bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated genomic and histopathological analysis of low grade serous ovarian carcinoma identifies clinically distinct disease subtypes
Authors: Thomson John P , Hollis Robert L , van Baal Juliette , Ilenkovan Narthana , Churchman Michael , van de Vijver Koen , Dijk Frederike , Meynert Alison M , Bartos Clare , Rye Tzyvia , Croy Ian , Diana Patricia , van Gent Mignon , Creedon Helen , Nirsimloo Rachel , Nussey Fiona , Lok Christianne , Herrington C. Simon , Gourley Charlie
Published: February 2022

Background

Low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC) is a distinct, under-investigated and relatively chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer type. Understanding the molecular landscape is crucial to maximise the impact of molecularly-targeted therapy.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing and copy number data were integrated with histopathological patterns, ER/PR expression, and detailed clinical annotation, including survival, in a carefully curated LGSOC cohort.

Results

63 tumours were analysed in the largest comprehensive genomic LGSOC study to date. Three genomic subgroups were identified: canonical MAPK mutant (cMAPKm: 52%, KRAS/BRAF/NRAS), MAPK-associated mutation (27%, 14 MAPK-associated genes) and MAPK wild-type (MAPKwt: 21%). MAPKwt patients were younger at diagnosis (median 47 versus 62 years in the cMAPKm subgroup) and demonstrated shorter survival [multivariable HR (mHR) 4.17]. The inferior survival in the MAPKwt subgroup was due to shorter post-relapse survival (mHR 5.22) rather than shorter time to first progression (mHR 1.15). Patients in the MAPK-associated mutation subgroup had similar survival to cMAPKm cases. The cMAPKm subgroup more frequently demonstrated macropapillary invasion. Desmoplasia and micropapillary invasion were independently associated with poor survival. NOTCH pathway activation occurred independently of MAPK subgroup.

Conclusions

LGSOC comprises multiple genomic subgroups with distinct clinical, molecular and histopathological features. True MAPKwt cases represent around a fifth of patients: they are younger but have poorer survival. New therapeutic strategies with activity in this subgroup are urgently required. NOTCH inhibitors represent a therapeutic strategy worthy of exploration.
Towards a phenome-wide view of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Olsen Abby L. , Locascio Joseph J. , Tuncali Idil , Laroussi Nada , Abatzis Elena , Kamenskaya Polina , Kuras Yuliya , Yi Tom , Videnovic Aleksandar , Hayes Michael T. , Ho Gary P. H. , Paulson Jordan , Khurana Vikram , Herrington Todd M. , Hyman Bradley T. , Selkoe Dennis J. , Growdon John H. , Gomperts Stephen N. , Riise Trond , Schwarzschild Michael A. , Hung Albert Y. , Wills Anne-Marie , Scherzer Clemens R.
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives

Many studies have examined the relation between PD and environmental variables serially --- one candidate association at a time. In the real world however, both environmental exposures and patients are much more complex, including correlated environmental exposures, polypharmacy, and complex comorbidities. Here we begin to characterize a holistic view of environmental, health, and pharmacological traits linked to patients with PD.

Methods

The Harvard Biomarkers Study (HBS) is a large case-control study of PD patients and healthy controls that includes an extensive questionnaire covering past medical and social history data and is thus well-suited for such an exploratory study. Sixty-four environmental, pharmacological, and clinical features were evaluated for associations with PD using logistic regression analysis with backward elimination.

Results

Male gender, coronary artery disease, depression, anxiety, restless leg syndrome, head trauma, ibuprofen use, co-enzyme Q10 use, and vitamin D supplementation were significantly positively associated with PD. By contrast, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), naproxen, ezetimibe, and smoking were significantly negatively associated with PD.

Discussion

This study shows that unbiased, data-rich exploration of the Parkinson phenome has the promise to uncover, prioritize, and clarify associations between environment, multi-system health phenotypes, and PD in a patient-centric manner. Associations with coronary artery disease, mood disorders, and the cholesterol-absorption inhibitor ezetimibe were revealed that have been largely neglected in traditional hypothesis-driven investigations. Interestingly, asthma/COPD was inversely associated with PD, and this was independent of smoking history. Furthermore, well-established associations were confirmed for male gender, smoking, head trauma, and restless legs syndrome.
A cross-sectional analysis of self-reported needs and health service utilization among transgender women in Lima, Peru
Authors: Carosella Elizabeth A. , Huerta Leyla , Galea Jerome T. , Lecca Leonid , Ramos Karen , Hernandez Giulianna , Franke Molly F. , Peinado Jesús
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Globally, transgender women (TGW) experience wide-ranging barriers to health and care, with disproportionately high risks of infectious and chronic diseases. Despite these vulnerabilities, research on access to care for transgender populations in low- and middle-income countries is extremely limited. Furthermore, existing studies have primarily focused on human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), with less emphasis on TGW’s broader health needs. This study analyzed patterns of morbidity and health service uptake among TGW in Lima, Peru. The purpose was to better understand health outreach and service needs to inform targeting and design of future community-level interventions.

Methods

This cross-sectional study surveyed a convenience sample of 301 TGW in metropolitan Lima, Peru. Data was collected between September – October 2020. This paper provides descriptive statistics and results of bivariate and multivariable regression models.

Results

Health coverage and access to care were suboptimal. Less education and older age were positively associated with illness and HIV and tuberculosis (TB) testing. Gender identity sub-group (i.e., woman, trans or transgender, transsexual, “transformista,” “travesti,” and other) was associated with HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) usage. Both awareness of and interest in PrEP were low, as was usage among those who were interested in taking PrEP.

Conclusion

Future public health efforts should be tailored to meet the diverse needs of TGW, expand TB testing, bridge the gap between PrEP interest and use, and increase insurance coverage and access to trans-friendly services to promote improved health outcomes.
Association study of HLA with the kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 spike specific IgG antibody responses to BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine
Authors: Khor Seik-Soon , Omae Yosuke , Takeuchi Junko S. , Fukunaga Ami , Yamamoto Shohei , Tanaka Akihito , Matsuda Kouki , Kimura Moto , Maeda Kenji , Ueda Gohzoh , Mizoue Tetsuya , Ujiie Mugen , Mitsuya Hiroaki , Ohmagari Norio , Sugiura Wataru , Tokunaga Katsushi
Published: February 2022

BNT162b2, an mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech), is one of the most effective COVID-19 vaccines and has been approved by more than 130 countries worldwide. However, several studies have reported that the COVID-19 vaccine shows high interpersonal variability in terms of humoral and cellular responses, such as those with respect to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgA, IgM, neutralizing antibodies, and CD4+ & CD8+ T cells. The objective of this study is to investigate the kinetic changes in anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG (IgG-S) profiles and adverse reactions and their associations with HLA profiles among 100 hospital workers from the Center Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM), Tokyo, Japan. DQA1*03:03:01 (P = 0.017; Odd ratio (OR) 2.80, 95%Confidence interval (CI) 1.05–7.25) was significantly associated with higher IgG-S production after two doses of BNT162b2 while DQB1*06:01:01:01 (P = 0.028, OR 0.27, 95%CI 0.05–0.94) was significantly associated with IgG-S declines after two doses of BNT162b2. No HLA alleles were significantly associated with either local symptoms or fever. However, C*12:02:02 (P = 0.058; OR 0.42, 95%CI 0.15–1.16), B*52:01:01 (P = 0.031; OR 0.38, 95%CI 0.14–1.03), DQA1*03:02:01 (P = 0.028; OR 0.39, 95%CI 0.15–1.00) and DPB1*02:01:02 (P = 0.024; OR 0.45, 95%CI 0.21–0.97) appeared significantly associated with protection against systemic symptoms after two doses of BNT162b2 vaccination. Further studies with larger sample sizes are clearly warranted to determine HLA allele associations with the production and long-term sustainability of IgG-S after COVID-19 vaccination.
Oscillations without cortex: Working memory modulates brainwaves in the endbrain of crows
Authors: Hahn Lukas Alexander , Balakhonov Dmitry , Lundqvist Mikael , Nieder Andreas , Rose Jonas
Published: February 2022

Complex cognition requires coordinated neuronal activity at the network level. In mammals, this coordination results in distinct dynamics of local field potentials (LFP) that have been central in many models of higher cognition. Because these models are based on mammalian data, they often implicitly assume a cortical organization. Higher associative regions of the brains of birds do not have cortical layering, yet these regions have neuronal single-cell correlates of higher cognition that are very similar to those found in mammals. Here we recorded LFP in the avian equivalent of prefrontal cortex while crows performed a highly controlled and cognitively demanding working memory task, adapted from monkeys. To further ensure that recordings reflected only cognitive processes detached from motor-related activities we trained and monitored the animals to keep their head still. We found signatures in local field potentials, modulated by working memory. Frequencies of a narrow gamma (30-59 Hz) and the beta band (13-19 Hz) contained information about the location of the target items on the screen and were modulated by working memory load. This indicates a critical involvement of these bands in ongoing cognitive processing. We also observed bursts in the beta and gamma frequencies, similar to those observed in monkeys. Such bursts are a vital part of ‘activity silent’ models of working memory. Thus, despite the lack of a cortical organization the avian associative pallium can create LFP signatures reminiscent of those observed in primates. This points towards a critical cognitive function of oscillatory dynamics evolved through convergence in species capable of complex cognition.

Relevance statement

Contemporary models of higher cognition, like those of working memory, often include temporal dynamics of neural activity such as gamma oscillations. Birds and mammals convergently evolved these cognitive functions and here we show that, despite the large evolutionary distance and largely different brain organization, crows share many of the oscillatory fingerprints reported in primates. This indicates that neural networks required for such LFP phenomena have evolved in parallel and may be critical to higher cognition.
Engineering SARS-CoV-2 cocktail antibodies into a bispecific format improves neutralizing potency and breadth
Authors: Ku Zhiqiang , Xie Xuping , Lin Jianqing , Gao Peng , El Sahili Abbas , Su Hang , Liu Yang , Ye Xiaohua , Li Xin , Fan Xuejun , Goh Boon Chong , Xiong Wei , Boyd Hannah , Muruato Antonio E. , Deng Hui , Xia Hongjie , Jing Zou , Kalveram Birte K. , Menachery Vineet D. , Zhang Ningyan , Lescar Julien , Shi Pei-Yong , An Zhiqiang
Published: February 2022

One major limitation of neutralizing antibody-based COVID-19 therapy is the requirement of costly cocktails to reduce antibody resistance. We engineered two bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) using distinct designs and compared them with parental antibodies and their cocktail. Single molecules of both bsAbs block the two epitopes targeted by parental antibodies on the receptor-binding domain (RBD). However, bsAb with the IgG-(scFv)2 design (14-H-06) but not the CrossMAb design (14-crs-06) increases antigen-binding and virus-neutralizing activities and spectrum against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants including the Omicron, than the cocktail. X-ray crystallography and computational simulations reveal distinct neutralizing mechanisms for individual cocktail antibodies and suggest higher inter-spike crosslinking potentials by 14-H-06 than 14-crs-06. In mouse models of infections by SARS-CoV-2 and the Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants, 14-H-06 exhibits higher or equivalent therapeutic efficacy than the cocktail. Rationally engineered bsAbs represent a cost-effective alternative to antibody cocktails and a promising strategy to improve potency and breadth.
HIV-2 Immature Particle Morphology Provides Insights into Gag Lattice Stability and Virus Maturation
Authors: Talledge Nathaniel , Yang Huixin , Shi Ke , Coray Raffaele , Yu Guichuan , Arndt William G. , Meng Shuyu , Baxter Gloria C. , Mendonça Luiza M. , Castaño-Díez Daniel , Aihara Hideki , Mansky Louis M. , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2022

Retrovirus immature particle morphology consists of a membrane enclosed, pleomorphic, spherical and incomplete lattice of Gag hexamers. Previously, we demonstrated that human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) immature particles possess a distinct and extensive Gag lattice morphology. To better understand the nature of the continuously curved hexagonal Gag lattice, we have used single particle cryo-electron microscopy with a retrovirus to determine the HIV-2 Gag lattice structure for immature virions. The reconstruction map at 5.5 Å resolution revealed a stable, wineglass-shaped Gag hexamer structure with structural features consistent with other lentiviral immature Gag structures. Cryo-electron tomography provided evidence for nearly complete ordered Gag lattice structures in HIV-2 immature particles. We also solved a 1.98 Å resolution crystal structure of the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of the HIV-2 capsid (CA) protein that identified a structured helix 12 supported via an interaction of helix 10 in the absence of the SP1 region of Gag. Residues at the helix 10-12 interface proved critical in maintaining HIV-2 particle release and infectivity. Taken together, our findings provide the first 3D organization of HIV-2 immature Gag lattice and important insights into both HIV Gag lattice stabilization and virus maturation.
Dissociable neural correlates of multisensory coherence and selective attention
Authors: Peng Fei , Bizley Jennifer K. , Schnupp Jan W. , Auksztulewicz Ryszard
Published: February 2022

Previous work has demonstrated that performance in an auditory selective attention task can be enhanced or impaired, depending on whether a task-irrelevant visual stimulus is temporally coherent with a target auditory stream or with a competing distractor. However, it remains unclear how audiovisual (AV) temporal coherence and auditory selective attention interact at the neurophysiological level. Here, we measured neural activity using electroencephalography (EEG) while participants performed an auditory selective attention task, detecting deviants in a target audio stream. The amplitude envelope of the two competing auditory streams changed independently, while the radius of a visual disc was manipulated to control the audiovisual coherence. Analysis of the neural responses to the sound envelope demonstrated that auditory responses were enhanced independently of the attentional condition: both target and masker stream responses were enhanced when temporally coherent with the visual stimulus. In contrast, attention enhanced the event-related response (ERP) evoked by the transient deviants, independently of AV coherence. Finally, we identified a spatiotemporal component of the ERP, likely originating from the superior temporal gyrus and the frontoparietal network, in which both attention and coherence synergistically modulated ERP amplitude. These results provide evidence for dissociable neural signatures of bottom-up (coherence) and top-down (attention) effects in the AV object formation.
TYPE I INTERFERON-DEPENDENT CELLULAR REMODELING DURING ACUTE PULMONARY MHV INFECTION
Authors: Grabherr S. , Waltenspühl A. , Lütge M. , Büchler L. , Cheng H.W. , Zielińska K. , Caviezel-Firner S. , Krebs P. , Ludewig B. , Pikor N.B.
Published: February 2022

Impaired type I interferon (IFN) responses are predictive of severe disease during pulmonary coronavirus infection. In the periphery, dampened IFN-responsiveness is associated with viremia and hypercytokinemia, however the resolution of IFN-dependent innate immune responses in the lungs remains limited. Here, we aimed to elucidate the early dynamics of antiviral immunity and define the IFN-dependent mechanisms limiting viral spread during pulmonary infection with the murine hepatitis virus (MHV), a beta-coronavirus. While several innate immune cell types infiltrated the lungs concomitant with viral replication, the influx of type I IFN-responsive myeloid cells was essential for viral containment and prevention of fatal disease. Combining high-resolution transcriptomic analysis and genetic attenuation of interferon signaling, we delineated IFN-dependent cell-intrinsic and population-based transcriptional changes that determined viral replication and inflammatory maturation, respectively. While monocyte-derived macrophages exhibited the strongest pro-inflammatory transcriptional reprogramming during pulmonary infection, these maturation programs were impaired in the absence of IFN-signalling. Instead, IFN-deficient monocyte-derived macrophages expressed genes encoding for neutrophil attractants and IL1β, resulting in enhanced lung injury. Our results reveal the requirement for type I IFN-induced antiviral states and inflammation-induced maturation programs to secure pulmonary viral containment.
Single-cell RNA profiling of Plasmodium vivax-infected hepatocytes reveals parasite- and host- specific transcriptomic signatures and therapeutic targets
Authors: Ruberto Anthony A , Maher Steven P , Vantaux Amélie , Joyner Chester J , Bourke Caitlin , Balan Balu , Jex Aaron , Mueller Ivo , Witkowski Benoit , Kyle Dennis E
Published: February 2022

The resilience of Plasmodium vivax, the most widely distributed malaria-causing parasite in humans, is attributed to its ability to produce dormant liver forms known as hypnozoites, which can activate weeks, months, or even years after an initial mosquito bite. The factors underlying hypnozoite formation and activation are poorly understood, as is the parasite’s influence on the host hepatocyte. Here, we shed light on transcriptome-wide signatures of both the parasite and the infected host cell by sequencing over 1,000 P. vivax-infected hepatocytes at single-cell resolution. We distinguish between replicating schizonts and hypnozoites at the transcriptional level, identifying key differences in transcripts encoding for RNA-binding proteins associated with cell fate. In infected hepatocytes, we show that genes associated with energy metabolism and antioxidant stress response were upregulated, and those involved in the host immune response downregulated, suggesting both schizonts and hypnozoites alter the host intracellular environment. The transcriptional markers in schizonts, hypnozoites, and infected hepatocytes revealed here pinpoint potential factors underlying dormancy and can inform therapeutic targets against P. vivax liver-stage infection.
Inadvertent Transfer of Murine VL30 Retrotransposons to CAR-T Cells
Authors: Lee Sung Hyun , Hao Yajing , Gui Tong , Dotti Gianpietro , Savoldo Barbara , Zou Fei , Kafri Tal
Published: February 2022

For more than a decade genetically engineered autologous T-cells have been successfully employed as immunotherapy drugs for patients with incurable blood cancers. The active component in some of these game-changing medicines are autologous T-cells that express viral vector-delivered chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which specifically target proteins that are preferentially expressed on cancer cells. Some of these therapeutic CAR expressing T-cells (CAR-Ts) are engineered via transduction with γ-retroviral vectors (γ-RVVs) produced in a stable producer cell line that was derived from murine PG13 packaging cells (ATCC CRL-10686). Earlier studies reported on the co-packaging of murine virus-like 30S RNA (VL30) genomes with γ-retroviral vectors generated in murine stable packaging cells. In an earlier study VL30 mRNA was found to enhance the metastatic potential of human melanoma cells. These findings raise biosafety concerns regarding the possibility that therapeutic CAR-Ts have been inadvertently contaminated with potentially oncogenic VL30 retrotransposons. In this study, we demonstrated the presence of infectious VL30 particles in PG13 cells conditioned media and observed the ability of these particles to deliver transcriptionally active VL30 genomes to human cells. Notably, VL30 genomes packaged by HIV-1-based vector particles transduced naïve human cells in culture. Furthermore, we detected transfer and expression of VL30 genomes in clinical-grade CAR-Ts generated by transduction with PG13 cells-derived γ-retroviral vectors. Our findings raise biosafety concerns regarding the use of murine packaging cell lines in ongoing clinical applications.
New efficient intercellular spread mode of respiratory syncytial virus contributes to neutralization escape and persistence
Authors: Zhang Wei , Lin Xue , Zhang Lu-Jing , Chen Li , Sun Yong-Peng , Si Jun-Yu , Zhao Min , Wu Guang-Hua , Zhan Lu-Ting , Wang Ying-Bin , Xia Ning-Shao , Zheng Zi-Zheng
Published: February 2022

There is no licensed vaccine or therapeutic antibody for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The induction of high-titer, potent neutralizing antibodies cannot completely inhibit breakthrough infection and enhanced respiratory disease (ERD), encouraging a focus on the relationship between virus intercellular spread and neutralizing antibodies. By blocking the known intercellular spread modes and with the aid of ultrahigh-resolution imaging, we observed a new efficient mode of intercellular spread in which RSV-infected cells directly transfer viral materials (including viral replication factories) to neighboring cells through protruding open-ended microfilament-rich intercellular nanotubes. The new mode is virion-independent and antibody-insensitive, beginning as early as 3 h post infection. Furthermore, replication-defective viral genomes (DVGs) might also utilize the new mode, facilitating the establishment of latent viral infections. Therefore, our data provide a new perspective on RSV cell-to-cell spread and might help to explain the immune escape and latent persistence of paramyxoviruses.
Allele-specific differential regulation of monoallelically expressed autosomal genes in the cardiac lineage
Authors: Balasooriya Gayan I. , Spector David L.
Published: February 2022

Each mammalian autosomal gene is represented by two alleles in diploid cells. Yet, no insights have been made in regard to allele-specific regulatory mechanisms of autosomes. Here we used allele-specific single cell transcriptomic analysis to elucidate the establishment of monoallelic gene expression in the cardiac lineage. We found that monoallelically expressed autosomal genes in mESCs and mouse blastocyst cells are differentially regulated based on the genetic background of the parental alleles. However, the genetic background of the allele does not affect the establishment of monoallelic genes in differentiated cardiomyocytes. Additionally, we observed epigenetic differences between deterministic and random autosomal monoallelic genes. Moreover, we also found a greater contribution of the maternal versus paternal allele to the development and homeostasis of cardiac tissue and in cardiac health, highlighting the importance of maternal influence in male cardiac tissue homeostasis. Our findings emphasize the significance of allele- specific insights into gene regulation in development, homeostasis and disease.
Different dopaminergic neurons signal absolute and relative aversive value in the Drosophila mushroom body
Authors: Villar Maria E. , Pavão-Delgado Miguel , Amigo Marie , Jacob Pedro F. , Merabet Nesrine , Pinot Anthony , Perry Sophie A. , Waddell Scott , Perisse Emmanuel
Published: February 2022

Animals use prior experience to assign absolute (good or bad) and also relative (better or worse) value to new experience. These learned values guide appropriate later decision-making. While our understanding of how the dopaminergic system computes absolute value is relatively advanced, the mechanistic underpinnings of relative valuation are unclear. Here we reveal mechanisms of absolute and relative aversive valuation in Drosophila. Three types of punishment-sensitive dopaminergic neurons (DANs) drive intensity-scaled plasticity at their respective mushroom body output neuron (MBON) connections to code absolute aversive value. In contrast, by comparing current and previous aversive experiences the MBON-DAN network can code relative aversive value by recruiting a specific subtype of reward-coding dopaminergic neurons which assigns a ‘better than’ value to the lesser of two aversive experiences. This study therefore provides an important functional consequence of having opposing populations of DANs and illustrates how these can operate together as a system within the MB network to code and compare sequential aversive experience to learn relative aversive value.
Open access publishing in India: trends and policy perspectives
Authors: Nazim Mohammad , Bhardwaj Raj Kumar , Agrawal Anil , Bano Afroz
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyze Open Access (OA) publishing trends and policy perspectives in India. Different aspects, such as the growth of OA journals digital repositories, the proportion of OA availability to research literature and the status of OA mandates and policies are studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for analyzing OA trends were gathered from multiple data sources, including Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), OpenDOAR, SCImago and Web of Science (WoS) databases. DOAJ and OpenDOAR were used for extracting OA journals and digital repository data. SCImago Journal and Country ranking portal and WoS database were used to obtain Indian publication data for assessing the proportion of OA to research literature. ROARMAP was used to study OA mandates and policies adopted by universities, research institutions and research funders in India. OA mandates and policies of major regulatory bodies and funding agencies were also reviewed using secondary sources of information and related websites.

Findings

India ranks number 15 and 17 globally for OA journals and OA repositories, with 317 journals and 98 repositories. Although India’s proportion to OA publications is 23% (7% below the world average of 30%), the annual growth rate of OA publications is around 18%. Although the governing bodies and institutions have made efforts to mandate researchers to adopt OA publishing and self-archiving, its implementation is quite low among Indian researchers, as only three institutions (out of 18 listed in the ROARMAP) are defined the embargo period. Funding agencies in India do not provide financial assistance to authors for the payment of Article Processing Charges despite mandates that research is deposited in OA repositories. India lacks a national OA policy but plans to implement a “one nation one subscription” formula to provide OA to scientific literature to all its citizens.

Research limitations/implications

The study has certain limitations. Because much of India’s research output is published in local journals that are not indexed in WoS, the study recommends conducting further analyses of publications using Scopus and other databases to understand the country’s OA publishing proportion better. A further study based on feedback from different stakeholders through a survey may be conducted for formulating a national OA policy.

Originality/value

The study is the first that used multiple data sources for investigating different facets of OA publishing in India, including OA journals, digital repositories, OA research output and OA mandates and policies for publicly funded research. The findings will be helpful for researchers and policymakers interested in promoting OA adoption among researchers worldwide.
Windbreak stonewalls in a mountainous village of Japan: a case study of Tsuchigoya in Hongu-cho, Tanabe city
Authors: Ochiai Chiho
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine how people protect against strong seasonal winds from the mountains and to examine the relationship between windbreaks and local settlements.

Design/methodology/approach

The study site was the Tsuchigoya area of Hongu-cho in Japan. Measurement surveys were conducted to record the distribution, heights, widths, types and current conditions of the stone walls. At the same time, interview surveys were conducted to gather information about the history and local practices of coping with strong winds.

Findings

This study contributes knowledge of different methods of coping with strong winds, such as windbreak forests, stone walls, local stones and metal wire and bars. The sloping terrain and strong winds contributed to the construction of stone walls, which influenced the residential property layout and settlement layout. Abundant stones were available at nearby rivers and it is evident that masonry craftsmanship shaped the stone walls and landscape, which should be considered as holding cultural value for the village.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations. First, because of it being the case study of one study area, the findings cannot represent all the possible situations or contexts in different regions or countries. Further studies are necessary to understand the climate-responsive knowledge of other locations to address and establish a comprehensive understanding and future suggestions.

Practical implications

By re-examining the stone walls assembled by the people, this study was able to gain insight into such matters as the wind conditions, local topography and geography, acquisition of materials, masonry craftsmanship and social conditions such as flood influences in the area. The study showed the climate-responsive local knowledge and influence on local settings.

Social implications

It is now necessary to record traditional disaster prevention methods, even in such small villages, to consider how the diverse methods of disaster management and resilience against climatic conditions have been preserved through the ages. The stone walls and landscape should be considered to have cultural value for the village.

Originality/value

The study showed that climate-responsive local knowledge and settlement layout have been developed through the local topography, weather conditions, resource availability and social conditions.
Green Lean Six Sigma sustainability-oriented framework for small and medium enterprises
Authors: Yadav Vishwas , Gahlot Pardeep
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to integrate Green technology, Lean and Six Sigma methodology under the umbrella of Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS). Further, the study also proposes an eight facet GLSS framework for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enhance organizational sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, GLSS integration has been proposed based on intangible features like barriers, challenges, toolsets, etc. Moreover, the GLSS framework has been realized based on Six Sigma well-known define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) approach.

Findings

It has been found that lack of customer involvement, financial constraints and ignorance towards Kaizen are the most pre-eminent barriers for GLSS execution. Further, it has been found that most frequently used GLSS tools are the 5S, environmental value stream mapping (EVSM) and life cycle assessment (LCA). The proposed GLSS framework encompasses systematic application of different GLSS tools that lead improved organization sustainability.

Practical implications

The present study will facilitate industrial managers to incorporate the GLSS approach in their business process through systematic understanding of key elements related to this sustainable approach. This study further prompts practitioner to incorporate GLSS in industry through systematic adoption of the proposed framework for improved environmental performance.

Social implications

This work provides detailed knowledge for the researchers and academicians by dispensing awareness into integral measures and framework. GLSS toolsets dispensed in this work augments academicians and researchers to make decision which tools to be used at distinct phases of GLSS project execution.

Originality/value

The present study is the first of its kind that provides integral measures and GLSS framework for SMEs.
Exploring ways to study the workplace design in a small knowledge work company
Authors: Markkanen Piia , Juuti Eevi , Herneoja Aulikki
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to find ways to bridge the gap between workplace design and research. Exploring the design process from general design aims to site-specific design makes the process visible to support workplace design research.

Design/methodology/approach

Participatory design methods were used to understand employees’ needs and preferences in work-related situations to support the design process. The design process was divided into three phases. The office was temporarily refurbished for the intervention study, and evaluation data was collected with qualitative methods.

Findings

Participatory design-generated data revealed typical knowledge work needs, such as the need for privacy, interaction, exposure and preferences for the atmosphere in the workspaces during different situations. The authors identified the following key points to obtain design data: design aims, affordance design and site-specific multidimensional design. An intervention study in a small organisation revealed that lack of activity-supporting spaces created undesirable overlaps for focused work, collaborative work and client communication.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this paper are explorative and limited to a small knowledge work company. The present approach identifies valuable data collection points in different design phases of workplace design processes. Sharing knowledge from practice to research and vice versa could inform research and improve workplace design.

Originality/value

This study makes the workplace design phases more visible. It supports finding new ways to study the connection between the user-needs and workplaces; and understanding how different design solutions impact workplace experiences, such as satisfaction. This study also brings focus to understanding the versatile needs of small organisations and their workplace design.
Exploring emotional intelligence and conflict management styles in Dominican Republic construction industry
Authors: Lawani Kenneth , Arias Abad Luis Alfredo , Craig Nigel , Hare Billy , Cameron Iain
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Emotional intelligence (EI) and conflict management (CM) are essential skills for construction managers towards achieving organisational effectiveness. It is believed that an individual’s EI level (EIL) is a predictor of the preferred CM styles (CMS). This study aims to explore the relationships between EIL, preferred CMS and demographic factors in the construction sector of the Dominican Republic (DR).

Design/methodology/approach

The EIL and CMS of a sample of civil engineers in managerial positions were evaluated using the emotional intelligence appraisal and Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II self-assessment tools.

Findings

There was a strong positive correlation between the rated EIL and the scores of collaboration and compromise styles, i.e. participants with higher EIL have stronger fit within the collaboration and compromise styles of managing conflicts. For participants with lower EIL, collaboration and compromise styles were also top preferences, but with no statistical significance. Significant relationships existed between gender, collaboration and compromise styles and between work experience and collaboration style. No significant relationship between demographics and EIL.

Practical implications

The construction industry needs innovative construction managers whose CMS and EIL are compatible with the culture and overall organisational objectives.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study appraising the EI and CMS of civil engineers working in DR construction industry.
The bias in judgement: when “naïve” knowledge challenges expert knowledge in criminal trials
Authors: Abdellaoui Sid , Niang Anta
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a discussion on the socio-cognitive biases involved during a criminal trial, in accordance with the literature in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

Whether it is the biases of representation, availability or anchoring (Fariña et al., 2003), they have been widely studied in social psychology and constitute a relevant angle of analysis in the judicial context.

Findings

This paper outlines the issues related to the reality of the judicial decision, the psychological dilemmas that arise from it, as well as the normative pressures underlying the need to rationalize the decision. Finally, the status of psycho-legal expertise and the importance given to it is also discussed with regard to these issues.

Practical implications

This paper may help provide the diverse socio-judicial actors with some elements for questioning the psychological mechanisms that may intervene in the decision-making and therefore create a sense of conscientization necessary to optimize the quality of decision-making.

Originality/value

This paper may help provide the diverse socio-judicial actors with some elements for questioning the psychological mechanisms that may intervene in the decision-making and therefore create a sense of conscientization necessary to optimize the quality of decision-making.
Asia–Pacific tourism futures emerging from COVID-19 recovery responses and implications for sustainability
Authors: Becken Susanne , Loehr Johanna
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide contrasting narratives of what the future of Asia Pacific tourism may look like, and to identify how current policy interventions and recommendations made for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovery shape the system's trajectory.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a set of four possible futures emerging from COVID-19, tourism policy responses are analysed and a link to their potential contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals is made.

Findings

A system goal is presented for each scenario, and what this means for the tourism system. Existing policies indicate that tourism is moving towards a “Discipline” future, although evidence for all four trajectories could be identified. Whilst the “Transform” scenario is most aligned with a sustainable future, the findings highlight that sustainability outcomes are possible in the other scenarios as well, if risks are managed adequately.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation is that the core structure of the four futures was not specifically developed for tourism. However, given that tourism is firmly embedded in national and global economies, this limitation is not material.

Practical implications

This paper supports decision-makers to develop adaptability in the face of great uncertainty and complexity. Risks and opportunities associated with each of the four tourism futures are identified, and examples are provided how sustainability outcomes can be maximised in each.

Social implications

Sustainability is a safe and necessary strategy regardless of the trajectory to any of the four scenarios. The long-term health of the tourism system and anyone involved in it depends on significant progress along the Sustainable Development Goals.

Originality/value

This paper explores pathways for system change and how different COVID-19 policy approaches contribute to shaping the system's trajectory. It highlights the risks associated with certain trajectories, and also identifies how short-term recovery priorities might undermine long-term sustainability.
Getting acquainted with social networks and apps: understanding, preparing for and responding to online harassment
Authors: Anderson Katie Elson
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To help users understand, prepare for and respond to the threat of online harassment.

Design/methodology/approach

This column provides an introduction to tools and resources on the topic of online harassment. A discussion on the definitions, understandings and library applications to teaching about online harassment are presented from available literature and news articles.

Findings

Various methods of protecting privacy and responding to online harassment are revealed.

Practical implications

An understanding of the importance of the threat of harassment in a variety of online spaces and how to prepare for and respond.
Performance-based identity in a BIM environment: an architect's perceptions and experiences
Authors: Shahruddin Syafizal , Zairul Mohd , Haron Ahmad Tarmizi , Fared Meor Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Interpreting the meaning structure of architects' actions, behaviours and performances enacted in a building information modelling (BIM) environment is implausible by returning to the classic and ideal imagery of an architect as a natural leader. Yet, little has been empirically explored on how architects perceive their identity and most critically, how they act, behave and perform their way into it in such an environment. Consequently, architects' failing to adapt their core identity to the varying circumstances may lead to their irrelevance and being side-lined merely as aesthetic building surgeons. The current study therefore seeks a better understanding of their perceptions and experiences in manifesting their identities in the phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the interpretive phenomenological approach, ten architectural trained individuals were selected for in-depth, semi-structured interviews, and written accounts exercise to disclose their lived experience. The study was conducted in a Malaysian architectural consultancy practice (ACP) setting.

Findings

The data analysis resulted in the following five performance identity themes that revolve around the core identity of a successful designer: “performing as a design strategist”, “performing as a design translator”, “performing as a design facilitator”, “reinstating the identity of a design coordinator” and “performing as a design innovator”.

Practical implications

The study serves as groundwork for professional institutional bodies to further reconstruct a career road map alongside the professional development framework towards elevating, developing and facilitating the hybridity of architects' performance identities in such environment.

Social implications

The study serves as a groundwork for professional institutional bodies to reconstruct the existing continuing professional development (CPD) programmes, materials and framework so that they reflect the performances of future architects practicing in a BIM environment. The elicited experiences may also inform architectural curriculum designers of the appropriate approaches of teaching and learning in architecture that could promote the hybridity of architects' performance identities in such an environment.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the identity literature by yielding valuable new insights about the experiences and behaviour of architects practicing in a BIM environment. Understanding such complexity would not be possible merely based on the theoretical lenses of professional identity and organisational identification as adopted in previous studies.
Association between anti‐fibrillin‐2 protein induced retinal degeneration via intravitreous delivery and activated TGF‐β signalling in mice
Authors: Xu Furu , Guo Dadong , Jiang Qian , Zhang Ruixue , Yu Ting , Yin Xuewei , Wu Shanshan , Liu Dezheng , Wen Ying , Wu Jianfeng , Bi Ailing , Jiang Wenjun , Bi Hongsheng
Published: February 2022

Fibrillin‐2 (FBN2) is a major component of tissue microfibrils, and the decrease of FBN2 perturbs the signalling events mediated by transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), thereby playing a role in macular degeneration. However, the association between the retinal degeneration resulting from the abnormality of FBN2 and the activation of TGF‐β signalling has not been fully addressed. In the present study, the mice were divided into a normal control group (NC group), a phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) injection group (PBS group), and an anti‐FBN2 protein injection group (anti‐FBN2 group), and the mice in PBS and anti‐FBN2 groups received the relevant treatment via the intravitreal injection once a week for three consecutive weeks. One week later after injection, the retinal morphology and visual function of the fundus were detected. Further, the expression of FBN2, TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 in retina was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. As a result, fundus examination suggests that after intravitreous injection of anti‐FBN2 protein, there were a large patchy yellow white degeneration region and numerous pigmentations in the retina in anti‐FBN2‐treated mice; by contrast, there was no apparent change in mice from the NC and PBS groups. The retina suffered markedly damage, and the thickness of whole retina and outer nuclear layer markedly thinned. The expression of FBN2 was decreased whereas the levels of TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 were upregulated. Together, our findings indicate that the intravitreous delivery of anti‐FBN2 protein could induce retina degeneration in mice, accompanied by the higher activated TGF‐β. The retinal degeneration mouse model established will provide a platform for the investigation of the retinal diseases.