bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Outer Kinetochore Proteins KNL-1 and Ndc80 complex are Required to Pattern the Central Nervous System
Authors: Ouzounidis Vasileios R. , Green Mattie , de Ceuninck van Capelle Charlotte , Gebhardt Clara , Crellin Helena , Finlayson Cameron , Prevo Bram , Cheerambathur Dhanya K. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTThe KMN (Knl1/Mis12/Ndc80) network at the kinetochore, primarily known for its role in chromosome segregation, has been shown to be repurposed during neurodevelopment. Here, we investigate the underlying neuronal mechanism and show that the KMN network is essential to establish the proper axonal organization within theC. eleganshead nervous system. Post-mitotic degradation of KNL-1, which acts as a scaffold for signaling and has microtubule-binding activities at the kinetochore, led to disorganized ganglia and aberrant placement and organization of axons in the nerve ring - an interconnected axonal network. Through gene-replacement approaches, we demonstrate that the signaling motifs within KNL-1, responsible for recruiting the protein phosphatase 1, and activating the spindle assembly checkpoint are required for neurodevelopment. Interestingly, while the microtubule-binding activity is crucial to KMN’s neuronal function, microtubule dynamics and organization were unaffected in the absence of KNL-1. Instead, the NDC-80 microtubule-binding mutant displayed notable defects in axon bundling during nerve ring formation, indicating its role in facilitating axon-axon contacts. Overall, these findings provide evidence for a non-canonical role for the KMN network in shaping the structure and connectivity of the nervous system inC. elegansduring brain development.
Respiratory pauses highlight sleep architecture in mice
Authors: Casali Giulio , Miermon Camille , Terral Geoffrey , Ravassard Pascal , Dolique Tiphaine , Harrell Evan , Lesburguères Edith , Jarriault David , Gambino Frédéric , Chenouard Nicolas , Roux Lisa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBrain activity and breathing rate influence each other but it remains unclear how fine respiratory features vary across vigilance states. Using simultaneous nasal pressure and hippocampal local field potential recordings in freely-moving mice, we show that the position of respiratory pauses within breathing cycles distinguish Wake, Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep states. Model-based predictions of vigilance states based on respiratory features perform well even on animals outside of the training set, suggesting the rules are generalized. Respiratory features underwent specific changes at state transitions, such as progressive elimination of pauses after inhalation foreshadowing REM. During NREM, respiratory changes predicted moment-to moment sigma power variations beyond movement-defined packets delineated by micro-arousals, as pauses after inhalation fragmented NREM sleep into ∼30s windows of high sigma power. Overall, our findings reveal that respiratory features structure the macro- and micro-architecture of sleep, opening new windows into brain states through respiration.
Digital transformation and governance heterogeneity as determinants of CSR disclosure: insights from Chinese A-share companies
Authors: Jin Xiaoyan , Mirza Sultan Sikandar , Huang Chengming , Zhang Chengwei 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
In this fast-changing world, digitization has become crucial to organizations, allowing decision-makers to alter corporate processes. Companies with a higher corporate social responsibility (CSR) level not only help encourage employees to focus on their goals, but they also show that they take their social responsibility seriously, which is increasingly important in today’s digital economy. So, this study aims to examine the relationship between digital transformation and CSR disclosure of Chinese A-share companies. Furthermore, this research investigates the moderating impact of governance heterogeneity, including CEO power and corporate internal control (INT) mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used fixed effect estimation with robust standard errors to examine the relationship between digital transformation and CSR disclosure and the moderating effect of governance heterogeneity among Chinese A-share companies from 2010 to 2020. The whole sample consists of 17,266 firms, including 5,038 state-owned enterprise (SOE) company records and 12,228 non-SOE records. The whole sample data is collected from the China Stock Market and Accounting Research, the Chinese Research Data Services and the WIND databases.

Findings
The regression results lead us to three conclusions after classifying the sample into non-SOE and SOE groups. First, Chinese A-share businesses with greater levels of digitalization have lower CSR disclosures. Both SOE and non-SOE are consistent with these findings. Second, increasing CEO authority creates a more centralized company decision-making structure (Breuer et al., 2022; Freire, 2019), which improves the negative association between digitalization and CSR disclosure. These conclusions, however, also apply to non-SOE. Finally, INT reinforces the association between corporate digitization and CSR disclosure, which is especially obvious in SOEs. These findings are robust to alternative HEXUN CSR disclosure index. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the negative relationship between corporate digitalization and CSR disclosures is more pronounced in bigger, highly levered and highly financialized firms.

Originality/value
Digitalization and CSR disclosure are well studied, but few have examined their interactions from a governance heterogeneity perspective in China. Practitioners and policymakers may use these insights to help business owners implement suitable digital policies for firm development from diverse business perspectives.
Reading habits of undergraduate students in the digital environment: a gender perspective
Authors: Mog Rajesh Kumar , Gayan Mithu Anjali 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to understand the role and impact of gender on reading habits. It is an attempt to explore the probable reason why or why not gender differences take place concerning reading time, reading purpose, reading resources and digital devices among undergraduate students in the digital environment.

Design/methodology/approach
For this study, the researcher used a survey-based approach. To accomplish the study’s goals, a meticulously designed questionnaire has been disseminated among undergraduate students in selected colleges located in the western district of Tripura, a northeastern state in India.

Findings
The study found that female respondents have a slightly higher level of liking for reading than males. For both genders, the major purpose of reading is to enhance their knowledge unvaryingly. Furthermore, it has been observed that female respondents read electronic and print reading material more frequently compared to their male counterparts. Female respondents read fiction more frequently than males in print form. Both genders have more ease in reading print resources than digital resources. Among all digital devices, respondents are most competent at using mobile devices and prefer them for digital reading.

Research limitations/implications
As part of the pilot study, investigators surveyed a limited sample population, where the participation of students was further lower because of the unavailability of students.

Originality/value
The gender-based level of competency with digital devices is studied as a variable among the adult population to measure its correlation with reading habits.
How does entrepreneurship education affect employability? Insights from UK higher education
Authors: Decker-Lange Carolin , Lange Knut , Walmsley Andreas 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the underexplored link between entrepreneurship education (EE) and graduate employability in the higher education (HE) sector in the United Kingdom (UK).Design/methodology/approachThe study draws on a thematic content analysis of semi-structured interviews with 45 professionals in UK HE, representing the “supply” side of EE.FindingsThe findings demonstrate a unidirectional link between EE and employability outcomes. This link is affected by societal, stakeholder-related, and teaching and learning-related factors.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the value of universities’ initiatives connecting EE and employability for economic development is emphasized, the study does not provide direct empirical evidence for this effect. Macroeconomic research is needed.Practical implicationsEE and employability would benefit from knowledge exchange between universities’ stakeholders and a broader understanding of what constitutes a valuable graduate outcome.Social implicationsThe study reveals the benefits of EE on a micro level. Participation in EE supports the connection between individual investments in HE and employability.Originality/valueBased on human capital theory, many policymakers regard EE as a vehicle through which the relationship between investments in HE and career success on a micro level and economic growth on a macro level can be nurtured. Challenging this logic, the study highlights the potential of institutional theory to explain a contextualization of the link between EE and employability on a national level.
Strategic drivers of innovation as a lever for the competitiveness of agribusiness to face COVID-19
Authors: da Silveira Alessandra Schopf , Rosa Carmen Brum , Siluk Julio Cezar Mairesse 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis work sought to analyze targeted innovation strategies used during the pandemic to maintain companies’ competitiveness.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology was a systematic literature review, analyzing how these factors can be used as leverage in decision-making and suggesting a framework tool.FindingsAs a result, nine factors were identified as drivers to stimulate competitiveness, bringing insights to structure actions in times of crisis to support agribusiness.Research limitations/implicationsWith this work, it is possible that other companies can base themselves and use the strategic drivers of innovation evidenced to remain competitive in the market during a period of crisis. As this is a systematic review of the literature, the application of a case study, for example, is a limitation, which could be a continuation of the work.Practical implicationsAs this is a systematic review of the literature, the application of a case study, for example, is a limitation, which could be a continuation of the work.Originality/valueThis work has high value because it brings insights into strategic drivers of innovation that tend to leverage or maintain the competitiveness of agribusinesses in times of crisis. With the discussion carried out on the data obtained, it is possible that agribusinesses or other types of companies can be based for decision-making in a crisis scenario from innovative actions that generate competitive advantage.
Analyzing interrelationships among factors affecting hygiene and sanitization in India: key insights and policy recommendations
Authors: Thakkar Jitesh J. , Rathore Rishabh , Chatterjee Chandrima 
Published: March 2024

PurposeDespite the fact that hygiene and sanitation are becoming more critical for improving the present situation in developing nations, the factors that affect them are not well covered in the present research. This paper investigates the quality of the hygiene and sanitization factors and identifies the interrelations between the identified factors.Design/methodology/approachA graph theory-based approach is proposed to assess the factors influencing the practice, and a critical service index (CSI) is used to quantify the same.FindingsTwo Indian villages are used to illustrate the implementation of the suggested approach. This represents the validation of the suggested method, as well as assisting in the development of essential suggestions for increasing the quality of hygiene and sanitization in the Indian context. In spite of the increasing importance of hygiene and sanitation for improving the current situation in developing countries, the factors that influence them are not well-researched.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes in two ways. First, it provides an organized methodology for quantifying hygiene and sanitation factors and a critical service index that incorporates the findings. The suggested approach may also be used to evaluate and classify other sectors. Second, it shows how the methodology was used to create key recommendations for two Indian villages, which may be considered the first effort in India’s hygiene and sanitation initiatives.Originality/valueThis research discussed improvements in sanitation and hygiene habits among Indian households, which have not been achieved as expected under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Digital resilience in the internationalization of small and medium companies: how does it work?
Authors: Wang Kai , Pellegrini Massimiliano Matteo , Xue Kunkun , Wang Cizhi , Peng Menghan 
Published: March 2024

Purpose Digital technologies over time are becoming increasingly pervasive and relatively affordable, finding a large diffusion in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) also for internationalization purposes. However, less is known about the specific mechanisms by which this can be achieved. Specifically, we focus on how SMEs can face the international environment, leveraging digital technologies and thanks to their intellectual capital (IC).Design/methodology/approach We analyze the relationship between digital technologies and the internationalization of SMEs, exploring the mediating role of IC in its three dimensions: human, relational and innovation capital, and assessing the possible moderating effects posed by international institutional conditions, specifically the Sino-US trade frictions. The relationships are tested using a sample of companies listed on China’s A-share Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) from 2010 to 2021.Findings Digital technologies help to internationalize SMEs. However, this positive relationship is affected (mediated) by the presence of an already consolidated IC. In addition, the institutional conditions of the international market, such as the Sino-US trade friction, moderate the components of IC differently. Specifically, the overall mediating effect of human and relational capital is boosted, while this does not happen for innovation capital.Originality/value First, this study contributes to the literature on organizational resilience, especially digital resilience, confirming its validity in the context of internationalization and, in particular, those processes adopted by SMEs. Second, we clarify the mechanisms through which digital technologies exert their impact on the process of internationalization and in particular the prominent necessity of having IC. Third, our conclusions enrich the understanding of how IC components react to turbulence in international markets.
Segmentation of passengers on the autism spectrum in their use, preferences and acceptance of digital technology at airports in Spain
Authors: Cerdan Chiscano Monica , Darcy Simon 
Published: March 2024

PurposeFollowing the COVID-19 pandemic, airports have begun implementing more digital technologies. While these technologies can enhance the airport experience for passengers on the autism spectrum, this population tends to be studied as a single segment. However, people on the autism spectrum have different preferences, skills and abilities and levels of acceptance of digital technologies. We aim to explore the acceptance of recently implemented digital technologies, self-service kiosks and other digital technologies such as biometric facial recognition in the airport environment among passengers on the autism spectrum, who are not a single segment.Design/methodology/approachWe carried out an academic-industry collaboration project in 2022 at Barcelona’s Josep Tarradellas Airport with the Spanish airport operator Aena, Vueling Airlines, three associations representing people on the autism spectrum (stakeholders) and 60 participants on the autism spectrum recruited by the three associations. Interviews were conducted during the airport visits to compare airport experiences: Group 1 provided input on the traditional airport experience using manual or analogue processes, and Group 2 provided feedback on the airport experience using digital technologies.FindingsThe use of cluster analysis revealed three distinct segments: traditional, automated with assistance from others and digital. Our findings provide airports with insights into recently implemented digital technologies at airports for passengers on the autism spectrum.OriginalityThis article brings new knowledge about passengers on the autism spectrum and their relationship with digital technologies in the airport environment, a topic that has not been previously studied.
Employee whistleblowing: legislative perspectives and public perceptions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Authors: Al-Tawil Tareq Na'el 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the legislative framework that governs whistleblowing in the UAE.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper examines social perceptions and practical challenges related to the act of whistleblowing. It focuses on the effectiveness, limitations and implications of the current legal status of whistleblowing in the UAE.

Findings
The UAE does not have a unified legal framework that governs whistleblowing and whistleblower protections like in the case of the USA. Therefore, there is an urgent need for comprehensive federal regulations that will apply to all sectors across the entire UAE. Each emirate and economic zone can then model their whistleblowing regulations against the federal law to ensure consistency and uniformity in application. The UAE will also benefit from public awareness and education programs to address the conservative culture that discourages whistleblowing. Most importantly, corporate governance and culture are central to the success of existing laws considering the overreliance on organizations and employees.

Originality/value
The paper provides a robust and analytical discussion of the whistleblowing laws and regulations in the UAE to dissect current practices and implications for future practice.
Entrepreneurial marketing practices and manufacturing venture performance during a pandemic: the mediating role of innovation
Authors: Sahu Chinmaya Kumar , Panda Rajeev Kumar 
Published: March 2024

PurposePrevious research has indicated that entrepreneurial marketing (EM) positively influences small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) performance. While most studies have examined the relationship in a stable environment, EMs’ effectiveness during environmental instability remains uncertain. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the influence of EM on Indian manufacturing-based SMEs’ performance during the COVID-19-induced environmental instability. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of innovative performance in the relationship between EM and SME performance.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected by distributing a structured survey questionnaire to 302 owners/managers of SMEs. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe result indicates that EM significantly impacts both innovation and SME performance. Furthermore, the innovative performance partially mediates the link between EM and SME performance. The findings suggest that even within severely affected sectors (manufacturing) during the pandemic, SMEs can achieve growth and innovation through effective EM practices.Research limitations/implicationsThis study validates the theoretical notion that EM remains effective even in unpredictable environments such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings offer valuable insights for SMEs seeking innovative strategies to enhance their performance, particularly those in emerging economies.Originality/valuePrior studies have relied on a single layer of abstraction to analyze the impact of EM. The present study is the first to extend standard construct (EM) conceptualization. Furthermore, it evaluated the efficiency of EM in situations characterized by instability, which is rare in the EM and SME literature.
The effects of pre-loading on structural behavior of reinforced concrete beams under fire condition: a review
Authors: Suhaimi Aminuddin , Ibrahim Izni Syahrizal , Ab Kadir Mariyana Aida 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis review paper seeks to enhance knowledge of how pre-loading affects reinforced concrete (RC) beams under fire. It investigates key factors like deflection and load capacity to understand pre-loading's role in replicating RC beams' actual responses to fire, aiming to improve fire testing protocols and structural fire engineering design.Design/methodology/approachThis review systematically aggregates data from existing literature on the fire response of RC beams, comparing scenarios with (WP) and without pre-loading (WOP). Through statistical tools like the two-tailed t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test, it assesses deflection extremes. The study further examines structural responses, including flexural and shear behavior, ultimate load capacity, post-yield behavior, stiffness degradation and failure modes. The approach concludes with a statistical forecast of ideal pre-load levels to elevate experimental precision and enhance fire safety standards.FindingsThe review concludes that pre-loading profoundly affects the fire response of RC beams, suggesting a 35%–65% structural capacity range for realistic simulations. The review also recommended the initial crack load as an alternative metric for determining the pre-loading impact. Crucially, it highlights that pre-loading not only influences the fire response but also significantly alters the overall structural behavior of the RC beams.Originality/valueThe review advances structural fire engineering with an in-depth analysis of pre-loading's impact on RC beams during fire exposure, establishing a validated pre-load range through thorough statistical analysis and examination of previous research. It refines experimental methodologies and structural design accuracy, ultimately bolstering fire safety protocols.