bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Evaluation of Bioinformatic Pipelines for Full-Length Viral Genome Assembly
Authors: Zsichla Levente , Zeeb Marius , Fazekas Dávid , Áy Éva , Müller Dalma , Metzner Karin J. , Kouyos Roger , Müller Viktor
Published: March 2024

The increasingly widespread application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in clinical diagnostics and epidemiological research has generated a demand for robust, fast, automated, and user-friendly bioinformatic workflows. To guide the choice of tools for the assembly of full-length viral genomes from NGS datasets, we assessed the performance and applicability of four widely adopted bioinformatic pipelines (shiver - for which we created a user-friendly Dockerized version, referred to as dshiver; SmaltAlign, viral-ngs, and V-pipe) using both simulated datasets and real-world HIV-1 paired-end short- read sequences and default settings.

All four pipelines produced high-quality consensus genome assemblies and minority variant calls when the reference sequence used for assembly had high similarity to the analyzed sample. However, while shiver and SmaltAlign showed robust performance also with more divergent samples (non-matching subtypes), viral-ngs and V-Pipe proved to be sensitive to genetic distance from the reference sequence. With empirical datasets, SmaltAlign and viral-ngs exhibited substantially shorter runtime compared to V-Pipe and shiver. In terms of applicability, V-Pipe provides the broadest functionalities; SmaltAlign and dshiver combine user-friendliness with robustness; while the use of viral-ngs requires a less computational resources compared to other tools.

To conclude, all four pipelines can perform well in terms of quality metrics; however, the reference sequence needs to be adjusted to closely match the sample data for viral-ngs and V-Pipe. Differences in user-friendliness and runtime may guide the choice of the pipeline in a particular setting. The new Dockerized version of shiver offers ease of use in addition to the accuracy and robustness of the original pipeline.
Spatial integration of sensory input and motor output inPseudomonas aeruginosachemotaxis through colocalized distribution
Authors: Wu Zhengyu , Tian Maojin , Fu Sanyuan , Chen Min , Zhang Rongjing , Yuan Junhua
Published: March 2024

The opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosaserves as a model organism for studying multiple signal transduction pathways. The chemoreceptor cluster, a core component of the chemotaxis pathway, is assembled from hundreds of proteins. The unipolar distribution of receptor clusters has long been recognized, yet the precise mechanism governing their assembly remains elusive. Here, we directly observed the relative positions of the flagellar motor and chemoreceptor cluster using flagellar filament labeling and gene editing techniques. Surprisingly, we found that both are located at the same cell pole, with the distribution pattern controlled by the polar anchor protein FlhF. Additionally, the efficient assembly of the chemoreceptor cluster is partially dependent on the integrity of the motor structure. Furthermore, we discovered that overexpression of the chemotaxis regulatory protein CheY leads to high intracellular levels of the second messenger c-di-GMP, triggering cell aggregation. Therefore, the colocalization of the chemoreceptor cluster and flagellum inP. aeruginosaserves to avoid cross-pathway signaling interference, enabling cells to conduct various physiological activities in an orderly manner.
Engineered Migrasomes: A Robust, Thermally Stable Vaccination Platform
Authors: Wang Dongju , Wang Haifang , Wan Wei , Zhu Zihui , Sho Takami , Zheng Yi , Zhang Xing , Dou Longyu , Ding Qiang , Yu Li , Liu Zhihua
Published: March 2024

The burgeoning abilities of pathogens and tumor cells to evade immune responses underscore the urgent need for innovative vaccination platforms based on a variety of biological mechanisms. The current logistical challenges associated with cold-chain (i.e. low-temperature) transportation particularly impacts access to vaccines in the global south. We recently discovered organelles called migrasomes, and herein we investigate the potential of migrasomes as an alternative vaccination platform. Their inherent stability and their enrichment with immune-modulating molecules make migrasomes promising candidates, but their low yield presents a hurdle. We address this problem through our engineered migrasome-like vesicles (eMigrasomes), which emulate the biophysical attributes of natural migrasomes with substantially improved yield. We show that eMigrasomes loaded with a model antigen elicit potent antibody responses and maintain stability at room temperature. We demonstrate that eMigrasomes bearing the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein induce robust humoral protection against the virus. Our study demonstrates the potential of eMigrasome-based vaccines as a unique, robust, and accessible alternative to traditional methods.
Convergent evolution during host range expansion and virulence increase in aSalmonellabacteriophage
Authors: Maurin Amandine , Vasse Marie , Breyton Cécile , Zarate-Chaves Carlos , Bouzidi Sarah , Hayer Juliette , Dainat Jacques , Mesleard-Roux Margaux , Weill François-Xavier , Bravo Ignacio G. , Feugier Alexandre , Froissart Rémy
Published: March 2024

Viral host range expansion is predicted to evolve at the cost of reduced mean fitness. We investigated the adaptive walks of a virulent phage (Tequintavirus) in a spatially variable environment composed of four susceptible bacterial isolates and four resistant ones (Salmonella entericaserotype Tennessee, sequence types ST5018 and ST319 respectively). Starting from a single ancestral phage, we evolved multiple independent populations through serial passages on non-coevolving bacteria, following the Appelmans protocol. The phage populations evolved an expanded host range and increased virulence. Whole-genome sequencing revealed recurrent parallel mutations across populations (i.e. convergent evolution), particularly in genes encoding exo- and endo-nucleases, dUTPase, and caudal proteins. Notably, two parallel mutations in the gene coding for theLong Tail Fibrebecame fixed early in the evolutionary trajectories. Reverse-genetics experiments introducing these mutations into the ancestral genome expanded the host range but yielded only marginal increases in virulence, highlighting the effect of compensatory mutations.

Abstract Figure

Highlights

A phage (Tequintavirus) was evolved on susceptible and resistantSalmonella entericastrains

Experimentally evolved phage populations displayed expanded host range and increased virulence

Convergent evolution revealed adaptive mutations modifying receptor recognition in caudal proteins

Reverse-genetic showed implication of two Long Tail Fibre mutations in host range expansion

In Brief

Generalism is traditionally predicted to evolve at the cost of lower mean fitness. Contrary to this textbook view, we demonstrate that generalist phages with expanded host range and increased virulence can readily evolvein vitroand be purposely optimized for phage therapy applications.
Two-photon excitation two-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (2PE-2DFS) of the fluorescent nucleobase 6-MI
Authors: Albrecht Claire S. , Scatena Lawrence F. , von Hippel Peter H. , Marcus Andrew H.
Published: March 2024

Base stacking is fundamentally important to the stability of double-stranded DNA. However, few experiments can directly probe the local conformations and conformational fluctuations of the DNA bases. Here we report a new spectroscopic approach to study the local conformations of DNA bases using the UV-absorbing fluorescent guanine analogue, 6-methyl isoxanthopterin (6-MI), which can be used as a site-specific probe to label DNA. In these experiments, we apply a two-photon excitation (2PE) approach to two-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (2DFS), which is a fluorescence-detected nonlinear Fourier transform spectroscopy. In 2DFS, a repeating sequence of four collinear laser pulses (with center wavelength ∼ 675 nm and relative phases swept at radio frequencies) is used to excite the lowest energy electronic-vibrational (vibronic) transitions of 6-MI (with center wavelength ∼ 340 nm). The ensuing low flux fluorescence is phase-synchronously detected at the level of individual photons and as a function of inter-pulse delay. The 2PE transition pathways that give rise to electronically excited state populations include optical coherences between electronic ground and excited states and non-resonant (one-photon-excited) virtual states. Our results indicate that 2PE-2DFS experiments can provide information about the electronic-vibrational spectrum of the 6-MI monomer, in addition to the conformation-dependent exciton coupling between adjacent 6-MI monomers within a (6-MI)2dimer. In principle, this approach can be used to determine the local base-stacking conformations of (6-MI)2dimer-substituted DNA constructs.
Infiltrative classical monocyte-derived andSPP1lipid-associated macrophages mediate inflammation and fibrosis in ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis
Authors: Vegting Yosta , Jongejan Aldo , Neele Annette E , Claessen Nike , Sela Gal , Prange Koen H M , Kers Jesper , Roelofs Joris J T H , van der Heijden Joost W , de Boer Onno J , Remmerswaal Ester B M , Vogt Liffert , Bemelman Frederike J , de Winther Menno P J , Moerland Perry D , Hilhorst Marc L
Published: March 2024

Background

Kidney macrophage infiltration is a histological hallmark of vasculitic lesions and is strongly linked to disease activity in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis (AGN). The precise mechanisms by which kidney macrophages influence local inflammation and long-term damage remain largely unknown.

Methods

Here, we investigate kidney macrophage diversity using single-cell transcriptome analysis of 25,485 freshly retrieved unfrozen, high-quality kidney CD45+immune cells from five AGN patients, a lupus nephritis and nephrectomy control. Detailed subclustering of myeloid cells was performed to identify disease-specific macrophage subtypes. Next, transcriptome differences between macrophage subsets and disease serotypes were assessed. Findings were validated by immunostainings of an extended cohort of kidney biopsies and flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood monocytes.

Results

Four main macrophage subsets were identified, including a classical monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) subset expressing a chemotactic (CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL8,CCL3) and pro-inflammatory (IL1β, TNF) set of markers and a osteopontin/SPP1+lipid-associated macrophage (SPP1LAMs) subtype exhibiting distinctive upregulation of fibrotic genesets. AGN samples revealed a markedly increased proportion of CD163+macrophages, predominantly composed of classical MDMs, accompanied by resident-likeC1Qmacrophages, andSPP1LAMs. An analogous trend was observed in the expansion of peripheral blood classical monocytes during active disease. The proteinase 3 (PR3)-AGN subtype exhibited heightened classical MDM infiltration and markers of acute inflammation, while interferon signaling and markers of chronicity were reduced compared to myeloperoxidase (MPO)-AGN.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the expression of inflammatory and fibrotic genes by kidney macrophage subsets in AGN. Classical monocyte dysregulation might contribute to inflammation in the pathogenesis of AGN. Targeting these specific monocyte/macrophage subsets may potentially control the inflammatory cascade and attenuate resulting fibrosis in AGN and kidney disease in general.

Key points

- Classical monocyte-derived macrophages are predominant in ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis and exhibit chemotactic and pro-inflammatory markers

- Osteopontin/SPP1+lipid-associated macrophages (SPP1LAMs) show distinctive upregulation of fibrotic genesets

- Understanding of the macrophage immune response supports exploration of macrophage-directed therapies for the treatment of autoimmune kidney diseases
Genetic signatures in the highly virulent subtype B HIV-1 conferring immune escape to V1/V2 and V3 broadly neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Marichannegowda Manukumar , Heredia Alonso , Wang Yin , Song Hongshuo
Published: March 2024

HIV-1 is considered to become less susceptible to existing neutralizing antibodies over time. Our study on the virulent B (VB) HIV-1 identified genetic signatures responsible for immune escape from broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) targeting V1/V2 and V3 glycan epitopes. We found that the absence of N295 and N332 glycans in the high mannose patch, which are crucial for neutralization by V3 glycan bNAbs and are typically conserved in subtype B HIV-1, is a notable feature in more than half of the VB variants. Neutralization assays confirmed that the loss of these two glycans in VB HIV-1 leads to escape from V3 glycan bNAbs. Additionally, all VB variants we investigated have an insertion in V2, contributing to immune escape from V1/V2 bNAbs PG9 and PG16. These findings suggest potential co-evolution of HIV-1 virulence and antigenicity, underscoring the need to monitor both the pathogenicity and neutralization susceptibility of newly emerged HIV-1 strains.
The chromokinesin Kid (KIF22) forms a homodimer, moves processively along microtubules and transports double-strand DNA
Authors: Niwa Shinsuke , Furusaki Natsuki , Kita Tomoki , Suzuki Yuki , Chiba Kyoko
Published: March 2024

During prometaphase in mitosis, chromosomes are pushed toward the spindle equator. The chromokinesin Kid, also known as KIF22, moves chromosomes along spindle microtubules during prometaphase. Kid has long been considered as a monomeric and non-processive motor, different from typical kinesins. In this study, we demonstrate that the full-length Kid forms a homodimer and moves processively along microtubules. A conserved coiled-coil domain within the stalk region of Kid is not only capable of homodimer formation, but is also required for the processivity of Kid. Furthermore, the neck linker and coiled-coil domains of Kid could add processive activity to the motor domain of KIF1A, suggesting that Kid contains a functional neck linker and dimerization capability, a prerequisite for the processivity of kinesin motor domains. The full-length Kid, containing a helix-hairpin-helix domain, can transport double-strand DNA along microtubules in vitro. These findings collectively suggest the reclassification of Kid as a processive motor that transports DNA along microtubules.
Searching thePinus taedafoliar mycobiome for emerging pathogens among brown spot needle blight and needlecast outbreaks in the Southeast United States
Authors: Meinecke Colton D. , Niyas Afaq M.M. , McCarty Elizabeth , Quesada Tania , Smith Jason A. , Villari Caterina
Published: March 2024

Needle pathogens cause the discoloration, death, or premature abscission of conifer foliage, which reduce growth and vigor, and repeated defoliation may eventually result in tree mortality. Since 2016, forest managers in the southeast United States have reported an increasing scale, frequency, and severity of needle disease outbreaks on the region’s principal timber species, loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.). These recent outbreaks are raising concern throughout the region, as needle diseases are not traditionally considered a threat toP. taeda.Lecanosticta acicola(Thum.) Syd., the native causal agent of brown-spot needle blight, has been recovered from some outbreaks, however, the full array of fungi associated with symptoms has not been explored. In this research,P. taedafoliage was collected from affected stands throughout the region and analyzed to identify fungi associated with needle disease symptoms. We employed both targeted molecular diagnostics, to confirm the presence or absence ofL. acicola, and DNA metabarcoding, to characterize the foliar mycobiome and screen for other potential pathogens.Lecanosticta acicolawas detected among symptomatic needles from multiple states, particularly in western portions of theP. taedarange but rarely from stands in eastern states. Fungal ITS1 metabarcoding revealed multiple pathogens in symptomatic needles and identified associations between known pathogens fungi and differing symptoms. Additionally, the fungal community composition of needles varied with patterns of symptom presentation. This study is the first regionwide assessment of fungi associated with recent large-scale needle disease outbreaks onP. taedaand identifies multiple pathogens that warrant study in greater detail.
San Min and its Spencerian origin
Authors: Liang Bin , Moltow David , Richey Stephanie
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aim of this article is two-fold. First, it offers a unique account of San Min, the prototype of the current Chinese educational principle proposed by Yan Fu (1854–1921) that aimed at improving people’s physical, intellectual and moral capacities. This system of educational thinking has received only marginal attention in Anglophone research literature. Second, given the influence of Yan Fu’s interpretation and promulgation of Herbert Spencer’s educational philosophy during that period, it investigates the extent to which San Min is derived from Spencer’s educational thought (the “Spencerian Triad”). This article focusses on how Yan Fu adapted the ideas of San Min from Spencer’s account.

Design/methodology/approach

This article considers Yan Fu’s principle of San Min in relation to Spencer’s educational triad through a close reading and comparison of key primary texts (including Yan Fu’s original writing). It explores the similarities and differences between each account of education’s goals and its proposed means of attainment.

Findings

Yan Fu’s principle of San Min is shown to have been adapted from the Spencerian Triad. However, using the theory of Social Organism, Yan Fu re-interpreted Spencer’s individual liberty as liberty for the nation. While Spencer’s goal was to empower individuals, Yan Fu aimed to serve collective independence, wealth and power.

Originality/value

This article addresses oversights concerning San Min’s Western origins in the Spencerian Triad and its influence on Chinese education under Yan Fu’s sway. It is significant because San Min is still at the core of the current Chinese educational policy.
Optimal integration decision of industrial internet platform for third-party components in two-sided networks
Authors: Feng Nan , Zhang Lei , Liu Xin , Xie Jing
Published: March 2024

Purpose

With the development of digitalization and interconnection, there is a growing need for enterprise customers to ensure the compatibility of the third-party components they are using in the manufacturing process, thus raising the integration requirements for the Industrial Internet platform and its third-party developers. Therefore, our study investigates the optimal integration decision of the Industrial Internet platform while considering its access price, the integration cost, and the net utility derived by enterprise customers from the third-party components.

Design/methodology/approach

We model a two-sided Industrial Internet platform that connects customers on the demand side to the developers on the supply side. We then explore the integration decision of the Industrial Internet platform and its important factors by solving the optimal profit function.

Findings

First, despite the high integration cost of third-party developers, the platform still chooses to integrate when enterprise customers derive high utility from the third-party components. Second, due to the compatibility effect, charging the enterprise customers a higher price may reduce the platform profits when these customers derive low utility from the third-party components. Third, the platform profits will increase along with the integration cost of third-party developers when it is low in the case where enterprise customers derive low utility from third-party components.

Originality/value

Our findings offer insightful takeaways for the Industrial Internet platform when making integration decisions.
The role of para-social relationship in live streaming virtual gift purchase: a two-stage SEM-neural network analysis
Authors: Hou Fangfang , Li Boying , Guan Zhengzhi , Chong Alain Yee Loong , Phang Chee Wei
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Despite the burgeoning popularity of virtual gifting in live streaming, research lacks an in-depth understanding of the drivers behind this behavior. Using para-social relationship (PSR), this study aims to capture viewers’ lively social feelings toward the streamer as the key factor leading to the purchase behavior of virtual gifts. It also aims to establish a theoretical link between PSR and viewers’ holistic experience in live streaming as captured by cognitive absorption and aims to investigates the role of technological features (i.e. viewer–streamer and viewer–viewer interactivity, streamer-level and viewer-level deep profiling and design aesthetics) in shaping viewers’ experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 433 survey responses, this study employs a combination of structural equation modeling and neural networks to offer valuable insights into the relationships between the technological environment, viewer experience and viewer behavior.

Findings

Our results highlight the salience of PSR in promoting the purchase of virtual gifts through cognitive absorption and the importance of the technological environment in eliciting the viewer experience. This study sheds light on the development of PSR in a technological environment and its relationship with cognitive absorption.

Originality/value

By applying PSR to conceptualize viewers’ perceived connection with the streamer, this study extends the research on purchase behavior in the non-shopping context by providing an enlightened understanding of virtual gift purchase behavior in live streaming. Moreover, by theoretically linking PSR with cognitive absorption, virtual gift purchase and technological features of live streaming, it enriches the theory of PSR and bridges the gap between the design practice of supporting the IT infrastructure of live streaming and research.
Gender and engagement partner quality
Authors: Kelly Muni , Kelly Muni
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the gender of an audit engagement partner (EP) is associated with the quality of the EP’s audit output.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper defines a low-quality EP as an EP who leads the audit of at least one client firm that subsequently restates its financial statements, while a high-quality EP is an EP that is not associated with any restatement. Using a sample of 6,082 observations from 2016 to 2020, the study estimates a logistic regression of EP quality on EP gender and control variables.

Findings

The results show that female EPs are more likely to be high-quality EPs. With an odds ratio of 1.25, the results imply that female EPs are 1.25 times more likely to be associated with higher-quality audits compared to male EPs.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study imply that female EPs are more likely to perform high-quality audits, and it supports the assertion that EP gender plays a significant role in determining EP quality. Further studies may apply gender theory to investigate the behavior of female EPs.

Practical implications

The results show that female EPs are more likely to be high-quality EPs. With an odds ratio of 1.25, the results imply that female EPs are 1.25 times more likely to be associated with higher-quality audits compared to male EPs.

Originality/value

The results of this study should be of interest to stakeholders such as audit committees, regulators, investors and creditors, as they provide an indicator for assessing the quality of audits. Moreover, considering the EP’s important role in an audit, the current study extends the existing literature by providing evidence of a relationship between EP gender and EP quality.
Antecedents and consequences of conceptualizing online hyperconnected brand selection
Authors: Majeed Salman , Kim Woo Gon
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To influence consumer pre-purchase decision-making processes, such as brand selection and perceived brand experience, brands are interested in adopting hyperconnected technological stimuli, such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality, social media and tech devices. However, the understanding of different hyperconnected touchpoints remained shallow and results mixed in previous literature, despite the fact that these touchpoints span different technological interfaces/devices and may influence consumer brand selection. This paper aims to solidify the conceptual underpinnings of the role of online hyperconnected stimuli, which may influence consumer psychological reactions in terms of brand selection and experience.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is conceptual and presents a discussion based on extant literature from various international publishers.

Findings

The authors revealed different technological stimuli in the online hyperconnected environment that may influence consumer online hyperconnected brand selection (OHBS), perceived online hyperconnected brand experience (OHBE), perceived well-being and behavioral intention.

Originality/value

The conceptual understanding of OHBS and perceived OHBE was mixed and inconsistent in previous studies. This paper brings together extant literature to establish the conceptual understanding of antecedents and outcomes of OHBS, i.e. perceived OHBE, perceived well-being and behavioral intention, and presents a cohesive conceptual framework.
Understanding the effects of firms' unresponsiveness on social media toward customer feedback on customers' engagement: the impact of ethnicity
Authors: Bozkurt Sıddık , Gligor David , Hollebeek Linda D. , Sumlin Cameron
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This article explores how firms' unresponsiveness to Black customer feedback influences Black (vs. White) customers' perceived firm-based discrimination and brand engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experimental studies (Study 1(N1) = 254) and Study 1(N2) = 484) are conducted to test the modeled relationships. The data are analyzed using ANOVA, PROCESS Model 4 and PROCESS Model 7.

Findings

The findings suggest that though perceived discrimination remains modest in all conditions, Black (vs. White) respondents report higher perceived discrimination when the firm fails to respond to a Black customer's negative or neutral (but not positive) brand-related feedback on social media. The results also indicate that Black (vs. White) customers exhibit lower engagement through perceived discrimination in the case of the firm's unresponsiveness to a Black customer's negative and neutral (but not positive) brand-related feedback regardless of the manager's race.

Originality/value

Prior research on intercultural service encounters and ethnic differences in consumer engagement on social media are combined to examine the relationship between customer race and perceived discrimination based on the firm's unresponsiveness to customers' social media posts.

Research limitations/implications

Manipulations were created based on a fictitious e-tailer. Thus, it is recommend that future researchers examine the extent to which the findings hold for existing (r)etailers. In addition, future studies using secondary data could provide additional evidence for the findings.

Practical implications

Managerial attention is accentuated among customer feedback responsiveness, engagement and perceived firm discrimination. Managers are encouraged to adopt communication strategies that complement the firm's strategy and social media presence.
Consumer embarrassment in an emerging market retail context: a qualitative investigation
Authors: Sangwan Vaishali , Maity Moutusy
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Emerging economies are dominated by an unorganized retail landscape, with complex sociocultural norms dictating the behavior of retailers and customers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of consumer embarrassment in an emerging marketing, India.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a grounded theory approach and undertakes 31 in-depth interviews with consumers in India. The data is analyzed inductively and iteratively simultaneously with data collection.

Findings

The study uncovers that sociocultural normative influences, the retail environment’s structural constraints, interaction-based buying processes and customers’ perceptions play a role in eliciting embarrassment in traditional stores. The traditional format retailers play a significant role in evoking embarrassment and, surprisingly, also in facilitating coping. Contrary to the extant findings, purchasing embarrassing products online may not ensure anonymity and elicit embarrassment. The findings contribute to understanding the phenomenon of embarrassment in emerging markets.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of research examining consumer embarrassment in emerging markets, with extant studies investigating the phenomenon in the modern retail setup of developed economies. The retail landscape of India is predominantly unorganized, with distinct transactional processes and physical characteristics that are starkly different from modern retail stores. Moreover, sociocultural normative forces have distinct influences on the informal setup of unorganized retail.
Fabrication of crack-free aluminum alloy 6061 parts using laser foil printing process
Authors: Wang Yu-Xiang , Hung Chia-Hung , Pommerenke Hans , Wu Sung-Heng , Liu Tsai-Yun
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to present the fabrication of 6061 aluminum alloy (AA6061) using a promising laser additive manufacturing process, called the laser-foil-printing (LFP) process. The process window of AA6061 in LFP was established to optimize process parameters for the fabrication of high strength, dense and crack-free parts even though AA6061 is challenging for laser additive manufacturing processes due to hot-cracking issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The multilayers AA6061 parts were fabricated by LFP to characterize for cracks and porosity. Mechanical properties of the LFP-fabricated AA6061 parts were tested using Vicker’s microhardness and tensile testes. The electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) technique was used to reveal the grain structure and preferred orientation of AA6061 parts.

Findings

The crack-free AA6061 parts with a high relative density of 99.8% were successfully fabricated using the optimal process parameters in LFP. The LFP-fabricated parts exhibited exceptional tensile strength and comparable ductility compared to AA6061 samples fabricated by conventional laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processes. The EBSD result shows the formation of cracks was correlated with the cooling rate of the melt pool as cracks tended to develop within finer grain structures, which were formed in a shorter solidification time and higher cooling rate.

Originality/value

This study presents the pioneering achievement of fabricating crack-free AA6061 parts using LFP without the necessity of preheating the substrate or mixing nanoparticles into the melt pool during the laser melting. The study includes a comprehensive examination of both the mechanical properties and grain structures, with comparisons made to parts produced through the traditional LPBF method.
Blockchain for compliance: an information processing case study of mandatory supply chain transparency in conflict minerals sourcing
Authors: Tuladhar Alisha , Rogerson Michael , Engelhart Juliette , Parry Glenn C. , Altrichter Birgit
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Firms are increasingly pressured to comply with mandatory supply chain transparency (SCT) regulations. Drawing on information processing theory (IPT), this study aims to show how blockchain technology can address information uncertainty and equivocality in assuring regulatory compliance in an interorganizational network (ION).

Design/methodology/approach

IPT is applied in a single case study of an ION in the mining industry that aimed to implement blockchain to address mandatory SCT regulations. The authors build on a rich proprietary data set consisting of interviews and substantial secondary material from actors along the supply chain.

Findings

The case shows that blockchain creates equality between actors, enables compliance and enhances efficiency in an ION, reducing information uncertainty and equivocality arising from conflict minerals regulation. The system promotes engagement and data sharing between parties while protecting commercial sensitive information. The lack of central authority prevents larger partners from taking control. The system provides mineral provenance and a regulation-compliant record. System cost analysis shows that the system is efficient as it is inexpensive relative to volumes and values of metals transacted. Issues were identified related to collecting richer human rights data for assurance and compliance with due diligence regulations.

Originality/value

The authors provide some of the first evidence in the operations and supply chain management literature of the specific architecture, costs and limitations of using blockchain for SCT. Using an IPT lens in an ION setting, the authors demonstrate how blockchain-based systems can address two key IPT challenges: environmental uncertainty and equivocality.
Gastronomy and wine tourism transformation towards resilient destinations
Authors: Rašan Dora , Laškarin Ažić Marina , Mikinac Krešimir
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop research questions and explore industry expert perceptions related to the process of transformative changes in post-COVID-19 gastronomy and wine tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this purpose, the authors applied individual and collective brainwriting techniques using the digital whiteboard, Mural. The research questions were answered within Mural's Sailboat template, which helped industry experts describe four situational areas and their symbolic elements. These included transformative change – the island, strategies – the wind, challenges – the anchors and strengths – the coral. The exploration was conducted across interpersonal, organisational and intra-destination levels.

Findings

This study results yielded a know-how framework that synthesised the insights of industry experts. The framework underscores the importance of a sequential approach to embrace transformative change to mindsets, practices and systems. It also advocates strategies (new leadership style, business solutions and community empowerment), potential challenges (self-doubt, established organisational culture and inertia within large systems) and leveraging industry strengths (personality traits, human resources and organisational interdependence) to effectively navigate the evolving gastronomy and wine tourism environment.

Originality/value

This paper represents a pioneering effort in assessing the key areas in the gastronomy and wine business and drawing parallels to the essential levels of transformation required to effectively cope with upcoming uncertainties.
Effects of additional oral fosravuconazole l‐lysine ethanolate therapy following inadequate response to initial treatment for onychomycosis: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Naka Wataru , Tsunemi Yuichiro
Published: March 2024

Onychomycosis, a superficial fungal infection, develops when dermatophytes infect nail plate and beds. Fosravuconazole l‐lysine ethanolate (F‐RVCZ), a fourth‐generation azole antifungal agent with potent antifungal activity and few drug interactions, was highly effective in a clinical trial, with a complete cure rate of 59.4% at 48 weeks after treatment initiation. However, some patients were not completely cured. To achieve a higher complete cure rate, additional therapy needs to be examined. We aimed to examine (i) the criteria for additional F‐RVCZ therapy in patients with an inadequate response to initial F‐RVCZ treatment for onychomycosis; (ii) the timing of additional therapy; and (iii) the effects of additional treatment. This was a multicenter, open‐label, three‐arm randomized clinical trial. Patients with onychomycosis were orally administered an approved dose of F‐RVCZ for 12 weeks, and its efficacy was assessed at week 24. Patients who demonstrated ≥55% reduction in nail involvement ratio at week 24 were included in Group X and followed up. Patients with <55% reduction were randomly assigned to follow‐up (Group A) or additional treatment (Group B) groups. The complete cure rate at week 72 in Group X was 73.3%. In Groups A and B, the complete cure rates were 29.6% and 46.7%, respectively, and were significantly different (P = 0.0414, odds ratio 2.08). During the study, 63 adverse drug reactions were recorded in 59 of the 318 patients (18.6%), for which a causal relationship with F‐RVCZ could not be ruled out. In Group B, three of 75 patients (4.0%) experienced three adverse drug reactions, all observed during additional treatment; none were serious. A high complete cure rate is possible without additional F‐RVCZ treatment when nail involvement decreases by ≥55% at week 24; however, when the reduction is <55% at week 24, additional F‐RVCZ treatment should be considered to improve the cure rate.
Beneficial effects of native broadleaved forests on canopy beetle diversity are not reduced by admixture of non‐native conifers
Authors: Wildermuth Benjamin , Hagge Jonas , Seifert Carlo L. , Tjaden Roman , Schuldt Andreas
Published: March 2024

Biodiversity loss and vast forest diebacks due to climate change‐induced disturbances require adapted forest management strategies that reconcile economic interests and conservation. Tree species selection, including admixture of fast‐growing and drought‐tolerant non‐native species to native forests, is an increasingly considered approach. However, we lack data on how such mixtures affect native forest biodiversity, especially for the sparsely researched major above‐ground part of trees, the canopy.

In 40 temperate forest plots in northwest Germany, we investigated how monocultures and admixtures of introduced fast‐growing conifers (native Norway spruce planted outside its natural range and non‐native Douglas fir) to native broadleaved European beech forests affect abundance, biomass, taxonomic and functional diversity and community composition of canopy beetles across trophic guilds. Diverse arthropod communities are vital contributors to forest health and resilience, and therefore valuable indicators to assess and evaluate forestry measures.

Monospecific stands of non‐native Douglas fir reduced canopy beetle abundance and diversity compared to native European beech, exceeding the negative effects of Norway spruce. These effects were more pronounced for herbivorous beetles, while they were less strong for predators. Beetle communities in monospecific Norway spruce stands had low functional richness. European beech and mixtures with non‐native Douglas fir had high dissimilarity between local communities (turnover, i.e. beta diversity) and high total beetle diversity at landscape scale (gamma diversity). Mixtures generally mitigated the negative effects of introduced conifers, including shifts in species community composition compared to native European beech.

Synthesis and applications: Monospecific stands of fast‐growing non‐native Douglas fir and native Norway spruce planted outside its natural occurrence showed undesirable effects such as low diversity and a shifted community composition of canopy beetles compared to native European beech. However, mixed stands mitigated negative effects and specifically admixed non‐native Douglas fir did not reduce species turnover and landscape‐scale beetle diversity. In line with recent studies on other forest taxa, we conclude that admixtures of introduced conifers to European beech forests, but not monospecific plantations, can potentially serve as a compromise between conservational and economic interests.
Is it really possible to kill with insulin without leaving traces? From lifesaver to killer, the issues surrounding the analytical characterization of postmortem insulin illustrated by an exemplary case
Authors: Arbouche Nadia , Farrugia Audrey , Gheddar Laurie , Ameline Alice , Blanchot Adeline , Raul Jean‐Sébastien , Kintz Pascal
Published: March 2024

Evidence of an insulin overdose is very complicated in the medico‐legal field. The analysis and subsequent interpretation of results is complex, especially when treating postmortem blood samples. The instability of insulin, the special pre‐analytical conditions and the absence of specific analytical methods has led most laboratories not to analyze insulin in their routine with a consequent underestimation of cases. This paper aims to assess the difficulties associated with the analytical characterization of insulin by describing a case that typically represents most of the inconveniences encountered following a suspected insulin overdose. The case concerns a man found dead at home by his brother. After an external examination, which did not reveal a specific cause of death, toxicological analysis was requested which did not reveal any substance of toxicological interest. Only 9 months later, it was reported to the toxicologist that the subject was diabetic, on insulin lispro treatment and that three empty syringes were found next to his body. Following analysis by LC‐high‐resolution mass spectrometry, the presence of insulin lispro at a concentration of 1.1 ng/mL, a therapeutic concentration, was evidenced. Despite the low concentration found, overdose cannot be excluded and this paper will describe the criteria evaluated to reach this conclusion. This case highlights that the interpretation of a postmortem insulin concentration is very complex and requires the evaluation of various elements including the circumstances of death, the subject's medical history, the interval between death and sampling and the sample storage.
Three‐dimensional Modeling of Ore‐forming Elements and Mineralization Prognosis for the Yechangping Mo Deposit, Henan Province, China
Authors: DING Gaoming , JI Genyuan , YAN Guolong , XU Yongzhong , WANG Kunming , XIAO Chun , WANG Quanle , GUO Dongbao
Published: March 2024

Three‐dimensional geochemical modeling of ore‐forming elements is crucial for predicting deep mineralization. This approach provides key information for the quantitative prediction of deep mineral localization, three‐dimensional fine interpolation, analysis of spatial distribution patterns, and extraction of quantitative mineral‐seeking markers. The Yechangping molybdenum (Mo) deposit is a significant and extensive porphyry‐skarn deposit in the East Qinling–Dabie Mo polymetallic metallogenic belt at the southern margin of the North China Block. Abundant borehole data on ore‐forming elements underpin deep geochemical predictions. The methodology includes the following steps: (1) Three‐dimensional geological modeling of the deposit was established. (2) Correlation, cluster, and factor analyses post delineation of mineralization stages and determination of mineral generation sequence to identify (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag) and (Mo, W, mfe) assemblages. (3) A three‐dimensional geochemical block model was constructed for Mo, W, mfe, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ag using the ordinary kriging method, and the variational function was developed. (4) Spatial distribution and enrichment characteristics analysis of ore‐forming elements are performed to extract geological information, employing the variogram and w(Cu + Pb + Zn + Ag)/w(Mo + W) as predictive indicators. (5) Identifying the western, northwestern, and southwestern areas of the mine with limited mineralization potential, contrasted by the northeastern and southeastern areas favorable for mineral exploration.
Missing Linkages and Jobless Growth in India: An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Arora Hariom , Pradhan Kalandi Charan , Sharma Ruchi
Published: March 2024

This study aims to empirically validate the theories of missing linkages among major economic sectors (agriculture, industry and service) and jobless growth in the context of Indian economy using the RBI‐KLEMS database for the period 1980–2018. The study employs the ARDL framework to identify both short‐run and long‐run relationships between sectoral employment elasticity and sectoral share of value‐added with other covariates (specifically macroeconomic factors). Our empirical findings validate the prevalence of theory of missing linkages and jobless growth. Further, we found that weak linkages exist between agriculture, industry and service sectors. However, industry and services have strong interlinkages, whereas industry and agriculture have weak linkages, which leads to weak linkages between services and agriculture. Additionally, it was observed that macroeconomic factors do not exhibit a short‐term relationship with employment elasticities in explaining missing linkages. In fact, macroeconomic factors demonstrate a substantial long‐term association. Based on these interlinkages, the study proposes the potential for policies to stimulate growth across sectors. Nonetheless, policies aimed at improving the productivity of the primary sector remain a prominent solution.
A case of concurrent follicular lymphoma and lung cancer requiring differentiation from lymph node metastasis
Authors: Takahara Yutaka , Nagae Sumito , Yamagata Aika , Iijima Yoshihito , Shioya Akihiro , Yamada Sohsuke , Uramoto Hidetaka
Published: March 2024

Lung cancer complicated by follicular lymphoma has rarely been reported in the literature. A 69‐year‐old male with an abnormal shadow on a chest radiograph was referred to our hospital. A mass in the right lung was seen on chest computed tomography (CT). Positron emission tomography‐CT showed fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation in the esophagus and multiple intra‐abdominal lymph nodes, in addition to the right lung lesion. The lung lesion was diagnosed as a pulmonary adenocarcinoma after biopsy. Upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies did not reveal the presence of a tumor. Open lymph node biopsy was performed to determine the course of treatment, leading to a diagnosis of follicular lymphoma. The patient finally underwent radical resection for lung cancer; the follicular lymphoma was judged to be low‐grade and was followed up. When complications involving other organs are detected during systemic examination of a patient with lung cancer, it is necessary to distinguish between metastasis to other organs and complications of other malignant diseases, as this will greatly influence the treatment strategy.