bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RORψt+CD4+T cells promote IL-23R-mediated neuronal cell apoptosis in the central nervous system
Authors: Sonar Sandip Ashok , Metei Thoihen Heikrujam , Inamdar Shrirang , Lenka Nibedita , Lal Girdhari
Published: April 2023

Transcription factors T-bet and RORψt play a crucial role in neuronal autoimmunity, and mice deficient in these two factors do not develop experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The independent role of T-bet and RORψt in the pathogenesis of EAE and how they help induce apoptosis of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) during neuronal autoimmunity is unclear. In the present study, we showed that myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55) peptide-specific Th1 cells deficient in RORψt could cross BBB but fail to induce apoptosis of neurons and EAE. Pathogenic Th17 cell-derived cytokines GM-CSF, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-21 significantly increase the surface expression of IL-23R on neuronal cells. Furthermore, we showed that, in EAE, neurons in the brain and spinal cord express IL-23R. IL-23-IL-23R signaling in neuronal cells caused phosphorylation of STAT3 (Ser727 and Tyr705) and induced cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) molecules in an IL-23R-dependent manner and caused apoptosis. Thus, we provided a mechanism where we showed that T-bet is required to recruit pathogenic Th17 cells and RORψt expression to drive the apoptosis of IL-23R+neurons in the CNS and cause EAE. Understanding detailed molecular mechanisms will help to design better strategies to control neuroinflammation and autoimmunity.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

One Sentence Summary

IL-23-IL-23R signaling promotes apoptosis of CNS neurons.
PTEN knockout using retrogradely transported AAVs restores locomotor abilities in both acute and chronic spinal cord injury
Authors: Stewart Andrew N. , Kumari Reena , Bailey William M. , Glaser Ethan P. , Hammers Gabrielle V. , Wireman Olivia H. , Gensel John C.
Published: April 2023

Restoring function in chronic stages of spinal cord injury (SCI) has often been met with failure or reduced efficacy when regenerative strategies are delayed past the acute or sub-acute stages of injury. Restoring function in the chronically injured spinal cord remains a critical challenge. We found that a single injection of retrogradely transported adeno-associated viruses (AAVrg) to knockout the phosphatase and tensin homolog protein (PTEN) in chronic SCI can effectively target both damaged and spared axons and restore locomotor functions in near-complete injury models. AAVrg’s were injected to deliver cre recombinase and/or a red fluorescent protein (RFP) under the human Synapsin 1 promoter (hSyn1) into the spinal cords of C57BL/6 PTENFloxΔ/Δmice to knockout PTEN (PTEN-KO) in a severe thoracic SCI crush model at both acute and chronic time points. PTEN-KO improved locomotor abilities in both acute and chronic SCI conditions over a 9-week period. Regardless of whether treatment was initiated at the time of injury (acute), or three months after SCI (chronic), mice with limited hindlimb joint movement gained hindlimb weight support after treatment. Interestingly, functional improvements were not sustained beyond 9 weeks coincident with a loss of RFP reporter-gene expression and a near-complete loss of treatment-associated functional recovery by 6 months post-treatment. Treatment effects were also specific to severely injured mice; animals with weight support at the time of treatment lost function over a 6-month period. Retrograde tracing with Fluorogold revealed viable neurons throughout the motor cortex despite a loss of RFP expression at 9 weeks post-PTEN-KO. However, few Fluorogold labeled neurons were detected within the motor cortex at 6 months post-treatment. BDA labeling from the motor cortex revealed a dense corticospinal tract (CST) bundle in all groups except chronically treated PTEN-KO mice indicating a potential long-term toxic effect of PTEN-KO to neurons in the motor cortex. PTEN-KO mice had significantly more β-tubulin III labeled axons within the lesion when treatment was delivered acutely, but not chronically post-SCI. In conclusion, we have found that using AAVrg’s to knockout PTEN is an effective manipulation capable of restoring motor functions in chronic SCI and can enhance axon growth of currently unidentified axon populations when delivered acutely after injury. However, the long-term consequences of PTEN-KO may exert neurotoxic effects.
Resistance to abemaciclib is associated with increased metastatic potential and lysosomal protein deregulation in breast cancer cells
Authors: Scheidemann Erin R. , Demas Diane M. , Hou Chunyan , Ma Junfeng , He Wei , Weilbaecher Katherine N. , Shajahan-Haq Ayesha N.
Published: April 2023

Cyclin dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) such as abemaciclib are routinely used to treat metastatic estrogen receptor positive (ER+)/HER2-negative breast cancer. However, adaptive mechanisms inhibit their effectiveness and allow for disease progression. Using murine metastatic ER+ breast cancer cells, we show that acquired resistance to abemaciclib is accompanied by increase in metastatic potential. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics from abemaciclib sensitive and resistant cells showed that lysosomal proteins including CTSD (cathepsin D), CTSA (cathepsin A) and CD68 were significantly increased in resistant cells. Combination of abemaciclib and a lysosomal destabilizer, such as hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) or bafilomycin A1, re-sensitized resistant cells to abemaciclib. Also, combination of abemaciclib and HCQ decreased migration and invasive potential and increased lysosomal membrane permeability (LMP) in resistant cells. Pro-survival BCL2 protein levels were elevated in resistant cells, and a triple treatment with abemaciclib, HCQ, and BCL2 inhibitor, venetoclax, significantly inhibited cell growth compared to treatment with abemaciclib and HCQ. Furthermore, resistant cells showed increased levels of TFEB (Transcription Factor EB), a master regulator of lysosomal-autophagy genes, and siRNA mediated knockdown ofTFEBdecreased invasion in resistant cells.TFEBgene was found to be mutated in a subset of invasive human breast cancer samples, and overall survival analysis in ER+, lymph node-positive breast cancer showed that increasedTFEBexpression correlated with decreased survival. Collectively, we show that prolonged exposure to abemaciclib in ER+ breast cancer cells leads to resistance accompanied by an aggressive phenotype that is partly supported by deregulated lysosomal function.

Implications: Our data implicate that resistance to abemaciclib is associated with deregulation of lysosomes and augmented metastatic potential, and therefore, the lysosomal pathway could be a therapeutic target in advanced ER+ breast cancer.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
The patatin-like protein PlpD forms novel structurally dynamic homodimers in thePseudomonas aeruginosaouter membrane
Authors: Hanson Sarah E. , Doyle Matthew Thomas , Bernstein Harris D.
Published: April 2023

Members of the Omp85 superfamily of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) found in Gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria and chloroplasts are characterized by a distinctive 16-stranded β-barrel transmembrane domain and at least one periplasmic POTRA domain. All previously studied Omp85 proteins promote critical OMP assembly and/or protein translocation reactions.Pseudomonas aeruginosaPlpD is the prototype of an Omp85 protein family that contains an N-terminal patatin-like (PL) domain that is thought to be translocated across the OM by a C-terminal β-barrel domain. Challenging the current dogma, we found that the PlpD PL-domain resides exclusively in the periplasm and, unlike previously studied Omp85 proteins, PlpD forms a homodimer. Remarkably, the PL-domain contains a segment that exhibits unprecedented dynamicity by undergoing transient strand-swapping with the neighboring β-barrel domain. Our results show that the Omp85 superfamily is more structurally diverse than currently believed and suggest that the Omp85 scaffold was utilized during evolution to generate novel functions.
Allogeneic Tumor Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Stimulate CD8 T Cell Response in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Gates Travis J , Wangmo Dechen , Zhao Xianda , Subramanian Subbaya
Published: April 2023

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Most CRC patients present with a microsatellite stable (MSS) phenotype and are highly resistant to immunotherapies. Tumor extracellular vesicles (TEVs), secreted by tumor cells, can contribute to intrinsic resistance to immunotherapy in CRC. We previously showed that autologous TEVs without functional miR-424 induce anti-tumor immune responses. We hypothesized that allogeneic modified CRC-TEVs without miR-424 (mouse homolog miR-322) derived from an MC38 background would effectively stimulate CD8+T cell response and limit CT26 tumor growth. Here we show that prophylactic administration of MC38 TEVs without functional miR-424 significantly increased CD8+T cells in CT26 CRC tumors and limited tumor growth, not B16-F10 melanoma tumors. We further show that the depletion of CD4+and CD8+T cells abolished the protective effects of MC38 TEVs without functional miR-424. We further show that TEVs can be taken up by DCsin vitro,and subsequent prophylactic administration of autologous DCs exposed to MC38 TEVs without functional miR-424 suppressed tumor growth and increased CD8+T cells compared to MC38 wild-type TEVs exposed to DCs, in Balb/c mice bearing CT26 tumors. Notably, the modified EVs were well tolerated and did not increase cytokine expression in peripheral blood. These findings suggest that allogeneic-modified CRC-EVs without immune suppressive miR-424 can induce antitumor CD8+T cell responses and limit tumor growth in vivo.
PI3K/mTOR is a therapeutically targetable genetic dependency in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Authors: Duchatel Ryan J. , Jackson Evangeline R. , Parackal Sarah G. , Sun Claire , Daniel Paul , Mannan Abdul , Findlay Izac J. , Staudt Dilana , Germon Zacary P. , Laternser Sandra , Kiltschewskij Dylan , Kearney Padraic S. , Fairuz M. , Jamaluddin B. , Douglas Alicia M. , Beitaki Tyrone , Persson Mika , Manning Elizabeth E. , Murray Heather C. , Verrills Nicole M. , Skerrett-Byrne David A. , Nixon Brett , Hua Susan , Fatima Valdes-Mora , Tsoli Maria , Ziegler David S. , Cairns Murray J. , Raabe Eric , Vitanza Nicholas A. , Koschmann Carl , Alvaro Frank , Dayas Christopher V. , Tinkle Christopher L. , Eisenstat David D. , Firestein Ron , Mueller Sabine , Nazarian Javad , Cain Jason E. , Dun Matthew D.
Published: April 2023

Diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including tumors diagnosed in the brainstem (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma – DIPG), are uniformly fatal brain tumors that lack effective pharmacological treatment. Analysis of pooled CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function gene deletion screen datasets, identifiedPIK3CAandMTORas targetable molecular dependencies across DIPG patient derived models, highlighting the therapeutic potential of the blood-brain barrier penetrant PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor paxalisib. At the human equivalent maximum tolerated dose, mice treated with paxalisib experienced systemic feedback resulting in increased blood glucose and insulin levels, commensurate with DIPG patients in Phase 1b clinical trials who experienced hyperglycemia/hyperinsulinemia. To exploit genetic dependences, but maintain compliance and benefit, we optimized a paxalisib treatment regimen that employed reduced dosing more frequently, in combination with the anti-hyperglycemic drug, metformin. Combining optimized dosing with metformin restored glucose homeostasis and decreased phosphorylation of the insulin receptorin vivo, a common mechanism of PI3K-inhibitor resistance, extending the survival of DIPG xenograft models. RNA sequencing and phosphoproteomic profiling of DIPG models treated with paxalisib identified increased calcium-activated PKC signaling. Using the brain penetrant PKC inhibitor, enzastaurin in combination with paxalisib, we synergistically extended the survival of orthotopic xenograft models, benefits further promoted by metformin; thus, identifying a clinically relevant DIPG combinatorial approach.

Brief Summary

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma is a lethal childhood brain tumor. Here we identifyPIK3CAas a genetic dependency targeted by the brain penetrant pan-PI3K-inhibitor paxalisib.
Interaction of marine organisms on localized corrosion of 316L stainless steel in Dalian seawater
Authors: Chen Wanbin , Wang Mingyu , Li Mingyu , Li Kaiqiang , Huang Yi , Xu Yunze
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the interaction of main marine organisms on localized corrosion of 316L stainless steel in the Dalian Sea area.

Design/methodology/approach

The steel plate was immersed in the Dalian Sea area for nine months to observe the biofouling and localized corrosion. The local potential distribution on the steel plate covered by marine organisms was measured. The local electrochemical measurements were performed to facilitate understanding the interfacial status under different biofouling conditions. The local surface morphologies and corrosion products were characterized.

Findings

The localized corrosion of stainless steel is mainly induced by the attachment of barnacles on the steel. The mussels have no influence on the localized corrosion. The cover of sea squirts could mitigate the localized corrosion induced by barnacles. Both crevice corrosion and pitting corrosion were found beneath the barnacle without the covering of sea squirts. The pitting damage was more serious than the crevice corrosion in the Dalian Sea area. The probing of sulfur element indicates that the potential growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria at barnacle center.

Originality/value

The above findings revealed that the interaction of marine organisms has significant influences on the localized corrosion of stainless steel. The influences of macro-fouling and micro-fouling on localized corrosion are discussed.
Firm’s exploration-exploitation capabilities. Do diversity and empowerment matter?
Authors: Singh Subodh , Sinha Sabyasachi
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effect of gender diversity and female empowerment on a firm’s exploration and exploitation capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical paper. This study investigated the research question in this paper using data on UK Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 firms and OLS regression analysis.

Findings

This study found a positive association between senior management gender diversity in the workforce and exploitation and exploration capabilities. Also, female empowerment positively moderates senior management gender diversity’s impact on exploration capability.

Practical implications

This study advises firms aspiring ambidextrous to establish gender diversity – especially at the senior management level – and focus on female empowerment in their organisations.

Originality/value

This paper argued for the role of females in making the organisations ambidextrous by impacting both exploitation and exploration capabilities, which did not receive adequate research attention to date.
Understanding the psychological determinants of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) in the UK: a user perspective
Authors: Relja Ruffin , Ward Philippa , Zhao Anita L.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study explores the psychological determinants of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) use in the UK and reviews the efficacy of existing payment constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 533 BNPL users engaged in story stem completion. Template analysis was used, supported by the identification of four BNPL sentiment groups to enable comparison.

Findings

Whilst positive attitudes towards BNPL dominate, other psychological determinants are apparent to a varied extent. Psychological distance and ownership of borrowed money are redolent, while transparency and transaction convenience are less appreciable. BNPL users understand temporality beyond its current conceptualizations. Some users construe BNPL as a “savings” product, and hence payment format conceptualizations may be erroneous. Those with a positive sentiment foreground BNPL’s consumption and budget management benefits. However, the potential for unintended consequences is manifest across all users.

Research limitations/implications

The potentially unwanted consequences, or dark side, of BNPL use in the UK are highlighted. The specified constructs, whilst helpful, do not particularize the complex interconnected nature of the psychological determinants of BNPL use. Improved conceptualization offering richness and clarity is needed – temporality specifically requires consideration.

Practical implications

Users’ sophistication and misunderstanding are both evident, necessitating fuller conversations among various stakeholders, including, providers, policymakers, consumers and advocacy groups.

Originality/value

This research advances the scarce literature exploring consumers’ BNPL use determinants and challenges current conceptualizations surrounding payment format perceptions.
Toward a framework for perceived yuanfen in the accommodation service encounter: a grounded theory study
Authors: Tang Xiangjie , Fong Lawrence Hoc Nang , So Amy Siu-Ian
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to conceptualize the potential stimuli and consequences of perceived yuanfen in the accommodation service encounter by interpreting how Chinese customers perceive yuanfen during their stay in accommodations.

Design/methodology/approach

Online accommodation reviews containing yuanfen perception were interpreted using a grounded theory approach. Group interviews were conducted to verify the interpretations.

Findings

Positive outcome-generated emotional accommodation experiences (e.g. happiness) can elicit perceived yuanfen, which then evokes customers’ feelings of gratitude, emotional attachment to an accommodation and memorable accommodation experiences. Also, perceived yuanfen facilitates customers’ tolerance of service failures and promotes customers’ intention to stay longer at, recommend and revisit the accommodation.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature on accommodation experiences, loyalty, word-of-mouth and service recovery. Future research can explore the interventions that trigger Chinese customers’ perceived yuanfen during accommodation.

Practical implications

This study informs practitioners of the importance of perceived yuanfen in enhancing accommodation experiences and service recovery. Moreover, the conceptualized characteristics and stimuli of perceived yuanfen offer possible guidelines for practitioners on how to stimulate customers’ yuanfen perception.

Originality/value

This study fills the gap of how perceived yuanfen functions in the service encounters in accommodations.
A nexus between sustainability, energy utilisation and economic growth at aggregate and disaggregate level: a case of India
Authors: Dhillon Dilpreet Kaur , Kaur Kuldip
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The growth of the Indian economy is accompanied by the rising trend of energy utilisation and its devastating effect on the environment. It is vital to understand the nexus between energy utilisation, climate and environment degradation and growth to devise a constructive policy framework for achieving the goal of sustainable growth. This study aims to analyse the long- and short-run association and direction of association between energy utilisation, carbon emission and growth of the Indian economy in the presence of structural break.

Design/methodology/approach

The study probes the association and direction of association between variables at both aggregate (total energy utilisation, total carbon emission and gross domestic product [GDP]) and disaggregates level (coal utilisation and coal emission, oil utilisation and oil emission, natural gas utilisation and natural gas emission along with GDP) over the time period of 50 years, i.e. 1971–2020. Autoregressive distributed lag model is used to examine the association between the variables and presence of structural break is confirmed with the help of Zivot–Andrews unit root test. To check the direction of association, vector error correction model Granger causality is performed.

Findings

Aggregate carbon emissions are affected positively by aggregate energy consumption and GDP in both short and long run. Bidirectional causality exists between total emissions and GDP, whereas a unidirectional causality runs from energy consumption towards carbon emission and GDP in the long run. At disaggregate level, consumption of coal energy impacts positively, whereas GDP influences coal emission negatively in the long run only. Furthermore, consumption of oil and GDP influences oil emissions positively in the long run. Lastly, natural gas is the energy source that has the fewest emissions in both short and long run.

Originality/value

There is a rapidly growing body of research on the connections and cause-and-effect relationships between energy use, economic growth and carbon emissions, but it has not conclusively proved how important the presence of structural breaks or changes within the economy is in shaping the outcomes of the aforementioned variables, especially when focusing on the Indian economy. By including the impact of structural break on the association between energy use, carbon emission and growth, where energy use and carbon emission are evaluated at both aggregate and disaggregate level, the current study aims to fill this gap in Indian literature.
Real estate investment decisions in underrepresented Southeast Asian countries: evidence from Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam
Authors: Yeh Wilson Wai Kwan , Hao Gang , Ozer Muammer
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Although real estate investment decisions are among the most important managerial decisions, such decisions are usually made in an ad hoc fashion in Southeast Asia. The purpose of this study is to present a two-tier multi-criteria decision-making model for real estate investment decisions across three rapidly growing but significantly understudied Southeast Asian countries: Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

Using three data sources (secondary data, two surveys and nearly 100 experts and senior executives), the authors applied a combination of the Analytic Hierarchy Process and the Simple Additive Weighting (or weighted sum) methods as two special cases of multi-criteria decision-making to assess nine real estate investment projects across Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.

Findings

The results of this study indicated that Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar were the first, second and third most preferred countries for real estate investments, respectively. Moreover, the results clearly show a trade-off between perceived country risk and financial returns, indicating that a higher perceived country risk can be compensated for with higher financial returns.

Originality/value

Real estate investment decisions are usually made in an ad hoc manner in Southeast Asia. This study helps investors make more informed decisions when investing in real estate projects across three rapidly growing but significantly understudied Southeast Asian countries: Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Measuring buying intention of generation Z on social networking sites: an application of social commerce adoption model
Authors: Azhar Mohd , Akhtar Mohd Junaid , Rahman Mohd Nayyer , Khan Fawaz Ahmad
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The present study intends to measure buying intention of Generation Z (Gen Z) on social networking sites (SNSs) incorporating perceived risk with the social commerce adoption model (SCAM).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via an online questionnaire, and the study used a total of 349 accurate and useable responses. The population of the study includes Indian young consumers coming from the Gen Z cohort. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and AMOS 22.0. The proposed hypotheses were statistically tested.

Findings

The empirical results show that perceived risk is a significant and strong predictor of perceived usefulness that, in turn, negatively influences buying intention. Among all the constructs of SCAM, perceived usefulness is the most influential and strongest predictor of buying intention. The proposed model explained approximately 34% of the variance in the behavioral intention.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the findings of this study, many theoretical and practical implications may be inferred that can be used to make recommendations to social commerce companies and help them understand the buying intention of Gen Z.

Originality/value

There are many studies that have examined buying intention and a few have measured it on Gen Z. The present study is novel in itself as it has measured the buying intention of Gen Z using the SCAM in the Indian context. Hence, the present research attempts to comprehend the variables influencing buying intention and analyses the relationship between these factors in the social media setting.
Searching for greener pastures: effect of past performance and target differences on M&A premium
Authors: Cho Hyejin , Baik Yoon-Suk
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of how backward intelligence and forward-looking intelligence interact and impact decision making in the context of acquisitions. Past experiences provide essential information used for decision making, however, the ex ante nature of premiums, which require forward-looking intelligence, can change how experience is utilized.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize a fixed effects model to examine acquisitions conducted by US public firms during the period of 1993–2015.

Findings

The authors find that as past acquisition returns increase, acquirers are likely to adopt a backward-looking perspective of past performance that leads to higher premiums, as opposed to a forward-looking perspective of consequences. The relationship between past performance and premium is moderated by differences in the target's industry and the target's slack levels relative to the acquirer. The study findings suggest that forward-looking intelligence can alter attention and ultimately behavior based on backward-looking intelligence. By focusing on how these two contrasting perspectives interact, our findings extend research on the tension between backward-looking and forward-looking logics of decision making.

Originality/value

Unlike extant literature of acquisition premiums that have mainly focused on the valence and magnitude of experience, the authors focus on how backward-looking decision behavior changes when the firm's expectations of the future are incorporated. The authors empirically demonstrate how a lower acquisition premium is achieved when the decision of how much to pay is an interaction of the past and the future.
Measuring operational efficiency of the textile industry using DEA technique: a study of the northern state of India
Authors: Darji Ishwar Singh , Dahiya Suman
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Considering the role of the textile industry in the generation of employment and export in the Indian economy, it is important to comprehend the efficiency level in the operations of the textile units located in different states in India. In this light, the purpose of this paper is to examine the operational efficiency of textile manufacturing units in Haryana, a northern state of India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach consisting of input-oriented CCR and BCC techniques along with the return to scale technique for the analysis of five years of data from 2015–2016 to 2019–2020.

Findings

The results reveal that Haryana’s textile units have significantly underperformed operationally, with an average technical efficiency score of just 0.25 for five years, from 2015–2016 to 2019–2020. The yearly ratings of the overall technical efficiency of the selected textile companies include 0.20, 0.18, 0.18, 0.40 and 0.28; PTE scores are 0.43, 0.43, 0.55, 0.60, 0.62 and scale efficiency scores 0.54, 0.44, 0.29, 0.71, 0.38, respectively, from 2015–2016 to 2019–2020. On the other hand, average of 5.8 units are functioning at the constant return to scale, 10.2 units are at increasing return to scale and average of 45 units are functioning at decreasing return to scale (DRS). It is found that most of the companies are functioning at a DRS; to boost efficiency, these companies must reduce their input size since they are running at a DRS.

Practical implications

The results of the current paper provide key insight into the inefficiency level of the textile manufacturing industry in the context of northern India. Industry professionals can take corrective measures based on these findings. Moreover, for investors and portfolio managers, knowing which companies are efficient and which are not will help them make better decisions. The study helps policymakers to frame appropriate policy guidelines to make the textile units in the state more efficient and competitive.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has been done so far on the operational performance of the textile industry in Haryana based on the DEA technique. So, it will contribute to the extant literature on the performance of the textile industry.
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in Greek adolescents during COVID-19: exploring determining factors through cross-sectional study
Authors: Papadaki Stamatina , Carayanni Vilelmine , Notara Venetia , Chaniotis Dimitrios
Published: April 2023

Purpose

During the pandemic, people have changed their diet and lifestyle, which are highly important to maintain health and well-being. This study aims to investigate the relationship between demographic, socioeconomic, dietary and lifestyle characteristics and adolescents' adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD).

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 2088 youth from Attica, Greece, 12–18 years old, were recruited in this school-based, cross-sectional study conducted in May–December 2021. The tools Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents, the Family Affluence Scale III and the Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to estimate AMD, family affluence and the levels of physical activity (PA), respectively. Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, Chi-square tests, analysis of variance and multiple linear regression approaches were applied.

Findings

Empirical results showed that boys (p = 0.000), higher socioeconomic status (p = 0.034) and higher maternal education (p = 0.026) emerged as significant determinants for higher AMD. In addition, healthier dietary patterns (p = 0.000), PA (p = 0.000), more social lifestyle (p = 0.000) and night sleep duration (p = 0.000) were also positively correlated to diet quality. On the contrary, age (p = 0.000), screen time (p = 0.003) and the negative consequences of COVID-19 affected adversely AMD among adolescents.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study was the first that highlighted the important role of several demographic, socioeconomic, dietary and lifestyle characteristics, together with the COVID-19 consequences to the AMD among secondary school children in Greece.
Dimensions and sub-dimensions of emergency supply chain resilience: a case study of Médecins Sans Frontières Logistique during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Michel Sylvie , Gerbaix Sylvie , Bidan Marc
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to study the dimensions and subdimensions of humanitarian supply chain resilience through the case of an non-governmental organization (NGO) logistics organization facing the international COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of this empirical research paper is based on a qualitative study using semistructured interviews with key actors of the Médecins Sans Frontières Logistique (MSF Log), NGO during the COVID-19 crisis in 2020 and 2021.

Findings

The data analysis highlighted four main dimensions of humanitarian supply chain resilience: organizational capacity, collaboration, flexibility and humanitarian culture. The transversal importance of the information system and that of the humanitarian culture were also pointed out. Furthermore, the authors have identified the subdimensions of each dimension; these subdimensions further elaborate the main dimension and provide a more detailed understanding of the concept. These dimensions require both proactive and reactive actions to be effective. Finally, based on these empirical results, a conceptual model of humanitarian supply chain resilience is proposed.

Research limitations/implications

Additionally, further research can be done to explore the impact of digital technologies on the humanitarian supply chain resilience and how these technologies can be used to improve the resilience of humanitarian supply chains. Additionally, future research can also be conducted to explore how to measure the resilience of humanitarian supply chains and how to develop methods to improve the resilience of these supply chains.

Practical implications

The dimensions and subdimensions of resilience that have been highlighted may provide a guide for managers to target their actions, both responsively and proactively, to act on resilience over time when facing a crisis such as an international pandemic.

Originality/value

The value of this research is linked to the findings that result not only from literature about resilience but are also founded on an empirical and qualitative study of an NGO logistics organization facing an international crisis. The research provides an in-depth understanding of the practical application of supply chain resilience in a humanitarian context and the specific challenges and opportunities that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic for MSF Log. It also highlights the importance of information systems and humanitarian culture in maintaining the supply chain resilience. The findings of this research can be used as a guide for other humanitarian organizations to improve their supply chain resilience in times of crisis.
Recent development and challenges on design and fabrication of flexible substrate based carbon monoxide gas sensor: a review
Authors:   Shweta , Jadav Sunil , Tripathi Rohit
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Sensing technology has been extensively researched and used due to its applications in industrial production and daily life. Due to inherent limitations of conventional silicon-based technology, researchers are now-a-days paying more attention to flexible electronics to design low-cost, high-sensitivity devices. This observational and analytical study aims to emphasis on carbon monoxide gas sensor. This review also focuses the challenges faced by flexible devices, offers the most recent research on paper-based gas sensors and pays special focus on various sensing materials and fabrication techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

To get the better insight into opportunities for future improvement, a number of research papers based on sensors were studied and realized the need to design carbon monoxide gas sensor. A number of parameters were then gone through to decide the flexibility parameter to be considered for design purposes. This review also focuses on the challenges faced by flexible devices and how they can be overcome.

Findings

It has been shown that carbon monoxide gas, being most contaminated gas, needs to be fabricated to sense low concentration at room temperature, considering flexibility as an important parameter. Regarding this parameter, some tests must be done to test whether the structure sustains or degrades after bending. The parameters required to perform bending are also described.

Originality/value

Due to inherent limitations of conventional silicon-based technology, now-a-days attention is paid towards flexible electronics to design low-cost, high-sensitivity devices. A number of research articles are provided in the literature concerning gas sensing for different applications using several sensing principles. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent developments in carbon monoxide gas sensors along with the design possibilities for flexible paper-based gas sensors. All the aspects have been taken into consideration for the fabrication, starting with paper characterization techniques, various sensing materials, manufacturing methodologies, challenges in the fabrication of flexible devices and effects of bending and humidity on the sensing performance.
Cannabis infused soft drinks - buying behavior amongst Canadian students: An empirical study
Authors: Basha Mohamed Bilal , Wahid Fazli , Hafidh Gail
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the attraction of cannabis-infused soft drinks beverages among young Canadian consumers in the wake of a rise in multimodal cannabis consumption. It is an area of accelerated growth potential, with little research data currently available, and findings would inform stakeholders in the soft drinks market. The research participants were all university students in Ontario province, Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

Random convenience sampling data collection techniques were used to gather data from the Ontario-based participants. Reliability, factors loading and multiple regression analysis were administered to understand the impact of factors towards positive attitude.

Findings

The results reveal that price, impulsive personality, social insecurity and social norms all have a positive influence towards positive attitude. However, energy, taste and past experience failed to show any relationship with positive attitude. The results suggest that the individual consumer’s personality and social context have greater influence than price, a useful insight into the market trends for stakeholders within the industry.

Research limitations/implications

The use of convenience sampling, due to the potentially sensitivity nature of the area of study, hinders the use of a sampling frame.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to examine positive attitude with respect to cannabis-infused soft drinks among young consumers in Canada. It is of particular interest to stakeholders in the production and marketing sectors of the global beverage industry, and its findings will help inform this fledgling wing of that industry on how to move forward through the unknown territory with regard to consumer motivations.
UAV‐Lidar reveals that canopy structure mediates the influence of edge effects on forest diversity, function and microclimate
Authors: Blanchard Grégoire , Barbier Nicolas , Vieilledent Ghislain , Ibanez Thomas , Hequet Vanessa , McCoy Stéphane , Birnbaum Philippe
Published: April 2023

Widespread forest loss and fragmentation dramatically increases the proportion of forest areas located close to edges. Although detrimental, the precise extent and mechanisms by which edge proximity impacts remnant forests remain to be ascertained.

By combining unmanned aerial vehicle laser scanning (UAV‐LS) with field data from 46 plots distributed at varying distances from the edge to the forest interior in a fragmented forest of New‐Caledonia, we investigated edge influence on forest structure, composition, function, above‐ground biomass (AGB) and microclimate. Using simple linear regressions, structural equation modelling and variance partitioning, we analysed the direct and indirect relationships between distance to edge, UAV‐LS‐derived canopy structural metrics, understorey microclimate, AGB, taxonomic and functional composition while accounting for the potential influence of fine‐scale variation in topography.

We found that the distance to the closest forest edge was strongly correlated with canopy structure and that canopy structure was better correlated to forest composition, function, biomass and microclimate than distance to the closest forest edge. This suggests that the influence of edge is mediated by changes in canopy structure. Plots located near the edge exhibited a lower canopy with more gaps, higher microclimate extremes, lower biomass, lower taxonomic and functional diversity as well as denser wood and lower specific leaf area. UAV‐LS‐derived canopy structural metrics were relevant predictors of understorey microclimate, biomass and taxonomic and functional composition. Overall, the influence of topography was marginal compared to edge effects.

Synthesis. Accounting for fine‐scale variation in canopy structure captured by UAV‐LS provides insights on the multiple edge impacts on key forest properties related to structure, diversity, function, biomass and microenvironmental conditions. Integrating UAV‐LS‐derived data can foster our understanding of cascading and interacting impacts of anthropogenic influence on tropical forest ecosystems and should help to improve conservation strategies and landscape management policies.
Earmarked Taxes for Mental Health Services in the United States: A Local and State Legal Mapping Study
Authors: PURTLE JONATHAN , WYNECOOP MEGAN , CRANE MARGARET E. , STADNICK NICOLE A.
Published: April 2023

Policy Points

Local governments are increasingly adopting policies that earmark taxes for mental health services, and approximately 30% of the US population lives in a jurisdiction with such a policy.

Policies earmarking taxes for mental health services are heterogenous in their design, spending requirements, and oversight.

In many jurisdictions, the annual per capita revenue generated by these taxes exceeds that of some major federal funding sources for mental health.

Context

State and local governments have been adopting taxes that earmark (i.e., dedicate) revenue for mental health. However, this emergent financing model has not been systematically assessed. We sought to identify all jurisdictions in the United States with policies earmarking taxes for mental health services and characterize attributes of these taxes.

Methods

A legal mapping study was conducted. Literature reviews and 11 key informant interviews informed search strings. We then searched legal databases (HeinOnline, Cheetah tax repository) and municipal data sources. We collected information on the year the tax went into effect, passage by ballot initiative (yes/no), tax base, tax rate, and revenue generated annually (gross and per capita).

Findings

We identified 207 policies earmarking taxes for mental health services (95.7% local, 4.3% state, 95.7% passed via ballot initiative). Property taxes (73.9%) and sales taxes/fees (25.1%) were most common. There was substantial heterogeneity in tax design, spending requirements, and oversight. Approximately 30% of the US population lives in a jurisdiction with a tax earmarked for mental health, and these taxes generate over $3.57 billion annually. The median per capita annual revenue generated by these taxes was $18.59 (range = $0.04‐$197.09). Per capita annual revenue exceeded $25.00 in 63 jurisdictions (about five times annual per capita spending for mental health provided by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

Conclusions

Policies earmarking taxes for mental health services are diverse in design and are an increasingly common local financing strategy. The revenue generated by these taxes is substantial in many jurisdictions.
Chorionicity and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 5½ years among twins born preterm: the EPIPAGE2 cohort study
Authors: Hoarau Delphine , Tosello Barthélémy , Blanc Julie , Lorthe Elsa , Foix‐L'Helias Laurence , D'Ercole Claude , Winer Norbert , Subtil Damien , Goffinet François , Kayem Gilles , Resseguier Noémie , Gire Catherine ,   the EPIPAGE2 Obstetric Writing Group*
Published: April 2023

Objective

To compare the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm twins at 5½ years by chorionicity of pregnancy.

Design

Prospective nationwide population‐based EPIPAGE2 (Etude Epidémiologique sur les Petits Âges Gestationnels) cohort study.

Setting

A total of 546 maternity units in France, between March and December 2011.

Population

A total of 1126 twins eligible for follow‐up at 5½ years.

Methods

The association of chorionicity with outcomes was analysed using multivariate regression models.

Main outcome measures

Survival at 5½ years with or without neurodevelopmental disabilities (comprising cerebral palsy, visual, hearing, cognitive deficiency, behavioural difficulties or developmental coordination disorders) were described and compared by chorionicity.

Results

Among the 1126 twins eligible for follow‐up at 5½ years, 926 (82.2%) could be evaluated: 228 monochorionic (MC) and 698 dichorionic (DC). Based on chronicity and gestational age of birth, we found no significant differences for severe neonatal morbidity. The rates of moderate/severe neurobehavioral disabilities were similar in infants from DC pregnancies versus infants from MC pregnancies (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.65–2.28). By gestational age and without twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), no difference according to chorionicity was found for all neurodevelopmental outcome measures.

Conclusions

The neurodevelopmental outcomes among preterm twins at 5½ years is similar, irrespective of chorionicity.
Inhibitory mechanisms of promising antimicrobials from plant byproducts: A review
Authors: Qian Mengyan , Ismail Balarabe B. , He Qiao , Zhang Xinhui , Yang Zhehao , Ding Tian , Ye Xingqian , Liu Donghong , Guo Mingming
Published: April 2023

Plant byproducts and waste present enormous environmental challenges and an opportunity for valorization and industrial application. Due to consumer demands for natural compounds, the evident paucity of novel antimicrobial agents against foodborne pathogens, and the urgent need to improve the arsenal against infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), plant byproduct compounds have attracted significant research interest. Emerging research highlighted their promising antimicrobial activity, yet the inhibitory mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Therefore, this review summarizes the overall research on the antimicrobial activity and inhibitory mechanisms of plant byproduct compounds. A total of 315 natural antimicrobials from plant byproducts, totaling 1338 minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) (in μg/mL) against a broad spectrum of bacteria, were identified, and a particular emphasis was given to compounds with high or good antimicrobial activity (typically <100 μg/mL MIC). Moreover, the antimicrobial mechanisms, particularly against bacterial pathogens, were discussed in‐depth, summarizing the latest research on using natural compounds to combat pathogenic microorganisms and AMR. Furthermore, safety concerns, relevant legislation, consumer perspective, and current gaps in the valorization of plant byproducts–derived compounds were comprehensively discussed. This comprehensive review covering up‐to‐date information on antimicrobial activity and mechanisms represents a powerful tool for screening and selecting the most promising plant byproduct compounds and sources for developing novel antimicrobial agents.