bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information-Distilled Generative Label-Free Morphological Profiling Encodes Cellular Heterogeneity
Authors: Lo Michelle C.K. , Siu Dickson M. D. , Lee Kelvin C. M. , Wong Justin S. J. , Yeung Maximus C.F. , Hsin Michael K.Y. , Ho James C.M. , Tsia Kevin K.
Published: November 2023

Image-based cytometry faces constant challenges due to technical variations arising from different experimental batches and conditions, such as differences in instrument configurations or image acquisition protocols, impeding genuine biological interpretation of cell morphology. Existing solutions, often necessitating extensive pre-existing data knowledge or control samples across batches, have proved limited, especially with complex cell image data. To overcome this, we introduceCyto-Morphology Adversarial Distillation(CytoMAD), a self-supervised multi-task learning strategy that distills biologically relevant cellular morphological information from batch variations, enabling integrated analysis across multiple data batches without complex data assumptions or extensive manual annotation. Unique to CytoMAD is its “morphology distillation”, symbiotically paired with deep-learning image-contrast translation - offering additional interpretable insights into the label-free morphological profiles. We demonstrate the versatile efficacy of CytoMAD in augmenting the power of biophysical imaging cytometry. It allows integrated label-free classification of different human lung cancer cell types and accurately recapitulates their progressive drug responses, even when trained without the drug concentration information. We also applied CytoMAD to jointly analyze tumor biopsies across different non-small-cell lung cancer patients’ and reveal previously unexplored biophysical cellular heterogeneity, linked to epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, that standard fluorescence markers overlook. CytoMAD holds promises to substantiate the wide adoption of biophysical cytometry for cost-effective diagnostic and screening applications.
JAGGER localization and function is dependent on GPI anchor addition
Authors: Figueiredo Raquel , Costa Mónica , Moreira Diana , Moreira Miguel , Noble Jennifer , Pereira Luís Gustavo , Melo Paula , Palanivelu Ravishankar , Coimbra Sílvia , Pereira Ana Marta
Published: November 2023

In flowering plants, successful double fertilization requires the correct delivery of two sperm cells to the female gametophyte inside the ovule. The delivery of a single pair of sperm cells is achieved by the entrance of a single pollen tube into one female gametophyte. To prevent polyspermy, Arabidopsis ovules avoid the attraction of multiples pollen tubes to one ovule – polytubey block. In Arabidopsisjaggermutants, a significant number of ovules attract more than one pollen tube to an ovule due to an impairment in synergid degeneration.JAGGERencodes a putative arabinogalactan protein (AGP) which is predicted to be anchored to the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Here, we show that JAGGER fused to citrine yellow fluorescent protein (JAGGER-cYFP) is functional and localizes mostly to the periphery of ovule integuments and transmitting tract cells. We further investigated the importance of GPI-anchor addition domains for JAGGER localization and function. Different JAGGER proteins with deletions in predicted ω-site regions and GAS (GPI attachment signal) domain, expected to compromise the addition of the GPI anchor, led to disruption of JAGGER localization in the cell periphery. All JAGGER proteins with disrupted localization were also not able to rescue the polytubey phenotype, pointing to the importance of GPI-anchor addition toin vivofunction of the JAGGER protein.
Divergent Recruitment of Developmentally-Defined Neuronal Ensembles Supports Memory Dynamics
Authors: Kveim Vilde A. , Salm Laurenz , Ulmer Talia , Kandler Steffen , Imhof Fabia , Donato Flavio
Published: November 2023

Memories are dynamic constructs whose properties change with time and experience. The biological mechanisms underpinning these dynamics remain elusive, particularly concerning how shifts in the composition of memory-encoding neuronal ensembles influence a memory properties’ evolution over time. By leveraging a developmental approach to target distinct subpopulations of principal neurons, we show that memory encoding results in the concurrent establishment of multiple memory traces in the mouse hippocampus. Two of these traces are instantiated in subpopulations of early- and late-born neurons and follow distinct reactivation trajectories post-encoding. Notably, the divergent recruitment of these subpopulations underpins memory ensembles’ gradual reorganization, and modulates memory persistence and plasticity across multiple learning episodes. Thus, our findings reveal profound and intricate relationships between ensemble dynamics and memories’ progression over time.
Multidrug resistance plasmids commonly reprogramme expression of metabolic genes inEscherichia coli
Authors: Hall Rebecca J. , Snaith Ann E. , Thomas Matthew J. N. , Brockhurst Michael A. , McNally Alan
Published: November 2023

Multidrug resistantEscherichia coliis a leading cause of global mortality. Transfer of plasmids carrying genes encoding beta-lactamases, carbapenamases, and colistin resistance genes between lineages is driving the rising rates of hard to treat nosocomial and community infections. Multidrug resistance (MDR) plasmid acquisition commonly causes transcriptional disruption, and whilst a number of studies have shown strain-specific fitness and transcriptional effects of an MDR plasmid across diverse bacterial lineages, fewer studies have compared impacts of different MDR plasmids in a common bacterial host. As such, our ability to predict which MDR plasmids are the most likely to be maintained and spread in bacterial populations is limited. Here, we introduced eight diverse MDR plasmids encoding resistances against a range of clinically important antibiotics intoE. coliK-12 MG1655 and measured their fitness costs and transcriptional impacts. The scale of the transcriptional responses varied substantially between plasmids, ranging from >650 to <20 chromosomal genes being differentially expressed. However, neither the scale of regulatory disruption nor the plasmid size correlated with the magnitude of the plasmid fitness cost, which also varied between plasmids. The identities of differentially expressed genes varied among plasmids, although expression of certain metabolic genes and functions were convergently affected by multiple plasmids, including the downregulation of genes involved in L-methionine transport and metabolism. Our data show the complexity of interaction between host genetic background and plasmid genetic background in determining the impact of MDR plasmid acquisition onE. coli.

Importance

The increase of infections that are resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics, including those isolates that carry carbapenamases, beta-lactamases, and colistin resistance genes, is of global concern. Many of these resistances are spread by conjugative plasmids. Understanding more about how an isolate responds to an incoming plasmid that encodes antibiotic resistance will provide information that could be used to predict the emergence of MDR lineages. Here, the identification of metabolic networks as being particularly sensitive to incoming plasmids suggests possible targets for reducing plasmid transfer.
Single cell RNA-seq reveals protracted germ line X chromosome reactivation dynamics directed by a PRC2 dependent mechanism
Authors: Liu Yaqiong , Lau Xianzhong , Prabhakaran Munusamy , Sanchez Carlos M Abascal Sherwell , Snell Daniel , Sangrithi Mahesh
Published: November 2023

Initiating soon after PGC specification, female germ cells undergo reactivation of the silenced X chromosome during genome wide reprogramming. However, the kinetics and dynamics of XCRin vivohave remained poorly understood. To address this here we perform a global appraisal of XCR using high-dimensional techniques. UsingF1B6 v CASTmouse embryos, we perform a detailed assessment, applying single-cell RNA-seq and chromatin profiling on germ cells purified from E10.5 to E16.5. While scRNA-seq profile showed that male and female germ cells are transcriptionally indistinct at E11.5, they are sexually dimorphic by E12.5, diverging further through development to E16.5. With allelic resolution, we show that the reactivating X chromosome is only partly active at E10.5, then reactivates gradually and reaches near parity in output to the constitutively active X chromosome at ∼E16.5 when developing oogonia are meiosis prophase I. Crucially, we show that sexually dimorphic dosage compensation patterns observed in germ cells, occur in tandem with an increase in the allelic proportion from the reactivating X chromosome. WhileXistis extinguished from E10.5, the epigenetic memory of earlier XCI in female cells persists much longer, likely from self-sustained PRC2 complex (Ezh2 / Eed / Suz12) function. The reactivating X chromosome is enriched in the epigenetic silencing mark H3K27me3 at E13.5, which is removed by E16.5 permitting gene expression. Our findings link XCR, along with functional regulation of PRC2 in promoting female meiosis.
Conservation of molecular responses upon viral infection in the non-vascular plant Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Ros-Moner Eric , Jimenez-Gongora Tamara , Villar-Martin Luis , Vogrinec Lana , Gonzalez-Miguel Victor Manuel , kutnjak Denis , Rubio-Somoza Ignacio
Published: November 2023

After plants transitioned from water to land around 450 million years ago, they faced novel pathogenic microbes. Their colonization of diverse habitats was driven by anatomical innovations like roots, stomata, and vascular tissue, which became central to plant-microbe interactions. However, the impact of these innovations on plant immunity and pathogen infection strategies remains poorly understood. Here, we explore plant-virus interactions in the bryophyte Marchantia polymorpha to gain insights into the evolution of these relationships. Virome analysis reveals that Marchantia is predominantly associated with RNA viruses. Comparative studies with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) show that Marchantia shares core defense responses with vascular plants but also exhibits unique features, such as a sustained wound response preventing viral spread. Additionally, general defense responses in Marchantia are equivalent to those restricted to vascular tissues in Nicotiana, suggesting that evolutionary acquisition of developmental innovations results in re-routing of defense responses in vascular plants.
Beagle: a near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy data processing solution for beamline experiments at Pohang Accelerator Laboratory
Authors: Park Jae Yeon , Lee Minwoong , Jeong Seong-Hoon , Lee Han-Koo
Published: November 2023

Near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for identifying chemical bonding states at synchrotron radiation facilities. Advances in new materials require researchers in both academia and industry to measure tens to hundreds of samples during the available beam time on a synchrotron beamline, which is typically allocated to users. Automated measurement methods, along with analysis software, have been developed for beamlines. Automated measurements facilitate high-throughput experiments and accumulate vast amounts of measured spectral data. The analysis software supports various functions for analyzing the experimental data; however, these analysis methods are complicated, and learning them can be time-consuming. To process large amounts of spectral data, a new analysis software, dedicated to NEXAFS spectroscopy, that is easy to use and can provide results in a short time is desired. Herein, the development of Beagle is described, software calculating molecular orientation from NEXAFS spectroscopy data that can report results in a short time comparable with that required to measure one sample at the beamline. It was designed to progress in a single sequence from data loading to the printing of the results with a `click of a button'. The functions of the software include recognizing the dataset, correcting the background, normalizing the plot, calculating the electron yield and determining the molecular orientation. The analysis results can be saved as {\tt{.txt}} files (spectral data), {\tt{.pdf}} files (graphic images) and Origin files (spectral data and graphic images).
X-ray-induced piezoresponse during X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy of PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3
Authors: Sheyfer Dina , Zheng Hao , Krogstad Matthew , Thompson Carol , You Hoydoo , Eastman Jeffrey A. , Liu Yuzi , Wang Bi-Xia , Ye Zuo-Guang , Rosenkranz Stephan , Phelan Daniel , Dufresne Eric M. , Stephenson G. Brian , Cao Yue
Published: November 2023

X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) holds strong promise for observing atomic-scale dynamics in materials, both at equilibrium and during non-equilibrium transitions. Here an in situ XPCS study of the relaxor ferroelectric PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3 (PMN) is reported. A weak applied AC electric field generates strong response in the speckle of the diffuse scattering from the polar nanodomains, which is captured using the two-time correlation function. Correlated motions of the Bragg peak are also observed, which indicate dynamic tilting of the illuminated volume. This tilting quantitatively accounts for the observed two-time speckle correlations. The magnitude of the tilting would not be expected solely from the modest applied field, since PMN is an electrostrictive material with no linear strain response to the field. A model is developed based on non-uniform static charging of the illuminated surface spot by the incident micrometre-scale X-ray beam and the electrostrictive material response to the combination of static and dynamic fields. The model qualitatively explains the direction and magnitude of the observed tilting, and predicts that X-ray-induced piezoresponse could be an important factor in correctly interpreting results from XPCS and nanodiffraction studies of other insulating materials under applied AC field or varying X-ray illumination.
Communication, disclosure and power games: a figurational approach to understanding CPA Australia's corporate governance scandal
Authors: Pigatto Giacomo , Dumay John , Cinquini Lino , Tenucci Andrea
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This research aims to examine and understand the rationales and modalities behind the use of disclosure before, during and after a corporate governance scandal involving CPA Australia (CPAA).

Design/methodology/approach

Data beyond CPAA's annual reports were collected, such as news articles, media releases, an independent review panel (IRP) report, and the Chief Operating Officer's letter to members. These disclosures were manually coded and analysed through the word counts and word trees in NVivo. This study also relied on Norbert Elias' conceptual tool of power games among networks of actors – figurations – to model the scandal as a power game between the old Board, the press, concerned members, the IRP and the new Board. This study analysed the data to reveal a collective and in fieri power balance that changed with the phases of the scandal.

Findings

A mix of voluntary, involuntary, requested and absent disclosures was important in triggering, managing and ending the CPAA scandal. Moreover, communication and disclosure fulfilled a constitutive role since both: mobilised actors, enabled coordination among actors, contributed to pursuing shared goals and influenced power balances. Such a constitutive role was at the heart of the ability of coalitions of figurations to challenge and restore the powerful status quo.

Originality/value

This research introduces to accounting studies the collective and in fieri dimensions of power from figurational theory. Moreover, the research sheds new light on using voluntary, involuntary, requested and absent disclosures before, during and after a corporate crisis.
Counteracting noncommunicable diseases with front-of-pack nutritional labels' informativeness: an inquiry into the effects on food acceptance and portions selection
Authors: Mazzù Marco Francesco , Baccelloni Angelo , Romani Simona
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Front-of-pack nutritional labels have been extensively studied to support consumers in making healthier and more informed food choices. However, existing research has gathered conflicting evidence about which category of label, nutrient-specific or summary labels, is more effective. As a result, the European Union has postponed its decision on selecting a unified label to collect additional information. This study specifically focusses on individuals with noncommunicable diseases, an overlooked yet relevant segment of consumers who can significantly benefit from the proper use of nutritional labels in their self-care.

Design/methodology/approach

In a sequence of three studies grounded in the front-of-pack acceptance model and focussing on customers with specific noncommunicable diseases, the authors examined the different effects of the NutrInform Battery and Nutri-Score on food acceptance and portion selection. This research involved the use of structural equation modelling and ANOVA and was conducted with a cumulative sample of 2,942 EU adults, residing in countries with or without previous exposure to nutritional labels.

Findings

The results suggest that among individuals with noncommunicable diseases, nutrient-specific labels are perceived as more useful and easier to use. They also generate a better attitude towards the usage of nutritional labels and are more effective in nudging those consumers towards a proper selection of portions.

Social implications

The results provide valuable insights into how front-of-pack nutritional labels can impact the food choices of individuals with noncommunicable diseases and have implications for public health policies.

Originality/value

Investigation of the effects of NutrInform Battery and Nutri-Score on consumers with noncommunicable diseases, an area currently under-researched.
Listing switch and financial performance of companies: evidence from the Warsaw Stock Exchange
Authors: Podedworna-Tarnowska Dorota
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present the results of empirical research concerning the identification of the impact of the transfer of companies from the alternative market to the regulated market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange on their operating and net performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted based on the empirical data of the companies that changed the listing place on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Data regarding the years before the transfer were collected from the prospectuses of companies prepared mandatorily in connection with the transition to the regulated market. Data regarding the years of the event and subsequent years were obtained from companies' annual reports. As in other studies in the analysis, the operational metrics were used (operating return on sale, operating return on assets, total asset turnover), which was further extended to net profitability ratios (net return on ale, net return on asset, net return on equity). The significance analysis was based on the Student's t-test and Wilcoxon’s test.

Findings

The results show that before the transfer from the alternative market to the regulated market, companies improved financial performance. As a result of the change of listing venues, the results already collapsed in the year of the event. The downward trend continued in the following two years, with a noticeable improvement in the third year after the transfer.

Originality/value

The literature lacks such studies based on the Polish market. To the best knowledge of the author, this is one of the first studies in Poland showing the changes in operating and net performance of companies changing the stock listing venues. The research is based on a large group including all companies that have changed listing venues since the beginning of the alternative market in Poland. The article presents an original empirical result that can be used both by managers and investors in their decisions.
Machine learning-based probabilistic fatigue assessment of turbine bladed disks under multisource uncertainties
Authors: Zhu Shun-Peng , Niu Xiaopeng , Keshtegar Behrooz , Luo Changqi , Bagheri Mansour
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The multisource uncertainties, including material dispersion, load fluctuation and geometrical tolerance, have crucial effects on fatigue performance of turbine bladed disks. In view of the aim of this paper, it is essential to develop an advanced approach to efficiently quantify their influences and evaluate the fatigue life of turbine bladed disks.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a novel combined machine learning strategy is performed to fatigue assessment of turbine bladed disks. Proposed model consists of two modeling phases in terms of response surface method (RSM) and support vector regression (SVR), namely RSM-SVR. Two different input sets obtained from basic variables were used as the inputs of RSM, then the predicted results by RSM in first phase is used as inputs of SVR model by using a group data-handling strategy. By this way, the nonlinear flexibility of SVR inputs is improved and RSM-SVR model presents the high-tendency and efficiency characteristics.

Findings

The accuracy and tendency of the RSM-SVR model, applied to the fatigue life estimation of turbine bladed disks, are validated. The results indicate that the proposed model is capable of accurately simulating the nonlinear response of turbine bladed disks under multisource uncertainties, and SVR-RSM model provides an accurate prediction strategy compared to RSM and SVR for fatigue analysis of complex structures.

Originality/value

The results indicate that the proposed model is capable of accurately simulate the nonlinear response of turbine bladed disks under multisource uncertainties, and SVR-RSM model provides an accurate prediction compared to RSM and SVRE for fatigue analysis of turbine bladed disk.
Virtual reality in retailing: a meta-analysis to determine the purchase and non-purchase behavioural intention of consumers
Authors: Mishra Satyam , Mishra Anubhav , Dubey Ashish , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to encapsulate the outcomes and generate meaningful conclusions by examining the factors that influence consumers' purchase and non-purchase behaviour intention in a virtual reality retailing context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study integrates the outcomes from 52 studies, including 403 relationships involving 19,188 samples. The analysis was conducted using R-metafor and AMOS software.

Findings

The findings indicate that key factors that influence purchase and non-purchase behavioural intentions are virtual reality (VR)characteristics, virtual reality experience and consumer attitudes. VR experience is the strongest predictor for purchase decisions in virtual environment ,while consumer attitude towards VR most strongly influences the non-purchase behaviour of the consumers. Furthermore, the age of the respondents, cultural backgrounds (high vs low power distance) and gender moderate the relationship between consumers' attitudes and purchase and behaviour intentions.

Practical implications

Marketers can positively influence consumer attitudes and behavioural intentions by prioritizing the design of the virtual environment and facilitating unique experiences (by manipulating different sensory stimuli) in virtual retailing.

Originality/value

The current meta-analysis reconciles and reinforces the findings in the extant literature and provides a robust empirical generalization of the critical factors that influence consumers' purchase or behavioural intentions in a virtual retailing context.
The configurational effects of artificial intelligence-based hiring decisions on applicants' justice perception and organisational commitment
Authors: Yu Jun , Ma Zhengcong , Zhu Lin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the configurational effects of five rules – artificial intelligence (AI)-based hiring decision transparency, consistency, voice, explainability and human involvement – on applicants' procedural justice perception (APJP) and applicants' interactional justice perception (AIJP). In addition, this study examines whether the identified configurations could further enhance applicants' organisational commitment (OC).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the justice model of applicants' reactions, the authors conducted a longitudinal survey of 254 newly recruited employees from 36 Chinese companies that utilise AI in their hiring. The authors employed fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to determine which configurations could improve APJP and AIJP, and the authors used propensity score matching (PSM) to analyse the effects of these configurations on OC.

Findings

The fsQCA generates three patterns involving five configurations that could improve APJP and AIJP. For pattern 1, when AI-based recruitment with high interpersonal rule (AI human involvement) aims for applicants' justice perception (AJP) through the combination of high informational rule (AI explainability) and high procedural rule (AI voice), there must be high levels of AI consistency and AI voice to complement AI explainability, and only this pattern of configurations can further enhance OC. In pattern 2, for the combination of high informational rule (AI explainability) and low procedural rule (absent AI voice), AI recruitment with high interpersonal rule (AI human involvement) should focus on AI transparency and AI explainability rather than the implementation of AI voice. In pattern 3, a mere combination of procedural rules could sufficiently improve AIJP.

Originality/value

This study, which involved real applicants, is one of the few empirical studies to explore the mechanisms behind the impact of AI hiring decisions on AJP and OC, and the findings may inform researchers and managers on how to best utilise AI to make hiring decisions.
Business models for communication departments: a comprehensive approach to analyzing, explaining and innovating communication management in organizations
Authors: Zerfass Ansgar , Link Jeanne
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The question of whether and how communication departments contribute to organizational value creation has rarely been addressed in research. Such evidence is crucial, however, as communications compete internally with other functions (e.g. marketing and human resources (HR)) for budgets and staff. This article fills the gap by applying the business model concept, an established approach from management theory and practice, to communication units.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an interdisciplinary literature review, the authors propose the Communication Business Model (CBM) as a new management approach for communications. To this end, pertinent definitions, frameworks and typologies of business models are analyzed and combined with insights from corporate communications literature.

Findings

The CBM outlines the generic architecture of business models for communication departments. Such models describe the basic principles of how such a unit operates, what services and products it provides, how it creates value for an organization and what revenues and resources are allocated.

Research limitations/implications

The approach stimulates the debate on communication units as objects of observation when researching communication management practices. Further research with appropriate empirical methods is needed to identify and study different types of business models for communications.

Practical implications

The CBM can be used as a management tool to analyze, explain and innovate communication management in organizations. It is a fertile approach for communication practitioners to make the work of their department visible and to position themselves internally and externally.

Originality/value

Transferring a well-known concept from general management to communication management enriches the value creation debate in theory and practice. It allows communication leaders to align their work with organizational goals and make it accessible to top management and other decision-makers in the organization. It also opens up new avenues for research and education.
Does monetary policy impact income inequality?
Authors: Attílio Luccas Assis
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This article analyzes the impact of monetary policy on income inequality across 16 advanced economies. The author investigates three key points: (1) the relationship between domestic monetary policy and domestic income inequality, (2) the spillover effect of USA monetary policy (including quantitative easing) on international inequality and (3) the quantitative influence of the monetary policies of both the USA and the Eurozone on the formation of domestic income inequalities.

Design/methodology/approach

The author employed the Global Vector Autoregressive (GVAR) model, which uses Vector Autoregressive with Exogenous Variables (VARXs) models of each economy to build an integrated system that enables us to evaluate individual responses to global shocks.

Findings

The author's analysis reveals that (1) contractionary monetary policy exacerbates domestic inequality and (2) USA monetary policy, including quantitative easing, affects international inequality. Furthermore, the author's variance decomposition analysis highlights that USA monetary policy is especially influential on income inequality in Norway and Sweden. Additionally, the cointegrating analysis confirms that monetary policy's impact on inequality persists in the long term.

Originality/value

Most of the studies focused on investigating domestic economies as closed economies. However, the author's approach differs in that the author uses the GVAR, which treats all economies as open. This allows us to incorporate the world economy into the domestic dynamics and connect the economies using bilateral trade. Another advantage of the GVAR is that it captures spillover effects by modeling each economy and constructing the international economy.
When does customization improve brand attitude?
Authors: Kim Pielah , Chang Hua , Vaidyanathan Rajiv , Stoel Leslie
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Customization allows brands to provide goods that match customers’ preferences, but its impact on consumer–brand relationships is unclear. This study aims to examine the impact of two key moderators on the effectiveness of customization to enhance brand’s perceived partner quality, which mediates the relationship between customization and brand attitude.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 (n = 219) tests the moderated–mediation relationship, the effect of customization (IV) on perceived partner quality (mediator), and its indirect effect on brand attitude (DV), which is moderated by consumers’ self-construal orientation (Moderator 1). Study 2 (n = 416) extends the model tested in Study 1 by including an additional moderator, shopping task context (Moderator 2).

Findings

Results empirically demonstrate the impact of self-construal and shopping task context on the effectiveness of customization in improved customer–brand partner quality and eventual brand attitude.

Practical implications

Customization may not appeal to every customer for the same reason. Marketers must target customers’ individual traits (independents vs interdependents) and understand the context of the shopping task context (self-purchase vs gift-giving).

Originality/value

The work reveals how brands can enhance consumers’ perceptions of the brand by allowing them to customize the product. It is novel in demonstrating that customization is not just a fine-grained segmentation strategy but a brand building tool. It highlights contextual factors affecting the outcome of customization by demonstrating the conditions under which it is most effective.
General manager and head coach exits in the NBA and the NFL
Authors: Foster George , O'Reilly Norm , Best Devereux Jim , Shundi Matias
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This article seeks to enhance the understanding as to why head coaches and general managers (GMs) in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL) exit from their positions.

Design/methodology/approach

Three hypotheses were investigated using a series of quantitative and qualitative data from the past 30 years. The samples analyzed are comprised of 891 GM and coach annual observations for the NBA clubs and 949 GM and coach observations for the NFL clubs. Analyses include a logit analysis for coach exit/retention, a logit analysis for GM exit/retention and textual analysis via topic modeling via latent Dirichlet allocation.

Findings

Results show a correlation between a coach exiting and a GM exiting simultaneously, thus amplifying the importance of these two roles in enhancing or destroying the success of a club and supporting the need for a deeper understanding of both roles, particularly the GM. The results further highlight cultural differences across clubs in terms of GM and coach turnover, a factor that often is heavily influenced by club ownership.

Originality/value

The results support the role of owners in exits, confirm the importance of winning in avoiding an exit, find a high level of interrelationship between GM and coach exits and show that past culture of firings influences future exit decisions.
Are organisational responses by police forces appropriate to adequately safeguard police officer wellness? A review of the scientific evidence
Authors: Beckley Alan , Wang Joanna , Birch Philip
Published: November 2023

Purpose

A central tenet for safer communities is having a healthy police force. This study aims to understand what police forces should and need to be doing to safeguard police officer wellness by examining the existing scientific evidence on police well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Articles, this paper has adopted a case study approach to examine effective practices and approaches for safeguarding police officer wellness.

Findings

The research presented in this paper yields fours themes, providing contemporary evidence for responding to and safeguarding police officer wellness.

Practical implications

This paper yields several implications for policy and practice. An evidence-based approach to be adopted by policing organisations for dealing with police officer wellness. An improvement to police officer support and prevention of stigma towards those who are suffering from poor mental health. Training for police managers in dealing with police officer wellness. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of police organisation efficacy in dealing with police officer wellness.

Originality/value

Much has been written about police officer mental health and well-being over the past decade, yet arguably, there has been limited attention paid to assessing the evidence and making sense of what this growing volume of research is advocating. This paper seeks to address this deficit in the research and provide a review of the published research with regards to police wellness.
‘Pitfalls for differentiating basal cell carcinoma from non‐basal cell carcinoma on optical coherence tomography: A clinical series’
Authors: Wolswijk Tom , Nelemans Patty J. , Adan Fieke , Abdul Hamid Myrurgia , Mosterd Klara
Published: November 2023

Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a non‐invasive diagnostic modality, may replace biopsy for diagnosing basal cell carcinoma (BCC) if a high‐confidence BCC diagnosis can be established. In other cases, biopsy remains necessary to establish a histopathological diagnosis and treatment regimen. It is, therefore, essential that OCT assessors have a high specificity for differentiating BCC from non‐BCC lesions. To establish high‐confidence BCC diagnoses, specific morphological BCC characteristics on OCT are used. This study aimed to review several cases of non‐BCC lesions that were misclassified as BCC by experienced OCT assessors, thereby providing insight into the causes of these misclassifications and how they may be prevented. The study population consisted of patients who had a histopathologically‐verified non‐BCC lesion. Patients from Maastricht University Medical Center+ from February 2021 to April 2021 were included in the study. Two independent OCT assessors assessed OCT scans. One OCT assessor recorded the presence or absence of validated morphological BCC characteristics. A false‐positive OCT test result was defined as certainty of BCC presence in a non‐BCC lesion. The frequency of misclassifications and the presence or absence of morphological BCC features are discussed. A total of 124 patients with non‐BCC lesions were included. Six patients were misclassified by both OCT assessors and are discussed in more detail. Histopathological diagnoses were squamous cell carcinoma (n = 2/21), actinic keratosis (n = 2/29), squamous cell carcinoma in situ/Bowen's disease (n = 1/16), or interphase dermatitis (n = 1/4). In all misclassified cases, multiple, apparent morphological BCC characteristics on OCT were present. Most non‐BCC lesions are recognized as such by OCT assessors. However, there remains a small risk that a high‐confidence BCC diagnosis is established in non‐BCC lesions wherein features mimicking validated BCC characteristics are present. Misclassification may be prevented by careful delineation of epidermal layers and good differentiation between dermal ovoid structures typical of BCC versus squamous cell carcinoma.
Disrupted executive cerebro‐cerebellar functional connectivity in alcohol use disorder
Authors: Rice Laura C. , Langan Mackenzie T. , Cheng Dominic T. , Sheu Yi‐Shin , Peterburs Jutta , Hua Jun , Qin Qin , Rilee Jessica J. , Faulkner Monica L. , Mathena Joanna R. , Munro Cynthia A. , Wand Gary S. , McCaul Mary E. , Desmond John E.
Published: November 2023

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects 283 million people worldwide and its prevalence is increasing. Despite the role of the cerebellum in executive control and its sensitivity to alcohol, few studies have assessed its involvement in AUD‐relevant functional networks. The goal of this study is to compare resting‐state functional connectivity (FC) patterns in abstinent adults with a history of AUD and controls (CTL). We hypothesized that group differences in cerebro‐cerebellar FC would be present, particularly within the frontoparietal/executive control network (FPN).

Methods

Twenty‐eight participants completed a resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) study. CTL participants had no history of AUD, comorbid psychological conditions, or recent heavy drinking and/or drug use. AUD participants had a history of AUD, with sobriety for at least 30 days prior to data collection. Multivariate pattern analysis, an agnostic, whole‐brain approach, was used to identify regions with significant differences in FC between groups. Seed‐based analyses were then conducted to determine the directionality and extent of these FC differences. Associations between FC strength and executive function were assessed using correlations with Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) performance.

Results

There were significant group differences in FC in nodes of the FPN, ventral attention network, and default mode network. Post hoc analyses predominantly identified FC differences within the cerebro‐cerebellar FPN, with AUD showing significantly less FC within the FPN. In AUD, FC strength between FPN clusters identified in the multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) analysis (Left Crus II, Right Frontal Cortex) was positively associated with performance on the WCST.

Conclusions

Our results show less engagement of the FPN in individuals with AUD than in CTL. FC strength within this network was positively associated with performance on the WCST. These findings suggest that long‐term heavy drinking alters cerebro‐cerebellar FC, particularly within networks that are involved in executive function.
Affect and reason in uncertain accounting settings: The case of capital investment appraisal
Authors: Andon Paul , Baxter Jane , Chua Wai Fong
Published: November 2023

Affect is generally characterised as distinct from, and detrimental to, reason in investment appraisal. This paper, in contrast, illustrates that affect is integral to reasoning, particularly when uncertainty disturbs investment appraisal. Investment appraisals produce uncertain projections about the future, which generate discomfort. This causes actors to undertake adaptive activities to craft calculations they can become comfortable with, which we characterise as epistemic participation and shaping the politics of expectations. These activities constitute a dualistic fusion of comfort and reason: discomfort initiates and informs reasoning to regain comfort. We further show the effects of the laborious efforts accompanying this accretion of both knowledge and comfort. Our arguments are supported by an analysis of investment appraisal for a 30‐year capital project.
Antipsychotics in the maintenance phase for psychotic depression
Authors: Al‐Wandi Ahmed , Landén Mikael , Nordenskjöld Axel
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aimed to associate antidepressants with versus without antipsychotics with readmission and suicide in patients with psychotic unipolar depression.

Methods

Swedish national registers were used to identify inpatients with psychotic unipolar depression, treated 2007–2016. The participants collected antidepressants with or without antipsychotics from a pharmacy within 14 days after discharge and were followed up for 2 years. The primary outcome was hospital readmission due to any psychiatric disorder, suicide attempt, or completed suicide. Cox regression was used to analyze the data, which were adjusted for sex, age, prior admissions, comorbidity, electroconvulsive therapy, and other pharmacological treatments.

Results

We identified 4391 patients, of which 2972 were in the antidepressant + antipsychotic combination therapy group, and 1419 were in the antidepressant monotherapy group. After 2 years, 42.3% and 36.6% of patients were readmitted or committed suicide in the combination therapy and monotherapy group, respectively. Monotherapy was significantly associated with a lower risk of reaching the outcome in the main analysis (hazard ratio = 0.86; 95% confidence interval: 0.77–0.95). The results went in the same direction in all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Our findings do not indicate any advantage of adding antipsychotics as adjunctive to antidepressants as maintenance treatment. Considering the wide use, known side effects, and the current lack of evidence supporting the benefit, further studies on the effect of antipsychotics in the maintenance phase of psychotic unipolar depression are urgently warranted.
Equivalence of citizen science and scientific data for modelling species distribution of birds from a tropical savanna
Authors: Santos Eduardo Guimarães , Wiederhecker Helga Correa , Lopes Leonardo Esteves , Marini Miguel Ângelo
Published: November 2023

The Wallacean deficit continues to be a challenge to species distribution modelling. Although some authors have suggested that data collected by citizen scientists can be relevant for a better understanding of biodiversity, to our knowledge, no work has quantitatively tested the equivalence between scientific and citizen science data. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that data collected by citizen scientists can be equivalent to data collected by professional scientists when generating species spatial distribution models. For 42 bird species in the Cerrado region we generated and compared species distribution models based on three data sources: (1) scientific data, (2) citizen science data and (3) sample size corrected citizen science data. To test our hypothesis, we compared the equivalence of these datasets. We rejected the hypothesis of equivalence for about one‐third (38%) of the evaluated species, revealing that, for most of the species considered, the models generated were equivalent irrespective of the data set used. The distances between centroids of the models that were equivalent were on average smaller than the distances between non‐equivalent models. Also, the direction of change in the models showed no pattern, with no trend towards more populated regions. Our results show that the use of data collected by citizen scientists can be an ally in filling the Wallacean deficit gap. In fact, the lack of use of this wide range of data collected by citizen scientists seems to be an unjustified caution. We indicate the potential of using citizen science data for modelling the distribution of species, mainly due to the large set of data collected, which is impracticable for scientists alone to collect. Conservation measures will be favoured by the union of professional and amateur data, aiming for a better understanding of species distribution and, consequently, biodiversity conservation.
The use of semiochemicals for attracting and repelling invasive ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) forests
Authors: Roy Kylle , Sofaer Helen R. , Peck Robert W. , Dunkle Ellen J. , Mikros Dan , Smith Sheri , Ginzel Matthew D.
Published: November 2023

Early detection of invasive species is critical for preventing ecological and economic damage and maintaining ecosystem health. In Hawaiʻi, a complex of generalist ambrosia beetle species in the tribe Xyleborini (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) are threatening the health and productivity of forests and crops due to their association with tree diseases such as rapid ʻōhiʻa death (ROD) and key agricultural commodities including coffee and macadamia.

We conducted trapping experiments to determine the efficacy of semiochemicals to attract and repel Xyleborini ambrosia beetles within two ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) forests on the Island of Hawaiʻi. We compared the attraction of beetles to 100% ethanol and a 1:1 mixture of ethanol: methanol at Waiākea Forest Reserve and ʻŌlaʻa Forest in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. In addition, we tested the extent to which verbenone and verbenone + methyl salicylate repellents (SPLAT® Verb and SPLAT® Beetle Guard, respectively) deterred beetles from baited traps at Waiākea Forest Reserve in two separate experiments.

For all invasive ambrosia beetle species, including Xyleborinus saxesenii, Xyleborus affinis, Xyleborus ferrugineus, Xyleborus perforans, Xylosandrus compactus, and Xylosandrus crassiusculus, more beetles were captured in traps baited with 100% ethanol than 1:1 ethanol: methanol. Across all species, both repellents were effective, with fewer beetles captured in traps equipped with repellents.

Our research demonstrates the utility of semiochemicals for attracting and repelling invasive ambrosia beetle species in Hawaiʻi, and the potential use of these tools for early detection and management strategies.
Does bundling credit with index insurance boost agricultural technology adoption? Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Mishra Khushbu , Gallenstein Richard A. , Sam Abdoul G. , Miranda Mario J. , Toledo Patricia , Mulangu Francis
Published: November 2023

The adoption of advanced agricultural technologies in Sub‐Saharan Africa remains disappointingly low, particularly among the millions of poor smallholders who account for most of the agricultural production. We conducted a randomized control trial in Ghana to assess the impact of easing drought‐risk constraints in the agricultural credit market, by bundling joint liability agricultural loans with index insurance, on smallholder farmers’ agricultural technology adoption decisions. In the micro‐insurance treatment, any index insurance payouts go directly to farmers, while in the meso‐insurance treatment, payouts are issued to banks to be used to expunge farmers’ debts. We find evidence that bundling joint liability lending with micro‐insurance increases adoption of fertilizer.