bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FREQUENCY SPECIFICITY OF NARROWBAND CHIRPS AND 2-1-2 STIMULI: SPECTRAL ANALYSES
Authors: Adjekum Ronald , Small Susan A. , Chan Sylvia , Stapells David R.
Published: November 2024

Objective

The current study examined the frequency specificity of NB chirps by comparing the spectral characteristics of 500-, 1000-, 2000- and 4000-Hz NB CE-Chirp®LS stimuli with those of 2-1-2 tones.

Design

Spectral characteristics including the center frequency, main lobe bandwidth, and stimulus energy changes after stopband filtering were compared. The bandwidth was computed as the difference between the upper and lower frequencies at -20 dB cutoff points of the main lobe; the centre frequency was determined as the geometric mean of the upper and lower frequencies at the -20 dB cutoff points.

Results

At 100 dB peSPL, the mainlobe bandwidths of the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz NB CE-Chirp®LS acoustic spectra were 1.8-1.9 times wider than the acoustic spectra for the 2-1-2 tones; the 4000 Hz NB CE-Chirp®LS bandwidths were 1.4-1.5 times wider than those of the 2-1-2 tones. The energy of NB CE-Chirp® LS stimuli was concentrated within ±0.75 octave of the center frequency, compared to ±0.5 octave for 2-1-2 tones.

Conclusion

NB CE-Chirp®LS stimuli demonstrated poorer frequency specificity compared with 2-1-2 tones. Further studies are needed to investigate the place specificity of the ABRs to NB CE-Chirp®LS before implementing them clinically.
Effects of environmental and individual variation on time patterns of extinction in small experimental populations.
Authors: Bakker Souleyman , Van Dooren Tom JM , Peronnet Romain , Tully Thomas
Published: November 2024

Predicting the fate of small populations is essential in ecology, epidemiology and conservation biology. Small populations can go extinct quickly or can develop into large established populations. These can still go extinct through demographic stochasticity, especially when declines in mean population size or large size fluctuations drive them into an extinction vortex. Individual life stage and environmental conditions experienced by founding individuals are two factors expected to determine the fate of small populations. When they don′t go extinct, life stage effects are expected to wash out. Initial environmental differences equally so, unless differences in environmental conditions continue to occur. We used the parthenogenetic CollembolaFolsomia candidato investigate such effects in a crossed treatment on 290 replicate populations, each initiated with a single individual. Populations were initiated with founders of three different life stages and subjected to four levels of culling. Their extinction times were recorded in a period of up to 41 weeks after initiation. We fitted the parameters of an age-structured multi-type branching process model to extinction rates observed in the first weeks after initiation. As predicted by the model, extinction probabilities early in the experiment increased with the level of culling. Extinction probabilities were larger in populations founded by non-reproducing individuals. These decreased over time, presumably because of the onset of reproduction. In established populations, extinction probabilities increased with culling level and the effects of the founder stage disappeared, except for a late increase in extinction probability in populations founded by newborns. This increase was not expected and forced us to reconsider when transient effects of the initial state would end. We hypothesize that it is due to effects of size-structured competition in this system. The results show that predictors of extinction probability can be shared between small and established populations. Transient dynamics of extinction risk can be long, with phases even mimicking a stationarity followed by the onset of an extinction vortex.
Integrated multiomics analysis unveils how macrophages drive immune suppression in breast tumors and affect clinical outcomes
Authors: Azimzade Youness , Haugen Mads Haugland , Kristensen Vessela Nedelcheva , Frigessi Arnoldo , Köhn-Luque Alvaro
Published: November 2024

Despite thorough characterizations of cellular compositions within the breast tumor microenvironment (TME), their implications for disease progression and patient prognosis are still poorly understood. Unraveling these effects is vital for identifying potential targets to improve treatment outcomes. In this study, we devised an explainable machine learning (XML) pipeline to scrutinize the associations between TME cellular constituents and relapse-free survival (RFS). By applying our pipeline to estimated cell fractions in the METABRIC and TCGA datasets and comparing these results with associations to pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), we created a comprehensive catalog of the TME’s role based on 5000 patient samples. Our findings reveal an unexpected dichotomy in which macrophages correlate positively with pCR but negatively with RFS, particularly within estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and Luminal A and B (LumA/B) cancer subtypes. We show that this pattern is driven by heterogeneity in breast tumors characterized by increasing levels of macrophage infiltration. Through imaging mass cytometry (IMC) analysis, we discovered that macrophages tend to accumulate in the vicinity of HLA-ABChiepithelial cells as their frequency increases in tumor tissues and also express elevated levels of HLA-ABC protein. Combining IMC with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, we uncovered a significant association between these HLA-ABChimacrophages and regulatory and exhausted T cells (TRegand TEx), suggesting their involvement in immune suppression, likely by creating a chronically activated immunosuppressive TME. Subsequent cell-cell communication analysis predicted interactions between HLA-ABChimacrophages and TExcells via the ligands SIGLEC9, ALCAM, and CSF1, and with TRegcells through APP, ANGPTL4, and SIGLEC9 signaling. Considering the clinical relevance of macrophages in ER+ (LumA/B) subtypes, our research enhances the characterization of macrophage-driven immune suppression in these tumors and identifies potential targets for immunomodulatory strategies.
Targeting IL-1/IRAK1/4 signaling in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells Following Treatment and Relapse
Authors: Ho Tzu-Chieh , LaMere Mark W. , Kawano Hiroki , Byun Daniel K. , LaMere Elizabeth A. , Chiu Yu-Chiao , Chen Chunmo , Wang Jian , Dokholyan Nikolay V. , Calvi Laura M. , Liesveld Jane L. , Jordan Craig T. , Kapur Reuben , Singh Rakesh K. , Becker Michael W.
Published: November 2024

Therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) face formidable challenges due to relapse, often driven by leukemia stem cells (LSCs). Strategies targeting LSCs hold promise for enhancing outcomes, yet paired comparisons of functionally defined LSCs at diagnosis and relapse remain underexplored. We present transcriptome analyses of functionally defined LSC populations at diagnosis and relapse, revealing significant alterations in IL-1 signaling. Interleukin-1 receptor type I (IL1R1) and interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP) were notably upregulated in leukemia stem and progenitor cells at both diagnosis and relapse. Knockdown ofIL1R1andIL1RAPreduced the clonogenicity and/or engraftment of primary human AML cells. In leukemic MLL-AF9 mice,Il1r1knockout reduced LSC frequency and extended survival. To target IL-1 signaling at both diagnosis and relapse, we developed UR241-2, a novel interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 and 4 (IRAK1/4) inhibitor. UR241-2 robustly suppressed IL-1/IRAK1/4 signaling, including NF-κB activation and phosphorylation of p65 and p38, following IL-1 stimulation. UR241-2 selectively inhibited LSC clonogenicity in primary human AML cells at both diagnosis and relapse, while sparing normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. It also reduced AML engraftment in leukemic mice. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of UR241-2 in targeting IL-1/IRAK1/4 signaling to eradicate LSCs and improve AML outcomes.
In vitroanti cancer, anti inflammatory and anti oxidant activity of Celery oil (Apium graveolens)-Myristic acid based microemulsion system: Characterization and Biomedical application
Authors: Govindaswamy Balaji , Ravikrishnan Bharathi , Panda Diptisree , Perumal Sarath
Published: November 2024

Plant based compounds are frequently modified, developed into drug components to treat different types of cancer. Celery is one of the most used ingredients in daily life, exhibits potential medicinal properties and myristic acid exhibits anti microbial and inflammatory properties making it ideal candidate for combinational therapy. This study demonstrates the formulation of celery oil-myristic acid based microemulsion system with sequence of weight/volume of components to optimize stable microemulsion. the sequence of formulations were performed, optimized through pseudo ternary phase diagram and stability analysis, of which CMA ME 4 formulation were observed to transparent and stable. This CMA ME 4 was analyzed using DLS for particle size which is found to be 14.0±27.1 and PDI 0.34±0.46 through 5th day to 30th day. In vitro drug release study has been performed with stimulated physiological condition (pH 5.6) and stimulated tumor tissue (pH 7.4), the microemulsion was withdrawn in time intervals and the kinetic model is constructed to detect the behaviour of the drug release profile. Further, anti inflammatory, anti diabetic and anti obesity assays were performed to analyse the potentiality of CMA ME 4 microemulsion formulation, where the results exhibited from 80 to 90% radical scavenging and inhibition compared with the synthetic drugs. A good cytotoxic activity of CMA ME 4 microemulsion was determined by positive results of the MTT assay performed with HeLa with 80 to 90% cell death, MCF7 with 80 to 90% cell death and HUVECs was used to determine the toxicity level when the microemulsion interacts with the normal cell which is found to be 80 to 90% cell viability over time. These findings more suitably suggest that combination of natural oil with synthetic components can be effective in treatment against diseases.
A comparison of sleep metrics from mid-thigh and low-back accelerometers to wrist based data using open-source algorithms
Authors: Passfield Geoffrey , Mackay Lisa , Crofts Catherine , Schofield Grant
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Wearable accelerometers are a valuable tool for monitoring sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity patterns within 24h time-use in free-living environments. While wrist-worn accelerometers are favoured for monitoring sleep, they do not accurately distinguish between sitting and lying positions (Narayanan et al., 2020). This study aims to determine whether back or thigh-mounted accelerometers yield sleep metrics comparable to wrist-worn devices using an open-source algorithm originally validated for the wrist.

Methods

Data from 20 healthy sleepers were collected using Axivity AX3 accelerometers. Participants wore accelerometers on their right thigh, low-back, and wrist for one night of sleep in their own bed. Sleep metrics were calculated using the van Hees algorithm through the GGIR package in R. The primary outcomes were: Total Sleep Time (TST), Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO), Awakenings (AWK), Sleep Efficiency (SE), Sleep Interval (SI) and Sleep Onset Timestamp (SOT). Within-subject ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc, Pearson correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plots, and Cohen’s d were used to assess the comparability of sleep metrics between the body placements.

Results

Data analysis included all 20 participants. Mid-thigh accelerometers demonstrated a strong linear relationship with wrist accelerometers across all metrics (r= 0.86-0.98). Bland-Altman plots demonstrated a narrow 95% confidence interval suggesting that wrist and mid-thigh metrics are in good agreement, except for AWK which is slightly underestimated by the mid-thigh device. Conversely, low-back accelerometers demonstrated moderate linear relationship with the wrist (r= 0.63-0.98) and the Bland-Altman results showed wide limits of agreement with significant overestimations of TST, SE, SI and underestimations of WASO, AWK, SOT. Cohen’s d demonstrated small differences between mid-thigh and wrist devices, except for AWK (d= 0.42). Low-back values for WASO, SE, and AWK showed moderate differences.

Conclusions

This analysis demonstrates that the mid-thigh accelerometer yields comparable sleep metrics to wrist-worn devices when processed with the van Hees algorithm.
In silico evolution of globular protein folds from random sequences
Authors: Sahakyan Harutyun , Babajanyan Sanasar G. , Wolf Yuri I. , Koonin Eugene V.
Published: November 2024

The origin and evolution of protein folds are among the most challenging, long-standing problems in biology1,2. Although many plausible scenarios of early protein evolution leading to fold nucleation have been proposed3-8, realistic simulation of this process was not feasible because of the lack of efficient approaches for protein structure prediction, a situation that changed with the advent of powerful tools for fast and robust protein structure prediction, such as AlphaFold9,10and ESMFold11. We developed a computational approach for protein fold evolution simulator (PFES) with atomistic details that provide insights into the mechanisms of evolution of globular folds from random amino acid sequences. PFES introduces random mutations in a population of protein sequences, evaluates the effect of mutations on protein structure, and selects a new set of proteins for further evolution. Repeating this process iteratively allows tracking the evolutionary trajectory of a changing protein fold that evolves under selective pressure for protein fold stability, interaction with other proteins, or other features shaping the fitness landscape. We employed PFES to show how globular protein folds could evolve from random amino acid sequences as monomers or in complexes with other proteins. The simulations reproduce the evolution of many simple folds of natural proteins as well as the evolution of distinct folds not known to exist in nature. We show that evolution of a stable fold from random sequences, on average takes 3 to 8 amino acid replacements per site, suggesting that simple but stable protein folds can evolve relatively easily. These findings could shed light on the enigma of the rapid evolution of protein fold diversity at the earliest stages of life evolution. PFES tracks the complete evolutionary history from simulations that describes intermediate states at the sequence and structure levels and can be used to test versatile hypotheses on protein fold evolution.
Generation of a biosafety mouse model infection for SARS-CoV-2 replicon delivery particles
Authors: Li Yingjian , Huang Xiaoya , Deng Jikai , Tan Xue , Liu Qianyun , Zhou Li , Chen Yu
Published: November 2024

Animal models are essential for understanding the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and for developing therapeutic strategies. Replicon delivery particles (RDPs) were a component of trans-complementary systems for SARS-CoV-2, which is a safe and convenient tool in researching SARS-CoV-2 in animal biosafety level-II laboratory (ABSL-2). Here, we constructed a mouse model that conditional expressing SARS-CoV-2 N on the background of the K18-hACE2 KI mice. The SARS-CoV-2 N with flanked loxP-stop-loxP sequence was under the CAG promoter, and this cassette was knocked into the Tiger locus of mouse by CRISPR-Cas9 (K18-hACE2-N KI). By mating K18-hACE2-N KI mice with Cre tool mice, the offspring can express SARS-CoV-2 N (Cre-N-hACE2 KI) systemically and in a tissue-specific manner. Cre-N-hACE2 KI exhibited susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 ΔN-GFP/HBiT infection. The viral loads in lung exhibited a mountain-like trend, peaking at 4 days post-infection, and lung injuries can be observed. Overall, we demonstrated a mouse model infection for SARS-CoV-2 ΔN-GFP/HBiT to understand SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
The stab resistance ofBombyx morisilk cocoons
Authors: Rehman Ateeq Ur , Koutsos Vasileios , Alam Parvez
Published: November 2024

This paper considers the mechanical response ofBombyx morisilk cocoons to knife stabbing, a simple but controlled way of simulating predaceous penetration. Here, we stab test both entire cocoons (EC) and cocoon wall segments (CWS) statically and dynamically, and note that the process can be broken down in three stages. The first stage involves material deflection, the second is knife penetration, and the third is knife perforation. We find that ca. 95 % of the kinetic energy is lost during the penetration stage. There are noticeable differences in strain between the equatorialand meridionaldirections before and after the stabbing of EC specimens (p < 0.001). The apparent area of the cocoon is noted to be on average 7 % lower after stabbing than it is prior to being stabbed (p < 0.01). We find that while compression of the cocoon from stabbing results in equatorial expansion (with a Poisson’s ratio,ν= 0.25), in the meridional direction the cocoon contracts (ν= −0.05) thus showing auxetic behaviour. Force-deflection curves are different in CWS specimens as compared to EC specimens, and this is attributable to natural curvatures in CWS specimens remaining even after a being flattened for mounting and testing. Differences between EC and CWS specimens are also noticeable in the sizes of the stab footprints, with EC samples exhibiting 33 % smaller footprints than CWS samples (p < 0.001). We conclude that testing whole cocoon structures provides a more accurate understanding of their properties as compared to cut and flattened structures. This is because flattening cocoon wall specimens induces delamination and multiple failure zones, reducing the natural stab resistance of the material.
Anti-HIV-1 Effect of the Fluoroquinolone Enoxacin and Modulation of Pro-viral hsa-miR-132 Processing
Authors: Schlösser Verena , Lightfoot Helen Louise , Leemann Christine , Bejoy Aathma Merin , Tiwari Shashank , Schloßhauer Jeffrey L. , Vongrad Valentina , Brunschweiger Andreas , Hall Jonathan , Metzner Karin J. , Imig Jochen
Published: November 2024

Background

Despite tremendous advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) against HIV-1 infections no cure or vaccination is available. Therefore, discovering novel therapeutic strategies remains an urgent need. In that sense, miRNAs and miRNA therapeutics have moved intensively into the focus of recent HIV-1 related investigations. A strong reciprocal interdependence has been demonstrated between HIV-1 infection and changes of the intrinsic cellular miRNA milieu. This interrelationship may direct potential alterations of the host cells’ environment beneficial for the virus or its suppression of replication. Whether this tightly balanced and controlled battle can be exploited therapeutically, remains to be further addressed. In this context, the fluoroquinolone antibiotic Enoxacin has been demonstrated as a potent modulator of miRNA processing. Here, we test the hypothesis that this applies also to selected HIV-1 related miRNAs.

Methods

We studied the effect of Enoxacin on HIV-1 replication coupled with miRNA qRT-PCR analysis of HIV-1 related miRNAs in CEM-SS and MT-4 T-cells. The effects of miRNA mimic transfections combined with Enoxacin treatment on HIV-1 replication were assessed. Finally, we employed anin vitroDICER1 cleavage assay to study the effects of Enoxacin on a pro-HIV-1 miRNA hsa-miR-132 processing.

Results

We established that Enoxacin, but not the structurally similar compound nalidixic acid, exhibits strong anti-HIV-1 effects in the T-cell line CEM-SS, but not MT-4. We provide experimental data that this effect of Enoxacin is partly attributed to the specific downregulation of mature hsa-miR-132-3p, but not other pro- or anti-HIV-1 miRNAs, which is likely due to affecting DICER1 processing.

Conclusions

Our findings show an anti-retroviral activity of Enoxacin at least in part by downregulation of hsa-miR-132-3p, which may be relevant for future antiviral therapeutic applications by modulation of the RNA interference pathway.
Continuous sensorimotor transformation enhances robustness of neural dynamics to perturbation in macaque motor cortex
Authors: Zheng Cong , Wang Qifan , Cui He
Published: November 2024

Neural activity in the motor cortex dynamically evolves to plan and generate movement. How motor cortex adapts to dynamic environments or perturbations remains to be fully explored. In this study, we investigated whether dynamic nature of targets in a reach task requires distinct preparatory dynamics in motor cortex and result in varying levels of robustness against disruptions. Two monkeys were trained to perform delayed center-out reaches either to a static target (static condition) or a rotating target that needed to be intercepted (moving condition). Despite nearly identical hand kinematics in both two conditions, responses to the perturbation of intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) differed. In the static condition, ICMS led to prolonged reaction times, particularly when delivered shortly before movement onset and at anterior sites in PMd, aligning with previous findings. Unexpectedly, ICMS reduced reaction times in the moving condition. Furthermore, neural firing rates differed between the static and the moving conditions, with population activity in the latter exhibiting more rapid changes post-perturbation. Spatio-temporal sensorimotor transformation dominated throughout the preparation in the moving condition, while the static condition showed less stable motor intention representation, particularly during the late delay period. An input-driven model replicated the differences in RT-prolonging effect by assuming distinct input control strategy for the static and the moving condition. These findings suggest that input from a moving target to motor cortex can counteract ICMS effects, enabling the motor network to generate appropriate commands more quickly. Lastly, we propose that ICMS may facilitate go cue recognition, providing a potential explanation for the shortened reaction times in the moving condition.
Live-cell magnetic micromanipulation of recycling endosomes reveals their direct effect on actin-based protrusions to promote invasive migration
Authors: Gemperle Jakub , Liße Domenik , Kappen Marie , Secret Emilie , Coppey Mathieu , Gregor Martin , Menager Christine , Piehler Jacob , Caswell Patrick
Published: November 2024

Endocytic recycling pathways play key roles in the re-routing of cargoes through the cell to control a broad range of cellular processes, and many vesicle trafficking regulators are implicated in progression of disease such as cancer. The Rab11 family (Rab11a, Rab11b, and Rab25) control return of internalised cargoes to the plasma membrane, and Rab25 has been implicated in the aggressiveness of cancer by promoting invasive migration. However, whilst Rab25 vesicles distribute to the leading of edge of moving cells, how directly they contribute to cell protrusion is not clear. Here we adopt a magnetogenetic approach that allows direct manipulation of Rab25 positioning to show that localisation to the cell periphery drives the formation of F-actin protrusions. We demonstrate that endogenous Rab25 vesicles coordinate the positioning of key cargoes, including the actin regulator FMNL1 and integrin β1, with the activation of Rho GTPases at the plasma membrane to generate and maintain F-actin rich filopodial protrusions and promote cancer cell invasive migration in 3D matrix.
Analysis of the high-order conformational changes in glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase induced by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, adenosine triphosphate, and oxidants
Authors: Suzuki Himari , Makiyama Yuki Nicole , Watanabe Yuta , Akutsu Hideo , Tajiri Michiko , Motoda Yoko , Akagi Ken-ichi , Konuma Tsuyoshi , Akashi Satoko , Ikegami Takahisa
Published: November 2024

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) catalyzes the sixth step of glycolysis. As a moonlighting protein, GAPDH interacts with other molecules, seemingly unrelated to glycolysis, to exert additional functions, such as inducing apoptosis. However, specific mechanisms underlying these interactions remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to elucidate these mechanisms by analyzing human and porcine GAPDHs based on their three-dimensional (3D) structures using various biophysical techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gel filtration chromatography, and thermal shift assay. Although GAPDH became unstable when nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) was removed (apostate), the 3D structure of the tetramer was maintained regardless of the temperature. However, in the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), GAPDH split into dimers at low temperatures, exposing the interface between the dimers and increasing the flexibility of the side chains at the site. Moreover, subunit splitting also occurred upon exposure to oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide. These findings suggest that GAPDH maintains a stable tetramer in the presence of NAD+but becomes unstable and easily oxidized upon NAD+depletion. When multiple residues, including those other than the cysteine residue at the active site, are oxidized by reactive oxygen species or nitric oxide, or when it interacts with ATP, GAPDH splits into dimers. This subunit splitting may trigger interactions with other molecules.
Newly discovered and conserved role of IgM against viral infection in an early vertebrate
Authors: Kong Weiguang , Wang Xinyou , Ding Guangyi , Yang Peng , Shi Yong , Cai Chang , Yang Xinyi , Cheng Gaofeng , Takizawa Fumio , Xu Zhen
Published: November 2024

IgM emerged in jawed vertebrates 500 Mya and remains the most evolutionarily conserved antibody class. However, despite extensive studies on IgM as an ancient antiviral weapon in warm-blooded vertebrates, its role and mechanisms in combating viral infections in early vertebrates remain poorly understood. Here, we found that significant virus-specific sIgM titers were generated in serum and gut mucus of teleost fish that survived infection, and fish lacking sIgM were more susceptible to viral infection. These results challenge the paradigm that IgM and IgT are specialized to systemic and mucosal immunity, respectively. More crucially, we discovered a previously unknown role of sIgM in viral neutralization and clarified the mechanism through which teleost sIgM blocks viral infection by directly targeting viral particles. From an evolutionary perspective, our findings indicate that both primitive and modern sIgM adhere to conserved principles in the development of specialized antiviral immunity.
Structural unification of diverse membrane-bound acyltransferases reveals a conserved fold that defines the Transmembrane Acyl Transferase (TmAT) superfamily
Authors: Kinniment-Williams Bethan E. , Jurgeleviciute Vytaute , Herman Reyme , Blaza James N. , van der Woude Marjan W. , Thomas Gavin H.
Published: November 2024

The movement of acyl groups across biological membranes is essential for many cellular processes. One major family of proteins catalysing this reaction are the acyl transferase family 3 (AT3) proteins, which form a pore to allow acyl-CoA to penetrate the membrane for transfer onto an extracytosolic acceptor molecule. Recent structures of the sequence-unrelated human heparan-α-glucosaminideN-acetyltransferase (HGSNAT) support a similar transmembrane acyl-group transfer mechanism. Here we demonstrate that both protein families contain a conserved 10-transmembrane helical fold with high structural and detectable sequence conservation around the acyl-CoA pore, supporting the previously proposed Transmembrane Acyl Transferase (TmAT) protein superfamily. In addition, we identify TmAT proteins, including the human Golgi sialate-O-acetyltransferase (CASD1), the human/fungal PIG-W/GWT1 enzymes and the bacterial vancomycin resistance protein VanTG, where the TmAT domain’s function has been largely unrecognised. We conclude that the TmAT fold represents an ancient architecture for transmembrane acyl-group transfer with important roles in the dynamic modification of glycans in diverse processes across the three domains of life.
Sustainable human resource management and sustainable performance: mediating role of organization citizenship behavior
Authors: Tarkar Preeti , Kumar Kishore
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of sustainable human resource management (SHRM) policies on sustainability performance of higher education institutions (HEIs). Furthermore, this study also examined the mediating role of organizational citizenship behavior toward sustainability (OCBS) between SHRM and HEIs’ sustainability performance. The ability motivation opportunity (AMO) and stakeholder theories are used to conceptualize the model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 162 academic staff of 12 government and private universities in India by using snowball sampling method. The partial least square structured equation modeling technique was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The overall results suggest that SHRM, such as sustainability motivation, sustainability-building practices, green employee engagement initiatives and social considerations, significantly impact OCBS among academic staff and the sustainability performance of HEIs. These findings provide a better understanding of how to improve the sustainability performance of HEIs through SHRM and OCBS among academic staff.

Originality/value

This study significantly extends the growing literature on SHRM and sustainability performance by focusing on sustainable HR practices in the HEIs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to empirically investigate SHRM and sustainability performance in the context of education sector in India.
Tracing the path to sustainable governance: CSR committees as mediators of board impact on ESG performance in the MENA region
Authors: Kateb Ines , Alahdal Waleed M.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the mediating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) committees in the relationship between board characteristics and environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, specifically within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a panel of 178 firms spanning 2015–2022, the analysis uses Baron and Kenny’s (1986) mediation approach, supplemented by structural equation modeling (SEM) path analysis for robustness.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that CSR committees play a significant mediating role in the impact of board size, expertise and gender diversity on ESG performance. Furthermore, the study confirms the direct, positive influence of both board characteristics and the presence of CSR committees on ESG performance, underscoring their strategic importance in fostering sustainability in this regional context.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the strategic importance of diversifying and enhancing board skills to improve ESG performance. Companies are encouraged to recalibrate their governance frameworks to leverage the mediating influence of CSR committees and promote sustainable business practices.

Social implications

By demonstrating the positive effect of CSR committees on ESG performance, this study aligns with global trends in responsible business conduct and highlights the importance of corporate governance in addressing environmental and social challenges. This alignment is critical for achieving sustainable development goals and reinforcing stakeholder trust in the region.

Originality/value

This research provides novel empirical insights into the mediating effect of CSR committees within the MENA region, offering a unique contribution to the discourse on corporate governance and sustainability. By highlighting region-specific governance dynamics that shape ESG outcomes, it deepens the understanding of effective governance practices.
Accident cause analysis for lifting prefabricated components of assembled buildings based on hybrid simulation technology from human factor perspective
Authors: Shi Xiaobo , Fu Kangbo , Qiao Yaning , Santos João , Yuan Zhenmin
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the characteristics of lifting accidents and the significance of influencing factors and explain the causes from the perspective of human factors, thereby achieving a more accurate understanding of and prevention of lifting accidents.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed simulation model for prefabricated component lifting is established by combining discrete event simulation (DES) with the system dynamics (SD) method. In addition, essential parameters and relationships within the system dynamics model are determined through survey questionnaires. Finally, the human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS) is used to analyze the cause of the accident.

Findings

The results show that workers falling from height and workers struck by objects are the most frequent types of lifting accidents. In 2072 experiments, these two types of accidents occurred three and five times, respectively. Besides, the links of “crane movement,” “component binding,” “component placement” and “component unhooking” are particularly prone to lifting accidents. In addition, the completeness of emergency plans, failure to observe the status of the tower crane and lack of safety education and training have emerged as primary influencing factors contributing to the occurrence of lifting accidents.

Originality/value

The findings of the study can serve as a reference basis for practitioners, enabling them to preemptively identify possible risk accidents and adopt corresponding measures to prevent them, ensuring the safety and property of practitioners. Additionally, targeted suggestions and innovative ideas are provided to enhance the safety guarantee of the lifting industry and promote its healthy and stable development through a more concrete theoretical foundation and practical guidance.
Mass layoffs at BYJU’S – founder’s dilemma
Authors: Saldanha Avil , Aranha Rekha
Published: November 2024

Learning outcomes

This case study provides students/managers an opportunity to learn about the following: to infer the challenges involved in the downsizing of employees; to asses and evaluate BYJU’S organizational culture; and to determine the impact of workplace toxicity.

Case overview/synopsis

The focus of this case is the controversy faced by BYJU’S due to its mass layoffs and toxic work culture. This case discusses the CEO’s dilemma in resolving the controversy. Two rounds of mass layoffs at BYJU’S are discussed in detail. The industrial dispute filed by Employees Union against BYJU’S accusing it of denying due compensation to laid-off employees is also discussed. This case consists of a section explaining the toxic work culture at BYJU’S, which is supported by employee complaints. The CEO’s justification and apology have been illustrated in this case. The case ends with a closing dilemma and challenges faced by the CEO.

Complexity academic level

The case is best suited for undergraduate students studying Human Resources Management subjects in Commerce and Business Management streams. The authors suggest that the instructor inform students to read the case before attending the 90-min session. It can be executed in the classroom after discussing the theoretical concepts.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human Resource Management.
Technical efficiency, combination of innovation strategies and group membership
Authors: Guisado-González Manuel , González-Blanco Jennifer , Rodríguez-Domínguez María del Mar
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This research aims to study the impact that the interaction between internal R&D and R&D cooperation has on the technical efficiency of firms, as well as to analyse whether firms belonging to a group achieve any additional level of technical efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ the stochastic frontier version of a knowledge production function, particularly the inefficiency model, and we combine the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) and the complementarity approach.

Findings

The interaction between internal R&D and R&D cooperation has a positive and significant impact on technical efficiency when the complementarity test is applied between companies belonging to a group, and there is no interaction when they do not belong to a group.

Practical implications

Knowing this type of information in advance is critical for managers and policymakers, as it allows them to avoid undesirable combinations of innovation strategies or contexts not favourable for their implementation, as well as the formulation of policies leading to an efficient allocation of public resources.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper contributes an original approach in evaluating the complementarity of internal R&D and R&D cooperation from the perspective of technical efficiency and group membership, combining the SFA and the complementarity approach.
Twisted-tape inserts of rectangular and triangular sections in turbulent flow of CMC/CuO non-Newtonian nanofluid into an oval tube
Authors: Shojaee Soroosh , Vahabi Mohammad , Dinarvand Saeed , Hamedi Amirhossein , Mirabdolah Lavasani Arash , Moinfar Zahra
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study numerically the non-Newtonian solution of carboxymethyl cellulose in water along with copper oxide nanoparticles, which flow turbulently through twisted smooth and finned tubes.

Design/methodology/approach

The twisted-tape inserts of rectangular and triangular sections are investigated under constant wall heat flux and the nanoparticle concentration varies between 0% and 1.5%. Computational fluid dynamics simulation is first validated by experimental information from two test cases, showing that the numerical results are in good agreement with previous studies. Here, the impact of nanoparticle concentration, tube twist and fins shape on the heat transfer and pressure loss of the system is measured. It is accomplished using longitudinal rectangular and triangular fins in a wide range of prominent parameters.

Findings

The results show that first, both the Nusselt number and friction factor increase with the rise in the concentration of nanoparticles and twist of the tube. Second, the trend is repeated by adding fins, but it is more intense in the triangular cases. The tube twist increases the Nusselt number up to 9%, 20% and 46% corresponding to smooth tube, rectangular and triangular fins, respectively. The most twisted tube with triangular fins and the highest value of concentration acquires the largest performance evaluation criterion at 1.3, 30% more efficient than the plain tube with 0% nanoparticle concentration.

Originality/value

This study explores an innovative approach to enhancing heat transfer in a non-Newtonian nanofluid flowing through an oval tube. The use of twisted-tape inserts with rectangular and triangular sections in this specific configuration represents a novel method to improve fluid flow characteristics and heat transfer efficiency. This study stands out for its originality in combining non-Newtonian fluid dynamics, nanofluid properties and geometric considerations to optimize heat transfer performance. The results of this work can be dramatically considered in advanced heat exchange applications.
Unveiling housing preferences amidst flood risks: an empirical study in an emerging market
Authors: Nguyen Hong Thi Bich , Truong Hiep Thanh
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the interplay between flood risk, financial constraints and buyer behavior in the housing market. It aims to discern how flood experience influences housing choices, particularly among financially constrained buyers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using hedonic pricing models and probit analysis, this research examines the implicit prices of house characteristics and evaluates the determinants of housing choices, considering factors such as flood risk, financial status and past flood experience.

Findings

The study underscores that lower house prices incentivize buyers to opt for homes in flood-prone areas, thereby increasing their vulnerability to flood risks. Consequently, financial constraints exacerbate this situation, compelling low-income buyers to accept higher flood risks. However, flood experience fosters risk awareness among buyers, encouraging them to steer clear of flood-prone areas, albeit with lesser efficacy among financially constrained individuals.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the understanding of how flood risk and financial limitations shape housing decisions. It highlights the role of flood experience in influencing buyer behavior and emphasizes the need for targeted policies to mitigate flood-related risks in the housing market, particularly among economically vulnerable populations.
Social capital, psychological contract fulfillment and buyer-supplier collaboration: the moderating roles of guanxi orientation and market uncertainty
Authors: Sun Qianwen , Xu Liqun
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Drawing on signaling theory and social capital theory, this study aims to examine the underlying mechanisms and contingencies of the relationships between social capital (SC) and collaboration in buyer-supplier relationships (BSRs). This is achieved by evaluating the mediating effect of psychological contract fulfillment (PCF) and the moderating roles of guanxi orientation and market uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study used a survey method to collect data from 271 buyers in China. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and moderated regression analysis were applied to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

The positive effect of structural and relational SC on buyers’ collaborative behaviors is partially mediated by buyers’ PCF. In contrast, the positive effect of cognitive SC on collaboration is fully mediated by buyers’ PCF. Guanxi orientation strengthens the indirect effect of buyers’ PCF on the cognitive SC-collaboration relationship and relational SC-collaboration relationship. Market uncertainty amplifies the relational SC-collaboration relationship.

Originality/value

Prior studies have presented mixed evidence of the effect of SC on collaboration and have paid little attention to the underlying mechanisms and conditions moderating the effect. This research proposes a theoretical model that integrates signaling theory and social capital theory to explore how three dimensions of SC can enhance buyer collaboration through buyers’ PCF under different levels of guanxi orientation and market uncertainty.
The benefits and costs of all-inclusive system from hoteliers’ point of view: a supply-side perspective
Authors: Keskin Emine , Cetin Gurel , Erkmen Ezgi , Sisik Leyla
Published: November 2024

Purpose

All-inclusive (AI) packages and meal plans have been an essential component of leisure tourism and received a corresponding attention from the literature, particularly in the case of package tours. However, the existing body of research focuses on the motivations, attitudes and behaviors of tourists, thereby neglecting the supply-side perspective. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the benefits and costs of AI systems from the perspective of hoteliers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through 27 semi-structured interviews with lodging professionals through purposive sampling. This study adopted a qualitative research design and used thematic content analysis to explore the benefits and costs of AI system.

Findings

The thematic content analysis produced two main themes as facility-related factors and destination-related factors, which further classified as benefits and costs for the hotels and destinations.

Originality/value

This study extends current knowledge by providing a more comprehensive understanding of the benefits and costs of AI systems based on the hoteliers’ point of view, which reflects the supply-side perspective. The findings also offer valuable implications for industry practitioners and destinations to assess and manage the benefits and costs of the system.
A comparative study of implementation Basel III between commercial and Islamic banks: a bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review
Authors: Al-Hanandeh Abdallah , Othman Aniza , Mastor Nor Hamimah
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to compare up-to-date research on Basel III implementation between commercial and Islamic banks in both developed and developing countries. The research examines the five main variables (capital, liquidity, lending growth, size of banks and performance) used in studies listed in the Scopus database, using bibliometric analysis and a systematic literature review (SLR) as methodologies to map the research landscape and synthesize the results of existing literature on the subject. The findings clarify that most differences in the results of previous studies relate to the impact of Basel III on capital and the size of banks, whether at the country level or based on the type of bank. However, most studies illustrate a positive effect of implementing Basel III regulations on lending growth and liquidity, regardless of the type of bank or the level of the country. Overall, the impact of Basel III on performance shows a positive result for all studies on commercial banks in developed and developing countries, except for one study that found a negative effect.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a bibliometric analysis and SLR as a methodology to map the research landscape domain and compare current trends of Implementation Basel III between commercial and Islamic banks in the literature.

Findings

The finding clarified that most differences in the results of previous studies were regarding the impact of Basel III on capital and the size of banks, whether at the level of the country or the type of bank. However, most studies illustrate a positive effect of implementing Basel III regulations regarding lending growth and liquidity, whether by type of banks or level of the country. Overall, the impact of Basel III on performance shows a positive result for all studies on commercial banks in developed and developing countries, except for one study that found a negative effect.

Originality/value

By using bibliometric analysis and an SLR, this study uniquely synthesizes existing literature while highlighting notable disparities in outcomes based on bank type and country context. In addition, it emphasizes the need for tailored regulatory frameworks that account for the specific characteristics of different banking institutions, particularly small and medium-sized banks. This nuanced approach not only contributes to the academic discourse but also offers practical insights for policymakers and practitioners, addressing gaps in current research and proposing future directions for investigation.