bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Bacterial Colonization in Lung Transplant Recipients Using an Electronic Nose
Authors: Wijbenga Nynke , de Jong Nadine L.A. , Hoek Rogier A.S. , Mathot Bas J. , Seghers Leonard , Aerts Joachim G.J.V. , Bos Daniel , Manintveld Olivier C. , Hellemons Merel E.
Published: September 2023

Background.

Bacterial colonization (BC) of the lower airways is common in lung transplant recipients (LTRs) and increases the risk of chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Diagnosis often requires bronchoscopy. Exhaled breath analysis using electronic nose (eNose) technology may noninvasively detect BC in LTRs. Therefore, we aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of an eNose to detect BC in LTRs.

Methods.

We performed a cross-sectional analysis within a prospective, single-center cohort study assessing the diagnostic accuracy of detecting BC using eNose technology in LTRs. In the outpatient clinic, consecutive LTR eNose measurements were collected. We assessed and classified the eNose measurements for the presence of BC. Using supervised machine learning, the diagnostic accuracy of eNose for BC was assessed in a random training and validation set. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results.

In total, 161 LTRs were included with 80 exclusions because of various reasons. Of the remaining 81 patients, 16 (20%) were classified as BC and 65 (80%) as non-BC. eNose-based classification of patients with and without BC provided an area under the curve of 0.82 in the training set and 0.97 in the validation set.

Conclusions.

Exhaled breath analysis using eNose technology has the potential to noninvasively detect BC.
Cell-mediated and Neutralizing Antibody Responses to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/BA.5–adapted Bivalent Vaccine Booster in Kidney and Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Fernández-Ruiz Mario , Almendro-Vázquez Patricia , Redondo Natalia , Ruiz-Merlo Tamara , Abella Sandra , Somoza Adán , López-Medrano Francisco , San Juan Rafael , Loinaz Carmelo , Andrés Amado , Paz-Artal Estela , Aguado José María
Published: September 2023

Background.

The immunogenicity elicited by the Omicron BA.4/BA.5–adapted bivalent booster vaccine after solid organ transplantation (SOT) has not been characterized.

Methods.

We assessed cell-mediated and neutralizing IgG antibody responses against the BA.4/BA.5 spike receptor-binding domain at baseline and 2 wk after the administration of an mRNA-based bivalent (ancestral strain and BA.4/BA.5 subvariants) vaccine among 30 SOT recipients who had received ≥3 monovalent vaccine doses. Previous coronavirus disease 2019 history was present in 46.7% of them. We also recruited a control group of 19 nontransplant healthy individuals. Cell-mediated immunity was measured by fluorescent ELISpot assay for interferon (IFN)-γ secretion, whereas the neutralizing IgG antibody response against the BA.4/BA.5 spike receptor-binding domain was quantified with a competitive ELISA.

Results.

The median number of BA.4/BA.5 spike–specific IFN-γ–producing spot-forming units (SFUs) increased from baseline to 2 wk postbooster (83.8 versus 133.0 SFUs/106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells; P = 0.0017). Seropositivity rate also increased (46.7%–83.3%; P = 0.001), as well as serum neutralizing activity (4.2%–78.3%; P < 0.0001). Patients with no prior coronavirus disease 2019 history experienced higher improvements in cell-mediated and neutralizing responses after booster vaccination. There was no correlation between BA.4/BA.5 spike–specific IFN-γ–producing SFUs and neutralizing activity. Nontransplant controls showed more robust postbooster cell-mediated immunity than SOT recipients (591.1 versus 133.0 IFN-γ–producing SFUs/106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells; P < 0.0001), although no differences were observed for antibody responses in terms of postbooster seropositivity rates or neutralizing activity.

Conclusions.

Booster with the BA.4/BA.5–adapted bivalent vaccine generated strong subvariant-specific responses among SOT recipients. Booster-induced cell-mediated immunity, however, remained lower than in immunocompetent individuals.
Clinical Course, Immunogenicity, and Efficacy of BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccination Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Tan Eunice X. , Lim Wen Hui , Thong Elizabeth , Chavatte Jean-Marc , Zhang Jinyan , Lim Jonathan , Jin Jocelyn Y. , Lim Daniel R.X. , Kang Jaclyn Y.T. , Tang Ansel Shao Pin , Chan Kai En , Tan Caitlyn , Tan Shi Ni , Nah Benjamin , Huang Daniel Q. , Wang Lin-Fa , Tambyah Paul A. , Somani Jyoti , Young Barnaby , Muthiah Mark D.
Published: September 2023

Background.

Immunocompromised individuals have been excluded from landmark studies of messenger RNA vaccinations for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In such patients, the response to vaccination may be blunted and may wane more quickly compared with immunocompetent patients. We studied the factors associated with decreased antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and risk factors for subsequent breakthrough infections in liver transplant (LT) patients undergoing coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination with at least 2 doses of messenger RNA vaccine from April 28, 2021, to April 28, 2022.

Methods.

All LT recipients received at least 2 doses of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer BioNTech) vaccine 21 d apart. We measured the antibody response against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using the Roche Elecsys immunoassay to the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and the presence of neutralizing antibodies was measured by the surrogate virus neutralization test (cPass) before first and second doses of vaccination and also between 2 and 3 mo after the second dose of vaccination.

Results.

Ninety-three LT recipients who received 2 doses of BNT162b2 were included in the analysis. The mean time from LT was 110 ± 154 mo. After 2-dose vaccination, 38.7% of LT recipients (36/93) were vaccine nonresponders on the cPass assay compared with 20.4% (19/93) on the Roche S assay. On multivariable analysis, increased age and increased tacrolimus trough were found to be associated with poor neutralizing antibody response (P = 0.038 and 0.022, respectively). The use of antimetabolite therapy in conjunction with tacrolimus approached statistical significance (odds ratio 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.180-3.72; P = 0.062). Breakthrough infection occurred in 18 of 88 LT recipients (20.4%). Female gender was independently associated with breakthrough infections (P < 0.001).

Conclusions.

Among LT recipients, older age and higher tacrolimus trough levels were associated with poorer immune response to 2-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Further studies are needed to assess variables associated with breakthrough infections and, hence, who should be prioritized for booster vaccination.
Effective amelioration of lucio phenomenon with adjuvant tofacitinib therapy in a patient with dual infection of M. leprae and M. lepromatosis: A case report from India.
Authors: Patel Nayankumar Harshadkumar , Padhiyar Jignaben Krunal , Patel Kathak Ashok , Patel Jahnvi Rakeshkumar , Lakum Megha Pratapabhai , Singh Itu
Published: September 2023

Introduction:  Lucio phenomenon (LP) is characteristic reaction pattern seen in patient of diffuse lepromatous leprosy(DLL). Dual infection of  M. leprae  and  M. lepromatosis  in case of DLL is confirmed from other endemic country but same is yet to be documented from India. Conventionally LP is treated with high dose of systemic glucocorticoid (GC) and anti-leprosy treatment (ALT). Here we are reporting an interesting case of leprosy lymphadenitis as initial presentation in case of LP and DLL due to dual infection with  M. leprae  and  M. lepromatosis  who responded favorably to tofacitinib as adjuvant to ALT and systemic GC therapy.  Case report:  A 24-year-old man presented with complaint of swelling over bilateral inguinal region, pus filled skin lesions with multiple ulcers, fever and joint pain. Post hospitalization investigations showed presence of anemia, leukocytosis and elevated acute and chronic inflammatory markers. Skin and lymph node biopsies were suggestive of LP and Leprosy lymphadenitis. Presence of  M.leprae  and  M. lepromatosis  was confirmed by PCR study of tissue. Despite of anti-leprosy treatment, oral GC and thalidomide therapy patient continue developing new lesions. Post one-month commencement of adjuvant tofacitinib, patient experienced excellent clinical improvement as healing of all existing lesions and cessation of new lesion of LP.  Conclusion:  Our case confirms the presence of dual infection with  M. leprae  and  lepromatosis  in India.  Lymph node involvement as initial presentation of DLL should be considered in endemic area. Tofacitinib can emerge as promising new adjuvant therapy for recalcitrant lepra reaction.
A conserved cell-pole determinant organizes proper polar flagellum formation
Authors: Arroyo-Pérez Erick Eligio , Hook John C. , Alvarado Alejandra , Wimmi Stephan , Glatter Timo , Thormann Kai M. , Ringgaard Simon
Published: September 2023

The coordination of cell cycle progression and flagellar synthesis is a complex process in motile bacteria. In γ-proteobacteria, the localization of the flagellum to the cell pole is mediated by the SRP-type GTPase FlhF. However, the mechanism of action of FlhF, and its relationship with the cell pole landmark protein HubP remain unclear. In this study, we discovered a novel protein called FipA that is required for normal FlhF activity and function in polar flagellar synthesis. We demonstrated that membrane-localized FipA interacts with FlhF and is required for normal flagellar synthesis inVibrio parahaemolyticus,Pseudomonas putida, andShewanella putrefaciens, and it does so independently of the polar localization mediated by HubP. FipA exhibits a dynamic localization pattern and is present at the designated pole before flagellar synthesis begins, suggesting its role in licensing flagellar formation. This discovery provides insight into a new pathway for regulating flagellum synthesis and coordinating cellular organization in bacteria that rely on polar flagellation and FlhF-dependent localization.
Multipotent ubiquitin/ubiquitin-like deconjugation activity of therhizobialeffector NopD
Authors: Li Ying , Perez-Gil Jordi , Lois Maria , Varejão Nathalia , Reverter David
Published: September 2023

Post-translational modification of proteins by ubiquitin-like modifiers (UbL), such as SUMO, ubiquitin or Nedd8, contribute to regulate most pathways in the cell. Protein modification can be reversed by dedicated UbL deconjugating proteases families. During bacterial infection, a repertoire of effector proteins, including deconjugating proteases, are released to perturb the host cell defense to favor bacterial survival. NopD, an effector protein from rhizobia involved in nodule symbiosis in legumes, possesses deSUMOylation, and unexpectedly, deubiquitination and deNeddylation activities. Here we show two crystal structures ofBradyrhizobiumNopD in complex with eitherArabidopsisSUMO2 and ubiquitin at 1.50 or 1.94 Å, respectively. Despite their low sequence identity, SUMO and ubiquitin interact with a similar NopD interface by means of a unique loop insertion in the NopD sequence. Biochemical and infiltrations in tobacco leaves reveal specific residues that discriminate between deubiquitination and deSUMOylation. These unusual multiple deconjugating activities against SUMO, ubiquitin and Nedd8, represent a paradigmatic example of an optimized protease to perturb distinct UbL post-translational modifications during host cell infection.

Significance Statement

During bacterial infection, includingrhizobiasymbiosis in legume plants to fix atmospheric nitrogen, a set of effector proteins, such as ubiquitin/ubiquitin-like deconjugating proteases, are released to perturb the host cell defense to favor bacterial survival. We have discovered that therhizobialeffector protein, NopD, encompasses triple deconjugation activities against SUMO, ubiquitin and Nedd8. Structural analysis of NopD in complex with SUMO and ubiquitin reveals the presence of a loop insertion in the protease-substrate interface to allow this multiple substrate binding capability. Such unusual deconjugating activities in NopD for ubiquitin, SUMO and Nedd8 modifiers, represent a paradigmatic example of an optimized protease domain to perturb distinct UbL post-translational modifications during host cell infection.
Leishmania PNUTS discriminates between PP1 catalytic subunits through a RVxF-ΦΦ-F motif and polymorphisms in the PP1 C-tail and catalytic domain
Authors: Zhang Yang , Sabatini Robert
Published: September 2023

PP1 phosphatases lack substrate specificity and associate with specific regulatory subunits to achieve selectivity. Among the eight PP1 isotypes in Leishmania, PP1-8e associates with the regulatory protein PNUTS along with the structural factors JBP3 and Wdr82 in the PJW/PP1 complex that modulates RNA polymerase II (Pol II) phosphorylation and transcription termination. Little is known regarding interactions involved in PJW/PP1 complex formation, including how PP1-8e is the selective isotype associated with PNUTS. Here, we show that PNUTS uses an established RVxF-ΦΦ-F motif to bind the PP1 catalytic domain with similar interfacial interactions as mammalian PP1- PNUTS and non-canonical motifs. These atypical interactions involve residues within the PP1-8e catalytic domain and N- and C-terminus for isoform specific regulator binding. This work advances our understanding of PP1 isoform selectivity and reveals key roles of PP1 residues in regulator binding. We also explore the role of PNUTS as a scaffold protein for the complex by identifying the C-terminal region involved in binding JBP3 and Wdr82, and impact of PNUTS on the stability of complex components and function in Pol II transcriptionin vivo. Taken together, these studies provide a potential mechanism where multiple motifs within PNUTS are used combinatorially to tune binding affinity to PP1, and the C-termini for independent binding of JBP3 and Wdr82, in the Leishmania PJW/PP1 complex. Overall, our data provide insights in the formation of the PJW/PP1 complex involved in regulating Pol II transcription in divergent protozoans where little is understood.
Analysis of frontier digital technologies in continuing airworthiness management frameworks and applications
Authors: Raoofi Tahmineh , Yasar Sahin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to elaborate on the existing link between maintenance practices and the digital world while also highlighting any unaddressed potential for digital transformation in aircraft maintenance. Additionally, explore how digital technologies contribute to optimizing efficiency within the continuing airworthiness management (CAM) processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was performed to provide a precise review of the authority regulations on CAM processes and existing literature on digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural network and big data in civil aircraft maintenance and continuing airworthiness processes. This method is used to organize, analyze and structure the body of literature to identify research gaps in the selected scope of the study.

Findings

The high position of digital technologies in preventive and predictive maintenance and the need for legislative development for using them in CAM are emphasized. Moreover, it is shown in which area of CAM scientific research has been performed regarding the application of frontier digital technologies. In addition, the gaps between maintenance practices and the digital world, along with the potential scopes of digital transformation which has not been well addressed, are identified. And finally, how digital technologies can effectively increase efficiency in CAM processes is discussed.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, no study comprehensively determined the body of existing knowledge on the aspects of digitalization related to the field of continuing airworthiness management and aircraft maintenance. The results of this study provide a positive contribution to airlines, policymakers, manufacturers and maintenance organizations achieving additional benefits from the implementation of digital technologies in the CAM processes.
Analysis of chip formation mechanism in turning of AA 7075/SiCp MMCs
Authors: Bhushan Rajesh Kumar
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the quality of the turned surface. The quality of the surface produced depends on the nature of the chips, which are produced while turning metal matrix composites. This quality is a function of the machining parameters, tool material, tool configuration and elements of the composites.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the turning of AA7075/15 wt.% SiC (particle size 20–40 µm) composites is investigated. Thirty experiments were conducted, and the chip-formation mechanism in turning AA7075/SiCp composites at various combinations of cutting speeds, feed and depth of cuts was studied.

Findings

It is observed from the response surface methodology-based experimentation that in turning of coarser reinforcement (particle size 20–40 µm) composites, total gross fracture occurs. This causes small slices of chips and a higher shear plane angle. The nature of chips produced at various combinations of cutting speeds, feed and depth of cuts is different. The chips generated were segmented, spiral in cylindrical form, connected C type, chips with saw tooth, curled chips, washer C type chips, half-curved segmented chips and small-radii segmented chips.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research is that, so far, very little work has been published on the detailed analysis of chips produced during turning of AA7075/15 wt.% SiC (particle size 20–40 µm) composites.
Social contagion of online physician choice: the infection and immunity mechanism
Authors: Li Jia , Ma Shengkang , Yen David C. , Ma Ling
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In the digital age, the spread of online behavior and real-world information leads to social contagion. This study aims to investigate the contagion phenomenon of online physician choice and then discuss its potential influence on the sub-specialization process in the healthcare service industry. In specific, this study aims to propose the basic mechanism of infection and immunity as follows – exposure to antigen may lead to an immune response, and the success of the immune response may depend on the provision of appropriate immune signaling.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from haodf.com including 4 disease types and 247 physicians from 2008 to 2015 were used to test the proposed hypotheses. Panel vector autoregression method was utilized to analyze the panel data.

Findings

The obtained result shows that social contagion of physician choice over disease type is salient on e-consultation platforms, indicating that physicians associated with/on haodf.com are concentrating on an even narrower type of disease. Disclosing more simple signals (physician history orders) results in more disease concentration for that physician in the future. In contrast, disclosing more detailed signals (physician-contributed knowledge or physician reviews) leads to less disease concentration.

Originality/value

This finding implies that physician-contributed knowledge and physician reviews may act as immune signal which will tend to trigger a success immune response. This study not only suggests managers should be careful about the double-edged sword effect of online physician choice contagion but also provides the useful approaches to promote or restrain such a contagion in a flexible way.
Enhancing climate change adaptation governance through transforming institutions in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, South Africa
Authors: Adom Richard Kwame , Simatele Mulala Danny , Das Dillip Kumar , Mukalazi Kalumba Ahmed , Sonwabo Mazinyo , Mudau Lindelani , Sithole Mikateko , Kubanza Serge , Vogel Coleen , Zhou Leocadia
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Globally, climate change governance continues to be a significant challenge to policymakers, environmentalists and politicians despite international summits, conferences and programmes designed to find sustainable solutions to the climate change crises. Climate change continues to be viewed primarily as a challenge for the future, whereas many leaders and administrators globally regard it as an environmental issue rather than a challenge that encompasses all aspects of life. In South Africa, these misleading perceptions of climate change continue to prevail both at national and local levels. The government and private organisations do not attach the required levels of urgency needed to address the climate change crisis. While numerous policies and institutions have been established to address these challenges, they lack financial backing, coordination and synergy that cut across the broad objectives of environmental, social and economic agendas. Additionally, weak, eroding trust and manipulating of institutions continue to hinder effective policy implementation and focus-driven governance. This paper aims to explore the structural and governance weaknesses of climate change administration in the KwaZulu-Natal province and South Africa in general.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used extensive literature reviews and a triangulated approach to investigate the weaknesses of the current governance structure in the context of institutional and capacity constraints.

Findings

The findings uncovered that most institutions and organisations mandated to address climate change challenges operate in silos, lack required investment and capacity and have weak accountability mechanisms with a shallow understanding of climate change governance.

Originality/value

This paper recommends better coordination between national, provincial and local governments as well as the private sector towards climate change activities and capacity to ensure that climate change actions are effectively implemented.
Modeling and influence on effective thermal conductivity of woven fabrics based on structure parameters
Authors: Yang Yunchu , Wang Hengyu , Yan Hangyu , Ni Yunfeng , Li Jinyu
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The heat transfer properties play significant roles in the thermal comfort of the clothing products. The purpose of this paper is to find the relationship between heat transfer properties and fabrics' structure, yarn properties and predict the effective thermal conductivity of single layer woven fabrics by a parametric mathematical model.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the weave unit was divided into four types of element regions, including yarn overlap regions, yarn crossing regions, yarn floating regions and pore regions. Second, the number and area proportion of each region were calculated respectively. Some formulas were created to calculate the effective thermal conductivity of each element region based on serial model, parallel model or series–parallel mixing model. Finally, according to the number and area proportion of each region in weave unit, the formulas were established to calculate the fabric overall effective thermal conductivity in thickness direction based on the parallel models.

Findings

The influences of yarn spacing, yarn width, fabric thickness, the compressing coefficients of air layers and weave type on the effective thermal conductivity were further discussed respectively. In this model, the relationships between the effective thermal conductivity and each parameter are some polynomial fitting curves with different orders. Weave type affects the change of effective thermal conductivity mainly through the numbers of different elements and their area ratios.

Originality/value

In this model, the formulas were created respectively to calculate the effective thermal conductivity of each element region and whole weave unit. The serial–parallel mixing characteristics of yarn and surrounding air are considered, as well as the compression coefficients of air layers. The results of this study can be further applied to the optimal design of mixture fabrics with different warp and filling yarn densities or different yarn thermal properties.
Effects of supply chain learning on green innovation and moderating role of green transformational leadership
Authors: Pham Tho , Pham Hai Thanh
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study examines the effect of supply chain (SC) learning (i.e. supplier and customer learnings) on green innovation (i.e. green product and process innovations) and investigates the moderating role of green transformational leadership in the SC learning-green innovation linkage in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are gathered from construction firms in Vietnam by a questionnaire survey. Hypotheses of the study framework are tested by hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

Both supplier and customer learnings have positive effects on green innovation (both green process and product innovations). Furthermore, green transformational leadership moderates the linkage between supplier learning and green innovation but does not moderate the linkage between customer learning and green innovation.

Practical implications

Construction firms need to constantly develop capabilities of SC learning for promoting their green innovation.

Originality/value

The present study is one of the first attempts in construction that investigates the importance of SC learning to achieving green innovation as well as the role of green transformational leadership for strengthening the effect of green learning on green innovation.
Impact of gender diversity on firm performance: empirical evidence from India
Authors: Laskar Najul , Sahu Jagadish Prasad , Choudhury Khalada Sultana
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of gender diversity both at the board and workforce level on firm performance (FP) in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on annual data of 200 companies listed on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) for the period 2012–2019. The authors have used the fixed-effects (FE) regression and system generalized method of moments to estimate the impact of board gender diversity and workforce gender diversity (WGD) on FP. The authors have used Blau's Index (BI) and Shannon's Index (SI) to measure gender diversity. Further, the authors have used return on assets and Tobin's Q (TBQ) to measure FP.

Findings

The authors' panel regression results suggest that board gender diversity and WGD have a positive and statistically significant impact on FP. The authors' findings are robust across different methods of estimation and alternative measures of FP.

Originality/value

This paper examines the impact of gender diversity both at the board and workforce level on FP of 200 companies listed on BSE. The authors' study contributes to the literature that is sparse in the Indian context and provides new insights on the impact of board and WGD on FP. The findings have useful policy implications. To achieve better performance, it is imperative to appreciate gender diversity at the governance and workforce level in a fast-growing economy like India.
Quasiperiodic graph model of rubber elasticity in double-network gels undergoing mechanochemical coupling
Authors: Zhang Aying , Xing Ziyu , Lu Haibao
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the mechanochemical effect and self-growth mechanism of double-network (DN) gel and to provide a quasiperiodic model for rubber elasticity.

Design/methodology/approach

The chemical reaction kinetics is used to identify the mechanochemical transition probability of host brittle network and to explore the mechanical behavior of endosymbiont ductile network. A quasiperiodic model is proposed to characterize the cooperative coupling of host–endosymbiont networks using the Penrose tiling of a 2 × 2 matrix. Moreover, a free-energy model is formulated to explore the constitutive stress–strain relationship for the DN gel based on the rubber elasticity theory and Gent model.

Findings

In this study, a quasiperiodic graph model has been developed to describe the cooperative interaction between brittle and ductile networks, which undergo the mechanochemical coupling and mechanical stretching behaviors, respectively. The quasiperiodic Penrose tiling determines the mechanochemistry and self-growth effect of DNs.

Originality/value

It is expected to formulate a quasiperiodic graph model of host–guest interaction between two networks to explore the working principle of mechanical and self-growing behavior in DN hydrogels, undergoing complex mechanochemical effect. The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified using both finite element analysis and experimental results of DN gels reported in literature.
Effect of Si3N4 nanowires doping on microstructure and properties of Sn58Bi solder for Cu bonding
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhang Liang , Huang Xi , Lu Xiao
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to delve into the mechanism of Si3N4 nanowires (NWs) in Sn-based solder, thereby furnishing a theoretical foundation for the expeditious design and practical implementation of innovative lead-free solder materials in the electronic packaging industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the effect of adding Si3N4 NWs to Sn58Bi solder in various mass fractions (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 Wt.%) for modifying the solder and joining the Cu substrate. Meanwhile, the melting characteristics and wettability of solder, as well as the microstructure, interfacial intermetallic compound (IMC) and mechanical properties of joint were evaluated.

Findings

The crystal plane spacing and lattice constant of Sn and Bi phase increase slightly. A minor variation in the Sn58Bi solder melting point was caused, while it does not impact its functionality. An appropriate Si3N4 NWs content (0.2∼0.4 Wt.%) significantly improves its wettability, and modifies the microstructure and interfacial IMC layer. The shear strength increases by up to 10.74% when adding 0.4 Wt.% Si3N4 NWs, and the failure mode observed is brittle fracture mainly. However, excessive Si3N4 will cause aggregation at the junction between the solder matrix and IMC layer, this will be detrimental to the joint.

Originality/value

The Si3N4 NWs were first used for the modification of lead-free solder materials. The relative properties of composite solder and joints were evaluated from different aspects, and the optimal ratio was obtained.
Tourism destination advertising: effect of storytelling and sensory stimuli on arousal and memorability
Authors: Ma Jianyu , Scott Noel , Wu Yu
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Tourism destination marketers use videos that incorporate storytelling and visual and audio components to evoke emotional arousal and memorability. This study aims to examine the increase in participants’ level of arousal and the degree of memorability after watching two different videos.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 45 participants who watched two destination promotional videos. One video used storytelling whereas the other used scenic images and music. The level of arousal was measured using both tonic and phasic electrodermal activity levels. The memorability of each video was measured after seven days by testing the recall accuracy.

Findings

Scenic imagery and music videos were associated with higher-than-average arousal levels, while storytelling videos generated larger-amplitude arousal peaks and a greater number of arousal-evoking events. After a week, the respondents recalled more events from the storytelling video than from the scenery and musical advertisements. This finding reveals that the treatment, storytelling and sensory stimuli in advertising moderate the impact of arousal peaks and memorability.

Originality/value

These results indicate that nonnarrative videos using only sceneries and music evoked a higher average level of arousal. However, memorability was associated with higher peak levels of arousal only in narrative storytelling. This is the first tourism study to report the effects of large arousal peaks on improved memorability in advertising.
Validation of key sponge symbiont pathways using genome‐centric metatranscriptomics
Authors: O'Brien Paul A. , Tan Shangjin , Frade Pedro R. , Robbins Steven J. , Engelberts J. Pamela , Bell Sara C. , Vanwonterghem Inka , Miller David J. , Webster Nicole S. , Zhang Guojie , Bourne David G.
Published: September 2023

The sponge microbiome underpins host function through provision and recycling of essential nutrients in a nutrient poor environment. Genomic data suggest that carbohydrate degradation, carbon fixation, nitrogen metabolism, sulphur metabolism and supplementation of B‐vitamins are central microbial functions. However, validation beyond the genomic potential of sponge symbiont pathways is rarely explored. To evaluate metagenomic predictions, we sequenced the metagenomes and metatranscriptomes of three common coral reef sponges: Ircinia ramosa, Ircinia microconulosa and Phyllospongia foliascens. Multiple carbohydrate active enzymes were expressed by Poribacteria, Bacteroidota and Cyanobacteria symbionts, suggesting these lineages have a central role in assimilating dissolved organic matter. Expression of entire pathways for carbon fixation and multiple sulphur compound transformations were observed in all sponges. Gene expression for anaerobic nitrogen metabolism (denitrification and nitrate reduction) were more common than aerobic metabolism (nitrification), where only the I. ramosa microbiome expressed the nitrification pathway. Finally, while expression of the biosynthetic pathways for B‐vitamins was common, the expression of additional transporter genes was far more limited. Overall, we highlight consistencies and disparities between metagenomic and metatranscriptomic results when inferring microbial activity, while uncovering new microbial taxa that contribute to the health of their sponge host via nutrient exchange.
On Surprises, Strategy, the Economy and What Comes Next for Scottish Independence
Authors: Docherty Iain
Published: September 2023

Nicola Sturgeon's resignation as First Minister and leader of the SNP has thrown Scottish politics into flux. But beneath the superficial media coverage and frenetic party politics that followed her resignation, the fundamentals of the constitutional debate remain unaltered. One of these fundamentals, the extent to which Scotland is better or worse off being part of the UK political economy, is rarely debated in the depth it deserves. The parlous state of the UK economy and, in particular, the deeply entrenched territorial inequality that results from its extreme core‐periphery structure that safeguards the economic dominance of London and South East England, holds the potential for a surprise shift in the debate over independence to emerge.
Exploring the utility of eye tracking for sociological research on race
Authors: Sims Jennifer Patrice , Haynes Alex , Lanius Candice
Published: September 2023

One part of the social construction of race is the symbolic association of given physical features with different races. This research note explores the utility of eye tracking for sociological research on racial perception, that is, for determining what race someone ‘looks like.’ Results reveal that participants gave greatest attention to targets' hair. This was especially so when targets of all races had straight hair or when a target identified as Black/White mixed‐race. The mixed‐race results in particular provide physiological evidence of the theory of multiracial dissection. We conclude by suggesting that eye tracking can be useful to sociologists by revealing subconscious tendencies and biases which, once identified, can be consciously addressed in service to reducing social disparities.
Let those with power speak: The effects of a CEO as a spokesperson and using a video channel during a product‐harm crisis and a moral‐harm crisis
Authors: Beldad Ardion , von Rosenstiel Lara
Published: September 2023

Organizations facing a crisis, whether product‐ or moral‐harm, must carefully decide on their crisis response to minimize any crisis‐related damage. When responding to a crisis, it is not only the message that matters but also the individual delivering the response and the channel used for responding. To test the effects of crisis spokesperson (CEO vs. public relations officer) and channel type (video vs. text‐based) during two types of crises (product‐ vs. moral‐harm) on customers' trust, anger, and purchase intention, a 2 × 2 × 2 between‐subjects experiment was conducted with 207 German participants. Analyses show that customers' level of trust and purchase intention are higher and levels of anger lower when a CEO (instead of a PR officer) responds to a crisis and when a video (instead of a text‐based channel) is used for the response. Additionally, a CEO responding to a product‐harm crisis and using a video channel results in positive outcomes. Furthermore, the effects of spokesperson type and channel type on purchase intention are mediated by trust and anger.
Stock investors' reaction to layoff announcements: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Eshghi Kamran , Astvansh Vivek
Published: September 2023

Does a firm's layoff announcement elicit a negative or a positive reaction from its stock investors? The extant empirical evidence on this question is mixed. The authors' meta‐analysis of 34,594 layoff announcements taken from 126 samples featured in 78 studies reports that the average investor reaction is significantly negative (effect size of −0.549). Next, the authors use signaling theory—specifically, characteristics of the signal, the signaler, and the signaling environment—to examine variation in investor reaction. They find that investors do not react if a layoff announcement signals proactive management (e.g., cost cutting) but penalize the firm if the layoff indicates reactive management (e.g., decline in demand). The penalty is also positively associated with layoff size but unrelated to firm size. Further, investors have become less punitive over time, or if its stock is traded on an exchange in civil law (vs. common law) country. The empirical generalizations guide managers on the consequences of their layoff announcements.
Optimizing ddRAD sequencing for population genomic studies with ddgRADer
Authors: Lajmi Aparna , Glinka Felix , Privman Eyal
Published: September 2023

Double‐digest Restriction‐site Associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) is widely used to generate genomic data for non‐model organisms in evolutionary and ecological studies. Along with affordable paired‐end sequencing, this method makes population genomic analyses more accessible. However, multiple factors should be considered when designing a ddRADseq experiment, which can be challenging for new users. The generated data often suffer from substantial read overlaps and adaptor contamination, severely reducing sequencing efficiency and affecting data quality. Here, we analyse diverse datasets from the literature and carry out controlled experiments to understand the effects of enzyme choice and size selection on sequencing efficiency. The empirical data reveal that size selection is imprecise and has limited efficacy. In certain scenarios, a substantial proportion of short fragments pass below the lower size‐selection cut‐off resulting in low sequencing efficiency. However, enzyme choice can considerably mitigate inadvertent inclusion of these shorter fragments. A simple model based on these experiments is implemented to predict the number of genomic fragments generated after digestion and size selection, number of SNPs genotyped, number of samples that can be multiplexed and the expected sequencing efficiency. We developed ddgRADer – http://ddgrader.haifa.ac.il/ – a user‐friendly webtool and incorporated these calculations to aid in ddRADseq experimental design while optimizing sequencing efficiency. This tool can also be used for single enzyme protocols such as Genotyping‐by‐Sequencing. Given user‐defined study goals, ddgRADer recommends enzyme pairs and allows users to compare and choose enzymes and size‐selection criteria. ddgRADer improves the accessibility and ease of designing ddRADseq experiments and increases the probability of success of the first population genomic study conducted in labs with no prior experience in genomics.
The bullwhip effect, demand uncertainty, and cost structure
Authors: Chen Clara Xiaoling , Liang Jing , Yang Shilei , Zhu Jing
Published: September 2023

The firm‐level bullwhip effect is the amplification of demand uncertainty along a supply chain—that is, fluctuations in production (for manufacturing firms) or purchases from suppliers (for retailers or wholesalers) in a firm tend to be greater than its demand fluctuations. We predict that the bullwhip ratio (a proxy for the bullwhip effect) amplifies the relation between demand uncertainty and cost structure. We expect this amplifying effect because the bullwhip ratio determines the extent to which demand uncertainty translates into uncertainty in production or purchases, which, in turn, affects cost structure. Using data from public US firms over the 1990–2020 period, we find results consistent with our prediction. Specifically, we find that both the negative relation between demand uncertainty and cost elasticity in the manufacturing sector and the positive relation between the two in the retail/wholesale sectors are stronger for firms with higher bullwhip ratios. We contribute to the literature on cost structure by highlighting the important role of the bullwhip effect in cost structure decisions.
Proteomic architecture of frailty across the spectrum of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Perry Andrew S. , Zhao Shilin , Gajjar Priya , Murthy Venkatesh L. , Lehallier Benoit , Miller Patricia , Nair Sangeeta , Neill Colin , Carr J. Jeffrey , Fearon William , Kapadia Samir , Kumbhani Dharam , Gillam Linda , Lindenfeld JoAnn , Farrell Laurie , Marron Megan M. , Tian Qu , Newman Anne B. , Murabito Joanne , Gerszten Robert E. , Nayor Matthew , Elmariah Sammy , Lindman Brian R. , Shah Ravi
Published: September 2023

While frailty is a prominent risk factor in an aging population, the underlying biology of frailty is incompletely described. Here, we integrate 979 circulating proteins across a wide range of physiologies with 12 measures of frailty in a prospective discovery cohort of 809 individuals with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Our aim was to characterize the proteomic architecture of frailty in a highly susceptible population and study its relation to clinical outcome and systems‐wide phenotypes to define potential novel, clinically relevant frailty biology. Proteomic signatures (specifically of physical function) were related to post‐intervention outcome in AS, specifying pathways of innate immunity, cell growth/senescence, fibrosis/metabolism, and a host of proteins not widely described in human aging. In published cohorts, the “frailty proteome” displayed heterogeneous trajectories across age (20–100 years, age only explaining a small fraction of variance) and were associated with cardiac and non‐cardiac phenotypes and outcomes across two broad validation cohorts (N > 35,000) over ≈2–3 decades. These findings suggest the importance of precision biomarkers of underlying multi‐organ health status in age‐related morbidity and frailty.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate fungi colonization in an invasive plant from Patagonian wetlands
Authors: Cuassolo Florencia , Diaz‐Villanueva Verónica
Published: September 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate fungi are common plant symbionts, but their role in promoting host plant fitness depends on environmental variables. Particularly in wetland plants, these associations are less understood. We analysed the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate fungi (DSF) in the roots of Potentilla anserina (Rosaceae), an invasive species of Patagonia, widely distributed in wetlands. We tested three hypotheses: that fungi colonization varies according to soil moisture and nutrient content (nitrogen and phosphorus), that they enhance P. anserina nutrient content, and benefit plant growth. We measured the percentage of colonization in plants from five wetlands across a moisture gradient with different nutrient content, and performed a growth experiment with soil from these wetlands to evaluate changes in mycorrhizal and endophytic fungal colonization, aerial nutrient content and biomass production. In the field, root colonization by AMF was high in all sites (~90%), whereas DSF was less abundant (~20%), positively related to soil organic matter, and negatively related to soil phosphorus. In the experiment, DSF colonization was inversely related to increasing tissue N and P content. Potentilla anserina grew similarly in all the treatments, but biomass was positively related to DSF colonization. Our results provide evidence that DSF, rather than AMF, confer to this invasive species the ability to grow in soils with different water and nutrient content and may help to explain the wide distribution of this alien species in Patagonian wetlands.
Developing models to predict feces and urine excretion in Japanese Black fattening steer by multiple regression analysis
Authors: Maeda Yuka , Nishimura Keiko , Terada Fuminori , Kushibiki Shiro
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study was to develop models for predicting the amount of feces and urine excreted by Japanese Black fattening steer using a dataset of 119 digestion trials for a total of 46 animals. Correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationships between feces and urine excretion and feed intake, feed digestibility, and nitrogen balance. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to develop models for predicting the amount of feces and urine excreted using the explanatory variables selected from various animal and dietary parameters based on P‐value (<0.10) and variance inflation factor (<3.0). Resultingly, dry matter intake was a primary predictor of feces excreted. The prediction equation for the amount of feces excretion as a function of body weight, dry matter intake, and calculated total digestible nutrients fits the data well (adjusted coefficient of determination [adj R2] = 0.519, root mean square error = 1.57). Furthermore, the nitrogen content in the urine was the primary predictor of the urine excretion amount. Thus, the prediction equation for the amount of urine excreted using the nitrogen content in urine yielded a highly accurate model (adj R2 = 0.813, root mean square error = 4.12).