bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and durability of mRNA-1273 BA.4/BA.5 bivalent vaccine (mRNA-1273.222) against SARS-CoV-2 BA.4/BA.5 and XBB sublineages
Authors: Ackerson Bradley K. , Bruxvoort Katia J. , Qian Lei , Sy Lina S. , Qiu Sijia , Tubert Julia E. , Lee Gina S. , Ku Jennifer H. , Florea Ana , Luo Yi , Bathala Radha , Stern Julie , Choi Soon K. , Takhar Harpreet S. , Aragones Michael , Marks Morgan A. , Anderson Evan J. , Zhou Cindy Ke , Sun Tianyu , Talarico Carla A. , Tseng Hung Fu
Published: December 2023

Background

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 sublineages continue to cause serious COVID-19 disease, but most individuals have not received COVID-19 vaccine for >1 year. Assessment of long-term effectiveness of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines against circulating sublineages is important to inform the potential need for vaccination with updated vaccines.

Methods

In this test-negative study at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, sequencing-confirmed BA.4/BA.5- or XBB-related SARS-CoV-2-positive cases during 9/1/2022-6/30/2023 were matched 1:3 to SARS-CoV-2-negative controls. We assessed mRNA-1273 bivalent relative (rVE) and absolute vaccine effectiveness (VE) compared to ≥2 or 0 doses of original monovalent vaccine, respectively. Outcomes were BA.4/BA.5- or XBB-related infection, emergency department/urgent care (ED/UC) encounters, and hospitalization.

Results

The rVE analysis included 20,966 cases and 62,898 controls. rVE (95%CI) against BA.4/BA.5 at 14-60 days and 121-180 days was 52.7% (46.9-57.8%) and 35.5% (-2.8%-59.5%) for infection, and 59.3% (49.7-67.0%) and 33.2% (-28.2-68.0%) for ED/UC encounters. For BA.4/BA.5-related hospitalizations, rVE was 71.3% (44.9-85.1%) and 52.0% (-1.2-77.3%) at 14-60 days and 61-120 days, respectively. rVE against XBB at 14-60 days and 121-180 days, was 48.8% (33.4-60.7%) and -3.9% (-18.1-11.3%) for infection, 70.7% (52.4-82.0%) and 15.7% (-6.0-33.2%) for ED/UC encounters, and 87.9% (43.8-97.4%) and 57.1% (17.0-77.8%) for hospitalization. Results for VE and subgroup analyses (age, immunocompromise, and previous SARS-CoV-2 infection) were similar to rVE analyses.

Conclusions

rVE of mRNA-1273 bivalent vaccine against BA.4/BA.5 and XBB infections, ED/UC encounters, and hospitalizations waned over time. Periodic adjustment of vaccines to target emerging variants and revaccination may be important in reducing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.

mRNA-1273 BA.4/BA.5 bivalent vaccine effectiveness against infection and hospitalization with BA.4/BA.5-related and XBB-related sublineages waned over time. Periodic vaccination with vaccines reflecting circulating variants may reduce SARS-CoV-2 associated morbidity and mortality.
Investigating disorder-specific and transdiagnostic alterations in model-based and model-free decision-making
Authors: Knolle Franziska , Sen Pritha , Culbreth Adam J , Koch Kathrin , Schmitz-Koep Benita , Guersel Deniz A , Wunderlich Klaus , Avram Mihai , Berberich Goetz , Sorg Christian , Brandl Felix
Published: December 2023

Background: Decision-making alterations are present in psychiatric illnesses like major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and schizophrenia, linked to symptoms of the respective disorders. Understanding unique and shared decision-making alterations across these disorders is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment, especially given potential comorbidities. Methods: Using two computational modeling approaches - logistic regression and hierarchical Bayesian modeling - we analyzed alterations in model-based and model-free decision-making in a transdiagnostic cohort comprising MDD (N=23), OCD (N=25), and schizophrenia (N=27) patients. Our aim was to identify disorder-specific and shared alterations and their associations with symptoms. Results: Overall, participants of all groups relied on model-free decision-making. Our results revealed that schizophrenia patients had the lowest learning rate and highest switching rate, indicating low perseverance. Further, OCD patients were more random in both task stages compared to controls and MDD patients. All patient groups exhibited more randomness in responses than controls, with schizophrenia patients showing the highest levels. Importantly, the study showed that increased model-free behavior correlated with elevated depressive symptoms and more model-based decision making was linked to lower anhedonia levels across all patients. Conclusions: This study highlights disorder-specific and shared decision-making alterations in individuals with MDD, OCD, and schizophrenia. This study suggests that anhedonia and depressive symptoms, which are present in all three disorders, share underlying behavioral mechanisms. Improving model-based behavior may which may be a target for intervention and treatment.
Enhancing Therapeutic Insulin Transport from Macroencapsulated Islets Using Sub-Minute Pressure at Physiological Levels
Authors: Thomson Ella A. , Lee Sooyeon , Xu Haixia , Moeller Hannah , Sands Joanna , Lal Rayhan A. , Annes Justin P. , Poon Ada S. Y.
Published: December 2023

Cadaveric islet and stem cell-derived transplantations hold promise as treatments for type 1 diabetes. To tackle the issue of immunocompatibility, numerous cellular macroencapsulation techniques have been developed that utilize diffusion to transport insulin across an immunoisolating barrier. However, despite several devices progressing to human clinical trials, none have successfully managed to attain physiologic glucose control or insulin independence. Based on empirical evidence, macroencapsulation methods with multilayered, high islet surface density are incompatible with homeostatic, on-demand insulin delivery and physiologic glucose regulation, when reliant solely on diffusion. An additional driving force is essential to overcome the distance limit of diffusion. In this study, we present both theoretical proof and experimental validation that applying pressure at levels comparable to physiological diastolic blood pressure significantly enhances insulin flux across immunoisolation membranes—increasing it by nearly three orders of magnitude. This significant enhancement in transport rate allows for precise, sub-minute regulation of both bolus and basal insulin delivery. By incorporating this technique with a pump-based extravascular system, we demonstrate the ability to rapidly reduce glucose levels in diabetic rodent models, effectively replicating the timescale and therapeutic effect of subcutaneous insulin injection or infusion. This advance provides a potential path towards achieving insulin independence with islet macroencapsulation.

One Sentence Summary

Towards improved glucose control, applying sub-minute pressure at physiological levels enhances therapeutic insulin transport from macroencapsulated islets.
In SilicoEvaluation of Cell Therapy in Acute versus Chronic Infarction: Role of Automaticity, Heterogeneity and Purkinje in Human
Authors: Riebel Leto Luana , Wang Zhinuo Jenny , Martinez-Navarro Hector , Trovato Cristian , Camps Julia , Berg Lucas Arantes , Zhou Xin , Doste Ruben , Oliveira Rafael Sachetto , Weber dos Santos Rodrigo , Biasetti Jacopo , Rodriguez Blanca
Published: December 2023

Human-based modelling and simulation offer an ideal testbed for novel medical therapies to guide experimental and clinical studies. Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common cause of heart failure and mortality, for which novel therapies are urgently needed. Although cell therapy offers promise, electrophysiological heterogeneity raises pro-arrhythmic safety concerns, where underlying complex spatio-temporal dynamics cannot be investigated experimentally. After demonstrating credibility of the modelling and simulation framework, we investigate cell therapy in acute versus chronic MI, and the role of cell heterogeneity, scar size and the Purkinje system.

Simulations agreed with experimental and clinical recordings from ionic to ECG dynamics in acute and chronic infarction. Following cell delivery, spontaneous beats were facilitated by heterogeneity in cell populations, chronic MI due to tissue depolarisation, and slow sinus rhythm. Subsequent re-entrant arrhythmias occurred, in some instances with Purkinje involvement, and their susceptibility was enhanced by impaired Purkinje-myocardium coupling, large scars, and acute infarction.

We conclude that homogeneity in injected cell populations minimises their spontaneous beating, which is enhanced by chronic MI, whereas a healthy Purkinje-myocardium coupling is key to prevent subsequent re-entrant arrhythmias, particularly for large scars.
Forest demography and biomass accumulation rates are associated with transient mean tree size vs density scaling relations
Authors: Yu Kailiang , Chen Han Y.H. , Gessler Arthur , Pugh Thomas A.M. , Searle Eric B. , Allen Robert B. , Pretzsch Hans , Ciais Philippe , Phillips Oliver L. , Brienen Roel J.W. , Chu Chengjin , Xie Shubin , Ballantyne Ashley P.
Published: December 2023

Linking individual and stand-level dynamics during forest development reveals a scaling relationship between mean tree size and tree density in forest stands, which integrates forest structure and function. However, the nature of this so-called scaling law and its variation across broad spatial scales remains unquantified and its linkage with forest demographic processes and carbon dynamics remains elusive. Here we develop a theoretical framework and compile a broad-scale dataset of long-term sample forest stands (n = 1433) from largely undisturbed forests to examine the association of temporal mean tree size vs density scaling trajectories (slopes) with biomass accumulation rates and the sensitivity of scaling slopes to environmental and demographic drivers. The results empirically demonstrate a large variation of scaling slopes, ranging from -4 to -0.2, across forest stands in tropical, temperate and boreal forest biomes. Steeper scaling slopes are associated with higher rates of biomass accumulation, resulting from a lower offset of forest growth by biomass loss from mortality. In North America, scaling slopes are positively correlated with forest stand age and rainfall seasonality, thus suggesting a higher rate of biomass accumulation in younger forests with lower rainfall seasonality. These results demonstrate the strong association of the transient mean tree size vs density scaling trajectories with forest demography and biomass accumulation rates, thus highlighting the promise of leveraging forest structure properties to predict forest demography, carbon fluxes and dynamics at broad spatial scales.

Significance Statement

Mean tree size vs density scaling relationships are thought to predict forest function at broad spatial scales. Here we develop a theoretical framework based upon demographic processes and empirical evidence from forest inventory data to demonstrate a strong association of the transient mean tree size and density scaling trajectories (slopes) with forest demography and biomass accumulation rates. This strong association is pervasive across forest biomes and suggests a negative relationship between scaling slope and biomass accumulation rate (resource availability). Our results highlight the promise of leveraging forest structure (i.e., inferred from high resolution remote sensing data or fused into size-structured demographic models) to evaluate forest demography, carbon fluxes and dynamics at broad spatial scales.
Function-associated scRNA-seq on single lung cancer organoids unravels the immune landscape of tumor parenchyma
Authors: Liu Chang , Li Kaiyi , Sui Xizhao , Zhao Tian , Zhang Ting , Chen Zhongyao , Wu Hainan , Li Chao , Li Hao , Yang Fan , Liu Zhidong , Lu You-Yong , Wang Jun , Chen Xiaofang , Liu Peng
Published: December 2023

In vitro models coupled with multimodal approaches are urgently needed to decipher the local tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) owing to the heterogeneous nature of immune cells and their diverse spatial distributions. Here we generate primary lung cancer organoids (pLCOs) by isolating the tumor cell clusters, including the infiltrated immune cells, from dissected lung cancer samples. A FascRNA-seq platform allowing both phenotypic evaluation and the scRNA-seq of all the single cells in an organoid was developed to dissect the TIME in individual pLCOs. Our analysis on 171 individual pLCOs derived from 7 patients revealed that pLCOs retained the fundamental features as well as intra-tumor heterogeneity of local TIME in the parenchyma of parental tumor tissues, providing a series of models with consistent genetic background but various TIME. Linking the single cell transcriptome data of individual pLCOs with their responses to ICB allowed us to confirm the pivotal role of CD8+Ts in ICB induced anti-tumor immunity, to identify the potential tumor-reactive T cells with a set of 10 genes, and to unravel the factors regulating T cell activity.
Virus-encoded Shemin pathway highlights the importance of tetrapyrrole metabolism during host infection
Authors: Wegner Helen , Roitman Sheila , Kupczok Anne , Braun Vanessa , Woodhouse Jason , Grossart Hans-Peter , Zehner Susanne , Béjà Oded , Frankenberg-Dinkel Nicole
Published: December 2023

Tetrapyrroles such as heme, chlorophyll, or vitamin B12are among the most complex molecules synthesised by nature and play a crucial role in many vital processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, methanogenesis, and catalysis. All modified tetrapyrroles are derived from the common precursor molecule 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). However, 5-ALA can be synthesised in two different ways. While alphaproteobacteria, mammals, and birds use the so-called Shemin pathway, all other bacteria, archaea, and plants use the C5 pathway. Here, we present evidence for the presence of 5-ALA synthase genes of the Shemin pathway in the genomes of viruses (valaS) that infect bacteria (bacteriophages) in marine and freshwater environments. These genes either occur in a three-gene cassette with two heme catabolising enzymes involved in linear tetrapyrrole biosynthesis, as broken cassettes or as individual genes. valaSencodes a functional enzyme, as shown by the enzymatic turnover of the co-substrates succinyl-Coenzyme A and glycine in anEscherichia colistrain overexpressing valaS. Phylogenetic analysis in combination with three-dimensional structure prediction supported our data that the viral sequences encode active enzymes. Interestingly, the viral valaSsequence is capable of functionally complementing a 5-ALA-auxotrophicEscherichia colistrain, which lacks one of the two enzymes of the C5 pathway. Host prediction suggests that different valaScarrying phages might infect bacteria that either utilise the Shemin or the C5 pathway for 5-ALA biosynthesis. Our results thus support the hypothesis that metabolic reprogramming and maintenance of the host bacterium’s energy metabolism are crucial during bacteriophage infection and that tetrapyrroles play a key role in this process.
LncRNA Bigheart trans-activates gene expression in a feed forward mechanism that facilitates calcineurin-NFAT signaling in myocardial hypertrophy
Authors: Mangraviti Nicolò , Rühle Frank , Kinet Virginie , Hegenbarth Jana-Charlotte , Dirkx Ellen , Spanò Giulia , De Majo Federica , Peppas Panagiotis , Martens Leonie , Gandhi Shrey , Colpaert Robin , Rupérez Celia , Olieslagers Servé , Falcao-Pires Inês , Calore Martina , Witten Anika , da Costa Martins Paula , Mayr Manuel , Müller Oliver , Stoll Monika , De Windt Leon J.
Published: December 2023

Terminally differentiated cardiomyocytes exhibit hypertrophy as a default response to injury by translating biomechanical stress into a complex network of intracellular signaling events. The molecular intricacies how calcium-dependent signaling engage molecular circuits and epigenetic modifications to activate deleterious gene programs remain enigmatic. Here we report on the re-activation of the evolutionarily conserved lncRNA “Bigheart”, which is repressed in the postnatal myocardium and quickly re-activated in a calcineurin-NFAT-dependent fashion in the diseased myocardium in man and mouse. In line, AAV9-mediated overexpression of lncRNABigheartin otherwise healthy primary cardiomyocytes or mouse hearts suffices to drive maladapative hypertrophy. Conversely, mice receiving a “Gapmer” antisense oligonucleotide designed to specifically silence endogenous lncRNABigheartdisplay resistance to biomechanical stress-induced myocardial remodeling, indicating its requirement in left ventricular hypertrophy. Mechanistically, lncRNABigheartrecruits the RNA binding proteins hnRNP-F1 and HMGB1 to modulate the local chromatin environment andtrans-activateBighearttarget genes includingRcan1to stimulate calcineurin-NFAT coupling. Our observations confirm that human heart failure arises from specific susceptibilities in gene regulatory circuits that are amenable for therapeutic intervention using RNA-based therapeutics.
Chemical mutagenesis ofListeria monocytogenesfor increased tolerance to benzalkonium chloride shows independent genetic underpinnings and off-target antibiotic resistance
Authors: Bechtel Tyler D. , Hershelman Julia , Ghoshal Mrinalini , McLandsborough Lynne , Gibbons John G.
Published: December 2023

Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially fatal foodborne pathogen commonly found in food processing facilities, creates a significant economic burden that totals more than $2 billion annually in the United States due to outbreaks. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), including benzalkonium chloride (BAC), are among the most widely used sanitizers to inhibit the growth and spread ofL. monocytogenesfrom food processing facilities. However, resistance to QACs has been increasing inL. monocytogenesand different genetic mechanisms conferring resistance have been discovered. Here, we used ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) to chemically mutagenize the BAC-susceptible strain,L. monocytogenesFSL-N1-304. We isolated two mutants with increased tolerance to BAC compared to the parental strain. Next, we assessed the off-target effect of increased tolerance to BAC by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of a diverse set of antibiotics, revealing thatmut-1andmut-2displayed significantly increased resistance to fluoroquinolone antibiotics compared to the parental strain. We then sequenced the genomes of the parental strain and both mutants to identify mutations that may be involved in the increased resistance to BAC. We identified 3 and 29 mutations inmut-1andmut-2, respectively.mut-1contained nonsynonymous mutations indagK(a diacylglycerol kinase), lmo2768 (a permease-encoding gene), andlmo0186(resuscitation promoting factor).mut-2contained a nonsense mutation in the nucleotide excision repair enzyme UvrABC system protein B encoding gene,uvrB, which likely accounts for the higher number of mutations observed. Transcriptome analysis in the presence of BAC revealed that genes related to the phosphotransferase system and internalins were upregulated in both mutants, suggesting their significance in the BAC stress response. These two mutants provide insights into alternative mechanisms for increased BAC tolerance and could further our understanding of howL. monocytogenespersists in the food processing environment.
Role of two modules controlling the interaction between SKAP1 and SRC kinases Comparison with SKAP2 architecture and consequences for evolution
Authors: Levillayer Laurine , Brighelli Camille , Demeret Caroline , Sakuntabhai Anavaj , Bureau Jean-François
Published: December 2023

Abstract

SRC kinase associated phosphoprotein 1 (SKAP1), an adaptor for protein assembly, plays an important role in the immune system such as stabilizing immune synapses. Understanding how these functions are controlled at the level of the protein-protein interactions is necessary to describe these processes and to develop therapeutics. Here, we dissected the SKAP1 modular organization to recognize SRC kinases and compared it to that of its paralog SRC kinase associated phosphoprotein 2 (SKAP2). Different conserved motifs common to either both proteins or specific to SKAP2 were found using this comparison. Two modules harboring different binding properties between SKAP1 and SKAP2 were identified: one composed of two conserved motifs located in the second interdomain interacting at least with the SH2 domain of SRC kinases and a second one composed of the DIM domain modulated by the SH3 domain and the activation of SRC kinases. This work suggests a convergent evolution of the binding properties of some SRC kinases interacting specifically with either SKAP1 or SKAP2.
Modeling the Depth of Cellular Dormancy from RNA-sequencing data
Authors: Wei Michelle Yuchen , Yao Guang
Published: December 2023

High-throughput transcriptome RNA sequencing is a powerful tool for understanding dynamic biological processes. Here, we present a computational framework, implemented in an R package QDSWorkflow, to characterize heterogeneous cellular dormancy depth using RNA-sequencing data from bulk samples and single cells.
Restoration of the FunctionalnifGene Cluster by Seven Excision and Two Inversion Events during Heterocyst Development in the Nitrogen-Fixing CyanobacteriumCalothrixsp. NIES-4101
Authors: Uesaka Kazuma , Banba Mari , Chiba Sotaro , Fujita Yuichi
Published: December 2023

In the genome of the heterocystous cyanobacteriumCalothrixsp. NIES-4101 (NIES-4101), the four genes essential for nitrogen fixation (nifB,nifH,nifD, andnifK) are highly fragmented into 13 parts in a 350-kb chromosomal region, and four of these parts are encoded in the reverse strand. Such a complex fragmentation feature makes it difficult to restore the intactnifBHDKgenes by the excision mechanism found in thenifDgene of theAnabaenasp. PCC 7120 heterocyst. To examine the nitrogen-fixing ability of NIES-4101, we confirmed that NIES-4101 grew well on combined nitrogen-free medium and showed high nitrogenase activity, which strongly suggested that the completenifBHDKgenes are restored by a complex recombination process in heterocysts. Next, we resequenced the genome prepared from cells grown under nitrogen-fixing conditions. Two contigs covering the completenifHDKandnifBgenes were found byde novoassembly of the sequencing reads. In addition, DNA fragments covering thenifBHDKoperon were successfully amplified by PCR. We propose that the process ofnifBHDKrestoration occurs as follows. First, thenifD-nifKgenes are restored by four excision events. Then the completenifHandnifBgenes are restored by two excision events followed by two successive inversion events between the inverted repeat sequences and one excision event, forming the functionalnifgene cluster,nifB-fdxN-nifS-nifU-nifH-nifD-nifK. All genes coding recombinases responsible for these nine recombination events are located close to the terminal repeat sequences. The restoration of thenifBHDKgenes in NIES-4101 is the most complex genome reorganization reported in heterocystous cyanobacteria.
Glioma Cells Secrete Collagen VI to Facilitate Invasion
Authors: Cha Junghwa , Ding Erika A. , Carvalho Emily M. , Fowler Annabelle , Aghi Manish K. , Kumar Sanjay
Published: December 2023

While glioblastoma (GBM) progression is associated with extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion, the causal contributions of ECM secretion to invasion remain unclear. Here we investigate these contributions by combining engineered materials, proteomics, analysis of patient data, and a model of bevacizumab-resistant GBM. We find that GBM cells cultured in engineered 3D hyaluronic acid hydrogels secrete ECM prior to invasion, particularly in the absence of exogenous ECM ligands. Proteomic measurements reveal extensive secretion of collagen VI, and collagen VI-associated transcripts are correspondingly enriched in microvascular proliferation regions of human GBMs. We further show that bevacizumab-resistant GBM cells deposit more collagen VI than their responsive counterparts, which is associated with marked cell-ECM stiffening. COL6A3 deletion in GBM cells reduces invasion, β-catenin signaling, and expression of mesenchymal markers, and these effects are amplified in hypoxia. Our studies strongly implicate GBM cell-derived collagen VI in microenvironmental remodeling to facilitate invasion.
Corporate sustainability reporting and information infrastructure
Authors: Troshani Indrit , Rowbottom Nick
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Information infrastructures can enable or constrain how companies pursue their visions of sustainability reporting and help address the urgent need to understand how corporate activity affects sustainability outcomes and how socio-ecological challenges affect corporate activity. The paper examines the relationship between sustainability reporting information infrastructures and sustainability reporting practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper mobilises a socio-technical perspective and the conception of infrastructure, the socio-technical arrangement of technical artifacts and social routines, to engage with a qualitative dataset comprised of interview and documentary evidence on the development and construction of sustainability reporting information.

Findings

The results detail how sustainability reporting information infrastructures are used by companies and depict the difficulties faced in generating reliable sustainability data. The findings illustrate the challenges and measures undertaken by entities to embed automation and integration, and to enhance sustainability data quality. The findings provide insight into how infrastructures constrain and support sustainability reporting practices.

Originality/value

The paper explains how infrastructures shape sustainability reporting practices, and how infrastructures are shaped by regulatory demands and costs. Companies have developed “uneven” infrastructures supporting legislative requirements, whilst infrastructures supporting non-legislative sustainability reporting remain underdeveloped. Consequently, infrastructures supporting specific legislation have developed along unitary pathways and are often poorly integrated with infrastructures supporting other sustainability reporting areas. Infrastructures developed around legislative requirements are not necessarily constrained by financial reporting norms and do not preclude specific sustainability reporting visions. On the contrary, due to regulation, infrastructure supporting disclosures that offer an “inside out” perspective on sustainability reporting is often comparatively well developed.
Design and aerodynamic characteristics analysis of propellers for a novel rescue unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Guan Ying-Jie , Li Yong-Ping
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To solve the shortcomings of existed search and rescue drones, search and rescue the trapped people trapped in earthquake ruins, underwater and avalanches quickly and accurately, this paper aims to propose a four-axis eight-rotor rescue unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which can carry a radar life detector. As the design of propeller is the key to the design of UAV, this paper mainly designs the propeller of the UAV at the present stage.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the actual working conditions of UAVs, this paper preliminarily estimated the load of UAVs and the diameters of propellers and designed the main parameters of propellers according to the leaf element theory and momentum theory. Based on the low Reynolds number airfoil, this paper selected the airfoil with high lift drag ratio from the commonly used low Reynolds number airfoils. The chord length and twist angle of propeller blades were calculated according to the Wilson method and the maximum wind energy utilization coefficient and were optimized by the Asymptotic exponential function. The aerodynamic characteristics of the designed single propeller and coaxial propeller under different installation pitch angles and different installation distances were analyzed.

Findings

The results showed that the design of coaxial twin propellers can increase the load capacity by about 1.5 times without increasing the propeller diameter. When the installation distance between the two propellers was 8 cm and the tilt angle was 15° counterclockwise, the aerodynamic characteristics of the coaxial propeller were optimal.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work came from the conceptual design of the new rescue UAV and its numerical optimization using the Wilson method combined with the maximum wind energy utilization factor and the exponential function. The aerodynamic characteristics of the common shaft propeller were analyzed under different mounting angles and different mounting distances.
Osteoconductive properties of synthetic eggshell hydroxyapatite: an experimental study in rats
Authors: Al Bayaty Fouad , Al-Obaidi Mazen M. Jamil , Lokman Anissa , Yazid Suhaila , Ibrahim Omar Emad
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study examines the osteoconductive and healing capabilities of locally implanted synthetic hydroxyapatite (sHAp) derived from eggshells in the central incisor sockets of rats.

Design/methodology/approach

Toxicity experiments were conducted in vitro and in vivo, to testify the safety dosage of sHAp. Around 24 mature male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats had their upper central incisors extracted. The rats were placed into three groups of eight rats each: Group 1: the sockets of extracted central incisors were left unfilled (control), Group 2: filled up with commercially available hydroxyapatite (HAp) and Group 3: implanted with sHAp locally retrieved from eggshells. After extraction, four rats from each group were sacrificed at 2nd and 4th weeks. Maxillary tissue sections were obtained and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichome (MT) staining. Anti-osteocalcin (OCN) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were used primary antibodies for immunohistochemistry (IHC) special labeling.

Findings

The results showed that the locally implanted sHAp was non-toxic and safe in cell lines (human osteoblast and fibroblast) and animals. Histological analysis of H&E, MT and IHC showed that the sockets treated with locally implanted sHAp from eggshells were filled with new bone tissue of comparable thickness to other groups.

Originality/value

This unique technique uses locally implanted eggshell-derived sHAp with osteoconductive characteristics. In an in vivo model, sHAps increased OCN and PCNA expression to improve bone repair.
Exploring the critical success factors for adopting gamification in the Nigerian construction sector
Authors: Aliu John , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Abayomi Timilehin , Aigbavboa Clinton , Makanjuola Sina
Published: December 2023

Purpose

With a view to ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of construction projects, this study evaluates the critical success factors (CSFs) for the adoption of gamification principles by construction professionals in developing countries, with an emphasis on Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a post-positivism philosophical approach, using a questionnaire survey to obtain quantitative data from 126 construction professionals in Lagos State. The data obtained were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean item scores (MIS), Kruskal–Wallis H-test and principal component analysis (PCA) as part of the exploratory factor analysis (EFA).

Findings

The findings indicated that the most significant factors for the adoption of gamification principles in the construction industry were “clear game mechanics and rules,” “incentives and rewards for users,” “secure and reliable technology infrastructure,” “real-time progress tracking and feedback” and “clear and measurable objectives.” Employing factor analysis, these CSFs were subsequently grouped into three primary clusters, namely “relevance and user experience,” “technology and support” and “integration and process.”

Practical implications

These findings not only enrich the existing theoretical framework but also provide a solid foundation upon which researchers can build for further theoretical development. This study also offers valuable insights that can inform and improve practical applications of gamification within the construction industry.

Originality/value

While prior research has explored gamification in various contexts, the unique contribution of this study is the thorough investigation of CSFs for gamification adoption specifically within the construction industry. In essence, this study fills a critical gap in the literature by offering fresh perspectives and tailored solutions for the construction industry's specific gamification needs.
Integrated Lean Six Sigma and Kotter change management framework for emergency healthcare services in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Owad Ali , Yadav Neeraj , Kumar Vimal , Swarnakar Vikas , Jayakrishna K. , Haridy Salah , Yadav Vishwas
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation follows a structured approach called define-measure-analyze-improve-control (DMAIC). Earlier research about its application in emergency healthcare services shows that it requires organizational transformation, which many healthcare setups find difficult. The Kotter change management model facilitates organizational transformation but has not been attempted in LSS settings till now. This study aims to integrate the LSS framework with the Kotter change management model to come up with an integrated framework that will facilitate LSS deployment in emergency health services.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-stage Delphi method was conducted by using a literature review. First, the success factors and barriers of LSS are investigated, especially from an emergency healthcare point of view. The features and benefits of Kotter's change management models are then reviewed. Subsequently, they are integrated to form a framework specific to LSS deployment in an emergency healthcare set-up. The elements of this framework are analyzed using expert opinion ratings. A new framework for LSS deployment in emergency healthcare has been developed, which can prevent failures due to challenges faced by organizations in overcoming resistance to changes.

Findings

The eight steps of the Kotter model such as establishing a sense of urgency, forming a powerful guiding coalition, creating a vision, communicating the vision, empowering others to act on the vision, planning for and creating short-term wins, consolidating improvements and producing still more change, institutionalizing new approaches are derived from the eight common errors that managers make while implementing change in the institution. The study integrated LSS principles and Kotter’s change management model to apply in emergency care units in order to reduce waste and raise the level of service quality provided by healthcare companies.

Research limitations/implications

The present study could contribute knowledge to the literature by providing a framework to integrate lean management and Kotter's change management model for the emergency care unit of the healthcare organization. This framework guides decision-makers and organizations as proper strategies are required for applying lean management practices in any system.

Originality/value

The proposed framework is unique and no other study has prescribed any integrated framework for LSS implementation in emergency healthcare that overcomes resistance to change.
Do private and public sector banks respond to ESG in the same way? Some evidences from India
Authors: Jaiwani Megha , Gopalkrishnan Santosh
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The banking industry faces increasing scrutiny from stakeholders regarding its environmental and social impacts, given its crucial role in fostering economic growth. Banks have been encouraged to adopt environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices to mitigate risks and safeguard their reputation. However, the effectiveness of ESG sensitivity within the banking industry is contingent upon ownership and structural factors. The extent to which banks can integrate ESG considerations into their operations and decision-making processes may vary based on their ownership structures. Therefore, this study aims to examine if the impact of ESG on the performance of Indian banks varies between private and public sector banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs six years of panel data from two separate samples of 12 private sector banks and 10 public sector banks in India. It utilises fixed and random effect estimation techniques with robust standard errors to derive accurate and reliable econometric results.

Findings

The main findings of this study reveal intriguing insights into the relationship between ESG factors and bank performance, considering the influence of ownership structure. For private sector banks, the ESG composite score, particularly the social dimension, negatively impacts financial performance. However, there is a contrasting positive effect on efficiency. In contrast, public sector banks demonstrate a positive and significant association between the environmental score and return on equity and non-performing assets.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the need for tailored strategies that align with ownership structure to achieve sustainable financial and societal outcomes in the banking industry. Furthermore, it emphasises the need for private-sector banks to streamline their ESG initiatives, especially in the social dimension, to mitigate negative impacts on their financial performance.

Originality/value

This study introduces a novel dimension by addressing the “one size fits all” bias in prior research that overlooked bank ownership differences when examining the impact of ESG factors on bank performance.
A bibliometric analysis on factors influencing green consumer behaviour – research issues and future directions
Authors: Naini Shalini Reddy , Reddy M. Ravindar
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present a summary of the green consumer behaviour (GCB) research conducted during the 2001–2021 period using the bibliometric analysis and to carry out a thematic and content analysis on the three clusters which comprise 57 articles resulting from the co-citation analysis and identify the significant green purchasing factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The three-pronged methodology applied to this research analysis includes performance analysis of the literature using biblioshiny and R Studio; network mapping analysis using VOSviewer and Gephi; thematic analysis using word clouds generated with R Software and content analysis of each paper with the aid of within and between-study analyses.

Findings

Cluster one acted as a base for the theoretical foundations of GCB which aids in understanding the basic concepts of green marketing, its evolution and the methodologies, whereas cluster two determined the predictors of everyday green behaviour, which helps in gaining knowledge about the everyday sustainable activities the consumers indulge and the factors motivating to do so. Cluster three mainly focused on the psycho-socio demographic determinants of GCB, which assists in segmentation and predicting the purchase behaviour of the various consumer segments.

Originality/value

The significant variables and major gaps in each of the clusters were identified and authors have drawn the implications for future researchers and marketing managers.
Enacting disruption: how entrepreneurial ventures innovate value propositions to increase the attractiveness of their technologies
Authors: Antonio Jerome L. , Schmidt Alexander Lennart , Kanbach Dominik K. , Meyer Natanya
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Entrepreneurial ventures aspiring to disrupt existing market incumbents often use business-model innovation to increase the attractiveness of their offerings. A value proposition is the central element of a business model, and is critical for this purpose. However, how entrepreneurial ventures modify their value propositions to increase the attractiveness of their comparatively inferior offerings is not well understood. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the value proposition innovation (VPI) of aspiring disruptors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a flexible pattern matching approach to ground the inductive findings in extant theory. The authors conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with managers from startups in the global electric vehicle industry.

Findings

The authors developed a framework, showing two factors, determinants and tactics, that play a key role in VPI connected by a continuous feedback loop. Directed by the determinants of cognitive antecedents, development drivers and realization capabilities, aspiring disruptors determine the scope, focus and priorities of various configuration and support tactics to enable and secure the success of their value proposition.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to theory by showing how cognitive antecedents, development drivers and capabilities determine VPI tactics to disrupt existing market incumbents, furthering the understanding of configuration tactics. The results have important implications for disruptive innovation theory, and entrepreneurship research and practice, as they offer an explanatory framework to analyze strategies of aspiring disruptors who increase the attractiveness of sustainable technologies, thereby accelerating their diffusion.
Electricity consumption and economic growth in Ghana: how significant are electricity transmission losses?
Authors: Osei-Gyebi Samuel , Dramani John Bosco
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the nonlinear relationship between electricity consumption (EC) and electricity transmission losses (ETL) in Ghana. Also, we examined how ETL moderate the effect of EC on economic growth in Ghana from 1980 to 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

We used timeseries data from 1980 to 2021 within an autoregressive distributed lag framework to analyze the links among ETL, EC and economic growth in Ghana.

Findings

Findings show the existence of an asymmetric long-run relationship between EC and ETL. Also, the negative effects of ETL on EC are bigger in the long run. In addition, ETL and EC combine to reduce economic growth, in the long run, providing evidence for the energy-led growth theory in Ghana. Population and inflation were also found to have a significant effect on economic growth in Ghana.

Originality/value

We examined the nonlinear nexus of EC and ETL, which extant studies have ignored in discussing the link between EC and economic growth. Again, we showed that ETL reduces EC causing a reduction in economic growth.
Digital maturity index for accounting firms
Authors: Hentati Helmi , Boulila Neila
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to develop a maturity model designed for assessing the current state of digitization in accounting firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have developed this index where the maturity levels are defined from the life cycle theory. For the items of a maturity measure, the authors have adopted a multimethodological approach. That approach allows to identify 27 measurement items to cover the three dimensions of audit, reporting and taxation.

Findings

This research proposes a diagnostic tool specific to accounting firms. The authors have tested this index in the Tunisian context. The results show that there are two types of accounting firms. This study found the first firm in the embryonic phase and the other in the growth phase. This points out the active role of Tunisian accounting firms in technology integration.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the integration of technology in the accounting field. Specifically, it aims to address technology management in accounting firms by measuring the degree of digitization of accounting firms. This research projects the use of information technologies (artificial intelligence, cloud, big data, etc.) in auditing, reporting and taxation.

Practical implications

On a practical level, this research provides an organizational diagnostic tool to assess the status of their accounting firms in terms of digitization. This will motivate practitioners to make frequent assessments, thus contributing to continuous improvement toward digitization.

Originality/value

The theoretical foundation of this research is based on the theory of the life cycle of technologies. This study is using this theory to identify and describe the current phase of the organization. And that is by indicating the overall scores on the technological capabilities of the accounting firms.
The relationship between goodwill and capital structure and the moderating effect of financial market development
Authors: Thakur Oli Ahad , Tunde Matemilola Bolaji , Noordin Bany-Ariffin Amin , Alam Md. Kausar , Prabowo Muhammad Agung
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study empirically investigates the relationship between goodwill assets and capital structure (i.e. debt ratio) of firms and the moderating effect of financial market development on the relationship between goodwill assets and capital structure.

Design/methodology/approach

This research applied a quantitative method. The article collects large samples of listed firms from 23 developing and nine developed countries and applied the panel data techniques. This research used firm-level data from the DataStream database for both developed and developing countries. The study uses 4,912 firm-level data from 23 developing countries and 4,303 firm-level data from nine developed countries.

Findings

The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between goodwill assets and capital structure in developing countries, but goodwill assets have a significant negative relationship with capital structure in developed countries. Moreover, financial market development positively moderates the relationship between goodwill assets and the capital structure of firms in developing countries. The results inform firm managers that goodwill assets serve as additional collateral to secure debt financing. Moreover, policymakers should formulate a debt market policy that recognizes goodwill assets as additional collateral for the purpose of obtaining debt capital.

Research limitations/implications

The study has several implications. First, goodwill assets are identified as a factor of capital structure in this study. Fixed assets have been identified as one of the drivers of capital structure in previous research, although goodwill assets are seldom included. Second, this article shows that along with demand-side determinants, supply-side determinants also play an important role in terms of the firms' choice about the capital structure. Therefore, firms should take both the demand-side and supply-side factors into consideration when sourcing for external financing (i.e. debt capital).

Originality/value

The study considered goodwill as a component of capital structure. The study analysis includes a large sample of enterprises, including 4,912 big firms from 23 developing countries and 4,303 large firms from nine industrialized or developed countries, which adds to the current capital structure information. Furthermore, a large sample size increases the results' robustness and generalizability.