bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural variation and eQTL analysis in two experimental populations of chickens divergently selected for feather pecking behavior
Authors: Falker-Gieske Clemens , Bennewitz Jörn , Tetens Jens
Published: September 2022

Feather pecking (FP) is a damaging non-aggressive behavior in laying hens with a heritable component. Its occurrence has been linked to the immune system, the circadian clock, and foraging behavior. Furthermore, dysregulation of miRNA biogenesis, disturbance of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) system, as well as neurodevelopmental deficiencies are currently under debate as factors influencing the propensity for FP behavior. Past studies, which focused on the dissection of the genetic factors involved in FP, relied on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short insertions and deletions < 50 bp (InDels). These variant classes only represent a certain fraction of the genetic variation of an organism. Hence, we re-analyzed whole genome sequencing data from two experimental populations, which have been divergently selected for FP behavior for over more than 15 generations, and performed variant calling for structural variants (SVs) as well as tandem repeats (TRs) and jointly analyzed the data with SNPs and InDels. Genotype imputation and subsequent genome-wide association studies in combination with expression quantitative trait loci analysis led to the discovery of multiple variants influencing the GABAergic system. These include a significantly associated TR downstream of the GABA receptor subunit beta-3 (GABRB3) gene, two micro RNAs targeting several GABA receptor genes, and dystrophin (DMD), a direct regulator of GABA receptor clustering. Furthermore, we found the transcription factor ETV1 to be associated with differential expression of 23 genes, which points towards a role of ETV1, together with SMAD4 and KLF14, in the disturbed neurodevelopment of high feather pecking chickens.
Leishmania mexicana Centrin Knock out Parasites Promote M1-polarizing Metabolic Changes
Authors: Volpedo Greta , Oljuskin Timur , Azodi Nazli , Hamano Shinjiro , Matlashewski Greg , Gannavaram Sreenivas , Nakhasi Hira L. , Satoskar Abhay R.
Published: September 2022

Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease present in more than 90 countries. Presently, there is no approved vaccine for human use. We have previously developed live attenuated L. mexicana Cen−/− (LmexCen−/−) as a vaccine candidate that showed excellent efficacy that was characterized by reduced activation of Th2 responses and enhanced Th1 responses, contrary to wild type L. mexicana (LmexWT) infection. Towards understanding the interplay between immune mechanisms of protection and metabolic reprogramming, we applied untargeted mass spectrometric analysis to LmexCen−/− and compared them with LmexWT infection. Data showed that enriched pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in ears immunized with LmexCen−/− parasites, compared to naïve and LmexWT-infected ears. This pathway is known to promote an M1 phenotype in macrophages, suggesting a switch to a pro-inflammatory phenotype following LmexCen−/− inoculation. Accordingly, inhibition of the PPP in macrophages cultured with LmexCen−/− parasites led to diminished production of nitric oxide, IL-12, and IL-1β, hallmarks of classical activation. Overall, our study revealed novel immune regulatory mechanisms that may be critical for the induction of protective immunity.
Formation of the active Hermes transpososome is driven by asymmetric DNA binding of BED domains
Authors: Lannes Laurie , Furman Christopher M. , Hickman Alison B. , Dyda Fred
Published: September 2022

The cut-and-paste Hermes DNA transposase stands out among the transposases that have been biochemically or structurally characterized so far. Many transposases function as dimers, but the Hermes transposase forms a tetramer of dimers to achieve its active form in vivo. Intriguingly, the transposition complex, or transpososome, relies on only one dimer to perform the enzymatic reactions necessary to the mobilization of its transposon. Our investigation combining biochemical and structural approaches shows that the Hermes octamer extensively interacts with its transposon left-end (LE) engaging the BED domains of three Hermes protomers belonging to three dimers. By contrast, the right-end (RE) is entirely deprived of such interaction inside the transpososome. Our work suggests that formation of the Hermes synaptic complex is sequential and relies on the considerable difference of affinity of the transposase towards its transposon ends. Thus, we propose that Hermes dimers multimerize to gather enough BED domains to find the LE among the abundant genomic DNA, facilitating the subsequent interaction with the RE, most likely solely based on recognition of its terminal inverted repeat.
Pathway elucidation and microbial synthesis of proaporphine and bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloids from sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
Authors: Pyne Michael E. , Gold Nicholas D. , Martin Vincent J. J.
Published: September 2022

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) has been utilized as a food, medicine, and spiritual symbol for nearly 3,000 years. The medicinal properties of lotus are largely attributed to its unique profile of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs), which includes potential anti-cancer, anti-malarial and anti-arrhythmic compounds. BIA biosynthesis in sacred lotus differs markedly from that of opium poppy and other members of the Ranunculales, most notably in an abundance of BIAs possessing the (R)-stereochemical configuration and the absence of reticuline, a major branchpoint intermediate in most BIA producers. Owing to these unique metabolic features and the pharmacological potential of lotus, we set out to elucidate the BIA biosynthesis network inN. nucifera. Here we show that lotus CYP80G (NnCYP80G) and a superior ortholog from Peruvian nutmeg (Laurelia sempervirens;LsCYP80G) stereospecifically convert (R)-N-methylcoclaurine to the proaporphine alkaloid glaziovine, which is subsequently methylated to pronuciferine, the presumed precursor to nuciferine. While sacred lotus employs a dedicated (R)-route to aporphine alkaloids from (R)-norcoclaurine, we implemented an artificial stereochemical inversion approach to flip the stereochemistry of the core BIA pathway. Exploiting the unique substrate specificity of dehydroreticuline synthase from common poppy (Papaver rhoeas) and pairing it with dehydroreticuline reductase enabledde novosynthesis of (R)-N-methylcoclaurine from (S)- norcoclaurine and its subsequent conversion to pronuciferine. We leveraged our stereochemical inversion approach to also elucidate the role ofNnCYP80A in sacred lotus metabolism, which we show catalyzes the stereospecific formation of the bis-BIA nelumboferine. Screening our collection of 66 plantO-methyltransferases enabled conversion of nelumboferine to liensinine, a potential anti-cancer bis-BIA from sacred lotus. Our work highlights the unique benzylisoquinoline metabolism ofN. nuciferaand enables the targeted overproduction of potential lotus pharmaceuticals using engineered microbial systems.
Factors associated with misdiagnosis of hospitalised patients in general hospitals of Central Uganda
Authors: Katongole Simon Peter , Akweongo Patricia , Anguyo DDMO Robert , Kasozi Daniel Evans , Adoma Afari Augustine
Published: September 2022

Misdiagnosis of inpatients is a major public health issue whose scope and causes are unknown in Sub-Saharan African countries. The purpose of this cross-sectional study, which was conducted in five hospitals in central Uganda, was to identify the factors associated with inpatient misdiagnosis in general hospitals in Central Uganda. Records of 2,431 patients admitted between July 1st, 2019 and June 30th, 2020 were specifically reviewed to obtain data on variables thought to be associated with misdiagnosis. The admission diagnosis assigned at the emergency or outpatient department was compared to the discharge diagnosis assigned immediately after the patient’s admission, with any difference considered a misdiagnosis. The disease, patient, health system, and environmental factors associated with misdiagnosis were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Misdiagnosis was found in the records of 223/2431 (9.2%) of the admitted patients. A patient admitted to Nakaseke hospital [aOR=1.95, 95% CI=1.17-3.25, p=0.01], being admitted at night [aOR=3, 95% CI=1.81-5.02, p0.01], male patient [aOR=1.89, 95% CI=1.35-2.64, p0.01], patient’s age groups 10-19 [AOR=2.3, 95% CI=2.3-9.25, p0.01]; 20-29 [AOR=8.15, 95% CI=4.18-15.89], p<0.01; 30-39; and 40-49;; AOR=8.12, 95% CI=3.99-16.54, p<0.01; AOR=7.88, 95% CI=3.71-16.73, p<0.01; and AOR=12.14, 95% CI=6.41-23.01, p<0.0]. Misdiagnosis was also associated with multimorbidity (aOR=4.71, 95% CI=1.91-11.65, p0.01) and patients treated for uncommon diseases (aOR=2.57, 95% CI=1.28-5.18, p0.01). Patients without underlying diseases [aOR=0.63; 95% CI=0.43-0.91, p=0.015] and those who were not referred [aOR=0.51; 95% CI=0.31-0.86, p=0] .011] were less likely to be related to misdiagnosis.

To improve diagnostic accuracy, hospitals should reorganize patient admission processes, conducted targeted training, develop policy or guidelines targeting factors predisposing to misdiagnosis, and the adopt a diagnostic error prevention culture.
An updated evolutionary and structural study of TBK1 reveals highly conserved motifs as potential pharmacological targets in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Papageorgiou Louis , Mangana Eleni , Papakonstantinou Eleni , Diakou Io , Pierouli Katerina , Dragoumani Konstantina , Bacopoulou Flora , Chrousos George P , Exarchos Themis P , Vlamos Panagiotis , Eliopoulos Elias , Vlachakis Dimitrios
Published: September 2022

TANK binding kinase 1 protein (TBK1) is a kinase that belongs to the IκB (IKK) family. TBK1, also known as T2K, FTDALS4, NAK, IIAE8 and NF-κB, is responsible for the phosphorylation of the amino acid residues Serine and Threonine. This enzyme is involved in various key biological processes, including interferon activation and production, homeostasis, cell growth, autophagy, insulin production and the regulation of TNF-α, IFN-β and IL-6. Mutations in the TBK1 gene alter the protein’s normal function and may lead to an array of pathological conditions, including disorders of the Central Nervous System. The present study sought to elucidate the role of the TBK1 protein in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a human neurodegenerative disorder. A broad evolutionary and phylogenetic analysis of TBK1 was performed across numerous organisms to distinguish conserved regions important for the protein’s function. Subsequently, mutations and SNPs were explored and their potential effect on the enzyme’s function was investigated. These analytical steps, in combination with the study of the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure of TBK1, enabled the identification of conserved motifs, which can function as novel pharmacological targets and inform therapeutic strategies for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
A genomic study of the Japanese population focusing on the glucocorticoid receptor interactome highlights distinct genetic characteristics associated with stress response
Authors: Mitsis Thanasis , Papageorgiou Louis , Papakonstantinou Eleni , Diakou Io , Pierouli Katerina , Dragoumani Konstantina , Bacopoulou Flora , Kino Tomoshige , Chrousos George P , Eliopoulos Elias , Vlachakis Dimitrios
Published: September 2022

All living organisms have been programmed to maintain a complex inner equilibrium called homeostasis, despite numerous adversities during their lifespan. Any threatening or perceived as such stimuli for homeostasis is termed a stressor, and a highly conserved response system called the stress response system has been developed to cope with these stimuli and maintain or reinstate homeostasis. The glucocorticoid receptor, a transcription factor belonging to the nuclear receptors protein superfamily, has a major role in the stress response system, and research on its’ interactome may provide novel information regarding the mechanisms underlying homeostasis maintenance. A list of 149 autosomal genes which have an essential role in GR function or are prime examples of GRE-containing genes was composed in order to gain a comprehensive view of the GR interactome. A search for SNPs on those particular genes was conducted on a dataset of 3.554 Japanese individuals, with mentioned polymorphisms being annotated with relevant information from the ClinVar, LitVar, and dbSNP databases. Forty-two SNPs of interest and their genomic locations were identified. These SNPs have been associated with drug metabolism and neuropsychiatric, metabolic, and immune system disorders, while most of them were located in intronic regions. The frequencies of those SNPs were later compared with a dataset consisting of 1465 Korean individuals in order to find population-specific characteristics based on some of the identified SNPs of interest. The results highlighted that rs1043618 frequencies were different in the two populations, with mentioned polymorphism having a potential role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in response to environmental stressors. This SNP is located in the HSPA1A gene which codes for an essential GR co-chaperone, and such information showcases that similar gene may be novel genomic targets for managing or combatting stress-related pathologies.
Rnf20 shapes the endothelial control of heart morphogenesis and function
Authors: Kessler Linda , Gao Rui , Tetik-Elsherbiny Nalan , Lityagina Olga , Zhailauova Azhar , Ren Yonggang , Trogisch Felix A. , Cordero Julio , Dou Yanliang , Wang Yinuo , Chichelnitskiy Evgeny , Kraske Joscha Alexander , Schäfer Patricia Laura , Wu Chi-Chung , Barreto Guillermo , Potente Michael , Wieland Thomas , Ola Roxana , Heineke Joerg , Dobreva Gergana
Published: September 2022

During embryogenesis, distinct cardiac cell types form, which shape the structural and functional properties of the heart. How their activity is coordinated is largely unknown. Here we show that Rnf20 is a multifaceted regulator of cardiac morphogenesis and function. On the one hand, Rnf20 controls extracellular matrix dynamics and endothelial-cardiomyocyte crosstalk essential for second heart field development. On the other hand, it safeguards endothelial cell identity and function by maintaining physiological angiocrine signaling and preventing endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Endothelial-specific deletion of Rnf20 led to ventricular septal defects, myocardial thinning and cardiac dysfunction as a result of aberrant signaling and excessive extracellular matrix deposition that induced precocious cardiomyocyte binucleation and irregular contractility. Furthermore, we uncovered upstream factors (e.g. Sox9) and multiple angiocrine and extracellular matrix molecules that alter cardiomyocyte functionality upon endothelial Rnf20 loss. In summary, our work identifies a novel, endothelial-specific role of Rnf20 in regulating cardiac morphogenesis and function.
Screening under infection-relevant conditions reveals chemical sensitivity in multidrug resistant invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS)
Authors: Tsai Caressa N. , Massicotte Marie-Ange , MacNair Craig R. , Perry Jordyn N. , Brown Eric D. , Coombes Brian K
Published: September 2022

Bloodstream infections caused by invasive, non-typhoidal salmonellae (iNTS) are a major global health concern. These infections are especially problematic in sub-Saharan Africa, where the sequence type (ST) 313 of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella Typhimurium (iNTS) is dominant. Unlike S. Typhimurium strains that cause mild gastroenteritis, iNTS strains are resistant to multiple first-line antibiotics and have higher extraintestinal invasiveness, limiting current treatment options. Here, we performed multiple small molecule screens under infection-relevant conditions to reveal chemical sensitivities in ST313 as entry points to drug discovery to combat the clinical burden of iNTS. By screening the invasive ST313 sequence type under host-mimicking conditions, we identified the antimicrobial activity of the nucleoside analog 3’-azido-3’-deoxythymidine, which required bacterial thymidine kinase activity for its antimicrobial activity. In a parallel macrophage-based screening platform, we also identified three host-directed compounds (amodiaquine, berbamine, and indatraline) that significantly restricted intracellular replication of ST313 in macrophages without directly impacting bacterial viability. This work provides evidence that despite elevated invasiveness and multidrug resistance, iNTS S. Typhimurium remains susceptible to unconventional drug discovery approaches.
Identification of a self-renewing muscle satellite cell state by single-cell chromatin accessibility profiling
Authors: Okafor Arinze E. , Lin Xin , Situ Chenghao , Wei Xiaolin , Wei Xiuqing , Wu Zhenguo , Diao Yarui
Published: September 2022

A balance between self-renewal and differentiation is critical for the regenerative capacity of tissue-resident stem cells. In skeletal muscle, successful regeneration requires the orchestrated activation, proliferation, and differentiation of muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) that are normally quiescent. A subset of MuSCs undergoes self-renewal to replenish the stem cell pool, but the features that identify and define self-renewing MuSCs remain to be elucidate. Here, through single-cell chromatin accessibility analysis, we reveal the self-renewal versus differentiation trajectories of MuSCs over the course of regeneration in vivo. We identify TGFBR3 as a unique marker of self-renewing MuSCs that can be purified and efficiently contribute to regeneration after transplantation; and we show that SMAD4 and its downstream genes are genetically required for self-renewal in vivo by restricting differentiation. Our study unveils the identity and mechanisms of self-renewing MuSCs, while providing a key resource for comprehensive analysis of muscle regeneration.
Somatic nuclear blebbing may indicate proliferating germ cells but does not indicate organismal aging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Fan Qiang , Li Xue-Mei , Zhai Chao , Li Shang-Tong , Dong Meng-Qiu
Published: September 2022

Abnormal nuclear morphology is suggested to be a hallmark of aging. One type of such abnormalities is nuclear blebbing, but little is known about whether and how nuclear blebbing participates in animal aging. What regulates nuclear blebbing is also unknown. In this study, we show that the frequency of nuclear blebbing in the hypodermis increases during aging in wild-type C. elegans. These nuclear blebs are enveloped by the nuclear lamina, the inner and the outer nuclear membrane, and 42% of them contain chromatin. Detachment of a bleb from the nucleus is rare but does happen, thereby generating cytoplasmic chromatin. Cytoplasmic chromatin-containing lysosomes juxtaposing the nucleus are detected in old worms. Therefore, nuclear blebbing contributes to the age-associated chromatin loss. However, the frequency of nuclear blebbing does not correlate with the rate of aging in C. elegans. Old age does not necessarily induce nuclear blebbing, neither does starvation, heat stress, or oxidative stress. Intriguingly, we find that proliferation of germ cells promotes nuclear blebbing.

Highlights

Nuclear blebs accumulate in the hypodermis during C. elegans aging

Nuclear blebbing contributes to chromatin loss

The frequency of nuclear blebbing does not correlate with the rate of aging

Proliferating germ cells promote nuclear blebbing in the hypodermis
A biophysical model of viral escape from polyclonal antibodies
Authors: Yu Timothy C. , Thornton Zorian T. , Hannon William W. , DeWitt William S. , Radford Caelan E. , Matsen Frederick A. , Bloom Jesse D.
Published: September 2022

A challenge in studying viral immune escape is determining how mutations combine to escape polyclonal antibodies, which can potentially target multiple distinct viral epitopes. Here we introduce a biophysical model of this process that partitions the total polyclonal antibody activity by epitope, and then quantifies how each viral mutation affects the antibody activity against each epitope. We develop software that can use deep mutational scanning data to infer these properties for polyclonal antibody mixtures. We validate this software using a computationally simulated deep mutational scanning experiment, and demonstrate that it enables the prediction of escape by arbitrary combinations of mutations. The software described in this paper is available at https://jbloomlab.github.io/polyclonal.
The influence of sustainable design on food well-being
Authors: Tian Yating , Kamran Qeis
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the effects of sustainable design on food policy, literacy, and socialisation to gauge consumers' satisfaction with the general design of food well-being (FWB).

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from an online survey with 382 respondents, an empirical study applying composite-based structural equation modelling was conducted. Sustainable design for food socialisation was hypothesised to directly influence consumers' satisfaction with the general design of FWB, whereas food policy was assumed to have an emergent effect on food literacy. Gender was a control variable used to identify the heterogeneity of the effects.

Findings

The results demonstrated that sustainable design for food policy and food literacy positively influence food socialisation and affect consumers' satisfaction with the sustainable design for FWB. Additionally, women exhibited higher application of food knowledge and skills but less experience in FWB than men.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors knowledge, this study is the first to examine the emergent influence of food policy from a design perspective, with implications for industrial practitioners, policymakers, and academic research. This study also provides possible avenues for future sustainability and food product design research.
Exploring the antecedents of high-performance work practices: empirical evidence from Ibero-America
Authors: Gutiérrez-Martínez Isis , Sancho y Maldonado Antonio , Costamagna Rodrigo , Duhamel Francois
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This article analyzes the impact of the national culture, the dependence of the sector of activity on human capital, and the multinational character of the firm involved, on the degree of implementation of high performance work practices (HPWPs) in Ibero-American companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study results from a survey of 614 Ibero-American firms, in 6 different countries. Multiple regressions were performed to test the hypothesis proposed.

Findings

HPWPs for employee recruitment and selection have been frequently implemented in Ibero-American countries. Three factors, i.e. national culture, degree of multinationality, and degree of dependence of the sector of activity on human capital, have a strong influence on the degree of implementation of HPWPs in general, at different degrees. For example, recruitment and selection practices are conditioned by the degree of multinationality, individualism, uncertainty avoidance, and power distance, while they are not influenced by masculinity and by the sector of activity.

Practical implications

HR managers must align the design and execution of HPWPs with the national culture, and with the characteristics of the sector of activity, they belong to. Domestic companies should also aspire to achieve the higher standards of multinational companies for specific HPWPs.

Originality/value

This study, to the authors’ best knowledge, is the first to provide insights into the influence of the three factors mentioned above on the degree of implementation of HPWPs in Ibero-American firms, using multiple regression analysis. The authors examine in this article a larger set of HPWPs than does most of the existing empirical literature.
The role of market competition for knowledge competencies, R&D and innovation: an empirical analysis for German firms
Authors: Abdul Basit Shoaib , Kuhn Thomas , Cantner Uwe
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Knowledge competencies and (R&D) activities are one of the most important sources of innovation and have been widely discussed in the literature. In comparison, the role of the competitive environment for the innovation activities of firms is still open to debate and has not been fully understood yet. Therefore, this paper intends to provide new evidence on the interaction between knowledge competencies and R&D activities of firms on the one side and their competitiveness in the market environment on the other. In particular, the moderating function of market competition is explored. In this respect, the analysis covers the main innovation types as well as both sectors, manufacturing and services.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis is based on a three years panel dataset of German manufacturing and service firms obtained from Mannheim Innovation Panel (MIP) and Community Innovation Surveys (CISs: 2011, 2013 and 2015). For the estimation, a binary instrumental variable treatment model with Heckman selection method is used. Also, it provides a suitable approach to estimating the binary variables in order to cope with endogeneity concerns.

Findings

The estimation results show that R&D activities and knowledge competencies are positively related to innovation activities of different types conditioned on firms' specific perception of their competitive environment, in terms of outdated products/services as well as strong competition from abroad. Most importantly, the results from the moderation estimation reveal that there is a significant difference between the manufacturing and service sector. Service firms engage more in internal R&D activities on generating product innovations while the manufacturing firms conduct more external R&D on specific types of innovation. Further, the authors find that strong competition from abroad positively and significantly reinforces the effect of knowledge competencies on innovation activities for more types in services than in manufacturing. In contrast, outdated products and services tend to decline the effect of knowledge competencies for some innovation types in both sectors. The authors also observe a positive and significant reinforcement effect on knowledge competencies. However, it is found more beneficial for service firms since they can employ more innovation strategies.

Originality/value

The focus of the study is mainly on the impact of firms' competitive environment on innovation activities in various types through its interaction with knowledge competencies and R&D activities, across manufacturing and service firms.
Migration and financial transactions: factors influencing mobile remittance service usage in the pandemic
Authors: Chang Wei-Lun , Benson Vladlena
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In the global migration crisis COVID 19 had devastating consequences. Workers were confined to their locations due to travel restrictions and working from home became “working away from home” for millions of migrant workers. Mobile financial services emerged as key to livelihood of the mobile remittance recipients. It is essential for service providers to gain insights of users' motives to use mobile remittance services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposed the model by extending unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model and integrating by perceived cost (PC) and perceived security (PS). Based on the survey data (n = 344) the proposed model was tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, PC and PS affect the users' behavioral intention (BI) to use mobile remittance applications. Social influence nonsignificantly affects the BI and there is no significant influence of facilitating conditions on user behavior.

Originality/value

The volume of migrant workers preCOVID 19 reached 3.5% of the global population, the shear number of unprotected workers plunged into devastation by the COVID-19 impact is huge to cause an economic meltdown. Under the pandemic crisis conditions, the findings provide several practical implications on how service providers could improve their products and services to increase mobile remittance applications usage.
Investigation on vibration parameters in aluminum finned tube arrays subjected to water cross flow
Authors: Yadav Pravin H. , Desai Sandeep R. , Mohanty Dillip Kumar
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Predicting the critical velocity is crucial at the instability threshold for shell and tube heat exchangers in order to prevent tube failure due to vibrations. In this study, the vibration response of an aluminum tube bundle subjected to water cross flow was analyzed experimentally. Aluminum tubes are preferred over steel tubes because of aluminum tubes' excellent corrosion resistance, ease of manufacture, and high thermal efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The fluid elastic instability and vortex shedding mechanisms in a finned tube array of aluminum tubes with a base tube diameter of 19.05 mm and pitch of 34 mm were investigated. The current study considers parallel triangular finned tube arrays with fin heights of 3 mm and 6 mm with a uniform fin thickness and fin pitch. The plain tube array was tested to compare the finned tube array results. The tube vibration response was measured using an accelerometer mounted on the middle tube of the third row. In order to define the fluid elastic instability behavior of various tube arrays, the critical velocity at the instability threshold is measured. By finding the Strouhal number at the small peaks before instability, the vortex shedding behavior of the tube arrays is examined.

Findings

The results reveal that the critical velocity at instability for coarse finned tube arrays increases as the fin height increases. The effect of the tube material is evaluated by comparing the results with those previously reported for parallel triangular tube arrays made of steel. Finally, the occurrence of vortex shedding in a tube array is confirmed based on the Reynolds number and Strouhal number relationship. The instability constant K for the plain tube array of steel and aluminum material are 4.97 and 4.87, respectively.

Originality/value

This paper provides the research findings on the effect of fin height on coarse density finned tube array. This will add substantial knowledge to the literature in the field of fluid elastic instability and vortex shedding, which is needed for the safe functioning of shell and tube heat exchangers.
CEO environmentally specific transformational leadership and firm proactive environmental strategy: roles of TMT green commitment and regulative pressure
Authors: Yang Chen , Zhang Lu
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This research aims to focus on the environmentally specific transformational leadership (ETFL) of a chief executive officer (CEO) and aims to examine the effect of CEOs' ETFL on firm's proactive environmental strategies (PESs), by indicating the top management team's (TMT) green commitment as a mediator and regulative pressure as a moderator to understand the relation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used multisource data from 170 small-to medium-sized manufacturing firms in China.

Findings

The results indicated that CEOs' ETFL was positively related to the TMT's green commitment, which, in turn, enhanced the firm's PESs. Moreover, regulative pressure strengthened the direct effect of CEOs' ETFL on their TMTs' green commitment and the indirect effect of CEOs' ETFL on the firm's PESs via TMTs' green commitment.

Originality/value

The tested importance of regulative pressure as an external condition that strengthens the effectiveness of CEOs' ETFL offers new theoretical insights to advance the literature on PESs.
Health services in Australia and the impact of antiquated rostering practices on medical scientists: a case for HR analytics and evidenced-based human resource management
Authors: Cavanagh Jillian , Bartram Timothy , Walker Matthew , Pariona-Cabrera Patricia , Halvorsen Beni
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the rostering practices and work experiences of medical scientists at four health services in the Australian public healthcare sector. There are over 16,000 medical scientists (AIHW, 2019) in Australia responsible for carrying out pathology testing to help save the lives of thousands of patients every day. However, there are systemic shortages of medical scientists largely due to erratic rostering practices and workload issues. The purpose of this paper is to integrate evidence-based human resource management (EBHRM), the LAMP model and HR analytics to enhance line manager decision-making on rostering to support the wellbeing of medical scientists.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative methodological approach, the authors conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with managers/directors and nine focus groups with 53 medical scientists, making a total 74 participants from four large public hospitals in Australia.

Findings

Across four health services, manual systems of rostering and management decisions do not meet the requirements of the enterprise agreement (EA) and impact negatively on the wellbeing of medical scientists in pathology services. The authors found no evidence of the systematic approach of the organisations and line managers to implement the LAMP model to understand the root causes of rostering challenges and negative impact on employees. Moreover, there was no evidence of sophisticated use of HR analytics or EBHRM to support line managers' decision-making regarding mitigation of rostering related challenges such as absenteeism and employee turnover.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to HRM theory by integrating EBHRM, the LAMP model (Boudreau and Ramstad, 2007) and HR analytics to inform line management decision-making. The authors advance understandings of how EBHRM incorporating the LAMP model and HR analytics can provide a systematic and robust process for line managers to make informed decisions underpinned by data.
Design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) in architectural design meetings: from a case study to knowledge-to-action framework
Authors: Laovisutthichai Vikrom , Lu Weisheng
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) challenges architects in managing diverse knowledge across different professional domains. Little research, if any, has documented DfMA as a knowledge-intensive activity happening in real-life cases. This research aims to investigate DfMA knowledge acquisition, sharing and implementation in real-life practice and develop DfMA knowledge-to-action framework for architects.

Design/methodology/approach

It does so by (1) conducting observations in design meetings, documentary analysis and interviews, (2) thematic analysis through knowledge management (KM) perspectives and (3) based on this profound understanding, enriching the prior understanding of design as a double diamond process.

Findings

Through the lens of KM, DfMA is not merely a double but multiple diamond process, involving the iteration of making absenting interdisciplinary knowledge available, deciphering tacit knowledge explicit and embedding the knowledge in a design that well considers various criteria, the downstream manufacturing, logistics and assembly in particular. To execute multi-faceted knowledge acquisitions and implementations in DfMA, architects should balance their roles as humble learners, team coordinators, creative leaders and democratic negotiators.

Originality/value

This research reveals the DfMA implementation process, activities and dilemmas from real-world design meetings. The DfMA knowledge-to-action framework developed in this study, along with practice examples and lessons learned, can facilitate architects to play new roles. Future research is recommended to fine-tune the framework by having other stakeholders’ perspectives, refining it with additional cases and developing assistive tools for designers based on the framework.
Oral mitis group streptococci: A silent majority in our oral cavity
Authors: Okahashi Nobuo , Nakata Masanobu , Kuwata Hirotaka , Kawabata Shigetada
Published: September 2022

Members of the oral mitis group streptococci including Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus gordonii are the most abundant inhabitants of human oral cavity and dental plaque, and have been implicated in infectious complications such as bacteremia and infective endocarditis. Oral mitis group streptococci are genetically close to Streptococcus pneumoniae; however, they do not produce cytolysin (pneumolysin), which is a key virulence factor of S. pneumoniae. Similar to S. pneumoniae, oral mitis group streptococci possess several cell surface proteins that bind to the cell surface components of host mammalian cells. S. sanguinis expresses long filamentous pili that bind to the matrix proteins of host cells. The cell wall–anchored nuclease of S. sanguinis contributes to the evasion of the neutrophil extracellular trap by digesting its web‐like extracellular DNA. Oral mitis group streptococci produce glucosyltransferases, which synthesize glucan (glucose polymer) from sucrose of dietary origin. Neuraminidase (NA) is a virulent factor in oral mitis group streptococci. Influenza type A virus (IAV) relies on viral NA activity to release progeny viruses from infected cells and spread the infection, and NA‐producing oral streptococci elevate the risk of IAV infection. Moreover, oral mitis group streptococci produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a by‐product of sugar metabolism. Although the concentrations of streptococcal H2O2 are low (1–2 mM), they play important roles in bacterial competition in the oral cavity and evasion of phagocytosis by host macrophages and neutrophils. In this review, we intended to describe the diverse pathogenicity of oral mitis group streptococci.
Same mesozooplankton functional groups, different functions in three Arctic marine ecosystems
Authors: Saint‐Béat Blanche , Darnis Gérald , Leclerc Maxime , Babin Marcel , Maps Frédéric
Published: September 2022

The trophic relationships interconnecting marine organisms together into a dynamic trophic network drive the structure and the functioning of the entire ecosystem. Since the flow of carbon within trophic networks is controlled by a variety of functional traits related to food acquisition and individual survival, it is crucial to understand how functional diversity relates to marine ecosystems properties such as the resistance and resilience against perturbations.

In the Arctic, marine ecosystems are facing stronger and faster environmental changes than anywhere on Earth, leading to profound perturbations in the planktonic assemblages at the base of the trophic networks. While it is known that mesozooplankton plays a crucial role of matter and energy hub within marine Arctic food web, the precise role of the diverse mesozooplankton functional groups in carbon circulation and in marine ecosystems functioning remains poorly known.

We coupled a trait‐based approach of mesozooplankton diversity to an ecological network analysis approach to test whether similar mesozooplankton functional groups played similar ecological roles in three Arctic ecosystems during the summer period. We formed nine mesozooplankton functional groups by gathering different species according to their feeding strategies. Then we implemented those into inverse food web models (linear inverse modelling) describing three contrasted Arctic ecosystems. In each ecosystem, we performed sensitivity analysis experiments where each mesozooplankton functional group was removed one at a time.

Our results showed that, although the same main functional groups composed the three ecosystems, the few outstanding changes observed in the carbon circulation within the food web were strongly controlled by both the initial whole‐network properties and productivity of the ecosystem.

The various roles played by a given mesozooplankton functional group in the ecosystem depend on its impact on carbon flows through the food web it belongs to. As a result, identifying which functional groups could be threatened, and which carbon flows could be altered by climate change is critical information to predict future ecosystems functioning.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Model‐based optimization of source locations for 3D acoustic seismic full‐waveform inversion
Authors: Winner Valérie , Edme Pascal , Maurer Hansruedi
Published: September 2022

Besides classical imaging techniques, full‐waveform inversion is an increasingly popular method to derive elastic subsurface properties from seismic data. High‐resolution velocity models can be obtained, and spatial sampling criteria are less strict than for imaging methods, because the entire information content of the seismic waveforms is used. As high operational costs arise from seismic surveys, the acquirable data volume is often limited by economic criteria. By selecting optimal locations for seismic sources, the information content of the data can be maximized, and the number of sources and thus the acquisition costs can be reduced compared with standard acquisition designs. The computation of such optimized designs for large‐size 3D inverse problems at affordable computational cost is challenging. By using a sequential receiver‐wise optimization strategy, we substantially reduce the computational requirements of the optimization process. We prove the applicability of this method by means of numerical 3D acoustic examples. Optimized source designs for different receiver patterns are computed for a realistic subsurface model, and the value of the designs is evaluated by comparing checkerboard inversion tests with different acquisition designs. Our examples show that inversion results with higher accuracy can be obtained with the optimized designs, regardless of the number of sources, the number of receivers, or the receiver distribution. Larger benefits of the optimized designs are visible when a sparse receiver geometry is used.
Long‐term impacts of insect herbivores on plant populations and communities
Authors: Agrawal Anurag A. , Maron John L.
Published: September 2022

As major consumers of plants, insect herbivores have strong potential to influence long‐term patterns of plant abundance and community structure. Nonetheless, remarkably few manipulative experiments exclude insects for three or more years. Thus, how often, and under what conditions insects have enduring impacts remains unclear. Here we summarize the key conceptual issues and evidence from long‐term studies on the impact of insects on plant populations and communities.

Models that project effects of herbivores on plant population growth, based on demographic study, suggest that insects often limit plant asymptotic population growth. However, empirical estimations of insect impacts on plant abundance based on long‐term experimental studies are few. As such, the strength and conditionality of compensatory mechanisms (such as density dependence and seedbanks) that may dampen (or exacerbate) the negative effects of insects on plant populations remains unclear. The influences of insects on plant range size and limits, invasion success and biocontrol are well‐established research areas, but are also underexplored in long‐term experiments.

Insect herbivores can influence plant community structure and diversity, and change successional trajectories, often through modification of plant competitive ability. Nonetheless, effects are mostly known from mesic grasslands, take years to manifest and the extent of insect damage does not always predict their impact. The relative importance of specialist versus generalist herbivores is unclear, as is how feedbacks between plant productivity, herbivory and plant species richness contribute to community dynamics over time.

Synthesis. The few existing long‐term insect suppression experiments, and many short‐term studies, suggest that insect herbivores can importantly affect plant populations and communities. Although challenging, experimental studies spanning multiple plant generations could greatly enhance our ability to develop a more predictive framework for how insect herbivores influence plant populations and communities.
Lidcombe Program translation to community clinics in Australia and England
Authors: O'Brian Sue , Hayhow Rosemarie , Jones Mark , Packman Ann , Iverach Lisa , Onslow Mark , Menzies Ross
Published: September 2022

Background

Early intervention is essential healthcare for stuttering, and the translation of research findings to community settings is a potential roadblock to it.

Aims

This study was designed to replicate and extend the Lidcombe Program community translation findings of O'Brian et al. (2013) but with larger participant numbers, incorporating clinicians (speech pathologists/speech anlanguage therapists) and their clients from Australia and England.

Methods & Procedures

Participants were 51 clinicians working in public and private clinics across Australia (n = 36) and England (n = 15), and 121 of their young stuttering clients and their families. Outcome measures were percentage of syllables stuttered (%SS), parent severity ratings at 9 months post‐recruitment, number of clinic visits to complete Stage 1 of the Lidcombe Program, and therapist drift.

Outcomes & Results

Community clinicians in both countries achieved similar outcomes to those from randomized controlled trials. Therapist drift emerged as an issue with community translation. Speech and language therapists in England attained outcomes 1.0%SS above the speech pathologists in Australia, although their scores were within the range attained in randomized trials.

Conclusions & Implications

Community clinicians from Australia and England can attain Lidcombe Program outcome benchmarks established in randomized trials. This finding is reassuring in light of the controlled conditions in clinical trials of the Lidcombe Program compared with its conduct in community practice. The long‐term impact of therapist drift in community clinical practice with the Lidcombe Program has yet to be determined.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject

The Lidcombe Program is an efficacious early stuttering intervention. Translation to clinical communities has been studied with one Australian cohort.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

A larger translation cohort is studied, comprising community clinicians and children in Australia and England.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

Community clinicians from Australia and England can attain Lidcombe Program outcome benchmarks established in randomized trials. This finding is reassuring in light of the controlled conditions in clinical trials of the Lidcombe Program compared with its conduct in community practice.
Basotho blankets: ownership and appropriation
Authors: Pietilä Tuulikki
Published: September 2022

This article examines claims of ownership and appropriation of Basotho blankets. Ingrained in the ritual and mundane reproduction of life among the Basotho people of Lesotho, the luminous blankets and their story have enticed many to deal in them. The blankets are manufactured and trademarked by Aranda Textile Mills, and in recent years they have been adapted by Basotho fashion designers, foreign private entrepreneurs, and the Louis Vuitton fashion house and depicted in Marvel's Black Panther film. The diversity of the actors involved has created a complex field of entitlement claims. The article develops a theoretical framework for understanding the processes through which actors claim, appropriate, and transform the value of ‘heritage’ items. This is done by viewing the actors’ efforts as ‘scale‐making projects’ across ‘regimes of value’ that aim to expand their ‘spatiotemporal control’ and by viewing the actors themselves as ‘brands’ posing as originators of value.