bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal proteomics reveals the biosynthetic lysosomal membrane protein interactome in neurons
Authors: Li Chun Hei , Kersten Noortje , Özkan Nazmiye , Koppers Max , Post Harm , Altelaar Maarten , Farias Ginny G.
Published: May 2024

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Delivery of biosynthetic lysosomal proteins to lysosomes is crucial to orchestrate proper lysosomal function. However, it remains unknown how the delivery of biosynthetic lysosomal proteins to lysosomes is ensured in neurons, which are highly polarized cells. Here, we developed Protein Origin, Trafficking And Targeting to Organelle Mapping (POTATOMap), by combining trafficking synchronization and proximity-labelling based proteomics, to unravel the trafficking routes and interactome of the biosynthetic lysosomal membrane protein LAMP1 at specified time points. This approach, combined with advanced microscopy, enabled us to identify the neuronal domain-specific trafficking machineries of biosynthetic LAMP1. We revealed a role in replenishing axonal lysosomes, in delivery of newly synthesized axonal synaptic proteins, and interactions with RNA granules to facilitate hitchhiking in the axon. POTATOMap offers a robust approach to map out dynamic biosynthetic protein trafficking and interactome from their origin to destination.
An in vivo CRISPR screen in chick embryos reveals a role for MLLT3 in specification of neural cells from the caudal epiblast
Authors: Libby Ashley RG , Rito Tiago , Radley Arthur , Briscoe James
Published: May 2024

Tissue development relies on the coordinated differentiation of stem cells in dynamically changing environments. The formation of the vertebrate neural tube from stem cells in the caudal lateral epiblast (CLE) is a well characterized example. Despite an understanding of the signalling pathways involved, the gene regulatory mechanisms remain poorly defined. To address this, we developed a multiplexed in vivo CRISPR screening approach in chick embryos targeting genes expressed in the caudal epiblast and neural tube. This revealed a role forMLLT3, a component of the super elongation complex, in the specification of neural fate. Perturbation ofMLLT3disrupted neural tube morphology and reduced neural fate acquisition. Mutant forms of Retinoic Acid Receptor A lacking theMLLT3binding domain similarly reduced neural fate acquisition. Together, these findings validate an in vivo CRISPR screen strategy in chick embryos and identify a previously unreported role forMLLT3in caudal neural tissue specification.
Impaired sleep-dependent memory consolidation predicted by reduced sleep spindles in Rolandic epilepsy
Authors: Kwon Hunki , Chinappen Dhinakaran M. , Kinard Elizabeth A. , Goodman Skyler K. , Huang Jonathan F. , Berja Erin D. , Walsh Katherine G. , Shi Wen , Manoach Dara S. , Kramer Mark A. , Chu Catherine J.
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

Sleep spindles are prominent thalamocortical brain oscillations during sleep that have been mechanistically linked to sleep-dependent memory consolidation in animal models and healthy controls. Sleep spindles are decreased in Rolandic epilepsy and related sleep-activated epileptic encephalopathies. We investigate the relationship between sleep spindle deficits and deficient sleep dependent memory consolidation in children with Rolandic epilepsy.

Methods

In this prospective case-control study, children were trained and tested on a validated probe of memory consolidation, the motor sequence task (MST). Sleep spindles were measured from high-density EEG during a 90-minute nap opportunity between MST training and testing using a validated automated detector.

Results

Twenty-three children with Rolandic epilepsy (14 with resolved disease), and 19 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. Children with active Rolandic epilepsy had decreased memory consolidation compared to control children (p=0.001, mean percentage reduction: 25.7%, 95% CI [10.3, 41.2]%) and compared to children with resolved Rolandic epilepsy (p=0.007, mean percentage reduction: 21.9%, 95% CI [6.2, 37.6]%). Children with active Rolandic epilepsy had decreased sleep spindle rates in the centrotemporal region compared to controls (p=0.008, mean decrease 2.5 spindles/min, 95% CI [0.7, 4.4] spindles/min). Spindle rate positively predicted sleep-dependent memory consolidation (p=0.004, mean MST improvement of 3.9%, 95% CI [1.3, 6.4]%, for each unit increase in spindles per minute).

Discussion

Children with Rolandic epilepsy have a sleep spindle deficit during the active period of disease which predicts deficits in sleep dependent memory consolidation. This finding provides a mechanism and noninvasive biomarker to aid diagnosis and therapeutic discovery for cognitive dysfunction in Rolandic epilepsy and related sleep activated epilepsy syndromes.
High delay discounting relates to core symptoms and to pulvinar atrophy in frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Godefroy Valérie , Durand Anaïs , Levy Richard , Batrancourt Bénédicte , Schmidt Liane , Koban Leonie , Plassmann Hilke
Published: May 2024

Behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by behavioural changes and atrophy in brain regions important for decision-making. Computations such as trading off between larger later (LL) and smaller sooner (SS) rewards — called delay discounting in behavioural economics — might be heavily impaired by bvFTD. In this cross-sectional study, our objectives were to investigate (1) whether bvFTD patients show higher delay discounting than healthy controls, (2) whether this maladaptive discounting correlates with impulsivity-related bvFTD symptoms, and (3) in which brain regions atrophy is related to bvFTD’s steeper discounting. BvFTD patients (N=24) and matched controls (N=18) performed two delay discounting tasks: one with monetary rewards and one with food rewards. We compared discount rates (log(k)) in bvFTD patients and controls and tested their correlations with symptoms. We used participants’ structural MRI data and applied whole-brain mediation analyses to investigate brain structures mediating the effect of bvFTD on delay discounting. For both monetary and food rewards, delay discounting was significantly higher in bvFTD patients than in healthy controls. BvFTD patients’ higher discounting of both money and food was associated with their greater disinhibition and eating behaviour changes. Whole-brain mediation analyses revealed that (1) several brain regions (left thalamic pulvinar, left parahippocampal cortex, right temporal lobe) were predictive of steeper discounting of both money and food and (2) grey matter density in these brain regions, including most prominently the medial pulvinar, mediated the effect of bvFTD on discounting. The impulsive preference for sooner rewards captured by delay discounting might constitute a common mechanism of the behavioural symptoms of inhibition deficit and eating behaviour changes in bvFTD. Future studies could further investigate the potential role of medial pulvinar structural modifications as a transdiagnostic marker and a therapeutic target of impulsivity troubles.
Balancing postural control and motor inhibition during gait initiation
Authors: Fiori Lorenzo , Ramawat Surabhi , Marc Isabel Beatrice , Giuffrida Valentina , Ranavolo Alberto , Draicchio Francesco , Pani Pierpaolo , Ferraina Stefano , Brunamonti Emiliano
Published: May 2024

This study examines the relationship between stopping a planned gait initiation due to sudden environmental changes and maintaining body stability. Using a gait initiation version of the Stop Signal Task (SST), we studied changes in anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) during gait initiation and suppression. We found that trial-level variables, such as the time to start or stop stepping, interacted with biomechanical factors like the center of mass displacement relative to the base of support, affecting performance. A critical biomechanical threshold was identified, beyond which stopping movement was unlikely. These findings highlight the strong link between limb action control and body equilibrium, offering a framework within a motor control paradigm. By integrating biomechanical elements, the model effectively simulates real-life scenarios, identifying key variables for studying neural correlations between action and postural control, and aiding in the development of injury prevention and rehabilitation tools for individuals with movement and posture impairments.
Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of Ninein Alternative Splicing Between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J Mice
Authors: Gnatowski ER , Jurmain JL , Dozmorov M , Wolstenholme JT , Miles MF
Published: May 2024

Ethanol’s anxiolytic actions contribute to increased consumption and the development of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Our laboratory previously identified genetic loci contributing to the anxiolytic-like properties of ethanol in BXD recombinant inbred mice, derived from C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2) progenitor strains. That work identified Ninein (Nin) as a candidate gene underlying ethanol’s acute anxiolytic-like properties in BXD mice.Ninhas a complex exonic content with known alternative splicing events that alter cellular distribution of the NIN protein.Wehypothesize that strain-specific differences inNinalternative splicing contribute to changes inNingene expression and B6/D2 strain differences in ethanol anxiolysis. Using quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR to targetNinalternative splicing, we identified isoform-specific exon expression differences between B6 and D2 mice in prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens and amygdala. We extended this analysis using deep RNA sequencing in B6 and D2 nucleus accumbens samples and thatNinexpression was significantly higher in D2 mice. Furthermore, exon utilization and alternative splicing analyses identified 8 differentially utilized exons and significant exon-skipping events between the strains, including 3 novel splicing events in the 3’ end of theNingene that were specific to the D2 strain. Our studies provide the first in-depth analysis ofNinalternative splicing in brain and identify a potential genetic mechanism alteringNinexpression between B6 and D2 mice, thus contributing to differences in the anxiolytic-like properties of ethanol between these strains. This work contributes to our understanding of genetic differences modulating ethanol actions on anxiety that may contribute to the risk for alcohol use disorder.
Asymmetric stem cell division maintains genetic heterogeneity of tissue cells
Authors: Bener Muhammed Burak , Slepchenko Boris M. , Inaba Mayu
Published: May 2024

Within a given tissue, the stem cell niche provides the microenvironment for stem cells suitable for their self-renewal. Conceptually, the niche space constrains the size of a stem-cell pool, as the cells sharing the niche compete for its space. It has been suggested that either neutral-or non-neutral-competition of stem cells changes the clone dynamics of stem cells. Theoretically, if the rate of asymmetric division is high, the stem cell competition is limited, thus suppressing clonal expansion. However, the effects of asymmetric division on clone dynamics have never been experimentally tested. Here, using theDrosophilagermline stem cell (GSC) system, as a simple model of the in-vivo niche, we examine the effect of division modes (asymmetric or symmetric) on clonal dynamics by combining experimental approaches with mathematical modeling. Our results suggest that the rate of asymmetric division positively correlates with the time a stem cell clone takes to expand. Taken together, our data suggests that asymmetric division is essential for maintaining the genetic variation of stem cells and thus serves as a critical mechanism for safeguarding fertility over the animal age or preventing multiple disorders caused by the clonal expansion of stem cells.
Nucleoporin NUP210L and BAF-paralogue BAF-L together ensure microtubule organization and nuclear integrity in spermatids
Authors: Al Dala Ali Maha , Longepied Guy , Lévy Nicolas , Metzler-Guillemain Catherine , Mitchell Michael J
Published: May 2024

During spermiogenesis, haploid round spermatids differentiate into spermatozoa. This involves nuclear elongation, chromatin compaction, cytoplasm reduction, and formation of the acrosome and the flagellum. These events are orchestrated by cytoskeletal elements - acroplaxome and manchette - that attach to the nuclear envelope (NE) except at the caudal pole where the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) shift to form a dense array. Here, we use a genetic dissection approach to reveal function at the caudal NE, through the study of two spermatid-specific proteins, whose human orthologues persist there as spermatids elongate: NUP210L, a transmembrane nucleoporin and BAF-L, paralogue and interactor of chromatin protein BAF. In mice, inactivation of either BAF-L or NUP210L has no impact on fertility. However, we show here that in mice lacking NUP210L, two copies of BAF-L become essential for fertility; inNup210l−/−,Banf2+/−orNup210l−/−,Banf2−/−mice, most spermatids arrest during nuclear elongation (step 10-11) with mislocalized NPCs and disorganized manchette microtubules that frequently invaginate the nucleus from the caudal pole. Our results suggest that the NPC array, and BAF-L/BAF, ensure nuclear integrity at the caudal pole during spermatid remodeling.

Summary:Nucleoporin NUP210L and BAF-paralogue BAF-L function redundantly during mouse spermatid nuclear remodeling to concentrate nuclear pores to the flagellar pole, organize the manchette cytoskeleton and prevent nuclear invagination by microtubules.
Psilocybin increases optimistic engagement over time: computational modelling of behavior in rats
Authors: Fisher Elizabeth L. , Smith Ryan , Corcoran Andrew W. , Milton Laura K. , Conn Kyna , Hohwy Jakob , Foldi Claire J.
Published: May 2024

Psilocybin has shown promise as a novel pharmacological intervention for treatment of depression, where post-acute effects of psilocybin treatment have been associated with increased positive mood and decreased pessimism. Although psilocybin is proving to be effective in clinical trials for treatment of psychiatric disorders, the information processing mechanisms affected by psilocybin are not well understood. Here, we fit computational models of underlying decision-making mechanisms to behaviour in rats. The model revealed that rats treated with psilocybin achieve more rewards through increased task engagement, mediated by modification of forgetting rates and reduced loss aversion. These findings suggest that psilocybin may afford an optimism bias that arises through altered belief updating, with translational potential for clinical populations characterised by lack of optimism.
Impact of deprivation and preferential usage on functional connectivity between early visual cortex and category selective visual regions
Authors: Fleming Leland L. , Defenderfer Matthew , Demirayak Pinar , Stewart Paul , Decarlo Dawn K. , Visscher Kristina M.
Published: May 2024

Human behavior can be remarkably shaped by experience, such as the removal of sensory input. Many studies of conditions such as stroke, limb amputation, and vision loss have examined how the removal of input changes brain function. However, an important question has yet to be answered: when input is lost, does the brain change its connectivity to preferentially use some remaining inputs over others? In individuals with healthy vision, the central portion of the retina is preferentially used for everyday visual tasks, due to its ability to discriminate fine details. However, when central vision is lost in conditions like macular degeneration, peripheral vision must be relied upon for those everyday tasks, with certain portions receiving “preferential” usage over others. Using resting-state fMRI collected during total darkness, we examined how deprivation and preferential usage influence the intrinsic functional connectivity of sensory cortex by studying individuals with selective vision loss due to late stages of macular degeneration. We found that cortical regions representing spared portions of the peripheral retina, regardless of whether they are preferentially used, exhibit plasticity of intrinsic functional connectivity in macular degeneration. Cortical representations of spared peripheral retinal locations showed stronger connectivity to MT, a region involved in processing motion. These results suggest that long-term loss of central vision can produce widespread effects throughout spared representations in early visual cortex, regardless of whether those representations are preferentially used. These findings support the idea that connections to visual cortex maintain the capacity for change well after critical periods of visual development.

Highlights

Portions of early visual cortex representing central vs. peripheral vision exhibit different patterns of connectivity to category-selective visual regions.

When central vision is lost, cortical representations of peripheral vision display stronger functional connections to MT than central representations.

When central vision is lost, connectivity to regions selective for tasks that involve central vision (FFA and PHA) are not significantly altered.

These effects do not depend on which locations of peripheral vision are used more.
The differential effect of optogenetic serotonergic manipulation on sustained motor actions and stationary waiting for future rewards in mice
Authors: Taira Masakazu , Miyazaki Kayoko W. , Miyazaki Katsuhiko , Chen Jianning , Okitsu-Sakurayama Shiho , Chaudhary Anupama , Nishio Mika , Miyake Tsukasa , Yamanaka Akihiro , Tanaka Kenji F. , Doya Kenji
Published: May 2024

Serotonin is an essential neuromodulator that affects behavioral and cognitive functions. Previous studies have shown that activation of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) promotes patience to wait for future rewards. However, it is still unclear whether serotonergic neurons also regulate persistence to act for future rewards. Here we used optogenetic activation and inhibition of DRN serotonergic neurons to examine their effects on sustained motor actions for future rewards. We trained mice to perform stationary waiting and repeated lever-pressing tasks with variable reward delays and tested effects of optogenetic activation and inhibition of DRN serotonergic neurons on task performance. Interestingly, in the lever-pressing task, mice tolerated longer delays as they repeatedly pressed a lever than in the stationary waiting task, suggesting that lever-pressing actions may not simply be costly, but may also be subjectively rewarding. Optogenetic activation of DRN serotonergic neurons prolonged waiting in the stationary waiting task, consistent with previous studies, but it did not affect lever pressing time or numbers. While optogenetic inhibition decreased waiting, it did not affect lever pressing time or numbers. In generalized linear model analysis that incorporated the time during each session and the number of sessions, however, optogenetic activation negatively affected the number and the speed of lever pressing. These results revealed that the necessity of motor actions may increase motivation for delayed rewards and that DRN serotonergic neurons more significantly promote stationary waiting rather than persistent motor actions for future rewards.
Electrophysiological correlates of visual memory search
Authors: Williams Lauren H. , Wiegand Iris , Lavelle Mark , Wolfe Jeremy M. , Fukuda Keisuke , Peelen Marius V. , Drew Trafton
Published: May 2024

In everyday life, we frequently engage in ‘hybrid’ search, where we look for multiple items stored in memory (e.g., a mental shopping list) in our visual environment. Across three experiments, we used event-related potentials to better understand the contributions of visual working memory (VWM) and long-term memory (LTM) during the memory search component of hybrid search. Experiments 1 and 2 demonstrated that the FN400 – an index of LTM recognition – and the CDA – an index of VWM – increased with memory set size (target load), suggesting that both VWM and LTM are involved in memory search, even when memory load exceeds capacity limitations of VWM. In Experiment 3, we used these electrophysiological indices to test how categorical similarity of targets and distractors affects memory search. The CDA and FN400 were modulated by memory set size only if items resembled targets. This suggests that dissimilar distractor items can be rejected before eliciting a memory search. Together, our findings demonstrate the interplay of VWM and LTM processes during memory search for multiple targets.
Optokinetic response inD. Melanogasterreveals the nature of common repellent odorants
Authors: Menti Giulio Maria , Bruzzone Matteo , Zordan Mauro Agostino , Visentin Patrizia , Drago Andrea , Dal Maschio Marco , Megighian Aram
Published: May 2024

Animals’ ability to orient and navigate relies on selecting an appropriate motor response based on the perception and integration of the environmental information. This is the case, for instance, of the optokinetic response (OKR) inDrosophila melanogaster, where optic flow visual stimulation modulates the walking or flying patterns. Despite a large body of literature on the OKR, there’s still a limited understanding of the impact on OKR of concomitant, potentially conflicting, inputs. To evaluate the impact of this multimodal integration, we combined inD. melanogaster, while flying in a tethered condition, the optic flow stimulation leading to OKR with the simultaneous presentation of olfactory cues, based on repellent or masking compounds typically used against noxious insect species.

First, this approach al lowed us to directly quantify the effect of several substances and their concentration, on the dynamics of the flies’ OKR in response to moving gratings by evaluating the number of saccades and the velocity of its slow phase. Subsequently, this analysis was capable of easily revealing the actual effect, i.e. masking vs repellent, of the compound tested. In conclusion, we show thatD. melanogaster, a cost-affordable species, represents a viable option for studying the effects of several compounds on the navigational abilities of insects.
Valence ambiguity dynamically shapes striatal dopamine heterogeneity
Authors: Bornhoft Kaisa N. , Prohofsky Julianna , O’Neal Timothy J. , Wolff Amy R. , Saunders Benjamin T.
Published: May 2024

Adaptive decision making relies on dynamic updating of learned associations where environmental cues come to predict positive and negatively valenced stimuli, such as food or threat. Flexible cue-guided behaviors depend on a network of brain systems, including dopamine signaling in the striatum, which is critical for learning and maintenance of conditioned behaviors. Critically, it remains unclear how dopamine signaling encodes multi-valent, dynamic learning contexts, where positive and negative associations must be rapidly disambiguated. To understand this, we employed a Pavlovian discrimination paradigm, where cues predicting positive and negative outcomes were intermingled during conditioning sessions, and their meaning was serially reversed across training. We found that rats readily distinguished these cues, and updated their behavior rapidly upon valence reversal. Using fiber photometry, we recorded dopamine signaling in three major striatal subregions −,the dorsolateral striatum (DLS), the nucleus accumbens core, and the nucleus accumbens medial shell - and found heterogeneous responses to positive and negative conditioned cues and their predicted outcomes. Valence ambiguity introduced by cue reversal reshaped striatal dopamine on different timelines: nucleus accumbens core and shell signals updated more readily than those in the DLS. Together, these results suggest that striatal dopamine flexibly encodes multi-valent learning contexts, and these signals are dynamically modulated by changing contingencies to resolve ambiguity about the meaning of environmental cues.
Saccades Influence Functional Modularity in the Human Cortical Vision Network
Authors: Tomou G. , Baltaretu B. , Ghaderi A. , Crawford J. D.
Published: May 2024

Visual cortex is thought to show both dorsoventral and hemispheric modularity, but it is not known if the same functional modules emerge spontaneously from an unsupervised network analysis, or how they interact when saccades necessitate increased sharing of spatial information. Here, we address these issues by applying graph theory analysis to fMRI data obtained while human participants decided whether an object’s shape or orientation changed, with or without an intervening saccade across the object. BOLD activation from 50 vision-related cortical nodes was used to identify local and global network properties. Modularity analysis revealed three sub-networks during fixation: a bilateral parietofrontal network linking areas implicated in visuospatial processing and two lateralized occipitotemporal networks linking areas implicated in object feature processing. When horizontal saccades required visual comparisons between visual hemifields, functional interconnectivity and information transfer increased, and the two lateralized ventral modules became functionally integrated into a single bilateral sub-network. This network included ‘between module’ connectivity hubs in lateral intraparietal cortex and dorsomedial occipital areas previously implicated in transsaccadic integration. These results provide support for functional modularity in the visual system and show that the hemispheric sub-networks are modified and functionally integrated during saccades.
Crystal structure of a three-coordinate lithium complex with monodentate phenyloxazoline and hexamethyldisilylamide ligands
Authors: Carneiro Neto José Severiano , Iwaya Eduardo Mariano , Santana Francielli Sousa , Soares Jaísa Fernandes
Published: May 2024

The reaction of lithium hexamethyldisilylamide, [Li{N(Si(CH3)3)2}] (LiHMDS), with 4,4-dimethyl-2-phenyl-2-oxazoline (Phox, C11H13NO) in hexane produced colourless crystals of bis(4,4-dimethyl-2-phenyl-2-oxazoline-κN)(hexamethyldisilylamido-κN)lithium, [Li(C6H18NSi2)(C11H13NO)2] or [Li{N(Si(CH3)3)2}(Phox)2] in high yield (89%). Despite the 1:1 proportion of the starting materials in the reaction mixture, the product formed with a 1:2 amide:oxazoline ratio. In the unit cell of the C2/c space group, the neutral molecules lie on twofold rotation axes coinciding with the Li—N(amide) bonds. The lithium(I) centre adopts a trigonal–planar coordination geometry with three nitrogen donor atoms, one from the HMDS anion and two from the oxazolines. All ligands are monodentate. In the phenyloxazoline units, the dihedral angle defined by the five-membered heterocyclic rings is 35.81 (5)°, while the phenyl substituents are approximately face-to-face, separated by 3.908 (5) Å. In the amide, the methyl groups assume a nearly eclipsed arrangement to minimize steric repulsion with the analogous substituents on the oxazoline rings. The non-covalent interactions in the solid-state structure of [Li{N(Si(CH3)3)2}(Phox)2] were assessed by Hirshfeld surface analysis and fingerprint plots. This new compound is attractive for catalysis due to its unique structural features.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 1-[3-(2-oxo-3-phenyl-1,2-dihydroquinoxalin-1-yl)propyl]-3-phenyl-1,2-dihydroquinoxalin-2-one
Authors: Abad Nadeem , Mague Joel T. , Alsubari Abdulsalam , Essassi El Mokhtar , Alzahrani Abdullah Yahya Abdullah , Ramli Youssef
Published: May 2024

In the title compound, C31H24N4O2, the dihydroquinoxaline units are both essentially planar with the dihedral angle between their mean planes being 64.82 (4)°. The attached phenyl rings differ significantly in their rotational orientations with respect to the dihydroquinoxaline planes. In the crystal, one set of C—H...O hydrogen bonds form chains along the b-axis direction, which are connected in pairs by a second set of C—H...O hydrogen bonds. Two sets of π-stacking interactions and C—H...π(ring) interactions join the double chains into the final three-dimensional structure.
Corrosion resistance of a superhydrophobic polypropylene coating on magnesium alloy AZ31
Authors: Zhang Shengjian , Li Min , Li Baoyi , Zhao Hansen , Wang Feng
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys, the construction of protective coatings is necessary to extend the service life of Mg-based materials.

Design/methodology/approach

SiO2 nanoparticles modified by dodecyltrimethoxysilane (DTMS) were added to the PP and a superhydrophobic Mg(OH)2/PP-60mSiO2 composite coating was fabricated on the surface of AZ31 magnesium alloy via the hydrothermal method and subsequently the immersion treatment.

Findings

Hydrophilic SiO2 nanoparticles become hydrophobic after modified by DTMS, showing a higher dispersibility in xylene. By incorporating modified SiO2 nanoparticles into the composite PP coating, the hydrophobicity of the layer was enhanced, resulting in a contact angle of 166.3° and a sliding angle of 3.4°. It also improved the water repellency and durability of the coating. Furthermore, the intermediate layer of Mg(OH)2 significantly strengthened the bond between the PP layer and the substrate. The Mg(OH)2/PP-60mSiO2 composite coating significantly enhances the corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloy by effectively blocking the infiltration of the corrosion anions during corrosion. The corrosion current density of the Mg(OH)2/PP-60mSiO2 composite coating is approximately 8.23 × 10–9 A·cm-2, which can achieve a magnitude three times lower than its substrate, making it a promising surface modification for the Mg alloy.

Originality/value

The composite coating effectively and durably enhances the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys.
Decoding Amazon’s innovation and partnerships in the Vendor Flex: meaningful alliances or imbalanced governance dynamics?
Authors: Morales-Alonso Gustavo , La Bella Alister , Levialdi Nathan Ghiron , Hidalgo Antonio
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This research delves into a comprehensive examination of Amazon’s Vendor Flex (VF) model, seeking to illuminate the intricacies of supply chain innovation through alliances between Amazon and its suppliers. Employing a multiple case study methodology, the study investigates the reduction of transaction costs, the establishment of strategic alliances for supply chain innovation and governance issues within these alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study methodology, incorporating personal interviews and triangulation with primary sources, was employed to unravel the dynamics of the VF model.

Findings

Results indicate that the VF model aligns with the reduction of transaction costs by leveraging Amazon’s specialized knowledge, although not necessarily through direct knowledge sharing. Amazon suppliers highlight competitive advantages gained through VF, showcasing efficient navigation of peak seasons and a focus on core activities with online retailing integration. The VF alliance represents a collaborative model where Amazon’s technological prowess enables a streamlined and innovative supply chain for online retailing, which resembles a vertical integration process.

Originality/value

This research underscores the potential of strategic alliances to drive innovation by incorporating industry-leading practices. The governance issues within the VF alliance reveal power imbalances, emphasizing the need for managers to govern dynamics, disclose information and build trust in large-scale alliances.
Social purpose branding approaches: a typology of how brands engage with a social purpose
Authors: Gray Harriet , Dolan Rebecca , Wilkie Dean Charles Hugh , Conduit Jodie , Burgess Amelie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

As brands progressively become instruments for consumers to advocate for social change, many feel pressure to engage in social purpose branding (SPB) through addressing social issues. In a rush to remain socially relevant, brands have approached SPB differently; some genuinely intend to advance the social issue, while some intend to capitalise on social movements to mobilise the brand. This paper aims to explain these differences by theoretically outlining various approaches to SPB.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed method paper draws on theory, interviews with marketing practitioners, and practical exemplars to present a typology of SPB approaches. 

Findings

Using institutional logics theory, SPB is categorised into four approaches: social purpose-driving, social purpose-driven, social purpose-aligning and social purpose-washing.

Research limitations/implications

The typological framework for SPB advances this domain to outline effective and ineffective ways for brands to engage with social issues. A detailed agenda for further research is provided to guide ongoing SPB research. 

Practical implications

The typology presented reduces complexity and helps marketers understand the different approaches to engaging with a social issue. Given the growing intertwinement of brands and social issues, this research is essential for brands seeking to advance a social issue and remain relevant.

Originality/value

This paper offers a novel conceptualisation of SPB by defining it, identifying a framework of its characteristics, and detailing four SPB approaches.
Entrepreneurship, subjective risk intelligence and SMEs’ financial stability: evidence from Italy
Authors: Fasone Vincenzo , Pedrini Giulio , Puglisi Mariano
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper applies an original construct of “subjective risk intelligence (SRI)” to the small business context. By leveraging on its multidimensionality, it aims to shed light on the existing ambiguities in the analysis of the relationship between the entrepreneurial attitude towards risk evaluation and firms’ financial stability.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical investigation refers to the Italian context, where an ad hoc survey has been administered to a sample of small businesses. Based on both a linear and a semiparametric regression, results show a significant relationship between SRI and firm’s financial structure, and that such relationship is basically nonlinear.

Findings

Evidence shows that entrepreneurs with a high level of risk intelligence run highly leveraged firms. Moreover, in the light of the non-linearity of such relationship, higher levels of risk intelligence are associated with a greater capacity of the entrepreneur to govern the financial balance of the enterprise only up to a certain threshold. Over this threshold, risk intelligence generates overconfidence leading the entrepreneur to a reckless behaviour in taking financial risks.

Originality/value

From a theoretical point of view, the paper contributes to the literature by shedding lights on the complexity of the relationship between risk intelligence and small businesses. From a policy point of view, findings suggest that, to train new entrepreneurs, the educational system aims should focus on the development of two specific “soft skills”: the ability to manage emotions and the ability to glimpse opportunities even in uncertain situations.
Private label partnerships with retailers: a risk or opportunity for producers?
Authors: Beacom Emma , Bergin Annmarie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study identifies benefits and challenges of PL partnerships, and recommendations to improve the PL partnership process.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data was collected via semi-structured interviews (n = 8) with Irish PL retail buyers (n = 4) and producers (n = 4). Data was coded and thematically analysed.

Findings

Three key themes were identified. Theme 1 provides an overview of the benefits of PL partnerships for producers (e.g. volume driven orders, increased efficiencies) and for retailers (e.g. unique products, meeting consumer demand). Theme 2 presents challenges of PL partnerships specific to small and large producers (e.g. small producers may need significant investment to upgrade facilities, while larger producers may require significant volume to justify adaptation of production lines). Challenges common to both (e.g. risks related to short-term contracts, concerns about brand identity) are also discussed. Theme 3 summarised recommendations for successful PL partnerships generally (e.g. setting clear expectations and goals, building rapport and trust), and recommendations specific to producers and buyers specifically (e.g. producers should diversify customers to reduce risk, and retailers should communicate needs and direction).

Originality/value

There is currently limited research on PL partnerships between producers and retailers. This study addresses this gap by identifying key aspects for producers to consider when entering PL partnerships and key aspects for retailers to be aware of to help improve the attractiveness and success of these partnerships.
Institutional distance and location choice: an experimental approach to the perception puzzle
Authors: Azar Goudarz , Batsakis Georgios , Drogendijk Rian , PakSeresht Ashkan , Geng Ruoqi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In this research, we designed and implemented a unique vignette experiment to study the effect of managers' perceptions of institutional distance on foreign location choice, as well as the moderating effect of managerial international experience and preferred entry mode on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ an experimental vignette methodology (EVM) approach applied in the context of Chinese managers to test the causal relationships depicted in our hypotheses. In this way, we measure the decision-makers' perceptions ex ante, i.e. in conjunction with and prior to a decision about a foreign location choice.

Findings

Our findings show that managers' ex-ante perceptions of institutional distance negatively affect decisions on foreign location choice. Also, we find that managerial international experience and preference for high commitment entry modes mitigate the negative effect of managers' perceptions of institutional distance on foreign location choice.

Originality/value

This research study adds to our understanding of the effect of managers' perceptions of institutional distance and managerial contingencies on foreign location decisions. Further, it advances novel experimental design in international business research in general and on foreign location choice in particular.
Linking corporate social responsibility to organizational commitment: the role of employee job satisfaction
Authors: Ahsan Muhammad Junaid , Khalid Muhammad Hasham
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of an organization’s internal and external corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the social identity perspective, the authors proposed and tested a mediation model to understand the psychological mechanisms underlying the effects of CSR. The study sample comprised 263 employees from Italian manufacturing firms.

Findings

Our findings indicate that external CSR orientation is positively associated with employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Furthermore, the mediating effect of job satisfaction partially explains the positive relationship between external CSR orientation and organizational commitment. Moreover, we found that the positive impact of external CSR on employee outcomes is strengthened when combined with internal CSR.

Practical implications

This research has practical and theoretical implications for organizations seeking to enhance employee engagement and commitment through CSR initiatives and sheds light on how CSR can shape employee attitudes and behaviors toward the organization.

Originality/value

This study brings a novel contribution to the field by examining the impact of both internal and external CSR initiatives on employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
“Doing it for my family”: examining when and how family motivation hinders creativity of hospitality employees by shaping job-perception
Authors: Isac Nicoleta , Badshah Waqar , Ahmad Bashir , Qammar Ahmad , Kalyar Masood Nawaz
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study explores the relationship between family motivation and employee creativity. It examines the way family motivation shapes employees' job perceptions, specifically examining the mediating roles of job instrumentality and job meaningfulness detachment. Additionally, the study explores the moderating effect of family financial pressure.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected in three waves over six months from 382 employees in the Turkish hospitality industry. The Warp PLS 7.0 software was utilized for data analysis using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results indicate that family motivation significantly influences job instrumentality and job meaningfulness detachment, which subsequently reduce employee creativity. Moreover, family financial pressure moderates the relationship between family motivation and job perception, thereby amplifying its effects.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights that organizations should minimize ambiguity and complexity, create a psychologically safe environment, align incentives with creativity, address conflicts between short-term gains and long-term projects and support work-life balance in the hospitality industry. This can enhance employee creativity, satisfaction and retention.

Originality/value

This study is an early attempt to investigate when and how family motivation (re)shapes hospitality workers’ job perceptions and influences their propensity to engage in creative endeavors.
Towards sustainable lean success: a systematic literature review on critical failure factors
Authors: Mohd Aripin Norhana , Nawanir Gusman , Hussain Suhaidah , Moshood Taofeeq Durojaye
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Lean manufacturing (LM) is a leading philosophy used by organizations to become inevitable in the challenging market. However, prior research showed evidence that 90% failure rate of LM within 10 years of implementation, hence this study is to undertake a systematic literature review on the failure of LM implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted with the guidance by review protocol, research questions’ formulation, systematic searching based on identification, screening and eligibility using Scopus and Web of Science databases, quality appraisal, data exclusion and analysis.

Findings

Derived from 15 sub-themes, five main themes were discovered based on the thematic analysis to answer the research question on “What strategies should manufacturers do to prevent the failure of LM implementation?”, namely (1) leadership, (2) culture, (3) knowledge, (4) resources and (5) suppliers.

Research limitations/implications

WoS and Scopus were employed in this review, despite there are 14 databases with the ability to search for potential articles in them. Mixed-Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to evaluate the quality control process, however using various quality assessment techniques helps to search for appropriate review objectives.

Practical implications

The primary emphasis of this study can be used as a reference by the manufacturers to ensure that LM implementation is a success story to gain a competitive advantage.

Originality/value

Despite a large body of literature on LM, there has been little attempt to review this study in a systematic approach, discover trends and generate thematic potential on the failure factors of LM, making it difficult for academics to replicate and interpret.
Caring for Older Patients: Quality and Efficiency of Australia's Healthcare System
Authors: Yong Jongsay , Yang Ou
Published: May 2024

With population ageing and increased longevity, Australia faces pressing policy issues on caring for older people. As Medicare turns 40, it is timely to assess how the system has been performing, and what changes are needed to modernise Medicare. This article examines the quality and efficiency of care using hospital administrative data. We find that the current system provides good quality and efficient care for older patients, except for those living in residential aged care homes. These patients receive lower quality care yet stay longer in hospitals. We suggest alternative approaches designed around bundled payments and a single budget holder to provide incentives for integrated team‐based care.
‘Small successes make it worthwhile’: The rewards and challenges of the SENCo role in a primary school in England
Authors: Solvason Carla , Sheehy Amanda , Osuki Amaechi John , Winwood Jo
Published: May 2024

Previous research by the authors of this piece hinted at the heavy workload of Special Educational Needs Co‐ordinators (SENCos) within settings in England, and their ever‐mounting challenges in the context of reduced local government services and cuts in funding to schools for their children with Special Educational Needs. As a result of these findings, the aim of this research was to focus exclusively on the lived professional experience of the SENCo in primary schools in England. Through anonymous survey, we asked SENCos to share with us their perception of their role and the responsibilities that it included. Although our sample of 20 was relatively small, it provided rich data about the preparedness and the perceived competence and confidence of those in this role. Workload, and the erosion that excessive demands caused to the well‐being of SENCos dealing with complex systems, was prominent in the data we collected, in line with most recent investigations of the educationalist's experience in England. However, our data also raised questions about the status, or lack of, of the SENCo in settings, the way in which the nationally recognised qualification associated with the role is delivered and sources of support available to those in the role.
Vox populi, vox dei? The effect of sociotropic and egocentric incongruence on democratic preferences
Authors: SORACE MIRIAM , BOLET DIANE
Published: May 2024

Systemic congruence between the whole legislature and the whole electorate (‘many‐to‐many’, or sociotropic congruence) should be the benchmark to evaluate a democratic system. Yet, most studies link shifts in democratic preferences to individual‐level representation (‘many‐to‐one’, or egocentric incongruence), since individual‐level representation failures should be more salient and visible for individual citizens. We argue that the sociotropic incongruence hypothesis has not been appropriately tested to date, because the measure does not vary at individual level in observational data. Using an experiment conducted in France, we manipulate various sociotropic (in)congruence scenarios at the individual level. In addition to the incongruence hypotheses, our original experiment tests whether offering expertise‐based justifications to incongruence attenuates the backlash against representatives. We find that, even when giving sociotropic incongruence a fair test, egocentric incongruence still consistently shapes democratic preferences, while the effect of sociotropic incongruence remains negligible. Furthermore, we find that narratives rooted in expertise claims do not attenuate the effect of representation failure on backlash against representative democracy: they exacerbate it.