bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial ecology of coastal northern Gulf of Mexico waters
Authors: Henson Michael W. , Thrash J. Cameron 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEstuarine and coastal ecosystems are of high economic and ecological importance, owing to their diverse communities and the disproportionate role they play in carbon cycling, particularly in carbon sequestration. Organisms inhabiting these environments must overcome strong natural fluctuations in salinity, nutrients, and turbidity as well as numerous climate change-induced disturbances such as land loss, sea level rise, and, in some locations, increasingly severe tropical cyclones that threaten to disrupt future ecosystem health. The northern Gulf of Mexico (nGoM) along the Louisiana coast contains dozens of estuaries, including the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River outflow, which dramatically influence the region due to their vast upstream watershed. Nevertheless, the microbiology of these estuaries and surrounding coastal environments have received little attention. To improve our understanding of microbial ecology in the understudied coastal nGoM, we conducted a 16S rRNA gene amplicon survey at eight sites and multiple timepoints along the Louisiana coast and one inland swamp spanning freshwater to high brackish salinities, totaling 47 duplicated Sterivex (0.2-2.7 µm) and prefilter (> 2.7 µm) samples. We cataloged over 13,000 ASVs from common freshwater and marine clades such as SAR11 (Alphaproteobacteria),Synechococcus(Cyanobacteria), and acI andCandidatusActinomarina (Actinobacteria). We observed preferences for freshwater or marine habitats in many organisms and also characterized a group of taxa with specialized distributions across brackish water sites, supporting the hypothesis of an endogenous brackish-water community. Additionally, we observed brackish-water preferences for several aquatic clades typically considered marine or freshwater taxa, such as SAR11 subclade II, SAR324, and the acI Actinobacteria. The data presented here expand the geographic coverage of microbial ecology in estuarine communities, help delineate the autochthonous and allochthonous members of these environments, and provide critical aquatic microbiological baseline data for coastal and estuarine sites in the nGoM.
Cardiac Molecular Analysis Reveals Aging-Associated Metabolic Alterations Promoting Glycosaminoglycans Accumulation Via Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway
Authors: Grilo Luís F. , Zimmerman Kip D. , Puppala Sobha , Chan Jeannie , Huber Hillary F. , Li Ge , Jadhav Avinash Y. L. , Wang Benlian , Li Cun , Clarke Geoffrey D. , Register Thomas C. , Oliveira Paulo J. , Nathanielsz Peter W. , Olivier Michael , Pereira Susana P. , Cox Laura A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAge is a prominent risk factor for cardiometabolic disease, and often leads to heart structural and functional changes. However, precise molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac remodeling and dysfunction resulting from physiological aging per se remain elusive. Understanding these mechanisms requires biological models with optimal translation to humans. Previous research demonstrated that baboons undergo age-related reduction in ejection fraction and increased heart sphericity, mirroring changes observed in humans.The goal of this study was to identify early cardiac molecular alterations that precede functional adaptations, shedding light on the regulation of age-associated changes.We performed unbiased transcriptomics of left ventricle (LV) samples from female baboons aged 7.5-22.1 years (human equivalent ∼30-88 years). Weighted-gene correlation network and pathway enrichment analyses were performed to identify potential age-associated mechanisms in LV, with histological validation. Myocardial modules of transcripts negatively associated with age were primarily enriched for cardiac metabolism, including oxidative phosphorylation, tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycolysis, and fatty-acid β-oxidation. Transcripts positively correlated with age suggest upregulation of glucose uptake, pentose phosphate pathway, and hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP), indicating a metabolic shift towards glucose-dependent anabolic pathways. Upregulation of HBP commonly results in increased glycosaminoglycan precursor synthesis. Transcripts involved in glycosaminoglycan synthesis, modification, and intermediate metabolism were also upregulated in older animals, while glycosaminoglycan degradation transcripts were downregulated with age. These alterations would promote glycosaminoglycan accumulation, which was verified histologically. Upregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM)-induced signaling pathways temporally coincided with glycosaminoglycan accumulation. We found a subsequent upregulation of cardiac hypertrophy-related pathways and an increase in cardiomyocyte width.Overall, our findings revealed a transcriptional shift in metabolism from catabolic to anabolic pathways that leads to ECM glycosaminoglycan accumulation through HBP prior to upregulation of transcripts of cardiac hypertrophy-related pathways. This study illuminates cellular mechanisms that precede development of cardiac hypertrophy, providing novel potential targets to remediate age-related cardiac diseases.
Conservation of heat stress acclimation by the inositol polyphosphate multikinase, IPMK responsible for 4/6-InsP7production in land plants
Authors: Yadav Ranjana , Liu Guizhen , Rana Priyanshi , Pullagurla Naga Jyothi , Qiu Danye , Jessen Henning J. , Laha Debabrata 
Published: November 2023

AbstractInositol pyrophosphates (PP-InsPs) are soluble cellular messengers that integrate environmental cues to induce adaptive responses in eukaryotes. In plants, the biological functions of various PP-InsP species are poorly understood, largely due to the absence of canonical enzymes present in other eukaryotes. The recent identification of a new PP-InsP isomer with yet unknown enantiomeric identity, 4/6-InsP7in the eudicotArabidopsis thaliana, further highlights the intricate PP-InsP signalling network employed by plants. The abundance of 4/6-InsP7in land plants, the enzyme(s) responsible for its synthesis, and the physiological functions of this species are all currently unknown. In this study, we show that 4/6-InsP7is the major PP-InsP species present across land plants. Our findings demonstrate that theArabidopsisinositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK) homolog, AtIPK2α generates 4/6-InsP7in vitro. Furthermore, the cellular level of 4/6-InsP7is controlled by the twoArabidopsisIPMK isoforms, AtIPK2α and AtIPK2β. Notably, the activity of these IPMK proteins is critical for heat stress acclimation inArabidopsis. During heat stress, the expression of genes encoding various heat shock proteins controlled by the heat shock factors (HSFs) is affected in the AtIPK2-deficient plants. Furthermore, we show that the transcription activity of HSF is regulated by the AtIPK2 proteins. Our parallel investigations using the liverwortMarchantia polymorphasuggest that the InsP6kinase activity of IPMK and the role of IPMK in regulating the heat stress response are evolutionarily conserved. Collectively, our study indicates that IPMK has played a critical role in transducing environmental cues for biological processes during land plant evolution.
Linkage among halal quality standard certification and SME’s performance: Palestinian food halal certified SME’s context
Authors: Amer Mahmoud 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThe aim of this study is to study the relationship between halal certification and small and medium entreprise (SME) performance in a turbulent environment such as the Palestinian environment.Design/methodology/approachIn this study quantitative cross-sectional research design using questionnaires distributed over 51 certified SME’s used, and analysis was performed using partial least squares-structural equational modeling.FindingsThe current study revealed that there is a positive relationship between certification and business performance of SME’s in terms of financial and operational performance, and operational performance can mediate the effect between certification and financial performance. It is recommended to conduct further research with larger sample sizes and conduct research using different research designs, such as the longitudinal research design.Practical implicationsCertification of Halal also has a positive relationship with performance, even in a turbulent environment like Palestine. Accordingly, Palestinian food manufacturing firms are called to implement food safety standards like the Halal certificate to gain beside the good gained image the good financial performance.Originality/valueThis study was conducted in one of the most turbulent environments, as well as in developing countries, enriching the literature with results from emerging/turbulence and developing countries.
Revitalising socio-economic empowerment through cooperative banks: insights from India
Authors: Panakaje Niyaz , Rahiman Habeeb Ur , Riha Parvin S.M. , Siddiq Abbokar , Rabbani Mustafa Raza 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis research aims to explore the significance of cooperative efforts in promoting financial participation to enhance the socio-economic empowerment of the rural Muslims.Design/methodology/approachThe primary study with a structured questionnaire has been conducted taking a sample of 398 rural Muslim respondents from various rural regions of south India through proportionate stratified sampling techniques. Regression analysis, paired sample t-test and structural equation modelling (SEM) through statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) 26 & SPSS analysis of moment structures (AMOS) 23 software have been implemented to test the relationship.FindingsThe research outcome demonstrated a remarkable difference in the rural Muslim’s socio-economic conditions before and after availing the loans from cooperatives. Consequently, an extension of cooperative efforts widens the scope of financial participation which again has positively enhanced rural Muslim’s socio-economic empowerment.Practical implicationsThis study will help various policymakers, academicians and communities to take necessary action for the upliftment of a particular community. The research further adds on to the existing research on the need and importance of cooperative efforts as an alternative finance for marginalised community in developing and emerging countries.Originality/valueThe result of this study is only confined to south India, posing a limitation for the study. Apart from the geographical restriction, the study solemnly covers the rural Muslim community extracting other sections of the society. Hence, for more generalisable pictures of the current results, further research is recommended from other stakeholders’ perspectives.
Advancing business process management lifecycle implementation through the integration of the design for Six Sigma method
Authors: Kovach Jamison V. , Cardoso-Grilo Teresa , Cardoso Madalena , Kalakou Sofia , Martins Ana Lúcia 
Published: November 2023

Purpose This research proposes how Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) provides a complementary approach for business process management (BPM) lifecycle implementation in order to address gaps identified in the current literature.Design/methodology/approach The mandatory elements of a method (MEM) framework is used to illustrate DFSS's maturity as a process redesign method. The use of DFSS in a BPM context is described through several action research case examples.Findings This research specifies the procedure model (order of development activities), techniques, results, roles and information/meta model (conceptual data model of results) associated with using DFSS to address BPM-related challenges. The action research case examples provided discuss the details of implementing BPM using DFSS to design, implement and test redesigned processes to ensure they fulfill the needs of process participants.Research limitations/implications While the case examples discussed were performed in only a few settings, which limits the generalizability of their results, they provide evidence regarding the wide range of domains in which the proposed DFSS-BPM approach can be applied and how the tools are used in different contexts.Practical implications This research offers a road map for addressing the challenges practitioners often face with BPM lifecycle implementation.Originality/valueThis research provides the first attempt to integrate DFSS as a complementary method for BPM lifecycle implementation.
ProcessChain: a blockchain-based framework for privacy preserving cross-organizational business process mining from distributed event logs
Authors: Singh Sandeep Kumar , Jenamani Mamata 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to design a consortium-blockchain based framework for cross-organizational business process mining complying with privacy requirements.Design/methodology/approachBusiness process modeling in a cross-organizational setting is complicated due to privacy concerns. The process mining in this situation occurs through trusted third parties (TTPs). It uses a special class of Petri-nets called workflow nets (WF-nets) to represent the formal specifications of event logs in a blockchain-enabled cross-organization.FindingsUsing a smart contract algorithm, the proposed framework discovers the organization-specific business process models (BPM) without a TTP. The discovered BPMs are formally represented using WF-nets with a message factor to support the authors’ claim. Finally, the applicability and suitability of the proposed framework is demonstrated using a case study of multimodal transportation.Originality/valueThe proposed framework complies with privacy requirements. It shows how to represent the formal specifications of event logs in a blockchain using a special class of Petri-nets called WF-nets. It also presents a smart contract algorithm to discover organization-specific business process models (BPM) without a TTP.
Women in the family business: self and family's influence on their perceptions of financial performance
Authors: González L. Ana C. , Rodríguez Yeny E. , Sánchez Carol 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis study examines how women and men in family firms respond differently when asked about perceptions of financial performance. The study poses three research questions around this topic: Are there differences among female and male responses, do those perceptions change if men and women are leaders of the family business and does the family's socioemotional wealth (SEW) influence such responses.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a quantitative research design to determine if financial performance perceptions of family firms differ based on the gender of the respondents and their leadership position, and second, if SEW's dimensions influence those perceptions, using data from the Successful Transgenerational Entrepreneurship Practices (STEP) survey in 2015.FindingsThe findings indicate that due to the lack of theory regarding gender as a social construct, empirical data collected for family business studies should take under consideration if respondents are women, men, leaders and the family influence in the family business when collecting data from surveys and asking for perceptions of financial performance. Results show that women in family businesses tend to have more positive perceptions of financial performance than men, but if women are leaders, those perceptions not only decrease but become negative. In addition, the family's socioemotional wealth (SEW) exacerbates those tendencies.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by helping to understand the potential limitations of subjective measures of financial performance, as women increasingly become family business leaders. It also contributes to gender studies by demonstrating that there is a lack of gender theoretical perspectives specifically, gender roles, suggesting that differences in self-promotion and self-evaluation between men and women leaders of their family firms. Finally, this study adds to the study of SEW as a multidimensional construct by showing the different effects, or lack of them by each dimension and showing the strong effect of family continuity on the perception of financial performance.
Navigating supply chain disruptions: a purchasing portfolio matrix analysis of Chinese manufacturing SMEs in the context of COVID-19
Authors: Han Yu , Tian Anna Yumiao , Chong Woon Kian , Chong Alain Yee Loong , Paulraj Antony 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets with an updated Purchasing Portfolio Matrix (PPM) specifically for international sourcing. This data-driven PPM matrix is designed to provide a dynamic and process perspective that can help SMEs survive the disruptions caused by emergency situations such as the global COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis research reports on qualitative interviews with experienced informants from 15 SMEs in the manufacturing industry. The authors follow process-based research using a combination of retrospective and real-time case study approaches to gradually unveil the dynamics in segmentation and sourcing strategies in the international sourcing context during the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsThe findings reveal the dynamics of segmentation and international sourcing strategies during global disruptions and unpack the underlying logic behind the dynamics that is specific to SMEs in emerging economies.Originality/valueExisting literature on PPM predominantly focuses on static and normal sourcing circumstances. This paper addresses this gap by adopting a dynamic approach to study how sourcing strategies of SMEs from emerging economies evolve in a highly volatile environment from an international sourcing perspective.
Impact pathways: unravelling the hybrid food supply chain – identifying the relationships and processes to drive change
Authors: Sawyerr Emmanuel Acquah , Bourlakis Michael , Conrad Damien , Wagstaff Carol 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis paper explores the nature and operations of the supply chain that serves disadvantaged groups. With the increasing reliance on supplementary food provision through food aid, the authors seek to emphasise efficiency and sustainability in these supply chains.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interview data from 32 senior managers and experts from both commercial and food aid supply chains were abductively analysed to develop a relationship-based map of the food chains that serve disadvantaged groups.FindingsDisadvantaged groups are served by a hybrid food supply chain. It is an interconnected supply chain bringing together the commercial and the food aid supply chains. This chain is unsurprisingly plagued with various challenges, the most critical of which are limited expertise and resources, operational inefficiencies, prohibitive logistics costs and a severe lack of collaboration.Originality/valueThis study identifies the currently limited role of logistics companies in surplus food redistribution and highlights future pathways. Additionally, the authors present useful actionable propositions for managers, practitioners and policymakers.
Jharcraft: a gift of transformational leadership in an Indian state-owned enterprise
Authors: Singh Pragya , Chaudhary Karishma 
Published: November 2023

PurposeA leader who inspires, facilitates and leads people to outperform themselves and bring phenomenal changes on an individual and social canvas is recognized as a transformational leader (TL). TL focuses on innovative methods and processes to improve the efficiency of subordinates. Experts believe that transformational leadership management is more effective than pragmatic leadership. This study focuses on the traits of a TL. Mr. Dhirendra Kumar, Managing Director of Jharcraft, who set out on a mission to lead people to revive the lost art and craft in the state of Jharkhand, India. The case highlights how Kumar's leadership style aligns with the four components of transformational leadership suggested by Bass (1985), i.e. idealized influence, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation and individual considerations.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a qualitative approach to comprehend the theory of transformational leadership. First of all, an in-depth analysis of transformational leadership theory was conducted using secondary data. The findings of several researchers on the basis of their contribution to the development of transformational leadership theory were analyzed. Based on this, the Bass transformational theory framework was selected. Primary data were collected by conducting interviews with Mr. Dhirendra Kumar, Managing Director of Jharcraft.FindingsTransformational leadership is a leadership style that can inspire positive changes in those who follow. TLs are generally energetic, enthusiastic and passionate. As per Bass's transformational leadership components, Kumar challenged the status quo and imbibed creativity and skill into local artisans. Artisans were imparted training by experts from the National Institute of Fashion and Technology and provided intellectual stimulation. Kumar offered support and encouragement to individual followers. In order to foster supportive relationships, Kumar articulated a clear vision to the followers. Kumar served as a role model for followers. Because followers trust and respect the leader, they emulate this individual and internalize the individual's ideals.Research limitations/implicationsThis study only considered the traits portrayed by Dhirendra Kumar during Kumar's tenure as the Managing Director of Warcraft, and the data were collected at one single point in time. Future research may consider Kumar's entire service journey and study factors that influenced his role as a TL.Practical implicationsStudents will be able to learn and understand how a TL can bring positive change at the grassroots level.Social implicationsThis case focuses on how a TL's efforts led to the societal upliftment of poor people and made them capable.Originality/valueGiven the importance of transformational leadership in today's organizational context, this study builds a knowledge base to understand factors for transformational leadership and traits exhibited by TLs.
Traditional leadership and boundary demarcation in South Africa: Collins Chabane local municipality as a case study
Authors: Lamidi Kazeem Oyedele , Juta Lusanda Beauty , Mathonsi Vukosi 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to present relevant literature review to build up the case pertaining to the impact of traditional leadership in the demarcation of municipal boundaries in South Africa. Municipal boundary demarcation remains a major contentious issue during the process of establishing municipalities. Little or no attention has been paid to the significance of traditional leadership in resolving issues around boundary demarcation between municipalities, hence this paper.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopted case study design. Data were collected from secondary sources and the contents were analyzed for this research purpose.FindingsThis paper put boundary in municipal context as a result of spatial reconfiguration process. It also discussed the impactful roles of traditional leadership as an institution involved in municipal (re)demarcation processes.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper focusses on the contemporary roles that traditional leadership is at vantage position to play in the process of municipal boundary demarcation. Therefore, the paper concludes that traditional leadership could resolve issue of ethnicity as a causal factor mitigating the redemarcation of municipal boundaries.Originality/valueIt contributes to existing knowledge by providing information on the roles of traditional leadership that could complement the resolution of the ethnic complexities arising from municipal (re)demarcation processes.