bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How compromised is reproductive performance in the endangered North Atlantic right whale? A proposed method for quantification and monitoring
Authors: Frasier Timothy R. , Hamilton Philip K. , Pace Richard M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe endangered North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) showed limited recovery from the cessation of industrial whaling until 2011, and has since been in decline. Research is therefore focused on identifying what factors are limiting recovery and what conservation actions will be most effective. A compromised reproductive rate is one of the primary reasons for this lack of recovery, yet there is no consensus on how to quantify reproductive performance. As one potential solution, we propose a relatively simple approach where we calculate the theoretical maximum number of calves each year. Comparing this expected number to those observed provides a means to quantify the degree to which reproduction is being compromised and trends thereof over time. Implementing this approach shows that, between 1990 and 2017, the number of calves born never came close to the theoretical maximum, resulting in overall reproductive performance being only about 27% of that expected. In addition to quantifying the magnitude of the reproductive problem, this approach should also be useful for quantifying the role of reduced reproductive performance in limiting species recovery, and for aiding research programs focused on identifying what factors are compromising reproduction.
Efficient construction of Markov state models for stochastic gene regulatory networks by domain decomposition
Authors: Yousefian Maryam , Frank Anna-Simone , Weber Marcus , Röblitz Susanna 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe dynamics of many gene regulatory networks (GRNs) is characterized by the occurrence of metastable phenotypes and stochastic phenotype switches. The chemical master equation (CME) is the most accurate description to model such stochastic dynamics, whereby the long-time dynamics of the system is encoded in the spectral properties of the CME operator. Markov State Models (MSMs) provide a general framework for analyzing and visualizing stochastic multistability and state transitions based on these spectral properties. Until now, however, this approach is either limited to low-dimensional systems or requires the use of high-performance computing facilities, thus limiting its usability.ResultsWe present a domain decomposition approach (DDA) that approximates the CME by a stochastic rate matrix on a discretized state space and projects the multistable dynamics to a lower dimensional MSM. To approximate the CME, we decompose the state space via a Voronoi tessellation and estimate transition probabilities by using adaptive sampling strategies. We apply the robust Perron cluster analysis (PCCA+) to construct the final MSM. Measures for uncertainty quantification are incorporated. As a proof of concept, we run the algorithm on a single PC and apply it to two GRN models, one for the genetic toggle switch and one describing macrophage polarization. Our approach correctly identifies the number and location of metastable phenotypes with adequate accuracy and uncertainty bounds. We show that accuracy mainly depends on the total number of Voronoi cells, whereas uncertainty is determined by the number of sampling points.ConclusionsA DDA enables the efficient computation of MSMs with quantified uncertainty. Since the algorithm is trivially parallelizable, it can be applied to larger systems, which will inevitably lead to new insights into cell-regulatory dynamics.
Preserving functional network structure under anesthesia in the marmoset monkey brain
Authors: Ortiz-Rios Michael , Sirmpilatze Nikoloz , König Jessica , Boreitus Susann 
Published: November 2023

AbstractInitiatives towards acquiring large-scale neuroimaging data in non-human primates promise improving translational neuroscience and cross-species comparisons. Crucial among these efforts is the need to expand sample sizes while reducing the impact of anesthesia on the functional properties of brain networks. Yet, the effects of anesthesia on non-human primate brain networks remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that isoflurane anesthesia induces a variety of brain states in the marmoset brain with dramatically altered functional connectivity profiles. As an alternative, we recommend using a continuous infusion of the sedative medetomidine, supplemented with a low concentration of isoflurane. With this protocol, we observed robust visual activation during flickering light stimulation and identified resting-state networks similar to the awake state. In contrast, isoflurane alone led to a suppressed visual activation and the absence of awake-like network patterns. Comparing states using a graph-theoretical approach, we confirmed that the structure of functional networks is preserved under our proposed anesthesia protocol but is lost using isoflurane alone. We believe that the widespread adoption of this protocol will be a step towards advancing translational neuroscience initiatives in non-human primate neuroimaging. To promote the shared use of neuroimaging resources, we share our datasets on the Marmoset connectome project.HighlightsMedetomidine combined with isoflurane is an effective protocol for driving visual BOLD responses compared to isoflurane-only anesthesia.Independent component analysis revealed similar resting-state networks for medetomidine-isoflurane anesthesia and awake states.The structure of resting-state networks was maintained under medetomidine-isoflurane but lost under isoflurane-only anesthesia.
GABAergic circuits reflect different requirements for emergent perception in postnatal mouse neocortex
Authors: Ghezzi Filippo , Baruchin Liad J. , Ha Ngoc T. , Shah-Ostrowski Mark J. , Chama Alessandra G. Ciancone , Stacey Jacqueline A. , Butt Simon J.B. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractInformation transfer in the mammalian cerebral cortex is dependent on locally-projecting GABAergic interneuron circuits that are widely assumed to be uniform across neocortical areas. We demonstrate that this does not hold true during the highly dynamic period of postnatal life prior to the onset of active sensory exploration. During this time, a subset of interneuron defined by expression of the neuropeptide somatostatin differentially contribute to sensory-evoked activity in primary somatosensory and visual cortices. This functional divergence between the two areas is explained by differences in the composition of somatostatin interneuron subtypes and the transient circuits formed by these cells; the somatosensory circuit representing an adaptation to control early neonatal touch information. Understanding such area-dependent differences will promote our endeavours to understand the aetiology of developmental psychiatric disorders.Summary SentenceCortical circuits are adapted to the local information processing demands of the developing brain
Characterization of methylation status of the nuclear hormone receptorDAX-1in human cancer
Authors: Riedstra Caroline P. , Heskett Michael B. , Tzagarakis-Foster Christina 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe orphan receptor DAX-1 plays an essential role in human development, steroid hormone synthesis and the maintenance of embryonic stem cell pluripotency. Recent studies have demonstrated DAX-1 is involved in cancer development, and, depending on the specific cancer type, has a negative or positive effect on cancer growth. In order to better understand the mechanism ofDAX-1gene regulation in various cancer cell lines, the epigenetic regulation ofDAX-1was investigated. Following confirming levels of DAX-1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, the overall methylation status of theDAX-1gene was probed using methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme analysis. To determine the molecular mechanism of DNA methylation of theDAX-1gene, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays identified key methylating proteins that localize to specific CpG islands in theDAX-1promoter. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that methylation of key cytosine residues in CpG islands within theDAX-1promoter play a central role in regulatingDAX-1expression and varying degrees of methylation result in differences inDAX-1expression in human cancer cell lines.
Is there a nexus between NFT, DeFi and carbon allowances during extreme events?
Authors: Ghosh Bikramaditya , Gubareva Mariya , Zulfiqar Noshaba , Bossman Ahmed 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThe authors target the interrelationships between non-fungible tokens (NFTs), decentralized finance (DeFi) and carbon allowances (CA) markets during 2021–2023. The recent shift of crypto and DeFi miners from China (the People's Republic of China, PRC) green hydro energy to dirty fuel energies elsewhere induces investments in carbon offsetting instruments; this is a backdrop to the authors’ investigation.Design/methodology/approachThe quantile vector autoregression (VAR) approach is employed to examine extreme-quantile-connectedness and spillovers among the NFT Index (NFTI), DeFi Pulse Index (DPI), KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF price (KRBN) and the Solactive Carbon Emission Allowances Rolling Futures Total Return Index (SOLCARBT).FindingsAt bull markets, DPI is the only consistent net shock transmitter as NFTI transmits innovations only at the most extreme quantile. At bear markets, KRBN and SOLCARBT are net shock transmitters, while NFTI is the only consistent net shock receiver. The receiver-transmitter roles change as a function of the market conditions. The increases in the relative tail dependence correspond to the stress events, which make systemic connectedness augment, turning market-specific idiosyncratic considerations less relevant.Originality/valueThe shift of digital asset miners from the PRC has resulted in excessive fuel energy consumption and aggravated environmental consequences regarding NFTs and DeFi mining. Although there exist numerous studies dedicated to CA trading and its role in carbon print reduction, the direct nexus between NFT, DeFi and CA has never been addressed in the literature. The originality of the authors’ research consists in bridging this void. Results are valuable for portfolio managers in bull and bear markets, as the authors show that connectedness is more intense under such conditions.
Career planning and turnover intention: a moderated moderation model of career plateau and risk-taking propensity
Authors: Ng Chin Tung Stewart , Chen Hsien-Chun , Chen I-Heng , Wu Chieh-Yin 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis article aims to examine the boundary conditions of the relationship between career planning and turnover intention and the joint moderating effects of career plateau and risk-taking propensity on the relationships between career plateau and turnover intention.Design/methodology/approachThe data of this paper is collected from 231 employees from Taiwanese organizations with more than four years of work experience.FindingsThe results indicate that career plateau significantly moderates the relationships between career planning and turnover intention. The relationships between career planning and turnover intention are weaker when career plateau and risk-taking propensity are low in the three-way interaction effect.Originality/valueThe article examined the moderated moderation model of career planning and turnover intention using career plateau and risk-taking propensity as moderators.
Mahesh Foundation – care for the uncared
Authors: Bapat Gautam Surendra , Nerlekar Varsha Shriram 
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this case study are to identify the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in social upliftment of developing countries, understand the functioning of NGOs, understand the challenges faced by the NGOs in day-to-day operations and discuss the probable solutions for the same, appreciate the role of leader and leadership in an NGO, study the working style of NGO leaders, appreciate the importance of having a formal organizational structure for these informal organizations (NGOs) to ensure the sustainability of their ventures and design a sustainable organization structure having a proper succession plan for the NGOs.

Case overview/synopsis
The case study is about one NGO – Mahesh Foundation – located in a small town named Belagavi, nestled in the state of Karnataka, India. Mahesh Foundation worked towards the upliftment of poor children infected with HIV. Today, fighting against all odds, Mahesh Foundation is a safe shelter home for 45 HIV-infected children in the age group of 6–18 years and has reached more than 2,000 beneficiaries from the time of its inception (2008). In addition, Mahesh Foundation also provides skill-based education to the HIV-infected, slum and underprivileged children. The foundation also supported the livelihood of underprivileged women and till date has supported more than 1,500 needy women. Mr Mahesh Jadhav, the founder member of Mahesh Foundation, has been successful in overcoming different challenges faced by the NGO, may it be the requirement for funds or shelters or social agitation. However, Jadhav was worried about the succession planning of his organisation. Mahesh Foundation, being run as a one-man show, Jadhav was bothered about its sustainability after him. The case study therefore highlights and discusses the importance of having a formal organization structure for such informal organizations, thereby having a proper succession plan to ensure their perpetual existence.

Complexity academic level
This case study is best taught as part of a graduate and postgraduate Business Administration (BBA/MBA) programme, Management Development Programme or Executive MBA Programme.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy.
Livestock Wealth: crowd farming for wealth creation
Authors: Bowen Amanda , Beswick Claire , Thomson Richard 
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this case study, students should be able to apply lessons learned in core readings, analysis and discussion to a specific case study dealing with a current, real-world situation, specifically: critically assess Livestock Wealth’s case facts and present and justify their point of view – based on attentive reading, critical analysis and engagement – about the company; use a range of strategic tools such as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis, PESTLE analysis and the Ansoff matrix to thoroughly evaluate Livestock Wealth’s internal and external business environment for developing strategic options for business growth and improvements to marketing strategy; use strategic thinking to develop a range of creative solutions to guide the company’s business growth and improvements to marketing strategy; and assess their own growth and development in terms of personal preparation and organisation, collaboration, critical thinking, decision-making skills, participation and problem-solving.

Case overview/synopsis
By February 2022, Ntuthuko Shezi, the founder and chief executive officer of Livestock Wealth, had turned his idea of “crowd farming”, which enables anyone to invest in living farm assets and earn a profit at harvest, into a full-fledged business that was creating wealth for both investors and farmers. Underpinning this case study is Shezi’s vision of an African continent where there is “no ground that is not planted with something of value”, local economies are created in those areas, communities are wealthy, there is abundance, there is money for children to attend school and ultimately where “cows (and agricultural produce in general) are seen as money”. Shezi had grown up in a rural area with grandparents who owned a couple of cows, realizing that the cows were the bedrock of the family’s finances. Describing his business, he says, “Cattle are like a walking bank, and we see ourselves as the bank of the future, where every person who owns a cow can access financial services through Livestock Wealth, just like it has always been in Africa.” This case study describes the two key decisions that Shezi needed to make – what direction to take in terms of business growth and how to improve his marketing strategy (with a limited budget) to attract sufficient investment into Livestock Wealth to make his dreams a reality.

Complexity academic level
This case study is suitable for use for a post-graduate diploma in business, master of business administration or master’s in management.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy.
Do emissions reduction initiatives improve financial performance? Empirical analysis of moderating factors
Authors: Issa Ayman 
Published: November 2023

Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance. Additionally, it explores potential moderating variables, such as corporate social responsible (CSR) strategy and corporate governance practices, that may strengthen the link between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach
The empirical analysis is conducted using 1,740 firm-year observations from UK firms listed on the FTSE 350. Data on carbon emissions and firm-specific characteristics are obtained from the Refinitiv Eikon database for the period 2011–2020. Various econometric techniques, including ordinary least squares and system generalized method of moments, are used to examine the relationship between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance. Additionally, alternative samples are used to further explore this relationship.

Findings
The author observes a significantly positive association between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance in this study. Additionally, the significance of this relationship is found to be present specifically after the announcement of the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, a channel analysis reveals that moderating factors like CSR strategy and corporate governance quality influence this relationship.

Practical implications
The study underscores the importance of carbon reduction initiatives for sustainable business growth and financial performance. Managers can use these insights to prioritize investments in sustainable practices. Policymakers should consider implementing supportive regulations to incentivize companies to adopt carbon reduction strategies.

Originality/value
This study adds value to the existing body of literature by empirically examining the moderating role of CSR strategy and best corporate governance practices in the relationship between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how these factors interact and influence the outcomes.
CEO vs. celebrity: the effect of streamer types on consumer engagement in brands' self-built live-streaming
Authors: Wei Keshan (Sara) , Xi Wanyu 
Published: November 2023

PurposeWith the development of social media, live-streaming has become an indispensable marketing activity for firms, especially in China. From the initial cooperation with the influencer, firms begin to create their own live-streaming channel, namely, the brands' self-built live-streaming. The purpose of this study is to explore the process of consumer engagement in the brands' self-built live-streaming.Design/methodology/approachThis research comprises two experimental studies. Study 1 examined the effect of streamer types (CEO vs. celebrity) on consumer engagement. Study 2 investigated the moderating effects of product innovativeness.FindingsResults showed that CEO streamers could enhance consumer engagement by increasing consumers' cognitive trust, and celebrity streamers could enhance consumer engagement by increasing consumers' emotional trust. In addition, consumer engagement was higher for really new products (vs. incremental new products) in CEO streamers' (vs. celebrity streamers') live-streaming.Originality/valueCompared with previous studies that focused on streamers based on the influencer marketing, this study expands the scope of research on the live-streaming ecosystem by exploring the effect of different streamer types on the brands' self-built live-streaming. By investigating consumer engagement, this study gives implications for the sustainable traffic issue in live-streaming e-commerce.
Civic education and the pedagogy of sports films
Authors: McClure Donald R. , Halvorsen Anne-Lise , Thomas III Daniel J. 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis study explores the value of sports films for engaging youth in issues related to patriotism, justice, equity and liberty. The authors analyze how two sports films, 42 and Battle of the Sexes, have pedagogical potential and value in secondary social studies methods classes, as well as what criteria educators might use when selecting films (and television series) for classroom use.Design/methodology/approachUsing content analysis, the authors respond to the following questions: (1) What critical themes related to civic education surface in the sports films 42 and Battle of the Sexes? and (2) What framework might guide the use of selecting sports films and sports film clips for educators' civic educational use?FindingsFive themes surfaced in the films 42 and Battle of the Sexes: economics as a force for social change; racism and anti-Blackness, athletes as more than athletes, resisting oppression, and sexism and homophobia. Instruction related to these themes has the potential to engage students in critical, awareness-based approaches to civic education.Originality/valueSports films show promise for engaging youth due to their interests in the medium of film and in sports, both as participants and spectators. Across the world, athletes face questions and issues related to patriotism, justice, equity and liberty on courts, fields, tracks and rinks, These questions and issues are deeply embedded in civic education. This study is among the first of its kind to explore the pedagogical potential of sports films.
Barnes & Noble, Inc.: charting the growth strategy
Authors: Bodhanwala Shernaz , Sanghvi Vandita 
Published: November 2023

Research methodology
The case is written based on publicly available data from primary sources like the company’s annual reports and presentations and from secondary sources, as indicated in the references.

Case overview/synopsis
Barnes & Noble Inc. (B&N), one of the oldest and largest American retail booksellers founded in 1917, was facing a grim business situation underpinned by a fall in demand, a change in consumer preference and stiff competition. After almost a century of being in the business, B&N was experiencing a fall in market share and weak stock market performance. In 2019, the company was sold to Elliot Advisors – a hedge fund – for US$638m. With the appointment of new chief executive officer (CEO) James Daunt in August 2019, a man known for the turnaround of similar businesses, B&N expected its business’s revival and reorganization strategy to turn profitable. Its long-term strategy of beating competitors with its offerings’ sheer volume and low prices was no longer viable. The turmoil was compounded by top management crises with the repeated changes and ousting of several CEOs in a short span, alongside the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. Daunt was considering how to overcome the crisis and act fast to reposition the company and regain the loyalty of its customers. Was there more that the company could do to improve the company’s position and restore profitability?

Complexity academic level
The case can be used in strategic management and entrepreneurship classes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The case can be used in an investment analysis and management course to teach students the industry analysis technique using Porter’s five forces model.