bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A conserved ESCRT-II-like protein participates in the biogenesis and maintenance of thylakoid membranes
Authors: Yilmazer Irem , Vetrano Pamela , Eicke Simona , Abt Melanie R. , Traverso Eleonora , Morosinotto Tomas , Zeeman Samuel C. , Ramundo Silvia , Sharma Mayank
Published: October 2023

Thylakoids are membrane-bound compartments located in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts of plants and algae. They play an indispensable role in the light-driven reactions that enable photosynthetic organisms to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and sugars. The biogenesis and maintenance of thylakoid membranes is a critical yet underappreciated area of research. One of the few known critical regulators of this process, VIPP1 (Vesicle-Inducing Protein in Plastids 1), was recently shown to be structurally similar to ESCRT-III proteins — the first evidence for ESCRT-like (Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport) machinery in chloroplasts. Here, we used an affinity purification approach in two distantly related photosynthetic eukaryotes, the green algaChlamydomonas reinhardtiiand the plantArabidopsis thaliana, to discover proteins that interact with VIPP1. Among several newly identified proteins, we focused on a highly conserved but uncharacterized protein (VIPP1-Associated protein 1, VIA1) that robustly interacts with VIPP1 in both systems. VIA1 is predicted to contain a winged-helix domain, a characteristic feature of ESCRT-II proteins that mediates the interaction with ESCRT-III proteins. The absence of VIA1 causes thylakoid swelling upon exposure to high light in Chlamydomonas and defective thylakoid biogenesis in the newly emerging leaf tissue in Arabidopsis, thereby delaying chloroplast development in this tissue. We propose that VIA1 is part of a previously unrecognized chloroplast ESCRT-like system that plays a critical role in forming, remodeling, and repairing photosynthetic membranes.

Significance Statement

Thylakoid membranes are essential for photosynthesis, yet their biogenesis and maintenance are poorly understood. Of the few known proteins involved in these processes, VIPP1 stands out due to its similarity to ESCRT-III, an integral component of the ESCRT machinery that is responsible for membrane remodeling and trafficking in the cytoplasm of eukaryotes. Here we report the discovery of VIA1, a conserved protein that interacts with VIPP1 and participates in thylakoid biogenesis and remodeling in two distantly related photosynthetic organisms. Because VIA1 contains a predicted winged-helix domain, a hallmark feature of ESCRT-II proteins that mediates the interaction with ESCRT-III proteins, our data support the hypothesis that universal, mechanistic principles govern membrane remodeling across all living organisms.
Virus-host protein co-expression networks reveal temporal organization and strategies of viral infection
Authors: Aguirre Jacobo , Guantes Raúl
Published: October 2023

Viral replication is a complex dynamical process involving the global remodelling of the host cellular machinery across several stages. In this study, we provide a unified view of the virus-host interaction at the proteome level reconstructing protein co-expression networks from quantitative temporal data of four large DNA viruses. We take advantage of a formal framework, the theory of interacting networks, to describe the viral infection as a dynamical system taking place on a network of networks where perturbations induced by viral proteins spread to hijack the host proteome for the virus benefit. Our methodology demonstrates how the viral replication cycle can be effectively examined as a complex interaction between protein networks, providing useful insights into the viral and host’s temporal organization and strategies, key protein nodes targeted by the virus and dynamical bottlenecks during the course of the infection.
Lactoylglutathione promotes inflammatory signaling in macrophages
Authors: Trujillo Marissa N. , Jennings Erin Q. , Hoffman Emely A. , Zhang Hao , Phoebe Aiden M. , Mastin Grace E. , Kitamura Naoya , Reisz Julie A , Megill Emily , Kantner Daniel , Marcinkiewicz Mariola M. , Twardy Shannon M. , Lebario Felicidad , Chapman Eli , McCullough Rebecca L. , D’Alessandro Angelo , Snyder Nathaniel W. , Cusanovich Darren A. , Galligan James J.
Published: October 2023

Chronic, systemic inflammation is a pathophysiological manifestation of metabolic disorders. Inflammatory signaling leads to elevated glycolytic flux and a metabolic shift towards aerobic glycolysis and lactate generation. This rise in lactate corresponds with increased generation of lactoylLys modifications on histones, mediating transcriptional responses to inflammatory stimuli. Lactoylation is also generated through a non-enzymatic S-to-N acyltransfer from the glyoxalase cycle intermediate, lactoylglutathione (LGSH). Here, we report a regulatory role for LGSH in inflammatory signaling. In the absence of the primary LGSH hydrolase, glyoxalase 2 (GLO2), RAW264.7 macrophages display significant elevations in LGSH, while demonstrating a potentiated inflammatory response when exposed to lipopolysaccharides, corresponding with a rise in histone lactoylation. Interestingly, our data demonstrate that lactoylation is associated with more compacted chromatin than acetylation in an unstimulated state, however, upon stimulation, regions of the genome associated with lactoylation become markedly more accessible. Lastly, we demonstrate a spontaneous S-to-S acyltransfer of lactate from LGSH to CoA, yielding lactoyl-CoA. This represents the first known mechanism for the generation of this metabolite. Collectively, these data suggest that LGSH, and not intracellular lactate, is a primary contributing factor facilitating the inflammatory response.
Circulating senescent myeloid cells drive blood brain barrier breakdown and neurodegeneration
Authors: Wilk C. Matthias , Cathomas Flurin , Török Orsolya , Le Berichel Jessica , Park Matthew D. , Heaton George R. , Hamon Pauline , Troncoso Leanna , Scull Brooks P. , Dangoor Diana , Silvin Aymeric , Fleischmann Ryan , Belabed Meriem , Lin Howard , Taouli Elias Merad , Boettcher Steffen , Manz Markus G. , Kofler Julia K. , Yue Zhenyu , Lira Sergio A. , Ginhoux Florent , Crary John F. , McClain Kenneth L. , Picarsic Jennifer L. , Russo Scott J. , Allen Carl E. , Merad Miriam
Published: October 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are characterized by progressive loss of neuronal function. Mechanisms of ND pathogenesis are incompletely understood, hampering the development of effective therapies. Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an inflammatory neoplastic disorder caused by hematopoietic progenitors expressing MAPK activating mutations that differentiate into senescent myeloid cells that drive lesion formation. Some patients with LCH subsequently develop progressive and incurable neurodegeneration (LCH-ND). Here, we show that LCH-ND is caused by myeloid cells that are clonal with peripheral LCH cells. We discovered that circulatingBRAFV600E+myeloid cells cause the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), enhancing migration into the brain parenchyma where they differentiate into senescent, inflammatory CD11a+macrophages that accumulate in the brainstem and cerebellum. Blocking MAPK activity and senescence programs reduced parenchymal infiltration, neuroinflammation, neuronal damage and improved neurological outcome in preclinical LCH-ND. MAPK activation and senescence programs in circulating myeloid cells represent novel and targetable mechanisms of ND.
Using encrypted genotypes and phenotypes for collaborative genomic analyses to maintain data confidentiality
Authors: Zhao Tianjing , Wang Fangyi , Mott Richard , Dekkers Jack , Cheng Hao
Published: October 2023

To adhere to and capitalize on the benefits of the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) principles in agricultural genome-to-phenome studies, it is crucial to address privacy and intellectual property issues that prevent sharing and reuse of data in research and industry. Direct sharing of genotype and phenotype data is often prohibited due to intellectual property and privacy concerns. Thus there is a pressing need for encryption methods that obscure confidential aspects of the data, without affecting the outcomes of certain statistical analyses. A homomorphic encryption method for genotypes and phenotypes (HEGP) has been proposed for single-marker regression in genome-wide association studies using linear mixed models with Gaussian errors. This methodology permits frequentist likelihood-based parameter estimation and inference. In this paper, we extend HEGP to broader applications in genome-to-phenome analyses. We show that HEGP is suited to commonly used linear mixed models for genetic analyses of quantitative traits including GBLUP and RR-BLUP, as well as Bayesian variable selection methods (e.g., those in Bayesian Alphabet), for genetic parameter estimation, genomic prediction, and genome-wide association studies. By advancing the capabilities of HEGP, we offer researchers and industry professionals a secure and efficient approach for collaborative genomic analyses while preserving data confidentiality.
Chemi-Northern: a versatile chemiluminescent northern blot method for analysis and quantitation of RNA molecules
Authors: McKenney Katherine M. , Connacher Robert P. , Dunshee Elise B. , Goldstrohm Aaron C.
Published: October 2023

This report describes a chemiluminescence-based detection method for RNAs on northern blots, designated Chemi-Northern. This approach builds on the simplicity and versatility of northern blotting, while dispensing of the need for expensive and cumbersome radioactivity. RNAs are first separated on denaturing gel electrophoresis, transferred to a nylon membrane, and then hybridized to a biotinylated RNA or DNA antisense probe. Streptavidin conjugated with horseradish peroxidase and enhanced chemiluminescence substrate are then used to detect the probe bound to the target RNA. Our results demonstrate the versatility of this method in detecting natural and engineered RNAs expressed in cells, including messenger and noncoding RNAs. We show that Chemi-Northern detection is sensitive and fast, detecting attomole amounts of RNA in as little as 1 second, with high signal intensity and low background. The dynamic response displays excellent linearity. Using Chemi-Northern, we measure the significant, reproducible reduction of mRNA levels by human sequence-specific RNA-binding proteins, PUM1 and PUM2. Additionally, we measure the interaction of endogenous poly(A) binding protein, PABPC1, with poly-adenylated mRNA. Thus, the Chemi-Northern method provides a versatile, simple, cost-effective method to enable researchers to detect and measure changes in RNA expression, processing, binding, and decay of RNAs.
The influence of psychological contracts on exporter–distributor relationships and export venture performance: the conditional role of institutional distance
Authors: Chugh Richa , Lindsay Valerie J. , Ashill Nicholas J. , Crick Dave
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study explores the influence of informal “psychological contracts” (PCs), (as opposed to formal contractual relationships) on exporter–distributor relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from a sample of 127 exporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in New Zealand. The authors employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for analyzing the measurement and structural models.

Findings

Psychological contract fulfillment (PCF) enhances affective commitment and calculative commitment. Moreover, affective and calculative commitments mediate the relationship between PCF and export venture performance (EVP). The authors also find that institutional distance (ID) weakens the relationship between PCF and both affective and calculative commitment. Additionally, ID moderates the strength of the mediating mechanism for affective commitment; thus, the authors present a moderated-mediation model.

Originality/value

To date, international relationship marketing (IRM) literature has focused on PC breach, and business-to-business (B2B) marketing literature has focused on the effects of PCs on affective/relational commitment. This study offers novel insights by demonstrating the positive indirect effect of PCF on EVP via the mediating variables – affective and calculative commitment. The authors' findings also present a conditioning role of ID on the micro-level relationships of PCs.
An analysis of annual reports from the sustainable development goals perspective
Authors: Hacıhasanoğlu Erk , Ünlüsoy Ömer Faruk , Madenoğlu Fatma Selen
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are introduced to guide achieving the sustainable goals and tackle the global problems. United Nations members may perform activities to achieve the predetermined goals and report on their SDG activities. The comprehension and commitment of several stakeholders are essential for the effective implementation of the SDGs. Countries encourage their stakeholders to perform and report their activities to meet the SDGs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which corporations’ annual reports address the SDGs to assess and comprehend their level of commitment to, priority of and integration of SDGs within their reporting structure. This research makes it easier to evaluate corporations’ sustainability performance and contributions to global sustainability goals by looking at the extent to which they address the SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, it is revealed to what extent the reports meet the SDGs with the multilabel text classification approach. The SDG classification is carried out by examining the report with the help of a text analysis tool based on an enhanced version of gradient boosting. The implementation of a machine learning-based model allowed it to determine which SDGs are associated with the company’s operations without the requirement for the report’s authors to perform so. Therefore, instead of reading the texts to seek for “SDG” evidence as typically occurs in the literature, SDG proof was searched in relevant texts.

Findings

To show the feasibility of the study, the annual reports of the leading companies in Turkey are examined, and the results are interpreted. The study produced results including insights into the sustainable practices of businesses, priority SDG selection, benchmarking and business comparison, gaps and improvement opportunities identification and representation of the SDGs’ importance.

Originality/value

The findings of the analysis of annual reports indicate which SDGs they are concerned about. A gap in the literature can be noticed in the analysis of annual reports of companies that fall under a particular framework. In addition, it has sparked the idea of conducting research on a global scale and in a time series. With the aid of this research, decision-making procedures can be guided, and advancements toward the SDGs can be achieved.
Coalescence of thermal fractures initiated at parallel cooling surfaces
Authors: Chen Bin , Zhou Quanlin , Wang Yuan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Thermal fractures initiated under cooling at the surfaces of a 2-D or 3-D structure propagate, arrest and coalesce, leading to its structural failure and material-property changes, while the same processes can happen in the rock mass between parallel hydraulic fractures filled with cold fluid, leading to enhanced fracture connectivity and permeability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a 2-D plane strain fracture model for mixed-mode thermal fractures from two parallel cooling surfaces. Fracture propagation was governed by the theory of linear elastic fracture mechanics, while the displacement and temperature fields were discretized using the adaptive finite element method. This model was validated using two numerical benchmarks with strong fracture curvature and then used to simulate the propagation and coalescence of thermal fractures in a long rock mass.

Findings

Modeling results show two regimes: (1) thermal fractures from a cooling surface propagate and arrest by following the theoretical solutions of half-plane fractures before the unfractured portion decreases to 20% rock-mass width and (2) some pairs of fractures from the opposite cooling surfaces tend to eventually coalesce. The fracture coalescence time is in a power law with rock-mass width.

Originality/value

These findings are relevant to both subsurface engineering and material engineering: structure failure is a key concern in the latter, while fracture coalescence can enhance the connectivity of thermal and hydraulic fractures and thus reservoir permeability in the former.
The evolution of the service-learning methodology as a university social responsibility strategy that generates shared value: a Latin American experience
Authors: Ramirez Lozano Julianna Paola , Bridshaw Araya Leslie , Peñaflor Guerra Renato
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The study analyzed how the service-learning (SL) methodology can become a university social responsibility (USR) strategy that generates shared value for the university and its stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative and exploratory–descriptive research had a nonexperimental field and cross-sectional design that used field techniques such as focus groups and in-depth interviews with the participants of the USR program “MIPyME vs COVID-19” in two Latin American countries.

Findings

This study revealed the perceptions of students who participated in the USR program on how a virtual service-learning (vSL) strategy related to the use of technology generates a positive impact on the development of shared learning between students and micro-entrepreneurs from a global and Latin American perspective, as well as for the internationalization of their study plans.

Research limitations/implications

The field study was conducted in only two Latin American countries; however, the USR program has been implemented in eight universities from eight Latin American countries with very similar social, political and health contexts.

Originality/value

It is one of the first studies on SL used in a strategic and articulated way in universities with a USR approach. It analyzed traditional evaluations of this methodology, incorporating others such as virtuality (produced by the effects of the COVID-19), which led the authors to generate methodological innovations based on new ways of connecting, linking and generating shared learning and value for all.
Linkage between digital supply chain, supply chain innovation and supply chain dynamic capabilities: an empirical study
Authors: Li Quanxi , Zhang Haowei , Liu Kailing , Zhang Zuopeng Justin , Jasimuddin Sajjad M.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

There has been limited research that has explored the connection between digital supply chain (DSC) and SC innovation and SC dynamic capabilities. This paper aims to examine the mediating effect of SC innovation on the relationship between DSC and SC dynamic capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model and hypotheses were tested, employing (Statistical Package of Social Sciences) SPSS 25.0 and (Analysis of Moment Structures) AMOS 24.0 on data drawn from the Chinese manufacturing enterprises.

Findings

The study reveals that DSC has a significant positive effect on SC innovation and SC dynamic capabilities. SC innovation also has a significant positive effect on SC dynamic capabilities. Besides, the authors' research illustrates that SC innovation partially mediates the relationship between DSC and SC dynamic capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

Since the results are derived from the data collected from China, it may not, therefore, be generalized to other settings. Moreover, future research could consider other contextual variables such as “environmental uncertainty” and “Government's Reward-Penalty Mechanism,” which may influence SC dynamic capabilities.

Practical implications

The study provides practical insights for senior executives and managers in the manufacturing industry. Managers should emphasize the investment of advanced digital technologies and tools (DTTs) and improvement of SC visibility and collaboration. In the digital age, companies should pay attention to the introduction of advanced technologies, tools and processes and focus on cultivating an innovative spirit to promote SC dynamic capabilities, thereby enhancing competitive advantages.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates that DSC is of great significance to improving SC dynamic capabilities. This study reveals compelling insights for firms to enhance SC innovation and dynamic capabilities by using DSC as an enabler.
Impact pathways: improving supply chain sustainability by due diligence acts? Insights from a German case
Authors: Brandenburg Marcus , Warasthe Ronakeh , Seuring Stefan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

By January 1, 2023, the German supply chain due diligence act (SCDDA) has become effective. This represents a strong governmental intervention into global operations and supply chain management (SCM). Hence, its frame conditions and implications are worth being studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Expert interviews with managers reveal factors of risks and opportunities as well as performance impacts and implementation issues.

Findings

A conceptual framework and research avenues are outlined.

Research limitations/implications

Pathways for SCM research and interdisciplinary studies are suggested.

Practical implications

Practitioners may gain a deeper understanding of relevant factors for managing supply chains (SCs) that are exposed to the new act.

Social implications

Understanding implications of the act may help improve social SC sustainability.

Originality/value

This study offers an initial empirical exploration and a first conceptualization of the expected consequences of the German SCDDA.
Critical failure factors for Quality 4.0: an exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Antony Jiju , Kaul Arshia , Bhat Shreeranga , Sony Michael , Kaul Vasundhara , Zulfiqar Maryam , McDermott Olivia
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the adoption of Quality 4.0 (Q4.0) and assess the critical failure factors (CFFs) for its implementation and how its failure is measured.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with quality managers and executives was conducted to establish the CFFs for Q4.0.

Findings

The significant CFFs highlighted were resistance to change and a lack of understanding of the concept of Q4.0. There was also a complete lack of access to or availability of training around Q4.0.

Research limitations/implications

The study enhances the body of literature on Q4.0 and is one of the first research studies to provide insight into the CFFs of Q4.0.

Practical implications

Based on the discussions with experts in the area of quality in various large and small organizations, one can understand the types of Q4.0 initiatives and the CFFs of Q4.0. By identifying the CFFs, one can establish the steps for improvements for organizations worldwide if they want to implement Q4.0 in the future on the competitive global stage.

Originality/value

The concept of Q4.0 is at the very nascent stage, and thus, the CFFs have not been found in the extant literature. As a result, the article aids businesses in understanding possible problems that might derail their Q4.0 activities.
Effects of perceived values on affective and conative attitudes in cashierless store services
Authors: Kwon Jookyung , Ahn Jiseon
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Despite the growing number of cashierless stores, few studies have examined the factors that influence the success of such stores. This paper aims to identify the influence of store attributes in customers’ affective attitudes regarding cashierless stores and to understand how customers’ need for interaction and risk reduction affect the relationship between customer experiences and evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research is conducted using a partial least squares structural equation model. Data was collected from 174 customers with cashierless store experience.

Findings

The results identify the influence of hedonic and utilitarian characteristics on affective attitudes and the impact of attitudes on behavioral intentions. Also, multigroup analysis reveals that hedonic features are stronger indicators of customer attitudes among those with a low need for interaction, whereas utilitarian attributes are more important among customers with a low need for risk reduction. Customers’ affective attitudes are stronger influences on behavioral intentions among members of customer groups with a low need for both interaction and risk reduction.

Originality/value

To add to the limited research in customers’ experience with unstaffed stores, this study provides useful insights to achieve sustainable growth in the retailing context. Managerial considerations suggest that operators of cashierless stores should design store environments to guarantee customers’ purchasing and recommendation intentions.
Macro-influencers or meso-influencers, how do companies choose?
Authors: Lv Junjie , Yang Ruyu , Yu Jianye , Yao Wenjing , Wang Yuanzhuo
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Influencer marketing mediated by social media is prevalent in social commerce. Micro-, meso- and macro-influencers all play an irreplaceable role in marketing. The purpose of this paper is to explore how companies with limited budgets choose influencers according to products' various levels of brand familiarity.

Design/methodology/approach

This study constructs an evolutionary game model of influencer marketing based on evolutionary game theory on complex networks. This model initiates various networks to demonstrate how influencers disseminate information and constructs update mechanisms to depict how individuals react to this information based on individuals' information utility and friends' strategies.

Findings

Simulation results suggest that companies should invest more in macro-influencers than in meso-influencers, however investing all in macro-influencers is not a good choice. The investment in meso-influencers will increase as brand familiarity decreases, whereas it will not exceed investment in macro-influencers. Furthermore, the accumulation of micro-influencers can accelerate the marketing process.

Originality/value

This study examines the combined effects of micro-influencers, meso-influencers and macro-influencers in marketing by simulating the marketing process initiated by influencers on social media.
Omnichannel management capabilities in international marketing: the effects of word of mouth on customer engagement and customer equity
Authors: Akter Shahriar , Mohiuddin Babu Mujahid , Hossain Tasnim M. Taufique , Dey Bidit Lal , Liu Hongfei , Singh Pallavi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to fill the research gap on how B2B global service firms integrate dynamic capabilities within their omnichannel management to influence positive word of mouth (WOM), customer engagement (CE) and customer equity.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the dynamic capability and WOM theories, a model has been developed that defines the subjects of the empirical test. The paper reports on data collected from 312 service-oriented global firms in Australia, through a cross-sectional survey. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings suggest that content management (i.e. information consistency, source trustworthiness and endorsement) and concerns management (i.e. privacy, security and recovery) capabilities are the two significant antecedents of positive WOM within a B2B omnichannel setting in international marketing. The findings also confirm the key mediating role of CE between positive WOM and customer equity.

Originality/value

The findings extend dynamic capability theory in the context of international marketing by linking WOM, CE and customer equity. The findings add further theoretical rigor by establishing the nomological chain between positive WOM and customer equity, in which CE plays a key mediating role.
Organizational complexity and audit report lag in GCC economies: the moderating role of audit quality
Authors: Khan Faisal , Abdul-Hamid Mohamad Ali Bin , Fauzi Saidin Saidatunur , Hussain Shatha
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether organizational complexity (hereafter firm complexity) increases audit report lag (ARL) in a unique environment of GCC countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study uses a panel data set of 6,084 firm-year observations of nonfinancial firms from GCC economies from 2009 to 2022. First, the study uses an ordinary least square estimator to examine the association of firm complexity with ARL. Second, for robustness purposes, the study applies the propensity score matching technique.

Findings

This research study finds that the firms’ complexity increases ARL. Supporting the argument that auditors respond to firm complexity with increased effort, the authors find a positive relation of firm complexity with ARL. This relationship is augmented by auditor change, auditors’ tenure, auditor-qualified opinion and adoption of IFRS. In addition, the authors also find that Big-4 and audit firm industry specialization curtail the positive impact of firm complexity on ARL.

Research limitations/implications

Firms in the GCC have less time to complete their audit and complex firms are likelier to have bigger ARLs. This study provided evidence regarding the curtailing effect of audit quality in GCC. Our findings suggest policymakers and reformers choose improved audit quality to reduce the possibility of larger ARL.

Originality/value

This study enriches the scholarship by presenting a mechanism for reducing the ARL of complex firms through higher audit quality. This study contributes to agency theory by emphasizing audit quality’s important role in emerging markets.
Assessing and overcoming the barriers for healthcare waste management in India: an integrated AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS approach
Authors: Raj Abhishek , Samuel Cherian
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the world faces different issues, and proper healthcare waste (HCW) treatment is one of them. If appropriate disposal of HCW is not performed, it will have hazardous effects on humanity. This paper has identified the significant barriers hindering the proper treatment of healthcare waste management (HCWM) with the strategies to overcome these barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has identified the significant barriers hindering the proper treatment of HCWM with the strategies to overcome these barriers, and different barriers are identified and categorized into organizational, waste handling, human resource and technical barriers. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) process is used to rank the barriers and sub-barriers. Then, the Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method evaluates the strategies for proper implementation of HCWM.

Findings

The results show that organizational barriers are the most significant barrier, with a lack of coordination of hospitals with other authorities and no priority given to waste management issues as highly ranked barriers. The results of the Fuzzy TOPSIS method indicate that “Increase govt support and policies” and “Enhance training and awareness of employees” are the most feasible strategies to overcome these barriers for the successful implementation of HCWM.

Practical implications

This study will be helpful in policy formulations for the proper treatment of HCW in an efficient manner. This paper helps to complete the research gap by providing the different characteristics of barriers.

Originality/value

This paper fills the research gap by expanding the limited knowledge in this field and providing further evidence on this phenomenon. The study also enables the distinctive characteristics of barriers to be understood within a particular context.
How consumers define brand relationships: a prototype analysis
Authors: Schreuder Paul , Zeelenberg Marcel , Pronk Tila M.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Understanding consumer brand relationships from the perspective of the consumer has been a research topic for years. Despite this, there are still various ways in which the construct is interpreted. This paper aims to identify the most typical interpretation of brand relationships by consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

A four-study prototype analysis was conducted, in which a bottom-up approach was applied to identify lay people’s conceptualization of consumer brand relationships.

Findings

The prototype analysis generates a comprehensive list of features of consumer brand relationships that provide a nuanced understanding of the concept. The most typical characteristics of a brand relationship according to consumers are quality, bond, value and joy. Comparing this relationship prototype with existing literature shows that there may be a gap between theory and practice regarding the concept of brand relationship.

Originality/value

The prototypical conceptualization of brand relationships shows which aspects play a role in consumers' most common interpretation of the construct. This provides an opportunity to assess the validity of existing conceptualizations of brand relationships. Knowing which aspects are most relevant for consumers’ brand relationships allows brands to make adjustments as needed and improve at establishing and maintaining relationships with consumers.
External financing, channel power structure and product green R&D decisions in supply chains
Authors: Fan Jianchang , Li Zhun , Ye Fei , Li Yuhui , Wan Nana
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the optimal green R&D of a capital-constrained supply chain under different channel power structures as well as the impact of capital constraint, financing cost, channel power structure and cost-reducing efficiency on green R&D and supply chain profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-echelon supply chain is considered. The upstream firm engages in green R&D but has capital constraints that can be overcome by external financing. Green R&D is beneficial to reduce production costs and increase consumer demand. Based on whether or not the upstream firm is capital constrained and dominates the supply chain, four models are developed.

Findings

Capital constraints significantly lower green R&D and supply chain profitability. Transferring leadership from the upstream to the downstream firms leads to higher green R&D levels and downstream firm profitability, whereas the upstream firm's profitability is increased (decreased) if green R&D investment efficiency is high (low) enough. Greater financing costs reduce green R&D and downstream firm profitability; however, the upstream firm's profitability under the model in which it functions as the follower increases if the initial capital is sufficient. More importantly, empirical analysis based on practice data is used to verify the theoretical results reported above.

Practical implications

This study reveals how upstream firms in supply chains decide green R&D decisions in situations with capital constraints, providing managers and governments with an understanding of the impact of capital constraint, channel power structure, financing cost and cost-reducing efficiency on supply chain green R&D and profitability.

Originality/value

The major contributions are the exploration of supply chain green R&D by taking into consideration channel power structures and cost-reducing efficiency and the validation of theoretical results using practice data.
Red fruits exhibit lower colour diversity than red flowers as perceived by birds
Authors: Chen Zhe , Nevo Omer , Valenta Kim , Sun Hang , Niu Yang
Published: October 2023

Pollination and seed dispersal are crucial processes for plant reproduction, sharing ecological relevance and similarities, yet they have rarely been considered together. Flowers appear to express greater phenotypic diversity than fruits due to multiple confounding factors, which pose challenges for comparative analyses. The colours of flowers and fruits are important visual signal traits in pollination and seed dispersal, evolving under different selective pressures from their respective pollinators and seed dispersers. Birds constitute a unique plant‐interacting group that participates in both pollination and seed dispersal events. In this study, we focus on red flowers and red fruits associated with avian mutualists to gain insight into the intrinsic differences between flowers/pollination and fruits/seed dispersal.

We conducted comparisons of colouration between 94 red flowers pollinated by birds and 99 red fruits dispersed by birds. The colour diversity was compared in both the spectral space and the avian colour vision spaces. Colour conspicuousness was analysed using avian colour vision models, as well as bee models. Pigeon colour preference was tested by controlled experiments utilizing red stimuli with and without secondary peaks at short wavelengths.

Red fruits had lower colour diversity than red flowers, with redder hues and fewer secondary reflectance peaks. Avian colour vision models illustrated that fruits were more conspicuous than flowers achromatically, but not chromatically. Pigeons did not show preference for red with or without a secondary peak.

Although both are red, there are significant differences between flowers and fruits in terms of colour diversity, spectral properties and colour perceptions. As we exclusively considered avian mutualists, these differences cannot be attributed to the differences in interacting animal groups or to their colour vision properties. This implies that the differences in evolutionary history between flowers and fruits may deserve further attention to understand the colour evolution.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Occupational adaptation for adults living with advanced cancer: A phenomenological longitudinal study
Authors: Brose Julie M. , Willis Eileen , Morgan Deidre D.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

People living with advanced cancer want to continue participating in their valued occupations amid cancer progression. However, increasing dependence and bodily deterioration challenge a person's ability to do so, thus requiring adaptation to how they engage in their occupations. Theoretical frameworks on the process of occupational adaptation often do not address the implications of progressive functional decline.

Methods

A longitudinal phenomenological design was used to understand the lived experience of occupational engagement for working‐aged adults living with advanced cancer. A semi‐structured interview series explored participants' experience of occupational engagement and how this changed over time. Data were analysed thematically and mapped against the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO).

Findings

Eight adults (40–64 years old) participated in 33 interviews over 19 months. Three themes were constructed from the data: ongoing adaptation through doing, the significance of volition in adaptation, and everyday life is contingent on my environment. Study findings demonstrate that the process of adaptation occurs through occupational engagement, is motivated by volition, and is affected by the environment. Volition and the environment play a more central role in occupational adaptation than occupational competency for the advanced cancer cohort.

Conclusion

Study findings further MOHO's theoretical conceptualisation of occupational adaptation by identifying the centrality of volition and the environment in the process of adaptation. For people living with advanced cancer, disease progression results in unremitting functional decline, thus rendering competency an unstable and untenable construct. Rather, this paper argues that occupational adaptation is facilitated by volition (i.e., the motivation behind the doing) and the environment, thus fostering a sense of identity and meaning at the end of life. Occupational therapists' awareness of the significance of volition and the environment can thus foster continued occupational engagement and meaning at the end of life for people living with advanced cancer.
Seasonal variation in giraffe population density and abundance in the Tsavo landscape, Kenya
Authors: Njueini John Kabue , Mwangi Evans Mungai , Montgomery Robert A.
Published: October 2023

The giraffe population is thought to vary seasonally in the Tsavo landscape of Kenya, but little data exists to establish if there indeed exists any variability. This study examined the impact of seasonal variation on the giraffe population in the Tsavo landscape. We conducted road transect counts and found 2683 and 3295 giraffes during the wet and dry seasons, with mean KAI and density of 0.19 ± 0.01 and 1.20 ± 0.435/km2, respectively. The giraffe population did not vary significantly between seasons, age and sex. The parks had more giraffes during the wet season compared to the dry season, while the reverse was true for Rombo and Taita ranches. No giraffes were sighted in South Kitui National Reserve.
M2‐like tumor‐associated macrophages promote epithelial–mesenchymal transition through the transforming growth factor β/Smad/zinc finger e‐box binding homeobox pathway with increased metastatic potential and tumor cell proliferation in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sumitomo Ryota , Menju Toshi , Shimazu Yumeta , Toyazaki Toshiya , Chiba Naohisa , Miyamoto Hideaki , Hirayama Yutaka , Nishikawa Shigeto , Tanaka Satona , Yutaka Yojiro , Yamada Yoshito , Nakajima Daisuke , Ohsumi Akihiro , Hamaji Masatsugu , Sato Atsuyasu , Yoshizawa Akihiko , Huang Cheng‐Long , Haga Hironori , Date Hiroshi
Published: October 2023

Epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes primary tumor progression toward a metastatic state. The role of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) in inducing EMT in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the significance of TAMs in relation to EMT in LUSC. We collected 221 LUSC specimens from patients who had undergone surgery. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate M1‐like and M2‐like TAM distribution and EMT by E‐cadherin and vimentin staining. Human LUSC cell lines (H226 and EBC‐1) and a human monocyte cell line (THP‐1) were used for in vitro experiments. M2‐like polarization of TAMs and EMT marker expression in LUSC cells were evaluated by western blotting. The biological behavior of LUSC cells was evaluated by migration, invasion, and cell proliferation assays. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that 166 (75.1%) tumors were E‐cadherin‐positive and 44 (19.9%) were vimentin‐positive. M2‐like TAM density in the tumor stroma was significantly associated with vimentin positivity and worse overall survival. Western blotting demonstrated higher levels of CD163, CD206, vascular endothelial growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) in TAMs versus unstimulated macrophages. Furthermore, increased TGF‐β1 secretion from TAMs was confirmed by ELISA. TAM‐co‐cultured H226 and EBC‐1 cells exhibited EMT (decreased E‐cadherin, increased vimentin). Regarding EMT‐activating transcriptional factors, phosphorylated Smad3 and ZEB‐family proteins were higher in TAM‐co‐cultured LUSC cells than in parental cells. TAM‐co‐cultured H226 and EBC‐1 cells demonstrated enhanced migration and invasion capabilities and improved proliferation. Overall, the present study suggests that TAMs can induce EMT with increased metastatic potential and tumor cell proliferation in LUSC.
Assessment of the anti‐inflammatory mechanism of quercetin 3,7‐dirhamnoside using an integrated pharmacology strategy
Authors: He Xinqian , Sun Yongzhi , Lu Xiaomeng , Yang Fan , Li Ting , Deng Changsheng , Song Jianping , Huang Xin'an
Published: October 2023

Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.) Benn. is a Chinese herbal medicine widely used for its anti‐inflammatory and pus‐removal properties. To explore its potential anti‐inflammatory mechanism, quercetin 3,7‐dirhamnoside (QDR), the main flavonoid component of P. zeylanica (L.) Benn., was extracted and purified. The potential anti‐inflammatory targets of QDR were predicted using network analysis. These potential targets were verified using molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and in vitro experiments. Consequently, 342 potential anti‐inflammatory QDR targets were identified. By analyzing the intersection between the protein–protein interaction and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, we identified several potential protein targets of QDR, including RAC‐alpha serine/threonine‐protein kinase (AKT1), Ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1), nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3), serine/threonine‐protein kinase mTOR (mTOR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), growth factor receptor‐bound protein 2 (GRB2), and endothelin‐1 receptor (EDNRA). QDR has anti‐inflammatory activity and regulates immune responses and apoptosis through chemokines, Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase 3(PI3K)/AKT, cAMP, T‐cell receptor, and Ras signaling pathways. Molecular docking analysis showed that QDR has good binding abilities with AKT1, mTOR, and NOS3. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the protein–ligand complex systems formed between QDR and AKT1, mTOR, and NOS3 have high dynamic stability, and their protein–ligand complex systems possess strong binding ability. In RAW264.7 macrophages, QDR significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐induced inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, nitric oxide (NO) release and the generation of proinflammatory cytokines IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α. QDR downregulated the expression of p‐AKT1(Ser473)/AKT1 and p‐mTOR (Ser2448)/mTOR, and upregulated the expression of NOS3, Rictor, and Raptor. This indicates that the anti‐inflammatory mechanisms of QDR involve regulation of AKT1 and mTOR to prevent apoptosis and of NOS3 which leads to the release of endothelial NO. Thus, our study elucidated the potential anti‐inflammatory mechanism of QDR, the main flavonoid found in P. zeylanica (L.) Benn.
Integration of human organoids single‐cell transcriptomic profiles and human genetics repurposes critical cell type‐specific drug targets for severe COVID‐19
Authors: Ma Yunlong , Zhou Yijun , Jiang Dingping , Dai Wei , Li Jingjing , Deng Chunyu , Chen Cheng , Zheng Gongwei , Zhang Yaru , Qiu Fei , Sun Haojun , Xing Shilai , Han Haijun , Qu Jia , Wu Nan , Yao Yinghao , Su Jianzhong
Published: October 2023

Human organoids recapitulate the cell type diversity and function of their primary organs holding tremendous potentials for basic and translational research. Advances in single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) technology and genome‐wide association study (GWAS) have accelerated the biological and therapeutic interpretation of trait‐relevant cell types or states. Here, we constructed a computational framework to integrate atlas‐level organoid scRNA‐seq data, GWAS summary statistics, expression quantitative trait loci, and gene–drug interaction data for distinguishing critical cell populations and drug targets relevant to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) severity. We found that 39 cell types across eight kinds of organoids were significantly associated with COVID‐19 outcomes. Notably, subset of lung mesenchymal stem cells increased proximity with fibroblasts predisposed to repair COVID‐19‐damaged lung tissue. Brain endothelial cell subset exhibited significant associations with severe COVID‐19, and this cell subset showed a notable increase in cell‐to‐cell interactions with other brain cell types, including microglia. We repurposed 33 druggable genes, including IFNAR2, TYK2, and VIPR2, and their interacting drugs for COVID‐19 in a cell‐type‐specific manner. Overall, our results showcase that host genetic determinants have cellular‐specific contribution to COVID‐19 severity, and identification of cell type‐specific drug targets may facilitate to develop effective therapeutics for treating severe COVID‐19 and its complications.