bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the Kuleshov effect with authentic films: A behavioral and fMRI study
Authors: Cao Zhengcao , Wang Yashu , Wu Liangyu , Xie Yapei , Shi Zhichen , Zhong Yiren , Wang Yiwen 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAs a fundamental film theory, montage theory posits that film editing significantly influences the viewer’s perception. The Kuleshov effect, a central concept in montage theory, proposes that the emotional interpretation of neutral facial expressions is influenced by the accompanying emotional scene in a face-scene-face sequence. However, concerns persist regarding the validity of previous studies, often employing inauthentic film materials like static images, leaving the question of its existence in authentic films unanswered. This study addresses these concerns by utilizing authentic films in two experiments. In Experiment 1, multiple film clips were captured under the guidance of a professional film director and seamlessly integrated into authentic film sequences. A total of 59 participants viewed these face-scene-face film sequences and were tasked with rating the valence of neutral faces. The findings revealed that the interpretation of emotion in neutral faces is significantly influenced by the accompanying fearful or happy scene, eliciting perceptions of negative or positive emotion from the neutral face. These results affirm the existence of the Kuleshov effect within authentic film sequences. In Experiment 2, 31 participants engaged in a similar task under functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The results revealed neural correlates supporting the existence of the Kuleshov effect at a neural level. These correlates include the cuneus, precuneus, hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, post cingulate gyrus, orbitofrontal cortex, fusiform gyrus, and insula. These findings also underscore the contextual framing inherent in the Kuleshov effect. By seamlessly integrating film theory and cognitive neuroscience experiments, this comprehensive study provides robust evidence supporting the existence of the Kuleshov effect. It significantly enhances our understanding of film editing and its profound impact on viewers’ perception.
VDAC1 selective molecules promote patients’-derived cancer organoids death through mitochondrial-dependent metabolic interference
Authors: Conti Nibali Stefano , De Siervi Silvia , Luchinat Enrico , Magrì Andrea , Brocca Lorenza , Mantovani Stefania , Oliviero Barbara , Mondelli Mario U. , De Pinto Vito , Turato Cristian , Arrigoni Cristina , Lolicato Marco 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn the continuous pursuit of advanced cancer therapeutics, our research unveils the potential to selectively target Voltage-Dependent Anion-selective Channel isoform 1 (VDAC1), a pivotal component in cellular metabolism and apoptosis. VDAC1’s role in metabolic rewiring and its subsequent prominence in many cancer types offer a unique intervention point. The incorporation of a systematic,in silicotoin vitromethodology identified novel VA (VDAC-Antagonist) molecules with the capability to selectively bind to VDAC1, displaying a substantial specificity towards cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.This research first led to the revelation of a specialized VDAC1 pocket, which accommodates the binding of these VA molecules, thereby instigating a selective displacement of NADH. The coenzyme is a critical metabolic substrate, and its displacement ensues in notable mitochondrial distress and a reduction in cell proliferation, specifically in cancer cells. Furthermore, meticulous analysis using organoids derived from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients (iCCA) demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability upon treatment with VA molecules, correlating with the findings from commercial cell lines.Interestingly, VA molecules significantly reduced cell viability and demonstrated a lower impact on healthy cells than conventional treatments like gemcitabine. This differential impact is possibly due to the elevated expression of VDAC1 in various cancer cell lines, rendering them more susceptible to metabolic disruptions induced by VA molecules.This endeavor uncovers a multifaceted approach to cancer treatment, involving meticulous targeting of metabolic gatekeepers like VDAC1 using novel entities, thereby paving the way for developing more selective and refined cancer therapeutics. The identified VA molecules, albeit in the nascent stages, represent promising candidates for further optimization and development, potentially revolutionizing treatment modalities in cancer therapy through precise metabolic interventions.
Higher-order connectomics of human brain function reveals local topological signatures of task decoding, individual identification, and behavior
Authors: Santoro Andrea , Battiston Federico , Lucas Maxime , Petri Giovanni , Amico Enrico 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTraditional models of human brain activity often represent it as a network of pairwise interactions between brain regions. Going beyond this limitation, recent approaches have been proposed to infer higher-order interactions from temporal brain signals involving three or more regions. However, to this day it remains unclear whether methods based on inferred higher-order interactions outperform traditional pairwise ones for the analysis of fMRI data. To address this question, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using fMRI time series of 100 unrelated subjects from the Human Connectome Project. We show that higher-order approaches greatly enhance our ability to decode dynamically between various tasks, to improve the individual identification of unimodal and transmodal functional subsystems, and to strengthen significantly the associations between brain activity and behavior. Overall, our approach sheds new light on the higher-order organization of fMRI time series, improving the characterization of dynamic group dependencies in rest and tasks, and revealing a vast space of unexplored structures within human functional brain data, which may remain hidden when using traditional pairwise approaches.
Polymer Model Unveils Quantitative Association of Chromatin Conformation and Gene Regulation
Authors: Senapati Swayamshree , Irshad Inayat Ullah , Sharma Ajeet K. , Kumar Hemant 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe spatial organization of chromatin in the nucleus is of essence for regulating gene transcription. However, the mechanisms governing the intricate interplay of chromatin structure and gene transcription remain poorly understood. Hi-C experiments have unveiled a multiscale chromatin organization, significantly enriching our understanding of the structural control of gene expression. We introduce a computational framework to link chromatin structural modifications to gene regulation. This framework generates an ensemble of three-dimensional conformations of a given genomic locus using a bead-spring polymer model where the cHiC contact map is used as an input. We then correlate such chromatin conformations to the transcription level of the encoded genes using a Markov chain-based model, where binding/unbinding rates extracted from the molecular dynamics trajectories are used. By considering a specific example, we have demonstrated that the deletion of the CTCF binding domain between two consecutive TADs leads to a significant change in the enhancer-promoter interaction and gene transcription of the encoded genes, namely sox9 and kcnj2, responsible for limb development. Such a change in gene expression level is quantitatively consistent with experiments. Further insight from the polymer-based 3D conformation reveals that the higher gene expression level of the kcnj2 gene is caused by the specific enhancers of kcnj2, present in the sox9 TAD, which become accessible after boundary deletion. By quantifying the impact of these enhancers, our model can also be used to identify the functional enhancers. Together, the present computational framework not only advances our understanding of the relationship between the spatial architecture of the chromosome and the function of the cell but also provides invaluable insights into potential therapeutic interventions targeting aberrant gene regulation in pathological contexts.
Global analysis of the RNA-RNA interactome inAcinetobacter baumanniiAB5075 uncovers a small regulatory RNA repressing the virulence-related outer membrane protein CarO
Authors: Hamrock Fergal J. , Ryan Daniel , Shaibah Ali , Ershova Anna S. , Mogre Aalap , Sulimani Maha M. , Reichardt Sarah , Hokamp Karsten , Westermann Alexander J. , Kröger Carsten 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTAcinetobacter baumanniiis an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen that infects critically ill patients. The emergence of antimicrobial resistantA. baumanniihas exacerbated the need to functionally characterise environmental adaptation, antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity of this organism and their genetic regulators to inform intervention strategies. Critical to rapid adaptation to changing environments in bacteria are small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs), however, the role that sRNAs play in the biology ofA. baumanniiis poorly understood. To assess the regulatory function of sRNAs and to uncover their RNA interaction partners inA. baumannii, we employed an RNA proximity ligation and sequencing method (Hi-GRIL-seq) in three different environmental conditions. We found that 40 sRNA candidates were ligated to sRNA-RNA chimeric sequencing reads, suggesting that sRNA-mediated gene regulation is pervasive inA. baumanniiand that sRNAs act as direct regulators of mRNA molecules through antisense base-pairing. In-depth characterisation uncovered the sRNA Aar to be a post-transcriptional regulator of four mRNA targets including that of the outer membrane protein CarO and the siderophore receptor BfnH. We show that Aar initiates base-pairing with these mRNA molecules using a conserved seed region of nine nucleotides, sequestering the ribosome binding sites and inhibiting translation. Aar is differentially expressed in response to multiple stress stimuli suggesting a role in fine-tuning translation of the Aar-target molecules inA. baumanniiunder hostile conditions. Together, our study provides mechanistic insights into sRNA-mediated gene expression control inA. baumanniiand represents a valuable resource for future RNA-centric research endeavours in this ESKAPE pathogen.
Universal Heater Industries: managing conflict with a distributor
Authors: Chintaluri Manoj Gour , Subramanian R. Bala 
Published: December 2023

Learning outcomes
This case study exposes students to conflicts with distributors, escalated scenarios of a trade association and the possible repercussions of such a scenario. Upon completion of this case study, the students will be able to understand the critical success factors for a distribution setup and alignment of channels for driving growth; understand and manage the power dynamics with a stakeholder, like trade associations, distribution reach, fallacies in managing the distributors and identifying the gaps; critically evaluate negotiation opportunities when a trade association is not directly related to the principal organization.

Case overview/synopsis
This case study showcased a conflict between the distributor and Universal Heater Industries (UHI), a leading player in the water heater business in India. In 2015, the global leadership of UHI identified India as an emerging market and undertook a complete management overhaul to implement a new growth plan. Several measures were put in place that leveraged the global product portfolio and new people were appointed to push the agenda. Manish Singhal, the national sales head of UHI, selected Kerala as the pilot state to implement the new plan. However, the projects failed, as the distributor escalated the treatment meted out by UHI to the Electrical Trade Association (ETA). Trade associations have had a history of playing truant with players like UHI, and because of this, business came to a complete halt. The UHI and ETA teams met once; however, the suggested closure by ETA needed to be aligned with UHI’s interests. Singhal’s dilemma deepened, and they had to decide the next steps.

Complexity academic level
This case study is suitable for a postgraduate marketing course in a segment on managing channels, intermediaries, distribution management and channel conflicts. The uniqueness of this case is in the dimension of the trade association and managing the stakeholders.

Supplementary material
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS8: Marketing.
Tata International Limited: expanding leather footwear in India
Authors: Mehdi Mokhalles Mohammad , Nafees Lubna , Kapoor Shivani , Kalia Shalini 
Published: December 2023

Learning outcomes
The case study aims to provide students with an understanding of the challenges businesses face expanding into the home market after having an international presence through exports. It also throws light on operations in an emerging market economy – both rural and urban. The key objectives are to understand the leather footwear business operation in India, understand the challenges of expanding business in India, analyse strategies adopted to sustain and compete in India and identify the possible distribution strategies for the leather footwear business in India.

Case overview/synopsis
The case study focuses on Tata International Limited’s (TIL) leather and leather products business in India. The leather and leather products division was present in India since 1973 (Anand, 2020) and exported to more than 35 countries across the world (Anand, 2020). TIL did not want to miss the opportunity available in India and planned to expand its leather footwear business in the country. The company opened retail outlets in major Indian cities and an experience store in Dewas (Madhya Pradesh) in 2019. It aimed for a domestic presence along with the existing export business. However, the biggest challenge that was in front of V. Muthukumaran, head of leather products division at TIL, was how to go ahead with the idea of domestic expansion (Anand, 2020). Should the company expand the market through sister companies (Westside and Tata CliQ) in India? How and in what way should TIL plan for going through Westside and Tata CLiQ? Should Muthukumaran think of either the brick-and-mortar route or the online route or both?

Complexity academic level
This case study is designed for use in undergraduate and graduate early-stage programmes. This case study is primarily designed for use in Master of Business Administration and/or Bachelor of Business Administration programmes. The case study is ideal for courses on understanding the expansion in the domestic market, strategy, retail and international marketing. The teaching note discusses theoretical frameworks such as external environment analysis and SWOT analysis to devise distribution strategies. The case study mapped the distribution channel and decision alternatives for the company.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 8: Marketing.
Implications of competitive tendering on consulting engineering services in South Africa: a thematic analysis
Authors: Govender Neil , Laryea Samuel , Watermeyer Ron 
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Competitive tendering in South Africa is often associated with procurement based on the lowest fee tendered. Previous research on this topic did not provide in-depth examinations of how pricing within consulting engineering companies was affected by competitive tendering nor did it illuminate the extent to which professional services were impacted by competitive tendering. This paper aims to examine the implications of competitive tendering on pricing and delivery of consulting engineering services in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach
A survey research strategy with a questionnaire as the research instrument elicited qualitative data from 28 experienced consulting engineers in South Africa. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data from the questionnaires.

Findings
Three key themes were identified, namely: considerations when determining consulting engineering fees on competitively tendered projects; the impact of reduced fees due to competitive tendering on the delivery of consulting engineering services; and interventions to prevent unsustainably “low” professional fees. Many consulting engineers in South Africa still determine fees using fee scales, while other considerations include resources, project complexity, risk, etc. Most participants asserted that design optimisation/value engineering, training, meetings and construction monitoring were adversely impacted by “low” fees.

Originality/value
This paper provides in-depth qualitative feedback from experienced consulting engineers (most having more than 20 years’ experience) on a topical issue in the South African construction industry. Thematic analysis was a novel method of analysis that was not used previously in this area of study.
The role of user-generated content in tourism decision-making: an exemplary study of Andalusia, Spain
Authors: Sánchez-Franco Manuel J. , Rey-Tienda Sierra 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThis research proposes to organise and distil this massive amount of data, making it easier to understand. Using data mining, machine learning techniques and visual approaches, researchers and managers can extract valuable insights (on guests' preferences) and convert them into strategic thinking based on exploration and predictive analysis. Consequently, this research aims to assist hotel managers in making informed decisions, thus improving the overall guest experience and increasing competitiveness.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs natural language processing techniques, data visualisation proposals and machine learning methodologies to analyse unstructured guest service experience content. In particular, this research (1) applies data mining to evaluate the role and significance of critical terms and semantic structures in hotel assessments; (2) identifies salient tokens to depict guests' narratives based on term frequency and the information quantity they convey; and (3) tackles the challenge of managing extensive document repositories through automated identification of latent topics in reviews by using machine learning methods for semantic grouping and pattern visualisation.FindingsThis study’s findings (1) aim to identify critical features and topics that guests highlight during their hotel stays, (2) visually explore the relationships between these features and differences among diverse types of travellers through online hotel reviews and (3) determine predictive power. Their implications are crucial for the hospitality domain, as they provide real-time insights into guests' perceptions and business performance and are essential for making informed decisions and staying competitive.Originality/valueThis research seeks to minimise the cognitive processing costs of the enormous amount of content published by the user through a better organisation of hotel service reviews and their visualisation. Likewise, this research aims to propose a methodology and method available to tourism organisations to obtain truly useable knowledge in the design of the hotel offer and its value propositions.
Values and information publicity shape tourists' intentions to visit green hotels: an application of the extended value-belief norms theory
Authors: Waris Idrees , Iqbal Asif , Ahmed Riaz , Hashim Sharizal , Ahmed Adeel 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThe unsustainable practices of hotels have greatly contributed to ecological imbalances, encompassing excessive energy and water consumption, improper waste disposal and inadequate resource management. Information publicity (IP) plays an effective role in influencing tourists' intentions to visit green hotels. Therefore, the current study has incorporated IP into the value-belief norm (VBN) framework to examine tourists' intentions to visit green hotels.Design/methodology/approachThis study is a correlational research design, and the purposive sampling technique was employed for the data collection. The study used 355 valid data and analyzed them via partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe study results show that egoistic values have the greatest impact on pro-environmental beliefs (ENBs). In addition, the results indicate the impact of ENB and IP on personal norms (PNs), leading toward the intention to visit green hotels.Practical implicationsThis study helps hotel managers devise and execute effective marketing strategies for green hotels. Hospitality marketers should pay more attention to values, orientations and IP, emphasizing the significance of these factors in increasing the visits of customers to green hotels.Originality/valueIP, an important factor that informs tourists about hotels that are environmentally friendly, has been neglected in the tourism research. This research examines the significance of IP in developing ENBs and influencing the PN of tourists.
Leveraging community-based assets in coaching, wellness and mentorship to increase the African American and Latinx math teacher workforce
Authors: Warner Sean S. 
Published: December 2023

Purpose There is some evidence to suggest that the historical challenge associated with recruiting and retaining Black and Brown Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) collegians is tied to early their teaching and learning experiences in Mathematics. This paper describes an National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project (NSF #2151043) whose goal is to attract, prepare and retain math teachers of color in high need school districts ensure that those teachers remain in the field long enough to make a meaningful impact on the minds and hearts of BIPOC students who are often, extrinsically, and intrinsically, discouraged from pursuing careers in STEM professions.Design/methodology/approach This mixed-methods study, which began in the summer of 2023, seeks to recruit, prepare, support and retain nineteen (19) Black and Brown math teachers for two (2) high need urban school districts. The expectancy value theory will be used to explain the performance, persistence, and choices of the teachers, while grounded theory will be utilized to understand the impact of the intensive mentorship and wellness coaching that applied over the first year of their preservice preparation and subsequent in-service years.Findings Measures of project efficacy won’t begin until 2025 and as such there are no findings or implications to draw from for the study at this time.Originality/value The intention of this paper is to augment the body of knowledge on recruiting and retaining Black and Brown math teachers for urban schools where the need for quality STEM teachers is critical.
When the Abu Dhabi United Group Came to Town: Constructing an Organisational Fix for State Capitalism through the Manchester Life Partnership
Authors: Goulding Richard , Leaver Adam , Silver Jonathan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFor many cities, the entry of financial actors into housing opens new geopolitical relations with overseas entities, including state‐backed investors such as sovereign wealth funds. These transformations raise the question of the extent to which real estate enables the urbanisation of state capitalism, understood as the expansion of the state's role as promoter, supervisor, and owner of capital. Our paper answers this question through an analysis of Manchester Life, a residential real estate joint venture between Manchester City Council and the Abu Dhabi United Group, an investment firm linked to the Abu Dhabi royal family. In doing so it explores state capitalism as a form of extended urbanisation, with oil revenues from the Persian Gulf used to extract urban land rents in the Global North. It further highlights urban geopolitical implications, theorising Manchester Life as an organisational fix that reworks the geographies of value extraction while eroding democratic accountability.