid schemes. Some of these reasons are “participant dominant”, including the vision of high reward for little work and the attraction to a better lifestyle. Other reasons are “organiser dominant”, including the exploitation of specific groups and high-pressure sales. These findings suggest significant differences in levels of culpability of pyramid schemes victims and perpetrators. This complexity is accompanied by conceptual, regulatory and institutional challenges.

Originality/value

Despite the profound and pervasive impact of pyramid schemes, researchers know very little about why some people participate in pyramid schemes. Limited research is largely American and specific to illegal multi-level marketing schemes. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to provide an overview of a mix of strategies of participants of pyramid schemes to recruit new victims and reasons why people are joining pyramid schemes.
Understanding instructor adoption of social media using the technology acceptance model
Authors: Thanomsing Chulapol , Sharma Priya
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Social media are increasingly being used in teaching and learning in higher education. This paper aims to explore multiple case studies to better understand how instructors decide to incorporate social media into learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative case study used the technology acceptance model (TAM) to explore five instructors' use of social media for teaching and learning, particularly the pedagogical reasons and goals driving their use of social media. Participant interviews, course documentation and social media observation data were collected to answer the research questions.

Findings

Findings suggest that an instructor's social media knowledge and awareness of instructional goals are important for the use of social media in learning. Three pedagogical objectives of the use of social media were found across five participants: collaborative learning, dialog and discussion, and authentic learning.

Originality/value

Previous studies have explored potential pedagogical uses of social media tools, however studies that attempt to understand how and why instructors decide to use particular social media tools are underreported.
Knowing, relating and the absence of conflict: relational leadership processes between hospital boards and chairs of nurse councils
Authors: Verhoeven Arjan , Van de Loo Erik , Marres Henri , Lalleman Pieterbas
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to enhance understanding of the collaboration between chairs of nurse councils (CNCs) and members of executive hospital boards (BM) from a relational leadership perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a qualitative and interpretive methodology. The authors study the daily interactions of BM and CNCs of seven Dutch hospitals through a relational leadership lens. The authors used a combination of observations, interviews and document analysis. The author’s qualitative analysis was used to grasp the process of collaborating between BM and CNCs.

Findings

Knowing each other, relating with and relating to are distinct but intertwined processes that influence the collaboration between BM and CNC. The absence of conflict is also regarded as a finding in this paper. Combined together, they show the importance of a relational process perspective to understand the complexity of collaboration in hospitals.

Originality/value

Collaboration between professional groups in hospitals is becoming more important due to increasing interdependence. This is a consequence of the complexity in organizing qualitative care. Nevertheless, research on the process of collaborating between nurse councils (NCs) and executive hospital boards is scarce. Furthermore, the understanding of the workings of boards, in general, is limited. The relational process perspective and the combination of observations, interviewing and document analysis proved valuable in this study and is underrepresented in leadership research. This process perspective is a valuable addition to skills- and competencies-focused leadership literature.
A closer look at organizational cybersecurity research trending topics and limitations
Authors: Johnston Allen C.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

In identifying both the topics of interest and key limitations of the extant organizational security research, both opportunities for future research as well as some underlying challenges for conducting this research may be revealed.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify the leading organizational cybersecurity research topics of interest and their key limitations, the author conducted a topic modeling analysis of the organizational level studies published in the Association for Information Systems (AIS) senior scholars' “basket of eight journals” (Association for Information Systems, 2022) over the past five years.

Findings

Leading topics include (1) organizational security research concerns governance and strategic level decision-making and their role in shaping organizational security successes and failures, (2) cybercriminals and organizations' ability to monitor and detect them from both within and outside the firm; (3) cost, liability and security negligence, (4) organizations' innovation dispositions for security products and services and (5) organizational breach response efficacy; while key limitations of this study include the following: (1) scholars' ability to propose and assess strategic and operational level threat response recommendations, (2) their understanding how influence is formed and maintained among employees and groups and (3) their measurement instruments and models.

Originality/value

Organizations remained plagued by an ever-emerging set of threats to the security of their digital and informational assets. New threats are regularly discovered and remedies to existing threats are continually proven ineffective against these new threats. Providing an orientation to the current research on organizational security can help advance their security efforts.
Customers' choice of the bank during the Covid-19 pandemic: the moderating effect of different banks in Bangladesh
Authors: Harun Md Ashraf
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The study aims to examine the factors affecting the customers' choice of Bangladeshi banks during the Covid-19 pandemic and the moderating effects of private and public banks on this association.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on explanatory research, where significant factors have been explored to evaluate the customers' perception of private and public banks in Bangladesh. Primary data are accumulated through an online survey from customers who have an account in a private or public bank in Bangladesh during the past four months, where 318 (non-probability convenience sampling) are usable, and secondary data are collected from various sources. Descriptive statistics, multiple and hierarchical multiple regressions have been conducted.

Findings

The results revealed that customers consider safe and secure websites, infrastructural facilities, technological know-how, service, price, time, payment, administrative and psychological factors in choosing Bangladeshi banks during Covid-19. Moreover, the results show that private and public banks have moderated these associations.

Originality/value

During Covid-19, few studies were conducted on Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Ethiopian banking customers, where different factors are significant; however, this study is unique because all factors are significant for Bangladeshi banking customers. The findings will originate the value with several theoretical implications and managerial guidelines.