bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 2022 RSV surge was driven by multiple viral lineages
Authors: Adams Gordon , Moreno Gage K. , Petros Brittany A. , Uddin Rockib , Levine Zoe , Kotzen Ben , Messer Katelyn , Dobbins Sabrina T. , DeRuff Katherine C. , Loreth Christine , Brock-Fisher Taylor , Schaffner Stephen F. , Chaluvadi Sushma , Kanjilal Sanjat , Luban Jeremy , Ozonoff Al , Park Daniel , Turbett Sarah , Siddle Katherine J. , MacInnis Bronwyn L. , Sabeti Pardis , Lemieux Jacob
Published: January 2023

The US experienced an early and severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surge in autumn 2022. Despite the pressure this has put on hospitals and care centers, the factors promoting the surge in cases are unknown. To investigate whether viral characteristics contributed to the extent or severity of the surge, we sequenced 105 RSV-positive specimens from symptomatic patients diagnosed with RSV who presented to the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and its outpatient practices in the Greater Boston Area. Genomic analysis of the resulting 77 genomes (54 with >80% coverage, and 23 with >5% coverage) demonstrated that the surge was driven by multiple lineages of RSV-A (91%; 70/77) and RSV-B (9%; 7/77). Phylogenetic analysis of all US RSV-A revealed 12 clades, 4 of which contained Massachusetts and Washington genomes. These clades individually had times to most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) between 2014 and 2017, and together had a tMRCA of 2009, suggesting that they emerged well before the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, the RSV-B genomes had a tMRCA between 2016 and 2019. We found that the RSV-A and RSV-B genomes in our sample did not differ statistically from the estimated clock rate of the larger phylogenetic tree (10.6 and 12.4 substitutions per year, respectively). In summary, the polyphyletic nature of viral genomes sequenced in the US during the autumn 2022 surge is inconsistent with the emergence of a single, highly transmissible causal RSV lineage.
Tuberculosis Mortalities Among In-patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Zambia Between 2018 and 2019 - The Spectrum of Clinical Presentations
Authors: Chewe Webster , Liusha Namakando , Chansa Abidan , Mwaba Peter
Published: January 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) has remained one of the most important public health diseases and a leading cause of mortality from a single infectious agent in the world. In-patient mortalities have remained relatively high despite massive investment towards TB elimination. This prompted us to undertake a TB mortality review aimed at understanding the spectrum of clinical presentations in TB mortalities among in-patients in a local hospital set up in Zambia.

Files of 74 in-patient TB related mortalities that had occurred at Kitwe Teaching Hospital over a 12-month period between June 2018 and June 2019 were audited using a structured questionnaire. The descriptive data was analyzed using SPSS v 16.0 statistical software and Microsoft excel 2016.

The audit revealed that 50 (67.6%) of the files were for male patients with a mean age of 39.2 ± 11.6 years. 60(80%) were HIV positive, 60(80%) resided in high-density residential areas. On presentation to hospital, the commonest symptoms included productive cough and fever [31(41.9%) and 30(40.5%) respectively]. HIV positive male patients were presenting in hyperdynamic state (mean pulse rate of 117.2 ± 32.4 per min). Other findings included signs of multi-organ involvement [hypoalbuminemia 9(12.2%), deranged renal function 8(10.8%) and deranged liver enzymes 9(12.2%)] before mortality occurred.

The spectrum of clinical presentations among in-patients with TB in a tertiary hospital include the following; male gender, age younger than 50 years, being HIV positive, residing in a high-density residential area and presenting with unstable hemodynamics. There is a need to focus strategies targeted at strengthening early recognition of clinical instability among admitted TB patients for at-risk populations, including young to middle aged males who are HIV positive.
Time-varying habitat selection analysis: a model and applications for studying diel, seasonal and post-release changes
Authors: Dejeante Romain , Valeix Marion , Chamaillé-Jammes Simon
Published: January 2023

Resource selection functions are commonly employed to evaluate animals’ habitat selection, e.g. the disproportionate use of habitats relative to their availability. While environmental conditions or animal motivations may vary over time, sometimes in an unknown manner, studying changes in habitat selection usually requiresa prioritime discretization. This limits our ability to precisely answer the question ‘when is an animal’s habitat selection changing?’. Here, we present a straightforward and flexible alternative approach based on fitting dynamic logistic models to used/available data. First, using simulated dataset, we demonstrate that dynamic logistic models performed well to recover temporal variations in habitat selection. We then show real-world applications for studying diel, seasonal, and post-release changes in habitat selection of blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus). Finally, we provide the relevant R scripts to facilitate the adoption of the method by ecologists. Dynamic logistic models allow to study temporal changes in habitat selection in a framework consistent with resource selection functions, but without the need to discretize time, which can be a difficult task when little is known about the process studied, or may obscure inter-individual variability in timing of change. These models should undoubtedly find their place in the movement ecology toolbox.
Synthetic STING agonists elicit powerful vaccine adjuvancy providing robust central memory and anti-tumour effects
Authors: Towner Laurence D. , Dahal Lekh N. , Taylor Martin C. , Cox Kerry L. , Inzhelevskaya Tatyana , Mack Matthias , Wedge Stephen R , Richardson Caroline , Cragg Mark S. , Beers Stephen A.
Published: January 2023

Drugs that target the innate immune sensor STING are known to be effective in modulating the immune infiltrate of the tumour microenvironment. STING agonists have potential to enhance responses to checkpoint inhibitor therapy, however, their ability to influence and shape adaptive immune responses is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the impact of a range of synthetic STING agonists on antigen specific CD8+T-cell responses to soluble antigen using the murine OT-1 adoptive transfer model with Ovalbumin as the antigen to monitor T cell responses. Our data demonstrate that synthetic STING agonists are able to stimulate antigen specific T-cell expansion in response to challenge in mice. This effect required expression of STING, an intact myeloid compartment and Type-I IFN and TNFα signalling. Expanded T-cells post treatment differed from those induced by the established immune adjuvant, anti-CD40 antibody through lower induction of the immune checkpoint receptor PD-1. Furthermore, our data revealed a marked increase in the induction and persistence of CD8+central memory cells after STING agonist and antigen challenge. Finally, we demonstrate that following rechallenge, STING agonism produced larger secondary responses that could be translated into enhanced tumour protection and survival. Therefore, synthetic STING agonists are capable of acting as potent immune adjuvants and can induce robust memory formation leading to better recall and tumour control. Critically, these benefits along with the lower expression of PD-1, have implications for their use as adjuvants for multiple immunotherapy and vaccine applications.
3D genome organization around nuclear speckles drives mRNA splicing efficiency
Authors: Bhat Prashant , Chow Amy , Emert Benjamin , Ettlin Olivia , Quinodoz Sofia A. , Takei Yodai , Huang Wesley , Blanco Mario R. , Guttman Mitchell
Published: January 2023

The nucleus is highly organized such that factors involved in transcription and processing of distinct classes of RNA are organized within specific nuclear bodies. One such nuclear body is the nuclear speckle, which is defined by high concentrations of protein and non-coding RNA regulators of pre-mRNA splicing. What functional role, if any, speckles might play in the process of mRNA splicing remains unknown. Here we show that genes localized near nuclear speckles display higher spliceosome concentrations, increased spliceosome binding to their pre-mRNAs, and higher co-transcriptional splicing levels relative to genes that are located farther from nuclear speckles. We show that directed recruitment of a pre-mRNA to nuclear speckles is sufficient to drive increased mRNA splicing levels. Finally, we show that gene organization around nuclear speckles is highly dynamic with differential localization between cell types corresponding to differences in Pol II occupancy. Together, our results integrate the longstanding observations of nuclear speckles with the biochemistry of mRNA splicing and demonstrate a critical role for dynamic 3D spatial organization of genomic DNA in driving spliceosome concentrations and controlling the efficiency of mRNA splicing
Dietary Restriction Impacts Peripheral Circadian Clock Output Important for Longevity inDrosophila
Authors: Hwangbo Dae-Sung , Kwon Yong-Jae , Iwanaszko Marta , Jiang Peng , Abbasi Ladan , Wright Nicholas , Alli Sarayu , Hutchison Alan L. , Dinner Aaron R. , Braun Rosemary I , Allada Ravi
Published: January 2023

Circadian clocks may mediate lifespan extension by caloric or dietary restriction (DR). We find that the core clock transcription factorClockis crucial for a robust longevity and fecundity response to DR inDrosophila. To identify clock-controlled mediators, we performed RNA-sequencing from abdominal fat bodies across the 24 h day after just 5 days under control or DR diets. In contrast to more chronic DR regimens, we did not detect significant changes in the rhythmic expression of core clock genes. Yet we discovered that DR induced de novo rhythmicity or increased expression of rhythmic clock output genes. Network analysis revealed that DR increased network connectivity in one module comprised of genes encoding proteasome subunits. Adult, fat body specific RNAi knockdown demonstrated that proteasome subunits contribute to DR-mediated lifespan extension. Thus, clock control of output links DR-mediated changes in rhythmic transcription to lifespan extension.
Cold tolerance and diapause within and across trophic levels: endoparasitic wasps and their fly host have similar phenotypes
Authors: McIntyre Trinity , Andaloori Lalitya , Hood Glen Ray , Feder Jeffrey L. , Hahn Daniel A. , Ragland Gregory J. , Toxopeus Jantina
Published: January 2023

Low temperatures associated with winter can limit the survival of organisms, especially ectotherms whose body temperature is similar to their environment. Important adaptations for overwintering such as cold hardiness and diapause have been well-explored in many insect taxa. However, there is a gap in understanding how overwintering may vary among groups of species that interact closely, such as multiple parasitoid species that attack the same host insect. Our study investigated cold tolerance and diapause phenotypes in three endoparasitoid wasps of the apple maggot flyRhagoletis pomonella(Diptera: Tephritidae):Utetes canaliculatus, Diachasma alloeum, andDiachasmimorpha mellea(Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Using a combination of respirometry and eclosion tracking, we detected diapause phenotypes in all three wasp species, remarkably similar to the fly host. Weak diapause was rare (< 5%) in all three wasp species, and while mostD. mellea(93%) entered prolonged diapause under warm conditions, the majority ofU. canaliculatus(92%) andD. alloeum(72%) averted diapause (non-diapause). There was limited interspecific variation in acute cold tolerance among the three wasp species: wasps and flies had similarly high survival (>87%) following exposure to extreme low temperatures (- 20°C) as long as their body fluids did not freeze. The wasp species showed little interspecific variation in survival following prolonged exposure to mild chilling of 8 or more weeks at 4°C. This study shows remarkable conservation of cold tolerance and diapause phenotypes within and across trophic levels. The interaction between diapause phenotype and cold hardiness in these parasitoids is an interesting direction for future research.

Graphical Abstract and Highlights

The apple maggot fly and its parasitoids exhibit the same three diapause phenotypes

Each parasitoid wasp species exhibits different proportions of these phenotypes

Utetes canaliculatusandDiachasma alloeumare freeze-avoidant, like their host fly

These wasps and flies survive to similarly extreme low temperatures (c. -20°C)

Each wasp species survives prolonged exposure to mild chilling (4°C) similarly well
Indel driven rapid evolution of core nuclear pore protein gene promoters
Authors: Mcquarrie David W. J. , Read Adam M. , Stephens Frannie H. S. , Civetta Alberto , Soller Matthias
Published: January 2023

Nuclear pore proteins (Nups) prominently are among the few genes linked to speciation from hybrid incompatibility inDrosophila. It was previously found that neuronal wiring underlying the female post-mating response induced by male-derived sex-peptide requires channel Nup54 functionality. A hot spot for rapid evolution in the promoter ofNup54suggests a critical role for regulatory elements at the onset of speciation. Systematic analysis of Nup coding and promoter regions usingDrosophilaphylogenomics reveals that polymorphism differences between closely relatedDrosophilaspecies in Nup coding regions do not generally evolve rapidly. Consistent with findings forNup54, additional channel Nups 58 and 62 promotors are also hotpots for rapid accumulation of insertions/deletions (indels). Examination of Nup upstream regions reveals that core nuclear pore complex gene promoters accumulate indels rapidly. Since changes in promoters can have dominant effects (effects which directly impact gene expression of associated genes), these results indicate an evolutionary mechanism driven by indel accumulation in core Nup promoters. Compensation of such deleterious changes could lead to altered neuronal wiring, rapid fixation of adaptive traits and subsequently the rise of new species. Hence, the nuclear pore complex may act as a nexus for species-specific changesvianucleo-cytoplasmic transport regulated gene expression.
Establishing a causal role for left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex in value-directed memory encoding with high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation
Authors: Han Linfeng Tony , Cohen Michael S. , He Liqin Ken , Green Laura M. , Knowlton Barbara J. , Castel Alan D. , Rissman Jesse
Published: January 2023

One critical approach for promoting the efficiency of memory is to adopt selective encoding strategies to prioritize more valuable information. Past neuroimaging studies have shown that value-directed modulation of verbal memory depends heavily on engagement of left-lateralized semantic processing regions, particularly in ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC). In the present study, we used high-definition direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to seek evidence for a causal role of left VLPFC in supporting the memory advantage for high-value items. Three groups of healthy young adult participants were presented with lists of words to remember, with each word accompanied by an arbitrarily assigned point value. During the first session, all participants received sham stimulation as they encoded five lists of 30 words each. Two of these lists were immediately tested with free recall, with feedback given to allow participants to develop metacognitive insight and strategies to maximize their point total. The second session had the exact same structure as the first, but the groups differed in whether they received continued sham stimulation (N=22) or anodal stimulation of the left VLPFC (N=21) or right VLPFC (N=20). Those lists not tested with immediate recall were tested with recognition judgments after a one-day delay. Since no brain stimulation was applied during this Day 2 test, any performance differences can be attributed to the effects of stimulation on Day 1 encoding processes. Anodal stimulation of left VLPFC significantly boosted participants’ memory encoding selectivity. In comparison, no such effect was seen in participants who received right VLPFC or sham stimulation. Estimates of recollection- and familiarity-based responding revealed that left VLPFC stimulation specifically amplified the effects of item value on recollection. These results demonstrate a causal role for left VLPFC in the implementation of selective value-directed encoding strategies, putatively by boosting deep semantic processing of high-value words. Our findings also provide further evidence on the hemispheric lateralization of value-directed verbal memory encoding.
Biomolecular condensates modulate membrane lipid packing and hydration
Authors: Mangiarotti Agustín , Siri Macarena , Tam Nicky , Zhao Ziliang , Malacrida Leonel , Dimova Rumiana
Published: January 2023

Membrane wetting by biomolecular condensates recently emerged as a key phenomenon in cell biology, playing an important role in a diverse range of processes across different organisms. However, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind condensate formation and interaction with lipid membranes is still missing. To study this, we exploited the properties of the dyes ACDAN and LAURDAN as nano-environmental sensors in combination with phasor analysis of hyperspectral and lifetime imaging microscopy. Using glycinin as a model condensate-forming protein and giant vesicles as model membranes, we obtained vital information on the process of condensate formation and membrane wetting. Our results reveal that glycinin condensates display differences in water dynamics when changing the salinity of the medium as a consequence of rearrangements in the secondary structure of the protein. Remarkably, analysis of membrane-condensates interaction with protein as well as polymer condensates indicated a correlation between increased wetting affinity and enhanced lipid packing. This is demonstrated by a decrease in the dipolar relaxation of water across all membrane-condensate systems, suggesting a general mechanism to tune membrane packing by condensate wetting.
MNK1 and MNK2 expression in the human dorsal root and trigeminal ganglion
Authors: Shiers Stephanie , Sahn James J. , Price Theodore J.
Published: January 2023

Mitogen activated protein kinase interacting kinases (MNK) 1 and 2 are serine/threonine protein kinases that play an important role in translation of mRNAs through their phosphorylation of the RNA 5’-cap binding protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 4E. These kinases are downstream targets for mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), extracellular activity regulated protein kinase (ERK) and p38. MNKs have been implicated in the sensitization of peripheral nociceptors of the dorsal root and trigeminal ganglion (DRG and TG) using transgenic mouse lines and through the use of specific inhibitors of MNK1 and MNK2. While specific knockout of theMknk1gene suggests that it is the key isoform for regulation of nociceptor excitability and nociceptive behaviors in mice, bothMKNK1andMKNK2genes are expressed in the DRG and TG of mice and humans based on RNA sequencing experiments. Single cell sequencing in mice suggests thatMknk1andMknk2may be expressed in different populations of nociceptors. We sought to characterize mRNA expression in human DRG and TG for both MNK1 and MNK2. Our results show that both genes are expressed by nearly all neurons in both human ganglia with expression in other cell types as well. Our findings provide evidence that MNK1 and MNK2 are expressed by human nociceptors and suggest that efforts to pharmacologically target MNKs for pain would likely be translatable due its conserved expression in both species.
Hybrid epigenomes reveal extensive local genetic changes to chromatin accessibility contribute to divergence in embryonic gene expression between species
Authors: Devens Hannah R. , Davidson Phillip L. , Byrne Maria , Wray Gregory A.
Published: January 2023

Chromatin accessibility plays an important role in shaping gene expression patterns across development and evolution; however, little is known about the genetic and molecular mechanisms that influence chromatin configuration itself. Becausecisandtransinfluences can both theoretically influence the accessibility of the epigenome, we sought to better characterize the role that both of these mechanisms play in altering chromatin accessibility in two closely related sea urchin species. Using hybrids of the two species, and adapting a statistical framework previously developed for the analysis ofcisandtransinfluences on the transcriptome, we examined how these mechanisms shape the regulatory landscape at three important developmental stages, and compared our results to similar patterns in the transcriptome. We found extensivecis- andtrans-based influences on evolutionary changes in chromatin, withciseffects slightly more numerous and larger in effect. Genetic mechanisms influencing gene expression and chromatin configuration are correlated, but differ in several important ways. Maternal influences also appear to have more of an effect on chromatin accessibility than on gene expression, persisting well past the maternal-to-zygotic transition. Furthermore, chromatin accessibility near GRN genes appears to be regulated differently than the rest of the epigenome, and indicates thattransfactors may play an outsized role in the configuration of chromatin near these genes. Together, our results represent the first attempt to quantifycisandtransinfluences on evolutionary divergence in chromatin configuration in an outbred natural study system, and suggest that the regulation of chromatin is more genetically complex than was previously appreciated.
Multiphoton imaging of glucose, galactose, and fructose-induced formation of fluorescent advanced glycation end products in tissues
Authors: Lin Chih-Ju , Mondal Sohidul , Lee Sheng-Lin , Kang Jeon-Woong , So Peter T. C. , Dong Chen-Yuan
Published: January 2023

Blood glucose and HbA1c, intermediate glycation products of hemoglobin, remain the two clinical biomarkers for monitoring disease progression in diabetics. However, the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) has been implicated in diabetic pathogenesis and the use of AGEs in tissues as long-term glycemic markers may be of value in the clinical setting. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how different tissue constituents respond to dietary monosaccharides. In this study, we studied thein vitrorate of fluorescent AGEs (fAGEs) formation with multiphoton microscopy in different porcine tissues (aorta, cornea, kidney, dermis, and tendon). These tissues were treated with D-glucose, D-galactose, and D-fructose, three primary monosaccharides found in human diets. We found that the use of D-fructose resulted in the highest glycation rate, followed by D-galactose and then D-glucose. Moreover, compared to non-collagen tissue constituents such as elastic fibers and cells, the rate of tissue glycation was consistently higher in collagen, suggesting that collagen is a more sensitive target for fAGE formation. However, we also found that collagen in different tissues exhibits different rates of fAGE formation, with slower rates observed in tightly packed tissues such as cornea and tendon. Our study suggests that for fAGE to be developed into a long-term glycemic biomarker, loosely organized collagen tissues located in the proximity of vasculature may be the best targets.
Cost & Cost-Effectiveness of Implementing SD Biosensor Antigen Detecting SARs-CoV-2 Rapid Diagnostic Tests in Kenya
Authors: Arwah Brian , Mbugua Samuel , Ngure Jane , Makau Mark , Mwaura Peter , Kamau David , Nshimirimana Desire Aime , Barasa Edwine , Gitaka Jesse
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a need to rapidly scale-up testing services. In Kenya, services for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplifying test (NAAT) have often been unavailable or delayed, precluding the clinical utility of the results. The introduction of antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDT) has had the potential to fill at least a portion of the ‘testing gap’. We, therefore, evaluated the cost-effectiveness of implementing SD Biosensor Antigen Detecting SARs-CoV-2 Rapid Diagnostic Tests in Kenya.

We conducted a cost and cost-effectiveness of implementing SD biosensor antigen-detecting SARS-CoV-2 rapid diagnostic test using a decision tree model following the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Standards (CHEERS) guidelines under two scenarios. In the first scenario, we compared the use of Ag-RDT as a first-line diagnostic followed by using NAAT assay, to the use of NAAT only. In the second scenario, we compared the use of Ag-RDT to clinical judgement. We used a societal perspective and a time horizon of patient care episodes. Cost and outcomes data were obtained from primary and secondary data. We used one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the results.

At the point of care, Ag-RDT use for case management in settings with access to delayed confirmatory NAAT testing, the use of Ag-RDT was cost-effective (ICER = US$ 964.63 per DALY averted) when compared to Kenya’s cost-effectiveness threshold (US$ 1003.4). In a scenario with no access to NAAT, comparing the Ag-RDT diagnostic strategy with the no-test approach, the results showed that Ag-RDT was a cost-saving and optimal strategy (ICER = US$ 1490.33 per DALY averted).

At a higher prevalence level and resource-limited setting such as Kenya, implementing Ag-RDT to complement NAAT testing will be a cost-effective strategy in a scenario with delayed access to NAAT and a cost-saving strategy in a scenario with no access to NAAT assay.
The SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein induces long-term transcriptional perturbations of mitochondrial metabolic genes, causes cardiac fibrosis, and reduces myocardial contractile in obese mice
Authors: Cao Xiaoling , Nguyen Vi , Tsai Joseph , Gao Chao , Tian Yan , Zhang Yuping , Carver Wayne , Kiaris Hippokratis , Cui Taixing , Tan Wenbin
Published: January 2023

Background

As the pandemic evolves, post-acute sequelae of CoV-2 (PACS) including cardiovascular manifestations have emerged as a new health threat. This study aims to study whether the Spike protein plus obesity can exacerbate PACS-related cardiomyopathy.

Methods

A Spike protein-pseudotyped (Spp) virus with the proper surface tropism of SARS-CoV-2 was developed for viral entry assayin vitroand administration into high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. The systemic viral loads and cardiac transcriptomes were analyzed at 2 and 24 hrs, 3, 6, and 24 weeks post introducing (wpi) Spp using RNA-seq or real time RT-PCR. Echocardiography was used to monitor cardiac functions.

Results

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol enhanced viral uptake in endothelial cells, macrophages, and cardiomyocyte-like H9C2 cells. Selective cardiac and adipose viral depositions were observed in HFD mice but not in normal-chow-fed mice. The cardiac transcriptional signatures in HFD mice at 3, 6, and 24 wpi showed systemic suppression of mitochondria respiratory chain genes including ATP synthases and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide:ubiquinone oxidoreductase gene members, upregulation of stress pathway-related crucial factors such as nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A, and increases in expression of glucose metabolism-associated genes. As compared with the age-matched HFD control mice, cardiac ejection fraction and fractional shortening were significantly decreased, while left ventricular end-systolic diameter and volume were significantly elevated, and cardiac fibrosis was increased in HFD mice at 24 wpi.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated that the Spike protein could induce long-term transcriptional suppression of mitochondria metabolic genes and cause cardiac fibrosis and myocardial contractile impairment, providing mechanistic insights to PACS-related cardiomyopathy.
Outage probability analysis of power domain ordered NOMA under various channel conditions
Authors: Koteeshwari RS. , Malarkodi B.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Among the proposed radio access strategies for improving system execution in 5G networks, the non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) scheme is the prominent one.

Design/methodology/approach

Among the most fundamental NOMA methods, power-domain NOMA is the one where at the transmitter, superposition coding is used, and at the receiver, successive interference cancellation (SIC) is used. The importance of power allocation (PA) in achieving appreciable SIC and high system throughput cannot be overstated.

Findings

This research focuses on an outage probability analysis of NOMA downlink system under various channel conditions like Rayleigh, Rician and Nakagami-m fading channel. The system design's objectives, techniques and constraints for NOMA-based 5G networks' PA strategies are comprehensively studied.

Practical implications

From the results of this study, it is found that the outage probability performance of downlink ordered NOMA under Rayleigh, Rician and Nakagami-m fading channel was good.

Originality/value

Outage probability analysis of downlink ordered NOMA under various channel conditions like Rayleigh, Rician and Nakagami-m fading channels were employed. Though the performance of Nakagami-m fading channel is lesser compared to Rayleigh channel, the performance for user 1 and user 2 are good.
Job performance, knowledge and perceived power of tax officers on tax morale amongst agrochemical traders in Ghana
Authors: Kumi Richmond , Kwasi Bannor Richard
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to examine agrochemical traders’ tax morale in three Ghanaian regions.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected from 92 respondents using structured questionnaires. A multistage sampling technique was employed and used in selecting respondents.. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis and quantile regression analysis were used to analyse data obtained via the questionnaires.

Findings

The study found tax reporting knowledge, tax calculating knowledge and tax payment knowledge to be the keen factors influencing agrochemical traders’ tax knowledge. It was also revealed that age, religion and marriage positively influence the tax morale of traders. Inversely, gender, high level of education and monthly sales were found to affect tax morale negatively. Moreover, trust (respect, trustworthiness and expertise knowledge) negatively influenced tax morale. Authorities’ tax knowledge and power (sanction and lockdown) were revealed to impact tax morale positively. However, tax morale decreases amongst agrochemical traders with higher tax morale when sanction increases.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies which focussed on tax morale amongst individuals and firms outside the agribusiness sector, this study examined the tax morale within the informal agrochemical trading sector, which has recently attracted colossal patronage due to the high usage of agrochemicals amongst farmers in Africa and Ghana. This study also assumed tax morale to be at different levels; hence the factors that affect the morale at different levels differ. Therefore, the study examined the factors influencing tax morale amongst agrochemical traders by segregating tax morale into quartiles. Relating to theory, the economic deterrence theory was used to ground the study, which is not usually used in most tax morale studies.
A survey on ESG: investors, institutions and firms
Authors: Rau P. Raghavendra , Yu Ting
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Over the past two decades, the topics of Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) have attracted an increasing amount of interest, reflecting a growing sensitivity of investors and corporations towards environmental, social and governance issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This survey offers an overview of the academic literature on ESG/CSR through the lens of investors, institutions and firms. We first discuss the definitions of ESG and CSR and their relationship to each other.

Findings

We next describe how ESG is measured and note problems with the measurement of and quality of ESG data and discrepancies between different measures of ESG. We then turn our attention to investors, examining what types of investors invest in ESG and the role of institutional investors in ESG. From the firm's perspective, we discuss why firms themselves conduct ESG. We also summarize the literature on the impact of ESG on firms: how ESG affects firms' financing, disclosure and reporting activities and firm performance. Finally, we describe other consequences of the focus of ESG and CSR on firms and investors.

Originality/value

This survey offers an overview of the academic literature on ESG/CSR through the lens of investors, institutions and firms.
Innovation and economic performance of firms in national science & technology park, Islamabad, Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Sami , Ahmad Tooba , Mehmood Tariq , Sami Abdul
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Science and technology parks (STP) are established to facilitate innovation and the rapid development of cutting-edge technologies. The innovation performance of tenants is the primary feature of all successful STPs globally. The purpose of this study is to investigate firms’ innovation and economic performance at the National Science and Technology Park (NSTP), Islamabad, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The CDM (the acronym of the three authors’ names, Crépon, Duguet and Mairesse) model following a two-stage approach was used to analyze the survey data of 105 tenants. The innovation performance of tenants was estimated through probit regression at Stage 1, and the economic performance of tenants given their innovation performance was examined at Stage II using Tobit regression and the Heckman model.

Findings

The findings suggest that compatibility of innovation with the existing competitive advantage of a firm increases the innovation performance of firms, whereas collaboration of firms with NUST for research and development has only a marginal effect on innovation performance. However, the tenant’s business and social networking were weak, possibly due to the short time spent on NSTP.

Originality/value

These STPs are expected to be hubs of technology development and transfer by fostering open innovation through internal and external collaborations. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to estimate the innovation performance of tenants at NSTP, the first fully integrated STP in Pakistan. Despite shortcomings, the innovation and economic performance of NSTP tenants warrant further public policy support to inculcate open innovation culture.
Reconsidering India’s climate diplomacy and domestic preferences with a two-level approach
Authors: Zhang Juan , Zou Xiaolong , Muhkia Anmol
Published: January 2023

Purpose

International climate politics are gradually changing in terms of new and ground-breaking policies and decision-making spearheaded by national governments. The growing global demand to combat climate change reflects the current challenges the world is facing. India’s negotiations at United Nations Conference on Climate Change are based on “equity,” “historical responsibility” and the “polluter pays” agenda, until a shift in the voluntary reduction of carbon emissions takes place. The purpose of this study is to understand why India, a “deal breaker”, is seen as a “deal maker” in climate governance?

Design/methodology/approach

For a state like India, domestic preferences are equally important in introducing climate policies alongside its concerns over poverty reduction and economic development, which also stand with its sustainable development goals. This paper explains India’s decision-making using a two-level approach focusing on “domestic preferences.” This rationale is based on India’s historical background as well as new upcoming challenges.

Findings

This paper shows that India has both the domestic needs and long-term benefits of combating climate change to cut carbon emissions, which gives the responsibility primarily to domestic audiences and international societies.

Originality/value

This paper uses an international political lens to critically analyze India’s climate positions and politics from both domestic and international levels, demonstrating the importance of considering both short- and long-term goals. The outcome benefits not only the policymakers in India but also stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Ex post i-deals, work-life balance, and work well-being in the hospitality industry: the moderating role of gender
Authors: Sun Ning , Liang Sai , Li Hui , Song Haiyan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of several types of ex post idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) on work–life balance and work well-being, focusing on the mediating effect of work–life balance on the relationship between ex post i-deals and work well-being as well as the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between ex post i-deals and work–life balance in the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a questionnaire survey of 642 hotel managers from developed cities in China and analyze the data with structural equation modeling. This study also conducts on-site interviews among 20 hotel managers to support conclusions of the survey.

Findings

The results indicate that task i-deals as well as career and incentives i-deals significantly promote work–life balance, thereby indirectly improving work well-being. However, the impact of flexibility i-deals on work–life balance and work well-being is insignificant. The influence of career and incentives i-deals on work–life balance for males is slightly stronger than that for females.

Practical implications

This study has practical implications for hotel employers in terms of using various ex post i-deals to motivate and retain hotel managers by improving personal work–life balance and work well-being.

Originality/value

As one of early attempts to highlight the potential of i-deals to serve as solutions for work–life conflicts and unhappiness issues among hotel managers, this study provides novel insights into the mediating process between ex post i-deals and work well-being from the work–life balance perspective as well as distinct influences of various ex post i-deals on work–life balance for male and female managers.
A digital transformation approach in hospitality and tourism research
Authors: Cheng Xusen , Xue Tong , Yang Bo , Ma Baojun
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Because of the COVID-19, the digital transformation of global hospitality and tourism speeds up. This paper aims to provide comprehensive frame of the digital transformation for further hospitality and tourism research.

Design/methodology/approach

Through conducting a critical review of the impact of COVID-19, the current situation about the application of digital technology and digital transformation in hospitality and travel, this study used a qualitative approach to present the viewpoints.

Findings

This research presents a theoretical research framework for the hospitality and tourism about digital transformation, including possible directions, contexts and methods. It highlights the importance of digital transformation, and further proposing specific research topics.

Research limitations/implications

This research brings valuable implications and guidance for future research from the aspects of key research streams, research context and methodological approaches in hospitality and tourism about digital transformation.

Originality/value

This paper supplies existing critical reviewed research through paying attention to the digital transformation approach in hospitality and tourism, providing research guidance technically to the industry of hotels and travel.
Getting to diversity: an examination of the antecedents and outcomes of resistance to diversity-related organizational change
Authors: Workman-Stark Angela
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the contributors to individual resistance to diversity-related organizational change (DROC) and how it might be reduced.

Design/methodology/approach

From survey data collected through three separate samples of the US population, the study tested the antecedents and outcomes of resistance to DROC and the moderating effect of organizational justice on these relationships.

Findings

Findings reveal that attitudes about workplace diversity are influenced by individual factors (sex and race), which in turn are significantly related to individual resistance to DROC. Independently, organizational justice moderated the effects of employee attitudes and perceived threats on resistance to DROC, suggesting that resistance is increased when employees perceive they are treated justly.

Originality/value

This is the first known study to investigate resistance to DROC as well as its potential antecedents and outcomes. Findings suggest that organizational justice is an important consideration in implementing DROC.
Controlling corruption in African countries: innovation, financial inclusion and access to education as alternative measures
Authors: Jungo João , Madaleno Mara , Botelho Anabela
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of financial inclusion and financial innovation on corruption, considering the moderating role of education, as well as identify the specific modality of digital inclusion and payments that contribute to corruption reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a representative sample consisting of 46 African countries in three different years 2011, 2014 and 2017. On the data, feasible generalized least squares (FGLS), instrumental variables – two stages least squares (IV-2SLS) and two-stage generalized method of moments (IV-2GMM) model estimation methods were employed.

Findings

The results suggest that financial inclusion and education significantly reduce corruption. As well, the interaction between financial inclusion and education reduces corruption. Additionally, the authors find that the expansion of bank credit and the use of credit and debit cards are the specific modes of financial inclusion and digital payments that can contribute to corruption reduction.

Research limitations/implications

This study awakens policymakers in African countries about the need to consider education as an alternative measure to support financial inclusion and reduce the use of physical cash in transactions for an effective fight against corruption.

Practical implications

Regarding practical implications, the study shows that financial inclusion besides reducing poverty for households can contribute to macroeconomic stability in Africa.

Originality/value

The study uses a representative sample composed of 46 African countries and considers the role of education in moderating the relationship between financial inclusion and financial innovation on corruption. Furthermore, the study identifies the specific modality of financial inclusion and digital payments that contribute to corruption reduction.
A co-production approach to exploring an integrated service model in UK local authorities
Authors: Diba Parisa , Bowden Jonathan , Divers Andrew , Taylor Beth , Newbury-Birch Dorothy , Ling Jonathan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Integrated service models aim to simplify access, enable effective delivery, remove duplication and provide a holistic and person-centred approach. This project explored the development of integrated well-being services in two local authorities in North-East England. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Underpinned by public health and co-production approaches, the project utilised a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected via online surveys (n = 95), virtual interviews with members of the local population (n = 8) and practitioners and commissioners (n = 8) to explore needs for a new service. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and issues.

Findings

Several benefits of an integrated service were highlighted by both staff and service users, with a central anticipated benefit being the provision of holistic care. Improvement in information sharing was also seen to increase the efficiency of services and communication barriers between services. Beneficial aspects and barriers related to the COVID-19 pandemic on current service provision were reported that have informed our future recommendations.

Originality/value

The authors’ findings provide a much deeper insight into function, care, social inclusion and ongoing support needs, from both the perspectives of staff and service users. Service users and staff saw value in an integrated model for themselves, as well as the wider community. The authors’ findings indicate that the integrated service model is a promising one for the development of services within local authorities.
Technology, lean, quality and human resource practices in manufacturing: how does size as a contingency factor matter?
Authors: Szász Levente , Demeter Krisztina , Csíki Ottó , Horváth Réka
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Taking its outset in operations management (OM) contingency research, this paper aims to investigate how firm size, as one of the most powerful explanatory factors, influences the implementation and performance impact of four key manufacturing practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Three large-scale surveys from three different points in time, with a total of 1880 observations from varied geographical regions, are used to offer generalizable evidence on how firm size influences the implementation and performance outcome of technology, lean, quality and human resource practices.

Findings

The four manufacturing practices positively enhance performance: quality and lean practices produce the most consistent effects, while technology and human resource practices turn more beneficial in the latest sample. Furthermore, the authors offer robust support for the selection and mediation models (larger firms generally invest more in the four practices and, through that, achieve higher performance), while finding no evidence for the moderation model (smaller firms can equally benefit if they possess the resources to invest in these practices).

Originality/value

As manufacturing practices are continuously evolving, their performance impact cannot be guaranteed in any context. Size is a frequently used contingency variable in OM studies, but results are contradictory in terms of its impact on the implementation and performance outcomes of manufacturing practices. This study manages to ease these contradictions.