bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Right atrial mechanism contributes to atrial fibrillation in a canine model of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhu Xiyao , Song Ziliang , Qin Mu , Xu Changhao , Liu Xu
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate proarrhythmic substrates of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a canine model of dehydromonophylline (DMCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Methods

All cannines (n=12) underwent baseline echocardiographic and hemodynamic examinations, 7 of which were injected with DMCT (3.0mg/kg) to induce PAH via jugular vein cannulation. The control beagles (n=5) were given the same dose of normal saline. Then, both groups were monitored by insertable cardiac monitors. Hemodynamic, echocardiographic, electrophysiological and histological examinations were performed 8 weeks later.

Results

In PAH group, 2 died after the injection (mortality 28.6%). Thus, 10 beagles (PAH group: 5, control group: 5) underwent all the examinations. The pulmonary artery pressure increased significantly while the right atrium (RA) and right ventricle expanded slightly. Spontaneous AF episodes were recorded in all PAH canines 1 week after the injection. The AF burden increased rapidly from 1 week (7.6±1.8%) and remained high after 2-3 weeks (32.0±4.9% at 8 weeks). Compared with the control group, the PAH group had abbreviated effective refractory periods (ERPs), increased atrial ERP dispersion, and slower conduction velocities. Notably, AF susceptibility and atrial remodeling in RA was more significant those in LA, such as increased WOV(39.0±6.5ms vs. 28.0±5.7ms, P=0.022), enlarged low voltage regions (7.66±0.46% vs. 4.40±0.55%, P<0.0001) and fibrosis (8.22±0.61% vs. 4.93±0.60%, P <0.0001).

Conclusions

DMCT-induced canine PAH model increased the incidence of spontaneous and induced AF. The electrophysiological and structural remodeling of the RA facilitated the AF genesis.
Joint effect of changing selection and demography on the site frequency spectrum
Authors: Jain Kavita , Kaushik Sachin
Published: February 2022

The site frequency spectrum (SFS) is an important statistic that summarizes the molecular variation in a population, and used to estimate population-genetic parameters and detect natural selection. While the equilibrium SFS in a constant environment is quite well studied, recent research has focused on nonequilibrium SFS to elucidate the role of demography when selection is constant in time and of fluctuating selection in a population of constant size. However, the joint effect of time-dependent selection and population size has not been investigated so far. Here, we study the SFS in a randomly mating, diploid population in which both the population size and selection coefficient vary periodically with time using a diffusion theory approach, and derive simple analytical expressions for the time-averaged SFS in slowly and rapidly changing environments. We show that for strong selection and in slowly changing environments, the time-averaged SFS differs significantly from the equilibrium SFS when the population experiences both positive and negative cycles of the selection coefficient. The deviation depends on the time spent by the population in the deleterious part of the selection cycle and the phase difference between the selection coefficient and population size. In particular, we find that the time-averaged SFS in slowly to moderately fast varying, on-average neutral environment has the same qualitative shape as the equilibrium SFS for positively selected mutant but differs quantitatively from it which can be captured by an effective population size.
Modular capsid decoration boosts adenovirus vaccine-induced humoral and cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Dicks Matthew D. J. , Rose Louisa M. , Bowman Lesley A. H. , Graham Carl , Doores Katie J. , Malim Michael H. , Draper Simon J. , Howarth Mark , Biswas Sumi
Published: February 2022

Adenovirus vector vaccines have been widely and successfully deployed in response to COVID-19. However, despite inducing potent T cell immunity, improvement of vaccine-specific antibody responses upon homologous boosting is modest compared to other technologies. Here, we describe a system to enable modular decoration of adenovirus capsid surfaces with protein antigens and demonstrate induction of potent humoral immunity against these displayed antigens. Ligand attachment via a covalent isopeptide bond was achieved in a rapid and spontaneous reaction, requiring simple co-incubation of ligand and vector components. We used a recently described protein superglue, DogTag/DogCatcher, which is similar to the widely used SpyTag/SpyCatcher ligation system but performs better in loop structures. DogTag was inserted into surface-exposed loops in the adenovirus hexon protein to allow attachment of DogCatcher-fused ligands on virus particles. Efficient coverage of the capsid surface was achieved using a variety of ligands and vector infectivity was retained in each case. Capsid decoration shielded particles from anti-adenovirus neutralizing antibodies. In prime-boost regimens, proof-of-concept COVID-19 adenovirus vaccines decorated with the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike induced >10-fold higher SARS-CoV-2 neutralization titers compared to an undecorated adenovirus vector encoding spike. Importantly, decorated vectors retained robust T cell immunogenicity to encoded antigens, a key hallmark of adenovirus vector vaccines. We propose capsid decoration via protein superglue-mediated covalent ligation as a novel strategy to improve the efficacy and boostability of adenovirus-based vaccines and therapeutics.

One Sentence Summary

Decorating the capsid surface of adenovirus vaccine vectors using a spontaneous protein superglue induces potent pathogen-specific immunity
TFIIB-related factor 1 is a nucleolar protein that promotes RNA polymerase I-directed transcription and tumour cell growth
Authors: Wang Juan , Chen Qiyue , Wang Xin , Zhao Shasha , Deng Huan , Guo Baoqiang , Zhang Cheng , Song Xiaoye , Deng Wensheng , Zhang Shihua , Zhang Tongcun , Ni Hongwei
Published: February 2022

RNA polymerase I (Pol I) products play pivotal roles in ribosomal assembly, protein synthesis and cell growth. Dysregulation of Pol I product synthesis closely correlates with tumourigenesis. However, the factors and pathways governing Pol I-dependent transcription remain to be identified. Here, we report that TFIIB-related factor 1 (BRF1), a subunit of TFIIIB required for Pol III-mediated transcription, is a nucleolar protein and modulates the rRNA synthesis directed by Pol I. We show that BRF1 can be co-localized with nucleolar protein markers in several human cell types. BRF1 expression positively correlates with Pol I product levels and tumour cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, BRF1 binds to the Pol I transcription machinery factors and is recruited to the rDNA promoter with them. Alteration of BRF1 expression affected the recruitment of Pol I transcription machinery at the rDNA promoter, the rDNA promoter activity and expression of TBP and TAF1A, indicating that BRF1 modulates Pol I-direct transcription by controlling the expression of selective factor 1 subunits. Collectively, we demonstrate that BRF1 acts as a positive factor to regulate Pol I-directed transcription, suggesting that BRF1 can concurrently modulate Pol I and Pol III transcription and acts as a key coordinator between them.
Acute thermal stress elicits interactions between gene expression and alternative splicing in a fish of conservation concern
Authors: Thorstensen Matt J , Turko Andy J , Heath Daniel D , Jeffries Ken M , Pitcher Trevor E
Published: February 2022

Transcriptomics provides a mechanistic understanding of an organism’s response to environmental challenges such as increasing temperatures, which can provide key insights into the threats posed by thermal challenges associated with urbanization and climate change. Differential gene expression and alternative splicing are two elements of the transcriptomic stress response that may work in tandem, but relatively few studies have investigated these interactions in fishes of conservation concern. We studied the imperilled redside dace (Clinostomus elongatus) as thermal stress is hypothesised to be an important cause of population declines. We tested the hypothesis that gene expression-splicing interactions contribute to the thermal stress response. Wild fish exposed to acute thermal stress were compared with both handling controls and fish sampled directly from a river. Liver tissue was sampled to study the transcriptomic stress response. Thermally stressed fish showed a prominent transcriptional response (estimated with mRNA transcript abundance) related to transcription regulation and responses to unfolded proteins, and prominent alternatively spliced genes related to gene expression regulation and metabolism. One splicing factor, prpf38b, was upregulated in the thermally stressed group compared to the other treatments. This splicing factor may have a role in the Jun/AP-1 cellular stress response, a pathway with wide-ranging and context-dependent effects. Given large gene interaction networks and the context-dependent nature of transcriptional responses, our results highlight the importance of understanding interactions between gene expression and splicing for understanding transcriptomic responses to thermal stress. Our results also reveal transcriptional pathways that can inform conservation breeding, translocation, and reintroduction programs for redside dace and other imperilled species by identifying appropriate source populations.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Gene expression and alternative splicing interact in response to thermal stress in an imperilled fish, with implications for conservation and mechanisms of thermal tolerance in vertebrate ectotherms.
Performance of plasma amyloid, tau, and astrocyte biomarkers to identify cerebral AD pathophysiology
Authors: Ferreira Pâmela C. L , Tissot Cécile , Ferrari-Souza João Pedro , Brum Wagner S. , Bellaver Bruna , Leffa Douglas T. , Therriault Joseph , Benedet Andréa L. , Lussier Firoza Z. , Chamoun Mira , Bezgin Gleb , Servaes Stijn , Stevenson Jenna , Rahmouni Nesrine , Pallen Vanessa , Kang Min Su , Poltronetti Nina Margherita , Tudorascu Dana L. , Klunk William E. , Villemagne Victor L. , Cohen Annie , Gauthier Serge , Zimmer Eduardo R. , Ashton Nicholas J. , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Karikari Thomas K. , Rosa-Neto Pedro , Pascoal Tharick A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Plasma amyloid-β (Aβ), phosphorylated tau (p-tau), and glial fibrillar acid protein (GFAP) can identify Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology with high accuracy. However, comparing their performance in the same individuals remains under-explored.

Methods

We compared the predictive performance of plasma Aβ42/40, p-tau(at threonine 181 and 231), neurofilament light (NfL), and GFAP to identify Aβ- and tau-PET positivity in 138 cognitive unimpaired (CU) and 87 cognitive impaired (CI) individuals.

Results

In CU, plasma p-tau231 had the best performance to identify both Aβ- and tau-PET positivity. In CI, plasma GFAP showed the best predictive accuracy to identify both Aβ and tau-PET positivity.

Discussion

Our results support plasma p-tau231 as a marker of early AD pathology and, that GFAP best identifies both PET Aβ and tau abnormalities in the brain of CI individuals. These findings highlight that the performance of blood-based protein biomarkers to identify the presence of AD pathophysiology is disease-stage dependent.
Next Generation Opto-Jasplakinolides Enable Local Remodeling of Actin Networks
Authors: Küllmer Florian , Vepřek Nynke A. , Borowiak Malgorzata , Nasufović Veselin , Barutzki Sebastian , Thorn-Seshold Oliver , Arndt Hans-Dieter , Trauner Dirk
Published: February 2022

The natural product jasplakinolide is a widely used tool compound to stabilize F-actin and influence actin dynamics. We have previously introduced photoswitchable jasplakinolides (optojasps) that are activated with violet light and deactivated with blue light. Based on insights from cryo-electron microscopy and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, we now developed a new generation of functionally superior optojasps that are better suited for biological investigations. These compounds are procured through chemical total synthesis and feature rationally designed red-shifted azobenzene photoswitches. Our new optojasps can be activated with longer wavelengths in the visible range (e.g. 440-477 nm) and rapidly return to their inactive state through thermal relaxation. This has enabled the reversible control of F-actin dynamics, as shown through live-cell imaging and cell migration, as well as cell proliferation assays. Brief sub-cellular activation with blue-green light resulted in highly localized F-actin clusters that gradually dissolved in the dark. Our light-responsive tools can be useful in diverse fields to study actin dynamics with outstanding spatiotemporal precision.

Graphical Abstract
Comprehensive analysis of PNA-based antisense antibiotics targeting various essential genes in uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Popella Linda , Jung Jakob , Do Phuong Thao , Barquist Lars , Vogel Jörg
Published: February 2022

Antisense peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) that target mRNAs of essential bacterial genes exhibit specific bactericidal effects in several microbial species, but our mechanistic understanding of PNA activity and their target gene spectrum is limited. Here, we present a systematic analysis of PNAs targeting eleven essential genes with varying expression levels in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). We demonstrate that UPEC is susceptible to killing by peptide-conjugated PNAs, especially when targeting the widely-used essential gene acpP. Our evaluation yields three additional promising target mRNAs for effective growth inhibition, i.e., dnaB, ftsZ, and rpsH. The analysis also shows that transcript abundance does not predict target vulnerability and that PNA-mediated growth inhibition is not universally associated with target mRNA depletion. Global transcriptomic analyses further reveal PNA sequence-dependent but also -independent responses, including the induction of envelope stress response pathways. Importantly, we show that the growth inhibitory capacity of 9mer PNAs is generally as effective as their 10mer counterparts. Overall, our systematic comparison of a range of PNAs targeting mRNAs of different essential genes in UPEC suggests important features for PNA design, reveals a general bacterial response to PNA conjugates and establishes the feasibility of using PNA antibacterials to combat UPEC.
Quantitative Proteomic Profiling of Murine Embryonic Heart Development Reveals a Role for the Mevalonate Pathway in Cardiomyocyte Proliferation
Authors: Edwards Whitney , Greco Todd M. , Miner Gregory E. , Barker Natalie K. , Herring Laura , Cohen Sarah , Cristea Ileana M. , Conlon Frank L.
Published: February 2022

Defining the molecular mechanisms that govern heart development is essential for identifying the etiology of congenital heart disease. Here, quantitative proteomics was used to measure temporal changes in the cardiac proteome at eight critical stages of murine embryonic heart development. Global temporal profiles of the over 7,300 identified proteins uncovered signature cardiac protein interaction networks that linked protein dynamics with molecular pathways. Using this integrated dataset, we identified and established a functional role for the mevalonate pathway in the regulation of embryonic cardiomyocyte proliferation and cell signaling. Overall, our proteomic datasets are an invaluable resource for studying molecular events that regulate embryonic heart development and contribute to congenital heart disease.
Alternate response of Bacillus anthracis atxA and acpA to serum, HCO3- and CO2
Authors: Glinert Itai , Bar-David Elad , Ben-Shmuel Amir , Sittner Assa , Puni Reut , Laredo Shira , Kobiler David , Weiss Shay , Levy Haim
Published: February 2022

Bacillus anthracis overcomes host immune responses by producing capsule and secreting toxins. Production of these virulence factors in response to entering the host environment was shown to be regulated by atxA, the major virulence regulator, known to be activated by HCO3- and CO2. While toxin production is regulated directly by atxA, capsule production is independently mediated by two regulators; acpA and acpB. In addition, it was demonstrated that acpA has at least two promotors, one of them shared with atxA. We used a genetic approach to study capsule and toxin production under different conditions. Unlike previous works utilizing NBY-HCO3- medium under CO2 enriched conditions, we used a sDMEM-based medium. Thus, toxin and capsule production can be induced in ambient or CO2 enriched atmosphere. Using this system, we could differentiate between induction by 10% NRS, 10% CO2 or 0.75% HCO3-. In response to high CO2, capsule production is induced by acpA in an atxA-independent manner, with little to no toxin (protective antigen PA) production. atxA is activated in response to serum independently of CO2, inducing toxin and capsule production in an acpA or acpB dependent manner. HCO3- was also found to activate atxA, but in non-physiological concentrations. Our findings may help explain the first stages of inhalational infection, in which spores germinating in dendritic cells require protection (by encapsulation) without affecting cell migration to the draining lymph-node by toxin secretion.
Aberrant cortical development is driven by impaired cell cycle and translational control in aDDX3Xsyndrome model
Authors: Hoye Mariah L. , Calviello Lorenzo , Poff Abigail J. , Ejimogu Nna-Emeka , Newman Carly R. , Ou Jianhong , Floor Stephen N. , Silver Debra L.
Published: February 2022

Mutations in the RNA helicase,DDX3X, are a leading cause of Intellectual Disability and present asDDX3Xsyndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with cortical malformations and autism. Yet the cellular and molecular mechanisms by whichDDX3Xcontrols cortical development are largely unknown. Here, using a mouse model ofDdx3xloss-of-function we demonstrate that DDX3X directs translational and cell cycle control of neural progenitors, which underlies precise corticogenesis. First, we show brain development is highly sensitive toDdx3xdosage; CompleteDdx3xloss from neural progenitors causes microcephaly in females, whereas hemizygous males and heterozygous females show reduced neurogenesis without marked microcephaly. In addition,Ddx3xloss is sexually dimorphic, as its paralog,Ddx3y,compensates forDdx3xin the developing male neocortex. Using live imaging of progenitors, we show that DDX3X promotes neuronal generation by regulating both cell cycle duration and neurogenic divisions. Finally, we use ribosome profilingin vivoto discover the repertoire of translated transcripts in neural progenitors, including those which are DDX3X-dependent and essential for neurogenesis. Our study reveals invaluable new insights into the etiology ofDDX3Xsyndrome, implicating dysregulated progenitor cell cycle dynamics and translation as pathogenic mechanisms.
Phosphatidic acid inhibits inositol synthesis by inducing nuclear translocation of IP6K1 and repression of myo-inositol-3-P synthase
Authors: Lazcano Pablo , Schmidtke Michael W. , Onu Chisom , Greenberg Miriam L.
Published: February 2022

Inositol is an essential metabolite that serves as a precursor for structural and signaling molecules. Although perturbation of inositol homeostasis has been implicated in numerous human disorders, surprisingly little is known about how inositol levels are regulated in mammalian cells. A recent study in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) demonstrated that nuclear translocation of inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 (IP6K1) mediates repression of myo-3-P synthase (MIPS), the rate-limiting inositol biosynthetic enzyme. Binding of IP6K1 to phosphatidic acid (PA) is required for this repression. The current study was carried out to elucidate the role of PA in IP6K1 repression. The results indicate that increasing PA levels through pharmacological stimulation of phospholipase D (PLD) or direct supplementation of 18:1 PA induces nuclear translocation of IP6K1 and represses expression of MIPS protein. This effect was specific to PA synthesized in the plasma membrane, as ER-derived PA did not induce IP6K1 translocation. PLD-mediated PA synthesis can be stimulated by the master metabolic regulator 5’ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Activation of AMPK by glucose deprivation or by treatment with the mood stabilizing drugs valproate (VPA) or lithium recapitulated IP6K1 nuclear translocation and decreased MIPS expression. This study demonstrates for the first time that modulation of PA levels through the AMPK-PLD pathway regulates IP6K1-mediated repression of MIPS.
The Zpr-3 antibody recognizes the 320-354 region of Rho and labels both rods and green cones in zebrafish
Authors: Gao Pan , Qin Yayun , Qu Zhen , Huang Yuwen , Liu Xiliang , Li Jingzhen , Liu Fei , Liu Mugen
Published: February 2022

Retinal markers with high quality and specificity are important for the observation of pathologic changes of retinal cells during retinal development, degeneration, and regeneration. Zpr-3 is a mouse monoclonal antibody with uncharacterized antigen usually used to label rod photoreceptors. In this study, we provided evidence to demonstrate that the antigen gene of zpr-3 is rho, which encodes the rod opsin, and the exact epitope of zpr-3 is the 320-354 region of Rho protein. More importantly, our immunofluorescence assays indicated that zpr-3 labels both the outer segments of rods and green-cones on zebrafish retinal sections, probably due to the cross-reaction with the green-cone opsin. Our work is valuable for the scientific community to interpret the experimental data involving the zpr-3 antibody.
Katnip is required to maintain microtubule function and lysosomal delivery to autophagosomes and phagosomes
Authors: Starling Georgina P. , Philips Ben A , Ganesh Sahana , King Jason S.
Published: February 2022

The efficient delivery of lysosomes is essential for many cell functions, such as the degradation of unwanted intracellular components by autophagy and the killing and digestion of extracellular microbes within phagosomes. Using the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum we find that cells lacking Katnip (Katanin interacting protein) have a general defect in lysosome delivery and whilst able to make autophagosomes and phagosomes correctly are then unable to digest them.

Katnip is largely unstudied yet highly conserved across evolution. Previously studies found Katnip mutations in animals cause defects in cilia structure. Here we show that Katnip plays a general role in maintaining microtubule function. We find that loss of Katnip has no overall effect on microtubule dynamics or organisation, but is important for the transport and degradation of endocytic cargos. Strikingly, Katnip mutants become highly sensitive to GFP-tubulin expression, which leads to microtubule tangles, defective anaphase extension and slow growth. Our findings establish a conserved role for Katnip in the function of all microtubules, not just cilia as previously reported. We speculate this is via a key function in microtubule repair, required to maintain endosomal trafficking and lysosomal degradation.
Extreme conditions research using the large-volume press at the P61B endstation, PETRA III
Authors: Farla Robert , Bhat Shrikant , Sonntag Stefan , Chanyshev Artem , Ma Shuailing , Ishii Takayuki , Liu Zhaodong , Néri Adrien , Nishiyama Norimasa , Faria Guilherme Abreu , Wroblewski Thomas , Schulte-Schrepping Horst , Drube Wolfgang , Seeck Oliver , Katsura Tomoo
Published: February 2022

Penetrating, high-energy synchrotron X-rays are in strong demand, particularly for high-pressure research in physics, chemistry and geosciences, and for materials engineering research under less extreme conditions. A new high-energy wiggler beamline P61 has been constructed to meet this need at PETRA III in Hamburg, Germany. The first part of the paper offers an overview of the beamline front-end components and beam characteristics. The second part describes the performance of the instrumentation and the latest developments at the P61B endstation. Particular attention is given to the unprecedented high-energy photon flux delivered by the ten wigglers of the PETRA III storage ring and the challenges faced in harnessing this amount of flux and heat load in the beam. Furthermore, the distinctiveness of the world's first six-ram Hall-type large-volume press, Aster-15, at a synchrotron facility is described for research with synchrotron X-rays. Additionally, detection schemes, experimental strategies and preliminary data acquired using energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction and radiography techniques are presented.
Improvement of aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) for Cessna 172
Authors: Gunes Tarik , Turhan Ugur , Yörük Açıkel Birsen
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to bring a new approach to the existing structure of Cessna 172 type Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMM), operational safety, suitability for maintenance operations and human factors. The purpose of this study is to maintain maintenance operations more safely and effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tried to develop an approach by using focus group interview and individual interview techniques. At all stages of the study, interviews were made and support was received from the maintenance technicians, technical instructors and students from the aviation industry stakeholders.

Findings

According to the answers given by the participants, the new approach could have a positive effect on operational safety (98.71%), could have a positive effect on human performance (95.72%) it is understandable (93.16%), it is proper for maintenance operations (88.74%) with high potential to convert into practice (85.92%) and a high potential for future applications (97.06%).

Practical implications

It can be used in aviation organizations that operate AMM Cessna 172 type aircraft, created with the new approach, in maintenance aircraft maintenance enterprises and maintenance training institutions. Thanks to this approach, aircraft maintenance technicians will be able to perform safely and more effective maintenance activities.

Originality/value

Contrary to the technologies used by organizations that host wide-body aircraft in their fleets, it requires less cost and less workload to create, use and update. Low-cost airline organizations and maintenance training institutions will also be able to achieve this approach.
Who loves to forgive? The mediator mechanism of service recovery between brand love, brand trust and purchase intention in the context of food-delivery apps
Authors: Aureliano-Silva Leonardo , Spers Eduardo Eugênio , Lodhi Rab Nawaz , Pattanayak Monalisa
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the mediating role of service recovery between brand love (BL), brand trust (BT) and purchase intention in the context of food-delivery apps.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a quantitative approach. The authors conducted an online survey and collected 275 responses from users of food-delivery apps in South America and Asia. The authors analyzed the conceptual model proposed using structural equation modeling (SEM) in Smart PLS 3.0.

Findings

The results showed a direct and significant relationship between brand love, BT and purchase intention. Additionally, the authors identified the mediating role of service recovery between brand love, BT and purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

First, this study focused on the service recovery construct in general. Future research can address different types of service recovery, for example, core, interpersonal and procedure failures (Kim and Jang, 2016). Second, the authors restricted the study to the relationship between brand love, BT and purchase intention. Future studies can include other constructs, such as e-word of mouth, loyalty and information risk, as intervening variables. A larger sample can also be considered to support the generalization of the findings.

Practical implications

This study recommends that companies enchant customers with immediate actions after a service failure has occurred. In doing so, companies must monitor those customers who have experienced a service failure, measuring the level of trust in the branded app and checking the frequency of purchases after a service recovery. Interacting with customers through messages is also an important action to manage their purchase intention following the problem's solution. Furthermore, companies must segment customers who have experienced a failure and direct them to specific benefits to reinforce their trust in the app. Then, after correcting the problem, they should pay them special attention by offering benefits, like discounts, coupons and free delivery, as a strategy to promote future purchases.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to investigate the impact of service recovery on brand love, BT and purchase intention in the context of food-delivery services. The authors extend the knowledge about consumers' responses in the case of a failure caused by consumers' loved brands and show how service recovery actions can establish BT and influence future purchases.
Circular economy-based reverse logistics: dynamic interplay between sustainable resource commitment and financial performance
Authors: Fernando Yudi , Shaharudin Muhammad Shabir , Abideen Ahmed Zainul
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The study aims to propose a circular economy-based reverse logistics (CERL) that emphasises the mediation effect of reverse logistics (RL) on sustainable resource commitment and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural equation modelling (SEM) approach has been applied to analyse the data acquired through the survey method that included 113 vendors of automotive supplies of the 1st and 2nd levels.

Findings

The results confirm that CERL acts as an essential intervening entity between resources and financial performance. The findings of the study have provided research and development (R&D) opportunities for the industries to find alternative revenue streams and generate profit from resource investment whilst upholding environmental standards through reverse logistic practices.

Practical implications

Reverse logistic practices are the key components of a circular business model and a sustainable supply chain. The manufacturing companies need to explore critical enablers that can contribute to business productivity and financial growth.

Originality/value

The study has validated a CERL model that portrays the circular economy's resilient relationship with RL practices.
Intellectual capital and innovation performance: the moderating role of big data analytics: evidence from the banking sector in Jordan
Authors: AL-Khatib Ayman Wael
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of intellectual capital on the innovation performance of the Jordanian banking sector and identify the moderating role of big data analytics.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study's purposes, 333 questionnaires were analysed. Convergent validity, discriminant validity and reliability tests were performed through structural equation modelling (SEM) in the Smart-PLS program. A bootstrapping technique was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Empirical results showed that each of the components of intellectual capital and big data analytics explains 63.5% of the variance in innovation performance and that all components of intellectual capital have a statistically significant impact on innovation performance. The results also revealed that the relationship between structural capital and innovation performance is moderated through big data analytics.

Research limitations/implications

This cross-sectional study provides a snapshot at a given moment in time, a methodological limitation that affects the generalisation of its results, and the results are limited to one country.

Practical implications

This study promotes the idea of focusing on components of intellectual capital to enhance innovation performance in the Jordanian banking sector and knowing the effect of big data analytics in this relationship.

Social implications

This study makes recommendations for financial policymakers to improve the effectiveness of intellectual capital practices and innovation performance in the context of big data analytics.

Originality/value

This study has important implications for leaders in the Jordanian banking sector, in general, as the study highlights the importance of intellectual capital to enhance the innovation performance, especially in light of the big data analytics in this sector, and thus increase the innovative capabilities of this banks, which leads to an increase in the level of innovation.
Multilayer grey situation group decision-making model based on cooperative game
Authors: Zhang Na , Yan Shuli
Published: February 2022

Purpose

In the process of group decision-making, there may be multilayer subjects. In other words, members of the decision-making group may come from different layers and there is interest game among decision experts. Therefore, it is an extremely important topic to aggregate the information of decision experts who are involved in hierarchical relations and gaming relations so as to effectively address game conflicts and reach game cooperation.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a programming model is established to minimize the difference of expert opinions in hierarchical decision-making, and the method to solve the optimal solution is given. Second, the cooperative game model and its properties are discussed by using cooperative game and Shapley value, and the method to determine the weight vector between layers is also proposed.

Findings

This model can quickly aggregate information and achieve game equilibrium among decision-makers with hierarchical relationships. It can be widely used in decision evaluation with hierarchy structure and has certain practical value.

Originality/value

In order to solve the problem that experts at different levels may have conflicts of interest in multilayer grey situation group decision-making process, cooperative game and Shapley value theory are introduced into the study, and a multilayer grey situation group decision-making model based on cooperative game is constructed. The validity and practicability of the model are illustrated by an example.
Islamic community-based business cooperation and sustainable development goals: a case of pesantren community in Indonesia
Authors: Zaki Irham , Zusak M. Bastomi Fahri , Mi'raj Denizar Abdurrahman , Hasib Fatin Fadhilah
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to discuss the model of community-based cooperation between pesantren businesses, using case study approach toward an Indonesian pesantren community.

Design/methodology/approach

The data in this research are gathered through through in-depth interviews with Hebitren managements and forum group discussion with the stakeholders of the Hebitren, which includes Hebitren managements themselves, Bank Indonesia and several related ministries.

Findings

The results show that pesantren business cooperations in Indonesia is related in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This cooperation model is expected to be able to contribute in the effort to accomplish SDGs, which include: no poverty (SDGs 1), quality education (SDGs 4) and partnership for the goals (SDGs 17).

Research limitations/implications

The models of pesantren business cooperation are not comprehensive because of the various characteristics of pesantren and its model business. Moreover, Hebitren is one of national forum for business pesantren. So, that the results are possibly applicable.

Practical implications

This research highlights the importance of pesantren’s business unit cooperation management by improving the quality of human resources and business’s infrastructures. This study is a new research model that comprehensively discusses the pesantren community as a form of economic and business development.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first model of inter-pesantren business unit network in a pesantren business community comprehensively.
Women’s experiences of prison-based mental healthcare: a systematic review of qualitative literature
Authors: Bright Ann-Marie , Higgins Agnes , Grealish Annmarie
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The rate of female committals to prison has grown rapidly in recent years. Women in prison are likely to have trauma histories and difficulties with their mental health. This paper aims to synthesise the findings of qualitative literature to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of women in the context of prison-based mental health care.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic search of five academic databases, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, Psychological Information Database (PsycINFO), Excerpta Medica DataBASE (EMBASE) and Medline, was completed in December 2020. This study’s search strategy identified 4,615 citations, and seven studies were included for review. Thomas and Harden’s (2008) framework for thematic synthesis was used to analyse data. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Qualitative Research (Lockwood et al., 2015).

Findings

Four analytic themes were identified that detail women’s experiences of prison-based mental health care: the type of services accessed and challenges encountered; a reduction in capacity to self-manage mental well-being; the erosion of privacy and dignity; and strained relationships with prison staff. There is a paucity of research conducted with women in the context of prison-based mental health care. The findings suggest there is a need for greater mental health support, including the need to enhance relationships between women and prison staff to promote positive mental health.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic review conducted on the experiences of women in the context of prison-based mental health care.
University air travel and greenhouse gas mitigation: an analysis of higher education climate policies
Authors: Schmidt Anthony
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Numerous higher education institutions have created policies that aim to reduce their carbon footprints. Most policies focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions related to energy production and consumption. One area that has received less attention has been greenhouse gas emissions from university air travel. The purpose of this paper is to understand how US higher education institutions address university air travel emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research used qualitative document analysis to examine the climate policies of 44 doctoral institutions. The analysis sought to establish themes across a range of climate policy documents from the sampled institutions. Intercoder consensus, peer review and member checking were used to increase the reliability and validity of the analysis.

Findings

Five major themes emerged from the documents: no consideration of air travel, lack of quality data for accurate consideration, recommendations to offset air travel emissions, support for videoconferencing and other suggestions for mitigation. These themes are discussed in detail, as are practical suggestions and implications stemming from this and related research.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on a sample of US doctoral institutions and their public documents. It is therefore limited in its generalizability.

Practical implications

Institutions need to create a culture in which individual behavior changes toward lower travel are supported. Though problematic, institutions in the USA need to strive to implement suggested offset programs. Given the ubiquity of virtual presence, institutions need to further support videoconferencing.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is among the first to examine how higher education institutions in the USA address air travel emissions.
The influence of sustainable branding and opinion leaders on international students’ intention to study: a case of Universiti Sains Malaysia
Authors: Mohamad Saleh Mohamad Saifudin , Md Kassim Normalini , Alhaji Tukur Naziru
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between a sustainable university brand and the intention of international students to study at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), one of Malaysia’s premier universities. Moreover, the study explored the moderating effect of opinion leaders on the intention of international students to study at USM.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey involving 391 international students was conducted using a self-assessment questionnaire, data from which were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

Empirical data show that USM’s sustainability brand had a positive impact on international students’ intention to study at the university, but opinion leaders had no significant sway in influencing this decision. This finding could be attributed to USM’s established reputation as a sustainable university, which helps cement its standing as the top choice for international students.

Research limitations/implications

This research only focussed on international students at one Malaysian university. Hence, the findings are not generalisable, in particular, to illuminate the experiences of students at non-Malaysian institutions, whose contexts are inevitably different than Malaysia’s.

Practical implications

This study offered a dimensional insight into the university management on the pivotal branding of sustainability as one of the important tools for attracting international students to study at the university. In light of the findings, it is suggested that universities magnify their efforts to support the sustainable agenda, to help create a sustainable university brand that adds value to the interests of stakeholders.

Originality/value

Universities are continuously faced with challenges in terms of branding. Besides, not many universities are branded as sustainable universities despite the high involvement in sustainability-focused activities. Research has scarcely focused on the influence of the “sustainable university brand” on the marketing effort of the university to international students. In studies where this topic was highlighted, they focused on the opinion leader as the moderating influence of the choice of university amongst international students.
Collective aspects of information literacy in developing countries: a Bangladeshi case
Authors: Anwar Misita , Oliver Gillian , Frings-Hessami Viviane , Saha Manika , Sarker Anindita
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the exploration of women farmers' information literacy (IL) in the context of rural Bangladesh within the context of an ICT-based women empowerment project.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses thematic analysis of qualitative data collected during a culturally sensitive workshop on IL with a group of project participants.

Findings

The findings showed that women understood their information needs and where to find information, which indicates that participants had some basic IL skills. However, the online environment presented challenges for them to evaluate the quality of the information and its relevance to their daily activities. The cultural complexity of IL was observed with the rural women’s information practices affected by family patterns, community and religion, amongst other social factors. Collective practices are made highly evident by the women’s natural tendency to share phones and information and by the way information is maintained. While the collective practices are very useful in utilising information for daily needs, the downside is that women are potentially vulnerable to threats in an online environment when sharing confidential information.

Originality/value

This article shows that in the context of rural Bangladesh, women farmers’ information-seeking behaviour and practices of sharing and creating information are influenced by sociocultural characteristics. It describes how the women’s situational context of collectivity and power relations influence their ways of handling information.
We are in survival mode: how family-owned small foodservice firms in India responded to the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Piramanayagam Senthilkumaran , Dixit Saurabh Kumar , Seal Partho Pratim
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the crisis faced, strategies adopted, barriers for recovery and the future outlook by the operators of family-owned small foodservice business firms in responses to COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded unprecedented challenges, severely disrupted the family-run small foodservice business units and often put them on the brink of closure of business.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted is a qualitative research approach. The data for the research is collected through a semi-structured interview. The data was collected from the 13 family-owned foodservice providers. The data is collected through a semi-structured telephone interview as there is a restriction of travel between different regions.

Findings

The finding reveals that small family-operated foodservice firms faced multiple challenges, including threat for existence, the pressure of fixed cost, feeling unethical, financial instability, uncertainty on future and feeling of loss of goodwill with lenders.

Originality/value

The current research work is the first to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on small family-owned food services businesses in an Indian context.
A European distributed ledger technology pilot regime for market infrastructures: finding a balance between innovation, investor protection and financial stability
Authors: Priem Randy
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to discuss the European Commission’s proposal for a pilot regime for market infrastructures to experiment with the distributed ledger technology (DLT). In this respect, the study comments on the purpose, scope, requirements and attention points for market operators, investment firms and central securities depositories (CSDs) that are considering using this technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on the proposed rules surrounding the DLT pilot regime. The study is based on an analysis of the proposal, compares it with existing literature and presents the purpose and scope of the regime, followed by a detailed analysis of the proposed requirements.

Findings

The proposed requirements aim to provide legal certainty, ensure investor protection, support innovation and protect financial stability. The European Commission attempts to reach these goals by establishing uniform requirements for the DLT market infrastructures by means of a European sandbox approach. This study stresses that a level playing field between the various market participants using the technology should be warranted and provides arguments for why the proposal is incomplete in this respect.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, there are no other articles that provide a holistic overview of the proposed regulation and describe the choices that legislators have made so far. This paper will be of interest to all market operators, investment firms and CSDs that have interest in DLT. The study is also of value to their stakeholders, such as their regulators, market participants and their clients, as well as to other linked financial market infrastructures.