bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient limitation magnifies fitness costs of antimalarial drug resistance mutations
Authors: Nair Shalini , Li Xue , Arya Grace A. , McDew-White Marina , Ferrari Marco , Anderson Tim
Published: August 2021

Drug resistance mutations tend to disrupt key physiological processes, and therefore carry a fitness cost. The size of these fitness costs is a central determinant of the rate of spread of these mutations in natural populations so are important to quantify. Head-to-head competition assays provide a standard approach to measuring differential fitness, and have been used extensively for malaria parasites. These assays typically use standardized culture media, containing RPMI 1640, which has a 1.4 to 5.5-fold (mean: 2.6-fold) higher concentration of amino acids than human blood. In this rich media we predict that fitness costs will be underestimated because resource competition is weak. We tested this prediction using an artemisinin sensitive parasite edited to contain kelch-C580Y or R561H mutations conferring resistance to artemisinin or synonymous control mutations. We examined the impact of these single amino acid mutations on fitness, using replicated head-to head competition experiments conducted in media containing (i) normal RPMI, (ii) modified RPMI with reduced amino acid concentration, (iii) RPMI containing only isoleucine, or (iv) 3-fold diluted RPMI. We found a significant 1.3 to 1.4-fold increase in fitness costs measured in modified and isoleucine-only media relative to normal media, while fitness costs were 2.5-fold higher in diluted media. We conclude that fitness costs are strongly affected by media composition and will be significantly underestimated in normal RPMI. Elevated fitness costs in nature will limit spread of ART-resistance but will also promote evolution of compensatory mutations that restore fitness, and can be exploited to maximize selection in laboratory experiments.
Deploying photons for communication within neuronal networks
Authors: Porta-de-la-Riva Montserrat , Gonzalez Adriana Carolina , Sanfeliu-Cerdán Neus , Karimi Shadi , González-Bolívar Sara , Morales-Curiel Luis Felipe , Hurth Cedric , Krieg Michael
Published: August 2021

Deficiencies in neurotransmission lead to neurological disorders or misinterpretation of perceived threats. To restore defects in cellular communication, we developed a synthetic, photon-assisted synaptic transmission (PhAST) system. PhAST is based on luciferases and channelrhodopsins that enable the transmission of a neuronal state across space, using photons as neurotransmitters. We demonstrate the ability to overcome synaptic barriers and rescue the behavioral deficit of a genetically engineered glutamate mutant with conditional, Ca2+-triggered photon emission between two cognate neurons of theCaenorhabditis elegansnociceptive avoidance circuit. We also deploy these ingredients for asynaptic transmission between two unrelated cells in a sexually dimorphic neuronal network. Functional PhAST could sensitize otherwise poorly responsive males to touch and hence expand the behavioral repertoire. Our study, thus, establishes a powerful framework for complex photon-based communication between neurons in a living animal, that can readily be expanded to synthetic neuronal networks, organoids or non-invasive brain-machine interfaces.
Mitotic Spindle Positioning (MISP) is an actin bundler that selectively stabilizes the rootlets of epithelial microvilli
Authors: Angelo Morales E. , Arnaiz Cayetana , Krystofiak Evan S. , Zanic Marija , Tyska Matthew J.
Published: August 2021

Microvilli are conserved actin-based surface protrusions that have been repurposed throughout evolution to fulfill diverse cell functions. In the case of transporting epithelia, microvilli are supported by a core of actin filaments bundled in parallel by villin, fimbrin, and espin. Remarkably, microvilli biogenesis persists in mice lacking all three of these factors, suggesting the existence of unknown bundlers. We identified Mitotic Spindle Positioning (MISP) as an actin binding factor that localizes specifically to the rootlet end of the microvillus. MISP promotes rootlet elongation in cells, and purified MISP exhibits potent filament bundling activity in vitro. MISP-bundled filaments also recruit fimbrin, which further elongates and stabilizes bundles. MISP confinement to the rootlet is enforced by ezrin, which prevents decoration of the membrane-wrapped distal end of the core bundle. These discoveries reveal how epithelial cells optimize apical membrane surface area and offer insight on the remarkable robustness of microvilli biogenesis.
Model-guided engineering of DNA sequences with predictable site-specific recombination rates
Authors: Zhang Qiuge , Azarin Samira M. , Sarkar Casim A.
Published: August 2021

Site-specific recombination (SSR) is an important tool in genome editing and gene circuit design. However, its applications are limited by the inability to simply and predictably tune SSR reaction rates across orders of magnitude. Facile rate manipulation can in principle be achieved by modifying the nucleotide sequence of the DNA substrate of the recombinase, but the design principles for rationally doing so have not been elucidated. To enable predictable tuning of SSR reaction kinetics via DNA sequence, we developed an integrated experimental and computational method to parse individual nucleotide contributions to the overall reaction rate, which we used to analyze and engineer the DNA attachment sequence attP for the inversion reaction mediated by the serine recombinase Bxb1. A quantitative PCR method was developed to measure the Bxb1 reaction rate in vitro. Then, attP sequence libraries were designed, selected, and sequenced to inform a machine-learning model, which revealed that the Bxb1 reaction rate can be accurately represented assuming independent contributions of nucleotides at key positions. Next, we used the model to predict the performance of DNA site variants in reaction rate assays both in vitro and in Escherichia coli, with flipping rates ranging from 0.01- to 10-fold that of the wild-type attP sequence. Finally, we demonstrate that attP variants with predictable DNA recombination rates can be used in concert to achieve kinetic control in gene circuit design by coordinating the coexpression of two proteins in both their relative proportion and their total amount. Our high-throughput, data-driven method for rationally tuning SSR reaction rates through DNA sequence modification enhances our understanding of recombinase function and expands the synthetic biology toolbox.

Graphical abstract
Microbiome assembly predictably shapes diversity across a range of disturbance frequencies
Authors: Santillan Ezequiel , Wuertz Stefan
Published: August 2021

Diversity is frequently linked to the functional stability of ecological communities. However, its association with assembly mechanisms remains largely unknown, particularly under fluctuating disturbances. Here, we subjected complex bacterial communities in bioreactor microcosms to different frequencies of organic loading shocks, tracking temporal dynamics in their assembly, structure and function. Null modelling revealed a stronger role of stochasticity at intermediate disturbance frequencies, preceding the formation of a peak in α-diversity. Communities at extreme ends of the disturbance range had the lowest α-diversity and highest within-treatment similarity in terms of β-diversity, with stronger deterministic assembly. Stochasticity prevailed during the initial successional stages, coinciding with better specialized function (nitrogen removal). In contrast, general functions (carbon removal and microbial aggregate settleability) benefited from stronger deterministic processes. We showed that changes in assembly processes predictably precede changes in diversity under a gradient of disturbance frequencies, advancing our understanding of the mechanisms behind disturbance-diversity-function relationships.
Involvement of translocon complex in hemoglobin import from infected erythrocyte cytoplasm into the Plasmodium parasite
Authors: Gupta Priya , Pandey Rajan , Thakur Vandana , Parveen Sadaf , Kaur Inderjeet , Panda Ashutosh , Bishi Rashmita , Mehrotra Sonali , Gupta Dinesh , Mohmmed Asif , Malhotra Pawan
Published: August 2021

Haemoglobin degradation is crucial for the growth and survival of Plasmodium falciparum in human erythrocytes. Although the process of Hb degradation has been studied in great detail, the mechanisms of Hb uptake remain ambiguous to date. Here, we characterized Heme Detoxification Protein (PfHDP), a protein localized in the parasitophorous vacuole, parasite food vacuole and infected erythrocyte cytosol for its role in Hb uptake. Immunoprecipitation of PfHDP-GFP fusion protein from a transgenic line using anti-GFP antibody and of Plasmodium parasite extract using anti-human Hb antibodies respectively, showed the association of PfHDP/Hb with each other as well as with the members of PTEX translocon complex. Some of these associations such as PfHDP/Hb and PfHDP/Pfexp-2 interactions were confirmed by in vitro protein-protein interaction tools. To know the roles of PfHDP and translocon complex in Hb import into the parasites, we next studied the Hb uptake by the parasite in PfHDP knock-down line using the GlmS ribozyme strategy. PfHDP knock-down significantly reduced the Hb uptake in these parasites in comparison to the wild type parasites. Further, the transient knock-down of one of the members of the translocon complex; PfHSP101 showed considerable reduction in Hb uptake. Morphological analysis of PfHDP-HA-GlmS transgenic parasites in the presence of GlcN showed food vacuole abnormalities and parasite stress, thereby causing a growth defect in the development of these parasites. Together, we implicate the translocon complex in the trafficking of PfHDP/Hb complex in the parasite and suggest a role for PfHDP in the uptake of Hb and parasite development. The study thus reveals new insights into the function of PfHDP, making it an extremely important target for developing new antimalarials.
Adipose triglyceride lipase promotes prostaglandin-dependent actin remodeling by regulating substrate release from lipid droplets
Authors: Giedt Michelle S. , Thomalla Jonathon M. , Johnson Matthew R. , Lai Zon Weng , Tootle Tina L. , Welte Michael A.
Published: August 2021

A key factor controlling oocyte quality and fertility is lipids. Even though lipid droplets (LDs) are crucial regulators of lipid metabolism, their roles in fertility are poorly understood. During Drosophila oogenesis, LD accumulation in nurse cells coincides with dynamic actin remodeling necessary for late-stage follicle morphogenesis and fertility. Loss of the LD-associated Adipose Triglyceride Lipase (ATGL) disrupts both actin bundle formation and cortical actin integrity, an unusual phenotype also seen when Pxt, the enzyme responsible for prostaglandin (PG) synthesis, is missing. Dominant genetic interactions and PG treatment of follicles in vitro reveal that ATGL and Pxt act in the same pathway to regulate actin remodeling, with ATGL upstream of Pxt. Further, lipidomic analysis detects arachidonic acid (AA) containing triglycerides in ovaries. Because AA is the substrate for Pxt, we propose that ATGL releases AA from LDs to drive PG synthesis necessary for follicle development. We also find that exogenous AA is toxic to follicles in vitro, and LDs modulate this toxicity. This leads to the model that LDs both sequester AA to limit toxicity, and release AA via ATGL to drive PG production. We speculate that the same pathways are conserved across organisms to regulate oocyte development and promote fertility.
Multi-plasmid clash in a bacterial community: plasmid viability depends on the ecological setting of hosts
Authors: Given Cindy , Penttinen Reetta , Jalasvuori Matti
Published: August 2021

Plasmids are genetic elements that disperse horizontally between different strains and species of bacteria and a major factor in the dissemination of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance. Understanding the ecology of plasmids has a notable anthropocentric value and therefore the interactions between bacterial hosts and individual plasmids have been studied in detail. However, bacterial systems often carry multiple genetically distinct plasmids, but dynamics of these multiplasmid “clashes” has remained unstudied. Here, we set to investigate the survival of 11 mobilizable or conjugative plasmids in five different ecological settings. The key incentive was to determine whether plasmid dynamics are reproducible and whether there are trade-offs in plasmid fitness that stem from the ecological situation of their initial hosts. Growth rates and maximum population densities increased in all communities and treatments over the 42-day evolution experiment although plasmid contents at the end varied notably. We show that large multiresistance conferring plasmids are unfit when the community also contains smaller plasmids with fewer resistance genes. This suggests that restraining the use to few antibiotics can make bacterial communities sensitive to others. The hosts also appear to react to the presence of multiple genetically different plasmids by enhancing fimbriae production instead of alleviating costs of individual plasmids. In general, the survivors of the here-studied multi-plasmid clash are significantly affected by the presence or absence of antibiotic selection and plasmid-free hosts of varying fitness. Therefore, these trade-offs in different settings can explain for example why some resistance plasmids have an advantage during a rapid proliferation of antibiotic sensitive pathogen whereas others dominate in alternative situations.
The timing of natural killer cell response in coronavirus infection: a concise model perspective
Authors: Xu Xiaochan , Sneppen Kim
Published: August 2021

Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 cause respiratory diseases with remarkably heterogeneous progression. This in part reflects the viral ability to influence the cytokine secretion and thereby the innate immune system. Especially the viral interference of IFN-I signaling and the subsequent deficiency of innate immune response in the early phase have been associated with rapid virus replication and later excessive immune responses. We propose a mathematical framework to analyze IFN-I signaling and its impact on the interaction motif between virus, NK cells and macrophages. The model recapture divergent dynamics of coronavirus infections including the possibility for elevated secretion of IL-6 and IFN-γas a consequence of exacerbated macrophage activation. Dysfunction of NK cells recruitment increase disease severity by leading to a higher viral load peak, the possibility for excessive macrophage activation, and an elevated risk of the cytokine storm. Thus the model predicts that delayed IFN-I signaling could lead to pathogenicity in the latter stage of an infection. Reversely, in case of strong NK recruitment from infected cells we predict a possible chronic disease state with moderate and potentially oscillating virus/cytokine levels.
Completion of neural crest cell production and emigration is regulated by retinoic acid-dependent inhibition of BMP signaling
Authors: Rekler Dina , Kalcheim Chaya
Published: August 2021

Production and emigration of neural crest cells is a transient process followed by the emergence of the definitive roof plate. The mechanisms regulating the end of neural crest ontogeny are poorly understood. Whereas early crest development is stimulated by mesoderm-derived retinoic acid, we report that the end of the neural crest period is regulated by retinoic acid synthesized in the dorsal neural tube. Inhibition of retinoic acid signaling in the neural tube prevents the normal upregulation of BMP inhibitors in the nascent roof plate and prolongs the period of BMP responsiveness which otherwise ceases close to roof plate establishment. Consequently, neural crest production and emigration are extended well into the roof plate stage. In turn, extending the activity of neural crest-specific genes inhibits the onset of retinoic acid synthesis in roof plate suggesting a mutual repressive interaction between neural crest and roof plate traits. Although several roof plate-specific genes are normally expressed in the absence of retinoic acid signaling, roof plate and crest markers are co-expressed in single cells and this domain also contains dorsal interneurons. Hence, the cellular and molecular architecture of the roof plate is compromised. Collectively, our results demonstrate that neural tube-derived retinoic acid, via inhibition of BMP signaling, is an essential factor responsible for the end of neural crest generation and the proper segregation of dorsal neural lineages.
Macaques preferentially attend to intermediately surprising information
Authors: Wu Shengyi , Blanchard Tommy , Meschke Emily , Aslin Richard N. , Hayden Benjamin Y. , Kidd Celeste
Published: August 2021

Normative learning theories dictate that we should preferentially attend to informative sources, but only up to the point that our limited learning systems can process their content. Humans, including infants, show this predicted strategic deployment of attention. Here we demonstrate that rhesus monkeys, much like humans, attend to events of moderate surprisingness over both more and less surprising events. They do this in the absence of any specific goal or contingent reward, indicating that the behavioral pattern is spontaneous. We suggest this U-shaped attentional preference represents an evolutionarily preserved strategy for guiding intelligent organisms toward material that is maximally useful for learning.
Unique features of magic spot metabolism in Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Poudel Asia , Pokhrel Astha , Oludiran Adenrele , Coronado Estevan J. , Alleyne Kwincy , Gilfus Marrett M. , Gurung Raj K. , Adhikari Surya B. , Purcell Erin B.
Published: August 2021

The ‘magic spot’ alarmones (pp)pGpp, previously implicated in Clostridioides difficile antibiotic survival, are synthesized by CdRSH and CdRelQ. These enzymes are transcriptionally activated by diverse environmental stresses, but both exclusively synthesize pGpp rather than ppGpp as has previously been reported. While direct synthesis of pGpp from a GMP substrate and (p)ppGpp hydrolysis into pGpp by NUDIX hydrolases have previously been reported, there is no precedent for a bacterium synthesizing pGpp exclusively. Hydrolysis of the 5’ phosphate or pyrophosphate from GDP or GTP substrates is necessary for activity by the clostridial enzymes, neither of which can utilize GMP as a substrate. Both enzymes are remarkably insensitive to the size of their metal ion cofactor, tolerating a broad array of metals that do not allow activity in (pp)pGpp synthetases from other organisms. It is clear that while C. difficile utilizes magic spot signaling, its mechanisms of alarmone synthesis are not directly homologous to those in more completely characterized organisms.
Vaccinia virus-based vaccines confer protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 virus in Syrian hamsters
Authors: Kulkarni Rakesh , Chen Wen-Ching , Lee Ying , Kao Chi-Fei , Hu Shiu-Lok , Ma Hsiu-Hua , Jan Jia-Tsrong , Liao Chun-Che , Liang Jian-Jong , Ko Hui-Ying , Sun Cheng-Pu , Lin Yin-Shoiou , Wang Yu-Chiuan , Wei Sung-Chan , Lin Yi-Ling , Ma Che , Chao Yu-Chan , Chou Yu-Chi , Chang Wen
Published: August 2021

COVID-19 in humans is caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that belongs to the beta family of coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 causes severe respiratory illness in 10-15% of infected individuals and mortality in 2-3%. Vaccines are urgently needed to prevent infection and to contain viral spread. Although several mRNA- and adenovirus-based vaccines are highly effective, their dependence on the “cold chain” transportation makes global vaccination a difficult task. In this context, a stable lyophilized vaccine may present certain advantages. Accordingly, establishing additional vaccine platforms remains vital to tackle SARS- CoV-2 and any future variants that may arise. Vaccinia virus (VACV) has been used to eradicate smallpox disease, and several attenuated viral strains with enhanced safety for human applications have been developed. We have generated two candidate SARS-CoV-2 vaccines based on two vaccinia viral strains, MVA and v-NY, that express full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Whereas MVA is growth-restricted in mammalian cells, the v-NY strain is replication-competent. We demonstrate that both candidate recombinant vaccines induce high titers of neutralizing antibodies in C57BL/6 mice vaccinated according to prime-boost regimens. Furthermore, our vaccination regimens generated TH1-biased immune responses in mice. Most importantly, prime-boost vaccination of a Syrian hamster infection model with MVA-S and v-NY-S protected the hamsters against SARS-CoV-2 infection, supporting that these two vaccines are promising candidates for future development. Finally, our vaccination regimens generated neutralizing antibodies that partially cross-neutralized SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
Millisecond mix-and-quench crystallography (MMQX) enables time-resolved studies of PEPCK with remote data collection
Authors: Clinger Jonathan A. , Moreau David W. , McLeod Matthew J. , Holyoak Todd , Thorne Robert E.
Published: August 2021

Time-resolved crystallography of biomolecules in action has advanced rapidly as methods for serial crystallography have improved, but the large number of crystals and the complex experimental infrastructure that are required remain serious obstacles to its widespread application. Here, millisecond mix-and-quench crystallography (MMQX) has been developed, which yields millisecond time-resolved data using far fewer crystals and routine remote synchrotron data collection. To demonstrate the capabilities of MMQX, the conversion of oxaloacetic acid to phosphoenolpyruvate by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is observed with a time resolution of 40 ms. By lowering the entry barrier to time-resolved crystallography, MMQX should enable a broad expansion in structural studies of protein dynamics.
Crystal structure of N′-[2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)acetyl]benzohydrazide, an achiral compound crystallizing in space group P1 with Z = 1
Authors: Azzam Rasha A. , Elgemeie Galal H. , Seif Mona M. , Jones Peter G.
Published: August 2021

In the molecule of the title compound, C16H13N3O2S, one hydrazinic nitrogen atom is essentially planar, but the other is slightly pyramidalized. The torsion angle about the hydrazinic bond is 66.44 (15)°. Both hydrazinic hydrogen atoms lie antiperiplanar to the oxygen of the adjacent carbonyl group. The molecular packing is a layer structure determined by two classical hydrogen bonds, N—H...O=C and N—H...Nthiazole. The space group is P1 with Z = 1, which is unusual for an achiral organic compound.
Portrayals of autism and social awareness: a scoping review
Authors: Fontes Rosa , Pino-Juste Margarita
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at recent trends in scientific literature on the portrayal of autism in published and broadcast media and social awareness of the subject.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis of content of such publications was performed.

Findings

Results show that portrayals of autism from books, newspapers, news broadcasts, films and TV series are being scrutinized. Research focuses on the social categories of resulting stereotypes, the quality of such depictions, the benefits and downsides, stigmatization of individuals (with autism) and how society responds to these portrayals.

Originality/value

It is important to understand if media portrayals of autism are creating a realistic and constructive awareness of autism in society.
Knowledge-oriented leadership towards organizational performance: symmetrical and asymmetrical approach
Authors: Farooq Sahibzada Umar , Xu Yan , Afshan Gul , Khalid Roshi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the associations among knowledge-oriented leadership (KOL), knowledge worker satisfaction (KWS), knowledge worker productivity (KWP) and organizational performance (OP). The study hypothesizes that the explicit mixtures, i.e. KOL, KWS and KWP can improve OP.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample was composed of 248 academicians and management staff of higher educational institutes (HEIs). The relations were tested through Smart PLS 3.2.9. The fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method was also used for examining configurational paths.

Findings

The study found a substantial direct influence of KOL on OP. The findings revealed that KOL significantly affects KWS, and KWS enhances KWP, which ultimately improves the OP of HEIs. Grounded on the fsQCA, the outcomes exposed configurational trails to the enhanced OP.

Originality/value

There is scarce of studies that determine the connection of KOL, KWS, KWP and OP. This is one of the preliminary studies that examine the association of KOL, KWS, KWP and OP in HEIs. From a procedural viewpoint, the research subsidizes by merging symmetric and asymmetric tools to further understand structural issues. The use of fsQCA discloses numerous paths to improve OP and renders asymmetric relations. fsQCA also aids to comprehend the relations that might not be directly understandable via symmetric means.
MHD hybrid nanofluid flow with convective heat transfer over a permeable stretching/shrinking surface with radiation
Authors: Wahid Nur Syahirah , Arifin Norihan Md , Khashi'ie Najiyah Safwa , Pop Ioan , Bachok Norfifah , Hafidzuddin Ezad Hafidz
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to numerically investigate the hybrid nanofluid flow with the imposition of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and radiation effects alongside the convective boundary conditions over a permeable stretching/shrinking surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical model is formulated in the form of partial differential equations (PDEs) and are then transformed into the form of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by using the similarity variables. The deriving ODEs are solved numerically by using the bvp4c solver in MATLAB software. Stability analysis also has been performed to determine the stable solution among the dual solutions obtain. For method validation purposes, a comparison of numerical results has been made with the previous studies.

Findings

The flow and the heat transfer of the fluid at the boundary layer are described through the plot of the velocity profile, temperature profile, skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number that are presented graphically. Dual solutions are obtained, but only the first solution is stable. For the realizable solution at the shrinking surface, the proliferation of nanoparticle volume fraction (copper) and magnetic (magnetohydrodynamics) parameters can impede the boundary layer separation. Also, Biot number could enhance the temperature profile and the heat transfer rate at the shrinking surface region. The incrementation of 0.1% of Biot number has enhanced the heat transfer rate by approximately 0.1% and the incrementation of 0.5% volume fraction for copper has reduced the heat transfer rate by approximately 0.17%.

Originality/value

The presented model and numerical results are original and new. It can be used as a future reference for further investigation and related practical application. The main contribution of this investigation includes giving the initial prediction and providing the numerical data for the other researchers for their future reference regarding the impacts of nanoparticles volumetric concentration towards the main physical quantities of interest in the presence of magnetic and radiation parameters with the convective boundary conditions.
Predicting information security culture among employees of telecommunication companies in an emerging market
Authors: Md Azmi Nurul Asmui Azmi , Teoh Ai Ping , Vafaei-Zadeh Ali , Hanifah Haniruzila
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine factors, which influence information security culture among employees of telecommunications companies. The motivation for this study was the rise in the number of data breach incidents caused by the organizations’ own employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 139 usable responses were collected via a Web-based questionnaire survey from employees of Malaysian telecommunications companies. Data were analysed by using SmartPLS 3.

Findings

Security education, training and awareness (SETA) programmes and information security awareness were found to have a positive and significant impact on Information Security Culture. Additionally, self-reported employees’ security behaviour was found to act as a partial mediator on the relationship between information security awareness and information security culture.

Research limitations/implications

The study was cross-sectional in nature. Therefore, it could not measure changes in population over time.

Practical implications

The empirical data provides a new perspective on significant elements that influence information security culture in an emerging market. Organizations in the telecommunications industry can now recognize that SETA programmes and information security awareness have a significant impact on information security culture. Employees’ security behaviour also mediates the relationship between information security awareness and information security culture.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyse the mediating effect of employees’ security behaviour on the relationship between information security awareness and information security culture in the Malaysian telecommunications context.
Does any nexus between electricity consumption and economic growth exist? Evidence from Haryana using VAR model
Authors: Singh Kamaljit
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In the fast-changing technological environment, electricity is the essence of the world economy and a significant means for all the modern world’s possessions. The ongoing economic downturn focuses on energy’s role in the economy. This study aims to explore the nexuses between per capita electricity usage and per capita state gross domestic product (SGDP) in Haryana, India.

Design/methodology/approach

The statistics from 1989 to 2015 have been analyzed using Johansen cointegration, vector autoregression and paired Granger-causality test.

Findings

The Granger causality test results show that a long-run association is absent. A short-run unidirectional relationship runs from per capita SGDP to per capita electricity usage.

Practical implications

As a policy suggestion, the policymakers may encourage energy conservation measures and renewable energy sources to lead the country’s sustainable energy supply. Moreover, Haryana can increase its influence in this sector and enter rapidly in the growing markets worldwide by stimulating the production and adoption of digital solutions for energy efficiency.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s awareness, this research is one of its nature regarding systematically analyzing electricity usage and economic growth relationship in Haryana.
Digital disruption: the hyperlocal delivery and cloud kitchen driven future of food services in post-COVID India
Authors: John Kishore Thomas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The pervasive impact of the COVID-19 virus on the food services sector in India has created conditions for fundamentally altering the structure of the industry. This paper offers a nuanced evaluation of the transfiguration of the market, explaining descriptive views supported by numerous secondary data sources.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a self-driven study grounded in secondary data. Qualitative and quantitative assessments are assimilated from credible market research reports of multiple agencies in the Indian context, as well as news developments during the pandemic period.

Findings

Digitally pivoted platforms such as cloud kitchens and delivery aggregators will eclipse all other formats due to the potential long-term prevalence of the COVID-19 virus. These formats would rise to a dominant position in the Indian food services sector in the coming decade.

Research limitations/implications

This study is entirely driven by secondary data due to the inherent difficulties of collecting sizeable and good quality primary data as a result of the lengthy and stringent lockdowns imposed across India. Future studies should consider collecting consumer responses to get a better picture of changing dining habits in the post-pandemic scenario.

Practical implications

The dynamic and evolving food services in India, catalyzed by the Internet and digital technologies will help academicians study the long-term implications of this change, and how it would impact society at large. The paper provides a rich body of contemporary data and analysis in the food services sphere.

Social implications

The COVID-19 pandemic and its long-term persistence would dramatically alter food service consumption across India. This will not only change how the industry is structured, but will reshape how food is consumed into the future.

Originality/value

The study is a holistic examination of the relationship between the coronavirus pandemic and the food services industry in India. The macro perspectives aided by news coverage and industry research would help generate potential research questions on its own merits.
Contribution of renewable energy consumption to CO2 emissions mitigation: a comparative analysis from the income levels’ perspective in the belt and road initiative (BRI) region
Authors: Jia Junsong , Rong Yueyue , Chen Chundi , Xie Dongming , Yang Yong
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to retrospectively quantify the contribution of renewable energy consumption (REC) to mitigate the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for the belt and road initiative (BRI) region. The reason is that, so far, still few scientists have deeply analyzed this underlying impact, especially from the income levels’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The study divides the BRI region into four groups by the income levels (high, HI; upper middle, UM; lower middle, LM; lower, LO) during 1992–2014 and uses the logarithmic mean Divisia index.

Findings

The results show the REC of the BRI has an overall decreasing trend but the driving contribution to the CO2 growth except that the HI group’s REC has an obviously mitigating contribution of −2.09%. The number indicates that it is necessary and urgent to exploit and use renewable energy, especially in mid- and low-income countries due to the large potential of carbon mitigation. Besides, during 2010–2014, the energy intensity effects of different groups were negative except for the low income group (positive, 5.47 million tonnes), which showed that some poor countries recently reduced CO2 emissions only by extensively using renewable energy but not enhancing the corresponding efficiency. Conversely, in other rich countries, people paid more attention to improve the energy-use efficiency to lower energy intensity.

Originality/value

This study creatively analyzes this underlying impact of the REC to mitigate the CO2 emissions from the income levels’ perspective and proposes some reasonable countermeasures of reducing CO2 for the BRI region.
Supply chain resilience for managing the ripple effect in Industry 4.0 for green product diffusion
Authors: Dev Navin K. , Shankar Ravi , Zacharia Zach G. , Swami Sanjeev
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine (1) how the recovery speed using promotional investment and (2) distributed production using additive manufacturing (AM) improve the resilience of the supply chain to manage any disruptions in the diffusion of green products.

Design/methodology/approach

The environmental performance, service level performance and economic performance are the measures of interest. These measures are studied through the integration of inventory and production planning (I&PP) of the reverse logistics system and consumer behavior using Bass (1969) model of diffusion of innovation under the paradigm of Industry 4.0 architecture. The Taguchi experimental design framework was used for the simulation analysis.

Findings

The adoption patterns based on the Bass model in conjunction with recovery speed and production on AM during the disruption period suggest that there exist tradeoff decisions between various combinations of information-sharing and I&PP policies.

Practical implications

The extensive sensitivity analyses provide real-time support for managerial decisions. Besides the potentials of Industry 4.0 capabilities, the present research suggests paying close attention to the recovery speed in conjunction with the inventory management system.

Social implications

The integration of consumers' behavior (Bass model) to digital technologies is an additional contribution of the present research toward sustainability issues from the social perspective.

Originality/value

Previous research studies have discussed resilience to manage the ripple effect. However, none of them have addressed the changing scope of resilience to manage the ripple effect caused by the disruption in the diffusion of green products in a reverse logistics setup.
Effects of statewide stay-at-home orders on COVID-19 cases and deaths in the central USA
Authors: Reinbold Gary W.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study seeks to determine the effects of stay-at-home orders in Spring 2020 on COVID-19 cases and deaths in the Central USA by comparing counties and health service areas that were and that were not subject to statewide orders.

Design/methodology/approach

This study estimates the effects of statewide stay-at-home orders on new COVID-19 cases and deaths within 19 central states, of which 14 had stay-at-home orders. It uses synthetic control analysis and nearest neighbor matching to estimate the effects at two geographic levels: counties and health service areas.

Findings

Statewide stay-at-home orders significantly reduced the number of new COVID-19 cases in the Central USA starting about three weeks after their effective dates; during the fourth week after their effective dates, the orders reduced the number of new cases per capita by 31%–57%. Statewide stay-at-home orders did not reduce the number of new COVID-19 deaths in the Central USA.

Social implications

The main purpose of stay-at-home orders in Spring 2020 was to “flatten the curve” so that hospitalizations would not exceed capacity. It is likely that stay-at-home orders in the Central USA reduced hospitalizations to some extent, although the effect on hospitalizations was likely smaller than the effect on cases.

Originality/value

This is the first study of stay-at-home orders in the USA to limit the population to a group of interior states. All coastal states had statewide stay-at-home orders and comparing coastal states with orders to interior states without them may be problematic.
A bibliometric approach to quantitatively assess current research trends in 5G security
Authors: Farooqui M. Najmul Islam , Arshad Junaid , Khan Muhammad Mubashir
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Alongside the remarkable evolution of cellular communication to 5G networks, significant security and privacy challenges have risen which can affect the widespread adoption of advanced communication technologies. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to examine research within security and privacy for 5G-based systems highlighting contributions made by the research community and identify research trends within different subdomains of 5G security where open issues still exist.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a bibliographic approach to review the state-of-the-art in the field of 5G security and is the pioneering effort to investigate 5G security research using this methodology. Specifically, the paper presents a quantitative description of the existing contributions in terms of authors, organizations, and countries. It then presents detailed keyword and co-citation analysis that shows the quantity and pattern of research work in different subfields. Finally, 5G security areas are identified having open challenges for future research work.

Findings

The study shows that China leads the world in terms of published research in the field of 5G security with USA and India ranked second and third respectively. Xidian University, China is ranked highest for number of publications and h-index followed by University Oulu and AALTO University Finland. IEEE Access, Sensors and IEEE Internet of Things Journal are the top publication venues in the field of 5G security. Using VOSViewer aided analysis with respect to productivity, research areas and keywords, the authors have identified research trends in 5G security among scientific community whilst highlighting specific challenges which require further efforts.

Originality/value

Existing studies have focused on surveys covering state-of-the art research in secure 5G network (Zhang et al. 2019), physical layer security (Wu et al., 2018), security and privacy of 5G technologies (Khan et al., 2020) and security and privacy challenges when 5G is used in IoT (Sicari et al. 2020). However, our research has revealed no existing bibliometric studies in this area and therefore, to our best knowledge, this paper represents pioneering such effort for security within 5G.
Energy strategies of China and their impacts on energy shipping import through the Straits of Malacca and Singapore
Authors: Yin Yuwei , Lam Jasmine Siu Lee
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims at investigating how energy strategies of China impact its energy shipping import through a strategic maritime link, the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS).

Design/methodology/approach

Vector error-correction modelling (VECM) is applied to examine the key energy strategies of China influencing crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipping import via the SOMS. Strategies investigated include oil storage expansions, government-setting targets to motivate domestic gas production, pipeline projects to diversify natural gas import routes and commercial strategies to ensure oil and gas accessibility and cost-effectiveness.

Findings

For the crude oil sector, building up oil storage and diversifying oil import means, routes and sources were found effective to mitigate impacts of consumption surges and price shocks. For the LNG sector, domestic production expansion effectively reduces LNG import. However, pipeline gas import growth is inefficient to relieve LNG shipping import dependency. Furthermore, energy companies have limited flexibility to adjust LNG shipping import volumes via the SOMS even under increased import prices and transport costs.

Practical implications

As the natural gas demand of China continues expanding, utilisation rates of existing pipeline networks need to be enhanced. Besides, domestic production expansion and diversification of LNG import sources and means are crucial.

Originality/value

This study is among the first in the literature using a quantitative approach to investigate how energy strategies implemented in a nation impact its energy shipping volumes via the SOMS, which is one of the most important maritime links that support 40% of the global trades.
High-transconductance silicon carbide nanowire-based field-effect transistor (SiC-NWFET) for high-temperature applications
Authors: Mousa Habeeb , Teker Kasif
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present a systematic investigation of the effect of high temperatures on transport characteristics of nitrogen-doped silicon carbide nanowire-based field-effect transistor (SiC-NWFET). The 3C-SiC nanowires can endure high-temperature environments due to their wide bandgap, high thermal conductivity and outstanding physical and chemical properties.

Design/methodology/approach

The metal-organic chemical vapor deposition process was used to synthesize in-situ nitrogen-doped SiC nanowires on SiO2/Si substrate. To fabricate the proposed SiC-NWFET device, the dielectrophoresis method was used to integrate the grown nanowires on the surface of pre-patterned electrodes onto the SiO2 layer on a highly doped Si substrate. The transport properties of the fabricated device were evaluated at various temperatures ranging from 25°C to 350°C.

Findings

The SiC-NWFET device demonstrated an increase in conductance (from 0.43 mS to 1.2 mS) after applying a temperature of 150°C, and then a decrease in conductance (from 1.2 mS to 0.3 mS) with increasing the temperature to 350°C. The increase in conductance can be attributed to the thermionic emission and tunneling mechanisms, while the decrease can be attributed to the phonon scattering. Additionally, the device revealed high electron and hole mobilities, as well as very low resistivity values at both room temperature and high temperatures.

Originality/value

High-temperature transport properties (above 300°C) of 3C-SiC nanowires have not been reported yet. The SiC-NWFET demonstrates a high transconductance, high electron and hole mobilities, very low resistivity, as well as good stability at high temperatures. Therefore, this study could offer solutions not only for high-power but also for low-power circuit and sensing applications in high-temperature environments (∼350°C).
Engaging complexity theory to explore partnership structures: Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi as a structural attractor for social innovation in Aotearoa-New Zealand
Authors: Lythberg Billie , Newth Jamie , Woods Christine
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how a complexity informed understanding of Indigenous–settler relationships helps people to better understand Indigenous social innovation. To do this, this paper uses the attractor concept from complexity thinking to explore both the history and possible futures of Indigenous Maori social innovation as shaped by Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper frames Te Tiriti as a structural attractor for social innovation in Aotearoa-New Zealand and explores the dynamics at play in the social and economic activities related to Te Tiriti and the ongoing settlement process in Aotearoa-New Zealand. This paper outlines this as an illustrative case study detailing the relevant contextual spaces and dynamics that interact and the emergence of social innovation.

Findings

This paper suggests that the convergent, divergent and unifying dynamics present in a structural attractor provide a useful framework for building ongoing engagement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people whereby Indigenous worldviews are given space to be articulated and valued.

Originality/value

In spite of the increase in research into social innovation, including in Indigenous contexts, the “context” of “postcolonial” context remains under-theorised and people’s understanding of the power dynamics at play here limits the understanding of how the mechanisms of Indigenous–settler partnerships structure social innovation and its impact.