bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International Multi-Specialty Expert Physician Preoperative Identification of Extranodal Extension in Oropharyngeal Cancer Patients using Computed Tomography: Prospective Blinded Human Inter-Observer Performance Evaluation
Authors:   Multidisciplinary Oropharyngeal Cancer Extra-Nodal Extension (OPC ENE) Assessment Working Group
Published: February 2023

Importance

Extranodal extension (pENE) is a critical prognostic factor in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) that drives therapeutic disposition. Determination of pENE from radiological imaging has been associated with high inter-observer variability. However, the impact of clinician specialty on human observer performance of imaging-detected extranodal extension (iENE) remains poorly understood.

Objective

To characterize the impact of clinician specialty on the accuracy of pre-operative iENE in human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) OPC using computed tomography (CT) images.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective observational human performance study analyzed pre-therapy CT images from 24 HPV+ OPC patients, with duplication of 6 scans (n=30) of which 21 were pathologically confirmed pENE. Thirty-four expert observers, including 11 radiologists, 12 surgeons, and 11 radiation oncologists, independently assessed these scans for iENE and reported human-detected radiologic criteria and observer confidence.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes included accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and Brier score for each physician, compared to ground-truth pENE. The significance of radiographic signs for prediction of pENE were determined through logistic regression analysis. Fleiss’ kappa measured interobserver agreement, and Hanley-MacNeil AUC discrimination testing.

Results

Median accuracy across all specialties was 0.57 (95%CI 0.39 to 0.73), with no specialty showing discriminate performance greater than random estimation (median AUC 0.64, 95%CI 0.44 to 0.83). Significant differences between radiologists and surgeons in Brier scores (0.33 vs. 0.26, p < 0.01), radiation oncologists and surgeons in sensitivity (0.48 vs. 0.69, p > 0.1), and radiation oncologists and radiologists/surgeons in specificity (0.89 vs. 0.56, p > 0.1). Indistinct capsular contour and nodal necrosis were significant predictors of correct pENE status among all specialties. Interobserver agreement was weak for all the radiographic criteria, regardless of specialty (κ<0.6).

Conclusions and Relevance

Multiobserver testing shows physician discrimination of HPV+OPC pENE on pre-operative CT remains non-different than blind guessing, with high inter-rater variability and low diagnostic accuracy, regardless of clinician specialty. While minor differences in diagnostic performance among specialties are noted, they do not significantly affect the overall poor agreement and discrimination rates observed. The findings underscore the need for further research into automated detection systems or enhanced imaging techniques to improve the accuracy and reliability of iENE assessments in clinical practice.

Abstract Figure

Visual Abstract
Microsnoop: A Generalized Tool for Unbiased Representation of Diverse Microscopy Images
Authors: Xun Dejin , Wang Rui , Zhang Xingcai , Wang Yi
Published: February 2023

Microscopy image profiling is becoming increasingly important in biological research. Microsnoop is a new deep learning-based representation tool that has been trained on large-scale microscopy images using masked self-supervised learning, eliminating the need for manual annotation. Microsnoop can unbiasedly profile a wide range of complex and heterogeneous images, including single-cell, fully imaged, and batch-experiment data. Its performance was evaluated on seven high-quality datasets, containing over 358,000 images and 1,270,000 single cells with varying resolutions and channels from cellular organelles to tissues. The results show that Microsnoop outperforms previous generalist and even custom algorithms, demonstrating its robustness and state-of-the-art performance in all biological applications. Furthermore, Microsnoop can contribute to multi-modal studies and is highly inclusive of GPU and CPU capabilities. It can be easily and freely deployed on local or cloud computing platforms.
Evolutionary diversification reveals distinct somatic versus germline cytoskeletal functions of the Arp2 branched actin nucleator protein
Authors: Stromberg Kaitlin A. , Spain Tristan , Tomlin Sarah A. , Amarillo Kristen Dominique , Schroeder Courtney M.
Published: February 2023

Branched actin networks are critical in many cellular processes, including cell motility and division. Arp2, a protein within the 7-membered Arp2/3 complex, is responsible for generating branched actin. Given its essential roles, Arp2 evolves under stringent sequence conservation throughout eukaryotic evolution. We unexpectedly discovered recurrent evolutionary diversification of Arp2 inDrosophila, yielding independently arising paralogsArp2Dinobscuraspecies andArp2D2inmontiumspecies. Both paralogs are unusually testis-enriched in expression relative to Arp2. We investigated whether their sequence divergence from canonical Arp2 led to functional specialization by replacingArp2inD. melanogasterwith eitherArp2DorArp2D2. Despite their divergence, we surprisingly found both complement Arp2’s essential function in the soma, suggesting they have preserved the ability to polymerize branched actin even in a non-native species. However, we found thatArp2D-expressing males are subfertile and display many defects throughout sperm development. We pinpointed two highly diverged structural regions in Arp2D that contribute to these defects: subdomain 2 and the C-terminus. We expected that germline function would be rescued by replacing Arp2D’s long and charged C-terminus with Arp2’s short C-terminus, yet surprisingly, the essential somatic function of Arp2D was lost. Therefore, while Arp2D’s structural divergence is incompatible withD. melanogastersperm development, its unique C-terminus has evolved a critical role in actin polymerization. Our findings suggest canonical Arp2’s function differs between somatic versus germline contexts, and Arp2 paralogs have recurrently evolved and specialized for actin branching in the testis.
Incorporation of TRDV segments into TCR alpha chains
Authors: Volkmar Michael , Fakhr Elham , Zens Stefan , Offringa Rienk , Bury Alice , Gordon Jessica , Huduti Enes , Wölfel Thomas , Wölfel Catherine
Published: February 2023

In human tumor models we tried to identify and clone the TCR of tumor-reactive T cells enriched in mixed lymphocyte tumor-cell cultures (MLTC). In a particular MLTC, we identified a predominant TCR beta chain using the Beta Mark Vbeta Kit, but a corresponding alpha chain could not be amplified via RT-PCR usingTRAV-specific forward primers. Therefore, we applied 5’RACE to obtain the TCR alpha chain sequences. The 5’RACE product revealed an alpha chain that encompassed 89bp of theTRDV15’UTR, followed by theTRDV1coding sequence joined in frame toTRAJ24. The ORF reaching from theTRDV1start codon to theTRACsegment was intact, suggesting a functional TCR. To analyze this MLTC population in greater depth we conducted 10X VDJ sequencing. CellRanger identified the beta chain known from the Beta Mark analysis, but no corresponding alpha chain in the filtered results. The corresponding TRDV-containing TCR alpha chain could, however, be detected in the “all_contig_annotations” files.

In a separate project, we performed TCR sequencing of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in a murine tumor model. Also here, a predominant clonotype contained a TCR alpha chain joiningTrdv2-2in frame toTraj49.

Transfection of both TCR cDNAs resulted in cell surface localization of TCR and CD3 as validated by FACS. Tumor recognition of the human, TRDV1-containing TCR could be demonstrated by IFNgamma ELISpot whereas the murine TCR did not recognize a tumor-derived cell line.

TRDV-containing alpha chains have been reported in the literature for two HLA I-restricted TCRs against HIV peptides (Ueno et al, Eur J Immunol, 2003). To determine whether such TDRV-containing TCRs are unique events or whether Vdelta segments are commonly incorporated into TCR alpha chains, we queried the NCBI Sequence Read Archive (SRA) for 10X VDJ data and analyzed 21 human and 23 murine datasets. We found that especiallyTRDV1, Trdv1and to some extentTrdv2-2are more commonly incorporated into TCR alpha chains than someTRAVgenes, making theTRDVsegments a relevant contribution to TCR alpha diversity.

For apparently solitary beta chains in 10X VDJ datasets, we suggest to scrutinize the “all_contig_annotations” files as these may contain an accompanying, TRDV-containing alpha chain.
EnCPdock: a web-interface for direct conjoint comparative analyses of complementarity and binding energetics in inter-protein associations
Authors: Biswas Gargi , Mukherjee Debasish , Dutta Nalok , Ghosh Prithwi , Basu Sankar
Published: February 2023

Context

Protein-protein interaction (PPI) is a key component linked to virtually all cellular processes. Be it an enzyme catalysis (‘classic type functions’ of proteins) or a signal transduction (‘non-classic’), proteins generally function involving stable or quasi-stable multi-protein associations. The physical basis for such associations is inherent in the combined effect of shape and electrostatic complementarities (Sc, EC) of the interacting protein partners at their interface, which provides indirect probabilistic estimates of the stability and affinity of the interaction. While Sc is a necessary criterion for inter-protein associations, EC can be favorable as well as disfavored (e.g., in transient interactions). Estimating equilibrium thermodynamic parameters (ΔGbinding, Kd) by experimental means is costly and time consuming, thereby opening windows for computational structural interventions. Attempts to empirically probe ΔGbindingfrom coarse-grain structural descriptors (primarily, surface area based terms) have lately been overtaken by physics-based, knowledge-based and their hybrid approaches (MM/PBSA, FoldX etc.) that directly compute ΔGbindingwithout involving intermediate structural descriptors.

Methods

Here we present EnCPdock (www.scinetmol.in/EnCPdock/), a user-friendly web-interface for the direct conjoint comparative analyses of complementarity and binding energetics in proteins. EnCPdock returns an AI-predicted ΔGbindingcomputed by combining complementarity (Sc, EC) and other high-level structural descriptors (input feature vectors), and, renders a prediction accuracy comparable to the state-of-the-art. EnCPdock further locates a PPI complex in terms of its {Sc, EC} values (taken as an ordered pair) in the two-dimensional Complementarity Plot (CP). In addition, it also generates mobile molecular graphics of the interfacial atomic contact network for further analyses. EnCPdock also furnishes individual feature trends along with the relative probability estimates (Prfmax) of the obtained feature-scores with respect to the events of their highest observed frequencies. Together, these functionalities are of real practical use for structural tinkering and intervention as might be relevant in the design of targeted protein-interfaces. Combining all its features and applications, EnCPdock presents a unique online tool that should be beneficial to structural biologists and researchers across related fraternities.
Novel Approach Explains Spatio-Spectral Interactions in Raw Electroencephalogram Deep Learning Classifiers
Authors: Ellis Charles A. , Sattiraju Abhinav , Miller Robyn L. , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: February 2023

The application of deep learning classifiers to resting-state electroencephalography (rs-EEG) data has become increasingly common. However, relative to studies using traditional machine learning methods and extracted features, deep learning methods are less explainable. A growing number of studies have presented explainability approaches for rs-EEG deep learning classifiers. However, to our knowledge, no approaches give insight into spatio-spectral interactions (i.e., how spectral activity in one channel may interact with activity in other channels). In this study, we combine gradient and perturbation-based explainability approaches to give insight into spatio-spectral interactions in rs-EEG deep learning classifiers for the first time. We present the approach within the context of major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis identifying differences in frontal δ activity and reduced interactions between frontal electrodes and other electrodes. Our approach provides novel insights and represents a significant step forward for the field of explainable EEG classification.
‘CandidatusTisiphia’ is a widespread Rickettsiaceae symbiont in the mosquitoAnopheles plumbeus(Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Davison Helen R. , Crozier Jessica , Pirro Stacy , Werner Doreen , Hurst Gregory D.D.
Published: February 2023

Symbiotic bacteria alter host biology in numerous ways, including the ability to reproduce or vector disease. Deployment of symbiont control of vector borne disease has focused onWolbachiainteractions withAedesand is hampered inAnophelesby a lack of compatible symbioses. Previous screening found the symbiont ‘Ca. Tisiphia’ inAnopheles plumbeus, an aggressive biter and potential secondary vector of malaria parasites and West Nile virus. We screenAn. plumbeussamples collected over a ten-year period across Germany and use climate databases to assess environmental influence on incidence. We find a 95% infection rate that does not fluctuate with broad environmental factors. Microscopy suggests the infection is maternally inherited based on strong localisation throughout the ovaries. Finally, we assemble a high-quality draft genome of ‘Ca. Tisiphia’ to explore its phylogeny and potential metabolism. This strain is closely related to those found inCulicoidesmidges and shows similar patterns of metabolic potential.An. plumbeusprovides a viable avenue of symbiosis research in anopheline mosquitoes, which to date have one other proven infection of a heritable symbiont. Additionally, it provides future opportunity to study the impacts of ‘Ca. Tisiphia’ on natural and transinfected hosts, especially in relation to reproductive fitness and vector efficiency.
Ready-to-use nanopore platform for ethanolamine quantification using an aptamer-based strand displacement assay
Authors: Quint Isabel , Simantzik Jonathan , Kaiser Lars , Laufer Stefan , Csuk Rene’ , Smith David , Kohl Matthias , Deigner Hans-Peter
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, nanopores have become a promising diagnostic tool. Protein and solid-state nanopores are increasingly used for both RNA/DNA sequencing and small molecule detection. The latter is of great importance because small molecules are difficult or expensive to detect using available methods such as HPLC or LC-MS. Moreover, DNA aptamers are an excellent detection element for sensitive and specific detection of small molecules. Here, we describe a method for the quantification of ethanolamine using Oxford Nanopore’s ready-to-use sequencing platform. To this end, we have developed a strand displacement assay using a binding ethanolamine aptamer and magnetic beads. The displaced aptamer can be detected using the MinION® nanopores and analysed/quantified using our in-house developed analysis software.
Engineered ketocarotenoid biosynthesis in the polyextremophilic red microalgaCyanidioschyzon merolae10D
Authors: Seger Mark , Mammadova Fakhriyya , Villegas-Valencia Melany , Bastos de Freitas Bárbara , Chang Clarissa , Isachsen Iona , Hemstreet Haley , Abualsaud Fatimah , Boring Malia , Lammers Peter J. , Lauersen Kyle J.
Published: February 2023

The polyextremophilic Cyanidiales are eukaryotic red microalgae with promising biotechnological properties arising from their low pH and elevated temperature requirements which can minimize culture contamination at scale.Cyanidioschyzon merolae10D is a cell wall deficient species with a fully sequenced genome that is amenable to nuclear transgene integration by targeted homologous recombination.C. merolaemaintains a minimal carotenoid profile and here, we sought to determine its capacity for ketocarotenoid accumulation mediated by heterologous expression of a green algal β-carotene ketolase (BKT) and hydroxylase (CHYB). To achieve this, a synthetic transgene expression cassette system was built to integrate and expressChlamydomonas reinhardtii(Cr) sourced enzymes by fusing nativeC. merolaetranscription, translation and chloroplast targeting signals to codon-optimized coding sequences. Chloramphenicol resistance was used to select for the integration of synthetic linear DNAs into a neutral site within the host genome.CrBKT expression caused accumulation of canthaxanthin and adonirubin as major carotenoids while co-expression ofCrBKT withCrCHYB generated astaxanthin as the major carotenoid inC. merolae. Unlike green algae and plants, ketocarotenoid accumulation inC. merolaedid not reduce total carotenoid contents, but chlorophyll a reduction was observed. Light intensity affected global ratios of all pigments but not individual pigment compositions and phycocyanin contents were not markedly different between parental strain and transformants. Continuous illumination was found to encourage biomass accumulation and all strains could be cultivated in simulated summer conditions from two different extreme desert environments. Our findings present the first example of carotenoid metabolic engineering in a red eukaryotic microalga and open the possibility for use ofC. merolae10D for simultaneous production of phycocyanin and ketocarotenoid pigments.

Abstract Figure
Obtaining anomalous and ensemble information from protein crystals from 220 K up to physiological temperatures
Authors: Doukov Tzanko , Herschlag Daniel , Yabukarski Filip
Published: February 2023

X-ray crystallography has been invaluable in delivering structural information about proteins. Previously, an approach has been developed that allows high-quality X-ray diffraction data to be obtained from protein crystals at and above room temperature. Here, this previous work is built on and extended by showing that high-quality anomalous signal can be obtained from single protein crystals using diffraction data collected at 220 K up to physiological temperatures. The anomalous signal can be used to directly determine the structure of a protein, i.e. to phase the data, as is routinely performed under cryoconditions. This ability is demonstrated by obtaining diffraction data from model lysozyme, thaumatin and proteinase K crystals, the anomalous signal from which allowed their structures to be solved experimentally at 7.1 keV X-ray energy and at room temperature with relatively low data redundancy. It is also demonstrated that the anomalous signal from diffraction data obtained at 310 K (37°C) can be used to solve the structure of proteinase K and to identify ordered ions. The method provides useful anomalous signal at temperatures down to 220 K, resulting in an extended crystal lifetime and increased data redundancy. Finally, we show that useful anomalous signal can be obtained at room temperature using X-rays of 12 keV energy as typically used for routine data collection, allowing this type of experiment to be carried out at widely accessible synchrotron beamline energies and enabling the simultaneous extraction of high-resolution data and anomalous signal. With the recent emphasis on obtaining conformational ensemble information for proteins, the high resolution of the data allows such ensembles to be built, while the anomalous signal allows the structure to be experimentally solved, ions to be identified, and water molecules and ions to be differentiated. Because bound metal-, phosphorus- and sulfur-containing ions all have anomalous signal, obtaining anomalous signal across temperatures and up to physiological temperatures will provide a more complete description of protein conformational ensembles, function and energetics.
Binary classification of multi-magnification histopathological breast cancer images using late fusion and transfer learning
Authors: Nakach Fatima-Zahrae , Zerouaoui Hasnae , Idri Ali
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Histopathology biopsy imaging is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of breast cancer in clinical practice. Pathologists examine the images at various magnifications to identify the type of tumor because if only one magnification is taken into account, the decision may not be accurate. This study explores the performance of transfer learning and late fusion to construct multi-scale ensembles that fuse different magnification-specific deep learning models for the binary classification of breast tumor slides.

Design/methodology/approach

Three pretrained deep learning techniques (DenseNet 201, MobileNet v2 and Inception v3) were used to classify breast tumor images over the four magnification factors of the Breast Cancer Histopathological Image Classification dataset (40×, 100×, 200× and 400×). To fuse the predictions of the models trained on different magnification factors, different aggregators were used, including weighted voting and seven meta-classifiers trained on slide predictions using class labels and the probabilities assigned to each class. The best cluster of the outperforming models was chosen using the Scott–Knott statistical test, and the top models were ranked using the Borda count voting system.

Findings

This study recommends the use of transfer learning and late fusion for histopathological breast cancer image classification by constructing multi-magnification ensembles because they perform better than models trained on each magnification separately.

Originality/value

The best multi-scale ensembles outperformed state-of-the-art integrated models and achieved an accuracy mean value of 98.82 per cent, precision of 98.46 per cent, recall of 100 per cent and F1-score of 99.20 per cent.
The personas and motivation of religious tourists and their impact on intentions to visit religious sites in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kayal Ghadeer
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide comprehensive, theoretical and practical knowledge that will assist decision-makers in making informed decisions when promoting several religious sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Specifically, this study examines the popularity of several religious sites, the personas of prospective visitors and their intentions to visit.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses several methodological approaches to fulfil its main objective, namely, Google Trends analysis, K-means cluster analysis and linear regression analysis.

Findings

The results reveal that several religious sites in the KSA are popular and have potential for further consideration by various stakeholders. In addition, four personas were identified which can aid decision-makers and marketing practitioners in designing suitable plans for prospective visitors based on the participants’ motivation and demographics. Furthermore, a significant association was observed among three motivational variables (self-esteem, relationship and physiological needs) and the participants’ intentions to visit.

Originality/value

This study makes an original contribution to the literature, as it examines several religious sites in Saudi Arabia in addition to the sites that are part of the practices of Hajj and Umrah. Furthermore, this study provides comprehensive knowledge in this area to assist both future researchers and practitioners.
Information systems security resilience as a dynamic capability
Authors: Goel Lakshmi , Russell Dawn , Williamson Steven , Zhang Justin Zuopeng
Published: February 2023

Purpose

While the idea of the resilience of information systems security exists, there is a lack of research that conceptualizes, defines and specifies a way to measure it as a dynamic capability. Drawing on relevant cybersecurity and dynamic capabilities literature, this study aims to define Information Systems Security Resilience (ISSR) as a “dynamic capability of a firm to respond to, and recover from, a security attack” and test it as a new construct.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a methodology including multiple phases to develop and test this construct of ISSR. The authors first interview senior managers from various organizations to establish the face validity of the construct; then develop and analyze a pilot survey for internal validity and reliability; and finally, design and deploy a field survey to test and externally validate the construct.

Findings

The authors conceptualize and define the construct of ISSR as a dynamic capability, develop a scale for its measurement and test it in a pilot and field survey. The construct is valid, and the measurement tool works. It demonstrates that resilience is something that is done, rather than had. As a capability, organizations need to track and measure ISSR, which is what this tool provides the ability to do.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the information systems and cybersecurity literature and offers valuable insights for organizations to manage their security effectively.
Assessing educational methods for tomorrow's supply chain leaders with the integration of skill development priorities: a fuzzy decision-making approach
Authors: Vazquez Reyes Bengie Omar , Teixeira Tatiane , Colmenero João Carlos , Picinin Claudia Tania
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Effective educational methods are critical for successfully training future supply chain talent. The paper proposes a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making model to evaluate and select the best educational method for tomorrow's supply chain leaders integrating skill development priorities in an uncertain environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The Grounded theory scheme is used to identify SC leaders' skillsets criteria and educational method alternatives. Fuzzy step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis sets the priority and determines the weight of 17 criteria. Eight decision-makers evaluate 13 alternatives using fuzzy linguistic terms. Fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution ranks and shows the most effective educational method. Sensitivity analysis presents the applicability of this study.

Findings

Its implementation in a university-industry collaboration case in Brazil, Mentored learning from industry experts is the best educational method. The skill development priorities are data analytics ability, end-to-end supply chain vision and problem-solving. Technical skills are the most important criteria that influence the selection of the optimal option and educational methods related to learning from others rank in the top teaching pool, including multidisciplinary cross-cultural training.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to evaluate educational methods with skill development priorities integration for supply chain students using fuzzy SWARA–fuzzy TOPSIS. It provides actionable insights: a decision-making procedure for educational method selection, a broad skills profile for supply chain professional success and educational methods that professors can bring to in classroom/virtual environment.
Opportunities for the United States hotel industry to recover from COVID-19: a multi-period DEA analysis of key efficiency determinants
Authors: Schalk-Nador Szilvia Vanessza , Rašovská Ida
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study examines empirically the development of efficiency levels in the hotel industry and its key drivers, by juxtaposing pre- and post-COVID-19 results in the four most important cities in the United States in terms of international arrivals.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-step approach was employed by first utilising the data envelopment analysis method to characterise the efficiency of United States hotels. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to compare hotel performance in the two years prior to the COVID-19 outbreak with the first two years after the outbreak.

Findings

The results indicated the positive effect of size and the economy hotel category on efficiency, while increasing property age, urban location and a lack of brand affiliation showed a negative effect. During the pandemic, size and the economy category remained significant and positive, whereas urban location continued to represent a negative effect.

Practical implications

This study assists decision makers regarding prospective investments, supports existing and future portfolio analyses, contributes to observations on competition, and offers a wider perspective of the industry.

Originality/value

First, this study investigated the evolution of factors that influenced efficiency before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, the results offer insights into the impact of the pandemic on hotels' efficiency levels. Third, the study proposes directions for the restoration of hotel efficiency to pre-COVID-19 levels.
Young Muslim consumers’ attitude towards green plastic products: the role of environmental concern, knowledge of the environment and religiosity
Authors: Suhartanto Dwi , Mohd Suki Norazah , Najib Mukhamad , Suhaeni Tintin , Kania Rafiati
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Environmental pollution due to the enormous usage of conventional plastic products has alerted consumers to change their attitude towards green plastic products. This study aims to examine the effects of environmental concern, knowledge of the environment and religiosity on young Muslim consumers’ attitude towards green plastic products in Indonesia. Additionally, the moderating role of gender on these relationships is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used as a method of data collection. Data gathered from 231 young Muslim consumers in Bandung, Indonesia, was analysed via the partial least squares-structural equation modelling approach.

Findings

The results revealed that environmental concern is the factor that has the biggest impact on consumers’ attitude and behavioural intentions, both directly and indirectly. This research implies that as a young Muslim’s concern for the environment grows, his or her attitude towards the environment improves, leading them to purchase and endorse green plastic products.

Practical implications

Green plastic product managers should increase the environmental concern of young Muslim consumers through effective marketing communication strategies and green education programs to disseminate a positive message that green plastic products consumption aids in making the environment safe and healthy.

Originality/value

This empirical study is imperative for green managers to improve their capabilities in boosting young Muslim consumers’ attitude towards green plastic products through strengthening consumers’ environmental concern, knowledge of the environment and religiosity towards supporting the sustainable development goals.
Failure to maintain customers: antecedents and consequences of service downgrades
Authors: Lin Liming , Guo Zhaoyang , Zhou Chenxi
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Despite service downgrades' undisputed practical relevance, service downgrades (e.g. customers shifting the price tier downward) have received surprisingly little attention from scholars. Previous studies have focussed on either the public policy issue of tiered pricing or optimal pricing by the service provider. Only a few studies have examined why customers shift across different price tiers and how such activities indicate their future behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on customer data collected from a major telecommunications company, the authors use a logistic regression model to investigate how two service modification levers (i.e. transaction- and relationship-level factors) influence the likelihood of service downgrade. The authors apply a survival model to study how service downgrades affect customer churn.

Findings

Transaction-level factors such as service usage (e.g. the frequency and recency of underuse experiences) are positively associated with the likelihood of a downgrade. However, relationship-level factors (e.g. relationship duration and customer status) are negatively associated with the likelihood of downgrades. Customers engaging in downgrades are more likely to churn in the future.

Originality/value

The authors focus on downgrade behaviour, which can be perceived as customers' choice to move down the price tier, which likely ruins the service provider's performance. The authors conceptualise two fundamental driving forces behind a service downgrade: the misfits between the actual usage and the service plan chosen and the deteriorating relationships. The authors' empirical findings on the factors influencing downgrades provide insights for service providers seeking to prevent such behaviour.
Bioactive compounds of acacia, health benefits and its utilization in food processing industry: a critical review
Authors: Tiwari Manish , Panghal Anil , Mittal Vipul , Gupta Ravi
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review phytochemical potential of acacia and its associated health advantages. Acacia a moderate-sized, deciduous tree and recognised as health-promoting species because of availability of essential bioactive components. The bioactive compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, fatty acids and polysaccharides (gums) present in the plant parts of acacia, namely, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, twigs and seeds, have medicinal value and thus are used to overlay the formulations of plant-based drugs and value-added foods.

Design/methodology/approach

Major well-known bibliometric information sources such as Web of Science, Scopus, Mendeley and Google Scholar were searched with keywords such as “nutrition value of acacia”, “bioactive compounds”, “health benefits”, “processing and safety” were chosen to obtain a database of 1,428 papers. The search considered papers in the English language from the past 18 years of publication in journals (2004–2022). The article selection process consisted of the screening of titles and abstracts, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles that did not have acacia components as a study objective were taken into consideration for exclusion. A final database of 87 scientific sources was made after sorting and classifying them according to different criteria based on topic relevance, country of origin and year of publication. Articles with other random descriptors were also searched to complement the discussion of the results obtained.

Findings

The literature reflected that acacia contains all necessary phytochemicals like polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, glucosinolates, alkaloids and carotenoids along with essential macro, micro-nutrients. Furthermore, processing methods such as soaking, cooking, roasting and dehusking significantly reduced the anti-nutritional factors present in acacia seeds of different species. This review also focused on the processing methods that are used to eliminate or lower down the anti-nutritional factors from the seeds. Previous findings related to acacia plant parts with respect to food development are explored and mentioned.

Originality/value

This review emphasised mainly on recent studies that had been reported on ethnomedical acacia plants therapeutically, commercially and exponentially for further studies to increase the utilisation in food processing.
Do contingencies matter between organizational capabilities and SME export performance?
Authors: Cho Hyeon Jeong , Jin Byoungho Ellie , Shin Daeun Chloe
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Drawing on the resource-based view and contingency theory, this study aims to investigate the effects of organizational capabilities – technology capability and marketing capability – on small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs’) export performance and the moderating roles of contingent factors in this relationship in the context of a highly competitive export-oriented economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The research framework was tested using a three-way stepwise hierarchical multiple regression analysis with data gathered from 531 Korean international SMEs.

Findings

In addition to the direct effects of two types of organizational capabilities on export performance, the results show that both capabilities were critical when the export market was competitive, and marketing capability was more important when exporting with a brand name and targeting a developing country.

Originality/value

This study further extends the literature on SMEs’ internationalization in the context of highly competitive export-driven markets and highlights the importance of strategically allocating SMEs’ capabilities to reap optimal export performance by considering dynamic contingencies.
Implementation of lean for small- and medium-sized construction organisational improvement
Authors: Dauda Jamiu A. , Ajayi Saheed , Omotayo Temitope , Oladiran Olayiwola O. , Ilori Olusegun M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the construction sector are highly vulnerable to disruptions caused by political and economic decisions or even pandemics. This study evaluated the current operations of selected SMEs providing engineering design and consultancy services against Toyota Production System (TPS) lean tool. The purpose is to juxtapose SME operations and processes with TPS to ascertain the level of their operations conformity to the established TPS lean thinking tool.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative data collection and analysis approach to evaluate the current processes of participating SMEs against Liker's 14 management principles of TPS. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes that emerged from the qualitative data.

Findings

The analysis revealed that focus on short-term goals, immediate profit and duplication of effort resulting from insufficient collaboration is currently creating waste in participating SMEs' operations. Hence, the implementation of TPS was recommended as a lean tool and a framework based on TPS lean tool was developed for improving the operations of SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to SMEs operating only as consultants providing project planning design within the construction industry. Data collection is limited to qualitative even though observations would improve the outcome of the study.

Originality/value

The study advances contemporary issues in promoting lean implementation in construction sector and developed an improved framework based on the TPS to enhance the performance of SME construction businesses.
Vulnerable social enterprises: sensemaking of the COVID-19 crisis in the Czech Republic
Authors: Kročil Ondřej , Müller Michal , Kubátová Jaroslava
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Drawing on Weick’s sensemaking perspective, this study aims to describe how Czech social entrepreneurs shape the shared meaning of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and what approaches to the crisis the sensemaking process leads to.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the principles of grounded theory. Through in-depth interviews with 25 social entrepreneurs, it captures the entrepreneurs’ experience of the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of their understanding of social enterprise identity. Interviews with experts in the field of social entrepreneurship were also conducted to help achieve a deeper analysis of the entrepreneurial cases.

Findings

Results of research show that despite the obstacles, most social entrepreneurs arrive at a positive redescription of the crisis. Enterprises not affected by the pandemic adopt a conventional approach. The most vulnerable enterprises are paralyzed and wait with uncertainty for future developments in their enterprise’s situation.

Practical implications

As knowledge of vulnerabilities is a key prerequisite for crisis prevention, this research can serve as a useful material for business incubators and other institutions that provide mentoring and expertise to start-up social entrepreneurs including focus on crisis management implementation.

Originality/value

This study complements the theory of crisis sensemaking with the level of social entrepreneurship, which is characterized by a dichotomy of social and business goals that results in a specific shared meaning of identity which is tied to perceptions of vulnerabilities. This study describes the influence of perceived identity on coping with a crisis.
Cost of abating excess nitrogen on wheat plots in France: An assessment with multi‐technology modelling
Authors: Dakpo K. Hervé , Desjeux Yann , Latruffe Laure
Published: February 2023

We use a multi‐equation model of polluting technologies to evaluate excess nitrogen's marginal abatement cost (MAC). The MAC is estimated using the convex non‐parametric quantile regression. The empirical application is conducted at the plot level for wheat production in France in 2017. Results show a median shadow price for excess nitrogen of about €21 per kilogram. If the current European Union's Nitrates Directive (which sets a 170‐kg constraint on organic nitrogen per hectare) were extended to mineral nitrogen, this would allow a reduction of total excess nitrogen by 9.5%, but this would be accompanied by a 3.1% decrease in wheat revenue.
MicroRNA miR‐252‐5p regulates the Notch signaling pathway by targeting Rab6 in Drosophila wing development
Authors: Lim Do‐Hwan , Choi Min‐Seok , Jeon Ji Won , Lee Young Sik
Published: February 2023

The Notch signaling pathway plays a central role in the development of various organisms. However, dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are crucial regulators of gene expression, can disrupt signaling pathways at all stages of development. Although Notch signaling is involved in wing development in Drosophila, the mechanism underlying miRNA‐based regulation of the Notch signaling pathway is unclear. Here, we report that loss of Drosophila miR‐252 increases the size of adult wings, whereas the overexpression of miR‐252 in specific compartments of larval wing discs leads to patterning defects in the adult wings. The miR‐252 overexpression‐induced wing phenotypes were caused by aberrant Notch signaling with intracellular accumulation of the full‐length Notch receptor during development, which could be due to defects in intracellular Notch trafficking associated with its recycling to the plasma membrane and autophagy‐mediated degradation. Moreover, we identified Rab6 as a direct target of miR‐252‐5p; Rab6 encodes a small Ras‐like GTPase that regulates endosomal trafficking pathways. Consistent with this finding, RNAi‐mediated downregulation of Rab6 led to similar defects in both wing patterning and Notch signaling. Notably, co‐overexpression of Rab6 completely rescued the wing phenotype associated with miR‐252 overexpression, further supporting that Rab6 is a biologically relevant target of miR‐252‐5p in the context of wing development. Thus, our data indicate that the miR‐252‐5p‐Rab6 regulatory axis is involved in Drosophila wing development by controlling the Notch signaling pathway.
Dietitians' perceptions of identifying and managing malnutrition and frailty in the community: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Roberts Shelley , Gomes Kristin , Rattray Megan
Published: February 2023

Aim

This study aimed to explore dietitians' perceptions of their current practice for identifying and managing malnutrition/frailty in the community, to fill an evidence gap.

Methods

This mixed‐methods study involved an online survey distributed to dietitians practising in Australia and New Zealand, and semi‐structured interviews with a subset of survey participants. The 34‐item survey and interviews explored dietitians' practices for identifying/managing malnutrition and frailty, focusing on the community setting. Survey data were analysed descriptively and some simple association tests were conducted using statistical software. Interview data were analysed thematically.

Results

Of the 186 survey respondents, 18 also participated in an interview. Screening and assessment for malnutrition varied in the community and occurred rarely for frailty. Dietitians reported practising person‐centred care by involving clients/carers/family in setting goals and selecting nutrition interventions. Key barriers to providing nutrition care to community‐dwelling adults included a lack of awareness/understanding of nutrition by clients and other health professionals (leading to them not participating in or valuing nutrition care), lack of time and resources in the community, and client access to foods/supplements. Enablers included engaging family members/carers and coordinating with other health professionals in nutrition care planning.

Conclusion

Reported practices for identifying malnutrition and frailty vary in the community, suggesting guidance may be needed for health professionals in this setting. Dietitians reported using person‐centred care with malnourished and frail clients but encountered barriers in community settings. Engaging family members/carers and multidisciplinary colleagues may help overcome some of these barriers.
Expansion of human alpha‐cell area is associated with a higher maximum body mass index before the onset of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ozawa Harutoshi , Fukui Kenji , Fujita Yukari , Ishibashi Chisaki , Yoneda Sho , Nammo Takao , Fujita Shingo , Baden Megu Yamaguchi , Kimura Takekazu , Tokunaga Ayumi , Kozawa Junji , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: February 2023

Highlights

We examined whether maximum body mass index (BMI) before the onset of diabetes (MBBO) affects histological findings of islet cells.

We divided patients into two groups according to an MBBO cutoff of 25 kg/m2 or BMI cutoff of 21 kg/m2. We compared immunohistochemical parameters between the MBBO groups or BMI groups.

The relative alpha‐cell area in the high MBBO group was significantly higher than that in the low MBBO group. There was no difference in the other parameters between the MBBO groups or BMI groups.
Recovery of 197 eukaryotic bins reveals major challenges for eukaryote genome reconstruction from terrestrial metagenomes
Authors: Saraiva Joao Pedro , Bartholomäus Alexander , Toscan Rodolfo Brizola , Baldrian Petr , Nunes da Rocha Ulisses
Published: February 2023

As most eukaryotic genomes are yet to be sequenced, the mechanisms underlying their contribution to different ecosystem processes remain untapped. Although approaches to recovering Prokaryotic genomes have become common in genome biology, few studies have tackled the recovery of eukaryotic genomes from metagenomes. This study assessed the reconstruction of microbial eukaryotic genomes using 6000 metagenomes from terrestrial and some transition environments using the EukRep pipeline. Only 215 metagenomic libraries yielded eukaryotic bins. From a total of 447 eukaryotic bins recovered 197 were classified at the phylum level. Streptophytes and fungi were the most represented clades with 83 and 73 bins, respectively. More than 78% of the obtained eukaryotic bins were recovered from samples whose biomes were classified as host‐associated, aquatic, and anthropogenic terrestrial. However, only 93 bins were taxonomically assigned at the genus level and 17 bins at the species level. Completeness and contamination estimates were obtained for a total of 193 bins and consisted of 44.64% (σ = 27.41%) and 3.97% (σ = 6.53%), respectively. Micromonas commoda was the most frequent taxon found while Saccharomyces cerevisiae presented the highest completeness, probably because more reference genomes are available. Current measures of completeness are based on the presence of single‐copy genes. However, mapping of the contigs from the recovered eukaryotic bins to the chromosomes of the reference genomes showed many gaps, suggesting that completeness measures should also include chromosome coverage. Recovering eukaryotic genomes will benefit significantly from long‐read sequencing, development of tools for dealing with repeat‐rich genomes, and improved reference genomes databases.