bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and pattern of adverse events following COVID 19 vaccination among adult population in Sokoto metropolis, northwest, Nigeria
Authors: Adamu Habibullah , Lawal Sufyanu , Bawa Ishaka Alhaji , Sani Akilu Muhammad , Adamu Adamu Ahmed
Published: November 2022

Background

COVID-19 still poses a major public health challenge worldwide and vaccination remains one of the major interventions to control the disease. Different types of vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) are currently in use across the world to protect against the disease. As all vaccines are associated with some adverse reactions (ARs), this study assessed the prevalence and pattern of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) after receiving COVID-19 vaccine among the adult population in Sokoto metropolis, North-west, Nigeria

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 230 adults in Sokoto metropolis who received COVID-19 vaccine. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered via personal phone calls to respondents who were selected via a systematic sampling technique. For data analysis, IBM SPSS version 25.0 was used.

Results

The Majority of the participants [183 (79.7%)] experienced AEFI. The most common adverse events were body weakness [157(85%)], fever [111(60.3%)] and headache [103(56%)]. Up to half of the respondents that experienced AEFI said it occurred within minutes and a few hours, whereas 75 (40.8%) said it was within 2-3 days. Up to 66.3 of the adverse reactions were mild and lasted between a few hours (37.5%) and one day (31.5%); however, 15.2% of the respondents had severe reactions of which 22.7% were admitted to a health facility. The development of AEFI was linked to the absence of an underlying medical condition, a previous history of AEFI, and a history of drug reaction.

Conclusion

The majority of respondents reported adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination, with body weakness, fever, and headache being the most common AEFIs. The underlying medical condition as well as a history of adverse drug reactions were predictors of the development of adverse reactions following COVID-19 vaccination. Service providers at each COVID-19 vaccination point should always take the time to explain to vaccine recipients that adverse reactions are possible; however, they should reassure them that most ARs resolve within a few hours to a few days.
Gasdermin-E mediates mitochondrial damage in axons and neurodegeneration
Authors: Neel Dylan V , Basu Himanish , Gunner Georgia , Bergstresser Matthew D , Giadone Richard M. , Chung Haeji , Miao Rui , Chou Vicky , Brody Eliza M. , Jiang Xin , Lee Edward B. , Marques Christine , Held Aaron , Wainger Brian , Lagier-Tourenne Clotilde , Zhang Yong-Jie , Petrucelli Leonard , Young-Pearse Tracy L. , Chen-Plotkin Alice S , Rubin Lee L. , Lieberman Judy , Chiu Isaac M
Published: November 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction and axon loss are hallmarks of neurologic diseases. Gasdermin (GSDM) proteins are executioner pore-forming molecules that mediate cell death, yet their roles in the central nervous system (CNS) are not well understood. Here, we find that one GSDM family member, GSDME is expressed by both mouse and human neurons. GSDME plays a role in mitochondrial damage and axon loss. Mitochondrial neurotoxins induced caspase-dependent GSDME cleavage and rapid localization to mitochondria in axons, where GSDME promoted mitochondrial depolarization, trafficking defects, and neurite retraction. The frontotemporal dementia (FTD)/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated proteins TDP-43 and PR-50 induced GSDME-mediated damage to mitochondria and neurite loss. GSDME deficiency prolonged survival, ameliorated motor dysfunction, and rescued motor neuron loss in the SOD1G93Amouse model of ALS. GSDME knockdown also protected against neurite loss in ALS patient iPSC-derived motor neurons. Thus, we identify GSDME as an executioner of neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction that contributes to neurodegeneration.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

GSDME is expressed by neurons and activated by mitochondrial neurotoxins

Activated GSDME drives axonal mitochondrial damage and neurite loss prior to cell death

ALS/FTD associated TDP-43 and PR-50 induces GSDME-driven neurite loss in mouse and human iPSC-derived neurons.

SOD1G93Amice show ameliorated disease progression and motor neuron loss in absence of GSDME
Invasive ant learning is not affected by seven potential neuroactive chemicals
Authors: Galante Henrique , Czaczkes Tomer J.
Published: November 2022

Nectar-feeding insects are often the victims of psychoactive manipulation, with plants lacing their nectar with secondary metabolites such as alkaloids and non-protein amino acids which often boost learning, foraging, or recruitment. However, the effect of neuroactive chemicals has seldomly been explored in ants. Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) are one of the most damaging invasive alien species worldwide. Enhancing or disrupting cognitive abilities, such as learning, has the potential to improve management efforts, for example by increasing preference for a bait, or improving ants’ ability to learn its characteristics or location. Here, we test the effects of seven potential neuroactive chemicals - two alkaloids: caffeine and nicotine; two biogenic amines: dopamine and octopamine, and three non-protein amino acids: β-alanine, GABA and taurine - on the cognitive abilities of invasiveL. humileusing bifurcation mazes. Our results confirm that these ants are strong associative learners, requiring as little as one experience to develop an association. However, we show no short-term effect of any of the chemicals tested on spatial learning, and in addition no effect of caffeine on short-term olfactory learning. This lack of effect is surprising, given the extensive reports of the tested chemicals affecting learning and foraging in bees. This mismatch could be due to the heavy bias towards bees in the literature, a positive result publication bias, or differences in methodology.

Graphical Abstract
OpenFIBSEM: an application programming interface for easy FIB/SEM automation
Authors: Cleeve Patrick , Dierickx David , Buckley Genevieve , Gorelick Sergey , Naegele Lucile , Burne Lachlan , Whisstock James C , de Marco Alex
Published: November 2022

Automation in microscopy is the key to success in long and complex experiments. Most microscopy manufacturers provide Application Programming Interfaces (API) to enable communication between a user-defined program and the hardware. Although APIs effectively allow the development of complex routines involving hardware control, the developers need to build the applications from basic commands. Here we present a Software Development Kit (SDK) for easy control of Focussed Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopes (FIB/SEM) microscopes. The SDK, which we named OpenFIBSEM consists of a suite of building blocks for easy control that simplify the development of complex automated workflows.
Inactivation mechanisms of Influenza A virus under pH conditions encountered in aerosol particles as revealed by whole-virus HDX-MS
Authors: David Shannon C. , Vadas Oscar , Glas Irina , Schaub Aline , Luo Beiping , D’Angelo Giovanni , Montoya Jonathan Paz , Bluvshtein Nir , Hugentobler Walter , Klein Liviana K. , Motos Ghislain , Pohl Marie , Violaki Kalliopi , Nenes Athanasios , Krieger Ulrich K. , Stertz Silke , Peter Thomas , Kohn Tamar
Published: November 2022

Multiple respiratory viruses including Influenza A virus (IAV) can be transmitted via expiratory aerosol particles, and aerosol pH was recently identified as a major factor influencing airborne virus infectivity. For indoor air, small exhaled aerosols undergo rapid acidification to pH ∼4. IAV is known to be sensitive to mildly acidic conditions encountered within host endosomes, however, it is unknown whether the same mechanisms could mediate viral inactivation within the more acidic aerosol micro-environment. Here, we identified that transient exposure to pH 4 caused IAV inactivation by a two-stage process, with an initial sharp decline in infectious titers that was mainly attributed to premature attainment of the post-fusion conformation of viral protein haemagglutinin (HA). Changes to HA were observed by hydrogen-deuterium exchange coupled to mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) as early as 10 seconds post-exposure to acidic conditions. In addition, virion integrity was partially but irreversibly affected by acidic conditions. This was attributed to a progressive unfolding of the internal matrix protein 1 (M1), and aligned with a more gradual decline in viral infectivity with time. In contrast, no acid-mediated changes to the genome or lipid envelope were detected. Our HDX-MS data are in agreement with other more labor-intensive structural analysis techniques such as X-ray crystallography, highlighting the usefulness of whole-virus HDX-MS for multiplexed protein analyses, even within enveloped viruses such as IAV. Improved understanding of respiratory virus fate within exhaled aerosols constitutes a global public health priority, and information gained here could aid development of novel strategies to control the airborne persistence of seasonal and/or pandemic influenza in the future.
Transport and utilization of glycogen breakdown products byGardnerellaspp. from the human vaginal microbiome
Authors: Bhandari Pashupati , Hill Janet E.
Published: November 2022

MultipleGardnerellaspecies frequently co-occur in vaginal microbiomes, and several factors including competition for nutrients such as glycogen could determine their population structure. AlthoughGardnerellaspp. can hydrolyze glycogen to produce glucose, maltose, maltotriose and maltotetraose, how these sugars are transported and utilized for growth is unknown. We determined the distribution of genes encoding transporter proteins associated with the uptake of glucose, maltose, and malto-oligosaccharides and maltodextrins amongGardnerellaspecies. A total of five different ABC transporters were identified inGardnerellaspp. of which MusEFGK2I and MalXFGK were conserved across all 15Gardnerellaisolates. RafEFGK and TMSP (trehalose, maltose, sucrose and palatinose) operons were specific toG. vaginaliswhile the MalEFG transporter was identified inG. leopoldiionly. Although no glucose specific sugar-symporters were identified, putative ‘glucose/galactose porters’ and components of a phosphotransferase system were identified. In laboratory experiments, allGardnerellaisolates grew more in the presence of glucose, maltose, maltotriose and maltotetraose compared to un-supplemented media. In addition, most isolates (10/15) showed significantly more growth on maltotetraose compared to glucose (Kruskal Wallis, P < 0.05) suggesting their preference for longer chain malto-oligosaccharides. Our findings show that although putative MusEFGK2I and MalXFGK transporters are found in allGardnerellaspp., some species-specific transporters are also present. Observed distribution of genes encoding transporter systems was consistent with laboratory observations thatGardnerellaspp. grow better on longer chain malto-oligosaccharides.

Importance

Increased abundance ofGardnerellaspp. is a diagnostic characteristic of bacterial vaginosis, an imbalance in the human vaginal microbiome associated with troubling symptoms and negative reproductive health outcomes, including increased transmission of sexually transmitted infections and preterm birth. Competition for nutrients is likely an important factor in causing dramatic shifts in the vaginal microbial community.Gardnerellaproduces enzymes to digest glycogen, an important nutrient source for vaginal bacteria, but little is known about the mechanisms inGardnerellafor uptake of the products of this digestion, or whetherGardnerellause some or all of the products. Our results indicate thatGardnerellamay have evolved to preferentially use a subset of the glycogen breakdown products, which would help them reduce direct competition with some other bacteria in the vagina.
Pairing cellular and synaptic dynamics into building blocks of rhythmic neural circuits
Authors: Scully James , Bourahmah Jassem , Bloom David , Shilnikov Andrey L.
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this paper is trifold – to serve as an instructive resource and a reference catalog for biologically plausible modeling with i) conductance-based models, coupled with ii) strength-varying slow synapse models, culminating in iii) two canonical pair-wise rhythm-generating networks. We document the properties of basic network components: cell models and synaptic models, which are prerequisites for proper network assembly. Using the slow-fast decomposition we present a detailed analysis of the cellular dynamics including a discussion of the most relevant bifurcations. Several approaches to model synaptic coupling are also discussed, and a new logistic model of slow synapses is introduced. Finally, we describe and examine two types of bicellular rhythm-generating networks: i) half-center oscillators ii) excitatory-inhibitory pairs and elucidate a key principle – the network hysteresis underlying the stable onset of emergent slow bursting in these neural building blocks. These two cell networks are a basis for more complicated neural circuits of rhythmogenesis and feature in our models of swim central pattern generators.
Validation of a novel immersive Virtual Reality setup with responses of wild-caught freely-moving coral reef fish
Authors: Vidal Manuel , Mills Suzanne C. , Gairin Emma , Bertucci Frédéric , Lecchini David
Published: November 2022

Virtual Reality (VR) enables standardised stimuli to invoke behavioural responses in animals, however, in fish studies VR has been limited to either basic virtual stimulation projected below the bowl for freely-swimming individuals or a simple virtual arena rendered over a large field-of-view for head-restrained individuals. We developed a novel immersive VR setup with real-time rendering of animated 3D scenarios, validated in a proof of concept study on the behaviour of coral reef post-larval fish. Fish use a variety of cues to select a habitat during the recruitment stage, and to recognize conspecifics and predators, but which visual cues are used remains unknown. We measured behavioural responses of groups of five convict surgeonfish (Acanthurus triostegus) to simulations of habitats, static or moving shoals of conspecifics, predators, and non-aggressive heterospecifics. Post-larval fish were consistently attracted to virtual corals and conspecifics presented statically, but repulsed by their predators (bluefin jacks,Caranx melampygus). When simulated shoals passed nearby repeatedly, they were again attracted by conspecifics showing a tendency to follow the shoal, whereas they moved repeatedly to the back of the passing predator shoal. They also discriminated between species of similar sizes: they were attracted more to conspecifics than butterflyfish (Forcipiger longirostris), and repulsed more by predators than parrotfish (Scarus psittacus). The quality of visual simulations was high enough to identify between visual cues – size, body shape, colour pattern – used by post-larval fish in species recognition. Despite a tracking technology limited to fish 2D positions in the aquarium, preventing the real-time updating of the rendered viewpoint, we could show that VR and modern tracking technologies offer new possibilities to investigate fish behaviour through the quantitative analysis of their physical reactions to highly-controlled scenarios.
Differential Patterns of Synaptic Plasticity in the Nucleus Accumbens Caused by Continuous and Interrupted Morphine Exposure
Authors: Lefevre Emilia M. , Gauthier Elysia A. , Bystrom Lauren L. , Scheunemann Jordan , Rothwell Patrick E.
Published: November 2022

Opioid exposure and withdrawal both cause adaptations in brain circuits that may contribute to abuse liability. These adaptations vary in magnitude and direction following different patterns of opioid exposure, but few studies have systematically manipulated the pattern of opioid administration while measuring neurobiological impact. In this study, we compared cellular and synaptic adaptations in the nucleus accumbens shell caused by morphine exposure that was either continuous, or interrupted by daily bouts of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. At the behavioral level, continuous morphine administration caused psychomotor tolerance, which was reversed when the continuity of morphine action was interrupted by naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. Usingex vivoslice electrophysiology in female and male mice, we investigated how these patterns of morphine administration altered intrinsic excitability and synaptic plasticity of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) expressing the D1 or D2 dopamine receptor. We found that morphine-evoked adaptations at excitatory synapses were predominately conserved between patterns of administration, but there were divergent effects on inhibitory synapses and the subsequent balance between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic input. Overall, our data suggest that continuous morphine administration produces adaptations that dampen the output of D1-MSNs, which are canonically thought to promote reward-related behaviors. Interruption of otherwise continuous morphine exposure does not dampen D1-MSN functional output to the same extent, which may enhance behavioral responses to subsequent opioid exposure. Our findings support the hypothesis that maintaining continuity of opioid administration could be an effective therapeutic strategy to minimize the vulnerability to opioid use disorders.
AMPKα2 is a skeletal muscle stem cell intrinsic regulator of myonuclear accretion
Authors: Kneppers A , Theret M , Ben Larbi S , Gsaier L , Saugues A , Dabadie C , Ferry A , Sakamoto K , Mounier R
Published: November 2022

Due to the post-mitotic nature of skeletal muscle fibers, adult muscle maintenance relies on dedicated muscle stem cells (MuSCs). In most physiological contexts, MuSCs support myofiber homeostasis by contributing to myonuclear accretion, which requires a coordination of cell-type specific events between the myofiber and MuSCs. Here, we addressed the role of the kinase AMPKα2 in the coordination of these events supporting myonuclear accretion. We demonstrate that AMPKα2 deletion impairs skeletal muscle regeneration. Throughin vitroassessments of MuSC myogenic fate and EdU-based cell tracing, we reveal a MuSC-specific role of AMPKα2 in the regulation of myonuclear accretion, which is mediated by phosphorylation of the non-metabolic substrate BAIAP2. Similar cell tracingin vivoshows that AMPKα2 knockout mice have a lower rate of myonuclear accretion during regeneration, and that MuSC-specific AMPKα2 deletion decreases myonuclear accretion in response to myofiber contraction. Together, this demonstrates that AMPKα2 is a MuSC-intrinsic regulator of myonuclear accretion.
Molecular dynamics simulations of the calmodulin-induced α-helix in the SK2 calcium-gated potassium ion channel
Authors: Ramis Rafael , R. Ballesteros Óscar , Muguruza-Montero Arantza , M-Alicante Sara , Núñez Eider , Villarroel Álvaro , Leonardo Aritz , Bergara Aitor
Published: November 2022

The family of small-conductance (SK) ion channels is composed of four members (SK1, SK2, SK3, and SK4) involved in neuron-firing regulation. The gating of these channels depends on the intracellular Ca2+concentration, and their sensitivity to this ion is provided by calmodulin (CaM). This protein binds to a specific region in SK channels known as the calmodulin-binding domain (CaMBD), an event which is essential for their gating. While CaM-binding domains are typically disordered in the absence of CaM, the SK2 channel subtype displays a small pre-folded α-helical region in its CaMBD even if CaM is not present. This small helix is known to turn into a full α-helix upon CaM binding, although the molecular-level details for this conversion are not fully understood yet. In this work, we offer new insights on this physiologically relevant process by means of enhanced sampling, atomistic Hamiltonian replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations, providing a more detailed understanding of CaM binding to this target. Our results show that CaM is necessary for inducing a full α-helix along the SK2 CaMBD through hydrophobic interactions with V426 and L427. However, it is also necessary that W431 does not compete for these interactions; the role of the small pre-folded α-helix in the SK2 CaMBD would be to stabilize W431 so that this is the case.
Co-translational binding of importins to nascent proteins
Authors: Seidel Maximilian , Romanov Natalie , Obarska-Kosinska Agnieszka , Becker Anja , de Azevedo Nayara Trevisan Doimo , Provaznik Jan , Nagaraja Sankarshana R. , Landry Jonathan J. M. , Benes Vladimir , Beck Martin
Published: November 2022

Various cellular quality control mechanisms support proteostasis. While, ribosome-associated chaperones prevent misfolding of nascent chains during translation, importins were shown to prevent the aggregation of specific cargoes in a post-translational mechanism prior the import into the nucleoplasm. Here, we hypothesized that importins may already bind ribosome-associated cargo in a co-translational manner. We systematically measured the nascent chain association of all importins inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeby selective ribosome profiling. We identified a subset of importins that bind to a wide range of nascent, often uncharacterized cargoes. This included ribosomal proteins, chromatin remodelers and RNA binding proteins that are aggregation prone in the cytosol. We show that importins act consecutively with other ribosome-associated chaperones. Thus, the nuclear import system is directly intertwined with nascent chain folding and chaperoning.

One-Sentence Summary

We describe an unanticipated connection between co-translational protein chaperoning and the nuclear import system.
Early endosomes act as local exocytosis hubs to repair endothelial membrane damage
Authors: Raj Nikita , Greune Lilo , Kahms Martin , Mildner Karina , Franzkoch Rico , Psathaki Olympia Ekaterini , Zobel Thomas , Zeuschner Dagmar , Klingauf Jürgen , Gerke Volker
Published: November 2022

The plasma membrane of a cell is subject to stresses causing ruptures that must be repaired immediately to preserve membrane integrity and ensure cell survival. Yet, the spatio-temporal membrane dynamics at the wound site and the source of membrane required for wound repair are poorly understood. Here, we show that early endosomes, previously only known to function in the uptake of extracellular material and its endocytic transport, are involved in plasma membrane repair in human endothelial cells. Using live-cell imaging and correlative light and electron microscopy, we demonstrate that membrane injury triggers a previously unknown exocytosis of early endosomes that is induced by Ca2+entering through the wound. This exocytosis is restricted to the vicinity of the wound site and mediated by the endosomal SNARE VAMP2, which is crucial for efficient membrane repair. Thus, the here identified Ca2+-evoked and localized exocytosis of early endosomes supplies the membrane material required for rapid resealing of a damaged plasma membrane, thereby providing the first line of defense against damage in mechanically challenged endothelial cells.
Loss of the centrosomal protein ALMS1 alters lipid metabolism and the regulation of extracellular matrix-related processes
Authors: Bea-Mascato Brais , Gómez-Castañeda Eduardo , Sánchez-Corrales Yara E. , Castellano Sergi , Valverde Diana
Published: November 2022

Background

Alström syndrome (ALMS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease that is associated with mutations inALMS1gene. The main clinical manifestations of ALMS are retinal dystrophy, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dilated cardiomyopathy and multi-organ fibrosis, characteristic in kidneys and liver. Depletion of the protein encoded byALMS1has been associated with the alteration of different processes regulatedviathe primary cilium, such as the NOTCH or TGF-β signalling pathways. However, the cellular impact of these deregulated pathways in the absence of ALMS1 remains unknown.

Methods

In this study, we integrated RNA-seq and proteomic analysis to determine the gene expression profile of hTERT-BJ-5ta ALMS1 knockout fibroblasts after TGF-β stimulation. In addition, we studied alterations in cross-signalling between the TGF-β pathway and the AKT pathway in this cell line.

Results

We found that ALMS1 depletion affects the TGF-β pathway and its cross-signalling with other pathways such as PI3K/AKT, EGFR1 or p53. In addition, alterations associated with ALMS1 depletion clustered around the processes of extracellular matrix regulation and lipid metabolism in both the transcriptome and proteome. By studying the enriched pathways of common genes differentially expressed in the transcriptome and proteome, collagen fibril organisation, β-oxidation of fatty acids and eicosanoid metabolism emerged as key processes altered by the absence of ALMS1. Finally, an overactivation of the AKT pathway was determined in the absence of ALMS1 that could be explained by a decrease inPTENgene expression.

Conclusion

ALMS1 deficiency disrupts cross-signalling between the TGF-β pathway and other dependent pathways in hTERT-BJ-5ta cells. Furthermore, altered cross-signalling impacts the regulation of extracellular matrix-related processes and fatty acid metabolism, and leads to over-activation of the AKT pathway.
Primordial germ cells adjust their protrusion type while migrating in different tissue contextsin vivo
Authors: Truszkowski Lukasz , Batur Dilek , Long Hongyan , Tarbashevich Katsiaryna , Vos Bart E. , Trappmann Britta , Raz Erez
Published: November 2022

In both physiological processes and disease contexts, migrating cells have the ability to adapt to conditions in their environment. As anin vivomodel for this process, we use zebrafish primordial germ cells that migrate throughout the developing embryo. When migrating within an ectodermal environment, the germ cells form fewer and smaller blebs as compared with their behavior within mesodermal environment. We find that cortical tension of neighboring cells is a parameter that affects blebbing frequency. Interestingly, the change in blebbing activity is accompanied by the formation of more actin-rich protrusions. These alterations in cell behavior that correlate with changes in RhoA activity could allow the cells to maintain dynamic motility parameters, such as migration speed and track straightness, in different settings. In addition, we find that the polarity of the cells can be affected by stiff structures positioned in their migration path.
Aircraft route optimization with simulated annealing for a mixed airspace composed of free and fixed route structures
Authors: Aydoğan Emre , Cetek Cem
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a flight route optimization for all flights that aims to minimize the total cost consists of fuel cost, ground delay cost and air delay cost over the fixed route and free route airspaces.

Design/methodology/approach

Efficient usage of current available airspace capacity becomes more and more important with the increasing flight demands. The efficient capacity usage of an airspace is generally in contradiction to optimum flight efficiency of a single flight. It can only be achieved with the holistic approach that focusing all flights over mixed airspaces and their routes instead of single flight route optimization for a single airspace. In the scope of this paper, optimization methods were developed to find the best route planning for all flights considering the benefits of all flights not only a single flight. This paper is searching for an optimization to reduce the total cost for all flights in mixed airspaces. With the developed optimization models, the determination of conflict-free optimum routes and delay amounts was achieved with airway capacity and separation minimum constraints in mixed airspaces. The mathematical model and the simulated annealing method were developed for these purposes.

Findings

The total cost values for flights were minimized by both developed mathematical model and simulated annealing algorithm. With the mathematical model, a reduction in total route length of 4.13% and a reduction in fuel consumption of 3.95% was achieved in a mixed airspace. The optimization algorithm with simulated annealing has also 3.11% flight distance saving and 3.03% fuel consumption enhancement.

Research limitations/implications

Although the wind condition can change the fuel consumption and flight durations, the paper does not include the wind condition effects. If the wind condition effect is considered, the shortest route may not always cause the least fuel consumption especially under the head wind condition.

Practical implications

The results of this paper show that a flight route optimization as a holistic approach considering the all flight demand information enhances the fuel consumption and flight duration. Because of this reason, the developed optimization model can be effectively used to minimize the fuel consumption and reduce the exhaust emissions of aircraft.

Originality/value

This paper develops the mathematical model and simulated annealing algorithm for the optimization of flight route over the mixed airspaces that compose of fixed and free route airspaces. Each model offers the best available and conflict-free route plan and if necessary required delay amounts for each demanded flight under the airspace capacity, airspace route structure and used separation minimum for each airspace.
Corporate social responsibility and firm market performance: the role of product market competition and firm life cycle
Authors: Al-Dhamari Redhwan , Al-Gamrh Bakr , Farooque Omar Al , Moses Elaigwu
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study empirically investigates the role of product market competition and mature-stage firm life cycle on the relation between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and market performance in an emerging market context – Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct a comprehensive CSR index toward the economy, environment and society (EES) and apply both Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) instrumental variables (IV) approaches to test the hypotheses of the study.

Findings

The authors find that EES-based CSR generally enhances firms' market performance; however, the level of product market competition undermines the market performance of socially and economically responsible firms. In addition, the study results indicate that mature-stage firm life cycle with more involvement in CSR activities shows better market performance. However, the endogeneity check of CSR suggests that both CSR and mature-stage firms are mutually exclusive in influencing market performance. The study findings are robust to alternative measures and different identifications of high and low default risk situations of sample firms.

Practical implications

This study carries practical policy implications for the listed firms, regulators and stakeholders in general. For example, regulatory bodies may promote greater involvement in CSR activities by listed companies in the Malaysian stock market. Investors and other market participants should be aware of factors influencing socially responsible firms' market performance such as the corporate life cycle and the level of competition in product markets.

Originality/value

This research work responds to the call of regulatory bodies in Malaysia at a time when the Malaysian economy is under threat of environmental distraction practices by the palm oil industry and import ban by the largest export market, i.e. the European Union by 2030. The study also contributes to the theoretical literature by refining the moderating role of product market competition and mature-stage life cycle on the relationship between CSR and market performance from the perspectives of resource-based and stakeholder theories in emerging economy settings.
Acceleration of structural topology optimization using symmetric element-by-element strategy for unstructured meshes on GPU
Authors: Ratnakar Shashi Kant , Kiran Utpal , Sharma Deepak
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Structural topology optimization is computationally expensive due to the involvement of high-resolution mesh and repetitive use of finite element analysis (FEA) for computing the structural response. Since FEA consumes most of the computational time in each optimization iteration, a novel GPU-based parallel strategy for FEA is presented and applied to the large-scale structural topology optimization of 3D continuum structures.

Design/methodology/approach

A matrix-free solver based on preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) method is proposed to minimize the computational time associated with solution of linear system of equations in FEA. The proposed solver uses an innovative strategy to utilize only symmetric half of elemental stiffness matrices for implementation of the element-by-element matrix-free solver on GPU.

Findings

Using solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) method, the proposed matrix-free solver is tested over three 3D structural optimization problems that are discretized using all hexahedral structured and unstructured meshes. Results show that the proposed strategy demonstrates 3.1× –3.3× speedup for the FEA solver stage and overall speedup of 2.9× –3.3× over the standard element-by-element strategy on the GPU. Moreover, the proposed strategy requires almost 1.8× less GPU memory than the standard element-by-element strategy.

Originality/value

The proposed GPU-based matrix-free element-by-element solver takes a more general approach to the symmetry concept than previous works. It stores only symmetric half of the elemental matrices in memory and performs matrix-free sparse matrix-vector multiplication (SpMV) without any inter-thread communication. A customized data storage format is also proposed to store and access only symmetric half of elemental stiffness matrices for coalesced read and write operations on GPU over the unstructured mesh.
Enduring buyer–supplier relationship and buyer performance: the mediating role of buyer–supplier dyadic embeddedness and supplier external embeddedness
Authors: Li Xun , Wu Qun , Goldsby Thomas J. , Holsapple Clyde W.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the causal mechanisms that explain the relationship between the long-term buyer–supplier relationship and buyer performance. Building on the growing body of research on social capital in supply chain management (SCM), the authors examine how a buyer achieves superior performance in forming the enduring partnership with a supplier through two different forms of supplier embeddedness: buyer–supplier dyadic embeddedness and supplier external embeddedness.

Design/methodology/approach

The bootstrapping method is utilized in data analysis to examine the mediating effects of the two different forms of supplier embeddedness simultaneously on the linkage between the duration of buyer–supplier relationships and buyer performance outcomes.

Findings

The authors find that the two forms of supplier embeddedness serve as distinct conduits for the buyer to translate the long-term buyer–supplier relationship into performance effectiveness. Notably, dyadic embeddedness only mediates the linkage between the duration of buyer–supplier relationships and buyer economic performance, while supplier external embeddedness solely mediates the linkage between the duration of buyer–supplier relationships and buyer innovation performance.

Originality/value

This study empirically demonstrates that different forms of supplier embeddedness may benefit a buyer differentially when directed at distinct performance goals. If a buyer can leverage both buyer–supplier dyadic embeddedness and supplier external embeddedness, the buyer will overcome value creation limitations of social capital from a single source, obtaining more comprehensive performance benefits sought by developing long-term buyer–supplier relationships.
Exploration of LIS professionals efforts in Pakistan towards the improvements of technological competencies in 21st century
Authors: Shah Suhaib Hussain , Shah Naimat Ullah , Jbeen Akira
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this qualitative study is to investigate/review the skills required for library and information science (LIS) professionals in the 21st century and to propose an alternative approach as the suggested key skills.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-two LIS professionals from Pakistan were interviewed, and 10 LIS professionals were from abroad, including two from the USA; six respondents were from Saudi Arabia; one from Canada; and one from Malaysia. In-depth interviews with faculty members were conducted to ascertain their perceptions of the knowledge and skills necessary to be competent in delivering quality education to the future information breed.

Findings

The findings emphasise the importance of a variety of competencies for librarians and information educators, including subject knowledge and skills; information technology knowledge and skills; instructional skills; research skills; and managerial, leadership and social skills. Additionally, it was noted that LIS professionals require a diverse set of skills that should be fostered by educators and employers. By promoting these in the broader community, the author can encourage the next generation of LIS professionals to consider LIS as a viable career option.

Originality/value

The findings presented in this paper provide a unique window into the country’s workforce needs. Though the study was conducted from a Pakistani perspective, the findings may have implications for other countries with comparable circumstances, including social impact. It also provides a new analysis of the selected generic and LIS skills that can be communicated in an innovative manner to prospective LIS employees, employers and educators.
eHealth literacy among online health consumers in Jordan
Authors: Alzougool Basil
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the eHealth literacy level among online health consumers (OHC) in Jordan and identified variables predicting their eHealth literacy level as well.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was conducted to achieve the study objectives. A purposeful sample of 262 OHC completed an electronic version of the eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS). eHEALS is the most cited scale in the literature, which includes eight items (measured on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree).

Findings

Results showed that OHC in Jordan had a moderate level of overall eHealth literacy. Specifically, the eHEALS formed two conceptually sound factors. Gender, occupation, perceived usefulness and perceived importance of the internet, and more frequent online health information seeking were significant positive predictors of overall eHealth literacy and/or its two identified dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

This study represents a humble contribution to the field. Several recommendations were suggested to maintain and improve eHealth literacy among OHC in Jordan.

Originality/value

The internet has changed the landscape of health information. There is an increase in the provision and availability of health information to all users. OHC should be skillful in locating, using and evaluating online health information. Although many researchers have increasingly studied the concept of eHealth literacy among various groups in the past decade, little research has been devoted to focus on eHealth literacy among OHC, particularly in Jordan.
Thermal and hydrodynamic performance of an improved passive solar water heater equipped with asymmetric U-type evacuated tubes
Authors: Fan Leilei , Sun Zhilin , Wan Wuyi , Shen Yunze
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To modify a conventional evacuated tube, an improved asymmetric U-type evacuated tube (AUET) is proposed. This study aims to investigate the thermal and hydrodynamic performances of a modified tube and determine the optimal structural form.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the variation of fluid proprieties with temperature, the formulated numerical model was validated and then deployed to investigate the natural circulation in the evacuated tubes. A dimensionless number was proposed to quantify the stratification effect. The influence of the degree of asymmetry of U-type evacuated tubes on the flow patterns, mass flow rate, temperature distribution, thermal stratification and energy conversion efficiency was studied.

Findings

When the degree of asymmetry is large, a higher velocity and better thermal stratification are achieved, thereby avoiding stagnant water at the bottom of the tubes simultaneously. Compared with the conventional evacuated tube, the improved evacuated tube exhibited a higher thermal efficiency.

Originality/value

The originally proposed AUET was proven to have better performance in avoiding stagnant water, reducing fluid mixing and improving the heat transfer efficiency.
Effect of casting speed on solidification and inclusion motions in bloom mold caster under the influence of in-mold electromagnetic stirring
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Jha Pradeep Kumar
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to numerically investigate the effect of casting speed on the fluid flow, solidification and inclusion motion under the influence of electromagnetic stirring (EMS) in the bloom caster mold with bifurcated submerged entry nozzle (SEN).

Design/methodology/approach

The electromagnetic field obtained by solving Maxwell’s equation is coupled with the fluid flow, solidification and discrete phase model using the in-house user-defined functions. An enthalpy porosity approach and Lagrangian approach are applied for the solidification analysis and non-metallic inclusions motion tracking, respectively.

Findings

Investigation shows that the casting speed and EMS significantly affect the steel flow, solidification and inclusion behavior inside the mold. Investigations are being conducted into the complex interplay between the induced flow and the SEN’s inertial impinging jet. In low and medium casting speeds, the application of EMS significantly increases the inclusion removal rate. Inclusion removal is studied for its different size and density and further effect of EMS is also reported on cluster formation and distribution of inclusion in the domain.

Practical implications

The model may be used to optimize the process parameter (casting speed and EMS) to improve the casting quality of steel by removing the impurities.

Originality/value

The effect of casting speed on the solidification and inclusion behavior under the influence of time-varying EMS in bloom caster mold with bifurcated nozzle has not been investigated yet. The findings may assist the steelmakers in improving the casting quality.
Barriers to circular supply chain: the case of unorganized tire retreading in India
Authors: Bhattacharya Sourabh , Kalakbandi Vinay Kumar
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To understand the role of the unorganized sector in the push toward a circular economy (CE), the authors consider the case of the unorganized tire retreading industry in India and examine the barriers it faces in contributing to a circular tire supply chain in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used grounded theory methodology (GTM) to understand the barriers to realizing the CE in the Indian unorganized tire retreading industry. This methodology facilitates the acquisition of new insights into an existing phenomenon or in studying emerging areas that require investigation.

Findings

Through the analysis, the authors tease out ten critical barriers that impede the Indian unorganized tire retreading industry. The two most vital barriers are the lack of effective promotional methods and the poor implementation of standards.

Research limitations/implications

This study emphasizes the importance of further investigating the potential role of the unorganized sector in fostering the transition to a CE in emerging economies.

Practical implications

The research provides useful policy prescriptions to regulators and insights to original tire manufacturers (OTMs) that enable the unorganized tire retreaders in India to contribute to the movement toward a circular supply chain (CSC).

Originality/value

This study is the first to systematically examine the unorganized sector to understand the barriers to CE. This study provides an original theoretical contribution by expanding the scope of stakeholder and institutional theories.
Organizational readiness and innovation in the Jordanian telecommunication companies
Authors: Najm Najm Abood , Ali Wejdan Waleed
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of organizational readiness (OR) dimensions (organizational culture, climate and capability) on three types of innovations (INs) (service, process IN and entering new markets) in telecommunication companies. The study also tests the mediating role of employee engagement (EE) in the causal relationship between OR and IN.

Design/methodology/approach

In the theoretical framework, a deep and broad review of the literature was presented to determine the study variables and hypotheses that were tested in the field study. The study sample consisted of 306 respondents distributed to the headquarters of the three companies (Zain, Orange and Umniah) working in the Jordanian telecommunications sector. The number of questionnaires retrieved and valid for analysis was 255 (83%).

Findings

Results indicate a positive effect of organizational climate and organizational capacity on process IN and entering new markets. While organizational culture had no significant effect on the three types of IN EE did not have a mediating role in the relationship between OR and IN.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study are related to the telecommunications sector as a highly competitive service sector and more able to work remotely with regard to customers, so its results cannot be generalized to other sectors such as the industry sector, which has suffered in recent years from the epidemic more than other sectors.

Practical implications

The study of OR as a concept, dimensions and effects provides great experience for leaders and managers facing the challenges of competition and threats posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. This study also helps researchers to study OR in new areas and in relation to other concepts.

Social implications

The OR covers a wide field that includes the individual, the group and the company. Therefore, readiness includes a social experience that can extend from the company to the community.

Originality/value

The study gains an important value by revealing that organizational culture as a dimension of readiness does not have a significant impact on IN. With the readiness to respond quickly to challenges, culture can be more inclined to the status quo and the prevailing routine than to IN and change.