bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MuSK-BMP signaling in adult muscle stem cells maintains quiescence and regulates myofiber size
Authors: Madigan Laura A. , Jaime Diego , Chen Isabella , Fallon Justin R. 
Published: May 2023

SUMMARYA central question in adult stem cell biology is elucidating the signaling pathways regulating their dynamics and function in diverse physiological and age-related contexts. Muscle stem cells in adults (Satellite Cells; SCs) are generally quiescent but can activate and contribute to muscle repair and growth. Here we tested the role of the MuSK-BMP pathway in regulating adult SC quiescence by deletion of the BMP-binding MuSK Ig3 domain (‘ΔIg3-MuSK’). At 3 months of age SC and myonuclei numbers and myofiber size were comparable to WT. However, at 5 months of age SC density was decreased while myofiber size, myonuclear number and grip strength were increased - indicating that SCs had activated and productively fused into the myofibers over this interval. Transcriptomic analysis showed that SCs from uninjured ΔIg3-MuSK mice exhibit signatures of activation. Regeneration experiments showed that ΔIg3-MuSK SCs maintain full stem cell function. Expression of ΔIg3-MuSK in adult SCs was sufficient to break quiescence and increase myofiber size. We conclude that the MuSK-BMP pathway regulates SC quiescence and myofiber size in a cell autonomous, age-dependent manner. Targeting MuSK-BMP signaling in muscle stem cells thus emerges a therapeutic strategy for promoting muscle growth and function in the settings of injury, disease, and aging.HighlightsMuSK, in its role as a BMP co-receptor, regulates adult muscle stem cell quiescenceThe MuSK-BMP pathway acts cell autonomouslyIncreased muscle size and function with preservation of myonuclear density and stemness in mice with attenuated MuSK-BMP signaling
Repair oligodendrocytes demyelinating and disintegrating damaged axons after injury
Authors: Nocera Gianluigi , Vaquié Adrien , Hertzog Nadège , Steil Katharina , Duque Santiago Luis Cañón , Miedema Johannes , Bagin Cansu , Tevosian Margaryta , Lutz Beat , Sharifi-Aghili Azadeh , Hegner Katharina , Vollmer Doris , Bang Seokyoung , Lee Seung-Ryeol , Jeon Noo Li , Keyse Stephen M , López Sofía Raigón , Jacob Claire 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAfter a spinal cord injury, axons fail to regrow, which results in permanent loss of function1. This is in contrast with peripheral axons that can regrow efficiently after injury2. These differences are partly due to the different plasticity of myelinating cells, Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes, in these two systems3. The molecular mechanisms underlying this different plasticity remain however poorly understood. Here, we show that the phosphatase Dusp64is a master inhibitor of oligodendrocyte plasticity after spinal cord injury. Dusp6 is rapidly downregulated in Schwann cells and upregulated in oligodendrocytes after axon injury. Simultaneously, the MAP kinases ERK1/2 are activated and the transcription factor c-Jun is upregulated in Schwann cells5,6, but not in oligodendrocytes. Ablation or inactivation of Dusp6 induces rapid ERK1/2 phosphorylation, c-Jun upregulation and filopodia formation in oligodendrocytes, leading to mechanically-induced, fast disintegration of distal ends of injured axons, myelin clearance and axonal regrowth. Together, our findings provide understanding of the mechanisms underlying the different plasticity of Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes after injury and a method to convert mature oligodendrocytes exhibiting inhibitory cues for axonal regrowth into repair oligodendrocytes reminiscent of repair Schwann cells. We show that repair oligodendrocytes successfully increase the compatibility of the spinal cord environment with axonal regrowth after injury, suggesting a potential use of repair oligodendrocytes as future therapeutic approach to treat spinal cord injuries.
Exogenous trehalose application promotes survival by alleviating oxidative stress and affecting transcriptome in ethanol-stressed Wickerhamomyces anomalus
Authors: Li Yinfeng , Jiang Guilan , Long Hua , Liao Yifa , Huang Mingzheng , Yu Zhihai , Cheng Shuang , Wang Ying , Liu Xiaozhu 
Published: May 2023

PurposeIncreased ethanol accumulation during ethanol fermentation generates stress in yeast cells, which finally reduces the fermentation performance and efficiency. Trehalose, a potential stress protectant, has been reported to regulate the response of yeast to diverse environmental stresses. This study aimed to explore how exogenous trehalose application affects the survival, transcriptome and antioxidant enzymes of Wickerhamomyces anomalus grown under ethanol stress conditions.Design/methodology/approachExogenous trehalose was applied to the growth condition of W. anomalus, and optical densitometric method was used to detect contents of intracellular trehalose and MDA and activities of CAT and SOD. The survival was evaluated using spot analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through transcriptomics analysis.FindingsThe results showed that ethanol stress induced the accumulation of intracellular trehalose, with further exogenous trehalose application improving the survival and alleviating oxidative stress in ethanol-stressed W. anomalus. Transcriptomic results showed that trehalose has pleiotropic regulating effects on ethanol-stressed W. anomalus since most DEGs annotated to energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, translation, folding, sorting and transport were affected post trehalose addition. Therefore, it is found that trehalose protected W. anomalus against ethanol stress, and these findings provide interesting insights into the mechanistic role of trehalose in improving ethanol stress tolerance of W. anomalus.Originality/value(1) Protective effect of exogenous trehalose addition on the survival of ethanol-stressed W. anomalus was proved. (2) Exogenous trehalose addition could partly alleviate oxidative stress induced by ethanol stress and affect transcriptome in W. anomalus.
Choice for sustainable meals at staff restaurants: influence of at-home food habits and food triggers
Authors: Debucquet Gervaise , Dugué Mélanie , Cardinal Mireille 
Published: May 2023

PurposeCollective catering sector is increasingly offering alternative and more sustainable food propositions, but their success rests on their reception by guests and changes induced in individual behaviors. The authors investigate food-change determinants by examining the relationship between food behavior at staff restaurants and at home.Design/methodology/approachIn an experiment over four days conducted in three staff restaurants, the authors monitored the behavioral changes and motivations of guests (n = 599) offered choices between standard and sustainable options for meat, fish, dairy products, fruit-based desserts and a vegetarian dish. The calculation of a “sustainable consumption score,” based on actual consumption at a restaurant by a subsample (n = 160) of guests gives an indication of interest for sustainable options.FindingsHigher overall choices were observed for vegetarian dishes and for the sustainable meat options rather than for the sustainable fish and desserts options, thus suggesting contrasted perceptions of the sustainable alternatives. The results revealed two profiles of consumers with contrasting scores. The “lower receptive guests” had lower commitment to sustainable food at home and at staff restaurants, while the “higher receptive guests” found in the intervention meaningful propositions for pursuing their existing at-home commitment.Research limitations/implicationsLong-term research would be required to verify whether repeated sustainable offers can break down deep-rooted choices and instill durable changes among consumers with lower commitment to sustainable food. This research contributes to the identification of some types of food that are more suitable for sustainable-oriented interventions.Practical implicationsSome food triggers are identified to further norm activation among the lower receptive profile of consumers.Originality/valueBy addressing continuities/discontinuities between at-home and at-restaurant consumption and mobilizing the “norm-activation” concept, the authors question the efficiency of sustainable food offers at work.
A study on implementing QFD (quality function deployment) in the construction of a commercial business center
Authors: Dara Sruthilaya 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
This study aims to demonstrate how the process of quality function deployment (QFD) is used to identify the basic requirements of the customers in designing and executing the commercial business center.

Design/methodology/approach
This study was considered with the aim of determining the approach of QFD methodology used in the planning and designing of commercial business centers. The methodology used in the study is a customer-driven process that includes customer requirements in each and every aspect of the planning and designing of the project. The main focus of this study is to understand the requirements of the customers and to design and execute a commercial business project.

Findings
This study illustrates the quality requirements of the projects that benefit from the QFD process to obtain customer requirements for the planning and designing of commercial business centers. A case study is used to demonstrate the use of QFD process. This helps to explain the effective application of QFD in the planning and designing of business centers and similar constructions.

Research limitations/implications
The planning and designing of the commercial business center using the QFD process were challenging and hence it is limited to the design part. The strategic objectives are not taken into account while performing QFD in this case study and the risk of market research is lacking. House of quality (HOQ) can be too complicated at times; hence, the adaptability in the traditional QFD is lacking. Most of the work in the HOQ matrix is done through subjective evaluation. Therefore, this research is mostly useful for a single party responsible for all phases of the planning and designing of the project.

Originality/value
In the construction industry, the use of the QFD process for project performance analysis and application is restricted. As a result of the scarcity of studies on the planning and design of construction projects, this study on the planning and design of a construction project was inspired.
Nonlinear analysis of the semi-active particle damping vibration isolation system based on fractional-order theory
Authors: Xue Cheng , Xia Zhaowang , Lao Xingsheng , Yang Zhengqi 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide some references about applying the semi-active particle damper to enhance the stability of the pipe structure.Design/methodology/approachThis paper establishes the dynamical models of semi-active particle damper based on traditional dynamical theory and fractional-order theory, respectively. The semi-active particle damping vibration isolation system applied in a pipe structure is proposed, and its analytical solution compared with G-L numerical solution is solved by the averaging method. The quantitative relationships of fractional-order parameters (a and kp) are confirmed and their influences on the amplitude-frequency response of the vibration isolation system are analyzed. A fixed point can be obtained from the amplitude-frequency response curve, and the optimal parameter used for improving the vibration reduction effect of semi-active particle damper can be calculated based on this point. The nonlinear phenomenon caused by nonlinear oscillators is also investigated.FindingsThe results show that the nonlinear stiffness parameter p will cause the jump phenomenon while p is close to 87; with the variation of nonlinear damping parameter μ, the pitchfork bifurcation phenomenon will occur with an unstable branch after the transient response; with the change of fractional-order coefficient kp, a segmented bifurcation phenomenon will happen, where an interval that kp between 18.5 and 21.5 has no bifurcation phenomenon.Originality/valueThis study establishes a mathematical model of the typical semi-active particle damping vibration isolation system according to fractional-order theory and researches its nonlinear characteristics.
Building students' attachment strength with higher education institutes using intangible resources: role of institutional branding
Authors: Khanna Kritika , Pandher Jagwinder Singh , Bedi Sarbjit Singh 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThe present study has been carried out to study whether and how different aspects of brand management (brand identity, brand image and brand meaning) are instrumental in maintaining and enhancing attachment strength of students with higher education institutes (HEIs). Further, to understand what brand management aspect channels the impact of what branding driver on attachment strength in most effective manner.Design/methodology/approachThe study analysed combined mediating effects as well as specific mediating effects to test the mediating role of brand management aspects.FindingsThe study reveals that brand image plays highest mediating role among all aspects of brand management. HEIs need to enhance service quality because brand image carries the highest influence of service quality on attachment strength. Similarly, brand identity carries the highest influence of heritage on attachment strength. Brand meaning carries the highest influence of competence and reputation on attachment strength.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study, based on empirical research, has built the framework and mechanism for creating attachment strength utilising the intangible resources of HEIs through brand management. The present study examines how specific intangible resources exhibit varying influences on attachment strength via distinct brand management mediation effects.Practical implicationsThe present study provides framework for designing branding strategies to build and channelise necessary intangible resources of branding for nourishing and nurturing attachment strength.Originality/valueThe present study contributes to scarce branding literature in context of HEIs. The study proposes role of HEI branding in developing students' attachment strength with their HEIs.
Exploring the theoretical foundations of innovation ecosystems between 2006 and 2020: an analysis at the different approaches
Authors: Zen Aurora Carneiro , Santos Carlos Alberto Frantz dos , Santos Diego Alex Gázaro dos , da Rosa Juliana Ribeiro , Spindler Everson dos Santos 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
This study aims to map and assess the conceptual development of the innovation ecosystem literature.

Design/methodology/approach
A bibliometric analysis was performed using the VOSviewer, RStudio software, Bibliometrix and Biblioshiny packages. To accomplish this, 367 publications published between 2006 and 2020 and indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases were assessed.

Findings
The results demonstrate a rise in research during 2016, with almost 30% of publications concentrated in only six journals. The co-citation analysis presented four clusters: case studies, business and innovation ecosystems (platform approach), open innovation and national and regional innovation systems (territorial approach). We proposed a theoretical framework based on two approaches in the innovation ecosystem literature based on co-citation analysis: platform, which has its roots in the literature on strategy, and territory, grounded in research on economic geography literature.

Research limitations/implications
One of the limitations of the study is that only articles published in journals were analyzed, leaving out of the sample those published in congresses, books and other sources.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature by presenting and clarifying the different conceptual trajectories of research in innovation ecosystems. We also proposed an analytical framework based on the two main approaches to innovation ecosystems – platform and territory. This framework presents the critical elements of managing innovation ecosystems from both perspectives.
The impact of China's trade and FDI on Africa's GVC participation and economic upgrading
Authors: Cudjoe Derrick Anquanah , He Yumei , Hu Hanhui 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThis study examines the impact of China's trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) on Africa's global value chain (GVC) participation and economic upgrading.Design/methodology/approachThe study covered 48 African countries, cutting across the western, eastern, central, southern and northern subregions to cover the heterogeneity of the continent. The study adopted feasible generalized least squares panel VAR-Granger causality Wald test and system generalized methods of moments techniques for estimation.FindingsOverall, China's FDI to Africa and US-Africa trade have a linear relationship with Africa's GVC involvement and economic upgrading. The findings suggest that although China-Africa trade has a positive impact on GVC engagement and upgrading, the marginal effect decreases in the face of US-Africa and EU-Africa trade.Originality/valueThis study provides new evidence on the impact of China's FDI and trade on African economies' GVC participation and economic upgrading. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to empirically explore the effects of China's FDI and trade on Africa's GVC integration and economic upgrading as well as from the perspectives of backward and forward GVC participation. Furthermore, the study empirically examines whether the effects of Africa's economic cooperation with China relative to its GVC engagement differ from those of Europe (EU) and the US via a comparative regression.
Using oral communication instructions to improve marketing and financial management skills of sweet potato farmers
Authors: Onah Ogochukwu Gabriella , Attah Ogwu Chris , Ibrahim Umaru Isaac , Onyia Chiebonam Chukwuemeka , Gever Esther Rita , Nwokolo Peter N. , Gever Verlumun Celestine 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the impact of oral communication in improving the marketing and financial management skills of sweet potato farmers.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a quasi-experimental design with a pre- and post-test approach. The sample was 540 sweet potato farmers that were randomly assigned to training (n = 270) and no-training groups (n = 270) with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) as the method of data analysis. While the training group received oral training sessions for three farming seasons beginning in 2019, 2020 and 2021, the no-training group did not receive any intervention.FindingsBefore the training sessions, all the sweet potato farmers scored low on marketing skills like advertising, sales promotion and sales forecasting. Both groups also scored low on financial management skills like budgeting, investments, saving and controlling expenditures. Their annual income level was also low and both groups did not significantly differ. However, after the training and during the follow-up evaluation, the participants in the training group reported a significant improvement in their marketing skills and financial management skills. There was also an improvement in their income level from $238 (N109,480) at baseline to $523 (N240,580) after the training and $782 (N359,720) after the follow-up evaluation. On the other hand, the no-training group reported a staggered fluctuation in their income of $241 (N110,860) at baseline, $371(N170,660) during post-training evaluation and $214 (N98,440) at follow-up assessment.Research limitations/implicationsThe first limitation is that the study examined only one crop. There is a need to pay attention to farmers of other crops for better understanding. Another limitation of the study is that the researchers examined only oral communication. There is a need to compare more than one training to understand which is more effective. Finally, the current study did not consider the moderating effect of other factors like the source of labour and expenses.Originality/valueThis study has shown that oral communication is an effective tool for promoting the acquisition of marketing and financial management skills and enhancing agribusiness.
Information sharing in African perishable agri-food supply chains: a systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Obonyo Edwin , Formentini Marco , Ndiritu S. Wagura , Naslund Dag 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to provide a review of state-of-the-art literature on information sharing in the context of African perishable agri-food supply chains (AFSCs). In doing so, the authors hope to stimulate further research and advance both theory and practice on African perishable AFSCs, which is a relevant, but under-investigated context.Design/methodology/approachThe authors’ systematic literature review covers a period of 21 years (2000–2021). After providing the bibliometric and methodological insights related to this sample of literature, the authors provide a detailed analysis and discussion of the key aspects of information sharing in African perishable AFSCs, based on a review framework grounded in the information sharing literature.FindingsThe authors’ review revealed that information sharing in African AFSCs is still in its nascent stage. Findings are based on four themes of (1) why share information (mainly to gain market access), (2) what information is shared (price and market information) (3) how it is shared (still traditional communication, with limited adoption of digital technologies?) and (4) antecedents, drivers and barriers (technology adoption and socio-economic background of Africans).Research limitations/implicationsThis paper outlines a research agenda for advancing the theory on information sharing in AFSCs. Furthermore, the review highlights the importance of context, supply chain structure, relationships, product characteristics and culture in studying AFSCs.Originality/valueA review on information sharing in African perishable AFSCs does not appear to exist in operations and supply chain management (O&SCM) and agribusiness journals.