bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRISPR/Cas9 screen for genome-wide interrogation of essential MYC binding sites in cancer cells
Authors: Kazimierska Marta , Podralska Marta , Żurawek Magdalena , Woźniak Tomasz , Kasprzyk Marta Elżbieta , Sura Weronika , Łosiewski Wojciech , Ziółkowska-Suchanek Iwona , Kluiver Joost , van den Berg Anke , Rozwadowska Natalia , Dzikiewicz-Krawczyk Agnieszka
Published: August 2021

The transcription factor MYC is a proto-oncogene with a well-documented essential role in the pathogenesis and maintenance of several types of cancer. MYC binds to specific E-box sequences in the genome to regulate gene expression in a cell type- and developmental stage-specific manner. To date, a comprehensive analysis of direct MYC targets with essential roles in different types of cancer is missing. To enable identification of functional MYC binding sites and corresponding target genes, we designed a CRISPR/Cas9 library to destroy E-box sequences in a genome-wide fashion. In parallel, we used the Brunello library to knockout protein-coding genes. We performed high-throughput screens with these libraries in four MYC-dependent cancer cell lines: K562, ST486, HepG2 and MCF7, which revealed several essential E-boxes and genes. Among them we pinpointed crucial known and novel MYC-regulated genes involved in pathways associated with cancer development. Extensive validation of our approach in K562 cells confirmed that E-box disruption affects MYC binding, target genes expression and cell proliferation. Our unique, well-validated tool opens new possibilities to gain novel insights into MYC-dependent vulnerabilities in cancer cells.
Dissecting the import and export pathways of the human RNA helicase UPF1
Authors: Eberle Andrea B. , Schranz Karin , Nasif Sofia , Grollmus Lena , Mühlemann Oliver
Published: August 2021

The RNA helicase UPF1 is best known for its key role in mRNA surveillance but has been implicated in additional cellular processes both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. In human cells, the vast majority of UPF1 resides in the cytoplasm and only small amounts can be detected in the nucleus at steady state. It was previously shown that its export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is Crm1-dependent, yet neither the nuclear export signal (NES) nor the nuclear localization signal (NLS) has been identified. Here, we provide evidence for a noncanonical NLS in UPF1, map the NES to amino acids 89-105 and show that L103 and F105 are essential for UPF1’s export to the cytoplasm. Examination of additional UPF1 mutants revealed that a functional helicase domain but not the association with RNA is crucial for the shuttling capacity of UPF1.
Concentration of intraflagellar transport proteins at the ciliary base is required for proper train injection
Authors: Jung Jamin , Santi-Rocca Julien , Fort Cécile , Tinevez Jean-Yves , Schietroma Cataldo , Bastin Philippe
Published: August 2021

Construction of cilia and flagella relies on Intraflagellar Transport (IFT). Although IFT proteins can be found in multiple locations in the cell, transport has only been reported along the axoneme. Here, we reveal that IFT concentration at the base of the flagellum of Trypanosoma brucei is required for proper assembly of IFT trains. Using live cell imaging at high resolution and direct optical nanoscopy with axially localized detection (DONALD) of fixed trypanosomes, we demonstrate that IFT proteins are localised around the 9 doublet microtubules of the proximal portion of the transition zone, just on top of the transition fibres. Super-resolution microscopy and photobleaching studies reveal that knockdown of the RP2 transition fibre protein results in reduced IFT protein concentration and turnover at the base of the flagellum. This in turn is accompanied by a 4- to 8-fold drop in the frequency of IFT train injection. We propose that the flagellum base provides a unique environment to assemble IFT trains.
Rapid Directed Molecular Evolution of Fluorescent Proteins in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Babakhanova Siranush , Jung Erica E. , Namikawa Kazuhiko , Zhang Hanbin , Wang Yangdong , Subach Oksana M. , Korzhenevskiy Dmitry A. , Rakitina Tatiana V. , Xiao Xian , Wang Wenjing , Shi Jing , Drobizhev Mikhail , Park Demian , Eisenhard Lea , Tang Hongyun , Köster Reinhard W. , Subach Fedor V. , Boyden Edward S. , Piatkevich Kiryl D.
Published: August 2021

In vivoimaging of model organisms is heavily reliant on fluorescent proteins with high intracellular brightness. Here we describe a practical method for rapid optimization of fluorescent proteins via directed molecular evolution in cultured mammalian cells. Using this method, we were able to perform screening of large gene libraries containing up to 2·107independent random genes of fluorescent proteins expressed in HEK cells completing one iteration directed evolution in a course of ∼8 days. We employed this approach to develop a set of green and near-infrared fluorescent proteins with enhanced intracellular brightness. The developed near-infrared fluorescent proteins demonstrated high performance for fluorescent labeling of neurons in culture andin vivoin model organisms such asC.elegans,Drosophila, zebrafish, and mice. Spectral properties of the optimized near-infrared fluorescent proteins enabled crosstalk-free multicolor imaging in combination with common green and red fluorescent proteins, as well as dual-color near-infrared fluorescence imaging. The described method has a great potential to be adopted by protein engineers due to its simplicity and practicality. We also believe that the new enhanced fluorescent proteins will find wide application forin vivomulticolor imaging of small model organisms.
Iron-loaded deferiprone can support full hemoglobinization of cultured red blood cells in the absence of transferrin
Authors: Gallego-Murillo Joan Sebastián , Yağcı Nurcan , Pinho Eduardo Machado , Abeijón-Valle Adrián , Wahl Aljoscha , van den Akker Emile , von Lindern Marieke
Published: August 2021

Iron is an essential nutrient in mammalian cell cultures, conventionally supplemented as iron-loaded transferrin (holotransferrin). The high cost of human transferrin represents a challenge for the large scale production of cell therapies, such as cultured red blood cells. We evaluated the use of deferiprone, a cell membrane-permeable drug for iron chelation therapy, as an iron carrier for erythroid cultures. Iron-loaded deferiprone (Def3·Fe3+) at a concentration of 52μmol/L could fully replace holotransferrin during erythroblast differentiation into reticulocytes, the erythroid differentiation stage with maximal iron requirements. Reticulocytes cultured in presence of Def3·Fe3+ or holotransferrin (1000μg/mL) were similar with respect to expression of cell-surface markers CD235a and CD49d, hemoglobin content, and oxygen association/dissociation. Def3·Fe3+ also supported expansion of the erythroid compartment in vitro, except for the first stage when hematopoietic stem cells committed to erythroblasts, in which a reduced erythroblasts yield was observed. This suggests that erythroblasts acquired the potential to process Def3·Fe3+ as iron source for biosynthesis pathways. Replacement of holotransferrin by Def3·Fe3+ was also successful in cultures of six myeloid cell lines (MOLM13, NB4, EOL1, K562, HL60, ML2). These results suggest that iron-loaded deferiprone can partially replace holotransferrin in chemically defined medium formulations for the production of cultured reticulocytes and proliferation of selected myeloid cell lines. This would lead to a significant decrease in medium cost that would improve the economic perspectives of the large scale production of red blood cells for transfusion purposes.

Key points

Holotransferrin limitations in erythroid cultures lead to lower erythroblast yields, impaired maturation and low enucleation efficiencies.

Iron-loaded deferiprone can replace holotransferrin in erythroblast expansion and differentiation cultures.
Arabidopsis Mediator subunit 17 connects transcription with DNA repair after UV-B exposure
Authors: Giustozzi Marisol , Freytes Santiago Nicolás , Jaskolowski Aime , Lichy Micaela , Mateos Julieta , Ferreyra Maria Lorena Falcone , Rosano Germán L. , Cerdán Pablo , Casati Paula
Published: August 2021

Mediator 17 (MED17) is a subunit of the Mediator complex that regulates transcription initiation in eukaryotic organisms. In yeast and humans, MED17 also participates in DNA repair, physically interacting with proteins of the Nucleotide Excision DNA Repair system. We here analyzed the role of MED17 in Arabidopsis plants exposed to UV-B radiation, which role has not been previously described. Comparison of med17 mutant transcriptome to that of WT plants showed that almost one third of transcripts with altered expression in med17 plants are also changed by UV-B exposure in WT plants. To validate the role of MED17 in UV-B irradiated plants, plant responses to UV-B were analyzed, including flowering time, DNA damage accumulation and programmed cell death in the meristematic cells of the root tips. Our results show that med17 and OE MED17 plants have altered responses to UV-B; and that MED17 participates in various aspects of the DNA damage response (DDR). Increased sensitivity to DDR after UV-B in med17 plants can be due to altered regulation of UV-B responsive transcripts; but additionally MED17 physically interacts with DNA repair proteins, suggesting a direct role of this Mediator subunit during repair. Finally, we here also show that MED17 is necessary to regulate the DDR activated by ATR, and that PDCD5 overexpression reverts the deficiencies in DDR shown in med17 mutants. Together, the data presented demonstrates that MED17 is an important regulator of the DDR after UV-B radiation in Arabidopsis plants.

One sentence summary

In Arabidopsis, MED17 regulates the DNA damage response after UV-B exposure transcriptionally modulating the expression of genes and possibly also physically interacting with DNA repair proteins.
Small molecule photocatalysis enables drug target identification via energy transfer
Authors: Trowbridge Aaron D. , Seath Ciaran P. , Rodriguez-Rivera Frances P. , Li Beryl X. , Dul Barbara E. , Schwaid Adam G. , Geri Jacob B. , Oakley James V. , Fadeyi Olugbeminiyi O. , Oslund Rob C. , Ryu Keun Ah , White Cory , Reyes-Robles Tamara , Tawa Paul , Parker Dann L. , MacMillan David W. C.
Published: August 2021

The identification of cellular targets that can be exploited for therapeutic benefit, broadly known as target ID, remains a fundamental goal in drug discovery. In recent years, the application of new chemical and biological technologies that accelerate target ID has become commonplace within drug discovery programs, as a complete understanding of how molecules react in a cellular environment can lead to increased binding selectivity, improved safety profiles, and clinical efficacy. Established approaches using photoaffinity labelling (PAL) are often costly and time-consuming due to poor signal-to-noise coupled with extensive probe optimization. Such challenges are exacerbated when dealing with low abundance membrane proteins or multiple protein target engagement, typically rendering target ID unfeasible. Herein, we describe a general platform for photocatalytic small molecule target ID, which hinges upon the generation of high-energy carbene intermediates via visible light-mediated Dexter energy transfer. By decoupling the reactive warhead from the drug, catalytic signal amplification results in multiple labelling events per drug, leading to unprecedented levels of target enrichment. Through the development of cell permeable photo-catalyst conjugates, this method has enabled the quantitative target and off target identification of several drugs including (+)-JQ1, paclitaxel, and dasatinib. Moreover, this methodology has led to the target ID of two GPCRs – ADORA2A and GPR40 – a class of drug target seldom successfully uncovered in small molecule PAL campaigns.
The DNA methylation landscape of five pediatric-tumor types
Authors: Parker Alyssa C. , Quinteros Badi I. , Piccolo Stephen R.
Published: August 2021

Fewer DNA mutations have been identified in pediatric tumors than adult tumors, suggesting that alternative tumorigenic mechanisms, including aberrant DNA methylation, may play a prominent role in pediatric tumors. Methylation is an epigenetic process of regulating gene expression in which methyl groups are attached to DNA molecules, often in promoter regions. In Wilms tumors and acute myeloid leukemias, increased levels of epigenetic silencing have been associated with worse patient outcomes. However, to date, researchers have studied methylation primarily in adult tumors and for specific genes but not on a pan-pediatric cancer scale. We addressed these gaps first by aggregating methylation data from 309 noncancerous samples and establishing baseline expectations for each gene. Even though these samples represent diverse tissue types and population ancestral groups, methylation levels were highly consistent for most genes. Second, we compared tumor methylation levels against these baseline values for five pediatric cancer types—Wilms tumors, clear cell sarcomas of the kidney, rhabdoid tumors, neuroblastomas, and osteosarcomas. Hypermethylation was more common than hypomethylation—as many as 11.8% of genes were hypermethylated in a given tumor, compared to a maximum of 4.8% for hypomethylated genes. For each cancer type, genes with the highest variance exhibited consistently divergent methylation patterns for distinct patient subsets. We evaluated whether genomic and epigenomic abnormalities contribute to pediatric tumorigenesis in a mutually exclusive manner but did not find evidence of this phenomenon. Furthermore, even though oncogenes are commonly upregulated in tumors, and tumor-suppressor genes are commonly downregulated in tumors, we did not find statistical evidence that methylation drives such patterns on a broad scale in pediatric tumors.
Mis-regulation of the Nucleoporins 98 and 96 lead to defects in protein synthesis that promote hallmarks of tumorigenesis
Authors: Pulianmackal Ajai J. , Kanakousaki Kiriaki , Flegel Kerry A. , Grushko Olga G. , Gourley Ella , Rozich Emily , Buttitta Laura A.
Published: August 2021

The Nucleoporin 98KD (Nup98) is one of the most promiscuous translocation partners in hematological malignancies, contributing to at least 31 different truncation-fusion proteins. To date, nearly all disease models of Nup98 translocations involve ectopic expression of transgenes recapitulating the fusion protein under study, leaving the endogenous Nup98 loci unperturbed. Overlooked in these approaches is that translocation leads to the loss of one copy of normal Nup98 in addition to the loss of Nup96 – a second Nucleoporin encoded within the same mRNA and reading frame as Nup98. Nup98 and 96 are also mutated in a number of other cancer types and are located near a tumor suppressor region known to be epigenetically silenced, suggesting that their disruption is not limited to blood cancers. We found that reducing Nup98-96 function via an RNAi approach in Drosophila melanogaster (where the Nup98-96 shared mRNA and reading frame gene structure is conserved) de-regulates the cell cycle. We find evidence of over-proliferation in Nup98-96 deficient tissues, counteracted by elevated apoptosis and aberrant Wingless and JNK signaling associated with chronic wound healing. When the knockdown of Nup98-96 is combined with inhibition of apoptosis, we see synergism leading to dramatic tissue overgrowth, consistent with a tumor-suppressor function for endogenous Nup98 and 96. To understand how growth and proliferation become mis-regulated when Nup98-96 levels are reduced, we performed RNAseq and uncovered a gene expression signature consistent with defects in ribosome biogenesis. We found that reducing Nup 98 and 96 function limits nuclear export of the ribosome component RpL10A, leading to defects in protein synthesis. Defects in protein synthesis are sufficient to trigger JNK signaling that contributes to compensatory proliferation and hallmarks of tumorigenesis when apoptosis is inhibited. Based upon our data, we suggest that the partial loss of Nup98 and Nup96 function in translocations could de-regulate protein synthesis leading to stress signaling that cooperates with other mutations in cancer to promote tumorigenesis.

Highlights

Compromising Nups 98 and 96 triggers cell death and compensatory proliferation via JNK signaling that becomes tumorigenic when apoptosis is blocked

Reducing Nup 98 and 96 function limits nuclear export of the ribosome stalk component RpL10A, leading to defects in protein synthesis which cause stress signaling via JNK.

Reduced protein synthesis coupled with increased JNK signaling, paradoxically leads to more rapid proliferation with a gene expression signature that resembles a chronic wounding response.

Overexpression of Nup98, which occurs in oncogenic fusions, leads to similar defects in protein synthesis and JNK activation.
High temperature perception in leaves promotes vascular regeneration in distant tissues
Authors: Serivichyaswat Phanu T. , Bartusch Kai , Leso Martina , Musseau Constance , Iwase Akira , Chen Yu , Sugimoto Keiko , Quint Marcel , Melnyk Charles W.
Published: August 2021

Cellular regeneration in response to wounding is fundamental to maintain tissue integrity. Various internal factors including hormones and developmental pathways affect wound healing but little is known about how external factors influence regeneration. To better understand how the environment affects regeneration, we investigated the effects of temperature using the horticulturally relevant process of plant grafting. We found that elevated temperatures accelerated vascular regeneration of Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) grafts. Leaves were critical for this effect since blocking auxin transport or mutating PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR4 (PIF4) or YUCCA2/5/8/9 in the cotyledons abolished the temperature enhancement. However, these perturbations had no effect upon graft healing at ambient temperatures and mutations in PIF4 did not affect the temperature enhancement of callus formation or tissue adhesion, suggesting that leaf-derived auxin was specific for enhancing vascular regeneration in response to elevated temperatures. Tissue-specific perturbations of auxin response using a BODENLOS (BDL) mutant revealed an asymmetric effect of temperature upon regeneration: the presence of bdl above the cut prevented temperature enhancement whereas the presence of bdl below the cut prevented graft healing regardless of temperature. Promotion of tissue regeneration by elevated temperatures was not specific for graft healing and we found that elevated temperatures accelerated xylem formation between the parasite Phtheirospermum japonicum and host Arabidopsis thaliana, and this effect required shoot-derived auxin from the parasite. Taken together, our results identify a pathway by which elevated temperatures accelerate vascular development which could be of relevance for improving regeneration and better understanding inter-plant vascular connections.
SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 (beta) variant shows enhanced infectivity in K18-hACE2 transgenic mice and expanded tropism to wildtype mice compared to B.1 variant
Authors: Tarrés-Freixas Ferran , Trinité Benjamin , Pons-Grífols Anna , Romero-Durana Miguel , Riveira-Muñoz Eva , Ávila-Nieto Carlos , Pérez Mónica , Garcia-Vidal Edurne , Pérez-Zsolt Daniel , Muñoz-Basagoiti Jordana , Raïch-Regué Dàlia , Izquierdo-Useros Nuria , Blanco Ignacio , Noguera-Julián Marc , Guallar Victor , Lepore Rosalba , Valencia Alfonso , Vergara-Alert Júlia , Clotet Bonaventura , Ballana Ester , Carrillo Jorge , Segalés Joaquim , Blanco Julià
Published: August 2021

SARS-CoV-2 variants display enhanced transmissibility and/or immune evasion and can be generated in humans or animals, like minks, thus generating new reservoirs. The continuous surveillance of animal susceptibility to new variants is necessary to predict pandemic evolution. In this study we demonstrate that, compared to the B.1 SARS-CoV-2 variant, K18-hACE2 transgenic mice challenged with the B.1.351 variant displayed a faster progression of infection. Furthermore, we also report that B.1.351 can establish infection in wildtype mice, while B.1 cannot. B.1.351-challenged wildtype mice showed a milder infection than transgenic mice, confirmed by detectable viral loads in oropharyngeal swabs and tissues, lung pathology, immunohistochemistry and serology. In silico models supported these findings by demonstrating that the Spike mutations in B.1.351 resulted in increased affinity for both human and murine ACE2 receptors. Overall, this study highlights the plasticity of SARS-CoV-2 animal susceptibility landscape, which may contribute to viral persistence and expansion.
Corrosion behavior in Ringer solution of several commercially used metal alloys
Authors: Garcia-Falcon Carmen Marina , Gil-Lopez Tomas , Verdu-Vazquez Amparo , Mirza-Rosca Julia Claudia
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the corrosion behavior in Ringer solution of six commercially used Ni-based alloys that are present and commonly used as metallic biomaterials.

Design/methodology/approach

The specimens were received in the form of cylindrical ingots and were cut to get five samples of each brand with a cylindrical shape of 2 mm height to conduct the study. In this scientific research, the following techniques were used: open circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization studies, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Findings

The study findings revealed the passivation tendency of the different specimens. Additionally, when the materials were compared, it was discovered that the decisive factor for high corrosion resistance was the chromium concentration. However, with similar chromium content, the stronger concentration in molybdenum increased the resistance. According to the results obtained in this investigation, the biological safety of the dental materials studied in Ringer solution was considered very high for specimens 1 and 2, and adequate for the other samples.

Originality/value

Metal alloys used as biomaterials in contact with the human body should be deeply investigated to make sure they are biocompatible and do not cause any harm. The corrosion resistance of an alloy is the most important characteristic for its biological safety, as all problems arise because of the corrosion process. There is scarce investigation in these Ni-based dental biomaterials, and none found in these commercially used dental materials in Ringer solution.
Food delivery apps (FDAs) in Asia: an exploratory study across India and the Philippines
Authors: Pandey Shweta , Chawla Deepak , Puri Sandeep
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study explores and compares the reasons for or against including situational triggers on the adoption of food delivery apps (FDAs) across lesser-researched Asian countries like India and the Philippines.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilises a qualitative research methodology using focus group discussions and interviews across each country.

Findings

Respondents from India highlighted the importance of convenience, aggressive discounts, app service quality, fulfilment and multiple payment options as the key reasons for adopting the FDAs. However, these factors require redressal in the Philippines context. Also, the study findings highlight some country-specific requirements: in the Philippines, food packaging, cheaper options provided by the local convenience stores and lack of variety of food options; in India, the impact of parental beliefs and segregated vegetarian food delivery.

Practical implications

The study makes practical suggestions for consumer behaviour researchers, developers and marketers of FDAs who are confronted with challenges in app development for a multi-cultural audience and to ensure growth and the adoption of the FDAs across the two countries.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to compare diverse national markets to uncover differences and similarities in the factors impacting the adoption of FDAs. The results highlight the impact of varying levels of evolution of FDAs and social, technological and cultural contextual differences on the adoption of the FDAs across India and the Philippines.
The Tata Nano: The People’s Car (A)
Authors: Lemley Amy , Kishore N. Raghu , Farris Paul
Published: August 2021

Students identify promotion, price, place, segment, targeting, and positioning for marketing “the world’s cheapest car.” This case is effective for MBA, undergraduate, and executive learners studying market segmentation, pricing, cannibalization risk, pricing, and break-even sales in the face of different price and cost scenarios. Has Tata chosen the right marketing strategy? Does the Nano represent an evolution or a revolution in automobile marketing?
Music festival supervisor leadership style and organizational citizenship behavior: the effects of employee and volunteer relationships and dependence on their leader
Authors: Sisson Annamarie D.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The relationship between leadership style and employee outcomes is well established. However, organizational management research lacks an understanding of the dyadic relationship between supervisors and employees and volunteers at music festivals. This study examines a mediation model in which leader–member exchange (LMX) affects leadership style and organizational citizenship behavior. Additionally, the study examines a moderating model in which dependence on the leader moderates relationships between leadership style and leader–member exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

Confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling and conditional process analysis were employed to test the model using data collected from 97 supervisors, volunteers and employees who worked at an annual large-scale music festival staged in Costa Rica.

Findings

Results reveal that leadership style relates positively to LMX and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Simultaneously, the mediating effect of LMX and moderating effect of dependence on the leader was not significant on the leadership style and OCB.

Research limitations/implications

Given the small sample size and accessibility to one music festival, caution should be taken in drawing causal conclusions from the results.

Practical implications

The study contributes to the knowledge of event and festival management with recommendations for leadership training initiatives for supervisors and employees/volunteers.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to examine the mediating role of LMX between leadership style and OCB, moderating the role of dependence on leadership style and LMX with music festival supervisors and employees/volunteers.
An integrated model of supply chain resilience and its impact on supply chain performance under disruption
Authors: Juan Shih-Jung , Li Eldon Y. , Hung Wei-Hsi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationships among the five components of supply chain (SC) resilience (SCRES): visibility, velocity, flexibility, robustness and collaboration and their impacts on the SC performance under disruption (SCPUD).

Design/methodology/approach

Five SCRES components are identified from the literature review and data are collected using an web survey from 113 manufacturing companies in Taiwan. The data are analyzed by structured equation modeling with the partial least square solution. Two-stage least-squares (2SLS) regression was used to test the potential endogeneity of SC collaboration (SCC).

Findings

The results reveal that SCC is an exogenous driver of SCRES; it directly affects visibility, velocity, flexibility, robustness and SCPUD. Furthermore, SC flexibility is the only component of SC agility that directly affects SCPUD; it is influenced directly by SC velocity and indirectly by SC visibility through SC velocity. SC visibility is a vital agility component that positively influences SC velocity and SC robustness.

Research limitations/implications

The data in this study are cross-sectional and the sample size of 113 is relatively small. The relationship between SC robustness and SCPUD needs a longer observation period to reveal. The logistic issue in the shortage of carriers caused by the pandemic has been overlooked.

Practical implications

A firm should enhance its collaboration and flexibility in the SC as they both are the critical antecedents of SC performance (SCP) during the disruption period.

Originality/value

This study integrates visibility, velocity, flexibility, robustness and collaboration into a complete framework of SCRES. The dependent variable, SCPUD, measures SC performance (SCP) under the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the first study to investigate the associations of the six constructs in a research model.
Informal governance in the digital transformation
Authors: Keller Jakob , Burkhardt Patricia , Lasch Rainer
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore if and how informal governance mechanisms are used for coordinating actors of digitalized supply networks.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study analysis of ten German firms in digitalized supply networks is conducted. Data are collected through semi-structured expert interviews with interviewees having notable years of professional experience in purchasing or sales.

Findings

This research shows that reduced personal contacts in digitalized supply networks decrease the ability to coordinate with informal governance mechanisms. However, the need for informal governance in digitalized supply networks remains when facing supply network disruptions or building new business relationships.

Originality/value

This is the first study examining the role of informal governance mechanisms in digitalized supply networks. Theoretical and practical insights on the changing abilities and needs to use informal governance after the digital transformation are given.
The resurgence of nationalism and its implications for supply chain risk management
Authors: Charpin Remi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper examines nationalism as a driver of political risk and how it can lead to supply chain disruptions for foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual research based on a review of the literature on nationalism and supply chain risk management.

Findings

This research unveils how economic nationalism could engender supply chain disruptions via discriminatory practices toward all foreign MNEs and how national animosity may generate additional risks for the MNEs of nations in conflict with one another. These discriminatory practices include an array of host government and grassroots actions targeting foreign MNEs. While economic nationalism and national animosity emanate from within a host country, they may stimulate geopolitical crises outside the host country and thereby affect the international supply chains of foreign MNEs.

Research limitations/implications

This research lays the foundation for analytical and empirical researchers to integrate key elements of nationalism into their studies and recommends propositions and datasets to study these notions.

Practical implications

This study shows the implications that nationalist drivers of supply chain disruptions have for foreign MNEs and thus can help managers to proactively mitigate such disruptions.

Originality/value

This study reveals the importance of integrating notions of national identity and national history in supply chain research, since they play a key role in the emergence of policies and events responsible for supply chain disruptions.
The impact of coronavirus and quarantine on Australian public sector organizations
Authors: AlMazrouei Hanan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged leaders to alter the way they manage their organization's employees, such as requiring them to quarantine, self-isolate or practice social distancing so that they comply with government health directives. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the quarantine on the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured interviews containing open-ended questions were conducted with fifty Australian public sector executive managers to gauge the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on their organizations.

Findings

The study reveals the effects that the virus had on the organizations' teamwork as well as individuals' learning. It finds that organizations experienced both positive effects, such as increased creativity and initiative, and negative effects, such as reduced satisfaction with work teams, from the pandemic.

Originality/value

This study also adds to the still-developing body of knowledge regarding the effects of the virus on individuals' levels of work team satisfaction as well as a variety of other factors specific to public sector organizations
Provision of education for sustainability development and sustainability literacy in business programs in three higher education institutions in Brazil, Colombia and Peru
Authors: Cavalcanti-Bandos Melissa Franchini , Quispe-Prieto Silvia , Paucar-Caceres Alberto , Burrowes-Cromwel Toni , Rojas-Jiménez Héctor Heraldo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to report on the status and the development of education for sustainable development (ESD) and sustainability literacy (SL) in three Latin American (LA) higher education institutions (HEIs) business programs in Peru, Brazil and Colombia. The paper examines institutional efforts to both introduce and implement ESD curricula and provide SL.

Design/methodology/approach

The methods used in this paper included reviews of university Web pages and course materials. Structured interviews were also conducted with program leaders, to examine the level of ESD, as input affecting the business programs curricula of the universities concerned.

Findings

Initial findings suggest that, in the three HEIs surveyed, there is still a tendency to talk about issues related to ESD but actions that confirm this interest are not sufficiently advanced. The authors surveys a sample of business programs curricula and interviewed its leaders and a mixed and dated picture emerged. When compared to other regions particularly the USA and Europe, the findings show that the HEIs surveyed still have not developed enough work to distinguish conceptually between sustainable development, ESD and SL making the embedment of these concepts in the curriculum not fully developed.

Originality/value

In LA HEIs, the ESD message seems to be slowly taking ground, equipping HEIs to respond to SL concerns. Implementation and practice in some HEIs are still at an embryonic and conceptually confused stage with regard to LA HEIs SL. This paper sheds light to help ESD delivery. It offers some strategies for moving on from this inception phase to a more structured SL provision and ESD outlook.
Millennial behavioural intention in Islamic banks: the role of social media influencers
Authors: Dean David , Suhartanto Dwi , Pujianti Ferty Nadya
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of social media influencers (SMI) in millennial behavioural intentions towards Islamic banks, from the perspective of both bank clients and non-clients.

Design/methodology/approach

Of the 484 Indonesian millennials in the sample, 278 were clients and 206 non-clients of Islamic banks. Factor analysis was used to examine the SMI dimension in the Islamic banking context. This study then used the partial least square to evaluate the proposed model and test the relationships between SMI, bank image, trust and behavioural intention.

Findings

Three SMI dimensions were confirmed, i.e. expertise, celebrity and similarity. For bank clients, the findings show that SMI has a significant influence on behavioural intention and reinforces bank image and trust. For non-clients, SMI does not have a significant impact on behavioural intentions but significantly strengthens bank image and trust.

Practical implications

Islamic bank managers can take benefit of this study findings by learning to foster the behavioural intentions of their millennial clients and non-clients using SMIs. Further, choosing the right SMIs for their Islamic bank is an important activity, and if they want to make a positive impact on existing and potential millennial clients, they need to choose popular millennials who are knowledgeable about the Islamic value compliance of Islamic banking services.

Originality/value

This study is an early study to explore SMI’s role in influencing the behavioural intentions of millennials towards Islamic banks.
Antecedents of business location decisions: the case of aspiring immigrant opportunity entrepreneurs
Authors: Simarasl Nastaran , Moghaddam Kaveh , Williams David W.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate aspiring immigrant opportunity (AIO) entrepreneurs' start-up location decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used conjoint analysis to explore 1,264 location decisions nested within 79 highly educated, first-generation AIO entrepreneurs.

Findings

The authors found that although government support positively influences business location decisions, network support decreases the perceived benefits of government support for AIO entrepreneurs. Furthermore, locations with high costs of doing business are unattractive to AIO entrepreneurs, but financial capital access through ethnic and nonethnic sources in these locations enhances the appeal of high-cost locations.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the findings to AIO entrepreneurs should be considered with caution. Future research should longitudinally examine immigrant opportunity entrepreneurs' location decisions and their implications for their start-up and community-level performance outcomes. The authors also encourage replication of the study.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have implications for AIO entrepreneurs who intend to make start-up location decisions. Also, government policymakers can use the findings of this study to better attract AIO entrepreneurs to different locations.

Originality/value

By integrating ethnic enclave theory and location theory, this research contributes to theory and practice about immigrant opportunity entrepreneurs' start-up location decisions which are currently underexplored in the immigrant entrepreneurship literature.
The Twilight Effect, post-film tourism and diversification: the future of Forks, WA
Authors: Wright Daniel William Mackenzie , Jarratt David , Halford Emma
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The visitor economy of Forks now clearly relies upon a niche form of tourism – as fans of The Twilight Saga are drawn to the setting and filming location of the films. The purpose of this study is to consider the process of diversification and subsequently present recommendations that could inform a future diversification strategy for Forks, in preparation for a post-film tourism scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methods employed in this study have two interlinked but distinct elements. Firstly, the Twilight Effect in Forks (WA, USA) is considered as an illustrative case study to shed light on the issues facing a destination that has seen a tourism boom as a direct result of popular culture – The Twilight Saga Franchise. Secondly, a scenario thinking and planning approach is applied when considering the “long-view” future of tourism in Forks.

Findings

This article presents a post-film tourism future scenario for Forks; it suggests tourism diversification and a shift towards cultural heritage and wellness. Forks is well placed to afford such tourism experiences, as it offers unique cultural and natural characteristics; furthermore, these could be utilised to create and maintain a distinctive destination image. In doing so a more socially and environmentally sustainable industry can be established, one which supports the local community, including the Quileute tribe.

Originality/value

The article offers original discussions within the film-tourism literature with novel approaches to understanding the management and pre-planning opportunities for destinations that have become popular film tourism locations, with the application of a “Tourism Diversification Model”. The model is adapted from Ansoff Matrix and can be applied as a framework in future studies exploring destination diversification. The investigation of Forks as a post-film tourism case study alone is unique, and the discussions and findings presented are original.
Toward customer-centric mobile phone reverse logistics: using the DEMATEL approach and social media data
Authors: Shokouhyar Sajjad , Dehkhodaei Amirhosein , Amiri Bahar
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Recently, reverse logistics (RL) has become more prominent due to growing environmental concerns, social responsibility, competitive advantages and high efficiency by customers because of expansion of product selection and shorter product life cycle. However, effective implementation of RL results in some direct advantages, the most important of which is winning customer satisfaction that is vital to a firm's success. Therefore, paying attention to customer feedback in supply chain (SC) and logistics processes has recently increased, so manufacturers have decided to transform their RL into customer-centric RL. Hence, this paper aims to identify the features of a mobile phone which affect consumers’ purchasing behavior and to analyze the causality and prominence relations among them that can help decision-makers, policy planners and managers of organizations to develop a framework for customer-centric RL. These features are studied based on analysis of product review sites. This paper's special focus is on social media (SM) data (Twitter) in an attempt to help the decision-making process in RL through a big data analysis approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper deals with identifying mobile phone features that affect consumer's mobile phone purchasing decisions. Using the DEMATEL approach and using experts' insights, a cause and effect relationship diagram was generated through which the effect of features was analyzed.

Findings

Eighteen features were categorized in terms of cause and effect, and the interrelationships of features were also analyzed. The threshold value is calculated as 0.023, and the values lower than that were eliminated to obtain the digraph. F6 (camera), F13 (price) and F5 (chip) are the most prominent features based on their prominent score. It was also found that the F5 (chip) has the highest driving power (1.228) and acts as a causal feature to influence other features.

Originality/value

The focus of this article is on SM data (Twitter), so that experts can understand the interaction between mobile phone features that affect consumer's decision on mobile phone purchasing by using the results. This study investigates the degree of influence of features on each other and categorizes the features into cause and effect groups. This study is also intended to help organizational decision-makers move toward a reverse customer SC.
Effect of aging and finish machining on the surface integrity of selective laser melted maraging steel
Authors: Tascioglu Emre , Khan Hamaid Mahmood , Kaynak Yusuf , Coşkun Mert , Tarakci Gurkan , Koç Ebubekir
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The present study aims to investigate the effect of finish machining and aging processes on the surface integrity of the selective laser melted (SLM) maraging steel samples and compared them with those obtained conventionally.

Design/methodology/approach

Finish machining and aging were applied on the SLM and wrought maraging samples to investigate and compare their microstructural and mechanical properties such as surface roughness, microhardness and wear resistance.

Findings

After applying aging and finish machining treatments, the surface roughness <1 µm, microhardness (542Hv) and wear resistance (COF 0.578) of SLM samples were similar to their wrought counterparts. Compared to finish machining, the effect of aging was more significant on the microhardness and the wear resistance, regardless of sample type.

Originality/value

The knowledge of post-processing is essential to enhance the functional performance of the SLM samples. Aging and finish machining were applied for the first time to evaluate the surface integrity of the SLM prepared maraging steel and compared it with the wrought samples.
Conserved immunogenic peptides of Ebola glycoprotein elicit immune response in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Jain Sahil , Baranwal Manoj
Published: August 2021

In the past 45 years, ebolaviruses have periodically caused epidemics on the African continent. In December 2019, approval of a recombinant vector‐based EBOV vaccine, named Ervebo, came as encouraging news; still, there is a long way to go in the development of an accessible, global, and pan‐ebolavirus vaccine. The current study expanded our previous in silico work which was conducted on ebolavirus glycoprotein and this resulted in the identification of three potentially immunogenic peptides (P1 – FKRTSFFLWVIILFQRTFSIPL, P2 – LANETTQALQLF, and P3 – RATTELRTFSILNRKAIDF). An analysis to estimate the number of expected human leukocyte antigen (HLA) responders revealed that P1, P2, and P3 can potentially interact with 2540, 2150, and 2802 HLA alleles, respectively. Further, these peptides were subject to in vitro analysis wherein the human peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) production by peptide stimulated cells was studied in 10 healthy human blood samples with the help of a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and a sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively. P3 presented the best results, a significant (P < 0.05) peptide induced cell proliferation and IFN‐γ stimulation for 8 and 10 samples, respectively, followed by P1 (5 and 6) and P2 (5 and 7). The in silico and in vitro results obtained in this study indicate the immunogenic potential of these peptides and warrant exploration of the effects on other cytokines as well as in vivo experimental validation.