bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryo-EM structures of mitochondrial respiratory complex I fromDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Agip Ahmed-Noor A. , Chung Injae , Sanchez-Martinez Alvaro , Whitworth Alexander J. , Hirst Judy
Published: November 2022

Respiratory complex I powers ATP synthesis by oxidative phosphorylation, exploiting the energy from NADH oxidation by ubiquinone to drive protons across an energy-transducing membrane.Drosophila melanogasteris a candidate model organism for complex I due to its high evolutionary conservation with the mammalian enzyme, well-developed genetic toolkit, and complex physiology for studies in specific cell types and tissues. Here, we isolate complex I fromDrosophilaand determine its structure, revealing a 43-subunit assembly with high structural homology to its 45-subunit mammalian counterpart, including a hitherto unknown homologue to subunit NDUFA3. The major conformational state of theDrosophilaenzyme is the mammalian-type ‘ready-to-go’ active resting state, with a fully ordered and enclosed ubiquinone-binding site, but a subtly altered global conformation related to changes in subunit ND6. The mammalian-type ‘deactive’ pronounced resting state is not observed: in two minor states the ubiquinone-binding site is unchanged, but a deactive-typeπ-bulge is present in ND6-TMH3. Our detailed structural knowledge ofDrosophilacomplex I provides a foundation for new approaches to disentangle mechanisms of complex I catalysis and regulation in bioenergetics and physiology.
Resting mitochondrial complex I fromDrosophila melanogasteradopts a helix-locked state
Authors: Padavannil Abhilash , Murari Anjaneyulu , Rhooms Shauna-Kay , Owusu-Ansah Edward , Letts James A.
Published: November 2022

Respiratory complex I is a proton-pumping oxidoreductase key to bioenergetic metabolism. Biochemical studies have found a divide in the behavior of complex I in metazoans that aligns with the evolutionary split between Protostomia and Deuterostomia. Complex I from Deuterostomia including mammals can adopt an off-pathway “deactive” state, whereas complex I from Protostomia cannot. The presence of off-pathway states complicates the interpretation of structural results and has led to considerable mechanistic debate. Here we report the structure of mitochondrial complex I from the thoracic muscles of the model protostomianDrosophila melanogaster. We show that, althoughD. melanogastercomplex I (Dm-CI) does not deactivate the resting state ofDm-CI adopts multiple conformations. We identify a new helix-locked open state in which an N-terminal α-helix on the NDUFS4 subunit wedges between the peripheral and membrane arms. Comparison of theDm-CI structure and conformational states to those observed in bacteria, yeast and mammals provides insight into the roles of subunits across organisms, explains whyDm-CI does not deactivate and reveals incompatibilities with current mechanistic models of complex I turnover. Additionally, theDm-CI structure and novel regulatory mechanism will allow for the development of more selective pesticides for agriculture and human disease.
Evaluation of the taxonomic accuracy and pathogenicity prediction power of 16 primer sets amplifying single copy marker genes in thePseudomonas syringaespecies complex
Authors: Fautt Chad , Hockett Kevin L. , Couradeau Estelle
Published: November 2022

The Pseudomonas syringae species complex is comprised of several closely related species of bacterial plant pathogens. Here, we use in-silico methods to assess 16 PCR primer sets designed for broad identification of isolates throughout the species complex. We evaluate their in-silico amplification rate in 2,161 publicly available genomes, the correlation between pairwise amplicon sequence distance and whole genome average nucleotide identity (ANI), and we train naïve Bayes classification models to quantify classification resolution. Further, we show the potential for using single amplicon sequence data to predict an important determinant of host specificity and range, type III effector protein repertoires.
FUS regulates RAN translation through modulating the G-quadruplex structure of GGGGCC repeat RNA inC9orf72-linked ALS/FTD
Authors: Fujino Yuzo , Ueyama Morio , Ishiguro Taro , Ozawa Daisaku , Ito Hayato , Sugiki Toshihiko , Murata Asako , Ishiguro Akira , Gendron Tania F. , Mori Kohji , Tokuda Eiichi , Taminato Tomoya , Konno Takuya , Koyama Akihide , Kawabe Yuya , Takeuchi Toshihide , Furukawa Yoshiaki , Fujiwara Toshimichi , Ikeda Manabu , Mizuno Toshiki , Mochizuki Hideki , Mizusawa Hidehiro , Wada Keiji , Ishikawa Kinya , Onodera Osamu , Nakatani Kazuhiko , Petrucelli Leonard , Taguchi Hideki , Nagai Yoshitaka
Published: November 2022

Abnormal expansions of GGGGCC repeat sequence in the noncoding region of theC9orf72gene is the most common cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9-ALS/FTD). The expanded repeat sequence is translated into dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) by noncanonical repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation. Since DPRs play central roles in the pathogenesis of C9-ALS/FTD, we here investigate the regulatory mechanisms of RAN translation, focusing on the effects of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) targeting GGGGCC repeat RNAs. Using C9-ALS/FTD model flies, we demonstrated that the ALS/FTD-linked RBP FUS suppresses RAN translation and neurodegeneration in an RNA-binding activity-dependent manner. Moreover, we found that FUS directly binds to and modulates the G-quadruplex structure of GGGGCC repeat RNA as an RNA chaperone, resulting in the suppression of RAN translationin vitro. These results reveal a previously unrecognized regulatory mechanism of RAN translation by G-quadruplex-targeting RBPs, providing therapeutic insights for C9-ALS/FTD and other repeat expansion diseases.
Substantial Neutralization Escape by the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant BQ.1.1
Authors: Miller Jessica , Hachmann Nicole P. , Collier Ai-ris Y. , Lasrado Ninaad , Mazurek Camille R. , Patio Robert C. , Powers Olivia , Surve Nehalee , Theiler James , Korber Bette , Barouch Dan H.
Published: November 2022

Omicron BA.5 has been the globally dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant and has demonstrated substantial neutralization escape compared with prior variants. Additional Omicron variants have recently emerged, including BA.4.6, BF.7, BA.2.75.2, and BQ.1.1, all of which have the Spike R346T mutation. In particular, BQ.1.1 has rapidly increased in frequency, and BA.5 has recently declined to less than half of viruses in the United States. Our data demonstrate that BA.2.75.2 and BQ.1.1 escape NAbs induced by infection and vaccination more effectively than BA.5. BQ.1.1 NAb titers were lower than BA.5 NAb titers by a factor of 7 in two cohorts of individuals who received the monovalent or bivalent mRNA vaccine boosters. These findings provide the immunologic context for the rapid increase in BQ.1.1 prevalence in regions where BA.5 is dominant and have implications for both vaccine immunity and natural immunity.
Nanosized extracellular vesicles released byNeurospora crassahyphae
Authors: Medina-Castellanos Elizabeth , Salgado-Bautista Daniel A. , Martínez-Andrade Juan Manuel , Cadena-Nava Ruben Dario , Riquelme Meritxell
Published: November 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized structures containing proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, released by living cells to the surrounding medium. EVs participate in diverse processes, such as intercellular communication, virulence, and disease. In pathogenic fungi, EVs carry enzymes that allow them to invade the host or undergo environmental adaptation successfully. InNeurospora crassa, a non-pathogenic filamentous fungus widely used as a model organism, the vesicle-dependent secretory mechanisms that lead to polarized growth are well studied. In contrast, biosynthesis of EVs in this fungus has been practically unexplored. In the present work, we analyzedN. crassaculture’s supernatant for the presence of EVs by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and proteomic analysis. We identified spherical membranous structures, with a predominant subpopulation averaging a hydrodynamic diameter (dh) of 68 nm and a particle diameter (dp) of 38 nm. EV samples stained with osmium tetroxide vapors were better resolved than those stained with uranyl acetate. Mass spectrometry analysis identified 252 proteins, including enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolic processes, oxidative stress response, cell wall organization/remodeling, and circadian clock-regulated proteins. Some of these proteins have been previously reported in exosomes from human cells or in EVs of other fungi. In view of the results, it is suggested a putative role for EVs in cell wall biosynthesis and vegetative development inN. crassa.
Changes in functional composition and gene expression in eukaryotic plankton at the Atlantic-Arctic Polar front
Authors: Frémont Paul , Da Silva Corinne , Campese Lucia , Villar Émilie , Rastogi Achal , Aury Jean-Marc , Bowler Chris , Boss Lee Karp , Wincker Patrick , Pelletier Eric , Gehlen Marion , Iudicone Daniele , Jaillon Olivier
Published: November 2022

Planktonic communities are shaped by ocean currents and participate in multiple global biogeochemical cycles. Unraveling how the functions of communities respond to strong environmental gradients will improve our understanding of the interactions between climate change and marine ecosystems. Here, we investigate changes in functions and gene expression of eukaryotic plankton transiting between the North Atlantic Ocean (NAO) in winter and the Arctic Ocean (AO) in spring/summer using metatranscriptomes and metagenomes fromTaraOceans. In Arctic communities, functions involved in maintaining the protein pool and translation machinery appear to be more active. Four major phylogenetically distant algal groups are abundant in both basins and show similar strategies at transcriptional level, including increased expression of some functions related to cold acclimation. These results shade lights on gene expression strategies shared by cosmopolitan phototrophs of widely separated lineages.
Ultra-sensitive platelet proteome maps the O-glycosylation landscape and charts the response to thrombin dosage
Authors: Houlahan Callum B. , Kong Yvonne , Johnston Bede , Cielesh Michelle , Chau The Huong , Coleman Paul R. , Hao Huilin , Haltiwanger Robert S. , Thaysen-Andersen Morten , Passam Freda H. , Larance Mark
Published: November 2022

Platelet activation induces the secretion of proteins that promote platelet aggregation and inflammation. However, detailed analysis of the released platelet proteome is hampered by platelets’ tendency to pre-activate during their isolation and a lack of sensitive protocols for low abundance releasate analysis. Here we detail the most sensitive analysis to date of the platelet releasate proteome with the detection of >1,300 proteins. Unbiased scanning for post-translational modifications within releasate proteins highlighted O-glycosylation as being a major component. For the first time, we detected O-fucosylation on previously uncharacterised sites including multimerin-1 (MMRN1), a major alpha granule protein that supports platelet adhesion to collagen and is a carrier for platelet factor V. The N-terminal EMI domain of MMRN1, a key site for protein-protein interaction, was O-fucosylated at a conserved threonine within a new consensus sequence. Our data suggest that Protein O-fucosyltransferase 1 (POFUT1) is responsible for this modification. Secretion of MMRN1 was reduced in cells lacking POFUT1, supporting a key role of O-fucosylation in MMRN1 function. By comparing releasates from resting and thrombin-treated platelets, 202 proteins were found to be significantly released after high-dose thrombin stimulation. Complementary quantification of the platelet lysates identified >3,800 proteins, which confirmed the platelet origin of releasate proteins by anti-correlation analysis. Low-dose thrombin treatment yielded a smaller subset of significantly regulated proteins with fewer secretory pathway enzymes. The comprehensive platelet proteome resource provided here (larancelab.com/platelet-proteome) allows identification of novel regulatory mechanisms for drug targeting to address platelet dysfunction and thrombosis.

Key Points

High-sensitivity proteome mapping of human platelets identifies O-glycosylation of platelet proteins at key functional sites

Platelet O-fucosyltransferase POFUT1 regulates the secretion of adhesive protein multimerin-1 (MMRN1)
Gut microbiota bacterial strain richness is species specific and limits therapeutic engraftment
Authors: Chen-Liaw Alice , Aggarwala Varun , Mogno Ilaria , Haifer Craig , Li Zhihua , Eggers Joseph , Helmus Drew , Hart Amy , Wehkamp Jan , Lamousé-Smith Esi SN , Kerby Robert L. , Rey Federico E. , Colombel Jean Frédéric , Kamm Michael A , Borody Thomas J. , Grinspan Ari , Paramsothy Sudarshan , Kaakoush Nadeem O. , Dubinsky Marla C. , Faith Jeremiah J.
Published: November 2022

Despite the fundamental role of strain variation in gut microbiota function, the number of unique strains of a species that can stably colonize the human gut is still unknown. In this work, we determine the strain richness of common gut species using thousands of sequenced bacterial isolates and metagenomes. We find that strain richness varies across species, is transferable by fecal microbiota transplantation, and is low in the gut compared to other environments. Therapeutic administration of supraphysiologic numbers of strains per species only temporarily increases recipient strain richness, which subsequently converges back to the population average. These results suggest that properties of the gut ecosystem govern the number of strains of each species colonizing the gut and provide a theoretical framework for strain engraftment and replacement in fecal microbiota transplantation and defined live biotherapeutic products.
Curvature Sensing and Membrane Remodeling of the VPS37A N-terminal Domain during Autophagy
Authors: Ye Yansheng , Liang Xinwen , Wang Guifang , Bewley Maria C , Liu Xiaoming , Flanagan John M. , Wang Hong-Gang , Takahashi Yoshinori , Tian Fang
Published: November 2022

VPS37A, a component of ESCRT-I, is essential for recruiting a subset of ESCRT proteins that seal the phagophore during autophagosome biogenesis. In this study, we uncover two hydrophobic motifs in the VPS37A N-terminal 148 amino acids (VPS37A1-148) that selectively interact with highly curved membranes. Mutations in these motifs nearly abolish VPS37A membrane bindingin vitroand compromise its localization to the phagophore and autophagic fluxin vivo. We also determined the solution structure of residues 21 to 131 and demonstrated that it is the UEVL (ubiquitin E2 variant-like) domain. Intriguingly, this domain remodels highly curved liposomes to high-order structures. We suggest that the specific interactions between VPS37A1-148and the curved membrane may facilitate the recruitment of VPS37A to the phagophore and its subsequent closure. Our results support the premise that the distinct membrane architecture of the cup-like phagophore spatiotemporally regulates autophagosome biogenesis.
Mechanism of nucleic-acid-driven LLPS of TDP-43 PLD
Authors: Mei Dang , Li Tongyang , Zhou Shibo , Song Jianxing
Published: November 2022

Most membrane-less organelles (MLOs) formed by LLPS contain both nucleic acids and IDR-rich proteins. Currently while IDRs are well-recognized to drive LLPS, nucleic acids are thought to exert non-specific electrostatic/salt effects. TDP-43 functions by binding RNA/ssDNA and its LLPS was characterized without nucleic acids to be driven mainly by PLD-oligomerization, which may further transit into aggregation characteristic of various neurodegenerative diseases. Here by NMR, we discovered unexpectedly for TDP-43 PLD: 1) ssDNAs drive and then dissolve LLPS by multivalently and specifically binding Arg/Lys. 2) LLPS is driven by nucleic-acid-binding coupled with PLD-oligomerization. 3) ATP and nucleic acids universally interplay in modulating LLPS by competing for binding Arg/Lys. However, the unique hydrophobic region within PLD renders LLPS to exaggerate into aggregation. The study not only unveils the first residue-resolution mechanism of the nucleic-acid-driven LLPS of TDP-43 PLD, but also decodes a general principle that not just TDP-43 PLD, all Arg/Lys-containing IDRs are cryptic nucleic-acid-binding domains that may phase separate upon binding nucleic acids. Strikingly, ATP shares a common mechanism with nucleic acids in binding IDRs, thus emerging as a universal mediator for interactions between IDRs and nucleic acids, which may underlie previously-unrecognized roles of ATP at mM in physiology and pathology.
Extreme diversity of mycoviruses present in four strains ofRhizoctonia cerealis, the pathogen of wheat sharp eyespot
Authors: Li Wei , Sun Haiyan , Cao Shulin , Zhang Aixiang , Zhang Haotian , Shu Yan , Chen Huaigu
Published: November 2022

Rhizoctonia cerealisis the pathogen of wheat sharp eyespot, which occurs throughout temperate wheat growing regions of the world. In this project, the genomes of viruses from four strains ofR. cerealiswere analyzed based on Illumina high-throughput RNA-Seq data. Ribosomal RNA-depleted total RNA and purified dsRNA from cultivated mycelia of each isolate were used for cDNA library construction and sequencing. After filtering out reads that mapped to the fungal genome, viral genomes were assembled using the remaining reads from the rRNA-depleted and dsRNA-Seq data. In total, 131 viral genome sequences containing complete ORFs, belonging to 117 viruses, were obtained. Based on phylogenetic analysis, some of them were identified as novel members of the familiesCurvulaviridae, Endornaviridae, Hypoviridae, Mitoviridae, MymonaviridaeandPhenuiviridae, while others were unclassified viruses. We compared the integrity and reliability of the viral sequences obtained by the two sequencing methods and, for the first time, estimated the density of some viruses in host cells. Most of these viruses fromR. cerealiswere sufficiently different from those deposited in databases. We propose the establishment of a new family,Rhizoctobunyaviridae, and two new genera,RhizoctobunyavirusandIotahypovirus. We further clarified the distribution and co-infection of these viruses in the fourR. cerealisstrains. In conclusion, the diversity of mycoviruses inR. cerealisis extremely rich. We report a series of novel viruses and provide important insight into virus evolution.
Protein kinase gene declines linearly with elevation: a shared genomic feature across species and continents in lichenized fungi suggests role in climate adaptation
Authors: Merges Dominik , Dal Grande Francesco , Valim Henrique , Singh Garima , Schmitt Imke
Published: November 2022

Intraspecific genomic variability affects a species’ adaptive potential towards climatic conditions. Variation in gene content across populations and environments may point at genomic adaptations to specific environments. The lichen symbiosis, a stable association of fungal and photobiont partners, offers an excellent system to study environmentally driven gene content variation. Many species have remarkable environmental tolerances, and often form populations in different climate zones. Here we combine comparative and population genomics to assess the presence and absence of genes in high elevation and low elevation genomes of two lichenized fungi of the genusUmbilicaria. The two species have non-overlapping ranges, but occupy similar climatic niches in North America (U. phaea) and Europe (U. pustulata): high elevation populations are located in the cold temperate zone and low elevation populations in the Mediterranean zone. We assessed gene content variation along replicated elevation gradients in each of the two species, based on a total of 2050 individuals across 26 populations. Specifically, we assessed shared orthologs across species within the same climate zone, and tracked which genes increase or decrease in abundance within populations along elevation. In total, we found 16 orthogroups with shared orthologous genes in genomes at low elevation and 13 at high elevation. Coverage analysis revealed one ortholog that is exclusive to genomes at low elevation. Conserved domain search revealed domains common to the protein kinases (PKs) superfamily. We traced the discovered ortholog in populations along five replicated elevation gradients on both continents. The protein kinase gene linearly declined in abundance with increasing elevation, and was absent in the highest populations. We consider the parallel loss of an ortholog in two species and in two geographic settings a rare find, and a step forward in understanding the genomic underpinnings of climatic tolerances in lichenized fungi. In addition, the tracking of gene content variation provides a widely applicable framework for retrieving biogeographical determinants of gene presence/absence patterns. Our work provides insights into gene content variation of lichenized fungi in relation to climatic gradients, suggesting a new research direction with implications for understanding evolutionary trajectories of complex symbioses in relation to climatic change.
Regeneration in calcareous sponge relies on ‘purse-string’ mechanism and the rearrangements of actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Skorentseva Kseniia V. , Bolshakov Fyodor V. , Saidova Alina A. , Lavrov Andrey I.
Published: November 2022

The crucial step in any regeneration process is epithelization, i.e. the restoration of epithelium structural and functional integrity. Epithelialization requires cytoskeletal rearrangements, primarily of actin filaments and microtubules. Sponges (phylum Porifera) are early branching metazoans with pronounced regenerative abilities. Calcareous sponges have a unique step during regeneration: formation of a temporary structure, regenerative membrane which initially covers a wound. It forms due to the morphallactic rearrangements of exo- and choanoderm epithelial-like layers. The current study quantitatively evaluates morphological changes and characterises underlying actin cytoskeleton rearrangements during regenerative membrane formation in asconoid calcareous spongeLeucosolenia variabilis, through a combination of time-lapse imaging, immunocytochemistry, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Regenerative membrane formation has non-linear stochastic dynamics with numerous fluctuations. The pinacocytes at the leading edge of regenerative membrane form a contractile actomyosin cable. Regenerative membrane formation either depend on its contraction or being coordinated through it. The cell morphology changes significantly during regenerative membrane formation. Exopinacocytes flatten, their area increases, while circularity decreases. Choanocytes transdifferentiate into endopinacocytes, losing microvilli collar and flagellum. Their area increases and circularity decreases. Subsequent redifferentiation of endopinacocytes into choanocytes is accompanied by inverse changes in cell morphology. All transformations are based on actin filament rearrangements similar to those characteristic of higher metazoans. Altogether, we provide here a qualitative and quantitative description of cell transformations during reparative epithelial morphogenesis in a calcareous sponge.

Summary statement

First detailed description of actin cytoskeleton rearrangements during wound healing in calcareous sponge. ‘Purse-string’ mechanism presumably involved. Cytoskeletal rearrangements resemble those characteristic of Eumetazoans.
Intracellular calcium elevations drive the nucleation of FIP200- and ATG13-containing pre-autophagosomal structures that become omegasomes
Authors: Smith Matthew , Schoenfelder Priya , Manifava Maria , Polson Hannah , Tooze Sharon , Roderick H Llewelyn , Ktistakis Nicholas T.
Published: November 2022

Ca2+ modulates autophagy at multiple steps including the induction and maturation of autophagosomes, but the magnitude and spatiotemporal properties of this calcium signal and its ultimate effect on the autophagic machinery are unclear. Focusing on the induction step leading to omegasome formation, we report that low but sustained elevations in cytosolic calcium levels induce omegasome formation but treatments that only transiently elevate calcium do not. The calcium-induced structures are early intermediates that mature into omegasomes but do not constitute full autophagosomes because they are partially devoid of late autophagy proteins ATG16 and LC3. In addition to omegasomes, all four components of the ULK complex (ULK1, FIP200, ATG13, ATG101) respond to calcium modulation: they translocate to early autophagy puncta in complete medium upon calcium elevation, and are inhibited from translocation during starvation by calcium chelation with BAPTA-2 AM. The principal early step affected by calcium lies downstream of mTORC1 inactivation and upstream of VPS34 activation, coinciding biochemically with phosphorylation of ATG13 at serine 318, which is known to require ULK1 activity. However, although the calcium-mediated step requires ATG9, FIP200 and ATG13, it does not require ULK1/2, suggesting that calcium does not directly regulate ULK1 activity but rather it regulates the mechanism by which the ULK complex components ATG13 and FIP200, together with ATG9, nucleate pre-autophagosomal precursors. This calcium-induced nucleation is sufficient to drive autophagy induction up to the omegasome step, but not beyond it.
Paenibacillus glycinicolasp. nov.,Paenibacillus triticicolasp. nov.,Pseudescherichia oryzaesp. nov.,Pseudomonas gossypiisp. nov., andTardiphaga zeaesp. nov., five novel bacterial species from agricultural crops
Authors: Seaton Sarah , Auker Emily , Connolly Allison , Tesfaye Mekdem , Inderbitzin Patrik , Barnett Stephen J. , M. Franco Christopher M. , Trujillo Martha E.
Published: November 2022

Five novel species from healthy plants and other substrates are described. These arePaenibacillus glycinicolasp. nov. fromGlycine maxin Iowa, United States;Paenibacillus triticicolasp. nov. fromTriticum aestivumin Australia,Allium cepain Texas, garden soil in Wisconsin, cow’s milk in New York state,Panicum virgatumin Michigan, sweet sorghum in Nebraska, andZea maysin Ohio;Pseudescherichia oryzaesp. nov. fromOryza sativain Arkansas;Pseudomonas gossypiisp. nov. from a healthyBos taurusin Kansas,Capsicum annuumfrom Arizona,Gossypium hirsutumin New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, andZea maysfrom Arkansas; andTardiphaga zeaesp. nov. fromZea maysin Iowa. No pathogenic strains are known for any of the novel species.
Environmentally sustainable airport development: Ukrainian case of decarbonization
Authors: Mishchenko Andriy , Dalkıran Alper , Novakovska Iryna , Skrypnyk Liliia , Ishchenko Nataliia
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The world society as a whole and Ukraine are realizing that climate change and decarbonization are critical issues. This study aims to determine whether the aviation and transportation industries in Ukraine have rearranged their priorities as a result of this investigation. The process of decarbonization and adaptation begins with a legislative point of view and then moves on to technology, improvements, infrastructure, energy and emissions stages to meet the primary goals.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of the content of the literature about decarbonization and the legislation and application processes for airport de-carbonization in Ukraine. The study focuses on the landing and take-off cycle of the airports. The statistics on the transportation of the Ukrainian territory have been looked at over time to determine whether or not there have been any shifts.

Findings

There are significant reduction figures found in the Poltava region. Double-figure emissions reductions in four years of series are 5.9%, 41.0% and 19.3%, in the respective years of 2018, 2019 and 2020, which is a 55.3% reduction compared with 2020 to 2017.

Practical implications

Because the transportation industry and aviation generate a significant amount of carbon dioxide, steps must be taken to cut emissions. The decarbonization process ought to proceed in the form of a series of actions to achieve carbon reduction goals with a broader range of participants. In addition, an aviation subsidy for biofuels may be required to initiate the shift by having the taxation change.

Originality/value

As far as the literature surveys, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive Ukrainian decarbonization analysis that considers legislation, technology, improvements, infrastructure, energy and emissions in addition to just those four categories.
Neural graph collaborative filtering for privacy preservation based on federated transfer learning
Authors: Liu Yaqi , Fang Shuzhen , Wang Lingyu , Huan Chong , Wang Ruixue
Published: November 2022

Purpose

In recent years, personalized recommendations have facilitated easy access to users' personal information and historical interactions, thereby improving recommendation effectiveness. However, due to privacy risk concerns, it is essential to balance the accuracy of personalized recommendations with privacy protection. Accordingly, this paper aims to propose a neural graph collaborative filtering personalized recommendation framework based on federated transfer learning (FTL-NGCF), which achieves high-quality personalized recommendations with privacy protection.

Design/methodology/approach

FTL-NGCF uses a third-party server to coordinate local users to train the graph neural networks (GNN) model. Each user client integrates user–item interactions into the embedding and uploads the model parameters to a server. To prevent attacks during communication and thus promote privacy preservation, the authors introduce homomorphic encryption to ensure secure model aggregation between clients and the server.

Findings

Experiments on three real data sets (Gowalla, Yelp2018, Amazon-Book) show that FTL-NGCF improves the recommendation performance in terms of recall and NDCG, based on the increased consideration of privacy protection relative to original federated learning methods.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous research has considered federated transfer learning framework for GNN-based recommendation. It can be extended to other recommended applications while maintaining privacy protection.
Grey system theory in engineering: a bibliometrics and visualization analysis
Authors: Tao Liangyan , Liang Ailin , Xie Naiming , Liu Sifeng
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The year 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the grey system theory (GST), which has been widely applied in the engineering field. This paper aims to systematically identify the achievements, hotspots, knowledge structure and emerging trends in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometrics analysis was conducted on relevant publications retrieved from Web of Science (WoS) using CiteSpace and MapEquation. A statistical analysis of the collected 3,384 papers was completed. Three networks, including a co-occurrence network, cooperation network and co-citation network, were obtained to draw knowledge structure, hotspots and research frontiers.

Findings

The top four applied engineering fields are engineering electrical electronics, computer science artificial intelligence, engineering multi-disciplinary and automation control system. In total, 65 countries have engaged in this field, and China has occupied a leading position, with the largest number of articles published and the widest cooperation with other countries. The USA, United Kingdom (UK) and China Taiwan also contribute a lot. The Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Professor Liu Sifeng have a core position in the cooperation network. More hotspots appear in the last ten years. Regarding the emerging trends, the combination of theoretical models and practical engineering problems has attracted more attention. Besides, the application of GST in environment protection and the integration of the GST and intelligent algorithm became more popular.

Originality/value

The comprehensive bibliometrics analysis and visualization demonstration were conducted, presenting the interdisciplinary characteristics, major research topics and research frontiers in this field.
Structure optimization and cooling performance of a heat sink with discontinuous arc protrusions impacted by nanofluid confined slot jet impingement
Authors: Tang Zhiguo , Deng Feng , Ji Yongtao , Cheng Jianping
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the overall heat transfer performance and the temperature uniformity of the heat sink and to explore the effects of the jet Reynolds number and the nanoparticle volume fraction of the nanofluids on the flow and heat transfer performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A heat sink with discontinuous arc protrusions in the wall jet region is proposed for confined slot jet impingement. A sloping upper cover plate is added to improve the heat transfer effect in this area. An Al2O3–water nanofluid is selected as the working fluid of the jet for better heat transfer. The Standard k-e turbulence model is used for numerical calculation. The key structural parameters of the heat sink are optimized by the response surface method and a genetic algorithm. The effects of the jet Reynolds number (Re) and the nanofluid concentration (ϕ) on the flow and heat transfer performance of the optimized heat sink are investigated.

Findings

The average Nusselt number of the optimal heat sink is 8.2% higher and the friction resistance is 5.9% lower than that of the initial flat plate heat sink when ϕ = 0.02 and Re = 8,000. The discontinuous arc protrusions and the sloping upper cover plate substantially enhance the heat transfer in the later stage of jet development, improving the temperature uniformity of the heat sink. The maximum temperature difference of the optimal heat sink is 28.1% lower than that of the flat plate heat sink at the same nozzle height. As the jet Reynolds number and the nanofluid particle concentration increase, the Nusselt number of the optimized heat sink and the friction coefficients increase, resulting in a decrease in the evaluation coefficient. However, the overall temperature uniformity of the heat sink is improved under all conditions.

Originality/value

The novel heat sink structure provides a new way to enhance the heat transfer and temperature uniformity of confined slot jet impingement. The flow and heat transfer performance of the heat sink impinged by confined slot jet of nanofluids are obtained. The combination of response surface method and genetic algorithm can be applied to the multi-objective optimization of heat resistance and flow resistance of heat sink.
Attainment of sustainable food security in Nigeria: the role of libraries
Authors: Adekoya Clement Ola , Ureki Isioma Alexis , Alade Adesola Victoria
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The quest for sustainable food security (SFS) is fundamental to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In furtherance of their pivotal role in providing the required information resources in support of education and research, libraries are expected to assist the economy in ensuring SFS. The purpose of this study is to investigate how libraries provide information to support research in agriculture towards the attainment of SFS in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive research design was used for the study. Interview and questionnaire were used as the instruments of data collection.

Findings

This study found that the extent of use of library information resources for SFS in Nigeria is high. Libraries, though facing some challenges, contribute significantly to the attainment of food security in Nigeria. It was recommended that libraries should intensify efforts to embark on media literacy programmes and provide information resources for research on agriculture and food production with a view to actualising food security goals specified in Sustainable Development Goals. Libraries should be well-funded to acquire the relevant information resources to aid research into food security and end hunger and poverty across the world.

Practical implications

This study suggests having better sponsored libraries that can perform as required in advancing agricultural information needs.

Originality/value

This study is a creative attempt to know how libraries can contribute to SFS through the provision of information to farmers and lecturers in agriculture.
Examining the link between integrated management systems and firm performance: do the integration strategies matter?
Authors: Wang Jiangang , Liu Fanghong
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study attempts to examine the performance differences between firms with and without integrated management systems (IMSs), and the impact of three integration strategies (i.e. implementing quality management system (QMS) first, then environmental management system (EMS) (QMS + EMS); implementing EMS first, then QMS (EMS + QMS); implementing QMS and EMS simultaneously (QMS − EMS)) on firm performance to reveal the IMS–performance relationship and provide empirical evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

Two panel datasets were collected during 2009–2019. This study used the Mann–Whitney non-parametric test and a sample of 33,155 observations from 4,316 Chinese listed firms to compare the performance differences between the IMS and non-IMS groups through performance indicators. This study also examined the effects of three integration strategies on firm performance using a cross-sectional time-series feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) regression model and a sample of 11,289 observations from 2,037 firms.

Findings

The results show that significant performance differences exist between IMS and non-IMS firms; however, the performance of firms with an IMS is not always better than that of firms without IMS. Furthermore, the simultaneous integration strategy has a positive impact, whereas sequential integration strategies (QMS + EMS and EMS + QMS) negatively affect firm performance. Compared with the EMS + QMS strategies, the QMS + EMS strategies have a more prominent effect on firm performance. Simultaneous strategies are more effective than sequential strategies.

Practical implications

Firms should fully consider the potential benefits and costs associated with the difficulties of IMS implementation and the implementation order of different management systems and the potential effects of the management systems in different conditions. Firms also should try to develop internal capabilities through implementing different integration strategies.

Originality/value

By comparing performance differences between firms with and without IMS, this study enriches the understanding of the performance benefits of IMS implementation in the Chinese context. By examining the impact of integration strategies that follow different sequences on firm performance, this study promotes an in-depth understanding of the integration strategies and their performance implications beyond simple descriptions and also provides new insights into operations strategy models.
Taking a different view: theorizing on firms' development toward an integrative view on socially sustainable supply chain management
Authors: Hohn Marlene M. , Durach Christian F.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Despite a surge in public and academic interest in the social sustainability conduct of firms, only few firms have taken responsibility for the social issues in their supply chains. This study seeks to extend our theoretical understanding of why some firms grow toward accepting this type of responsibility while others do not.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a systematic literature review for the purpose of theory building. Building on Gao and Bansal's distinction of instrumental and integrative views on business sustainability (2013, DOI 10.1007/s10551-012-1245-2) as well as corporate social responsibility development research, the authors review socially sustainable supply chain management (social SSCM) literature to theorize the interplay of driving factors that underly firms' choice to refrain from, start or deepen their engagement in social SSCM.

Findings

The authors propose an overview of the presumed mechanisms underlying the development of a reluctant, a purely instrumental or an integrative view on social SSCM. Among other things, the authors propose that it seems highly unlikely for conventional, profit-oriented firms to develop beyond an instrumental view on social SSCM.

Originality/value

This study conceptually extends current research on social SSCM by offering insights on how firms are driven to engage in it. This study offers first thoughts that should help managers and other stakeholders better understand the social SSCM potential of firms and how to realize this potential effectively.
The expansion and stability of two-sided platform ecological networks: an analysis based on the leverage theory of tying
Authors: Qian Zhang , Wei Cui , Chao Tang , Yan Luo
Published: November 2022

Purpose

With the rapid development of the digital economy, an increasing number of digitalized two-sided platforms have deployed the tying strategy to leverage their market power from the core two-sided product to other two-sided products in the competitive market, which transforms the competition among single platforms into that among platform ecological networks. To clarify the mechanism of the formation of the digital platform ecological networks, this paper aims to analyze the expansion and stability of platform ecology by exploring the impacts of network externalities and sellers’ heterogeneity on the tying strategy of two-sided platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a game model of two-sided platforms based on Choi and Jeon (2021), which highlights the decisive influence of non-negative price constraints (NPC) on platforms’ tying motivation. Taking the operating systems market as an example, we expand from the perspective of platform service differences to relax the NPC and explore the internal logic of platform ecosystem expansion.

Findings

Platforms have an incentive to charge lower prices or even subsidize buyers when the network externalities on the sellers’ side are relatively strong. When the product is highly differentiated and heterogenous, platforms are motivated to tie to capture more buyers with a lower price and grab excess profits from sellers. Eventually, tying is able to consolidate the two-sided platform ecological networks by excluding competitors, capturing user value and deterring entry.

Originality/value

In order to describe the characteristics of platform ecological network more generally, this paper extends the research based on the analyses of Choi and Jeon (2021) by (1) allowing horizontal differences between tied products and (2) relaxing the NPC. Unlike Choi and Jeon (2021), this paper allows platforms to charge users of two-sided platforms at negative prices (or to subsidize them). (3) Setting simultaneous pricing in two-sided platforms. Classical two-sided market theory stresses that the presence of cross-network externalities can give rise to a “chicken and egg” problem.
Loss aversion and risk propensity in public budgeting
Authors: Litton Eric
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper applies the theory of loss aversion to public budgeting. It seeks to understand how loss aversion affects recommended budget amounts in two scenarios, one with explicit and one with implied risk levels. It also furthers the understanding of how the personality trait of risk propensity moderates recommended budget amounts in these scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing original data gathered from experimental vignettes, 339 US-based participants provided budget recommendations on two separate federal education programs. Participants were current budget professionals and master's-level students. One program utilizes a risky choice frame scenario while the other uses a goal frame scenario.

Findings

Participants are more likely to select a risky program option when the options are framed in terms of loss. Additionally, participants recommended larger budgets when they select the riskier program option. When presented with program goals, participants budget more when the goals are framed in terms of loss as opposed to gains. Results on participant risk propensity are mixed.

Practical implications

The discussion section includes multiple recommendations on how managers can approach budgeting with the intent of obtaining the most efficient budget allocation for the programs under their control.

Originality/value

The study is the first to examine framing and risk propensity in budgeting using two different types of framed messaging. Additionally, it is the only study to ask participants to recommend a budget amount after selecting a risky choice option. Therefore, results are more relevant to the entire process of public budgeting. Also, the study includes a mixture of participants with and without finance experience, providing insight into how different public employees allocate funds.
Which loyalty program do customers prefer: a coalition program or a single-firm program?
Authors: Shirai Miyuri
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine consumers’ responses to two types of loyalty programs: coalition and single-firm programs. This study explains the mechanism underlying the link between this program structure and consumers’ program evaluation by incorporating the type of firm offering the program (i.e. a more hedonic or a more utilitarian disposition), the type of rewards (i.e. presence/absence of experiential rewards) and consumers’ reactance.

Design/methodology/approach

Two online experiments were employed to test the proposed framework.

Findings

Consumers commonly preferred a coalition program to a single-firm program. This preference for the coalition program was strengthened when a utilitarian-dominant firm offered the program. Additionally, consumers evaluated the program lower when a utilitarian-dominant firm provided experiential rewards. Furthermore, situational reactance toward the program mediated the effect of the program structure on the program evaluation.

Practical implications

This study’s findings suggest that firms should consider whether the value consumers predominantly perceive from the firms is utilitarian or hedonic when launching coalition programs. Consumers may not be pleased by the coalition programs offered by hedonic-dominant firms as much as those provided by utilitarian-dominant firms. Moreover, this study’s results help design reward options. Consumers may not well evaluate the inclusion of experiential rewards when offered by utilitarian-dominant firms. For utilitarian-dominant firms, rewards requiring less time and effort may be more suitable.

Originality/value

This research significantly contributes to the literature on loyalty programs. This study showed that consumers viewed single-firm and coalition programs differently and elucidated the mechanism behind the response.