bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soils-on-a-chip reveal unforeseen motility parameters of microconfinedBradyrhizobium diazoefficiens
Authors: Pires Monteiro Moniellen , Carrillo Juan Pablo , Gutiérrez Nahuel , Montagna Sofía , Lodeiro Aníbal R. , Cordero María Luisa , Marconi V. I. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSoil bacteria of the order of the Rhizobiales associate symbiotically with legume plants. Particulary,Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiensis a nitrogen-fixing symbiont of soybean, that helps to improve grain quality among other benefits. This bacterium possess two flagellar systems, which enable it to swim in water-saturated pores. However, the motility of B. diazoefficiens, which may be crucial for its competitiveness in root nodulation, has not been well understood. To address this knowledge gap, we designed and fabricated microfluidic soil-on-a-chip (SOC) devices that offer sustainable agriculture an original tool for directly visualizing bacterial behavior in confined-environments. Using these microdevices, we measured the population velocities and changes of direction along their paths for two strains ofB. diazoefficiens, namely the wild-type and a mutant with only one flagellar system. Our detailed statistical analysis revealed that both strains exhibited reduced speeds and increased changes of direction of 180°, in channels of decreasing microscopic cross sectional area, down to a few microns. Interestingly, while the wild-type strain displayed faster swimming speeds in unconfined spaces, this advantage was negated in the SOCs that mimicked porous soils. Moreover, we employed the measured motility parameters to model and simulateB. diazoefficiensmotion in SOC devices for extended periods and larger scales, enabling further predictions of diffusion in real soils. Thanks to miniaturization, microfabrication, and multidisciplinary knowledge, this study represents a significant breakthrough in soil bacteria field and methods, useful both for farmers and environment. Furthermore, the potential applications of this work extend to multiple beneficial bacteria widely used as biofertilizers.
Structural Basis of Voltage-Dependent Gating in BK Channels and Its Coupling to the Calcium Sensor
Authors: Contreras Gustavo F. , Sheng Rong , Latorre Ramon , Perozo Eduardo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe allosteric communication between pore domain, voltage sensors, and Ca2+binding sites in the Ca2+-activated K+channel (BK) shapes its multiple physiological roles as the preeminent signal integrator in excitable systems. BK displays shallow voltage sensitivity with very fast gating charge kinetics, yet little is known about the molecular underpinnings of this distinctive behavior. Here, we explore the mechanistic basis of coupling between voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) and calcium sensors inAplysiaBK by locking the VSDs in their resting (R196Q and R199Q) and activated (R202Q) states, with or without calcium. Cryo-EM structures of these mutants reveal unique tilts at the S4 C-terminal end, together with large side-chain rotameric excursions of the gating charges. Importantly, the VSD resting structure (R202Q) also revealed BK in its elusive fully closed state, highlighting the reciprocal relation between calcium and voltage sensors. These structures provide a plausible mechanism where voltage and Ca2+binding converge physically and couple energetically to define the conformation of the pore domain and thus, BK’ full functional range.
Principles of visual cortex excitatory microcircuit organization
Authors: Chou Christina Y.C. , Wong Hovy H.W. , Guo Connie , Boukoulou Kiminou E. , Huang Cleo , Jannat Javid , Klimenko Tal , Li Vivian Y. , Liang Tasha A. , Wu Vivian C. , Sjöström P. Jesper 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTMicrocircuit function is determined by patterns of connectivity and short-term plasticity that vary with synapse type. Elucidating microcircuit function therefore requires synapse-specific investigation. The state of the art for synapse-specific measurements has long been paired recordings. Although powerful, this method is slow, leading to a throughput problem. To improve yield, we therefore created optomapping — an approximately 100-fold faster 2-photon optogenetic method — which we validated with paired-recording data. Using optomapping, we tested 15,433 candidate excitatory inputs to find 1,184 connections onto pyramidal, basket, and Martinotti cells in mouse primary visual cortex, V1. We measured connectivity, synaptic weight, and short-term dynamics across the V1 layers. We found log-normal synaptic strength distributions, even in individual inhibitory cells, which was previously not known. We reproduced the canonical circuit for pyramidal cells but found surprising and differential microcircuit structures, with excitation of basket cells concentrated to layer 5, and excitation of Martinotti cells dominating in layer 2/3. Excitation of inhibitory cells was denser, stronger, and farther-reaching than excitation of excitatory cells, which promotes stability and difference-of-Gaussian connectivity. We gathered an excitatory short-term plasticitome, which revealed that short-term plasticity is simultaneously target-cell specific and dependent on presynaptic cortical layer. Peak depolarization latency in pyramidal cells also emerged as more heterogeneous, suggesting heightened sensitivity to redistribution of synaptic efficacy. Optomapping additionally revealed high-order connectivity patterns including shared-input surplus for interconnected pyramidal cells in layer 6. Optomapping thus offered both resolution to the throughput problem and novel insights into the principles of neocortical excitatory fine structure.HIGHLIGHTS2-photon optomapping of microcircuits is verified as fast, accurate, and reliableSynaptic weights distribute log-normally even for individual inhibitory neuronsMaximal excitation of basket and Martinotti cells in layer 5 and 2/3, respectivelyShort-term plasticity depends on layer in addition to target cell
Video as an interventional tool for bridging the gap in anatomy knowledge of medical postgraduates
Authors: David Pamela , Zulkafli Intan S. , Mohd Zamin Rasheeda , Samberkar Snehlata , Wong Kah Hui , Naidu Murali , Das Srijit 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThe teaching and learning of anatomy has experienced a significant paradigm shift. The present study assessed the level of knowledge in anatomy in medical postgraduate students and explored the impact of interventions in the form of anatomical videos on knowledge obtained. An awareness of the importance of human anatomy for clinical skills was created to ensure a certain level of competence be achieved by the end of the anatomy course.Design/methodology/approachPostgraduate medical students were recruited from various specialties on voluntary basis. The first step was to conduct a preliminary screening exam to determine the level of anatomical knowledge. The students were then divided into two groups at random, one of which received no intervention (the control group), and the other of which watched the videos with content that was pertinent to the practical demonstrations (intervention). To assess the effects of the video intervention, a post-test was administered to all students.FindingsBoth spot tests (SPOTs) and short answer question (SAQ) components for scores of all the regions from the intervention groups were comparable to the scores obtained by the post-test control group, although the findings were not significant (p > 0.05). However, the intervention group from the abdomen (ABD) region did perform significantly better (p < 0.05) than the screening test score.Originality/valueThe results of the research study imply that interventions like anatomical videos can bridge the postgraduate trainee’s anatomy knowledge gap in a practical method which will immensely help in increasing their knowledge.
Business model configurations for successful vertical farming
Authors: Marczewska Magdalena , Sanaullah Ahmed , Tucci Christopher 
Published: December 2023

PurposeAs a response to global population growth and increasing demand for food, farmers have been complementing traditional agriculture practices with vertical farming (VF) and indoor hydroponic systems. To facilitate the growth of the VF industry, this paper aims to identify business model elements and their configurations that lead to high firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe research goals were met by conducting literature reviews coupled with a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on five business model elements, “superior” OR “strong” performance as two possible outcomes, and the top-ranked global VF growers listed in the Crunchbase Database.FindingsFrom the fsQCA results, it was observed that several business model configurations lead to strong firm performance. Vertical farms growing in urban settings and having strong customer engagement platforms, coupled with a presence of business-to-business (B2B) sales channels, are more consistently associated with superior performance. These results imply that the decision configuration of location, along with customer engagement activity and sales activity are differentiating factors between good firm performance and superior firm performance in the case of vertical farms.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to expanding the knowledge of business model theory, business model configurations and VF management, providing specific guidelines for vertical farm owners and investors related to decision-making for higher firm performance, as well as positive environmental, social and economic impact.
Climate change literacy and commitment in Spanish university students
Authors: Almansa-Martínez Ana , López-Gómez Sara , Castillo-Esparcia Antonio 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to find out if there is a relationship between access to climate change information and student activism.Design/methodology/approachExploratory study focused on the survey of 400 [n = 400] students from 10 universities in Spain from April to May 2022. A questionnaire with 19 questions was divided into blocks of knowledge, awareness, and action and bivariate analysis with a margin of error of ±5% and a confidence level of 95%.FindingsThe greater the degree of information received, the greater the activism of university students, who tend to use digital media and social networks to get informed. However, they perceive that the university generates little information and a low number of activities related to climate change. Students demand that universities implement informal, formal, and service-learning environmental education strategies on sustainable consumption.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the results of previous studies showing the variable “type of degree” does not show differences at the beginning and end of studies, it has not been considered in this research. Nevertheless, it would be convenient to introduce it in future investigations to confirm if this may have an impact on informational habits.Practical implicationsThis paper urges universities to act as sources of environmental education, given the relationship between the information received and the pro-environmental attitudes of students.Social implicationsThe universities are powerful social actors that can shape public and political discourses for eco-social transition.Originality/valueThis research adds the variable access to information in studies on pro-environmental attitudes. Furthermore, this research provides data about student perceptions of the university, government, industry, and NGO climate actions.
Applying a Kansei engineering-based relationship model design approach to developing consumers' sustainability reliance on apparel
Authors: Ge Baoru , Xue Yun 
Published: December 2023

PurposeBased on Kansei Engineering, this study obtained consumers' emotional preferences aiming to enhance the emotional connection between consumers and clothing to extend the service life of clothing and realize sustainable clothing design.Design/methodology/approachSix Kansei word pairs that are the most important to consumers were identified through literature reviews, magazines, websites, card sorting of consumers and cluster analysis. Finally, the consumers scored the 32 product specimens through a 5-level rating semantic differential scale questionnaire of six Kansei word pairs. The researchers verified the consumers' emotional preferences through principal component analysis and established the relationship between Kansei words and design elements of color through partial least squares.FindingsThe study found consumers' emotional preferences: elegant, minimalist, formal, casual, mature, practical and distinctive style. Besides white, black, gray, blue, consumers will also like red and yellow-red in the future. The crucial findings of this study are to get recommended guidelines that consumers' emotional preferences match the corresponding design elements.Originality/valueThe study's findings can be used to style the design of men's plain-color shirts and guide online marketers and designers to design apparel that meets consumers' emotional needs to develop consumers' sustainability reliance on clothing. This study also explains the overall process and methodology for integrating consumer preferences and product design elements.
The dynamic impact of oil shocks on the Saudi stock market: new evidence through dynamic simulated ARDL approach
Authors: Belanès Amel , Ben Maatoug Abderrazek , Triki Mohamed Bilel 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThe paper investigates the dynamic relationship between oil prices, the USA dollar exchange rate and the Saudi stock market index.Design/methodology/approachThe authors perform a novel dynamic simulated the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) on weekly data from 2010 to 2021.FindingsThe authors' work reveals three main results: First, a cointegration relationship exists between oil prices and the Saudi stock market index. Second, the Saudi stock market is strongly affected by fluctuations in oil prices in both the short and long run. Third, the exchange rate of the USA dollar has a slight influence on the movements of the Saudi stock market. The simulations show that the Saudi stock market index has a long-run upward trend after an oil price shock, while the dollar index rises moderately after a similar shock. Moreover, the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with a significant decline in the Saudi stock market index, particularly the substantial drop in oil prices.Practical implicationsThese findings encourage domestic and foreign investors to benefit from an upward trend in oil prices, especially after the opening of the Saudi market to foreign investment. On the other hand, it raises questions about the Saudi economy's dependence on oil as the sole vehicle for output growth. It highlights the urgent need for diversification and productivity growth in the non-oil sector and other renewable natural resources to increase Saudi competitiveness.Originality/valueThe novelty of the research lies in the following. First, the authors apply one of the latest developments in time-series modeling techniques. This dynamic ARDL simulation model provides a worthwhile alternative way to explore dynamic correlations in the short and long run and assess the choc effects. Secondly, the study would enable us to track the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on the Saudi stock market.
Unraveling the mystery: exploring managers' attraction to excessive markets and investigating behavioral biases in market entry decisions
Authors: Soleymanzadeh Omid , Hajipour Bahman 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to address why managers enter the excessive market. A comparison of the facts and perceptions of entrants relative to success in the market shows that many entrants are confident about the viability of their businesses and enter the market. Accordingly, the authors simulate market entry decisions to detect behavioral biases.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adapted the entry decisions simulation method, which is supported by the theoretical foundations of signal detection theory (SDT) and signaling theory. The simulation model is implemented on the Anaconda platform and written in Python 3.FindingsThe results of this study suggest that overestimation relates to excess market entry. Also, the proportion of excess entry under difficult conditions is always higher than under easy conditions.Practical implicationsThis research helps managers and firms think about their and their competitors' abilities and evaluate them before entering the market. Policymakers and practitioners can also design programs such as experiential learning to help entrants assess their skills.Originality/valueSo far, no research has investigated the role of overconfidence under different market conditions. Accordingly, this study contributes to the current market entry literature by disentangling the debate between absolute and relative confidence and by considering the role of task difficulty.
Corporate sustainability, organizational resilience and corporate purpose: a triple concept for achieving long-term prosperity
Authors: Florez-Jimenez María Paula , Lleo Alvaro , Danvila-del-Valle Ignacio , Sánchez-Marín Gregorio 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to narrow the gap caused by the lack of literature relating the three concepts of corporate sustainability, organizational resilience and corporate purpose in the context of corporations. A framework that explains how these three concepts are related and effectively merged for long-term corporate survival are proposed.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review is carried out. It is explained, first, initial search strategies to identify those documents that define each concept and to identify concepts with which each concept is associated. Subsequently, it is designed a search strategy combining all three concepts and their associated concepts to gather and analyze all the possible studies that have tried to connect these concepts. Finally, it is identified some gaps in the understanding of how these three concepts are related.FindingsResults indicate that corporate sustainability, organizational resilience and corporate purpose merge to achieve long-term corporate survival. There exists a two-way relationship between these three variables. Findings also present gaps and future directions that should be addressed to foster an increase in knowledge about the relationships between corporate sustainability, organizational resilience and corporate purpose.Originality/valueNowadays, some authors endeavor to explain how aspects such as corporate sustainability, organizational resilience and corporate purpose are crucial in the dynamic environment facing corporations every day. Nevertheless, there needs to be more understanding of how these three concepts are related and effectively merged for long-term corporate survival. This paper contributes to the literature by closing this gap.
Board reforms and the choice of debt: international evidence
Authors: Xiao Yige , Tsang Albert 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThe authors examine how the major board reforms recently implemented by countries around the world affect firms' choice of debt.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quasi-experimental setting of major board reforms around the world that aim to improve board-related governance practices in various areas, this study investigates the impact of effective board monitoring on corporate debt choice. The authors employ difference-in-differences-type quasi-natural experiment method and path analysis for hypotheses testing.FindingsThe authors find that the implementation of board reforms is positively associated with firms' preference for public debt financing over bank debt. However, this effect tends to weaken after the fourth year following the implementation of board reforms. In additional analyses, the authors find that “rule-based” reforms have a more pronounced effect on firms' choice of debt than do “comply-or-explain” reforms. Both (1) strengthened firm-level internal governance practices that address concerns about the agency cost of debt and (2) reduced information asymmetries play important roles in facilitating firms' debt choice, but the evidence suggests that the former is the economic mechanism through which country-level reforms affect corporate debt choice.Research limitations/implicationsThe study extends the literature examining the heterogeneity of corporate debt choices in a global setting and the literature on the consequences of corporate governance reforms.Practical implicationsThe findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the corporate board reforms implemented in countries around the world, addressing concerns from critics about their potential harm or ineffectiveness.Originality/valueThe results indicate that country-level board reforms reduce the extent to which shareholder–creditor conflicts harm shareholders.
A numerical study on thermal deformation of through silicon via with electroplating defect
Authors: Hou Chongbin , Qiu Yang , Zhao Xingyan , Zheng Shaonan , Dong Yuan , Zhong Qize , Hu Ting 
Published: December 2023

PurposeBy investigating the thermal-mechanical interaction between the through silicon via (TSV) and the Cu pad, this study aimed to determine the effect of electroplating defects on the upper surface protrusion and internal stress distribution of the TSV at various temperatures and to provide guidelines for the positioning of TSVs and the optimization of the electroplating process.Design/methodology/approachA simplified model that consisted of a TSV (100 µm in diameter and 300 µm in height), a covering Cu pad (2 µm thick) and an internal drop-like electroplating defect (which had various dimensions and locations) was developed. The surface overall deformation and stress distribution of these models under various thermal conditions were analyzed and compared.FindingsThe Cu pad could barely suppress the upper surface protrusion of the TSV if the temperature was below 250 ?. Interfacial delamination started at the collar of the TSV at about 250 ? and became increasingly pronounced at higher temperatures. The electroplating defect constantly experienced the highest level of strain and stress during the temperature increase, despite its geometry or location. But as its radius expanded or its distance to the upper surface increased, the overall deformation of the upper surface and the stress concentration at the collar of the TSV showed a downward trend.Originality/valuePrevious studies have not examined the influence of the electroplating void on the thermal behavior of the TSV. However, with the proposed methodology, the strain and stress distribution of the TSV under different conditions in terms of temperature, dimension and location of the electroplating void were thoroughly investigated, which might be beneficial to the positioning of TSVs and the optimization of the electroplating process.