bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phonological representations of auditory and visual speech in the occipito-temporal cortex and beyond
Authors: Van Audenhaege Alice , Mattioni Stefania , Cerpelloni Filippo , Gau Remi , Szmalec Arnaud , Collignon Olivier
Published: July 2024

Speech is a multisensory signal that can be extracted from the voice and the lips. Previous studies suggested that occipital and temporal regions encode both auditory and visual speech features but their precise location and nature remain unclear. We characterized brain activity using fMRI (in male and female) to functionally and individually define bilateral Fusiform Face Areas (FFA), the left Visual Word Form Area (VWFA), an audio-visual speech region in the left Superior Temporal Sulcus (lSTS) and control regions in bilateral Para-hippocampal Place Areas (PPA). In these regions, we performed multivariate patterns classification of corresponding phonemes (speech sounds) and visemes (lip movements). We observed that the VWFA and lSTS represent phonological information from both vision and sounds. The multisensory nature of phonological representations appeared selective to the anterior portion of VWFA, as we found viseme but not phoneme representation in adjacent FFA or even posterior VWFA, while PPA did not encode phonology in any modality. Interestingly, cross-modal decoding revealed aligned phonological representations across the senses in lSTS, but not in VWFA. A whole-brain cross-modal searchlight analysis additionally revealed aligned audio-visual phonological representations in bilateral pSTS and left somato-motor cortex overlapping with oro-facial articulators. Altogether, our results demonstrate that auditory and visual phonology are represented in the anterior VWFA, extending its functional coding beyond orthography. The geometries of auditory and visual representations do not align in the VWFA as they do in the STS and left somato-motor cortex, suggesting distinct multisensory representations across a distributed phonological network.

Significance statement

Speech is a multisensory signal that can be extracted from the voice and the lips. Which brain regions encode both visual and auditory speech representations? We show that the Visual Word Form Area (VWFA) and the left Superior Temporal Sulcus (lSTS) both process phonological information from speech sounds and lip movements. However, while the lSTS aligns these representations across the senses, the VWFA does not, indicating different encoding mechanisms. These findings extend the functional role of the VWFA beyond reading. An additional whole-brain approach reveals shared representations in bilateral superior temporal cortex and left somato-motor cortex, indicating a distributed network for multisensory phonology.
The metaplastic precursor state to oesophageal adenocarcinoma represents reversion to a transient epithelial cell state in the developing oesophagus
Authors: Baker Syed Murtuza , Mullan Aoibheann , Jennings Rachel E , Hanley Karen Piper , Ang Yeng , Palles Claire , Hanley Neil A. , Sharrocks Andrew D.
Published: July 2024

In Barrett’s oesophagus (BO), the precursor of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, the adult stratified squamous epithelium is replaced by a simple columnar phenotype. This has been considered metaplasia; the inappropriate conversion from one adult cell-type to another. In fact, BO could be a reversal of mammalian embryogenesis when the early foregut is first lined by simple columnar epithelium. Exploring this hypothesis has been hampered by inadequate molecular details of human oesophageal development. Here, we adopted single cell transcriptomic and epigenomic approaches to discover and decode the cell types that constitute the initial primitive columnar, transitory and subsequently stratified lower oesophageal epithelium. Each stage is comprised of several previously undefined epithelial sub-populations. HNF4A, a major driver of the BO phenotype, is a prominent transcriptional regulator in the early foregut columnar cells, but not in the later ciliated or stratified cells, and is central to gene regulatory programmes known to be reactivated in BO. Moreover, GWAS susceptibility SNPs for BO mapped to putative regulatory regions in fetal epithelial cells, which are inaccessible in the corresponding adult epithelial cells. Collectively, these data argue that the path to BO involves reactivation of pathways that define primitive fetal epithelial cell states.
An orexin-sensitive subpopulation of layer 6 neurons regulates cortical excitability and anxiety behaviour
Authors: Messore Fernando , Therpurakal Rajeevan Narayanan , Dufour Jean-Philippe , Hoerder-Suabedissen Anna , Guidi Luiz , Korrell Kim , Mueller Marissa , Lak Armin , Bannerman David , Mann Edward O , Molnár Zoltán
Published: July 2024

Cortical layer 6 (L6) neurons uniquely respond to orexin – a neuropeptide influencing arousal and emotion. We show that Drd1a-Cre+ neurons in the prefrontal cortex are selectively sensitive to orexin and regulate prefrontal network activation in vitro and in vivo. Chronically silencing these neurons impairs orexin-induced prefrontal activation and reduces anxiety-like behaviour, indicating that orexin-responsive L6 neurons modulate emotional states and may be a substrate for anxiety regulation.
Interpretable representation learning for 3D multi-piece intracellular structures using point clouds
Authors: Vasan Ritvik , Ferrante Alexandra J. , Borensztejn Antoine , Frick Christopher L. , Gaudreault Nathalie , Mogre Saurabh S. , Morris Benjamin , Pires Guilherme G. , Rafelski Susanne M. , Theriot Julie A. , Viana Matheus P.
Published: July 2024

A key challenge in understanding subcellular organization is quantifying interpretable measurements of intracellular structures with complex multi-piece morphologies in an objective, robust and generalizable manner. Here we introduce a morphology-appropriate representation learning framework that uses 3D rotation invariant autoencoders and point clouds. This framework is used to learn representations of complex multi-piece morphologies that are independent of orientation, compact, and easy to interpret. We apply our framework to intracellular structures with punctate morphologies (e.g. DNA replication foci) and polymorphic morphologies (e.g. nucleoli). We systematically compare our framework to image-based autoencoders across several intracellular structure datasets, including a synthetic dataset with pre-defined rules of organization. We explore the trade-offs in the performance of different models by performing multi-metric benchmarking across efficiency, generative capability, and representation expressivity metrics. We find that our framework, which embraces the underlying morphology of multi-piece structures, facilitates the unsupervised discovery of sub-clusters for each structure. We show how our approach can also be applied to phenotypic profiling using a dataset of nucleolar images following drug perturbations. We implement and provide all representation learning models using CytoDL, a python package for flexible and configurable deep learning experiments.
Early life microbial succession in the gut follows common patterns in humans across the globe
Authors: Bottino Guilherme Fahur , Bonham Kevin S. , Patel Fadheela , McCann Shelley , Zieff Michal , Naspolini Nathalia , Ho Daniel , Portlock Theo , Joos Raphaela , Midani Firas S. , Schüroff Paulo , Das Anubhav , Shennon Inoli , Wilson Brooke C. , O’Sullivan Justin M. , Britton Robert A. , Murray Deirdre M. , Kiely Mairead E. , Taddei Carla R. , Beltrão-Braga Patrícia C. B. , Campos Alline C. , Polanczyk Guilherme V. , Huttenhower Curtis , Donald Kirsten A. , Klepac-Ceraj Vanja
Published: July 2024

Characterizing the dynamics of microbial community succession in the infant gut microbiome is crucial for understanding child health and development, but no normative model currently exists. Here, we estimate child age using gut microbial taxonomic relative abundances from metagenomes, with high temporal resolution (±3 months) for the first 1.5 years of life. Using 3,154 samples from 1,827 infants across 12 countries, we trained a random forest model, achieving a root mean square error of 2.61 months. We identified key taxonomic predictors of age, including declines inBifidobacteriumspp. and increases inFaecalibacterium prausnitziiand Lachnospiraceae. Microbial succession patterns are conserved across infants from diverse human populations, suggesting universal developmental trajectories. Functional analysis confirmed trends in key microbial genes involved in feeding transitions and dietary exposures. This model provides a normative benchmark of “microbiome age” for assessing early gut maturation that can be used alongside other measures of child development.
Spatial (Mis)match Between EEG and fMRI Signal Patterns Revealed by Spatio-Spectral Source-Space EEG Decomposition
Authors: Jiricek Stanislav , Koudelka Vlastimil , Mantini Dante , Marecek Radek , Hlinka Jaroslav
Published: July 2024

In this work, we aimed to directly compare and integrate EEG whole-brain patterns of neural dynamics with concurrently measured fMRI BOLD data. For that purpose, we set out to derive EEG patterns based on a spatio-spectral decomposition of band-limited EEG power in the source-reconstructed space. On a large data set of 72 subjects resting-state hdEEG-fMRI we showed that the proposed approach is reliable both in terms of the extracted patterns as well as their spatial BOLD signatures. The five most robust EEG spatio-spectral patterns include, but go beyond, the well-known occipital alpha power dynamics. The EEG spatial-spectral patterns show relatively weak, yet statistically significant spatial similarity to their fMRI BOLD signatures, particularly the patterns that show stronger temporal synchronization with BOLD. However, we observed an insignificant relation between the temporal synchronization and spatial overlap of the EEG spatio-spectral patterns and the classical fMRI BOLD resting state networks (as obtained by independent component analysis). This provides evidence that both EEG (frequency-specific) power and BOLD signal capture reproducible spatiotemporal patterns of neural dynamics. Rather than being mutually redundant, these are only partially overlapping, carrying to a large extent complementary information concerning the underlying low-frequency dynamics. Finally, we report and interpret the most stable source space EEG-fMRI patterns, along with the corresponding EEG electrode space patterns better known from the literature.
CD11b suppresses TLR7-driven inflammatory signaling to protect against lupus nephritis
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Villanueva Veronica , Jimenez Viviana , Nguyen Billy , Chauhan Nishant Ranjan , Khan Samia Q. , Dorschner Jessica M. , Jensen Mark A. , Alzahrani Khulood , Wei Huiting , Cimbaluk David J. , Wei David C. , Jolly Meenakshi , Lopez-Rodriguez Darlah , Pineda Santiago Balza , Barbosa Antonio , Vazquez-Padron Roberto I. , Faridi Hafeez M. , Reiser Jochen , Niewold Timothy B. , Gupta Vineet
Published: July 2024

Lupus Nephritis (LN) is a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that affects kidney function. Here, we investigated the role of CD11b, a protein encoded by theITGAMgene, in the development of LN and its functional activation as a therapeutic strategy. Genetic coding variants ofITGAMsignificantly increase the risk for SLE and LN by producing a less active CD11b and leading to elevated levels of type I interferon (IFN I). However, a molecular mechanism for how these variants increase LN risk has been unclear. Here, we determined that these variants also significantly associate with elevations in soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), a known biomarker linked to kidney disease, suggesting a novel molecular connection. Pharmacologic activation of CD11b with a novel, clinical-stage agonist ONT01 significantly suppressed suPAR production in myeloid cells and reduced systemic inflammation and kidney damage in multiple experimental models of LN. Importantly, delaying treatment with ONT01 until after disease onset also significantly reduced serum suPAR and inflammatory cytokines, and decreased immune complex deposition in the glomerulus, glomerulonephritis and albuminuria, suggesting that CD11b activation is therapeutic for LN. Genetic activation of CD11b via a gain-of-function CD11b mutation also showed complete protection from LN, whereas genetic deletion of CD11b worsened the disease in mice, providing further evidence of the role of CD11b activation in regulating LN. Finally, transfer of human LN PBMCs generated human LN like disease in mice that was significantly reduced by ONT01. Together, these data provide strong evidence that ONT01 mediated CD11b activation can therapeutically modulate TLR7-driven inflammation and protect against LN. These findings support clinical development of CD11b agonists as novel therapeutics for treating lupus nephritis in human patients.
A single microRNA miR-195 rescues the arrested B cell development induced by EBF1 deficiency
Authors: Miyatake Y. , Ikawa T. , Yanagiya R. , Kotaki R. , Kameda K. , Koyama-Nasu R. , Okuyama K. , Hirano K. , Hosokawa H. , Hozumi K. , Ohtsuka M. , Kishikawa T. , Shibata C. , Otsuka M. , Maruyama R. , Ando K. , Kurosaki T. , Kawamoto H. , Kotani A.
Published: July 2024

Accumulated studies have reported that hematopoietic differentiation was primarily regulated by transcription factors. Early B cell factor 1 (EBF1) is an essential transcription factor for B lymphopoiesis. Contrary to the canonical notion, we found that a single miRNA, miRNA-195 (miR-195) transduction let EBF1 deficient hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) express CD19, carry out V(D)J recombination and class switch recombination, which implied that B cell matured without EBF1. A part of the mechanism was caused by FOXO1 accumulation via inhibition of FOXO1 phosphorylation pathways in which targets of miR-195 are enriched. These results suggested that some miRNA transductions could function as alternatives to transcription factors.
Development of a new flippase-dependent mouse model for red fluorescence-based isolation of KrasG12Doncogene-expressing tumor cells
Authors: Hrckulak Dusan , Krausova Michaela , Onhajzer Jakub , Stastna Monika , Kriz Vitezslav , Janeckova Lucie , Korinek Vladimir
Published: July 2024

Proto-oncogene KRAS, GTPase (KRAS) is one of the most intensively studied oncogenes in cancer research. Although several mouse models allow for regulated expression of mutant Kras, selective isolation and analysis of transforming or tumor cells that produce the Kras oncogene remains a challenge. In our study, we present a knock-in model of oncogenic variant KrasG12Dthat enables the “activation” of KrasG12Dexpression together with production of red fluorescent protein tdTomato. Both proteins are expressed from the endogenousKraslocus after recombination of a transcriptional stop box in the genomic DNA by the enzyme flippase (Flp). We have demonstrated the functionality of the allele termedRedRas(abbreviatedKrasRR) underin vitroconditions with mouse embryonic fibroblasts and organoids andin vivoin the lung and colon epithelium. After recombination with adenoviral vectors carrying theFlpgene, theKrasRRallele itself triggers formation of lung adenomas. In the colon epithelium, it causes the progression of adenomas that are triggered by the loss of tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc). Importantly, cells in which recombination has successfully occurred can be visualized and isolated using the fluorescence emitted by tdTomato. Furthermore, we show that KrasG12Dproduction enables intestinal organoid growth independent of epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling and that the KrasG12Dfunction is effectively suppressed by specific inhibitor MRTX1133.
Conformational dynamics and asymmetry in multimodal inhibition of membrane-bound pyrophosphatases
Authors: Liu Jianing , Shah Anokhi , Ma Yue , Hardman Katie , Johansson Niklas G. , Ribeiro Orquidea , Brookfield Adam , Bowen Alice , Yli-Kauhaluoma Jari , Xhaard Henri , Jeuken Lars J.C. , Goldman Adrian , Pliotas Christos , Vidilaseris Keni
Published: July 2024

Membrane-bound pyrophosphatases (mPPases) are homodimeric proteins that hydrolyse pyrophosphate and pump H+/Na+across membranes. They are crucial for the virulence of protist pathogens, making them attractive drug targets. In this study, we investigate the inhibitory effects of seven distinct bisphosphonates againstThermotoga maritimamPPase to explore their mode of action and assist in future small molecule inhibitor development. We solved two structures of mPPase bound to the inhibitors in the enzyme active sites and probed the conformational dynamics of mPPase under multiple inhibitors and functionally relevant conditions by double electron-electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopy. We found that mPPase adopts five distinct conformations within the ensemble in the presence of different inhibitors. Combined with solid-supported membrane-based electrophysiology recordings, this revealed that during catalysis, one monomer of the dimer remains open, and Na+can only be pumped in a closed state. These results further support the existence of catalytic asymmetry in our pumping-before-hydrolysis model.
A non-autonomous protein quality control mechanism targeting tau aggregate propagation
Authors: Bluemke Anika , Hagemeier Birte , Ripkens Kamilla , Schulze Nina , Strzala Michal , Koci Michelle , Kaschani Farnusch , Kaiser Markus , Erkelenz Michael , Schluecker Sebastian , Merdanovic Melisa , Poepsel Simon , Hellerschmied Doris , Burston Steve , Ehrmann Michael
Published: July 2024

Tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia with Parkinsonism, and other neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the spread of tau pathology from an initial brain region to neuroanatomically connected areas. At the molecular level, spreading involves aggregation of tau in a donor cell, externalization of transmissible fragments of amyloid fibrils, internalization by an acceptor cell, followed by seeded aggregation of endogenous tau. However, the protein quality control mechanisms that counteract tau aggregation, and in particular its spreading process, are not well understood. In this context, a co-migrating factor performing location-independent interference of fibril formation and transmission would be an appropriate conceptual solution. Here, we show that the cell-to-cell transfer of the widely conserved serine protease HTRA1 impedes tau pathology by targeting multiple steps within the spreading process. Our results suggest a defense mechanism against the intercellular spread of pathogenic protein conformations.
Rotatorlike gantry optics
Authors: Pavlovič M. , Pivi M. T. F. , Strašík I. , Rizzoglio V. , Pullia M. G. , Adler L. , Guidoboni G. , Maderböck C. , Prokopovich D. , Kowarik G.
Published: July 2024

Rotating gantries are commonly used in ion-therapy facilities to assist and support optimizing the dose distribution delivered to the patient. They are installed at the end of the beamlines and rotated mechanically in the treatment room. In synchrotron-based facilities, the gantries must be able to transport slowly extracted beams with essentially different emittance patterns in the two transverse planes. Such beams will be referred to as the asymmetric beams. A special device called rotator has been proposed as a possible solution. The worldwide first beamline with the rotator has been recently commissioned. The original rotator concept uses an “external” rotator that is a part (a module) of the beamline the gantry is connected to. In this paper, a novel gantry ion-optical concept integrating the rotator optics into the gantry optics is introduced. The first-order gantry transfer matrix satisfies the so-called sigma-matching ion-optical constraints, and—at the same time—it possesses the format of a rotator transfer matrix. The rotator-matching and the sigma-matching principles are combined in the gantry transfer matrix, which means that the sigma-matching gantry acts simultaneously as a rotator without the need for an extra rotator device. In addition, scattering in the gantry nozzle is used to balance the asymmetric beam emittances in the two transverse planes without an additional scattering foil. In this way, the presented ion-optical concept combines all three known matching techniques—the sigma matching, the rotator matching, and the scattering-foil matching—within the gantry beam transport system. Such a beam transport system provides the best matching result and full angular independence of the beam parameters at the gantry isocenter. It also makes it possible to optimize the beam parameters not only at the gantry isocenter but also at the beam monitors located in the gantry nozzle without increasing the number of gantry quadrupoles. There are two possible versions of such gantry optics: the point-to-point and the parallel-to-point optics. They both are presented in this paper. Theoretical calculations are supported by beam transport simulations performed with the in code. Feasibility of the newly proposed ion-optical concept is demonstrated on the MedAustron proton gantry. However, it can be applied to any rotating gantry at any ion-therapy facility. The presented design is the first rotatorlike gantry ion-optical concept worldwide.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum phase transition between spin liquid and spin nematics in spin-1 Kitaev honeycomb model
Authors: Mashiko Tohru , Okubo Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2024

Besides the exactly solvable spin-1/2 Kitaev model, higher spin-S ones, not exactly solvable, are promising playgrounds for researches on the quantum spin liquid as well. One of the main interests in higher spin-S cases is the interplay between the Kitaev spin liquid (KSL) and spin nematics. We probe this interplay in a spin-1 model on the honeycomb lattice with competing bilinear-biquadratic and Kitaev interactions. Utilizing the 2D infinite projected entangled-pair state (iPEPS), we map out the phase diagram for the ferro-biquadratic interaction. In the phase diagram, we discover the direct phase transitions between the KSL phases and ferro-quadrupolar ordered spin nematic phase, which we call the FQ phase. It has been revealed that the ferro KSL exhibits robustness against perturbations from ferro-quadrupolar interactions. Also, the FQ phase is extended to the parameter region near the antiferro-Kitaev limit.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonlinear defect theory of thermal relaxation in complex multimoded systems
Authors: Kabat Emily , Ramos Alba Y. , Fernández-Alcázar Lucas J. , Kottos Tsampikos
Published: July 2024

We show that a single nonlinear defect can thermalize an initial excitation towards a Rayleigh-Jeans (RJ) state in complex multimoded systems. The thermalization can be hindered by disorder-induced localization phenomena, which drive the system into a metastable RJ state. It can differ dramatically from the thermal RJ and it involves only a (quasi)isolated set of prethermal modes whose density can be predicted using a renormalization group theory. Importantly, we establish a connection between the modal relaxation rates that dictate the dynamics towards (quasi)equilibrium and the Thouless conductance. This connection allows us to derive the whole modal relaxation rate distribution. Our results are relevant to photonics, optomechanics, and cold atoms.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A limit to how much you can plan – planned and improvised strategic communication during COVID-19
Authors: Offerdal Truls Strand
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates the relationship between prior planning and the practical adaptation and improvisation conducted by organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic through a qualitative case study of Norwegian Public Health Institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on a unique set of qualitative data, interviews and field observations, gathered from organizations during an ongoing crisis. Through this access it becomes possible to examine how organizations practically navigated the complex relationship between structured plans and the situational, short term forms of crisis communication.

Findings

The paper finds that prior plans played a key role as points of reference, and as a prior set of principles that could be drawn on during a crisis. Organizations did however have to adapt and respond to the crisis in ways that could not have been designed in advance. In order to do so employees would deliberate and discuss in search of a fitting response that could help them in reaching their goals.

Originality/value

The paper builds on prior work that has discussed limitations and challenges to planning and linear approaches in crisis communication and strategic communication, but provides empirical insight into how members of organizations navigate this work in practice. By employing theories from rhetoric it provides a framework for the further study of crisis communication as a practical ongoing activity, and provides some suggested implications for how organizations can prepare increase crisis preparedness.
Riding the crypto wave: How does country R&D spending respond?
Authors: Sami Mina , Abdallah Wael
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how the expansion in cryptocurrency users affects the country's research and development (R&D) investments.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis covers 53 countries over the period 2019–2022. The empirical methodology implements an instrumental variable approach to overcome endogeneity and omitted variable bias issues. In particular, this study introduces novel instruments developed from Google data, specifically related to trends observed in the cryptocurrency markets.

Findings

The results show that macroeconomic and institutional factors, as well as technology infrastructure affect the country's R&D expenditure, as previously noted in the literature. The country's R&D spending significantly responds to cryptocurrency expansions. Conspicuously, each 10% increase in cryptocurrency market users boosts the ratio of R&D to GDP by 1.35%. The countries that have imposed an adequate taxation policy on cryptocurrency gains experienced more improvement in their R&D budget, in contrast to those that forced aggressive tax brackets or did not apply adequate policies. Cryptocurrency dynamics affect both religiously regulated and nonreligious countries.

Originality/value

This study has three main contributions. First, it introduces the role of the cryptocurrency market as one of the leading global trends to affect the countries’ R&D budget. Second, this paper documents the importance of forcing an adequate tax policy on cryptocurrency capital gains. Third, the results of this paper serve as guidelines for governments to face the challenges raised by the cryptocurrency market.
Spillover effects of online comments on high-involvement product sales: evidence from the Chinese automobile industry
Authors: Wang Shutian , Lin Yan , Yan Lu , Zhu Guoqing
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Online comments significantly impact consumer choice and product sales. Existing research focuses on the direct effects of online comments on product sales, whereas studies on the spillover effects of online comments are relatively limited, especially for high-involvement products. This study explores the impact of online comments of competing products on focal product sales in high-involvement products.

Design/methodology/approach

Data mining techniques are used to collect 72,367 online comments from the Autohome platform, and sentiment analysis algorithms are used to quantify the textual information for subsequent analysis. Specifically, two panel two-way fixed-effects models are constructed to explore the impact of the average valence and quantity of online comments of competing cars on focal car sales, and analyse this impact in terms of heterogeneity across car price levels, while the moderating effect of online comments of competing cars is explored.

Findings

The results show that the average quantity of online comments of competing cars has a significant effect on the sales of the focal car in the overall sample, while the average valence of online comments of competing cars does not have a significant spillover effect. Moreover, the spillover effect varies by car price level. For high-priced cars, the average quantity of online comments of competing cars significantly and negatively affects focal car sales, and the average valence of online comments of competing cars significantly and negatively moderates the effect of the valence of focal car online comments on its sales. For lower-priced cars, online comments of competing cars don’t significantly affect focal car sales.

Originality/value

This study not only enriches the theory of online comments and high-involvement product sales, but also provides reference and guidance for exploring spillover effects of online comments for other products.
Immigrant women entrepreneurship research: mapping the field
Authors: Poggesi Sara , Mari Michela
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Immigrant entrepreneurship, particularly immigrant women entrepreneurship, has recently gained socioeconomic attention. However, this issue does not seem to have found proper recognition yet within academic management studies. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to develop a rigorous and comprehensive historical overview of the field, highlighting the key research issues that scholars are following to date and the most intriguing research directions worthy of further development.

Design/methodology/approach

To reach its goal, the paper develops a systematic literature review based on the rigorous criteria of 83 papers focused on immigrant women entrepreneurs.

Findings

Findings from this study highlight that some relevant arguments related to immigrant women entrepreneurs should deserve more in-depth investigation. As an example, a clear understanding of those factors positively affecting immigrant women firms’ performance is currently missing and it may help to gain knowledge that is able to effectively support such firms. Moreover, there is a strong need to go beyond the tolerance and proclamations toward the relevance of immigrant women entrepreneurs to really understand and manage the differences and ethnic resources that immigrants have and, therefore, overcome their marginalization.

Originality/value

This research enhances a clear understanding of issues related to immigrant women entrepreneurship. The advancement, in terms of knowledge, of such a pivotal topic for today’s economies helps both scholars and policymakers in better targeting education plans as well as in planning ad hoc support and targeted policies, management, entrepreneurship, gender, women entrepreneurs and immigrant entrepreneurship.
Ashwagandha: botanic occurrence, conventional uses, and significance in heart, metabolic, renal and hepatic disorder
Authors: Jain Vratika , Chaturvedi Shreya , Jamil Shahid , Tyagi Rama , Arya Satyadev , Madan Swati
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This review paper delves into the comprehensive understanding of Ashwagandha, spanning its botanic occurrence, conventional applications, extraction techniques and pivotal role in addressing various disorders.

Design/methodology/approach

Introduction Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a remarkable botanical resource with a rich history of use in traditional medicine.

Findings

In botany, Withania somnifera thrives in diverse ecosystems, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Its extensive distribution across regions, the Canary Islands, South Africa, the Middle East, Sri Lanka, India and China underscores its adaptability and resilience. The traditional uses of Ashwagandha in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine systems have persisted for over 3,000 years. With over 6,000 plant species utilized historically, India, often regarded as the “botanical garden of the world,” has firmly established Ashwagandha as a cornerstone in traditional healing practices.

Originality/value

Extraction methods play a pivotal role in harnessing the therapeutic potential of Ashwagandha. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography are among the techniques employed to obtain the key bioactive compounds. Ashwagandha’s significance in modern medicine is underscored by its potential to address a spectrum of health issues. The multifaceted bioactivity of Ashwagandha is attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, heart conditions, metabolic disorders, renal ailments, hepatic diseases and adaptogenic properties, making it a subject of increasing interest in contemporary medical research. This review synthesizes the assorted perspectives of Ashwagandha, from its botanical roots and conventional employments to its advanced extraction strategies and its intention to basic well-being challenges, advertising important bits of knowledge for analysts, specialists and healthcare experts alike.
Pharmacological properties and stability of natural–colored foods: a literature review
Authors: Son Eunhye
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Natural food colors used in food are generally perceived as additives. Therefore, many studies have been conducted to prove the health benefits and risks of using natural food colors, which play an important role in the food industry, and to identify realistic stabilization methods. This paper aims to examine the health effects of natural food colors from a pharmacological approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper searches for relevant literature using keywords such as “natural food coloring”, “stabilization” and “antioxidant effects”. For the case study area, this paper added “food science and technology” to identify methods for stabilizing natural food coloring. From this review, the authors ultimately selected 79 articles that appeared to meet the research objectives.

Findings

When using natural food coloring in food, there are concerns about stabilization. However, with the development of food science and technology, the authors have found that there are multi-layer emulsification methods that can be applied before, during and after food manufacturing, and storage standards are also important. Natural food coloring is playing a diverse role in food science.

Originality/value

Natural food coloring has been reported in various types of literature to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. The most common pigments are carotenoids. Considering the positive effects of natural food coloring on human health, the authors suggest future directions for the development of food science and technology and provide a perspective for changing consumer perceptions.
The digitalization tendency of young adults: differences by living environment, gender and education
Authors: Markoc Ilkim
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the differences in digitalization tendency levels among young adults (18–30) regarding their living environment, gender, and education.

Design/methodology/approach

Digital transformation (DT) refers to digital technologies becoming more prevalent in society. This process transforms lifestyles and business models using information and communication technologies. While digital transformation is on everyone’s agenda worldwide, it is still in its infancy. The data collected from 1,067 young adults show that all three control variables, living environment (CV1), gender (CV2), and education level (CV3), have a significant impact on digitalization tendency. Samples are selected using stratified sampling. Frequency distributions of quantitative data, descriptive statistics, ANOVA analysis, independent sample t-tests, reliability and validity analysis are interpreted in SPSS.

Findings

It is concluded from the study that the young adults living in Istanbul are more inclined to use digital technologies and to see the process from the standpoint of its positive results. It is observed that women have a higher digitalization tendency than men. Finally, the tendency to use digital technologies increases with education level, as does the likelihood of perceiving the outputs of these technologies as positive.

Research limitations/implications

The study limited the sample to young adults aged 18–30.

Originality/value

Digitalization tendencies are positively influenced by factors such as living in Istanbul, being a woman, and having a high education level.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-01-2023-0020.
Does kindness matter? Discourses on kindness during the pandemic
Authors: Weigand Heidi , Williams Kristin Samantha , Okoroafor Sophia , Weigand Erica , Liuzzo Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Our research takes inspiration from stories of kindness in the context of the COVID-19 global pandemic and investigates what generational entrants, namely those entering the workforce in large numbers, dubbed emerging leaders (ages 19–39) think of the phenomenon of kindness and its potential role in organizations. Guiding the study is the question: “What can emerging leaders tell us about kindness and work?”

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting discourse analysis fused with kindness as research praxis, we conducted 66 qualitative interviews with young leaders (born between 1981 and 2001) across North America, Europe and Africa. Interviews were conducted in the summer and fall of 2020.

Findings

Our research sets out to expand theorizing related to kindness as a phenomenon, illustrates implications relevant to management and organizational studies and offers insights into the value of kindness as research praxis. This paper makes three related contributions and one methodological one: (1) it contributes to the literature on kindness and how it can be theorized in management and organizational studies, (2) it explores emerging leaders perceptions of kindness in a pandemic context, (3) it offers insights into how kindness might be leveraged as a model of moral and ethical behaviour valued in organizational environments, and (4) the paper promotes epistemic properties of kindness when fused with research praxis.

Originality/value

Authored during a rapidly unfolding scholarly conversation on the influences of the pandemic on organizational life, our research draws insights from experiences of kindness during COVID-19. This paper applies discourse analysis fused with kindness as research praxis to an understudied area of human behaviour (kindness) which has implications for management and organizational theory and practice. These implications include: (1) individual kindness capacity or inclination towards kindness behaviour that may be depleted by stressors such as the pandemic, (2) that kindness has socially contagious qualities, (3) and kindness as praxis has material benefits in the context of research methods, benefiting the research team and the research outputs.
Corporate narrative reporting on Industry 4.0 technologies: do the COVID-19 pandemic and governance structure matter?
Authors: Shehadeh Maha , Hussainey Khaled , Alhadab Mohammad , Kilani Qais
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This research examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and governance structure on corporate narrative reporting (CNR) concerning Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in Jordanian commercial banks. The study aims to explore how these factors influence the extent and nature of disclosures in annual reports.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a comprehensive manual content analysis method to investigate the annual reports from all 15 Jordanian commercial banks from 2010 to 2022. This approach allows for the detailed examination of I4.0 disclosures, using a specially developed index to measure various disclosure dimensions. An ordinary least squares model is used to assess the determinants of CNR on I4.0, considering factors such as the pandemic’s impact and various governance attributes.

Findings

The findings indicate that both the COVID-19 pandemic and specific governance factors (e.g. board size and audit committee size) significantly enhance the disclosure of I4.0 technologies. The study reveals that during the pandemic, banks significantly increased their level of detailed disclosures about I4.0 strategies, challenges and benefits, reflecting a strategic response to the pandemic’s disruption.

Originality/value

This study introduces a novel I4.0 Reporting Index for banks, measuring disclosures across strategy implementation, business model transformation, challenges and benefits. It adds to the existing literature by offering insights into narrative reporting practices concerning I4.0 technologies within the banking sector and illuminates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these practices.
Unsteady thin film flow of a hybrid nanoliquid with magnetic effects
Authors: Malleswari Kakanuti , G. Sarojamma
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the thermal energy diffusion and flow features of a hybrid nanofluid in a thin film. In particular, the focus is to elicit the impact of shape factor in the backdrop of a magnetic field. The hybrid nanofluid is the amalgamation of various shaped nanoscale particles of copper and alumina in water.

Design/methodology/approach

The equations of motion and energy are modeled using the Tiwari–Das model. The differential equations governing the physics of the designed model have been obtained by the application of scaling analysis. To achieve quantitative outcomes, Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg numerical code along with shooting techniques is used. Validation of the derived outcomes with available data in literature reveals a greater accuracy of the numerical procedure used in this investigation.

Findings

The dynamics of the slender nano liquid film is explored eliciting the impact of various flow parameters. The rate of energy transport of the Cu-Al2O3/ water with blade-shaped nanoparticle, at a fixed Prandtl number (=2) is enhanced by 14.7% compared to that evaluated with spherical particles. The presence of hybrid nanoparticles has an affirmative impact in boosting the rate of heat transfer (RHT). The temperature and the rate of thermal diffusion of the hybrid nanofluid are more prominent than those of the Cu-H2O case. The numerical outcomes of this investigation are collated with the already published works as a limiting case and are found to be in good agreement.

Originality/value

The adopted methodology helped to obtain the results of the present problem. To the best of authors’ knowledge, it can be shown that the originality of the work with the table of comparison. There is a good agreement between present outcomes with the existed results.
Diagnosis and management of isolated serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma: A qualitative focus group study
Authors: Negri Serena , Fisch Charlotte , de Hullu Joanne A. , van Bommel Majke , Simons Michiel , Bogaerts Joep ,   Consortium STIC focusgroup, Hermens Rosella P. M. G. , Steenbeek Miranda P.
Published: July 2024

Objective

A Serous Tubal Intraepithelial Carcinoma (STIC) without concomitant invasive carcinoma is occasionally identified and associated with a high risk of subsequent peritoneal carcinomatosis. Management needs optimisation. This study explores professionals' opinions and clinical practices regarding the diagnosis, counselling, treatment and follow‐up of isolated STIC to facilitate clinical decision making and optimise the direction of future research. A secondary aim is to assess international clinical guidelines.

Design

Focus group study.

Setting

Four online sessions.

Population

International panel (n = 12 countries) of gynaecologists, gynaecologic oncologists, pathologists and medical oncologists (n = 49).

Methods

A semi‐structured interview guide was used. Two independent researchers analysed transcripts by open and axial coding. Results were organised in domains. Relevant (inter)national guidelines were screened for recommendations regarding isolated STIC.

Main Outcome Measures

Professionals' opinions and clinical practices regarding isolated STIC management.

Results

Regarding pathology, most professionals identified the SEE‐FIM protocol as standard of care for high‐risk patients, whereas variation exists in the histopathological examination of fallopian tubes in the general population. Confirmation of STIC diagnosis by a specialised pathologist was recommended. Regarding work‐up and follow‐up after STIC diagnosis, there was variety and discordance. Data on outcomes is limited. As for treatment, chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors were not recommended by most. Eleven guidelines provided limited recommendations.

Conclusions

We identified recommendations and highlighted knowledge gaps in the diagnosis and management of isolated STIC. Moreover, recommendations in clinical guidelines are limited. There is an agreed need for international collaboration for the prospective registration of isolated STIC.
Effectiveness of a virtual quality improvement training program to improve reach of weight management programs within a large health system
Authors: Damschroder Laura J. , Evans Richard , Kim H. Myra , Sussman Jeremy , Freitag Michelle B. , Robinson Claire H. , Burns Jennifer A. , Yankey Nicholas R. , Lowery Julie C.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To test effectiveness of the LEAP (Learn Engage Act Process) Program on engaging frontline Veteran Health Administration (VHA) medical center teams in continuous quality improvement (QI), a core capability for learning health systems.

Data Sources and Study Setting

Data sources included VHA electronic health record (EHR) data, surveys, and LEAP coaching field notes.

Study Design

A staggered difference‐in‐differences study was conducted. Fifty‐five facilities participated in LEAP across eight randomly assigned clusters of 6–8 facilities per cluster over 2 years. Non‐participating facilities were used as controls. A MOVE! weight management program team completed a Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act cycle of change supported by learning curriculum, coaching, and virtual collaboratives in LEAP facilities. Primary outcome was program reach to Veterans. A mixed‐effects model compared pre‐ versus post‐LEAP periods for LEAP versus control facilities. LEAP adherence, satisfaction, and cost to deliver LEAP were evaluated.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Thirty months of facility‐level EHR MOVE! enrollment data were included in analyses. LEAP Satisfaction and QI skills were elicited via surveys at baseline and 6‐month post‐LEAP.

Principal findings

Fifty‐five facilities were randomly assigned to eight time‐period‐based clusters to receive LEAP (71% completed LEAP) and 82 non‐participating facilities were randomly assigned as controls. Reach in LEAP and control facilities was comparable in the 12‐month pre‐LEAP period (p = 0.07). Though LEAP facilities experienced slower decline in reach in the 12‐month post‐LEAP period compared with controls (p < 0.001), this is likely due to unexplained fluctuations in controls. For LEAP facilities, satisfaction was high (all mean ratings >4 on a 5‐point scale), self‐reported use of QI methods increased significantly (p‐values <0.05) 6 months post‐LEAP, and delivery cost was $4024 per facility‐based team.

Conclusion

Control facilities experienced declining reach in the 12‐month post‐LEAP period, but LEAP facilities did not, plus they reported higher engagement in QI, an essential capability for learning health systems.