bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Synergy of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Lifestyle Modification in Reducing Mortality and Blockage Prevention
Authors: Kaur Inder Preet , Arora Kunal , Dhalani Mayank , Patel Meet , Nishkamni  , Kaur Guntash , Jain Rohit
Published: February 2024

In developed countries, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death. Cardiovascular disease risk factors can be categorized as non modifiable (age, sex, race, and family history) or modifiable (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, smoking, poor nutrition, stress, and sedentary lifestyle). Over 50% of cardiovascular events and deaths can be attributed to modifiable risk factors. The American Heart Association developed the “Life’s Simple 7” framework, which illustrates how lifestyle modifications—such as increasing physical activity, improving diet, giving up smoking, and managing weight—can contribute to heart-healthy living. Cardiac rehabilitation programs target these lifestyle modifications and result in a 35% reduction in 5-year mortality after myocardial infarction or bypass surgery. By promoting cardiac preconditioning, increasing coronary collateralization, and plaque regression, among other processes, physical exercise lowers the risk of cardiovascular death. It has been demonstrated that various diets, such as those high in fiber, low in saturated fats, low in sodium, and high in potassium, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Smoking destroys the vascular endothelium and produces free radicals, which trigger the start and advancement of atherosclerosis. Quitting smoking decreased cardiovascular mortality by 39% in one of the studies. Cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression and other psycho-behavioral and emotional therapies have been demonstrated to enhance heart function and lower the incidence of unfavorable cardiovascular events. Therefore, by following heart-healthy eating habits, getting regular exercise, giving up smoking, and controlling their stress, people can improve their quality of life and make their percutaneous coronary intervention operation more successful in the long run. This article addresses the above 4 lifestyle modalities, their pathophysiology, and their impact on cardiovascular outcomes post percutaneous interventions.
scCensus: Off-target scRNA-seq reads reveal meaningful biology
Authors: He Dongze , Mount Stephen M. , Patro Rob
Published: February 2024

Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides unprecedented insights into cellular heterogeneity. Although scRNA-seq reads from most prevalent and popular tagged-end protocols are expected to arise from the 3′ end of polyadenylated RNAs, recent studies have shown that “off-target” reads can constitute a substantial portion of the read population. in this work, we introducedscCensus, a comprehensive analysis workflow for systematically evaluating and categorizing off-target reads in scRNA-seq. We appliedscCensusto seven scRNA-seq datasets. Our analysis of intergenic reads shows that these off-target reads contain information about chromatin structure and can be used to identify similar cells across modalities. Our analysis of antisense reads suggests that these reads can be used to improve gene detection and capture interesting transcriptional activities like antisense transcription. Furthermore, using splice-aware quantification, we find that spliced and unspliced reads provide distinct information about cell clusters and biomarkers, suggesting the utility of integrating signals from reads with different splicing statuses.

Overall, our results suggest that off-target scRNA-seq reads contain underappreciated information about various transcriptional activities. These observations about yet-unexploited information in existing scRNA-seq data will help guide and motivate the community to improve current algorithms and analysis methods, and to develop novel approaches that utilize off-target reads to extend the reach and accuracy of single-cell data analysis pipelines.

Data Availability

The scripts for reproducing the results are available athttps://github.com/COMBINE-lab/sc-census. Supplementary files can be found athttps://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10520670.
Puzzle Hi-C: an accurate scaffolding software
Authors: Lin Guoliang , Huang Zhiru , Yue Tingsong , Chai Jing , Li Yan , Yang Huimin , Qin Wanting , Yang Guobing , Murphy Robert W. , Zhang Ya-ping , Zhang Zijie , Zhou Wei , Luo Jing
Published: February 2024

High-quality, chromosome-scale genomes are essential for genomic analyses. Analyses, including 3D genomics, epigenetics, and comparative genomics rely on a high-quality genome assembly, which is often accomplished with the assistance of Hi-C data. Current Hi-C-assisted assembling algorithms either generate ordering and orientation errors or fail to assemble high-quality chromosome-level scaffolds. Here, we offer the software Puzzle Hi-C, which uses Hi-C reads to accurately assign contigs or scaffolds to chromosomes. Puzzle Hi-C uses the triangle region instead of the square region to count interactions in a Hi-C heatmap. This strategy dramatically diminishes scaffolding interference caused by long-range interactions. This software also introduces a dynamic, triangle window strategy during assembly. Initially small, the window expands with interactions to produce more effective clustering. Puzzle Hi-C outperforms available scaffolding tools.
Real-World Effectiveness of a Third Dose of mRNA-1273 versus BNT162b2 on Inpatient and Medically Attended COVID-19 among Immunocompromised Adults in the United States
Authors: Sun Tianyu , Li Linwei , Mues Katherine , Georgieva Mihaela , Kirk Brenna , Mansi James , Van de Velde Nicolas , Beck Ekkehard
Published: February 2024

Recent data have shown elevated infection rates in several subpopulations at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19, including immunocompromised (IC) individuals. Previous research suggests that IC persons have reduced risks of hospitalization and medically-attended COVID-19 with 2 doses of mRNA-1273 (SpikeVax; Moderna) compared to two doses of BNT162b2 (Comirnaty; Pfizer/BioNTech). The main objective of this retrospective cohort study was to compare real-world effectiveness of third doses of mRNA-1273 versus BNT162b2 at multiple time points on occurrence of COVID-19 hospitalization and medically-attended COVID-19 among IC adults in the US. The HealthVerity (HV) medical and pharmacy claims database, which contains data from >330 million patients, was the data source. Both subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted in addition to the core comparisons noted. In propensity score-adjusted analyses, receiving mRNA-1273 vs BNT162b2 as third dose was associated with 32% (relative risk [RR] 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51-0.89), 29% (0.71; 0.57-0.86), and 23% (0.77; 0.62-0.93) lower risk of COVID-19 hospitalization after 90, 180, and 270 days, respectively. Corresponding reductions in medically-attended COVID-19 were 8% (0.92; 0.86-0.98), 6% (0.94; 0.90-0.98), and 2% (0.98; 0.94-1.02), respectively. Our findings suggest a third dose of mRNA-1273 is more effective than a third dose of BNT162b2 in preventing COVID-19 hospitalization and breakthrough medically-attended COVID-19 among IC adults in the US.
Brain white matter pathways of resilience to chronic back pain: a multisite validation
Authors: Mišić Mina , Lee Noah , Zidda Francesca , Sohn Kyungjin , Usai Katrin , Löffler Martin , Uddin Md Nasir , Farooqi Arsalan , Schifitto Giovanni , Zhang Zhengwu , Nees Frauke , Geha Paul , Flor Herta
Published: February 2024

Chronic back pain (CBP) is a global health concern with significant societal and economic burden. While various predictors of back pain chronicity have been proposed, including demographic and psychosocial factors, neuroimaging studies have pointed to brain characteristics as predictors of CBP. However, large-scale, multisite validation of these predictors is currently lacking. In two independent longitudinal studies, we examined white matter diffusion imaging data and pain characteristics in patients with subacute back pain (SBP) over six- and 12-month periods. Diffusion data from individuals with CBP and healthy controls (HC) were analyzed for comparison. Whole-brain tract-based spatial statistics analyses revealed that a cluster in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) tract had larger fractional anisotropy (FA) values in patients who recovered (SBPr) compared to those with persistent pain (SBPp), and predicted changes in pain severity. The SLF FA values accurately classified patients at baseline and follow-up in a third publicly available dataset (Area under the Receiver Operating Curve ∼ 0.70). Notably, patients who recovered had FA values larger than those of HC suggesting a potential role of SLF integrity in resilience to CBP. Structural connectivity-based models also classified SBPp and SBPr patients from the three data sets (validation accuracy 67%). Our results validate the right SLF as a robust predictor of CBP development, with potential for clinical translation. Cognitive and behavioral processes dependent on the right SLF, such as proprioception and visuospatial attention, should be analyzed in subacute stages as they could prove important for back pain chronicity.
Heritability and polygenic load for combined anxiety and depression
Authors: Tabrizi Fara , Rosén Jörgen , Grönvall Hampus , William-Olsson Victor Rahimzadeh , Arner Erik , Magnusson Patrik KE , Palm Camilla , Larsson Henrik , Viktorin Alexander , Bernhardsson Jens , Björkdahl Johanna , Jansson Billy , Sundin Örjan , Zhou Xuan , Speed Doug , Åhs Fredrik
Published: February 2024

Anxiety and depression commonly occur together resulting in worse health outcomes than when they occur in isolation. We aimed to determine whether the genetic liability for combined anxiety and depression was greater than when anxiety or depression occurred alone. Data from 12,558 genotyped twins (ages 38-85) were analysed, including 1,986 complete monozygotic and 1,809 complete dizygotic pairs. Outcomes were prescription of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs, as demined by the World Health Organization Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classimication System (ATC) convention, for combined anxiety and depression (n= 1054), anxiety only (n= 744), and depression only (n= 511). Heritability of each outcome was estimated using twin modelling, and the inmluence of common genetic variation was assessed from polygenic scores (PGS) for depressive symptoms, anxiety, and 40 other traits. Heritability of combined anxiety and depression was 79% compared with 41% for anxiety and 50% for depression alone. The PGS for depressive symptoms likewise predicted more variation in combined anxiety and depression (adjusted odds ratio perSDPGS = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.43-1.63; ΔR2= .031, ΔAUC = .044) than the other outcomes, with nearly identical results when combined anxiety and depression was demined by International Classimication of Diseases (ICD) diagnoses (adjusted odds ratio perSDPGS = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.53-1.90; ΔR2= .036, ΔAUC = .051). Individuals in the highest decile of PGS for depressive symptoms had over 5 times higher odds of being prescribed medication for combined anxiety and depression compared to those in the lowest decile. We conclude that genetic factors explain substantially more variation in combined anxiety and depression than anxiety or depression alone.
Exploring distinct and joint contributions of the Locus Coeruleus and the Substantia Nigra/Ventral Tegmental Area complex to reward and valence processing using high-resolution fMRI
Authors: Hall J. M. , Shahnazian D. , Krebs R. M.
Published: February 2024

Dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA) are classically viewed as key mediators in reward processing, while noradrenergic cells in the locus coeruleus (LC) are thought to modulate (negative) saliency processing. However, this conventional distinction is being revised by more recent research in animals. To explore the respective contributions of both the LC and SN/VTA in reward and valence processing in humans, we assessed fMRI data during stimulus encoding and response phase of a rewarded emotion-discrimination task (n=38). Participants responded significantly faster to reward-predicting and negative valence stimuli compared to their non-salient counterparts. LC activity was overall higher during trials involving reward prospect, and in particular for reward trials featuring positive valence, demonstrating an additive effect of reward and positive valence in LC. Moreover, LC activity was differentially increased for negative compared to positive valence in the response phase, indexing its role in invigorating responses to negative events. The SN/VTA showed increased activity in the response phase of reward trials (neutral valence) and negative valence trials (no-reward), which aligns with coding relative saliency of these events in their respective contexts. LC modulations were accompanied by covariations in occipital cortex, suggesting noradrenergic contributions to visual prioritization of salient events. The findings underscore the sensitivity of both LC and SN/VTA to reward prospects and negative valence, challenging the dominant view of SN/VTA’s involvement in merely positive events and emphasizing their essential role in action invigoration above and beyond mere stimulus encoding. The intricate roles of the DA and NA system in reward and emotional valence processing in humans warrant further exploration and validation, given the limitations inherent to neuroimaging of deep brain structures.
OGT prevents DNA demethylation and suppresses the expression of transposable elements in heterochromatin by restraining TET activity genome-wide
Authors: Sepulveda Hugo , Li Xiang , Yue Xiaojing , Carlos Angel J. , Arteaga-Vazquez Leo J. , Brown Caitlin , Brunelli Melina , Jansz Natasha , Puddu Fabio , Scotcher Jamie , Creed Páidí , Kennedy Patrick , Manriquez Cindy , Myers Samuel A , Crawford Robert , Faulkner Geoffrey J. , Rao Anjana
Published: February 2024

TheO-GlcNAc transferase OGT interacts robustly with all three mammalian TET methylcytosine dioxygenases. We show here that deletion of theOgtgene in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) results in a widespread increase in the TET product 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in both euchromatic and heterochromatic compartments, with concomitant reduction of the TET substrate 5-methylcytosine (5mC) at the same genomic regions. mESC engineered to abolish the TET1-OGT interaction likewise displayed a genome-wide decrease of 5mC. DNA hypomethylation in OGT-deficient cells was accompanied by de-repression of transposable elements (TEs) predominantly located in heterochromatin, and this increase in TE expression was sometimes accompanied by increasedcis-expression of genes and exons located 3’ of the expressed TE. Thus, the TET-OGT interaction prevents DNA demethylation and TE expression in heterochromatin by restraining TET activity genome-wide. We suggest that OGT protects the genome against DNA hypomethylation and impaired heterochromatin integrity, preventing the aberrant increase in TE expression observed in cancer, autoimmune-inflammatory diseases, cellular senescence and ageing.
Intermembrane space-localized twin Cx9C motif-containing TbTim15 is an essential subunit of the single mitochondrial inner membrane protein translocase of trypanosomes
Authors: von Känel Corinne , Oeljeklaus Silke , Wenger Christoph , Stettler Philip , Harsman Anke , Warscheid Bettina , Schneider André
Published: February 2024

All mitochondria import >95% of their proteins from the cytosol. This process is mediated by protein translocases in the mitochondrial membranes, whose subunits are generally highly conserved. Most eukaryotes have two inner membrane protein translocases (TIMs) that are specialized to import either presequence-containing or mitochondrial carrier pro-teins. In contrast, the parasitic protozoanTrypanosoma bruceihas a single TIM complex consisting of one conserved and five unique subunits. Here, we show that the trypanoso-mal TIM complex contains an additional trypanosomatid-specific subunit, designated TbTim15. TbTim15 is associated with the TIM complex, lacks transmembrane domains and localizes to the intermembrane space. TbTim15 is essential for procyclic and bloodstream forms of trypanosomes. It contains two twin CX9C motifs and mediates import of both, presequence-containing and mitochondrial carrier proteins. While the precise function of TbTim15 in mitochondrial protein import is unknown, our results are consistent with the notion that it may function as an import receptor for the non-canonical trypanosomal TIM complex.
Carrier-frequency specific omission-related neural activity in ordered sound sequences are independent of omissions-predictability
Authors: Hauswald Anne , Benz Kaja Rosa , Hartmann Thomas , Demarchi Gianpaolo , Weisz Nathan
Published: February 2024

Regularities in our surroundings lead to predictions about upcoming events. Previous research has shown, that omitted sounds during otherwise regular tone sequences elicit frequency-specific neural activity related to the upcoming but omitted tone. We tested whether this neural response is depending on the unpredictability of the omission. Therefore we recorded MEG data while participants listened to ordered or random tone sequences with omissions occurring either ordered or randomly. Using multivariate pattern analysis shows that the frequency-specific neural pattern during omission within ordered tone sequences occurs independent of the regularity of the omissions suggesting that the auditory predictions based on sensory experiences are not immediately updated by violations of those expectations.
Mapping patterns of thought onto brain activity during movie-watching
Authors: Wallace Raven S. , Mckeown Brontë , Goodall-Halliwell Ian , Chitiz Louis , Forest Philippe , Karapanagiotidis Theodoros , Mulholland Bridget , Turnbull Adam G , Vanderwal Tamera , Hardikar Samyogita , Alam Tirso Gonzalez , Bernhardt Boris , Wang Hao-Ting , Strawson Will , Milham Michael , Xu Ting , Margulies Daniel , Poerio Giulia L. , Jefferies Elizabeth , Skipper Jeremy I. , Wammes Jeffery , Leech Robert , Smallwood Jonathan
Published: February 2024

Movie-watching is a central aspect of our lives and an important paradigm for understanding the brain mechanisms behind cognition as it occurs in daily life. Contemporary views of ongoing thought argue that the ability to make sense of events in the ‘here and now’ depend on the neural processing of incoming sensory information by auditory and visual cortex, which are kept in check by systems in association cortex. However, we currently lack an understanding of how patterns of ongoing thoughts map onto the different brain systems when we watch a film, partly because methods of sampling experience disrupt the dynamics of brain activity and the experience of movie-watching. Our study established a novel method for mapping thought patterns onto the brain activity that occurs at different moments of a film, which does not disrupt the time course of brain activity or the movie-watching experience. We found moments when experience sampling highlighted engagement with multi-sensory features of the film or highlighted thoughts with episodic features, regions of sensory cortex were more active and subsequent memory for events in the movie was better—on the other hand, periods of intrusive distraction emerged when activity in regions of association cortex within the frontoparietal system was reduced. These results highlight the critical role sensory systems play in the multi- modal experience of movie-watching and provide evidence for the role of association cortex in reducing distraction when we watch films.

Significance statement

States like movie-watching provide a window into the brain mechanisms behind cognition in daily life. However, we know relatively little about the mapping between brain activity during movies and associated thought patterns because of difficulties in measuring cognition without disrupting how brain activity naturally unfolds. We establish a novel method to link different experiential states to brain activity during movie-watching with minimal interruptions to viewers or disruptions to brain dynamics. We found states of sensory engagement occur in moments of films when activity in visual and auditory cortex are high. In contrast, states of distraction are reduced when activity in frontoparietal regions is high. Our study, therefore, establishes both sensory and association cortex as core features of the movie-watching experience.
Early life adversity drives sex-dependent changes in 5-mC DNA methylation of parvalbumin cells in the prefrontal cortex in rats
Authors: Noel Emma S. , Chen Alissa , Peña Yanevith A. , Honeycutt Jennifer A.
Published: February 2024

Early life adversity (ELA) can result in increased risk for developing affective disorders, such as anxiety or depression, later in life, with women showing increased risk. Interactions between an individual’s genes and their environment play key roles in producing, as well as mitigating, later life neuropathology. Our current understanding of the underlying epigenomic drivers of ELA associated anxiety and depression are limited, and this stems in part from the complexity of underlying biochemical processes associated with how early experiences shapes later life behavior. Epigenetic alterations, or experience-driven modifications to DNA, can be leveraged to understand the interplay between genes and the environment. The present study characterized DNA methylation patterning, assessed via evaluation of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), following ELA in a Sprague Dawley rat model of ELA induced by early caregiver deprivation. This study utilized maternal separation to investigate sex- and age-specific outcomes of ELA on epigenetic patterning in parvalbumin (PV)-containing interneurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a subpopulation of inhibitory neurons which are associated with ELA and affective dysfunction. While global analysis of 5-mC methylation and CpG site specific pyrosequencing of the PV promoter, Pvalb, showed no obvious effects of ELA, when analyses were restricted to assessing 5-mC intensity in colocalized PV cells, there were significant sex and age dependent effects. We found that ELA leads sex-specific changes in PV cell counts, and that cell counts can be predicted by 5-mC intensity, with males and females showing distinct patterns of methylation and PV outcomes. ELA also produced sex-specific effects in corticosterone reactivity, with juvenile females showing a blunted stress hormone response compared to controls. Overall, ELA led to a sex-specific developmental shift in PV profile, which is comparable to profiles that are seen at a later developmental timepoint, and this shift may be mediated in part by epigenomic alterations driven by altered DNA methylation.
A Robust and Reproducible Method to Study Neurorepair after Stab Injury in the African Turquoise Killifish Telencephalon
Authors: Mariën Valerie , Arckens Lutgarde , Van houcke Jolien
Published: February 2024

The aging population (people >60 yr old) is steadily increasing worldwide, resulting in an increased prevalence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Despite intensive research efforts in the past decades, there are still no therapies available to stop, cure, or prevent these diseases. Induction of successful neuroregeneration (i.e., the production of new neurons that can functionally integrate into the existing neural circuitry) could represent a therapy to replace neurons lost by injury or disease in the aged central nervous system. The African turquoise killifish, with its particularly short life span, has emerged as a useful model to study how aging influences neuroregeneration. Here, we describe a robust and reproducible stab-injury protocol to study regeneration in the telencephalon of the African turquoise killifish. After the injury, newborn cells are traced by conducting a BrdU pulse-chase experiment. To identify newborn neurons, a double immunohistochemical staining for BrdU and HuCD is carried out. Techniques such as bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling, intracardial perfusion, cryosectioning, and immunofluorescence staining are described as separate sections.
CRISPR Gene Editing of Virulent Bacteriophage ICP1
Authors: Camilli Andrew
Published: February 2024

Tools for site-directed mutagenesis of virulent bacteriophages (phages; viruses of bacteria) have traditionally lagged those for bacteria, hindering their study. CRISPR gene editing represents a new and highly efficient method for editing virulent phage genomes. Here, I describe methods for using CRISPR gene editing for site-directed mutagenesis of ICP1, a virulent phage ofVibrio cholerae. The first section outlines methods of constructing a plasmid for CRISPR editing of an ICP1 gene. The second section outlines methods of transferring the plasmid to an editing-competent strain ofV. cholerae. The third section outlines methods of selecting for and storing the edited phage.
Symmetry-protected topological order as a requirement for measurement-based quantum gate teleportation
Authors: Liu Zhuohao , Johnson Emma C. , Feder David L.
Published: February 2024

All known resource states for measurement-based quantum teleportation in correlation space possess symmetry-protected topological order, but is this a sufficient or even necessary condition? This work considers two families of one-dimensional qubit states to answer this question in the negative. The first is a family of matrix-product states with bond dimension two that includes the cluster state as a special case, protected by a global non-on-site symmetry, which is characterized by a finite correlation length and a degenerate entanglement spectrum in the thermodynamic limit but which is unable to deterministically teleport a universal set of single-qubit gates. The second are states with bond dimension four that are a resource for deterministic universal teleportation of finite single-qubit gates, but which possess no symmetry.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure and biophysical characterization of IspD from Burkholderia thailandensis and Mycobacterium paratuberculosis
Authors: Pierce Phillip G. , Hartnett Brian E. , Laughlin Tosha M. , Blain Joy M. , Mayclin Stephen J. , Bolejack Madison J. , Myers Janette B. , Higgins Tate W. , Dranow David M. , Sullivan Amy , Lorimer Donald D. , Edwards Thomas E. , Hagen Timothy J. , Horn James R. , Myler Peter J.
Published: February 2024

The methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway is a metabolic pathway that produces the isoprenoids isopentyl pyrophosphate and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate. Notably, the MEP pathway is present in bacteria and not in mammals, which makes the enzymes of the MEP pathway attractive targets for discovering new anti-infective agents due to the reduced chances of off-target interactions leading to side effects. There are seven enzymes in the MEP pathway, the third of which is IspD. Two crystal structures of Burkholderia thailandensis IspD (BtIspD) were determined: an apo structure and that of a complex with cytidine triphosphate (CTP). Comparison of the CTP-bound BtIspD structure with the apo structure revealed that CTP binding stabilizes the loop composed of residues 13–19. The apo structure of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis IspD (MpIspD) is also reported. The melting temperatures of MpIspD and BtIspD were evaluated by circular dichroism. The moderate T
m values suggest that a thermal shift assay may be feasible for future inhibitor screening. Finally, the binding affinity of CTP for BtIspD was evaluated by isothermal titration calorimetry. These structural and biophysical data will aid in the discovery of IspD inhibitors.
Comparison of drilling of Inconel 625 by AWJM and WEDM
Authors: Ceritbinmez Ferhat , Günen Ali
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to comparatively analyze the cut parts obtained as a result of cutting the Ni-based Inconel 625 alloy, which is widely used in the aerospace industry, with the wire electro-discharge machining (WEDM) and abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) methods in terms of macro- and microanalyses.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, calipers, Mitutoyo SJ-210, Nikon SMZ 745 T, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray were used to determine kerf, surface roughness and macro- and microanalyses.

Findings

Considering the applications in the turbine industry, it has been determined that the WEDM method is suitable to meet the standards for the machinability of Inconel 625 alloy. In contrast, the AWJM method does not meet the standards. Namely, while the kerf angle was formed because the hole entrance diameters of the holes obtained with AWJM were larger than the hole exit diameters, the equalization of the hole entry and exit dimensions, thanks to the perpendicularity and tension sensitivity of the wire electrode used in the holes drilled with WEDM ensured that the kerf angle was not formed.

Originality/value

It is known that the surface roughness of the parts used in the turbine industry is accepted at Ra = 0.8 µm. In this study, the average roughness value obtained from the successful drilling of Inconel 625 alloy with the WEDM method was 0.799 µm, and the kerf angle was obtained as zero. In the cuts made with the AWJM method, thermal effects such as debris, microcracks and melted materials were not observed; an average surface roughness of 2.293 µm and a kerf of 0.976° were obtained.
Impact time guidance law for arbitrary lead angle using sliding mode control
Authors: Du He , Yang Ming , Wang Songyan , Chao Tao
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate a novel impact time control guidance (ITCG) law based on the sliding mode control (SMC) for a nonmaneuvering target using the predicted interception point (PIP).

Design/methodology/approach

To intercept the target with the minimal miss distance and desired impact time, an estimation of time-to-go is introduced. This estimation results in a precise impact time for multimissiles salvo attack the target at the same time. Even for a large lead angle, the desired impact time is achieved by using the sliding mode and Lyapunov stability theory. The singularity issue of the proposed impact time guidance laws is also analyzed to achieve an arbitrary lead angle with the desired impact time.

Findings

Numerical scenarios with desired impact time are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed ITCG law. Comparison with the state-of-art impact time guidance laws proves that the guidance law in this paper can enable the missile to intercept the target with minimal miss distance and final impact time error. This method enables multiple missiles to attack the target simultaneously with different distances and arbitrary lead angles.

Originality/value

An ITCG law based on sliding mode and Lyapunov stability theory is proposed, and the switching surface is designed based on a novel estimation time-to-go for the missile to intercept the target with minimal miss distance. To intercept the target with initial arbitrary lead angles and desired impact time, the authors analysis the singular issue in SMC to ensure that the missile can intercept the target with arbitrary lead angle. The proposed approach for a nonmaneuvering target using the PIP has simple forms, and therefore, they have the superiority of being implemented easily.
Impact factor analysis affecting the operation of asset lifecycle by using asset information modeling and blockchain technology
Authors: Raslan Azzam , Cheshmehzangi Ali , Towey Dave , Tizani Walid , Kapogiannis Georgios
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Currently, owners find it difficult to manage their assets throughout their project life cycle. The fact that asset information models (AIMs) are mandatory as deliverables for building information modeling-driven projects makes it a key requirement for the client to understand in detail those factors affecting asset operation. Hence, because the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the most significant market in the Middle East, this study aims to investigate those factors where blockchain and AIMs could impact the asset management (AM) life cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers used a hypothesis-based approach over a systematic literature review and a workshop (descriptive statistics) to understand the current challenges in AM. Later, a second workshop was run to understand the impact factor analysis affecting the operation of the asset life cycle by using asset information modeling and blockchain technology over a multiquantitative method.

Findings

Results found that factors affecting the operation of assets could be the improvement of trust and stakeholder’s influences; the availability of handover process products’ accurate data; manufacturers providing detailed product models; increasing the speed of preparing holistic and integrated AM systems; improving collaboration between stakeholders; and returning clients’ investments faster.

Originality/value

Understanding the factors affecting AM life cycle based on the utilization of AIMs and blockchain then allows investors and their team members to work in a secure and collaborative environment that helps them to pre-identify certain risks and improve decision-making in a more effective way, as is required by ISO55000.
Workplace bullying, burnout and turnover intentions among Portuguese employees
Authors: Ribeiro Neuza , Gomes Daniel , Gomes Gabriela Pedro , Ullah Atiat , Dias Semedo Ana Suzete , Singh Sharda
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to broaden the understanding of the mechanisms through which workplace bullying might affect employees’ intention to leave the organisation, as well as the mediating role of burnout in the relationship between workplace bullying and turnover intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample included 884 employees from different Portuguese organisations operating in the tertiary sector and industry. This study uses structural equation modelling to evaluate the hypothesised model.

Findings

The results suggest that workplace bullying causes high levels of burnout in victims and increases their turnover intentions. The results further suggest that burnout fully mediates the effect of workplace bullying on turnover intentions.

Practical implications

Organisations should work to reduce these problems in workplace environments, focusing on HRM models that prevent the precursors of workplace bullying, particularly those associated with low determination of HR practices and the emphasis on employee participation. Implementing workplace ethical guidelines as part of an annual action plan can contribute to cultivating organisational cultures that reject any form of devaluation of human worth within the organisation.

Originality/value

There is little knowledge on the mediating role of burnout in the relationship between workplace bullying and turnover intention. This study answers the call for further empirical research from those who have argued that more information is needed and contributes to the growing debate on this topic and its effects on Portuguese employees. This study seeks to fill these gaps by developing a model of workplace bullying and its consequences and exploring burnout’s potential mediating role.
Mapping the experiences of work-life balance: implications for the future of work
Authors: Gupta Shubhi , Vasa Sireesha Rani , Sehgal Prachee
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how information technology (IT) professionals perceive work-life balance (WLB) in a work-from-home (WFH) setup. Additionally, it explores what emotions one may associate with such changing work environments, which have high implications for organisational success.

Design/methodology/approach

The two primary research questions guided this research. An online questionnaire-based survey was conducted to collect the data so that respondents’ both subjective and objective perceptions were documented. Purposive cum snowball sampling was used to collect data from 262 IT professionals. However, the data was analysed using both qualitative (content analysis) and quantitative (chi-square) techniques.

Findings

The findings of this study are interesting in nature and reported the work-life experiences at various socio-demographic levels (age, gender, educational qualification, designation, work experience, income, type of family and the number of children). The comprehensive examination of the data obtained from diverse aspects related to remote work environments has shed light on crucial facets impacting IT professionals. A predominant observation derived from the study reveals a significant disparity in working hours between male and female respondents during remote work. This discrepancy is notable, with male employees tending to work longer hours (i.e. 10 or more hours daily) than their female counterparts. The investigation into respondents’ sleep patterns revealed that the majority slept between 5 h and 7 h daily, underscoring reduced sleep hours for IT professionals during remote work. This comprehensive study thus emphasises the multifaceted nature of gender-associated influences on work patterns, health and well-being during remote work scenarios among IT professionals. As remote work is the new normal, this study has high implications for future work arrangements and organisational success.

Practical implications

The findings of the study will assist managers in dealing with the work conflict issue of remote workers. Importantly, these managers should try eliminating or reducing workplace conflict, emotional exhaustion and social overload associated with remote work.

Originality/value

This study is a humble attempt to highlight the employee’s WLB in the context of WFH in an emerging market (i.e. India). Furthermore, emphasises practical issues associated with changing work paradigms and concludes with interesting recommendations for future work arrangements.
The saga of struggling diversity in the 21st century: a qualitative study
Authors: Chaubey Akriti , Kuknor Sunaina
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the barriers that act as a hindrance and are the reason behind the struggles for the successful practice of diversity and inclusion. It also provides suggestions that organisations across the Asian region can adopt to have a conducive work environment to flourish diversity and inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected from 21 in-depth semi-structured interviews, where the male and female interviewee ratio was 6:4. The interviewees were diversity and inclusion leaders, diversity and inclusion consultants and human resources (HR) experts from Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, UAE, Singapore, Bangladesh and Nepal. The interviewees belonged to varied industries, including information technology, automobile, manufacturing, engineering, logistics and independent consultants. Every interview recorded was transcribed, and an inductive content analysis technique was used using NVivo. Broad themes and several antecedents were identified which hinder the successful practice of diversity and inclusion.

Findings

There exists a patriarchal mindset in society as the main reason; that is why Asian countries are finding it difficult and are struggling to embrace diversity and inclusion successfully. There is a lack of awareness amongst managers about how inclusive gender diversity impacts the company’s financial status. Reports show that companies that have female board members have better profit margins in comparison to those that do not.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted within one industry setting, the service sector; therefore, the findings may not apply to other industries because of the different organisational cultures and HR policies.

Practical implications

This study offers managerial implications that can help the organisation foster and embrace diversity and inclusion by overcoming the barriers.

Social implications

There should be fair and equitable inclusivity of females in the workplace. Female employees should be heard without biases and discrimination and allowed to speak up with equity. Females should not be seen differently during organisational decision-making, participation and empowerment.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the few to explore the challenges faced by Asian region organisations to embrace diversity and inclusion by empirical evidence. The study shows how the Asian region struggles to go beyond gender diversity and move away from patriarchal hegemony, which is the study’s unique contribution.
The landscape of accounting-related research in Indonesia: mapping distinctive settings and future research agenda
Authors: Kristanto Ari Budi , Cao June
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This systematic literature review presents the evolution of accounting-related research in the Indonesian context. We examine 55 academic articles from the initial 296 records of accounting and finance research in the Q1 Scopus-indexed journals from 1995 to 2022. This study sheds light on Indonesia’s main research streams, unique settings and urgent future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a systematic approach for a comprehensive literature review. We select articles according to a series of criteria and compile the metadata for the bibliographic mapping.

Findings

Our bibliometric analysis suggests five main research streams, namely (1) political connection, (2) capital market, (3) audit and accountability, (4) firm policy and (5) banking. We identify the following distinctive country settings, which are well discussed in extant literature: political connection, two-tier board system, weak accounting profession, information opacity and cultural impact on accounting. We outline prospective agendas to examine the institutional mechanisms’ role in addressing major environmental challenges through accountability.

Originality/value

This study offers unique contributions to the literature by comprehensively reviewing accounting-related research in Indonesia. Despite Indonesia’s economic and environmental importance, it has received limited attention from scholars. Using dynamic topic analysis, we highlight the need to examine the role of informal institutions, such as political connections and culture and formal institutional mechanisms, such as corporate governance and environmental disclosure.
A multi-objective optimization model of truck scheduling problem using cross-dock in supply chain management: NSGA-II and NRGA
Authors: Haghgoei Ahsan , Irajpour Alireza , Hamidi Nasser
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a multi-objective problem for scheduling the operations of trucks entering and exiting cross-docks where the number of unloaded or loaded products by trucks is fuzzy logistic. The first objective function minimizes the maximum time to receive the products. The second objective function minimizes the emission cost of trucks. Finally, the third objective function minimizes the number of trucks assigned to the entrance and exit doors.

Design/methodology/approach

Two steps are implemented to validate and modify the proposed model. In the first step, two random numerical examples in small dimensions were solved by GAMS software with min-max objective function as well as genetic algorithms (GA) and particle swarm optimization. In the second step, due to the increasing dimensions of the problem and computational complexity, the problem in question is part of the NP-Hard problem, and therefore multi-objective meta-heuristic algorithms are used along with validation and parameter adjustment.

Findings

Therefore, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and non-dominated ranking genetic algorithm (NRGA) are used to solve 30 random problems in high dimensions. Then, the algorithms were ranked using the TOPSIS method for each problem according to the results obtained from the evaluation criteria. The analysis of the results confirms the applicability of the proposed model and solution methods.

Originality/value

This paper proposes mathematical model of truck scheduling for a real problem, including cross-docks that play an essential role in supply chains, as they could reduce order delivery time, inventory holding costs and shipping costs. To solve the proposed multi-objective mathematical model, as the problem is NP-hard, multi-objective meta-heuristic algorithms are used along with validation and parameter adjustment. Therefore, NSGA-II and NRGA are used to solve 30 random problems in high dimensions.
Detection model for key nodes of manufacturing industry chain stability under complex networks: a naval architecture and marine engineering equipment industry chain example
Authors: Xu Lan , Zhu Xueyi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Currently, China’s manufacturing industry chain still faces the danger of chain breakage due to the persistent “lack of technology” issue. The definition and detection of key nodes in the industry chain are significant to the enhancement of the stability of the industry chain. Therefore, detecting the key nodes in the manufacturing industry chain is necessary.

Design/methodology/approach

A complex network based on the links amongst listed manufacturing enterprises is built, and the authors analyse the network’s basic characteristics and vulnerability, taking into account the impact of scientific and technological innovation on the stability of the industry chain.

Findings

It is found that the high structural characteristic of midstream nodes in the naval architecture and marine engineering equipment industry chain determines their importance to stability, and the key status of upstream nodes is reflected in the weakness of technological innovation. The upstream nodes should focus on improving their independent innovation and R&D capability, whilst the midstream nodes should maintain a close supply–demand cooperation relationship.

Originality/value

The key node detection model for industry chain stability is constructed by considering various factors from the perspective of network and technological innovation. Empirical study is conducted to verify effectiveness of proposed method.