bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An auto-release mechanism for HMCES-DNA-protein crosslinks
Authors: Donsbach Maximilian , Dürauer Sophie , Nguyen Kha T. , Grünert Florian , Yaneva Denitsa , Semlow Daniel R. , Stingele Julian
Published: December 2022

The conserved protein HMCES crosslinks to abasic (AP) sites in ssDNA to prevent strand scission and the formation of toxic dsDNA breaks during replication. Here, we report a non-proteolytic release mechanism for HMCES-DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs), which is regulated by DNA context. In ssDNA and at ssDNA-dsDNA junctions, HMCES-DPCs are stable, which efficiently protects AP sites against spontaneous incisions and cleavage by APE1 endonuclease. In contrast, HMCES-DPCs are quickly released in dsDNA, allowing APE1 to initiate downstream repair. Mechanistically, we show that release is governed by two components. First, a conserved glutamate residue within HMCES’ active site catalyses reversal of the crosslink. Second, affinity to the underlying DNA structure determines whether HMCES re-crosslinks or dissociates. Our study reveals that the protective role of HMCES-DPCs involves their controlled release upon bypass by replication forks, which restricts DPC formation to a necessary minimum.
The YAP-TEAD complex promotes senescent cell survival by lowering endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Anerillas Carlos , Mazan-Mamczarz Krystyna , Herman Allison B. , Munk Rachel , Lam Kwan-Wood Gabriel , Calvo-Rubio Miguel , Garrido Amanda , Tsitsipatis Dimitrios , Martindale Jennifer L. , Altés Gisela , Rossi Martina , Piao Yulan , Fan Jinshui , Cui Chang-Yi , De Supriyo , Abdelmohsen Kotb , de Cabo Rafael , Gorospe Myriam
Published: December 2022

Sublethal cell damage can trigger a complex adaptive program known as senescence, characterized by growth arrest, resistance to apoptosis, and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). As senescent cells accumulating in aging organs are linked to many age-associated diseases, senotherapeutic strategies are actively sought to eliminate them. Here, a whole-genome CRISPR knockout screen revealed that proteins in the YAP-TEAD pathway influenced senescent cell viability. Accordingly, treating senescent cells with a drug that inhibited this pathway, Verteporfin (VPF), selectively triggered apoptotic cell death and derepressed DDIT4, in turn inhibiting mTOR. Reducing mTOR function in senescent cells diminished endoplasmic reticulum (ER) biogenesis, causing ER stress and apoptosis due to high demands on ER function by the SASP. Importantly, VPF treatment decreased senescent cell numbers in the organs of old mice and mice exhibiting doxorubicin-induced senescence. We present a novel senolytic strategy that eliminates senescent cells by hindering ER activity required for SASP production.
Applying Unet for extraction of vascular metrics from T1-weighted and T2-weighted MRI
Authors: Orooji Farnaz , Butler Russell
Published: December 2022

We apply deep learning to the problem of segmenting the arterial system from T1w and T2w images. We use the freely available 7-Tesla ‘forrest’ dataset from OpenNeuro, (which contains TOF, T1w, and T2w) and use supervised learning with T1w or T2w as input, and TOF segmentation as ground truth, to train a Unet architecture capable of segmenting arteries and quantifying arterial diameters from T1w or T2w images alone. We demonstrate arterial segmentations from both T1w and T2w images, and show that T2w images have sufficient vessel contrast to estimate arterial diameters comparable to those estimated from TOF. We then apply our Unet to T2w images from a separate dataset (IXI) and show our model generalizes to images acquired at different field strength. We consider this work proof-of-concept that arterial segmentations can be derived from MRI sequences with poor contrast between arteries and surrounding tissue (T1w and T2w), due to the ability of deep convolutional networks to extract complex features based on local image intensity. Future work will focus on improving the generalizability of the network to non-forrest datasets, with the eventual goal of leveraging the entire pre-existing corpus of neuroimaging data for study of human cerebrovasculature.
Development of the Canadian Food Intake Screener to assess alignment of adults’ dietary intake with the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide healthy food choices recommendations
Authors: Hutchinson Joy M. , Williams Tabitha E. , Westaway Ailish M. , Bédard Alexandra , Pitre Camille , Lemieux Simone , Dodd Kevin W. , Lamarche Benoît , Guenther Patricia M. , Haines Jess , Wallace Angela , Martin Alicia , da Costa Louzada Maria Laura , Jessri Mahsa , Olstad Dana Lee , Prowse Rachel , Randall Simpson Janis , Vena Jennifer E. , Kirkpatrick Sharon I.
Published: December 2022

The objective of this project was to develop a brief self-administered dietary screener, in English and French, to rapidly assess alignment of adults’ dietary intake with the 2019 Canada’ s Food Guide healthy food choices recommendations. In consultation with Health Canada and external advisors (n=15), foundational principles were defined. Existing screeners were scanned, and the healthy food choices recommendations were mapped to inform questions and response options. Cognitive interviews were conducted in English (n=17) and French (n=16) with adults aged 18-65 years from April to June 2021 to assess understanding of questions and face validity; recruitment emphasized variation in sociodemographic characteristics. Face and content validity were assessed with experts in nutrition, surveillance, and public health (n=13 English, 3 French) from April to May 2021. The testing indicated that the screener was well-understood overall but informed refinements to improve comprehension of the questions and their alignment with the healthy food choices recommendations. The resulting Canadian Food Intake Screener/Questionnaire court canadien sur les apports alimentaires includes 16 questions to rapidly assess alignment of intake with the 2019 Canada’ s Food Guide healthy food choices recommendations, including healthy foods and foods to limit, in situations in which comprehensive dietary assessment is not feasible.

Novelty

The Canadian Food Intake Screener was developed to rapidly assess alignment of adults’ dietary intake over the past month with the Food Guide’ s “healthy food choices” recommendations.

The screener was developed and evaluated through an iterative process that included three rounds of cognitive interviews in each of English and French, along with ongoing feedback from external advisors and face and content validity testing with a separate panel of content experts.

The 16-question screener is intended for use with adults, aged 18-65 years, with marginal and higher health literacy in research and surveillance contexts in which comprehensive dietary assessment is not possible.
Tracking the COVID-19 vaccine equity, distribution, and cases in the global south
Authors: Melesse Tigist Mekonnen , Nguyen Thuy D. , Kassa Getachew Mullu
Published: December 2022

The rapid development of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has proved to make an important contribution in reducing both viral transmission and disease burden. In this study, we tracked the COVID-19 vaccine equity, distribution, and cases in global south countries using country-level data from Our World in Data using an event study analysis. We used data from 149 global south and 59 non-global south countries from January 2020 to May 2022. All non-global south and 90.32% of global south countries had universal availability of vaccines. The median time since the introduction of the first COVID-19 vaccine in the global south was almost eight weeks later than in non-global south countries. The median number of people fully vaccinated per hundred (68.8 vs 50.31), and the total number of boosters administered per hundred (45.7 vs. 13.02) were higher in non-global south countries compared to global south countries. Using the event study analysis, we found a significant reduction of COVID-19 new cases and deaths after the first COVID-19 vaccination rollout compared to the baseline in global south countries, average coefficient p-value <0.001. Programs aiming at improving vaccine access and distribution to global south countries are essential to effectively control COVID-19.
Outcomes in Patients with Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure Secondary to COVID-19 Treated with Noninvasive Respiratory Support versus Invasive Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Fisher Julia M , Subbian Vignesh , Essay Patrick , Pungitore Sarah , Bedrick Edward J , Mosier Jarrod M
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The goal of this study was to compare noninvasive respiratory support to invasive mechanical ventilation as the initial respiratory support in COVID-19 patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Methods

All patients admitted to a large healthcare network with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure associated with COVID-19 and requiring respiratory support were eligible for inclusion. We compared patients treated initially with noninvasive respiratory support (noninvasive positive pressure ventilation by facemask or high flow nasal oxygen) with patients treated initially with invasive mechanical ventilation. The primary outcome was time-to-in-hospital death analyzed using an inverse probability of treatment weighted Cox model adjusted for potential confounders. Secondary outcomes included unweighted and weighted assessments of mortality, lengths-of-stay (intensive care unit and hospital) and time-to-intubation.

Results

Over the study period, 2354 patients met inclusion criteria. Nearly half (47%) received invasive mechanical ventilation first and 53% received initial noninvasive respiratory support. There was an overall 38% in-hospital mortality (37% for invasive mechanical ventilation and 39% for noninvasive respiratory support). Initial noninvasive respiratory support was associated with an increased hazard of death compared to initial invasive mechanical ventilation (HR: 1.61, p < 0.0001, 95% CI: 1.33 - 1.94). However, patients on initial noninvasive respiratory support also experienced an increased hazard of leaving the hospital sooner, but the hazard ratio waned with time (HR: 0.97, p < 0.0001, 95% CI: 0.96 - 0.98).

Conclusion

These data show that the COVID-19 patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure initially treated with noninvasive respiratory support had an increased hazard of in-hospital death.
A single mild juvenile TBI in mice leads to regional brain tissue abnormalities at 12 months of age that correlate with cognitive impairment at the middle age in male mice
Authors: Obenaus Andre , Rodriguez-Grande Beatriz , Bin Lee Jeong , Dubois Christophe J. , Fournier Marie-Line , Cador Martine , Caille Stéphanie , Badaut Jerome
Published: December 2022

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has the highest incidence amongst the pediatric population and its mild severity represents the most frequent cases. Moderate and severe injuries as well as repetitive mild TBI result in lasting morbidity. However, whether a single mild TBI sustained during childhood can produce long-lasting modifications within the brain is still debated. We aimed to assess the consequences of a single juvenile mild TBI (jmTBI) at 12 months post-injury in a mouse model.

Non-invasive diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed significant microstructural alterations in the hippocampus and the in the substantia innominata/nucleus basalis (SI/NB), structures known to be involved in spatial learning and memory. DTI changes paralled neuronal loss, increased astrocytic AQP4 and microglial activation in the hippocampus. In contrast, decreased astrocytic AQP4 expression and microglia activation were observed in SI/NB. Spatial learning and memory were impaired and correlated with alterations in DTI-derived derived fractional ansiotropy (FA) and axial diffusivity (AD).

This study found that a single juvenile mild TBI leads to significant region-specific DTI microstructural alterations, distant from the site of impact, that correlated with cognitive discriminative novel object testing and spatial memory impairments at 12 months after a single concussive injury. Our findings suggest that exposure to jmTBI leads to a chronic abnormality, which confirms the need for continued monitoring of symptoms and the development of long-term treatment strategies to intervene in children with concussions.
BUSZ: Compressed BUS files
Authors: Einarsson Pétur Helgi , Melsted Páll
Published: December 2022

We describe a compression scheme for BUS files and an implementation of the algorithm in the bustools software. Our compression algorithm yields smaller file sizes than gzip, at significantly faster compression and decompression speeds. We evaluated our algorithm on 533 BUS files from scRNA-seq experiments with a total size of 1Tb. Our compression is more than 2x faster than the fastest gzip option and results in 1.5x smaller files than the best gzip compression. This amounts to an 8.3x reduction in the file size, resulting in a compressed size of 122Gb for the dataset.

Availability and Implementation

A complete description of the format is available athttps://github.com/BUStools/BUSZ-formatand an implementation athttps://github.com/BUStools/bustools

Contact

pmelsted@hi.isonline.
Single-subject EEG measurement of interhemispheric transfer-time for the in-vivo estimation of axonal morphology
Authors: Oliveira Rita , De Lucia Marzia , Lutti Antoine
Published: December 2022

Assessing axonal morphology in-vivo opens new avenues for the combined study of brain structure and function. A novel approach has recently been introduced to estimate the morphology of axonal fibers from the combination of MRI data and EEG measures of the interhemispheric transfer time (IHTT). In the original study, the IHTT measures were computed from EEG data averaged across a group, leading to bias of the axonal morphology estimates.

Here, we seek to estimate axonal morphology from individual measures of IHTT, obtained from EEG data acquired in a visual evoked potential experiment. Subject-specific IHTTs are computed in a data-driven framework with minimala prioriconstraints, based on the maximal peak of neural responses to visual stimuli within periods of statistically significant evoked activity in the inverse solution space. The subject-specific IHTT estimates ranged from 8 to 29 ms except for one participant and the between-session variability was comparable to the differences in IHTT between subjects. The scale parameter of the axonal radius distribution, computed from the IHTT estimates and the MRI data, ranged from 0 to 0.79μm. The change in axonal g-ratio with axonal radius ranged from 0.62 to 0.81μm−α.

The single-subject measurement of the IHTT yields estimates of axonal morphology that are consistent with histological values. However, improvement of the repeatability of the IHTT estimates is required to improve the specificity of the single-subject axonal morphology estimates.
Unique functional responses differentially map onto genetic subtypes of dopamine neurons
Authors: Azcorra Maite , Gaertner Zachary , Davidson Connor , Hayes Cooper K. , Ramakrishnan Charu , Fenno Lief , Kim Yoon Seok , Deisseroth Karl , Longnecker Richard , Awatramani Rajeshwar , Dombeck Daniel A.
Published: December 2022

Dopamine neurons are characterized by their response to unexpected rewards, but they also fire during movement and aversive stimuli. Dopamine neuron diversity has been observed based on molecular expression profiles; however, whether different functions map onto such genetic subtypes remains unclear. Here, we establish that three genetic dopamine subtypes within the substantia nigra pars compacta each have a unique set of responses to rewards, aversive stimuli, accelerations and decelerations, and these signaling patterns are highly-correlated between somas and axons within subtypes. Remarkably, reward responses were not detected in one subtype, which instead displayed acceleration-correlated signaling. Our findings establish a connection between functional and genetic dopamine subtypes and demonstrate that molecular expression patterns can serve as a common framework to dissect dopaminergic functions.
Is there an accurate and generalisable way to use soundscapes to monitor biodiversity?
Authors: Sethi Sarab S. , Bick Avery , Ewers Robert M. , Klinck Holger , Ramesh Vijay , Tuanmu Mao-Ning , Coomes David A.
Published: December 2022

Acoustic monitoring has the potential to deliver biodiversity insight on vast scales. Whilst autonomous recording networks are being deployed across the world, existing analytical techniques struggle with generalisability. This limits the insight that can be derived from audio recordings in regions without ground-truth calibration data. By calculating 128 learned features and 60 soundscape indices of audio recorded during 8,023 avifaunal point counts from diverse ecosystems, we investigated the generalisability of soundscape approaches to biodiversity monitoring. Within each dataset, we found univariate correlations between several acoustic features and avian species richness, but features behaved unpredictably across datasets. Training a machine learning model on compound indices, we could predict species richness within datasets. However, models were uninformative when applied to datasets not used for training. We found that changes in soundscape features were correlated with changes in avian communities across all datasets. However, there were cases where avian communities changed without an associated shift in soundscapes. Our results suggest that there are no common hallmarks of biodiverse soundscapes across ecosystems. Therefore, soundscape monitoring should only be used when high quality ground-truth data exists for the region of interest, and in conjunction with more targeted and accurate in-person ecological surveys. By better understanding how to use interpret data reliably, we hope to unlock the scale at which acoustic monitoring can be used to deliver true impact for land managers and scientists monitoring biodiversity around the world.

Whilst eco-acoustic monitoring has the potential to deliver biodiversity insight on vast scales, existing analytical approaches behave unpredictably across studies. We collated 8,023 audio recordings with paired manual avifaunal point counts to investigate whether soundscapes could be used to monitor biodiversity across diverse ecosystems. We found that neither univariate indices nor machine learning models were predictive of species richness across datasets, but soundscape change was consistently indicative of community change. Our findings indicate that there are no common features of biodiverse soundscapes, and that soundscape monitoring should be used cautiously and in conjunction with more reliable in-person ecological surveys.
Anti-Biofilm Potential of Nanonized Eugenol againstPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ghosh Sourav , Sett Upasana , Pal Anabadya , Nandy Sanchita , Nandy Susmita , Chakrabarty Soumajit , Das Abhijit , Bandopadhyay Pathikrit , Basu Tarakdas
Published: December 2022

This study dealt with nanonization of eugenol, a major phytochemical present in basil leaf, which has pharmacological potential as an anti-bacterial agent. Eugenol nanoparticle (ENP) was synthesized by simple ultrasonic cavitation method through emulsification of hydrophobic eugenol into hydrophilic gelatin. Thus, the nanonization process made the water-insoluble eugenol to water-soluble nano-eugenol, making the nano-form bioavailable. The average size of the ENPs was 20-30 nm. Entrapment efficiency of eugenol within gelatin cap was about 80% of the eugenol, that was used as precursor in the nanonization reaction.In vitrorelease of eugenol from gelatin cap was slow and sustained over a period of five days. The ENP had higher anti-biofilm potency than eugenol for both formation and eradication of biofilm, formed by clinically relevant pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosa. Minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration and minimal biofilm eradication concentration of ENPs were 2.0 and 4.0 mM respectively. In addition, the measurement ofP. aeruginosabiofilm biomass, biofilm pellicle formation, biofilm thickness, amount of biofilm-forming extra-polymeric substance, cell surface hydrophobicity, cell swarming and twitching efficiencies, cellular morphology and biofilm formation in catheter demonstrated that the anti-biofilm efficacy of nano-eugenol was 30-40% higher than that of bulk eugenol. Thus, ENP can be used as a potential drug against pneumonia, a chronic infection in lung caused byP. aeruginosa, which is difficult to treat with antibiotics, due to natural intrinsic resistance of biofilm-formed cells to most antibiotics. The overall actions of ENP have been presented in the figure 1.

Highlights

Nano-formulation of eugenol, an important phytochemical, by ultrasonic cavitation method, which was simple, time-saving, low-cost and eco-friendly.

Nanonization made water-insoluble eugenol into water-soluble form with enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

The eugenol nanoparticle (ENP) could inhibit formation of biofilm as well as facilitate eradication of pre-formed biofilm ofP. aeruginosa.

Biofilm formation was found to be prevented significantly on ENP-coated catheter.

Nano-eugenol may be used as a potential drug against bacterial diseases, caused by pseudomonal biofilm, which are difficult to treat by antibiotics.

Nano-formulated eugenol may also be used as an effective anti-fouling agent for biomedical devices like contact lens, pace-maker, materials for organ transplantation etc. to prevent bacterial colonization.
Humoral responses against BQ.1.1 elicited after breakthrough infection and SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination
Authors: Tauzin Alexandra , Benlarbi Mehdi , Medjahed Halima , Grégoire Yves , Perreault Josée , Gendron-Lepage Gabrielle , Gokool Laurie , Morisseau Chantal , Arlotto Pascale , Tremblay Cécile , Kaufmann Daniel E. , Valérie-Martel-Laferrière  , Levade Inès , Côté Marceline , de Serres Gaston , Bazin Renée , Finzi Andrés
Published: December 2022

The Omicron BQ.1.1 variant is now the major SARS-CoV-2 circulating strain in many countries. Because of the many mutations present in its Spike glycoprotein, this variant is resistant to humoral responses elicited by monovalent mRNA vaccines. With the goal to improve immune responses against Omicron subvariants, bivalent mRNA vaccines have recently been approved in several countries. In this study, we measure the capacity of plasma from vaccinated individuals, before and after a fourth dose of mono-or bivalent mRNA vaccine, to recognize and neutralize the ancestral (D614G) and the BQ.1.1 Spikes. Before and after the fourth dose, we observe a significantly better recognition and neutralization of the ancestral Spike. We also observe that fourth-dose vaccinated individuals who have been recently infected recognize and neutralize better the BQ.1.1 Spike, independently of the mRNA vaccine used, than donors who have never been infected or have an older infection. Our study supports that hybrid immunity, generated by vaccination and a recent infection, induces higher humoral responses than vaccination alone, independently of the mRNA vaccine used.
Tandemly repeated genes promote RNAi-mediated heterochromatin formation via an antisilencing factor, Epe1, in fission yeast
Authors: Asanuma Takahiro , Inagaki Soichi , Kakutani Tetsuji , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Murakami Yota
Published: December 2022

In most eukaryotes, constitutive heterochromatin, defined by histone H3 lysine 9 methylation (H3K9me), is enriched on repetitive DNA, such as pericentromeric repeats and transposons. Furthermore, repetitive transgenes also induce heterochromatin formation in diverse model organisms. However, the mechanisms that promote heterochromatin formation at repetitive DNA elements are still not clear. Here, using fission yeast, we show that tandemly repeated mRNA genes promote RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated heterochromatin formation in cooperation with an antisilencing factor, Epe1. Although the presence of tandemly repeated genes itself does not cause heterochromatin formation, once complementary small RNAs are artificially supplied intrans, the RNAi machinery assembled on the repeated genes starts producing cognate small RNAs incisto autonomously maintain heterochromatin at these sites. This “repeat-induced RNAi” depends on the copy number of repeated genes and Epe1, which is known to remove H3K9me and derepress the transcription of genes underlying heterochromatin. Analogous to repeated genes, the DNA sequence underlying constitutive heterochromatin encodes widespread transcription start sites (TSSs), from which Epe1 activates ncRNA transcription to promote RNAi-mediated heterochromatin formation. Our results suggest that when repetitive transcription units underlie heterochromatin, Epe1 generates sufficient transcripts for the activation of RNAi without disruption of heterochromatin.
Assessing the prospect of XAFS experiments of metalloproteins under in vivo conditions at Indus-2 synchrotron facility, India
Authors: Lahiri Debdutta , Agrawal Richa , Chandravanshi Khileshwari , Rajput Parasmani , Agrawal Ankur , Dwivedi Ashutosh , Makde Ravindra D. , Jha S. N. , Garg Nandini
Published: December 2022

The feasibility of X-ray absorption fine-structure (XAFS) experiments of ultra-dilute metalloproteins under in vivo conditions (T = 300 K, pH = 7) at the BL-9 bending-magnet beamline (Indus-2) is reported, using as an example analogous synthetic Zn (0.1 mM) M1dr solution. The (Zn K-edge) XAFS of M1dr solution was measured with a four-element silicon drift detector. The first-shell fit was tested and found to be robust against statistical noise, generating reliable nearest-neighbor bond results. The results are found to be invariant between physiological and non-physiological conditions, which confirms the robust coordination chemistry of Zn with important biological implications. The scope of improving spectral quality for accommodation of higher-shell analysis is addressed.
Development of an insertion device selectively operational as a helical/figure-8 undulator
Authors: Tanaka Takashi , Seike Takamitsu , Kagamihata Akihiro , Aoyagi Hideki , Kai Tomoya , Sano Mutsumi , Takahashi Sunao , Oura Masaki
Published: December 2022

An insertion device capable of switching the operation mode between helical and figure-8 undulators, and thus referred to as a helical-8 undulator, has been developed. It has the advantage that the on-axis heat load can be kept low regardless of the polarization state, even when a high K value is required to lower the fundamental photon energy. This is in contrast to conventional undulators in which the on-axis heat load tends to be significantly high to generate linearly polarized radiation with a high K value, and optical elements can be seriously damaged. The principle of operation, specification and light source performance of the developed helical-8 undulator are presented together with further options to enhance its capability.
A rod- and tessellation-based comparative analysis of polymorphic and structurally-invariant molecular crystals: application to sulfathiazole and 2-benzyl-5-benzylidenecyclopentanones
Authors: Thomas Noel W. , Hughes David S.
Published: December 2022

A rationalization of the alternative crystal structures adopted by a given molecular compound or by a set of substitutionally related molecular compounds is provided by reference to the five known polymorphs of sulfathiazole and 16 substituted 2-benzyl-5-benzylidene cyclopentanones (BBCPs), respectively. Two-dimensional (2D) packing fractions (φ2D) take space-group symmetry into account, with a clear demarcation of closed-packed zones (CPZ) and molecular junction zones (JZ) in all Z′ = 1 structures. Representation of the molecules as two linked rods allows a concise treatment of conformation and rapid visualization of crystal packing. Combined with calculations of intermolecular potential energies, the rod method provides insight into the stabilization mechanisms of alternative polymorphs. In sulfathiazole, the primary factor is to obtain satisfactory hydrogen bonding, with close packing a secondary consideration. In BBCP derivatives, by comparison, close packing is the primary mechanism of stabilization. Whereas the 2D structures arising in CPZ can be analysed as tessellations of molecular-based cells, a method based on 2D Dirichlet cells is required for the JZ. These are calculated from the centroids of the molecular envelopes in high-symmetry planes. It is shown that these centroid coordinates, when combined with space-group symmetry and unit cell coordinates, provide a concise parameterization of all structures containing JZ. It is anticipated that this parameterization may be exploited to predict such crystal structures from powder diffraction data.
Exploring the determinants of wine export performance. Analyzing the importance of noneconomic performance
Authors: Santos Filipe , Dias Álvaro , Pereira Leandro , Costa Renato , Gonçalves Rui
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The wine sector is a growing industry with an important share of the revenue resulting from export markets. Due to its cultural nature, wine exporting requires specific firm and managerial capabilities. As such, traditional approaches to the factors influencing export performance must integrate the specificities of wine as a product.

Design/methodology/approach

This study, based on a sample of 93 wine producers, develops and tests, using structural equation modeling, specifically the partial least squares method, a conceptual model of the influence of internal factors, external factors and partner relationship capabilities in export performance.

Findings

Results reveal that internal factors and partner relationships have an impact on the firm’s noneconomic performance which influences economic performance. It is also shown by the results that external factors do not affect the noneconomic performance or economic performance. Moreover, the results show the moderation effect of the noneconomic variable. Internal factors and relationship capabilities have an impact on economic performance considering the mediation effect of the noneconomic performance. Overall, firms’ internal factors and relationship capabilities are crucial to achieve better export performance for Portuguese wine companies.

Originality/value

This study combines the theories of SCP, resource-based view and relational or behavior perspective to present a novel approach to export performance by analyzing the external and internal dimensions of the firm in relation to both financial and nonfinancial performances.
Simulation and prediction of seam puckering in the layers of woven fabrics using a yarn-level model
Authors: Kargar Motahareh , Payvandy Pedram
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Simulating the behavior of clothing has always been of interest in the apparel, fashion and computer game industries. With the development of these industries, there is a need to increase the accuracy of clothing simulation techniques. A garment contains many seams whose behavior affects its final appearance. In this study, a numerical model is presented to simulate seam puckers in single- and double-layer fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

A yarn-level simulation technique has been used for this purpose. Based on this technique, the individual threads in the fabric structure and the sewing threads are modeled separately. Then, their behavior and interaction with each other are considered in the seam pucker model.

Findings

The model is used to simulate the real samples. The results show that the proposed model is able to simulate the degree of seam puckering for a single-layer fabric with an average error of 7.9% and for a double-layer fabric with an average error of 8.5%.

Originality/value

The behavior of the seam is affected by the properties, behavior and interaction of the sewing threads and yarns in the fabric structure. In previous studies, the parameters related to seams and fabrics were not fully considered. In this study, a new yarn-level model is presented to simulate seam puckering in woven fabrics. The most important advantage of this type of simulation is the ability to examine the interaction of fabric threads as well as the interaction of sewing threads with each other and with the threads of the fabric structure.
A constructive crisis: complex system adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cameron Roslyn , Ambagtsheer Rachel C. , Martinez-Pacheco Selene , Klopper HB , Rogers Cath , Baker Sarah
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the response by a multi-campus private higher education provider to a major crisis. This study examined what elements of complex adaptive systems (CAS) were activated and/or developed within the organization during the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic, through a retrospective analysis of organizational responses.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective qualitative approach has been used. The theory of CAS has been used as the theoretical lens to explore the organizational context, responses and behaviours during the first year of the COVID-19 crisis. A series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 senior leaders across the major functions of the organization spread over multiple campuses.

Findings

Findings point to coverage of the main CAS characteristics in the organizational responses to the pandemic, however, in varying degrees. There was strong evidence for the application of guiding principles, for self-organizing, for micro-diversity coupled with independent actors and new generative relationships, all brought about by the chaos the pandemic generated. This study concludes that the global pandemic presented this organization with the impetus for rapid and agile responses to what ultimately has become a constructive crisis, paving the way for key elements of CAS theory to be enacted. This study recommend embedding the conscious creation of an adaptive space within ongoing strategic organizational transformation initiatives.

Originality/value

There is scant literature on CAS as applied to crises from organizations in the higher education sector and notably from outside of the health/medical fields. As a result, this study offers a novel and original approach to applying CAS theory during a major crisis. In addition to the findings above, this study also found an emergent characteristic, that of agility, which could be further tested as a potential theoretical addition to CAS theory.
Evolution of RCEP rules of origin (comparison with ASEAN plus FTAs and recent mega-FTAs/EPAs)
Authors: Hasegawa Jitsuya
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the evolution of the rules of origin (RoO) of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis is done by comparing them with those of existing FTAs/EPAs of ASEAN with other RCEP member countries, and also examining the impact of recent mega-FTAs/EPAs, such as TPP11 and Japan-EU EPA, in which some of the member countries participated.

Findings

RCEP holds great significance in that it connects Japan and China and Japan and South Korea, which previously have not had any EPAs/FTAs, transforms this massive economic sphere from one with minutely divided and differing RoO under ASEAN plus FTAs to one that is seamlessly connected with those of having evolved into the unified RoO under RCEP, and realizes ideal production networks in Asia.

Originality/value

This paper makes it clear that RCEP, while based on ASEAN plus FTAs, reflects progressive provisions of recent mega-FTAs/EPAs, and adopts simpler and more systematic rules. These provisions limit the distortive effect on trade, realize ideal production networks in Asia, and are appropriate as uniform RoO connecting networks across this massive economic sphere. It also points out that there are provisions that have not been introduced and those that are considered to have been incomplete as a result of negotiations, and the possibility of evolving into more ideal RoO by utilizing the system for revisions established under the agreement.
Islamic labelling and corporate governance: a perspective of Shariah compliance firms
Authors: Ullah Sabeeh , Haroon Muhammad , Hussain Shahzad , Rehman Ajid Ur
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Islamic label of an organization attracts Muslims for investment. There is a rising concern with a huge profile of corporate governance related to the Islamic rules (principles). In this context, this study aims to examine the effect of Islamic labelling on corporate governance in the Pakistani setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a panel data set comprising 120 non-financial Shariah-compliant and non-Shariah-compliant Islamic firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange over the period 2013–2020. For analysis, this study used static panel data estimation techniques. Moreover, for robustness check, this study also applied the system generalized method of movements procedure.

Findings

The findings deduced from empirical estimations reveal that Islamic labelling is positively associated with corporate governance. Overall, results indicate that Islamic labelling promotes corporate governance practices in Pakistan.

Originality/value

It is of utmost importance in terms of both theoretical and empirical context that Pakistan is a Muslim country having a 96.5% Muslim population, and it is evident that Muslims are allowed to execute their business under the guidance of Shariah principles. This study is unique because most of the previous literature provides empirical support related to the impact of corporate governance on capital structure, profitability and firm performance in conventional and Islamic firms. Practically, there is scarce literature on this issue.
A study on the learning behaviors and needs of design-maker communities of practice in the era of mobile learning
Authors: Zhang Xin , Hu Jieming
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The combination of mobile devices and innovative tools offers new possibilities for the development of a community of practice for design makers. Mobile learning has become an essential method that design makers should adopt. The main content of this study is to explore the characteristics of learning behaviors and learning needs of creative design makers' group in forming a community of practice in the era of mobile learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted questionnaire research on the potentially associated or directly associated population of design makers. The process of the study also combined observational and interview studies to compensate for the lack of questionnaire research.

Findings

Based on the support of mobile learning technology, design makers share and co-create to achieve individual development and evolution of learning organizations, and produce creative value. Design-maker communities of practice form common communities in the framework of informal organizations to support continuous individual learning. Convergent interests or concerns in making things, real-world contexts based on makerspaces and hands-on practice based on real projects are the basis for forming design-maker communities of practice. A variety of open-source hardware, software and platforms that can support mobile learning are important for the development of design-maker communities of practice. The design-maker community of practice needs group factors, activity development, physical and technical resources, spatial support and institutional norms to enhance learning behaviors and satisfy learning needs.

Originality/value

The discovery and construction of these associated factors can help creative design practitioners form a lasting and virtuous organizational development. This study facilitates the formation of a social network for learning and knowledge sharing among design-maker communities of practice. It enhances the innovation ability and enthusiasm of design makers according to the population characteristics and learning needs of design makers. This study also facilitates the generation of a positive adaptive maker culture and maker spirit within design maker organizations.
The SECURE STAIRS framework: preliminary evaluation of the impact on therapeutic climate in a secure children’s home (SCH)
Authors: McKeown Annette , Ramshaw Gemma , Smith Anna , Atkinson Sarah , Kennedy Patrick John
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The SECURE STAIRS framework for integrated care is a trauma-informed approach to supporting staff and young people within the Children and Young People’s Secure Estate (CYPSE) in the UK. Within secure settings, therapeutic climate is a concept that encapsulates an individual’s perception of safety, connectedness with others and level of support within the environment. To support evaluation of the SECURE STAIRS framework, a Secure Children’s Home (SCH) within the North East of England examined therapeutic climate for staff and young people annually using the Essen Climate Evaluation Schema (EssenCES) over a three-year period. This paper aims to present the findings.

Design/methodology/approach

Over the three years, a total of 71 young people and 214 staff EssenCES questionnaires were administered. Between 2020 and 2021, the setting also experienced significant changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Numbers of young people also decreased within the setting over the three-year period.

Findings

Results indicated a positive trend for therapeutic climate sub-scores. For example, Experienced Safety for young people significantly increased from 2020 to 2021. Additionally, therapeutic hold for staff was significantly higher in 2020 and 2021 in comparison to 2018.

Originality/value

Findings are discussed in relation to implementation of the SECURE STAIRS framework and providing trauma-informed care for vulnerable young people within secure settings. Implications for practice are explored.
Identification of dominant taxa of sooty moulds and their impact on the leaf microbiome
Authors: Lv Zhiyuan , Hu Chong , Hu Yue , Wu Daojun , Zhou Hanyu , Tian Lichao
Published: December 2022

Sooty moulds are a widespread group of saprophytic ascomycetes that obtain nutrients from honeydew excreted by sap‐feeding insects and coat plant tissue with mycelia. Research on sooty moulds has focused on fungal morphology and phylogeny‐based taxonomy, but little research has been conducted on the community structure. In this study, the PacBio sequencing platform was used to systematically analyse the fungal and bacterial diversity of the sooty mould community on camphor trees at two sampling sites. Six dominant sooty mould genera were identified, of which three genera of Dothideomycetes were enriched only in diseased samples, while three genera of Eurotiomycetes were present in both healthy and diseased samples. Bacterial diversity and co‐occurrence network analysis indicated that the sooty moulds had an effect on the leaf surface bacterial communities but not on the endophyte communities. There was a close correlation between the six dominant pathogenic groups and bacteria in the soot layer. Transcriptomic data from Cinnamomum camphora samples showed that the sooty moulds that did not penetrate plant cells not only affected plant photosynthesis but also induced plant defence responses. This study systematically studied the microbial community of sooty moulds, indicating the close relationship between sooty moulds and the bacterial communities.
Capital deprivation, assets, and the Universal Child Allowance for Social Protection in a Paraná slum, Argentina
Authors: Dapuez Andrés
Published: December 2022

In this article, I describe a case in which a mother and her son, while discussing what they perceive to be the purpose of the Argentinian conditional cash transfer programme known as the ‘Universal Child Allowance for Social Protection’, also project different economic returns for the son's future. The decisions they make contradict the ultimate purpose of this policy: to accumulate human capital in the recipient through formal education. The young man's abandonment of secondary school and his entry into the informal labour market trigger different reflections on his future for mother and son. Despite the fact that both project future returns for investing the money, the mother, acting as administrator of the programme, reproduces state‐driven processes of capital deprivation at the expense of her son's human capital.
A review on egg pasteurization and disinfection: Traditional and novel processing technologies
Authors: Bermudez‐Aguirre Daniela , Niemira Brendan A.
Published: December 2022

Salmonella Enteritidis is a pathogen related to many foodborne outbreaks involving eggs and egg products. Regulations about whether eggs should be pasteurized are very different and inconsistent worldwide. In the United States, eggs are not required to be pasteurized. Hence, less than 3% of the eggs in the country are pasteurized. The standard pasteurization method (57°C, 57.5 min) uses a long thermal process that increases the cost of the product and affects its quality. Foodborne outbreaks can be reduced if eggs are properly pasteurized to inactivate Salmonella spp. However, the technology to pasteurize eggs needs to offer a faster and more reliable method that can be scaled up to industry settings at a low cost and without affecting product quality. Several novel technologies have been tested for eggshell disinfection and egg pasteurization. Some thermal technologies have been evaluated for the pasteurization of eggs. Microwave has limited penetration depth and is a technical challenge for egg pasteurization. However, radio frequency can penetrate eggshells effectively to inactivate Salmonella, considerably reduce processing time, and maintain the quality of the product. Nonthermal technologies such as ultraviolet, pulsed light, cold plasma, ozone, pressure carbon dioxide, electrolyzed water, and natural antimicrobials have been explored for surface cleaning of the intact egg as alternatives without affecting the internal quality. This review presents some of these novel technologies and the current challenges. It discusses the possible combination of factors to achieve the egg's internal pasteurization and the eggshell's disinfection without affecting the quality at a low cost for the consumer.
Metal–oxide–semiconductor resistive gas sensors for fish freshness detection
Authors: Wu Kaidi , Debliquy Marc , Zhang Chao
Published: December 2022

Fish are prone to spoilage and deterioration during processing, storage, or transportation. Therefore, there is a need for rapid and efficient techniques to detect and evaluate fish freshness during different periods or conditions. Gas sensors are increasingly important in the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of high‐protein foods, including fish. Among them, metal–oxide–semiconductor resistive (MOSR) sensors with advantages such as low cost, small size, easy integration, and high sensitivity have been extensively studied in the past few years, which gradually show promising practical application prospects. Herein, we take the detection, classification, and assessment of fish freshness as the actual demand, and summarize the physical and chemical changes of fish during the spoilage process, the volatile marker gases released, and their production mechanisms. Then, we introduce the advantages, performance parameters, and working principles of gas sensors, and summarize the MOSR gas sensors aimed at detecting different kinds of volatile marker gases of fish spoiling in the last 5 years. After that, this paper reviews the research and application progress of MOSR gas sensor arrays and electronic nose technology for various odor indicators and fish freshness detection. Finally, this review points out the multifaceted challenges (sampling system, sensing module, and pattern recognition technology) faced by the rapid detection technology of fish freshness based on metal oxide gas sensors, and the potential solutions and development directions are proposed from the view of multidisciplinary intersection.