bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal Coherence Shapes Cortical Responses to Speech Mixtures in a Ferret Cocktail Party
Authors: Joshi Neha , Ng Yu , Thakkar Karran , Duque Daniel , Yin Pingbo , Fritz Jonathan , Elhilali Mounya , Shamma Shihab 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTSegregation of complex sounds such as speech, music and animal vocalizations as they simultaneously emanate from multiple sources (referred to as the “cocktail party problem”) is a remarkable ability that is common in humans and animals alike. The neural underpinnings of this process have been extensively studied behaviorally and physiologically in non-human animals primarily with simplified sounds (tones and noise sequences). In humans, segregation experiments utilizing more complex speech mixtures are common; but physiological experiments have relied on EEG/MEG/ECoG recordings that sample activity from thousands of neurons, often obscuring the detailed processes that give rise to the observed segregation. The present study combines the insights from animal single-unit physiology with segregation of speech-like mixtures. Ferrets were trained to attend to a female voice and detect a target word, both in presence or absence of a concurrent, equally salient male voice. Single neuron recordings were obtained from primary and secondary ferret auditory cortical fields, as well as frontal cortex. During task performance, representation of the female words became more enhanced relative to those of the (distractor) male in all cortical regions, especially in the higher auditory cortical field. Analysis of the temporal and spectral response characteristics during task performance reveals how speech segregation gradually emerges in the auditory cortex. A computational model evaluated on the same voice mixtures replicates and extends these results to different attentional targets (attention to female or male voices). These findings are consistent with the temporal coherence theory whereby attention to a target voice anchors neural activity in cortical networks hence binding together channels that are coherently temporally-modulated with the target, and ultimately forming a common auditory stream.
How cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic subnetworks can shift decision policies to maximize reward rate
Authors: Bahuguna Jyotika , Verstynen Timothy , Rubin Jonathan E. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAll mammals exhibit flexible decision policies that depend, at least in part, on the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic (CBGT) pathways. Yet understanding how the complex connectivity, dynamics, and plasticity of CBGT circuits translate into experience-dependent shifts of decision policies represents a longstanding challenge in neuroscience. Here we present the results of a computational approach to address this problem. Specifically, we simulated decisions driven by CBGT circuits under baseline, unrewarded conditions using a spiking neural network, and fit an evidence accumulation model to the resulting behavior. Using canonical correlation analysis, we then replicated the identification of three control ensembles (responsiveness,pliancyandchoice) within CBGT circuits, with each of these subnetworks mapping to a specific configuration of the evidence accumulation process. We subsequently simulated learning in a simple two-choice task with one optimal (i.e., rewarded) target and found that feedback-driven dopaminergic plasticity on cortico-striatal synapses effectively manages the speed-accuracy tradeoff so as to increase reward rate over time. The learning-related changes in the decision policy can be decomposed in terms of the contributions of each control ensemble, whose influence is driven by sequential reward prediction errors on individual trials. Our results provide a clear and simple mechanism for how dopaminergic plasticity shifts subnetworks within CBGT circuits so as to maximize reward rate by strategically modulating how evidence is used to drive decisions.Author summaryThe task of selecting an action among multiple options can be framed as a process of accumulating streams of evidence, both internal and external, up to a decision threshold. A decision policy can be defined by the unique configuration of factors, such as accumulation rate and threshold height, that determine the dynamics of the evidence accumulation process. In mammals, this process is thought to be regulated by low dimensional subnetworks, called control ensembles, within the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic (CBGT) pathways. These control ensembles effectively act by tuning specific aspects of evidence accumulation during decision making. Here we use simulations and computational analysis to show that synaptic plasticity at the cortico-striatal synapses, mediated by choice-related reward signals, adjusts CBGT control ensemble activity in a way that improves accuracy and reduces decision time to maximize the increase of reward rate during learning.
Decoding molecular mechanisms for loss of function variants in the human proteome
Authors: Cagiada Matteo , Jonsson Nicolas , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten 
Published: May 2024

AbstractProteins play a critical role in cellular function by interacting with other biomolecules; missense variants that cause loss of protein function can lead to a broad spectrum of genetic disorders. While much progress has been made on predicting which missense variants may cause disease, our ability to predict the underlying molecular mechanisms remain limited. One common mechanism is that missense variants cause protein destabilization resulting in lowered protein abundance and loss of function, while other variants directly disrupt key interactions with other molecules. We have here leveraged machine learning models for protein sequence and structure to disentangle effects on protein function and abundance, and applied our resulting model to all missense variants in the human proteome. We find that approximately half of all missense variants that lead to loss of function and disease do so because they disrupt protein stability. We have predicted functionally important positions in all human proteins, and find that they cluster on protein structures and are often found on the protein surface. Our work provides a resource for interpreting both predicted and experimental variant effects across the human proteome, and a mechanistic starting point for developing therapies towards genetic diseases.
A role for pH dynamics regulating transcription factor DNA binding selectivity
Authors: Kisor Kyle P. , Ruiz Diego Garrido , Jacobson Matthew P. , Barber Diane L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntracellular pH (pHi) dynamics regulates diverse cell processes such as proliferation, dysplasia, and differentiation, often mediated by the protonation state of a functionally critical histidine residue in endogenous pH sensing proteins. How pHi dynamics can directly regulate gene expression and whether transcription factors can function as pH sensors has received limited attention. We tested the prediction that transcription factors with a histidine in their DNA binding domain (DBD) that forms hydrogen bonds with nucleotides can have pH-regulated activity, which is relevant to more than 85 transcription factors in distinct families, including FOX, KLF, SOX and MITF/Myc. Focusing on FOX family transcription factors, we used unbiased SELEX-seq to identify pH-dependent DNA binding motif preferences, then confirm pH-regulated binding affinities for FOXC2, FOXM1, and FOXN1 to a canonical FkhP DNA motif that are 2.5 to 7.5 greater at pH 7.0 compared with pH 7.5. For FOXC2, we also find greater activity for an FkhP motif at lower pHi in cells and that pH-regulated binding and activity are dependent on a conserved histidine (His122) in the DBD. RNA-seq with FOXC2 also reveals pH-dependent differences in enriched promoter motifs. Our findings identify pH-regulated transcription factor-DNA binding selectivity with relevance to how pHi dynamics can regulate gene expression for myriad cell behaviours.
Digital marketing innovation and industrial marketing: evidence from restaurants' service robots
Authors: Ku Edward C.S. 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis study aims to explore how perceived anthropomorphism, perceived warmth, and customer–artificial intelligence (AI) assisted exchange (CAIX) of service robots affect customers’ satisfaction via digital marketing innovation.Design/methodology/approachA customer satisfaction model was formulated based on the perspective of parasocial relationships and hybrid intelligence; 236 completed questionnaires were returned by partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis.FindingsThis study demonstrates that perceived anthropomorphism, perceived warmth and CAIX's impact on digital marketing innovation were supported, and customer satisfaction impacted the continued intention to use service robots.Originality/valueRestaurants that leverage service robots differentiate themselves from competitors by offering innovative and technologically advanced dining experiences. Integrating AI capabilities sets these restaurants apart and attracts tech-savvy customers who value convenience and efficiency.
The relationship between the accounting standards and the global financial crisis: empirical analysis of mergers and acquisitions in banking industry
Authors: Akgün Ali İhsan 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to focus on, namely, the international financial reporting standards (IFRS) or local generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) effects of financial reporting as a corporate governance mechanism on mergers and acquisitions (M&As) for banking institutions during the global financial crisis.Design/methodology/approachI investigate the characteristics of bank financial statements before the start of the global crisis, which helps to explain the relationships between the accounting standards and the global financial crisis. The observations, which are based on 3,178 deals in a sample period, are crucially important for corporate governance and bank performance. The results from our analysis are robust to a wide variety of modifications in our research design and are corroborated by descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and a two-sample t-test on a sample of banks that voluntarily adopted IFRS for M&As.FindingsThe find that IFRS-based monitoring of banks M&As in terms of higher quality financial reporting is negatively linked with bank performance, whereas local GAAP-based monitoring of banks’ M&A is positively associated with accounting performance. Finally, our main results for higher quality financial reporting under local GAAP or IFRS generally hold after controlling for various analyses and relationships between account standards and the financial crisis.Practical implicationsFinancial reporting standards setting a corporate governance mechanism are considered since it was impacted recently during the global financial crisis and became a great matter of concern.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is determined by an empirical investigation of the relationships between bank performance and accounting and financial reporting standards in the context of the global economy.
Dissatisfaction and service failures in luxury consumption: a systematic review
Authors: Arora Swapan Deep 
Published: May 2024

PurposeWhile service failures and recoveries (SFR) constitute a well-explored research domain, such negative consumption experiences have been understudied in the luxury context. The current study undertakes a systematic review to capture current knowledge and stimulate research in this vital domain.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a systematic literature review methodology and employs the Theory-Context-Characteristics-Methods (TCCM) framework.FindingsGuiding theories, industry and national contexts, relevant constructs and their relationships, and research methods employed in studying SFR in luxury consumption are identified and synthesized.Originality/valueA comparative analysis of the luxury SFR with broader extant knowledge is offered. Further, hospitality is revealed as the dominant context, meriting its emphasis.
For the many not the few: introducing just transition for supply chain management
Authors: Karaosman Hakan , Marshall Donna , Ward Irene 
Published: May 2024

PurposeJust transition is a fundamental concept for supply chain management but neither discipline pays attention to the other and little is known about how supply chains can be orchestrated as socioecological systems to manage these transitions. Building from a wide range of just transition examples, this paper explores just transition to understand how to move beyond instrumental supply chain practices to supply chains functioning in harmony with the planet and its people.Design/methodology/approachBuilding from a systematic review of 72 papers, the paper identifies just transition examples while interpreting them through the theoretical lens of supply chain management, providing valuable insights to help research and practice understand how to achieve low-carbon economies through supply chain management in environmentally and socially just ways.FindingsThe paper defines, elaborates, and extends the just transition construct by developing a transition taxonomy with two key dimensions. The purpose dimension (profit or shared outcomes) and the governance dimension (government-/industry-led versus civil society-involved), generating four transition archetypes. Most transitions projects are framed around the Euro- and US-centric, capitalist standards of development, leading to coloniality as well as economic and cultural depletion of communities. Framing just transition in accordance with context-specific plural values, the paper provides an alternative perspective to the extractive transition concept. This can guide supply chain management to decarbonise economies and societies by considering the rights of nature, communities and individuals.Originality/valueIntroducing just transition into the supply chain management domain, this paper unifies the various conceptualisations of just transition into a holistic understanding, providing a new foundation for supply chain management research.
The flourishing classroom: lessons from improvisational theater
Authors: Wang Jiunwen 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis essay articulates the vision of a flourishing classroom, which arguably is the ultimate goal of a positive approach to management education. By demonstrating how improvisational theater is the epitome of a flourishing ensemble, this essay proposes that there are some lessons educators can glean from improvisational theater in order to achieve a flourishing classroom. The applications, benefits and challenges of applying improvisational theater in the classroom are also discussed.Design/methodology/approachThis essay articulates the vision of a flourishing classroom, which arguably is the ultimate goal of a positive approach to management education. By demonstrating how improvisational theater is the epitome of a flourishing ensemble, this essay proposes that there are some lessons educators can glean from improvisational theater in order to achieve a flourishing classroom. The applications, benefits and challenges of applying improvisational theater in the classroom are also discussed.FindingsImprovisational theatre can shed some light on teaching pedagogies within the classroom. Building trust in the classroom community, framing failure as learning opportunities, and promoting the improvisational mindset can enable students to learn better.Originality/valueThis essay articulates the vision of a flourishing management classroom, which arguably is the ultimate goal of a positive approach to management education. By demonstrating how improvisational theater is the epitome of a flourishing ensemble, this essay proposes that there are some lessons management educators can glean from improvisational theater in order to achieve a flourishing management classroom. The applications, benefits and challenges of applying improvisational theater in the classroom are also discussed.
The use of Intermediaries (communication specialists) at Parole Board oral hearings in England and Wales
Authors: O'Mahony Brendan M. , Milne Rebecca , Smith Kevin 
Published: May 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to find out what role intermediaries have in facilitating communication with victims and prisoners at Parole Board (PB) oral hearings.

Design/methodology/approach
A survey was designed and administered to 39 PB members to find out their perceptions of, and experiences with, the use of intermediaries. Frequency tables and verbatim quotations are used to report the results.

Findings
Overall, participants had not experienced any use of intermediaries with victims or family members presenting victim personal statements at an oral hearing. Further, there had been limited use of intermediaries for prisoners attending oral hearings. Nevertheless, there was a good recognition of a range of communication needs that a prisoner might present with at a hearing. There was also general support for the use of intermediaries with some caution about possible delays to procedural fairness.

Practical implications
The early identification of communication support needs for prisoners and victims attending an oral hearing is essential. The PB should raise awareness with the PB Membership about the role of intermediaries. The PB should continue to develop guidance and policy surrounding intermediaries. Prison lawyers and HM Prison and Probation Service may require specialist training in identifying communication needs in vulnerable prisoners and identifying when a communication specialist might be required for an oral hearing.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first published paper examining the role of intermediaries at PB oral hearings. It builds on the evidence base of the use of intermediaries in other criminal justice contexts.
Generating customer wealth by mobile-based agricultural extension services: BOP farmers in the emerging markets
Authors: Verma Pranay 
Published: May 2024

Purpose
This research was motivated by the recognition that the use of mobile-based agricultural extension services (AES) applications has become increasingly popular among the bottom of the pyramid segment in recent years. However, users’ adoption is determined not only by their perception of the technology but also by its perceived wealth. In other words, even though a technology may be perceived as advanced, if it does not fit users’ wealth perception benefits, they may not adopt it. Using an extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) perspective, this study aims to explore potential predictors of behavioral intention toward AES such as effort expectancy, performance expectancy, customer wealth (CW), social influence and perceived characteristics of innovation.

Design/methodology/approach
Potential causal connections between key UTAUT factors and users’ intentions to use the services are hypothesized. An integrated theoretical model was developed and tested against the empirical data collected from 336 AES users. A measurement model and structural equation model were tested using AMOS 22.0 and confirmed all 14 hypothesized relationships.

Findings
The results were consistent with the recent literature on mobile technology acceptance, confirming an unmoderated relationship between CW and the adoption of mobile-based AES. This research proposes a mobile AES user adoption model by integrating CW with the unified theory of acceptance and usage of technology (UTAUT).

Originality/value
This study establishes CW as an outcome of various relationships.
Long‐term changes in multi‐trophic diversity alter the functioning of river food webs
Authors: Moi Dieison A. , D'Anatro Alejandro , González‐Bergonzoni Ivan , Vidal Nicolás , Silva Ivana , Gauzens Benoit , Romero Gustavo Q. , Cardinale Bradley J. , Bonecker Claudia C. , Carvalho‐Rocha Vítor , Teixeira de Mello Franco 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Increasing human pressures threaten fish diversity, with potentially severe but unknown consequences for the functioning of riverine food webs.

Using a 17‐year dataset from multi‐trophic fish communities, we investigated the long‐term effects of human pressure on the diversity and food web functioning. Combining metabolic scaling and ecological network principles, we calculate the annual energy fluxes through trophic compartments (top‐carnivore, mesocarnivore, detritivore and omnivore). Energy fluxes link trophic compartments, and thus represents food web functions such as carnivory, omnivory, herbivory and detritivory.

Species richness across all trophic compartments was positively associated with energy flux. However, species richness decreased over time, as did the energy flux at the whole‐network level, which was reduced by 75%. Human pressure negatively affected both species richness and energy flux. Moreover, the negative impacts of human pressure on energy flux have intensified over time.

Our results illustrate how human pressure can reduce diversity and erode the energy flux through food webs, with negative implications for the ecosystem functioning.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Low‐ frequency versus high‐frequency housing price spillovers in China
Authors: Yang Jian , Li Zheng , Yu Ziliang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractApplying a novel high‐dimensional frequency‐domain‐based spillover index approach, this paper explores low‐frequency versus high‐frequency housing price spillovers among 70 Chinese cities. Intensive interactions among these cities were dominated by high‐frequency spillovers around the end of 2015, while low‐frequency spillovers have dominated since 2016. This coincided with dramatic changes in government policies, particularly the abolition of the ‘one‐child’ policy. Furthermore, city‐level economic factors were the primarily significant determinants of high‐frequency housing price spillovers within several months, while education was a major determinant of low‐frequency housing price spillovers in China, which was consistent with the distinction between work‐based and education‐based migration in China.
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the dominant predator of lizard models in a semi‐arid landscape, and predation risk is reduced by vegetation cover
Authors: Braun Shannon , Ritchie Euan G. , Doherty Tim S. , Nimmo Dale G. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractVegetation structure affects predation risk in ecosystems around the world. Spinifex (Triodia spp.) is a foundation species in fire‐prone grasslands and woodlands that cover more than a third of Australia's land surface. Spinifex habitats are known for their high reptile diversity, and it has long been hypothesized that the spiky structure of spinifex dissuades predators, thereby providing a haven for prey. We investigated predation risk to small lizards in semi‐arid Australia by identifying teeth marks on replica model plasticine lizards, in combination with remote camera surveillance, to quantify and verify predation risk across several microhabitats, including spinifex. The introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was identified as the main predator of lizard models, constituting 43.9% of all predation attempts. Lizard models placed at the base of spinifex plants (Triodia scariosa) were significantly less likely to be attacked than all other microhabitat types (bare ground, leaf litter, burrows), confirming the hypothesis that spinifex reduces predation risk. Our results support recent work that has highlighted foxes as a significant predator of Australian reptiles. Given that fire is a driver of spinifex cover in arid ecosystems, our findings have implications for interactions between fire and invasive predators in Australian ecosystems.