bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Alternative Sigma Factor SigL Influences Clostridioides difficile Toxin Production, Sporulation, and Cell Surface Properties
Authors: Clark Andrew E. , Adamson Chelsea C. , Carothers Katelyn E. , Roxas Bryan Angelo P. , Viswanathan V.K. , Vedantam Gayatri 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe alternative sigma factor SigL (Sigma-54) facilitates bacterial adaptation to the extracellular environment by modulating the expression of defined gene subsets. A homolog of the gene encoding SigL is conserved in the diarrheagenic pathogen Clostridioides difficile. To explore the contribution of SigL to C. difficile biology, we generated sigL-disruption mutants (sigL::erm) in strains belonging to two phylogenetically distinct lineages – the human-relevant Ribotype 027 (strain BI-1) and the veterinary-relevant Ribotype 078 (strain CDC1). Comparative proteomics analyses of mutants and isogenic parental strains revealed lineage-specific SigL regulons. Concomitantly, loss of SigL resulted in pleotropic and distinct phenotypic alterations in the two strains. Sporulation kinetics, biofilm formation, and cell surface-associated phenotypes were altered in CDC1 sigL::erm relative to the isogenic parent strain, but remained unchanged in BI-1 sigL::erm. In contrast, secreted toxin levels were significantly elevated only in the BI-1 sigL::erm mutant relative to its isogenic parent. We also engineered SigL overexpressing strains and observed enhanced biofilm formation in the CDC1 background, and reduced spore titers as well as dampened sporulation kinetics in both strains. Thus, we contend that SigL is a key, pleiotropic regulator that dynamically influences C. difficile’s virulence factor landscape, and thereby, its interactions with host tissues and co-resident microbes.Contribution to the FieldAlternative sigma factors modulate bacterial gene expression in response to environmental and metabolic cues. C. difficile encodes multiple alternative sigma factors which mediate critical cellular processes. A Sigma-54 ortholog, SigL, is conserved across all sequenced strains, yet its function remains to be elucidated. We demonstrate that SigL dynamically influences C. difficile biology in fundamental, but distinct, ways in two strains representing two clinically-relevant C. difficile phylogenetic lineages (ribotypes). Loss of SigL results in changes in sporulation kinetics, biofilm formation, alterations in cell surface properties, and secreted toxin levels in a strain-specific manner. SigL overexpression, however, uniformly impedes sporulation. Thus, SigL plays a fundamental role in regulating the expression of C. difficile virulence factors and likely profoundly impacts pathogenesis in a strain-specific manner.
Culture and genomic analysis of Arsenophonus apicola sp. nov. isolated from the honeybee Apis mellifera
Authors: Nadal-Jimenez Pol , Siozios Stefanos , Frost Crystal L. , Court Rebecca , Chrostek Ewa , Drew Georgia C. , Evans Jay D. , Hawthorne David J. , Burritt James B. , Hurst Gregory D.D. 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTThe genus Arsenophonus has been traditionally considered to be comprised of heritable bacterial symbionts of arthropods. Recent work has reported a microbe related to the type species A. nasoniae as infecting the honey bee, Apis mellifera. The association was unusual for members of the genus in that the microbe-host interaction arose through environmental and social exposure rather than vertical transmission. In this study, we describe the in vitro culture of ArsBeeUS, a strain of this microbe isolated from A. mellifera in the USA. The 16S rRNA sequence of the isolated strain clearly indicates it falls within the genus Arsenophonus. Biolog analysis indicates the bacterium has a restricted range of nutrients that support growth. In vivo experiments demonstrate the strain proliferates rapidly on injection into A. mellifera hosts. We further report the closed genome sequence for the strain. The genome is 3.3 MB and 37.6% GC, which is smaller than A. nasoniae but larger than the genomes reported for non-culturable Arsenophonus symbionts. The genome is complex, with 6 plasmids and 11 predicted intact phage elements, but notably less complex than A. nasoniae. With 92% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to the type strain A. nasoniae, the ArsBeeUS strain isolated is clearly distinct from the type species, and we propose the name Arsenophonus apicola sp. nov. (CECT 30499; LMG 32504).
Zebrafish caudal fin amputation induces a metabolic switch necessary for cell identity transitions and cell cycle re-entry to support blastema formation and bone regeneration
Authors: Brandão Ana S. , Borbinha Jorge , Pereira Telmo , Brito Patrícia H. , Lourenço Raquel , Bensimon-Brito Anabela , Jacinto António 
Published: January 2022

AbstractRegeneration depends on the ability of mature cells at the injury site to respond to injury, generating tissue-specific progenitors that incorporate the blastema and proliferate to reconstitute the original organ architecture. The metabolic microenvironment has been tightly connected to cell function and identity during development and tumorigenesis. Yet, the link between metabolism and cell identity at the mechanistic level in a regenerative context remains unclear. The adult zebrafish caudal fin, and bone cells specifically, have been crucial for the understanding of mature cell contribution to tissue regeneration. Here, we use this model to explore the relevance of glucose metabolism for the cell fate transitions preceding new osteoblast formation and blastema assembly. We show that injury triggers a shift in the metabolic profile at early stages of regeneration, enhancing glycolysis at the expense of mitochondrial oxidation. This metabolic switch mediates transcriptional changes that make mature osteoblast amenable to be reprogramed into pre-osteoblasts and induces cell cycle re-entry and progression. Manipulation of the metabolic profile led to severe reduction of the pre-osteoblast pool, diminishing their capacity to generate new osteoblasts, and to a complete abrogation of blastema formation. Overall, our data indicate that metabolic alterations have a powerful instructive role in regulating genetic programs that dictate fate decisions and stimulate proliferation, thereby providing a deeper understanding on the mechanisms regulating blastema formation and bone regeneration.
Model of integrated reporting “concept in practice” in the light of pragmatic constructivist paradigm: case studies of life science companies
Authors: Dyczkowska Joanna , Fijałkowska Justyna 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThis longitudinal research paper is based on a case study analysis of two Danish life science companies. The general purpose of the paper is to uncover changes in the reporting practices of experienced integrated reporting (IR) reporters. In order to meet that objective, a pragmatic constructivist paradigm was applied to make a better understanding of factors affecting disclosure decisions in the integrated reports.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses a qualitative methodological approach. It is based on content and discourse analyses of the written documents, including the integrated reports, auditors' statements and independent assurance reports.FindingsThe model developed in this study reflects a real phenomenon related to the development of IR practices. The pragmatic constructivist paradigm explains how practitioners perceive business reality, act in the face of changing facts and values and make decisions regarding material disclosures.Research limitations/implicationsThe investigation of only two companies may be perceived as a limitation of this study. However, a small number of life science companies have prepared integrated reports for a long time. The selected organisations are the pioneers in that field and have drawn up integrated reports since 2002 or 2004.Originality/valueThis paper develops an original model of IR “concept in practice”. It considers the regulatory framework regarding materiality in IR through the prism of facts that form a basis for practical work. It also emphasises an impact of a value system and social context on disclosure decisions in integrated reports. In that way, a link between the constructivist paradigm and IR is created.
The systems architecture ontology (SAO): an ontology-based design method for cyber–physical systems
Authors: Sales Diego Camara , Becker Leandro Buss , Koliver Cristian 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
Managing components' resources plays a critical role in the success of systems' architectures designed for cyber–physical systems (CPS). Performing the selection of candidate components to pursue a specific application's needs also involves identifying the relationships among architectural components, the network and the physical process, as the system characteristics and properties are related.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) approach is a valuable asset therefore. Within this context, the authors present the so-called Systems Architecture Ontology (SAO), which allows the representation of a system architecture (SA), as well as the relationships, characteristics and properties of a CPS application.

Findings
SAO uses a common vocabulary inspired by the Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) standard. To demonstrate SAO's applicability, this paper presents its use as an MDE approach combined with ontology-based modeling through the Ontology Web Language (OWL). From OWL models based on SAO, the authors propose a model transformation tool to extract data related to architectural modeling in AADL code, allowing the creation of a components' library and a property set model. Besides saving design time by automatically generating many lines of code, such code is less error-prone, that is, without inconsistencies.

Originality/value
To illustrate the proposal, the authors present a case study in the aerospace domain with the application of SAO and its transformation tool. As result, a library containing 74 components and a related set of properties are automatically generated to support architectural design and evaluation.
Assessment of corrosivity of emulsions from a petroleum sample on X80 steel
Authors: Quej-Ake Luis Manuel , García Jiménez Sergio , Liu Hongbo , Alamilla J.L. , Angeles-Chavez Carlos 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion process by examining the deterioration of X80 steel exposed to a real petroleum sample containing condensed hydrocarbon plus oilfield-produced water, which were subjected to stimulated emulsions in flowing media at 50°C.Design/methodology/approachThe impedance and polarization spectra were used to assess the aggressiveness of the petroleum sample and tried to find a washing process using condensed hydrocarbon with deionized water. Mössbauer technique was used to identify the phases in precipitated ions obtained during an oven-drying procedure of the oilfield produced water.FindingsThe emulsion, chloride, sulphur compounds, heavy metals and the use of a double hydrodynamic system were the most important factors affecting the corrosion of X80 steel. The corrosion rate of this steel increased when oilfield-produced water was stimulated by a double hydrodynamic system (4.56 mm/year). It was determined to be 7.66 mm/year and 4.01 mm/year when steel was exposed to a stimulated emulsion using the petroleum sample and condensed hydrocarbon with deionized water at 24 h, respectively, suggesting that a significant process of hydrocarbon washing could occur and a more corrosive solution was highlighted. Mössbauer results showed that the ions precipitates included the following phases at Wt.%: magnetite (20.0), greigeite (22.8), siderite (3.2), pyrite (2.9), marcasite (26.7) and mackinawite (24.4).Originality/valueA stimulated hydrocarbon/water emulsions with a more homogeneous solution containing high concentrations of saline compounds and heavy metals were used to simulate the susceptibility to corrosion on the internal pipeline steels exposed to any type of immiscible liquids such as condensed hydrocarbon, or crude oil, containing water. A practical application of the presented research could provide a novel framework for understanding the internal corrosion in pipelines from the simulation of washed hydrocarbons after the stimulated emulsions that can be found in the field. Because more susceptibility to corrosion for pipeline steels would be expected at the end of the transportation of the fluid. It is possible to investigate the possible corrosion mechanisms by using a dried oilfield-produced water sample interacting with the pipeline steels.
“Iranian family caregivers of autistic children: the experience of stigma”
Authors: Poorkhorshidi Nastaran , Zohari Anboohi Sima , Mohtashami Jamile , Alavi Majd Hamid 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
Autistic children and their family caregivers are impacted widely by the social arrangements, which bring up a variety of problems and make their caregiving duties even more difficult. One of the main troubles family caregivers struggle with is the “Autism stigma” that eventually leads to social exclusion. This study aims to identify shreds of evidence of Autism stigma experienced by family caregivers of autistic children. The study also aims to present some general comparison between the findings in Iran and a few other countries’ available respective data to the “Autism stigma.”

Design/methodology/approach
This study is an inductive qualitative content analysis. Twelve family caregivers were purposefully selected. Data were gathered exercising semi-structured, in-depth interviews and scrutinized using content analysis method.

Findings
In the interviews with the participants, a new category called “Autism stigma” was discerned. This category includes three subcategories: “Diagnosis process,” “Lack of awareness” and “Presence in the society.”

Originality/value
In Iran, Autism is considered a kind of social stigma. It mainly happens due to a lack of public awareness about this psychological disorder. The family caregivers in the community suffer from the stigma of autism, which leads them to distance themselves from society. This paper aims to improve the social awareness in regard to the negative impacts of Autism stigma.
When and how brands affect importance of product attributes in consumer decision process
Authors: Park Hyun Young , Chang Sue Ryung 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
This research investigates when and how brands influence attribute importance weights. Most past studies modelling consumer decision processes treated the brand of a product as an attribute parallel to the price, color or size of a product, and as a result, those studies assigned an equal (i.e. non-contingent) importance weight across brands for each attribute. In contrast, this study introduces a brand-contingent attribute-weighting process, in which brand is a higher-order construct that influences attribute importance.

Design/methodology/approach
This study presents a multi-level choice model in which the importance weight of an attribute can vary across brands. This study then estimates the model using real purchase data and survey data from an airline industry.

Findings
This study finds that attribute importance weights are contingent upon two aspects of a brand – the perceived relative position of the brand and consumers’ brand usage experiences. Specifically, when consumers perceive a brand to be inferior to its competitors in a given attribute, they generally place greater weight on that attribute for that brand. In contrast, when consumers perceive a brand to be superior to its competitors in a given attribute, only consumers with extensive brand usage experiences place greater weight on that attribute for that brand.

Practical implications
The findings provide managerial insights on brand positioning and segmentation strategies using consumers’ brand usage experiences.

Originality/Value
This study advances the literature on consumer decision processes by modeling an attribute-weighting process that is contingent upon brands. The present study models this process based on consumer behavior theories and estimates the model using real market data.
Exploring the effects of learning abilities, technology and market changes on the need for future skills
Authors: Gouda Hanan 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe study investigates the effects of learning abilities, market changes and technological development in the field of the need for future skills.Design/methodology/approachThis quantitative research is a descriptive study, as it describes the characteristics of variables. Non-probability sampling was applied. A survey was distributed online during May–July, 2021, using a cross-sectional timeframe, to managers (in three industries: FINTECH, FMCG and industrial/production field) who work with teams of Gen Z and Millennials. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS.FindingsThere is a significant positive relationship between learning abilities and future skills development, there is a significant positive relationship between technology development and future skills development, and there is a significant positive relationship between market changes and future skills development.Research limitations/implicationsData were collected through online surveys, focusing on three industries. This study neglects the use of qualitative data in order to gain further explanations regarding the main factors influencing employees' future skills development in times of globalization, advanced technology, global crisis, and the need for sustainability, the model of qualification for future jobs seems dynamic and controversial. This study's empirical evidence illustrates that future skills need to be developed for employees in order to affect their methods with regard to performing their role in the company.Originality/valueNew skills are necessarily emerging in the labor market. The maturity level of higher education institutions to promote these skills is questioned. Thus, this study develops empirical knowledge for educational institutions regarding the effects of learning abilities, market changes and technological development.
Multifractality during upside/downside trends in the MENA stock markets: the effects of the global financial crisis, oil crash and COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mensi Walid , Yousaf Imran , Vo Xuan Vinh , Kang Sang Hoon 
Published: January 2022

Purpose This paper examines asymmetric multifractality (A-MF) in the leading Middle East and North Africa (MENA) stock markets under different turbulent periods (global financial crisis [GFC] and European sovereign debt crisis [ESDC], oil price crash and COVID-19 pandemic).Design/methodology/approach This study applies the asymmetric multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (A-MF-DFA) method of Cao et al. (2013) to identify A-MF and MENA stock market efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic.Findings The results show strong evidence of different patterns of MF during upward and downward trends. Inefficiency is higher during upward trends than during downward trends in most of the stock markets in the whole sample period, and the opposite is true during financial crises. The Turkish stock market is the least inefficient during upward and downward trends. A-MF intensifies with an increase in scales. The evolution of excessive A-MF for MENA stock returns is heterogeneous. Most of the stock markets are more inefficient during a pandemic crisis than during an oil crash and other financial crises. However, the inefficiency of the Saudi Arabia and Qatar stock markets is highly sensitive to oil price crashes. Overall, the level of inefficiency varies across market trends, scales and stock markets and over time. The findings of this study provide investors and policymakers with valuable insights into efficient investment strategies, risk management and financial stability.Originality/value This paper first explores A-MF in the MENA emerging stock markets. The A-MF analysis provides useful information to investors regarding asset allocation, portfolio risk management and investment strategies during bullish and bearish market states. In addition, this paper examines A-MF under different turbulent periods, such as the GFC, the ESDC, the 2014–2016 oil crash and the COVID-19 pandemic.
How the sanitation dimensions impacts consumer perceptions and emotions in five-star hotels due to COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Roy Hiran , Chhabra Meghna , Sanchez‐Canizares Sandra M. , Sahu Garima 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the consumer perceptions related to sanitation in the five-star hotels due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also identified the most significant sanitation dimensions and their influence on the pertinent emotions experienced by the hotel consumers.

Design/methodology/approach
It identified seven sanitation dimensions (i.e. exterior of the hotel, guestrooms, washrooms/restrooms, in-house restaurant dining, hotel employees, public areas and handling of food) which were assessed through 10 positive and negative consumer sanitation emotions. A structured online survey was conducted to collect data from the 763 five-star hotel consumers. Exploratory factor analysis was applied on the 35 parameters of the seven identified sanitation dimensions, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the most significant dimensions among the hotel consumers.

Findings
Results revealed that among the seven sanitation dimensions, “exterior of the hotel” and “public area” dimensions were found to be statistically less significant compared to the other sanitation dimensions. Findings related to consumer emotions showed that a significantly high percentage of consumers revealed strong negative emotions, i.e. disgust and discontent toward the poor standards of sanitation in the hotels.

Practical implications
The study results may be helpful for the hotel administrators and managers to adequately plan the training sessions for their employees based on the consumer perception and emotions toward the identified sanitation dimensions. Further, it may also help in the implementation of the COVID-19 awareness program based on the consumer inputs and perceptions.

Originality/value
Although a few studies have been performed to explore the sanitation dimensions in the hospitality sector before, but this will be a first attempt to identify and measure the sanitation dimensions and corresponding consumer emotions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Case Study Telecom industry and competitive landscape in India: will MTNL and BSNL successfully recover?
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Bose Pallav 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThis case study aims to analyse the different factors that cause a decline in an organisation's performance. It projects data for the prospective case readers to explore the possible approaches for the Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to turnaround both the organisations. Furthermore, the case compels the readers to study the Indian Telecom industry to analyse the competitive behaviour and the consequent actions necessary to survive and thrive amongst their peers. From the theoretical perspective, the case emphasises the recent change observed in the Telecom industry regarding the transition from value-chain to value-network.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected the case facts and data for the case study from secondary sources like the latest news articles, the CRISIL database, company annual statements, company press releases and government regulatory body web portals.FindingsThe case study has identified the issues pertinent in the public sector companies in India, especially in the telecom sector, concerning leadership, pending government financial commitments and a slow-moving attitude towards taking action.Originality/valueThe case study highlights the management problems faced by the CMD of the two public sector telecom companies i.e. BSNL and MTNL.