bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune and malignant cell phenotypes of ovarian cancer are determined by distinct mutational processes
Authors: Vázquez-García Ignacio , Uhlitz Florian , Ceglia Nicholas , Lim Jamie L.P. , Wu Michelle , Mohibullah Neeman , Ruiz Arvin Eric B. , Boehm Kevin M. , Bojilova Viktoria , Fong Christopher J. , Funnell Tyler , Grewal Diljot , Havasov Eliyahu , Leung Samantha , Pasha Arfath , Patel Druv M. , Pourmaleki Maryam , Rusk Nicole , Shi Hongyu , Vanguri Rami , Williams Marc J. , Zhang Allen W. , Broach Vance , Chi Dennis , Da Cruz Paula Arnaud , Gardner Ginger J. , Kim Sarah H. , Lennon Matthew , Roche Kara Long , Sonoda Yukio , Zivanovic Oliver , Kundra Ritika , Viale Agnes , Derakhshan Fatemeh N. , Geneslaw Luke , Maroldi Ana , Nunez Rahelly , Pareja Fresia , Stylianou Anthe , Vahdatinia Mahsa , Bykov Yonina , Grisham Rachel N. , Liu Ying L. , Lakhman Yulia , Nikolovski Ines , Kelly Daniel , Gao Jianjiong , Schietinger Andrea , Hollmann Travis J. , Bakhoum Samuel F. , Soslow Robert A. , Ellenson Lora H. , Abu-Rustum Nadeem R. , Aghajanian Carol , Friedman Claire F. , McPherson Andrew , Weigelt Britta , Zamarin Dmitriy , Shah Sohrab P.
Published: August 2021

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is an archetypal cancer of genomic instability patterned by distinct mutational processes, intratumoral heterogeneity and intraperitoneal spread. We investigated determinants of immune recognition and evasion in HGSOC to elucidate co- evolutionary processes underlying malignant progression and tumor immunity. Mutational processes and anatomic sites of tumor foci were key determinants of tumor microenvironment cellular phenotypes, inferred from whole genome sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, digital histopathology and multiplexed immunofluorescence of 160 tumor sites from 42 treatment-naive HGSOC patients. Homologous recombination-deficient (HRD)-Dup (BRCA1 mutant-like) and HRD- Del (BRCA2 mutant-like) tumors harbored increased neoantigen burden, inflammatory signaling and ongoing immunoediting, reflected in loss of HLA diversity and tumor infiltration with highly- differentiated dysfunctional CD8+ T cells. Foldback inversion (FBI, non-HRD) tumors exhibited elevated TGFβ signaling and immune exclusion, with predominantly naive/stem-like and memory T cells. Our findings implicate distinct immune resistance mechanisms across HGSOC subtypes which can inform future immunotherapeutic strategies.

HIGHLIGHTS

Multi-region, multi-modal profiling of malignant and immune cell phenotypes in ovarian cancer

Anatomic site specificity is a determinant of cancer cell and intratumoral immune phenotypes

Tumor mutational processes impact mechanisms of immune control and immune evasion

Spatial topology of HR-deficient tumors is defined by immune interactions absent from immune inert HR-proficient subtypes
Microplastic consumption induces inflammatory signatures in the colon and prolongs a viral arthritis
Authors: Rawle Daniel J. , Dumenil Troy , Tang Bing , Bishop Cameron , Yan Kexin , Le Thuy T. , Suhrbier Andreas
Published: August 2021

Global microplastic (MP) contamination and the effects on the environment are well described. However, the potential for MP consumption to affect human health remains controversial. Mice consuming ≈80 µg/kg/day of 1 µm polystyrene MPs via their drinking water for a month showed no weight loss, nor were MPs detected in organs. The microbiome was also unchanged. MP consumption did lead to small transcriptional changes in the colon suggesting plasma membrane perturbations and mild inflammation. Mice were challenged with the arthritogenic chikungunya virus, with MP consumption leading to a significantly prolonged arthritic foot swelling that was associated with elevated Th1, NK cell and neutrophil signatures. Immunohistochemistry also showed a significant increase in the ratio of neutrophils to monocyte/macrophages. The picture that emerges is reminiscent of enteropathic arthritis, whereby perturbations in the colon are thought to activate innate lymphoid cells that caninter aliamigrate to joint tissues to promote inflammation.
Spatial transcriptomics reveals antiparasitic targets associated with essential behaviors in the human parasiteBrugia malayi
Authors: Airs Paul M. , Vaccaro Kathy , Gallo Kendra J. , Dinguirard Nathalie , Heimark Zachary W. , Wheeler Nicolas J. , He Jiaye , Weiss Kurt R. , Schroeder Nathan E. , Huisken Jan , Zamanian Mostafa
Published: August 2021

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a chronic debilitating neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by mosquito-transmitted nematodes that afflicts over 60 million people. Control of LF relies on routine mass drug administration with antiparasitics that clear circulating larval parasites but are ineffective against adults. The development of effective adulticides is hampered by a poor understanding of the processes and tissues driving parasite survival in the host. The adult filariae head region contains essential tissues that control parasite feeding, sensory, secretory, and reproductive behaviors, which express promising molecular substrates for the development of antifilarial drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics. We have adapted spatial transcriptomic approaches to map gene expression patterns across these prioritized but historically intractable head tissues. Spatial and tissue-resolved data reveal distinct biases in the origins of known drug targets and secreted antigens. These data were used to identify potential new drug and vaccine targets, including putative hidden antigens expressed in the alimentary canal, and to spatially associate receptor subunits belonging to druggable families. Spatial transcriptomic approaches provide a powerful resource to aid gene function inference and seed antiparasitic discovery pipelines across helminths of relevance to human and animal health.
Interleukin-11 plays a key role in human and mouse alcohol-related liver disease
Authors: Effenberger Maria , Grabherr Felix , Schaefer Benedikt , Grander Christoph , Mayr Lisa , Schwärzler Julian , Enrich Barbara , Moser Patrizia , Fink Julia , Pedrini Alisa , Jaschke Nikolai , Freund Martin , Loizides Alexander , Bale Reto , Putzer Daniel , Widjaja Anissa A , Schafer Sebastian , Cook Stuart A , Zoller Heinz , Oberhuber Georg , Adolph Timon E , Tilg Herbert
Published: August 2021

Background

Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) reflects acute exacerbation of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and is a growing healthcare burden worldwide with limited treatment options. Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a pro-fibrotic, pro-inflammatory cytokine with increasingly recognized toxicities in parenchymal and epithelial cells.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic value of IL-11 serum levels in patients suffering from AH and cirrhosis of various etiology and to understand the role of IL-11 in experimental ALD.

Methods

IL-11 serum concentration and tissue expression was determined in a cohort comprising 50 patients with AH, 110 patients with cirrhosis and 19 healthy volunteers. Findings were replicated in an independent patient cohort including 186 patients. Ethanol-fed wildtype mice were treated with a neutralizing murine IL-11 receptor-antibody (anit-IL11RA) and thereafter examined for severity signs and markers of ALD.

Results

Human IL-11 serum concentration and liver tissue expression increased with severity of liver disease and were most pronounced in AH. In a multivariate Cox-regression, a serum level above 6.4 picograms/milliliter was a MELD independent risk factor for transplant-free liver disease survival in patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. Findings were confirmed in an independent cohort. In mice, severity of alcohol-induced liver inflammation was positively correlated to enhanced hepatic IL-11 expression. Pretreatment with a neutralizing anti-IL11RA inhibited hepatic inflammation and mice were protected from ethanol-induced liver injury. In comparison to IgG-control, ethanol-fed mice treated with anti-IL11RA showed decreased steatosis, hepatic neutrophil infiltration, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

IL-11 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of ALD and could serve as an independent prognostic factor for transplant-free survival. Blocking IL-11 signaling might be a therapeutic option in human ALD, particularly AH.
Inferring and perturbing cell fate regulomes in human cerebral organoids
Authors: Fleck Jonas S. , Jansen Sophie M.J. , Wollny Damian , Seimiya Makiko , Zenk Fides , Santel Malgorzata , He Zhisong , Gray Camp J. , Treutlein Barbara
Published: August 2021

Self-organizing cerebral organoids grown from pluripotent stem cells combined with single-cell genomic technologies provide opportunities to explore gene regulatory networks (GRNs) underlying human brain development. Here we acquire single-cell transcriptome and accessible chromatin profiling data over a dense time course covering multiple phases of organoid development including neuroepithelial formation, patterning, brain regionalization, and neurogenesis. We identify temporally dynamic and brain region-specific regulatory regions, and cell interaction analysis reveals emergent patterning centers associated with regionalization. We develop Pando, a flexible linear model-based framework that incorporates multi-omic data and transcription binding site predictions to infer a global GRN describing organoid development. We use pooled genetic perturbation with single-cell transcriptome readout to assess transcription factor requirement for cell fate and state regulation in organoid. We find that certain factors regulate the abundance of cell fates, whereas other factors impact neuronal cell states after differentiation. We show that the zinc finger protein GLI3 is required for cortical fate establishment in humans, recapitulating previous work performed in mammalian model systems. We measure transcriptome and chromatin accessibility in normal or GLI3-perturbed cells and identify a regulome central to the dorsoventral telencephalic fate decision. This regulome suggests that Notch effectors HES4/5 are direct GLI3 targets, which together coordinate cortex and ganglionic eminence diversification. Altogether, we provide a framework for how multi-brain region model systems and single-cell technologies can be leveraged to reconstruct human brain developmental biology.
24-nt phasiRNAs move from tapetal to meiotic cells in maize anthers
Authors: Zhou Xue , Huang Kun , Teng Chong , Abdelgawad Ahmed , Batish Mona , Meyers Blake C. , Walbot Virginia
Published: August 2021

In maize, 24-nt phased, secondary small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) are abundant in meiotic stage anthers, but their distribution and functions are not precisely known.

Using laser capture microdissection, we analyzed tapetal cells, meiocytes, and other somatic cells at several stages of anther development to establish the timing of 24-PHAS precursor transcripts and the 24-nt phasiRNA products.

By integrating RNA and small RNA profiling plus single-molecule and small RNA FISH (smFISH or sRNA-FISH) spatial detection, we demonstrate that the tapetum is the primary site of 24-PHAS precursor and Dcl5 transcripts and the resulting 24-nt phasiRNAs. Interestingly, 24-nt phasiRNAs accumulate in all cell types, with the highest levels in meiocytes, followed by tapetum.

Our data support the conclusion that 24-nt phasiRNAs are mobile from tapetum to meiocytes and to other somatic cells. We discuss possible roles for 24-nt phasiRNAs in anther cell types.
Phospholipase Dα1 acts as a negative regulator of high Mg2+-induced leaf senescence in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kocourková Daniela , Kroumanová Kristýna , Podmanická Tereza , Daněk Michal , Martinec Jan
Published: August 2021

Magnesium is a macronutrient involved in essential cellular processes. Its deficiency or excess is a stress factor for plants, seriously affecting their growth and development and therefore, its accurate regulation is essential. Recently, we discovered that phospholipase Dα1 (PLDα1) activity is vital in the stress response to high-magnesium conditions in Arabidopsis roots. This study shows that PLDα1 acts as a negative regulator of high-Mg2+-induced leaf senescence in Arabidopsis. The level of phosphatidic acid produced by PLDα1 and the amount of PLDα1 in the leaves increase in plants treated with high Mg2+. A knockout mutant of PLDα1 (plda1-1), exhibits premature leaf senescence under high-Mg2+ conditions. In pldα1-1 plants, higher accumulation of abscisic and jasmonic acid and impaired magnesium, potassium and phosphate homeostasis were observed under high-Mg2+ conditions. High Mg2+ also led to an increase of starch and proline content in Arabidopsis plants. While the starch content was higher in plda1-1 plants, proline content was significantly lower in plda1-1 compared with WT. Our results show that PLDα1 is essential for Arabidopsis plants to cope with the pleiotropic effects of high-Mg2+ stress and delay the leaf senescence.
A modular platform for on-demand vaccine self-assembly enabled by decoration of bacterial outer membrane vesicles with biotinylated antigens
Authors: Weyant Kevin B. , Liao Julie , Jesus Mariela Rivera-De , Jaroentomeechai Thapakorn , Moeller Tyler D. , Hoang-Phou Steven , Pal Sukumar , Gilmore Sean F. , Singh Riya , Putnam David , Locher Christopher , de la Maza Luis M. , Coleman Matthew A. , DeLisa Matthew P.
Published: August 2021

Engineered outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) derived from laboratory strains of bacteria are a promising technology for the creation of non-infectious, nanoparticle vaccines against diverse pathogens. As mimics of the bacterial cell surface, OMVs offer a molecularly-defined architecture for programming repetitive, high-density display of heterologous antigens in conformations that elicit strong B and T cell immune responses. However, antigen display on the surface of OMVs can be difficult to control and highly variable due to bottlenecks in protein expression and localization to the outer membrane of the host cell, especially for bulky and/or complex antigens. To address this shortcoming, we created a universal approach called AddVax (avidin-based dock- and-display for vaccine antigen cross (x)-linking) whereby virtually any antigen that is amenable to biotinylation can be linked to the exterior of OMVs whose surfaces are remodeled with multiple copies of a synthetic antigen receptor (SNARE) comprised of an outer membrane scaffold protein fused to a member of the avidin family. We show that SNARE-OMVs can be readily decorated with a molecularly diverse array of biotinylated subunit antigens, including globular and membrane proteins, glycans and glycoconjugates, haptens, lipids, and short peptides. When the resulting OMV formulations were injected in wild-type BALB/c mice, strong antigen-specific antibody responses were observed that depended on the physical coupling between the antigen and SNARE-OMV delivery vehicle. Overall, these results demonstrate AddVax as a modular platform for rapid self-assembly of antigen-studded OMVs with the potential to accelerate vaccine generation, respond rapidly to pathogen threats in humans and animals, and simplify vaccine stockpiling.
Cryo-EM structures reveal multiple stages of bacterial outer membrane protein folding
Authors: Doyle Matthew Thomas , Jimah John R. , Hinshaw Jenny E. , Bernstein Harris D.
Published: August 2021

Transmembrane β-barrel proteins are folded into the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria by the β-barrel assembly machine (BAM) via an unexplained process that occurs without known external energy sources. Here we used single-particle cryo-EM to visualize the folding dynamics of a model β-barrel protein (EspP) by BAM. We found that BAM binds the highly conserved “β-signal” motif of EspP to correctly orient β-strands in the OM during folding. We also found that the folding of EspP proceeds via remarkable “hybrid-barrel” intermediates in which membrane integrated β-sheets are attached to the essential BAM subunit, BamA. The structures show an unprecedented deflection of the membrane surrounding the EspP intermediates and suggest that β-sheets progressively fold towards BamA to form a β-barrel. Along with in vivo experiments that tracked β-barrel folding while the OM tension was modified, our results support a model in which BAM harnesses OM elasticity to accelerate β-barrel folding.
Toxoplasma-proximal and distal control by GBPs in human macrophages
Authors: Fisch Daniel , Clough Barbara , Khan Rabia , Healy Lyn , Frickel Eva-Maria
Published: August 2021

Human guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) are key players of interferon-gamma (IFNγ)-induced cell intrinsic defense mechanisms targeting intracellular pathogens. In this study we combine the well-establishedToxoplasma gondiiinfection model with threein vitromacrophage culture systems to delineate the contribution of individual GBP family members to control this apicomplexan parasite. Use of high-throughput imaging assays and genome engineering allowed us to define a role for GBP1, 2 and 5 in parasite infection control. While GBP1 performs a pathogen-proximal, parasiticidal and growth-restricting function through accumulation at the parasitophorous vacuole of intracellularToxoplasma, GBP2 and 5 perform a pathogen-distal, growth-restricting role. We further find that mutants of the GTPase or isoprenylation site of GBP1/2/5 affect their normal function inToxoplasmacontrol by leading to mis-localization of the proteins.
Neutrophil-associated responses to Vibrio cholerae infection in a natural host model
Authors: Farr Dustin , Nag Dhrubajyoti , Chazin Walter J. , Harrison Simone , Thummel Ryan , Luo Xixia , Raychaudhuri Saumya , Withey Jeffrey H.
Published: August 2021

Vibrio cholerae, the cause of human cholera, is an aquatic bacterium found in association with a variety of animals in the environment, including many teleost fish species. V. cholerae infection induces a pro-inflammatory response followed by a non-inflammatory convalescent phase. Neutrophils are integral to this early immune response. However, the relationship between the neutrophil-associated protein calprotectin and V. cholerae has not been investigated, nor have the effects of limiting transition metals on V. cholerae growth. Zebrafish are useful as a natural V. cholerae model as the entire infectious cycle can be recapitulated in the presence of an intact intestinal microbiome and mature immune responses. Here, we demonstrate that zebrafish produce a significant neutrophil, IL-8, and calprotectin response following V. cholerae infection. Bacterial growth was completely inhibited by purified calprotectin protein or the chemical chelator TPEN, but growth was recovered by addition of transition metals zinc and manganese. Expression of downstream calprotectin targets also significantly increased in the zebrafish. These findings are the first to illuminate the role of calprotectin and nutritional immunity in combating V. cholerae infection. Inhibition of V. cholerae growth through metal limitation may provide new approaches in the development of anti-V. cholerae therapeutics. This study also establishes a major role for calprotectin in combating infectious diseases in zebrafish.
Production and composition of group B streptococcal membrane vesicles varies across diverse lineages
Authors: McCutcheon Cole R. , Gaddy Jennifer A. , Aronoff David M. , Petroff Margaret G. , Manning Shannon D.
Published: August 2021

Although the neonatal and fetal pathogen Group B Streptococcus (GBS) asymptomatically colonizes the vaginal tract of ∼30% of pregnant women, only a fraction of their offspring develops invasive disease. We and others have postulated that these dimorphic clinical phenotypes are driven by strain variability; however, the bacterial factors that promote these divergent clinical phenotypes remain unclear. It was previously shown that GBS produces membrane vesicles (MVs) that contain active virulence factors capable of inducing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Because the relationship between strain variation and vesicle composition or production is unknown, we sought to quantify MV production and examine the protein composition, using label-free proteomics on MVs produced by diverse clinical GBS strains representing three phylogenetically distinct lineages. We found that MV production varied across strains, with certain strains displaying nearly two-fold increases in production relative to others. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis of the proteomes revealed that MV composition is lineage-dependent but independent of clinical phenotype. Multiple proteins that contribute to virulence or immunomodulation, including hyaluronidase, C5a peptidase, and sialidases, were differentially abundant in MVs, and were partially responsible for this divergence. Together, these data indicate that production and composition of GBS MVs vary in a strain-dependent manner, suggesting that MVs have lineage-specific functions relating to virulence. Such differences may contribute to variation in clinical phenotypes observed among individuals infected with GBS strains representing distinct lineages.
Developmental timing ofDrosophila pacheapupae is robust to temperature changes
Authors: Lefèvre Bénédicte M. , Mienanzambi Stecy , Lang Michael
Published: August 2021

Rearing temperature is correlated with the timing and speed of development in a wide range of poikiloterm animals that do not regulate their body temperature. However, exceptions exist, especially in species that live in environments with high temperature extremes or oscillations.Drosophila pacheais endemic to the Sonoran desert in Mexico, in which temperatures and temperature variations are extreme. We wondered if the developmental timing inD. pacheamay be sensitive to differing rearing temperatures or if it remains constant. We determined the overall timing of theDrosophila pachealife-cycle at different temperatures. The duration of pupal development was similar at 25°C, 29°C and 32°C, although the relative progress differed at particular stages. Thus,D. pacheamay have evolved mechanisms to buffer temperature effects on developmental speed, potentially to ensure proper development and individual’s fitness in desert climate conditions.
A novel multifunctional role for Hsp70 in binding post-translational modifications on client proteins
Authors: Nitika  , Zheng Bo , Ruan Linhao , Kline Jake T. , Sikora Jacek , Torres Mara Texeira , Wang Yuhao , Takakuwa Jade E. , Huguet Romain , Klemm Cinzia , Segarra Verónica A. , Winters Matthew J. , Pryciak Peter M. , Thorpe Peter H. , Tatebayashi Kazuo , Li Rong , Fornelli Luca , Truman Andrew W.
Published: August 2021

Hsp70 interactions are critical for cellular viability and the response to stress. Previous attempts to characterize Hsp70 interactions have been limited by their transient nature and inability of current technologies to distinguish direct vs bridged interactions. We report the novel use of cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) to comprehensively characterize the budding yeast Hsp70 protein interactome. Using this approach, we have gained fundamental new insights into Hsp70 function, including definitive evidence of Hsp70 self-association as well as multi-point interaction with its client proteins. In addition to identifying a novel set of direct Hsp70 interactors which can be used to probe chaperone function in cells, we have also identified a suite of PTM-associated Hsp70 interactions. The majority of these PTMs have not been previously reported and appear to be critical in the regulation of client protein function. These data indicate that one of the mechanisms by which PTMs contribute to protein function is by facilitating interaction with chaperones. Taken together, we propose that XL-MS analysis of chaperone complexes may be used as a unique way to identify biologically-important PTMs on client proteins.

In vivoconfirmation of Hsp70 dimerization

Comprehensive direct interactome of Hsp70

Multi-domain interactions between Hsp70 and client proteins

Identification of novel biologically-important client protein PTMs
COVID-19 and global clothing retailers' responsibility to vulnerable workers: NGO counter-rhetoric
Authors: Ahmad Nglaa , Haque Shamima , Islam Muhammad Azizul
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This article aims to examine how non-governmental organisations (NGOs)' narratives portray the vulnerability of workers in global clothing supply chains during the COVID-19 crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The research analyses the rhetoric in global clothing retailers' and NGOs' counter-rhetoric during the first seven months of 2020.

Findings

During this period, retailers employed rhetorical strategies to legitimise irresponsible actions (corporate hegemony prevailed), while NGOs embraced forms of counter-rhetoric trying to delegitimise the retailers' logic, stressing the role of neoliberalism in worsening the situation.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature by providing new insight into the consequences of COVID-19 for retailers' neoliberal practices and the livelihood of workers in global supply chains. Findings of this study extend authors’ knowledge about retailers' COVID-19 measures: These have contributed to the plights of workers working for their supply factories in the global South.
TFP determinants in the manufacturing sector: the case of Ecuadorian firms
Authors: Camino-Mogro Segundo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Using a large firm-level data set, this paper examines total factor productivity (TFP) and its determinants in the Ecuadorian manufacturing sector in the period 2007–2018.

Design/methodology/approach

I analyze the role played by traditional TPF determinants, including internal firm characteristics, international trade activities, financial constraints and competition intensity. I contribute to the literature by presenting quantile regression results. Moreover, I analyze industry patterns, distinguishing between industries according to their technological intensity (following the organisation for economic co-operation and development classification).

Findings

My results confirm that firm age is positively related to TFP level but negatively related to TFP growth. I also find that being an exporter and an importer at the same time is associated with higher TFP levels and that this effect is higher than when being only an exporter or an importer. Additionally, l find that credit is positively related to TFP levels. Finally, I find that more competition is positively related to productivity in lower quantiles of output.

Practical implications

The results are the source of tools to propose policy recommendations, which are stated in the present document.

Originality/value

This paper aims to reopen the debate of firm productivity determinants in a developing country such as Ecuador. The authors use a set of covariates less analyzed in this issue.
Mitigating the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on residential facilities for persons with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder: two experiences from the Italian red zone
Authors: Santambrogio Jacopo , Russo Michela , Terrevazzi Sergio , Peschi Gianluca , Clerici Massimo , Bertelli Marco O.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Persons with intellectual disability and/or low-functioning autism spectrum didorder are with high support need (ID/ASD-HSN) are among the people who are most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific vulnerability and the protective factors for persons with ID/LF-ASD attending residential and rehabilitative facilities have however received little attention. This paper aims to describe how two facilities located in the Italian COVID-19 red zone faced the risks associated with the spread of the pandemic and the results they have achieved so far.

Design/methodology/approach

Interventions to contrast the spread of the pandemic and preserve clients’ health conditions have been systematically monitored and recorded since the very beginning of the pandemic.

Findings

26/138 clients had to undergo clinical screening and laboratory tests for COVID-like symptomatology, but only one resulted affected by COVID-19 and survived. Considering that Lombardy had 89,595 cases and 16,262 deaths (January–May 2020), one COVID-19 case/138 clients is a good result. Temporarily limiting physical contacts with friends/family in favor of reducing the burden of risk and adopting a system of prevention/safety strategies directed for persons with ID/LF-ASD attending and their caregivers have been useful measures.

Research limitations/implications

Structured or semi-structured interviews (using professional caregivers as informant) to confirm behavioral and emotional changes in the clients could not be carried out because of lack of time and resources (which were captured by the management of the pandemic) and could be the next goal for our residential facilities to implement the management of epidemic acute phases in a research-oriented view.

Originality/value

This study is a service evaluation report about facing COVID-19 pandemic. Only few such studies are present in medical literature about ID/ASD.
Exploring consumer loyalty towards brands of safe vegetables in Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Hai Minh , Liu Ran , Taieb Seifeddine Ben , Moritaka Masahiro , Fukuda Susumu
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Expanding the market share of safe food through a modern retail system has faced a lot of difficulties in Vietnam. Thus, a further understanding of consumer behaviour and loyalty towards such food is essential for food retailers. This study aims at exploring segments of consumer loyalty and its influential factors towards safe food brands in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of 250 consumers buying safe food in Hanoi city in February 2019, two-step cluster and multinomial logistic regression analyses were applied.

Findings

The results show that four segments of brand loyalty were formed from the interaction between attitudinal and behavioural loyalty as the framework of Dick and Basu (1994), namely, true loyalty, spurious loyalty, latent loyalty and disloyalty. Notably, over 60% of the consumers were in latent loyalty and spurious loyalty, indicating variety-seeking behaviour, multi-brand loyalty or low recognition of the brand. Consumer satisfaction was the most vital motivating consumers to higher loyalty levels. Additionally, brand trust and brand familiarity played significant roles in developing true brand loyalty. An attractive selling store and friendly staff were also important in enhancing brand loyalty.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to elicit consumer loyalty and identify factors driving the loyalty towards brands of safe food in a developing country like Vietnam.
Politics, government health expenditure and infant mortality: does political party orientation matter?
Authors: Alexiou Constantinos , Trachanas Emmanouil
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Motivated by the scant available evidence, this paper explores the relationship between government political party orientation and infant mortality.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel quantile methodology is applied to a data set that consists of 15 countries of the G20 group over the period 2000–2018. The authors control for heterogeneous parameters across countries and quantiles and obtain estimates across the different points of the conditional distribution of the dependent variable.

Findings

The findings support the hypothesis that political party orientation has a significant effect on a population health indicator such as infant mortality. The analysis suggests that, to a great extent, left-wing government parties contribute to better health outcomes – when compared to right and centre political parties – both individually as well as interacted with government health expenditure. Moreover, the impact of redistributing policies appears to be of a paramount importance in alleviating infant mortality, while more education and lower unemployment can also contribute to better health outcomes.

Originality/value

The authors explore the relationship between the nature of government political party orientation (i.e. right, centre and left) and infant mortality whilst at the same time gauging the mediating effect of party orientation via government health expenditure on infant mortality. Additional aspects of the impact of other control variables, such as income inequality, unemployment and education on infant mortality are also investigated.
Exploring personal definitions of sustainability and their impact on perceptions of sustainability culture
Authors: Alexander Rob , Jacovidis Jessica , Sturm Deborah
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an exploratory analysis of campus community member (i.e. students, faculty, staff) definitions of sustainability, their perceptions of select elements of sustainability culture and the relationship between the two.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers implemented a cross-sectional design where participants from two higher education institutions in the USA completed an online survey. The 352 respondents from James Madison University and 349 respondents from Wofford College included students, faculty and staff members. Descriptive statistics were used to examine patterns in the quantitative data, and an inductive theme approach was used to analyze the qualitative data.

Findings

This study provides evidence that sustainability is often viewed from an environmental lens, and personal definitions of sustainability may impact perceptions of campus sustainability culture elements. Generally, the highest rated elements of culture examined (i.e. university actions, signs and symbols and institutional commitments) were all aligned with the environment dimension of sustainability and consistent across sustainability definitions. However, respondents with a more integrative definition of sustainability expected to see elements of culture that aligned with the social dimension of sustainability at a considerably higher rate than the respondents who reported more narrow definitions of sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

Lack of generalizability, low response rates and self-selection bias are some of the limitations of the study.

Practical implications

Personal definitions of sustainability may impact campus community member perceptions of sustainability culture and progress on their campuses. Practitioners may use this study to inform development of more effective strategies for creating and assessing the culture of sustainability that colleges and universities are pursuing.

Originality/value

The empirical analysis of campus community members on two very different campus communities responds to Owens and Legere (2015) who argue for further studies to understand the concept of sustainability at other higher education institutions that are at different stages of pursuing sustainability. This paper links research about sustainability definitions to the emergent research on campus sustainability culture, filling a gap between these two areas.
Past, present and future of luxury brands: a review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Husain Rehan , Samad Taab Ahmad , Qamar Yusra
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify the present research trends and streamline future research possibilities in luxury brands by a systematic review of the existing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A portfolio of 552 articles published between 1996 and 2020 in the luxury brands domain is collected from the Scopus database and analyzed using an integrated approach comprising bibliometric and content analyses.

Findings

A comprehensive review of the available literature was done by identifying emerging topics, keywords and research themes. The study's findings indicate that the luxury brand is an exponentially growing theme; seven representative research clusters are identified and analyzed.

Originality/value

This study enriches the literature of luxury brand by presenting a holistic view of the academic literature using an integrated research methodology comprising bibliometric and content analysis techniques.
Sustainability for competitiveness in firms – a systematic literature review
Authors: Lopez-Torres Gabriela Citlalli , Montejano-García Salomón , Alvarez-Torres Francisco Javier , Perez-Ramos Marcelo de Jesus
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present a systematic review of the literature on sustainability for the competitiveness of firms to identify the state of the art, significant discussions and new research directions. Recently, due to the negative impacts that traditional and unsustainable practices of companies have caused the Planet (e.g. climate change, sanitary crisis), national and international research urgently calls for the assessment of sustainable practices in firms. However, progress seems slow due to a poor understanding of the necessary changes that companies must make in their specific reality. Competitiveness has remained as firms’ primary strategy to endure. Some have associated sustainability with an increment of costs, sometimes with a negative impact on its competitiveness. Sometimes generating oppositions from stakeholder and institutions regulations, it is important to explore how these behaviors and dynamics of this relationship between sustainability and competitiveness affect the pursued transition to sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of the literature, which is a scientific tool, is used in this research. It allows reliably and accurately analyzing and constructing conclusions from a broad database. The search was leaked over the 10 years, from 2010 to 2019. As a basis, 182 scientific articles were identified and revised based on methodology selection criteria and 51 articles were revised in detail.

Findings

This paper identifies critical variables analyzed in the selected articles, sustainability strategies for competitiveness, strategies for sustainability, organizational aspects for sustainability and competitiveness, measurement of sustainability, models, moderating factors for sustainability and new future research directions.

Originality/value

This paper presents state of art about sustainability for competitiveness and identifying key themes and future research directions.
Designing and simulating a “mass selective customization-centralized manufacturing” business model for clothing enterprises using 3D printing
Authors: Jin Yuran , Campbell Robert , Tang Jinhuan , Ji Huisheng , Song Danrong , Liu Xiaoqin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Global economic growth provides new opportunities for the development of clothing enterprises, but at the same time, the rapid growth of clothing customization demand and the gradual increase of clothing costs also pose new challenges for the development of clothing enterprises. In this context, 3D printing technology is injecting new vitality and providing a new development direction for the vigorous development of clothing enterprises. However, with the application of 3D printing technology, more and more clothing enterprises are facing the problem of business model innovation. In view of the lack of relevant research, it is necessary to carry out exploratory research on this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The business model canvas method was adopted to design business model for clothing enterprises using 3D printing. The simulation model of the designed business model was constructed by a system dynamics method, and the application of the designed business model was analysed by a scenario simulation.

Findings

Mass selective customization-centralized manufacturing (MSC-CM) business model was constructed for clothing enterprises using 3D printing, and a static display was carried out using the BMC method. A dynamic simulation model of the MSC-CM business model was constructed. The future scenario of clothing enterprises using 3D printing was developed, and a simulated enterprise was analysed. The results show that the MSC-CM business model has a good application value. The simulation model of the MSC-CM business model performs the function of a business strategy experiment platform and also has a good practical application value.

Research limitations/implications

The MSC-CM business model is only a typical business model for clothing enterprises using 3D printing. It is necessary to further develop other business models, and some elements of the MSC-CM business model need to be further improved. In addition, the MSC-CM business model simulation uses a general model, which is not suitable for all clothing enterprises using 3D printing. When the model is applied, the relevant enterprises can further adjust and optimize it, thereby improving the validity of the simulation model.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper on the MSC-CM business model for garment enterprises using 3D printing. Secondly, it is the first time that the business model of clothing enterprises using 3D printing has been simulated. In particular, the proposed business model simulation provides the possibility for testing the business strategy of clothing enterprises using 3D printing. In addition, a positive attempt has been made in the collaborative research of using both a static display business model and a dynamic simulation business model.
Railway emergency plan modeling based on Petri net
Authors: Ji Yuqing , Ou Dongxiu , Zhang Lei , Tang Chenkai , Phichitthanaset Visarut
Published: August 2021

Purpose

When a railway emergency occurs, it often leads to unexpected consequences, especially for trains of higher speed and larger passenger flow. Therefore, the railway emergency plan, a pre-established plan to deal with emergencies, plays an important role in reducing injuries and losses. However, the existing railway emergency plans remain as plain-text documents, requiring lots of manual work to capture the important regulations. This paper aims to propose a visualized, formal and digital railway emergency plan modeling method based on hierarchical timed Petri net (HTPN), which is also of better interpretability.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the general railway emergency plan was analyzed. Second, the HTPN-based framework model for the general railway emergency plan was proposed. Then, the instantiated model of electric multiple units rescue emergency plan was built by ExSpect, a Petri net simulation tool.

Findings

The experiments show that the proposed model is more digital and of better readability, visualization and performability, and, meanwhile, can generally conform to the practice well, offering a promising reference for future analysis of the optimization of railway emergency plans.

Originality/value

This study offers a promising reference for future analysis of the optimization of railway emergency plans.
Influence of moisture concentration and hydrophobic material on induced stress in FCBGA package under reflow
Authors: Heng Elwin , Abdullah Mohd Zulkifly
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper focuses on the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis of moisture induced stress for the flip chip ball grid array (FCBGA) package with hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials during the reflow soldering process. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of moisture concentration and FCBGA with hydrophobic material on induced pressure and stress in the package at varies times.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study analyzed the warpage deformation during the reflow process via visual inspection machine (complied to Joint Electron Device Engineering Council standard) and FSI simulation by using ANSYS/FLUENT package. The direct concentration approach is used to model moisture diffusion and ANSYS is used to predict the Von-Misses stress. Models of Test Vehicle 1 (similar to Xieet al., 2009b) and Test Vehicle 2 (FCBGA package) with the combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials are performed. The simulation for different moisture concentrations with reflows process time has been conducted.

Findings

The results from the mechanical reliability study indicate that the FSI analysis is found to be in good agreement with the published study and acceptable agreement with the experimental result. The maximum Von-Misses stress induced by the moisture significantly increased on FCBGA with hydrophobic material compared to FCBGA with a hydrophilic material. The presence of hydrophobic material that hinders the moisture desorption process. The analysis also illustrated the moisture could very possibly reside in electronic packaging and developed beyond saturated vapor into superheated vapor or compressed liquid, which exposed electronic packaging to higher stresses.

Practical implications

The findings provide valuable guidelines and references to engineers and packaging designers during the reflow soldering process in the microelectronics industry.

Originality/value

Studies on the influence of moisture concentration and hydrophobic material are still limited and studies on FCBGA package warpage under reflow process involving the effect of hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials are rarely reported. Thus, this study is important to effectively bridge the research gap and yield appropriate guidelines in the microelectronics industry.
Design and finite element analysis of modular C-Core stator tubular linear oscillating actuator for miniature compressor
Authors: Khalid Sumeet , Khan Faisal , Ahmad Zahoor , Ullah Basharat
Published: August 2021

Purpose

For compactness and ease in assembling, a novel miniature size tubular moving magnet linear oscillating actuator (MT-MMLOA) design for miniature linear compressor application is proposed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

This MT-MMLOA design possesses a modular C-core stator structure having separation at the middle. Axially magnetized tubular permanent magnets are accommodated on the mover. To improve the output parameters of the linear oscillating actuators (LOA), all the design parameters are optimized using a parametric sweep. Finite element analysis of the proposed design is performed to examine the magnetic flux density as well as thrust force under both static and dynamic analysis within the intended stroke range.

Findings

Compared to conventional LOA for miniature compressors, the motor constant of the proposed LOA is 37 N/A that is 85% greater while keeping the same size of LOA. Permanent magnet volume used in the investigated topology of LOA is 26% reduced. Additionally, the overall volume of the machine is 10.3% decreased. Furthermore, the proposed topology is simple, inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

Originality/value

Electromagnetic performance comparison with different topologies proposed earlier in literature is carried out to prove the performance superiority of the proposed design.
Ric8 acts as a regulator of G‐protein signalling required for nematode‐trapping lifecycle of Arthrobotrys oligospora
Authors: Bai Na , Zhang Guosheng , Wang Wenjie , Feng Huihua , Yang Xuewei , Zheng Yaqing , Yang Le , Xie Meihua , Zhang Ke‐Qin , Yang Jinkui
Published: August 2021

Resistance to inhibitors of cholinesterase 8 (Ric8) is a conserved guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is involved in the regulation of G‐protein signalling in filamentous fungi. Here, we characterized an orthologous Ric8 (AoRic8) in Arthrobotrys oligospora by multi‐omics analyses. The Aoric8 deletion (ΔAoric8) mutants lost an ability to produce traps essential for nematode predation, accompanied by a marked reduction in cAMP level. Yeast two‐hybrid assay revealed that AoRic8 interacted with G‐protein subunit Gα1. Moreover, the mutants were compromised in mycelia growth, conidiation, stress resistance, endocytosis, cellular components and intrahyphal hyphae. Revealed by transcriptomic analysis differentially upregulated genes in the absence of Aoric8 were involved in cell cycle, DNA replication and recombination during trap formation while downregulated genes were primarily involved in organelles, carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Metabolomic analysis showed that many compounds were markedly downregulated in ΔAoric8 mutants versus the wild‐type strain. Our results demonstrated a crucial role for AoRic8 in the fungal growth, environmental adaption and nematode predation through control of cell cycle, organelle and secondary metabolism by G‐protein signalling.